Before the day’s chore was over, Damon had to acknowledge Eric might not be a real cowboy, but he was certainly no stranger to riding and even to working cattle. Of course, the dogs did the biggest part of that, but they still needed a bit of direction at times.
Eric was never in the wrong place. He even anticipated a small problem a time or two and turned Ole Red to put a cow back into the herd or urge a lagging calf across a ditch. Finally the last gate was closed behind the herd as they settled to graze in the new area.
The sun was dropping low over the jagged line of the distant mountains on the west side of the Caliente Valley as the two men headed back to the ranch. Eric reined Ole Red in alongside Damon’s dun.
“Thanks for inviting me along, Damon. I’ve enjoyed it more than I can
