CAPTAIN SAUNDERS' FIGHT 



ct 



I thought Cap. knew better than that," said 

 Bill, *'but it was partly my fault. I knew he'd 

 never fought Injuns before, and I ought to have 

 stayed with him and stopped him short of the 

 brush." 



In spite of his crippled condition, old Tom came 

 hobbling out of the dugout, with his little medi- 

 cine-chest and a bundle of rags under his arm for 

 bandages, and insisted on going with the team to 

 do what he could for the wounded. 



Jack's wounded arm prevented him from han- 

 dhng the team, so we left him in camp and I went 

 along to drive the mules. Lieutenant Wilson had 

 received orders to remam at our camp with his 

 detachment until further orders. 



After being helped into the wagon, Tom's fore- 

 sight prompted him to call to me: 



"Peck, throw in some bedding and get some 

 grub — sugar, coflFee, hardtack, and meat — to take 

 along, and a camp kettle and frying-pan and a 

 few tin cups." 



I remembered the bale of buffalo robes I had cut 

 open in the tent the night before for my own com- 

 fort and, calling one of the soldiers to help me, 

 brought them out and tumbled them into the 

 wagon, with the desired rations and utensils. I 

 then took the Hnes and whip and started at a trot, 

 guided by Wild Bill riding alongside. 



As we trotted along I asked the scout: 



"How many Kiowas did you and Saunders' 

 party kill.?" 



271 



