d returning.

"Smoke this on your way, it'll seem shorter," said the sheriff, holding
out a cigar.

"By George, I will!" laughed Blake. "That's fine, you're all right!"

"Be good," cried the sheriff, watching his friend ride down the street.

"Shore enough good--I have to be," floated back to his ears.

CHAPTER XVI

THE FLYING-MARE

The Sunday morning following Blake's visit to Ford's Station found the
Star C in excitement. Notwithstanding the fact that on every pleasant
night after the day's work had been done it was the custom for the outfit
to indulge in a swim, and that Saturday night had been very pleasant, the
Limping Water was being violently disturbed, and laughter and splashing
greeted the sun as it looked over the rim of the bank. Cakes of soap
glistened on the sand on the west bank and towels hung from convenient
limbs of the bushes which fringed the creek.

Silent, who was noted among his companions for the length of time he
could stay under water, challenged them to a submersion test. The rules
were simple, inasmuch as they consisted in all plunging under at the
same time, the winner being he who was the last man up. Silent had
steadfastly refused to have his endurance timed, which his friends
mistook for modesty, and no sooner had all "ducked under" than his head
popped up--but this time he was not alone. Humble, whose utmost limit
was not over half a minute, grew angry at his inability to make a good
showing and craftily determined to take a handicap. The two stared at
each other for a space and then burst into laughter, forgetting for the
time being what they should do. Other heads bobbed up, and the secret
was out. Only that Silent was the best swimmer in the crowd saved him
from a ducking, and as it was he had to grab his clothes and run.

After being assured that he was forgiven for his trickery he rejoined his
friends and his towel.

More fun was now the rule, for dressing required care. The sandy west bank
sloped gradually to the water's edge, and it was necessary to stand on one
foot on a small stone in the water while the other was dipped to remove
the sand. Still on one foot the other must be dried, the stocking put on,
then the trouser leg and lastly the boot, and woe to the man who lost his
balance and splashed stocking and trouser leg as he wildly sought to
save it! Humble splashed while his foot was only half-way through the
trouser leg, and The Orphan fared even worse. The