ed and quilled bag obtained in their trade with
the Indians. Along with the ammunition each had packed a buffalo-hide
bag, fitted with shoulder, breast, and head lines; and should it become
necessary for them to disappear, without a mule, they were equipped to
remain in the mountains and hills for a long time. Later on they would
pack the big bags and keep them ready for instant use.

Tom found not only that his partner had gone, but that the city sports,
tiring of aimless riding ahead, had fallen back to the train and were
now riding leg to leg on both sides of Joe Cooper's small wagon, vying
with each other in their endeavors to be entertaining to Patience. They
were laughing uproariously when the plainsman appeared and one of them,
Dr. Whiting, acknowledged his introduction to Tom with an ironical grin.
Here, he thought, was a mountain yokel all ripe to play target for his
shafts of satire. He would shine out resplendently against this ignorant
plainsman and have a lot of fun in the bargain.

"Ah!" he exclaimed, his mouth open in pretended admiration. "Regular
Daniel Boone! I suppose you know how to bark squirrels; and barking
buffaloes must be an old trick with you by this time."

Tom regarded him thoughtfully. He did not mind the words, but the tone
in which they were spoken was distinctly offensive. He smiled
pleasantly. "Thar ain't no squirrels ter bark on th' prairies; but thar
air some barkin' prairie dogs, though they mostly chatter 'stead o'
bark. They set up an' make a lot o' noise, but don't amount to nothin'.
Th' funny part o' it is, th' dumber they air th' more they chatter. As
fer bein' Dan'l Boone, tenderfeet mostly find it a boon ter have a Dan'l
handy afore this air trail is left." He gravely acknowledged the
introduction to the others and looked at Patience again, and from her
back to the saddled horse tied to the rear of the wagon. "Feel like a
little ride, Miss Cooper" he asked. "Must be tirin' settin' up thar mile
arter mile listenin' to th' chatterin'."

She nodded, holding back her laughter, and Tom led up the horse.

"But, Miss Cooper!" expostulated the doctor. "What are we going to do
without you? We are desolate! Might I offer you a noble escort, six
trusty, knightly blades to flash in your defense?"

She smiled sweetly but shook her head. "When we reach the Indian country
I will be very glad to accept such an escort; but out here I would not
think of imposing on your generosity. This se