The next morning Ted began to drift the herd slowly into the north, where there was plenty of free range. They were still well within view of the fort.
It was almost time for the beef issue at the post, and Ted and Bud, walking their ponies slowly along in the lead of the herd, were talking about it.
"Wonder they ain't been out to head us off this morning?" said Bud.
"They know they cannot take forcible possession of our cattle when we are off the reservation," answered Ted. "Hello, what's that heading this way?"
Coming toward them from the direction of the fort, several riders were kicking up the dust in lively fashion.
As they got nearer the riders revealed themselves as four soldiers, accompanied by two ladies.
Suddenly Ted pulled in his pony, and grasped Bud's arm.
"If that don't look like Stella I'll eat my saddle blanket fried in butter," he said.
"Shore do look some like her," answered Bud, "an' that's ther same little ole red jacket what she wears."
In a few moments they heard Stella's hail, and answered it.