 Story 1, Drifting North of Cattle Brands, a collection of western campfire stories. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Cattle Brands, a collection of western campfire stories by Andy Adams. Story 1, Drifting North It was a wet, bad year on the Old Western Trail. From Red River North and all along was herd after herd, water bound by high water in the rivers. Our outfit lay over nearly a week on the South Canadian, but we were not alone, for there were five other herds waiting for the river to go down. This river had tumbled over her banks for several days, and the driftwood that was coming down would have made it dangerous swimming for cattle. We were expected to arrive in Dodge early in June, but when we reached the North Folk of the Canadian, we were two weeks behind time. Old George Carter, the owner of the herd, was growing very impatient about us, for he had no word from us after we had crossed Red River at Duane's crossing. Other cowmen lying round Dodge, who had herds on the trail, could hear nothing from their men, but in their experience and confidence in their outfits, guessed the cause, it was water. Our surprise when we came opposite a camp supply to have Carter and a stranger ride out to meet us was not to be measured. They had got impatient, waiting, and had taken the mail buck-board to supply, making inquiries along the route for the hat-herd, which had not passed up the trail, so they were assured. Carter was so impatient that he could not wait, as he had a prospective buyer on his hands, and the delay in the peering of the herd was very annoying to him. Old George was as tickled as a little boy to meet us all. The cattle were looking as fine as silk. The layovers had rested them. The horses were in good trim, considering the amount of wet weather we had had. Here and there was a nigger brand, but these saddle-gulls were unavoidable when using wet blankets. The cattle were twos and threes. We had left western Texas with a few over thirty-two hundred head and were none shy. We could have counted out more, but on some of them the hat-brand had possibly faded out. We went into a cozy camp early in the evening. Everything needful was at hand—wood, water, and grass. Cowmen in those days prided themselves on their outfits, and Carter was a trifle gone on his men. With a cattle on hand, drinking was out of the question, so the only way to show us any regard was to bring us a box of cigars. He must have brought those cigars from Texas, for they were wrapped in a copy of the Fort Worth Gazette. It was a month old and full of news. Every man in the outfit read and re-read it. There were several train robberies reported in it, but that was common in those days. They had nominated for Governor the Little Cavalryman, Saul Ross, and this paper estimated that his majority would be at least two hundred thousand. We were all anxious to get home in time to vote for him. Theodore Balman was foreman of our outfit. Bal was a typical trail-boss. He had learned to take things as they came, play the cards as they fell, and not fret himself about little things that could not be helped. If we had been a month behind, he would never have thought to explain the why or wherefore to old man Carter. Several years after this, when he was scouting for the army, he rode up to a herd over on the Chisholm Trail and asked one of the tail-men, son, have you seen anything of about three hundred nigger soldiers? No, said the cowboy. Well, said Bal, I've lost about that many. That night, around camp, the smoke was curling upward from those cigars in clouds. When supper was over and the guards arranged for the night, storytelling was in order. This cattle-buyer with us lived in Kansas City and gave us several good ones. He told us of an attempted robbery of a bank which had occurred a few days before in a western town. As a prelude to the tale, he gave us the history of the robbers. Cow Springs, Kansas, said he, earned the reputation honestly of being a hard cow-town. When it became the terminus of one of the many eastern trails, it was at its worst. The death rate amongst its city marshals, always, due to a six-shooter in the hands of some man who never hesitated to use it, made the office not over-desirable. The office was vacated so frequently in this manner that at last no local man could be found who would have it. Then the city fathers sent to Texas for a man who had the reputation of being a killer. He kept his record a vivid green by shooting first and asking questions afterward. Well, the first few months he filled the office of Marshall, he killed two white men and an Indian, and had the people thoroughly buffaloed. When the cattle season had ended and winter came on, the little town grew tame and listless. There was no man to dare him to shoot, and he longed for other worlds to conquer. He had won his way into public confidence with his little gun. But this confidence, reposed in him, was misplaced, for he proved his own double both in morals and courage. To show you the limit of the confidence enjoyed, the treasurer of the Cherokee Strip Cattle Association paid rent money to that tribe at their capital, fifty thousand dollars quarterly. The capital is not located on any railroad, so the funds and currency were taken in regularly by the treasurer and turned over to the tribal authorities. This trip was always made with secrecy and the Marshall was taken along as a trusted guard. It was an extremely dangerous trip to make, as it was through a country infested with robbers and the capital at least a hundred miles from the railroad. Strange no one ever attempted to rob the stage or private conveyance, though the sum was taken in regularly for several years. The average robber was careful of his person and could not be induced to make a target of himself for any money consideration where there was a danger of a gun in the hands of a man that would shoot rapidly and carelessly. Before the herds began to reach his far north, the Marshall and his deputy gave some excuse and disappeared for a few days, which was quite common and caused no comment. One fine morning the good people of the town where the robbery was attempted were thrown into an uproar by shooting in their bank, just at the opening hour. The robbers were none other than our trusted Marshall, his deputy and a cow-puncher who had been led into the deal. When they ordered the officials of the bank to stand in a row with hands up, they were none plus at their refusal to comply. The attacked party unearthed ugly-looking guns and opened fire on the hold-ups instead. This proved bad policy for when the smoke cleared away the cashier a very popular man was found dead while an assistant was dangerously wounded. The shooting, however, had aroused the town to the situation and men were seen running to unfro with guns. This unexpected refusal and the consequent shooting spoiled the plans of the robbers so that they abandoned the robbery and ran to their horses. After mounting they parleyed with each other a moment and seemed bewildered as to which way they should ride, finally riding south toward what seemed a broken country. Very few minutes elapsed before every man who could find a horse was joining the posse that was forming to pursue them. Before they were out of sight the posse had started after them. They were well mounted and as determined a set of men as were ever called upon to meet a similar emergency. They had the decided advantage of the robbers as their horses were fresh and the men knew every foot of the country. The broken country to which the hold-ups headed was a delusion as far as safety was concerned. They were never for a moment out of sight of the pursuers and this broken country ended in a deep coulis. When the possees saw them enter this they knew that their capture was only a matter of time. Nature seemed against the robbers for as they entered their coulis their horses bogged down in a springy rivulet and they were so hard pressed that they hastily dismounted and sought shelter in some shrubbery that grew about. The pursuing party now swollen to quite a number had spread out and by this time surrounded the men. They were seen to take shelter in a clump of wild plum brush and the posse closed in on them. Seeing the numbers against them they came out on demand and surrendered. Neither the posse nor themselves knew at this time that the shooting in the bank had killed cashier. Less than an hour's time had elapsed between the shooting and the capture. When the posse reached town on their return they learned of the death of the cashier and the identity of the prisoners was soon established by citizens who knew the marshal and his deputy. The latter admitted their identity. That afternoon they were photographed and later in the day were given a chance to write to any friends whom they wished to say goodbye. The cow-puncher was the only one who availed himself of the opportunity. He wrote to his parents. He was the only one of the trio who had the nerve to write and seemed the only one who realized the enormity of his crime and that he would never see the sun of another day. As darkness settled over the town the mob assembled. There was no demonstration. The men were taken quietly out and hanged. At the final moment there was a remarkable variety of nerve shown. The marshal and deputy were limp, unable to stand on their feet. With piteous appeals and tears they pleaded for mercy something they themselves had never shown their own victims. The boy who had that day written his parents his last letter met his fate with Indian stoicism. He cursed the crouching figures of his partners for enticing him into this crime and begged them not to die like curses but to meet bravely the fate which he admitted they all deserved. Several of the men in the mob came forward and shook hands with him and with no appeal to men or his maker he was swung into the great unknown at the end of a rope. Such nerve is seldom met in life and those that are supposed to have it when they come face to face with their end are found lacking that quality. It is a common anomaly in life that the bad man with his record often shows the white feather when he meets his fate at the hands of an outraged community. We all took a friendly liking to the cattle-buyer. He was an interesting talker. While he was a city man he mixed with us with a certain freedom and abandon that was easy and natural. We all regretted it the next day when he and the old man left us. I've heard my father tell about those Cherokees," said Port Cole. They used to live in Georgia, those Indians. They must have been honest people for my father told his boys at home that once in the old state while the Cherokees lived there his father hired one of their tribe to guide him over the mountains. There was a pass through the mountains that was used and known only to these Indians. It would take six weeks to go and come and to attend to the business and view. My father was a small boy at the time and says that his father hired the guide for the entire trip for forty dollars in gold. One condition was that the money was to be paid in advance. The morning was set for the start and my grandfather took my father along the trip. Before starting from the Indians' cabin my grandfather took out his purse and paid the Indian four ten-dollar gold pieces. The Indian walked over to the corner of the cabin and the other Indians laid this gold in plain sight of all on the end of a log that projected where they crossed outside and got on his horse to be gone six weeks. They made the trip on time and my father said his first thought on their return to the Indian village was to see if the money was untouched. It was. You couldn't risk white folks that way. Oh, I don't know, said one of the boys. Suppose you save your wages this summer and try it next year when we start a portrayal just to see how it will work. Well, if it's just the same to you, replied Port, lighting a fresh cigar, I'll not try, for I'm well enough satisfied as to how it would turn out without testing it. Isn't it strange, said Bad Shaw, that if you trust a man or put confidence in him he won't portray you. Now, that marshal one month he was guarding money at the risk of his life and the next was losing his life trying to rub someone. I remember a similar case down on the Rio Grande. It was during the boom in sheep a few years ago when everyone got crazy over