"I haven't quite decided. I may go to the Black Hills–may remain around here awhile–it seems to be rather a pleasant place."
"Yes, for them that like it. I'm off for the Black Hills, myself."
"Ah! with a company?"
"Not much! But there's a company going. I'm one of them that don't care much for company, and can take better care of myself alone than with a crowd about me."
"So! Well, it is a good thing to be independent. Do you know the party that is going?"
"Some of 'em, by sight. The captain is Sam Chichester, and he has California Joe, Cap'n Jack, and about twenty more in his party. And Wild Bill has just come on the train, and I heard him say he was going with the crowd."
"Wild Bill!" cried the stranger, flushing up. "Did you say he was going?"
"Yes."
"Then I'd like to go, too–but I'd like to go with another party, either just before or behind that party. Do you know Wild Bill?"
"Know him! Who does not? Hasn't he killed more men than any other white man in the States and Territories–I'll not say how, but is he not a hyena, sopped in blood?"