"I am Lieutenant Carey of the Seventh, in disguise, and desire to see Colonel Forsythe," was the startling response of the supposed Indian chief, as he rode forward toward his regiment. The men could hardly be kept from cheering when the gallant Carey appeared in the disguise of an Indian chief, for it told them that he had just come from some daring venture, for which he was famous. "Ah! Carey, it is you in the guise of a Sioux chief?" cried Captain Wallace of K troop, riding forward and grasping his hand. "It is dangerous work for you, Lieutenant Carey, to ride upon the Seventh Cavalry rigged out as a Sioux chief in full war-paint." "I joined the Sioux, Captain Wallace, to learn what Big Foot and his band were up to, and I have news for Colonel Forsythe," was Kit Carey's response. "Then I will keep my advance guard at a halt and ride back with you, Carey, to the colonel," responded Captain Wallace, who little dreamed how close to him the Angel of Death was hovering, though had he known his fate, so soon to follow, the brave soldier would not have hesitated an instant in his duty.[5] So back along the column of troopers they went in the early dawn, the soldiers supposing that the captain was taking in a Sioux chief prisoner, whom the two Indian police had captured. Colonel Forsythe was soon found, and Captain Wallace said in his pleasant way: "I do not bring you a Sioux prisoner, colonel, but Lieutenant Kit Carey." "Lieutenant Carey! who would have ever suspected you of being other than a Sioux chief?" cried Colonel Forsythe, as Captain Wallace rode up to the commander of the troops. FOOTNOTES: [Footnote 3: It is a well known fact that interference from Washington, writes an officer in the field, has proven more dangerous to a commander than the enemy in his front. The foe at his face he can fight, but the foe two thousand miles in his rear unnerves ever so gallant and able an officer.] [Footnote 4: A white shirt put on over the other clothing and painted with Indian signs.] [Footnote 5: Captain George D. Wallace was killed on the 27th of Dec., 1890, at Wounded Knee in the treacherous attack of the Sioux under Chief Big Foot, upon the Seventh Regiment of Cavalry. Captain Wallace was known as one of the most daring and able officers of his regiment.] CHAPTER XVI. SURROUNDED. Colonel Forsythe, a man of indomitable pluck, and a skilled officer, himself ready to do and dare anything for his country, gazed at the painted face of Kit Carey with a look of considerable interest, for well he knew that the young officer had not thus disguised, and I may say disfigured himself, without some good reason. To be thus in the costume and war-paint of a Sioux chief meant a great deal for one of Kit Carey's record, and that record was pretty well known in the army by his brother officers and men alike.