interrupted by suggesting
that they turn in early and rise early that they might get the work
done in daylight and not have to spend another night at the cabin.

Gary dragged an old mattress from the bedroom and, dropping it beneath
the window, spread his blanket, rolled up in it, and at Cotton's query
as to sharing half of the mattress told Cotton to "sleep where he dam'
pleased."

"He's a friendly cuss, ain't he?" remarked Pete.

"Who?" asked Gary, half-rising.

"Why, Cotton, there," replied Pete. "You didn't think I was meanin'
you, did you?"

Andy nudged Pete in the dark. "All right," said Pete, ignoring Andy's
meaning. "You git your blanket and we'll bush outside."

They spread their blankets under a cedar, some distance from the cabin,
and lay gazing at the stars.

Presently Andy turned to Pete. "Pete," he said gravely, "you're
walkin' right into trouble. Every time Gary starts to lope, you rein
him up mighty short. He's fightin' the bit, and first thing you know--"

"I'll git pitched, eh? Well, mebby you're right. I done told Bailey
that if I ever did meet Steve Gary I would leave him do the talking but
I sure can't stand for his line o' talk. He's plumb mean."

"I'll be mighty glad when we git through with this job," said Andy.

"Shucks! It won't take three hours! I know every tree and stump on
this flat. We'll be driftin' home 'long about four to-morrow."

CHAPTER XVI

THE OPEN HOLSTER

If there ever was a morning calculated to inspire good-will and
heartiness in a human being it was that morning. The dawn came
swiftly, battering through a fleece of clouds and painting the Blue
Mesa in all the gorgeous and utterly indescribable colors of an Arizona
sunrise. The air was crisp and so clear that it seemed to sparkle,
like water. Andy White whistled as he gathered up the blankets and
plodded toward the cabin. Pete felt like whistling, but for some
reason he was silent. He followed Andy to the cabin and saw that the
cowboy Cotton was making coffee.

"All we got is cold grub," stated Pete, "but we got plenty for
everybody."

"We fetched some coffee and bacon," said Cotton. But he did not invite
them to eat.

Pete glanced at Andy. Evidently Cotton had had his instructions or was
afraid to make any friendly overtures. Gary was still lying on the
mattress by the window, apparently asleep.

Pete stepped to where his own gun hung and buckled it on. "Let's mosey
over to th