So that every stranger she glimpsed brought to her
a sudden beating of the heart.
But it was not the nature of Helen Messiter to sit down and give
herself up a prey to foreboding. Her active nature cried out for
work to occupy her and distract her attention. Fortunately this
was to be had in abundance just now. For the autumn round-up was
on, and since her foreman was away the mistress of the Lazy D
found plenty of work ready to her hand.
The meeting place for the round-up riders was at Boom Creek, five
miles from the ranch, and Helen rode out there to take charge of
her own interests in person. With her were six riders, and for
the use of each of them in addition to his present mount three
extra ponies were brought in the remuda. For the riding is so
hard during the round-up that a horse can stand only one day in
four of it. At the appointed rendezvous a score of other cowboys
and owners met them. Without any delay they proceeded to
business. Mr. Bob Austin, better known as "Texas," was elected
boss of the round-up, and he immediately assigned the men to
their places and announced that they would work Squaw Creek. They
moved camp at once, Helen returning to the ranch.
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