trails plowed under

7/30/2019 Trails Plowed Under

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/trails-plowed-under 1/151

Title:TrailsPlowedUnder(1927)Author:CharlesMRussell(1864–1926)*AProjectGutenbergofAustraliaeBook*eBookNo.:0700941h.htmlLanguage:English

Datefirstposted:July2007Datemostrecentlyupdated:July2007ProjectGutenbergofAustraliaeBooksarecreatedfromprintededitionswhichareinthepublicdomaininAustralia,unlessacopyrightnoticeisincluded.WedoNOTkeepanyeBooksincompliancewithaparticularpaperedition.Copyrightlawsarechangingallovertheworld.Besuretocheckthecopyrightlawsforyourcountrybeforedownloadingorredistributingthisfile.ThiseBookismadeavailableatnocostandwithalmostnorestrictionswhatsoever.You

maycopyit,giveitawayorre-useitunderthetermsoftheProjectGutenbergofAustraliaLicensewhichmaybeviewedonlineat:http://gutenberg.net.au/licence.html

GOTOProjectGutenbergofAustraliaHOMEPAGE



TrailsPlowedUnder

by

CharlesMRussell

WITHILLUSTRATIONSINCOLORANDLINEBYTHEAUTHOR

CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

AUTOR'SNOTE

OLDWEST

THESTORYOFTHECOWPUNCHER

AGIFTHORSE

ASAVAGESANTACLAUS

DUNCMCDONALD

THETRAILOFTHEREELFOOT

BULLARD'SWOLVES

INJUNS



WHISKEY

WHENPETESETSASPEEDMARK

BILL'SSHELBYHOTEL

DADLANE'SBUFFALOYARN

BAB'SSKEES

MANYTRAILS

NIGHTHERD

CURLEY'SFRIEND

WHENMIXWENTTOSCHOOL

MORMONMURPHY'SCONFIDENCE

LEPLEY'SBEAR

HOWLOUSECREEKWASNAMED

JOHNNYREFORMSLANDUSKY

SAFETYFIRSTBUTWHEREISIT?

APAIROFOUTLAWS

THEGHOSTHORSE

MAVERICKSANDSTRAYS

RANGEHORSES

THEHORSE

TOMMYSIMPSON'SCOW

HANDSUP!

MORMONZACK,FIGHTER

FINGER-THAT-KILLSWINSHISSQUAW

DOGEATER

HOWLINDSAYTURNEDINDIAN



BROKEBUFFALO

ARIDEINAMOVINGCEMETERY.

AREFORMEDCOWPUNCHERATMILESCITY

WIDERANGES

RANCHES

FASHIONS

THEOPENRANGE

BRONCTWISTERS

THERE'SMORETHANONEDAVID

THEWARSCARSOFMEDICINE-WHIP

HOWPATDISCOVEREDTHEGEYSER

SOMELIARSOFTHEOLDWEST

HIGHWOODHANKQUITS

LONGROPE'SLASTGUARD

LISTOFTEXTILLUSTRATIONS

01Frontspiece

02ACenter-FireFashionLeader

03"Heunloadsmerightinthemiddleoftheboulder-strewnflat"

04"I'mplentysurprisedtoseeanoldlogshacktothesideofthetrail"

05"Thebear'scomin'atusmightywarlike"

06Buffalohead

07"Atail-holdonabuffalo"

08"Theydecidethere'stwoone-leggedmentravelin'inoppositedirections"

09"Theoldcayusestartstryin'toout-dodgethesewolves"

10Horse

11"Withagoodhossunderhim,itwaseasyforanInjuntogetmeat"(Halftone)



12"Beforethisheonlyhadwolvesbroketopackordragatravois"

13"ThebigchangecamewhenoldCortezbroughthossesover"

14"Cowpuncherswerecareless,homeless,hard-drinkingmen"

15"Petelandsrunnin'"

16BillWard'sShelbyHotel

17"I'veseenbuffalomyself"

18AFull-bloodedPiegan

19"I'mhangin'onforallthereisinme"

20Peace-pipebelt

21"Heshookhandsagainandtoldmetogo"

22AnIndianDancer

23AShowIndian

24"TheInjunpullsMurphytowardhim,andatthesametimehislefthandpullsthetrigger"(Halftone)

25Wolves

26"Hishossstopsontheendoftherope"

27"Abountyisplacedonanumberofcitizens"

28"Stayinthathole,youdamnfool!"

29"I'mscarederofhimthanIamoftheInjuns"(Halftone)

30AnIndianSignal

31"Thechieffiredatthepinto"

32"Inflytimetheystandheadsandtails,eachhossusin'thetailofhispartnerasaflybrush"

33"Paw'sgothoofmarksalloverhiman'heain'thadarideyet"

34"Thewholefamilystartsoutmounted"

35TommySimpson'sCow

36AStick-upontheRoad

37"He'swearin'thegarmentsofabreed"



38"There'sstillalotofIndiantradeinthecountry"

39Cowhorsepullingcalf

40Blackfeet(Halftone)

41ABlackfootWoman

42"TheGrosVentrebeginshackin'thefingersoff"

43"Friendshipgoesyelpin'intothewoods"

44"FromtheSouthwestcomesSpanishan'Mexicantraders"

45AnIndianCamp

46"IturnedInjunan'Iain'tcutmyhairsince"

47Buffaloplowing

48"Maybethesehump-backsknowswherethey'sgoin',butthedriverain'tgotnoidea"

49CowPony

50"ThecowranchesIknowedhadonehouse,astable,andapolecorral"

51"Alltheseridersgotocampfordinner"

52"Thebronc'slodgedinthetopofabigcottonwood"

53"IhitthegroundalotharderthanIexpected"

54Horseheadhackamore

55"Itwouldn'tbehealthyformanorbeastthatrunsintothesehungryhunters"

56"TheforceofitliftsPat'shossfromhisironshoes"

57"Themountainsandplainsseemedtostimulateaman'simagination"

58Deer

59"Hank'ssittin'onthegroundwithtwohandsfullofcorraldust"

60ARacefortheWagons

61"Pullin'mygun,Iemptyherintheair"(Halftone)

62Tailpiece



LISTOFCOLORILLUSTRATIONS

63JerkedDown

64LaughKillsLonesome

65RidersoftheOpenRange

66TakingToll

67TracksTellTalesThatRiversMakeSecrets



INTRODUCTION

by

WillRogers

Will Rogers and Charles M. Russell (Ca. 1910)

TheOldWorld.1926.

HelloCharleyoldhand,Howareyou?

IjustthoughtIwoulddropyoualineandtellyouhowthingsareaworkingontheoldrangesinceyouleft.OldTimeryoudon'tknowhowwemissyou,Geebutitsbeenlonesomesinceyouleft,eventousawaydownhereinCalifornia,wherewedidentgettoseenearasmuchofyouaswewantedtoanyhow.ButthinkwhatallthemoldMontanaWaddiesarethinking.WhysomeoftheseoldBirdswouldmisstheirwiveslessthantheydoyou.

NancycomedowntoCaliforniathisfallasusualherandJack,Ididentwanttotellherso

andshetriedtoletontheywasentbutItellyoutheywasaprettysadlookingoutfit.Theyshowasalonesomelayout.NancyandItalkedovertheusualoldroutineabout"itallbeingforthebest,andthatyouhadabetterjob,andwoulddomabybetterworktherethanyoudidhere,"Yeswebothsaidthatwekinderagreedinourtalkwitheachother,andwejosheditoffandsortersmiledalittle,butIwanttotellyouthatitwasamightysicklylittlegrin,andbetweenyouandme,inourownheartsweknewwewerebothtryingtoloadeachother,Weknewineachothersownheartsthatwecouldentseewhyyouhadtogoandswitchoutfits,justwhenyouhadgottobeBossofthisone.



YouknowIhadentseenyouinaboutayear,andshetoldmethemostpartofthatTime,thatyouwereworkingonaBookofyoursevenmorethanonyourPaintings,Shesaidyouhadthethingalljustfinishedup.Shesaidshewantedmetowriteasortofanintroductiontothebook,Saidyouwantedmetobeforeyouleft.MyLordCharleyyouknowIcantwriteanyIntroduction,thatsforwriterstodo,WhyabooklikeyougotCharleythatyouputall

yourbestStoriesin,andspentallthattimedrawing,Ibetahundredwonderfulpicturesarewithit,Whyyououghttohavesomebodyturnanintroductionoutofthe"schute"thatwouldreallyturnonsomehighgradewords,anddoctorthemupwithsomeprettysaltyideas.Itoughttobesorterclassy,Icouldenttrytomakeitfunnyintheintroduction,foryouknowyourselfCharleywhatchanceIgotbeinginthesamebookwithmylittlemaverickbrandalongsideofyouroutfitofhumor.Whyyouneverheardmeopenmymouthwhenyouwasaround,andyouneverknewanyofourfriendsthatwouldletmeopenitaslongastherewasachancetogetyoutotellanotherone.Ialwaysdidsaythatyoucouldtellastorybetterthananymanthateverlived.IfIcouldagotyoutoquitthatcrazypaintingidea,andtookupsomethingworthwhilelikejoketelling,WhyIwouldasetyououtthereonthestageatthetailendofanoldchuckwagon,huncheduponanoldroll

of"Sougans"anda"prop"campfireburninginyourface,Sayyouwouldhavebeenthebiggestthingthateverfitinwhilethe"GlorifiedBeauties"waschangingtheircolorofpowder.Butyouwoulddabaroundwiththemoldbrushes,andsqueezeahandfulofmudintotheshapeofsomeold"limberneck"bronk,Youlookedtomeattimeslikeyouwouldrutherbeagooddirtdobber,orasortofanoldpainterthanjustaboutanything.

NowIamgoingtotrytotalkNancyoutofthatintroductionGagtothatbook,Everyoneofyouroldfriendsaretooanxioustogetintothebook,tobemessingaroundwithanyintroductionanyway,Idon'tknowwhyitisbuteveryoneofthemfeelthatthisbookwillbemorelikeyouthananythingyouhavedone.Wecanjustsettherebythehourandimagineyoutellingthatveryyarn,andthenwecanlookatthedrawingandyouwillshowusinit

thethingsthatwemightnevergetifitwasentforyoupointingitouttous,Ibetwegetmanyalaughoutofallthosecomicaldrawings.IwanttoseeoldEdBoreinwhenhestartsapointingoutallthelittlecutethingsinthepicturesthathethinkswedon'tget.Someofthemstoriesofyoursisgoingtobemightysadwhensomebodyelsetriestotellemlikeyoudid.TheysayyourrangeisuponahighMountainandyoucanlookdownonalltheselittleoutfitslikeours,Youwillgetmanyaquietlaughhearingmodern"grangers"tryingtounloadoneofyouroldfavorites.

Thereaintmuchnewsheretotellyou,YouknowthebigBossgentsentahandoverandgotyousoquickCharley,ButIguessHeneededagoodmanprettybad,Iheartheybeenaworkingshorthandedoverthereprettymuchallthetime,IguessitshardforHimtoget

holdofgoodmen,theyarejustgettingscarceeverywhere.Butyouwasgoneonemorningbeforetheoldcookcouldrollout,andwhenyoubeathimupyouarestepping,ButafterwehadrealizedthatyouhadrolledyourBedandgone,itsurewouldadoneyouroldhidegoodtoaseenwhattheyallthoughtofyou,Youknowhowitisyourselfwithafellowleavinganoutfitandgoingovertoanother,intalkingitoverafterhehasgonethereisgenerallyaBUTtoitsomewhere,Someold"Peeler"willunloadsomedirtabouthim,Buttheresurewasentanyafteryoucrossedtheskyline,WhyitwouldabeenalmostworthyourgoingtoanewOutfitjusttohaveheardallthefinethingssaidaboutyou.Whyevena



lotofthemoldReprobates(thatperhapsowedyoumoney)theysaid"wemayhavePaintersintimetocome,thatwillbejustasgoodasoldCharley,WemayhaveCowboysjustasgood,andwemayoccasionallyroundupaprettygoodman,Butus,andthemanicuredtribethatisfollowingus,willneverhavetheRealCowboy,PainterandMan,combinedthatoldCharleywas,Forweaintgotnomorerealcowboys,andweaintgotno

realCowstopaint,andwejustdon'traisenomoreofhiskindofmen,andifbyaMiraclewedidgetallthatcombinationwhyitjustwouldentbeCharley."

WhyyouoldRascalyouwouldathoughtyouwassomebody.WhytheGovernorandtheStateLegislatureofthatbigoldcommonwealthofMontana,saidyouwasthebiggestthingeverproducedintheState,ThatyourworkwouldliveandbeknownwhenmabyMontanawasthecentralpartofJapan.WhywegotaholdofEditorialsbybigWritersandArtGuysfromallovertheeast,thatsaidthatyouwastheMichaelAngeloofthewest,(ThatssomeDagoovertherethatwasasbiginhisdayasMussoliniisnow),Youneverwasmuchforswellingup,butItellyouyouroldhatbandwouldbebustedifyouhadheardwhatwassaidaboutyou.

Ah!butitwaswonderfulCharley,anditdidpleaseyouroldfriendsthattheworldrecognizedyou.Butsomehowthatdidentseemtorepayus,Itwasentwhatyouhaddone,itwasentbecauseyoupaintahorseandacowandacowboybetterthananymanthateverlived,Idon'tknow,itwasjustyouCharley,Wewantyouhereifyoucouldentwhitewashafence,WearejustsorterselfishIguess,Whywhenyoulefttherewasactuallyold"Rounders"cried,thatyouwouldabetyourlastsackoftobaccothatdidenthaveanymoresentimentthanawetsaddleblanket.Whyevenyouroldhorsefollowedyouoffwithyoursaddleon,ifyouhadlookedbackyouwouldaseenhim.

October 27, 1926Charles A. Beil, the artist and friend of Charles M. Russell, adjusting the bridle on Dexter, Russell’s bayhorse, in preparation for Russell’s funeral procession in Great Falls, Montana.

Butweallknowyouaregettingalongfine,Youwillgetalongfineanywhere,IbetyouhadentbeenuptherethreedaystillyouhadoutyouroldPencialandwasadrawingsomethingfunnyaboutsomeoftheiroldpunchers.Thatmakesuswanttoseeyoumore



thaneverforweknowthatyouwillhavesomenewonesforusaboutsomeofthemSkyLineRidersupthere.IbetyouMarkTwainandOldBillNye,andWhitcombRileyandawholebunchofthoseoldJosherswasjustawaitingforyoutopopinwithallthelatestones,WhatkindofaBirdisWashingtonandJeffersonIbettheyareregulafellowswhenyoumeetemaintthey?Mostbigmenare.Iwouldliketoseethebunchthatisgatheredaround

youthefirsttimeyoutelltheoneaboutputtingtheLimburgerCheeseintheoldNestorsWhiskers,Don'ttellthatCharleytillyougetLincolnaroundyou,hewouldlovethat,Ibetyouandhimkinderthrowintogetherwhenyougetwellacquainted,DarnitwhenIgettothinkingaboutallthemTopHandsupthere,IfIcouldjustholdaHorsewranglingjobwithem,Iwouldentmindfollowingthatwagonmyself.

WritemeaboutBretHarte,andOHenry,IbetthereisacoupleofGuysstandingguardtogether,augerawhilewiththem,andyouwillgetmanyalaugh.

Withthatsignlanguagethatyou"savvy"whyyoucangabwithanyofthoseold"hombres"upthere,TieintothatoldNapoleonsometimeandpickaloadintohim,yououghttogetsomethingprettygoodfromhim,ifitaintnothingbutaboutwar,andwomen.

Atfirstwecouldentunderstandwhytheymovedyou,butwecannow,Theyhadeverykindofagreatmanupthere,buttheyjustdidenthaveanygreatCowboyArtistlikeyou.Shucks!ontheluck,therewasonlyoneofyouandhecouldentuseyoubothplaces.

YouwillrunontomyoldDadupthereCharley,ForhewasarealCowhandandbetheisrunningawagon,andyouwillpopintosomewellkeptranchhouseoverundersomecoolshadytreesandyouwillbeaskedtohavedinner,anditwillbethebestoneyoueverhadinyourlife,Well,whenyouareathankingthewomenfolks,Youjusttellthesweetlookinglittleoldladythatyouknowherboybackonanoutfityouusedtorepfor,andtellthedaughtersthatyouknewtheirbrother,andifyouseeacutelookinglittlerascalrunning

aroundtherekisshimforme.WellcantwriteyouanymoreCharleydampapersallwet,Itmustberaininginthisoldbunkhouse.

The "White House on the Verdigris River" (The home where Will Roger was born)



Coursewearealljustahangingonhereaslongaswecan.Idon'tknowwhywehatetogo,weknowitsbetterthere,Mabyitsbecausewehaventdoneanythingthatwillliveafterwearegone.fromyouroldfriend,

WILL.

AFEWWORDSABOUTMYSELF

(Apersonalintroductionwrittenbytheauthorbutafewmonthsbeforehisdeath)

Thepapershavebeenkindtomemanytimesmorekindthantrue.AlthoughIworkedformanyyearsontherange,Iamnotwhatthepeoplethinkacowboyshouldbe.Iwasneitheragoodropernorrider.Iwasanightwrangler.HowgoodIwas,I'llleaveitforthepeopleIworkedfortosaytherearestillafewofthemliving.InthespringIwrangledhorses,inthefallIherdedbeef.Iworkedforthebigoutfitsandalwaysheldmyjob.

Ihavemanyfriendsamongcowmenandcowpunchers.IhavealwaysbeenwhatiscalledagoodmixerIhadfriendswhenIhadnothingelse.Myfriendswerenotalwayswithinthelaw,butIhaven'tsaidhowlaw-abidingIwasmyself.Ihaven'tbeentoobadnortoogoodtogetalongwith.

LifehasneverbeentooseriouswithmeIlivedtoplayandI'mplayingyet.Laughsandgoodjudgmenthavesavedmemanyablackeye,butIdon'tlaughatother'stears.Iwasawildyoungman,butagehasmademegentle.Idrank,butneveralone,andwhenIdrankitwasnosecret.Iamstillfriendlywithdrinkingmen.

Myfriendsaremixedpreachers,priests,andsinners.Ibelongtonochurch,butamfriendly

towardandrespectallofthem.IhavealwayslikedhorsesandsinceIwaseightyearsoldhavealwaysownedafew.

Iamold-fashionedandpeculiarinmydress.Iameccentric(thatisapolitewayofsayingyou'recrazy).Ibelieveinluckandhavehadlotsofit.

Tohavetalentisnocredittoitsowner;whatmancan'thelpheshouldgetneithercreditnorblameforit'snothisfault.

Iamanillustrator.Therearelotsbetterones,butsomeworse.

Anymanthatcanmakealivingdoingwhathelikesislucky,andI'mthat.AnytimeIcashin

now,Iwin.

CHARLESM.RUSSELL.GreatFalls,Montana



OLDWEST

JERKED DOWN



THESTORYOFTHECOWPUNCHER

"Speakin'ofcowpunchers,"saysRawhideRawlins,"I'mgladtoseeinthelastfewyearsthatthemthatknowthebusinesshavebeenwritin'about'em.Itbegintolooklikethey'dbewipedoutwithoutahistory.Uptoafewyearsagothere'smightylittleknownaboutcowsandcowpeople.Itwassureamusin'toreadsomeofthemoldstoriesaboutcowpunchin'.You'dthinkapunchergrowedhornsan'washairedover.

"Itputmeinmindoftheeasterngirlthataskshermother:

"'Ma,'saysshe,'docowboyseatgrass?''No,dear,'saystheoldlady,'they'reparthuman,'an'Idon'tknowbuttheoldgalhad'emsizedupright.Iftheyarehuman,they'reaseparatespecies.I'mtalkin'abouttheold-timeones,beforethecountry'sstrungwithwirean'nestershadgrabbedallthewater,an'acowpuncher'shomewasbig.Itwasn'twherehetookhishatoff,butwherehespreadhisblankets.HerangedfromMexicototheBigBowRiverofthenorth,an'fromwherethetreesgetscarceintheeasttotheoldPacific.Hedon'tneednoironhoss,butcovershiscountryononethateatsgrassan'wearshair.Allthetools

heneededwassaddle,bridle,quirt,hackamore,an'rawhideriattaorseagrassrope;thatcoveredhishoss.

"Thepuncherhimselfwasrigged,startin'atthetop,withagoodhatnotoneofthefloppykindyouseeinpictures,withtherimturnedupinfront.Thetop-coverhewearsholdsitsshapean'wasmadetoprotecthisfacefromtheweather;maybetoholditon,heworeabuckskinstringunderthechinorbackofthehead.Roundhisneckabigsilkhandkerchief,tiedloose,an'inthedragofatrailherditwasdrawnoverthefacetotheeyes,hold-upfashion,toprotectthenosean'throatfromdust.Inoldtimes,aleatherblabormaskwasusedthesame.Coat,vest,an'shirtsuitshisowntaste.Maybehe'dwearCaliforniapants,lightbuckskinincolor,withlargebrownplaid,sometimesfoxed,orwhatyou'dcall

reinforcedwithbuckorantelopeskin.Overthesecamehischaparejosorleggin's.Hisfeetwerecoveredwithgoodhigh-heeledboots,finishedoffwithsteelspursofSpanishpattern.Hisweapon'susuallyaforty-fiveColt'ssix-gun,whichispackedinabelt,swingin'alittlebelowhisrighthip.SometimesaWinchesterinascabbard,slungtohissaddleunderhisstirrup-leather,eitherrightorleftside,butgenerallyleft,stockforward,lockdown,ashisropehangsathissaddle-forkontheright.

"ByallIcanfindoutfromold,gray-headedpunchers,thecowbusinessstartedinCalifornia,an'theSpaniardswerethefirsttoburnmarksontheircattlean'hosses,an'usetherope.ThenmenfromtheStatesdriftedwesttoTexas,pickin'upthebrandin'ironan'lass-rope,an'thebusinessspreadnorth,east,an'west,tillthespottedlong-hornswalkedinevery

trailmarkedoutbytheirbrowncousins,thebuffalo.

"Texasan'California,bein'thestartin'places,madetwospeciesofcowpunchers;thosewestoftheRockiesrangin'north,usin'centerfireorsingle-cinchsaddles,withhighforkan'cantle;packedasixtyorsixty-fivefootrawhiderope,an'swungabigloop.Thesecowpeopleweregenerallystrongonpretty,usin'plentyofhossjewelry,silver-mountedspurs,bits,an'conchas;insteadofaquirt,usedaromal,orquirtbraidedtotheendofthereins.Theirsaddleswerefullstamped,withfromtwenty-fourtotwenty-eight-incheagle-bill



tapaderos.Theirchaparejosweremadeoffurorhair,eitherbear,angoragoat,orhairsealskin.Thesefellowsweresurefancy,an'calledthemselvesbuccaroos,comingfromtheSpanishword,vaquero."

"ThecowpunchereastoftheRockiesoriginatedinTexasandrangednorthtotheBigBow.Hewasn'tsomuchforpretty;hissaddlewaslowhorn,rimfire,ordouble-cinch;sometimes'macheer.'Theirropewasseldomoverfortyfeet,forbeingagooddealinabrushcountry,theywereforcedtoswingasmallloop.Thesemengenerallytied,insteadoftakingtheirdallie-welts,orwrappingtheirropearoundthesaddlehorn.Theirchaparejosweremadeofheavybullhide,toprotectthelegfrombrushan'thorns,withhog-snouttapaderos.

"Cowpunchersweremightyparticularabouttheirrig,an'inallthecampsyou'dfindafashionleader.Fromacowpuncher'sidea,thesefellerswassuregoodtolookat,an'Itellyourightnow,thereain'tnoprettiersightformyeyesthanoneofthosegood-lookin',long-backedcowpunchers,sittin'uponahigh-forked,full-stampedCaliforniasaddlewithalivehossbetweenhislegs.

"Ofcourseagoodmanyofthesefancymenweremoreornamentalthanuseful,butoneofthebestcow-handsIeverknewbelongedtothisclass.DownontheGrayBull,hewentunderthenameofMason,butmostpuncherscalledhimPrettyShadow.Thissoundslikean

Injunname,butitain't.Itcomesfromahabitsomepunchershasofridin'along,lookin'attheirshadows.Lookin'glassesarescarceincowoutfits,sotheonlychancefortheseprettyboystoadmirethemselvesisonbright,sunshinydays.Mason'soneofthesekindthatdoesn'tgetmuchpleasureoutoflifeincloudyweather.Hishatwasthebest;hisbootswasmadetoorder,withextralongheels.Herodeacenter-fire,full-stampedsaddle,withtwenty-eight-inchtapaderos;bearskinancaroes,orsaddlepockets;hischaparejoswereofthesameskin.Hepackedasixty-five-footrawhide.Hisspursan'bitweresilverinlaid,the



lastbein'aSpanishspade.Butthegaudiestpartofhisregaliawashisgun.It'saforty-fiveColt's,silverplatedan'chasedwithgold.Herhandleispearl,withabull'sheadcarvedon.

"WhenthesunhitsMasonwithallthissilveron,heblazesuplikesomebigpieceofjewelry.Youcouldseehimformileswhenhe'sridin'highcountry.Barrin'Mexicans,he'sthefanciestcowdogIeversee,an'don'tthinkhedon'tsavvythecow.Heknowswhatshesaystohercalf.Ofcoursetherewasn'tmanyofhisstripe.Allpuncherslikedgoodrigs,butplainer;an'asmostpunchers'refondofgamblin'an'spendtheirsparetimeatstudpokerormonte,theycan'ttellwhatkindofarigthey'llberidin'thenextday.I'veseenmanyagoodriglostoverablanket.Itdependshowluckythecardsfallwhatkindofarigaman'sridin'.

"I'mtalkin'aboutoldtimes,whencowmenwereintheirglory.Theyliveddifferent,talkeddifferent,an'haddifferentways.Nomatterwhereyoumethim,orhowhe'srigged,ifyou'dwatchhimclosehe'ddosomethingthatwouldtiphishand.Ihadalittleexperiencebackin'83that'llshowwhatI'mgettin'at.

"Iwaswinterin'inCheyenne.Onenightastrangerstakesmetobuckthebank.Igotoffluckyan'cashinfifteenhundreddollars.OfcourseIcutthemoneyintwowithmyfriend,butitleavesmewiththebiggestrollIeverpacked.AllthiswealthmakesCheyennelooksmall,an'Ibeginlongin'forbiggercamps,soIdriftforChicago.TheminuteIhittheburg,Ishedmycowgarmentsan'getintowhiteman'sharness.Ahardhat,boiledshirt,lacedshoesallthegearin'knowntocivilizedman.WhenIputonallthisrig,Isurelookhuman;thatis,Ithinkso.Butthemshorthornsknowme,an'bythewaytheytrimthatroll,itlookslikesomebody'spinnedacardonmybackwiththeword'EASY'inbigletters.Iain'tbeenthereaweektillmyrolldon'tneednostringaroundit,an'Istartthinkin'abouthome.Oneevenin'IthrowinwiththefriendliestfellerIevermet.ItwasatthebarofthehotelwhereI'mcamped.Idon'tjustrememberhowwegotacquainted,butafteraboutfifteendrinks

westartholdin'handsan'seein'whocouldbuythemostandfastest.Irememberhimtellin'thebarslavenottotakemymoney,'causeI'mhisfriend.Afterwards,Ifindoutthereasonforthisgoodheartedness;hewantsitallan'hatestoseemewasteit.Finally,hestartstoshowmethetownan'saysitwon'tcostmeacent.Maybehedid,butIwasunconscious,an'wasn'tinshapetoremember.Nextday,whenIcometo,myhair'ssorean'Ididn'tknowthedaysoftheweek,month,orwhatyearitwas.

"ThefirstthingIdowhenIopenmyeyesistolookatthewinders.There'snobarson'em,an'Ifeeleasier.I'minasmallroomwithtwobunks.Theoneoppositemeholdsafellerthat'ssmokin'acigarettean'sizin'meupbetweenwhiffswhileI'mdress-in'.IgothroughmyselfbutI'mtoolate.Somebodybeatmetoit.I'mlacin'myshoesan'thinkin'hard,when

thestrangerspeaks:

"Neighbor,you'realongwayfromyourrange.'

"Youcalltheturn,'saysI,'buthowdidyoureadmyiron?'

"Ididn'tseeaburnonyou,'sayshe,'an'fromlooks,you'llgoasaslick-ear.It'syourways,whileI'mlayin'here,watchin'yougetintoyourgarments.Now,humansdressupan'punchersdressdown.Whenyouraised,thefirstthingyouputonisyourhat.Anotherthing



thatshowsyouupisyoudon'tshedyourshirtwhenyoubeddown.Sonextcomesyourvestan'coat,keepin'yourhindquarterscoveredtillyouslideintoyourpants,an'nowyou'relacin'yourshoes.Inoticeyoudoneallofitwithoutquittin'theblankets,liketheground'scold.Idon'tknowwhatstateorterritoryyouhailfrom,butyou'vesmeltsagebrushan'drankalkali.Iheapsavvyyou.You'vesleptawholelotwithnothin'butsky

overyourhead,an'there'stimeswhenthatoldroofleaks,butjudgin'fromappearances,youwouldn'tmindalittleopenairrightnow.'

"Thisfeller'smykind,an'hestakesmewithenoughtogetbacktothecowcountry."



AGIFTHORSE

CharleyFurimantellsmeaboutahossheownsandifyou'reabletostayonhimhe'lltakeyoutotheendofthetrail.ThegentCharleygothimfrom,sayshe,"Gentle?He'sapet."(Thismanhatestopartwithhim.)"He'salady'shoss.Youcancatchhimanywherewithabiscuit."

NextdayCharleyfindsouthe'salady'shoss,allright,buthedon'tlikemen.Furimanain'tamilefromhiscorralwhenheslipsthepack.Charleycrawlshimagainkindercarefulandrideshimsixtymilesan'hedon'tturnahair.Nextdayhesaddleshimheactslikehe'sharmlessbuthe'slookingforsomething.He'soutabouttenmile.Charleynoticeshetravelswithoneeardown.Thisain'tagoodsign,butCharleygetscarelessandaboutnoonhecomestoadrycreekbedwherethere'slotsofboulders.That'swhatthiscayuseislookingfor'causerightinthemiddleoftheboulder-strewnflatiswherehebreaksintwoandunloads.Charleytellsme,"Idon'tmissnoneofthembouldersan'whereIlightthere'snothinggivesbutdifferentpartsofme.ForawhileIwonderwhereI'matandwhenthingsdoclearupitcomestomerightquick.Iforgottobringthebiscuits.HowamIgoingtocatchhim?IfIhadaWinchester,I'dcatchhimjustovertheeye.

"Tomakealongstoryshort,Ifollowedhimbacktotheranchafoot.Walkingain'tmystrongholtan'theseboulderbumpsdon'thelpmenone.Nextmorningafteragoodnight'ssleep,Ifeelbetter.Goingouttothecorral,Iofferthiscayuseabiscuit,thinkin'I'llstartofffriendly.Hestrikesatmeandknocksmyhatoff.MypardnertriestosquareitbytellingmeIain'tgottherightkind.'That'salady'shoss,'sayshe,'andbeingapet,hewantsthemlittlelady'sbiscuits;it'senoughtomakehimsore,handinghimthemsourdoughs.'

"WhileI'mgettingmyhat,Ihappentothinkofafriendofminethat'sgotmarriedandIain'tgivehimnoweddingpresent.ThisfriendofmineisabronkridernamedConPrice.So

whilemyheart'sgood,Isaddleagentlehossandleadthisman-hateroverandpresentshimtoPricewithmybestwishes.

"Idon'tmeetContillnextfallonthebeefroundup.Heain'ttoofriendly.Nextmorningwhenwe'reropinghosses,hestepsuptomeandsays,kinderlow,holdin'outhishandtoshake,'Charley,I'mlettingbygonesbebygones,butifIgetmarriedagainanywhereinyourneighborhood,don'tgivemenoweddingpresents.Ifyoudoyou'llgetlotsofflowers."



ASAVAGESANTACLAUS

"Talkin'aboutChristmas,"saidBedrock,aswesmokedinhiscabinaftersupper,an'thewindhowledasitsometimescanonablizzardyDecembernight,"putsmeinmindofoneIspentinthe'60s.Mean'afellernamedJakeMason,butbetterknowedasBeaver,istrappin'an'prospectin'ontheheadofthePorcupine.We'vestrucksomeplacer,butshe'stoocoldtoworkher.Thesnow'sdroveallthegameoutofthecountry,an'barrin'afewbeansandsomeflour,we'replumoutofgrub,sowedecidewe'dbetterpullourfreightbeforewe'resnowedin.

"Thewinter'sbeenprettyopentillthen,butthedaywestartthere'sastormbreaksloosethatskinseverythingIeverseed.Itlookslikethesnow-maker'sbeenholdin'back,an'turnedthewholewintersupplylooseatonce.Cold?Well,itwouldmakeapolarbearhuntcover.

"Aboutnoonitletsupenoughsowecanseeourpack-hosses.We'rejoggin'alongatagoodgait,whenoldBaldy,ourleadpackhoss,stopsan'swings'roundinthetrail,bringin'the

otherthreetoastand.Hiswhinnercausesmetoraisemyhead,an'lookin'undermyhatbrim,I'mplentysurprisedtoseeanoldlogshacknottenfeettothesideofthetrail."

"'Iguesswe'dbettertakethatcayuse'sadvice,'saysBeaver,pintin'toBaldy,who'sgothisearsstraightened,lookin'atusasmuchastosay:'What,amIpackin'ferPilgrims;ordon'tyouknowenoughtogetinoutoftheweather?Itlookslikeyou'dloosenthesepacks.'So,takin'Baldy'shunch,weunsaddle.

"Thiscabin'smightyancient.It'sbeentworooms,buttheridge-poleontherearone'srottedan'lettheroofdown.Thedoor'swideopenan'hangsonawoodenhinge.TheanimalsmellIgetontheinsidetellsmethereain'tnohumanslivedthereformany'sthewinter.Thefloor'sstrewnwithpineconesan'afewscatteredbones,showin'it'sbeenthehomeofmountain-ratsan'squirrels.Takin'itall'nall,itain'tnopalace,but,inthisstorm,it



looksmightysnug,an'whenwegetablazestartedinthefireplacean'thebeansgoin'it'scomfortable.

"Thedoortotheback'sopen,an'bythelightofthefireIcanseetheroofhangin'downV-shaped,leavin'quitealittlespaceaginthewall.OnceIhadanotionofwalkin'inan'prospectin'theplace,butthere'ssomethin'ghostlyaboutitan'Ichangemymind.

"Whenwe'rerollin'inthatnight,Beaverasksmewhatdayofthemonthitis.

"'IfI'mrightonmydates,'saysI,'thisistheevenin'thekidshanguptheirsocks.'

"Thehellitis,'sayshe.'Well,here'sonecampSanty'llprobablyoverlook.Weain'tgotnosocksnornoplacetohang'em,an'Idon'tthinktheoldboy'dsavvyourfoot-rags.'That'sthelastIremembertillI'mwakedupalonginthenightbysomethin'monkeyin'withthekettle.

"Ifitwasn'tferasnufflin'noiseIcouldhear,I'da-tukitferatrade-rat,butwiththisnoiseit'snoguesswithme,an'Icalltheturnallright,'causewhenItakeapeek,there,humpedbetweenmean'thefire,isthemostrobustsilvertipIeversee.Insize,heresemblesaloadofhay.Thefire'sdownlow,butthere'senoughlighttogivemehisoutline.He'shumpedover,busywiththebeans,snifflin'an'whinin'pleasant,likeheenjoys'em.InudgedBeavereasy,an'whispers:'SantyClausishere.'

"Hedon'tneedbutonelook.'Yes,'sayshe,reachin'forhisHenry,'butheain'tbroughtnothin'buttrouble,an'more'nasockfullofthat.Youcouldn'tcrowditintoawagon-box.'

"Thiswhisperin'disturbsMr.Bear,an'hestraightensuptillheneartouchestheridge-pole.Helookseightfeettall.AmIscared?Well,I'dtellaman.Bythefeelin'runnin'upanddownmyback,ifIhadbristlesI'dresembleawildhog.Thecoldsweat'sdrippin'offmynose,an'I

ain'tgotnothin'onmebutsluice-ice.

"ThebarkofBeaver'sHenrybringsmeoutofthisscare.Thebeargoesover,upsettin'akettleofwater,puttin'thefireout.Ifitwasn'tforastreamoffirerunnin'fromBeaver'sweapon,we'dbeinplumbdarkness.Thebear'supagin,bellerin'an'bawlin',andcomin'atusmightywarlike,andbythetimeIgetmySharpsworkin',I'mnearchokedwithsmoke.It'sthenoisiestmussIwasevermixedupin.Betweenthesmoke,thebarkin'ofthegunsan'thebellerin'ofthebear,it'slikehellonaholiday."



"I'mgropin'foranotherca'tridgewhenIhearthelockonBeaver'sgunclick,an'Iknowhismagazine'sdry.Lowerin'myhotgun,Ilisten.Everythin'squietnow.InthesuddenstillnessIcanhearthedrippin'ofblood.It'sthebear'sliferunnin'out.

"'Iguessit'sallover,'saysBeaver,kindofshaky.'Itwasashortfight,butafastone,an'hellwaspoppin'whileshelasted.'

"Whenwegetthefirelit,wetakealookatthebattleground.TherelaysMr.Bearinaringofblood,withahidesofullofholeshewouldn'tholdhay.Idon'tthinkthere'sabulletwent

'roundhim.

"Thisexcitementwakensussowedon'tsleepnomorethatnight.Webreakfastonbearmeat.He'sanoldbearan'it'sprettystout,butafellerlivin'onbeansandbannocksstraightforacoupleofweeksdon'tkickmuchonflavor,an'we'reatastagewheremeat'smeat.

"Whenitcomesday,mean'Beavergoeslookin'overthebear'sbedroom.Youknow,daylightdrivesawayha'nts,an'thisroomdon'tlooknearsoghostlyasitdidlastnight.Afterwinnin'thisfight,we'rebothmightybrave.Theroofcavedinwithfourorfivefeetofsnowon,makestherearroomstilldark,so,lightin'apitch-pineglow,westartexplorin'.

"Thefirstthingwebumpintoisthebear'sbunk.There'sarustypicklayin'upagainstthe

wall,an'agold-panonthefloor,showin'usthatthehumanthatlivedtherewasaminer.Ontheothersideoftheshackweranontoapolebunk,withaweather-wrinkledbuffalorobean'somerottenblankets.Thewaytheroofslants,wecan'tseeintothebed,butbyusin'anaxean'choppin'thelegsoff,welowerittoview.WhenBeaverraisesthelight,there'stheframe-workofaman.He'slayin'onhisleftside,likehe'ssleepin',an'lookslikehecashedineasy.Acrossthebunk,underhishead,isanold-fashionedcap-'n-ballrifle.Onthebedposthangsapowderhornan'pouch,withabeltan'skinnin'knife.Thesethingstellusthatthisman'saprettyold-timer.



"Findin'thepickan'gold-pancausesustolookmorecarefulforwhathe'dbeendiggin'.Weexplorethebunkfromtoptobottom,butnaryafind.Alldaylongweprospects.Thatevenin',whenwe'refillin'uponbearmeat,beansandbannocks,Beaversayshe'sgoin'togothroughthebear'sbunk;so,afterwesmoke,relightin'ourtorches,westartoursearchagain.

"Sizin'upthebear'snest,weseehe'dlaidtherequiteawhile.ItlookslikeMr.Silvertip,whentheweathergetscold,startshuntin'awinterlocationforhislongsnooze.Runnin'ontothiscabin,vacant,andlookin'likeit'sforrent,hejumpstheclaiman'wouldhavebeensnoozin'thereyet,butourfirewarmin'uptheplacefoolshim.Hethinksit'sspringan'stepsouttolookattheweather.Onthewayhestrikesthisbreakfastofbeans,an'theyholdhimtillweobject.

"We'relookin'overthisnestwhensomethin'catchesmyeyeontheedgeofthewaller.It'sahole,roofedoverwithwillers.

"'Well,I'llbedamned.There'shiscache,'saysBeaver,whoseeyeshasfolleredmine.Itdon't

takeaminutetokickthesewillersloose,an'therelaysabuckskinsackwithfivehundreddollarsindustinit.

"OldSantyClaus,outthere,'saysBeaver,pointin'tothebearthroughthedoor,'didn'tloadoursocks,buthebroughtplentyofmeatan'showedusthecache,forwe'dnevera-founditifhehadn'traisedthelid.'

"ThedayafterChristmasweburiedthebones,wrappedinoneofourblankets,wherewe'dfoundthecache.Itwasthebestwecoulddo.

"Iguessthedust'sours,'saysBeaver.'There'snopaperstoshowwho'shiskin-folks.'Sowesplitsthepilean'leaveshimsleepin'inthetombhebuiltforhimself."



COW-HEAD

DUNCMcDONALD

"DuncMcDonald,thebreed,tellsaboutabuffalohunthehaswhenhe'sakid,"saysRawhideRawlins."Likeallthingsthathappenthat'sworthwhile,it'salongtimeago.He'stravelingwithhispeople,theBlackfeetthey'remakingforthebuffalocountry.They'reacrosstherangetheyain'tseenmuchmaybeanoldbullonceinawhilethatain'tworthshootin'at,sotheydon'tdisturbnothin'.They'relookin'forcowmeatandlotsofit.

