"Go inside, and I reckon Ira can give you some medicine fur that appetite Hank spoke about." Hazletine led the way to the small covered porch where Ira Garrison, another cattleman, rose to his feet and shook hands with the boys, expressing his pleasure at receiving a visit from them.

All three of the arrivals sat down at the front, while Ira passed inside and lighted an oil-lamp.

It seemed that he was not absent ten minutes when he called out that the meal was ready--a most welcome announcement to our young friends.

The three were quickly seated at the pine table and feasting with keen enjoyment.

While they were thus engaged, Ira Garrison sat on a stool a few paces away, smoking his pipe, and was soon joined by Kansas Jim, who brought the saddles and belongings of the ponies that he had turned loose to look after their own wants.
Jack and Fred found their new acquaintances typical cowboys, dressed similarly to Hazletine, though neither wore as much beard as he.