As they approached they observed the big tent was lying flat, and there was no one stirring about it. They dismounted and proceeded to put the tent up, when they discovered under it a number of men who were asleep.

It occurred that the wind had blown it down, and the boys finding by calling to one another that no one was hurt, and being sleepy and perfectly' dry and comfortable, they went on with their slumber without putting up the tent.

The Tracy ranch was one of the early places acquired by the Bay State. The brand was the T F Circle, and the location near Pine Bluffs. The old trails used to lead from Pine Bluffs northward over the fine tables now called Golden Prairie, and down the branch of Horse creek to Creighton's Horse creek ranch. Southward the trails led to Crow creek ranges and beyond.

Pine Bluffs was not a large town, but any sort of a place in those days had a saloon, and

HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA

someone about the place could entertain at poker.

Sometimes the churches of the east would send out missionaries who would endeavor to turn the unregenerate saddle boys into the paths of duty. But those paths were not well defined, although the boys back in their minds had a respect for the teachings of their mothers, many, many years ago. The trail of the wicked are broad, and easy to follow even out on the wide prairies.

One of these "sky pilots" landed at Pine Bluffs, and the boys rigged up the hall over the saloon, which generally served as a place to dance, and the saloon was closed for an hour or two that all might hear the sermon. After the missionary had told the old, old story, and sang a few hymns, they again went down stairs.