“Little Buffalo Bill” pleaded hard to be allowed to accompany the scout, but was denied by his parents and advised by the scout himself to remain to guard his mother and sisters.
Suddenly awakened to a new responsibility in life, the boy became the superior of his father in manly qualities. Of perfect physical condition and good mental balance, William F. Corey had been awakened by a crisis from the slumber of youth to the cares of young manhood. He realized the inefficiency of his father, who was weakened by long illness and worry for the future of his loved ones.
And the father, too, suddenly became aware that he had a stout staff to lean upon.
Before the scout and his pards shook hands all around and set off toward the Yellowstone, they were urged by all to return, and the younger Avery declared that as soon as he could arrange his affairs, so that he could feel everything at home was snug and tight, he would gladly give his services to the scout until the uprising should be ended.
This offer Buffalo Bill said he might be glad to accept later, and thanked his hosts for their kindness and hospitality.
CHAPTER XIX.
THE MYSTERY OF THE GULCH.
“Waugh! What is this hyar percession, anyhow—er march ter ther grave o’ ther red man’s granddad, or er Quaker meetin’?”
Old Nomad had broken the stillness after a long silence as the scout and his pards made their way south after crossing the Yellowstone.