Two o'clock
`` But I only volunteered as far as the railroad , '' protested the genial Texan . `` Yes ; but then I know you cowmen , '' contended Priest . `` You have lived around a wagon so long and love cow horses so dearly , that you simply ca n't quit my outfit to ride on a train . Two o'clock is the hour for starting , and I 'll overtake you before evening . '' The outfit had been reduced to six men , the remainder having been excused and sent home from Ogalalla . The remuda was in fine condition , four changes of mounts a day was the rule , and on the hour named , the cavalcade moved out , leaving its foreman behind . `` Angle across the plain and enter the trail on the divide , between here and the Prairie Dog , '' suggested Priest to his men .