Cowboy's The Cattle Rustlers

Cowboy was riding through the sagebrush when he saw a cloud of dust in the distance. The wind was calm so the dust must be from riders moving fast. In a half hour, he could see six men carrying long guns in their arms. Something is wrong, VERY WRONG. A big burly man with a handlebar mustache said, "Have you seen any riders or cattle coming by here? Someone stole about 25 head of my prime breeding stock! I aim to get them back". They were just about to leave and keep heading east when Cowboy said, "I could join you and help find your herd. I am a part-time Deputy Marshall in Dove, Creek". "Well, my name is Buck Jones of the Rocking D ranch and we would be happy to have you come along" and all of the riders lit out in a hurry. A few hours later they came over a rise and sitting by a small fire was a Ute Indian. Buck spoke up, "Maybe this is the sidewinder that took my cows?". Cowboy stopped Buck from saying more and replied, "I know this man. His name is Eagle Claw and he is a good friend of mine and he is as honest as the day is long". They rode up to Eagle Claw and Cowboy greeted him and told Eagle Claw the story of the rustled cattle. Eagle Claw said, "I saw dust by the Mesa Verde hills. Maybe that them. I know that country well, and I can take you there." Cowboy said, "Eagle Claw is the best tracker I know. He will find your cattle". Buck agreed to let Eagle Claw lead the chase and within two hours they found the herd back in a box canyon. The two owlhoots that stole them knew that cattle rustling is a hanging offense and took off like scared rabbits. Buck was happy to have his cattle back and called off the chase. He thanked Cowboy for the help and held out his hand to Eagle Claw to thank him. "If you two boys ever come up our way you are welcome to have dinner with us and rest up your horses. My wife Mary makes a great beef stew with all the fixings and even apple pie for desert".