But I am within the government reservation, and
here are my cattle, and I have, as you say, fifteen minutes to spare."
"Well, we consider that you are overdue, as you should have been here in
time to have the cattle inspected and formally accepted before the time
allowance elapsed."
"Nothing in the contract that says so," said Ted, still pleasantly.
"Well, it's usage, and that goes in the army."
"I'm not in the army."
"I don't want any words with you on the matter. It is sufficient that
you are late, and that you have been the cause of a great deal of worry
and annoyance."
Ted was beginning to get angry at the officer's tone and looks.
He turned from the lieutenant to the herd, and shouted:
"Bud, round 'em up and bed 'em. This is as far as we go to-night."
"No, you don't," said the lieutenant. "You will drive into the
quarantine pasture, where your stock will be inspected in the morning."
Ted paid no attention to him, and the rounding up of the herd began as
he had ordered, while the lieutenant fumed and fussed and swore.
At last he could stand it no longer, and dashed away from Ted's side to
where Bud was superintending the work of the cow-punchers.
"Here, none of that," he said brusquely to Bud, who looked even more
disreputable than Ted.
"See here, who are you alludin' at?" asked Bud, wheeling around on him.
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