Did any man offend against the unwritten creed of fair play, did he shirk duty when that meant danger to the common good, then he was brought before a council of our leaders, men of wisdom and fairness, chosen by the vote of all; and so he was judged and he was punished.

At that time there was not west of the Missouri River any one who could administer an oath, who could execute a legal document, or perpetuate any legal testimony; yet with us the law marched _pari passu_ across the land.

We had leaders chosen because they were fit to lead, and leaders who felt full sense of responsibility to those who chose them.

We had with us great wealth in flocks and herds--five thousand head of cattle went West with our caravan, hundreds of horses; yet each knew his own and asked not that of his neighbor.

With us there were women and little children and the gray-haired elders bent with years.