don't know that, and I can't get near enough to tell them."

I knew better than to ask further questions or offer any
apologies for others. My employer was naturally irritable, and
his abuse or praise of a foreman was to be expected. Previously
and under the smile of prosperity, I had heard him laud
Sponsilier, and under an imaginary shadow abuse Jim Flood, the
most experienced man in his employ. Feeling it was useless to
pour oil on the present troubled waters, I excused myself, rode
back, and ordered the wagon to make camp ahead about four miles
on Elm Creek. We watered late in the afternoon, grazing thence
until time to bed the herd. When the first and second guards were
relieved to go in and catch night-horses and get their supper, my
employer remained behind with the cattle. While feeding during
the evening, we allowed the herd to scatter over a thousand
acres. Taking advantage of the loose order of the beeves, the old
man rode back and forth through them until approaching darkness
compelled us to throw them together on the bedground. Even after
the first guard took charge, the drover loitered behind,
reluctant to leave until the last steer had lain down; and all
during the night, sharing my blankets, he awoke on every change
of guards, inquiring of the returning watch how the cattle were
sleeping.

As we should easily pass Abilene before noon, I asked him as a
favor that he take the wagon in and get us sufficient supplies to
last until Red River was reached. But he preferred to remain
behind with the herd, and I went instead. This suited me, as his
presence overawed my outfit, who were delirious to see the town.
There was no telling how long he would have stayed with us, but