Patches and the cowboys who were to help in the long drive to the railroad were at Toohey with the cattle.

While the cowboys were finishing their early breakfast the next morning, the foreman returned, and Patches knew, almost before Phil spoke, that something had happened.

They shouted their greetings as he approached, but he had no smile for their cheery reception, nor did he answer, even, until he had ridden close to the group about the camp fire.

Then, with a short "mornin', boys," he dismounted and stood with the bridle reins in his hand.
At his manner a hush fell over the little company, and they watched him curiously.
"No breakfast, Sam," he said, shortly, to the Chinaman.

"Just a cup of coffee." Then to the cowboys, "You fellows saddle up and get that bunch of cattle to moving.