“Not the way I do it,” the young man said thoughtfully. “I string it myself. I might be able to run a few more head, but that would be all.”
“A few more head? Ten percent more? Twenty?”
“Ten or fifteen.”
“Ten percent a year represents quite a gain in most businesses I know. I’d kill for a ten percent increase in some of my divisions.”
“I’ll think about it,” the young cowman agreed. “Right now, the whole hundred acres is under one fence. It would cut up into about four natural pastures, I think. It would mean handling the cattle more often, but maybe it’s worth a try.”
“Good!” de la Roche said, confident that their relationship had changed subtly. “Now if you don’t mind, I’m going to turn in and get some rest. It’s been sort of a hard day.”
“It’s my bedtime anyway,” Austin answered, r
