But the puzzle was too difficult for him, and he finally abandoned it to dismount and practice the things the agent had taught him. Such action at first mystified Firefly, but Bob patted and spoke to him, explaining what he was trying to do just as though he were talking to a human being. "You and Chester and I will have many a long day and night together, so we had better be good friends right away. I've got to learn to hobble and saddle and I want to do it before I return to the ranch." Evidently satisfied with this explanation, Firefly stood quietly, nibbling at the grass now and again, while the dog sat down and watched operations. Having finally acquired the knack, Bob remounted and was soon at the ranch, where he turned his pony into the corral and carried his saddle to the cabin. "Then you've learned enough to turn your pony into the corral, eh?" was Ford's greeting as Bob threw his saddle on the floor. "Yes, sir. And to hobble and saddle and make my horse whirl when I'm mounting." "Hal's a good friend to have," commented the ranchman. "Did he show you how to throw a rope?" "Do you mean my lariat?" "No, I mean rope; that's what we call it on the plains, though it means the same thing." "No, he didn't." "Then I will. You'll find some grub in the cupboard. Eat all you want and put the rest back." "But aren't you going to eat with me?" asked Bob in an injured tone. "I'd like to. But I ain't eaten with a man since----" then suddenly checking himself he stammered, "well, since twelve year ago." Eager, indeed, was Bob to ask the reason for this custom, but, remembering Hal's warning, he restrained the question that was on his lips just as the ranchman, evidently determined to end the conversation, went outdoors. The mention of eating recalled to Bob that it was hours since he had breakfasted, and hastily he explored the cupboard, bringing forth some crisp bacon, biscuits, cookies and pie while from the stove he took the coffee pot, then sat down to a meal that seemed, to his keen appetite, the best he had ever tasted. As he was finishing, the ranchman came in and, when the food had been put away, took Bob out to teach him how to throw the rope. For this purpose Ford had driven a four-foot stake into the ground. Making his pupil stand about twenty feet from it, he had him get used to whirling the rope around his head and then told him to drop the noose over the post. At first Bob failed, but he was soon able to drop the noose over. So much accomplished, the ranchman ordered him to get his pony and try to rope the stake while riding past. This, however, was more difficult, and Bob made more misses than "ringers." "You can practice that on the range, Bob. We won't waste any more time here. I want to take you over to the short-horns to-night." "You mean I'm to go on duty to-night?" asked the boy in delight.