THE TRAIL TO TOMBSTONE 14

the next morning dale stepped out of the house to put the horses out to graze. just as he reached the corral he saw a man leading a pck horse comming toward him from gleesons direction. he stopped and waited for the rider to come into the yard. as he rode up dale could see a tripod of some sort lashed to the back of the pack horse. " is this the dale little outfit?" the rider asked in a friendly manner. " dale stepped up"ime dale little, what can i do for you? your out early can i offer you some breakfast or coffee?" " thank you , no, ime from the state land department, ime here to survey your home stead."the man laid it out on the line. " well thats great! what do i need to do?"dale was excited. " just look at these papers and tell me they are correct." the man held out a sheif of papers. after reading through them dale handed them back" yes sir they are correct.what now?" if you will allow me to tie horses here ill get started. ill stake the corners of your property and leave a flag at each corner so as you can see the property lines if you ever decide to fence your property."the man had dismounted and was tieing his horses.. he then unlashed the tripod from the pack horse and set out walking. dale stood there in shock. when billy walked up he had a question on his lips but dale explained before he could ask. dale asked as they caught their horses" where do you think we might find some saddle horses to buy? if the mexicans come back we will be left behind i fear.?" " ime not sure.. uncle billy four ranches north of here along the west slope of the dragoons. he might have a idea if not a horse or two for sell."billy answered. " maybe tomorrow you better go see what you can find out. i got a little cash left. and we will have to feed that bunch also. unless you want to cook for them maybe scout us up a camp cook too. we got some cattle to sell so we can pay some one."dale explained as they hobbled the horses out on on a fresh patch of grass. " if i dont find anyone ill cook . ill leave in the morning." billy slapped dale on the shoulder as they walked back to the corral. on the opposite ridge they could see the surveyer with his tri pod set up . " i wanna keep a eye on that bird.. make sure he knows what he is doing."dale stated.