Book-bot.com - read famous books online for free

The Outlet by Andy Adams
page 141 of 303 (46%)
We sighted our cattle but once during the afternoon. On locating
the herd, two of my boys left us to return, hearing the message
that the rest of us might not put in an appearance before
morning. All during the evening, I made it a point to cultivate
the acquaintance of several vaqueros, and learned the names of
their master and rancho. Taking my cue from the general
information gathered, when we encamped for the night and all
hands, with the exception of those on herd, had finished catching
horses, I attracted their attention by returning the six-shooter
taken from their corporal at noontime. Commanding attention, in
their mother tongue I addressed myself to the Mexican foreman.

"Felipe Esquibil," said I, looking him boldly in the face, "you
were foreman of this herd from Zavalla County, Texas, to the
Arkansaw River, and brought your cattle through without loss or
accident.

"The herd changed owners at Dodge, but with the understanding
that you and your vaqueros were to accompany the cattle to this
gentleman's ranch in the upper country. An accident happens, and
because you are not in full control, you shift the responsibility
and play the baby act by wanting to go home. Had the death of one
of your men occurred below the river, and while the herd was
still the property of Don Dionisio of Rancho Los Olmus, you would
have lost your own life before abandoning your cattle. Now, with
the consent and approval of the new owner, you are again invested
with full charge of this herd until you arrive at the Platte
River. A new outfit will relieve you on reaching Ogalalla, and
then you will be paid your reckoning and all go home. In your
immediate rear are five herds belonging to my employer, and I
DigitalOcean Referral Badge