Before the dugout stood a patriarchal juniper, in the shade of which two saddled horses stood droop-hipped, comfortably asleep.

Waking, as Pete drew near, they adjusted their disarray in some confusion and eyed the newcomers with bright-eyed inquiry.

Midnight, tripping by, hailed them with a civil little whinny.
A tall, heavy man upreared himself from the shade.

His example was followed by another man, short and heavy.

Blankets were spread on a tarpaulin beyond them.
"'Light, stranger," said the tall man heartily.