n two miles distant. My boys were gambling among
themselves, not a horse under saddle, and did not notice my approach
until I dashed up. Three lads were on herd, but the rest, including
the wrangler, ran for their mounts on picket, while Parent and myself
ransacked the wagon for ammunition. Fortunately the supply of the latter
was abundant, and while saddles were being cinched on horses, the cook
and I divided the ammunition and distributed it among the men. The
few minutes' rest refreshed my horse, but as we dashed away, the boys
yelling like Comanches, the five-mile ride had bested him and he fell
slightly behind. As we turned into the open valley, it was a question if
we or the marshal would reach the stream first; he had followed an old
wood road and would strike the river nearly opposite Forrest's camp.
The horses were excited and straining every nerve, and as we neared
our crowd the posse halted on the south side and I noticed a conveyance
among them in which were seated four men. There was a moment's
consultation held, when the posse entered the water and began fording
the stream, the vehicle and its occupants remaining on the other side.
We had halted in a circle about fifty yards back from the river-bank,
and as the first two men came out of the water, Don Lovell rode forward
several lengths of his horse, and with his hand motioned to them to
halt. The leaders stopped within easy speaking distance, the remainder
of the posse halting in groups at their rear, when Lovell demanded the
meaning of this demonstration.

An inquiry and answer followed identifying the speakers. "In pursuance
of an order from the federal court of this jurisdiction," continued the
marshal, "I am vested with authority to take into my custody two herds,
numbering nearly seven thousand beeves, now in your possession, and
recently sold to Field, Radcliff & Co. for government purposes. I
propose to execute my orders peaceably, and any interference on your
part will put you and your men in contempt of government authority. If
resistance is offered, I can, if necessary, have a company of United
States cavalry here from Fort Logan within forty-eight hours to enforce
the mandates of the federal court. Now my advice to you would be to turn
these cattle over without further controversy."

"And my advice to you," replied Lovell, "is to go back to your federal
court and tell that judge that as a citizen of these United States, and
one who has borne a