"Dunc'stravelingaheadofthewomenwiththemen.AsIsaid,it'salongtimeagowhenInjunsain'tgotmanygunsthey'remostlyarmedwithbowsandarrows.There'soneoldmanpackingarifle.It'saHudsonBayflintlockbutagoodgun,themdays.Duncanisyoungandhasgoodeyesthatgowithyouth.Heseesafewbuffaloinsomebrokenhills,andtellsthisoldmanifhe'lllendhimhisgun,he'llgetmeat.Theoldmandon'tsaynothin',buttakingthegunfromitsskincover,handsittoDunc.Duncwantsbulletsandthepowderhornbuttheoldmansignsthatthegunisloaded,andoneballisenoughforanygoodhunter.Thewolfhuntswithwhatteethhe'sgot.

"Duncknowshewon'tgetnomoresoheridesoff.Thereain'tmuchwind,butDunc'sgettin'whatthereis,andkeepin'behindsomerockcroppin'shegetsprettyclose.Thereare

fivecows,alllayingdown.Prettysoonhequitshisponyandcrawlstowithintwenty-fiveyardsandpullsdownafatcow.Whenhisgunroars,theyalljumpandrunbutthecowheshootsdon'tmakethreejumpstillshe'sdown.

"WhenDuncwalksupshe'slayingonherbellywithherfeetunderher.She'ssmallbutfat.WhenDuncputshisfootaginhertopushherover,shegetsupandisred-eyed.Shesureshowswar.TheonlyholdDunccanseeishertailandheain'tslowtakin'it.Thetail-holdonabuffaloismightyshort,buthe'sclampedon.She'stryin'toturnbuthe'skeepin'her



steeredrightandhe'sdoingfinetillshestartskickin'.Thefirstonedon'tmisshisearthewidthofahair.Ifyouneversawabuffalokickit'shardtotellyouwhattheycando,butDuncain'tslowslippin'hishold.

"There'snothin'leftbuttorunforit.Thisrockcroppin'ain'tovertwofeethigh,butit'sallthereis.TheserocksarecoveredwithgroundcedarandDuncdivesintothis.Hegophersdowninthiscedartillahawkcouldn'tfindhim.Helaystherealongtime,hisheartpoundin'hisribslikeitwillbreakthrough.Whenthescareworksoutofhimheraises,andthereagintherockrimlaysthecowit'salungshotandshe'sbledtodeath.

"There'sonlyonehold,'saysDunc,'shorterthanatail-holdonabuffalothatofabear.'"



THETRAILOFTHEREELFOOT

"Gettin'mightywearyofholin'upinthislinecamp,"saidLongWilson,scratchingthefrostfromthewindowandgazingdiscontentedlyoutatthestorm."Ifthesnoweverletsup,it'llbefinetrackin'weather,an'chances'llbegoodforablacktailoveronPaintedRidge."

"Tracks'ddoyouawholelotofgood,oldscout,"saidBowlegs,sittingupcross-leggedinthebunkandrollingacigarette."Youcouldn'ttrackabed-wagonthroughaboghole.Iain'tforgotlastwinter,whenyou'relostonDogCreek.You'reridin'inacircle,follerin'yourowntrail,an'you'da-beenthereyetiftheCrossHboyshadn'tfoundyou.You'reatracker,Idon'tthink."

"Speakin'oftrackin',"brokeinDadLane,thewolfer,"remindsmeofacrippleIknowedwhogoesbythenameofReelFoot.He'soneofnature'smistakes,aborndeformity.ItlookslikewhenOldLadyNaturebuilthim,shestartsfromthetopan'doesgoodworktillshegetstohismiddle,an'thenthrowsoffthejobtosomebodythat'sworkin'forfun.

"Thiscripplewasbeforeyourtime,buthe'swellknownonthelowerYellerstoneintheearly'70s.ThefirstwinterIeverseeReelFootI'msittin'inapokergamewithhim.Now,lookin'athimacrossthetable,he'llaverageupwithanymanforshapean'looks,butatthistimeIain'tacquaintedwithhimfromhiswaistdown.

"FortwoweeksI'vebeeneatin'plentybooze,an'I'matthatstagewhereIseethingsthatain'tthere.OldFour-AceJackthat'shandin'usthebeverage,looksliketwins;mysight'sdoublin'uponme.Thegame'sgoin'alongsmoothenoughtillIreachforapotonapairofaces,an'ReelFootclaimsIonlygotone.There'squitealittleargument,an'whilehe'sconvincin'meIspillsomechips.WhenI'mgropin''roundfor'emunderthetable,Irunontothemhoofs,warpedan'twisted.AsIsaidbefore,Iain'tacquaintedwithhishind

quarters,an'itrattlesmetillIseefeetenoughforfourmen,an'there'sonlytwoofusplayin'.Thisendsthegamewithme,socashin'in,ItellFour-Acetopourmydrinkbackinthebottle.I'mthatshakyIcouldn'temptyitintoabarrelwiththeheadout,an'don'tswallownomoreboozethattrip.

"ThescarewearsoffwhenIgetacquaintedwithReelFoot,butIneverdolookathimwithoutwonderin'whichwayhe'sgoin'tostartoff.Hisrightfoot'sstraightahead,natural;theleft,p'intin'backonhistrail.It'sanoldsayin','afoolforluck,'an'inthiscase,Iguessitgoeswithcripples,forit'sthesetwistedhin'legsofhis'nthatsaveshishidean'hairforhimonce.

"IthappenswhenhefirsthitsthecountryfromNebrasky.He'scampedonthePorcupine,

an'astrappin'sgoodan'he'sfigurin'onstayingawhile,he'sthrowedupalean-toofbrush.He'soneofthesekindthatdon'tgetlonesome,an''lowsifyoudon'tmixwithnoworsecompanythananimalsyou'reallright.Livin'solongwithcayuses,hesavvies'eman'theyunderstandhim.Theyevenseemtoknowwhathe'stalkin'to'emabout.

"Onemornin'ReelFootleavescamptovisithistraps.He'sonhispony,butaboutamiledownthecreek,thebrushbein'thick,hequitsthecayusean'goesafoot.Aftervisitin'his



trapsReelFootcircles'roundan'doublesbackonhisoldtrailacoupleofhundredyardsbelowwherehishossistied.Whenhereacheshiscayuseheclimbsonan'ridesintocamp.

"Now,there'sabunchofOgallalySiouxinthiscountry,ledbyBloodLance.They'rerunnin'buffalo,an'onedaytheyfindwheresomewhiteshasmadeakillin'an'tuknothin'butthetongues.Thiswasteofmeatmakestheirheartsbad,an'itwouldn'tbehealthyfornowhitestheyrunacross.Theirfeelin'sarestirredupthiswaywhentheystrikeReelFoot'stracks,whichcausesthemtopulluptheirponies,an'everyInjunskinshisgun.There'ssnowontheground,sothereadin'splain.He'swearin'moccasins,butthatdon'tfool'emnone;theyseewherehe'sshukouthispipewhilehe'swalkin'.Thistells'emhe'sawhiteman,'causeInjunsdon'tsmokewhilethey'retravelin'.Wheneveraredskinlightshispipe,youcanbethe'sdownonhishunkers,takin'comfort.

"Mybrothers,'saysonewiseoldbuckwho'sbeensittin'wrappedinhisblanket,sayin'nothin','aretheOgallalyslikethebatthatcannotseeinthelightofthesun?Shallwesitan'talklikewomenwhilethesemenwithhairontheirfaces,wholeaveourmeattorotontheprairie,walkfromunderourknivesan'laughatus?Iamoldan'donotboastoftheeyeofthehawk,butit'sasplainasthetravoistracksinthesnow;therearetwomen.'

"Afterstudyin'thetracksawhiletheydecidetheoldman'sright.Therearetwoone-leggedmentravelin'inoppositedirections.Fromthelengthofthestridesshowedbythetracks,theyfiggerthesemenarelongintheleg,an'mustbeverytall.Theytalkitoveran'decidetosplitthepartyan'takebothtrails."

"Ofcourse,theygolookin'forthetrackofacrutchorwoodenleg,butfinallytheonlywaytheycanfiggeritoutisthatthesetwomen'stravelin'byhoppin',an'thetricksthesecripplesdoeshasthemsavagesguessin'.There'soneplacewhereReelFoot'sjumpedoffacutbank;it'sanywaytenfeetstraightdown.Nowforthecripplethatjumpsdown,itiseasy,



butwhat'sworryin'theseInjunsishowtheotherone-leggedmanstandsflat-footedan'boundsupthebank,lightin'easy,withnosignofscramblin'.

"WhenthepartythattakesthetrailtowardscampgetstowhereReelFootdoublesback,they'replentypuzzled.Injun-like,thesefellersaresuperstitious,an'whenthetracksruntogether,they'regettin'scary.

"Itlookslikethetracksoftwotwo-leggedmenwalkin'inoppositedirections,'saysayoungbucknamedWeasel.'Orelsetheone-leggedmenhavefoundtheirlostlegs.'

"Buttheoldwisemansays:'Againtheyoungbuckhastheeyesofthebat.Therearefourtracks;twooftherightfootan'twooftheleft.Thesearethetracksoffourone-leggedmen.'

"Somethinksit'stheworkofghostsan'arewillin'toturnback,buttheircuriositydownstheirfear,an'theyfollerthetrailmightyshakytilltheyrunontowhereReelFootmountshishoss.Heretheyfiggerthattwooftheseone-leggedmengotoffthehoss,whiletheothertwo,comin'theoppositeway,getonan'rideintothewillers.

"Bythistimethesesavagesaresorattledthatthesnappin'ofatwigwouldturnthewholebandback.They'rebeginnin'tothinkthey'vestruckthelandofone-leggedmen,an'they'refollerin'thetrailmightycautiouswhentheysightthesmokeofReelFoot'scamp.

"NowwhentheReelFootgetsinfromhistraps,he'smightyleg-wearyafterdraggin'themwarpedfeetofhis'nthroughthesnow.Sotheminutehegetssomegrubunderhisbelt,hefreshensthefirean'bedsdownwithhisfeetstickin'outtowardsthewarmth.He'slayin'thiswayasleep,whenthesekillerscomeuponhim.Theminutetheysighthisfeet,everybuck'shandgoestohismouth,an'whenanInjundoesthis,he'splentyastonished.Allthetricksinthetracksareplainto'emnow.Someof'emarehostilean'areforkillin'him,buttheoldmenofthepartysayitisnotgoodtokillamanwhosetrackshavefooledthehawk-eyedOgallalys.Deformitiesamongstthesepeoplearefewan'farbetween.Inbuildin'allwildanimalsNaturemakesfewmistakes,Injuns'reonlyparthuman,an'whenyouseeacrippleamong'em,it'ssafebettin'thatsomebody'sworkedhimover.

"Theydon'tevenwakeReelFoot,butcoverin'theirgunsan'crawlin'theirponies,sneakaway.Whenheraisesfromhisnaphefindsponyan'moccasintracks,butneverknowshowclosehecomestocrossin'therangetillabouttwoyearslater,mean'him'sinaOgallalycampdoin'sometradin'.We'reinBloodLance'slodge,smokin'an'dickerin'onthisswap,whenBloodLance,who'sbeenstarin'atReelFootbetweenpuffs,laysdownthepipean'signsheknowshim.'Thosefeet,'sayshe,pointin'toReelFoot'stwistedlegs,'fooledtheOgallalysan'savedthewhiteman'shair,'an'withthathespinsustheyarnof

ReelFoot'scrookedtracks.Alwaysafter,he'sknowedamongsttheOgallalysas'TheMan-Who-Walks-Both-Ways.'"



BULLARD'SWOLVES

Lotsofcowpunchersliketoplaywitharope,butropes,likeguns,aredangerous.Allthedifferenceis,gunsgooffandropesgoon.Soyou'llsavvymymeanin',I'lltellyouastory.

OnetimeBillBullard'sjoggingalongtowardscampwhenhebumpsintoacoupleofwolves

that'sbeenaginabait.They'vegotenoughstrychninesothey'restiffandstaggerin'.Billdropshisloopononeeasy.Thenhethinks,"What'sthematterwithtakingboth?"Soheputsacoupleofhalfhitchesinthemiddleofhisstring,drops'emoverthehorn,buildsaloopattheotherendofhisrope,anddabsitonthesecondwolf.He'ssnaking'emalongallrighttilloneofthesecalf-killersbumpsonasagebrushandbouncestoonearhishoss.

Rightthen'swhentheballopens.Theoldhosswillstandanythingbuthedon'tlikethesmellofthesemeateaters,sowhenthisonestartscrowdin'him,snappin'histeeth,hegoeshog-wild;andwhereverhe'sgoin'Billdon'tknow,butthegaithetakesit'sacinchtheywon'tbelate.Tain'tsobadtilltheyhitthesagebrushcountry.Then,firstoneandthenanotherbouncesbyBill'sheadandlandsaheadofhim.Thisoldcayusestartstryingtoout-

dodgethiscouple.Mr.Bullardmanagestokeephiscayuseheadedforthecamp,buthe'smightybusystayinginthemiddleofthislivinglightninghe'sriding.

"THE OLD CAYUSE STARTS TRYING TO OUT-DODGE THESE WOLVES"

Whentheboysincampseehimcomingdownthebottom,theyallwonderwhat'shishurry,buttheyheapsavvywhentheyseewhat'sfollowinghim.Hedon'tslowupnonewhenhereachescamp,sotheboyshandhimsomeremarkslike:"What'syourhurry,Bill,won'tyoustaytoeat?""Don'thurry,Bill,yougotlotsoftime.""Ifyou'regoingtoMedicineHat,alittlemoretotheleft!"

Bullard'sred-eyedbythistime,andofcoursetheseremarkscheerhimupawholelot.AlittlemoreandBillwouldbitehimself.Ifhehadagun,there'dbeamassacre.Finallythe



hosswrangler,who'safraidBillwillmixwiththesaddleband,ridesoutandherdsthewholemussintotheropecorral.

WhenBullarddismountshedon'tsaynothingan'itdon'tlooksafetoaskquestions.

Bill'smightyquietfordays.Aboutaweeklatersomebodysayssomethingaboutkillin'two

birdswithonestone."Yes,"saysBill,"maybeyou'llkilltwobirdswithonestonebutdon'teverbetyoucangettwoanythingswithonerope."



GROUND-ROPED COWPONY

INJUNS

"Someofthesewisebook-learnedmenclaimthatourredbrotherscomefromChinabuttheycan'tproveit,"saysMurphy."Thesefolksain'tgotnohistory,barringafewpaintin'sorcarvin'sonrocks.Theydon'twritethesefolksain'tgotnobooks,an'booksareback-tracksofman.AnInjuncan'ttellyoufurtherbackthanhisgrand-dadtoldhim,an'youcan'tback-trackfarongrassandmostInjuntrailsaregrass-grown.

"IfItoldonlywhatIknowaboutInjuns,I'dbethroughrightnow.Irunontoabeaverhouselastfall.ItlookedthesameasthefirstoneIeversawthat'soverforty-fiveyearsago.TheInjunisnodifferentthebuffaloskinlodgeoflongagoisthesamethingasthecanvaslodgeofto-day.Whatchangestheredmanhasmade,hetookfromhiswhitebrothers.

"ThebigchangecamewhenoldCortezbroughtthatthree-crossbrandofhossesover.Mr.Injunwasn'tlongafoot.Beforethishehadonlywolvesbroketopackordragatravois.Thecountrywaslousywithmeatbutinopenspacesitain'teasytogetwhenyou'reafoot.TheInjuns,liketheirbrother,thewolf,followedtheherds.Thewolfhadtheedgewithhisfourlegs,andwhenthewolfmadehiskillit'sasafebetthatiftherewasenoughInjunssotheywouldn'tbebashful,theytookitawayfromMr.Wolfandsometimestheytookwhatthewolfleft.Whenmangetshisfeedthisway,hedon'tgethismealsoftenorregularenoughtohurthisdigestion,an'wheremeatlaystoolonginhotweather,itdoesn'tneedcookingbutwhenyougoafewdayswithouteatin',youwon'tmindthis."



"Sometimesthey'drunbuffalooffcliffs.Thesewerebigkillin's.Thiswaspulledbythemedicinemanwhoownedabuffalostone.I'veseenoneofthesestones.Injunsclaimthisstonecouldcallbuffalo.It'saqueer-lookingrockaboutthesizeofyourfist.Ifabandofbuffalocomesnearoneofthesecliffs,Mr.MedicineMangoesoutwithhisstone.Heain'twearingmuchbuthisrobe.Underthathe'sstripped,knowing,ifhe'slucky,he'sgottomakearaceoutofitandoutrunthebuffalo.Hegetsasnearashecantotheherd,wrapshisrobearoundhimandgetsdownonhishandsandkneesan'startsgoingthroughallkindsofmanoeuvres,makin'noisesandatthesametimeworkingtowardsthecliff.

"Whilethisisgoingon,therestofhisfolksissneakingupbehindthebuffalothat'ssobusywatchin'thisthingthat'swearingoneoftheirhides.Naturally,thebuffalowanttoknowwhatthisthingisthatdresseslikethem,butain'tgotnoshapethattheyeversaw.Thismedicinemanknowsenough;he'sgottheirwind,theycan'tsmellhim.Theyfollowhimslowfirst,butsoonthey'rerunning.Whenthey'recloseenoughtothecliff,hedropshisrobe,andmakesagetaway.Whentheytrytoturn,alltheseInjunsbehindthemraresup,wavingtheirrobesandyelling.Inaminutethey'reallmillin'andcrowdin'tillmostofthem,maybeall,goover,an'themthatain'tkilledarecrippledsobadthey'reeasyfinishedwithlancesorarrows.

"IseenoneoftheseplacesneartheTetonRiver,wherethere'sthreefeetofbuffalobones,aboutahundredyardslongunderthiscliff.Themdays,thesquawsstrippedthemeatwith

theirknives,leavingthebones.Atthisplacethewhitesgatherarrowheadstothisday.Themtheyfindarestone,tellingthatithappenedalongtimeago.Therearelayersofbuffalohairandwoolthatlookslikefelt.

"SuchplaceswerecalledbytheBlackfeet,piscum.Theseplacesweren'tusedmuch,Idon'tthink,aftertheygotthehosstheydidn'tneedthem.Withagoodhossunderhim,abowandarrowswithsteelorironpointsthatthewhitetradersbrought,itwaseasyforanInjuntogetmeat."



"Whilethebuffalolasted,theInjunscountedtheirwealthinhosses.TheInjunalwayswasatroublehunter,andgettinghossesdon'tmakehimanyeasiertogetalongwith.Whitesthatdon'tknowhimthinkheneversmiles.Theygotthisideawalkingintolodgeswithoutnoinvite,pickin'upanythingtheysee.Maybetheownerofthislodgeistalkingtoafriend.Thewhitemanthinksit'sallrighttostandbetweenthesetworedskins.IftheInjunissmoking,thecivilizedmantakesthepipeandexaminesit.Ifthere'sapartyofthesewedge-ins,they'repickingthingsupandtalkingandmakingallkindsofremarksone'lltelltherestwhatdirtypeopleInjunsare.Maybethere'sanInjuninthelodgethatsavvyswhitemantalk;ifhedoes,heain'tslowtellin'whatthewhitemansays.Naturally,theredmanthat'sbeenstarvingforyearsonwhiteman'spromisesain'tgotlotsofloveforhim,sowhenhebustsinonhishomeandfireside,theInjundon'tshowmuchjoy.Ifotherpeoplewould

walkintomyhousewithoutbein'asked,Idon'tthinkI'dsmilean'lookpleasant.WhatwouldIdoifIwasn'tabletothrowthemout?I'dcallthepolice.AnInjunlaughsonlywhenit'sonthesquare.

"Somewhitemen,especiallythesewedgers-in,areaswelcomeinanInjuncampasarattlesnakeinadogtown.IfanInjunlikesyou,he'llgototheendofthetrailforyou;ifhedon't,he'llgofurthertheotherway.Ifhe'safriend,anythinghe'sgotisyours.Ifhedon'tlikeyou,anythingyougotishisifhecangetawaywithit.Whiteswilldothesame,Inotice,inwartimes.WestoleeveryinchoflandwegotfromtheInjunbutwedidn'tgetitwithoutafight,andUncleSamwillrememberhimalongtime.

"Thewhiteshavealwaysheldtheedge.ThefirstwereSpaniardswithsteelbow-gunsand

withclothesmadebyablacksmith.MisterInjunmethimwithwoodenbowsan'stone-pointedarrows,andpaintwasn'tmuchprotectionagainstabow-gunthatwoulddriveanironboltthroughasteelplate.TheonlychanceanInjunhadtogetaSpaniardwaswhenhe'sinbathing,an'beacheswereonlyusedthemdaystolandboatson,andfolksdidn'tbatheoftenitwasn'tconsideredhealthy,andIimaginethewhiteman'scampwasalittlestrongerthanawolfdenifthewind'sright.It'snotrickforMr.Injuntolocatethecamp,butwhat'sthegood?Hisstonearrowheadsonlybustonthisironshellthewhitemanwears.Whenthewhitemangetsthegun,anInjungetsonetoobutheain'tgotnopowderhe's



alwaysafewjumpsbehind,butbydoingsomecarefulsneakin'hegetsenoughscalpstotrimhisleggin's.Thentherearesomanywhitesthat'sbaldheadedthatit'shardlyworththeInjun'swhiletakin'chances,forwhenhe'sgotsohecanloadaflintlockgunintwentyminutes,thepalefaceshowsupwithabritch-loader.Whenhegetsabritch-loader,thewhiteman'sgotarepeater.

"Ifyou'reoutlookingforamanwitharepeaterandyouarepackin'amissilestufferandyougotpowderthat'swet,naturallyyou'recareful.Themanwitharepeaterandbeltfullofcartridgescallsthefellerwithasingleshotacoward.Ofcourse,thismakesabush-whackeroutofanInjun.

"Ibelieveifthewhitemanhadthesameweaponsashisredbrothers,UncleSamwouldn'townonlypartofthiscountryyetandwewouldn'tneedanygamelaw.Ithinkthewhitemanisthesmartestmanintheworldbuthe'snobraverthanothers.He'sthesmartest,he'sprovedthat.He'stheonlymanintheworldthatplaysgolftokeephimselfinshape-othercolorskeeptheextryleaf-lardoffwithapickandshovel.Theold-timeInjundidn'tpackmuchfat.Hedidn'twork,buthewasbusyfindingmeatanddodgin'enemies.Civilizationdon'tagreewithhimheain'tgotroom.Afewmoregenerationsan'therewon'tbeafull-bloodAmericanleft."



WHISKEYWhiskeyhasbeenblamedforlotsitdidn'tdo.It'sabrave-maker.Allmenknowit.Ifyouwanttoknowaman,gethimdrunkandhe'lltiphishand.IfIlikeamanwhenI'msober,IkinhardlykeepfromkissinghimwhenI'mdrunk.Thisgoesbothways.IfIdon'tlikeamanwhenI'msober,Idon'twanthiminthesametownwhenI'mdrunk.

Remember,Iain'tsayingthatboozeisgoodformen,butitboilswhat'sinhimtothetop.Amanthatbeatshiswifewhenhe'sdrunkain'tagoodmanwhenhe'ssober.I'veknoweddrunksthatwouldcomehometomamaloadeddownwithflowers,candy,andeverythingthattheythoughttheirwifewouldlike.Othermenthatwouldn'ttakeadrinkneverbroughthomenothingbutlaundrysoap.Themanthatcomeshomedrunkandlickshis

wifewouldn'tfightachickadeewhenhe'ssober.Thedrunkthatbringshomepresentsknowshe'swrongandissorry.Hewantstosquarehimself.Themanthatlickshiswifeain'tsorryfornobodybuthimself,andtheonlywaytomakehimrealsorryistobeathimneartodeath.

There'sadifferenceinwhiskeysome'sworsethanothers.MeandafrienddropsintoaboozeparlorontheCanadianline.Themanthatrunsthisplaceisafriendofours.Iain'tmentioningnonamesbuthisfrontname'sDick.He'sanold-timecowpuncher.He'sboughtalotofboozeinhisdaybutrightnowhe'ssellingit.

Whenmeandmyfriendnameourdrinkwenoticethere'sabouttenmeninthisjoint.Their

actionstellsusthey'vebeenusingsomeofDick'sgoods,butthereain'tnoloudtalk.Theyareallpairedoff,talkinglowlikethey'reatafuneral.IgetcuriousandaskDickifthesegentsarepallbearersthat'sspreadingsorrowonhisjoint.

"No,"saysDick,lookingwise."Thisain'tnocow-townnomore.It'soneofthecomingfarmer-citiesofthiscountry,andthesellersofallthisrichlanddon'twantnothingthat'llscareawayfarmers,andI'mheretopleasethefolks.Mostofthesetillersofthesoilcomefromprohibitionstateswheremendotheirdrinkin'aloneinthecellar.Whenyoudrink



thatway,itdon'tcostsomuch.Theold-timerthatyouknewwasgenerallyonthesquare.Whenhegotdrunkhewantedeverybodytoknowitandtheydid,iftheywereinthesametown.Folksto-dayain'tbeenabletosweepallthisoldstuffoutbut,likesomeoldbachelorsIknow,they'vesweptthedirtunderthebed,andwhatyoudon'tseedon'tlookbad.

"Thegentthatsoldmethisbrandofboozetoldmethereain'tacrosswordinabarrelofit,andhetoldthetruth.Allthesegentsyouseeinherearepleasantwithoutthenoise.Thisbunch,iftheystaytothefinish,willwhisperthemselvestosleep.Thisboozewouldbesafeforaburglar.Icallit,"saysDick,"whisperin'booze."

ButasIsaidbefore,there'sdifferentkinds.IknowedaoldInjuntraderontheMissouriRiverthatsoldanotherkind.Backinthe'80sthecowmenofJudithcountrywasthrowingtheircattlenorthoftheriver.Thisoldtraderhadaplaceontheriverrightwherewecrossedthecattle.Allsummerwewereswimmingherds.

IneverknowedwhatmadeanInjunsocrazywhenhedrunktillItriedthisbooze.Ialwayswaswatershyandthisoldstreamhasgotmanyaman,butwithafewdrinksofthistrade

whiskeytheMissourilookedlikeacreekandwespuroffinitwithnofear.Itwassureabrave-maker,andifamanhadenoughofthisboozeyoucouldn'tdrownhim.Youcouldevenshootamanthroughthebrainorheartandhewouldn'tdietillhesoberedup.

WhenInjunsgottheirhidesfullofthistheywerebadanddangerous.IusedtothinkthiswasbecauseanInjunwasawildman,butatthisplacewherewecrossedtheherdsthere'sabouttenlodgesofAssiniboines,andweallgetdrunktogether.Thesquaws,whenwestarted,gotmightybusycachinggunsandknives.Inanhourwe'reall,Injunsandwhites,sodisagreeablethatashepherddogcouldn'thavegotalongwithus.Somewisecowpuncherhadpersuadedallthecowpuncherstoleavetheirgunsincamp.Thiswisemancouldseeaheadan'knowedthingswasgoingtobemessy.Withoutgunseithercowpunchersor

Injunsareharmlesstheycan'tdonothingbutpullhair.OfcoursetheInjun,wearinghislockslong,getstheworstofit.WeweresodisagreeablethattheInjunshadtomovecamp.

ItusedtobeaginthelawtosellanInjunwhiskey,butthelawhasmadeInjunsoutofallofusnow.Mostnewboozeisworsethantradewhiskey.Whiskeymadeallmenbrave.IfnobodygotdrunktheEastCoastwouldbeawfulcrowdedbythistime.Maybetheleadersoftheexploringpartydidn'tdrink,butthementhatwentwiththemdid.It'sasafebettherewasn'tamaninColumbus'crewthatknowedwhatamaple-nutsundaewas.

Intheoldtimes,whentheworldhadlotsofwildcountriesandsomebraveexplorerwantedmentogoupagindangerandmaybestarvation,hedon'tgotothefiresideofhomelovers;hefindsthetougheststreetinatownwherethere'smusic,booze,andlotsoffightersheain'tlookin'forpets.Whenhestepsinthisjoint,hewalkstothebarandasksthemallup.Hedon'tbarnobody,noteventhebartender.Hestartswithmakingagoodfellerofhimself.Thissportdon'tasknobodywhoheis,butwhilehe'sbuyin'drinkshe'stellingaboutothersthathasgonetothesecountriesandcomebackwithgoldineverypocket,an'itain'tlongtillallhavesignedupandjoined.Ifthere'sanydangerofthemweakening,hekeepsthemdrunk.There'sbeenmanyamanthatgotdrunkinSt.Louis,andwhenhecomestooutofthisdebauchhe'shundredsofmilesuptheMissouri,onaline



draggingaboatloadedwithtradegoodsfortheInjuncountry.Ifheturnsbackhe'sliabletobumpintowarparties,sohestays.Thisgameisplayedonsailor,woodsandrivermen.Cowpuncherswereofthesamekindofgoodsallcareless,homeless,hard-drinkingmen.

Furtraderswerethefirstandrealadventurers.Theywenttocountriesunknowneverytracktheymadewasdangerous.Oneverysidewereunseensavages.SuchpeopleasColter,Bridger,andmenoftheirstamp,thesefellerswerenotoutforgoldorgreatwealththeyaskedforlittlebutlifeandadventure.Theyhadnodreamsofpalaces.Fewofthemeverreturned.Thegold-hunterwhocamelaterlovedthemountainsforthegoldhefoundinthem,andsomewhentheygotitreturnedtothecity,wheretheyspentitanddiedincomfort.Butmosttrapperskissedgood-byetocivilizationandtheirbirthplacetookanInjunwoman,andfinished,nobodyknowedhoworwhere.

Thecowboywasthelastofthiskind,andhe'smightynearextinct.Hecamefromeverywherefarms,bigcities,andsomeofthemfromcolleges.Mostofthemdrankwhentheycouldgetit.

AsIsaidbefore,they'reallInjunsnowsincetheVolsteadlaw.JusttheotherdayI'mtalkingtoafriend.Sayshe,"It'sfunnyhowcrazyanInjunisforwhiskey.AfewdaysagoI'mridingalongIgotaquartofboozeinmysaddlepocket.ImeetanInjun.HeseeswhatIgot,andoffersmethehosshe'sridingforthequart.Toamanthatwantsasaddlehoss,thisoneisworthahundreddollars.Ipaidsixforthismoonshine."

"Didyoumakethetrade?"saysI.

"Hell,no!"sayshe."It'salltheboozeIgot!"



WHENPETESETSASPEEDMARK

"Sizin'PeteVanupfromlooks,"saysRawhideRawlins,"you'dneverpickhimforspeed,an'I,myself,neverseePetemakeaquickmovewithoutahossunderhim.IfPete'senteredinafootracemostfolkswouldplayhimwithacopper,butBillSkeltonclaimsPete'stheswiftestanimalheeversee,barrin'nothin'.AtthatBillsaysheneversawPeteshowspeedbutonce,an'that'sbackinabout'78.

"They'reintheMusselshellcountry,an'onemornin'they'reoutaftermeat.Theyain'ttraveledfartilltheysightdust.InthemdaysthismeansInjunsorbuffalo.Thismakes'emcautious,'causetheyain'tanxioustobumpintonoredbrotherswithabunchofstolenhosses.WhenInjunsaretravelingwiththiskindofgoodsitain'tsafetodetain'em,an'Petean'Billbotharetoogenteeltohorninwheretheyain'twelcome,'speciallyifit'sabigparty.Ofcourse,ifit'sasmallbunchthey'dbepleasedtorelievethembythehelpoftheirrifles.

"Theystartcayotin'aroundthehillstilltheysightlongstringsofbrowngrass-eatersbuffalo.Thisherdain'tdisturbednonejusttravelin'.Thismeansmeatan'plentyofit,so

gettin'thewindright,theyapproach.

"Thecountry'srough,an'byholdin'thecouleesthey'rewithinahundredyardsbeforethey'renoticed.It'sanoldbullthattipstheirhand;thisoldboykinkshistailandjumpsstiff-legged.Thisstartsthewholebunchrunnin',butitain'taminutetillPeteandBill'samong'em.

"Petesinglesoutacowan'Billdoesthesame.Pete'ssobusyemptyin'hisHenryintothiscowthatheforgetsallabouthissaddle.He'sridin'anold-fashionedcenter-fire.Hishossisyoungan'shad-bellied,an'withaloosecinchthesaddle'sworkin'back.ThefirstthingPeteknowshe'sridin'thecayuse'srump.Thishossain'tbroketoridedoublean'objectsto

anybodysittin'onthehindseat,sohesinkshisheadan'unloadsPeterightinfrontofacow."Bill,who'sdownedhismeat,looksupjustintimetoseePeteland,andhe'lightsrunnin'.BillsaysthecowonlyoncescratchesthegreaseonPete'spants.Fromthenonit'sPete'srace.Itlookslikethecowwasstandin'still."



"Anybodythatknowsanythingaboutbuffaloesknowsthatcowscanrun.Petedon'tonlybeatthecow,butrunsbyhisownhoss,whichbythistimeisleavin'thecountry.

"Pete'ssoscared,'saysBill,'thatIdamnnearrunmyownhossdown,tryin'toturnhimback.'"



BILL'SSHELBYHOTEL

"Theytellme,"saysRawhideRawlins,"thatBill'sgoin'tobuildafinehotelfortouristsuponFlatheadLake,notfarfromwherehisranchis.Istayedwithhimatimeortwowhenhe'srunnin'thatbighotelinGreatFalls,an'hesuresavviesmakin'folkscomfortable.

"Youwouldn'teverfiggerthatBillwouldberunnin'oneofthesefinemodernhotelsifyou'dknowedhimwhenIfirstrunontohimtwenty-fiveyearsago.It'shardtorecognizeBillinthemgoodclothes,withawhitecollaran'adiamondasbigasaMexicanbeaninhistie,ifyouwasn'ttolditwasthesameman.

"BillwasbornnearDesMoines,Iowa,andasaboywasknowedasthechampionlightweightcornshuckerofHogBristleCounty.Butwhenhegetstomanhoodhetakesadisliketowork,an'afterhoardin'hiswagesofthreedollarsamonthforeightyears,hejustnaturallystepsunderneathafreighttrainonemornin'withhisbankrollan'takesaseatontherods.Hegivesonelingerin'lookattheoldhomesteadandtellsthebrakemanhecanturnherloose.

"Billfindsapleasanttravelin'companioninanotedtourist,BrakebeamBen,whokindlydivideshisconversationan'whateverlittlethingshehasonhim.SomeoftheselastmakeslivelycompanyforBill,whofindstravelin'pleasantan'makeslotsofstopsatpointsofinterestalongtheline.Hegetsacquaintedwithseveralmenwhowearstarsan'brassbuttons.TheyalltakeakindlyinterestinBill,an'afterinsistin'onhisspendin'afewdayswiththem,showhimtherailroadtracksoutoftownandwishhimapleasantjourney.

"AyearorsolaterBillarrivesinMcCartyville,atownthatinthemdayswasaboutasquietan'peacefulasRussiaisto-day.McCartyvilleconsistsofagraveyardan'oneortwoghostcabinsnow,butthenit'saconstructioncampfortheGreatNorthern,an'thereain'ta

tougheroneonearth,eveninthemtimes.ThemostprosperousbusinessmeninMcCartyvillewastheundertakers.Theykepttwoshiftsatworkallthetime,an'everymornin'they'dcallatthehotelan'saloonstocarryoutthevictimsofthenightbefore.Nooneaskednoquestions.

"WhenBillstepsoffthetraintherehehasanIowathirst,an'he'sjustaswelcomeashisremainin'twodollarsan'ahalf,whichisgoodforjusttendrinks.Tothisprohibition-raisedboythisisarealnovelty,forwherehecomesfrom,noonedrinkswithouthidin'inthecellar.Billtellsmethatthelivesofalotofhisfriendsthereisjustonelonggameofhide-and-seek.InthemdaysanIowancoulddrinkmoreinoneswallerthantheaveragewesternercaninthreehours,soBill'scalledonfrequentbythebarkeeptoslowup,astheycanonlymakejustsomuchliquoreverytwenty-fourhours.

"It'shereBillgetshistrainin'inhotel-runnin',fromwashin'dishestodealin'biscuitsthroughthesmokethathangsheavyaroundthedinin'room.Attheendofthreedayshe'stoldbythemarshaltoclimbthehillan'back-trackasfarashelikes.Billsaidthattheydidn'tlikenopeacefuldisposedcitizensthere,butIneverheardnooneelseaccusehimofthisweaknessheclaims.



"AfewdayslaterhelandsinShelby,wherethecitizensaresurprisedanddelightedtoseehimseparatehimselffromtherods.He'scoveredwithdustan'resemblespartoftherunnin'gear.Inthiswayhewasabletohideoutfromthebrakies.Whenheasksforaroomwithabathit'stoomuchfortheclerk,whohasanervoustemperamentan'hasspentthepreviousevenin'drinkin'Shelbylemonade,an'heshootsBill'shatoff.ThisdrinkImention

waspopularamongtheShelbyitesofthatday.It'samixtureofalkaliwater,alcohol,tobaccojuicean'adashofstrychninethelasttokeeptheheartgoin'.

"Thisoutburstoftheclerkdon'tscareBillnone,ashe'sbeenpermanentlycuredofgunshynessatMcCartyville.Astheclerklowershisgun,Billwarpsacouplin'pinjustunderwherethegent'shatrests.Thehat'sruined,buttheclerkcomestothreedayslatertofindBill'sgothisjob.ThisiswhereBillbreaksintothehotelbusiness.Aweeklaterinagameofstudpokerhewinsthehotel.Ineverbelievethestorywhisperedaroundbysomeofthecitizensthatit'sacolddeckthatdidit.

"Bill'schef'soneofthemostrapidcooksknownintheWest.Hehangsupabetofahundreddollarsthatwiththeuseofacan-opener,hecanfeedmorecowpunchersan'sheepherdersthananyothercookwestoftheMississippi.There'snevernocomplaintaboutthemeat,either,forthiscook'sasgoodwithagunasheiswithacan-opener.Infact,nooneeverclaimsheain'tagoodcookaftertakin'onelookathim.

"Shelby'schangedalotsincethemdays.Intheoldtimestheresidentsthereincludealotofhumoristswhohaveahabitofstoppin'trainsan'entertainin'thepassengers.MostoftheselastisfromtheEast,an'theyseemedtobeserious-minded,withlittlefunintheirmake-up.TheShelbyfolksgetsojokeywithonetheatricaltroupethatstopstherethatmanyoftheseactorswillturnpaleto-dayatthementionoftheplace.AtlastJimHillgetsonthefightan'threatenstobuildaroundbywayofGoldButtean'cutoutShelby,preferrin'toclimbtheSweetgrassHillstorunnin'histrainsthroughthisjollybunch.

"ThishotelofBill'swasoneofthefewplacesI'veseenthat'sgotfliesbothwinteran'summer.DuringthecoldmonthstheycomefromallovertheNorthwesttowinterwithBill,an'hiveinthekitchenan'dinin'room.Billclaimsthey'reintelligentinsects,asthey'llspendseveralhoursadayinwarmweatherfrolickin'aroundthehogpens,butwhenheringsthetriangleformealstheystartinacloudforthedinin'room.Forahome-like,congenialplaceforaflytolive,youcouldn'tbeatBill'shotel.

"Bill'srunseveralhotelssincethis,an'ashe'skeptongoin'upinthebusiness,thisnewonehe'sgoin'totackleonthelakewillprobablytop'emall,butit'sdoubtfulifhe'llbeabletofurnishasmuchexcitementforhisguestsastheoldplaceatShelbyusedtoprovideforthe

boarders."



DADLANE'SBUFFALOYARN

Talkhaddriftedintothedaysofthebuffalo."Irunontoaheadyesterdaythatthebonehuntersmusthaveoverlooked,"saidLongWilson."It'skindahidawayundertherimrockonLoneInjun.'Twasanoldbull,withthehornsgnaweddowntothenubsbytrade-ratsan'there'salittlewoolontheforehead,bleachedan'fadedtillit'salmostwhite.'Tain'tlongagothecountrywascoveredwiththeserelics,butsincethebonehunterscleanedupyouseldomseeone.DownontheMissouriI'veseenbunchesofskeletons,runnin'fromtentosixty.Yougenerallyfind'emunderaknollorraiseinthecountry,an'byscoutin'aroundalittleyoumightfindinawallerorbehindagreasewoodapileoflong,bottleneckshells.TheseareSharp'sca'tridges,an'innumberthey'dcountafewovertheskulls.Theseskinhuntersdidn'twastemuchlead;theyhadkillin'downtoafineness,goin'atitinabusinessway.Theyhuntedafoot,an'mostof'emusedglasses.WhenMisterSkinHunterleavescamphe'sloadeddownwithammunition,an'packin'agunthatlooksan'weighslikeacrowbar.Heprowlsalongthehighcountrytillhesightstheherd;thengettin'thewindrighthekeepsthecouleestillhesightstherange,an'itdon'thavetobeclose,'causethese

oldSharp'spackleadathousandyards.Firsthepicksoutacowontheedgeofthebunch,an'pullin'downonherhebreaksherback.Ofcourseshestartsdraggin'herhindquartersan'makin'allkindsofbuffalonoise.Quickerthanyou'dbatyoureye,herneighbors're'roundherwantin'toknowwhat'sthematter.

"Buffalo'relikeanyothercow-brute;killone,an'theydon'tnoticeitmuchor'reliabletoquitthecountry;crippleonean'starttheblood,an'it'sprettynearacinchthey'llhang'round.Thehidehuntersknowthistrickan'mostof'emuseit.Whentheherdgetstomillin',hegoestoworkpourin'leadinto'emasfastashecanworktheleveronhisbreech-block.Wheneveronetriestobreakoutofthemill,there'saballgoesbustin'throughitslungs,causin'ittobelchblood,an'strangle,an'itain'tlongtilltheyquittryin'togetawayan'standan'taketheirmedicine.Thenthiscold-bloodedpropositioninthewallersettlesdowntobusiness,droppin'oneatatimean'easin'upnowan'agintocoolhisgun,butneverforlongtillheseesthroughthesmokethegroundcoveredwithstill,brownspots.Thenlayin'downhishotweaponhestraightensupan'signalstheskinnersthat'scomin'upbehind.They'velocatedhimbythetalkofhisSharp's.

"Thisiswhathunterscalled'gettin'astand';there'snothin'takenofftheanimalbutthehidean'sometimesthetongue.Therestgoestothewolves.Thesehidehunters'rethegentlementhatcleanedupthebuffalo,an'sincethebonegathererscomethereain'tnothin'lefttoshowthatthereeverwasany.I'veseenafewbuffalomyself,butthebigherdswasgettin'prettyseldomwhenIhitthecountry.Iguessyou'veallheardthemyarnsabouthowtheyusedtostoptheboatsontheMissouri,an'howwagon-trainswouldhavetocorralfordays,lettin'aherdpass.ThestrongestyarnIeverheardofthiskindwastoldbyanoldfelleruponHighRiverSprings.He'saHudsonBayman,an'stellin'aboutcomin'southfromEdmontonwithaRedRivercart-train.They'rejustnorthoftheBigBowwhentheyrunintoaherd;asnearashecanfigurethere'sacoupleofmillion.It'sspringan'thecalves'resoplentifultheyhavetostopeverylittlewaysan'pry'emfrombetweenthespokes;theykeepblockin'thewheels."



"Buffalo?"saysoldDadLane."Iwasherewhenthey'rethickashaironadog,butit'ssurprisin'howquickoneofthesebigherdscouldquitacountry.You'dtravelfordaysinsightof'em,an'wakeupsomemornin'an'it'dlooklikethey'ddisappearedfromthefaceoftheearth;you'dridefortendayswithoutseein'hideorhairof'em.WhethertheywalkedorrunIneverknowed,butfromlooksyou'dswearthey'dflew.Thissuddendisappearin'ofbuffalocomesprettynearcausin'metocashinonce.

"It'sbackin'62.There'sme,JackWelch,Murphy,an'afellercalledWhiskyBrown,buildsatradin'postupnearWritin'Stone.We'reshortofgoodsan'somebody'sgottogotoBenton;somean'JoeBurke,aninterpreter,knowin'thecountry,volunteerstomakethetrip.ThisBurke'safull-bloodedPiegan,butbein'raisedbyawhitemanhe'stukhisname.He'sknowedamongsthispeopleas'BadMeat.'Ouroutfit'smadeupofeightpack-poniesan'twoRedRivercarts.We'redrivin'thesevehiclesjerkneck,thatisthetrailpony'stiedtotheleadcartsoonemancanhandleboth.I'mteamster;theInjun'sgotthepack-train.Thefirstcoupleofdaysit'ssmoothsailin'.It'sAugust,theweather'sfine,an'we'reneverouto'sighto'buffalo,someat'salwayshandy."



"Thesecondmornin'whenwe'requittin'theblanketsInoticethesundownontheskyline,

lookin'likeared-hotstovelid,an'mynostrilsfillwiththesmellofburntgrass,tellin'metherangeisafiresomewheresouthofus.'Tain'tanhourtillthesky'ssmokedupsothesun'shid,an'we'velostourtimepiecean'compass.Butitdon'tworrymenone;IcanseetheInjunjoggin'alongahead;allthesmokeinhellcouldn'tlosehim.There'soneplacewhereanInjunholdstheedgeonawhitemandayornightyoucan'tlosehim.

"Irememberaskin'BadMeathowitwasthatanInjunneverloseshisway.Hetellsmewhenawhitemantravelshelooksoneway,alwaysstraightahead.Passin'abutte,heonlyseesonesideofit,neverlookin'back;soofcoursehedon'tsavvythatbutteonhisreturn.TheInjunlooksallwaysan'seesallsidesofeverythin'.There'ssomethin'inthis,butthatain'tallthereistoit.OfcourseanInjunain'tgoteyesfornothin',butitain'tallseein',

'causeI'vebeenwithsavagesnightssoblackthatbatsstayedtohome;butitdon'tbotherMisterInjun.Hetravelswithouthesitatin',likeit'sbroadday.Idon'tknowhowhedoesitan'IdoubtiftheInjuncantellhimself.Thesepeople'reonlyparthumanan'thisiswheretheanimalcropsout.

"Well,wekeepworkin'alongsouththroughthesmoke.OnceinawhileIcanseeastringo'buffalo,dimthroughthesmokelikeshadows.Sometimestheygetrightuponusbeforesightin'ouroutfit.Thenswervin'fromtheircoursetheygolopin'offan''resoonlostfrom



sight.Towardsevenin'BadMeatdownsayoungcowan'whilewe'retakin'theback-meatheadvisestakin'thehams;butIsay'What'stheuse?It'sonlythatmuchextrapackin',an'we'llgetmeatto-morrow.'

"'Allthebuffaloweseeto-dayistravelin','sayshe.'Maybe-sonomeatto-morrow.'

"SincehespokeofitInoticethattheyarealltravelin',an'notsosloweither,butI'veseenbuffalolopean'trotgoin'toorleavin'water,an'didn'tthinknothin'ofit.Buttakin'BadMeat'shunch,wetakethehams.

"Boutnoonthenextdaywestriketheburntcountry.Asfarasyoucanseeshe'sblack,withnowan'thenasmoulderin'buffalochipthatstillholdsthefire.It'sasorrysight;afewhoursagothiscountryworegrassthat'dwhipahossontheknees,an'buffalofedbythousands.Nowshe'slifeless,smokedan'charredtillshelookslikehellwiththefolksmovedout.It'sthesamealldayblack,withoutalivin'critterinsight.Theoutlook'sbadforthecayuses,buttowardsevenin'westrikeacreekthatBadMeatcalls'WildDog,'an'alittlepatchofgrassthefire'sgone'round.TheInjun'snotforstoppin'excepttoeatabitean'

waterthehosses;thenpushonintothenightawayfromthefire.Injun-like,he'sbeenhoundin'thegroundalldayan'findssometracks.Hetellsmehe'sseenthemoccasinmarks,asnearashecanguess,ofabouteightmen,an'thereain'tnoponysignamong'em;they'reallafoot.An'whenthesunshowsredlikeabloodywarshield,hesays,it's'badmedicine.'

"Thissavagesuperstitionaboutthesunsoundsfoolishtome,an'Itellhimit'sthesmokecausesit.'Yes,'sayshe,'butwhobuiltthefire?We'restillinthecountryofthePiegans;dotheyburntheirowngrass?'

"Ofcoursethesetrackslookbad,'causewhenyouseeInjunswalkin'inacountryit'sacinchtheyain'tfriendly.Walkin'makesallpeopledangerous.Warpartiesgenerallytravel

thiswayan'bythetimethey,oranybodyelse,havewalkedahundredmilesorsotheyain'ttobetrustedamongsthosses.Mean'BadMeattalksitoveran'decidesbyputtin'outthefireit'llbesafeenough.

"Ourhosses'reallgoodtostay,an'barrin'twowehobblean'ourherd-hossonapicketrope,they'reallloose.It'sbeenatiresomeday,an'Inomore'nhittheblanketstillI'masleep.'

"AlonginthenightsometimeI'mawakenedbyareportofguns.Itkindo'dazesmeatfirst;thenaballspatsaginawheelspokejustabovemyhead,an'Iain'tslowchangin'mybed-ground.MisterInjunhadanideewhereI'msleepin'an'isfeelin'formewithhisgun.He'sdoin'goodguessin'inthedarknessan'comeswithinafootoffindin'me.I'mawakeplenty

nowan'hearthehossesrunnin'.Bythewaythenoiseisleavin'meIknowthey'repushin'thecountrybehind'emmightyrapid.Itellyou,boys,it'stoughlayin'therelistenin'toallyougotleavin'you,butthereain'tnothin'todo.Inthatcountrywe'reasgoodasblindmen.It'sthedarkestnightIeversee,an'theburntgrounddon'thelpitnone.I'msodamnmadIblazeawayinthedarkonceatthenoisean'thinkIhearahossbawllikehe'shit,butIguessit'smyimagination,forthere'snothin'toshowforitinthemornin'.I'mcussin'an'goin'onwhenIhearBadMeatkindo'chucklin'.Hecallstomefromhisblankets.'Iknowedit,'sayshe.



"Ifyouknowed,'saysI,'you'realittlelatebreakin'thenews.What'sthecauseofyouholdin'outallthisknowledge?'An'Icussedhimupabatch.I'minthewrongallright,butain'tinnohumortoownuptoit'speciallytoanInjun.

"AsIsaidbefore,we'rehelpless,butthereain'tnothin'todobutwaitforday.Whenit'slightI'msurprisedatBadMeat'sappearance.Uptillnowhe'swearin'whiteman'sclothes,butthismornin'he'sbacktotheclout,skinleggin's,an'shirt.Hisforetop'swrappedinotterskinan'fromhishairtojustbelowhiseyeshe'ssmearedwithochre.Therestofhisfaceisblack,withgreenstripes.Henoticesmysurprisean'tellsmeitain'tgoodmedicineforanIndiantodiewithwhitemen'sclothes.Iaskhimwhat'shisreasonforthinkin'aboutcashin'in.'Thatwar-party,'sayshe,'ismightysuccessfulingettin'themhosses,butallInjunslovetogetsomelittletokentotakebacktotheirfolks,suchashair.'Thiskindo'worriesme;Iain'tanxioustofurnishnosavageslockstotrimleggin'swith,an'IthinkBadMeatfeelsthesameway,'causehesaysit'llbeagoodideatotravelnightsfromhereon,an'Isecondthemotion.

"BadMeatcallstheturnwhenhesaystheseInjunsain'tsatisfied,forwhilewe'reeatin'breakfastthere'sabandof'emloomsuponaridge.It'sthesamepartythatmakesthenightvisit;Irecognizethehosses.Whilewe'relookin''emover,onebuckslidesfromhispony,an'restin'hisgunonhiscross-stickstakesacrackatus.There'salittlecurlo'dustoutontheprairieshowsmethathisoldsmooth-borewon'tpackleadnearthatdistance,butthewayhe'spintin'hisweapontellsmeitain'tnofriendlysalute,somean'BadMeattakesouttheprairie.Wedon'tnomore'nreachthebrushtillthey'realldownofftheridge,yelpin'likeabando'coyotes.BadMeatstartssingin'hiswar-ditty.Onhearin'hisgunbarkIlookoffontheprairie;therelaysonestillInjun.There'salooseponylopin'offwithnothin'onbutawar-bridle.It'sagoodshotforanInjun,butBadMeat'soveraverage.

"Thisgoodshootin'don'tseemtopacifythesesavages,an'thewaytheystartpilin'leadin

ourdirectionmakesushugthebrush;wedon'tleaveittilldark.Barrin'abundleo'robesBadMeatgrabswhenwe'requittin'thecampit'saMexicanstand-off,whichmeansgettin'awayalive.Ofcoursewegotourguns,butwe'regrubless,an'forthreedayswedon'tswallernothin'morestimulatin'thanwater.Thefourthmornin'we'reouto'theburntcountry.It'sgettin'prettylightan'we'rethinkin'aboutcampin'whenweseefouroldbullsaboutamileoff.Thecountry'slevelasatablean'thechancesofgettin'nearenoughforashotlooksslim.TheInjunsaysheknowsaway,an'unrollin'therobeshecomesupwithacoupleo'wolf-skins.Hetellsmehisgranddadusedtoplaywolfan'foolthebuffalo.Whenwegetourdisguisestiedonwefindashallowcouleethat'llsavealotofcrawlin'.Onreachin'theraisewedroptoallfoursan'startplayin'wolf.TheInjun'salittleaheadan'whenhetopsthedrawInoticehimpullawispo'grassan'tossitup.There'ssolittlewindit'shardtotellthedirection,butthegrassfallsjustbackofhisshoulder.BadMeatsigns'good,'an'westartcrawlin'.I'msohungryIfeellikeawolfallright,butforlooksI'mnogood;mysuit'stoosmallan'Ikeepthinkin'thatanybuffalothatwouldn'ttumbletomemustbenearsightedoradamnfool.It'sdifferentwithBadMeat.Alittlewayoffinthegrasshe'sactin'wolfmightynatural.Injun-like,heknowstheanimalan'sgotthatside-wheelin'gaitoftheloaferwolfdownfine.



"Weain'tgonefarwhenthenearestbullraiseshisheadan'liftsnose,butthewind'swrongan'hedon'tfindnothin';soafterlookin'usover,hegoesgrazin'.I'mwithintwenty-fiveyardswhenIpickoutmybull.They'realloldboysthat'sbeenwhippedoutofthemainherd,butgoin'onlooksIdrawdownontheyoungest.I'mhalfhidinthebuckbrushan'he'sstandin'broadside.Hisheart'swhatIaimfor,butbein'weakan'tremblyfromhungerI

noticethesightwavin'whenIpullthetrigger,an'whenIlookunderthesmoketherestandsthebullwithhisheadup,an'tailkinked.There'saredblotchonhisside,butit'stoohighan'furback.Thebullstandsafewsecondslookin'.Hecan'tseeme'causeI'mlayin'flatasasnake;it'sthedamnsmokehangin'overmethattipsmyhand.I'mtryin'hardtore-loadwhenhecomesforme,snortin'an'gruntin'.WhenIraisetorun,thewolf-skinslipsdownan'hobblesme,an'thenextthingIknowI'mamongsthishorns.

"LuckyformeIgetbetween'em,an'grabbin'ahornineachhandI'mhangin'forallthere'sinme,whilethebull'sdoin'hisbesttobreakmyholt.Butbein'shotthroughthelungshe'sweakan'slowlybleedin'todeath.I'mplayin'mystrengthaginhis'nwhenIhearthebarkofBadMeat'sgun.Thebullgoesover,an'thefight'smine.MaybeyouthinkthatoldInjun

don'tlookgoodstandin'therewithhisoldmuzzle-loader."

"Barrin'bein'coveredwithbloodan'thebarkpeeledoffmeinplaceswhereMisterBulldragsme,I'mallright.Thisbull-meat'sprettystrongan'tough,butit'sfillin'an'takesustoBenton."



BAB'SSKEES

"OldBabcock,"saysRawhide,"couldtellyarnsthat'sscary.We'retalkingaboutskeeswhenBabspringsthisone.

"MeandGumbootWilliamsarecampedonSwimmin'Women,'saysBab.'Wewassetafoot

bytheCrows.It'sbackin'76we'dsavedourhairandwe'rehidin'.Thesnowcomesearlythatfallwe'reawayupontheSwimmin'Women.There'slotsofgame,butwe'rehuggin'campclosewe'reafraidofwarparties,butalittlelaterwhenweknowInjunshavequitprowlin',wegetbold.We'rerightcomfortable,butwe'rerunninglowonmeat.

"It'shardtravelin',thesnow'ssodeep.Idon'tknownothin'aboutmakin'snowshoessoIdecideit'seasiertobuildskees,andhewapairoutoflodgepolepine.Itry'emoutaroundcamp.Ican'tmakemuchtime,butIkeepontopofthesnow.It'shardclimbingtillIwrapthemwithastripofbuffalorobe,makin'akindofroughlock.So,onemorning,IstartsclimbingthesouthsideoftheSnowies.I'mkeepin'totheopencountry,avoidin'timber.'Tain'tlongtillIjumpfiveblacktailbutdon'tgetashot.

"AboutnoonI'mprettyhigh,andstoptogetmywindwhileI'mviewingthecountry.It'ssoclearIcanseetheMusselshell,'waysouth.SuddenlyIseeabouttwomilesbelowme,abandofabouttwentyelksomeofthemislayingdown.I'mpackingaforty-fourHenry,soafterthrowingashellinthebarrel,Islipmyroughlocksandstart,an'itain'taminutetillIknowI'velostcontrol.I'mridingacyclonewiththebridleoff,orsomebody'skickedthelidoffandI'mcominglikeabatoutofhell.Icansmellthesmokeofmyskees.They'resurewarmingupwhenIhitastrideofadeadlodgepole.Itlookslikethiswouldstopme,butdon'teverthinkit.Shebustsattheroot,bendsover,andwhenIshootofftheendshe'strimmedasslickasafish-polethereain'talimbonher.Imusthavesplitaboutfiftyofthesewhentheseelkhearthenoise.They'releavingtheirbedswhenIcomehurlingofftheend

ofalodgepoleandlightstraddleofthebiggestbullthere.Istaywithhimtillhewipesmeoffwithhishorns.Ilandthistimesittin'onmyskees.I'vestillgotmyHenryandI'mfightin'mad.WhileI'mpassin'thisbunchtheylooklikethey'rebackingup.Ithrowdownabigcowandbreakhershoulders.I'mstilltravelingsouthbutain'tgottimetoskinmykillin'.Aftertrimmingseveralhundredmoreacresoflodgepoles,thecountrylevelsandIslowdownandfinallyquit.FrommybeltdownI'mdressedlikeaSavage,butI'mwarmbothwaysfromthemiddle;I'mplumbfeverish.I'mstillwearingabelt,andluckyI'vegotmyroughlocks.It'seasybacktrackingofcourse,therearelongdistancesthereain'tnotracks,butwhileI'mintheairI'mcuttingswathsinthetimberthatlookslikealandslide.WhenIgettothecow,Itakethetongueandloins.Idon'treachcamptilldark.

"Ithink,'saysBab,shakingouthispipe,'thatInjunwebsisthebestifyouain'tinahurry.'"



MANYTRAILS

LAUGH KILLS LONESOMEThe horse wrangler comes in at suppertime for a laugh with the boys.



NIGHTHERD

Thisyarn,afriendofminetellsIain'tgivin'hisname'causehe'smarried,andmarriedmendon'tlikehistorytoonearhome,butIwillsayhe'sacowpuncherandhisfolksonhismother'ssideworemoccasins.Hetellsmehe'sholdingbeeffortheTLoutofBigSandy.Himandanothercowpuncherisonnightguard.I'llcallthispuncher"BigMan."

"We'reholdin'aboutfifteenhundredoutofBigSandy,"saysBig."Weain'tmorethantwomilesfromtown,expectingtoload.Wherewe'vegot'embedded,youcanseethelightsoftown,andonceinawhileIcanhearsingin'andmusic.It'safinenight.They'vebeenongoodgrassalldayandthey'relayinggood,sogoodmypardnersaystome,'Big,ifyouwanttogototownforawhile,I'llhold'emallright.'SaysI,'Iwon'tbegonelong,thenyoucantakeyourturn.'

"Itain'tlongaftertillmyhossisattherack,andI'vejoinedthejoymakers.They'resurewhoopingherup,singin',andIgetalittleofthatconversationfluidinme.I'msingin'sogoodIwonderwhysomeconcerthailinButtedon'thireme.Thebartenderisbusyasa

beaverthepianoplayer'ssingin''AlwaysTakeMother'sAdvice;SheKnowsWhatIsBestforHerBoy.'And,ofcourse,we'realldoin'that.I'veheardthatsongwherearattlesnakewouldbeashamedtomeethismother.Butwhiskeyisthejuiceofbeautifulsentiment.

"AlittlewhilebeforeIbecomeunconscious,I'mshakinghandswithafellerthatIknowedforyearsbutneverknowedhehadatwinbrother.ThelastIremember,I'mcrawlingmyhorseattherack.Thenthelightgoesout.WhenIwakeupI'mcoldasadeadsnake,andI'mlayingonmybellyinthemiddleoftheherd.I'mfearedtomove'causemanyofthisbunchareoutofthebrakesan'arewildasbuffaloandthey'remightytouchy.IfI'dgetup,thisbunchwouldbeatmetoit,andwhenthey'vepassedover,myfriendswouldscrapemeupwithahoe.

"Ican'ttellwhattimeitis.It'scloudyandIcan'tfindthedipper.There'soneoldspottedboythatIrecognizehe'saSeventy-ninesteer.Afewofthemarestanding.OneIseeiswanderin'aroundgrazin',butthey'remightyquiet.I'mgettin'coldereveryminute.I'mwantin'tosmoke,butIdassn't.Iputmyheadonmyarmanddozealittle.'Tain'tlong.ThenexttimeItakealookit'sbreakingday.AndwheredoyouthinkIam?"saysBigMan.

"Inthemiddleoftheherd,"saysI.

"Inthemiddleoftheherd?Inthemiddleofhell,"sayshe."I'mlayinginthecenterofthetowndump.ThesteersthatIbeenlookingatarenothingbutstoves,tables,boxes;allthediscardofSandyisthere.Thefewthat'sstandin'aretables.ThatspottedSeventy-nine

steerthatIknowsowellisabiggoodsbox.Themspotsiswhitepaper.TheoneIseemovin'aroundismyhoss.He'stheonlylivethinginsight.IgotatasteinmymouthlikeIhadsupperwithacoyote.Iain'tquitedead,butIwishIwas.FromwhereIamIcanseeBigSandy,andfromthelooksit'sasneardeadasIam."



PEACE-PIPE WITH BELT

CURLEY'SFRIEND

TheyarnI'mabouttospringwastoldtomealongtimeago.There'sabunchtalkingaboutInjuns,whenafellerI'mcallingCurleycutsin."Iain'tnoInjunlover,"sayshe,"butI'mwillin'togiveanymanasquareshake.

"OnceI'mrunnin'afeedandliverystableatBlackButte.AbouttenmileoutIgotahaycampwithacrewofmenputtinguphay;there'snofencesinthiscountry,soIgotahoss

herder.ThisherderisaBannockInjun;hecan'ttalkmuchwhiteman,butallthehossesseemtosavvyBannock.I'mfeedin'himandhissquawandtheirbead-eyedboywho'soldenoughtodayherd,andhisdadtakes'emnights.

"TheoldmantellsmehisnameinBannock,whichIdon'tsavvy;buthiswomantellsitinEnglishtalk,thatain'tquiteaslameasherman's,thatitmeansinmytongue'SorryDog.'SoasSorryDog,he'sonthepayroll.Besidesmefeedin'himandhisfamily,SorryDog'sgetting$25amonth.ThisInjun'scivilizedenoughsohewearsahatwiththetopcutout,buthebarspants;hestillwearsaclout,leggin's,andblanketliketherestofhisfolks,besidesashirtIgivehimthatspring.It'saboiledonewithastiffbusimwhichissomesoiled.Thiscompleteshisgarb.

"SorryDoghasalodgesetupwherehimandhisfolksisliving.Thewhitehandsthatworksformecampsseparateinsquaretents.ThisInjunhasgotmyworkteamsthrowedinwiththetownherdwhichgiveshimaboutahundredheadhe'sherding.AsIsaidbefore,SorryDogcan'ttalkmuchEnglishbuthe'sgotsomelanguagehossesseemtosavvy,andasheknowsjustalittlemorethanahosstheygetalongfine.

"OneeveningIrideouttomyhaycamp.It'salittlebeforesundownInoticeastrangeInjuninfrontofSorryDog'slodgewhenIstepoffmyhoss.ThisInjunwalksupholdingouthis



hand.Weshake.He'sthesameasallotherredbrotherstomebutInoticehesizesmeupplenty.Hispock-markedfaceissmearedwithvermillion,he'swearingagreenblanketwrappedtohissnakyeyes,an'holdinganoldSpencerinthecrookofhisleftarm,an'Inoticehe'sshytwofingersonthathand.Isavvy,maybehe'slostsomefolksitmightbeoneofhiswomen,maybeit'sason,'causeInjunsliketoshowtheirsorrowisonthesquarean'

sometimeshacksofftheirfingers.It'slikewhitefolkstyingstringsontheirfingerssothey'llrememberwhattheywentafter.Butwhenyouchoponeoffyoushorewon'tforgetyou'llbesorryforalongtime.IseelotsofInjunstrimmedthisway,sohe'snodifferentthanothersofhiskind.

"Iguesshecampswithhisfriendsallnight,butwhenI'msaddlingmyhossnextmorningInoticehe'smissinginSorryDog'scamp.Hedon'tevenstaytobreakfast.Itain'tmorethanbreakingdaywhenI'msaddling,andInoticethatSorryDog'swomanisstillbuildingbannocks.Iaskwherethisstrangeris.Shedon'tlookupfromhercookingbutsays'Hego.''Gonewhere?'saysI.'LostRiver,'saysshe.Thisriveriseasyahundredmilesfrommyhaycamp.'What'shedoinghere?'saysI.'Comeseeyou,'saysshe.'Whatforseeme?'saysI.

'Sayyougoodman.Sayyounotletothermankillhiswoman.'"It'sthreeyearssincewhatthissquaw'stalkingabouthappens.It'slikethis:MeandthreeotherfellersaredriftingnorthfromNevada.We'vegottenhossesthere'stwothat'sgreenbronks,andwe'rehavingtroubleholdin''em.They'rebunchquitters.Wehobblemostofthehosseseverynightbutnearlyeverymorningwe'reoutthesetwo,andwecombthecountryhuntingthequitterswe'vehobbledeveryknownway,butthey'vegotsotheycantravelbetterwithhobblesthantheykinwithout.Butbythetimewe'reinIdahothebunch'resotrail-worntheystayanywhere,andwe'returning'emallloosebutthesetwobronks.

"Onenightwe'recampedinabeavermeadowwithgrassuptotheirknees.We'vecamped

thereacoupleofdays,givin'thisleg-wearybunchachancetorest,butwe'vestillgotthosequittersstakedbyafrontfoottothewillows.

"AsIsaid,thefeed'sgood,an'bychanging'emonceinawhilethey'redoingfine.Weain'tseenanybodywhiteorredsinceweleftSaltLake,butthesecondnightinthisgoodcampabouttwoo'clockwe'rewakenedan'settingupinourblankets.It'sanoisethateverymanthathaslivedinthiscountryknowsit'sthehoofsofrunninghosses,andahollerthatnohumancanmakebutInjuns.Thisyellwillscareabunchoftiredworkbullsoffthebed-ground.

"Well,we'reafootandthere'snousegettingup,sowejustlaythereandtalkitover.I've

justheardthelasthoofbeats,whenoutfromthedarkIhearahosswhinnerclosetocamp.'Weain'tafoot,'saysKellywho'ssleepingwithme.'That'soneofthembunchquitters.'

"Sureenough,whenlightcomes,theretheyare.Ifyou'vegotahossthatwillpullapin,ifyou'lljusttieyourstakeropetooneofhisfrontfeetandtheotherendtoagreenwillow,prettywellupsoastogiveitspring,it'sasafebetyou'llhaveahossinthemorning,ashecan'tbreakhisropeorpullthewillow,an'there'stoomuchspringtohurthim.Ifthese



Injunshadofknownthat,they'dhaveslippedinan'cuttheropes,buttheyoverlookedabetandIguesstheythoughttheyhad'emall.

"Well,itain'tlongtillmeandJimBakerthatain'thisnamebutthat'swhatI'mcallinghiminthisyarnaretrailin'thesehossthieves.Jimissurewarlikehe'sonemanthatlikestokill.I'veknowedmenthatwouldkilliftheyhadcause,butthisJimkillsfortheloveofkilling.Itallcropsoutonhimonthiswartripofours.

"Thesehossthievesain'thardtofollow.We'vekeptourstockallshodandweknowwe'reontherighttrack,butwe'reslowsometimes.Welosethetrailandpickitupagain.It'sdarkwhenwelocatetheircamp.Itlookslikeasmallhuntingpartytheyain'tevengotalodge.Wecan'tseenothingbutabrushwickey-upandwecan'ttellhowmanythereare.Baker'sforopeningtheballrightaway,butItalkhimintowaitingtilldaylight.

"TheseInjunsdon'tthinkthey'refollowedtheythinkwe'replumbafoot,andarecareless.Thisain'tnoregularwarparty,'causeIseeawomanpassbetweenmeandthefirelightonceinawhile,andwarpartiesdon'toftenhaveshesamong'em.IwhisperthistoBaker

an'hesaysthey'reallaliketohim,an'Iknowedbythegrowlinhisvoicewhathemeans.He'sitchin'tokill.'WhenI'mkillin'lice,Idon'tplaynofavors,'sayshe.

"We'relayinginthebrushinsightofthecamp.TheseInjunsarelaughin'andtalkin',butIain'tabletomakeouttheirnumber.It'saboutmidnightwhenIdozeoff.Thebarkofagunwakensme,andtherestandsBakerwithhisgunstillsmoking.It'smoonlightandIcanseethiscampplain,an'there'sanInjunlayingstillrightinfrontofthebrushwickey-up.Iain'tmorethanlookedtillBaker'sgunspeaksandthere'sanotheronedown.They'reallrunningforapatchofbrush,butwhenBakerkillshissecondInjun,Iseethey'reonlythreewomenleft.Theyseetheycan'tmakeittothisshelteran'thethreeturnstowardsuswiththeirhandsup,callingformercy,butthisdon'tsoftenBakernone.Hedownsonewhileher

handsareup,an'beforeIcanstophimhe'sgotanotherbeadon'em,whenIgettohimandkickthegunoutofhishandjustashiscartridgebusts.Hisshotgoeswildhe'ssquatted,usinghiskneeasarest,makinghisshotsdeadsure,whenIkickhisgun.I'mwarlikemyselfan'Ikickfurenoughbacktogethishandwithmyheel.Thelookhegivesmedon'tshownosweetness.He'susinganeedlegun,an'hereachesforitagain,atthesametimetellin'meafewthingshethinksaboutme.Istandforallthis,butwhenhishandgoesforanothercartridgethenIblockhisgameandtellhimifhemakesanotherbreakI'llblowaholeinhimthatthesesquawscanwalkthrough.HetakesonelookatmeandheknowsmyHenryhasafullmagazine.Imakehimdrophiscartridgebeltandwalkawayfromit.

"Oneofthesesquawsisyoung,theotheroldan'wrinkled.Itelltheyoungoneinsignsto

takemyhossandroundupallthehosses.Boththesewomenaresoscaredthewhiteshowsundertheirpaint,buttheysavvyI'mtheirfriendan'itain'tlongtillshe'sgotallthehossesin.TheseInjunhosseswiththosetheystolefromusmakesabouttwentyhead.Alloursarethere.Igivethreetothewomenandtellthemtolightout.Theypacksomegrubontheirextrahoss,theoldwomanshakeshandswithme,andtheymaketheirget-away.

"Bakerisstandingthereallthetimecussin'me,andthethingshe'scallingmeain'tnicetolistento.ButIgothiscartridgebelt,andwithhisemptygunhe'sharmlessasapetrabbit.



Well,whenwegettocampthatnightBakerain'tquitesofrothy.Therestoftheboysseesallthesehosses,andwhenItellthemwhyI'mwearingBaker'sbelttheyalltakesideswithme.Theydon'tmindkillingInjuns,butwhenItellthemaboutthemsquawscomingwiththeirhandsup,thissoftens'emandthey'reallmyway,soBakerdon'tgethisbeltbackuntilseveraldayslaterheridesuptomeandshakeshandsandsaysheiswrong.ThenI

givehimammunitionbutwiththeunderstandingthatifhemakesonecrookedbreakwe'llallturnonhim,sohestayssquare.

"WeallwinterinVirginiaCity,butwe'resplitupmeandMurphy'sbatchin'together.IseeBakeronceinawhilehe'spleasantenough,butIain'tforgotthelooksgivenmewhenIkickedthegunoutofhishand,andIneverfeelsafewithmybacktohim.

"OnenightBaker'splayin'thebankandquarrelswithanotherfeller.ThisfellerwasquickerthanBaker,whichwastheendofthekillin'estmanIeverknowed,andtotellthetruthIdon'tmissBakernoneandfeelawholeloteasier.I'dnearforgotabouthimwhenSorryDog'swomantellsmewhythisstrangeInjuncomessofartoseeme.

"AyearafterthishappensI'monmywaybacktoBlackButtefromthissameranch.Iain'tmorethanstarted,whenIbumpintoabandoftwenty-fiveofthemostdisagreeable-lookingInjunsIeversee.Theminnittheysightmetheypulltheirponiesdowntoawalkan'startpeelin'theirguns.They'reaboutahundredyardsoffwhentheyallstop,andoneofthemstartstalkinginhisowntongue,whichIdon'tsavvy.Finallyhecomestomealone.He'sstrippedtothewaistandpaintedyellerandgreenandhelooksnastierthanaHealyMonster.Whenheridesupclosehetellsmeinsignhe'smyfriend.There'snothingabouthimthatlookslikefriendshipandIwatchedforsomecrookedmove,whenIgetaflashofhislefthand.It'sshytwofingers.ThismakesmelookcloserandInoticepockmarksunderhispaint,andthenhetellsmeheknowsme;thatI'mhiswoman'sfriend;thatallhispeoplelikeme;thatmyheartisstrong;thatthere'snomanamongtheBannocksthatwouldharm

me.

"TheonlyweaponIgotisanoldcap-and-ballColt's.IfIdidn'twastenoleadthismightgetsix,butthere'sanyhowtwenty-five.So,whenthissavagetellsmeallBannocksaremyfriends,heshookhandsagainandagainandtoldmetogo,andItookhiswordforit."



"NextdaythewhitesareallcomingintoBlackButte,tellingabouttheBannockoutbreak.ThemInjunsdonealotofkillingbeforetheystoppedalittlewaysfromwheretheymetme.Theykilledfourwhites.

"IheardthatallgoodInjunsweredeadones.Ifthat'strue,I'mdamngladtheoneImetthatdaywasstillabadone."



WHENMIXWENTTOSCHOOL

"Schooldays,schooldays,dearoldGoldenRuledaysthat'sthesongI'veheer'd'emsing,"saysRawhideRawlins,"an'itmaybeallrightnow,buttherewasnothin'dearaboutschooldayswhenIgotmylearnin'.AsnearasIcanrememberthemhe-schoolmarmswehadwasmadeofthesamematerialasabronco-buster.AnywaytheoneIwenttoinMissourihadeverykidwhip-broke.He'dcallanamean'pickupahickory,an'theownerofthenamewouldcometremblin'tothedesk.

"CharlieMixmaybesomeofyouknowedhimthatusedtorunthestagestationatStanford,

tellsmeabouthisschooldays,an'itsuresoundsnatural.AsnearasIcanremember,he'sfoaledbackinthehillsinNewYorkstate.There'sabunchoflong,ganglin'kidsinthisneckofthewoodsthat'smostlytheoffspringofold-timelumberjacksthat'sdrifteddowninthatcountry,an'nobodyhastotellyouthatthisbreedwillfightabuzz-sawan'giveitthreeturnsthestart.

"Theseoldgrangersbringinallkindsofteachersforthisschool,butnoneof'emcanstaytheweekout.Thelastonethekidstrimisprettygamean'isoveraverageasarough-an'-tumblefighter,buthisageisaginhim.He'stallan'heavyintheshoulderslikeaworkbull,an'hewearslongmossonhischinwhichhe'ssureproudof,butitturnsoutitdon'thelphimnonetowinabattle.TwoorthreeoftheseReubenswouldbeeasyforhim,butwhen

theystartdoublin'uponhimabouttenstrong,oneortwohangin'inhiswhiskers,anothercoupleham-stringin'himandtherestswingin'onhimwithslates,itmakeshimdizzy.Eye-gougin'an'bitin'ain'tbarredeither,an'thiswisdom-bringerhasgotthesamechanceofwinnin'asagrasshopperthathopsintoananthill.Hecomestotheschoolinaspringbuggywithahigh-strungspanofroadsters,butheleavesinalightspringwagon,layin'onagoosehairbedtick,withseveraloldladiesbathin'hiswounds.Theteamisaquietpairofplowanimals,an'thedriveristoldtomovealongslowan'avoidallbumps.



"Itlookslikealifevacationtotheboys,buttheoldfolksthinkdifferent.Theydon't'lowtohavetheirlovin'offspringgrowupintonoignorantheathen.Soonenighttheseoldmawsan'pawspullakindofmedicinesmoke,an'twooftheoldestbravesisdetailedtogotothebigcamp,worktheherdan'cutoutacorralbossforthesekids.TheygodowntoNewYorkCity,an'afterperusin'aroun'theylocateaprize-fighterthat'soutofwork.Theyquestion

him,an'findin'hecanreadan'writean'knowsthemultiplicationtable,theyhirehim.

"Nextmorning,Mixtellsme,teachershowsupan'theboysareallthereitchin'totearintohim.ButMixsaysthere'ssomethin'aboutthisteacher'slooksthatmakeshimsuperstitious.Ofcoursehedon'tsaynothin'notwantin'toshowyallerbutsomehowhe'sgotahunchthatsomethin'sgoin'tohappen.

"Thisgent'sheadissmallerthan'susualinhumans.Theredon'tseemtobemuchspaceabovehiseyes,an'hissmile,whichismeanttobepleasant,isscary.There'salowplacewherehisnoseoughttobe,an'hecouldlookthroughakeyholewithbotheyesatonce.Hisneck'senoughlargerthanhisheadsothathecouldbackoutofhisshirtwithoutunbuttoninghiscollar.Fromheredownhe'sbuiltallwaysforscrappin',an'whenhe'sstandin'atresthisfrontfeethangaboutevenwithhisknees.AllthisMixtakesinataglance.

"Whentheschoolroomquietsdownthenewteacherpullsanicelittletalk.'Boys,'sayshe,'Iain'thuntin'fortrouble,butit'sbeenwhisperedaroundthatthisbunchisfighty,an'I'mheretotellyouasagentlemanthatifthere'sanybattlepulled,youboysisgoin'totakesecondmoney.'

"Thelastwordain'tlefthismouthtilloneofthebigkidsblatsathim.

"'Comehere,'sayshe,kindofpleasant,tothekidthatdidit.Thekidstarts,butthewhole

bunchiswithhim."Theteacherdon'tmovenorturnahair,buthekindofshuffleshisfeetlikehe'srubbin'therosin.Thefirstkidthatreacheshim,hesidestepsan'putshimtosleepwithalefthook.Thenextoneheshootsupunderadeskwithanupper-cut,andthekidlaystheresnorin'.Theybegingoin'downsofastMixcan'tcount'em,butthelastheremembersheseesthebigdipperan'thenorthstar,an'acometcutsaholethroughthemoon.Whenhecomesto,itlookslikethebattleofBullRun,an'teacherisbendin'over,pourin'wateronhimfromabucket.Hecanhearwhatfewgirlscholarsthereisoutsidecryin'.

"Whenhegetsthroughbringin'hisscholarsbacktolife,teachertellstheboystogettheirsongbooksan'lineup.

"'Now,'sayshe,'turntopage40an'wewillsingthatbeautifullittlesong:'

"'EveryMondaymornin'wearegladtogotoschool,Forweloveourlovin'teacheran'obeyhiskindlyrule.'

"'Hemakesussingthateverymornin','saysMix,'an'wewassurebrokegentle.'"



MORMONMURPHY'SCONFIDENCE

Thelinecampwasjammedtoherfifteenbytwenty-footlogwalls.Itwaswinter,andthestormhaddrivenmanyhomelesspuncherstoshelter.Bothbunkswereloadedwithloungers,andascow-peopleneversitdownwhenthereisachancetoliedown,theblanketsonthefloorintheirtarpaulincoversheldtheirshareofcigarette-smokingforms.Talkdriftedfromonesubjecttoanotherriding,roping,andgeneralrangechat,finallyfallingtotheproperandhandywaytocarryarifle.

"Iusedterpackmyguninasling,"saidoldDadLane,thewolfer."Theyain'tusedthesedays,sincemen'sgotterusin'scabbardsan'hangin''emundertheirlegs.Themold-fashionedslingswasusedbyallprairieandmountainmen.Ifyouneverseedone,theywasmadeofbuckskinorsometimesbootleather,cutinwhatI'dcallalongcirclewithaholeineachendthatlippedoverthesaddlehorn.Thegunstuckthroughacrostinfrontofye.Inthemsametimesmenusedgun-coversmadeofskinorblanket.AsIsaidbefore,IusedoneofthemslingstillIneargotcaughtwithmyhobbleson;sincethenIlikemyweaponloosean'handy.I'lltellyouhowtheplaycomesup.

