ing the customs house without drawing even a careless glance and
then, by many turnings, safely arriving at various destinations with
their smuggled goods; after he had described the care and foresight of
his friends and their trustworthiness, and made many knowing bows and
grimaces, he smilingly departed and left the partners to themselves.

Knowing that they were being watched they idled before the fire,
careless now of their store of wood, of which plenty was at hand, and
talked at random; but through the droning of their careless words many
times there could be heard the name "Bent's Fort," which Hank mentioned
with affectionate inflections. It seemed that he very strongly preferred
to go to that great trading post and rendezvous of hunters and trappers,
where old friends would be met and new ones made. Tom held out for Santa
Fe, but did not show much enthusiasm. Finally they rolled up in their
blankets, feet toward the fire and heads close together and simulated
sleep. Half an hour later they were holding a whispered conversation
which was pitched so low they barely could hear each other.

CHAPTER XV

TEXAN SCOUTS

The day broke clear and the usual excitement and bustle of the camp was
increased by the eager activities of the two hunting parties. After the
morning meal the animals were driven some distance from the camp and the
herd guards began their day's vigil. Tom placed the outposts and
returned to report to the captain, and then added that he had something
of a very confidential nature to tell him, but did not want to be seen
talking too long with him.

Woodson reflected a moment. "All right; I'll come after ye in a few
minutes an' ask ye ter go huntin' with me. 'Twon't be onusual if we
ketch th' fever, too."

Tom nodded and went over to Cooper's wagons to pay his morning's
respects, and to his chagrin found that Patience had gone for a short
ride with Doctor Whiting and his friends.

"Sorry to miss her, Uncle Joe," he said. "Things are going to happen
fast for me from now on. I may leave the caravan tonight. About two
days' more travel and we'll be south of Bent's. Hank and I don't want to
lose our merchandise, we can't take it with us, and we need to turn it
into money. How much can you carry from here on?"

Uncle Joe scratched his head. "The two big wagons can take five
hundred-weight more apiece, and this wagon can stand near eight hundred,
seein' that it ain't carryin' much more than our