And while the cry went forth that he had been murdered, those dwellers near the scene knew that it was better for all that Tatanka Yotanke was on the long trail to the happy hunting grounds.
Kit Carey had reported in his modest way the scene that had occurred, and was congratulated upon his coolness and courage in the affair.
Then he had asked for orders, and the general had said:
"Sit down, Lieutenant Carey, for I wish a talk with you."
Kit obeyed, and then came the question:
"Is it true that you know this country as well as do the Indians?"
"The Indians learn a country pretty well, general, better than a white man does, for their instinct teaches them much; but years ago I wandered over this part of the country a great deal, and with a guide who knew every part of it, or so it seemed to me, and since I have been in the army I have scouted through it at times under orders from Colonel Crandall."
"Ah, yes; but you knew the country, you say, before you were in the army?"
"Yes, sir, for I was a border boy."
"And who was this guide that you were with?"