"It'sbackin'78,thesameyearthatJoseph'satwaraginthewhites.Mean'MormonMurphy'scomin'upfromBuford,follerin'theMissouri,trappin'thestreamsan'headin'towardBenton.ThisMurphyain'tnorealMormon.He'swhatwe'dcallajack-Mormon;thatis,he'dwintereddownwithBrighaman'playedMormonawhile.He'sthebestnaturedmanIeverknowed,alwayswearin'asmilean'lookin'atthebrightsideofthings.We'dwood-hawked,huntedan'trappedtogetherformaybefouryears,an'Ineverheered'imkickonnothin'.Heclaimswhenaman'sgothishealthhe'sgotnolicencetobellyache.Murphy'sgood-heartedtillhe'sfoolish,an'sohonesthethinkseverybodyelseisonthesquare.Hesaysifyoutreatfolksright,nobody'llbotheryou.It'sanicesystemtoplay,butIargeritwon'tdotogambleon.Thereismenthat'lltellyewhenye'vetippedyerhole-card,but

they'relongridesapart.ThissameconfidenceinhumansiswhatgetsMormonkilledoff.

"Well,asIsaidbefore,we'retrappin'alongan'takin'iteasy.Inthemdaysallamanneedsisashootin'-ironan'asackofsalttolive.There'snothin'toworryus.We'reintheGrosVentres'country,buttheyain'thoss-tile,an'we'reneverouto'sighto'meatthecountry'slousywithgame.

"Onemornin'we'rejoggin'alongatagoodgait.It'slateinthefall,an'yeknowcoolweathermakeshossestravelupgood,whenol'Blue,oneofthepack-hosses,throwsuphisheadan'straightenshisearslikeheseessomething,an'whenahossdoesthis,yecantapyerself,heain'tlyin'.SoIgotowatchin'thecountryaheadwherehe'slookin'.

"Sureenough,prettysoonthere'sariderloomsupoutofadraw'bouthalfamileoff.It'sanInjunIcantellbythewayheswingshisquirtan'isdiggin'hisheelsinhispony'sbellyateverystep.There'saskiftofsnowonthecountryan'heshowsupplainaginthewhite.Whenhegitsclostenoughhethrowsuphishandan'signshe'safriend.ThenInoticehe'sleft-handedanyhow,he'spackin'hisgunthat-a-way.It'sinaskincoverstuckthroughhisbelt,Injunfashion,withthestocktotheleft,butwhatlookscrookedtomeaftersizin'himupisthathisquirthangsonhisrightwrist.



"Withhand-talkIaskhimwhatheis;hesignsback'GrosVentre.'ThisInjunlookslikeanyothersavage;he'swearin'awhiteblanketcapotewithblueleggin'softhesamegoods.Fromthecopperrim-firecattridgesinhisbelt,Iguesshisweapon'saHenry.Nowwhatmakesmethinkhe'slyin'ishispony.He'sridin'agood-lookin'butleg-wearyAppalusy,an',asIknow,thesehossesain'tbredbynoIndianseasto'theRockies.'CourseallInjunsis

goodhoss-thievesan'there'splentyo'chancehegothimthat-away,buttheUmatillacamp'salongwayoff,an'thesepeculiarspottedponiescomesfromeitherthereorNezPercestock.

"Well,heridesup,an'insteado'comin'tomyrightan'facin'me,hegoesroun'oneo'thepack-hossesan'comesquarterin'behindmetotheleft,hishosspintin'thesameasmine,an'holdin'outhishandsays,'How!'withoneo'themwoodensmiles.Yeknowyecan'ttellwhatanInjun'sgotforahole-cardbyreadin'hiscountenance;winnerorloserhelooksthesame.IshukmyheadsomewayIdon'tlikethismaneuver;Idon'tknowwhathisgameis,butain'ttakin'nochances."

"Helooksatmelikehisfeelin'sishurt,swingsaroundbehindmyhossan'goestoMurphythesameway.ThenI'msuspiciousan'hollerstoMurphy:

"Don'tshakehandswiththatsavage,'saysI.

"Whatareyeafeardof?'sayshe,holdin'outhishandan'smilin'good-natured.'Hewon'thurtnobody.'Them'sthelastwordsMormoneverspeaks.



"It'sthequickesttrickIeverseedturned;whentheygriphands,thatdamnsnakepullsMurphytowardhim,atthesametimekickin'theMormon'shossinthebelly.Naturallytheanimallungesforward,makin'Murphyashelplessasamanwithnoarms.LikeaflashtheInjun'slefthandgoesunderhisgun-covertothetrigger.There'sacrack,an'thesmellofburntleatheran'cloth."

"Murphyain'thitthegroundbeforethatInjunquitshishoss,an'whenhelandshelandssingin'.Isavvywhatthatmeansit'shisdeathsong,an'I'mworkin'likeabeavertoloosenmygunfromthatdamnsling.Maybeitain'tasecond,butitseemstomelikeanhourbeforeit'sloosean'I'mplayin'anaccompanimenttohislittleditty.Thissolodon'tlastlongtillIgothimasquietashemadetheMormon.

"WhentheInjunfirstridesup,hefiggersondownin'mefust.He'samindreaderan'thesmilin'Mormonlookseasy.Seein'hisgameblocked,hetakesagamblin'chance.He'da-gotme,too,buttheleveronhisHenrygetsfoulofthefringeonthecover,an'Igothimonalimb.

"Yes,Iplantedmypard,allright,butasIain'tgotnothin'todigagravewithbigger'na

skinnin'-knife,Iwrapshiminhisblanketan'packshimdowntoawashoutan'cavesabankonhim.WhenItakesalastlookathim,heseemstobesmilin'likeheforgiveseverybody.Itellye,fellers,Idon'tknowwhenIcried,it'sbeenalongtimeago,an'Ididn'tshednotearsthen,butIdamnnighchokedtodeathatthatfuneral.

"I'vehelpedplantawholelotofmenonetimean'anotherinmycareer,butthisistheonlytimeIdiditsingle-handedan'lonesome.It'sjustmean'thehosses,butI'lltellyeI'mdamngladtohavethem.Whenyeain'tgothumansye'llfindanimalsgoodcompany.



"No,thereain'tnoprayerssaid;Iain'tusednonesinceIwasweaned,an'I'veforgotthelittleonemymammylearntme.But,Ifigureitoutthisway,thereain'tnouseanoldcoyotelikememakin'asquarin'talkforamanasgoodasMormonMurphy.SoIstandforaminutwithmyheadbowedlikewhitesdoatfunerals.It'sthebestIcandoforhim.ThenIgotothehossesa-standin'therewiththeirheadsdownlikethey'rehelpin'outasmourners,

especiallyMurphy'swiththeemptysaddlean'thegunstillinthesling,pulledawayofftoonesidewherethehelplessMormonmakeshislastgrab.

"Idon'tscalptheInjunnotthatIwouldn'tliketo,butIain'tgottimetogathernosouvenirsan'I'mafearedtohangaround,'causeInjunsain'tlonesomeanimals;theybandup,an'it'ssafebettin'whenweseeonethere'smorenearby.IfI'da-tukaheadandtailrobeoff'nhim,I'da-peeledhimtohisdewclaws,butasitisI'mnervousan'hurried,an'allIgot'shishossan'gunan'fourpairofnewmoccasinsIfoundunderhisbelt.

"GuessthisInjun'saNezPerce,allright,becauseashorttimeafterthekillin'ofMurphythere'sabull-trainjumpedan'burnedontheCowCreek,an'itain'tlongtillJosephsurrenderstoMilesoverontheSnake."



WOLVES

LEPLEY'SBEAR

OldManLepleytellsmeonetimeaboutabearhewasnearenoughtoshakehandswithbuttheydon'tgetacquainted.He'sbeenlivingonhogsidetillhe'snearstarved.So,onedayhesaddledupandstartsprowlingforsomethingfresh.There'slotsofblack-tailinthecountrybuttheyhavebeenhuntedtilltheyareshy,soafterridingawhilewithoutseeingnothinghethinkshe'llhavebetterluckafoot.So,thefirstparkhehits,hestakeshishoss.It'sanoldbeavermeadowwithbluejointtohiscayuse'sknees,andaboutthecenter(likeit'sputthereforhim)isadeadcottonwoodsnaghandytostakehishossto.

"Afterleavingtheparkheain'tgoneaquarterofamiletillhenoticesthetallerbranchesofachokecherrybushmovin'.There'snowind,andLepleyknowsthatbushdon'tmove

withoutsomethingpushingit,sonaturallyhe'scurious.'Tain'tlongtillheheapsavvys.It'sabigsilvertipandhe'ssurebusyberrying.There'slotsofmeathere,andbeargreaseisbetterthananyboughtenlard.So,Lepleypullsdownonhim,aimin'forhisheart.Mr.Bearbiteswheretheballhits.ItmakesOldSilverdamndisagreeablehestartsbawlin'andcomin'.

"AsIsaidbefore,thereain'tnowind.It'sthesmokefromhisgunhoveringoverLepleythattipsitoffwherehe'shiding.He'spackingaSharp'scarbinean'heain'tgottimetoreload,soheturnsthisbearhuntintoafootrace.It'sagoodone,butitlooksliketheman'lltakesecondmoney.Whenhereachestheparkhishosshasgrazedtothenearend.Lepleydon'tstoptobridle,butleapsforthesaddle.

"Aboutthistimethehossseeswhat'shurryingtherider.Onelook'senough.Intwojumps,he'sgivingthebesthe'sgot.Suddenlysomethinghappens.Lepleycan'ttellwhetherit'sanearthquakeoracyclone,buteverythingwentfromunderhim,andhe'ssailin'off;buthe'sflyinglow,anduseshisfaceforaroughlock,andstopsaginsomebushes.Whenhewakesuphedon'thearharpsnorsmellsmoke.Itain'ttillthenheremembershedon'tuntiehisrope.Thesnagsnappedoff,andhishossistryin'todragitoutofthecountry,andMr.Bear,bythesoundofbreakingbrush,ishuntinganewrangeanditwon'tbeanywherenear



wheretheymet.Whenhishossstopsontheendoftherope,thatoldsnagsnapsandallherbranchesscatteroverthepark.IguessMr.Bearthinksthehosshasturnedonhim.Maybesomeofthembiglimbsbouncedonhimandhethinksthehosshasfriendsandthey'rethrowingclubsathim.Anyhow,Mr.BeargivesthefighttoLepleyandthehoss."

"Lepleysaysthatformonthshehastowalkthatoldhossahundredyardsbeforehecanspurhimintoalope,andthatyoucouldstakehimonahairpinandhe'dstay."



HOWLOUSECREEKWASNAMED

"Ain'tyoueverheardhowLouseCreekgotitsname?"inquiresRawhideRawlins."Well,Iain'tnohistorian,butIhappentosavvythisincident.Thefellerthatchristensitain'tlikealotofold-timersthatconsideritanhonortohavestreamsan'townsnamedafter'em.Hisfirstname'sPete,andhestilllivesintheJudith,butIain'tgoin'nofurtherexceptin'tosayhe'salarge,dark-complectedfeller,he'smightyfriendlywithPatO'Hara,andhishangoutisthetownofGeyser.

"WhenIknowedhimfirsthe'sacowpuncher.Fromlooksyou'dsayhedidn'thavenothin'underhishatbuthair,butwhatheknowsaboutcowsisagift.Rightnowhe'sgotanicelittlebunchrangin'inthefoothills.There'salotoftalkaboutthewayhegetshisstartyoucanbelieveitornot,suityourselfbutIthinkit'shiswinnin'wayamongcows.Hecouldcomedamnneartalkin'acowoutofhercalf.Somesaythey'veseencalvesfollerin'hissaddlehossacrosstheprairie.Oneoldcowmansayshe'sseenthat,alright,butlookin'throughglasses,there'saropebetweenthecalfandPete'ssaddlehorn.

"Butgoin'backtothenamin'ofLouseCreek,it'sonespringroundup,backintheearly'80s.We'reoutoncircle,an'mean'Pete'sridin'together.Mine'sacenter-firesaddle,andIdropbacktostraightentheblanketan'setit.Iain'tbutafewminutesbehindhim,butthenextIseeofPeteisonthebankofthiscreek,whichdidn'thavenonamethen.He'soffhishossan'hasstrippedhisshirtoff.Withoneboulderonthegroundan'anotheraboutthesamesizeinhishand,he'spoundin'theseamsoftheshirt.He'ssobusyhedon'thearmewhenIrideup,andhe'scussin'andswearin'tohimself.Ihearhimmutter,'I'mdamnedifthisdon'tgetsomeofthebigones!'

"Well,fromthisdayon,thisstreamisknownasLouseCreek."



JOHNNYREFORMSLANDUSKY

"OverinLewistownthere'sagentlivin'that'soneoftheleadin'citizens.Iain'ttippin'hishandbymentionin'nonames,butifI'devertoldwhatIknowabouthimhe'dbemakin'hairbridlesto-day,"saidRawhideRawlins."We'llcallhimJohnnyan'letitgoatthat."

"Ahoss-wranglerbyperfession,hehasanaturalgiftforcookin'an'akeenaffectionforaDutchoven,butinthemcrudedayshisqualitiesasachefain'tappreciatedbyhisrough,uncouthcomradesinYogoGulch,wherewhenIfirstknowedhimhe'sleadin'ahappy,care-freelife,watchin'theminersstrugglin'towrestgoldfromtheunyieldin'rocks.IrememberonefinickypropositioninthecampthatobjectstoJohnny'spetratslivin'inthefloursack.

"Johnny'sgotsuchagoodopinionofhisowncookin'hehangsupastandin'betthathecanoutcookanymaninMontana,barrin'DirtyMike,achefoftheSourDoughSchool,who'sgotasensitivedispositionandisimpulsivewithagun.OnerecordJohnnypointstoisavinegarpiehebakesatYogo.Itseemsthatwhilethepie'sintheoven,aprospector,BedrockJim,withwhomhe'sbachin',putssomegiantpowderinwiththepietothawitout.Thepowder,

likelybecomin'jealousofthepie,cutslooseandscattersthecabinformilesupanddownthegulch.TheyfindonestovelidonLostFork,andthepanthepie'sinismissin',buttherewherethecabinoncestoodisVinegar,himself,withoutevenascar.

"Bein'discouragedinhislightcookin',an'neverworkin'aslongashecangetanythingelsetodo,Johnnybeginsfiggerin'outasoftwayofmakin'alivin'.Hispiousdispositioninclineshimtowardmissionarywork,finally,andhepicksouttheLittleRockiesasthemostpromisin'districttobeginreformin'.Hestartsarevivaltherethat'sacrossbetweenMormonisman'aSiouxghostdance,butthisbrand'stootoughforeventhecitizensofthissection.

"InthemdaysLanduskyistheprincipaltownintheLittleRockies,an'it'sasociablecamp,lifetherebein'farfrommonotonous.Theleadin'industriesissaloonsan'gamblin'houses,withafairsprinklin'ofdancehalls.Fornoisean'smoketherewasn'tnothin'everseenlikeitbeforethebigfightinEuropestarts.Littlelead'swasted,astheshootin'sremarkablyaccuratean'almostanybodyservesasatarget.

"Themayor,JewJake,haslostonehindleginaargumentwithasheriff,andheusesaWinchesterforacrutch.FuneralsinLanduskyisheldatnightunderawhiteflag,sothatbusinessain'tinterruptedinthedaytime.

"It'stowardsthispeacefulvillagethatJohnnyridesonedayonahossthathe'sborrowedfromarancherwhoisn'tinwhenhecalls.Johnnydon'tknowhe'snearatowntillhehears

itafewmilesaway.Spurrin'hishossalonghesuddenlybustsintosightoftheplace,whichremindshimofachromoofGettysburgheonceseen.ButJohnny'sgame,an'mutterin'somethin'thatmighthavebeenashortprayer,hepassesthroughthefirin'line,bein'shyonlyhishatandacigarettehewassmokin'whenhearrives.

"Eithertheexcitementorsomethin'hetakesforitputshimintoakindoftranceforafewdays,an'whenhecomestohe'slaidoutonapokertablewithhisheadhangin'off.Hetakesreadilytothelifeoftheplace,an'picksashispartnerDumDumBill,who'sgotthe



reputationofbein'aquiet,scholarlymanwithalovablecharacter,alwaysshootin'tokilltosaveunnecessarypainan'sufferin'.DumDum'smadeahobbyofchangin'brandsonhosses,an'he'sdonemuchtodiscouragegamblin'bymakin'ithard,ifnotimpossible,forotherplayersinagamehe'ssittin'intowin.Hisend'sasadore.Bein'caughtbyawarpartyofMissourianswho'shadbadluckwiththeirhossherds,he'sstrunguptoacorralcrossbar.

Ashehasn'tgotenoughweightbelowhisheadtobreakhisneck,hisend'shastenedbytuckin'ananvilintotheseatofhispants.

"Johnny,afterthrowin'inwithDumDumBill,doesalotofgoodasareformer.It'sduetohimthatthecustomofshootin'atunarmedstrangersisbarred,an'abountyalittlelessthantheypaidforawolfisplacedonanumberofcitizens.Ashe'sinwiththereformers,Johnny'snameain'tonthislist.Thebountyclaimerhastoshowbothearsofhisvictimsbutscalpin'isfrownedonasuncivilized."

"Johnny'sinmuchdemandforpreachin'funeralsermons,butsometimesheain'tgotmuchtact.Atoneburyin'wherethedeceased'sbeenkilledinagunbattle,Johnnytakesashistext,'WhenFoolsGoForthtoFight.'TherelativesofthecorpsegethostileandJohnnyhastospendthenextthreeweeksinastockadehe'sbuiltaroundhishouseforanemergency



likethis.Afterawhilehe'selectedmayor,butasheain'tover-goodwithaforty-five,hedon'ttakethejob.

"Someformsofkillin'wasbarredinLandusky,an'whenJohnnymakesapuddin'foraThanksgivin'dinnerthatkillsthreeguestsanddisablesseveralmore,hehastomakeaquickget-away.Hebeatsapossetotherailroadbyadozenjumpsandswingsundertherodsofafreighttrainthat'spassin'.

"InevertooknostockintherumorsthatwasscatteredaboutJohnnyafterwardjoinin'theCurrygang.TheKidoncetellsmehe'dgivefivehundreddollarsforthenameofthemanthatstartsthislibelagainsthishold-upoutfit."



SAFETYFIRST!BUTWHEREISIT?

"Safetyfirst!isthebighollerto-day,"saysRawhideRawlins,"buthowdoyouknowwhenandwhereyou'resafe?Thesedaysit'shardtofind.Arockingchairlooksgentle,butwhenanearthquakecomesalongit'snosafernorassafeasalocoedbronk.Abronkmightgetyouintheclear.Ineverheardofasalmonfromfreshwaterhurtinganybody,butoutofacanhe'softendangerous.

"OnetimeI'monacoach,"saysRawhide."I'msittingupwiththedriver.We'regoingdownasteepgradewhenthebrakepolesnaps.Thecoachstartscrowdingthewheelers.Playingsafe,Ijumps.Irolldownabankaboutfortyfeetan'stopinabedofcactus.Thisdriver'sagoodoneandstartsplayingthesilkonhissix,andkeepsthemaheadofthewheels.Theydon'truntwenty-fiveyardstillthemanwiththeribbonsfindsanup-grade,straightenshisteamandstops.Thecoachisloadedandnobodygetsascratch.Butme,that'splayingsafeIlooklikeaporcupine,andittakesweekstopluckme!

"OldBedrockJimtellsmeonetimeabouthimandhispardner.They'reprospectinginthe

BigHorns.Onemorningthey'reoutofmeat.Theyain'tgonefartilltheyjumpanelk.It'sabull.Bedrockgetsthefirstshotthat'sallheneeds.Thebullgoestohiskneesandrollsover.Theybothwalkup,layingtheirgunsaginalog.Thebull'slayingwithhisheadunderhim.Bedrocknoticesthebloodonthebull'sneckandthinkshisneck'sbroke,butwhenhegrabsahornandstartstostraightenhimouttostickhim,thebullgetsup.Andheain'tfriendlyandgoestowarwithBedrockandhispardner.He'sbetweenthehuntersandtheirguns.There'snothingtodobutgivethebullthefight.

"Bedrockmakesascrubpinethat'saginarockledge.Thistreewon'tholdtwo,sohispardnerfindsaholeundertheledge.It'slateinthewinter;there'splentyofsnowandthewind'sinthenorth.Thereain'tmuchcomfortupthisjackpine.WhenBedrocklooks

around,henoticesthatJackWilliams(that'shispardner'sname)keepscomingoutofthehole.Thenthebullwillchargethem.Jackgoesbackbuthedon'tstaylong.Thebullain'tonlycreased,andhe'smightynasty.Hishair'sallturnedthewrongwayandthewayherattleshishornsagintherocksaroundthatholetellsheain'tjokin'.ButBedrockcan'tsavvywhy,whenthebullstepsback,Jackcomesoutofthehole.

"Bedrock'sgettingcoldandplumboutofpatience,andhefinallyhollersdownfromhisperch,'Ifyou'dstayinthathole,youdamnfool,thatbullwouldleaveandgiveusachancetogetaway!'"



"Jackistakinghisturnoutside.Thebullcharges.Jackducksinasthebullscrapeshishornsontherocks.Thebullbacksaway,shakin'hishead.ThistimewhenJackshows,heyellsuptoBedrock,'Stayinthehole,hell!There'sabearinthehole.'

"It'sneardarkwhentheygetaway.Bedrockgetsonalowerlimbandflagsthebullwithhiscoat.He'stakingalongchance.Thefootinghe'sgot,ifheeverslips,it'sgood-bye.AsIsaidbefore,thebullain'tjoshing,butheholdsthebulltillJackgetshisgun,andwhenhedoeshesurekillshim.HeemptieshisHenryintohimandnotaballgoesby."



APAIROFOUTLAWS

"TheworsthossIeverrode,"saidBowlegs,"IrodebecauseIhadto.Itwasacaseofrideorlosemylocks,an'I'mstillwearin'hair.

"Iwasborninacow-countryan'raisedwithahossunderme.I'vebeenridin''emever

since,an'comeprettynearsavvyin'theanimal.OfcourseI'mahas-beennow,buttherewasatimewhenIfearednothin'thatworehair,an'I'verodesomebadones.ThissnakyhossisoneIpickupontherangeonetimeI'mmakin'aget-away.

"Iain'tgoin'intonodetails,butI'mwithatrailoutfitwhenIgetintothisjackpot.It'satadance-housewherewe'vebeenlongenoughfortheredeyethey'rehandin'ustogetaction,an'durin'an'betweenquadrilleswe'resuregivin'fullventtoourjoy.I'mgettin'prettywellsalivatedan'itain'tnowonder,'causeonedrinkofthisboozewouldmakeajackrabbitspitinarattlesnake'seye.

"Butwe'reallpeacefulenoughtillthesportthatrunsthishog-ranchobjectstothenoise

I'mmakin'.There'salittlebacktalkan'hetellsmeifIdon'ttakemygunoffhe'llmakemeeatit.He'sabad'ombry,alreadypackin'notchesonhisgun,an'I'mnotsodrunkbutwhatIcanseethebuttofaforty-fivepeepin'fromhiswaistband.

"Knowin'thisfeller'sbackhistory,Iain'ttakin'nochances.Iseehisrighthanddrop;thenextthingIknowhe'sonthefloorwithabunchofscreamin'womenoverhim,an'I'mbackin'forthedoorwithasmokin'gun.

"It'snight,an'goin'fromlightintodarknessthatwayblindsmeforasecondortwo,butitain'tlongtillIgotmyhossfromasnortin',whistlin'bunchattherack.An'thewaythatoldcow-ponypushesthecountrybehindhim,itlookslikehesavviesthere'strouble.

"Ourwagon'scampedaboutamilefromthisburg,an'itain'tlongtillIhearthebelloftheremuda.Thissaddlebunchisprettywelltrail-worn,butI'veonetough,long-windedhossinmystring,an'astheoneI'monwon'tstandahardride,I'mthinkin'ofchangin'.SowhenIlocatethehoss-wrangler,aftertellin'himmytroubles,hebunchestheremudatillIdropthelooponmytophoss.Thiswrangler'srighterthanarabbit,'causewhenheshakesgoodbye,heforksoverallhiscattridgesan'whatloosemoneyhe'sgot.

"Iknowthecountrysouthofmewellenough,butitain'thealthyhangin'tooclosetotheoldtrail,soridin'wideofthat,Itravelthelonesomeplaces.Thereain'tnowireinthecountrythemdaysan'it'ssmoothsailin'.Cattle'splentiful,an'bytheuseofmysix-gunit'snotroubletogetbeef.ThreedayslaterI'mcrossin'theCheyennecountry.Thesepeopleare

prettywarlike,they'vebeenhavin'considerabletroublewiththecowmenan'there'sbeensomekillin'done.Youbetallyougotthey'dmakeitinterestin'foranylonesomepunchertheybumpinto.Knowin'this,I'mmightycautious.

"What'stroublin'memostismyhoss.I'vecoveredanywaytwohundredmiles,an'he'sgonetender.Hisfeet'ssoworedownthatonce,lookin'back,Inoticebloodinhistrack,an'Ican'thelpthinkin'whatasnapthesesavageswouldhaveifthey'drunontomeridin'thisleg-wearypony.



"AboutthistimeIsightabunchofhossestrailin'intowater.They'reallInjunstock,mostlymares,barrin'onebig,high-headedroan.IfIcanonlygetmystringonhimI'llbeallright,butwiththisdead-headbetweenmylegs,howamIgoin'todoit?

"Thecreekthey'reheadin'forisprettybroken,an'there'sachancetocut-bankhim,sodroppin'inbehind,Itrailalongeasy,likeI'moneof'em.Noneof'emnoticememuchbuttheroan;hekeepseyein'meoverhisshoulder,kindofsuspicious.He'sarangyhosswithfourwhitefeetan'abaldface,oneglasseyegivin'himasnakylook.Histail'sbeentrimmedout,an'saddle-markstellsmehe'sbeenrode.

"TheonlythingIdon'tlikeabouthimishisbrands.Hewearsanironeverywhereyoucanburnahossevenhisneckan'bothjaws.He'sburnttillheresemblesabrand-book.Idon'thavetotellyoufellersthat'sabadsign.Wheneveryouseeahossworkedoverthisway,it'sacinchhe'schangedhandsalotoftimesan'noneofhisownerslovedhim.Butthen,again,ifI'mpickin'ahossforalongride,givemeabadone.Ifhe'sanoutlaw,heain'tgotmebeatnonethere'sapairofus.

"WhenwedropdownonthewaterI'mplentypleased.Itcouldn'thavebeenbetterifI'dhaditmadetoorder.She'scut-bankedan'rim-rockedupan'downasfarasIcansee.Buttheminnitwestartdowntheslope,MisterRoangetsnervous.Withhisheadhigherthaneverhestartscirclin'.He'sseenmemakin'myloop,an'itlookslikehe'sontomyhole-card.Rightherethecreekmakesahalf-circle,withwallsontheoppositesidefromeighttotenfeethigh.

"Thesehossesactprettydry,fortheminnittheirfeethitthewet,theirmuzzlesgotothewater;allbuttheroanhe'stoobusywatchin'me.I'vegothimcut-bankedan'heknowsit,but'sfigurin'onbreakin'back.Theminnitmyropehitstheair,hestartsfortheopen,headan'tailup,butthehumofmyswingin'ropeturnshim,an'backhegoesthroughthemares.

Withonejump,clearin'thecreek,he'saginthebankan'tryin'toclimbout,butit'stoomanyforhim.He'sbackwithabullrush,knockin'onemaredownan'jumpin'overanother.Hecomesoutoftherelikeabatoutofhellan'sgotthewholebunchstirredupnow.Reefin'mytiredhossfromshouldertoflank,wejumptothegap.Iain'ttakin'nochances;myrope'stiedhardan'fast,an'withonebackhandswingmyloopsettlesonhisshoulders,butgrabbin'theslackquick,Ijerkheruphisjaws.Thenthrowin'allmyweightinmyleftstirrup,withmyrightspurhookedunderthecantletohelpmyhoss,Iwaitforthejar.

"ThisoldhossI'mridin''soneofthekindthatholdswithhishindquarterstowardstheanimal.He'sspreadoutan'braced,butbein'weak,whentheroangoestotheendoftherope,he'sjerkeddown.Theroan'sintheairwhentheropetightens,an'hegoesplumb

over,turnin'asummersetan'hittin'thegroundwithathudthatstunshim,givin'myhosstimetogettohisfeet.

"Tain'ttwosecondstilltheroan'supandcomin'atmethroughthedust,withhisheadan'earsupan'tailflagged;hesurelookswarlike.Trottin'upwithintwenty-fivefeetofmehestopswithallfeetbracedan'whistleslongan'loud.He'stryin'tobuffalome.It'sthefirsthossIeverseethatI'mplumbscaredof.Fromlookshe'saman-eater;he'sgotmeprettynearbluffed.



"Butsizin'upthehossunderme,it'sagroundhogcaseclimbthetreeorthedog'llgetyou.Soslidin'fromthesaddleIstartwalkin'upontherope.HestandsbracedtillIreachhisnose;thenstrikeslikeaflashoflightnin'withbothfrontfeet,justtouchin'therimofmyhat.Bythewayhishoofscuttheair,itwouldn'thavebeenhealthyformeifI'da-beenunder'em.

"'Ifthat'syergame,I'llheaditoff,'thinksI,sogoin'tomysaddlehossIunlooptheMcCarthyfrommyhackamore.An'buildin'anotherloop,'tain'tlongtillIgothimbythefrontfeet.WhenIgethimhobbledgood,Iunsaddlemyoldfriendan'startfixin'forhighridin'.Fromthelooksoftheroan'shindquartersan'thewayhe'smuscledan'strungupit'sasafebethe'llgointheairsome.WhenI'mbridlin'himhetriestoreachmewithhisfrontfeet,butbein'hobbled,can'tdomuch.Hestandshumped,butquietenoughwhenI'mbridlin'him.Hecan'tfoolme;bythewayhisleftear'sdroppeddownan'thelookhe'sgivin'mewiththatglasseye,Isavvyhe'slayin'forme.

"Ofasuddenheswingshisheadalittletotherightan'straightenshisears.Lookin'between'em,Ispyabandofaboutasnastya-lookin'CheyennesasIeversee.Onelook'saplenty;thewaythey'restrippedan'painted,Iknowtheyain'tfriendly.TheseInjunshavesightedmenow;Icantellthatbytheiryelpin'.Theyain'tmore'nhalfamileoff,everyponyrunnin'an'everyriderkickin'himinthebelly.

"It'ssureacaseofhurryup,sotightenin'thecinchtilltheroangrunts,an'loosenin'thefootrope,Igrabthecheekpieceofthebridlean'pulltheroan'sheadclose'roundtome.Grippin'thehornofthesaddlean'chuckin'myfootintothestirruptotheheel,Istepacrosshim.Theminnithefeelsmyweight,theballopens.

"MisterOutlawsquatsan'thenshootsupstraightasarocketsostraightI'mafraidhe'scomin'backover,buthedon't.Helandsallspraddledout.Thenextjumphecatcheshis

head,weavesan'sunfishes,hittin'thegroundonelegatatime,allstiffened,givin'mefourseparatejolts.Thismightynearloosensme,buthookin'myrightspurinhisshoulderan'grabbin'leatherwithallhands,Igetback.Whenhegoesupagainheshakeshimselflikeadogleavin'water,an'thesaddlepopsan'rattles,causin'metolosemyleftstirrup.AsIneverdidgettherightone,I'msittin'onhisribs.He'da-unloadedmeallright,butIhearshotsfromtheCheyennesan'itscaresmesoyoucouldn'ta-choppedmeloosefromhimwithanaxe.Ifheturnedsummersetsintheairhecouldn'tpilemenow.I'vemademybragsbeforethisthatnothin'thatworehaircouldmakemegotoleather,butthistimeIdamnnearpullthehornoutbytheroots,an'it'saVisaliasteelforkatthat.I'veheardmanyahossbawlbefore,butthisoneroared,an'Ibelieveifhe'da-loosenedmehe'da-eatmeup.I'mscarederofhimthanIamoftheInjuns,'causethereain'tamanonearth,whiteorred,

thatcouldhitmewithascattergunwhileI'mgoin'throughthesemotions.TheworkI'mdoin'wouldmakeaprofessionaltrapezeperformerlooklikeagreenhand.SometimesI'mbehindthecantle,thenImoveoverinfrontofthehorn.Finallyhekicksmyhatoffeitherthatorhemakesmekickitoff."



"Idon'tknowhowlongthislasts,butI'mgettin'mightydizzywhentheroanraiseshisheadfromwherehe'shadithid,an'straightenin'hisback,startsrunnin'.TalkaboutswifthossesintwojumpsI'mgoin'thefastestIeverrode;itlookslikehe'stryin'torunfromunderme.

"He'ssurebustin'aholeinthebreeze.Oncethere'saCheyenneballtearsthedustofftooneside,butitdon'tscaremenone.Atthegaitwe'regoin',ifaballdidhitmeitwouldn'tbreakthehide.Itwouldn'tnomore'ncatchupwithus.WhenIlookbackovermyshoulder

there'sachainofdustamilelong,an'itappearsliketheCheyennes'rebackin'up.Thewindroarin'inmyearsfinallybringsmetomysenses,an'shakin'thehairoutofmyhandsIgetthereinsan'startlookin'overmylayout.Theroan'smane'sprettywellpulledoutfromhisearsback.Myhatan'six-shooter'smissin'an'there'sonecantle-stringtoreout,butbarrin'thesetrimmin'swe'reallrightan'there'snokickcomin'.ThehossundermecanbeattheseInjuncavayosanydistancefromasquirrel'sjumptotheRockyMountains,soIbidfarewelltotheCheyennes.

"Yes,fellers,that'stheworsthossIeverforked,butthatsameroanpackedmemanyahundredmilestosafety,an'asIsaidbefore,gentlehossesisallright,butgivemeasnakyoneforahardride."



THEGHOSTHORSE

Aboutforty-fiveyearsagoasmallbandofCrows,maybetwenty-fivelodges,werecampedontheGreybull.AswithallplainsIndians,horsesmeantwealth.Thiscampwasrich,forthehillswerecoveredwithponiesofallsizesandcolors.Itwasearlysummer,andamongthemweremanycolts.

TwoCrowboyssquattedonaknoll,wrappedtotheirbeadyeyes,oneinawhiteHudsonBayblanket,theotherinaraggedbuffalorobe.Thehairofbothwascarefullyfashionedinthestyleoftheirpeopletwopartsstartingovereachtempleandendingatthescalplock.Thepartingswerepaintedbrightvermillion,thesameastheupperpartoftheface.Thehairbetweenwascroppedandstooderectinabrush-likecrest.Beneaththeirrobestheyworebreech-cloutsandleggings,withmoccasins.Neitherworeashirt.

Theseboyswereherders,andtheirponiesgrazedattheendsoftheirelkskinropes.Theynotonlywatchedtheponyherds,buttheirkeeneyessawanythingthatmovedformilesaround.

Theboyinthebuffalorobebeatthegroundwiththeelkhornhandleofhisquirtandchantedthewarsongofhisfather.Suddenlyhiscompanionthrewhisnakedarmfromunderhisblanketandsigned,"Medicine,"atthesametimepointingwithhischintoamarethatgrazednearby.Theanimalwasapinto,andthewhitepartsofhercoatwerepaintedinawaythatmeansmuchtoredmen.Herforetopandtailworestripsofweatherwornotterskin,andbraidedinhermanewasaskinbagthathidthemedicinesecretsofherowner.

Themarewaswellknown.Shewasold,buthadgivenmanybuffalohorsestohermaster,andthelong-leggedcoltatherflankwasalsoapinto.Hisshortbackanddeepchestspokewellforhisfutureyears.Hiswerethepointsofabuffalohorse.

Thecolthadbeenacquaintedwiththeworldonlyafewhours,buthehadseen,smelt,andheardmanystrangethings.Hehadtriedmanytimestoreachthegrasswithhismuzzle,butfailedbymanyinches.Theboyssawthis,andSmallShield,theoneintheraggedrobe,saidhisgrandfatherhadtoldhimthatitwasgoodwhenalittlehorsedidthis;hewouldbestrongandwouldcarryhisrideralongwaybetweensuns.

ItisthelifestoryofthispintocoltthatIshalltellyou.

Hisfirstyearwasspentclosetohismother'sflank.Onemorningnotlongafterthedayonwhichmystorybegins,therewasgreatexcitementincamp.Thepintocolt,whichhadbeengiventhenameofPaint,sawallthehorsesamongthelodges.Themenwerecatchingtheir

bestanimals.Someweresmearingtheirmountswithpaint.Mostofthehuntersrodeonehorseandledanother.Theledhorsesworenosaddlesandsometimeswereriddenbynakedboys.Thesehorsesweredeckedwithfeathersandpaintandworeamedicinecharminmaneortail.Thismightbethefullskinofamagpieorawolfleg,orpossiblyabat'swing,butwhateveritwas,itmeantlucktotheownerofthehorse.



Thewomenwerealsobusy,saddlingthequieterponiesorharnessingthemtothelong-poledtravois.Astheyleftthecampthehunterswereinadvanceofthewomen,andasthelattertraveledslower,theyweresoonleftbehind.

Paintnoticedthataftertheyhadgonesomedistance,averyoldmanmadeasignalandthewomenceasedtalking.Eventhechildrenwerequiet.Nowallconversationwascarriedonbythehandsinsignlanguage.Notlongafter,theytoppedaridge,anditwasherethatPaintfirstsmelledthedustandheardtheroarofarunningherd.TheCrowswereamongthebuffalo.

Herethewomenstoppedtheirponies.Manyofthemsang.Itmeantmeatandrobes,whichspelledlifetothesewildpeople.

Paintstoodwithprickedears,watchingthesceneinthevalleybelow.Itwasanoldstorytohismother,whoquietlycroppedthegrass.Beforelongariderappeared,leadingasweat-covered,pantingpony.Thenotherscameandthewomenmoveddowntheslope.

Paintsawmanybrownspotsupontheprairie.Astheynearedthemhesawthatthesewerehornedanimals,lyingmotionless,andhesmelledblood.

ForfiveyearshelivedwiththeCrows,andhimselfbecameabuffalohorse,wanderingfromonecountrytoanother,alwaysinthewakeoftheherds.OnenighttheCrowswerecampedonPaintedRobeCreek.Theywereinadangerouscountry,alandwheretheirenemies,theBlackfeet,oftencame,sothelodgeswereplacedinagreatcircle,formingacorral.Atnight



thehorseswerebroughtintotheenclosure,mostofthemstaked,orpicketed,withshortropes.

TheCrowshaddanced,andallsleptsoundly.Acoyotebackofabuttebarked.Itwouldhavefooledanyhuman,butthewindcameandtoldthenoseofPaintthetruthitwasaman.Thedogsknew,too,andmanyofthemhowledinanswer.

Notlongafterthis,thoughthenightwasdark,Paintsawseveralrobedfiguresamongtheponies.Theywerebusycuttingropes,andapony,assoonasloosened,wouldwalkquietlyfromamongthelodges.OnecametoPaint,andaftercuttingtheropeatthepicketpin,coileditandrubbedhisneck.Paintknewitwasastrangerandsnorted;thenjumpingtooneside,hebackedintoatripodoftravois,whichwashungwithdryingmeat.Allofthisupsetandfellagainstalodge,awakeningthesleepers.ButthestrangerheldtoPaint'srope,andcrowdinghimamongtheotherhorses,sprangtohisback.

ThestrangerdrovehisheelsintoPaint'sflanksandflappedhisrobe,whichhehadloosenedfromhisbody,overthebacksoftheanimalsnearest.Thehorseswereallrunning

now.Therewasmuchnoise.Gunstalkedwiththeiryellowtonguesintothedarkness.Womenscreamed,dogshowled,andmensangtheirdeathsongs.

AfewjumpsandPaint,withhisrider,wasattheedgeofthelodgesthatformedthecorral.Gunfirestreakedthedarknessfrommostofthelodges,butasnoIndianlikestokillahorseboththeCrowsandtheirenemiesfiredlowenoughtokillarider,buttoohightohitahorse.AsPaintpassedbetweenthelodgeshesawastreakoffireriptheblacknessathisside,andhefelthisriderclutchhismaneandrideashehadseentheCrowsatthetradingpostwhentheydranksomethingthewhitementradedthem.ThenPaintfeltsomethingwarmandwetonhisneckandwithers;therider'slegsloosenedandhisbodylurchedheavilyoverthepony'sshoulderstotheground,andPaintranonriderless.

Hewasgladtoleavethelodges.Thenoisefrightenedhim.Hehadseengunsandarrowskillbuffalo,andthisnighthefeltasthoughtheymightkillahorse.Theyhadtraveledfarandfastwhenitgrewlight.Theponysawpaintedstrangersbehindhim.ThiswasaPieganwarpartydownfromthenorth,whichhadsurprisedthesleepingCrows.WhentheyleftBellyRivertheynumberedten,butnowtheywereonlynine.Theyweremostlyyoungmen,ledbyBadWound.

BadWoundhadseenoverfiftywinters.Timehadbeengoodtohim,butwarhadlefthimnotgoodtolookat.Hehadlostoneeye,andatradeballfromaflintlockinthehandsofaCrowhadbrokenbothjaws,leavinghimwithahorriblewardimpleineachcheekandacrookedmouth.

