It was hardly more than daylight when they left, and I could not tell just how many bodies they strapped on the ponies.

They were a mixed bunch of young bucks, principally Arapahoes, led by Roman Nose." "Went west, hey ?" "Yes, sir." The Lieutenant turned his gaze up the river, and then looked at Wasson, who remained seated in the saddle.
"Must be the same lot Maxwell told us about up on Pawnee Fork, Sam," he said at last.

"He will be likely to cut their trail some time to-day.
We knew a bunch had headed south, but did n't suppose they had got as far as this already.

Better leave Maxwell to run them in, I suppose?
Our orders are to return to Dodge." "They have n't three hours the start," ventured Hamlin in surprise, "and cannot travel fast with so many of their ponies doubly loaded." "That is for me to decide," staring insolently, "and I understand my duty without any advice.

Is there any damage done west of here ?" "The station at the crossing is burned; two dead men there; I don't know what became of the third." "Then it is just as I thought; those fellows will turn north before they get that far, and will run straight into Maxwell.