CHAPTER XXXI.

A Montana Roundup--Ranges and Ranches on Powder River; Once the Home of the Buffalo, the Elk, the Antelope; now the Home of the Texas Steer and the Cowboy--The Great Plains in Spring Attire--A Gathering of Rustlers--"Chuck Outfits" to the Front--Early Risers--Taming an "Alecky" Steer--A Red-Hot Device--Branding and Slitting--The Run on the Mess Wagon--"Cutting Out" and "Throwing Over"--A Cruel Process.

CRUISINGS IN THE CASCADES.