“No, I skarted around them and struck your trail ag’in, and then come on, and here I is,” replied Lone Dick, who was a real frontiersman in appearance and dress. “And why did you follow us, Lone Dick?” “I’ll tole you: Yer see, Buffler, I has hearn how there was yellow metal up in these diggin’s, and when I seed yer trail I knowed as how somethin’ was up, and I detarmined to nose it out. I’s been workin’ at traps nigh onto twenty years, and I ain’t got no fortin’ yet, and I felt as how ef yer was a good set of fellers you wouldn’t mind havin’ another true rifle and arm with yourn, for this is an all-fired dirty Injin country, you know.” “Yes, and I have no objection to the aid of your good arm, Lone Dick, and will tell you frankly this party of ours did come here to prospect for gold. But, Lone Dick, I do not understand about the train you speak of, and think it strange that settlers should come into these hills, bringing their wives and children with them.” “It’s all-fired strange, Buffler; but we kin soon nose out what they’re doin’ here, and whar they’re goin’ to squat.” “True, and you and I will start on a scout in the morning, and follow up their trail, while the boys are busy putting up a log fort.” “That’s right! for the Sioux are not going to let us have peaceful possession here, and will soon discover that some of their warriors were killed to-day,” said Red Hand. “What? Blazes! Did yer riz the h’ar of some of ’em to-day?” asked Lone Dick, and Buffalo Bill and the other members of the party gazed upon Red Hand in surprise, while he quietly replied: “I had a little skirmish to-day; not of my own seeking, however.” Turning away he rolled himself in his blanket and soon appeared to be fast asleep, leaving his comrades surprised at his unwillingness to make known the particulars of his adventure with the Indians, and feeling confident that, as blood had already been shed, it was their duty to make every preparation against surprise and attack. CHAPTER XXVI. AN OLD FRIEND AND NEW FACES. At the first glimmer of dawn in the east Buffalo Bill was on his feet, and, calling to Lone Dick, the two soon set out upon their way to strike the trail of the emigrants of whom they had been told by the trapper. Going in a southerly direction, and riding rapidly, for both were well mounted, shortly after noon the scout discovered fresh traces that proved the train had lately passed along. Following up, they were not long in finding out that the newly arrived party were dogged by Indians, who were determined to resist this invasion into their territory. As the sun went down beyond the western hills, there came to the ears of the two men the sound of firing, and dashing on at full speed, they soon came upon a spirited scene.