Colonel Wilder read Black Horse a severe lecture upon his treacherous conduct, to which the Arapaho listened in silence, and released him when a scout reported that his warriors had all reached their former location.
CHAPTER XV.
KNIFE TO KNIFE.
Although the whites and the Crows had been saved from imminent peril, and probably from destruction, by Silverspur’s prompt and decisive action, they were by no means safe from their enraged adversaries. It was to be supposed that Black Horse, indignant at the discovery and defeat of his treacherous scheme, would not be willing to abandon his enterprise without an effort. As the Arapahoes largely outnumbered their opponents, and were stimulated by the desire for plunder as well as revenge, it was reasonable to expect an attack upon them.
Colonel Wilder and Bad Eye, therefore, hastened to make preparations to repel their assailants. The wagons were so placed as to form a corral within which the horses were secured, and around this all were set at work to dig and throw up a breastwork. As the attack might be expected at any moment, they worked with a will, and the camp was soon placed in a fair condition for defense.
It was useless to think of retreating, as they were encumbered with wagons. The Arapahoes could easily overtake them, and might destroy them on the march.
Although the afternoon wore away without an attack, scouts reported that the Arapahoes were still in sight, and Colonel Wilder ordered the work of fortification to continue, until he believed the camp to be strong enough to resist an assault.
“The governor has rushed us pretty hard,” said Silverspur, when the work was pronounced finished, and he threw himself on the ground to rest. “That is always the way with these military men. They want to build a fort at every step they take.”
“He’s right about it this time, sartin,” replied Old Blaze. “The ’Rapahoes are more’n two to our one, and I don’t know any red-skins that I hadn’t ruther fight. Did ye notice those warriors that came with Black Horse?”