But he was liberal with his neighbors, for
in the contingent just passed upon, there must have been over a
hundred head in various ranch brands. Assuring him that we would
be on hand in the morning to take possession of the cattle, and
requesting him to have a fire burning, on coming opposite the
camp, we turned off and rode for our wagon. It meant a big day's
work to road-brand this first contingent, and with the first sign
of dawn, my outfit were riding for Los Lobos. We were encamped
about three miles from the corrals, and leaving orders for the
cook to follow up, the camp was abandoned with the exception of
the remuda. It was barely sun-up when we counted and took
possession of the beeves. On being relieved, the foreman of Los
Lobos took the ranch outfit and started off to renew the
gathering. We penned the cattle without any trouble, and as soon
as the irons were ready, a chuteful were run in and the branding
commenced. This branding-chute was long enough to chamber eight
beeves. It was built about a foot wide at the bottom and flared
upward just enough to prevent an animal from turning round. A
heavy gate closed the exit, while bull-bars at the rear prevented
the occupant from backing out. A high platform ran along either
side of the branding-chute, on which the men stood while handling
the irons.
Two men did the branding.
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