noon
Glancing again at the point where Pie had disappeared , he stuffed his sombrero under a strap on his saddle and slowly rode toward the lake . A coyote slunk past him on a time-destroying lope and an owl hooted at the foolishness of men . He camped at the base of a cottonwood and at daylight took up his journey after a scanty breakfast from his saddle-bags . Shortly before noon he came in sight of the lake and looked for his friend . He had just ridden around a clump of cotton-woods when he was hit on the back with something large and soft . Turning in his saddle , with his Colts ready , he saw Red sitting on a stump , a huge grin extending over his features . He replaced the weapon , said something about fools and dismounted , kicking aside the bundle of grass his friend had thrown .