The cut had drifted away into the herd again during the arrest, and about half our outfit took the cattle on to where the wagon camped for noon.  McCann had anticipated an extra crowd for dinner and was prepared for the emergency.  When dinner was over and the Rangers had packed and were ready to leave, Hames said to Flood,—­

“Well, Flood, I’m powerful glad I met you and your outfit.  This has been one of the biggest round-ups for me in a long time.  You don’t know how proud I am over this bunch of beauties.  Why, there’s liable to be enough rewards out for this crowd to buy my girl a new pair of shoes.  And say, when your wagon comes into Abilene, if I ain’t there, just drive around to the sheriff’s office and leave those captured guns.  I’m sorry to load your wagon down that way, but I’m short on pack mules and it will be a great favor to me; besides, these fellows are not liable to need any guns for some little time.  I like your company and your chuck, Flood, but you see how it is; the best of friends must part; and then I have an invitation to take dinner in Abilene by to-morrow noon, so I must be a-riding.  Adios, everybody.”

CHAPTER VIII

ON THE BRAZOS AND WICHITA

As we neared Buffalo Gap a few days later, a deputy sheriff of Taylor County, who resided at the Gap, rode out and met us.  He brought an urgent request from Hames to Flood to appear as a witness against the rustlers, who were to be given a preliminary trial at Abilene the following day.  Much as he regretted to leave the herd for even a single night, our foreman finally consented to go.  To further his convenience we made a long evening drive, camping for the night well above Buffalo Gap, which at that time was little more than a landmark on the trail.  The next day we made an easy drive and passed Abilene early in the afternoon, where Flood rejoined us, but refused any one permission to go into town, with the exception of McCann with the wagon, which was a matter of necessity.  It was probably for the best, for this cow town had the reputation of setting a pace that left the wayfarer purseless and breathless, to say nothing about headaches.  Though our foreman had not reached those mature years in life when the pleasures and frivolities of dissipation no longer allure, yet it was but natural that he should wish to keep his men from the temptation of the cup that cheers and the wiles of the siren.  But when the wagon returned that evening, it was evident that our foreman was human, for with a box of cigars which were promised us were several bottles of Old Crow.