Little Billy showed so much pluck in the dangerous position he occupied that Simpson could not help praising him, and by way of further encouragement he said:
“My brave little man, do you see that Indian on the right, riding out from the party to reconnoiter?”
“Yes, I’m watching him,” was the reply.
“Well, suppose you give him a shot, just by way of experiment.”
Billy at once extended himself, and resting his gun on the body of the mule before him took steady aim and fired.
“Bully boy! A splendid shot!” shouted Simpson, as he saw the Indian topple from his horse, struck in the side. The distance was fully three hundred yards.
After a long parley the Indians scattered, and came charging back again, whooping in a delirium of excitement. When they had approached within less than one hundred yards the besieged party turned loose on them, shooting two more out of the saddle; but the Indians rushed on, discharging a shower of arrows, one of which pierced George Woods’ right shoulder, producing a most painful wound. For a second time the red warriors were repulsed, and they drew off again, evidently for the purpose of resorting to other tactics. Getting beyond the range of the yagers the Indians formed in a large circle, tethered their ponies, and disposed themselves for a siege, with the evident intention of starving out the brave trio. About three hours afterward, however, the cracking of bull-whacker’s whips was heard, and soon the advancing train was seen coming over the hill. The Indians, appreciating what this meant, and gaining their ponies, rode down on the little party again, discharging another flight of arrows and receiving a volley of bullets in return. No damage was inflicted on either side in the last charge, and the three were saved.
After bandaging Woods’ wound the train started again, and met with no further detention or accident, reaching Leavenworth in July, 1858. Wild Bill had been a special companion of Billy’s during the entire trip, and so warm had become the attachment between them that the latter gave him a pressing invitation to go with him to his home for a short visit; an invitation that was accepted by Wild Bill.