“Mustangs?”
“How did you know?”
“I’ve read that if domestic horses weren’t well tied they’d join the wild ones when a herd came along.”
“Confound it! you’ve read so much a man can’t get the best of you.”
“Do you want to get the best of me?”
“Of course. But look, the mustangs have been here.”
“Are those their tracks?”
“Yes; they went through here yesterday. It was a scouting party. Let me tell you that these beasts are uncommonly sharp. They always send out little advance-parties, which have their officers exactly like soldiers, and the commander is the strongest and most experienced horse. They travel in circular formation, stallions outside, mares next them inside, and the foals in the middle, in order that the males may protect the mares and young. I have already shown you how to catch a mustang with a lasso; do you remember? Would you like to capture one?”
“Certainly I would.”
“Well, you’ll have a chance before noon to-day.”