section. Half the cattlemen in the county had participated in the
round-up that had centered upon Lawler's range, the Circle L: and the
cattle had been herded down in the valley because of its natural
advantages.

There the herd had been held while the neighboring cattlemen engaged in
the tedious task of "cutting out"--which meant that each cattle owner
took from the herd the steers that bore his "brand," with the addition
of a proportionate number of unbranded steers, and calves, designated as
"mavericks." Then the neighboring outfit had driven their stock home.

"It was a big round-up, Kane," said Mrs. Lawler, watching the herd.

"Eight thousand head," Lawler replied. "We're starting a thousand toward
Willets today."

"Have you seen Gary Warden? I mean, have you arranged with Warden to
have him take the cattle?"

Lawler smiled. "I had an agreement with Jim Lefingwell. We made it early
last spring."

"A written agreement?"

"Shucks--no. I never had a written agreement with Lefingwell. Never had
to. Jim's word was all I ever wanted from him--all I ever asked for."

"But perhaps Gary Warden's business methods are different?"

"I talked that over with Lefingwell when he sold out to Warden. Jim said