But when they came to the opening in the rocks what a surprise and disappointment awaited them.
A large grizzly bear sat munching their fish with apparent approval and satisfaction.
CHAPTER XXVIII.
A SUCCESSION OF SURPRISES.
It was agreed to leave two of the miners to guard the camp and horses, and that the other eight should set out in search of Price and Bloody Ike. Little Buffalo Bill was to go with the scout; Avery and Hickok went in another direction; Nomad and Cayuse took up the search together, and Skibo and the third miner made up the fourth party.
It had been decided to thoroughly scout that portion of the mountains and if possible “put the kibosh” on the pair of rascals who were not only a menace to any community, but a pest when turned loose in the wilds, preying on man and beast, without mercy and in most dastardly manner.
The miners were delighted at discovering their other keg of powder and the bags of food stuff where Ike had dropped them. The cost of packing, food, tools, and powder into this wild territory was disheartening.
“What shall Ah do wiv dem human alligators, if Ah comes up to um in de mountings an’ dey ’fuses ter be brung in, Mars’ Billyum?”
“Use them as you did the bull at Cooley’s ranch—take them by the horns and twist their heads off,” interrupted Hickok.