“I have not the time to lose, and I won’t shoot him when he comes into view,” he muttered. Soon the man appeared, smiling boldly, and apparently believing Buffalo Bill was in pursuit. But with his arms free, he felt the chances were that he could get away, as the scout was not armed. “I’ll not shoot you this time, though I could do so--we’ll meet again,” shouted the scout. But the outlaw had at once dove deep, when he saw the scout on the cliff, rifle in hand. Then Buffalo Bill mounted his horse, after hiding Ginger Sam’s weapons, and rode rapidly away, for already had he lost too much time. He pushed his horse hard, as he felt he could do so, with the animal to get rest at the fort, and, making but short halts, he kept on through the night, to strike at dawn the camp of Captain Keyes, who had taken up the trail for the fort, going by easy marches with his wounded soldiers and Indians. CHAPTER XX. BLACK SCOUTS ON THE TRAIL. After a hearty breakfast, Buffalo Bill confided to Captain Keyes his experience, for he wished to keep the story of finding the negro, Black Bill, a secret from all save the commanding officer. “Now, captain, I wish to pick my men and go at once on the trail, for, from what that negro tells me, I fear those people are in a bad way. “I know they have no right in the Big Horn country, but they are there, in great danger, and there are women and children to be rescued. “Now, I have every confidence in Sergeant Mobile Buck, and I wish a corporal who is an equally good man for the work ahead. “Then I feel I can trust the men with Buck in his corral, and I wish twenty-six all told, so, if you will pick out the balance to make up the number, I know I will have just the band I can rely on. “Then, too, sir, I wish to take all the tools you may have along, every lariat, stake line, and rope in the outfit, plenty of provisions on pack animals, and the cannon powder, as I may need it for blasting, from what Black Bill tells me. “Now, Captain Keyes, if you will fit me out at once with the men and things I need, it will be a great favor, and we’ll be on the return trail within a couple of hours.” “I’ll do it, Cody, for what you tell me about these people interests me greatly. “I know just the men to send with you, and all we have in the outfit which you can use is at your disposal,” said Captain Keyes. Sergeant Buck was at once called, and Buffalo Bill told him he wished him, a corporal, and twenty-four men to take the trail with him, Captain Keyes adding: “Yes, and we are to pick the men, sergeant, for Chief Cody will only take colored soldiers, and they are to be his scouts.” “I’m mighty glad, sir, and I know we can get good men, sir,” was the answer. A corporal was first selected, and though he was the hue of ink, he rejoiced in the nickname of Milk White, being generally called “Corporal Milk.”