ged by the 'Ohio's' and got a job
ploughing fire-guards with the 'LX's.' Is that plain enough for your
conception? I learned a lesson then that has served me since to good
advantage. Don't hesitate to ask for the best job on the works, for if
you don't you'll see some one get it that isn't as well qualified to
fill it as you are. So if you happen to be in St. Louis, call around
and see me at the Panhandle headquarters. Don't send in any card by a
nigger; walk right in. I might give you some other pointers, but
you couldn't appreciate them. You'll more than likely be driving a
chuck-wagon in a few years."

These old cronies from boyhood sparred along in give-and-take repartee
for some time, finally drifting back to boyhood days, while the
harshness that pervaded their conversation before became mild and
genial.

"Have you ever been back in old San Saba since we left?" inquired
Edwards after a long meditative silence.

"Oh, yes, I spent a winter back there two years ago, though it was
hard lines to enjoy yourself. I managed to romance about for two or
three months, sowing turnip seed and teaching dancing-school. The
girls that you and I knew are nearly all married."

"What ever became of the O'Shea girls?" asked Edwards. "You know that
I was high card once with the eldest."

"You'd better comfort yourself with the thought," answered Babe, "for
you couldn't play third fiddle in her string now. You remember old
Dennis O'Shea was land-poor all his life. Well, in the land and cattle
boom a few years ago he was picked up and set on a pedestal. It's
wonderful what money can do! The old man was just common bog Irish
all his life, until a cattle syndicate bought his lands and cattle for
twice what they were worth. Then he blossomed into a capitalist. He
always was a trifle hide-bound. Get all you can and can all you get,
took precedence and became the first law with your papa-in-law. The
old man used to say that the prettiest sight he ever saw was the smoke
arising from a 'Snake' branding-iron. They moved to town, and have
been to Europe since they left the ranch. Jed Lynch, you know, was
smitten on the youngest girl. Well, he had the nerve to call on them
after their return from Europe. He says that they live in a big house,
their name's on the door, and you have to ring a bell, and then a
nigger meets you. It must make a man feel awkward to live around a
wagon all his days, and then suddenly change to style and put on a