e for you, from Captain Parker,"
said I, as I handed the package over to him.

He hurriedly read them, and said they were important; and then he asked
me all about General Hazen and where he had gone, and about the
breaking out of the Kiowas and Comanches. I gave him all the
information that I possessed, and related the events and adventures of
the previous day and night.

"Bill," said he, "you must have had a pretty lively ride. You certainly
had a close call when you ran into the Indians on Walnut Creek. That was
a good joke that you played on old Satanta. I suppose you're pretty
tired after your long journey?"

"I am rather weary, General, that's a fact, as I have been in the saddle
since yesterday morning;" was my reply, "but my horse is more tired than
I am, and needs attention full as much if not more," I added. Thereupon
the General called an orderly and gave instructions to have my animal
well taken care of, and then he said, "Cody, come in and have some
breakfast with me."

"No, thank you, General," said I, "Hays City is only a mile from here,
and I prefer riding over there, as I know about every one in the town,
and want to see some of my friends."

"Very well; do as you please, and come to the post afterwards as I want
to see you," said he.

Bidding him good-morning, and telling him that I would return in a few
hours, I rode over to Hays City, and at the Perry House I met many of my
old friends who were of course all glad to see me. I took some
refreshments and a two hours nap, and afterward returned to Fort Hays, as
I was requested.

As I rode up to the headquarters I noticed several scouts in a little
group, evidently engaged in conversation on some important matter.
Upon inquiry I learned that General Sheridan had informed them that he
was desirous of sending a dispatch to Fort Dodge, a distance of
ninety-five miles.

The Indians had recently killed two or three men while they were carrying
dispatches between Fort Hays and Fort Dodge, and on this account none of
the scouts seemed at all anxious to volunteer, although a reward of
several hundred dollars was offered to any one who would carry the
dispatches. They had learned of my experiences of the previous day, and
asked me if I did not think it would be a dangerous trip. I gave it as my
opinion that a man might possibly go through without seeing an Indian,
but that the chances were ten to one that he would have an exceedingly
lively run and a h