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853
After a few months he was discharged ; he came home to the family and found us trudging along with our little farm project. We continued to live on the Blanco until we made the fourth crop, when father bought the property on Blanco River and there spent the balance of his life, passing away at the age of 60 years. I remained with the family until I was 20 years of age. I then tried to farm one year in my own interest. I did not succeed financially, being overcome by drouth and other misfortunes. Dissatisfied with farming I decided to change occupation, so I saddled my horse and drifted to the West. After three or four days' travel I found myself in Uvalde, Texas, ninety miles from San Antonio. Here I met Cood Adams, a member. of the firm of Adams Bros. in the ranch business on the Leona and Frio Rivers, some fifteen miles from Uvalde. Cood and Mart Adams composed the firm of Adams Brothers, though John Adams who lived 15 miles west of San Antonio on the Castroville road, James Adams who lived at San Marcos and Bill Adams of San Antonio, worked some on this ranch while I was there. Cood Adams agreed to give me employment ; I asked the amount of wages to expect and he replied, "I am getting Mexicans for $12.00 and board," and with this understanding I commenced to work. I had worked about four months when I decided to go home and spend the Christmas holidays. When ready to start Mr. Adams gave me a check for $80.00 and asked if I intending returning. I replied that I would if the price would justify. He made me an offer of $100.00 per month and in one minute he had my reply, "I will be here." On my return he stated that he intended making a drive to the Northern markets in the spring of that year and must commence gathering cattle on the range and placing them in pastures until ready for the drive. I started preparations with seven Mexicans, about 30 horses, and a pack horse. The Mexicans could not speak English and I could not speak