The moon rose full and bright, making the hills almost as
light as day. Sid and Dave stood by the shanty, looking back at the
corral, where the cattle were.
"We'll start early to-morrow morning, Sid," said Dave. "Guess we'll
meet some of the other ranchers on the road, most likely. You tired?
Musn't let one day's riding use you up. We'll be two days going down,
and one coming back. We can ride nights some, maybe. It'll be
pleasant."
Next night they were part way down the hills, far enough so that they
were leaving the bare portions behind, and entering the live-oak
districts. Sid stood in the moonlight by an oak, and watched some of
the men. They sat around a little fire, and played cards and drank.
Out in the moonlight were other men, taking charge of the droves of
cattle. Sid could see horns and heads, and once in a while a man would
come to the fire and drink and joke with the others. Dave came after a
time. He saw Sid with Rix by the tree. Sid had tied the horse there.
"Come over to the fire, and get warm," said Dave.
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