By degrees they were learning a great many things that they had never dreamed would ever fall to their lot. Being young, and quick to pick up new “stunts,” both of them gave promise of soon making average riders, at least, though they might not hope to equal some of the punchers who were more reckless by nature, and handled their mounts as though a cayuse were a machine, governed by their sole whim.
Both Frank and Andy had their own ponies, and could dash like mad over the level, plying both voice and quirt in the endeavor to come in ahead; for cowboys spend much of their time in this sort of racing.
They had adopted something of the dress of the others, and even wore the customary “chaps” made of leather and handsomely decorated, and to which they soon became accustomed in spite of the first awkward feeling.
And so, daily they were seeing more and more of life on the range. They visited the prairie dog village and shot rattlers that were dozing outside the holes in which they lived at peace with the queer little animals that amused Andy so, and which he stalked on the sly, so as to take home some pictures of them.
They learned to throw a rope with a fair degree of skill, although this takes long practice, if one wishes to become an expert. Neither of them ever actually threw a cow, though they believed they would be able to do so in time, if they kept this thing up long enough.
They did like to watch the regular punchers do the trick and get the rope around the snubbing post like lightning every time. Both Frank and Andy could hobble a broncho equal to the next one; and on one occasion had spent a night on the range “wrangling” horses, which meant that they kept company with the guard whose duty was to watch the precious saddle band, and prevent them from straying, which catastrophe would be apt to leave the party without mounts for their morrow’s work; and this is really the worst thing that could happen to cowboys, who seldom walk if they can help it.
Later on there was to be the regular fall round-up, and the boys expected to be able to accompany the outfit, and see the youngsters branded after the most approved fashion, with Andy capturing numerous pictures that would show just how the entire operation were carried out. One evening while the two boys were sitting with Mr. Witherspoon on the big verandah which was kept screened to prevent an onslaught from insect pests, the genial rancher surprised Frank and Andy by casually remarking:
“I rather think, now, that we’ll have a decent day for our little expedition tomorrow; and that the heat will be somewhat less pronounced than usual.”
Andy looked at his cousin. Uncle Jethro had already sprung several little surprises on them and seemed to enjoy it immensely so that they immediately scented something new.
“What sort of trip is that, Uncle?” asked Andy, seeing that the rancher was waiting to be questioned.