Next, the lead-ropes are made fast to the top of
the packs. There is here to be learned a certain knot.
In case of trouble you can reach from your saddle
and jerk the whole thing free by a single pull on a
loose end.

All is now ready. You take a last look around to
see that nothing has been left. One of the horsemen
starts on ahead. The pack-horses swing in behind.
We soon accustomed ours to recognize the whistling
of "Boots and Saddles" as a signal for the advance.
Another horseman brings up the rear. The day's
journey has begun.

To one used to pleasure-riding the affair seems
almost too deliberate. The leader plods steadily,
stopping from time to time to rest on the steep slopes.
The others string out in a leisurely procession. It
does no good to hurry. The horses will of their own
accord stay in sight of one another, and constant
nagging to keep the rear closed up only worries them
without accomplishing any valuable result. In going
uphill especially, let the train take its time. Each
animal is likely to have his own ideas about when and
where to rest. If he does, respect them. See to it
merely that there is no prolonged yielding to the
temptation of meadow feed, and no careless or malicious
straying off the trail. A minute's difference in
the time of arrival does not count. Remember that