“I name it Cheyenne,” said the general, “for Cheyenne Pass, which you see to the north.”
“The military post will be just north, gentlemen,” quoth General Augur. “The War Department approving, it will be named Fort D. A. Russell, in honor of Major-General David Allen Russell, a gallant soldier who won honors in the Mexican War and was killed in battle September 19, 1864, where his conduct gained him the brevet of major-general.”
“Wall, this hyar business o’ locatin’ towns whar thar ain’t people seems to be rather pecoolar,” drawled Jim Bridger. “A feller hyar with last month’s pay in his pocket couldn’t spend a cent. Anyhow, thar’s plenty elbow room. That’s the best thing about it.”
“Wait till the news gets to Denver, and Julesburg. In six months you won’t be able to turn around, where you’re now standing,” smiled Mr. Van Lennep.
“Listen!” General Dodge sharply ordered.
Distant in the south there welled the faint reports of volleying fire-arms.
“Injun scrimmage, shore,” pronounced old Jim. “Fust an’ original inhabitants are on hand.”
“Sounds like an attack on a wagon train,” rapped the general. “Mount, gentlemen.”
“Here come the cavalry. Hurrah!” cheered young Mr. Duff.
The soldier escort were straightening in their saddles, awaiting command; but from the camp a bugle had pealed, and Troops B and M, led by Lieutenant Wheelan and Surgeon Terry, were tearing in columns of fours across the plain, following the battle signals.