rth, a few days later we crossed
the main Brazos at a low stage of water. But from there to Red River was
a trial not to be repeated. Wire fences halted us at every turn. Owners
of pastures refused permission to pass through. Lanes ran in the wrong
direction, and open country for pasturage was scarce. What we dreaded
most, lack of drink for the herd, was the least of our troubles,
necessity requiring its purchase only three or four times. And like a
climax to a week of sore trials, when we were in sight of Red River a
sand and dust storm struck us, blinding both men and herd for hours. The
beeves fared best, for with lowered heads they turned their backs to
the howling gale, while the horsemen caught it on every side. The cattle
drifted at will in an uncontrollable mass. The air was so filled with
sifting sand and eddying dust that it was impossible to see a mounted
man at a distance of fifty yards. The wind blew a hurricane, making it
impossible to dismount in the face of it. Our horses trembled with fear,
unsteady on their feet. The very sky overhead darkened as if night
was falling. Two thirds of the men threw themselves in the lead of the
beeves, firing six-shooters to check them, which could not even be heard
by the ones on the flank and in the rear. Once the herd drifted against
a wire fence, leveled it down and moved on, sullen but irresistible.
Towards evening the storm abated, and half the outfit was sent out in
search of the wagon, which was finally found about dark some four miles
distant.

That night Owen Ubery, as he bathed his bloodshot eyes in a pail of
water, said to the rest of us: "Fellows, if ever I have a boy, and tell
him how his pa suffered this afternoon, and he don't cry, I'll cut a
switch and whip him until he does."

CHAPTER V. RED RIVER STATION

When the spirit of a man is once broken, he becomes useless. On the
trail it is necessary to have some diversion from hard work, long hours,
and exposure to the elements. With man and beast, from the Brazos to Red
River was a fire test of physical endurance. But after crossing into the
Chickasaw Nation, a comparatively new country would open before us. When
the strain of the past week was sorest, in buoying up the spirits of my
outfit, I had promised them rest and recreation at the first possible
opportunity.

Fortunately we had an easy ford. There was not even an indication that
there had been a freshet on the river that spring. This was tempe