"Yes, I understand all about government contracts and the penalties for not living up to them. But I am within the government reservation, and here are my cattle, and I have, as you say, fifteen minutes to spare."
"Well, we consider that you are overdue, as you should have been here in time to have the cattle inspected and formally accepted before the time allowance elapsed."
"Nothing in the contract that says so," said Ted, still pleasantly.
"Well, it's usage, and that goes in the army."
"I'm not in the army."
"I don't want any words with you on the matter. It is sufficient that you are late, and that you have been the cause of a great deal of worry and annoyance."
Ted was beginning to get angry at the officer's tone and looks.
He turned from the lieutenant to the herd, and shouted:
"Bud, round 'em up and bed 'em. This is as far as we go to-night."
"No, you don't," said the lieutenant. "You will drive into the quarantine pasture, where your stock will be inspected in the morning."