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A bunch of young steers which had strayed from their range were

to be driven to the Dillon ranch, and the boss of the rodeo

appointed France and Fraser to the task.

"Yo'll have company home, honey," he told his daughter, "and

yo'll be able to give the boys a hand if they need it. These hill

cattle are still some wild, though we've been working them a

week. Yo're a heap better cowboy than some that works more steady

at the business."

Briscoe nodded. "You bet! I ain't forgot that day Arlie rode Big

Timber with me two years ago. She wasn't sixteen then, but she

herded them hill steers like they belonged to a milk bunch."