We fired at each other simultaneously.
My usual luck did not desert me on this occasion, for his bullet missed me, while mine struck him in the breast.

He reeled and fell, but before he had fairly touched the ground I was upon him, knife in hand, and had driven the keen-edged weapon to its hilt in his heart.

Jerking his war-bonnet off, I scientifically scalped him in about five seconds.
The whole affair from beginning to end occupied but little time, and the Indians, seeing that I was some little distance from my company, now came charging down upon me from a hill, in hopes of cutting me off.

General Merritt had witnessed the duel, and realizing the danger I was in, ordered Colonel Mason with Company K to hurry to my rescue.

The order came none too soon, for had it been given one minute later I would have had not less than two hundred Indians upon me.