The colonel rested his head on his hand, and was absorbed in thought for a few moments. Then he straightened up, and said, with decision:
“Go to the Navahos, and Heaven send that you reach them safely and persuade them not to dig up the hatchet! But first I must have a message sent through to Fort Hays. Maybe they are not on their guard at that post, and even if they are I must let the commandant there know my plans, so that we can work out a joint plan of campaign.
“I have five hundred brave men in this fort, but there is not one among them whom I can trust to take this message when thousands of hostile Indians are riding over the country.
“I know they would all do their best, but there would not be a chance in a thousand of any one of them getting through.
“I can only trust that message to you two men, for you will know how to dodge the enemy as no other would.”
The two scouts immediately signified their desire to make the dangerous trip.
“I think you had better go together,” said the colonel, “for the carrying of the message is vital for the success of our plans.
“I want the commandant at Fort Hays to march to meet me at Fork River, about midway between the two forts. He must not only leave enough men to garrison his fort, but bring along all that can be spared to join my force.
“It is no use for us to skulk behind walls and let the Indians ravage the country as they like. We must strike at them swiftly, even if they do outnumber us by ten to one. That is the only way to nip the rising in the bud.”
Cody applauded this brave resolution, for his knowledge of Indian character told him that the colonel was perfectly right.