CHAPTER XX.
BLACK SCOUTS ON THE TRAIL.
After a hearty breakfast, Buffalo Bill confided to Captain Keyes his experience, for he wished to keep the story of finding the negro, Black Bill, a secret from all save the commanding officer.
“Now, captain, I wish to pick my men and go at once on the trail, for, from what that negro tells me, I fear those people are in a bad way.
“I know they have no right in the Big Horn country, but they are there, in great danger, and there are women and children to be rescued.
“Now, I have every confidence in Sergeant Mobile Buck, and I wish a corporal who is an equally good man for the work ahead.
“Then I feel I can trust the men with Buck in his corral, and I wish twenty-six all told, so, if you will pick out the balance to make up the number, I know I will have just the band I can rely on.
“Then, too, sir, I wish to take all the tools you may have along, every lariat, stake line, and rope in the outfit, plenty of provisions on pack animals, and the cannon powder, as I may need it for blasting, from what Black Bill tells me.
“Now, Captain Keyes, if you will fit me out at once with the men and things I need, it will be a great favor, and we’ll be on the return trail within a couple of hours.”
“I’ll do it, Cody, for what you tell me about these people interests me greatly.
“I know just the men to send with you, and all we have in the outfit which you can use is at your disposal,” said Captain Keyes.