ed
their use, and perhaps half a thousand quite unbroken--brood mares,
stallions, young horses, broncos, and the like. At this time of year
it was his habit to corral all those saddlewise in order to select
horses for the round-ups and to replace the ranch animals. The latter
he turned loose for their turn at the freedom of the range.

The horses chosen, next the men turned their attention to outfit. Each
had, of course, his saddle, spurs, and "rope." Of the latter the chuck
wagon carried many extra. That vehicle, furthermore, transported such
articles as the blankets, the tarpaulins under which to sleep, the
running irons for branding, the cooking layout, and the men's personal
effects. All was in readiness to move for the six weeks' circle, when
a complication arose. Jed Parker, while nimbly escaping an irritated
steer, twisted the high heel of his boot on the corral fence. He
insisted the injury amounted to nothing. Senor Johnson however,
disagreed.

"It don't amount to nothing, Jed," he pronounced, after manipulation,
"but she might make a good able-bodied injury with a little coaxing.
Rest her a week and then you'll be all right."

"Rest her, the devil!" growled Jed; "who's going to San Pedro?"

"I will, of course," replied the Senor promptly. "Didje think we'd send
the Chink?"

"I was first cousin to a Yaqui jackass for sendin' young Billy Ellis
out. He'll be back in a week. He'd do."

"So'd the President," the Senor pointed out; "I hear he's had some
experience."

"I hate to have you to go," objected Jed. "There's the missis." He
shot a glance sideways at his chief.

"I guess she and I can stand it for a week," scoffed the latter. "Why,
we are old married folks by now. Besides, you can take care of her."

"I'll try," said Jed Parker, a little grimly.

CHAPTER NINE

THE LONG TRAIL

The round-up crew started early the next morning, just about sun-up.
Senor Johnson rode first, merely to keep out of the dust. Then
followed Torn Rich, jogging along easily in the cow-puncher's "Spanish
trot" whistling soothingly to quiet the horses, giving a lead to the
band of saddle animals strung out loosely behind him. These moved on
gracefully and lightly in the manner of the unburdened plains horse,
half decided to follow Tom's guidance, half inclined to break to right
or left. Homer and Jim Lester flanked them, also riding in a slouch of
apparent laziness, but every once in a while darting