Chapter 9

He started another one now, asking Roy how his efforts at earning respect were panning out.

“I think I’m making some progress,” Roy replied. “Some of the cowboys have started looking me in the eye at least, instead of pretending I don’t exist.”

Joe had to laugh. “By the end of the drive they’ll actually be saying ‘howdy’ back at you.”

7

By the time Roy finished his week working drag, he was ready for another river crossing. The last one had ended with most of the cowboys stripping off their clothes and taking a well-earned bath Of course, since most of them fit the definition of “boy” more than “man,” the bathing had degenerated into a free-for-all, but that had been amusing in its own right. Maybe this time Roy would join in the fun.

He’d picked out a big bay horse to ride, on Frank’s suggestion. Seems some horses took to swimming more than others, and this was supposedly one of those.