Stacy had introduced himself to the cowboys in a most unusual manner, and to the utter undoing of one of them, for the boy's head had for the moment, knocked all the breath out of the surly Lumpy Bates. CHAPTER III PUTTING THE COWS TO BED The cowpunchers roared at the funny sight of the fat boy bowling over their companion. Stallings, however, fearing for the anger of Lumpy, sprang forward and hauled the lad back by the collar, while Lumpy was allowed to get up when he got ready. He did so a few seconds later, sputtering and growling, scarcely able to contain his rage. "That's a bad way to get off a pony, young man," laughed the foreman. "I hope you won't dismount in that fashion around the cattle at night. If you do, you sure will stampede the herd." Chunky grinned sheepishly. "It doesn't take much to start a bunch of cows on the run after dark," continued the foreman, "I've known of such a thing as a herd being stampeded because they were frightened at the rising moon. Haven't you, Big-foot?" Sanders nodded. "The gopher'll do it, too; he's a clumsy lout," he answered, referring to Stacy in a withering tone. "And now, boys, I will tell you how our watches are divided, after which you can go out with the cowboys and see them bed down the cows." "Bed them down?" spoke up Chunky, his curiosity aroused. "That's funny. I didn't know you had to put cattle to bed." "You'll see that we do. Boys, the night of the cowman on the march is divided into four tricks. The first guard goes on at half past eight, coming off at half past ten. The second guard is on duty from that time till one o'clock in the morning; the third, from that hour till half past three, while the fourth remains out until relieved in the morning. He usually wakes up the cook, too. And, by the way, you boys haven't made the acquaintance of Pong, have you? I'll call him. Unless you get on the right side of Pong, you will suffer." "Pong? That's funny. Sounds like ping-pong. I used to play that," interrupted Stacy. "Pong is as funny as his name, even if he is a Chinaman," laughed Stallings. "Pong, come here." The Chinaman, having heard his name spoken, was peering inquiringly from the tail of the chuck wagon. Hopping down, he trotted over to the group, his weazened, yellow face wreathed in smiles. "Shake hands with these young gentlemen, Pong. They will be with us for the next two weeks," said the foreman. "Allee same likee this," chuckled Pong, clasping his palms together and gleefully shaking hands with himself. "That's the Chinaman's idea of shaking hands," laughed Stallings. "He always shakes hands with himself instead of the other fellow." Stacy Brown suddenly broke into a loud laugh, attracting all eyes to him. "Funniest thing I ever heard of," he muttered, abashed by the inquiring looks directed at him.