The cattle do not go forward a foot farther
to-night. I will get them into the pasture early in the morning."
"That will be too late," said the officer curtly. "I shall inform the
commandant of the post, Colonel Croffut, that you are late and that you
refuse to obey orders."
"Confound your impudence, who are you to give orders to me?" asked Ted,
mad in a minute.
"As I told you, I am the inspector, and it seems to me that it would be
good policy, to say the least, to cater to my wishes somewhat."
"What do I care for your wishes? Less than that, if I am doing the right
thing and stand within my own rights;" and he snapped his fingers.
"Perhaps you may be sorry."
"That's my affair."
"Very well. I am to understand that you refuse to move the cattle on
to-night."
"You've got it right."
The lieutenant bowed, and, turning, rode slowly away with an ugly scowl
on his face.
"I reckon Little Bright Eyes has got it in fer you now," said Bud, who
had ridden up in time to hear this part of the conversation. "He's
aimin' ter do some dirty work, I reckon."
"Oh, bother him! He got me all worked up and angry, and that always
makes me feel bad. I wish he had happened to be somewhere else. Forget
him! We'll drive the herd in early in the morning. He couldn't have
inspected the beeves this evening, anyway.
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