As he was finishing, the ranchman came in and, when the food had been put away, took Bob out to teach him how to throw the rope.

For this purpose Ford had driven a four-foot stake into the ground.  Making his pupil stand about twenty feet from it, he had him get used to whirling the rope around his head and then told him to drop the noose over the post.

At first Bob failed, but he was soon able to drop the noose over.  So much accomplished, the ranchman ordered him to get his pony and try to rope the stake while riding past.

This, however, was more difficult, and Bob made more misses than “ringers.”

“You can practice that on the range, Bob.  We won’t waste any more time here.  I want to take you over to the short-horns to-night.”

“You mean I’m to go on duty to-night?” asked the boy in delight.

“Exactly.  Only there won’t be much to do.  Just keep awake in case anything happens.  I’ll have Merry Dick, the best of my boys, stay with you for a day or so.”

The ranchman had saddled a big bay broncho when Bob saddled Firefly and, after locking the door of his cabin, they galloped away toward the west.

On the ride the plainsman gave Bob many valuable pointers about what to do if trouble broke out in the herd, and for getting along with the other cowboys.

After an hour or more of riding, they came to the herd, spread out over a quarter of a mile of plain, and rode round it till they came to where four cowboys were lolling on the grass, smoking.

Looking up lazily at the sight of their boss, when they caught a glimpse of Bob’s fresh, young face they evinced a lively interest.

“Boys, this is Bob,” said Ford, by way of introduction.  “Bob, the homeliest of the lot is Merry Dick; the one next to him to the left is Yellow Tom; next is Shorty Flinn and the last is Crazy Ned.

“Dick, you’re to go over on the West station with Bob for three days.  Get some grub ready.

“Now, remember, every man Jack of you, Bob is my special friend.  If you try any funny business, you’ll have to settle with me; and don’t forget, cowboys ain’t worth near as much as a lean steer.”

And without another word, this strange man wheeled his horse and rode away.

CHAPTER XXIII

BOB OVERHEARS A SECOND PLOT

Chester had accompanied Bob and Ford to the cowboys’ station, and when they saw that the dog showed no signs of returning, Yellow Tom called out: 

“Hey, you Ford.  Take this cur of yours with you—­or I won’t stay on the job another minute.”

The ranchman, however, either did not hear or pretended not to, and after a minute Bob said: 

“Mr. Ford has given Chester to me.”

“What?” chorused the cowboys, in amazement.

“I said that Mr. Ford had given Chester to me,” replied Bob.