It's t'other way.

He despises you fur a coward, and if he ever gits the chance he'll prove what I say is true." This was depressing information for the youths, but they did not think it seeming to express any doubts of the sentiments of one who was so much better informed than they.

They hoped that their own experience would be of a different nature.
Having set out with the intention of reaching the ranch that evening, the guide had made the necessary preparations.

He rolled up enough cooked pieces of veal to avert the need of starting another fire and looking for more food.

So it came about that when the boys began to consult their watches and hint of it being near meal time, he drew rein at another stream of water, where the ponies were allowed to rest and graze while their masters refreshed themselves.