ou've learned enough to turn your pony into the corral, eh?" was
Ford's greeting as Bob threw his saddle on the floor.

"Yes, sir. And to hobble and saddle and make my horse whirl when I'm
mounting."

"Hal's a good friend to have," commented the ranchman. "Did he show you
how to throw a rope?"

"Do you mean my lariat?"

"No, I mean rope; that's what we call it on the plains, though it means
the same thing."

"No, he didn't."

"Then I will. You'll find some grub in the cupboard. Eat all you want
and put the rest back."

"But aren't you going to eat with me?" asked Bob in an injured tone.

"I'd like to. But I ain't eaten with a man since----" then suddenly
checking himself he stammered, "well, since twelve year ago."

Eager, indeed, was Bob to ask the reason for this custom, but,
remembering Hal's warning, he restrained the question that was on his
lips just as the ranchman, evidently determined to end the conversation,
went outdoors.

The mention of eating recalled to Bob that it was hours since he had
breakfasted, and hastily he explored the cupboard, bringing forth some
crisp bacon, biscuits, cookies and pie while from the stove he took the
coffee pot, then sat down to a meal that seemed, to his keen appetite,
the best he had ever tasted.

As he was finishing, the ranchman came in and, when the food had been
put away, took Bob out to teach him how to throw the rope.

For this purpose Ford had driven a four-foot stake into the ground.
Making his pupil stand about twenty feet from it, he had him get used to
whirling the rope around his head and then told him to drop the noose
over the post.

At first Bob failed, but he was soon able to drop the noose over. So
much accomplished, the ranchman ordered him to get his pony and try to
rope the stake while riding past.

This, however, was more difficult, and Bob made more misses than
"ringers."

"You can practice that on the range, Bob. We won't waste any more time
here. I want to take you over to the short-horns to-night."

"You mean I'm to go on duty to-night?" asked the boy in delight.

"Exactly. Only there won't be much to do. Just keep awake in case
anything happens. I'll have Merry Dick, the best of my boys, stay with
you for a day or so."

The ranchman had saddled a big bay broncho when Bob saddled Firefly and,
after locking the door of his cabin, they galloped away toward the west.

On the ride the plainsman gave Bob many valuable pointers about