They rode not too rapidly up the rise, the Indians respecting Hickok’s rifle sufficiently to keep beyond range. Wild Bill’s plan was to save the wind of the horses until dark, when he knew the Indians would attempt to surround them.
As they rode out on the crest, Captain Smith exclaimed:
“Jupiter! see there.”
In the little valley below them was the wagon train huddled on the plain, with the horses in the square between the wagons, and the escort lying and kneeling all about the wagons and keeping the Indians at bay. Several hundred warriors were riding in a circle about the train, keeping their bodies behind their ponies and shooting from behind these living shields.
“Straight at them now, and begin yelling and shooting the instant we are discovered,” said Wild Bill, putting spurs to his horse.
CHAPTER XXXIX.
RESCUE OF THE SUPPLY TRAIN.
When Buffalo Bill and his pards reached the fort that night the commander was becoming alarmed because of the prolonged absence of Captain Smith and Wild Bill.
“Which way did they go?” asked the scout.