Custer has some Osage scouts with him who will know this country." "But, Major," ventured Hamlin, "if the General follows our trail it will be hours yet before he can reach here, and then his men will be completely exhausted." "He will not follow our trail.

He has Corbin and 'California Joe' with him.

They are plainsmen who know their business.

He 'll cross the Canadian, and strike out across the plains to intercept us.

In that way he will have no farther to travel than we have had.