Captain Holbrook wore a grim expression as he rode at top speed across the open country. He had ridden from the army post at Decatur, and his destination was the office of Joe Kemp, the agent in charge of Indian affairs. The Captain's face was tight with anger as he dismounted and strode towards the office. He was convinced that Kemp and Shorty Fagan were working in cahoots against the treaty brooked with Lame Bear and his camp. Kemp had advised the Captain that Madigan's trail herd had been stampeded on the way to Lame Bear, and so Captain Holbrook had gone to Lame Bear to explain that the beef rations would be held up for a while. He gave his word to the Chief, and got together a supple of replacement beef. But that too had been apprehended, and the Captain feared that the redskins were likely rise up, after his promise had been broken!