CHAPTER XXX.

Cowboy Life--The Boys that Become Good Range Riders--Peculiar Tastes and Talents Required for the Ranch--Wages Paid to Cowboys--Abuse and Misrepresentation to which They are Subjected--The "Fresh Kid," and the Long-Haired "Greaser"--The Stranger Always Welcome at the Ranch--A Dude Insulted--A Plaid Ulster, a Green Umbrella, and a Cranky Disposition--Making a Train Crew Dance--An Uncomplimentary Concert--No Sneak Thieves on the Plains--Leather Breeches, Big Spurs, and a Six-Shooter in a Sleeping Car--Fear Gives Way to Admiration--The Slang of the Range--The "Bucker," and the "Buster"--The Good Cow-Horse--Roping for Prizes--Snaking a Bear with a Lariat--A Good School for Boys--Communion with Nature Makes Honest