THE OUTLAWS’ ALLY.
Sergeant Fallon was perfectly calm under the ordeal he was passing
through. He greeted the old chief most reverently and kindly, offered
his hand to the outlaw, for he wished to feel his grip and remember
it, and saluted the young son of Iron Eyes courteously, while he did
not by any means ignore Fighting Bird.
But he lost no time in at once saying:
“I am here unexpectedly to-night, for I wish to tell the great chief
that his foes are not sure that he has warriors camped here, and they
intend to send out scouts on foot to cross the river and find out. By
drawing your braves far back, putting out your camp fires, and not
one being seen, the scouts will come over and find no braves here.
“They will report this to their chiefs, and then when another night
the force attempts to cross, the warriors of Iron Eyes will be here
to ambush them.”
The words of the disguised sergeant were listened to in silence, but
with great interest, and old Iron Eyes said:
“The Chief White Wolf speaks with wisdom, and my warriors shall at
once draw back to cover.”
“Yes, it will be the very thing to do, for if the soldiers believe
that you have withdrawn your guards from the fords, they will cross,
hoping to surprise you, and dash upon an ambush and be beaten back
right here, as they should be.”
“I would send couriers to the other bands, also, chief,” the outlaw
joined in, “to have them also fall back for the night. Would you not,
White Wolf?”
“It would be just what I should do, sir,” answered the sergeant.
Orders were at once given to put out the camp fires, get the ponies
and camp outfit, and retreat over the range half a mile back.
The sergeant went along and rode with Iron Eyes, the two talking
together like old friends.
When they had come to a halt, the outlaw stepped up to the sergeant
and asked:
“What force is on the other side, sir?”
“There are three commands, sir; two of considerable strength, the
other not so large.”
“Have they any guns?”
“All three commands have artillery, sir.”
“And infantry?”
“Mounted infantry, with cavalry and guns.”
“Then Carr is in earnest?” said the outlaw.
“Yes, sir, he seems determined.”
“There are three men there whom I hate. I will give a reward to get
their scalps.”
“Who are they, sir?”
“One is Lieutenant Worth, who has been a persistent foe of my band
of Red Riders; one is Buffalo Bill, and the other is Sergeant Fallon.”
“I know them all, sir.”
“They have both been strong allies to wipe me out, and here I am a
fugitive to-day with no men left, and must begin life anew to gain
both gold and revenge. But I am not dead yet, and I will have both.”
“You are right, Captain Eagle,” said the sergeant.
“May I ask your name, my friend?”
“My name is Louis, sir.”
“What position do you hold under Colonel Carr?”
“I am in the ordnance department, but hold only an inferior position.”
“You have once dwelt among the Indians?”
“Yes, as a fugitive from my own people, I became a renegade and was a
medicine chief. When I could do so I returned to my people, unknown,
however, to work like you, for gold and revenge. Some day I will have
both.”
“See here, you are just the man that can aid me, and in doing so help
yourself.”
“I am willing, if there is any money in it.”
“There is, and big money, too, for you.”
“I am your man, Captain Eagle,” was the earnest reply.
The outlaw was evidently greatly excited through some thought that
had crossed his mind. He paced to and fro for a minute, his hands
clasped behind his back, his whole bearing that of one who was moved
by strong emotion.
Again turning to the sergeant, he said, and in a perfectly calm tone:
“You dwell at Fort Advance, of course?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Do you know Sergeant Fallon well?”
“He is my most intimate friend, and I occupy his quarters.”
“Good! Have you any love for him?”
“I have for him, sir, the deepest hatred, as he has been my worst
enemy, and at times I have been tempted to take his life.”
“Then you are the very man I want for an ally--what do you say?”
“I will serve you, sir, as I can serve myself in doing so.”