Chapter 4 A
Fatal TripBefore leaving Fort Sumner an agreement had been entered into
between my employers and the contractors for a third herd. The
delivery was set for the first week in September, and twenty-five
hundred beeves were agreed upon, with a liberal leeway above and
below that number in case of accident en route. Accordingly, on our
return to Loving's ranch active preparations were begun for the
next drive. Extra horses were purchased, several new guns of the
most modern make were secured, and the gathering of cattle in
Loving's brand began at once, continuing for six weeks. We combed
the hills and valleys along the main Brazos, and then started west
up the Clear Fork, carrying the beeves with us while gathering. The
range was in prime condition, the cattle were fat
