He said he had seen cows broken to drive by the Pukes--as we used to call the Missourians--but never except by those who were so "pore" that they couldn't get horses, and he could see by my nice outfit, and the number of cows I had, that I could buy and sell some of the folks that drove horses.

What was my idea in driving cows?
"They are faster than oxen," I said, "and they'll make a start in stock for me when I get on my farm; and they give milk when you're traveling.
I traded my horses for my first cows, and I've been trading one sound cow for two lame ones all along the road.

I've got some more back along the way." "Right peart notion," said he.

"I reckon you'll do for Iowa.

Where you goin' ?" Then I explained about my farm, and my problem in finding it.
"Oh, that's easy!" said he.