Part 21 (2/2)
”When the new herd gets here, put all the men on it save one who will watch the corral at night. They won't be likely to attack the sheep that are in the enclosure. It's the new ones that we have to herd on the open range that they will be likely to direct their efforts toward. Master Tad has heard as much.”
”Will you be out?”
”Of course. I'll ride out this afternoon and remain at the ranch or on the range until this thing has blown over. We had better begin grazing north at once. I want to get them up where the gra.s.s is better, as soon as possible. Then you can let them take their time until after shearing. We're late with that as it is. See that the men are well armed, but make no plans until I have been out and looked the ground over.”
”Very well. Suppose you have no idea where it was that these men found you, or where you found them?” asked the foreman.
”No, sir. I was too busy to take notice.”
”I should say so,” laughed Mr. Simms.
”I'd better be moving then, if there's nothing else to be said,”
decided Luke.
”I think you had better spare the time to take these young men back to their camp.”
”I helped myself to one of your horses, Mr. Simms. The roan.”
”Help yourself to anything that belongs to me, young man,” answered the banker. ”You have done us a service that nothing we can do will repay.”
”The roan--you say you rode the roan?” asked Lame.
”Yes. He's a good one.”
”Did he throw you?”
”He tried to,” grinned Tad.
”Then I take back all I said about your being a tenderfoot. There aren't three men on the ranch who can stick on his back when he takes a notion that he doesn't want them to.”
”Luke, I have asked these young men to join our outfit. When I did so, I didn't know I was drawing a prize. They rather thought the sheep business wouldn't suit them, having been out with a herd of cows----”
”We shall be glad to accept your kind offer, Mr. Simms,” interrupted Tad. ”I've changed my mind since I saw how the cattle men act toward sheep.”
”That's good.”
”When do you wish us to join you?”
”Join to-day by all means, if you have no other plans. I am surprised that the guide failed you. You will not need a guide if you go with the outfit, and you can take as many side trips for hunting, as you wish.”
”That will be fine,” agreed Ned Rector.
”Another idea occurs to me. My boy Philip has not been well, and if you lads have no objection, I should like to send him along with the herd. If you will keep an eye on him to see that he doesn't get into trouble, I shall be deeply grateful to you.”
”Of course we shall,” answered Tad brightening. ”How old is he?”
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