The others would remain at Skull Valley until morning, when they would start for their widely separated homes.

Phil announced that he was going to the home ranch that night.
"You can make it home sometime to-morrow, Patches," he finished, when he had said good-by to the little group of men with whom he had lived and worked in closest intimacy through the long weeks of the rodeo.

He reined his horse about, even as he spoke, to set out on his long ride.
The Cross-Triangle foreman was beyond hearing of the cowboys when Patches overtook him.

"Do you mind if I go back to the Cross-Triangle with you to-night, Phil ?" the cowboy asked quietly.
Phil checked his horse and looked at his friend a moment without answering.

Then, in a kindlier tone than he had used the past two days, he said, "You better stay here with the boys, and get your night's rest, Patches.