CHAPTER IV.
BURSTING SHELLS.
Before nightfall the two reserve commands had reached the fords, to which they had been guided by the scout sent to each of them.
They found them good camping places, water, wood, and grass in plenty, and which could be readily defended if need be.
There were a dozen fires built by those sent on ahead, and the officers in command were delighted to learn that there was a chance for a brush with the Indians, for, being ordered to the front, they believed there would be.
It was just before sunset that Lieutenant Worth, Buffalo Bill, and Sergeant Fallon rode into the camp at the upper ford, and were welcomed by the officers and men.
“Percy, how is your gun placed?” asked Lieutenant Worth of the officer in charge.
“It commands the ford and the other shore, though it is not in position to be seen.”
“All right, run it into position as soon as Buffalo Bill shows you, just to toss a shell or two, for he has been devoting the past day to studying the Indian camps at two of the fords,” said the lieutenant, with a smile, while the scout remarked: