g to thwart our plans. Where have you picketed Tolleston?" "Around
in Dutch Jake's crib," replied Bob.

"That's good," continued the fiscal agent, "and I'll just drop in
to-night and see the madam. A little money will go a long way with her,
and in a case like this, the devil himself would be a welcome ally. You
boys stay in town as much as you can and keep Tolleston snowed deep, and
I'll take the buyers down the trail in the morning and meet the herds
coming up."

My brother returned to his camp, and Siringo and I separated for the
time being. In '84 Dodge, the Port Said of the plains, was in the full
flower of her wickedness. Literally speaking, night was turned into day
in the old trail town, for with the falling of darkness, the streets
filled with people. Restaurants were crowded with women of the
half-world, bar-rooms thronged with the wayfaring man, while in gambling
and dance halls the range men congregated as if on special invitation.
The familiar bark of the six-shooter was a matter of almost nightly
occurrence; a dispute at the gaming table, a discourteous word spoken,
or the rivalry for the smile of a wanton was provocation for the
sacrifice of human life. Here the man of the plains reverted to and gave
utterance to the savagery of his nature, or, on the other hand, was as
chivalrous as in the days of heraldry.

I knew the town well, this being my third trip over the trail, and
mingled with the gathering throng. Near midnight, and when in the Lady
Gay dance-hall, I was accosted by Dorg Seay and the detective. They had
just left Dutch Jake's, and reported all quiet on the Potomac. Seay had
not only proved himself artful, but a good fellow, and had unearthed the
fact that Tolleston had been in the employ of Field and Radcliff for the
past three months. "You see," said Dorg, "Archie never knew me except
the few days that I was about headquarters in Medina before we started.
He fully believes that I've been discharged--and with three months' pay
in my hip-pocket. The play now is that he's to first help me spend my
wages, and then I'm to have a job under him with beeves which he expects
to drive to the Yellowstone. He has intimated that he might be able to
give me a herd. So, Tom, if I come out there and take possession of your
cattle, don't be surprised. There's only one thing to beat our game--I
can't get him so full but what he's over-anxious to see his employers.
But if you fellows furnish the money, I'll t