“If he held up the coach to-day it was on the other side of Cañon River bridge, and it is as far for him to ride from there to his secret crossing of the river as it is for us to go down from here, and by hard riding we could get there first, sir; begging your pardon, if we could start at once, push through and meet Lieutenant Worth, we could——”
“Cody, you have hit the nail on the head, and you and the sergeant shall start within half an hour on your ride.
“You, sergeant, can ride my best charger, Spur, for he needs exercise, and Lieutenant Worth will go back with you and take what men he deems necessary, leaving the command to Lieutenant Percy to bring on. Say to Lieutenant Worth, sergeant, that such is my wish.
“Let him pick his horses, and you should reach him in time to-night to get a short rest there for yours, and be away all together at dawn.”
“We will, sir; and I thank you deeply for your great kindness. We will start within half an hour, sir, but I dislike to force Scout Cody and others on such a hard ride,” said Sergeant Fallon earnestly.
“Oh, don’t mind me, sergeant, for I’ve had more rest of late than I wanted,” said Buffalo Bill dryly.
“Well, now be off, and remember, sergeant, you are to ride my horse, Spur.”
“Thank you, sir.”