Little Britches becomes the "man" in his family after his father's early death, taking on the concomitant responsibilities as well as opportunities. During the summer of his twelfth year he works on a cattle ranch in the shadow of Pike's Peak, earning a dollar a day. Little Britches is tested against seasoned cowboys on the range and in the corral. He drives cattle through a dust storm, eats his weight in flapjacks, and falls in love with a blue outlaw horse.--From publisher description.

"A Bison book."

A boy needs a man's hand -- Ornery milk cows -- I seen you before -- Blueboy -- Picking a string -- A yella ribbon -- Long-tailed wildcats -- Lost -- Goin' to make out -- Betcha my life -- The secret spring -- A man owes it to his horse -- Keeping in time with the fiddler -- Dirty -- squealin' -- pig! -- A bellyful of riding -- Now, Mr. Man! -- I done it! I done it! -- A glow of light -- No profit a-fightin' -- Trinidad -- Trail driver -- Fireworks -- Diamond crosses -- Four-flush -- Swing-over -- Bunkhouse fight -- Cloudburst -- A lot of horse -- Lucky on every pick.