human
Were they vented?
gpt
I--yes, I think they were. That's what you call it when the former owner puts his brand in a different place to show that his ownership has ceased, isn't it? Seabeck puts his brand upside down--
human
I know Seabeck's vent, Billy Louise cut in. There was no need of letting such a fine fellow display more ignorance on the subject.
gpt
And I should have noticed it if I had seen four calves vented fresh and not rebranded. Why in the world didn't you stick your brand on at the same time?
human
I didn't have my branding iron with me, Charlie answered humbly.
gpt
I have done that before, when I bought those other cows and calves. I--
human
You'd better pack your iron, next time, she retorted.
gpt
If you can't get a little bunch of calves ten miles without losing them--
human
But you must understand, I did! I took them home and turned them into the Cove. I know--I'm an awful chump at this. There are things that I can do, he declared whimsically,
gpt
There is, said Billy Louise dryly.
human
You take that in the School of Experience, don't you?
gpt
Horatio! It certainly does cost something, though. I've certainly paid enough--
human
In worry, maybe. The calves may not be absolutely lost, you know. Why, I lost a big steer last spring and never found him till I was going to sell a few head. Then he turned up, the biggest and fattest one in the bunch. You can't tell; they get themselves in queer places sometimes. I'll come over to-morrow, if I can, and take a look at that pasture and all around. And I'll keep a good lookout for the calves.