hrough ones, which was easily done by riding lines, the Southern herds
being held under constant control and hence never straying. The first
Texas herds to arrive naturally traveled north to the dead-line, and,
choosing a range, went into camp until frost relieved them. It was an
unwritten law that a herd was entitled to as much grazing land as it
needed, and there was a report about Miles City that the quarantine
ground was congested with cattle halfway from Powderville to the Wyoming
line.

The outlook was encouraging. Quarantine was working a hardship to herds
along the old Powder River route, yet their enforced isolation was
like a tempered wind to our cause and cattle, the latter then leisurely
grazing across Dakota from the Little Missouri to the mouth of the
Yellowstone. Fortune favored us in many respects. About Miles City there
was no concealment of our mission, resulting in an old acquaintance of
Lovell's loaning us horses, while old man Don had no trouble in getting
drafts cashed to the amount of two thousand dollars. What he expected to
do with this amount of money was a mystery to Dave and myself, a mystery
which instantly cleared when we were in the privacy of our room at the
hotel.

"Here, boys," said old man Don, throwing the roll of money on the bed,
"divide this wad between you. There might be such a thing as using
a little here and there to sweeten matters up, and making yourselves
rattling good fellows wherever you go. Now in the first place, I want
you both to understand that this money is clear velvet, and don't
hesitate to spend it freely. Eat and drink all you can, and gamble a
little of it if that is necessary. You two will saddle up in the morning
and ride to Powderville, while I will lie around here a few days and try
the market for cattle next year, and then go on to Big Horn on my way
to the Crow Agency. Feel your way carefully; locate the herds of Field,
Radcliff & Co., and throw everything in their way to retard progress.
It is impossible to foretell what may happen, and for that reason only
general orders can be given. And remember, I don't want to see that
money again if there is any chance to use it."

Powderville was a long day's ride from Miles City. By making an early
start and resting a few hours at noon, we reached that straggling
outpost shortly after nightfall. There was a road-house for the
wayfaring man and a corral for his beast, a general store, opposition
saloons, and the