The quartermaster had been
connected with frontier posts from Fort Clark, Texas, to his
present position. According to report, the opposition were
active and waging an aggressive campaign, but not being Western
men, were at a disadvantage. Champagne had flowed freely at a
dinner given the night before by our employer, during which
Senator Aspgrain, in responding to a toast, had paid the army a
high tribute for the part it had played in reclaiming the last of
our western frontier. The quartermaster, in replying, had
felicitously remarked, as a matter of his own observation, that
the Californian's love for a horse was only excelled by the
Texan's love for a cow, to which, amid uproarious laughter, old
man Don arose and bowed his acknowledgment.
My brother changed horses and returned to Sponsilier's wagon.
Dave had planned to entertain the post beef outfit for dinner,
and had insisted on Bob's presence. They arrived at my herd near
the middle of the forenoon, and after showing the cattle and
remuda, we all returned to Sponsilier's camp. These civilian
employees furnished their own mounts, and were anxious to buy a
number of our best horses after the delivery was over. Not even a
whisper was breathed about any uncertainty of our filling the
outstanding contract, yet Sanders was given to understand that
Don Lovell would rather, if he took a fancy to him, give a man a
horse than sell him one.
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