pared.

The remuda for the trail outfit was chosen by Harshaw himself. He knew
his horses as he knew the trail to Bear Cat. No galled back or lame leg
could escape his keen eye. No half-tamed outlaw could slip into the
cavvy. Every horse chosen was of proved stamina. Any known to be afraid
of water remained at the ranch. Every rider would have to swim streams a
dozen times and his safety would depend upon his mount. Tails were
thinned, hoofs trimmed, manes cleared of witches' bridles, and ears
swabbed to free them of ticks.

The start was made before dawn. Stars were shining by thousands when the
chuck-wagon rolled down the road. The blatting of cows could be heard as
the riders moved the phantom cattle from their bedding-ground.

The dogies were long-legged and shaggy, agile and wild as deer. They were
small-boned animals, not fit for market until they were four-year-olds.
On their gaunt frames was little meat, but they were fairly strong and
very voracious. If not driven too hard these horned jackrabbits, as some
wag had dubbed them, would take on flesh rapidly.

Harshaw chose five punchers to go with him--Dud, Big Bill, Tom Reeves,
Hawks, and Bob. A light mess-wagon went with the outfit. Before noon the
herd had grazed five miles down the river.

The young grass matted the ground. Back of the valley could be seen the
greenclad mesas stretching to the foothills which hemmed in the Rio
Blanco. The timber and the mesquite were in leaf. Wild roses and
occasionally bluebells bloomed. The hillsides were white with the
blossoms of service berries.

In the early afternoon they reached the ford. Harshaw trailed the cattle
across in a long file. He watched the herd anxiously, for the stream was
running strong from the freshet. After a short, hard swim the animals
made the landing.

The mess-wagon rattled down to the ford as the last of the herd scrambled
ashore.

"Think I'll put you at the reins, Dud," the cattleman said. "Head the
horses upstream a little and keep 'em going."

All the other punchers except Bob were across the river with the herd.

Dud relieved the previous driver, gathered up reins and whip with
competent hands, and put the horses at the river. They waded in through
the shallows, breasted the deep water, and began to swim. Before they had
gone three yards they were in difficulties. The force of the current
carried the light wagon downstream. The whiplash cracked around the ears
of the horses, but