I remember the quality of cattle which you
delivered four years ago to me at Fort Randall, when it was a
six-company post, yet they were not as fine a lot of beeves as
these are. I have always contended that there was nothing too
good in my department for the men who uphold the colors of our
country, especially on the front line. You have been a soldier
yourself and know that I am talking good horsesense, and I want
to say to you that whatever the outcome of this dispute may be,
if yours are the best cattle, you may count on my support until
the drums beat tattoo. The government is liberal and insists on
the best; the rank and file are worthy, and yet we don't always
get what is ordered and well paid for. Now, remember, comrade, if
this difference comes to an issue, I'm right behind you, and
we'll stand or be turned down together."
"Thank you, Colonel," replied Mr. Lovell. "It does seem rather
fortunate, my meeting up with a former business acquaintance, and
at a time when I need him bad. If I am successful in delivering
on this Buford award, it will round out, during my fifteen years
as a drover, over a hundred thousand cattle that I have sold to
the government for its Indian and army departments. There are no
secrets in my business; the reason of my success is simple--my
cattle were always there on the appointed day, humanely handled,
and generally just a shade better than the specifications.
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