reman of this herd from Zavalla County, Texas, to the Arkansaw River,
and brought your cattle through without loss or accident.

"The herd changed owners at Dodge, but with the understanding that you
and your vaqueros were to accompany the cattle to this gentleman's ranch
in the upper country. An accident happens, and because you are not in
full control, you shift the responsibility and play the baby act by
wanting to go home. Had the death of one of your men occurred below
the river, and while the herd was still the property of Don Dionisio of
Rancho Los Olmus, you would have lost your own life before abandoning
your cattle. Now, with the consent and approval of the new owner, you
are again invested with full charge of this herd until you arrive at the
Platte River. A new outfit will relieve you on reaching Ogalalla, and
then you will be paid your reckoning and all go home. In your immediate
rear are five herds belonging to my employer, and I have already sent
warning to them of your attempted desertion. A fortnight or less
will find you relieved, and the only safety in store for you is to go
forward. Now your employer is going to my camp for the night, and may
not see you again before this herd reaches the Platte. Remember, Don
Felipe, that the opportunity is yours to regain your prestige as
a corporal--and you need it after to-day's actions. What would Don
Dionisio say if he knew the truth? And do you ever expect to face
your friends again at Los Olmus? From a trusted corporal back to a
sheep-shearer would be your reward--and justly."

Cederdall, Wolf, and myself shook hands with several vaqueros, and
mounting our horses we started for my camp, taking the stranger with us.
Only once did he offer any protest to going. "Very well, then," replied
G--G, unable to suppress his contempt, "go right back. I'll gamble that
you sheathe a knife before morning if you do. It strikes me you don't
sabe Mexicans very much."

Around the camp-fire that night, the day's work was reviewed. My rather
drastic treatment of the corporal was fully commented upon and approved
by the outfit, yet provoked an inquiry from the irrepressible Parent.
Turning to the questioner, Burl Van Vedder said in dove-like tones:
"Yes, dear, slapped him just to remind the varmint that his feet were
on the earth, and that pawing the air and keening didn't do any good.
Remember, love, there was the living to be fed, the dead to bury,
and the work in hand requir