“He will, in good time.”
“Oh, yes; but it is an important trail, I feel sure, and connected with his trip southward which he has just returned from.”
“No doubt it is; but the government cattle corrals must be in this course.”
“Yes, and I believe we are going after cattle; but to-morrow will tell, as the corrals and grazing grounds are on the headwaters of the San Juan, and that is the way we are pointed now, and we must reach there before two more camps.”
The same style of conversation and guesswork the other scouts indulged in, and still the chief said nothing as to their destination, and all decided that it was to the corrals to drive back cattle.
But that night, when they went into camp, Buffalo Bill said, after all had had supper:
“Pards, I have had nothing to say as to our mission, as there was little to tell you. But, as we strike the government corrals at noon to-morrow, I wish to say that we are to get there a large herd of cattle, and a band of a hundred or more horses.”
“Yes, we supposed that was what we were going for, chief,” said Texas Jack.
Buffalo Bill smiled, and replied:
“Colonel Carr thought it best for me not to tell you my purpose until we neared the corrals, and then, if any of you wished to back out, you could remain there, and I could find other men in your places; but I think I picked those men who will stand by me.”