Each couple made its way toward the wagon, gathering all the cattle it could find.

The morning's ride might last six or eight hours, and it was still longer before some of the men got in.

Singly and in twos and threes they appeared from every quarter of the horizon, the dust rising from the hoofs of the steers and bulls, the cows and calves, they had collected.
Two or three of the men were left to take care of the herd while the others changed horses, ate a hasty dinner, and then came out to the afternoon work.

This consisted of each man in succession being sent into the herd, usually with a companion, to cut out the cows of his brand or brands which were followed by unbranded calves, and also to cut out any mavericks or unbranded yearlings.

We worked each animal gently out to the edge of the herd, and then with a sudden dash took it off at a run.
It was always desperately anxious to break back and rejoin the herd.
There was much breakneck galloping and twisting and turning before its desire was thwarted and it was driven to join the rest of the cut--that is, the other animals which had been cut out, and which were being held by one or two other men.