“Miss Carter and her father shall be well cared for, Mr. Cody, and I will at once follow you. Major Belden, you have, for some reason, I am certain, misrepresented this man’s character to me, sir, for I am confident he speaks the truth. Be more careful in future, and until my return hold command of the fort. Come, Cody!” So saying, the general walked from his quarters out into the court of the fort, where Captain la Clyde’s troop of horse was drawn up ready for the march. Presenting the general to Rose Carter, whose beautiful face was most sad looking and pale with fatigue, the officer at once conducted her to the apartments of his wife. Returning soon after, he mounted his horse, and with the scout by his side, and Percy la Clyde and his troop following, dashed rapidly away from the fort, leaving the crestfallen major swearing hatred and revenge upon all who crossed him, from the general down to the drummer boy. CHAPTER LIV. THE BATTLE WITH THE BROTHERHOOD. Dashing rapidly on, under the guidance of the scout, the squadron of cavalry, after a ride of ten miles, struck the trail where Ricardo and his men had turned back in their chase after the fugitives. After carefully examining the traces, Buffalo Bill reported the outlaws about thirty strong. With a cheer the troopers dashed on, until the scout suddenly drew rein where a large trail was visible. “Here is another trail of fully a hundred horsemen, and they have followed on after Ricardo,” he announced. “Ah! I have it, they are the band of Dog Soldier Sioux under the desperate Red Dick. General, can I offer some advice?” “Assuredly, Cody. Our success in this affair depends upon you.” “Well, sir, I would say dispatch half a dozen men at once to the fort for another squadron of horse, so that we can be able to manage both of these bands, and follow Ricardo to his retreat.” “Good!” said the general, “we’ll make a ten-strike of him this time, and it will be a feather in our cap to rid the country of such a desperate renegade. Lieutenant Ainslie, take four men with you, return to the fort, and tell Captain Kassidy to come on at utmost speed with his company, and see also that you bring fresh horses and rations.” Away darted the lieutenant, while a halt was called, and the horses were allowed to rest. But Buffalo Bill determined to push on at once alone and reconnoiter; so, telling the general he would return if he discovered the exact whereabouts of the enemy, he rode away, and soon disappeared behind a roll in the prairie.