Such was the decree of Lone Wolf.

Was he to permit a party of white men to plant a settlement in the very heart of his country?
Was he to allow his hunting grounds to be appropriated in this fashion?
Was he to submit quietly to the encroachments of those who had never so much as asked his consent?
Not so long as he could summon an army of the best warriors of the Southwest to his command.

If his present company had been too small, then he would double and treble it.

At all events, the power would be provided to accomplish his purpose.
The horsemen speedily arranged themselves; the head of all turned in a northerly direction.

It took some minutes for them to arrange themselves, but they were about ready to receive the command of their chief, when the report of a rifle broke upon the stillness.