THE WHEELSOAKERS

Wagon wheels are made of wood and bound with iron; that is, the hub is bound with iron bands and the outer rim of the wheel is secured with a close-fitting iron tire. Early travelers in the West made a practice of removing their wagon wheels and soaking them in streams as a preventive measure against drying out and shrinking. Four Comanche Indians have stopped by to witness this curious custom, as explained to them by the buckskin-clad wagon boss. He knows that there is no threat at the moment, but his companion is not so sure. Several broken treaties later there will be no more pleasantries and the wagons of the white invaders will roll on.