“I say, Buffler, hain’t sumpin ’bout due ter drap? Ef this hyar Hide-rack ’u’d tumble down an’ sling me erbout four rod I’d git up feelin’ better. I tells ye, this hyar lack ov ’citement’s gittin’ on my nerves purty nigh orful.”
The scout had been riding silently, making a careful study of his surroundings, and with the instinct of his calling calculating on the possibilities of this wild country as the site of a great battle.
Little Cayuse was in the lead, following readily the trail left by Price and Ike in their flight.
“I’ve been thinking,” began the scout quietly, pulling Bear Paw down to a walk and giving all the animals an opportunity to puff, “that perhaps within the next few hours we will find excitement enough to satisfy even your cravings, Nick.”
“Thet’s ther tork, Buffler! Hyar’s yer mutton when yer needs timber fer sumpin ter——”
Nomad stopped suddenly, having been interrupted by a strange happening. They were now in a vast tract of broken, well-nigh verdureless ridges, with here and there stretches of sage brush and occasionally clumps of stunted cottonwood or willow in the low places between.
Cayuse’s pinto had gained some distance on the other horses, and, as the trim little Piute’s feather was disappearing beyond a ridgetop, his companions saw his arms suddenly thrown above his head, and instantly there came a heavy report, accompanied by shaking of the ground, and a cloud of smoke arose above the crest of the hill.
“Thunder, Buffler! Ther papoose is done for!” yelled Nomad, driving the spurs to Hide-rack’s flanks, and dashing ahead.
“Look out, Nick!” cried Hickok, sending his own steed to the left sharply to reconnoitre the position, as Buffalo Bill had instantly galloped away to the right.
If Nomad heard he did not heed, but, drawing his revolver, he dashed up the ridge and over the crest at whirlwind speed. But the trapper had barely reached the highest point of the hill than there came the report of two rifles, almost together, and the scout and Hickok saw the brave old Nomad reel in the saddle for a moment, then throw up his revolver, and bang! bang! bang! as he plunged from sight down the other side.