growth. As far as the eye could see, the mesas,
clothed in the verdure of spring, rolled in long swells away to the
divides. Along the river and in the first bottom, the timber and
mesquite thickets were in leaf and blossom, while on the outlying
prairies the only objects which dotted this sea of green were range
cattle and an occasional band of horses.

The start was made on the 27th of March. By easy drives and within
a week, we crossed the "Sunset" Railway, about thirty miles to the
westward of the ranch in Medina. On reaching the divide between the
Leona and Frio rivers, we sighted our first herd of trail cattle,
heading northward. We learned that some six herds had already passed
upward on the main Frio, while a number of others were reported as
having taken the east fork of that river. The latter stream almost
paralleled the line between Medina and Uvalde counties, and as we
expected some word from headquarters, we crossed over to the east fork.
When westward of and opposite the ranch, Runt Pickett was sent in for
any necessary orders that might be waiting. By leaving us early in the
evening he could reach headquarters that night and overtake us before
noon the next day. We grazed leisurely forward the next morning, killing
as much time as possible, and Pickett overtook us before the wagon had
even gone into camp for dinner. Lovell had not stopped on his return
from the west, but had left with the depot agent at the home station a
letter for the ranch. From its contents we learned that the other two
Buford herds had started from Uvalde, Sponsilier in the lead, one on the
24th and the other the following day. Local rumors were encouraging in
regard to grass and water to the westward, and the intimation was
clear that if favorable reports continued, the two Uvalde herds would
intersect an old trail running from the head of Nueces Canon to the
Llano River. Should they follow this route there was little hope of
their coming into the main western trail before reaching the Colorado
River. Sponsilier was a daring fellow, and if there was a possible
chance to get through beyond the borders of any settlement, he was
certain to risk it.

The letter contained no personal advice. Years of experience in trail
matters had taught my employer that explicit orders were often harmful.
The emergencies to be met were of such a varied nature that the best
method was to trust to an outfit worming its way out of any situation
which co