e
sum. The buffalo hunters approved, apologizing to Sponsilier, as he
pulled on his boot, for questioning his financial standing, and swearing
allegiance in every breath. An hour's time was granted in which to
saddle and make ready, during which we had a long chat with Sheriff
Wherry and found him a valuable ally. He had cattle interests in the
country, and when the hunters appeared, fifteen strong, he mounted his
horse and accompanied us several miles on the way. "Now, boys," said he,
at parting, "I'll keep an eye over things around town, and if anything
important happens, I'll send a courier with the news. If those
shorthorns attempt to offer any opposition, I'll run a blazer on them,
and if necessary I'll jug the pair. You fellows just buffalo the herds,
and the sheriff's office will keep cases on any happenings around
Glendive. It's understood that night or day your camp can be found on
Cabin Creek, opposite the old eagle tree. Better send me word as soon as
the herds arrive. Good luck to you, lads."

Neither wagons nor guards were even sighted during our three hours' ride
to the appointed campground. On our arrival tents were being pitched and
men were dragging up wood, while the cooks were busily preparing a late
dinner, the station being fully fifteen miles south of the railroad.
Scouts were thrown out during the afternoon, corrals built, and evening
found the quarantine camp well established for the comfort of its
ninety-odd men. The buffalo hunters were given special attention and
christened the "Sponsilier Guards;" they took again to outdoor life as
in the old days. The report of the scouts was satisfactory; all three
of the herds had been seen and would arrive on schedule time. A hush of
expectancy greeted this news, but Sponsilier and I ridiculed the idea
that there would be any opposition, except a big talk and plenty of
bluffing.

"Well, if that's what they rely on," said Captain Retallac, "then
they're as good as in quarantine this minute. If you feel certain they
can't get help from Fort Keogh a second time, those herds will be our
guests until further orders. What we want to do now is to spike every
possible chance for their getting any help, and the matter will pass
over like a summer picnic. If you boys think there's any danger of an
appeal to Fort Buford, the military authorities want to be notified
that the Yellowstone Valley has quarantined against Texas fever and asks
their cooperation in enforc