Mr. Lovell was discouraged over the outlook of his cattle interests.  “That was a first report that you are quoting from,” said he to Forrest.  “It was more prophecy than statement.  We must make allowances for young men.  There is quite a difference between getting scared and being hurt.  My beef outfit has orders to go three hundred miles south of our range and cover all round-ups northward.  It was a severe winter, and the drift was heavy, but I’m not worrying any about that sore-fingered outfit.  Promptly meeting government contracts is our work to-day.  My cattle are two weeks behind time, and the beef herds must leave Dodge to-morrow.  Help me figure it out:  Can you put me on the railroad by noon?” he concluded, turning to Joel.

“Easily, or I can carry a message to-night.”

“There’s your programme,” said Forrest, interceding.  “One of these boys can take you to Grinnell in time for the eastbound train.  Wire your beef herds to pull out for the Platte.  You can trust the water to improve from here north.”

“And you?” inquired the drover, addressing his foreman.

“I’ll take the buckboard and go north until I meet Paul.  That will cover the last link in the trail.  We’ll know our water then, and time our drives to help the cattle.  It’s as clear as mud.”

“Just about,” dubiously answered Mr. Lovell.  “Unless I can get an extension of time on my beef contracts, the penalty under my bonds will amount to a fortune.”

“The army is just as well aware of this drouth as you are,” said Forrest, “and the War Department will make allowances.  The government don’t expect the impossible.”

“Yes,” answered the old drover with feeling.  “Yes, but it exacts a bond, and stipulates the daily forfeiture, and if any one walks the plank, it’s not your dear old Uncle Samuel.  And it matters not how much sleep I lose, red tape never worries.”

The boys made a movement as if to withdraw, and Forrest arose.  “The programme for to-morrow, then, is understood,” said the latter.  “The horses will be ready at daybreak.”

It was midnight when the trio sought their blankets.  On the part of the brothers, there was a constant reference to their guest, the drover, and a desire, if in their power, to aid him in every way.

“I wanted you boys to meet and get acquainted with Mr. Lovell,” said Forrest, as all were dozing off to sleep.  “There is a cowman in a thousand, and his word carries weight in cattle matters.  He’s rather deep water, unless you cross or surprise him.  I nagged him about the men on his beef ranch.  He knew the cattle wouldn’t winter kill when they could drift, and the round-up will catch every living hoof.  He was too foxy to borrow any trouble there, and this long yell about the drouth interfering with delivery dates keeps the trail outfits against the bits.  Admitting his figures, the water expense won’t be a drop in the bucket.  It affords good worrying and that keeps the old man in fighting form.  I’m glad he came along; treat him fair and square, and his friendship means something to you, boys.”