54 IN THE BIG MORN MOUNTAINS. 



duties had been performed, we resumed our seat in the ambu- 

 lance and again spun away over the plains. 



The doctor was accompanied by his good wife, who is 

 pretty, witty and vivacious, and her conversation added 

 greatly to the enjoyment of the trip. We passed through 

 Miles City at half-past ten, and a few minutes later arrived at 

 Fort Keough, which is situated two miles further up the river. 



I proceeded at once to the quarters of my old friend, 

 Captain Borden. He had retired for the night, but a ring at 

 his door bell brought forth a stentorian " Come in," from his 

 sleeping apartment. I obeyed the order, and as I entered, I 

 could discern in the darkness the white-robed form of the 

 genial captain coming to meet me, and could hear the thump- 

 ity-bump of his bare feet on the floor. 



I announced myself, and he replied in his cordial, whole- 

 souled way, "Well, bully for you, Coquina, I'm devilish 

 glad to see you." 



" How do you make that out," I said, " you haven 1 1 seen 

 me yet." 



" Well, I'm glad you've come, all the same, and I will see 

 you as soon as I can strike a light." 



This accomplished, we sat down and had a " big talk," 

 which lasted into the early hours of the morning ere peace 

 was declared, and we both sought our couches. 



The next day being Sunday, we spent it in looking about 

 the post and city, and in friendly intercourse with the various 

 officers at the post. I was shown three elk that are in one of 

 the corrals here two bulls and a cow. The bulls are just 

 beginning to rub the velvet from their horns. The three 

 were sold to a railroad officer a few days ago for fifty dollars, 

 and will soon be shipped East. Capt. Borden had a pet 

 antelope that one of his men brought in in the spring. It is a 

 graceful, handsome little creature, and made a beautiful pet. 



