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"The only safe place to cross is Benson's crossing and that's twenty miles out of our way." Sam told them. "But," Sam paused to consider, "you won't have no trouble there, the river bends a bit and slows the rush of water down. It's not as high there either."
"I want to get the herd to market as bad as all of you, but not at the risk of another life," Lance told them. "We'll take a vote and decide."
Most of the boys agreed with Lance, it wasn't worth another life. The crossing would cost them some time but most of them agreed it was safer.
Joe was upset about the time, Lance explained. "I know how you feel. I want to get home probably as bad as you do, but not at the cost of another life. I'd rather be safe than sorry, Joe."
"I know you are right, just burns me to lose time."
"We all know these things happen, Joe?"
"Yeah, I guess you're right." Joe reflected.
"Every year we do this, every year there are problems to deal with Joe. But getting there safe and sound is more important than trying to beat all the other herds."
"You know if we have any more delays, we could lose money on this trip."
"Maybe, but money isn't always what I worry about." Lance told him.
"Well I guess not, for you. You can afford to be generous, but I got kids to feed, and I’m not as rich as you are." Joe protested.
"You will be in time. You got land, you got cattle, and you got a good family. In some ways you are richer than others."
"How do you figure?" Joe asked aggravated that Lance could be so generous.
"That boy we left back there on the trail didn't have family, money or a life. He'd barely began to live. I figure you and I are pretty lucky, count your blessings Joe."
Joe hung his head, "You're right about that. He didn't have a chance at life yet."
"My father and grandfather used to say." Lance smiled sadly. "It could have been you or me that happened to."
"I guess you're right. How come you right about most things."
"Because I've been wrong about enough of other things. Like Priscilla!" Lance chuckled, trying to lighten the mood.
"We ain't gonna let you live that one down, you know that don't you?" Joe smiled.
"I know, but that's alright too." Lance smiled at him.
The only other problem they had was running into a rancher as they got into Kansas territory that didn't want them on his land. Lance, Marty, and Joe all three went to talk to the rancher.
"We gotta get the herd through, sir, so tell us how we can end this problem?" Lance finally came out with his ultimatum.
"You got six thousand head of cattle, they'll tear the land up, eat the grass and do all kinds of harm if I let you through. This is my ranch; I won't allow that to happen. No sir!"
Lance's smile disappeared, "You want to be paid for the damages?"
"If I let you through, I'd expect it, yes." The rancher frowned at him.
"Look, we don't have a choice, we have to get our herd to market. How much?"
"A dollar a cow!" the man said.
"That's six thousand dollars!" Marty yelled.
"That's right, take it or leave it!"
Lance stared at the man. "There are other herds coming the same way, you gonna charge them all?"
