ed Forrest's wagon. Sponsilier suggested
that we ride into Buford, and accordingly all three of us foremen
started. When we sighted the ford on the Missouri, a trio of horsemen
were just emerging from the water, and we soon were in possession of the
facts. Sanders, my brother, and Mike Sutton composed the party, and
the latter explained the situation. Orders from the War Department
had reached Fort Buford that morning, temporarily suspending the post
commander and his quartermaster from receiving any cattle intended for
that post, and giving notice that a special commissioner was then en
route from Minneapolis with full authority in the premises. The order
was signed by the first quartermaster and approved by the head of that
department; there was no going behind it, which further showed the
strength that the opposition were able to command. The little attorney
was wearing his war-paint, and we all dismounted, when Sanders
volunteered some valuable points on the wintering of Texas cattle in
the North. Sutton made a memorandum of the data, saying if opportunity
offered he would like to submit it in evidence at the final hearing. The
general opinion was that a court of inquiry would be instituted, and if
such was the case, our cause was not by any means hopeless.

"The chances are that the opposition will centre the fight on an
assignment of the original contract which they claim to hold," said the
lawyer, in conclusion. "The point was advanced yesterday that we were
intruders, while, on the other hand, the government was in honor bound
to recognize its outstanding obligation, no matter in whose hands it was
presented, so long as it was accompanied by the proper tender. A great
deal will depend on the viewpoint of this special commissioner; he may
be a stickler for red tape, with no concern for the service, as were
the post commander and quartermaster. Their possession of the original
document will be self-evident, and it will devolve on us to show that
that assignment was illegal. This may not be as easy as it seems, for
the chances are that there may be a dozen men in the gang, with numerous
stool-pigeons ready and willing to do their bidding. This contract may
demonstrate the possibility of a ring within a ring, with everything
working to the same end. The absence of Honest John Griscom at this
delivery is significant as proving that his presence at Dodge and
Ogalalla was a mistake. You notice, with the exception of Fie