“That is rather peculiar,” he said. “I don’t understand why Hickok should have thrown the pin away, and if it was the work of Indians I don’t see how it came here unless the horses were scared, and jerked the pins from the ground, and dragged them till they fell from the lariats. And again there are no tracks of horses in this direction, nor did the horses kick up any soil, as they would have done at the start-off, if frightened.” He continued his search patiently, and was rewarded at last. “Ah!” he exclaimed, “I have the key. Here is a moccasin track in a sandy spot, and close beside it the imprint of Bear Paw’s barred shoe. I think some thieving red saw us put out the horses, and after dark sneaked up and quietly led them away. It is evident that Hickok discovered they were gone and has attempted to follow them in the night, although what he expected to accomplish in the darkness is more than I can tell.” “Trust Hickok ter know what he’s erbout, Buffler. I’m er-gamblin’ ther’ll be things er-happenin’ ’mong ther redskins ef Hickok don’t git er whack et them thar hosses.” Cayuse had been following the trail left by the horses as they were led away, and from fifty rods away he shouted: “Bear Paw go all same rabbit.” “Which way?” called the scout. Cayuse pointed to the west. “That pesky Price an’ ’is pard went that way, too,” suggested Nomad. “Mebbe Hick’ll meet up with ther varmints an’ square ’counts with ’em.” “I think,” said the scout, “that we had better let the ponies graze for an hour or so and then make back into the cañon and wait for darkness and Hickok.” “Ye’ve hit ther nail fust time, Buffler. One er two o’ us mought be takin’ er nap right now ergin er time o’ need. I feels et in my bones thet thar’s doin’s er-comin’ our way good an’ plenty.” “That is good logic, old pard. You and Cayuse go up the gully a short distance and catch a wink while I watch the ponies. I want to study the country for a while this morning, and I’ll take first watch. After the animals are satisfied I’ll lead them in out of the way of prying eyes and take a snooze myself.” Cayuse objected to Cody’s taking first watch. “Me no squaw,” he said. “Not by a jugful,” assented the scout, “but we want you to be at your best to-night. I think there is an Indian encampment near, and after dark I want you to wiggle into it and find out all there is to know.” The Indian boy was pleased at the scout’s evidence of confidence in him, and submitted with a grunt of satisfaction. The scout had hoped by a careful study of the plain to discover some evidence of the location of the encampment which he believed must be near, and he was not disappointed.