What are yu doin' down here an' where are yore pardners ?" Thereupon Hopalong enlightened his inquisitive companion as to what had occurred and as to his reasons for riding south.
Pie immediately became enthusiastic and announced his intention of accompanying Hopalong on his quest, which intention struck that gentleman as highly proper and wise.

Then Pie hastily turned and played at chasing coyotes in the direction of the line-house, where he announced that his absence would be accounted for by the fact that he and Hopalong were going on a journey of investigation into the Panhandle.

Billy Jordan who shared with Pie the accommodations of the house, objected and showed, very clearly, why he was eminently better qualified to take up the proposed labors than his companions.

The suggestions were fast getting tangled up with the remarks, when Pie, grabbing a chunk of jerked beef, leaped into his saddle and absolutely refused to heed the calls of his former companion and return.

He rode to where Hopalong was awaiting him as if he was afraid he wasn't going to live long enough to get there.