"No, but I've heard lots about him. There ain't a finer cattleman in these parts than Colonel Jack Bryant, and I'm glad to meet his son. Put her there, my boy!" and the old miner extended his hand to greet the young man.
When the horses had been watered and rested, the five men found that they were traveling in the same direction as was Gabe and the boys.
"Well, we'll keep company, if it's agreeable to you," proposed Mr. Hurd. "We've got plenty of grub, and we can camp together to-night."
"That suits me right down to the ground," replied Harrison, and the boys were also pleased to have company.
As the five men remounted, to continue their journey, Will noticed that Bill Case, the oldest of the cattlemen, was leading a small horse, tied by a long rope to the saddle horn of his own pony.
"Do you take turns riding those horses?" asked Will, for he was fond of animals, and a very good rider.
"No," replied Mr. Case, with a wink at his companions, which Will did not see, "that horse is a new one I bought. He's one of the fastest in this section, but the trouble is no one can ride him."
"Why not?" asked Will.
"Because he's got such a temper. Not exactly bad, you understand, but as soon as any one gets on his back, he doesn't do as a decent horse should, and carry his rider along the right way."
"I believe I could ride him," went on Will, who liked the looks of the steed.