"It looks like truth, and if it is, the quicker we get out of here the better. If we can get fifteen or twenty miles the start we may keep it," said Chichester. "He says Wild Bill knows him. Where is Bill?" cried Jack. "Ah, there he comes." Bill, awakened by hearing his name called, was rising, and now approached the party. Pond sprang forward, and addressed him hurriedly in whispered tones. Wild Bill for an instant seemed lost in astonishment, his first exclamation being, "Great Heaven! you here?" But after he heard the whispered words he only added, addressing Chichester: "Captain, this friend of mine will not lie. We are in danger, and he has risked his life to save us. I want a spare horse for him, and the sooner we get from here, the better for our hair." With as little noise as possible, the whole party were aroused, and the danger explained. Quickly the animals were saddled, and in less than twenty minutes the camp-ground was all deserted, though more fuel had been purposely heaped on the fires to keep up the appearance of occupation, if scouts should be sent to examine the camp. "It lacks four hours yet to daylight!" said Chichester to Captain Jack, "We'll get just that much start, for they'll make no attack until just as day begins to break. I know the ways of them red cusses only too well." "You haven't much the advantage of me in that kind of knowledge, Sam. But if that fellow was anywhere right as to their numbers, and the Sioux are well mounted, they'll bother us yet before we get to the hills, no matter if we do get eighteen or twenty miles the start!" "We'll give 'em a long race and a tough tussle before they get our hair any way!" said Chichester. "I wonder who that fellow is? Bill seems to like him right well, for they ride as close as their horses can move together. Bill has supplied him with a hat--he came in bare-headed, you know." "Yes; he must have had a terrible climb to get over to us. The only wonder is he got away undiscovered." "He said he left his blanket in a shape to make them think he was sleeping under it." "He must be an old hand to fool them so nicely." "He doesn't look like it, He doesn't ride like a scout or a plainsman--he sits his horse too gracefully." "No matter; one thing is certain. Wild Bill knows him well, trusts him, and they stick as close together as twins." "Yes, Captain Jack, I wish you'd take the rear and make those packers keep up. There must be no lagging. If a horse or mule fails they must be left. I'll keep the advance going." Thus the Black Hillers swept on at a gallop, knowing that a merciless fate was theirs if overtaken by the Sioux. CHAPTER XVI. THE PURSUIT. The young Texan had not dreamed of being followed so soon by Persimmon Bill and his Indians, and he had lain down to sleep as honestly and confidently as Willie Pond, when he dropped down by the saddles and pack.