"Can't tell yet. By Jove, I believe they are soldiers. I wonder if they are going to try to stop us."
"S'posing they try it?"
"We'll have to ride it out. I wouldn't be held up on the reservation now for anything. That would spoil it all. They would do anything they wanted with us if we stood for that, and throw out a lot of legitimate stock to get square with us."
"What do you mean?"
"If they're soldiers, and try to keep us in, you ride back and start the herd to stampeding. Let the soldiers take care of themselves. If they're regular cavalry, they will be able to ride well enough to get out of the way."
"Bully idea. O' course, we can't help it if the cattle get scared at them bright uniforms, an' git ter runnin'." Bud chuckled at the thought.
"Halt!"
The voice of Lieutenant Barrows rang out commandingly.
"Now's your chance, Bud," said Ted. "Mind you, get them started good and plenty. I don't care if they run five miles."
Presently, from the rear of the herd came a shout of warning, and the herd increased its speed from a lazy walk into a trot.