CHAPTER XII.
ON THE TRAIL.
It was high noon when the young Texan woke up and when he rose Pond still lay sleeping.

The former laughed lightly, as he rose and bathed his face in the limpid water, for the beard of the sleeper had got all awry, showing that it was false.
"No need for a disguise here," said the Texan.

"But let him keep it up.
When the time comes I'll read him a lesson." Cutting some antelope stakes, the Texan built up a smokeless fire, and had them nicely broiled when Willie Pond woke up.
"Mercy! how I have slept!" he said, as he looked at the sun, already fast declining toward the west.
"You are not used to passing sleepless nights," said the Texan.

"When we are fairly launched into the Indian country you may not sleep so sound.
Take hold and eat.

A hearty eater on the plains generally stands travel best.