Bert learned the next morning that his brother Dave was working on the Thirty-Three ranch for a few days, and as it was only about five miles from Snowville he rode there instead of going back home.
Dave was greatly surprised to see him. For a long time the boys had had little in common, and Dave rather resented his younger brother’s silent disapproval of his actions. A stranger would never have dreamed of them being brothers. Dave was a small, bow-legged man, and wore a beard, which made him look more than his thirty years. As a rider and bronc fighter, however, Dave Cole was without a peer.
“Hallo, Buddy—how’s the steady member o’ the family?” Dave greeted jeeringly.
“Purty good, Dave. How’re you?” Bert replied.
“Still workin’ fer the Flyin’ M?”
“I reckon I am—yet.”
“Some people ha
