six o'clock
And like a puff of wholesome , blustery wind the doctor was off . Raidler reached out and plucked a leaf from a mesquite bush by the railing , and began chewing it thoughtfully . The branding season was at hand , and the next morning Ross Hargis , foreman of the outfit , was mustering his force of some twenty-five men at the ranch , ready to start for the San Carlos range , where the work was to begin . By six o'clock the horses were all saddled , the grub wagon ready , and the cow-punchers were swinging themselves upon their mounts , when Raidler bade them wait . A boy was bringing up an extra pony , bridled and saddled , to the gate . Raidler walked to McGuire 's room and threw open the door . McGuire was lying on his cot , not yet dressed , smoking .