y would shoot you?" asked Walter. "I hardly think they
would do that, Pong."

"Allee same," grinned the Chinaman.

"I guess we are pretty sure of having real food to eat, then," laughed
Tad, as the boys rose from the table ready for the active work of the
day.

"We will now get to work on the herd," announced the foreman. "We had
better start the drive this morning. When we make camp at noon we will
cut out the strays. I trust none of you will be imprudent and get into
trouble, for we shall have other things to look after to-day."

However, the Pony Riders were destined not to pass the day without one
or more exciting adventures.

CHAPTER V

CUTTING OUT THE HERD

"Getting ready for rain," announced the foreman, glancing up at the
gathering clouds. "That will mean water for the stock, anyway."

Already the great herd was up and grazing when the cowboys reached them.
But there was no time now for the animals to satisfy their appetites.
They were supposed to have eaten amply since daylight.

The trail was to be taken up again and by the time the steers were
bedded down at night, they should be all of fifteen miles nearer the
Diamond D. Ranch for which they were headed.

The start was a matter of keen interest to the Pony Riders. To set the
herd in motion, cowboys galloped along the sides of the line giving vent
to their shrill, wolf-keyed yell, while others pressed forward directly
in the rear.

As soon as the cattle had gotten under way six men were detailed on each
side, and in a short time the herd was strung out over more than a mile
of the trail.

Two riders known as "point men" rode well back from the leaders, and by
riding forward and closing in occasionally, were able to direct the
course of the drive.

Others, known as "swing men," rode well out from the herd, their duty
being to see that none of the cattle dropped out or strayed away. Once
started, the animals required no driving.

This was a matter of considerable interest to the Pony Riders.

"Don't they ever stop to eat?" asked Tad of the foreman.

"Occasionally. When they do, we have to start them along without their
knowing we are doing so. It's a good rule to go by that you never should
let your herd know they are under restraint. Yet always keep them going
in the proper direction."

The trail wagon, carrying the cooking outfit and supplies, was not
forgotten. Drawn by a team of four mules, the party seldom allowed it to
get f