"I suppose there is always the
chance that a lot of things may happen to a big herd like that.
Some of them might try to wander away or they might get frightened
and stampede. I read about a stampede once where the cattle ran
right over the edge of a cliff."
"Well, they couldn't do that at the pool, because there aren't any
cliffs near there," replied Tom.
Larry was not satisfied, however, and said:
"I wonder what cowboys do to stop a stampede? I wish we'd thought
to ask Mr. Wilder."
"Don't always be looking for trouble, Larry," protested his brother.
"Still, we ought to know. He said he'd hold us responsible for the
cattle."
"We can ask Ned when he gets back, if you really want to know. But
don't, for goodness sake let Horace hear you. His imagination is
so lively that he would think it was a stampede every time the
cattle moved. I think it was because Horace is so excitable that
Mr. Wilder had us stay home. He probably thought we were older and
could steady him down. Now don't try to think up any more things
that might happen. I'm tired and want to go to sleep." And
turning his back to his brother, Tom refused to talk any more.
Out on the prairie the body of horsemen were riding silently and
steadily.
"I hope we shall not be obliged to wait long for Pete," said Bill,
giving voice to his thoughts.
"He'll be on hand, barring accidents," returned his father.
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