o 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, Tolleston and all, are right up here at Ogalalla now; bought a
herd this week, so I hear, and expect to take two of these away from
us the moment we enter Keith County. Well, they may; I've seen bad men
before take a town, but it was only a question of time until the plain
citizens retook it. They may try to bluff us, but if they do, we'll meet
them a little over halfway. Which one of your boys was it that licked
Archie? I want to thank him until such a time as I can reward him
better."

The herd was moving out, and as Seay was working in the swing on the
opposite side, we allowed the cattle to trail past, and then rode round
and overtook him. The two had never met before, but old man Don warmed
towards Dorg, who recited his experience in such an inimitable manner
that our employer rocked in his saddle in spasms of laughter. Leaving
the two together, I rode on ahead to look out the water, and when
the herd came up near the middle of the afternoon, they were still
inseparable. The watering over, we camped for the night several miles
south of the railroad, the mixed herd having crossed it about noon. My
guest of the past few days had come to a point requiring a decision and
was in a quandary to know what to do. But when the situation had been
thoroughly reviewed between Mr. Lovell and the Wyoming man, my advice
was indorsed,--to trust implicitly to his corporal, and be ready to
relieve the outfit at the Platte. Saddles were accor