Whenthesuncamethepartyhaltedtochangemounts,asthehorsesunderthemwerewinded.Theponieswerebunchedandeachriderdroppedhisloopontheneckofafreshone.ItwasBadWound'sloopthatcaughtPaint.Thewarchieflookedhimoveratrope'send,andthensigned"goodandstrong"tohispaintedcompanions.Walkingupforcloseinspection,BadWound'shandfeltthehard,darkbrownsubstanceonPaint'smaneandwithersandknewwhyhismenonlycountednine.ThenthechiefdrewtheloopfromPaint'sneck,andslippinghisHenryriflefromitsskincover,firedatthepintoasittrotted



intotheherd.Theanimalwenttoitsknees;thenrolledoverandstiffened."Itwasnotgood,"saidBadWound,"toletafriendwalktothesandhills.ThetrailislongandIhavegivenhimastronghorse."

Afterthewarriorshadallcaughtfreshhorsestheytooktheherdtoadeep,grassyvalley,wheretheirmountswerehobbledandalltheponieswerewateredandallowedtograze.Thementhenatetheirjerkedmeat,andallexceptingtwosentinels,whowatchedthebackcountry,rolledintheirblanketsorrobesandslept.

Thesunwaslowwhentheymovedagain,andwhenBadWound'soneeyepassedoverthetravelingherd,hishandwenttohismouthinsurprise.Hesaid,"Ghosthorse,"toanearcompanion,andpointedtoablood-stainedhorseintheherd.ItwasPaint,andhisheadandneckshowedfreshblood.BadWoundthoughthisbullethadmadeawoundthatkilled,buttheleadwhichwasmeantforPaint'sheadhadonlypassedthroughtheneckcord,stunninghimforashorttime.

Theytraveledmostlybynight,anditwasmanydaysbeforetheyreachedthePiegancampontheTeton.Thiswasalargecamp,amixtureofPiegans,Bloods,andBlackfeet.AsfarasPaintcouldseethesmokedskinlodgesdottedthevalley.Ascout,or"wolf"asheiscalled,reportedthecomingofBadWound'spartylongbeforehisarrival,sowhenheandhismenwiththestolenponiesenteredthecamp,anoldmedicinemanonamuchpaintedponyrodeinadvanceandtoldthepeople:"Twomoonshavecomesincethesemendancedwiththesunandlefttheirlodgesafoot.Theirbellieshaveoftenbeenemptyandtheirtrackssometimesred,buttheyarebrothersofthewolf,withstronghearts.WhenaBlackfootgoes

towarhemayneverreturn,orhishairmaybewhitenedbywinterswhenhecomes,butifhereacheshislodge,whetherithasbeenafewsunsormanywinters,hisfeetarenotsore,forhehasanenemy'shorseunderhim.Ihavesaidthesearewolves,andthewolfwomenwillgivethemmeat.Itisgood."

Asthepartyrodeintocamphundredsofdogsslunksilentlyamongthelodges.Theydidnotbark,astheironlylanguageisthehowloftheirwildercousin,thewolf.Everytravoisand



extralodgepolewashungwithbuffaloflesh,andthewindwasheavywiththesmellofmeat.

InthePiegancamptherewasmuchfeastinganddancing,buttherewerefivewiththeirfacespaintedblack,thefather,mother,twosisters,andtheyoungwifeofCalfRobe,theoneleftdeadamongtheCrowlodges.Thesepeopledidnotjoininthemerriment,butsquattedoutonthebutte,cryingandcuttingtheirarmsandlegswhilethoseincampsangandsteppedtimetothebigdrum.Andwhenthemournersreturnedtocamp,CalfRobe'swifehadbuttwofingersonherlefthand.Shehadgiventheotherstothesuntoshowhergreatsorrow.

ThenBadWoundcametoCalfRobe'sfatherandgavehimthreehorsesandsaid:"OldMan,Iwouldgiveyouthehorseyoursonrode,butheisaghosthorse.Itriedtogivehimtoyourson,butthehorsewouldnotdie.Itisnotgoodtogiveafriendaponythatdeadmenride.ThreetimeswhileIsleptthespottedhorsecametome.Yoursonrodehim,buthewasdeadandthepony'sbackwasredwithblood.Heisagoodhorse,butIwillneverridehim.Myheartisafraid,andIhavesaidthatitisnotgoodtogiveafriendwhatyoufearyourself."

NextspringthePieganswerecampedonarivercalledThe-Banks-That-Fell-on-Them,whenafewwhitescametobuyponies.Amongthemwasaveryyoungboyandamanwithagraybeard,whowastheboy'scompanion.WhenBadWoundledoutPaint,theboywasmuchpleased,andGrayBeardcountedoutforty-fivesilverdollarsintothehandofBadWound.

SonowPainthadawhitemaster.Hehadneverfeltabitinhismouthbefore.Hisbridlehadalwaysbeentwohalf-hitchesofrawhidethongabouthisunderjaw.Alsothewhiteman'ssaddlewithitstwocincheswasstrangetohim.HisbackknewonlythehalfbreedpadandotherIndiansaddles.

Paintwasgentle,butasallIndiansmountfromtheoffside,itwasdaysbeforehewouldallowtheboytomountfromthenearside.Thepintoponywasnottobealone,astheboyalreadyownedablackmarewhichpackedhisblanketsandgrub.

Somedayslater,Paint,themareandtheirmasterjoinedahunterandtrapperwholivedinthemountains.Onenightastheywerecookingsupper,theoldhuntertoldtheboystotradeoffthemare."Ladyhosses,"saidhe,"areliketheirhumansisters.Theygetnotionsofgoin'home,an'nogentlemancayusewouldthinkoflettingaladygoalone.Judgingfromactions,thereain'tacayuseinourbunchthatain'taperfectgentleman,sotoplaysafe,boy,youstakethatmare."

Afewdayslatertheboytradedthemareforaone-eyedbuckskincayuse.

Fortwoyearstheboylivedwiththehunter.Thenexttimeheappearsinourstoryheiswranglinghorsesforatrailherdwhichwastravelingnorth.ThisherdwasturnedlooseonRoss'sFork,wheretherewasabigroundupcamp.Heretheboywashiredtonight-herdfourhundredsaddlehorses.ThiscampremindedPaintsomewhatofthehomesofhisearlywildowners,butthelodgeswerenottalllikethoseoftheCrowsorPiegans.



FormanyyearsPaint,withhismaster,followedthewhiteman'sbuffalo.OncetheywentnorthandagaintheponywasamongthelodgesofthePiegans.WhenthebigcowherdsmovednorthoftheMissouri,Paintandhismasterwerewiththem.

OnenightinalittlecowtownonMilkRiver,Paint,amongotherponies,wastiedtoarackinfrontofaplacewherecowmendrank,sang,andmademerry.Thenightwaswarm,andthedoorwasopen,soPaintcouldseeinside.Therewassomehardtalk,andPaintknewmenwellenoughtounderstandthatitwaswartalkofthewhiteman.Hesawamanpullagunandfiretwice,thenbackthroughthedoorwiththesmokingweaponinhishand.Anothermanlayonthefloorverystill.Themanwhohadfiredthegunsteppedtothehitchingrack,mountedahorseandrodeawayintothedarkness.Paintknewthenthatthewhitemanwasnodifferentfromthered.Theybothkilltheirownkind.

Someyearslatertworiders,oneleadingapackhorse,traveledbetweentheMissouriRiverandtheHighwoodMountains.Oneofthempointedtoaheavysmokethatshowedonthehorizon,alittlesouthofwest."There'swherewecampto-night,"saidhe.

Itwasdarkwhentheyreachedthetownwhichthesmokehadledthemto,andtheirponies,whichknewnolightsbutNature's,jumpedthegreatshadowsmadebythearclightsatthestreetcrossings.Theypassedrowsofsaloons,dancehalls,andgamblinghouses,andafterenquiringthewayofabystander,rodetotheParkstables,wheretheyunsaddledandstrippedthepackhorseoftheirbeddingandgrub.

Now,undertheoverhanginglightofthestable,Iwilldescribetheridersandtheirmounts.Oneriderwasratherslenderwithblackhairandeyes.Theotherwasofmediumheight,withlighthairwornratherlong.Bothmenweredressedascowhands,andtheonlydifferenceintheirclotheswasabrightcolored,Frenchhalf-breedsash,wornbythelight-hairedman.Thelatter'smountwasarangygray,brandedDiamondGoneoftheoldGeddis

herd.Thepackhorsewhichheledwasabaypinto.

Thedarkermanrodeabrown,strongly-builtbronco,whichsnortedateverystrangethinghesaw.

ThenameofthistownwasGreatFalls.TheriderofthebrownbroncwasHenryStough.Theother,whorodethegray,wasthewriterofthisstory.ThepintopackhorsewasPaint,calledMontybyhisowner.

WhenPaintdiednearGreatFallshehadbeenwithhismastertwenty-fiveyears.



MAVERICKSANDSTRAYS

RIDERS OF THE OPEN RANGE



RANGEHORSES

"Rangehosses,"saysRawhideRawlins,"don'tasknothin'ofmen.SinceCortezbroughtthem,they'vebeentakin'careofthemselves.They'vebeenalongtimelearnin'fromthelandofdroughttothecountryofdeepsnowsandlongwinters,theyranged.

"TheInjunsusedtotamewolvestomovetheircampstilltheSpaniardcame.Thesedogsbein'meateaters,itkepttheredmanbusyfeedin'hisfolksandhisdogs.It'sacinchthatlotsofthetimethewholeoutfitwenthungry.I'mguessin'thatinthosedaysthatnobodyknowsabout,theredmenfollowedthewolfandwhenable,drovehimfromhiskill,andthewolfhadthebestendofit.Butwithahossunderhimitwasdifferent.Thewolffollowedtheredmanandgotpartofhiskill.SomeInjunscallthehoss'thebigdog,'butI'mtellin'abouthosses.

"Allotheranimalscachedtheiryoungwhentheywenttowater.Whenacoltwasborn,hismotherneverlefthimandinashorttime,hewouldtravelwithhismaw.Wolvesdon'thavemuchchance.Hossesstayinbandsifawolforwolvesshowup,theywon'trunlikeother

animals,theybunch;andrangehossesaredangerousatbothends,strikin'andkickin'.Awolflikessomethin'easy.Afterhefeelsthehoofsofarangemareafewtimes,hequitsittakeshisappetite.

"Whenwintercomes,therangehossdon'thugthebrushlikecowsandstarvetodeathhehuntstheridgeswherethesnowblowsoff.Whenhegetscold,thewholebandwillrunandwarmupifthesnow'sdeep,hepawstothegrass.Thiskeepshimwarm.Naturegiveshimawintercoat.Sometimes,whenhisbelly'sfull,he'llhuntawind-break.Sometimesalionwillgetacolt,butnotoften.Rangehosseslikeopencountry,andwon'tstayinthebrushonlylongenoughtowater.

"Hosseslovepurecoldwater.Inrunningwater,whichtheylikebest,mostofthemdrinkwiththeirheadsupstream,everyhosstryin'togetupstreamabovetherile.I'veseenbandsofhossesataprairiespringwaitin'theirturntodrinkwhereitwascoldandclear.AsIsaidbefore,hosseslikegoodwater,butincountrieswherewaterain'tgood,theydrinkanythin'that'swet.Inflytimetheybunchandstandheadsandtails,eachhossusingthetailofhispardnerasaflybrush.Ifthere'sabreezetheyhunthighground;ifit'sstill,theypickbaregroundwherethere'slotsofdust.Insaddlebands,likeyou'llseeonroundups,hosseswillstayingroupsfromtwotofourorfive."



"Somehosseswillstayfriendsforyears;others,likemen,arechangeable.Abandofhossesturntheirhindquarterstoarainorsnowstorm.Theywill,ifdriven,faceastorm,butit'shardtomakethemgosideways.Rangehossesinahillycountrystandwiththeirheads

downhill.YoucoulddriveabandofhossesupthesteepestkindofahillbutnobodythatIeverknowedcoulddriveabunchstraightdown(thatgoeswithcows,too)they'dsidleiteverytime.

"Hossesraisedontheplainsdon'tlikethemountains,andifthere'sanychancetheypullout.Ahosslovestherangewherehewasfoaledandwilldrifthundredsofmilestogetback.Ifyou'retravelingwithstrangehosses,andcamp,aslongastheyaretiredandhungrytheystay,butifthere'sabunchquitterwatchhimwhenhefillsuphe'lldriftandtravel.

"Mosthossesaregoodswimmers,butfewofthemlikeit.Ifyouwanttoplaysafe,swimmingahoss,loosenyourcinchesandjerkyourbridleoff.Maybeyouwon'tcomeout

justwhereyouwanted,butyou'llcomeout.Manyamanhasdrownedhimselfandhossbypullin'hishossover.Ifyou'relostinablizzard,giveyourcayusehisheadhe'lltakeyoutoshelterit'shardtoloseananimal.

"Inthedark,don'tspurahosswherehedon'twanttogo.There'slotsoftimesahossknowsmorethanaman.Amanthatsaysahossdon'tknownothin'don'tknowmuchabouthosses."



THEHORSE

"Ireadinthepapersawhilebackwherethere'sseventythousandwildhossesontherangesofMontana,"saysRawhideRawlins."Theysaytheseanimalsareamenacetostockmen.Mebbethisisright,butIthinkitwouldbotherthisoldstatetoroundupthatmanytameones.

"Afewyearsagoahosswasconsideredkindofhandytohavearound.Hewasneededeverywhereandusedallways.Uphillordown,mudordust,heworked.Theymadenogoodroadsforhim.There'snotacityinmightynearthewholeworldhedidn'thelpbuild.There'safewice-boundcountrieswherethehossdon'tlive,andinthesesamelandsitain'teasyforhumanstolive.

"Thislastwarwasamachine-madehell,butIdoubtifitcouldhavebeenwinwithouthosses,an'thesamekindthatsomefolkssayisamenacetomennow.Therewasthousandsofbrandedhossesdiedwithourfightersontheotherside.TherangehosswasGod-made,an'likeallofHismakin',thebest.Thesehossescostthemanthatbrandedan'

claimed'emnothing.Theylivedonthegrassan'watertheAlmightygave'em.

"Manythousandyearsago,whenfolkswasalla-foot,lizards,hornedtoads,an'bullfrogsmeasuredfromthirtytoahundredfeetinlengthan'stoodfromfortytosixtyhands.Besidesthese,therewastigersandlaffin'hyenasthatwouldeatanelephantforbreakfast.FromwhatI'veread,inthedaysI'mtalkin'aboutmanwasn'tmuch,an'hesurelivedsimple.Agood,stoutcavewashishome.Hefedmostlyonbugsan'snails,an'agrasshopperthathappenedto'lightanywherenearhimorhisfamilywasoutofluck.Sometimessomerealgamegentwouldslipoutwithhisstonetomahawkan'bringbackaskunkortwo.Then'swhentheypulledaregularfeed,buttherewasn'tnosetdateforthesefeasts,an'theymostlycamefarapart.Withahyenathatweighedseventona-laffin'around

thedoor,manlovedhishome,an'MawneverworriedaboutwherePawwas.

"Butonedayoneoftheseoldhome-liverswassunnin'himselfan'layin'foragrasshopper,whenhelooksdownfromhisledgetothevalleybelowwherealltheseanimalsisbusyeatin'oneanother,an'noticesonespeciesthatdon'ttakenopartinthisfeast,butcanout-runan'out-dodgeallothers.Thiscavemanisprogressive,an'haslearnedtothink.Heseesthisanimalissmallcomparedtotherest,an'ain'tgotnohorns,tusksorclaws,eatin'nothin'butgrass.There'sothergrass-eaters,buttheyallwearhornsthatdon'tlookgoodtoMisterCaveMan.

"HerememberswhenhisMawusedtopackhimonherback.Bein'alazygenthe'slookin'forsomethin'easy,an'hefiggersthatifhecouldgetthishornlessanimalunderhim,hecouldrideoncemorelikehedidinhischildhood.Righttheniswhenmanstartsthinkin'ofsomethin'besideseatin'.

"Notfarfromthecavethere'satrailwhereherdsofhossescometowater,soonedayMisterManclimbsintoatreethathangsoverthetrail,an'withagrapevineloophesnaresoneoftheseanimals.Buthefindsoutthatthoughthisbeastain'tgothornsorclaws,he'smightyhandywithallfourfeet,andwhenPawsneakshomethatevenin'he'sgothoofmarksalloverhiman'heain'thadarideyet.Soreasheis,hegoesbacknextdayan'tries



again.AboutthesixthdaythispoorhossissostarvedthatMisterMangetsuptohim,an'tyin'astripofbarktohisunderjawan'anotheraroundhisbelly,hestepsacrossthehoss.Thebroncsinkshisheadan'goesintheair.MisterManstays,buthebreaksalltherulesinaridin'contestofto-day.Hedon'tpullleather,buttearsallthemaneoutfromearstowithers,an'thatbarkhand-holdofhisisallthatkeepsthehossfromunloadin'him.Afew

dayslaterhisbroncisplumbgentle.Pawmounts,goesoutan'withastone-headedspearkillsawildcow,an'hecomesbacktothecavewiththehidean'moremeatthanthefolkseverseenbefore.Thefamilyissopleasedwiththisusefulpetthattheybringhiminthecavenights,an'allgetbusypullin'grassforhim."

"MisterManfindsthatwithfourlegsunderhiminsteadoftwo,hecanrideringsaroundthembiglizards,an'thereain'tanyofthemclaw-wearin',tusk-bearin'critterscanovertakehim.Theoldgentsnaresmorehosses,an'itain'tlongtillthewholefamily'shoss-back.Whenthisbunchstartsout,armedan'mounted,theysurebringhomethebacon.MeatI'dtellaman.Thiscavelooksan'smellslikeapackin'plantbeforethepurefoodlaw.It'snowmankindshedstheleafgarmentsofoldGranddadAdaman'startswearin'newclothes."



"Paw'swearin'ahead-an'-tailcowskin;theboyshasayearlin'robeapiece.Mawan'thegirlswouldn'tbeinstyleatallthesedays.Mebbeit'smodestyitmightbethechillintheweatherbutthey'resurecoveredfromearstoheelsindeeran'elkskins,an'fromthatdaytojustlatelymanneverknowedwhetherhissweetheartwasknock-kneedorbow-legged.

"Sincethatoldbug-eatersnaredthatfirstcayuse,hisdescendantshavebeenclimbin',an'thehosshasbeenwith'em.Itwasthisanimalthattook'emfromacave.Forthousandsofyearsthehossan'hislong-earedcousinsfurnishedalltransportationonlandformanan'brokeallthegroundfortheirfarmin'.Hehashelpedbuildeveryrailroadintheworld.Evennowhebuildstheroadsfortheautomobilethathasmadehimnearlyuseless,an'I'mhere

totellthesemachine-loversthatitwilltakeamillionyearsforthegaswagontocatchupwiththehossinwhathe'sdoneforman.To-daysomeoftheseautodriverswanttokillhimofftomakefertilizeroutofhisbody.MebbeI'msentimental,butIthinkit'sadamnedhardfinishforonethathasbeenasgoodafriendtomanasthehoss"



TOMMYSIMPSON'SCOW

"Intheolddaysthesightofacowfolleredbymorethanonecalfisapttocausecommentamongcowpeople,"saysRawhideRawlins."Buttimeshavechanged,an'itlookslikenewimprovementshascomeinthestockbusinessalongwithdryfarmin'an'prohibition.Notallthesemodernideasishatcheduponthissideofthewater,though.TommySimpson'sprizecowprovesthat.

"TheotherdayI'mridin'onBoxElderCreek,whenI'msurprisedtoseeacowthat'sgotfivecalvesfollerin'her,allwearin'TommySimpson'sbrand.Tommy'sanold-timerinthecattlebusiness,soIfiggerhe'llhavesomeinterestin'explanationtomakeofthismiracle.I'mstillponderin'overitwhenIrideintothetownofFife,whichTommyhasnamedafterthevillageinScotlandthathe'srunoutofasayouthforpoachin'.Enterin'thestorethere,whodoIseebuttheownerofthecowan'fivecalves.Ipresentlyremarkthat'ssuresomecowofhis.

"Tommy,withbothjowlsloadedwithClimax,asusual,isspeechless,untilheopensthe

stovedooran'nearlyputsthefireout.Then,gettin'hisbreath,heexplainsthatthecowhasbeensenttohimfromtheHighlandsofScotlandbyhisgrandfather.Theanimal,hesays,comestothiscountryinchargeofacousinofTommy.

"ItappearsthatTommy'scousin,withthriftthat'scharacteristicofthefamily,drivesasharpbargainwiththecaptainofthesailin'shipinwhichheengagespassagefromStrachlachan,whichisnotfarfromBallochantry,somewherenorthoftheFirthofGalway.Tommy'scousinagreestofurnishmilkandcreamtotheship'screwan'twenty-threepassengers,ifthey'lllethiman'thecowtravelonapass.Thissuitsthecaptain.Onthewayover,thecowismilkedevenin'an'mornin'byTommy'scousinan'themembersofthelarboardwatch.HowTommy'scousinan'thecowbeattheirwayfromNewYorkto

Montana,Ineverhear.

"Accordin'toTommy,cowsofthisbreedain'tuncommonintheScotchHighlands.They'rebuiltsomewhatalongthelinesoftheladypig.Tommysaysit'saninterestin'sight,afterthecowgetstohisranch,fortheneighborstowatchTommyandseveralhiredmenmilktheScotchcow.ThemilkfromtheoffsidesuppliestheFifecreamerywithbutterfat,whilethatfromthenearsideofthecownourishesherhalf-dozencalves.

"TommytellsmethatinScotland,wherethesecowseatthenutritiousheather,thecenterbaggivespurecream,therearonebuttermilk,an'theforwardoneskimmilk,sotheydon'tneednoseparator."



tipsofftheoldlady'scashtoprotecthimself.Hetellsitlikeheain'tashamed,andfinishes,sayin','Ifyoudon'ttakecareofyourself,nobodyelsewill.'

"Thistalkmakesthewholebunchwolfy.Thepassengerthat'sdoin'thetalkin'isforstoppin'thecoach,andifthere'saropethere'llbeahangin'.'Wedon'tneednorope;what'sthematterwithaleadrein?Ifhe'saslightinpoundsasheisinprinciple,we'llslipaboulderinhispantstogivehimweight.Thisskunkisdirtierthanairyhold-upontheroad,andthesoonerwepullthisparty,thebetteritsuitsme.'

"We'regettin'workeduponallthistalkwhenthecowmanthatain'tturnedahair,says,'Ifyougentlemenwillletmeplaymyhandoutyou'dfindoutwhowins,butifyou'reboundto,gothroughwiththishangin'.'

"Bythistime,theoldlady'sbeggin'forthecowman.Shedon'twanttoseehimstrungup,butthinksjailisstrongenough.Butthesepassengersarefrothin'atthemouth,anditsurelookslikethecowman'sendisnear.Thedriverhasheardthestoryandstopped.

"'Well,'saystheoldman,'ifyou'reboundtohangmeandhedon'tscareworthadam'I'llslipmyboots.I'vebeenagamblerallmylife,'sayshe,draggin'offhisrightboot,'butnoneofyoushorthornseverwas;youneverplayednothin'butsolitaire.Thisladystakesmetofifty,'sayshe,'andIalwayssplitmywinnin'sinthemiddlewiththemthatstakesme.'Andtakin'athousanddollarshe'sgottuckedinhissock,hecountsofffiveone-hundred-dollarbills,andhandsthemtothelady.'That'syours,'sayshe.

"Nobodysaysnothin'.Theoldlady'sshakin'hands,and,betweensobs,thankin'thisoldcross-roader.Somebodytellsthedrivertodriveon,andwe'rejustpullin'intotownwhenthemanthat'sstrongforhangin'pullsapintfromhishipandsays,'Toshowyouthere'snohardfeelin's,we'llalltakeadrinkbarrin'thelady.'Whenthebottlecomesbacktoits

owner,it'sneardry,butbeforeheemptiesit,hesays,'Here'stothegamblerthatpayshisstakes!'Thenheemptiesherandthrowsheroutthewindow,andweallshakehands."



MORMONZACK,FIGHTER

"IseeMormonZack'sinthehospitalwithabadfrontfoot.Thisbein'crippledain'tnothin'strangefortheMormon,"saidRawhideRawlins,ashepulledthemakin'soutofhiscoatpocketandstartedrollin'one.

"IfIknowedthestoryofeveryscarhe'sgot,IcouldhandthepeopleahistorythatwouldmakealotofthescrapstheKaiserlostlooklikeaprayermeetin'.Myknowledgeofhistory'salittlehazy,butknowin'ZackcamefromNorwayandjudgin'fromhisactions,he'sacome-backofsomeofthemoldfightin'Norsemen.Youmightlickhim,butyoucan'tkeephimlicked,andhefightsaswellunderneathashedoesontop.

"ThefirsttimeIseeZackI'makid,helpin'throwupalogshackontheJudithRiver.There'safellerridesupwithanInjunhossunderhim.He'ssittin'inanold-fashionedlow-hornsaddlewith'doghouse'stirrups.Indresshe'swearin'thegarmentsofabreedmoccasinsandbeadedbuckskinleggin'sthatcometotheknees.Inhisca'tridgebeltisaskinnin'knife,an'acrossthefrontofhimlaysaWinchesterinafringedan'beadedskingun-cover.Oneof

thementhat'swithmetellsmethat'sMormonZack."

"That'llsoonbe40yearsago.Atthattimethere'sstillalotofInjuntradeinthecountry,an'that'stheMormon'sbusiness.ThefirsttimeIknowedofZackgettin'warlikeisalittlewhileafterthisatReed'sfort,atradin'postnearwhereLewistownstandsto-day.It'srunbyReedandBowles."



"There'sabout200lodgesofPieganscometothepostfortrade.Bowlesdon'thappentobethere,ashe'sgonetoBentontogetwhiskey.Whilehe'soffgettin'thiswetgoods,Zackan'hispartnercomesalongandmakeatrade,an'whenBowlesarrivesthereain'tasmuchasaskunkskinleftamongthemPiegans.They'retradeddowntoabreech-clout.

"Thisdon'tmakeBowlespleasanttogetalongwith,an'hestartsfillin'uponthistradewhiskey.Thisistheboozethatmadethejack-rabbitspitinawolf'seye.

"AsIsaidbefore,Bowlesfillsupan'startstellin'Zackhowmuchhethinksofhim,an'thetalkZackcomesbackwithain'tverygenteel.Zack'sstandin'prettyclose,forallthetimethey'retalkin'he'sontoBowles'hole-card.Heknowsthishog-legthat'shangin'onBowles'

hipain'tnowatch-charm,sotoavoidanymisunderstandingZackhandsBowlesoneonthechin,knockin'himfromunderhishat.He'snearbein'toolate,forBowleshasalreadyreachedforhisbarkeran'justwhenZack'sreachin'hisjawshespeaksoutloud,theballnearlytearin'Zack'shindlegoffatthehip.

"Bowlesdon'tcometotillnextday,an'thenhewantstoknowwhichhosskickedhim.Zack'sworseoff,asthereain'tnodoctornearerthanBenton.Ofcourse,there'samedicinemaninthePiegancamp,butZackain'tInjunenoughtobelievethatthisreddoctorcanbeatatom-toman'singhislegtogether,soheforksahossan'pullsforthesteamboattown.Thislittleincidentdon'tseemtotakenoneofthefightoutofZack,an'hewinsan'losesafewbattlesdowntherewhilehe'shealin'up.

"It'safewyearslaterZackcomesnearcrossin'therange,whenhemixeswithafighterinBenton.Thebattle'sZack'sfromthestart,tilltheotherfellowcheatsbydrawin'aknife,an'slippin'ittoZack'sflankhewalkscleanaroundhim,leavin'Zackwithnothin'holdin'himupbuthisbackbone.Hisfriendshelphimgatherupthelooseends,andgettin'adoctorwithasackin'needle,he'ssoonpatchedupagain.



"AnothertimeZackfightsafellerallday.Ofcoursetheystopfordrinksan'feed.Therereallyain'tnohardfeelins';they'rejusttryin'tofindoutwhichisthebestman.They'da-beenfightin'yet,buttheireyesswelledshutatlastan'theycouldn'tfindoneanother.

"TherewasonetownZackwasdoubtfulof,an'thatwasBullHook.Inthemdaysthisburgheldthepennantforfighters.

"Zackhadbeencookin'ontheTetonroundup,an'whentheybreakupthatfallhejumpsatrainheadedeast.He'sgotquiteabankroll,andafriendstakeshimtoaquartthatain'tgrapejuice.He'sfigurin'onwinterin'insomeofthetownsalongtheroad,sowhenthetrainstopsatthistownofBullHook,orHavreastheycallitnow,hestepsofftogettheairan'sizeupthecitizens.

"AsIwassayin',thistownintheolddayswasthehomeofmostofthefightersoftheNorthwest.Zackpicksoutthebiggest,hardestoneinsight,an'walkin'upfriendlylike,handshimoneinthejawwitheverypoundhe'sgot.Withthistheballopens,butitdon'tlastlong,an'Zack'shithimeverywherewhenthebigfellerhollers'enough.'

"Thenthestrangerwantstoknowwhatit'sallabout,andasksZacktointroducehimselfan'explain,justoutofcuriosity,what'shisreasonfortearin'intohim.Zacktellshimthere'snohardfeelin'san'itain'tnooldgrudgehe'sworkin'off,buthekindoffiguredonwinterin'inBullHook,an'hearin'they'reallfightersthere,hethinksthisisthebestwayofintroducin'himself.

"Ipickedthebiggestoneamongyou,'saystheMormon.'IfI'da-lose,Iwasgoin'ontoChinook,butseein'Iwin,I'llwinterwithyou.'An'hedid.

"AlthoughZack'sanaturalscrapper,likemanyofhiskindhehasplentyofgoodtraits,isgood-hearted,an'Ineverknowedhimtojumponaweakling;itwasalwaysamanwhoclaimedtobeafighter,too.Zackbelongedtohistime,an'itwashiskindandnotthereformersthatmadeMontana.Theselastcamewiththetumbleweed."



COWHORSEPULLINGCALF

FINGERTHATKILLSWINSHISSQUAW

"ThatstorythatDadLanetellstheothernight'bouthiscompadregettingkilledoff,sureshowstheInjunup,"says'Squaw'Owens."Injunsisbornbushwhackers;theybelieveinkillin'offtheirenemyan'ain'tparticularhowit'sdone,butprefergettin'himfromcover,an'Inoticesomeoftheirwhitebrothersplaythesameway.Youwatchtheseoldgun-fightersan'you'llseemostof'emlikesashadethestartinadraw;there'smanyamanthat'sfellunderthesmokeofaforty-fivedrawnfromasneakthatain'tlookin'whenhegotit.

"I'vehadplentyexperienceamongstInjuns,an'alltheaffectionIgotfor'emwouldn'tmakenolovestory,butwithalltheirtricksan'treacheryIcallthemagamepeople.It'stheirreligiontodiewithoutawhimper;inoldentimeswhenaprisoner'stook,there'snofavorsaskedorgiven.He'supaginit.It'sasurecaseofcashinskinnedalive,cookedoveraslowfire,orsomesuchpleasanttrailtothehuntin'-groundan'allMisterPrisonerdoesistotakehismedicinewithoutwhinin'.Ifhemakesanytalkit'stotellyeyou'reagreenhandatthebusiness;ofcoursehedon'tcussnone,hedon'tknowhow.Thatartbelongstocivilizedfolks,butanInjun'sgotastringofnamestocallyethat'lldotillsomethingbettercomesalong.Theysuretalkscandalousaboutyouan'yourrelations.

"Talkin'aboutanInjun'snerveremindsmeofanoldbuckIrunontoontheBlackfoot

Reserveafewyearsago.I'mridin'fortheFlyin'O;thisoutfit'sfillin'abeefcontract,an'throwin'steersintotheAgencynearwherewe'reholdin'thebeefonTwoMedicine,close-herdin'."



"There'sanoldInjuncomesvisitin'ourcamp,an'afterhefeedsonceyoucanbetonhimshowin'up'boutnooneveryday.Ifthere'saplacewhereanInjunmakesahand,it'shelpin'aneighborhidegrub,an'theyain'tparticularaboutqualityit'squantitytheywant.UncleSam'sInjunsaverageaboutonegoodmealaweek;nobody'sgottograzethiswaylongtillatinplateloadedwithbeanslookslikeaChristmasdinner.

"Thisoldbucktakesagreatlikin'tomean'thechuckwagon,an'asIcantalksomeBlackfootwegetrightsociable.Igetthistalkfroma'LiveDictionary'theyearbefore,when

IwintereduponOldMan'sRiver;thatis,ImarryaBloodwoman.WhenIsaymarry,Itradedherpatwoponiesan'aWinchester,an'inaccordancewithallInjun'slawwe'reneckedallright.OfcourseIfurnishgruban'materialtoherrelationsforateadancetomaketheweddin'fashionable."



"Butourmarriedlifeain'tjoyfulIsurekickonthatcookin',forthereain'tenoughInjuninmetolikeit.

"Thinkin'tocivilizeheralittle,Ibuyherawhitewoman'srigatMcLeod,an'whensheslipsthisonI'mdamnedifyoucantellwhichwayshe'stravelin'.

"Weain'tbeenmarriedaweektillI'velearnedenoughofthetalktocallherallthenamesknowntoBlackfeet,an'byspringwecanpulloffnearlyasgoodaquarrelascivilizedfolksinharness.Whengrasscomesweseparate;there'snodivorceneeded,aswe'rebothwillin',sowesplittheblankets;shepullsforcamp,an'Idriftsouth.

"ButthisoldbuckIstartedtotellyeaboutFinger-ThatKillsishisnameisallInjunfromhis

moccasinsup.Ifitain'tforhiscalicoshirtan'leggin'san'cloutbein'madeofblanketinsteadofskin,he'sdressedlikehe'dbeahundredyearsago.

"ThefirstdayheshowsupInoticehe'sshythreefingersonhisrighthand,leavin'nothin'buthisthumban'triggerfinger.Nowhedon'tlooktomelikehe'severrailroadedorworkedinasawmill,an'ofcourseI'mcurioustoknowwhoworkedhimover.SoonedayI'mlayin'intheshadeofmyhossonherd,whenoldFinger-That-Killsridesuponhislittlepintowhittledigforavisit.It'sthenIaskhimhowhegetstrimmedup.Hedon'tsaynothin'foralongtime,butgoestogazin'offontheprairielikehe'slookin'forsomethin'.Nowfolksthatdon'tknowInjuns'udthinkhedon'thearme,butIheapsavvyhe'sreachin'backinhishistoryfortheyarnIwant.

"Theonlybookhe'sgotistheseoldprairies,butit'sopentohiman'heknowseveryleafinher;Itellyou,fellers,shesureholdsgoodyarnsforthemthatcanreadher.

"Finallyheshakesouthisblackstonepipe,an'layin'herdown,opensuponhisyarn.

"Mycousin,it'salongwaybehindme,'sayshe,drawin'hiscrippledhandslowfromhisleft,outinfrontofhiman'backoverhisshoulder,whichmeansinsigns'verylong.'



"FortytimesI'veseenthesnowcomean'gosinceItookmyfirstwar-trail.Iwasthenyoungan'myheartwasstrong.'

"NowIcan'tgiveittoyouasfloweryasthisInjundoes,'causethesepeoplearesureprettywithtalk,butasIinterpretithe's'boutnineteentheagetheRedsbeginlookin'foramatewhenhestartsridin''roundonapaintedponyan'puttin'inhistimelookin'pretty.Whenabunchofyoungsquawsisdowngettin'water,heaccidentallyridesthroughthecreek,givin'themachancetoadmirehim.He'sablazewithpaintan'featherstohearhimtellithe'sriggedoutsoithurtsyoureyestolookathim,an'itain'thardtoimagine,'causeI'veseenyoungbucksstrippedtothecloutan'moccasins,paintedtillthey'resuregaudy.

"Well,hefinallyseestheonehe'slookin'for;she'sasprettyasapaintedwagonan'loveshimrightback.NowsomefolksthinkInjunsdon'thavelovescrapes,butdon'teverbelieveit.There'smanyasquawthatleavescampwitharawhideunderherblanket,an'nextdayshe'sfoundhangin'inacottonwoodallbecauseshecan'tgetthebuckshewants.An'thebucksarejustaslocoedintheirway.

"Well,asIsaidbefore,Finger-That-Killsissurewarmedonthissquaw;they'rebothwillin',butheain'tgottheprice.He'sshyonponies,asherolddad'sholdin'herforfifteenan'he'sonlygotfive,soit'sacaseofstealhossesorlosethegirl.

"It'sspringan'timefortheSun-Dance,sowhenthat'spulledoffhetakesahandan'goesthroughallright.Shortlyafter,there'sawar-partystartsfortheCrowcountry,an'he'samong'em;there'sfifteen,allafootan'travelin'lightstealin'partiesgenerallygoesthisway.Eachman'spackin'hisbundleofmoccasins,driedmeat,arawhideropean'weeponsmostlybows,asgunsisscarcethemdays;theonesthey'vegotisflintlocksthatgooffwhenevertheyfeellikeit.

"Theytravelmanysleepswithnothin'happenin'exceptrunnin'lowonmeat,butthat'snothin'noInjun'ssupposedtogethungryonawar-trip.Finallytheyruncleanoutofpemmican,an'they'regettin'ga'ntan'wolfy.There'splentyofgame,buttheycan'thunt,bein'afoot,an'it'sprettyticklishworkdisturbin'buffalointheenemy'scountry.There'snotellin'whatbutteholdsaredsentinelwrappedtotheeyesinhisrobe.Youcan'tseehim,buthe'sthere,stillasasleepin'snake.Hedon'tneednobring-'em-closeglasses;nature'sgivehimacoupleofbeadyblinkersthatain'tworenonebyreadin',an'whattheyoverlookain'tworthhuntin'up.

"Heseestheherdwayyonderintheopen;maybethere'sacoupleofbullslockedhornstooneside,oronegougin'outawaller.Theherdmaybetrailin'intowater,leavin'longstringsofdust.Thesemaneuversdon'texcitehimnone,butlet'emstartrunnin',millin',orchurnin',an'he'ssureinterested,forthereain'tbutoneanimalthat'llcausethesebrowngrass-eaterstoactupthatawayandthatanimalwalksonhindlegsan'ain'thairedover.

"Thislookoutheapsavvys,an'youcanbetheain'tslowatsignalin'.He'sgotseveralwaysoftelegraphin',accordin'totimean'weather.Ifthesun'sright,it'salookin'glass;ifit'stoowindyforsmoke,it'sablanketorrobe,an'atnight,afire.An'it'ssurprisin'howquickhe'llchangethatquiet,peacefulscene.Beforeyouknowitthecountry'sswarmin'withpainted,



featheredhair-hunters,an'hell'spoppin'.OfcoursetheBlackfeetknowallthisan'they'remightycautious.

"They'renearin'theCrowcountry,travelin'nights,'mostly.Onemornin'justbreakin'day,Finger-That-Killsissneakin'alongaheadofhispartykindofadvancescout.He'ssurehungry,hisbelt'scinchedtoitslasthole,an'hecan'tthinkofnothin'buteatin',whenofasuddenhestumblesrightontoabigbull.Thisoldbuffalo'sgotthreewolvesaroundhim;he'shamstrungan'downbehind,buthe'swhirlin''roundan'makin'agoodstand-offwithhishorns.WhenMisterInjunwalksup,thesewolvesgoslinkin'off,makin'facesathim;theydon'tlikebein'bustedinonatmeal-times.

"WithacoupleofarrowsFinger-That-Killsfinishesthebull,butbeforetouchin'themeat,holdin'uphishands,hethanksthesun,who'sjustpeepin'overthesky-line.Youmaynotknowit,butallInjunsisgreatpeopletogivethankstotheirGod.

"Thenhecutsinan'getstheliver;Redskinsaresurefondofthis,rawan'warm.He'ssobusyfillin'upthathegetscareless;there'saflockofsagehenscomessailin'overthat

disturbshismeal,an'thenextthingheknowsthreeInjunscomesyelpin'downonhim,quirtin'theirponiesateveryjump.

"Nowthere'sabunchofcottonwoodsnotfarfromwherehe'ssittin'thatlooksmightyhandy,sohehitsthebreeze,notrunnin'straight,butsidewindin',duckin',an'dodgin'likeagrouse-hentollin'yefromhernest.

"He'sahardmark,butheain'tmadethreeofthesecurvestillatradeballgoesplowin'upunderhisscalpan'heturnsoveronhisfaceasdeadashe'lleverbe,foraminute.Whenhecomesto,thestrangersaredownofftheirponies,jokin'an'laughin'.OfcourseFinger-That-Killsdon'tseethehumor;he'splayin'deadforallthere'sinit.They'reGrosVentreshe

knowsthisbythefewwordshesavvysoftheirgutturaltongue.Hefeelsthehandofhisenemytwistedinhisscalp-lock,an'itain'tnoguesswithhimthathe'llbelosingsomehairshortly.Heislayin'facedown,hisrighthand'sstretchedoutalongtheground,hisleftdoubledunderhim.Bein'adandyan'aleaderoffashion,hewearsjewelryregardless,an'hishandsareloadedtotheknuckleswithbrasstraderings.

"TheGrosVentre'seyeforfineryiscaughtbythisglitter,an'droppin'thehairhereachesforthejeweledhand,firsttryin'tosliptherings.Butthey'retight,sotakin'hisknifehebeginshackin'thefingersoff."



