This notwithstanding that my friend, a special land agent sent out from Washington and principal witness against me, swore that I had assaulted him at a lonely place (and I well remember the occasion), and that he felt his life in such danger that he had to travel with a guard, etc.

This came from politics.
Having described summer life and occupations, and before going to winter camp, something must be said about our headquarters ranch, situated some twenty miles off.

Here were the grain-house, the hay stacks, wagon sheds, corrals, the kitchen, general messroom, the bunk house and private rooms for ourselves.

There was a constant succession of visitors.

Nearly every day some stranger or neighbour "happened" in for a meal.