Big John Cannon had to have new cattle. Recently many cows have been butchered by bandits who on their turn had lost their lives the hard way by the men of the High Chaparral.
Because it would become quite warm John and his younger brother Buck decided to leave home early to visit a cattle market. Billy Blue Cannon, the son of John, and Manolito Montoya went along too. John was married to the sister of Manolito, Victoria. For the security foreman Sam Butler, his brother Joe and the hands Ira, Pedro and Reno went along as well.
Before they left John said on a strict tone, “You behave yourselves!”
“Understood John”, Buck said on behalf of the others.
“We go”, said his brother.
They mounted on their horses and rode to Tucson where the cattle market was being held.
A hotel was soon found but the saloon too. John could just stop his brother by grabbing him tight by the arm.
“Buck, first we go to the market, then when we have found and bought cattle we can go to the saloon”, said John.
Buck said amazed and worried, “But John, later is all whisky gone and we can only drink water.”
“Then for once you come home sober from Tucson”, John reacted teasing.
With reluctance Buck went along. But the hands didn’t have to come too, just like Blue and Manolito. They stayed at the saloon with was dried out due to the cattle market.
Due to the heat the cattle market was not very big. The Cannons looked around and checked all the cattle that was there.
Suddenly Buck saw some fat cows and he said to his brother, “John, look there is your cattle. If you handle this then there might be some whiskey for me at the saloon.”
“We are going to deal together because when you see a glass of whisky you are sold”, answered John.
Together they walked to the cattle dealer.
“How much do you want for those cows?”, asked John.
The cattle dealer said, “For 100 dollar you may have all 30 pieces.”
“You sell those 30 cows for 100 dollar? Do you know how many bottles of whiskey you have for that amount?”, asked Buck.
“Silent Buck. Sir, you have a deal”, answered John.
“It was nice doing business with you sire. Have a nice day”, the cattle dealer said when he had gotten his money.
John saw his son and beckoned him.
“Blue, I want that you fetch the others”, said the rancher.
The young Cannon went to get the hands and Manolito. He found them at the saloon where they were getting bored.
“You must come like hell to pa to drive cattle home”, said Blue.
“That’s better than hanging around here. Come on boys”, said Sam.
Manolito grabbed Blue by the arm and took him apart.
“You had to come too”, said Blue.
“I know that amigo. But first we are going to play a little joke on your uncle Buck”, Manolito said with laughing eyes.
Blue looked at him amazed and questionable.
“Tell your uncle that there is a crate of whisky standing by for him at the saloon”, said the Mexican.
“Alright, but now you are coming along”, said Blue.
“Si”, said Manolito.
Together they walked after the others.
“Gentlemen, we drive this herd home. If we hurry up we are home before dark”, spoke John.
“Uncle Buck, Manolito said that there was a crate of whisky standing by for you at the saloon”, said Blue.
“Blue Boy, tell your pa that I come home later”, Buck said being as pleased as Punch.
He ran to the saloon to score his loot.
“I heard that there was a crate of whisky standing by for me”, Buck said out of breath.
“Buck, I don’t know what you are talking about. By that cattle market there is no booze. Only lemonade and water”, said the barkeeper.
The rancher now understood everything and went home sober without helping with the cattle drive.
Once at home Buck saw his sister-in-law and said, “Victoria, your brother deserves a lesson.”
In brief he told what had happened in Tucson.
“So set the table just for all of us. But give your brother only water and bread. That will teach him to pester Buck Cannon”, Buck said as last.
Victoria decided to play the game along.
Just after hours the men came home while Buck laid like a lord on the hammock.
“Did the whisky taste delicious?”, Manolito asked teasing.
“Just as delicious as your meal will taste like soon”, answered Buck.
Victoria greeted her husband and son and said, “We can eat.”
They came and after John had told about the bought cattle Manolito caused a commotion.
“Victoria, why do I get water and bread?”, he asked excited.
“Because you had that poor Buck on. He saw the cattle first and you play a joke on him”, said his sister.
“Alright. Buck Cannon, hereby I apologize but I never go to a cattle market with you”, said Manolito.
“Then that’s mutual”, answered Buck.
Hereby they were the best of friends again.
By this purchase John Cannon now had enough cattle for the time being.