It was hardly necessary, as the frost no doubt was
general all over Montana, but we were anxious to get into
communication with Lovell immediately on his return to the
railroad. We had written him from Miles of our failure at
Powderville, and the expected second stand at Glendive, and now
the elements had notified him that the opposition herds were
within striking distance, and would no doubt appear at Buford on
or before the day of delivery. An irritable man like our employer
would neither eat nor sleep, once the delivery at the Crow Agency
was over, until reaching the railroad, and our message would be
awaiting him on his return to Big Horn. Our train reached Little
Missouri early in the evening, and leaving word with the agent
that we were expecting important messages from the west, we
visited the liveryman and inquired about the welfare of our
horses. The proprietor of the stable informed us that they had
fared well, and that he would have them ready for us on an hour's
notice. It was after dark and we were at supper when the first
message came. An immediate answer was required, and arising from
the table, we left our meal unfinished and hastened to the depot.
From then until midnight, messages flashed back and forth,
Sponsilier dictating while I wrote. As there was no train before
the regular passenger the next day, the last wire requested us to
have the horses ready to meet the Eastbound, saying that Bob
Quirk would accompany Lovell.
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