“There, fellows,” smiled Frank, with a wave of his hand toward the arrivals, “there is a band of genuine wild and woolly cow-punchers. Take a good look at them, for the real cowboy is disappearing, and, in a very few years you will not be able to see a sight like that anywhere on this continent.”
“I suppose they are all right,” said Diamond, “but it is plain enough that they are great bluffers.”
“In what way?” asked Frank, quickly.
“In their get up. There is no reason why they should look so extremely tough beyond their own personal desire to appear like bad men.”
“I think you are wrong, old fellow. Name something about them that they might discard.”
“Their long hair, to begin with. That is pure affectation.”
“Not at all. Long hair is a necessity with them.”
“Get out! How?”
“Well, you know they are exposed to all kinds of weather. Their business is out of doors, rain or shine, and in many changes of climate. They have found by experience that long hair protects their eyes and ears. If they were to keep their hair cut short, many of them would be troubled with sore eyes, pains in the head and loud ringing in the ears.”
“That may be true,” acknowledged Jack; “but just look at those outrageous hats.”