in the 'Open A' road, we'll cut them out for fear of trouble to
the buyer. I never sold a man cattle in my life who wasn't my
customer ever afterward. You gentlemen are strangers to me; and
for that reason I conceal nothing. Now look them over carefully,
and keep a sharp lookout for strays--cattle not in the road
brand."

I knew there were about twenty strays in the herd, and informed
Siringo to that effect, but the cattle buyers noticed only two, a
red and a roan, which again classed them as inexperienced men
among cattle. We returned to camp, not a word being said about
trading, when the buyers suggested returning to town. Siringo
looked at his watch, asked if there was anything further they
wished to see or know, and expressed himself like a true Texan,
"that there was ample time." I was the only one who had alighted,
and as they started to drive away, I said to Siringo: "Charley,
let me talk to you a minute first. You see how I'm situated
here--too many neighbors. I'm going to ride north of town
to-morrow, and if I can find a good camp on Saw Log, why I'll
move over. We are nearly out of supplies, anyhow, and the wagon
can go by town and load up. There's liable to be a mix-up here
some night on the Mulberry, and I'd rather be excused than
present."

"That's all right, Mac; that's just what I want you to do. If we
trade, we'll make the deal within a day or two, and if not you
can start right on for Ogalalla. I've been selling cattle the
last few years to the biggest feeders in Nebraska, and I'm not a
little bit afraid of placing those 'Open A's.' About four months
full feed on corn will fit those steers to go to any market. Drop