?" he said. "Though I reckon you c'n
do it if anyone can. 'Tain't as if you was a tenderfoot at the
business."

"Feel inclined to come along with us, Rube?" Kiddie casually inquired.
"You c'n keep in the rear, you know."

"I shall keep right back in the rear if that's where you are goin' t'
be yourself, Kiddie," returned Rube. "I'm figurin' t' be alongside o'
you wherever you are. When d' we make a start?"

"As soon as you're ready," Kiddie intimated, "for I see you're
determined to be with us. I oughtn't to allow you; but I think you may
be of use, and if you come through it all right it will be a great
experience for you. I've found a good pony for you and an apology for
a saddle. Your own rifle would have been handy if you'd brought it.
The Crows have none light enough. Don't neglect to take cartridges for
your six-shooter. And if the battle comes off, don't expect me t' be
looking after you all the time."

"I understand," Rube acquiesced. "You've gotter concentrate on
defeatin' Broken Feather, and you mustn't be worried thinkin' of my
safety. Well, all right. I shall not interfere with you any."

Rube was certainly determined to be present in the expected battle. He
considered it a more than ample substitute for the mythical buffalo
hunt.

He did not speak with Kiddie again for many hours. But he saw him
frequently, riding at the head of the long procession of mounted
Indians.

The Crows were divided into three armies--the first commanded by
Kiddie, the second by Falling Water, and the third by Short Nose. They
rode in single file, with scouts in front and rear and on either flank.
Towards noon there was a halt on the banks of Poison Spider Creek, and
the march had not yet been renewed when Kiddie sent Rube out alone to
scout for possible signs of the enemy outposts.

Rube had not gone many miles in advance when on crossing the ridge of a
range of foothills he looked down upon the wide rolling prairie beyond
and saw a vast, well-ordered army of the Sioux, moving very quickly and
in numbers far surpassing the forces of the Crows, whom it was evident
they had come out to meet.

Making a rapid calculation of their strength, Rube rode back at top
speed and reported his significant discovery to Kiddie.

This unexpected news that the enemy were out of their reservation and
making a forced march towards Falling Water's encampment caused an
entire change of plan. The coming conflict was not to b