When the genial Bud had been overtaken with the idea of homesteading, he had had visions of a modest success which would allow him to entertain his erstwhile cow-puncher companions when they should ride his way.

I had my orders from the same people I'm working for now, to get out the cow-puncher element in the Strip for the bonds.

Some puncher lookin' for a job, most likely.

It was not until they had bathed and were propped up in their beds for a good-night smoke, which cow-punchers love, that Bill Gregg asked: "And what gave you the tip, Ronicky?"