"Now'swhenFinger-That-KillscomesinwiththatInjunnerveI'mtellin'youabout.Helaystherenotmovin'amuscle,an'allthecomforthegetsisgnawin'abranchofsagebrushhishead'slayin'in,whilethisoperationisgoin'on.

"TheGrosVentre'ssawin'awayonhismiddlefingerwhenMisterBlackfoothearsthewelcomeyelpin'ofhispartycomin'uponthebacktrail.

"TheminutetheseBigBelliesseethey'reoutnumbered,theycrawltheirponiesan'bustthebreeze;havin'hossesthebestofit,theymakeacleanget-away.Finger-That-Killsisglad

he'slivin'an'sgothishair,buthe'ssuresore'boutlosin'thoserings."Thislittletroubledon'tstoptheBlackfeet.TheyreachtheCrowsallright,an'comebackwithtwohundredstolenponies.

"OfcourseFinger-That-Killsgetshissquawallright,butthisdon'tendhislovescrapes,foranInjunwithonewifeisatolerablepoorhusband.Thesepeoplesetnolimittomatrimony,an'countwealthbysquawsan'bosses.

"'Howdoesitfeel,'saysI,'whenthatGrosVentre'strimmin'you?'

"TheBigBelly'slazy;hisknife'sdullverydull.Thedogeater'sfoolishlikeasquawwhenhe

leavesmethis,'sayshe,smilin'an'holdin'uphislonefinger.'ForthisonehaskilledtwoBigBelliesforeveryoneofhisdeadbrothers,an'theirscalpshavelongdriedinthelodgeoftheFinger-That-Kills.'"



DOGEATER

"Amanthatain'tneverbeenhungrycan'ttellnobodywhat'sgoodtoeat,"saysRawhideRawlins."IeatrawsowbosomandfrozenbiscuitwhenittastedlikeaChristmasdinner.

"BillGurdtellsmehe'scaughtonetime.He'sbeenridin'sincedaybreakandain'thadabite.

It'splumbdarkwhenhehitsabreed'scamp.ThisoldbreedshakeshandsandtellsBillhe'swelcome,soafterstrippin'hissaddleandhobblin'hishoss,hestepsintotheshack.Beingwolfhungry,henoticestheoldwoman'scookingbannocksatthemudfire.TiredandhungrylikeBillis,thewarmthandthesmellofgrubmakesthiscottonwoodshack,thatain'tmuchmorethanawindbreak,looklikeapalace.

"Tain'tlongtilltheoldwomanhandshimatinplateloadedwithstewandbannocks,withhotteaforachaser.Hedon'tknowwhatkindofmeatitisbuthe'stoomuchofagentlemantoask.Sohedon'tlookagifthossinthemouth.Afterhefillsup,whilehe'ssmokin',theoldmanspreadsdownsomeblanketsandBillbedsdown.

"Nextmornin'hegetsthesameforbreakfast.Notbeingsohungry,he'smorecurious,butdon'tasknoquestions.Onthewayouttocatchhishosshegetsananswer.Alittlewaysfromthecabin,hepassesafreshdoghidepeggeddownontheground.It'slikeseeingthehole-cardit'snogamblewhatthatstewwasmadeof,butitwasgoodandBillheldit.

"IknowedanotherfellowonetimethatwascalledDogEatin'Jack.Ineverknowedhowhegothisnamethat'shungtohim,tillIcampwithhim.Thisoldboyisaprospectorandgoesgopherin''roundthehills,hopin'he'llfindsomething.

"I'mhuntin'hossesonespringandain'tfoundnothingbuttracks.I'mupontheLodgepoleinthefoothills;it'ssundownandmyhosshaswentlame.We'relimpingalongslowwhenIsightacoupleofhobbledcayusesinabeavermeadow.OneofthesehossesiswearingaDiamondGiron,theother'saQuarter-Circle-Blockhoss.They'rebotholdcowponies.Isoonlocatetheirowner'scampit'salean-tointheedgeofthetimber.

"WhileI'mlookin'overthelayout,herecomestheowner.It'stheDogEater.AfterweshakehandsIunsaddleandstakeoutmytiredhoss.Whenwe'refilleduponthebesthe'sgotwhichisbeans,bacon,andfryingpanbread,whichisgoodfillingforhungrymenwe'resittin'smokin',andit'sthenIaskhimifheeverlivedwithInjuns.

"You'rethinkin','sayshe,'aboutmyname.ItdoessoundlikeInjun,buttheydon'thangitonme.Ithappensabouttenwintersago.I'm'waybackintheDiamondrange;I'vethrowedmyhossesabouttenmileoutinthefoothillswherethere'sgoodfeedandlesssnow.Ibuild

alean-to,agoodone,andmeandmydogsettlesdown.There'ssomebeaverhereandIgotoutalineoftrapsandfiggeronwinterin'here.Ain'tgotmuchgrub,butthere'slotsofgameinthehillsandmyoldneedlegunwillgetwhatthetrapswon't.

"Snowcomesearlyandlotsofit.AboutthreedaysafterthestormIsteponalooseboulderandsprainmyankle.Thisputsmeplumbout;Ican'tmorethankeepmyfirealive.AllthetimeI'mrunningshortofgrub.IeatacoupleofskinnedbeaverI'dthrowedawayoneday.



Myolddogbringsinasnowshoerabbittocampandmaybeyoudon'tthinkhe'swelcome.Icutintwowithhimbutmanlike,Igivehimthefrontend.That'sthelastwegot.

"OldFriendshipthat'sthedog'snamegoesouteveryday,buthedon'tgetnothingandIknowheain'tcheatinghe'stoohollerintheflanks.Afteraboutfourdaysoflivingonthoughts,Friendshipstartswatchin'likehe'safraid.HethinksmaybeI'llputhiminthepot,buthesizesmeupwrong.IfI'ddothat,IhopeIchoketodeath.

"ThesixthdayI'msizin'himup.He'slayingnearthefire.He'sahoundwithalongmeatytail.SaysItomyself,'Oxtailsoup!What'sthematterwithdogtail?'Hedon'tuseitfornothingbutsigntalk,butit'slikecuttingthehandsoffadummy.Buttheeighthday,withhungerandpaininmyankle,IplumblocoedandIcan'tgetthatdog'stailoutofmymind.So,alittlebeforenoonIslipuponhim,whilehe'ssleeping,withtheax.Inasecondit'sallover,Friendshipgoesyelpin'intothewoodsandIamsobbin'likeakid,withhistailinmyhand."

"Thewaterisalreadyboilinginthepot,an'assoonasIsingethehairoffit'sinthepot.Iturnedacoupleoffloursacksinsideoutanddroppedtheminandthere'senoughflourtothickenthesoup.It'saboutdark.Ifillup,andifitweren'tforthinkin'itwouldhavebeengood.IcouldhaveeatitallbutIheldoutoverhalfforFriendship,incasehecomeback.

"Itmustbemidnightwhenhepushesintotheblanketswithme.Itakehiminmyarms.He'sascoldasadeadsnake,andwhileI'mholdin'himtightI'mcryinglikeababy.Afterhewarmsupalittle,IgetupandthrowsomewoodonthefireandcallFriendshiptothepot.Heeatseverybitofit.Hedon'tseemtorecognizeit.Ifhedoes,beingadog,heforgives.



"Wegobacktotheblankets.It'sjustbreakingdaywhenheslidesout,whinin'andsniffin'theairwithhisearscockedandhisbloodystubwobblin'.Ilookthewayhe'spointin',andnottwenty-fiveyardsfromthelean-tostandsabigelk.There'safinesnowfallin';thewind'srightforus.Iain'tasecondgettin'myoldneedlegun,butI'mplayin'safeI'mcomingInjunonhim.Iusemyram-rodforarest.Whenoldneedlespeaks,thebullturns

overhisneck'sbroken.'Tain'tlongtillwebothgettothatbullandwe'rebotheatin'raw,warmliver.I'veseenInjunsdothisbutIneverthoughtIwasthatmuchwolf,butitwassuregoodthatmorning.

"He'sabigseven-pointbulloldandprettytough,butmeandFriendshipwaslookingforquantity,notquality,andwegotit.Thatmeatlastedtillwegotout.'

"WhatbecameofFriendship?'saysI.

"Hediedtwoyearsago,'saysJack.'Buthediedfat."



HOWLINDSAYTURNEDINDIAN

"Mostfolksdon'tbankmuchonsquaw-men,butI'veseensomemightygoodonesdoubledupwithshe-Injuns,"saysDadLane."Ain'tyou,Owens?"

"ItoldyoumyshortexperiencewiththatBloodwoman;Iwasn'tasuccessfulInjun,butthe

comin'ofwhitewomentothecountry'smadebigchanges;men'sgotfinickyaboutmatin'.IguessifI'dcometothecountryearlier,squawswoulda-lookedgoodenough,an'iftherewasn'tnothin'butInjunwomen,it'sacinchthatallmarriedmenwouldbewearin'moccasins.There'sawholelotofdifferencelivin'withInjunsnowan'whenthebuffalowerethick;thesavagesownedthecountrythen.

"WhenI'mridin'linefortheH-half-H,mycamp'sontheborderofthePieganReserve.OfcourseIgetslotsofvisitsfrommyredbrothers.Among'emisanoldsquaw-mannamedLindsay.He'swhiteallright,butyou'dhavetobeagoodguessertocalltheturn.Livin'solongwithInjuns,he'sgotalltheirwaysan'looks.Can'ttalkwithoutusin'hishands.Hiswhitehair'sdownoverhisshoulderan'hiswrinkledfaceishairless.Bytheholespunched

inhisearsIknowhe'sworeringssometimes.Hepacksamedicine-bag,allsamesavage.

"Fromhislooksan'thedateshegivesme,he'scrowdin'eightywinters.ThisoldboycouldstringthebestwarandbuffaloyarnsIeverheard.It'slikereadin'aromance;anytimehecallsI'msureofagoodyarn.

"Irememberonedaywe'resittin'outsidetheshack,clearoftheeaves.There'saChinookblowingan'theroof'sdrippin'likeit'srainin'.It'smightypleasantinthesunoutofthewind.Thisoldbreezeiscuttin'thesnowoffthehillsinawaythat'sablessin'tocowsan'cowmen.Thecountry'sbeenhidforsixweeks,an'iftheChinookhadn'tcome,cowmenwouldneededskinnin'-knivesinsteadofbrandin'-irons.

"AsIsaidbefore,we'resittin'outsideenjoyin'thechange;thewhiteInjun'ssmokin'hismixtureofwillowbarkan'tobacco,whileI'msizin'himup,an'somehowIcan'thelpbutpityhim.Here'sanoldmanaswhiteasIam.Nodoubthe'sbeenagreatmanwiththesesavages,buthe'snothin'ornobodytohisownbloodorcolor.WhileI'mthinkin'abouthiminthiswayhestartsmumblin'tohimselfinInjun.Idon'tsavvyonlypartofit,soIaskhimwhatit'sallabout.Hesayshe'stalkin'tothesun;he'sthankin'himforthewarmwindthatmeltsthesnow.

"Don'tyoubelieveinGod?'saysI.

"'Yes,'sayshe.

"'Whatkindofaone?'

"Thatone,'sayshe,pintin'withhisstafftothesun.'TheoneIcanseean'havewatchedworkformanyyears.Hegathersthecloudsan'makesitrain;thenwarmsthegroundan'thegrassturnsgreen.Whenit'stimehedriesityellow,makin'itgoodwinterfeedforgrass-eaters.



"Again,whenhe'smad,mypeoplesayhedrivestherainaway,dryin'upthestreamsan'water-holes.Ifitwasn'tforhimtherecouldn'tnothin'ornobodylive.Doyouwonderthatweprayhimtobegoodan'thankhimwhenheis?I'mallInjunbutmyhide;theirGod'smyGod,an'Idon'taskfornobetter.'

"Howeverdidyoucometothrowinwiththesesavagesinthestart-off?'saysI.

"Well,boys,I'lltellyouhowithappened,'sayshe,signin'foramatch,an'lightin'upfresh,hestartsoff.

"ThereusedtobelotsofwhiteInjunslikemewhatyou'dcallsquaw-men,butI'veoutlivedthemostof'em.Somegotcivilized,throwedawaytheirredwomenan'tookwhiteones,butI'vebeentoolonginthePiegancamptochange,an',nearin'theendo'theroadlikeIam,IguessI'llfinishwiththeredones.

"It'sthewomenthatmakethemeninthisworld,Iheardaneducatedfellersayonce,an'it'sthetruththat,ifaman'sgoin'tohellorheaven,ifyoulookinthetrailaheadofhimyou'll

findatrackthesameshapeashis,onlysmaller;it'sawoman'strack.She'salwaysahead,rightorwrong,tollin'himon.Inanimals,thesameashumans,thefemaleleads.Thatain'ttheexactwordsthiseducatedmanuses,butit'sasnearasIcaninterpret,an'it'sthetruth.Ifyoueverrunbuffalo,you'llnoticethecow-meatsinthelead.Withwildhossesthestalliongoesherdin'themalong,snakin'an'bowin'hisneck,withhistailflagged.Fromlooksyou'dcallhimchief,butthemaresleadtothewater-holethey'vepickedout.An'Ibelieve,ifallwomenweresquaws,thewhiteswouldbewearin'cloutsto-day.

"InearlytimeswhenwhitemenmixedwithInjunsawayfromtheirownkind,thesewildwomenintheirpaintan'beadslookedmightyenticin',buttostandinwithasquawyouhadtoturnInjun.She'daskwereyourrelationsalldeadthatyoucutyourhair?orwasyou

afraidtheenemy'dgetaholdan'liftit?atthesametimegivin'youthesignforraisin'thescalp.Thewhiteman,ifhelikedthesquaw,wouldn'tstandthisjoshin'longtillhethrowedtheshearsaway,an'bythetimethehairreachedhisshouldershecouldlivewithoutsalt.Heain'tlongforgettin'civilization.Livin'withNaturean'herpeoplethisway,hegoesbackwardstillhe'sarawman,withoutanyflavorin'.Ingrade,he'sanotchortwoaboveawolf,follerin'theherdsforhismeatthesameashiswilddog-brother.But,boy,Istartedtotellyouaboutmyself.'

"An'thisisaboutthewayhestringsittome.

"He'sborninSt.Louis,atthattimetheoutfittin'-placeforallfurtradesouthoftheBritishline.Hisfirstremembrance,whenhe'sayoungster,isseein'tradersinfromtheirfar-off,

unknowncountry.Theselong-hairedfellers,someinfringedbuckskin,othersinbright-coloredblanket-clothes,strikethekid'sfancy.There'sFrenchmenan'Breedsthat'scomedowninboatsloadedwithbuffaloan'beaverhides,fromtheupperMissouri.FromtheSouthwestcomestheSpanishan'Mexicantraders,theirhundredsofpack-mulesloadedwithpelts.Thesemenarestillmoregaudy,withsilverbraidan'buttonsfromtheirbroadsombrerostotheirsix-inchrowels,allwearin'bright-coloredsashesan'serapis.SometimesabandofPawneeswoulddriftinfromtheplains,theirfacespaintedan'headsshaved,barrin'thescalplock."



"Allthesesightsmakethisromantickidrestless,an'itwouldn'ttakemuchtomakehimbreakaway.Soonedayatannin'hegetsfromhisstep-dadgiveshimalltheexcuseheneeds,an'bustin'hometies,hequitsthevillageasfastashissmallfeetan'shankswillpackhim.Follerin'theMississippihe'smightyleg-wearyan'hungrynextmornin'whenhemeetsupwithPierreChouteau'scordellersorboatmen.Hetells'emhisstorybetweenwhimpersan'tears,an'thesebig-heartedrivertravelersfeedhiman'takehimin.

"They'reaboutthemouthoftheMissouriwhenheovertakes'em,towin'northwithgoodsfortheUpperMissouritrade.Thistripain'tnopicnic,butbein'astrong,healthykid,heenjoysit.Theypassthedirt-lodgetownsoftheMandansan'Rickarees,thatlooklikeovergrownanthills,wheretheInjunscometomeet'eminbowl-shapedbull-boats,madeofgreenbuffalohidestretchedonwillers.Manytimesthey'restoppedbyherdsofbuffalocrossin'theriver.It'sprettysmoothforthekid,chorin'aroundan'herdin'bossesforthepost,tillonedayhefallsasleepan'awar-partyofCrowsdropdownan'getabouthalfof'em.Thismakesthechiefoftheposthostile,an'hehasLindsaylicked.Thisoldmantellsmethatthechiefsoftradin'-postsmadetheirownlaws,an'whenyoubrokeoneyouhadafloggin'comin'.Sometimesmenwereshotorhung,accordin'tohowseriousthebreakwas.Thelickin'hegetsistoomuchforhim,sohebustsoutan'makesaget-away.

"There'saboutahundredlodgesofPieganspullin'north,campedtwomileabovethepost.HefindsouttheseInjunswillbreakcampaboutdaybreak.It'sgettin'graywhenheclearsthestockade.Onreachin'thecamp-groundhe'smightydisappointedinfindin'nothin'butthedeadashesoftheirfires.He'safraidtogobacktothepost,an'theMissourilaysbetweenhiman'theInjuns,sobein'desperate,hestripshisgarmentsan'takesthewater.Beforestartin'hetieshisclothesinapackonhisshoulders.



"Thewater'slowan'don'trequiremuchswimmin',butnearin'thebankonthefurside,anundercurrentcatcheshiman'heloseshisgun.Thisoldflintlockismightydeartohim,butit'sacaseoflightenuporgounder,soheloosenshisholt,hittin'theshorewithnothin'butawetpowder-hornan'askinnin'-knife.Thedraggin'ofhundredsoftravoisan'lodgepolesmakesatrailaseasytofollerasawagonroad.Aboutnoonhereachestherearguard.In

themdaysInjunstraveled,whenindangerouscountry,withadvance,flank,an'rearguard,theirsquaws,children,an'looseponiesinthecentre.ThePiegans,bein'intheSiouxcountry,ain'ttakin'nochances.

"Whenhemeetsupwiththerearguardthey'redownofftheirponies,figurin'onasmoke,butthey'velostthesteelan'theredon'thappentobeaflintlockguninthisbunch.They'retryin'hardtogetalightbyhackin'anoldirontradeknifeagintheflint.WhenLindsayloomsup,Injun-like,theydon'thardlynoticehim.Thesemonthsaroundthepost,he'spickedupconsiderablehand-talk,sosigns'emhe'lllighttheirpipe.Oneoldpock-markedbuck,that'sholdin'thepipean'seemstobechief,says,'Theboyisfoolish,ifhehasnosteel,totalktooldmen.'

"Lindsaydon'tmakenobacktalk,but,walkin'uptotheoldman,signshimtoholdthebowlup;thatthesunwillmakesmoke.Then,reachin'inhispouch,hepullsasun-glass.AsIsaysbefore,it'saboutnoonan'thesun'swellup.It'soneofthemwarmfalldays,notacloudinthesky;thismakesiteasyforLindsay,soholdin'theglassabovethebowlan'movin'herupan'downtillhegetsthefocus,an'holdin'hersteady,it'snotlongbeforethelittlebrightlightdowninthebowlsendsupafinecurlofsmoke.TheoldInjun,seein'this,takesalongdraw,an'whentheyallseethesmokerollfromtheoldchief'snostrilsthey'replentysurprised,butdon'tshowitnone;'tain'tInjunnature.YoucouldtakeoneofthesesavagesuptotheMissouriRiveran'byawaveofyourhandstoptheflowan'backherupamile;an'ifhedidn'twantto,hewouldn'tchangeexpression;hewouldn'tevenlookinterested.Hisoldinsidesmightbeboilin'withastonishment,butyou'dneverknowit.Onthesepeopleitdon'tshowthroughthehide.

"Whentheygetthroughpassin'thepipe,theyallforktheirponies,an'theoldInjunsignsthekidtocrawlupbehindhimonhispony.He'sprettyleg-wearyan'don'twaitfornosecondinvite,soridesdoubletherestofthewaywiththeoldman.Bythetimetheyreachcampthenewsisspread'roundaboutthemedicine-boythatlightsthepipewiththesun.HecanhardlyeathissupperforInjunscrowdin'aroundtakin'apeekathim.Theyoungwomenlookathim,theoldhagskisshim,an'themothersrubtheirpapoosesonhisbreasttogethismedicine.Lindsaytakesitallgoodhumored,barrin'theoldladieskissin'him,whichhesaysdon'tmixwellwithhissupper.ThatnightLindsaytellstheoldmanhowthetradertreatedhiman'begsnottobesentback.

"ThisoldInjun,WoundedHossishisname,ischiefoftheband.Hetellstheboyhe'llnotbesentbackan'there'snodangerofthetraderfollerin'him,forawhitemanthatfollersaPieganthosedays,unlesshe'slookin'fortrouble,isplumbsilly.

"ThegrasshasgrowntwicesincemytwosonswerekilledbytheSioux,'saystheoldchief;'myheartisontheground;Iamlonesome,butsincethesunhassentyou,itisgood.Iwilladoptyouasmyboy.Iamoldan'mymusclesaretiredverytired.Mylodgeisyourstill



you'reoldenoughtotakeawoman.Ihaveplentyponies,an'amongthemgoodbuffalohosses.Youshallridethem,an'bringmeatan'robestomywomen.ChildoftheSun,itisgood.'An'afterthat,untilLindsaywonhiswar-name,hewasknownas'ChildoftheSun.'

"Nextdayhisnewfathergiveshimabowan'otter-skinquiver,filledwithsteel-pointedarrows.Thisbowisoffinemake,chokecherrywood,wrappedwithsinew.Withthisrig,mountedonafinepinto,thiskidwouldn'ttradeplaceswiththePresident.

"Thefirstfewdaysthereain'tnothin'happens;Lindsayridesalongwiththebunch,learnin'tohandlethebow.Thisain'tnoeasytrick,forthoughabowwithaInjunbehindit'sanastyweapon,withagreenhandit'smightynearharmless.Ittakesanexperttopullanarrowbacktothehead,an'it'sseveralyearsbeforeLindsaycangettheknackan'candrivehisarrowtothefeathers.TheInjunpullshisstringwiththreean'sometimesfourfingers,withallhisstrength,an'bygettin'backoftheribs,an'aimin'forward,he'lldrivehisarrowplumbtothelungsan'sometimescleanthroughabuffalo.

"Lindsay'senjoyin'thelifefine,barrin'hiseverlastin'longin'forsaltan'sugar.Hecravesit

alldayan'dreamsofitnights,an'it'smonthsbeforehe'splumbweaned.

"Aboutthefourthevenin'somescoutsrideinwithnewsofabigherdthey'velocatedashortridenorthof'em,soallhandsprepareforasurroundnextday.Thekid'ssoexcitedhedon'tsleepmuch.Allnightlonghecanhearthetom-tomofthemedicine-man.It'sjustbreakin'daywhenhewakes.Everybodyan'thedogsareup.Quittin'thepileofrobeshethrowsthelodgedooraside.Theponiesareamongthelodges;squawsan'bucksareallbusypickin'outtheirmounts.Fromthefiresinfrontofthelodgeshecansmellmeatcookin'.Lookin'aroundhespieshisfosterfatherwrappedtohiseyesinhisrobes.Hedon'trecognizehiminthedimlighttillhespeaks."

"Myson,bringyourropean'follerme,'saysWoundedloss.

"Gettin'hisrawhide,Lindsayfollerstheoldmanamongtheponies,an'aftertwoorthreethrows,getshisloopoverablackpintothatispointedouttohimashisbuffalohoss.



"Whilethey'reeatin',oneofthekid'sfostermothersleadsupthreemoreponies.OneoftheseisforWoundedHoss;theotherforhisadoptedboy.Injunsgenerallyledtheirbuffalohossestotherunnin'ground,an'that'swhattheseextramountsisfor.Inthemdaysbuffalohosseswasworthplentyofrobes.Thisanimalhadtobesure-footed,long-winded,an'quickasacat.It'snobenchofahossthat'lllayalongsideofabuffalocow,whileyou're

droppin'arrowsorleadinher.He'sgottobeadodger,allthesamecowhoss,'causeawoundedcow'sliabletogetringyoronthefight,an'whenshedoes,she'smightyhandywiththemblackhorns.AnInjun'ssureproudofhisbuffalohoss,an'thisanimalgetsthebestasavagecangiveit.OldLindsaytellsme,inwinters,whenit'sabadstorm,he'sseen'emputtheponiesinthelodgesan'thesquawswouldbringgrassthattheycutwiththeirknivesorakindofhoethattheyhadforthatpurpose.

"ThiswhiteInjuntellsmethatifhelivesathousandyears,he'llneverforgetthatday.Justthisbunchofridersisasightworthseein'.There'sabouttwohundredbucks,youngstersan'all,an'ponieswell,thereain'tnocolorknowntohossfleshthatain'tthere.Someof'em'spaintedtillyoucouldn'ttellwhatshadeofhidetheywear.Eachbuck'sridin'an

ordinary-lookin'cayuse,buttheonehe'sleadin',or'sgotalightboyridin',issuregayan'gaudy,withtailan'foretoptiedupan'deckedwithfeathers.Maybehe'sgotamedicine-baghangin'inhismanetomakehimstrongan'lucky.Paint'ssmearedregardless,an'there'spicturesalloverhim.

"Barrin'someoldcoffee-coolermumblin'aprayer,oraponyclearin'hisnostrils,theseridersarejoggin'alongprettynearasnoiselessasabandofghosts.Barefootponiesonwell-grassedsodtravelmightysilent,an'thesavagesain'tdoin'notalkin'exceptwiththeirhands.Thisiswheresign-talkcomesinmightyhandy.Inquietweatherthemumbleofadozenmenwilltravelformiles,butwithhand-talkathousandInjunsmightbewithingunshot,an'you'dneverknowit.Buffalo,likemostfour-footedanimals,arewind-readers,butthereain'tnothin'thematterwiththeirhearin',so,aftergettin'thewindright,Mr.Injunmakesasneak,an'thereain'tnobodycapableofgivin'himlessonsintheartofhidin'orsneakin'.It'sbeenproved;foryearsthey'veplayed'Ispy'withUncleSam,an'mostofthetimeUncle'sbeen'It.'

"Theyain'tgonefourmileswhenascoutloomsuponabuttean'signswithhisrobe.Thissignalcausesthemalltospreadoutan'everyInjunslidesfromhisponyan'startsbackin'outofhiscowskinshirtan'skinnin'hisleggin's.'Tain'taminutetillthey'reallstrippedtothecloutan'moccasins,forkin'theirponiesnakedlikethemselves,barrin'twohalfhitchesofrawhideonthelowerjaw.Thatsignmeansthattheherdisinsightan'close.Whenthey'reallmounted,thescoutonthebutteswingshisrobeacoupleoftimesaroundhisheadan'dropsit.Beforeithitsthegroundeverypony'srunnin',witharedriderquirtin'himdownthehindleg,leavin'littlecurlsofdustintheyellowgrassbehindhim.Atthetopoftheridgetheherdshowsacoupleofthousand,allspreadoutgrazin'.Butseein'theseredhunterspilin'downon'em,theirheadsleavethegrass.Onelook'saplenty,an'withtailsstraightened,theystartlumberin'together.Itain'tlongtillthey'vebunched,millin'an'churnin',allsamespottedcattle.

"WhenLindsaygetsto'em,thedust'srollin'sohejustgetsaglimpsenowan'againofhisnakedbrothersemptyin'theirquivers.HenoticesMr.Injunpullfiveorsixarrowsata



draw,holdin'theextrasinhismouthan'bow-hand,an'thewayhe'sgotofturnin''emloosedon'ttroublehimnone.Abovetherumblean'gruntin'oftheseanimals,hefaintlyhearsnowan'aginthereportsofafuke,orsawed-offflintlock,orthequick,sharpyelpoftheInjun,ashesendshisarrowhome.Barrin'this,it'salldustan'rumblin'.Lindsaysinglesoutacowforhismeat.Thedodgin'ofhisponymightynearunloadshim,butbyhookin'histoe

undertheforeleg,Injunfashion,hemanagestokeephishossunderhim.Thekidgetsthecowallright,buthetellsmesheresemblesaporcupine;herhide'sbristlin'witharrowswhenshelaysdown.Afttherun'sover,they'vemadeakillin'ofaboutthreehundred.Whilethesquawsareskinnin',Lindsaylunchesonrawliver,likeanyotherInjun.Lookslikethisshortrunhasturnedhimsavage.

"Myboy,'saysLindsay,finishin'uphisyarn,openin'andshuttin'hishandslikeanInjunIsavvyhe'scountin'winters--'that'sbeensixty-fiveyearsagoasnearasIcanfigure.Irunbuffalotillthewhitescleaned'emout,butthat'sthedayIturnedInjunan'Iain'tcutmyhairsince."



BROKEBUFFALO

"ThereusedtobeamanontheYellerstone,"saysRawhideRawlins,"thatcatchesapairof

yearlingbuffalo.Hehandlesthemhump-backcowstillthey'replumbgentletheyhangaroundtheranchlikeanyothercows.

"Onedayhedecidestoputthemintheyoke.Thatbumpfitsbackoftheyokeandinallwaystheyarebuiltforwork.Buthefindslooksaredeceivin'whenherigsapoleonapairofoldhindwheels,makingakindofcartit'snosulky,'tain'tbuiltforspeed,butthat'swhatit'susedfor.Theyain'thardtoyoke.He'swhackedbullsandskinnedmules,butwhenhegetsupbehindthisteamhecan'tfindnoteamtalkthepairsavvies.He'susin'ropereinsbuttheymightaswellbethreadhecouldn'tbendtheirneckswithacanthook.

"Finally,theystart.Maybethesehump-backsknowwherethey'sgoing,butthisdriverain't

gotnoidea.'Tain'tlongtillhe'sinacountryheain'tneversaw,butjudgin'fromthesunhe'sgoingsouth,an'bothwheelsaresmoking.Theyrunoverajackrabbitandpassabandofantelopethat'sdoingtheirdamdest.It'safternoonwhenthehurry-uppartyhitsarutthatbreaksthedriver'sholdandhelandsinapatchofbuckbrush.He'sdain'gladofithe'splumbtiredholdin'.Hedon'tknowhowfartheywent,butdon'tgethometillnoonnextday.Aboutaweeklaterhisteamshowsupatthecorralthey'restillpackingtheyoke.Theydon'tshownosignsofbeingjaded."



ARIDEINAMOVINGCEMETERY

Theconversationamongthegroupattheendofthebarhadturnedtothesubjectofsuddendeath,whenRawhideRawlinscutsin."SeveraltimesinmylifeI'vebeenclosetothecashin,"hesays,"butaboutthenearestIevercometocrossin'thebigrangeisafewyearsago,beforeImovetoMontana.ThisisdowninCalifornia,an'there'safriendwithmeatthetimeIain'tgivin'hisname,butwe'llcallhimBillRoslin.Hisfather'saChicagomillionaire.

"Billcrossesover,andthereasonIdon'ttellhisrightnameisbecausehisfolksneverknowwhatkindofanendBillmeets.Itseemshe'soutWestforhisparents'health,theyremainin'intheEast,an'itappearstheynevergetthefactsinthecase.Theybelieveto-daythattheirlovin'sonquitthislifeinbed,withapreacherhangin'overhiman'adoctortakin'thepulsecount.Thetruthistherewasn'tnoonewithhimatthefinishbutmean'ateamofhosses,an'thehossestakethelongtrailwithhim,leavin'meintheonlytravelin'cemeteryI'veeverseen.

"Thewaythisincidentstarts,weareleanin'overthemahoganyinajointinLosGatos,afterabignighttogether.Aswe'rebothhosslovers,we'regivin'thissubjectalotofourconversation,andfinallyBillsuggeststhatabuggyridewouldbeagoodthing,aswe'refeelin'theneedofsomefreshair.Weleavethisjoyparlorarm-in-armandvisitafriendofminewhoownsaliverystable.Itellhimwhatwe'reafter,andhegivesusthebesthe'sgotaspanofbaysbredinthepurple,andasgoodasanyroadstersinCalifornia.

"Forfearoflosin'anyofthisjoyfulfeelin'we'veaccumulatedwe'reheeledwithaquartofcornjuice,whichwe'repartakin'offreeandreg'laraswespinalongoneofthemgoodCaliforniaroadswithourhossesupandcomin'.Billkeepstellin'mehowfancyheiswiththereins,notforgettin'tocriticisemydrivin',forhe'sreachedthestagewherehe'sgettin'

argumentative.FromthelineoftalkhehandsoutI'vegotmydoubtsastohowmuchheknowsabouthossflesh,butI'mnotdisputin'himany,forthewholeworldrightnowlookssobeautifultomethatthere'snochanceforanargumentonanysubjectfromreligionorTeddyRoosevelttothebestbrandofred-eye.Iwanttosing,anddowarbleforawhile,butBillain'tgotnomusicalear,andheclaimsthenoiseI'mmakin'isfrettin'theteamanddrivin'allthebirdsoutofthecountry.Fromfeelin'musicalIbegintogetsleepy,andthelastIrememberI'mdozin'off.IrecollectBillreachin'forthereins,andthenextIknowI'veavaguenotionI'minanairshipandcanseecleartotheMexicanline.I'mwonderin'whereIchangedcarswhenthelightgoesout.

"WhenIwakeupI'mlayin'withmyfeethigherthanmyhead,andmyeyesopenslowlyon

abigmarbletombstonewiththeletterin':

OURLOVEDONEATREST.JOINEDTHEANGELSJUNE30,1911.

"Ithinktomyself,Imaybetheir'lovedone,'butthey'reliarswhentheysayI'matrest.Thereain'taplaceonmethatdon'tache;evenmyhairissoretothetouch.



"Istartfigurin'fromthedateonthestonehowlongI'vebeendead,butmybrainwon'tworkandIgiveitup.WhileI'mwonderin'whetherI'llhavetomakeasquarin'talkwithPeter,thegateman,Ihearthepuffofaswitchenginesomewherecloseby.

"'Sincewhen,'thinksI,'didtheygetarailroadbuiltthroughhere?'ButthethirstI'vegotmakesmethinkmaybeI'vetookthesouthernroute,andperhapsthey'rehaulin'coal.

"Whatthehellyoudoin'here?'breaksinavoice,anditain'tnoangeltalkin',soIrealizethatI'minthesameoldworld.Lookin'overthetombstone,sizin'meup,isthetoughestlookin'brakieIeversee.

"WhereamI?'Iinquirewithoutmovin'.

"Hegivesmethenameoftheburg,butit'sacampIneverheardof.

"Ifyou'llleadmetoathirstparlor,'Isays,'I'llbuysomethin'andyou'reinonit.'

"You'reon,Bo,"sayshe.

"Then,sittin'upandlookin'around,IdiscoverI'monaflatcarloadedtotherimswithtombstones,andI'mlayin'infrontofthebiggestoneinthelot.Althoughitnearlykillsmetomove,Iscrambletotheground,andthebrakiepilotsmetoalittlejointacrossthetracks.There'snobodyintherebutthebartenderandtheflies,andthistoddymixerisbusyreadin'anewspaper.Throwin'mysilveronthebar,Itellhimtogetin.It'sprettybadbooze,butithelpsbringmebacktolife.Thebartender'ssociable,andafterIbuyacoupleofroundsforthethreeofus,pickin'upthepaperagainhesays,'Quiteakillin'acrossthestate.'

"Whatkillin'?'saysI.

"Somefellerrunsateamintoafreightthat'sslidin'downagradeaboutthreehundredmilessouthofhere,'saysthebarkeep.'Smasheshimselfandtheteamintochunks.'

"I'llbetthat'sBillRoslin,'Isays.'SeemstomeIwasbuggyridin'withhimsometimethisyear.Judgin'fromwhereIfindmyselfthismornin',Iwaswithhimatthecashin.'

"Whatdoyouthinkofthat?'thebrakieasksthebartender,tappin'hisforehead.

"Turnover,you'relayin'onyourback,'saysthebartender.'Thatsmash-uphappensaday'sridefromhere.Waitaminute,though,'hegoeson.'Itdoessayherethatthere'safellerwithhimthattheycan'tlocate.'

"'Well,that'sme,'saysI.

"IfindoutlaterthatRoslintriestocutafreightintwowiththisteam,killin'himselfandbothhosses.That'swhenIlandamongthesegraveornamentsandtakearideinamovin'cemetery."



AREFORMEDCOWPUNCHERATMILESCITY

"Ididn'tgotothestockmen'smeetatMiles,myself,"saysRawhideRawlins,"butTeddyBluetellsmeaboutit,an'asthestrongestthingheusedasajoybringerisamaple-nutsundaymixedbyaladybartender,Iguesshissightisprettyclear.

"Teddyhasattendedalotofthesegatheringsinyearsgoneby,butalwaysbeforethoserock-basseyesofhiswasdimmedbycow-swallowsofMilesCityhome-madeliquidfire,sohe'smostlynumban'unconsciousofwhat'sgoin'onafterthefirstfewhours.

"ThistimeTeddy'salittlenervousan'keepshishatbrimprettywelldownoverhiseyesforthefirstfewhourshe'sthere,ashe'snotsurewhetherhe'llberecognizedbythemanwhowassheriffatMilessomeyearsbackan'wantedTeddytotakerooman'boardwithhimforafewmonthsforshootin'upacanarybirdinaplacewhereTeddyan'afewofhisfriendsarepullin'aconcert.Tedclaimsthiscanaryinsultedhimseveraltimesbeforehegetsringybybreakin'inwithhisdittywhileTed'ssingin''TheTexasRanger.'

"WhenTeddyleavestownthattime,hishosswondersatthehurrythey'rein,an'whentheyreachthehighgroundTedlooksbackandseesthere'sstillastringofdustin

Milestownthatain'thadtimetosettlesincehishoss'sfeettoreitloose.Heplaysinluck,forthesheriff,knowin'Ted'sfromTexas,goessouth,whileTed'sheadin'forthenorthpole.He'sjusttoppin'thehilloutofMileswhenherunsdownajackrabbitthatgetsinhisway.Teddysaysheneverthoughtacanarybirdwouldhavesomanyfriends.

"Sohefeelseasieratthismeetingwhenhefindsthesheriffan'allthecanary'sfriendshaveeithercashedinorleftthecountry.



"AlthoughMontana'sgonedry,thisspecialtrainfromthenorthloadedwithcowmenandflockmindersdon'tseemtofeelthedrouthnone,andMilesCityitselfactscheerfulundertheaffliction.Teddy,thoughheain'tdrinkin'nothin'thesedays,admitstomeonthequietthatjustthelittleheinhalesfromhisheavy-breathin'friendshashimsingin''TheDyin'Cowboy.'Hefiguresthegingeraleandrootbeerthey'rethrowin'into'emmusthavegotto

workin'inthebottlesalittle,judgin'fromthecheerfuleffectithas.

"There'sanothertrainfromHelena,theheadquartersforthelaw-makers,that'sfilledwithabunchthatactsascare-freeasifthey'dforgotthere'ssuchathingasanattorney-generalintheircamp.Theyoverlookedbringin'anyrootbeerwiththem,sotheyhadtofallbackonstufftheywasusedto.TeddylookedintooneoftheHelenacars,hesays,andwhatheseesthroughthesmokeremindshimofButteinthedaysoflicensedgamblin'.He'stoldthey'reonlyplayin'afewharmlessgameslike'OldMaid,'sohefigurestheyjusthavethechipslyin'aroundtomakethemfeelathome.Hesayshecanseeonebankerhasplumbforgothowtoplaycards,forhenoticeshimslipanaceoffthebottom.Tedsaysthefriendlyandtrustfulfeelin'amongthisHelenacrowdisfinetosee.Onetimeduringdaylighttheypassthrougha

tunnel,an'strikin'amatch,Teddyseeseverymanatthetablehe'swatchin'leanin'forwardallspreadoutoverhischips.Theywasundoubtedlyafraidtheymightjoltintoanothertrainandspillthechipsaround,an'ofcourseitwouldbeajobpickin''emupoffthefloor.

"There'sonesportintheFergusCountybunchthatwasraisedontherange,thatforsizeandweightwouldtaketheprizeatthestatefairinthebullshow,butheain'twearin'anyribbonswhenTeddylooksathim.

"AnothergentfromtheupperSunRivercountry,alsobornontherangean'raisedinthesaddle,ain'tnobabyinbuild.He'shadahossunderhimsolongthathislegsiskindofwarped,an'whenhesitsinoneofthechairstheyhavethesedaysinfrontoftherootbeerbars,hestraddlesitinsteadofsittin'likeahuman.Thisfeller,likeTeddy,ain'tusin'nothin'

strongerthanthelawallowsnow,butinolddayshewasnostrangertocornjuiceoranyoftheotherbeveragesthatbroughtcheerandpleasuretothelifeofacow-puncher.Atthestockmeetin'sheusedtoattend,allthespeakin'helistenedtowasdoneinfrontofabar.

"Oneoftheoldestcowownersinthebunch,whosefrontname'sBillandwhoinyearspastwasknownalloverMontana,doesmostofhisridin'inanautomobilethesedays.Bill'sinthebankin'businessnowan'youmightthinkhe'scold-blooded,butIknowdifferent.Tosickfolkshe'salmostmotherly.OnetimeintheLakeBasincountryBill'strailin'theFbeefsouth,an'he'sonaheadlookin'forwaterwhenherunsontoasheepherderthat'slyin'ontheprairie,havin'spasms.TheshepherdtellsthisgoodSamaritanthathe'sswalleredstrychnine.

