CHAPTER XI
Within an Ace
Work about the ranch went steadily on, and there were few interruptions
to the daily course of events. But one day a small black cloud appeared
on the western horizon, and grew larger with amazing rapidity. Soon it
had so increased in size that it obscured the sun, and a gloomy twilight
settled over the earth.
Bert and Dick and Tom were in the neighborhood of the branding pen,
watching the men throw the cattle and brand them with Mr. Melton's
mark. At first they did not notice the gathering storm, but as the sun
grew dimmer and dimmer they looked up, as did many of the cowboys, and
saw the ominous-looking cloud. The cattlemen gave it but one glance, and
then quit their tasks and began to securely rope and tie the animals
inside the corral and make everything trim and shipshape.
The boys were somewhat surprised to see such precautions being taken
against what they thought was merely going to be a thunder shower, but
they had gained experience enough to know that when anything was done on
the ranch there was generally some good reason back of it, and they had
also learned not to ask direct questions.
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