esh horse ran away from
them.

When General Carr received the lieutenant's dispatch, he ordered the
bugler to sound the inspiring "Boots and Saddles," and, while two
companies remained to guard the wagons, the rest of the troops hastened
against the Indians.

Three miles out they were joined by Lieutenant Ward's company, and five
miles more brought them within sight of a huge mass of mounted Indians
advancing up the creek. These warriors were covering the retreat of
their squaws, who were packing up and getting ready for hasty flight.

General Carr ordered a charge on the red line. If it were broken, the
cavalry was to continue, and surround the village. The movement was
successfully executed, but one officer misunderstood the order, and,
charging on the left wing of the hostiles, was speedily hemmed in by
some three hundred redskins. Reinforcements were dispatched to his
relief, but the plan of battle was spoiled, and the remainder of the
afternoon was spent in contesting the ground with the Indians, who
fought for their lodges, squaws, and children with desperate and dogged
courage. When night came on, the wagon-trains, which had been ordered to
follow, had not put in an appearance, and, though the regiment went back
to look for them, it was nine o'clock before they were reached.

Camp was broken at daybreak, and the pursuit began, but not an Indian
was in sight. All the day the trail was followed. There was evidence
that the Indians had abandoned everything that might hinder their
flight. That night the regiment camped on the banks of the Republican,
and the next morning caught a distant glimpse of the foe.

About eleven o'clock a charge was made by three hundred mounted
warriors, but they were repulsed with considerable loss, and when they
discovered that defeat was certain, they evaded further pursuit by
breaking up into companies and scattering to all points of the compass.
A large number of ponies were collected as trophies of this expedition.

CHAPTER XVIII. -- WILL MADE CHIEF OF SCOUTS.

IN due time the Fifth Cavalry reached Fort McPherson, which became its
headquarters while they were fitting out a new expedition to go into
the Republican River country. At this time General Carr recommended to
General Augur, who was in command of the Department, that Will be made
chief of scouts in the Department of the Platte.

Will's fancy had been so taken by the scenery along the line of march
that he proceede