When we got within four miles of Denver we found that the thieves had
passed four days before. I concluded that they had decided to dispose
of the animals in Denver. I was aware that Saturday was the big auction
day there, so we went to a hotel outside the town to await that day. I
was too well known in the city to show myself there, for the thieves
would have taken alarm had they learned of my presence.
Early Saturday morning we rode into the city and stabled our animals at
the Elephant Corral. I secured a room in a hotel overlooking the
corral, and took up a post of observation. I did not have to wait long.
A man, whom I recognized at once as Williams, one of our old packers,
rode into the ring, mounted on Lieutenant Forbush's mule, and leading
another Government mule. This mule had been recently branded, and over
the "U.S." a plain "D B" had been stamped.
As the man's confederate did not appear I decided he was outside with
the rest of the stolen animals.
When Mr. Forbush's mule was put up at auction I came down to the corral
and walked through the crowd of bidders.
The packer saw me, and tried to get away, but I seized him firmly by
the shoulder.
"I guess, my friend," said I, "that you'll have to go with me. Make any
resistance and I'll shoot you on the spot!"
To the auctioneer and an inquisitive officer I showed my commission as
a United States detective.
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