round. There was always a surplus of men on the range in the winter.
Sometimes there might be ten men at a camp, and only two on the
pay-roll. These extra men were called "chuck-line riders." Probably
eight months in the year they all had employment. At many camps they
were welcome, as they would turn to and help do anything that was
wanted done.

After a hard freeze it would be necessary to cut the ice, so that the
cattle could water. A reasonable number of guests were no drawback at
a time like this, as the chuck-line men would be the most active in
opening the ice with axes. The cattle belonging to those who kept open
house never got so far away that some one didn't recognize the brand
and turn them back towards their own pasture. It was possible to cast
bread upon the waters, even on the range.

The new order of things was received with many protests. Late in the
fall three worthies of the range formed a combine, and laid careful
plans of action, in case they should get let out of a winter's job.
"I've been on the range a good while," said Baugh, the leader of this
trio, "but hereafter I'll not ride my horses down, turning back the
brand of any hidebound cattle company."

"That won't save you from getting hit with a cheque for your time when
the snow begins to drift," commented Stubb.

"When we make our grand tour of the State this winter," remarked Arab
Ab, "we'll get that cheque of Baugh's cashed, together with our own.
One thing sure, we won't fret about it; still we might think that
riding a chuck-line would beat footing it in a granger country,
broke."