When Dan is here it seems like old Cumberland jest nacherally lives on the things Dan does and hears and sees.

We've seen Cumberland prick up his ears the minute Dan comes into the room, and show life.

Sometimes Dan sits with him and tells him what he's been doin'-- maybe it ain't any more than how the sky looks that day, or about the feel of the wind--but Joe sits with his eyes dreamin', like a little kid hearin' fairy stories.

Kate says it's been that way since her dad first brought Dan in off'n the range.

He's been sort of necessary to old Joe--almost like air to breathe.