As we turned in to ford the Missouri, some one called attention to a
cavalry company riding out from their quarters at the post. 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 tell the
officers to let me know any time they could use half a beef. On
reaching our wagon, the boys were just corralling the saddle stock for
their night-horses, when Sanders begged me to sell him two which had
caught his fancy. I dared not offer them; but remembering the fellow’s
faithful service in our behalf, and that my employer expected to
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