Two young braves were, therefore, called to accompany him, and Iron Eyes said that he had increased the force of guards at each ford by fifty men, while several hundred more braves under Death Face would camp at the first mountain pass on the trail, where they could give battle to the soldiers, and be reënforced readily from the village.
Iron Eyes himself would return to his village, and Captain Eagle was to remain at the ford, being at liberty to go where he pleased.
Assured by these facts, and accompanied by the two braves, the sergeant set out upon his return.
He left the braves on the ridge, advanced alone to the river, and discovering, by the sign agreed upon between them, that Buffalo Bill had been there, he went back and told the warriors to return and report to Iron Eyes that a scout from the soldiers had been across the river, so that they could come back into their camp again.
Then he rode into the river to cross.
The sergeant was greeted by Buffalo Bill as he rode out of the water, the two friends clasping hands warmly.
“I am glad, indeed, to see you again, sergeant, for I was becoming very nervous about you.”
“I was delayed, as I did not dare appear anxious to get back.”
“I found Iron Eyes, Death Face, and the outlaw in camp when I went over, and a number of warriors, as well, so I decided to get them well out of the way at once, and would not delay for the time agreed upon.
“I found, upon my return to the ford, that you had been there and crossed. I gave the chief a great ghost story about the soldiers, and I had an hour’s chat with the outlaw,” and Fallon related all his conversation with the outlaw.