第287页 / 共439页

Jed Briscoe rejoined the round-up the day following Fraser's

initiation. He took silent note of the Texan's popularity, of how

the boys all called him "Steve" because he had become one of

them, and were ready either to lark with him or work with him. He

noticed, too, that the ranger did his share of work without a

whimper, apparently enjoying the long, hard hours in the saddle.

The hill riding was of the roughest, and the cattle were wild as

deers and as agile. But there was no break-neck incline too steep

for Steve Fraser to follow.