Way out in North Nevada where the Trukee's waters flow. Where the cattle are "a-browzin'' and the Spanish ponies grow. Where the Norther comes whistlin' from beyond the Neutral strip. And the prairie dogs are sneezin' as if they had "the Grip". Where the coyotes come a-howlin' round the ranches after dark. And the blue-birds are singin' to the lovely "medder lark". Where the big horns are grazin' and the lonely plovers call. It was there that I attended "The Cowboys' Christmas Ball". The boys had left the ranches and come to town in piles. The ladies "kinder scatterin'" had gathered in for miles. The room was togged out gorgeous with mistletoe and shawls. And candles flickered frescoes around the airy walls. The "wimmin folks" looked lovely the boys looked kinder treed. Till their leader commenced yellin': "Hey fellers let's stampede". The music started sighin' and a-wailin' through the hall. As a kind of introduction to "The Cowboys' Christmas Ball". The leader was a fellow that came from Swenson's Ranch. They called him "Windy Billy" from "little Dead-man's Branch". His rig was "kinder keerless" big spurs and high-heeled boots. He had the reputation that comes when "fellers shoots". His voice was like the bugle upon the mountain's height. His feet were animated an' a mighty movin' sight. When he commenced to holler "Neow fellers stake yer pen!. Lock horns to all them heifers an' russle 'em like men. Saloot yer lovely critters; neow swing an' let 'em go. Climb the grape vine round 'em all hands do-ce-do!. And Mavericks jine the round-up jest skip her waterfall". Huh! hit wuz gittin' happy "The Cowboys' Christmas Ball!". Don't tell me 'bout cotillions or germans. No sir 'ee!. That whirl at Carson City just takes the cake with me. I'm sick of lazy shufflin's of them I've had my fill. Give me a fronteer breakdown backed up by Wild Bill. McAllister ain't nowhere! when Windy leads the show. I've seen 'em both in harness an' so I sorter know. Oh Bill I sha'n't forget yer and I'll oftentimes recall. That lively-gaited sworray "The Cowboys' Christmas Ball". Oh Bill I sha'n't forget yer and I'll oftentimes recall. That lively-gaited sworray "The Cowboys' Christmas Ball"