Fred and his wife, Lady Charlotte, gave themselves to the duties of their position as hosts for the day with a heartiness and grace beyond praise.

After supper the men gathered round the big fire, which was piled up before the long, low shed, which stood open in front.

It was a scene of such wild and picturesque interest as can only be witnessed in the western ranching country.

About the fire, most of them wearing "shaps" and all of them wide, hard-brimmed cowboy hats, the men grouped themselves, some reclining upon skins thrown upon the ground, some standing, some sitting, smoking, laughing, chatting, all in highest spirits and humor.

They had just got through with their season of arduous and, at times, dangerous toil.