d between the traders themselves to perfect the organization of
the caravan.

The grove itself, of oak, ash, hickory, elm, and many other kinds of
trees, was about half a mile wide and extended along the sides of the
little valley of Council Grove Creek, a large tributary of the Neosho
River. With its dense timber, its rich bottom pastures, and fine, high
prairies it made an ideal spot for a rendezvous; and it was about the
last of the really fine and productive country seen from Independence.
Here were hard woods in plenty, the last to be found on the long trip,
from which to obtain replacements for broken axles and other wagon
parts. This also was the farthest point reached by the trains without
real organization, for from here on every important movement was
officially ordered.

Scattered about the beautiful, green little valley were wagons great and
small, and piles of mule packs, each camp somewhat by itself. There was
much calling and getting acquainted, fun and frolic, much hewing of
trees, mending of gear, and, in general, busy preparation for the
journey over the land of the short buffalo grass. Tenderfeet wasted
their time and ammunition at target practice or in hunting for small
game, and loafed to their hearts' content; but the experienced traveler
put off his loafing and play until he knew that he had done everything
there was to be done. There were horse races and mule races and even
ox-team races; tugs of war, running, jumping, and, in fact, everything
anyone could think of to help pass the time.

After a good night's sleep the Cooper party found there was little to do
except to get timber for "spares," and notwithstanding that a spare axle
was slung from under each of the huge freighters, Uncle Joe insisted
that each wagon carry another, and he personally superintended the
cutting. They had been obtained and slung in place beside the others
when a bugle was heard and criers passed among the little camps calling
everyone for roll call. Nearly two hundred persons answered, all but one
of them being men, and then the electioneering began for the choice of
captain. To be a success a caravan must have one head, and the more
experienced he was the better it would be for the caravan.

Now came the real excitement of the day, for party spirit was strong and
insistent, and the electioneering was carried on with such gusto that
several fights grew out of it. There were four parties at first, among
which was Mi