Duane, however, found the hours anything but empty.

He spent more time at Mrs.Bland's; he walked miles on all the trails leading out of the valley; he had a care for the condition of his two horses.
Upon his return from the latest of these tramps Euchre suggested that they go down to the river to the boat-landing.
"Ferry couldn't run ashore this mornin'," said Euchre.

"River gettin' low an' sand-bars makin' it hard fer hosses.

There's a greaser freight-wagon stuck in the mud.

I reckon we might hear news from the freighters.