CHAPTER XXXI.
ANOTHER STRANGE STORY.
About a week later, Cody returned to Fort Advance one night from a lone expedition, just as all the garrison were looking upon him as dead, believing that he had at last met the doom so many had predicted he would, and wondering why he had not long before done so.
“Corporal of the guard! Cody is returning,” repeated the sentinel, as he recognized a horseman coming at a lope over the plain.
And such a cheer as went up at the words of the sentinel was seldom heard, for that Buffalo Bill had discounted all predictions and again proved his title to “bearing a charmed life,” was a joy to one and all in the fort.
He looked worn and haggard, and his horse was gaunt and weary, as they passed in through the stockade; but the greeting was a grand one.
Even Colonel Carr had begun to regard the scout as dead, for many anxious days had passed since he had left the post on his recent mission.
Straight to headquarters he rode, dismounted, turned his horse loose to go to the stable, and was met by Colonel Carr on the piazza, so glad was that officer to welcome the great scout back again.
“Come in, Cody, and I feel as though I was welcoming you back almost from the grave.”