After a long examination of the motte and the surrounding band, the scout returned to his horse, mounted and rode rapidly back, arriving at the cavalry encampment just as Captain Kassidy and Lieutenant Ainslie arrived with about sixty more men.
Reporting his discovery to the general, Buffalo Bill continued:
“And now, sir, I think as soon as the horses are a little rested we had better push on. You have a hundred fighting men now, and we can defeat the two forces combined.”
“You do not think the two men, now enemies, will join against us, do you, Cody?”
“I do, general; the necks of both men are in the hangman’s noose, and, knowing that they cannot singly meet your force, they will join their thieving bands and make common war upon us.”
“Well, we’ll give them a supper of cold lead and steel by dark. Come, gentlemen, we must be on the move.”
On swept the cavalcade over the prairie, and when the sun was low in the horizon, they came up to the higher roll of the prairie, where a short halt was ordered.
“They are at it hot and fast,” said the scout, as the sound of rapid firing reached their ears.
“Now, general, let me suggest that you divide the troops into three parties, you leading the center with about forty men, Captain la Clyde taking the right with about twenty-five men, Captain Kassidy the left with a like number, and at about a mile distant from Captain la Clyde.
“With your permission, I will then take the remaining half dozen troopers and the three hunters, and, making a circuit of four miles, will come out upon the prairie at a point far to your right, and at once advance toward the motte. When the Indians catch sight of me they will at once send out a large force to fight me, and then you had better charge with your three squadrons.”