sheep. A couple of Americans came down on the river to buy sheep. They brought their money with them. It was before the time of any railroads. The man they deposited their money with had lived amongst these Mexicans till he had forgotten where he did belong, though he was a Yankee. These sheep-buyers asked their banker to get them a man who spoke Spanish and knew the country as a guide. The banker sent and got a man that he could trust. He was a swarthy-looking native whose appearance would not recommend him anywhere. He was accepted and they set out to be gone over a month. They bought a band of sheep and it was necessary to pay for them at a point some forty miles further up the river. There had been some robbing along the river and these men felt uneasy about carrying the money to this place to pay for the sheep. The banker came to the rescue by advising them to send the money by the Mexican who could take it through in a single night. No one would ever suspect him of ever having a dollar on his person. It looked risky, but the banker who knew the nature of the native urged it as a better way, assuring them that the Mexican was perfectly trustworthy. The peon was brought in, the situation was explained to him and he was ordered to be in readiness at nightfall to start on his errand. He carried the money over forty miles that night and delivered it safely in the morning to the proper parties. This act of his aroused the admiration of these sheepmen beyond a point of safety. They paid for the sheep, were gone for a few months, sold out their flocks to good advantage and came back to buy more. This second time they did not take the precaution to have the banker hire the man but did so themselves, intending to deposit their money with a different house farther up the river. They confided to him that they had quite a sum of money with them and that they would deposit it with the same merchant to whom he had carried the money before. The first night they camped, the Mexican murdered them both, took the money and crossed into Mexico. It was their bodies and it was months before they were missed and a year before their bones were found. He had plenty of time to go to the ends of the earth before his crime would be discovered. Now that Mexican would never think of betraying the banker, his old friend and patron, his muy bueno amigo. There were obligations that he could not think of breaking with a banker but these full sheepmen supposing it was simple honesty paid the penalty of their confidence with their lives. Now, when he rode over this same road alone a few months before with over five thousand dollars in money belonging to these same men all he would need to have done was to ride across the river. When there were no obligations binding he was willing to add murder to robbery. Some folks say that Mexicans are good people. It is the climate, possibly, but they can always be depended on to assay high in treachery. What guard are you going to put me on tonight? This outfit, said Bach, in reply, don't allow any tender foot around the cattle, at night at least. You'd better play your company, somebody that's come. If you're so very anxious to do something, the cook may let you rustle wood or carry water. We'll fix you up a bed after a little and see that you get into it where you can sleep and be harmless. Colonel, added Bach, why is it that you never tell that experience you had once amongst the greasers? Well, there was nothing funny in it to me, said Carter, and they say I never tell it twice alike. Why certainly tell us, said the cattle-buyer. I've never heard it. Don't throw off tonight. It was a good many years ago, began old man George, but the incident is very clear in my mind. I was working for a month's wages then myself. We were driving cattle out of Mexico. The people I was working for contracted for a herd down in Chihuahua, about four hundred miles south of El Paso. We were sent in our own outfit, wagon, horses, and men, two weeks before. I was kept behind to take in the funds to pay for the cattle. The day before I started, my people drew out of the bank twenty-eight thousand dollars, mostly large bills. They wired ahead and engaged a rig to take me from the station where I left the railroad to the ranch, something like ninety miles. I remember I bought a new Moleskine suit, which was very popular about then. I had nothing but a small handbag and it contained only a six-shooter. I bought a book to read on the train and on the road out, called Other People's Money. The title caught my fancy and it was very interesting. It was written by Frenchmen, full of love and thrilling situations. I had the money belted on me securely and started out with flying colors. The railroad runs through a dreary country, not worth a second look, so I read my new book. When I arrived at the station, I found the conveyance awaiting me. The plan was to drive half-way and stay overnight at a certain hacienda. The driver insisted on starting at once telling me that we could reach the hacienda grande by ten o'clock that night, which would be half my journey. We had a double-seated buckboard and covered the country rapidly. There were two Mexicans on the front seat while I had the rear one all to myself. Once on the road I interested myself in Other People's Money, almost forgetful of the fact that at that very time I had enough of Other People's Money on my person to set all the bandits in Mexico on my trail. There was nothing of incident that evening until an hour before sundown. We reached a small ranchito, where we spent an hour changing horses, had coffee, and a rather light lunch. Before leaving I noticed a pinto horse hitched to a tree some distance in the rear of the house, and as we were expecting to buy a number of horses I walked back and looked this one carefully over. He was very peculiarly color marked in the mane. I inquired for his owner but they told me that he was not about at present. It was growing dusk when we started out again. The evening was warm and sultry and threatening rain. We had been on our way about an hour when I realized we had left the main road and we were bumping along on a by-road. I asked the driver his reason for this and he explained that it was a cut-off and that by taking it we would save three miles and a half an hour's time. As a further reason he expressed his opinion that we would have rained that night and that he was anxious to reach the hacienda in good time. I encouraged him to drive faster, which he did. Within another hour I noticed we were going down a dry, arroyo, with mesquite brush on both sides of the road, which was little better than a trail. My suspicions were never aroused sufficiently to open the little handbag and belt on the six-shooter. I was dreaming along when we came to a sudden stop before what seemed a deserted hackle. The Mexicans mumbled something to each other over some disappointment when the driver said to me, Here's where we stay all night. This is the hacienda. They both got out and insisted on my getting out, but I refused to do so. I reached down and picked up my little grip and was in the act of opening it when one of them grabbed my arm and jerked me out of the seat to the ground. I realized then for the first time that I was in for it in earnest. I never knew before that I could put up such a fine defense for inside a minute I had them both blinded in their own blood. I gathered up rocks and had them flying when I heard a clatter of hooves coming down the arroyo like a squadron of cavalry. They were so close on to me that I took to the brush without hat, coat or pistol. Men that pack a gun all their lives never have it when they need it. That was exactly my fix. Darkness was in my favor but I had no more idea where I was or which way I was going than a baby. One thing sure I was trying to get away from there as fast as I could. The night was terribly dark and about ten o'clock it began to rain a deluge. I kept going all night but must have been circling. Towards morning I came to an arroyo which was running full of water. My idea was to get that between me and the scene of my trouble so I took off my boots to wait it. When about one-third way across I either stepped off a bluff bank or into a well for I went under and dropped the boots. When I came to the surface I made a few strokes swimming and landed in a clump of mesquite brush to which I clung, got on my feet and waited out to the opposite bank more scared than hurt. Right there I lay until daybreak. The thing that I remember best now was a peculiar odor of the wet moleskin. If there had been a strolling artist about looking for a picture of despair I certainly would have filled the bill. The sleeves were torn out of my shirt and my face and arms are scratched and bleeding from the thorns of the mesquite. No one who could have seen me then would ever have dreamed that I was a walking depository of other people's money. When it got good daylight I started out and kept a shelter of the brush to hide me. After nearly an hour's travel I came out on a divide and about a mile off I saw what looked like a huck-hell. Directly I noticed a smoke arise and I knew then it was a habitation. My appearance was not what I desired but I approached it. In answer to my knock the door a woman opened it about two inches and seemed to be more interested in examination of my anatomy than in listening to my troubles. After I had made an earnest, sincere talk she asked me, I assured her that I was perfectly sane and that all I needed was food and clothing for which I would pay her well. It must have been my appearance that aroused her sympathy for she admitted me and fed me. The woman had a little girl of probably ten years of age. This little girl brought me water to wash myself while the mother prepared me something to eat. I was so anxious to pay these people that I found a five-dollar gold piece in my pockets and gave it to the little girl who in turn gave it to her mother. While I was drinking the coffee and eating my breakfast the woman saw me looking at a picture of the Virgin Mary which was hanging on the adobe wall opposite me. She asked me if I was a Catholic which I admitted. Then she brought out a shirt and offered it to me. Suddenly the barking of a dog attracted her to the door. She returned breathless and said in good Spanish, for God's sake run, fly, don't let my husband and brother catch you here for they are coming home. She thrust the shirt into my hand and pointed out the direction in which I should go. From a concealed point of the brush I saw two men ride up to the halcal and dismount. One of them was riding the pinto horse I had seen the day before. I kept the brush for an hour or so and finally came out on the mesa. Here I found a flock of sheep and a pastore. From the shepherd I learned that I was about ten miles from the main road. He took the sandals from his own feet and fastened them on mine, gave me directions and about night I reached the hacienda where I was kindly received and cared for. This ranchero sent to after officers and had the country scoured for the robbers. I was detained nearly a week to see if I could identify my drivers without result. They even brought in the owner of the pinto horse and no doubt husband of the woman who saved my life. After a week's time I joined our own outfit and I never heard a language that sounded so sweet as the English of my own tongue. I would have gone back and testified against the owner of the spotted horse if it hadn't been for a woman and a little girl who depended on him, Robert that he was. Now, girls, said Baugh, addressing Carter and the stranger, I've met you a bed out of the wagon sheet and rustled a few blankets from the boys. You'll find a bed under the wagon tongue and we've stretched a fly over it to keep the dew off you besides adding privacy to your apartments so you can turn in when you run out of stories or get sleepy. Haven't you got one for us? inquired the kettle buyer of Baugh. This is no time to throw off or refuse to be sociable. Well now, that bank robbery that you were telling the boys about, said Baugh, as he bit the tip from a fresh cigar, reminds me of a hold-up that I was in up in this San Juan mining country in Colorado. We are driven into that mining-camp a small bunch of beef and has sold them to find advantage. The outfit had gone back and I remained behind to collect for the cattle expecting to