Bob Chester's Grit; Or, From Ranch to Riches

by Frank V. Webster

"And you let him?" queried Crazy Ned, staring at the boy as though he must be daft.

"Why not?"

"You're liable to wake up in mincemeat some fine day, that's all," commented Yellow Tom drily.

"Oh, I guess not," answered Bob. "Chester and I are good friends, aren't we, my boy?" and dismounting, he called the dog to him and stroked his head.

A moment the cowboys watched the proceeding in amazement, then Shorty Flinn voiced their feelings by saying:

"Am I dreamin' or is this tenderfoot pattin' that ornery cur?"

"He's pattin' him, all right," returned Merry Dick. "Say, kid, you're a wonder. There ain't no man ever dared touch that dog so long as I've known about him and that's for ten years."

"But can you make him mind?" demanded Yellow Tom.

"Surely."

"Then stop his growlin' at me."