on't believe those fellows will bother us," said Jim, who was
watching the Indians closely. Jim never allowed repartee to interfere
with business. "You see they are keeping well to the west and in that
case they won't see our trail."

"We will have to camp up here to-night," I said.

"Sure," replied Jim, "there is nothing else to do. It won't be long till
sunset now and we want daylight for that trail."

"Do you suppose those fellows will try and come up here?" I asked.

"What for?" replied Jim, "they know that there is nothing here and they
are not looking for useless exercise."

"Are we going to camp in one of those houses?" I inquired.

"Why not?" said Jim, "you are not afraid of the old lady stealing you,
are you?"

"I don't see any use of our going indoors," I replied. "We always sleep
in the open and it don't look like rain. At least not this century."

This last observation certainly seemed accurate. Though there were a few
rolls of white clouds, floating around over the vast extent of blue sky,
they were oases in the desert of its extent. Though along the eastern
horizon were delicate veils of purple or grey showers skirting along.
But there seemed no promise of dampness in them.

We lay at ease stretched out in perfect safety watching the Indians as
they came into nearer view. It seemed like something more than a hunting
party because they had their squaws and papooses with them.

The earth was warm and dry and the sun made us feel comfortable as we
basked in it like so many grey lizards. Just then a curious little thing
darted right in front of my face. I drew back in alarm. But Jim reached
out quickly and clutched it in his hand.

"What is it?" I asked.

"It's nothing but a horned toad," he replied.

"Aren't you afraid that it will poison you?" I inquired.

"No," he replied, "the captain told me that they were perfectly
harmless."

"Ugly as sin though," I commented.

It was flat in shape, with its rough skin covered with regular coloring
of grey and dark brown. Above the eyes were two little horns and the
center edge of its skin had saw-like indentations. Its belly was flat
and of a whitish color.

"Now watch him catch this fly," said Jim.

The unsuspecting fly was crawling on Jim's hand. The horned toad was as
quiet as immobile stone. Mr. Fly came along within a few inches of the
toad. Then out flashed a little narrow wisp of red tongue and the fly
disappeared.

"One strike and in," s