Ted paid no attention to him, and the rounding up of the herd began as he had ordered, while the lieutenant fumed and fussed and swore.
At last he could stand it no longer, and dashed away from Ted's side to where Bud was superintending the work of the cow-punchers.
"Here, none of that," he said brusquely to Bud, who looked even more disreputable than Ted.
"See here, who are you alludin' at?" asked Bud, wheeling around on him.
"I'm talking to you. I want those cattle driven in to the pasture, and I want no delay or nonsense about it," cried the officer angrily.
"Now, run along, little soldier boy, don't yer see I'm busy?" Bud looked at the officer with a tolerant pity.
Ted now rode up and interfered.
"I'm capable of giving all the orders necessary to my men," he said gently. "You will please not interfere."
"Who are you?" asked the lieutenant, with a sneer.
"My name is Ted Strong."