"And if you have never been on the long drive I believe you would find
much that would interest you."
"Then it's all settled," cried Stella. "I'm sure aunt would be delighted
to have you, and you will like the boys. They are like a lot of brothers
to me, only they are better than most brothers, for they let me do what
I please, and are a help instead of a nuisance."
They all laughed at Stella's estimate of the usefulness of brothers, and
rode away toward the fort, Ted leading the way with Miss Croffut, whom
he found to be an exceedingly interesting companion, and who expressed
her love for riding and other outdoor sports.
"We're going to see the beef issue," Stella called to Ted.
"All right," he answered. "It will be some time before the cattle are up
to the pens, and, in the meantime, we'll leave you there, and ride over
to headquarters and settle the business end of it."
The girls were left at the office of the Indian agent near the place
where the cattle were to be issued to the Indians.
Scattered over the prairie near the agent's office were the members of
the tribe, waiting patiently for their portion of the fresh meat, which,
at certain times of the year, Uncle Sam doled out to them.
It was a savage sight. Here and there were the smoke-browned tepees of
the Indians, before which sat the squaws and papooses, and the old men
and women.
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