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Show Scratching his head, the cashier thought for a moment-then said, "I heard that Captain Mossman was needing some rams this year. As a matter of fact, that is Cap Mossman coming through the door right now." To say that Bill was impresssed by the seasoned, almost hardened former Texas Ranger-wearing a handlebar mustache and a large white hat-would be stating it mildly. Bill was practically overwhelmed that such a possibility had appeared almost at the moment of inquiry. Captain Mossman was president of the Bloom Land and Livestock Company which operated sheep and cattle ranches from Mexico to North Dakota. After meeting Bill, and being asked the big question about rams the Captain said, "Yeah, I do need 225 head of rams, but I think I*ve practically bought 'em?" "But have you bought them?" Bill asked him, "No, I haven't really bought 'em, but I've seen 'em, and we've almost agreed on a price. It's just a matter now of me makin' up my mind if they're what I want." When Bill told him he would like to tell him about the Madsen rams Captain Mossman invited him to ride along to the ranch with him so they could talk things over- Of course Bill was delighted with the opportunity to go with him and to do just that-talk things over. And for three days he rode to ranches with the Captain. Each evening when he came into the cabin, Pearl asked, "Have you sold him any rams yet?" 207 |