CHAPTER XVIII.
ON THE DEATH-TRAIL.
Bivouacked on the treeless plain, so far from the old trail and from the timber ahead that they could see no sign of the Black Hillers or the troops, the next morning's sun rose on the band of Sioux led by Persimmon Bill.

Used to all kinds of exigencies, the red men did not mind either a lack of food or of water for so short a time.

They were only angered with the thought that those whom they had deemed an easy prey had escaped them.
As soon as it was light, Persimmon Bill had the captured pack-horses examined, and it was found that several of them were laden with provisions.

Others had ammunition and stores, and on some of them were found kegs of liquor.
These the wary leader at once destroyed, telling his followers that there was no foe so deadly to the red man as this fire-water and not one drop should pass his lips or theirs.

The provisions were at once distributed among them, as also the stores, but the liquor was given to the thirsty sands, where at least it could do no harm.
Then a council was held by the leader with the chiefs and head warriors of the band, and it was decided that it would be foolish to pursue the Black Hill people farther, now that troops were with them, unless a large band of Sioux could be found.