er had arrived early that morning and would take up
matters at once. Nine o'clock was set for the hearing, which would take
place in the quartermaster's office. Consultations were being held among
the two factions, and the only ray of light was the reported frigidity
of the special officer. He was such a superior personage that ordinary
mortals felt a chill radiating from his person on their slightest
approach. His credentials were from the War Department and were such as
to leave no doubt but that he was the autocrat of the situation, before
whom all should render homage. A rigid military air prevailed about the
post and grounds, quite out of the ordinary, while the officers' bar was
empty and silent.

The quartermaster's office would comfortably accommodate about one
hundred persons. Fort Buford had been rebuilt in 1871, the adobe
buildings giving place to frame structures, and the room in which the
hearing was to be held was not only commodious but furnished with good
taste. Promptly on the stroke of the hour, and escorted by the post
adjutant, the grand mogul made his appearance. There was nothing
striking about him, except his military bearing; he was rather young and
walked so erect that he actually leaned backward a trifle. There was no
prelude; he ordered certain tables rearranged, seated himself at one,
and called for a copy of the original contract. The post adjutant had
all the papers covering the situation in hand, and the copy was placed
at the disposal of the special commissioner, who merely glanced at
the names of the contracting parties, amount and date, and handed the
document back. Turning to the table at which Lovell and his attorneys
sat, he asked for the credentials under which they were tendering beeves
at Fort Buford. The sub-contract was produced, some slight memorandum
was made, and it was passed back as readily as was the original. The
opposition were calmly awaiting a similar request, and when it came,
in offering the papers, Congressman Y---- took occasion to remark: "Our
tender is not only on a sub-contract, but that agreement is fortified by
an assignment of the original award, by and between the War Department
and The Western Supply Company. We rely on the latter; you will find
everything regular."

The customary glance was given the bulky documents. Senator Aspgrain was
awaiting the opportune moment to attack the assignment. When it came,
the senator arose with dignity and, addressing th