arid plain, the town profiting little or nothing from the cattle
trade. But when within a half-day's drive of the railway, on
overtaking the herd after dinner, there was old man Don talking
to the boys on herd. The cattle were lying down, and rather than
disturb them, he patiently bided his time until they had rested
and arose to resume their journey. The old man was feeling in
fine spirits, something unusual, and declined my urgent
invitation to go back to the wagon and have dinner. I noticed
that he was using his own saddle, though riding a livery horse,
and in the mutual inquiries which were exchanged, learned that he
had arrived at Grinnell but a few days before. He had left Camp
Supply immediately after Forrest and Sponsilier passed that
point, and until Siringo came in with his report, he had spent
the time about detective headquarters in Kansas City. From
intimate friends in Dodge, he had obtained the full particulars
of the attempted but unsuccessful move of The Western Supply
Company to take possession of his two herds. In fact there was
very little that I could enlighten him on, except the condition
of the cattle, and they spoke for themselves, their glossy coats
shining with the richness of silk. On the other hand, my employer
opened like a book.

"Tom, I think we're past the worst of it," said he. "Those Dodge
people are just a trifle too officious to suit me, but Ogalalla
is a cow-town after my own heart. They're a law unto themselves
up there, and a cowman stands some show--a good one against
thieves. Ogalalla is the seat of an organized county, and the
town has officers, it's true, but they've got sense enough to
know which side their bread's buttered on; and a cowman who's on
the square has nothing to fear in that town. Yes, the whole gang,