Then they discovered the signs of the struggle where the coach had been halted, and down the stream led the trail.
Not far below was a stick in the top of which was a slip of paper. Taking it, Texas Jack read in his chief’s well-known hand:
“There were mounted outlaws awaiting the coach at Deep Dell Brook. Their horses were staked out at the bend below here, and they had camped there all night.
“The tracks show nine horses were there, and I suppose that means as many men. With their prisoners, Surgeon Powell and the detectives, they can hardly travel very fast.
“I shall press rapidly on until dark, marking trail as I go so that you can follow with considerable speed.
“Bill.”
A courier was sent back by Texas Jack to the ford with this note, to give to Captain Caruth, and then the scout pressed on once more at a quick trot.
All along they saw where Buffalo Bill had marked the trail, and when at last night came on they were compelled to halt, but they were glad to know that Buffalo Bill had had all of two hours more of daylight than they had.
A scout was sent back to bring the troopers up to the camp.
“Well, Texas Jack, what do you think of the situation?” asked Captain Caruth, as he sat in his camp that night, having sent for the scout.