inally a horseman loomed up and signaled to us. He proved
to be one of Flood's men, and under his direction Forrest's camp and
cattle were soon located. The lad assured us that a pow-wow had been in
session since daybreak, and we hurried away to add our numbers to its
council. When we sighted Forrest's wagon among some cottonwoods, a
number of men were just mounting to ride away, and before we reached
camp, they crossed the creek heading south. A moment later, Forrest
walked out, and greeting us, said:

"Hello, fellows. Get down and let your horses blow and enjoy yourselves.
You're just a minute late to meet some very nice people. Yes, we had the
sheriff from Dodge and a posse of men for breakfast. No--no particular
trouble, except John Johns, the d--fool, threw the loop of his rope over
the neck of the sheriff's horse, and one of the party offered to unsling
a carbine. But about a dozen six-shooters clicked within hearing, and he
acted on my advice and cut gun-plays out. No trouble at all except a big
medicine talk, and a heap of legal phrases that I don't sabe very clear.
Turn your horses loose, I tell you, for I'm going to kill a nice fat
stray, and towards evening, when the other herds come up, we'll have
a round-up of Don Lovell's outfits. I'll make a little speech, and
on account of the bloodless battle this morning, this stream will be
rechristened Sheriff's Creek."

CHAPTER X. A FAMILY REUNION

The hospitality of a trail wagon was aptly expressed in the invitation
to enjoy ourselves. Some one had exercised good judgment in selecting
a camp, for every convenience was at hand, including running water and
ample shade from a clump of cottonwoods. Turning our steaming horses
free, we threw ourselves, in complete abandonment and relaxation, down
in the nearest shade. Unmistakable hints were given our host of certain
refreshments which would be acceptable, and in reply Forrest pointed to
a bucket of creek water near the wagon wheel, and urged us not to be at
all backward.

Every one was well fortified with brown cigarette papers and smoking
tobacco, and singly and in groups we were soon smoking like hired hands
and reviewing the incidents of the morning. Forrest's cook, a tall,
red-headed fellow, in anticipation of the number of guests his wagon
would entertain for the day, put on the little and the big pot. As it
only lacked an hour of noon on our arrival, the promised fresh beef
would not be available in time