“Say to Colonel Carr I will arrive with the command to-morrow, not caring to push the cattle.”
“Yes, sir.”
The sergeant at once reported to Buffalo Bill what the lieutenant had said, and the two started off at a pace more than double that at which the troops were traveling, retarded as they were by the guns, a couple of ambulances, and some pack mules.
The sun was yet above the horizon when the sentinel on the watchtower reported the coming of two horsemen by the trail leading to the Indian country.
The coming of the scout and Sergeant Fallon was soon reported to the colonel.
Their stories were told, the sergeant telling his first, and both were listened to with the greatest attention by the colonel, who then said:
“Sergeant, your daring and gallant conduct shall be reported, with a strong recommendation, added to others already sent to Washington, for your promotion to a lieutenancy.”
“I thank you, sir.”
“It will be a well-won appointment, sergeant, but, as you request it, it will be best to say as little as possible about your going into the Indian lines, as it might reach the ears of the outlaw, who you say left the camps after your first visit, presumably going to Pioneer City.”