"Now,mostcowmenthemdayswouldhaveletawoolyherderslipacrossthedividewiththewolfbaitinhim,butBill'sheartsoftens,an'thewayhequirtshishossdownthehindlegforcampisscary.Whenhereturnsatthesamegait,he'spackin'aten-poundlardcan,an'buildin'achipfirehewarmsthishogfattillitrunseasy.Thenwiththehelpofanironspoonan'threeorfourgoodcalf-rastlerstoholdhim,Billemptiesthewholetenpoundsintotheshepherd.AboutthetimeBillrunsoutoflard,astrangerridesupan'breaksthenewstohimthathe'streatin'acaseofsnakesfromBillingsboozeinsteadofstrychnine.



Theherderrecovers,butforsixmonthshesweatsstraightleaflard,an'hishide'ssoslickhecanhardlykeephisgarmentson.

"There'sonegentlemanfromGreatFallsinthepartywhodon'tdealinlivestock,andwhosenamespellsstrongofIrish.Thisgentisdrinkin'cocacola,butjudgin'bytheexpressioninhiseye,TeddyBluethinkssomejobberhasslippedsomethingelseintohisbeverage.Hegetssolituponenightinthesleeperthathedreamshe'sadrygoodsstoreandyellsfire,whichcausesapanicandmanyofthepeacefulsleepersleapedfromtheupperberths.OneheavymanthegentfromtheSunRivervalleywasluckyenoughtofallonhishead,sohewasn'tinjurednone.

"JoeScanlan,theLordNorthcliffeofMilestown,seemstobeactin'asheadoftheentertainmentcommittee,an'hemusthaveusedupamonth'ssupplyofgasolineintwodays,haulin'friendsandstrangerstopointsofinterest,likethePowderRiverspecialontheMilwaukeetracks.

"OneoftheattractionsthatthevisitorsenjoyedatMileswasHuffman'scollectionofrange

picturesatthefineartstudiohehasbuilttokeep'emin.HuffmanwaspostphotographeratFortKeoghintheoldIndianfightin'daysofthe'70s,andisoneoftherealold-timersinthisbusinessinMontana,whichhispicturesshow.

"TeddyBluemeetsanoldfriendofhis,JackHawkins,whohehasn'tseenforyears.HawkinsisanoldTexasranger,an'hedriftsintoMontanaasabuffalohunterinthelate'70s.He'slatersheriffofCusterCounty.Hawkinshasseensomerealfightin'whenIndiansan'outlawswasbadintheearlydaysinTexas.Ifyouwanttohearagoodstorysometime,askJackaboutscalpin'aComanche.

"AlthoughMileshasalwaysbeenacowtown,it'searnedtherighttobecalledacity,an'

theyhandledthevisitorsintheoldwelcomewayoftheWest."



WIDERANGES

TAKINGTOLLIndiansstopthetrailherdandChiefmakesdemandforbeef,"foreatingupmygrass"



RANCHES

"ThecowranchesthatIknowed,"saysRawhideRawlins,"isnothinglikethemthey'rerunningto-day.Intheolddays,itwasn'tmuch,onlyaplacetowinter.Theywereonastreamorriverbottom.Thebuildingsweremadeofwhatthecountrygavelogs,eithercottonwoodorpineintheNorth.Theyhadonehousemaybetwo,withashedbetween,astable,andapolecorral.Allthesebuildingsweredirtroof,somehadnofloorbutground.Therewasnofences,notevenapasture.SouthofColoradothesebuildingswereadobe.Outonthetreelessplainswherethere'snotimber,theyweresod."

"Afewtonsofwildhaywereputupforalittlebunchofsaddlehossesforwinter.Thiswasputup,notbycowpunchers,butbysomeoutsiderthatwantedwork.

"Cowssoundlikemilk,butifacowpunchergotmilkitwasEagleBrand.Acowpunchermightworkabrandoverorstealaslickear,buthewouldn'tstealmilkfromacalf.

"Ineverknowedbutonewomanonacowranch,andsheworemoccasinsan'smokedwillowbark.I'mtalkin'aboutthedaysoftheopenrangewhentherewasn'tawirefromtheArcticSeatotheGulfofMexico.Therewerenodogs,nochickenssomehadacat,buthehadtorustleforhisgrubduringthesummermonths.Therewasacatholeinthedoorwithalittleswingingdoorthatthecatcouldopen,anddon'tthinkhecouldn'thandleit'speciallyifacoyote,orhisbigcousin,Mr.BobCat,showedup.Helikedtoseethesnowcome'cause

heknowedthatwoulddrivethepunchershome,andmaybeyouthinkhedidn'tpurrwhentheboyscamehome;hewassureloving.

"Barringlineridersthatwerestationedatalonesomelinecamp,cowpunchersputintheirtimeatthestagestationplayingmontyorstudpoker.Mostcowhandswerewhiskeydrinkers.Someofthemwinteredincowtowns,eithertendingbar,gambling,orworkinginaliverystableacowhandcouldholddownanyofthesejobs.Theboozejointsheworkedin,hetendedbarwithhishaton.Hewasgoodaroundhosses,andmostalwayswasagambler.



Ontherangeheplayedonablanket;intownhecouldgenerallyholdhisownonaroundtableagintinhorns.Somepunchershungaroundattheranch,makinghackamoresandropes.Readingmatterwasscarceasaddlecatalog,maybeabacknumberPoliceGazette,sometimesawell-wornstraynovel.Inthelongwinternightstheirlightwascoal-oillampsorcandlessometimestheywereforcedtousea'bitch,'whichwasatincupfilledwith

bacongreaseandatwistedragwick.Itdidn'tonlygivelightitgaveitsownersasmelllikeaNewEnglanddinner.

"Whenspringcame,cowpunchersgatheredhossesan'rodebogtilltherounduptime.

"MostofthecowranchesI'veseenlatelywaslikeabigfarm.Abungalowwithallmodernimprovements,abigredbarnthatholdswhite-facedbullsan'hornlessmilkcows.Thecorralsarefulloffancychickens,there'sabiggaragefilledwithallkindsofcars,andatthebunkhousethatsetsbackwheretheownerandhisfamilycan'tseeorhearthem,arethehands.

"Youmightseeamanwithabighat,boots,andspurshe'sthefenceriderbutmostofthem

wearbiboveralls.Thebosswearsputteesandagolfcap.

"Thebungalow,that'sgotelectriclightsan'hotandcoldwater.There'sapianathatyouplaywithyourfeet,andaradio,aMahJongset,andaphonograph.Theowner,ifhe'sanold-timer,don'tcareforthis.He'drathercampinthebunkhouseandtalktosomeoldbowlegaboutcowsthatworehorns.Butmaybethewomanhe'stiedtoisthenewkind.Ifsheis,she'sgotpawwhip-broke.She'soutforsheriff.She'sthatkind.She'sbeenwearin'thebellsinceshesteppedinherloop,sopaw,likeanyothergoodpackhoss,takesanythingyouputonhim.He'swearin'golfsocksandknickerbockersandwhenhemeetshisoldfriends,looksashamed.

"Ifthey'vegotasonordaughter,thesecomehomeduringvacation.Thedaughtergoestofinishin'school,she'sgotherhairbobbed.Atthisschoolshelearnstosmoke,andwearslessclothesandmakes'emstayonwithlessvisiblesupportthananysincethedaysofEve.Ifsheorherbrotherrideatall,theyridewithanEnglishsaddlean'Englishboots.Bothherandherbrothercanknockagolfballsofarabloodhoundcouldn'tfinditinaweekbutthere'sahiredgirlinthehousetopassthebiscuits.

"Soncanplayfootball.He'sgoodwiththeglovesandcandoallkindsoftrickswithInjunclubs,butwithanaxhe'splumbharmless.Hecouldn'tsplitenoughwoodtocookaflapjack,inamonth.Hecanfindthebuttonthatturnsonthelightbuthecouldn'tfindoneofhisdad'scalvesinacorralwithabellon.Maybehecouldfindwork,butheneverlooksforit.

"Allthesefolkshavebeenacrossthebigwater.Pawdidn'tcaretogo,butmawaswearingthebell,sohetrailsalonghiman'hischeckbook.They'vetraveledintheAlpswithaSwissguide,butnaryoneofthemeversawtheYellerstoneorGlacierPark.

"Thecowranchto-day,"saysRawhide,"isaplacetomakemoneytogosomewhereselse."



FASHIONS

Ingranddad'stime,whenamanstartslookingforhismate,he'ssuregambling.Iftheladylimpshemightthinkhershoeshurt,butmaybeshe'sgotawoodenleg;withtheyardsofgarmentsshe'swearing,hecan'ttell.Whatshe'sgotonwouldoverdressaballroomto-day.He'sonlygottwosafebetsherfaceandherhands.Ofcourseshe'swearinglonghair,butherheadisanothergamble;maybeit'sgotbumpslikeasummersquash;andmaybethehairthathidesitisawig.She'dlookthesamewithanight-caponinafeatherbed.AsIsaidbefore,"Ourgrandpawswassuregamblers!"

It'sdifferentto-day.Bobbedhair,shortskirts,lowfrontandbackeveryragshe'swearingwouldn'tpadacrutch.Ifyouthinkyou'regettingtheworstofit,taketheladytotheseashore,getherwetinherone-piecesuitandyoudon'tneednoX-raythecardsarefaceuponthetable;scars,warts,orpimples,theyareallinsightallyougottodonowisfindoutwhatbrandofcigarettessheuses.

Iusedtothinkthatmencouldstandmorepunishmentthanwomen,butIwaswrong.In

winteragirlwearsafoxskin,butherbrisketisbaredtotheweather,andthereain'tnothin'onherthat'swarmerthanastrawhat.Butshedon'tpoundherfeetnorswingherarms.Ifshe'scoldnobodyknowsit.Ifamanwouldgooutdressedthisway,thereain'tdoctorsenoughintheworldtosavehim.Nosir,awomancangofartherwithalipstickthanamanwithaWinchesterandasideofbacon.



THEOPENRANGE

There'smightylittleopenrangeleft,barringthemountainsit'sallunderwirenow.There'scountriesintheSouthwestwherethehornedtoadstilllivesundisturbed.

Mostcowcountriesnowarepastures.Theold-timeroundupsoftheolddaysarealmosta

thingofthepast.Beforetheystrungwire,cowrangesweredividedbyimaginarylines.Theselineswereriddenbylineriderswhokeptmostofthecattleontheirownranges.

Inthespringcowmencametoasetmeetingplacewiththeirriders.Thenumberofridersacowmanhadwasaccordingtothesizeofhisherd.IntheNorthwest,I'veseenashighasahundredmen,thoughnotoftensomany.Iworkedonroundupwheretherewasseventy-fivemenwithoverfourhundredheadofsaddlehorses.Thesewerehandledbyhosswranglersnightandday.

InthecountryIknowed,thefirstthingdoneinthespringbycowpuncherswastogatherhosses.Theroundupcaptainhadtoknowallthebrandsandthecountry.Whentheyallhad

met,thesefolksstartedworkingthecountryforcalves.Whenthepuncherswereallsaddled,thewholebunchleftcamp.Theroundupgroundwasgenerallywithinamileofcamp.Thecaptainrodeoutwithhisbunchanddidwhat'scalledscatterin'hisriders.AsIsaidbefore,thesecowboysknowtherangeandtheyknowwherethemostcowsare,sothecaptainsendshisridersaccording.Maybehe'llsay,"Slim,youan'BillandFrankgoouttotheheadofLoneInjunandworkthemClearLakeflats."Maybeit'stwentymiles.Ifit'salongride,it'scalledtheoutsidecircle."Slack,youandCurleywithOwenscombthemdryWolfFlats."Hedoesthistillhe'ssentthemalloncircleindifferentsizedbunchesaccordingtothenumberofcattlethey'dfind.

Thesunain'tupyetandmaybethey'reallbackbynoon,bringinglotsofcowsandcalves.

They'reallthrownintoonebigherd.Maybethere'sathousandhead.Now,alltheseriders,barringafewthat'slefttoholdherd,gotocampfordinner.Bythetimethey'rethroughthehosswranglerhasthehossesintheropecorral.Thenthesepunchersropeouttheirfastor"cut"hosses,saddleandridetotheherd.Thentheyrideinandcutoutallcowswithcalves,eachpunchertakingoutcowsthat'swearingthebrandhe'sworkingfor.



Inoldtimeswhentheybrandedontheprairie,separateherdswereheldtothesideofthemainherdthesewerecalled"cuts."Afirewasbuiltnearby,wheretheykepttheironshot.Thesepunchersropedcalvesfromthecutanddraggedthemtothefirewheretwomenafoot,called"rustlers,"tookthemofftherope,andthe"ironman"brandedandear-markedthem.Iftheherdwastoobigandtheycouldn'tbrandallthecalves,theunbrandedcalves

wereheldwiththeirmothers,night-herdedandbrandednextday.

Thiswaskeptupallsummer,movingcampaccordingtohowmanycattleheld.Thefallroundupwasthesame,exceptsteersandallcattleconsideredbeefwerecutoutoftheherdandnight-herded.Thelastthingwastrailingthebeeftotherailroads.Inoldtimes,thesebeefherdsweretrailedhundredsofmilestotherailroads.

I'monlytellingaboutcowcountriesIknowdifferentcountrieshandledcowsdifferentways.Insomesoutherncountriesaroundupwascalleda"rodeo,"andcowpuncherswascalled"buckaroos."MostofthemwereknownbythisnamewestofthemountainsfromCaliforniatoOregon.IhaveheardTexasmencallaroundupa"cowhunt."



BRONCTWISTERS

"Talkin'aboutbronctwisters,"saysRawhideRawlins,"there'ssomedifferencebetweenhossfightersto-dayan'themIknowedyearsago.Iain'tsayin'theseup-to-dateridersain'tgoodastheyeverwas,an'I'dbetthere'smoreof'emthanintheolddays.Thebroncrideralwayswasandalwayswillbeagamegloryhunter,grittyasafish-eggrolledinsand,butthelivestheyliveto-dayan'therigstheyridearedifferent.

"Themodernbroncfightersaddlesan'stepsacrossthebroncinanarrerchute,orhe'sgotabunchofhosshandlersearin'theanimaldowntillhesaddlesan'mounts.Ofcoursehe'sgotrulestorideunder,suchaskeepin'onehandup,keepin'hisspursloosean'scratchin'.Heain'tallowedtochangehands,reachforortouchnothin'.Thesnakehe'sridin'isanoldoutlawfromsixtofifteenyearsold,an'he'sgrain-fed.It'sacinchahosswithapaunchfullofoatsisstrongerthanonewithagrassbelly.

"Thesemoderntwistersrideaswell-forksaddlewithhighhorn.Thecantleisalsohighan'steep.Theirspursarelongandstraight-shanked.ThisisthecontestriderI'mtalkin'about,

an'he'sasure-enoughgloryrider.Whenhebreaksawayfromthechuteinthemiddleofatwistin'snake,there'sthousandsoffolksyellin'theirheadsoff,butmore'nhalfof'em'showlin'forthehoss.There'sgenerallythreejudgesonhossesfollerin'him,seein'hedon'tpullnothin'crooked.

"Thebighalfofthefolksthattakeinridin'contestsneverrodenothin'butcushions,soifMisterBustergetsunloaded,theysayhecouldn'tride;ifhestaysan'scratcheshisbronctheysaythehossdidn'tbuck.Butthere'salwaysafewoldbowlegsthathavewentstraightuptotheendofthebridlereinswhoheapsavvy,an'arereadytoshakehandswiththisbroncriderwhetherhestaysorhitstheground.Thesetwistersofto-dayaremadeofthesameleatherastheold-timeones.Itain'ttheirfaultthatthecountry'sfencedan'mostof

thecowsarewearin'bells.

"NowtheoldbroncfighterIknowed,livedwhentherewasn'tawirefromtheArcticSeatotheGulfofMexico,an'thatwholestretchwasmightynearallhishome.Thisgentlivedoneithercoworhossranges.Hissaddlewasastraight-forkwithacantlethatslopedback,an'comparedtosaddlesnow,thehornwaslow.I'veseenbroncridersuseanoldmacheersaddlewithaTexastree.Ithadtwocinchesan'wascalleda'rim-fire.'Thehornwaslowan'flatsobigyoucouldn'tmore'nspanitwithyourhand.Themacheer,asitwascalled,wasonepieceofleatherthatfittedoverthecantlean'horn,makin'acoverin'forthewholerig.Thisleatherwassmoothan'soslickitwasn'teasytostayin.

"Theseold-timers'spurshadcrookedshanksthatturneddown.Theyallrodean'brokebroncswithahackamore.Itwasn'taropeonelikethey'reusin'to-day,butonemadeofbraidedleatheran'rawhide.Loopedtothiswasaboutfifteenortwentyfootofhairropecalleda'McCarthy.'Thiswaswrappedaroundthelowerendofthenosebandunderthejawsofthehoss,makin'reinsan'atie-rope.

"Rangehossesthemdayswaswildasbuffalo,an'corralingabunchwasn'talwayseasy.ButMisterBroncFighter'sworkreallybegunafterthegatewasclosedorthebarsup,forthefirstthingwastoropetheonehefiggeredonridin'.Generallyhefore-footedhim.This



madehimfairlysafeinfront,butabronc'sdangerousatbothends,an'thebroncfighterknowsthis.Heain'ttakin'chances,an'afterhe'sgotthebronc'sfrontfeetsnared,heman-handleshimtillhegetsthehackamoreon.Then,sometimesusin'ablind,hesaddleshiman'stepsacross.

"Mebbethisbronc'sasnake,an'mebbehe'seasy,buteitherwaythereain'tnobodywatchin'buttheotherbroncs.Ifthebroncfighterrideshimoutsidethecorralhemightbuckthroughabunchofrangecows,butneithercowsnorbroncsseemtoappreciategoodridin',sothere'snobodyboostin'forthistwister.Theoldbroncridersdidn'tonlyrideabronc,buttheyworkedhim.They'dtakeastringofroughonestoaroundupan'ridecircle,cutcattleorropeoffofhim.

"Allthesethingshappenedinthegoodolddayslongago,whenmenlikeConPrice,CharlieBrewster,WindyBillDavis,KidPrice,LittleJackDavis,HappyJackAnderson,JimDency,EdRhodes,JoeDoles,CharlieParks,JohnnyVan,BillShaules,andColonelJohnsonwereneededonallthecowranges.ThesemenwereallwellknownwhenMontanawasacowcountry.Theywereallridersthatrodesmoothfork.

"Someoftheseoldridersisfriendsofmine.CharlieBrewster'soneofthebestthateversteppedacrossahoss,an'manyabadonehe'stamed.OnetimeCharlie'sridin'onaroundup.Ofcoursehisstring'sallbroncs,an'onemornin'he'llneverforgethe'sgotasnakyroanunderhiman'startsoutoncirclewithsixotherpunchersintheDeepCreekcountry.Thisstreaminplacesiswalledinwithrimrockcliffsthatrunuptwentytosixtyfeetabovethebottom.

"They'reridin'alongmebbetwentyyardsfromtheedgeofoneoftheserims,whenCharliedropshishackamorereinsan'buildsacigarette.Mostmenridin'ahosslikethisroanwouldbecareful,butit'sdifferentwithCharlie.Hedon'tfearnohossonearth,an'heain't

askin'nobroncwhetherheobjectstosmokin'.Whilehe'srollin'hissmoketheroandropshiseardownan'showsthewhiteofhiseyes,soit'seasytoguesshisfeelin'sishurt.Charliestrikesamatch,butheneverlightshiscigarette.Whilehe'scuppin'hishandsoverthematch,lettin'thesulphurburnoff,somethin'mebbethebrimfiresniffhegetswakesthehellintheroan.Hekicksthelidoff,hideshisheadan'startsfortherimrock.

"Charliehasplentyoftimetoquit,butdoeshestepoff?Don'teverthinkit.Hesinksthesteelintotheroan'srightshoulderandthrowshisweightontheleftrein,buthedon'tturnhim.Theroan'sgoin'highan'scarywhenhehitstheedgeofthecliffan'goesover.

"There'safellercalledOregonJohnwithBrewsterwhenhetakesthatlongjump.OregontellsmethatwhenheseesCharliesinkintothelandscapehe'safraidtolookover,buthe'dhavebetwhathe'sgotan'allhecouldbeg,borrow,orsteal,thatatthebottomhe'llfindascrambleofmanan'hossmeat.

"Noneofthebunchsaysnothin',butridin'upeasy,likethey'regoin'toafuneral,theypeekover,an'whatdoyouthinktheysee?There,mebbetenfeetbelowtherimrock,sitsCharlieinthemiddleoftheroan.Thebronc'slookin'healthy,butuncomfortable.He'slodgedinthetopofabigcottonwood.Charlie'sstillholdin'hiscigarette,an'whentheboysshowuphehollers:'Anybodygotamatch?TheoneIstruckblowedout.'"



"Oregonsaysthatbronc'ssurehelpless,forhe'swedgedintheoldtreesohecan'tmorethanmoveanear.Oneoftheboysgoestocampan'bringsanaxe,an'theyhavetofallthetreetogettheroanout.

"Thisstorymaysoundfishytosomefolks,butit'strue.CharlieBrewster'sstillinMontana,an'I'llbetwhereverheis,he'sstillwithhosses.Hewasarealbroncrider,an'allold-timecowmenknewhim.

"Irememberanotherold-timebroncfighterthatcouldrideanyhosslivin'an'workwithhim.Hisname'sConPrice,an'rightnowhe'swithacowoutfitinCalifornia.There'sastoryabouthimthatalotofoldcowmenwillrememberan'laughabout.

"Con'soutonetimewithEdRosser,huntin'hosses.They'reridingthehighcountry,whenRosserpullsuphishossan'pointstoanester'scabininalittlevalleybelow.'There'swomeninthatshack,'sayshe.

"Whatmakesyouthinkso?'asksCon.

"Iseewashin'onthelinethereafewdaysago,'saysRosser,'an'allthehe-folksweknow,whentheydoanywashin',usethecreekan'hangtheirclothesonthewillers.Buttomakemybeliefacinchbet,there'sgarmentsonthatlinethatain'twornbynohe-people.'

"Well,Iguessyou'reright,'Consays.'Irememberafewweeksagothatnestertoldmehehadawifean'daughtercomin'outfromtheStates.'

"Wonderwhatthegallookslike,'saysRosser.



"She'sagoodlooker,judgin'fromthephotographtheoldmanshowsme,'Conanswers.

"Inthedayswhenthishappens,women'rescarce,an'thefewcowpunchersan'oldmountainmenthatlivedinthiswomanlesslandsurelikedtoseeawhitewomanan'hearhervoice.SoConan'Rosserstartfiggerin'onsomekindofanexcusetovisitthisranch.Theycan'taskforadrinkofwater,'causethehillsarefullofspringsan'theyhavetocrossthecreektogettothecabin.

"They'rebothstudyin'whenCongetsaplumbnewone.Thehosshe'sridin'sasnuffyoldboy.Ifyouthumbhimorhangthesteelinhisshoulderhe'llgohigh.Con'sideaistostarthiman'thenfalloff.

"They'remebbefiftyyardsfromthehousewhenConthrowsoneofhishooksintheshoulderoftheoldhoss,hopin'somebody'slookin'frombehindacurtaintoseethefallhegets.Onceisenough.Thisanimal,likemanyofhiskind,considersthisaninsult,an'sinkin'hishead,hestartsfortheclouds.

"AboutthethirdjumpConloosens.Thehoss,Contellsmelater,makestheplayrealistic.'Whenhefeelsmegoin','hesays,'heweavesofftoonesidean'IhitthegroundalotharderthanIexpected.'"

"Conlayslikehe'shurtbad.Rosserquitshishossan'runstohisfriend,an'he'sgotallhecandotogethimonhisfeet.

"You'reasure-enoughactor,'RosserwhisperstoCon.'You'reasheavyasadeadbear,'hesays,ashepartleadsan'partpackshimupthehilltothehouse.'IfitwasanothertwentyfeetI'dhavetocuthand-holdsinyou.'



"It'sacinchthatanybodynotontotheplaywouldbetCon'sgotallhislegsbroke.Asweat'sbrokeoutalloverRosserwhenhegentlylaysCononthestepan'knocksatthedoor.

"Conlaysthere,listenin'forfootstepsoftheladies,buttheydon'tcome.There'snosignoflife,an'theonlylivin'thinginsightistwohossesCon'sandRosser's.They'redriftin'mightyrapidlyhomeward.TheoneConrode,withthereinsstilloverhisneck,isheadedlikeheknowswherehe'sgoin'.Rosser'sisfollerin'closewithhisheadtooneside,sohedon'tsteponthereins.Lookin'atthesehosses,an'nobodycomin'tothedoor,makesConrecovermightyfast,an'hisgroansturnstocussin'.

"Inthemdays,whenthecountrywaswideopenan'lawless,thehouseshadnokeys,soafterknockin'afewmoretimes,theybothwalkin.Rosser'sright;it'sawoman'scamp.There'scurtainsonthewindersandflowersgrowin'inatomatocanthat'ssettin'onatablewherethesunhitsthem.Fromthesign,theyreadthere'stwoladiescampedherean'theyain'ttohome.Theymighthavegotsympathyfromtheseladies,buttheydon'tgetnonefromoneanother.Thisplayoftheirsturnsintoahossjoke,an'ofcoursenobodylaughsbutthehosses.

"It'saten-mileridetotheranch,an'itmeanstwicethata-foottothesespur-heeledgents,soafterprospectin',theylocatesomebacon,reallight-breadan'adriedapplepie.Finishin'theirfeedtheywashthedishesan'startontheirsorrowfuljourney.

"Conlaughsaboutitnow,butRossersaysheneverevensmiledthedayhewalked.RossersaysConhadnolicensetokick.He'dfoughthossesallhislifeandwinmostofthefights.Thatdayhethrowsthefighttothehoss.Thehoss,bein'crookedasCon,double-crossedhim."



sober.He'ssoongettin'alongfinewithabunchofhisspecies,an'issureenjoyin'himselfwhenGoliar,who'sroamin'fromonejointtoanother,setseyesonhim.It'spickin'sforthislow-mindedgiant,an'itain'tlongbeforehe'sgotthispoordogturnedloosewithacanhangin'tohim.

"Thefirstchargethecolliemakesisinamongthehossesthat'stiedto'therack,leavin'nothin'muchonthepolebutbrokenbridlereinsan'hackamoreropes,an'quiteafewofthecelebratorsareafoot.ThenMr.Dogstartsforhisfriendan'partner,an'whenhetearsintothissaloon,thenoisehe'smakin'wakensthelittleshepherd.Thedogwindsupwhinin'onhismaster'sknee.

"Thisshepherd'sface,thathasalwaysbeensmilin'an'happy,looksmightywarlikenow,an'itwouldn'tbehealthyforthecannertobeclosetohim.Seemslikehe'ssoberinaminute.Whilehe'suntyin'thecanfromhisdog,theownerofthisboozejoint,who'sadogloverhimself,stepsoveran'slippin'aforty-fiveintothesheepherder'shand,whispers:'That'sGoliar'swork;gogethim,Shep.'

"Butthesheepherder,who'scryin'now,shakeshishead,an'refusestheweepon,sayin'hedon'tneednoguntocleanupthatbiglouse.Thenheleaveswithoutevenaskin'foradrink,hisdogslinkin'closetohisheels.He'squiteawayupthestreetwhenGoliarspieshiman'hollers:'Go'round'em,Shep!Haveyougotalltheblackones?'Pullin'hisgun,thegiantstartsliftin'thedirtaroundtheshepherd'sfeet.

"Buttheherderain'tgun-shyan'don'tevenside-steptilloneofthebulletsgrazesthedog,whowhinesan'crowdshismaster'slegs.Whirlin''round,thegentleshepherdreachesdown,picksupagood-sizedboulderan'hurlsitatGoliar,catchin'himonthepointofthechin.Goliarstraightensupan'fallshislength,an'beforehecanrecovertheherderhastorethegunloosefromthegiant'sclutchesandisworkin'himoverwiththebarrel.

"Someonewantstostophim,butthesamefellerthatoffershimtheguntellsthecrowdtostandbackan'letShepfinish.Thestuddealer,who'swatchedtheplayfromthestart,says:'Goliargothisthat'ssureenoughDavid.Thesameascards,historyrepeatsI'd'veplayedGoliarwithacopper.'

"ThisGoliarisgatheredupan'sentbythenextstagetothehospitalwherehe'snursedbacktolife.Hisnoseisbroke,thesamewithhisrightjaw,an'oneofhisearshastobesewedon.

"Iain'tseenGoliarforyears,butthelasttimeImethimhe'swearin'scarsthat'samapofthebattlehehadwithDavid."



HORSEHEADHACKAMORE

TRACKSTELLTALESTHATRIVERSMAKESECRETS



THEWARSCARSOFMEDICINEWHIP

I'dbeenoveronBrokenBow,an'hadseenmanystrangeIndiansinLongPipe'scamp;among'emanold,scar-facedwarriorthatinterestedme.Knowin'SquawOwens'acquaintanceamongthesepeople,Ienquireifheknowsanysuchsavage.

"Fromtheearmarksyougiveme,"sayshe,"it'soldMedicine-Whip,myunclebymarriage;thatBloodwomanIhadwashisniece.WhenI'makidinMissouriIusedtoreadyaller-backnovelsthatwassurescary,butMedicine-Whip'shistorywouldmakethemromanceslooklikeaprimerstory.Thereain'tmuchpleasureforhimsincetheWhitesmadelawsaginkillin'menforfun.HisrangeisuponBellyRiver.Iguesshe'sdownvisitin'someofhisrelatives,an'whenanInjungoesvisitin'itain'toneofthemhow-d'ye-do,how-are-youcalls,whereyoustandawhilewithyourhatinyourhand.It'sacaseofstaytillthegrubplaysout.Thissocialhabitisoneofthethingsthatmakes'emhardtocivilize;you'daswelltryan'scatteraflockofblackbirdsormakeabeelivelonesomeastoseparatethesepeople.'Tain'ttheirnature.Inoldtimestheybunchedforprotectionagintheirenemies,an'they'venevergotoverlikin'thatwayoflivin'.Naturefedan'clothedherchildrenan'taught'emhowtolive,an'it'lltakeUncleSamsometimetowean'emfromtheirmother,

"We'llsayhere'sanInjunfortyyearsold.He'shadthedustoftherunnin'herdinhisnostrils,an'theclatterofdewclawsan'hoofsarestillfreshinhisears,whenUncleSampullshimdownoffahighheaded,paintedbuffalohoss,an'hookin'hishandsaroundthehandleofawalkin'plow,tellshimit'sagoodthing,topushitalong.

"Farmin'isthehardestworkonearth,an'whenUncleSamsawsoffajoblikethistoMr.Injun,agentlemanthatneverraisednothin'buthellan'hair,it'snowonderhebacksawayfromtheproposition.Asfarbackasanybodyknows,hisfolkslivedbytheuseoftheirweapons.Theysowednothin'an'reapednothin'.Barrin'afewrootsan'berriesthewomen

gathered,Injunswerecarniverousanimals;meatwastheirstrongholt,an'iftheyhadthattheyaskedfornothin'more.

"Butyouwereaskin'aboutMedicine-Whip.Thatoldsavageistherealarticle,an'canspinyarnsofkillin'san'scalpin'sthatwouldmakeyourhairsetupliketheroachonabuckantelope;thatis,ifyoucaughthimfeelin'right.Iain'tnevergothimstrungoutbutonce.

"That'saboutfouryearsago;I'mhuntin'hossesintheGhostButtecountry.Oneafternoonafterridin'sincesun-upwithnothin'toeat,IrunontoaBloodcampan'Iain'tsorry,forI'msurehungry.Thiscamp'sprettyquiet;barrin'afewhalf-nakedkidsplayin'an'anoldsquawhumpedover,scrapin'abeefhide,there'snolifeinsight.It'soneofthesehotdaysthatmakesfolkshugshadows;eventhedogs,layin'intheshadeofthelodgeswiththeirtongueslollin',don'tnomore'nglanceatme.Iasktheoldwomanwhereisthechief'slodge.Shestraightensupandpointswithherchintoonewithqueer-bookin'birdspaintedoneachsideofthedoor.Droppin'myreinstotheground,Islidefromthesaddlean'approachthegentleman'sresidence.Notwantin'towalkintoofree,Isay'How'whenInearthedoor.There'sananswerof'How!How!How!'frominside,an'stoopin'an'peekin'in,Iseemyolduncle.



"He'skindofhalfleanin'aginawillerbackrest,cuttin'hissmokemixtureofredwillowan'tobaccowithalongbutcherknife.Heneverlooksupfromhiswork,butsignstomewithhisfreehandtocomeinan'sitdown.Readin'hisface,youwouldn'tthinkheknewIwasthere,butit'sasafebetheorsomeofhissnake-eyedkidshadmespottedbeforeIdiscoveredthecamp.ThereneverwasanInjuncampwithoutalookout,an'whenhesees

anythingitdon'tbotherhimnonetoletthefolksknow.AmanthatcangettoanInjuncampwithoutbein'seenhasgotamedalcomin'forsneakin'.

"Well,afteramightycoldhandshake,Isitdown.Hekeepschoppin'awayathistobaccowithnowordofwelcome.WhileI'msittin'there,rollin'asmoke,hecallstoasquawoutsidean'tellshersomethin'Idon'tcatch.Prettysoontheladyshowsupwithsomehalf-boiledbeefan'agreasybannockonatinplate,alongwithacupoftea,an'setsitonthegroundbeforeme.Forlooksitain'tveryappetizin',butthewayI'mholleredoutinside,Iain'tlookin'fordainties,an'I'mnotlongmakin'acleanup.WhileI'mfeedin'Igotosizin'upMedicine-Whip.Heain'twearin'nothin'butaclout,givin'meachancetolookhimover.Thelodgesidesarerolledupallaround,allowin'whatlittlebreezethereistoworkunder,

makin'itmightypleasantinthere,whileoutsideit'shotenoughtopopcorn.An'maybeyouthinkmyuncleain'ttakin'comfortinhissummergarments,whileI'mclothedfromheeltochininclothesgrimedwithsweatan'alkalidust;butbein'civilized,I'mforcedtostandit.

"Well,asIstartedtosay,sizin'upthisoldkiller,inageI'dguesshimanywherebetweenseventy-fivean'ahundred,an'helookslikehe'llgothatmuchmoreifsomebodydon'tputhislightout.Forbythescarshe'swearin',he'sahardonetodown,an'it'sacinchhe'spackin'considerableleadunderhishiderightnow.Hishair,thathangslooseonhisshoulders,isgettin'roan;there'sadeepscarfollerin'hiswrinkledfacefromwherethehairstartsonhisforeheaddownacrosshislefteye,windin'upatthepointofhischin.Thewaytheboneofhischeekiscavedinan'thecrookedsetofhisjaw,thisain'tnoknifewound;it'sasafebetitwasatomahawk,swungbysomebodythatwasn'tjokin'.Histhin-lippedmouthlookslikeanotherscarunderhisnose;ifheeverhadagoodfeature,time,weather,an'fightin'haswipeditout.Onhisbreast,justabovethenipples,isseveralsetsofscars.Isavvythese;they'rethemarksoftheSun-Dance,wheretheskewersheldhimtothemedicinepole,an'bythenumbers,he'swentthroughseveralofthesesunjigs.Barrin'these,hisbodyain'tmarkedupmuch,buthislegsan'armshavesurehadroughhandlin'.He'saregularwarmapsettin'upbeforemeinhiscloutan'scars,butIcan'treadhim.Knowin'Medicine-Whiptobeaclose-mouthedInjun,I'mwonderin'howI'llwringastoryoutofhim.Heain'tgotnoloveforamanofmycolor;hehatesawhiteman'stracks.He'sfedme,butInjunsareliberalwithgrub,an'thechancesarethebeefI'meatin'hedownedontherangean'burnedorburiedthehide,orcutitupformoccasinsoles.TheWhites

killedhiscattle,an'hecan'tseewhereitain'trighttoknockoveraspottedbuffalonowan'then.He'ddothesamewiththeowneriftheplaycameright.Idon'tdoubtforaminutebutthisoldunclewoulddownhislovin'nephewifhecaughthimlonesome.Butevenknowin'thisIadmirethisred-handedkiller.TheWhiteshavekilledhismeatan'takenhiscountry,butthey'vemadenochangeinhim.He'sasmuchInjunashisancestorsthatpackedtheirquiversloadedwithflint-pointedarrows,an'builtfiresbyrubbin'stickstogether.Helaughsatpriestsan'preachers.Outsidehislodgeonatripodhangsabullhideshieldan'medicinebagtokeepawaytheghosts.He'sgotareligionofhisown,an'ittellshimthatthe



buffaloarecomin'back.Helightshispipe,an'smokeswiththesunthesameashisfolksdidathousandwintersbehindhim.Whenhecashesin,hisshadowgoesprancin'offonashadowpony,joinin'thosethathavegonebefore,torunshadowbuffalo.He'sseenenoughofwhitemen,an'don'twanttothrowinwith'eminnootherworld.

"Feelin'thiswaytowardmean'mypeople,naturallyit'shardformetogetconfidentialwithhim.He'ssmokin'hispipe,whichheain'tneverofferedtome,whenIbreaktheiceofmyvisitbyenquiringaboutthemhossesI'mhuntin'.Hetellsmeheain'tseenorheardnothin'of'em.ThenIstartfillin'himupaboutbein'agreatwarrior,an'I'dliketohearthestoryofthemscarshe'swearin'.Imakethistalksosmoothan'strongthathestartsthawin'out,but'smightyslowloosenin'uphishistory.Finally,reloadin'an'lightin'hispipe,hehandsittome,an'Iknowhe'scomin'myway.Injunsareslowtalkers,an'it'ssometimebeforehegathershisyarntoreelitouttome.

"Onthestarthestraightensup,throwin'hisshouldersback,an'tellsmehisfolkswasallfighters.Heain'tseenthreemoonswhenhismotheriskilledbyaSiouxwarparty.She'sgatherin'berries,an'theSiouxtrytotakeherprisoner,butshegetsnoisyan'oneofthepartyslipsaknifeunderherleftribs,quietin'herforalways.Whenherfolksfindher,theboy'sasleep,soakedinhismother'sblood.Theoldmenan'womenprophesythathewillbeagreatwarrior;itwillbebadfortheSiouxthatmeetstheboythatsleptinhismother'sblood.An'it'sthetruth,'causebeforehe'sfifteenhedownsan'scalpsaSioux,an'fromthattimeonhemakesithisbusinesstoupsetan'takethehairofhisenemyanytimehemeetsone.

"He'sabouttwenty-fivewhenhegetsthesescarsI'menquirin'about.Themdaysthiskiller'sknownas'Sleeps-In-Blood.'HegetsthenameofMedicine-Whipalongwiththesescars.It'saboutthistimetheCrowsburntheBloodrange,drivin'theherdsouth,andhispeopleareforcedtofollerupfortheirmeat.Sleeps-In-Blood,withaboutfifteenwarriors,is

inadvanceofthemainband.Thewholecamp'shungry,an'youknowemptybelliesdon'tsweetennobody'stemper.Thisadvanceguardain'tjoyous;they'resurewolfy,withbeltscinchedtotheirleanflanks,an'itwouldn'tbehealthyformanorbeastthatrunsintothesehungryhunters.They'reallriggedforwar;lances,bows,an'loadedquivers.Mostof'em'spackin'bullhideshields;afew'sgotsmooth-boreflintlocks;theirponies'refeatheredan'painted."



"They'rejoggin'along,bad-humored,whenofasuddenSleeps-In-Blood,who'salittleinadvance,pullsuphispony;hisbead-eyehascaughtaponytrackinthebeatenbuffalotrailthey'refollerin'.Inaminutethey'realldown,studyin'thetracks.Asnearastheycanfiggerthere'sabouttenponies,an'bythewaythesign'sstrungout,they'repackin'riders.

"Thesightofthesetrackssetsthisblood-hungrybunchwarlikeforsure,an'theyain'tslowaboutstrippin'theirsaddlesan'sheddin'theirextragarments.EveryInjunpullshispaintbagan'sbusyputtin'onthefinishin'touches;whenthey'rethroughwiththeirtoilets,theydon'tlooklikethesamebunch.Sleeps-In-Bloodsmearshislefthandwithvermillionan'slapsitacrosshismouth,leavin'aredhand-printunderhisnose,showin'he'sdranktheenemies'blood.Tokeepthehairoutofhiseyeshewrapshisforetopinweaselskin.Oneortwooftheparty'swearin'war-bonnets,butbarrin'eagleorhawkfeathers,thebunch

ain'twearin'nothin'heavier'npaint.Wheneverybody'sstripedandstreakedtilltheylooklikehell'shomeguard,Sleeps-In-Bloodlightsasmallwar-pipe,an'afteracoupleofwhiffsholdsthemouthpiecetowardthesun,reelin'offaprayerthatwoulddoapreacherproud.'See,Father,Ismokewithyou,'hesays.'I'velitthepipe,an'Sleeps-In-Blooddoesnotliewhenthepipeispassed.Havemercyonyourchildren,BigFather;ourparfleshesswinglightatourponies'sides;alreadythebabiescrywithemptybellies.Ourenemyhasburntthegrass.Nowthatwehavestrucktheirtrailmakeourmedicinestrong!'Hewindsuphislong,floweryprayerbyhandin'thepipearoundtohispaintedbrothers,whotaketwoorthreedrawsapiece.Thenitisshakenout,an'eachInjunforkshispony.

