"Jadwin has found the others, and they are having a fight back there with the redskins," cried James Morris. "We must be prepared to let our friends in if they reach here."
The shouts and shots continued, first working around to the side of the post, and then coming again to the front.
"I see one of our men!" cried Henry at last. "Here they come!"
As he spoke, seven white men and an equal number of friendly Indians were coming along through the snow of the wilderness. At a distance were the enemy, headed by Black Ear. All were fighting desperately and a number had been wounded on both sides.
James Morris was at the gates, and at the proper moment he threw one open and some friendly Indians came rushing in, carrying a wounded comrade between them. Then followed the whites, Tony Jadwin being the last. Three of the latter were wounded, but none fatally. As soon as all were inside, the gates were closed and barred as before.
A howl of rage and disappointment filled the air, coming from the wilderness. Black Ear and his warriors had fought well, but the whites and the Indians of White Buffalo's tribe had outmatched them. With their dead and wounded they withdrew to a considerable distance, to hold a council and decide upon what was to be done next.
"Had a hard time of it getting back," Tony Jadwin admitted, when he could get his breath. "The redskins are worked up to the last degree, on account of the killing of Rain Cloud. I believe they will send off for reinforcement."
"If it hadn't been for Tony we should have been surrounded and shot down in cold blood," remarked one of the hunters. "He reached us in the nick of time, just as we were having breakfast. The redskins could have dropped us like pullets in a barnyard."
"I ran every foot of the way," said Jadwin. "Once I went into a hole up to my waist. But I knew it was for me to do what I did, so I done it."
"Friend Tony, big warrior," said one of the Indians. "No forget him. Tony save us all, yes," and he nodded to emphasize his words.