while my brother Bob's started southeast for Bee County. The
other two belonging to Flood and The Rebel would camp on the same
creek as mine, their herds being also south. Once the wagons were
off, the saddle stock was brought in and corralled for our first
mounts. The final allotment of horses to the men would not take
place until the herds were ready to be received, and until then,
they would be ridden uniformly but promiscuously. With
instructions from our employer to return to the ranch after
making camp, the remudas were started after the wagons.

On our return after darkness, the ranch was as deserted as a
school-house on Saturday. A Mexican cook and a few regular ranch
hands were all that were left. Archie Tolleston had secured his
horse and quit headquarters before any one had even returned from
the round-up. When the last of the foremen came in, our employer
delivered his final messages. "Boys," said he, "I'll only detain
you a few minutes. I'm going west in the morning to Uvalde
County, and will be present at the receiving of Quince and Dave's
herds. After they start, I'll come back to the city and take
stage to Oakville. But you go right ahead and receive your
cattle, Bob, for we don't know what may turn up. Flood will help
Tom first, and then Paul, to receive their cattle. That will give
the Buford herds the first start, and I'll be waiting for you at
Abilene when you reach there. And above all else, boys, remember
that I've strained my credit in this drive, and that the cattle
must be A 1, and that we must deliver them on the spot in prime
condition. Now, that's all, but you'd better be riding so as to
get an early start in the morning."

Our employer walked with us to the outer gate where our horses