take the stage and overtake the outfit down on the river. I had neglected to book my passage in advance so when the stage was ready to start I had to content myself with the seat on top. I don't remember the amount of money I had. It was the proceeds of something like one hundred and fifty beefs in a small bag along of some old clothes. There wasn't a scent of it mine still I was supposed to look after it. The driver answered to the name of Southpaw, drove six horses and we had a jolly crowd on top. Near midnight we were swinging along and as we rounded a turn in the road we noticed a flickering light ahead some distance which looked like the embers of a campfire. As we came nearly opposite the light the leader shot at some object in the road in front of them. Southpaw uncurled his whip and wasn't the act of pouring the leather into them when that light was uncovered as big as the headlight of an engine. An empty five-gallon oil can had been cut in half and used as a reflector drawing full light into the road sufficient to cover the entire coach. Then came a round of orders which meant business. Shoot them leaders if they crossed that obstruction. Kill anyone that gets off on the opposite side. Driver move up a few feet farther. A few feet farther please. That'll do, thank you sir. Now every son of a horse thief get out on this side of the coach. Please and be quick about it. The man giving these orders stood a few feet behind the lamp on the side, but the muscle of a wind chester was plainly visible and seemed to cover every man on the stage. It is needless to say that we obeyed got down in the full glare of the light and lined up with our backs to the robber, hence in the air. There was a heavily veiled woman on the stage whom he begged to hold a light for him assuring her that he never robbed a woman. This veiled person disappeared at the time and was supposed to have been a confederate. When the light was held for him there was a black cap over each one of us searching everybody for weapons. Then he proceeded to rob us and at last went through the mail. It took him over an hour to do the job he seemed in no hurry. It was not known what he got out of the mail but the passengers yielded about nine hundred revenue to him while there was three times that amount on top of the coach in my grip wrapped in a dirty flannel shirt. When he disappeared we were the cheapest lot of men imaginable. It was amusing to hear the excuses, threats and the like but the fact remained the same that a dozen of us had been robbed by a lone highwayman. I felt good over it as the money in the grip had been overlooked. While we cleared out the obstruction in the road and got aboard the coach once more about four o'clock in the morning we arrived at our destination only two hours late. In the hotel office where the stage stopped was the very man who had robbed us. He had got in an hour ahead of us and was a very much interested listener to the incident as we told. There was an early train out of town that morning and at a place where they stopped for breakfast he sat at the table with several drummers who were in the hold up a most attentive listener. He was captured the same day. He had hired a horse out of a livery stable the day before to ride out to look at a ranch he thought of buying. The liveryman noticed that he limped slightly. He had collided with the lead in taxes as was learned afterward. The horse which had been hired to the ranch buyer the day before was returned to the coral of the livery barn at an unknown hour during the night and suspicion settled on the lame man. When he got off the train at Pueblo he walked into the arms of officers. The limp had marked him clearly. In a grip which he carried were a number of sacks which he supposed contained gold dust but held only talc on its way to assayers in Denver. These he had gotten out of the express the night before supposing they were valuable. We were all detained as witnesses. He was tried for robbing the males and was the coolest man in the courtroom. He was a tall, awkward looking fellow light complexioned with a mild blue eye. His voice were not disguised would mark him amongst a thousand men. It was peculiarly mild and soft and would lure a babe from its mother's arms. At the trial he never tried to hide his past and you couldn't help liking the fellow for his frank answers. Were you ever charged with any crime before? asked the prosecution. If so, when and where? Yes, the prisoner in Texas for robbing the males in seventy-seven. What was the result? continued the prosecution. They sent me over the road for ninety-nine years. Then how does it come that you are at liberty? quizzed the attorney. Well, you see the president of the United States at the time was a warm personal friend of mine though we had drifted apart somewhat. When he learned that the federal authorities had interfered with my liberties he pardoned me out instantly. What did you do then? asked the attorney. Well, I went back to Texas and was attending to my own business when I got into a little trouble Lawyers down there won't do anything for you without you have money and as I didn't have any for them I came up to this country to try and make an honest dollar. He went over the road a second time and wasn't in the federal prison a year before he was released through influence. Prison walls were never made to hold as cool a rascal as he was. Have you a match? It was an ideal night. Millions of stars flecked the sky overhead. No one seemed willing to sleep. We had heard the evening gun and the trumpets sounding tattoo over at the fort but their warnings of the closing day were not for us. The guards changed the cattle sleeping like babes in a trundled bed. Finally one by one the boys sought their blankets while sleep and night wrapped these children of the planes in her arms. End of story one. Story two. Psygermans percent of cattle brands a collection of western campfire stories. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org. Cattle Brands. A collection of western campfire stories by Andy Adams. Story two. Psygermans percent. Towards the wind-up of the Cherokee Strip Cattle Association it became hard to ride a chuck-line in winter. Some of the cattle companies on the range whose headquarters were far removed from the scene of active operations saw fit to give orders to the common costume of feeding all comers and letting them wear their own welcome out must be stopped. This was hard on those that kept open house the year round. There was always a surplus of men on the range in the winter. Sometimes there might be ten men at a camp and only two on the payroll. These extra men were called chuck-line riders. Probably eight months in the year they all had employment. At many camps they were welcome as they returned to and helped do anything that was wanted done. After a hard freeze it would be necessary to cut the ice so that the cattle could water. A reasonable number of guests were no drawback at a time like this as a chuck-line men would be the most active in opening the ice with axes. The cattle belonging to those in the house never got so far away that someone didn't recognize the brand and turned them back towards their own pasture. It was possible to cast bread upon the waters even on the range. The new order of things was received with many protests. Late in the fall three worthy's of the range formed a combine and laid careful plans of action in case they should get let out of a winter's job. I've been on the range a good set ball, the leader of these trio, but hereafter I'll not ride my horses down turning back the brand of any hidebound cattle company. That won't save you from getting hit with a check for your time when the snow begins to drift. Commended stub. When we make our grand tour of the state this winter, remarked Arab ab, we'll get that check of balls cached together with our own. One thing sure we won't fret about it, still we might think that riding a chuck line would beat footing it in a granger country broke. Oh, we won't go broke? Said Baal, who was the leader in the idea that they would go to Kansas for the winter and come back in the spring when men are wanted. So, when the beef season had ended, the calves had all been branded up and everything made snow for the winter, the foremen said to the boys at breakfast one morning, Well lads, I've kept you on the payroll unless there has been anything to do, but this morning I'll have to give you your time. These recent orders of mine are sweeping, for they cut me down to one man and we are to do our own cooking. I'm sorry that any of you that care to can't spend the winter with us. It's so there that my orders are very distasteful to me, for I know what it is to ride a chuck line myself. You all know that it's no waste of affection by this company that keeps even two of us on the payroll. While the foremen was looking up accounts and making out the time of each, Bahl asked him, When is the wagon going in after the winter supplies? In a day or two, answered the foremen, Why? Why, stubby Arab and myself want to leave our settles and private horses here with you until spring. We're going up in the state for the winter and we'll wait and go in with the wagon. That will be all right, said the foremen. You'll find things right side up when you come after them and a job if I can give it to you. Don't you think it's poor policy? asked stub of the foremen as the latter handed him his time to refuse the many roof in the bite they eat in winter. You may ask that question at headquarters when you get your time checked cashed. I've learned not to think contrary to my employers nodding the mouth of winter anyhow. Oh, we don't care, said Bahl. We're taking the state for change of scenery. We'll have a good time and plenty of fun on the side. The first snow squall of the season came that night and the wagon could not go in for several days. When the weather moderated, the three bay the foremen a hearty goodbye and boarded the wagon for town forty miles away. This little village was a supply point for the range country to the south and lacked that diversity of entertainment desired. So to a larger town westward a county seat they hastened by rail. This hamlet they took in by sections there were the games running to suit their tastes the variety theater with its painted girls and handbills announced that on the 24th of December and Christmas day there would be horse races to do justice to all this melted their money fast. Their gay round of pleasure had no check until the last day of the races. Here to fore they had held their own in the games and the first day of the races they had even picked several winners. But grief was in store for Bach the leader Bach the brains of the trio. He had named the winners so easily the day before that now his confidence knew no bounds. His opinion was supreme on a running horse though he cautioned the others not to risk their judgment. In fact they had better follow him. I'm going to back that sorrel gilding that won yesterday in the free-for-all today said he to Stubb and Arab and if you boys go in with me we'll make a killing. You can lose your money on a horse race too quick to suit me replied Stubb. I prefer to stick to poker but you go ahead and win all you can for spring is a long ways off yet. My observation of you as a poker player my dear Stubby said to generally play the first hand to win and all the rest to get even. They used up considerable time scoring for the free-for-all running race Christmas day during which delay Bach not only got all his money bet but his wash and a new overcoat. The race went off with the usual dash when there were no more bets in sight and when it ended Bach button up the top button of his coat pulled his hat down over his eyes from the racetrack in a meditative state of mind to meet Stubb and Arab Ab. When I gamble and lose I never howl, said Bach these friends, but I do love a run for my money though I didn't have any more chance today than a rabbit. I'll take my hat off to the man that got it however and charge it up to my tuition account. You big chump you if you hadn't bet your overcoat it wouldn't be so bad would possess you to bet it asked Stubb half reprovingly oh hell I'll not need it it's not going to be a very cold winter know how replied Bach as he threw up one hand toward the warm sun we need exercise let's walk back to town now this is a little