We halted a
moment, and as the first one entered the road, the second one swung into
view, followed by forage-wagons. From maps in our possession we knew the
southern boundary of the Fort Buford military reservation must be under
twenty miles to the south, and if necessary, we could put it behind us
that afternoon. But after crossing the river, and when the two troops
again came in view, they had dropped into a walk, passing entirely out
of sight long before we reached Forrest's camp. Orders were left with
the latter to take the lead and make a short drive that evening,
at least far enough to convince observers that we were moving. The
different outfits dropped out as their wagons were reached, and when my
remuda was sighted, old man Don ordered it brought in for a change of
horses. One of the dayherders was at camp getting dinner, and inviting
themselves to join him, my employer and my brother helped themselves
while their saddles were shifted to two of my well-rested mounts.
Inquiry had been made of all three of the outfits if any ranch had
been sighted on the Beaver while crossing that creek, but the only
recollection among the forty-odd men was that of Burl Van Vedder, who
contended that a dim trail, over which horses had passed that summer,
ran down on the south side of the stream.

With this meagre information Lovell and my brother started. A late
dinner over and the herders relieved, we all rode for the nearest
eminence which would afford us a view. The cavalry were just going into
camp below O'Brien's ranch, their forage-train in sight, while Forrest's
cattle were well bunched and heading south. Sponsilier was evidently
going to start, as his team was tied up and the saddle stock in hand,
while the herd was crossing over to the eastern side of the Yellowstone.
We dismounted and lay around for an hour or so, when the greater portion
of the boys left to help in the watering of our herd, the remainder of
us doing outpost duty. Forrest had passed out of sight, Sponsilier's
wagon and remuda crossed opposite us, going up the valley, followed by
his cattle in loose grazing order, and still we loitered on the hill.
But towards evening I rode down to where the cavalry was encamped, and
before I had conversed very long with the officers, it was clear to
me that the shorter our moves the longer it would extend their outing.
Before I left the soldier camp, Sanders arrived, and as we started away
together, I sent him back to