They were most likely buried in slumber, and, if they had sentinels out, his life would be endangered by a rapid approach.

But of this he seemed not to think as he hurried almost recklessly down through thickets, over crags, and along rugged gulches.
How he got down he hardly knew, but he was down, and rushing toward the nearest fire, when he heard a stern, short summons close in his front: "Halt! Who comes there ?" A man, armed with rifle and pistols, stepped from the shadow of a tree, and Pond gasped out: "A friend.

A friend come to save all your lives.

There are a hundred Indians within a mile of you, led by the desperado Persimmon Bill." "Who are you ?" was the stern inquiry.
"Wild Bill will know me.

Take me to him, quick!" was the response.
"To our captain first.