Acknowledgment

It is fitting that I should here express my indebtedness tothose Williamson Valley friends who in the kindness of their heartsmade this story possible.

To Mr. George A. Carter, who so generously introduced me to thescenes described in these pages, and who, on the Pot-Hook-S ranch,gave to my family one of the most delightful summers we have everenjoyed; to Mr. J.H. Stephens and his family, who so cordiallywelcomed me at rodeo time; to Mr. and Mrs. Joe Contreras, for theirkindly hospitality; to Mr. and Mrs. J.W. Stewart, who, while thisstory was first in the making, made me so much at home in theCross-Triangle home-ranch; to Mr. J.W. Cook, my constant companion,helpful guide, patient teacher and tactful sponsor, who, with hischarming wife, made his home mine; to Mr. and Mrs. Herbert N. Cook,and to the many other cattlemen and cowboys, with whom, on therange, in the rodeos, in the wild horse chase about Toohey, afteroutlaw cattle in Granite Basin, in the corrals and pastures, I rodeand worked and lived, my gratitude is more than I can put in words.Truer friends or better companions than these great-hearted,outspoken, hardy riders, no man could have. If my story in anydegree wins the approval of these, my comrades of ranch and range.I shall be proud and happy. H.B.W.