"Theydon'ttravelfast;thetracksareplainenoughinthetrail,butinthegrassthey'rehard

tohold.Thepartyain'tgonefarwhentheleaderscatchsightofdust.Theysavvythis;it'sbuffalo,an'itain'tlongtilltheyheartherumbleoftherunnin'herd.It'saneasyguesstheenemythey'refollerin'samong'em,an'raisin'thenexthilltheysight'em.Aglimpseshowsthey'reSioux,sobusygettin'meatthey'recareless,allowin'Sleeps-In-Bloodan'hismentorideupinplainsight.

"TheBloodsarewisean'don'tjump'emrightaway,givin''emtimetofagtheirponies.Then,slippin'intothedustoftheherd,theygotoworkon'eman'downthreebeforethe



Siouxsavvywhatthey'reupagainst.But,assoonastheydo,theyain'tslowaboutquittin'theherd.Nowbuffalorunnin'ishardonhossflesh;theyain'tgonenodistancetilltheSiouxponies,plumbwinded,throwtheirtailsup.They'remakin'aslowrunnin'fightofitwhenSleeps-In-BloodkillstheponyundertheSiouxmedicineman,causin'hispartytopullupan'bunch.They'reprettywellheeled,mostof'empackin'guns,an'thewaytheyhandle

'emkeepstheBloodsatarespectfuldistance.FromwhatoldMedicine-Whiptellsme,theSiouxaresuremakin'agoodstandoff.Twicetheycharge'em,an'eachtimeaponycomesbackshyarider.Thesechargesain'tsuccessful;they'velosttwomenan'havethreecripplesoutofthefight.TheBloodsareplumbbuffaloed,an'itlookslikeit'sgoin'tobeadrawnbattle.Sleeps-In-Bloodan'hismenhavepulledoffoutofrangean'arebunchedup,makin'medicine,whenaSiouxstartsshoutin'abuseto'emintheirowntongue.Thismightsoundstrangetoanyonethatdon'tknowInjuns.Inthosetimes,womenwerecountedasplunderan'weretakenassuchbywarparties.ThespeakeriseitherarenegadeBloodorhismotherastolenwomanan'she'slearntheroffspringthetongueofherpeople.Hehollerstothemthatitain'tnocredittoaSiouxtotakethehairofaBlood:thesetrophiesareonlygoodtotrimsquawleggin'swith,ormakewigsfordollsfortheyoungsters.He

saidthattheSioux,whentheytakeBloodsprisoners,don'tkill'em,butkeep'emtopackwaterforthesquaws.Thenhestartspickin'onSleeps-In-Blood,whoissittin'onhispintopony.

"Thatpony,'saidhe,describin'Sleeps-In-Blood'sanimal,'isawarhoss.Whyisheunderawoman?No,'sayshe,shadin'hiseyeswithhishand,'it'samaggotIsee.DotheBloodsallowthefliestoblowtheirponies'backs?Come,pony,toawarriorwhowillcleanyourbackbeforeitrots.Thesmellisalreadybadonthewind.'TheSiouxalllaughedlongandloud.

"ThistalkmakesSleeps-In-Bloodmadderthanateasedsnake,an'hehollersback:'Hastheliarsaidall?TheSiouxcallthemselveshunters,buttheylayincampandeattheirbrothers,thedog!'

"YoumaynotknowitbuttheBloodsareonetribethatdon'teatdog,an'sayitisnotgoodtoeatthosewhoguardyourcamp,an'howlatyourdoorwithlonesomenesswhenyou'regone.

"It'sapoorhunterthateatshisfriends,'goesonSleeps-In-Blood.'Iftheliarhasmoretosay,lethimspeakfast,forinlesstimethanittakestosmokethewar-pipe,histonguewillbestilledforalways;forheyoucallthemaggotwillwhipyourmedicinemanlikehewouldabadwoman.'

"Withthathethrowstothegroundhisbowan'nearlyemptyquiver.Hehasalreadygothisrawhideropewrapped'roundan''roundhispony'sbelly,an'byshovin'hislegsunderan'crampin'hiskneesbackwithfeetstuckintheropebelow,he'sasgoodastied.ThisisoftendonebyIndianswhenchargin'adangerousplace,knowin'iftheyarewoundedorkilledtheponywillpackthemout.Iftheponyisdowned,theIndiantakesachanceofcuttin'himselfloosewithhisscalpin'knife.So,asIsaidbefore,hethrowsdownhisbowandemptyquiver,an'fliesatthem.ThissuresurprisestheSioux:beforeyoucouldbatyoureye,he'samong'em.



"Thefellerthathasbeendoin'thetalkin'isstandin'ontheedgeofthebunch,an'asSleeps-In-BloodreacheshimheshoveshislanceupundertheSioux'sribs,hollerin':'IfI'mamaggotIgivemeattomybrothers!'ThelancecatchesintheSioux'scarcass,andSleeps-In-Bloodlosesit,leavin'himnothin'buthisquirtan'bullhideshield,whichheholdscloseoverhisvitalsan'crowdsinamongtheponies.Thelastheremembershe'slashingthe

medicine-manacrossthebackan'shoulderswithhisquirt.He'ssofightin'locoedhedon'tfeelthearrowsthatarepiercin'hislegsan'thighs.He'sgot'emprettywellscatteredwithhisquirt,whenaSiouxbeefshimwithhistomahawkan'heflopsover.

"Thisgamechargeofhisralliesan'nervesuphisownmensothey'rerightathispony'stailwhenhehitstheSiouxbunch,whoaresobusydodgin'theswingofhisquirtthey'rekilledbeforetheycometo.

"WhenSleeps-In-Bloodwakesuphe'ssuredazed.Lookin''roundhedon'tseemtosavvywhat'shappened,tilloneofhisfriendsslipsaknifeintohishandan'tellshimtogotowork.Plumblocoedwiththepainofhiswound,hestartsbutcherin'.TheSiouxarealldeadan'scalpedbuttwo:themedicine-manan'theonethatdonethetalkin'.They'veheldthemtwooutforhimtotrim.

"Thebloodrunnin'throughSleeps-In-Blood'seyeshassethimmad.Hecouldn'thavebeenmorefiendishifhe'dbrokefreshfromhell.He'ssatisfiedwiththelocksofthemedicine-man,butthewayhetrimsthatSiouxthatcallshimnamesissurescandalous.Everycuthemakesmeanssomethin'toanInjun,an'asthesepeoplebelieveamanlandsinthenextworldintheshapeheleavesthisone,itwon'tbehard,hethinks,toidentifythisSiouxasaliaran'thiefinthehappyhuntin'ground.

"Reelin'offthisyarnhaswarmedmyuncleupplenty;it'sbroughtallthesavageinhimtothesurface,an'lookin'himover,Idon'tdoubthisstory.He'sbeenafighterallright,an'it's

inhimyet."



HOWPATDISCOVEREDTHEGEYSER

"ColumbusdiscoversAmerica.AfellercalledPoncedeLeonclaimshediscoveredFlorida.JimBridgerfindstheGreatSaltLake,butit'sPatGeyser,ashe'sknowedbyold-timers,thatlocatesthegeyseronGeyserCreek,nearthetownthatgetsitsnamefromit.PatGeyserain'tthisgent'srightname,butIain'ttippin'nobody'shand,"observedRawhideRawlins.

"Pattellsthatonedayintheearly'8oshe'soutlookin'forcows,an'thechancesaregoodthatanyhetakesaninterestinbelongtosomebodyelse.Pat'sgoodheartedan'hehatestoseecalveswanderin'aroundwearin'nobrand.Theylooksohomelessthathe'salwayswillin'tostake'emtoabrandwithhisowniron.

"Pat'shossisdrywhenheridesontothiscreekan'noticesamuddypool,butasthereain'tnogeysersinIreland,Patdon'tsavvy,hesays.Hishossain'tnomore'ndroppedhisheadtodrinkthanthisheregeyserbustsloose,takin'Patan'thehossalongwithit.There'ssteam,sodywater,an'amixtureofallthehealthresorts,inthisstewthat'sboiledover,an'Patclaimstheforceofitliftshishossfromhisironshoes."

"Pattellsthathedon'tknowhowfarskywardhegoes,buthiman'thehosspassesaneagle

onthewayback."NowI'mgoin'tosayherethatI'veseenthisgeysermyself,manyatime,butmenornooneelse,barrin'Pat,everseeitdoanythingmoreviciousthanakegofsourdoughwould.Itjustkindofbubblesonceinawhile.

"Havin'heardoftheYallerstonePark,an'thinkin'he'sfoundanotherone,Patstarts,afewdaysafter,buildin'ahealthresort,follerin'theplansoftheMammothHotel,butbein'builtofcotton-woodlogs,dryweathershrinksheralot.Irememberbein'thereonce,andaftera



fewdrinksofPatGeyser'sfavorite,themeasurementsswellstillthisshacklooksliketheBrownPalaceinDenver.

"ForthefirstfewyearsPatdon'tdrawastrongtrade,ashumansarescatterin'andtheonlysicknessinthecountryisscab,thesheepmenhavin'dippin'tanksforthat.Butintimeitgrowsintoquitearesortandrestcureforshepherds.Theseherdersdon'ttakemuchtothegeyserwater,barrin'thelittlePatthrowsinasa'chaser.'

"Tenderfeetstoppin'withPatwouldoftenask,'Whendoesthisgeyserturnloose?'

"Pat'salwaystherewithacomeback:'Howlongwillyoubehere?'

"Leavin'to-morrer,'thetenderfootmightsay.

"You'lljustmissitbyaday.'Pathaditfixedsothevisitorwasalwaysshyadayortwoofseein'it.

"Noneoftheregularpatronsoftheresorteverseeanythingthatain'tbroughtonbyliquor,

butbyusin'enoughoftherestcuremedicinethebartenderpassedoutthere,amancouldseenorthernlightsatnoontime,rainbowsatnight,an'totaleclipsesofthesunanytimetosaynothin'ofgeysersofallsizes.

"Patwasstrongforthesocialendoflife,an'heusedtopullcardpartiesforfreighterstobreakthemonotonyoftheirtrips.Atthesenoskinnerwasallowedtobetanymorethanhehad.SomeknockerssaidPatknewbothsidesofthecards,butifheeverdealtoffthebottomit'swhennobody'slookin'.

"OneafternoonwhenPat'sasleeptherailroadsneaksinan'movesthetown.TheminutePatopenshiseyeshe'sontotheirholecard,andgettin'thewheelbarrow,hemoveshis

hotelovertothenewlocationan'hashisdinin'roomopenforsupper.

"Whenautomobilesgetpopular,Pat,who'salwaysprogressivean'up-to-date,buysone.Thedayafterit'sdelivered,PatasksafriendtorideovertoStanfordwithhim.Theystarted,an'afterpassin'whatlookslikeStanfordasfarashecouldtellatthe80-milegaitthey'regoin',an'seein'they'renearin'JudithGap,thefriendasks:'What'syourhurry,Pat?'

"I'minnohurry,'Patyelled,'butI'mdamnedifIknowhowtostopthething.We'llhavetoletitrundown.'

"Thecarbein'young,ithasthewaysofabronc,an'Patalmostdiedatthewheelwithhishandsnumban'lockedinthespokes.Thefriendgiveshimnourishmentthatkeepslifein

him,an'18hourslatertheywinduponGreybullRiverinWyoming."



SOMELIARSOFTHEOLDWEST

Speakin'ofliars,theOldWestcouldputinitsclaimformoreof'emthananyotherlandunderthesun.Themountainsandplainsseemedtostimulateman'simagination.AmanintheStatesmighthavebeenaliarinasmallway,butwhenhecomeswesthesoontakeslessonsfromtheprairies,whererangesahundredmilesawayseemwithintouchin'distance,streamsrunuphillandNatureappearstoliesomeherself.

Thesemenweren'tviciousliars.Itwasloveofromance,lackofreadingmatter,andthewishtobeentertainin'thatmakes'emstretchfactsandinventyarns.JackMcGowan,awell-knownold-timernowlivin'inGreatFalls,tellsofamanknownasLyin'Jack,whowasfamousfromMexicototheArctic.

McGowansaysoneofJack'sfavoritetalesisofanelkheoncekilledthatmeasured15-feetspreadbetweentheantlers.Heusedtotellthathekeptthesehornsintheloftofhiscabin.

"OnetimeIhadn'tseenJackforyears,"saidMcGowan,"whenheshowsupinBenton.Thecrowd'sallgladtoseeJack,an'afteraroundortwoofdrinks,askshimtotellthemayarn.

"No,boys,'saysJack,'I'mthrough.ForyearsI'vebeentellin'theseliestold'emsooftenIgottobelievin''emmyself.Thatstoryofmineabouttheelkwiththeis-foothornsiswhatcuredme.ItoldaboutthatelksooftenthatIknowedtheplaceIkilledit.OnenightIlitacandleandcrawledupinthelofttoviewthehornsan'I'mdamnediftheywasthere."

OnceupinYogo,BillCameronpointedoutOldManBabcockan'anotherold-timer,Patrick,sayin',"there'sthreeofthebiggestliarsintheworld."

"Who'sthethird?"inquiredabystander.

"Patrick'sone,an'oldBab'stheothertwo,"saysCameron.

ThisBabcockonenightistellingaboutgettingjumpedby50hostileSioux,awarparty,that'sgivinghimacloserun.Thebulletsan'arrowsaretearin'thedirtallaround,whenhe



hitsthemouthofadeepcanyon.Hethinkshe'ssafe,butafterridin'upitaway,discoversit'saboxgulch,withwallsstraightupfrom600to1,000feet.Hisonlyget-away'swherehecomein,an'theIndiansarealreadywhippin'theirponiesintoit.

RighthereoldBabraresbackinhischair,closeshiseyes,an'startsfondlin'hiswhiskers.Thisseemstobetheendofthestory,whenoneofthelistenersasks:

"Whathappenedthen?"

OldBab,withhiseyesstillclosed,takin'afreshchew,whispered:"Theykilledme,b'God!"

TheupperMissouriRiversteamboats,theyusedtosay,wouldrunonalightdew,an'certainlytheyusedtogetbywheretherewasmightylittlewater.X.Beidleran'hisfriend,MajorReed,aretravelingbyboattoFortBenton.Onenighttheydrinkmorethantheyshould.X.isawakenedinthemorningbythecriesofReed.Onenteringhisstateroom,X.findsReedbeggingforwater,ashe'sdyingofthirst.

X.stepstothebedside,andtakin'hisfriend'shand,says:"I'msorry,Major,Ican'tdoanythingforyou.Thatdamnedpilotgotdrunk,too,lastnight,andwe'reeightmilesupadrycoulee!"

"Somesayrattlersain'tpizen,"saidBuckskinWilliams,anoldfreighter,"butIknowdifferent.I'mpullin'outofMilkRiveronedaywith14,whenInoticemylinehossswingoutan'everyhossonthenearsidecrowdsthechain.Mynearwheelhoss,thatI'mridin',raresupan'straddlesthetongue.It'sthenIseewhatthetroubleisabigrattlerhasstruck,missesmyhossan'hitsthetongue.Thetonguestartstoswellup.Ihavetochopitofftosavethewagon,an'I'mdamnquickdoin'it,too!"

"Cap"Nelse,awell-knownold-timeraroundBentonintheearlydays,tellsofcomingsouth

fromEdmontonwithastringofhalf-breedcarts.Theyweretravelingthroughbigherdsofbuffalo.Itwasspringandthereweremanycalves.Theyhadnotroublewiththefull-grownbuffalo,Capsaid,butwereforcedtostopoftentotakethecalvesfrombetweenthespokesofthecart-wheels!

AtravelingmaninWhiteSulphurSpringsmakesabetofdrinksforthetownwithCoates,asaloonkeeper,thatCoatescan'tfindamanthatwillholduphishandandtakehisoaththathehasseen100,000buffaloatonesight.Whenthebet'sdecided,it'sagreedtoringthetriangleatthehotel,whichwillcallthetowntotheirdrinks.

Manyold-timerssaidtheyhadseenthatmanybuffalo,butrefusedtosweartoit,andit

lookedlikeCoateswouldlosehisbetuntilMiltCrowthersshowedup.ThenasmileofconfidencespreadoverCoates'faceasheintroducesCrowtherstothedrummer.

"Mr.Crowthers,"saidthetravelingman,"howmanyantelopehaveyouseenatonetime?"

Crowthersstraightensupandlookswise,likehe'sturningbackoverthepagesofthepast."Twohundredthousand,"sayshe.



PRONGHORNS

"Howmanyelk?"asksthetravelingman.

"Somethin'overamillion,"repliesCrowthers.

"Mr.Crowthers,howmanybuffalowillyouholdupyourhandandswearyouhaveseenatonesight?"

Crowthersholdsuphishand."AsnearasIcanfigure,"sayshe,"aboutthreemillionbillion."

ThisiswhereCoatesstartsforthetriangle,butthetravelingmanhaltshim,saying,"Wherewereyouwhenyousawthesebuffalo,Mr.Crowthers?"

"Iwasaboytravelin'withawagontrain,"repliesCrowthers."WewassouthofthePlattewhenwewasforcedtocorralourwagonstokeepourstockfrombein'stampededbybuffalo.Forfivedaysan'nights50menkep'theirgunshotkillin'buffalotokeep'emoffthewagons.Thesixthdaytheherdspread,givin'ustimetoyokeupan'crossthePlatte,an'it'sadamngoodthingwedid."

"Why?"asksthetravelingman.

"Well,"saysCrowthers,"wenomorethanhitthehighcountrynorthofthePlatte,thanlookin'back,herecomesthemainherd!"



HIGHWOODHANKQUITS

"WhenIfirstknowedHighwoodHankhe'sacowpuncherandisprettyhandyamongbroncs,"saysRawhideRawlins."Inthemdayshe'sridin'fortheP,andanybodythatsavviesthatironknowstheyneverownedahossthatwasn'tasnake.Amanhadtobearidertoworkfor'em.IfahossthieffoundaPhossinhisbunchatdaybreak,it'sacinchhe'dturnhimloose.Phosseswasnotorious.

"KidRusselltellsmeherodeonesummerforBenPhillips,whoownedthatbrand.Heclaimedhedidn'ttakeonnofleshthatyear.Whenhequit,hisfingernailswasallworeoffan'therewasn'tahossinhisstringthathadanymanefromhisearstohiswithers.Therewasspurtracksalloverhissaddle.Hecouldn'teatsupperthinkin'ofthehosshehadtoforkthenextmornin',andhenevermadenotryatbreakfast.Hishandsissoshaky,allthatspring,thathehastogetafriendtorollhiscigarettes,an'ifhe'dworkedawholeseasonhisfingerswouldbeworedowntotheknuckles.Asitis,ittakesasolidyeartogetthecrooksoutofhishandsfromhavin''emclamped'roundthesaddlehorn.

"AsIsaidbefore,Hank'sarider,butlikeallothers,oldDaddyTimehashungitonhim.Itseemsthesedayslikehisbackbonehasgrowedtogetherinplacesan'itdon'ttaketotheswingofapitchin'bronc.Hank'smarriednow,andhe'sagranddad.Hestillownsaranchandrides,buttheyain'tthelongcirclesheusedtomake.

"AcoupleofyearsagoHankrunsinabunchofbroncos.They'rerollin'fatan'prettysnuffy.Hedropshisropeontoone,an'theminutehislooptightens,Mr.Broncswings'round,comin'atHankwithhisearsup,whistlin'likeabullelk.Intheolddaysthiswoulda-beenmusictoHank'sears.IttakeshimbacktothePstring.

"Mrs.Hank'slookin'throughthecorralfence,an'begsHubbynottocrawlthisone.Hetells

hernottoworry."Allyougottodoissitbackan'watchmescratchhisshoulders,'hesays.'Youwon'thavetopaynorailroadfaretoMilesCitytoseebroncridin,'hetellsher.'Thisisgoin'tobehometalent.'

"He'llthrowyou,'saysshe.

"Yes,hewill,'saysHank,ashecincheshishullon.

"Thisbronc'sgothisneareardroppeddownan'abouthalfofhiseyeshowswhite.He'shumpedtillyoucouldthrowadogunderthesaddleskirtsbehind.Hank'swhistlin''Turkey

intheStraw'tokeephissandup,an'hiswifenoticesthere'satrembleinhishandashereachesforthehorn.

"Theminutethebroncfeelsweightonthenearstirruphestartsfortheclouds,an'thesecondtimehecomesdownHankain'twithhim.He'ssittin'onthegroundwithtwohandsfullofcorraldust."



"Itoldyouso,'saysWifie.

"Yes,youdid,'saysHank.'You'reafinepartner,sittin'therelikeyou'redeafanddumb.AnytimeIeverrodeabroncbefore,there'salwaysbeensomebodyaroundtotellmetostaywithhimtohangan'rattle.Youdidn'tgivemeanyencouragement.Justlookin'atyouscaredmeloose.'

"Allright,'saysMrs.Hank,'I'lltrytodobetternexttime.'"Butthenextoneisashorterridethanthefirst.Hisbetterhalfyells:'Staywithhim!'butit'sjustasHankhitstheground.

"Iholleredthattime,'saysshe.

"Yes,youdid,'saysHank.'Whydidn'tyouwaittillNewYear's?'

"Hankhatestodoit,buthehastoownupthathisbroncridin'daysisover."



scatterin'bloodonhisrumpan'quarters.Nowtheminutethemothercattlewindstheblood,theballopens.Everyhoof'sathisheelsbarkin'andbellerin'.Themthat'scloseenougharehornin'himintheflanklikethey'dstucktofinishhimoff.They'reallplumbhog-wild,an'ifyouwantanybeefleftinyourherdyou'dbettercutouttheonethat'scausin'theexcitement,'causeanhourofthiswilltakeoffmoretallerthanthey'llputonina

month.

"Cattlelikeopencountrytosleepin.Isurehatetoholdaherdnearanybrakesordeep'royos,'causenomatterhowgentleaherdis,letacoyoteoranyotheranimalloomupofasuddencloseto'eman'theydon'tstoptotakeasecondlook,butaregonelikeaflashinthepan.Oldbullscomin'upwithouttalkin'sometimesjumpaherdthisway,an'itpaysacowpunchertosingwhenhe'scomin'upoutofa'royoclosetothebed-ground.

"Somefolks'lltellyouthatcowboyssingtheircowstosleep,butthat'samistake,judgin'frommyexperience,an'I'vehadsome.Thesongsan'voicesI'veheardaroundcattleain'tsoothin'.Acowpunchersingstokeephimselfcompany;itain'tthathe'sgotanymotherlylovefortheselonghornshe'sputtobedan''sridin'herdon;he'samusin'himselfan'nobodyelse.Thesedittiesaregenerallyshyonmelodyan'strongonnoise.Putamanaloneinthedark,an'ifhisconsciousisclearan'heain'thidin'he'llsingan'don'tneedtobeabornvocalist.Ofcoursesingin'sagoodthingaroundaherd,an'allpunchersknowit.Inthedarknessitletsthecowsknowwhereyou'reat.Ifyoueverwokeupinthedarknessan'foundsomebodyyoudidn'tknowwhoorwhatloomin'upoveryou,itwouldstartleyou,butifthissomebodyissingin'orwhistlin',itwouldn'tscareyounone.It'sthesamewithMr.Steer;thatsnaky,noiselessglidin'uponhim'swhatscarestheanimal.

"Allherdshassomeoftheselonesomesthatwon'tliedownwiththeothercattle,butbedsdownalonemaybetwenty-fivetothirtyyardsfromtheedgeoftheherd.He'sgothisownreasonforthis;mightbehe'sshortaneye.Thisbein'thecaseyoucanlayallyougothe's

layin'withthegoodblinkernexttotheherd.Hedon'tfigureonlettin'noneofhisplayfulbrothersbeefhisribsfromasneak.One-eyedhossisthesame.Dayornightyou'llfindhimontheoutsidewithhisgoodeyewatchin'thebunch.LikeMisterSteer,theconfidencehe'sgotinhisbrother'smightyfrail.

"ButtheselonesomecattleIstartedtotellyouabout,istheonesthatapuncher'smostliabletorunontointhedark,layin'outthatwayfromtheherd.Ifyourideontohimsingin',itdon'tstartleMr.Steer;heraiseseasy,holdin'hisgroundtillyoupass;thenhelaysdowninthesameplace.He'sgotthegroundwarman'hatestoquither.Cows,thesameashumans,likewarmbeds.Many'sthetimeincoolweatherI'veseensomeevil-minded,lowdownsteerstandaroundlikeheain'tgoin'tobed,butallthetimehe'sgothiseyeon

somepoor,undersizedbrotherlayin'nearby,allinnocent.Assoonashethinkstheground'swarmhewalksover,hornshimoutan'jumpshisclaim.Thislow-downtrickissometimespracticedbypuncherswhentheygotagentleherd.Itdon'thurtacowpuncher'sconsciencenonetosleepinabedhestolefromasteer.

"Ifyouridesneakin'an'noiselessontooneoftheselonesomefellers,hegetsrighttohisfeetwithdew-clawsan'hoofsrattlin',an''srunnin'beforehe'shalfup,hittin'theherdlikeacanneddog,an'quickerthanyoucanbataneyethewholeherd'sgone.Cowsareslow



animals,butscare'eman'they'refastenough;athousandwillgettotheirfeetasquickasone.It'ssureapuzzlertocowmentoknowhowaherdwillallscareatonce,an'everyanimalwillgetonhisfeetatthesametime.I'veseenherdsdowhatacowpuncherwouldcall'jump'thatis,toraisean'notrun.I'vebeenlookin'acrossaherdinbrightmoonlightathousandheadormore,alldown;withnoknowncausethere'sashort,quickrumble,an'

everyhoof'sstandin'.

"I'vereadofstampedesthatweresuredangerousan'scary,whereaherdwouldrunthroughacamp,upsettin'wagonsan'trompin'sleepin'cowpuncherstodeath.Whendaybrokethey'dbefiftyorahundredmilesfromwheretheystarted,leavin'atrailstrewnwithblood,deadcowpunchers,an'hosses,thatlookedliketheworkofaKansascyclone.Thisisallrightinbooks,butthefellerthatwrites'emisromancin'an'don'tsavvythecow.Moststampedesisnoisy,butharmlesstoanybodybutthecattle.Aherdinabadstormmightdriftthirtymilesinanight,buttheworstrunIeversee,weain'tfourmilesfromthebed-groundwhenthedaybroke.

"ThiswasdowninKansas;we'retrailin'beefan'havegotaboutseventeenhundredhead.Barrin'afewdryonestheherd'sstraightsteers,mostlySpanishlonghornsfromdownontheCimarron.We'reaboutfiftymilessouthofDodge.Ourherd'swellbrokean'lookin'fine,an'thecowpunchersallgood-natured,thinkin'ofthegoodtimecomin'inDodge.

"Thatevenin'whenwe'reropin'ourhossesfornightguard,thetrailboss,'OldSpanish'wecallhimheain'tnorealSpaniard,buthe'srodesomeinOldMexicoan'cantalksomeSpanishsaystome:'Themcattleoughttoholdwell;theyain'tbeenoffwaterfourhours,an'wegrazed'emplumbontothebed-ground.Everyhoofof'em'sgotapaunchfullofgrassan'water,an'that'swhatmakescattlelaygood.'

"Mean'afellercalledLongrope'sonfirstguard.He'sacenterfireorsingle-cinchmanfrom

California;packsasixty-footrawhideriata,an'whenhetakesherdownan'runsabouthalfofherintoaloopshelooksbig,butwhenitreachestheanimal,comesprettynearfittin'hooforhorn.Ineverwentmuchontheselongropeboys,butthismancomesasnearputtin'hisloopwherehewantsasanyIeversee.YouknowTexasmenain'tgotmuchloveforasinglerig,an'many'stheargumentmean'Longropehasonthissubject.Heclaimsacenter-fireistheonlysaddle,butI'lowthatthey'lldoallrightonashad-belliedwesternhoss,butforSpanishpot-guttedponiesthey'renogood.You'reridin'uponhiswithersallthetime.

"Whenwereachthebed-groundmostofthecattle'salreadydown,lookin'comfortable.They'rebeddedinopencountry,an'thingslookgoodforaneasynight.It'sbeenmightyhotallday,butthere'salittlebreezenowmakin'itrightpleasant;butdownthewestInotice

somenasty-lookin'cloudshangin''roundthenewmoonthat'sgotonehornhookedovertheskyline.Thestorm'ssofaroffthatyoucanjusthearherrumble,butshe'swalkin'uponusslow,an'I'mhopin'she'llgo'round.Thecattle'salllayin'quietan'nice,somean'Longropestoptotalkawhile.

"They'relayin'quiet,'saysI.

"Toodamnquiet,'sayshe.'Ilikecowstolaystillallright,butIwantsomeofthenaturalnoisesthatgoeswithaherdthissize.Iwanttohear'emblowin'off,an'thecreakin'oftheir



joints,showin'they'reeasin'themselvesintheirbeds.Listen,an'ifyouhearanythingI'lleatthatrimfiresaddleofyoursgrassropean'all.'

"Ididn'tnoticetillthen,butwhenIstraightenmyearsit'squietasagrave.An'ifitain'tforthelightnin'showin'theherdonceinawhile,Icouldn'ta-believedthatseventeenhundredheadoflonghornslaywithinfortyfeetofwhereI'msittin'onmyhoss.It'sgettin'darkereveryminute,an'ifitwasn'tforLongrope'sslickerIcouldn'ta-madehimout,thoughhe'ssocloseIcouldhavetouchedhimwithmyhand.FinallyitdarkensupsoIcan'tseehimatall.It'sblackasanigger'spocket;youcouldn'tfindyournosewithbothhands.

"Irememberaskin'Longropethetime.

"'IguessI'llhavetogethelptofindthetimepiece,'sayshe,butgetsherafterfeelin'overhimself,an'holdin'herunderhiscigarettetakesalongdraw,lightin'upherface.

"Half-pastnine,'sayshe.

"Halfanhourmore,'Isays.'Areyougoin'towakeupthenextguard,ordidyouleaveittothehoss-wrangler?'

"Therewon'tbebutoneguardto-night,'heanswers,'an'we'llrideit.Youmightaswellhuntforahossthiefinheavenaslookforthatcamp.Well,IguessI'llmosey'round.'An'withthathequitsme.

"Thelightnin'splayin'everylittlewhile.Itain'tmakingmuchnoise,butlightsupenoughtoshowwhereyou'reat.Thereain'tnouseridin';bytheflashesIcanseethateveryhead'sdown.Forasecondit'llbelikebroadday,thendarkerthanthedungeonsofhell,an'Inoticethelittlefire-ballsonmyhoss'sears;whenIspitthere'sastreakintheairlikestrikin'awetmatch.Theselittlefire-ballsisallIcanseeofmyhoss,an'theytellmehe'slistenin'all

ways;hisearsareneverstill.

"Itellyou,there'ssomethingmightyghostlyaboutsittin'uponahossyoucan'tsee,withthemtwolittlebluesparksoutinfrontofyouwigglin'an'movin'likeapairofspookeyes,an'itshowsmetheoldnighthossisusin'hislistenersprettyplenty.Igotmyearscocked,too,hearingnothin'butLongrope'ssingin';he'seasythreehundredyardsacrosstheherdfromme,butIcanheareveryword:

"SamBasswasborninInjiana,

Itwashisnativehome,

'Twasattheageofseventeen

YoungSambegantoroam.

HefirstwentouttoTexas,

Acowboyfortobe;

Abetterheartedfeller



You'dseldomeversee.

"It'ssoplainitsoundslikehe'ssingin'inmyear;Icanevenheartheclick-clackofhisspurchainsagainsthisstirrupswhenhemoves'round.An'thecricketinhisbithe'susin'oneofthemhollowconchoedhalf-breedsshecomesplaintomeinthestillness.Oncethere'sasteerlayin'ontheedgeoftheherdstartssniffin'.He'stakin'longdrawsoftheair,he'snosin'forsomething.Idon'tlikethis,it'sabadsign;itshowshe'slayin'fortrouble,an'allheneedsissomelittleexcuse.

"Noweverysteer,whenhebedsdown,holdshisbreathforafewseconds,thenblowsoff;thatnoiseisallrightan'showshe'ssettlin'himselfforcomfort.Butwhenhecurlshisnosean'makesthemlongdrawsit'sasignhe'ssniffin'forsomething,an'ifanythingcrosseshiswindthathedon'tlikethere'sliabletobetrouble.I'veseendrytrailherdsmightythirsty,layin'goodtillabreezespringsoffthewater,maybetenmilesaway;theystartsniffin',an'theminutetheygetthewindyoucouldcombTexasan'wouldn'thaveenoughpuncherstoturn'emtilltheywettheirfeetan'filltheirpaunches.

"Igettiredsittin'therestarin'atnothin',sostartridin''round.Nowit'ssuredarkwhenanimalscan'tsee,butItellyoubythewaymyhossmoveshe'sfeelin'hisway.Idon'tblamehimnone;it'slikelookin'inablackpot.Skyan'groundallthesame,an'Iain'tgonetwenty-fiveyardstillIhearcattlegettin'uparoundme;I'mintheherdan'it'sluckI'msingingan'theydon'tgetscared.Pullin'totheleftIworkcautiousan'easytillI'mclearofthebunch.Ridin'suseless,soIflopmyweightoverononestirrupan'goonsingin'.

"Thelightin''squitnow,an'she'sdarkerthanever;thebreezehasdieddownan'it'shotterthanthehubsofhell.AbovemyvoiceIcanhearLongrope.He'ssingin'the'TexasRanger'now;theRanger'salongsongan'there'sfewpunchersthatknowsitall,butLongrope'ssprungalotofnewversesonmean'I'minterested.

"Seemslikehe'sonaboutthetwenty-fifthverse,an'there'sdangerofhischokin'down,whenthere'sawhisperin'inthegrassbehindme;it'sabreezesneakin'up.Itflapsthetailofmyslickeran'goesby;inanothersecondshehitstheherd.Thegroundshakes,an'they'reallrunnin'.Myhosstakesthescarewith'eman''sbustin'aholeinthedarknesswhenhethrowsbothfrontfeetinabadgerhole,goin'tohiskneesan'plowin'hisnoseinthedirt.Buthe'sagoodnighthossan''shardtokeepdown.Theminutehegetshisfeetunderhimheraises,runnin'likeascaredwolf.Hearin'theroarbehindhimhedon'tcaretomixwiththemlocoedlonghorns.Igotmyheadturnedovermyshoulderlistenin',tryin'tomakeoutwhichwaythey'regoin',whenthere'saflashoflightnin'bustsaholeintheskyit'soneofthesekindthatputsthefearofGodinaman,thunderan'alltogether.Myhoss

whirlsan'stopsinhistracks,spraddlin'outan'squattin'likehe'shit,an'Icanfeelhisheartbeatin'aginmyleg,whilemine'spoundin'myribslikeit'llbustthrough.We'rebothplentyscared.

"Thisflashlightsupthewholecountry,givin'meaglimpseoftheherdrunnin'alittletomyleft.Bigdropsofrainarepoundingonmyhat.Thestormhasbrokenowforsure,withthelightnin'bombardin'usateveryjump.OnceaflashshowsmeLongrope,ghostlyinhiswet



slicker.He'ssoclosetomethatIcouldhithimwithmyquirtan'Ihollerstohim,'Thisishell.'

"'Yes,'heyellsbackabovetheroar;'Iwonderwhatdamnedfoolkickedthelidoff.'

"Icantellbythenoisethatthey'rerunnin'straight;thereain'tnoclickin'ofhorns.It'sa

kindofhummin'noiselikeabuzzsaw,onlyathousandtimeslouder.There'snouseintryin'toturn'eminthisdarkness,soI'mridin'widejustherdin'byearan'follerin'thenoise.Prettysoonmyearstellmethey'recrowdin'an'comin'together;thenextflashshows'emallmillin',withheadsjammedtogetheran'hornslocked;some'sraredupridin'others,an'theseissquirmin'likebristledsnakes.InthesamelightIseeLongrope,an'fromtheblinkIgetofhimhe'samong'emortoocloseforsafety,an'inthedarkIthoughtIsawagunflashthreetimeswithnoreport.Butwiththenoisetheselonghornsaremakin'now,IdoubtifIcoulda-heardasix-gunbarkifIpulledthetriggermyself,an'thenextthingIknowmean'myhossgoesoverabank,lightin'safe.Iguessitain'toverfourfeet,butitseemslikefiftyinthedarkness,an'ifithadn'tbeenformychin-stringI'da-wentfromundermyhat.Againthelightshowsmewe'reina'royowiththecattlecomin'overtheedge,wigglin'an'squirmin'likearmyworms.

"It'sacaseofallnightriding.Sometimesthey'llmillan'quietdown,thenstarttrottin'an'breakintoarun.Nottilldaybreakdotheystop,an'maybeyouthinkolddayain'twelcome.Myhossissureleg-weary,an'Iain'tsorollickymyself.WhenshegetslightenoughIbeginlookin'forLongrope,withnaryasignofhim;an'theherd,youwouldn'tknowtheywerethesamecattlesmearedwithmudan'ga'ntasgreyhounds;someof'emwiththeirtonguesstilllollin'outfromtheirnight'srun.Butsizin'upthebunch,IguessIgot'emall.I'mkindofworriedaboutLongrope.It'sacinchthatwhereverheishe'safoot,an'chancesishe'slayin'ontheprairiewithabrokenleg.

"Thecattle'sspreadout,an'theybeginfeedin'.Thereain'tmuchchanceoflosin''em,nowit'sbroaddaylight,soIrideuponaraisetotakealookatthebacktrail.WhileI'mupthereviewin'thecountry,myeyesrunontosomethin'amilebackinadraw.Ican'tmakeitout,butgetcurious,sospurrin'mytiredhossintoalopeItakethebacktrail.'Tain'tnotroubletofollerinthemud;it'splainasplowedground.Iain'trodethreehundredyardtillthecountryraisesalittlean'showsmethisthing'sahoss,an'bythewhitestreakonhisflankIheapsavvyit'sPeonthat'sthehossLongrope'sridin'.WhenIgetclosehewhinnerspitifullike;he'slookin'forsympathy,an'Inotice,whenheturnstofaceme,hisrightforeleg'sbroke.He'ssureasorrysightwiththatfancy,full-stampedcenter-firesaddlehangin'underhisbellyinthemud.WhileI'mlookin'himover,myhosscockshisearstotheright,snortin'low.ThisscaresmeI'mafearedtolook.Somethin'tellsmeIwon'tseeLongrope,onlypart

ofhimthatpartthatstayshereonearthwhentheman'sgone.Bracin'up,Ifollermyhoss'sears,an'thereinthehollerofthe'royoisapatchofyeller;it'spartofaslicker.Ispuruptogetabetterlookoverthebank,an'theretrompedinthemudisallthereisleftofLongrope.Pullin'mygunIemptyherintheair.Thisbringstheboysthatarefollerin'onthetrailfromthebed-ground.Nobody'dhadtotell'emwe'dhadhell,sotheycomeinfullforce,everymanbutthecookan'hoss-wrangler."



"Nobodyfeelsliketalkin'.Itdon'tmatterhowroughmenareI'veknown'emthatnever

spokewithoutcussin',thatclaimedtofearneitherGod,man,nordevilbutletdeathvisitcampan'itputs'emthinkin'.Theygenerallytaketheirhatsofftothisoldboythatcomeseverywherean'anytime.He'salwaysreadytopilotyouwillin'ornotoverthelongdarktrailthatfolksdon'tcaretotravel.He'sneverwelcome,butyou'vegottorespecthim.

"'It'stoughdamnedtough,'saysSpanish,raisin'poorLong-rope'sheadan'wipinthemudfromhisfacewithhisneck-handkerchief,tender,likehe'sfearedhe'llhurthim.Wefindhis



hattrompedinthemudnotfurfromwherehe'slayin'.Hisscabbard'sempty,an'weneverdolocatehisgun.

"Thatafternoonwhenwe'recountin'outtheherdtoseeifwe'reshortany,wefindasteerwithabrokenshoulderan'anotherwithaholeplumbthroughhisnose.Boththeseisgunwounds;thisaccountsforthemflashesIseeinthenight.Itlookslike,whenLongropegetsmixedinthemill,hetriestogunhiswayout,butthecattlecrowdhimtothebankan'hegoesover.Thechancesarehewasdraggedfromhishossinatangleofhorns.

"Some'sfortakin'himtoDodgean'gettin'aboxmadeforhim,butOldSpanishsays:'Boys,Longropeisaprairieman,an'ifshewasalittleroughattimes,she'sbeenagoodfostermother.Shecaredforhimwhilehe'sawake,lethernursehiminhissleep.'Sowewrappedhiminhisblankets,an'puthimtobed.

"It'sbeentwentyyearsormoresincewetuckedhiminwiththeend-gateofthebed-wagonforaheadstone,whichthecattlehavelongsincerubbeddown,leavin'thespotunmarked.Itsoundslonesome,butheain'talone,'causetheseoldprairieshascradledmanyofhis

kindintheirlongsleep."

trails plowed under

Documents