It was when some thirty miles from the fort, and when nearing the time for going into camp, wild yells were heard half a mile ahead, and soon back came the colored trooper’s horse, riderless.
This and the yells told the story, and the sergeant was quick to take advantage of a retreat to a little hill, rocky and wooded, he had found only a mile back. He ordered his corporal to retreat there and go into camp, against the advice of several of his men that the safest place to fall back on would be the fort, and in a hurry, too.
But Sergeant Mobile Buck called to two of his men to remain with him, and he set out to discover the trouble ahead, how many Indians there were, and what he had better do under the circumstances.
He soon discovered more than he cared to, for fully half a hundred Indians were in sight, with no telling how many more were hidden near by.
Back he rode to the retreating place, fully convinced that the advice offered by a few, to fall back on the fort, was wise.
But he discovered as he came in sight of the hill, that the corporal and his men were in trouble, for there were a number of Indians there also, advancing to the attack.
“That cuts off retreat,” said Sergeant Buck, and he charged for the hill with his two companions.
This charge checked the attack of the redskins and greatly pleased Corporal Black, who did not belie his name, as he was as black as charcoal.
The corporal was only too anxious to be relieved of his command, and have the sergeant assume responsibility.
“We are in for it and no mistake, corporal. How many Injuns have you seen?” said the sergeant, as he rode into the retreat.