unexpected but what have I got you boys for if you can't help a friend in trouble there's one good thing I've got my board paid three weeks in advance paid it this morning out of yesterday's winnings lucky ain't I yes you're powerful lucky you're alive ain't you said Stubb rubbing salt into his wounds now my dear Stubb you don't get gay with a leading lady you may get in a bad box some day and need me this turn of affairs was looked upon by Stubb and Arab as quite a joke on their leader but it was no warning to them and they continued to play their favorite games Stubb at poker while Arab gave his attention to Monte things ran along a few weeks in this manner Bach never wanting for a dollar or the necessary liquids that cheer the despondent finally they were forced to take an inventory of their cash and similar assets the result was suggestive that they would have to return to the chuck line or on earth some other resource the condition of their finances lacked little of the red ink line Bach who had been silent during this pow wow finally said we'll have to be provided for in a few days but I have an idea struck it today and if she works we'll pull through to grass like four time winners what is it asked the other two in a chorus there is a little German on a back street here who owns a bar room with a hotel attached he has a mania to run for office in fact there are several candidates announced already now the convention don't meet until May which is in our favor when my game succeeds we will be back at work before that time that will let us out easy as their finances were on a parity with Bach's the others were willing to undertake anything that looked likely to tie them over the winter leave things to me said Bach I'll send a friend around to sound our German and see what office he thinks he'd like to have the information sought developed the fact that it was the office of sheriff that he wanted when the name was furnished the leader of the scheme wrote it on a card Seigermann Louis Seigermann not trusting to memory Bach now reduced their finances further for a shave while he meditated how he would launch his scheme an hour afterwards he walked up to the bar and asked is Mr. Seigermann in Dot is my name sir said the man behind the bar could I see you privately for a few minutes asked Bach who himself could speak German though his tongue did not indicate it in one moment said Seigermann as he laid off his white apron and called an assistant to take his place he then led the way to a back room used for a storehouse now my friend what is it inquired Louis when they were alone my name is Bachman said he as he shook Louis's hand with a hearty grip I work for the continental cattle company who own a range in the strip adjoining the county line below here my people have suffered in silence from several bands of cattle thieves who have headquarters in this county here to four we have never taken an interest in the local politics of this community but this year we propose to assert ourselves and try to elect a sheriff who will do his sworn duty and run out of this county these rustling cattle thieves Seigermann it would surprise you did I give you the figures in round numbers of the cattle that my company have lost by these brand-burning rascals who infest the section now to business as you are a businessman I have come to ask you to consent to your name being presented to the county convention which meets in May as a candidate for the office of sheriff of this county as Louis scratched his head and was meditating on his reply Bachman continued now we know that you are a businessman and have given this matter no previous thought so we do not insist on an immediate reply but think it over and let me impress on your mind that if you consent to make the race you will have the support of every cattle man in the country not only their influence and support but in a selfish interest will their purses be at your command to help elect you this request of mine is not only the mature conclusion of my people but we have consulted others interested and the opinion seems unanimous that you are the man to make the race for this important office Mr Bachman will you not have one drink with me said Sigerman as he led the way towards the bar if you will kindly excuse me Mr. Sigerman I never like to indulge while attending to business matters I'll join you in a cigar however for quaintance sake when the cigars were lighted Bach observed why do you keep hotel if I had known it I would have put up with you but my bill is paid in advance at my hotel until Saturday if you can give me a good room by then I'll come up and stop with you you can have any room in mine house Mr. Bachman said Sigerman as Bach was about to leave he once more impressed on Louis the nature of his call now Mr. Sigerman Mr. Bachman using the German language during the parting conversation let me have your answer at the earliest possible moment for we want to begin an active canvas at once this is a large county and enlist our friends on your behalf no time should be lost with a profusion of libenzy walls and well wishes for each other the swiband parted Stub and Arab were waiting on a corner for Bach when he returned he withheld his report until they had retreated to the privacy of their own room once secure he said to both if you would like to know what an active resourceful brain is put your ear to my head tapping his temple with his finger and listen to mine throb and purr everything is working like silk I'm going around to board with him Saturday I want you to go over with me tomorrow stubby and give him a big game about what a general uprising there is to calm him for an efficient man for the office of sheriff and make it strong I gave him my last world today in German oh he'll run all right and we want to convey the impression that we can rally the cattle interests to his support put up a good grievance mind you you can both know that I begged strong when I took the cigar in preference to drink it's certainly a bad state of affairs we've come to when you refuse whiskey don't you think so stubby addressing the one and appealing to the other you never refused to drink Bach you know you didn't said stub reproachfully oh you little sod of burnt offering you can't see the policy that we must use in handling this matter this is a delicate play that can't be managed rough shot on horseback it has food shelter and drink in it for us all but they must be kept in the background the main play now is to convince Mr. Seigermann that he has a call to serve his country in the office of sheriff bear down heavy on the emergency clause then make him think that no other name but Louis Seigermann will satisfy the public climber now my dear stubby I know that you are a gifted and accomplished liar and for that reason I insist that you work your brain and tongue in this matter keep your own motive in the background and bring his to the front that's the idea now can you play your part well as I have until tomorrow to think it over I'll try said stub the next afternoon Bach and stub sauntered into Louis's place and received a very cordial welcome at the hands of the proprietor Bach introduced stub as a friend of his whom he had met in town that day and who being also interested in cattle he thought might be able to offer some practical suggestions their polite refusal to indulge in a social glass with a proprietor almost hurt his feelings let us retire to the rear room for a few moments of conversation if you have the leisure said Bach once secure in the back room stub opened his talk as my friend Mr. Bachman has said I'm local manager of the Ohio cattle company operating in the strip I'm spending considerable time in your town at present as I'm overseeing the wintering of something like a hundred saddle horses and two hundred and fifty of our thoroughbred bulls we worked our saddle stock so late last fall that on my advice the superintendent sent them into the state to be corn fed for the winter the bulls were too valuable to be risked on the range we had over fifty stolen last season that cost us over three hundred dollars ahead I had a letter this morning from our superintendent asking me to unite with what seems to be a general movement to suppress this high-handed stealing that has run riot in this country in the past Mr. Bachman has probably acquainted you with a general sentiment in cattle circles regarding what should be done I wish to assure you further that my people stand ready to use their best endeavors to nominate a candidate who will pledge himself to stamp out this disgraceful brand burning and cattle rustling the little protection shown the livestock interests in this western country has actually driven capital out of one of the best paying industries in the west but it is our own fault no interest in local politics anyone is good enough for sheriff with us but this year there seems to be an awakening it may be a selfish interest that prompts the surprising I think it is but that is a surest hope in politics for us the cattle men's pockets have been touched their interests have been endangered Mr. Seigerman I feel confident that if you will enter the race for this office it will be a walk away for you now consider the matter fully and I might add that there is a brighter future for you politically than you possibly can see I wish I had brought our superintendent's letter with me for you to read he openly hints that if we elect a sheriff in this county this fall who makes an efficient officer he will be strictly in line for the office of United States Marshall of western Kansas and all the Indian territory you see Mr. Seigerman in our company we have a stockholders three congressmen and one United States senator I have seen it in the papers myself and it is a common remark down east so I'm told that the weather is chilly when an Ohio man gets left now with these men of our company interested in you there would be no refusing them the appointment why it would give you the naming of 50 deputies good easy money in every one of them you could sit back in a well appointed government office and enjoy the comforts of life now Mr. Seigerman we will see you often but let me suggest that your acceptance be as soon as possible for if you positively decline to enter the race we must look in some other quarter for an available man leaving these remarks for Seigerman's reflections he walked out of the room as Seigerman started to follow Bach tapped him on the shoulder to wait as he had something to say to him Bach now confirmed everything said using the German language he added now my friend Stubb is too modest to admit who his people really are but the Ohio cattle company is practically the standard oil company but they don't want it known it's a confidence that I'm placing in you and request you not to repeat it still you know what a syndicate they are and the influence they carry that very little man who has been talking to you has better backing than any cow boss in the west is a safe conservative fellow to listen when they had rejoined Stubb in the bar room Bach said to Seigerman don't you think you can give us your answer by Friday next so your name can be announced in the papers and an active canvas begun without further loss of time gentlemen's I'll try to said Louie but you'll not take a drink with me once again and it no thank you Mr. Seigerman replied Stubb he gave me a very fine cigar yesterday you like them if you try one said Bach Stubb let it be a cigar today Mr. Seigerman as Bach struck a match to light his cigar he said to Stubb I'm coming up to stop with Mr. Seigerman tomorrow why don't you join us I would be very much blessed to have you my guest said Louie very inch the host this is a very home like looking place remarked Stubb I may come up I'll come around Sunday and take dinner with you anyhow do please urged Louie there was a great deal to be said and it required two languages to express it all but finally the Drebont parted the next day Bach moved into his new quarters and the day following Stubb was so pleased with his Sunday dinner that he changed at once I'm expecting a man from Kansas City tomorrow said Bach to Louie on Sunday morning who will know the sentiment existing in cattle circles in that city he'll be in on the morning train Stubb in the meantime had coached Arab as to what he should say as Bach and he had covered the same ground it