The Averys had been escorted back to the fort and properly serenaded by the soldiers and dined by the officers, but Nomad and Skibo stayed at their post, according to Buffalo Bill’s orders, and Tootsie remained with Mona and Mrs. Sherley.
The scout wished to confer with Mona again before he should leave that part of the country, and the excuse was thus presented.
Before the cavalry force set out, Wild Bill assured the scout that Price and Bloody Ike would come back with him, dead or alive, whether the Indians were brought in or not.
The sacred mountain was reached some time before daylight and Nomad and Skibo routed out to be told the news.
Until sunup the pards sat and smoked and discussed the events of the past few weeks. In some ways it had been one of the most remarkable of their exploits, but more real enjoyment had crept in with the danger and strife of the border life than either of the pards remembered on any previous expedition.
“Thet thar queen o’ ther stars is sweet an’ purty ’nuff ter make er man fergit thet he likes ter chase Injuns,” remarked Nomad by way of explaining his present peace of mind.
“Yah, yah! She am de sweetes’ li’l’ plum Ah ever seen in long dresses, ’cep’ li’l’ Miss Comfort down on de Popo-agie,” added Skibo loyally.
For once Nomad and Skibo agreed.
“What is Tootsie’s opinion of Miss Mona?” asked the scout.
“Ther lad is wishin’ he was ’bout ten y’ars older, I’ll bet Hide-rack ergin er grasshopper,” laughed Nomad. “Ther bye sticks to her like death to er dead coon,” he added.