stock-yards in time, I may have to load out a train of feeders
this evening. We'll bed the cars, anyhow." Turning to the
sheriff, he continued: "Frank, if you happen outside, keep an eye
up the river; those Lincoln feeders made a deal yesterday for
five hundred three-year-olds.--Read your complaint."

The legal document was read with great fervor and energy by the
younger of the two local lawyers. In the main it reviewed the
situation correctly, every point, however, being made subservient
to their object,--the possession of the cattle. The plaintiffs
contended that they were the innocent holders of the original
contract between the government and The Western Supply Company,
properly assigned; that they had purchased these two herds in
question, had paid earnest-money to the amount of sixty-five
thousand dollars on the same, and concluded by petitioning the
court for possession. Sutton arose, counseled a moment with
Lovell, and borrowing a chew of tobacco from Sponsilier,
leisurely addressed the court.

"I shall not trouble your honor by reading our reply in full, but
briefly state its contents," said he, in substance. "We admit
that the herds in question, which have been correctly described
by road brands and ages, are the property of my client. We
further admit that the two trail foremen here under arrest as
accessories were acting under the orders of their employer, who
assumes all responsibility for their acts, and in our pleadings
we ask this honorable court to discharge them from further
detention. The earnest-money, said to have been paid on these
herds, is correct to a cent, and we admit having the amount in
our possession. But," and the little advocate's voice rose, rich