This I would not do, but said there was time enough to talk that over afterwards; that meantime the herd must be driven back to its proper range, and to this they finally agreed.

Word was brought in that M---- was lying out on the prairie, prostrated by the sun, helped no doubt by his realizing that his little scheme had been defeated.

We had him brought into camp, but I declined to see him and returned to Fort Sumner.

Soon afterwards M---- threw up the sponge, so to speak, and agreed to turn the property over to us.

These M---- cattle, numbering only 2000, did not justify the running of a mess wagon and full outfit, so I made arrangements with a very strong neighbouring ranch company to run the cattle for us, only myself attending the round-ups to see that our interests were properly protected.
Meantime the stock horses must be looked after.