bluff shadow, and gaze off over the wide
expanse of valley, through which ran the half-frozen Canadian.
Everywhere stretched the white, wintry desolation.

"Whar wus thet pony herd?"

Hamlin pointed up the valley to the place where the swerve came in the
stream.

"Just below that point; do you see where the wind has swept the ground
bare?"

"Sure they were n't buffalo?"

"They were ponies all right, and herded."

The two men spurred back across the hills, and made report to Elliott.
There was no hesitancy in that officer. The leading squadron was
instantly swung into formation as skirmishers, and sent forward. From
river-bank to crest of bluff they ploughed through the drifts,
overcoats strapped behind and carbines flung forward in readiness for
action, but as they climbed to that topmost ridge, eager, expectant, it
was only to gaze down upon a deserted camp, trampled snow, and
blackened embers of numerous fires. Hamlin was the first to scramble
down the steep bluff, dismount, and drag his trembling horse sliding
after. Behind plunged Corbin and Elliott, anxious to read the signs,
to open the pages of this wilderness book. A glance here and there, a
testing of the blackened embers, a few steps along the broad trail, and
these plainsmen knew the story. The Major straightened up, his hand on
his horse's neck, his eyes sweeping those barren plains to the
southward, and then turned to where his troopers were swarming down the
bluff.

"Corbin," he said sharply, "ride back to General Custer at top speed.
Tell him we have discovered a Cheyenne camp here at the mouth of
Buffalo Creek of not less than a hundred and fifty warriors, deserted,
and not to exceed twenty-four horses. Their trail leads south toward
the Washita. Report that we shall cross the river in pursuit at once,
and keep on cautiously until dark. Take a man with you; no, not
Sergeant Hamlin, I shall need him here."

The scout was off like a shot, riding straight down the valley, a
trooper pounding along behind him. Major Elliott ran his eyes over the
little bunch of cavalrymen.

"Captain Sparling, send two of your men to test the depth or water
there where those Indians crossed. As soon as ascertained we will ford
the river."

CHAPTER XXXVI

READY TO ATTACK

There was a ford but it was rocky and dangerous, and so narrow that
horse after horse slipped aside into the swift current, bearing his
rider with him into the icy water. Co