The Laramie man believed the Indian had come for a message and had borne one to Captain Smith. He had also discovered enough to convince him that Captain Smith had arranged with the Indians to be on the watch for Lieutenant Avery and to see that he did not return to the fort. By Captain Smith’s own words he was glad Avery was out of the way. He had said, when slightly under the influence of liquor, that Avery was an upstart and wanted to ride over his superiors. But that he--Avery--had run against a snag when he attempted to ride over Price, the Indian agent. Captain Smith’s version of the affair was that Avery had insulted a girl who was out walking with Price and the latter had knocked the officer down. Smith had received a letter from Price describing the situation and telling him that through Avery’s attempts the army was trumping up false charges against him--Price--and were trying to down him. Hickok had apparently accepted Captain Smith’s version, not telling of his own experience with Price and the latter’s intimate association with Bloody Ike, the cutthroat. Hickok also learned that Captain Smith’s half-brother was an officer in the service along the Yellowstone. This half-brother had married Price’s sister and the Indian agent’s influence in former years had done much to promote his brother-in-law in the service. “If Price escapes again we shall know to whom to look for an explanation,” said Buffalo Bill quietly. “Precisely; and if there is any deviltry carried on here by the Indians that requires knowledge of the fort and troops we shall know pretty well who furnished the information,” returned Hickok. “We are getting into a pretty rough country for horses,” said the scout presently. “Yes; suppose we leave them in some secluded spot where they can feed, and proceed on foot?” “I think that the best plan, and here is the place.” They had arrived at the mouth of a little blind cañon, well hidden by evergreen growth. The horses were led beyond the fringe of green to a grassy plot and tethered there, the scouts removing the saddles and hiding them among the rocks. The way became more difficult as they advanced until they were clambering up rock-bound heights, clinging to narrow ledges and scrubby cedars, far above the cañon. It was yet early in the day and the pards thus far had seen neither Indians nor large animals of any species. Higher up and beyond appeared to be a barren and almost impassable waste of rock, with here and there a stunted cedar or pine finding footing. To the left hung an immense bald dome of granite, and hither they bent their steps. Panting and weary from the hard climb they found themselves at an elevation overlooking a vast expanse of country, both mountains and the plains beyond. The fort was distinctly visible and with the field glass men and animals were easily distinguished. Far to the northward the square-topped butte, the home of the queen of the stars, was to be seen.