Taking advantage of the loose order of the beeves, the old
man rode back and forth through them until approaching darkness
compelled us to throw them together on the bedground. Even after
the first guard took charge, the drover loitered behind,
reluctant to leave until the last steer had lain down; and all
during the night, sharing my blankets, he awoke on every change
of guards, inquiring of the returning watch how the cattle were
sleeping.
As we should easily pass Abilene before noon, I asked him as a
favor that he take the wagon in and get us sufficient supplies to
last until Red River was reached. But he preferred to remain
behind with the herd, and I went instead. This suited me, as his
presence overawed my outfit, who were delirious to see the town.
There was no telling how long he would have stayed with us, but
my brother Bob's herd was expected at any time. Remaining with us
a second night, something, possibly the placidness of the cattle,
mellowed the old man and he grew amiable with the outfit, and
myself in particular. At breakfast the next morning, when I asked
him if he was in a position to recommend any special route, he
replied:
"No, Tom, that rests with you. One thing's certain; herds are
going to be dangerously close together on the regular trail which
crosses Red River at Doan's. The season is early yet, but over
fifty herds have already crossed the Texas Pacific Railway.
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