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There was an exodus from Seven Mile the second day after the fire Keller went up Bear Creek, Phyllis accepted the invitation of Bess to stay with her at the Fiddleback, and her brother returned to the round-up

The riders were now co the Lost Creek watershed Phil knew the caher up, near the headwaters of the creek Before he reached the valley the steady bawl of cattle told hie and looked down upon Cattleland at its busiest Just below hi slowly toward the hills under the care of three half-grown boys

Beyond were the herded cattle Here all was activity Within the fence of riders surrounding the wild creatures the cutting out and the branding were being pushed rapidly forward Occasionally so, would make a dash to break the cordon Instantly one of the riders would wheel in chase, head off the animal, and drive it back

Brill Healy, boss of the rodeo by election, was in charge He was an expert handler of cattle, one of the best in the country It was his nature to seek the lih it must be said for him that he rose to his responsibilities The owners knew that when he was running the round-up few cattle would slip through the net he wound around the man as he rode up

"Hello, son! Too bad about the fire I'll want to hear about it later Looking for a job?" he flung hurriedly over his shoulder For he had not even a ned work, but joined the calf branders

Not until night had fallen and they were gathered round in a seainst their saddles did Phil find time to tell the story of the fire There was some haphazard comment when he had finished, after which Slim spoke

"So the nester hauled you out Ce'tainly looks like he's pluot you into the open, didn't you, Phil?"

The boy nodded "And all in He fainted right away"

"With hi away like the doctor's fire there," esture toward the cook

Phil looked at hirily "I didn't say that Soht a , but he found hiht