"In the middle, deep enough to drown, but on the edges it's fordable. The cows will be glad of a drink and a swim after the heat of to-day." With this in mind the cowmen were instructed to urge the cattle along at a little stronger pace, that they might all get well over before the night came on. The animals seemed to feel the presence of water ahead of them, for they ceased their grazing by the wayside and swung into a rapid pace, such a pace as always gladdens the heart of the cowboy. The steers held it until the rays of the setting sun were reflected on the surface of the broad sluggish stream. The Pony Riders dashed forward intent upon reaching the stream first. Tad followed them upon receiving permission from the foreman to do so. The banks on each side were high and steep, making it far from an ideal fording place. Stallings, however, thought it better to cross there than to take the time to work the herd further down. Joining the boys, he cast his glance up and down the stream to decide whether his judgment had been correct. "I thought we were going to cross the river," said Stacy Brown. "That's exactly what we are going to do," replied the foreman. "But where's the bridge? I don't see any?" objected the lad. "Right there in front of you." "Where?" "Chunky, there is no bridge," Tad informed him. "We have to wade, just as the cattle will." "And swim, too, part of the way," added Stallings. "But we'll get wet," wailed Chunky. "No doubt about that," roared the foreman. "Swim the river with our horses?" exclaimed Ned. "Hurrah! That will be great!" "I shall be glad to get some of this dust washed off me," laughed Tad. "Besides, the bump on my head will feel better for it, I think." "Spread out, boys. The cattle are coming up on the run. They will push you into the river before you are ready if you happen to be in their way," warned Stallings. The riders clucked to their ponies and all galloped up stream some distance that they might be well out of the way of the oncoming herd. The thirsty animals plunged into the water with a mighty splash. Some forded until their feet could no longer touch the ground, after which they swam to the other side, while others paused to drink until those behind them forced them out into the stream also. In a few moments the stream was alive with swimming cattle, the herd being spread out for a full quarter of a mile up and down the stream. To the rear, yelling cowboys were urging on the stragglers and forcing the herd into the cool waters. It was an inspiring sight for the boys. Here and there a cowman would ride his pony into the water and turn the leaders, who were straying too far up or down the river. After half an hour of watering, the men began to force the cattle to the opposite bank. There was a great scramble when the steers started to climb the steep bluff. The first ones to try it went half way up on a run.