was thought best to have Arab Ab the healer the man who could deliver the vote to order so Monday morning after the train was in the original trio entered in Arab was introduced the back room was once more used as a council chamber where the fire bond held an important session I don't think there was so much interest being taken began Arab Ab until my attention was called to it yesterday by the president and secretary of our company in Kansas City I want to tell you that the cattle interests in that city are aroused why? our secretary showed me the figures from his books and in the tin cup brand alone we shipped out 312 beefs short out of 2996 Bach two years ago my employers Mr. Seigermann are practical cowmen and they know that those steers never left the range without help nothing but lead or Texas fever can kill a beef we haven't had a case of fever on our range for years nor a winter in five years that would kill an old cow why? our president told me if something wasn't done they would have to abandon this country and go where they could get protection his final orders were to do what I could to get an eligible man as a candidate which I am glad to hear from my friends here we have hopes of doing then when the election comes off we must drop everything and get every man to claim a residence in this county and vote him here I'll admit that I'm no good as a wire puller but when it comes to getting out the voters there is where you will find me as solid as a bridge abutment why Mr. Seigermann when I was skinning mules for Creech and Lee contractors on the Rock Island one fall they gave me my orders which was to get every man of the works ready to ballot I lined them up and voted them like running cattle through a branding shoot to put on a tally marker venting brand there were a hundred and seventy five of those daggers from the Rockcutt I handled them like dipping ship for the scab my friends here can tell you how I managed voting the bonds at a little town east of here I had my orders from the same people I'm working for now to get out the cow puncher element in the strip for the bonds the bosses simply told me that what they wanted was a competing line of railroad and as they didn't expect to pay the obligations only authorized them the next generation could attend to the paying of them we got out a full vote well we ran in from four to five hundred men from the strip and out of over seven hundred ballots cast only one against the bonds we hunted the town all over to find the man that voted against us we wanted to hang him the only trouble I had was to make the boys think it was a straight up democratic play as they were nearly all originally from Texas now my friends here have told me that they are urging you to accept the nomination for sheriff I can only add that in case you consent my people stand ready to give their every energy to this coming campaign as far as funds are concerned to prosecute the election of an acceptable sheriff to the cattle interests we would simply be flooded with it it would be impossible to use one half of what would be forced on us one thing I can say positively Mr. Seigerman they wouldn't permit you to contribute one cent to the expense of your election cattle men are big hearted fellows they are friends worth having Mr. Seigerman Louis drew a long breath and it seemed that a load had been lifted from his mind by these last remarks of Arabs how many men are there in the strip asked Arab of the others of all three divisions of the last round up there were something like two thousand replied Bach and this county adjoins the cattle country for sixty miles in the north said Arab still continuing his musing or one third of the strip well gentlemen he went on waking out of his mental reverie and striking the table with his fist if there's that many men in the country below I'll agree to vote one half of them in this county this fall hold on a minute aren't you a trifle high on your estimate the conservative protestingly not a man too high give them a week's layoff with plenty to drink at the end of the string and every man will come in for fifty miles either way the time we voted the bonds won't be a marker to this election he's not far wrong said Bach the stub give the brassicals a chance for a holiday like that and they will come from the south line of the strip that's right Mr. Seigerman said Arab they'll come from the west and south man and as far east as the middle of the next county I tell you there will be a thousand strong in a unit in voting watch my smoke on results well said stub slowly and deliberately I think it's hard time we had Mr. Seigerman's consent to make the race this counting of our forces and the sinews of war is good enough in advance but I must insist on an answer for Mr. Seigerman will you become our candidate gentlemen's how can I refuse to be one sheriff the cattle men's must be protect I accept the trio now arose and with a round of oaths that would have made the captain of a pirate ship green with envy swore Seigerman had taken a step he would never regret after the hearty congratulation on his acceptance they receded themselves when Louis in his gratitude insisted that on pleasant occasions like this he should be permitted to offer some refreshments of a liquid nature I never liked indulge at a bar said stub the people whom I work for are very particular regarding the habits of their trusted men it might be permissible on occasions like this to break certain established rules suggested Bach besides Mr. Seigerman can bring it in here where we will be unobserved very well then said stub I waive my objections for sociability's sake when Louis had retired for this purpose Bach arose to his full dignity and six foot three and said to the other two bowing your uncle my dears will never allow you to come to want pin your face to the old man why will wallowing the fat of the land until the grass comes again gentlemen if you are gentlemen which I doubt like hell salute the victor the refreshment was brought in and before the session adjourned they had lowered the contents of a black bottle of private stock by several fingers the announcement of the candidacy of Mr. Louis Seigerman in the next week's paper by eight of the accompanying fiver which went with the copy encouraged the editor that others might follow to write a short favorable editorial the article spoke of Mr. Seigerman as a leading citizen who would fill the office with credit to himself and the community the trio read the short editorial to Louis daily for the first week all three were now putting their feet under the table with great regularity and doing justice to the vintage on invitation the back room became a private office for the central committee of four they were able political managers the campaign was beginning to be active but no adverse reports they were allowed to reach the candidate's ears he actually had no opposition so the reports came in to the central committee it was even necessary to send out Arab abd to points on the railroad to get the sentiments of this and that community which were always favorable funds for these trips were forced on them by the candidate the thought of presenting a board bill to such devoted friends never entered my host's mind thus several months passed the warm sun and green blades of grass adjusted to springtime the boys had played the role as long as they cared to it had served the purpose that was intended but they must not hurt the feelings of Seigerman or let the cause of their zeal become known to their benefactor and candidate for sheriff one day report came in of some defection and a rival candidate in the eastern part of the county all hands volunteered to go out funds were furnished with the central committee assure their host would be refunded whenever they could get in touch with headquarters or could see some prominent cowmen at the end of the week Mr. Seigerman received a letter the excuses offered at the rich man's feast were discounted by pressing orders one had gone to Texas to receive a herd of cattle instead of a few oxen one had been summoned to Kansas City want Ohio the letter concluded with the assurance that Mr. Seigerman need have no fear sheriff the same night that the letter was received by my host this tale was retold at a cow camp in the strip by the trio the hard winter was over at the county convention in May Seigerman's name was presented on each of three ballots he received one lone vote when the news reached the boys in the strip they dubbed this one vote Seigerman's percent meaning the worst of anything and that expression became a byword on the range from Bronzeville, Texas to the milk river in Montana end of story two story three a bad medicine of cattle brands a collection of western campfire stories this is a LibriVox recording all LibriVox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org cattle brands a collection of western campfire stories by Andy Adams story three bad medicine the evening before the Cherokee strip was thrown open for settlement a number of old timers met in the little town of Hennessy, Oklahoma on the next day the strip would pass from us and our employers the cowmen some of the boys had spent from five to fifteen years on this range but we realized we had come to the parting of the ways this was not the first time that the government had taken a hand in cattle matters some of us in former days had moved cattle at the command of Negro soldiers with wintry winds howling and accompaniment the cowmen was never a government favorite if the Indian wards of the nation had a few million acres of idle land let it lie idle said the Guardian some of these civilized tribes maintained a fine system of public schools from the rental of unoccupied lands nations like men revived the fable of the dog and the ox but the Guardian was supreme the cowmen went this was not unexpected to most of us still this country was a home to us it mattered little if our names were on the payroll or not it clothed and fed us we were seated around a table in the rear of a saloon talking of the morrow the place was run by a former cowboy it therefore became a rendezvous for the craft most of us had made up our minds to quit cattle for good and take claims before I take a claim said tum roll I'll go to Minnesota and peon myself to some sweet farmer for my keep the balance of my life regards the last few years have given me all the taste of farming that I want I'm going to Montana in the spring why don't you go this winter is your underwear too light asked ace g now I'm going to make a farewell play continued ace I'm going to take a claim and before I file on it sell my rights go back to old van zandt county Texas this winter rear up my feet and tell it to them scary that's where all my folks leave well for a winter steak chimed in Joe box ace's scheme is all right we can get $500 out of a claim for simply staking it and we know some good ones that sized roll ought to winter a man with modest tastes you didn't know that I just came from Montana did you Tom? asked ace I can tell you more about that country than you want to know I've been up the trail this year delivered our cattle on the Yellowstone when I remember this summer's work I sometimes think that I will burn my saddle and never turn or look a cow in the face again nor write anything but a plow mule and that bear back the people I was working for have a range in Tom Green County, Texas and another one in Montana they send their young steers north to mature good idea too but they're not cowmen like the ones we know they made their money in the east in a patent medicine got scads of it too there's no argument that they know anything about a cow they have a board of directors it is one of those cattle companies looks like they started in the cattle business to give their income a healthy outlet from the medicine branch they operate on similar principles as those soap factory people did here in the strip a few years ago about the time they learned the business they go broke and retire our boss this summer was some relation to the wife of some of the medicine people down east they used to use for him back there they sent him out to the ranch where he would be useful we started north with the grass had 3,300 head of 2s and 3s with a fair string of settled stock they run the same brand on both ranges the broken arrow you never saw a cow boss have so much trouble