"And I think I do need some of you to back me up.

I think," I added judicially, "I shall need the whole bunch." The "bunch" looked at one another gravely and sighed.

"We'll have t' go, I reckon," they said, just as though they weren't dying to play the unexpected guest.

So that was decided, and there was much whispering among groups when they thought the wagon-boss was near, and much unobtrusive preparation.
It happened that the wagons pulled in close to the ranch the day before the Fourth, intending to lay over for a day or so.

We were mighty glad of it, and hurried through our work.