"It meets every requirement for ranching," replied the elder cowman, "and I'm going to make these boys a generous offer."
"This man will act for us," said Joel to the two cowmen, with a jerk of his thumb toward Priest.
"Well, that's good," said the older man, advancing to Priest. "My name is Allen, and this is my son Hugh."
"And my name is Priest, a trail foreman in the employ of Don Lovell," said the gray-haired man, shaking hands with the Texans.
"Mr. Lovell was expected in Dodge the day we left," remarked the younger man in greeting. "We had hopes of selling him our herd."
"What is your county?" inquired the trail boss, searching his pockets for a telegram.
"Comanche."
"And when did you leave Dodge?"
"Just ten days ago."
"Then you need no range--your cattle are sold," said Priest, handing the older man a telegram.