a married woman wasn't a circumstance to him fretting and sweating continually this was his first trip over the trail but the boys were a big improvement on the boss as we had a good outfit of men along the idea of a good cow boss is a man that doesn't boss any just hires a first class outfit of men and then there is no bossing to do we had to keep well to the west getting out of texas, kept to the west of buffalo gap from there to tp cities a dry bearing country to get water for a herd the size of ours was some trouble this new medicine man got badly worried several times he used his draft book freely buying water for the cattle a stretch of desert the natives all through there considered him the softest snap they had met in years several times we were without water for the stock two whole days that makes cattle hard to hold at night they want to get up and prowl it makes him feverish and then when they arrive for a stampede we had several baubles crossing that strip of country nothing bad just jump and run a mile or so and then mill until daylight then our boss would get great action for himself and ride a horse until the animal would give out sick he called it after the first little run we had it took him half the next day to count them then he couldn't believe his own figures a valverde county lad who counted with him said they were all right not a hoof shy but the medicine man's opinion was a reverse at this the valverde boy got on the prod slightly and expressed himself saying why don't you have two of the other boys count them you can't come within a hundred of me or yourself either for that matter I can pick out two men and if they differ five head it'll be a surprise to me the way the boys have brought the cattle by us any man that can't count this herd and not have his own figures differ more than a hundred had better quit riding get himself some sandals and a job hurting sheep let me give you this pointer if you are not anxious to have last night's fun over again you'd better quit counting and get this herd full of grass and water before night or you will be cattle shy as sure as hell's hot when I ask for an opinion answer the form in somewhat indignant such remarks will be in order until then you may keep your remarks to yourself that will suit me all right old sport retorted valverde and when you want anyone to help you count your fat cattle get some of the other boys one that'll let you doubt his count as you have mine and if he admires you for it cut my wages in two after the two had been sparring with each other some little time another of the boys ventured the advice that it would be easy to count the animals as they came out of the water so the order went forward to let them hit the trail for the first water we made a fine stream watering early in the afternoon as I grazed out from the creek we fed them through between two of the boys the count showed no cattle short in fact the valverde boys count was confirmed it was then that our medicine man played his cards wrong he still insisted that we were cattle out thus queering himself with his men he was gradual he was gradually getting into a lone minority though he didn't have sense enough to realize it he would even fight with and curse his horses to impress us with his authority very little attention was paid to him after this and as grass and water improved right along nothing of interest happened while crossing no man's land a month later I was unheard of myself at the time a bright moonlight night they jumped like a cat shot with number eights and quit the bed-ground in stanter there were three of us on guard at the time and before the other boys could get out of their blankets and into their saddles the herd had gotten well under headway even when the others came to our assistance it took us some time to quiet them down as this scare came during last guard daylight was on us before they'd quit milling and we were three miles from the wagon as we drifted them back towards camp for fear that something might have gotten away most of the boys scoured the country for miles about but without reward when all had returned to camp had breakfasted had changed horses the counting act was ordered by Mr. Medicine our foreman naturally felt that he would have to take a hand in this count evidently forgetting his last experience in that line he was surprised when he asked one of the boys to help him by receiving a flat refusal why won't you count with me he demanded because you don't possess common calcins enough nor is the crude material in you to make a cow hand you found fault with the men the last count we had and I don't propose to please you by giving you a chance to find fault with me that's why I won't count with you don't you know sir that I am in authority here retorted the foreman well if you are no one seems to respect your authority as you're pleased to call it and I don't know of any reason why I should you have plenty of men here who can count them correctly I'll count them with any men in the outfit yourself our company sent me as their representative with this herd reply the foreman while you have the insolence to disregard my orders I'll discharge you the first moment I can get a man to take your place oh that'll be all right answered the lad as the foreman rode away he then tackled me but I acted foolish fessing up that I couldn't count a hundred finally he rode around to a quiet little fella with pox marks on his face who always rode on the point kept his horses fatter than anybody rode a sunhose saddle and was called California the boss asked him to help him count the herd now look here boss said California I pick one of the boys to help me and we'll count the cattle to within a few head won't that satisfy you no sir it won't what's gotten to you boys questioned the foreman there's nothing the matter with the boys but the cattle business has gone to the dogs when a valuable herd like this will be trusted to cross a country for two thousand miles in the hands of a man like yourself you have men that will pull you through if you'll only let them said the point writer his voice mild and kind as though he were speaking to a child you're just like the rest of them roared the boss want to add contrary now let me say to you that you'll help me to count these cattle on horse and leave you a foot here in this country I'll make an example of you as a warning to others it's strange that I should be singled out as an object of your wrath and displeasure said California besides if I were you I wouldn't make any examples as you were thinking of doing when you talk of making an example of me as a warning to others said the pox marked lad as he reached over taking the reins of the foreman's horse in his hand you're a simpering idiot for entertaining the idea and a cowardly bluffer for mentioning it when you talk of unhorsing and leaving me here a foot in a country a thousand miles from nowhere you don't know what that means but there's no danger of you doing it I feel easy on that point but I'm sorry to see you make such a fool of yourself now you may think for a moment that I'm afraid of that I've re-handled gun you wear but I'm not men wear them on the range not so much to emphasize their demands with as you might think if it were me I'd throw it in the wagon it may get you into trouble once thing's certain if you ever so much as lay your hand on it when you are making threats as you have done today I'll build a fire on your face that you can read the San Francisco examiner by at midnight you'll have to revise your ideas a trifle in fact change your tactics you're off the reservation bigger than a wolf when you try to run things by force there's lots better ways don't try and make talk stick for actions nor use any prelude to the real play you wish to make unroll your little game with the real thing you can't throw alkaline dust in my eyes and tell me it's snowing I'm sorry to have to tell you all this though I have noticed that you needed it for a long time as you released his grip on the bridal reins it continued now ride back to the wagon throw off that gun tell some of the boys to take a man and count these cattle and it will be done better than if you helped must I continue to listen to these insults on every hand his the medicine men live it with rage first remove the cause before you apply the remedy that's in your line answer to California besides what are you going to do about it you don't seem to be gifted with enough cow sense to even use a modified amount of policy in your everyday affairs as he rode away to avoid hearing his answer several of us who were near enough to hear the stressing down of the boss at California's hands rode up to offer our congratulations when we noticed that old bad medicine had gotten a stand on one of the boys called Pink after leaving him he continued his ride towards the wagon Pink soon joined us a broad smile playing over his homely Florid countenance some of you boys might have given him a heavy dose for so early in the morning said Pink for he ordered me to have the cattle counted and reported him at the wagon acted like he didn't aim to do the trick himself now as I'm Foreman continued Pink I want you two point men to go up to the first little rise of ground and we'll put the cattle through between you I want a close count understand you're working under a boss now that will shove you through hell itself so if you miss them over a hundred I'll speak to the management and see if I can't have your wages raised or have you made a Foreman or something with big wages and nothing to do the point men smiled at Pink's orders and one asked are you ready now all set responded Pink let the fiddlers cut loose well we lined them up and got them strung out in shape to count and our point men picking out a favorite rise we lined them through between our counters we fed them through and as regularly as they watched you could hear California call out to his partner Tally alternately they would sing out this check on the even hundred head slipping a knot on their Tally string to keep the hundreds it took a full half hour to get them through and when the rear guard of Cripsen doggies passed this impromptu review we all waited patiently for the verdict our counters rode together in California leaning over on the pommel of his saddle said to his partner what you got thirty three six was the answer why you can't count a little bit said California I got thirty three seven how does a count suit you boss easy suited gents said Pink but I'm surprised to find such good men with a common cowherd I must try and have you appointed by the government on this commission that's to investigate Texas fever you're all together too accomplished for such a common calling as claims you at present turning to the rest of us he said throw your cattle on the trail you vulgar peons while I ride back to order forward my wagon and saddle stock by rights I ought to have one of those center fire cigars to smoke to set off my authority properly on this occasion he jogged back to the wagon and satisfied the dethroned medicine man that the cattle were there to a hoof we soon saw the saddle horses following and an hour afterward Pink and the Foreman rode by us big as fat cattle buyers from Kansas City not even knowing anyone so absorbed in their conversation were they rode on by and up the trail looking out for grass and water it was over two weeks afterward when Pink said to us when we strike the Santa Fe Railway I may advise my man to take a needed rest for a few weeks in some of the mountain resorts I hope you all noticed how worried he looks and to my judgment he seems to be losing flesh I don't like to suggest anything but the day before we reach the railroad I think a day's curlew shooting in the sandhills along the Arkansas River might please his highness in case he'll go with me if I don't lose him I'll never come back to this herd it won't hurt him any to sleep out one night with the dry cattle sure enough the day before we crossed that road somewhere near the Colorado State Line Pink and Bad Medicine left camp early in the morning for a curlew hunt in the sandhills fortunately it was a foggy morning and within half an hour the two were out of sight of camp and herd as Pink had outlined the plans everything was understood we were encamped on a nice stream and instead of trailing along with the herd lay over for that day night came