“I most sincerely echo your hope, Lester, that Powell has come to no harm by this escape,” said Colonel Dunwoody, and Colonel De Sutro expressed the same wish.
After some further conversation upon the subject it was decided that the letter should be at once written and despatched by courier, in order to get a response from the general as soon as possible.
Then, while Colonel Dunwoody was writing the letter it occurred to Major Lester to volunteer himself to go on after Captain Caruth’s command, and explain the situation to that officer and to Buffalo Bill.
When he mentioned to the general his determination, his services were gladly accepted, and he at once repaired to his quarters to make preparations for the night ride, and an order was sent for an escort of a sergeant and eight troopers, with a scout as guide.
The courier was despatched with the letter to the general, to be taken to a point on the Overland Trail where there was a tri-weekly mail going East, and a scout was the bearer, a man thoroughly acquainted with the country so that he could make the best time possible.
Soon after Major Lester and his escort rode out of the fort, and at a trot started upon the trail. They went prepared to push on by night, for several lanterns had been taken along, and these were put into requisition upon reaching Deep Dell Brook.
The trail was thus readily followed from there, and just at sunrise the party came to the camp of the troop ahead, which had been deserted a couple of hours before.
A halt was made of an hour for rest and breakfast, and then they pushed on again.
The scout with the escort was a good one, and he followed the trail readily, gaining here and there by cutting across country, from his knowledge of which way the trail must lead. In this way, by noon, several miles had been made, and Major Lester felt cheered with the hope of closing up with the party ahead before nightfall.
A long rest was taken at noon, for both men and horses needed it, and then the trail was resumed once more.