His name was John Sprague and his occupation was raising burros.

No sheep or cattle or horses did he own, not even a dog.
Rumor had said Sprague was a prospector, one of the many who had searched that country for the Lost Dutchman gold mine.

Sprague knew more about the Basin and Rim than any of the sheepmen or ranchers.
From Black Butte to the Cibique and from Chevelon Butte to Reno Pass he knew every trail, canyon, ridge, and spring, and could find his way to them on the darkest night.

His fame, however, depended mostly upon the fact that he did nothing but raise burros, and would raise none but black burros with white faces.

These burros were the finest bred in ail the Basin and were in great demand.