While in the vicinity of Hayes City Buffalo Bill had a narrow escape from capture, with a party that was under his guidance; in fact death would very suddenly have followed the capture of all.
A party of officers and their wives, well mounted and armed, were determined not to go with the slow wagon-train from one fort to the other, and accordingly Buffalo Bill was engaged to guide them.
He made known to them the great dangers of the trip, but they being determined, the party started, some dozen in all.
For awhile all went well, but then Buffalo Bill discovered signs of Indians, and hardly had the discovery been made when a large force, over two hundred in number, came in sight and gave chase.
Of course the party were terribly alarmed, and regretted their coming without on escort of soldiers.
But Buffalo Bill said quietly:
"You are all well mounted, so ride straight on, and don't push too fast, or get separated."
"And you, Cody?" asked an officer.
"Oh, I'll be along somewhere; but I've got a new gun, a sixteen-shooter, and I want to try just what it will do."
The Indians were now not more than half a mile away and coming on at full speed, with wild yells and whoops, confident of making a splendid capture.