Not wishing to make himself known, for he believed from all he saw that the expedition was a secret one, the old trapper lay quiet all night. At early dawn he saw the party continue on their journey directly toward the Black Hills, and following the trail of the party that had gone before.
“Did you see the party again after that night, Lone Dick?” asked Buffalo Bill of the old hunter, whom he had met in the settlements now and then and knew as a brave man who always tramped alone, and never meddled with the affairs of other people.
“No, I skarted around them and struck your trail ag’in, and then come on, and here I is,” replied Lone Dick, who was a real frontiersman in appearance and dress.
“And why did you follow us, Lone Dick?”
“I’ll tole you: Yer see, Buffler, I has hearn how there was yellow metal up in these diggin’s, and when I seed yer trail I knowed as how somethin’ was up, and I detarmined to nose it out. I’s been workin’ at traps nigh onto twenty years, and I ain’t got no fortin’ yet, and I felt as how ef yer was a good set of fellers you wouldn’t mind havin’ another true rifle and arm with yourn, for this is an all-fired dirty Injin country, you know.”
“Yes, and I have no objection to the aid of your good arm, Lone Dick, and will tell you frankly this party of ours did come here to prospect for gold. But, Lone Dick, I do not understand about the train you speak of, and think it strange that settlers should come into these hills, bringing their wives and children with them.”
“It’s all-fired strange, Buffler; but we kin soon nose out what they’re doin’ here, and whar they’re goin’ to squat.”
“True, and you and I will start on a scout in the morning, and follow up their trail, while the boys are busy putting up a log fort.”
“That’s right! for the Sioux are not going to let us have peaceful possession here, and will soon discover that some of their warriors were killed to-day,” said Red Hand.