inquiry. Near noon a party of six men, driving a number of loose
mounts and a pack-horse, were met, who also took the windward
side. Our dragmen learned that they were on their way to Dodge to
receive a herd of range horses. But when about halfway down the
slope towards the river, two mounted men were seen to halt the
remuda and wagon for a minute, and then continue on southward.
Billy Tupps was on the left point, myself next in the swing; and
as the two horsemen turned out on the branded side, their
identity was suspected. In reply to some inquiry, Tupps jerked
his thumb over his shoulder as much as to say, "Next man." I
turned out and met the strangers, who had already noted the road
brand, and politely answered every question. One of the two
offered me a cigar, and after lighting it, I did remember hearing
one of my boys say that among the herds lying over on the head of
Stinking Water was an "Open A" and "Drooping T," but I was unable
to recall the owner's or foremen's names. Complimenting me on the
condition of my beeves, and assuring me that I would have time to
water my herd and reach the mesa beyond Ogalalla, they passed on
down the column of cattle.

I had given the cook an order on an outfitting house for new
supplies, saying I would call or send a draft in the morning. A
new bridge had been built across the Platte opposite the town,
and when nearing the river, the commissary turned off the trail
for it, but the horse-wrangler for the day gave the bridge a wide
berth and crossed the stream a mile below the village. The width
of the river was a decided advantage in watering a thirsty herd,
as it gave the cattle room to thrash around, filling its broad
bed for fully a half mile. Fortunately there were few spectators,
but I kept my eye on the lookout for a certain faction, being