“This is the Haunted Valley of the Black Hills. And no Indian of the Sioux tribe, or outlaw, either, will ever penetrate into these wilds.”
“We know now how it was haunted and why,” said Red Hand sadly.
“Yes, Red Hand, you and I know now, and we also know that this place will be sacred from intrusion. Here we will bring the women and children, and you and Lone Dick and Captain Ramsey and his son must be their guard.”
“You mean for the party to leave the settlement to-night, then?”
“Yes, for the Indians will begin to move soon.”
Buffalo Bill continued:
“I will ride, as soon as possible, to the Ramsey camp; have the women and their party pack up at once, mount and hasten to the head of the valley, with all the necessary stores and traps for a long siege; then tell the men to move off with all due haste for the miners’ camp, and, mind you, Red Hand, they must be well on their way by daylight, for we have no time to lose. I am off at once, Red Hand, but really I do not like to leave you alone in this valley,” said Buffalo Bill reluctantly.
“It matters not, the dead can do no harm, and the living I have little fear of here.”
“It is now about two hours to midnight. Before day I will be at the head of the valley.”