Twenty
miles on the prairies is a stiff hike and half that far would be a
good drive in the mountains."
When they were obliged to ride Indian file over the trail much
talking was not attempted, and each boy busied himself with his own
thoughts.
Because of his knowledge of the route, Bill led and Larry brought
up the rear. Their advance was slow, however, as they wished to
give the pony Tom rode as much chance to rest as possible before
they reached the plains.
With eyes and ears alert, they proceeded, and without mishap
finally rode out onto the prairie.
[Illustration: "With eyes and ears alert, they proceeded."]
"Let's eat now," suggested Horace. "That will give Whitefoot more
rest, and by the time we have finished he'll be as good as new.
He's a tough one and can stand sixty miles, day in and day out."
"Which is about half as much as he'll get this time," added Bill.
"Still I think Whitefoot's good for it, especially as he hadn't
been ridden for a week till Nails took him last night."
The halt was made and the boys ate as heartily as though they had
not breakfasted only three hours before.
When they were ready to start again Larry said:
"So long as Whitefoot is tired and Horace is the lightest, don't
you think he'd better ride him instead of Tom?"
"Good idea," acquiesced Bill, and the shift in mounts was made,
after which the boys headed for the ranch house.
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