11

"Crossed right here where we are settin',
Saw their trail that very day;
Struck plumb north, and by my reck'nin'
Towards the north they'll likely stay.
North of here, by my experience,
He'll find grass that's mighty fine.
Chances are that he'll keep goin'
Till he strikes Nebraska's line.
It was just the next day after
That my cattle scattered so;
Some strayed off 'way south to Jimson's,
One bunch in the bend below.
That's the day I met that feller
(Eyes so black he couldn't see)
Who kept pumpin' me with questions
Like you've just been askin' me.


12

"Asked about that prairie schooner,
Said that they was friends of hisn,
Like to wore me plumb to frazzles
With his everlasting quiz'n.
Rode a piebald, knock-kneed broncho;
Coat was battered, ripped, and torn;