His only desire was to get Jennie safe within the hostiles' retreat, for he believed that their camp was impregnable, and no soldier dare come there.
Of the camp of the Cheyennes under their soldier captain, Kit Carey, he did not know, and not until he suddenly heard wild cries and beheld a party of horsemen dash out of a ravine in pursuit, did he realize that he had a deadly foe near.
"It is the White War Eagle! He is like a wolf on a trail," the Chief Red Hatchet said to his fair captive and braves, as he beheld at the head of the Cheyenne soldiers their gallant captain, Kit Carey, coming on in hot pursuit.
[6] The Indian sign language is almost as expressive as words, and most tribes can understand it, though not knowing each other's tongue.
CHAPTER XXVIII.
A short while before the band of Red Hatchet dashed into view, with their captive, a Cheyenne scout had arrived in the little camp of the Indian soldiers bearing dispatches from headquarters.
There was a letter from the general thanking Lieutenant Carey for his valuable services rendered thus far, and giving certain instructions for his future guidance, while he was ordered to do all in his power to ascertain the force of the hostiles in the Bad Lands, now intrenched, and the chiefs who were urging them to resistance.
A letter also came from Major John M. Burke, at the Pine Ridge Agency, which was as follows: