The horse herd would be culled of its likeliest saddle horses while the market was best.
To-day, and for several days, the boys would ride north and west, combing the rough country that held two broad-bottomed streams and therefore fair grazing for horses.

Bill had meant to ride Jake, but he was changing his mind.

Jake, from the look of him, had lately received exercise enough to last him for one day, at least.

Suspicion dwelt in Bill's eyes as they rested on each man in turn.

They halted at Tex, who was standing with his head up, staring at Jake with more interest than Bill believed an innocent man had any right to feel.