elivery at Fort Washakie. So you see I'll
have to depend on two of you boys going up to Glendive and Miles and
seeing that those cow-towns take the proper view of this quarantine
matter. After dinner you'll fall back and bring up your herds, and after
crossing the railroad here, the outfits will graze over to Buford. We'll
leave four of our best saddle horses here in a pasture, so as to be
independent on our return. Since things have changed so, the chances are
that I'll bring Bob Quirk back with me, as I've written Flood to help
The Rebel sell his remuda and take the outfit and go home. Now you boys
decide among yourselves which two of you will go up the Yellowstone and
promote the enforcement of the quarantine laws. Don't get the impression
that you can't do this, because an all-round cowman can do anything
where his interests are at stake. I'll think the programme out a little
more clearly by the time you bring up the cattle."

The herds were not over fifteen miles back up the river when we left
them in the morning. After honoring the village of Little Missouri with
our presence for several hours, we saddled up and started to meet the
cattle. There was no doubt in my mind but that Sponsilier would be one
of the two to go on the proposed errand of diplomacy, as his years,
experience, and good solid sense entitled him to outrank either Forrest
or myself. I knew that Quince would want to go, if for no other reason
than to get out of working the few days that yet remained of the drive.
All three of us talked the matter of quarantine freely as we rode along,
yet no one ventured any proposition looking to an agreement as to who
should go on the diplomatic mission. I was the youngest and naturally
took refuge behind my years, yet perfectly conscious that, in spite of
the indifferent and nonchalant attitude assumed, all three of us foremen
were equally anxious for the chance. Matters remained undecided; but the
next day at dinner, Lovell having met us before reaching the railroad,
the question arose who should go up to Miles City. Dave and Quince
were also eating at my wagon, and when our employer forced an answer,
Sponsilier innocently replied that he supposed that we were all willing
to leave it to him. Forrest immediately approved of Dave's suggestion.
I gave my assent, and old man Don didn't qualify, hedge, or mince his
words in appointing the committees to represent the firm of Lovell.

"Jealous of each other, ain't you