Wistfully the eyes of the emigrants had scanned the prairie all that long day, in hopes of seeing the coming of the scout and reënforcements.
Night came, and no succor was visible, and with determined manner the men set to work to defend to the end of their lives their families and their riches.
The Indians commenced the attack as soon as it was dark, and charged boldly down upon the train; but during the day the emigrants had strongly fortified their position, and after a sharp and short fight the attacking party fell back.
Yet they did not dream of defeat, and their savage minds began to plot various methods of taking the settlers at a disadvantage, for the Indian never cares to fight an open battle if he can gain his ends by cunning and strategy.
Failing in one plan after the other, Red Dick at length determined to lead one desperate charge, in column, hoping to break through the line by mere weight and numbers.
He was preparing his red allies for the work, when suddenly a cry of alarm was heard in their rear, and up dashed the Branded Brotherhood, with their desperate chief at their head.
The Sioux warriors at first thought they were being attacked by a troop of soldiers, and began to scatter in all directions, when the loud voice of Red Dick recalled them, for he recognized the commanding form of Ricardo.
Riding up to Ricardo, he cried:
“Hello, chief! Have you come to aid me in a division of the spoils?”