On Catching Cows

More than anything, my brother-in-law wanted to be a cowpoke.

Taking pity on him, a rancher decided to hire the lad and give him a chance.

"This," he said, showing him a rope, "is a lariat. We use it to catch cows."

"I see," said my brother-in-law, trying to seem knowledgeable as he examined the lariat.

"And what do you use for bait?"