Then into the encampment dashed a score of troopers, with Captain Percy la Clyde at their head. Warmly were the young officer and his men welcomed. Having listened to the plan of defense adopted by Major Conrad, and stationed his troopers at advantageous positions, the dragoon commander said: “It is a mere accident I reached you, for after my leaving your train, day before yesterday, you changed your course to the southward.” “Yes; that traitor guide, Dick--or, rather, Red Dick, as he is known in these parts----” “What! Was your guide the notorious Red Dick? Now I know why he always seemed to avoid me,” said Captain la Clyde, with surprise. “Yes, he was Red Dick, the renegade leader of the Dog Soldier Sioux, I believe.” “Yes, they made him chief of their tribe, major; but what an escape you had, for in changing your course he was doubtless leading you into his hornets’ nest.” “It is just what he was doing, and would have succeeded, had not my daughter and Howard Lawrence been captured by a band of regular Sioux warriors, and rescued by Buffalo Bill, who informed us of the character of our guide.” “Major Conrad, you surprise me; Miss Sibyl captured, and also Howard Lawrence?” “Yes, captain; they had ridden ahead to look up a camping ground, and----” “And were captured by Sioux Indians?” “Yes; five warriors, and four of them Buffalo Bill killed in rescuing Lawrence and Sibyl.” “Strange, indeed; and it was the noted scout who told you of the character of Red Dick?” “Yes, he exposed him publicly; and they would have had a knife encounter in camp, had not Sibyl interfered. Then the scout drove the guide from the encampment, and an hour after Red Dick returned at the head of his Dog Soldiers.” “And what became of the scout, major?” “He swam the river, and ran the gantlet of the Indian line most gallantly, that he might seek some friendly Indians and bring them to our aid.” “He has certainly served you well. He is always doing noble work, such as this! But how are the ladies, major?” “Stout-hearted, as are the men; but come, we will go and see them, captain.” Leading the way, Major Conrad conducted the young officer toward the large ravine running back from the river. There a motley sight met their gaze, for the women and children were huddled together in the bottom of the gulch, around several bright fires, and farther down were closely packed the horses and cattle belonging to the train. “Why, they are all as snug as bugs in a rug, major,” laughed Captain la Clyde; and, as the firelight fell full upon him, it displayed his handsome, graceful form, a little under six feet in height, and compactly built. His face was exceedingly youthful, beardless, the features good, the mouth and dark-blue eyes indicating courage and determination.