“I have said all I intend to, captain,” was the scout’s reply. “Have you determined upon where you intend to camp?”
“No, for we are in the dark regarding locations.”
“Then I would advise that you bend more to the northeast. There you will find a fertile valley and good streams, and be also within a third of a day’s journey from our camp, and you know there is safety in numbers.”
“I have advised building a stronghold at once, and then, should the Indians prove troublesome, we have at least protection,” said Tom Sun.
“You are right, Tom! You can reach the spot I speak of early to-morrow, and circumstances warrant that you make no delay in building your fort. How many men have you with you?”
“We have about thirty, Buffalo Bill, and about as many noncombatants, and we are well armed and equipped, I assure you.”
“In our band there are a score of miners,” said the scout, “and no women or children. If it comes to the worst, why, our united bands should make a good fight. But come, we had better go on.”
Then the party rode rapidly after the train. It was several miles ahead, and Captain Ramsey had imprudently allowed it to proceed while he stopped to examine some traces of gold, accompanied only by his guide, son, and daughter.
Ramsey was most enthusiastic over the Black Hills, had a bad case of “gold fever,” and was willing to risk life and all in the search for the precious yellow gold.