three o'clock
Immediate entrance at the ford was held by a large herd of young cattle in charge of a negro outfit . Their stock were scattered over several thousand acres , and when I asked for the boss , a middle-aged darky of herculean figure was pointed out as in charge . To my inquiry why he was holding the ford , his answer was that until to-day the river had been swimming , and now he was waiting for the banks to dry . Ridiculing his flimsy excuse , I kindly yet firmly asked him either to cross or vacate the ford by three o'clock that afternoon . Receiving no definite reply , I returned to our herd , which was some five miles in the rear . Beyond the river 's steep , slippery banks and cold water , there was nothing to check a herd . After the noonday halt , the wrangler and myself took our remuda and went on ahead to the river .