ring
the wind, for we were crippled, three of the boys being unable to resume
their places around the herd on account of inflamed eyes. The cook had
weathered the sand-storm better than any of us. Sheltering his team, and
fastening his wagon-sheet securely, he took refuge under it until the
gale had passed. Pressing him into the service the next morning, and
assigning him to the drag end of the herd, I left the blind to lead the
blind in driving the wagon. On reaching the river about the middle
of the forenoon, we trailed the cattle across in a long chain, not
an animal being compelled to swim. The wagon was carried over on a
ferryboat, as it was heavily loaded, a six weeks' supply of provisions
having been taken on before crossing. Once the trail left the breaks, on
the north side of the river, we drew off several miles to the left and
went into camp for the remainder of the day. Still keeping clear of
the trail, daily we moved forward the wagon from three to five
miles, allowing the cattle to graze and rest to contentment. The
herd recuperated rapidly, and by the evening of the fourth day after
crossing, the inflammation was so reduced in those whose eyes were
inflamed, that we decided to start in earnest the next morning.

The cook was ordered to set out the best the wagon afforded, several
outside delicacies were added, and a feast was in sight. G--G Cederdall
had recrossed the river that day to mail a letter, and on his return
proudly carried a basket of eggs on his arm. Three of the others had
joined a fishing party from the Texas side, and had come in earlier in
the day with a fine string of fish. Parent won new laurels in the supper
to which he invited us about sundown. The cattle came in to their beds
groaning and satiated, and dropped down as if ordered. When the first
watch had taken them, there was nothing to do but sit around and tell
stories. Since crossing Red River, we had slept almost night and day,
but in that balmy May evening sleep was banished. The fact that we were
in the Indian country, civilized though the Indians were, called forth
many an incident. The raids of the Comanches into the Panhandle country
during the buffalo days was a favorite topic. Vick Wolf, however, had
had an Indian experience in the North with which he regaled us at the
first opportunity.

"There isn't any trouble nowadays," said he, lighting a cigarette, "with
these blanket Indians on the reservations. I had an experience o