FROM THE HIP Shorty rode for the bunkhouse instead of the corrals and tumbling out of the saddle he staggered through the door.

Inside, the cowpunchers sat about enjoying a before-dinner smoke and the coolness which the evening wash had brought to their wind-parched skins.

Shorty reeled through the midst of them to his bunk and collapsed upon it.
Not a man stirred.

Not an eye followed him.

No matter what curiosity was burning in their vitals, etiquette demanded that they ask no questions.
If in no other wise, the Indian has left his stamp on the country in the manners of the Western riders.
In the meantime, Shorty lay on his back with his arms flung out crosswise, his eyes closed, his breath expelled with a moan and drawn in with a rattle.
"Slim!" he called at length.
Slim raised his little freckled face which was supported by a neck of uncanny length, and he blinked unconcernedly at his bunkie.