noon
Simpson and another `` XXX '' man , with two of the Wetmore outfit , made up a double watch , and rode , singing , about the herd , as the long , dreary watch wore away . The cattle 's lowing had taken on a gasping , cracked sound that was more frightful than the maddened bellow of the early evening . Simpson , who was past the age when men live the life of the saddle , felt the hardship keenly . He had ridden since sunrise , but for the respite at noon and the scant time at the dry camp while the evening meal was being eaten . He was more than half asleep now , as he lurched heavily in the saddle , crossing and recrossing his partner in the half-circle they completed about the herd . Suddenly the sharp yelp of a coyote rang out ; it seemed to come from no farther than twenty yards away . The cattle heard it , too , and a wave of panic swept through them .