“Naw, he’s got strawberry short-cake for us! See the strawberries?” “They ain’t strawberries--that’s his checkered shirt, stupid!” When the meal was dished out, it proved to be some concoction of veal and bread dressing. At least it was popular, and many of the riders clamored for “more!” This second breakfast was concluded, and the men gathered about Mr. Manley for instructions. It was now eight o’clock, with the sun fully up. A fresh breeze blew from the east, causing the ponies to sniff loudly and joyfully. They, too, were impatient to begin. The corral they were to use as the base of operations was about an eighth of a mile from the chuck wagon. This corral was connected to several smaller ones by a system of gates, so that the main herd could be driven in and then separated and sorted into their respective enclosures. “Well, boys, here’s the program,” Mr. Manley said. “You can all hear me, can’t you?” “Yep!” “Go ahead, boss!” “I’ve got a deal on for six hundred head of cattle. Suppose you all know that. It’s important that these cattle be up to expectations, and also that they get to Red Rock on time--for certain reasons.” He paused, and glanced around him. The punchers were listening intently. “We’ve had a bit of trouble with two or three waddies who haven’t any love for this outfit,” he continued slowly. “I’m not mentioning any names. You can guess them, I reckon. And if they aim to make trouble, we’ll have to give ’em as good as they send. Get me?” “Sure thing, boss!” “All right I’m just tellin’ you to watch your step. Now I guess that’s settled.” He drew a deep breath. “Teddy and Roy here are the round-up bosses. If you want instructions an’ I’m not around, you go to them. One man has got to stay near this here wagon, to watch the extra horses. That’ll be you, Joe.” He nodded to a small man who was leaning against the wheel. “Right, boss! I get’cha.” “The rest of us will start on the herd in the northern corner of the range. We’ll ride out from here, and circle every cow we see toward this corral. The bunch that goes to Red Rock is in the southwest part, an’ we won’t hit them to-day. Everything understood?” “O.K!” “Then let’s go. Joe, you stick around here. ’Bout two o’clock remind Sing Lung that grub will be appreciated. Come on, you buckers!” There was a rush for horses. Each man vaulted into his saddle and swung his steed about. Hats were raised high into the air and brought down sharply on the ponies’ flanks. Spurs were brought into play. “Let’s go-o-o-o-o!” “Yip-yip-yipe-e-e-e-e!” Like children on a holiday, they started. The harder a piece of work to be done the more ceremonious is the beginning. And a round-up occurs only twice a year. Out across the range they rode, Mr. Manley leading, Teddy and Roy following close behind. After the first burst of speed they quieted down, for the energies of the ponies had to be conserved.