go The King of the Thundering Herd 



all that had been ground to dust by the 

 passing herd. Not only had all vegetation 

 been destroyed, but the solid earth, which 

 had seemed so hard from the baking of the 

 sun, was dented and harrowed by the 

 myriad hoofs. Steaming dung was every- 

 where, and the reek of cattle, hot and 

 steamy, filled the air. This taint was so 

 strong that it still seemed as though they 

 must be all about, and the boys kept look- 

 ing apprehensively to the north, for the air 

 was still filled with the presence of the herd. 

 Mr. Anderson at once untied old Ulysses, 

 who evidenced his delight by kicking up 

 and braying after the most approved manner 

 of mules. Grass there was none to be had, 

 so after nosing about for a while the mule 

 philosophically went to eating a young 

 cottonwood. The mule is the most hardy 

 of the equestrian family, and he will thrive 

 where a horse will die. Sawdust or almost 

 anything else seems to be grist for his mill. 



