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Introduction.

Few men of my race would ever attempt to write a book.  Lack of education in most cases would have a tendency to keep them from doing so.  I only make up my mind to attempt such a feat after being persuaded by many white men to do so.  A number of them who had known me for years professed that I had enough reminiscences to not only write a book, but to make it interesting as well.  At last persuaded, I made the attempt, and this little volumne is the result of my efforts in the literary direction.  Some of the story may appear crude to those of culture and education and some may doubt the truthfulness of many incidents given herein, but I sincerely trust that they will read the little volumne from cover to cover and then see just how truthful it really is.  
 
My life has not been one similar to other men of my race.  I was thrown among the pioneers of Texas at an early day.  I had my own fare to seek and to look after.  My own battles were fought by me alone.  The white man knows that I never did an act unworthy of a man and that at all times I was found to be "square" in my dealings and honest in all transactions.  This fact, makes me prouder today than anything which has happened in my whole life.  I was thrown among men of the white race oftener than among those of my own race.  I think I stood the test, and today, as the men of the earlier days begin to join their maker above, I am sure that none of them have anything, but words of praise for me and the righteous life I have tried to lead.

In telling of the cowboy scenes and incidents, I do so, with modesty.  No one, and a man who has lived in the midst of the cowman's life for year would have the right to do otherwise.

Read my story and then give me praise for my effort, if proper to do so.  If on the other hand you find that it is not deserving of praise, condemn it.  I have never feared either.


Hector Bazy.