Sargent and Dell sought the shelter of the awning.  “Well,” said the latter, “that trip’s a wild-goose chase.  How he expects to buy cattle without money gets me.”

“It may be easier than it seems,” answered Sargent.  “You secured a start in cattle last summer without money.  Suppose you save a thousand head out of the cripples this year, what have they cost you?”

“That’s different,” protested Dell.  “Dodge City is a market where buyers and sellers meet.”

“True enough.  And behind that are unseen conditions.  The boom of two years ago in land and live stock bankrupted many people in Texas.  Cattle companies were organized on the very summit of that craze.  Then came the slump.  Last year cattle had fallen in price nearly forty per cent.  This year there is a further falling.  I’m giving you Texas conditions.  Half the herds at Dodge to-day are being handled by the receivers of cattle companies or by trustees for banks.  That accounts for the big drive.  Then this drouth came on, and the offerings at Dodge are unfit for any purpose, except to restock ranches.  And those northern ranchmen know it.  They’ll buy the cattle at their own price and pay for them when they get good and ready.”

Dell was contending for his view.  “Do you claim that a northern cowman can buy cattle from a Texas drover without money?”

“Certainly.  When one sheep jumps off the cliff and breaks his neck, all the rest jump off and break their necks.  When money is pouring into cattle, as it was two years ago, range cattle were as good as gold.  Now, when all that investment is trying to withdraw from cattle, they become a drag on the market.  The Simple Simons ain’t all dead yet.  Joel will buy cattle.”

“He may, but I don’t see how.”

“Buy them just as any other wide-awake cowman.  You brothers are known in Dodge.  This water that you have given the drovers, during the drouth, has made you friends.  Mr. Lovell’s word, in your behalf, is as good as money in the bank.  Joel will come back with cattle.  My only fear is, he won’t strain his credit.”

“Credit!  Who would credit us?”

“Why not?  There are not so many drovers at Dodge who had your showing at the same age.  They have fought their way up and know who to credit.  Your range and ability to hold cattle are your best assets.  We must shape up the ranch, because Joel will come in with cattle.”

“You’re the foreman,” said Dell assentingly.  “And what’s more, if Joel comes home with cattle, I’ll hit the ground with my hat and shout as loud as any of you.”

“That’s the talk.  I’m playing Joel to come back winner.  Let’s saddle up horses, and ride through the cripples this afternoon.  I want to get the lay of the range, and the water, and a line on the cattle.”

Joel overtook Bob Quirk midway between the Prairie Dog and the railroad.  The outfit was drifting south at the rate of forty miles a day, traveling early and late to avoid the heat.  On sighting the lone horseman in the rear, signals were exchanged, and the foreman halted until Joel overtook the travelers.