The giant hunter turned an earnest look into his foe’s face, and, reading there only deadly determination, said: “I’ll go now, scout, ’cause you hold the winning card; but Red Dick will be on your trail hot in the future.” So saying, he wheeled away, walked to one of the wagons, and, taking his rifle and accouterments, mounted his tall, raw-boned horse and departed, leaving Buffalo Bill master of the situation. But hardly had the huge form of the exiled horse and rider disappeared over a roll in the prairie when suddenly he reappeared, and at his back rode over a hundred mounted Sioux warriors, who came rushing down upon the train with discordant yells and the war cries of their tribe. CHAPTER XLIV. RUNNING THE GANTLET. “Every man to his post.” It was the clear and commanding voice of Buffalo Bill that gave the order. The effect upon the pioneers was electrical, for they felt that in him they had a leader who fully understood the cunning of the Indians, and whose bravery was upon every tongue on the frontier. “Buffalo Bill, you are well accustomed to scenes like this one about to be forced upon us, and I would like you to take command,” cried Major Conrad, advancing quickly to the side of the scout. Buffalo Bill glanced out upon the prairie toward the coming Indians, as he replied: “Fortunately the train is in corral, sir, and the men are ready for a fight. I would advise that the women and children be placed under cover of the river bank yonder. The ravine will protect the horses and cattle, while, with the wagons for the breastwork, the men can hold out splendidly.” This advice was acted upon, and in a few moments the camp was ready for action. Stationing himself upon the outer edge of the line of wagons, Buffalo Bill was seen to suddenly raise his repeating rifle; a quick aim, a shot, and a painted warrior fell from his horse. The yell of exultation from the emigrants was answered by a series of wild war whoops from the infuriated Indians. “Now, Major Conrad,” said the scout, “you see that I know yonder renegade guide well, for he is doubtless the leader of the approaching band of redskins, and was guiding you into a trap.” “We have much to thank you for, sir,” was the earnest answer; “but the Indians have halted.” “Yes, they are too wary to charge these lines in the daytime, and----” “And what, sir?” asked Major Conrad, as the scout paused thoughtfully. “And by nightfall I can bring relief, for not many miles from here is a band of Pawnees hunting buffalo.” “But, sir, you can never escape from here, for see, the Indians are beginning to surround us, and two separate parties are swimming the river.” The scout took in the scene at once, and then said quietly: “You must hold the red devils at bay. Mind, act only on the defensive, and I will run the gantlet of their fire, and bring what relief I can.”