noon
While feeding during the evening , we allowed the herd to scatter over a thousand acres . Taking advantage of the loose order of the beeves , the old man rode back and forth through them until approaching darkness compelled us to throw them together on the bedground . Even after the first guard took charge , the drover loitered behind , reluctant to leave until the last steer had lain down ; and all during the night , sharing my blankets , he awoke on every change of guards , inquiring of the returning watch how the cattle were sleeping . As we should easily pass Abilene before noon , I asked him as a favor that he take the wagon in and get us sufficient supplies to last until Red River was reached . But he preferred to remain behind with the herd , and I went instead . This suited me , as his presence overawed my outfit , who were delirious to see the town . There was no telling how long he would have stayed with us , but my brother Bob 's herd was expected at any time .