noon
The chute had been ironed and bolted the evening previous , and long before the early rays of the sun flooded the valley of the Beaver , the first contingent of cattle arrived from the upper corral . The boys adopted Bar Y as their brand . The chute chambered ten grown cattle , and when clutched in a vise-like embrace , with bars fore and aft , the actual branding , at the hands of two trail foremen , was quickly over . The main herd was cut into half a dozen bunches , and before the noon hour arrived , the last hoof had passed under the running irons and bore the new owner 's brand or tally-mark . Only a short rest was allowed , as the herds were trailing the limit of travel , and must be overtaken by evening . When crossing the railroad a few days before , it was learned that Grinnell was the railroad depot for settlers ' supplies , and the boys were advised to file their order for corn , and to advance a liberal payment to insure attention . All details of the ranch seemed well in hand , the cattle were in good condition to withstand a winter , and if spirit and confidence could be imparted , from age to youth , the sponsors of the venture would have felt little concern for the future .