tted Tail informed them that he had eaten bread with the
Long-haired Chief, thus establishing a bond of friendship, against
violating which the warriors were properly warned.

After that Will was entirely at his ease, although there were many
sullen faces about him. They had long yearned for his scalp, and it was
slightly irritating to find it so near and yet so far.

CHAPTER XXI. -- THE HUNT OF THE GRAND DUKE ALEXIS.

A SPECIAL train brought the Grand Duke Alexis and party to North Platte
on January 12, 1872. Will was presented to the illustrious visitor by
General Sheridan, and was much interested in him. He was also pleased to
note that General Custer made one of the party.

Will had made all the arrangements, and had everything complete when the
train pulled in. As soon as the Grand Duke and party had breakfasted,
they filed out to get their horses or to find seats in the ambulances.
All who were mounted were arranged according to rank. Will had sent one
of his guides ahead, while he was to remain behind to see that nothing
was left undone. Just as they were to start, the conductor of the Grand
Duke's train came up to Will and said that Mr. Thompson had not received
a horse. "What Thompson?" asked Will. "Why, Mr. Frank Thompson, who has
charge of the Grand Duke's train." Will looked over the list of names
sent him by General Sheridan of those who would require saddle-horses,
but failed to find that of Mr. Thompson. However, he did not wish to
have Mr. Thompson or any one else left out. He had following him, as he
always did, his celebrated war-horse, "Buckskin Joe." This horse was not
a very prepossessing "insect." He was buckskin in color, and rather
a sorry-looking animal, but he was known all over the frontier as the
greatest long-distance and best buffalo-horse living. Will had never
allowed any one but himself to ride this horse, but as he had no
other there at the time, he got a saddle and bridle, had it put on old
Buckskin Joe, and told Mr. Thompson he could ride him until he got
where he could get him another. This horse looked so different from
the beautiful animals the rest of the party were supplied with that Mr.
Thompson thought it rather discourteous to mount him in such fashion.
However, he got on, and Will told him to follow up, as he wanted to go
ahead to where the general was. As Mr. Thompson rode past the wagons and
ambulances he noticed the teamsters pointing at him, and thinking the
men we