So on they rode the little remnant of the squad for the far distant fort.
But after a night had been spent in camp, just as the bugle called “boots and saddles,” one of the guard sighted a body of horsemen just coming over a swell in the prairie.
The alarm was given and Clark rode out to investigate.
One glance was enough and a cry of joy escaped his lips.
“Hurrah!” he cried. “We are in luck. It is Romaine’s company of one hundred men. Forward all!”
With cheers the little band rode out to meet the reinforcements.
The command had been sent out under Captain Romaine to search for Clark and his men.
The two officers shook hands and explanations were made.
“You have come just in the nick of time, Romaine,” declared Clark. “We can now return and whip the cowboys.”
“We are with you, colonel!” declared the captain with a salute. “The boys are itching for some hot work.”