A young fellow near the door sprang to open it, and thrusting his head
out, said:

"Come in, there's no dogs around."

"Dats all right, honey, we ain't got no fear of de hounds, me an' the
Doctor ain't."

"Keep quiet, you black imp," said the voice which had first been heard,
"Hobble the nags and bring in my saddle, boys."

"All right, sah; I's hearin' you, sah."

To this conversation, which had taken place outside, the men in the room
had listened with great interest. Anything was welcome that served to
break the monotony of ranche life, and a stir of expectation went
through the room as the two strangers were heard dismounting.

The door opened and the new-comers entered.

"By the great horn spoon if this ain't the old hoss doctor hisself!"
exclaimed Swanson, as he reached out his huge paw. "I thought the
Apaches had lifted your scalp years ago."

"You can't kill a good hoss doctor, Swanson," replied the Doctor,
grasping the offered hand and giving it a hearty shake. "Good hoss
doctors don't grow on every bush."

"Boys," said Swanson, turning the Doctor around. "This hyar gentleman