Buffalo Bill was pleased with the force that had been rallied by Nomad. As fighting men, they were the best of the border; and he believed they would be able to whip the Blackfeet even in a stand-up fight. But the result to the prisoners was a thing that had to be taken into consideration. If the Blackfeet were defeated in an open battle and driven back, the surviving remnant would seek shelter in the mountains. But before retreating they would, without doubt, slay their white prisoners. Victory at such a cost of human life would be purchased all too dearly. Nevertheless, Buffalo Bill now set himself at the head of the rangers, and led them at as rapid a pace as was safe in the direction of the Blackfoot village. Lawler, the commander of the rangers, rode at the scout’s side, and so did Pawnee Bill. As they went, they discussed the situation with reference to the safety of the prisoners, and agreed that by some strategy they should be reached and rescued, if possible. How the thing was to be done was the puzzle. As the village was approached the rangers slowed their pace, and the two noted scouts were sent ahead. They separated when in the hills overhanging the village, going in different directions, on the watch for Indian spies, and trying to ascertain the state of affairs. When he had gone some distance Buffalo Bill dismounted and descended on foot a few yards, to where a slight rise offered a better view. He had got his field glasses and was preparing for a careful study of conditions in the village when he was aroused by a sound from his horse and by a sudden patter of moccasined feet. Turning about, he saw an Indian warrior running to get the horse. Buffalo Bill did not wish to shoot the brave, lest the report of the shot should carry too far; so he rushed at the redskin. The latter tried to leap to the back of the horse, but succeeded only in dislodging the scout’s rifle, which hung by its strap to the high pommel. The horse reared, shaking off the Indian, and the Indian, seeing that he was in danger, turned about. He slipped and fell in his haste, dropping his shield of buffalo hide, but retaining his lance; and then he sprang away. Buffalo Bill reached his horse, cut the lariat, bounded into the saddle, and gave chase, almost weaponless, though he had caught up the shield, which the redskin had dropped. As he thus gave chase, the Blackfoot stood at bay, and when the scout tried to ride him down he hurled the lance straight at the scout’s broad breast. Buffalo Bill dodged, and caught the Indian’s lance on the shield; otherwise, it would have gone through his body. But he rode the horse right over the warrior, and, lunging at him from the saddle, he caught the redskin by the throat, when both came to the ground together, the scout on top.