[pg 85]
CHAPTER XII -THE DEAD MEN'S TALE
The wilderness, close at hand, soon was to make itself felt. Wingate's outriders moved out before noon of one day, intending to locate camp at the ford of the Big Vermilion. Four miles in advance they unexpectedly met the scout of the Missouri column, Bill Jackson, who had passed the Wingate train by a cut-off of his own on a solitary ride ahead for sake of information. He was at a gallop now, and what he said sent them all back at full speed to the head of the Wingate column.
Jackson riding ahead, came up with his hand raised for a halt.
"My God, Cap'n, stop the train!" he called. "Hit won't do for the womern and children to see what's on ahead yan!"
"What's up--where?" demanded Wingate.
"On three mile, on the water where they camped night afore last. Thar they air ten men, an' the rest's gone. Woodhull's wagons, but he ain't thar. Wagons burned, mules standing with arrers in them, rest all dead but a few. Hit's the Pawnees!"