The scout looked at her a moment in earnest admiration before he turned to Tom Sun, and said: “Tom, what brings you into this wild land?” “My horse, of course; but, joking aside, Cody, the captain here was in the army some years ago, and, resigning his commission, settled down upon the border of the Southwest on a ranch; but he concluded he would do better up in these hills, and so his whole neighborhood up stakes, and here they are, I being the guide of the expedition.” “There is no more beautiful country to settle in if the Indians will only let you alone,” remarked Buffalo Bill. “Yes, and no richer country in minerals, I am convinced, Cody, and I believe we can get a hold here and soon get the government to support us.” “I doubt the support of the government, captain, and it is a dangerous country into which to bring women and children.” “That is true, Buffalo Bill,” was the answer; “but we will have to teach the Indians to let us alone, or pacify them with presents.” “That Quaker idea of dealing with redskins is losing ground, captain,” said the scout, “and if the Indians know they can get all the presents by one grand fight, and a number of scalps to boot, why, it is their nature to do so.” “You paint a bad picture, Cody; but, can I ask, how is it I find you here in these hills, and with only one comrade?” “A single man can go, sir, where a dozen dare not attempt it. I am here with a band of brave fellows who came for the same purpose that doubtless brought you--to search for gold.” “You are right, Cody! I have reason to know that there are large quantities of gold here,” replied Captain Ramsey, with enthusiasm. “There is certainly gold here, sir, and silver, too, for that matter; but all gold seekers in the Black Hills come here at the risk of their lives until the government sends troops to protect the miners; and that it is not likely to do for a number of years to come.” “You speak knowingly, Cody, and I feel that you are right; but here we are, and here we intend to remain, as long as it is in our power to do so.” “Still, it was wrong to bring women and children with you,” Buffalo Bill protested. “A man has a right to play with his own life, but not those of his wife and children, and already you have had a sample of how the redskins intend to receive you.” The scout spoke warmly. “True; and had it not been for your brave dash to our relief, before now our end might have come; but let us on after the train. We can give you some good cheer, after we go into camp, and I beg of you not to paint a dark side to our expedition, for there may be a few faint hearts among us.” “I have said all I intend to, captain,” was the scout’s reply. “Have you determined upon where you intend to camp?” “No, for we are in the dark regarding locations.”