If nothing had happened, then Buffalo Bill would find the way to the camp in a mountain storm.
All knew that the scout did not go without his blanket, a haversack of food, and was prepared to spend the night anywhere he might be overtaken.
A search of the traps of the negro showed that he had gone also prepared for a stay, if necessary.
At last the scouts decided to retire and put the best face on the nonreturn of the chief by saying that they had doubtless gone so far, made some discovery, and to carry out their intention had decided to camp where they were for the night, to be on the spot early in the morning, rather than return to camp.
“We will start on the hunt, pards, if they are not here to breakfast,” said Sergeant Buck.
Dawn came, but the chief and the negro had not returned.
One of those who appeared to be most anxious about the chief was Don Miller. He wanted to go on the search.
“We will all go, and divide in twos, and if we cannot find their trail we will go the way we think they must have gone.
“You take care of the camp, Mr. Miller, and each one of us, as he gives up the search, will come in; only I do not wish any man to give up until he is certain that he cannot find the chief, and must get back here by night.
“Yes, I want every man back here in camp by night.