The Men of Sapio Ranch

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1909. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER VI. The Dance At Pecos. wolf Hardin became a boarder at the Sapio shanties for about a week, during which time the boys were at great pains to entertain him. So determined were they that he should not lack for attention that they took turns at sitting up with him, day and night. We also kept a sentry out all the time to receive any deputation of the Rustlers that might call upon us. In the meantime our Mexican messenger was making a trip to and from Gordo Station. At the end of the week we bade the Wolf goodby, and saw him ride away wearing a pair of brandnew steel bracelets, and escorted by two deputy sheriffs. With the going of the Wolf the forces at both ranches breathed easier, feeling that we were to hear henceforth no more of the Rustlers, for that we had succeeded in capturing and deporting their chief inspiration and leader not a man of us doubted. But some of us were yet to have our day with the marauders, and at no distant season. I seemed to have some premonition of this, and that the brunt of it was to fall on me, but I could not have accounted for this suggestion had I been required to do so. It must be admitted that I was in a mood favorable to any sort of pessimistic mental visitation. I was unhappy; deeply so. It was now near midwinter, but winter only in name, except when a blue norther whistled and shrieked down over the vague and far-extending plains and bit with icy teeth. Then there was a stir. The cattle had to be corralled or driven to the cover of friendly ledges, on the lee side of Sapio's many foothills. Woe then to the cow puncher who was caught by the wind devil too far out on the range! If he got in only with nipped ears and nose or frost-bitten toes, he might be thankful; if he escaped alive, he was lucky. B...