“It is Hugh Hardin, the oldest of my scouts,” he said, “and I am willing to bet a few cigars that he brings news of a fresh Indian uprising.”
It was, indeed, Hugh Hardin, and a moment later he had pulled up his steed before Buffalo Bill and Colonel Carr, and, after saluting his superior officers, was making his report.
It was to the effect that the Indians to the number of several thousands were on the warpath, under command of Death Face and several other of their chiefs.
“I scouted near their camp,” said Hugh Hardin, “and I know that there is at least one white man in their number. I saw him. He is Eagle, a well-known outlaw. He was formerly chief of the band known as the Renegade Red Riders, which you broke up, Buffalo Bill, not long ago.”
“What! Eagle, the outlaw chief!” exclaimed the colonel. “I thought you killed him, Cody?”
“I followed him and drove him off a precipice into Rapid River—man and horse,” said Cody; “but it looks as if he had escaped by swimming, and joined the redskins, now that his own band is wiped out. Are you sure that he is with the Indians?”
“Perfectly,” said Hugh Hardin.
“That man must be captured at all hazards,” said the colonel. “I shall immediately order out a troop of cavalry, as well as a battery of infantry, and send them on to oppose the Indians.”
An hour later the detachment of cavalry and artillery, under command of Lieutenant Worth, one of the most popular young officers in the post, was starting for Rapid River.
Two other commands of artillery and cavalry were dispatched immediately afterward.