“We will begin work to-morrow, for all my men will be here then,” was shouted back in the clear tones of Buffalo Bill, and a great cheer told him he had been heard, and hope filled every heart.
Within one week the scouts slept in the valley, and the next morning all hands went to work repairing wagons, harness, and shoeing the horses and mules, while preparations were made by the women for leaving the place, which had so long been to them a living tomb.
Just two weeks after the arrival of the scouts, the march was begun.
One wagon at a time was taken up the ledge trail; the women and children followed, then the extra horses, and next the cattle, sheep, and all that could be carried along.
CHAPTER XXX.
OUT OF DEVIL’S DEN.
The march from the Devil’s Den, as Buffalo Bill called the sunken valley, was a long one and slow, with wagons, stock and all on the move, for chasms had to be bridged. Ten miles a day was a fair rate of travel at first.
Buffalo Bill led the way by the spot where Don Miller’s gold had been buried, and this was recovered.
In fairly good time Fort Aspen was reached.