I did not have to wait long.
A man, whom I recognized at once as Williams, one of our old packers, rode into the ring, mounted on Lieutenant Forbush's mule, and leading another Government mule.

This mule had been recently branded, and over the "U.S." a plain "D B" had been stamped.
As the man's confederate did not appear I decided he was outside with the rest of the stolen animals.
When Mr.Forbush's mule was put up at auction I came down to the corral and walked through the crowd of bidders.
The packer saw me, and tried to get away, but I seized him firmly by the shoulder.
"I guess, my friend," said I, "that you'll have to go with me.

Make any resistance and I'll shoot you on the spot!" To the auctioneer and an inquisitive officer I showed my commission as a United States detective.

With Farley and Green, who were close at hand, I took my prisoner three miles down the Platte.

There we dismounted, and began preparations to hang our prisoner to a limb.