The ranch yard was teeming with men and sheep. All were coated with the dust created by the sheep milling in the fenced yards. The dust rose and suspended itself between sky and earth. The bleating protests rolled skyward and men"s voices rose and fell depending on the situation. Spring was almost at an end and the sheep castrating and shearing were in full swing.
Once released from the grip of the shearer the distressed animal"s protests over losing its coat and/or its manhood continued. At times a lamb would separate from its mother and go on a wild dash to nowhere. It was eight-year-old David"s job to catch the escapee, put the lamb in the proper pen, or hold it until the mother was ready to be released.
David was bursting with pride. He was helping his father; his father so strong an
