you have the leisure," said Baugh.

Once secure in the back room, Stubb opened his talk. "As my friend
Mr. Baughman has said, I'm local manager of the Ohio Cattle Company
operating in the Strip. I'm spending considerable time in your town at
present, as I'm overseeing the wintering of something like a hundred
saddle horses and two hundred and fifty of our thoroughbred bulls.
We worked our saddle stock so late last fall, that on my advice the
superintendent sent them into the State to be corn-fed for the winter.
The bulls were too valuable to be risked on the range. We had over
fifty stolen last season, that cost us over three hundred dollars a
head. I had a letter this morning from our superintendent, asking me
to unite with what seems to be a general movement to suppress this
high-handed stealing that has run riot in this county in the past.
Mr. Baughman has probably acquainted you with the general sentiment
in cattle circles regarding what should be done. I wish to assure
you further that my people stand ready to use their best endeavors
to nominate a candidate who will pledge himself to stamp out this
disgraceful brand-burning and cattle-rustling. The little protection
shown the livestock interests in this western country has actually
driven capital out of one of the best paying industries in the West.
But it is our own fault. We take no interest in local politics. Any
one is good enough for sheriff with us. But this year there seems
to be an awakening. It may be a selfish interest that prompts this
uprising; I think it is. But that is the surest hope in politics for
us. The cattle-men's pockets have been touched, their interests have
been endangered. Mr. Seigerman, I feel confident that if you will
enter the race for this office, it will be a walk-away for you. Now
consider the matter fully, and I might add that there is a brighter
future for you politically than you possibly can see. I wish I had