what to
do if trouble broke out in the herd, and for getting along with the
other cowboys.

After an hour or more of riding, they came to the herd, spread out over
a quarter of a mile of plain, and rode round it till they came to where
four cowboys were lolling on the grass, smoking.

Looking up lazily at the sight of their boss, when they caught a glimpse
of Bob's fresh, young face they evinced a lively interest.

"Boys, this is Bob," said Ford, by way of introduction. "Bob, the
homeliest of the lot is Merry Dick; the one next to him to the left is
Yellow Tom; next is Shorty Flinn and the last is Crazy Ned.

"Dick, you're to go over on the West station with Bob for three days.
Get some grub ready.

"Now, remember, every man Jack of you, Bob is my special friend. If you
try any funny business, you'll have to settle with me; and don't forget,
cowboys ain't worth near as much as a lean steer."

And without another word, this strange man wheeled his horse and rode
away.

CHAPTER XXIII

BOB OVERHEARS A SECOND PLOT

Chester had accompanied Bob and Ford to the cowboys' station, and when
they saw that the dog showed no signs of returning, Yellow Tom called
out:

"Hey, you Ford. Take this cur of yours with you--or I won't stay on the
job another minute."

The ranchman, however, either did not hear or pretended not to, and
after a minute Bob said:

"Mr. Ford has given Chester to me."

"What?" chorused the cowboys, in amazement.

"I said that Mr. Ford had given Chester to me," replied Bob.

"And you let him?" queried Crazy Ned, staring at the boy as though he
must be daft.

"Why not?"

"You're liable to wake up in mincemeat some fine day, that's all,"
commented Yellow Tom drily.

"Oh, I guess not," answered Bob. "Chester and I are good friends, aren't
we, my boy?" and dismounting, he called the dog to him and stroked his
head.

A moment the cowboys watched the proceeding in amazement, then Shorty
Flinn voiced their feelings by saying:

"Am I dreamin' or is this tenderfoot pattin' that ornery cur?"

"He's pattin' him, all right," returned Merry Dick. "Say, kid, you're a
wonder. There ain't no man ever dared touch that dog so long as I've
known about him and that's for ten years."

"But can you make him mind?" demanded Yellow Tom.

"Surely."

"Then stop his growlin' at me."

Recognizing this as a test, Bob stroked the dog's head caressingly,
saying, in a matter-of-fact tone:

"Stop gro