THE SPIRIT OF THE HERD 135 



should he not have been saved fresh for just such 

 a need as this *? Are there not superior horses as 

 well as superior men a Peroxide Jim to com- 

 plement a Wade ? 



The horse knew the cattle business and knew 

 his rider perfectly ; and though there was nothing 

 like sentiment about the boss of the P Ranch 

 riders, his faith in Peroxide Jim was complete. 



The other night-horses were saddled and tied 

 to the wheels of the wagon. It was Wade's cus- 

 tom to take his turn with the second watch; but, 

 shifting his saddle to Peroxide Jim when supper 

 was over, he rode out with the four of the first 

 watch, who, more or less evenly spaced, were 

 quietly circling the herd. 



The night, for this part of the high desert, was 

 unusually warm. It was close, still, and without 

 a sky. The near, thick darkness blotted out the 

 stars. There is usually a breeze at night over these 

 highest rim-rock plains, that, no matter how hot 

 the day, crowds the cattle together for warmth. 

 To-night not a breath stirred the sage as Wade 

 wound in and out among the bushes, the hot 

 dust stinging his eyes and caking rough on his 

 skin. 



