on my advice the superintendent sent them into the State to be corn-fed for the winter.  The bulls were too valuable to be risked on the range.  We had over fifty stolen last season, that cost us over three hundred dollars a head.  I had a letter this morning from our superintendent, asking me to unite with what seems to be a general movement to suppress this high-handed stealing that has run riot in this county in the past.  Mr. Baughman has probably acquainted you with the general sentiment in cattle circles regarding what should be done.  I wish to assure you further that my people stand ready to use their best endeavors to nominate a candidate who will pledge himself to stamp out this disgraceful brand-burning and cattle-rustling.  The little protection shown the livestock interests in this western country has actually driven capital out of one of the best paying industries in the West.  But it is our own fault.  We take no interest in local politics.  Any one is good enough for sheriff with us.  But this year there seems to be an awakening.  It may be a selfish interest that prompts this uprising; I think it is.  But that is the surest hope in politics for us.  The cattle-men’s pockets have been touched, their interests have been endangered.  Mr. Seigerman, I feel confident that if you will enter the race for this office, it will be a walk-away for you.  Now consider the matter fully, and I might add that there is a brighter future for you politically than you possibly can see.  I wish I had brought our superintendent’s letter with me for you to read.

“He openly hints that if we elect a sheriff in this county this fall who makes an efficient officer, he will be strictly in line for the office of United States Marshal of western Kansas and all the Indian Territory.  You see, Mr. Seigerman, in our company we have as stock-holders three congressmen and one United States senator.  I have seen it in the papers myself, and it is a common remark Down East, so I’m told, that the weather is chilly when an Ohio man gets left.  Now with these men of our company interested in you, there would be no refusing them the appointment.  Why, it would give you the naming of fifty deputies—­good easy money in every one of them.  You could sit back in a well-appointed government office and enjoy the comforts of life.  Now, Mr. Seigerman, we will see you often, but let me suggest that your acceptance be as soon as possible, for if you positively decline to enter the race, we must look in some other quarter for an available man.”  Leaving these remarks for Seigerman’s reflections, he walked out of the room.

As Seigerman started to follow, Baugh tapped him on the shoulder to wait, as he had something to say to him.  Baugh now confirmed everything said, using the German language.  He added, “Now, my friend Stubb is too modest to admit who his people really are, but the Ohio Cattle Company is practically the Standard Oil Company, but they don’t want it known.  It’s a confidence that I’m placing in you, and request you not to repeat it.  Still, you know what a syndicate they are and the influence they carry.  That very little man who has been talking to you has better backing than any cow-boss in the West.  He’s a safe, conservative fellow to listen to.”