“Don’t push your horse too hard at first; hold him in a bit, and when the reds get too near I’ll caution them. Save your horse for later on; also keep your eyes peeled for an ambush ahead.” Smith’s horse benefited by the advice to his master, and presently Wild Bill’s rifle cracked and one of the pursuers dropped out of the race. Soon the savages eased up their pace, keeping beyond the range of that unfailing rifle. “No hurry, cap; just keep going fast enough so they can’t drive by and surround us--but look sharp to the front.” Five minutes later the captain shouted back at Wild Bill: “I hear firing ahead--sounds like an army engagement.” “When we mount the next divide we can see. And say, cap, if it’s your supply train surrounded in the valley beyond, put on all speed and dash straight at the Indian line, shooting and yelling. Ten to one they would be so surprised at this attack from a new quarter that they will forget to shoot till we are inside the line.” They rode not too rapidly up the rise, the Indians respecting Hickok’s rifle sufficiently to keep beyond range. Wild Bill’s plan was to save the wind of the horses until dark, when he knew the Indians would attempt to surround them. As they rode out on the crest, Captain Smith exclaimed: “Jupiter! see there.” In the little valley below them was the wagon train huddled on the plain, with the horses in the square between the wagons, and the escort lying and kneeling all about the wagons and keeping the Indians at bay. Several hundred warriors were riding in a circle about the train, keeping their bodies behind their ponies and shooting from behind these living shields. “Straight at them now, and begin yelling and shooting the instant we are discovered,” said Wild Bill, putting spurs to his horse. CHAPTER XXXIX. RESCUE OF THE SUPPLY TRAIN. When Buffalo Bill and his pards reached the fort that night the commander was becoming alarmed because of the prolonged absence of Captain Smith and Wild Bill. “Which way did they go?” asked the scout. “Down the route toward Fort Reno.” “Oh! they’ll show up, all right,” said the scout reassuringly. “Hickok is a whole regiment and an ambulance train combined.” “I know; but I am getting worried about the supply train, which ought to have arrived five days ago. Captain Smith and Wild Bill rode that way, and should have returned two or three hours ago. What do you think of it?” “I think, in that case, that Hickok discovered your wagon train in difficulties and has gone to their assistance. If you will give me fifty well-mounted men I should enjoy going to the relief of your supplies and men.” “You can have them, Cody; and the sooner you start the better it will suit me.” Tn spite of his hard day’s ride, the scout was impatient to be off. Old Nomad got wind of it and came tearing up to the officer’s quarters. “See hyar! what’s this aire manoeuvrin’ whar’s likely ter be moosic an’ ole Nick hain’t included, hey?”