第81章 IN QUARANTINE(5)

Whatever you do, don't invite the frown of the government.Let me warn you not to act in haste.Now, remember--""You made your cracks that you would cross this quarantine line,"interrupted Ullmer, bristlingly, "and I want you to find out your mistake.There is no occasion for further words, and you can either order your outfit to turn your cattle east, or I'll send men and do it myself."The "major-domo" turned and galloped back to his men, a number of whom had congregated near at hand.The next moment he returned and haughtily threatened to surrender the cattle then and there unless he was allowed to proceed."Give him a receipt for his beeves, Fred," quietly remarked an old cowman, gently stroking his beard, "and I'll take these boys over here on the right and start the cattle.That will be the safest way, unless the gentleman can indemnify us.I lost ten thousand dollars' worth of stock last fall, and as a citizen of Montana I have objections to leaving a trail of fever from here to the mouth of the Yellowstone.And tell him he can have a bond for his cattle,"called back the old man as he rode out of hearing.

The lead herd was pointed to the east, and squads of men rode down and met the other two, veering them off on an angle to the right.Meanwhile the superintendent raved, pleaded, and threatened without avail, but finally yielded and refused the receipt.and dispossession of his cattle.This was just what the quarantine captain wanted, and the dove of peace began to shake its plumage.Within an hour all three of the herds were moving out for the head of Wolf Creek, accompanied only by the quarantine guards, the remainder of the posse returning to their homes or their work.Having ample time on our hands, Sponsilier and I expected to remain at Station No.1 until after the 10th of September, and accordingly made ourselves at home at that camp.

To say that we were elated over the situation puts it mildly, and that night the two of us lost nearly a hundred dollars playing poker with the quarantine guards.A strict vigilance was maintained over the herds in question, but all reports were unanimous that they were contentedly occupying their allotted range.

But at noon on the third day of the enforced isolation, a messenger from Powderville arrived at the first station.A troop of cavalry from Fort Keogh, accompanied by a pack-train, had crossed the Powder River below the hamlet, their avowed mission being to afford an escort for certain government beef, then under detention by the local authorities.The report fell among us like a flash of lightning.Ample time had elapsed for a messenger to ride to the Yellowstone, and, returning with troops, pilot them to the camps of Field, Radcliff & Co.A consultation was immediately held, but no definite line of action had been arrived at when a horseman from one of the lower camps dashed up and informed us that the three herds were already trailing out for the dead-line, under an escort of cavalry.Saddling up, we rallied what few men were available, determined to make a protest, at least, in the interest of humanity to dumb brutes.We dispatched couriers to the nearest camps and the outer quarantine station; but before a posse of twenty men arrived, the lead herd was within a mile of the dead-line, and we rode out.and met them.Fully eighty troopers, half of which rode in column formation in front, halted us as we approached.Terse and to the point were the questions and answers exchanged between the military arm of the government and the quarantine authorities of Montana.When the question arose of indemnity to citizens, in case of death to native cattle, a humane chord was touched in the young lieutenant in command, resulting in his asking several questions, to which the "major-domo" protested.Once satisfied of the justice of quarantine, the officer, in defense of his action, said:

"Gentlemen, I am under instructions to give these herds, intended for use at Fort Buford, a three days' escort beyond this quarantine line.I am very much obliged to you all for making so clear the necessity of isolating herds of Texas cattle, and that little or no hardship may attend my orders, you may have until noon to-morrow to drift all native stock west of the Powder River.When these herds encamp for the night, they will receive instructions not to move forward before twelve to-morrow.I find the situation quite different from reports; nevertheless orders are orders."