guing this matter. You asked to
have the cow thrown, and we threw her. You might as well try to tell
me that the cow is white as to claim her in any other brand than a
'Q.' You may read brands as well as I do, but you're wasting time
arguing against the facts. You'd better take your 'Window Sash' cattle
and ride on, for you've cut all you're going to cut here to-day. But
before you go, for fear I may never see you again, I'll take this
occasion to say that I think you're common cow thieves."

By his straight talk, our foreman stood several inches higher in our
estimation as we sat our horses, grinning at the discomfiture of the
trail cutters, while a dozen six-shooters slouched languidly at our
hips to give emphasis to his words.

"Before going, I'll take this occasion to say to you that you will see
me again," replied the leader, riding up and confronting Flood. "You
haven't got near enough men to bluff me. As to calling me a cow thief,
that's altogether too common a name to offend any one; and from what I
can gather, the name wouldn't miss you or your outfit over a thousand
miles. Now in taking my leave, I want to tell you that you'll see me
before another day passes, and what's more, I'll bring an outfit with
me and we'll cut your herd clean to your road brand, if for no better
reasons, just to learn you not to be so insolent."

After hanging up this threat, Flood said to him as he turned to ride
away, "Well, now, my young friend, you're bargaining for a whole lot
of fun. I notice you carry a gun and quite naturally suppose you shoot
a little as occasion requires. Suppose when you and your outfit come
back, you come a-shooting, so we'll know who you are; for I 'll
promise you there's liable to be some powder burnt when you cut this
herd."

Amid jeers of derision from our outfit, the trail cutters drove off
their three lonely "Window Sash" cattle. We had gained the point we
wanted, and now in case of any trouble, during inspection or at night,
we had the river behind us to catch our herd. We paid little attention
to the threat of our disappointed callers, but several times Straw's
remarks as to the character of the residents of those hills to the
westward recurred to my mind. I was young, but knew enough, instead of
asking foolish questions, to keep mum, though my eyes and ears drank
in everything. Before we had been on the trail over an hour, we met
two men riding down the trail towards the river. Meeting us, the