“Lead the way. Black Bill, I’ll help you,” and, supporting the negro with his arm, Buffalo Bill followed on behind the two men, as they shuffled along down the valley, the weapons of each man being hung about their necks so that they would have to carry them. The two prisoners walked slowly, partly because their legs were tied so as to prevent rapid traveling, and also because they did not wish to go. They were livid with rage and fear, with hate and anxiety, for they did not know what would be their fate, while they saw their hopes dashed to earth in a second of time. Down the valley they went for a mile, perhaps, the walk seeming to benefit the negro, and, at last, they turned into a small cañon in which grew a grove of pines, and at the head of which was a spring. “De cañon whar de people hunt fer gold not far from here, Massa Bill,” said the negro, and then he added: “I jist guesses dat’s what dese men is here for, while t’others is in ther Lost Valley, for something had been de matter, sartin.” The camp now came into view, a stoutly built log cabin, with door and shutters of hewn timber, and a shed along the front. It was near the spring, was sheltered by the overhanging cliffs and the pines, and, winter or summer, was a safe and comfortable retreat. “De people built de cabin, Massa Bill; put it up fer dere provisions, which dey kept here, ter keep from going back to de valley, sah, every night, and dey only all went on Sundays.” “So you did find your camp, eh?” said Buffalo Bill to the two men, and he made them fast to a tree, back to back. Then he spread the negro’s blanket for him upon the pine straw, and said: “Now, you lie down there, while I reconnoiter this camp, which is a very snug affair, I see.” The two prisoners muttered oaths, the black lay down at full length, and Buffalo Bill threw open the door of the cabin and the shutters, which gave light within. It was a large cabin, and there were a number of bunks in it along the rear wall. There were shelves, too, with provisions, and a table, cooking utensils, weapons, and picks, shovels, axes, and hatchets. A haunch of venison hung under the shed outside, with bacon, hams, and dried fish, showing that the men were still well supplied with provisions. In a plot of ground back of the cabin there were potatoes, cabbages, and turnips growing, and places to store them away for the winter. “You fellows have had the best, I see, and I am going to know about you before I am done with you,” said Buffalo Bill. Then he added that he would cook dinner for all hands, and draw on the cabin’s larder for his supplies. A fire was smoldering outside of the cabin, and this was replenished, and soon a dinner of roast potatoes, bacon, venison, hoecake, and coffee was prepared. Black Bill was asleep; but woke at the scout’s call, saying that he felt much better, save for a headache.