said in explanation. "I couldn't find any trader
that was takin' any of his women folks along; so there was only one way
out of it. I got to go. An' I don't mind tellin' you boys that it suits
me clean down to th' ground. Anyhow, all I wanted was an excuse. I got a
light wagon for Patience an' me an' our personal belongings, an' I'm
goin' to drive it myself. Bein' th' only woman in th' caravan, fur as I
know, it'll mebby be a little mite hard on her. Reckon she'll git
lonesome, 'specially since she's so danged purty."

When the laughter died down Hank Marshall, shifting his cud to the other
cheek, looked from Uncle Joe to Tom and back again.

"Wall," he drawled, "I war puzzled a little at fust, but now I reckon
I'm gittin' th' hang o' this hyar thing. Tom war shore hell-bent fer ter
go out ter Oregon this year." He paused, scratched his head, and
grinned. "Reckon I kin drive them mules all by myself. 'Twon't be as
though it war th' fust time I've done it."

After a little good-natured banter Tom and Hank left the smithy to look
after their affairs, for there was quite a lot to be done. The next few
days would be busy ones for them both, but especially so for Tom, who
was expected to share his company between Patience, Hank, and Uncle Joe.

As they swung up the street Hank edged to cross it, pointing to
Schoolcraft's corral. "Might as well be gittin' th' mules afore thar all
run over an' th' best took. If he kin skin me in a mule deal I'm willin'
ter abide by it."

"Not there," objected Tom. "I've had some trouble with him. I'll play
pack animal myself before I'll buy a single critter from him."

Hank shook with silent laughter. "_That's_ whar he got it, huh?" he
exulted. "Cussed if he warn't trimmed proper. I might 'a' knowed it war
you as done it by th' way it looked." He shook again and then became
alert "Thar he is now; an' his friends air with him. Keep yer primin'
dry, boy."

"I reckoned I could shake a laig," said a voice behind them, and they
looked over their shoulders to see Jim Ogden at their heels, and close
behind him came his partner; "but you two kiyotes plumb made me hoof it.
What's yer hurry, anyhow?"

The little group in front of the corral gate shifted in indecision and
looked inquiringly at the horse-dealer. There was a difference between
stirring up trouble between themselves and Tom Boyd for the purpose of
manhandling _him_, and stirring it up between themselves and the four
trappers.

S