about noon
Not even a whisper was breathed about any uncertainty of our filling the outstanding contract , yet Sanders was given to understand that Don Lovell would rather , if he took a fancy to him , give a man a horse than sell him one . Not a word was said about any opposition to our herds ; that would come later , and Sanders and his outfit were too good judges of Texas cattle to be misled by any bluster or boastful talk . Sponsilier acted the host , and after dinner unearthed a box of cigars , and we told stories and talked of our homes in the sunny South until the arrival of the military party . The herds had been well watered about noon and drifted out on the first uplands , and we intercepted the cavalcade before it reached Sponsilier 's herd . They were mounted on fine cavalry horses , and the only greeting which passed , aside from a military salute , was when Lovell said : `` Dave , show these officers your beeves . Answer any question they may ask to the best of your ability . Gentlemen , excuse me while you look over the cattle . ''