At last he found a secluded spot, under cover of thick mesquites and oaks, at a goodly distance from the old trail.

He took saddle and pack off the horse.

He looked among his effects for a hobble, and, finding that his uncle had failed to put one in, he suddenly remembered that he seldom used a hobble, and never on this horse.

He cut a few feet off the end of his lasso and used that.
The horse, unused to such hampering of his free movements, had to be driven out upon the grass.
Duane made a small fire, prepared and ate his supper.

This done, ending the work of that day, he sat down and filled his pipe.