“We can, but it is a hard trail and will take us a great deal longer,” answered Dell.
“Better a hard trail and more time spent on the trip, than another set-to with the Apaches. You’d better take the lead, Dell. Cayuse will watch the prisoners.”
The girl got around in front and started off along the base of the hill.
Realizing the difficulties of traveling when Buffalo Bill had two prisoners in tow, Dell picked out the easiest trail she could find.
Even at that the way was difficult enough, in all conscience.
For the first quarter of a mile of their riding they were careful to make as little noise as they could; after that, knowing themselves to be pretty well clear of the five Indians, it was not necessary for them to be so cautious.
The path Dell selected was not nearly so rough a one as that which they had followed to Squaw Rock from the defile, but they had now the growing darkness to contend with, and this hampered their progress.
Climbing ascents and sliding down descents, threading tortuous valleys, and traversing the scarps of sharp ridges, they pursued their way steadily.
Buffalo Bill experienced considerable discomfort from the ropes with which the two led horses were secured to his saddle. One of these ropes passed on either side of him, and when the led horses came close together he was caught between the tethers; and occasionally, when the led horses swerved to one side, he was all but thrown from Bear Paw’s back.
He could do nothing else, however, but bear with the discomfort.