At this the old major and Hugh laughed immoderately, while the judge looked on in blank astonishment, as if vexed and incensed at their hilarity.
AT Horton's Grove they were indulging in a family reunion and thanksgiving for all that had occurred. The cattle king had almost entirely recovered from the effects of his fall, and his wound was rapidly healing. Therefore, when Kinneman reported the last depredations of the cattle thieves, it threw no particular gloom over the household.
"We are too thankful, and our happiness is too great," said Ethel, "to care very much about a few hundred head of beeves."
"Quite true, daughter," observed Mrs. Horton; "nevertheless, the loss is considerable, and it is unfortunate that these marauders cannot be captured."
"With father's consent," said Hugh, "I shall undertake to help him in ferreting out this mystery, and in learning who the cattle thieves really are."
"It is truly comforting," observed Mr. Horton, "to know that I have some one on whom I can depend," and his eyes rested lovingly on Hugh. "After you have deliberated on the subject, I shall be glad of your advice and help."
"Has it ever occurred to you," asked Hugh, "that it might be a good idea to discharge your present force of cowboys, and employ others?"
"I hardly think that is necessary," replied Mr. Horton. "They are a fairly good lot of fellows; and, while it cannot be denied that they are careless at times, yet, as a rule, they take a deep interest in all that concerns me. I believe you had better arrange matters at the bank, my son, so you can be absent about two weeks, and we will take a trip along the Cimarron River and over into No-Man's-Land, and down into the Panhandle country, and you can, in this way, advise yourself as to the extent of our herds, and also become acquainted with the range bosses and their assistants."
"A good idea, father. When do you advise that we go?"
"Let me see; the round-up and maverick branding will commence in about ten days. Perhaps we had better arrange to start about that time. As you have never witnessed a round-up you will find it very interesting. Doctor Redfield might like to go with us. Roping and flanking calves has an interest peculiar to itself."