A second round-up was required to complete the train-load of beeves.  They were not uniform in weight or age, and would require reclassing before loading aboard the cars.  Their flesh and finish were fully up to standard, but the manner in which they were acquired left them uneven, their ages varying from four to seven years.

“There’s velvet in this shipment,” said Sargent, when the beeves had been counted and trimmed.  “These cattle can defy competition.  Instead of five cents a head for watering last year’s drive, this year’s shipment from crumbs will net you double that amount.  The first gathering of beef will square the account with every thirsty cow you watered last summer.”

An extra day was allowed in which to reach the railroad.  The shipment must pen the evening before, and halting the herd within half a mile of the railway corrals, the reclassing fell to Joel and Sargent.  The contingent numbered four hundred and forty beeves, and in order to have them marketable, all rough, heavy cattle must be cut into a class by themselves, leaving the remainder neat and uniform.  A careful hour’s work resulted in seven car-loads of extra heavy beeves, which were corralled separately and in advance of the others, completing a long day in the saddle.

Important mail was awaiting Wells Brothers at the station.  A permit from the state quarantine authorities had been secured, due to the influence of the commission house and others, admitting the through herd, then en route from Ogalalla.  The grant required a messenger to meet the herd without delay, and Dell volunteered his services as courier.  Darkness fell before supper was over and the messenger ready.

“One more shipment will clean up our beeves,” said Joel to his brother, “and those through cattle can come in the day we gather our last train.  We’ll give them a clear field.  If the herd hasn’t reached the Republican, push ahead until you meet it.”

A hundred-mile ride lay before Dell Wells.  “You mean for the herd to follow the old trail,” he inquired, “and turn off opposite our middle tank?”

“That’s it; and hold the cattle under herd until we can count and receive them.”

Dell led out his horse and mounted.  “Dog-toe will take me safely home to-night,” said he, “and we’ll reach the Republican by noon to-morrow.  If the herd’s there, you haven’t an hour to waste.  We’ll drop down on you in a day and a half.”

The night received courier and horse.  A clatter of caution and advice followed the retreating figure out of hearing, when the others threw themselves down around the camp-fire.  Early morning found the outfit astir, and as on the previous occasion, the wagon and remuda were started home at daybreak.  The loading and shipping instructions were merely a repetition of previous consignments, and the train had barely left the station when the cavalcade rode to overtake the commissary.