When the sun was nearing the horizon the scout descried ahead a camp-fire. He at once halted and reported it, and soon after the escort rode into the camp of Captain Caruth’s troop.
“Well, Lester, what on earth brings you here?” cried Captain Caruth. “Has aught gone wrong at the fort?”
“Come aside and I will tell you. Where is Buffalo Bill?”
“Asleep yonder at my camp.”
“We will go there, then.”
“Your manner indicates that something is wrong.”
“There is. Have you made any discovery?”
“Buffalo Bill has.”
“What?”
“Well, he was on ahead, and we came upon him here. He has been going all the time, and at last even his iron frame had to acknowledge fatigue, and he halted here, while his scouts have gone off on the seven different trails that lead from yonder valley in as many different directions. Ho, Cody, here is Major Lester, and he has news for us.”