It was while they were debating as to their future course, that an alarm occurred in the shape of the sudden appearance of an Indian, who had stumbled upon the cave by accident, as his surprise would seem to indicate. The prairie ranger proved too quick for the red American, however, and hurling himself upon the Indian, he brought him to the ground. Here he was speedily secured, with Mason's assistance, and rolled into a corner for safe-keeping. Fearing lest more of these unwelcome guests should make their appearance, Bolly took his station in the passage leading to the cavern, and there remained all night, while Mason and Adele slept within, or at least made a pretense of sleeping. But the darkness passed away without any alarm, and daylight found them in the same order, only that all signs of the dead giant had strangely vanished from the cavern, in which mystery Bolly was a participant. Leaving the others, the ranger went out on a scout, and came back in an hour or so with the news that the remainder of the cavalry were intrenched among the hills on the other side of the river, and battling with the Sioux. Bolly also brought with him the choice portion of a deer he had shot. It took but a short time to gather fuel, and soon the olfactories of our friends were greeted by the delicious aroma of roasting venison. Breakfast dispatched, the situation was discussed again, and at the end of the council it was decided best to remain where they were, and await the movement of the troops. Mason being acquainted with Custer's intended plans of operation, knew that Terry might be expected, and it might be safer for them to leave in the care of the soldiers, for the vicinity seemed swarming with Indians. Thus the day passed. In the evening Bolly took another scout, and witnessed the arrival of General Terry's men. He was soon with the heroes who had fought so long under Major Reno, and almost the first person he ran across was his chum. It would have done a philosopher good to have witnessed the meeting between these great-hearted men, each of whom feared the other was dead. A pressure of the hand that spoke volumes was followed by the expressive glance. Words fail on such an occasion to convey the idea that other things can tell. Bolly did not wait to see any of the officers, although many of them were known to him, but rushed his chum to the other side of the river, where he made him acquainted with Mason and Adele. That night the quartette of friends spent in the cave, enjoying themselves with yarns and good cheer. In the morning, Bolly proposed a start, urged by the young girl's desire to see home, and the agony of that lady mother in the Southern city, whose tears had accomplished what money alone could never have done. After reaching Laramie, rapid transit was obtained, and, before many days passed by, the city of New Orleans was reached.