A pompous easterner, acting on behalf of a conglomerate, makes an outrageously high offer for some of Bardwell Manley's prime cattle. Although noting that the man knows next-to-nothing about cattle, Mr. Manley nevertheless agrees to sell. It is curious, however, that the buyer insists on an unusual forfeiture section in the contract, and that the cattle be rounded up and delivered to a little-known and scarcely-used railway depot. A humorous incident involving a fortune-teller, several truly gratifying family scenes, and the action-packed conclusion make this a well-crafted book.

Writing: 9
Characterization: 9
Plot: 7
Overall score: 8.33