and our hunters failed to return and the next morning we trailed forward towards the Arkansas River just as we went into camp at noon two horsemen loomed up in sight coming down the trail from above every rascal of us knew who they were and when the two rode up Pink grew very angry and demanded to know why we had failed to reach the river the day before the horse wrangler a fellow named Joe George had been properly coached and stepping forward volunteered this excuse you all didn't know it when you left camp yesterday morning that we were out the wagon team in nearly half the settled horses well we were and what's more than a mile below in the creek was an abandoned Indian camp I wasn't going to be left behind with a cook to look for the missing stock and told the Segundo so we divided into squads of three or four men each and went out and looked up the horses but it was after six o'clock before we trailed them down and got the missing animals if anybody thinks I'm going to stay behind to look for missing stock in a country full of lurking Indians well they simply don't know me the scheme worked all right on reaching the railroad the next morning bad medicine authorized pink to take the herd to Agalala on the plat while he took a train for Denver around the campfire that night pink gave us his experience in losing Mr. Medicine oh I lost him late enough in the day so he couldn't reach any shelter for the night said pink at noon when the sun was straight overhead I sounded him as to directions and found that he didn't know straight up or east from west after giving him the slip I kept an eye on him among the sandhills at the distance of a mile or so until he gave up and unsettled at dusk the next morning when I overtook him I pretended to be trailing him up and I threw enough joy into my rapture over finding him that he never doubted my sincerity on reaching Agalala a man from Montana put in an appearance in company with poor old medicine and as they did business strictly with pink out of the grave and hourly council of medicine men well the upshot of the whole matter was that pink was put in charge of the herd and a better form and I never worked under we reached the company's yellow stone range early in the fall counted over and bait our doggies goodbye and rode into headquarters that night I talked with the regular men on the ranch and it was there that I found out that a first class cow hand could get in four months being in the summer and the same feeding it out in the winter but don't you forget it she's a cow country all right I always was such a poor hand a foot that I passed up that country and here I am a boomer well boom if you want said Tom Rohl but do you all remember what the governor of North Carolina said to the governor of South Carolina it is quite a long time between drinks remarked Joe Rising but I didn't want to interrupt Ace as we lined up at the bar Ace held up a glass two-thirds full and looking at it in a meditative mood remarked isn't it funny how little of this stuff it takes to make a fellow feel rich why four bits worth under his belt and the president of the United States can't hire him as we strolled out into the street Joe inquired Ace where will I see you after supper you will see me not only after supper but all during supper sitting right beside you end of story three story four a winter roundup of cattle brands a collection of western campfire stories this is a LibriVox recording all LibriVox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org cattle brands a collection of western campfire stories by Andy Adams story four a winter roundup an hour before daybreak one Christmas morning in the Cherokee Strip six hundred horses were under saddle awaiting the dawn it was a clear frosty morning that bespoke an equally clear day for the wolf rodeo every cow camp within striking distance of the walnut grove on the salt fork of the Simerun was a scene of activity taxing to the utmost its hospitality to man and horse there had been a hardy response to the invitation to attend the circle drive hunt of this well known shelter of several bands of gray wolves the cowmen had suffered so severely in time past from this enemy of cattle that the Cherokee Strip cattle association had that year offered a bounty of twenty dollars for wolf scalps the lay of the land was extremely favourable the walnut grove was a thickety covert on the north first bottom of the Simerun and possibly two miles wide by three long across the river and extending several miles above and below this grove was a salt plain an alkali desert which no wild animal, ruminant or carnivorous would attempt to cross instinct having warned of its danger at the termination of the grove proper down the river or to the eastward was a sand dune bottom of several miles covered by wild plum brush terminating in a perfect horseshoe a thousand acres in extent the entrance of which was about a mile wide after passing the grove this plum brush country could be covered by men on horseback though the chaparral undergrowth made the use of horses impracticable the Simerun river which surrounds this horseshoe on all sides but the entrance was probably two hundred yards wide at an average winter stage deep enough to swim a horse and cold and rolling across the river opposite this horseshoe was a cut bank twenty feet high in places with only an occasional cattle trail leading down to the water the cut bank formed the second bottom on that side and the alkaline plane the first bottom ended a mile or more up the river it was an ideal situation for a drive hunt and legend corroborated by evidence said that the Cherokees when they used this outlet as a hunting ground after their enforced immigration from Georgia had held numerous circle hunts over the same ground after buffalo deer and elk the rendezvous was to be at ten o'clock on encampment but a plateau overlooking the entire hunting field and visible for miles an hour before the appointed time the clans began to gather all the camps within twenty five miles and which were entertaining participants of the hunt put in a prompt appearance word was received early that morning that a contingent from the eagle chief would be there and begged that the start be delayed till their arrival a number of old cowmen were present and to them was delegated the duty of appointing the officers of the day Bill Miller, a foreman of the cold water pool and a joining range was appointed as first captain there were also several captains over divisions and an acting captain placed over every ten men who would be held accountable for any disorder allowed along the line under his special charge the question of forbidding the promiscuous carrying of firearms met with decided opposition there was an element of danger it was true but to deprive any of the boys of arms on what promised an exciting day sport was contrary to their creed and occupation besides their judicious use would be an essential and valuable to deny one the right and permit another would have been to divide their forces against a common enemy so in the interests of harmony it was finally concluded to assign an acting captain over every ten men I'll be perfectly responsible for any of my men, said Reese a red-headed Welsh cowman from over on Black Bear let's just turn our wild selves loose and those wolves won't stand any more show than a coon in a bear dance it would be fine satisfaction to be shot by a responsible man like you or any of your outfit replied hollycod superintendent of the LX I hope another Christmas day to help eat a plum pudding on the banks of the D and I don't want to be carrying any of your stray lead in my carcass either did you hear me yes, we're going to have eggnog at our camp tonight come down the boys were being told off in squads of ten when a suppressed of welcome arose as a cavalcade of horsemen was sighted coming over the divide several miles distant before the men were allotted and their captains appointed the last expected squad had arrived their horses frosty and sweaty they were all well known west and strippers numbering fifty-four men and having ridden from the eagle chief thirty-five miles starting two hours before daybreak with the arrival of this detachment Miller gave his orders for the day Tom Cave was given two hundred men and sent to the upper end of the grove where they were to dismount form in a half circle skirmish line covering the width of the thicket and commence the drive down the river their saddle horses were to be cut into two bunches and driven down on either side of the grove and to be in readiness for the men when they emerged from the chaparral four of the oldest men being detailed as horse wranglers Reese was sent with a hundred and fifty men to left flank the grove deploying his men as far back as a second bottom and close his line as the drive moved forward Billy Edwards was sent with twenty picked men down the river five miles to the old B. Ford at the ripples his instructions were to cross and scatter his men from the ending of the salt plane to the horseshoe and to concentrate them around it at the termination of the drive he was allowed the best ropers and a number of shotguns to be stationed at the cattle trails leading down to the water at the river's bend the remainder about two hundred and fifty men under Lynch formed a long scattering line from the left entrance of the horseshoe extending back until it met the advancing line of Reese's pickets with the river on one side and this cordon of foot and horsemen on the other it seemed that nothing could possibly escape the location of the quarry was almost assured this chaparral had been the breeding refuge of wolves ever since the cimmeran was a cattle country every rider on that range for the past ten years knew it to be the rendezvous of El Lobo while the ravages of his nightly raids were in evidence for forty miles in every direction it was a common sight early in the morning during the winter months to see twenty an upward in a bend leisurely returning to their retreat loggy and insolent after a night's raid to make doubly sure that they would be at home to collars the promoters of this drive gathered a number of worthless lump-jawed cattle two days in advance and driving them to the edge of the grove shot one occasionally along its borders thus to be hoped spreading the last feast of the wolves by half past ten encampment, butte, was deserted with the exception of a few old cowmen two ladies, wife and sister of a popular cowman and the captain who from this point of vantage surveyed the field with a glass usually a languid and indifferent man miller had so set his heart on making this drive a success that this morning he appeared alert and aggressive as he rode forward and back across the plateau of the butte the dull heavy reports of several shot guns caused him to wheel his horse and cover the beef ford with his glass and a moment later Edwards and his squad were seen with a naked eye to scale the bank and strike up the river at a gallop it was known that the ford was saddle-skirt deep and some few of the men were strangers to it, but with that passed safely he felt easier though his blood coursed quicker it lacked but a few minutes to eleven and cave and his detachment of the beaters were due to move on the stroke of the hour they had been given one hundred rounds of six-shooter ammunition to the men and were expected to use it Edwards and his cavalcade were approaching the horseshoe the cordon seemed perfect though scattering when the first faint sound of the beaters was heard at the next moment the barking of two hundred six shooters was re-echoing up and down the valley of the salt fork the drive hunt was on the long yell passed from the upper end of the grove to the mouth of the horseshoe and back punctuated with an occasional shot by irrepressibles the mounts of the day were the pick of over five thousand to cow horses and corn fed for winter use in the pink of condition and as impatient for the coming fray as their riders everything was moving like clockwork Miller foresook the beaut and rode to the upper end of the grove the beaters were making slow but steady progress while the saddled loose horses would be at hand for their riders without any loss of time before the beaters were one-third over the ground a buck and doe came out about half way down the grove sighted the horsemen and turned back for shelter once more