This strange act was perfectly understood by the group, who knew that in that intensely dry heat the danger of exposure was lessened by active exercise and the profuse perspiration that followed it.

In another moment the stranger had reached their side, dripping as if rained upon, mopping his damp curls and handsome bearded face with his linen coat, as he threw himself pantingly on the ground.
"I struck out over here first, boys, to give you a little warning," he said, as soon as he had gained breath.

"That engineer will be down here to take charge as soon as the six o'clock stage comes in.

He's an oldish chap, has got a family of two daughters, and--I--am--d----d if he is not bringing them down here with him." "Oh, go long!" exclaimed the five men in one voice, raising themselves on their hands and elbows, and glaring at the speaker.
"Fact, boys! Soon as I found it out I just waltzed into that Jew shop at the Crossing and bought up all the clothes that would be likely to suit you fellows, before anybody else got a show.

I reckon I cleared out the shop.