He was taking high place in their ranks, and was entirely happy during these pleasant autumn days.

On his swift and wise little ponies he tore across the sod in pursuit of swift steers, or came rattling down a hillside, hot at the heels of a wild-eyed cow and calf, followed by a cataract of pebbles.

Each day he bestrode his saddle till his bones cried out for weariness, and his stomach, walls ground together for want of food, but when he sat among his fellows to eat with keenest pleasure the beef and beans of the pot wrestler's providing, he was content.

He had no time to think of Jack or Mary except on the nights when he took his trick at watching the night herd.

Then, sometimes in the crisp and fragrant dusk, with millions of stars blazing overhead, he experienced a sweet and powerful longing for a glimpse of the beautiful girlish face which had lightened his days and nights in prison.
The herders were rough, hearty souls, for the most part, often obscene and rowdy as they sat and sang around the camp fire.