“I’ll prepare the way for you, Captain Eagle, never fear,” was the answer of the sergeant, and then the two went all over the same ground again, the outlaw asking many questions about the fort and its people, and coming to what he considered was a thorough understanding with the man whom he little dreamed to be his foe. This conversation being ended, the sergeant held a powwow with his old friend Iron Eyes, the outlaw, Death Face, and Fighting Bird being present. It being then a couple of hours after midnight, Sergeant Fallon suggested that he would make a visit to the ford to see if the enemy had sent their scouts across, and send back word by a couple of warriors who would accompany him, as he would then be compelled to go on back to the command where he was expected to serve as the Indians’ spy. Two young braves were, therefore, called to accompany him, and Iron Eyes said that he had increased the force of guards at each ford by fifty men, while several hundred more braves under Death Face would camp at the first mountain pass on the trail, where they could give battle to the soldiers, and be reënforced readily from the village. Iron Eyes himself would return to his village, and Captain Eagle was to remain at the ford, being at liberty to go where he pleased. Assured by these facts, and accompanied by the two braves, the sergeant set out upon his return. He left the braves on the ridge, advanced alone to the river, and discovering, by the sign agreed upon between them, that Buffalo Bill had been there, he went back and told the warriors to return and report to Iron Eyes that a scout from the soldiers had been across the river, so that they could come back into their camp again. Then he rode into the river to cross. The sergeant was greeted by Buffalo Bill as he rode out of the water, the two friends clasping hands warmly. “I am glad, indeed, to see you again, sergeant, for I was becoming very nervous about you.” “I was delayed, as I did not dare appear anxious to get back.” “I found Iron Eyes, Death Face, and the outlaw in camp when I went over, and a number of warriors, as well, so I decided to get them well out of the way at once, and would not delay for the time agreed upon. “I found, upon my return to the ford, that you had been there and crossed. I gave the chief a great ghost story about the soldiers, and I had an hour’s chat with the outlaw,” and Fallon related all his conversation with the outlaw. “When he holds up the coach he will not only find Sergeant Fallon in it, but Buffalo Bill, Lieutenant Worth, and a few good scouts and soldiers, with others following on behind, and a few more to head off the outlaws, so that we will catch the whole outfit,” said the sergeant. “The very thing to be done, sergeant; but who has the outlaw chief for a band?” “That is the question, Cody.” “Doubtless redskins?”