A haunch of venison hung under the shed outside, with bacon, hams, and dried fish, showing that the men were still well supplied with provisions.
In a plot of ground back of the cabin there were potatoes, cabbages, and turnips growing, and places to store them away for the winter.
“You fellows have had the best, I see, and I am going to know about you before I am done with you,” said Buffalo Bill.
Then he added that he would cook dinner for all hands, and draw on the cabin’s larder for his supplies.
A fire was smoldering outside of the cabin, and this was replenished, and soon a dinner of roast potatoes, bacon, venison, hoecake, and coffee was prepared.
Black Bill was asleep; but woke at the scout’s call, saying that he felt much better, save for a headache.
“It is well it is no worse. Now, see what a good dinner we have; or, I may say, supper, for it is getting late. I guess we’ll camp here to-night and return to our camp to-morrow; or I will go and bring the boys here, for you must keep quiet for a few days.”
“What is you doing here in the Big Horn country, anyhow?” said Rocks, as Buffalo Bill untied the hands of the prisoners for them to eat their dinner.
“That is just what I came here to ask you, and, as a government officer, I have the call.”
“The nigger calls you Buffalo Bill.”