Mexican outfit in our front, scarcely a day passing but what we
sighted them either in person or by signal. Once they dropped
back opposite us on the western side of the trail, when
Cedardall, under the pretense of hunting lost horses, visited
their camp, finding them contented and enjoying a lay-over. They
were impatient to know the distance to the Rio Platte, and G--G
assured them that within a week they would see its muddy waters
and be relieved. Thus encouraged they held the lead, but several
times vaqueros dropped back to make inquiries of drives and the
water. The route was passable, with a short dry drive from the
head of Stinking Water across to the Platte River, of which they
were fully advised. Keeping them in sight, we trailed along
leisurely, and as we went down the northern slope of the divide
approaching the Republican River, we were overtaken at noon by
Don Lovell and Dave Sponsilier.

"Quirk," said the old man, as the two dismounted, "I was just
telling Dave that twenty years ago this summer I carried a musket
with Sherman in his march to the sea. And here we are to-day,
driving beef to feed the army in the West. But that's neither
here nor there under the present programme. Jim Flood and I have
talked matters over pretty thoroughly, and have decided to switch
the foremen on the 'Open A' and 'Drooping T' cattle until after
Ogalalla is passed. From their actions at Dodge, it is probable
that they will try and arrest the foreman of those two herds as
accessory under some charge or other. By shifting the foremen,
even if the ones in charge are detained, we will gain time and be
able to push the Buford cattle across the North Platte. The
chances are that they will prefer some charges against me, and if
they do, if necessary, we will all go to the lock-up together.