Suddenly from all quarters at once--in front, rear, and along both sides of them, came wild yells and a rain of bullets. Instantly there was panic, and had the Indians followed up the first volley with a charge a slaughter must have followed. But like a whirlwind Buffalo Bill dashed along the outside, giving orders in a stern, business-like way, until he had completely encircled his party. A circle was formed with the horses on the outside, and then wherever the flash of a gun was seen a bullet was immediately sent. Several men had been wounded at the first onset, and one horse was killed. Other horses were suffering from wounds. It looked as if the entire party would have to remain as they were until morning unless some one could pass the Indian line and bring aid from the town. The scout felt sure it was some war party bound south who had discovered this strange caravan of palefaces, and hoped to reap a fine collection of scalps, and then go on before the soldiers could strike back. The Indians had completely surrounded their intended victims before their presence was known. Little Cayuse volunteered to attempt to crawl through the Indian lines. If any living being could do it Cayuse was the one, but Buffalo Bill consented reluctantly. There might be a chance, but a hundred to one it meant sure death for him who attempted it. The war party was evidently a strong one, as the long line indicated. That they were Sioux and thirsting for blood there could be no doubt. Little Cayuse shook hands with the scout and all his pards, then threw his arms for a moment around Navi’s neck, and slipped away under the bellies of the horses and out into the grass toward the zone of spitting fire and lead. The scout had almost decided to call to Cayuse to come back when another surprising thing distracted the attention of all for the moment. To the northward was heard the well-known yell of the Crow warriors and the roar of many fiercely galloping hoofs. The moon just appearing over distant hills sent its rays over a wildly troubled half mile square. The second band of Indians came sweeping down upon the Sioux, who swung to their saddles to meet the foe. But when they did so they became the targets of Buffalo Bill’s party, who did not hesitate to turn in a withering fire. Attacked from two sides at once and scattered as they were, the Sioux wheeled their ponies and dashed away to the southward. Buffalo Bill’s party made all possible speed toward town with their injured, but before a half hour had passed the Crow warriors rode up and one chief came near. “Pa-e-has-ka!” he called. “Ai,” answered the scout. “White-man-runs-him remember the knife. It is well.” The Crows rode away, and the party of whites entered the town. The people of Bozeman gave a banquet in honor of Buffalo Bill and his pards, and rejoiced that the influence of Price and those who followed his lead would be no longer felt. CHAPTER XVI.