“My name is Raymond, sir, Henry Raymond.”
“Ah! yes, I remembers hearing your pards call yer by thet name now. These gents, Mr. Raymond, is Surgeon Powell, o’ ther cavalry, and Buffalo Bill, chief of scouts, and they is among ther best men thet ever is seen in these parts.”
All bowed at the introduction, and the scouts kept up with the coach until it reached the fort.
The man who had given his name as Raymond was one who possessed the look of one to be depended on in a time of need. He was well built, quick of action, and had a dark, piercing eye that was most penetrating.
The other two passengers were heavily bearded men, such as might be found anywhere on the frontier.
As Henry Raymond dismounted from the box he turned to Surgeon Powell, who had just gotten off of his horse and said:
“You are an officer at the fort, I believe, sir?”
“Yes, the surgeon of the post.”
“I would like to see the commandant, sir, Colonel Dunwoody?”
“I will conduct you to him, if you wish.”