the long yell went down the line game had been sighted when about one half the grove had been beat a flock of wild turkeys came out at the lower end and taking flights all over the line pandemonium broke out good resolutions of an hour's existence were converted into paving material in the excitement of the moment as every carbine or six shooter in or out of range rained its lead and hail at the flying covey one fine bird was accidentally winged and half a dozen men broke from the line to run it down one of whom was Reese himself the line was not dangerously broken nor did harm result and on their return Miller was present and addressed this query to Reese who is the captain of this flank line he'll weigh twenty pounds at Reese ignoring the question and holding the gobbler up for inspection if you were a veily tau-headed kid I'd have something to say to you but you're old enough to be my father and that silence is me but try and remember that this is a wolf hunt and that there are enough wolves in that brush this minute to kill ten thousand dollars worth of cattle this winter and spring and some of them will be your own that turkey might eat a few grasshoppers but you're common enough to know that a wolf just loves to kill a cow while she's calving this lecture was interrupted by a long cheer coming up the line from below and Miller galloped away to ascertain its cause he met Lynch coming up who reported that several wolves had been sighted while at the lower end of the line some of the boys had been trying their guns up and down the river to see how far what caused the recent shouting was only a few full cowboys spurting their horses in short races he further expressed the opinion that the line would hold and at the close with the cordon thickened everything would be forced into the pocket Miller rode back down the line with him until he met a man from his own camp and the two changing horses he hurried back to oversee personally the mounting of the beaters when the grove had been passed Reese after the captain's reproof turned his trophy over to some of the men and was bringing his line down and closing up with a forward movement of the drive on Miller's return no fault could be found as the line was condensed to about a mile in length while the beaters on the points were just beginning to emerge from the chaperone and anxious for their horses once clear of the grove the beaters halted maintaining their line while from either side of the horse wranglers were distributing to them their mounts again secure in their saddles the long yell circled through the plum thickets and re-echoed down the line and the drive moved forward at a quicker pace if you have any doubts about hell said cave to Miller as the latter rode by just take a little pass here through that thicket once and you'll come out a defender of the faith the buck and doe came out within sight of the line once more lower down opposite the sand dunes and again turned back and a half hour later all ears were strained listening to the rapid shooting from the farther bank of the river rebuffed in their several attempts to force the line they had taken to the water and were swimming the river from several sand dunes their landing on the opposite bank near the ending of the salt plain could be distinctly seen as they came out of the river half a dozen six shooters were paying but the excitability of the horses made aim uncertain and they rounded the cut bank at the upper end and escaped while the deer were making their escape a band of antelope were sighted sunning themselves amongst the sand dunes a mile below attracted by the shooting they were standing at attention now when an antelope sensed danger he has an unreasonable and unexplainable desire to reach high ground where he can observe and to be observed at a distance once this conclusion has been reached he allows nothing to stop him not even recently built wire fences or man himself and like the cat despises water except for drinking purposes so when this band of antelope decided to adjourn their siesta from the warm sunny slope of a sand dune they made an effort and did break the cordon but not without a protest as they came out of the sand dunes all semblance of control was lost in the men nothing daunted by the yelling that greeted the antelope once they came within range fifty men were shooting at them without bringing one to grass with guns empty they loosened their ropes and met them a dozen men made casts and Juan Mesa a mexican from the eagle chief lassoed a fine buck while parred seven oaks from the jh fastened to the smallest one in the band he was so disgusted with his catch that he dismounted earmarked the kid and let it go Mesa had made his cast with so large a loop that one foreleg of the antelope had gone through and it was struggling so desperately that he was compelled to tie the rope in a hard knot to the pommel of his saddle his horse was a wheeler on the rope so Juan dismounted to pet his buck while he held on to the rope assisting his horse an eagle chief man slipped up and cut the rope in a knot and the next moment a mexican was burning the grass calling on saints and others to come and help him turn the antelope loose when the rope had burned its way through his gloved hands he looked at them in astonishment saying that was one bravo buck how come these rope untie but there was none to explain and an antelope was dragging thirty five feet of rope in a frantic endeavor to overtake his band the line had been closing gradually until at this juncture it had been condensed to about five miles or a horseman to every fifty feet wolves had been sighted numerous times running from covert to covert but few had shown themselves to the flank line being contented with such shelter as a scraggie plum brush afforded whenever the beaters would rout or sight a wolf the yelling would continue up and down the line for several minutes cave and his well-formed circle of beaters were making good time the left flank was closing and moving forward while the line under Lynch was as impatient as it was hilarious Miller made the circle every half hour or so and had only to mention it to pick any horse he wanted from the entire line for a change by one o'clock the drive had closed to the entrance of the pocket and within mile and a half of the termination there was yet enough cover to hide the quarry though the extreme point of this horseshoe was a sandbar with no shelter except driftwood trees Edwards and his squad were at their post across the river in plain view of the advancing line suddenly they were seen to dismount and lie down on the brink of the cut bank a few minutes later chaos broke out along the line when a band of possibly twenty wolves left their cover and appeared on the sandbar a few rifle shots rang out from the opposite bank when they scurried back to cover shooting was now becoming dangerous in the line was a horseman every ten or twelve feet all the captains rode up and down begging the men to seize shooting entirely this only had a temporary effect for shortly the last bit of cover was passed and there within four hundred yards in the bar was a snarling snapping band of grey wolves the line was halted the question now arose how to make the kill safe and effective it would be impossible to shoot from the opposite bank without endangering the line of men and horses finally a small number of rifles were advanced on the extreme left flank to within two hundred yards of the quarry where they opened fire at an angle from the watchers on the opposite bank they proved poor marksmen overshooting and only succeeded in wounding a few and forcing several to take to the water it was necessary to recall the men to the line these men were now ordered to dismount and lie down as the opposite side would take a hand when the swimming wolves came within range of shotguns and carbines to say nothing of six shooters the current carried the swimming ones down the river but every man was in readiness to give them a welcome the fuselage which greeted them was like a skirmish line in action but the most effective execution was with buckshot as they came staggering and water soaked out of the water before the shooting across the river had ceased a yell of alarm surged through the line and the next moment every man was climbing into his saddle and bringing his arms into position for action no earthly power could have controlled the men for coming at the line less than two hundred yards distant was the quarrelled band of wolves under the leadership of a monster dog wolf evidently a leader of some band and every gun within range opened on them by the time they had lessened the intervening distance by one half the entire band deserted their leader and retreated but unmindful of consequences he rushed forward at the line every gun was belching fire and led at him while tufts of fur floating in the air told that several shots were effective wounded he met the horsemen striking right and left in splendid savage ferocity the horses snorted and shrank from him and several suffered from his ugly thrusts an occasional effective shot was placed but every time he forced his way through the cordon he was confronted by a second line a successful cast of a rope finally checked his course and as a roper wheeled his mount to drag him to death he made his last final rush at the horse and springing at the flank fastened his fangs into a stirrup fender when a well directed shot by the roper silenced him safely at last during the excitement there were enough cool heads to maintain the line so that none escaped the supreme question now was to make the kill with safety and the line was ransacked for volunteers who could shoot a rifle with some little accuracy about a dozen were secured who again advanced on the extreme right flank to within a hundred and fifty yards and dismounting flattened themselves out and opened on the scurrying wolves it was afterward attributed to the glaring of the sun on the white sand which made their marksmanship so shamefully poor but results were very unsatisfactory they were recalled and it was decided to send in four shotguns and try the effect of buckshot from horseback this move was disastrous though final they were ordinary double barrelled shotguns and reloading was slow in an emergency many of the wolves were wounded and had sought such cover as the driftwood afforded the experiment had barely begun when a wounded wolf sprang out from an old route and fastened upon the neck of one of the horses before the rider could defend himself and the next moment horse and rider were floundering on the ground to a man the line broke to the rescue while the horses of the two ladies spectators were carried into the melee in the excitement of war were loosed hell popped the smoke of 600 guns arose in clouds there were wolves swimming the river and wolves trotting around amongst the horses wounded and bewildered ropes swished through the smoke tying wounded wolves to be dragged to death or trampled under hoof men dismounted and clubbed them with shotguns and carbines anything to administer death horses were powered to burn and cried mercilessly there was an old man or two who had sense enough to secure the horses of the ladies and lead them out of immediate danger several wolves made their escape and squads of horsemen were burying cruel rolls in heaving flanks in an endeavour to overtake and either rope or shoot the fleeing animals disordered things as well as ordered ones have an end and when sanity returned to the mob an inventory was taken of the drive the lifeless carcasses of 26 wolves grazed the sandbar with several precincts to hear from the promoters of the hunt thanked the men for their assistance assuring them that the bounty money would be used to perfect arrangements so that in other years a banquet would crown future hunts before the hunt dispersed edwards and his squad returned to the brink of the cut bank and when hailed as the results he replied why we only got seven but they are all muy docile we're going to peel them and we'll meet you at the ford who gets the turkey? someone asked the question is out of order the property is not present because I sent him home by my cook an hour ago if any of you have any interest in that gobbler I'll invite you to go home with me and help to eat him for my camp is the only one in the strip that will have turkey and eggnog tonight End of story 4