CATTLE BRANDS

Contents

“The Passing of Peg-Leg” and “A Question of Possession” appeared originally inLeslie’s Monthly, and are here reprinted by permission of the publishersof that magazine.

BRANDS

CATTLE BRANDS

I
DRIFTING NORTH

It was a wet, bad year on the Old Western Trail. From Red River north and allalong was herd after herd waterbound by high water in the rivers. Our outfitlay over nearly a week on the South Canadian, but we were not alone, for therewere five other herds waiting for the river to go down. This river had tumbledover her banks for several days, and the driftwood that was coming down wouldhave made it dangerous swimming for cattle.

We were expected to arrive in Dodge early in June, but when we reached theNorth Fork of the Canadian, we were two weeks behind time.

Old George Carter, the owner of the herd, was growing very impatient about us,for he had had no word from us after we had crossed Red River at Doan’scrossing. Other cowmen lying around Dodge, who had herds on the trail, couldhear nothing from their men, but in their experience and confidence in theiroutfits guessed the cause—it was water. Our surprise when we came opposite CampSupply to have Carter and a stranger ride out to meet us was not to bemeasured. They had got impatient waiting, and had taken the mail buckboard toSupply, making inquiries along the route for the Hat herd, which had notpassed up the trail, so they were assured. Carter was so impatient that hecould not wait, as he had a prospective buyer on his hands, and the delay inthe appearing of the herd was very annoying to him. Old George was as tickledas a little boy to meet us all.

The cattle were looking as fine as silk. The lay-overs had rested them. Thehorses were in good trim

BU KİTABI OKUMAK İÇİN ÜYE OLUN VEYA GİRİŞ YAPIN!

Sitemize Üyelik ÜCRETSİZDİR!