We waited for good grass before beginning the gathering. Half a
dozen round-ups on the home range would be all that was necessary
in completing the numbers allotted to the Edwards ranch. Three
other cowmen were going to turn in a thousand head and furnish and
mount a man each, there being no occasion to road-brand, as every
one knew the ranch, brands which would go to make up the herd. An
outfit of twelve men was considered sufficient, as it was an open
prairie country and through civilized tribes between Texas and
Kansas. All the darkies and Mexicans from the home ranch who could
be spared were to be taken along, making it necessary to hire only
three outside men. The drive was looked upon as an experiment,
there being no outlay of money, even the meal and bacon which went
int
