Unbranded calves were scarce.

Sometimes the men rode here and there for a minute or so before their eyes fell on a pair of uncropped ears.

Finally Homer rode over to the Cattleman and reported the branding finished.

The latter counted the marks in his tally-book.
"One hundred and seventy-six," he announced.
The markers, squatted on their heels, told over the bits of ears they had saved.

The total amounted to but an hundred and seventy-five.
Everybody went to searching for the missing bit.