cago, but when he was an
infant, his parents had gone out west, so while it was true that he had
lived in a big city, and had made quite a railroad journey, he knew
nothing about it, except what his father had told him.

"You want me to go to New York, dad?" he repeated, wondering if he had
heard aright.

"That's it. I want you to find out just exactly what Caleb Annister is
doing."

"But, I have had no experience in those lines."

"I know you have not, but I think you can do what I want. All it needs
is brains and common sense, and you have both."

"But I have never been in a big city."

"No, not since you were old enough to notice anything, but that need
not worry you. If I told you to go back to where the boys were
rounding-up the cattle, you could do it; couldn't you?"

"Sure."

"Well, if you can find your way over the trackless plains I guess you
can manage to get along in a big city, even if it is New York. All you
have to do is to ask when you don't understand. I guess if some of
those city boys came out here, they'd get lost a good deal quicker than
you will in the streets of New York. Now you had better get ready to
start. I'll draw up some papers, and get some instructions ready for
you. I think Annister is trying to swindle you and me out of this
property. If I was well enough I would go myself, but, as it is, I
shall send you."

"Do you think you are well enough for me to leave you?" asked Roy
anxiously.

"Oh, yes, there is nothing serious the matter with me. I shall have to
be careful of what I eat, that's all, and if I went to New York I'd
probably be worse off than I am here, for I would want to try all sorts
of new dishes, and my dyspepsia would be very bad."

"Very well, dad. I'll get ready at once. It sure will be a new
experience for me. I'll round-up this Caleb Annister for you, rope him
and put the branding iron on, if I find he's trying to get any of our
mavericks into his herd."

"That's the way to talk!" exclaimed Mr. Bradner. "You're a regular
westerner, Roy. Don't let the ways of city folks bother you. Do the
best you know how, be polite to the ladies, respectful to the men, and
don't let 'em bluff you! Stick up for your rights, and don't be afraid
of anybody. They may try to stampede you in New York, but you keep
your head, and you'll come out all right."

"I'll try, dad. When do you want me to start?"

"To-morrow, if you can. The boys will be in from the