“Dot ish my name, sir,” said the man behind the bar.

“Could I see you privately for a few minutes?” asked Baugh, who himself could speak German, though his tongue did not indicate it.

“In von moment,” said Seigerman, as he laid off his white apron and called an assistant to take his place.  He then led the way to a back room, used for a storehouse.  “Now, mine frendt, vat ish id?” inquired Louie, when they were alone.

“My name is Baughman,” said he, as he shook Louie’s hand with a hearty grip.  “I work for the Continental Cattle Company, who own a range in the strip adjoining the county line below here.  My people have suffered in silence from several bands of cattle thieves who have headquarters in this county.  Heretofore we have never taken any interest in the local politics of this community.  But this year we propose to assert ourselves, and try to elect a sheriff who will do his sworn duty, and run out of this county these rustling cattle thieves.  Mr. Seigerman, it would surprise you did I give you the figures in round numbers of the cattle that my company have lost by these brand-burning rascals who infest this section.

“Now to business, as you are a business man.  I have come to ask you to consent to your name being presented to the county convention, which meets in May, as a candidate for the office of sheriff of this county.”

As Louie scratched his head and was meditating on his reply, Baughman continued:  “Now, we know that you are a busy man, and have given this matter no previous thought, so we do not insist on an immediate reply.  But think it over, and let me impress on your mind that if you consent to make the race, you will have the support of every cattle-man in the country.  Not only their influence and support, but in a selfish interest will their purses be at your command to help elect you.  This request of mine is not only the mature conclusion of my people, but we have consulted others interested, and the opinion seems unanimous that you are the man to make the race for this important office.”

“Mr. Baughman, vill you not haf one drink mit me?” said Seigerman, as he led the way towards the bar.

“If you will kindly excuse me, Mr. Seigerman, I never like to indulge while attending to business matters.  I’ll join you in a cigar, however, for acquaintance’ sake.”

When the cigars were lighted Baugh observed, “Why, do you keep hotel?  If I had known it, I would have put up with you, but my bill is paid in advance at my hotel until Saturday.  If you can give me a good room by then, I’ll come up and stop with you.”

“You can haf any room in mine house, Mr. Baughman,” said Seigerman.

As Baugh was about to leave he once more impressed on Louie the nature of his call.  “Now, Mr. Seigerman,” said Baughman, using the German language during the parting conversation, “let me have your answer at the earliest possible moment, for we want to begin an active canvass at once.  This is a large county, and to enlist our friends in your behalf no time should be lost.”  With a profusion of “Leben Sie wohls” and well wishes for each other, the “Zweibund” parted.