Internal injuries, it was feared, had been
sustained, and at his advanced age that was something almost fatal. No
wonder Waller was worried. Then Flint took alarm at other troubles
closer at hand. Up to this year he had been mercifully spared all
personal contact with our Indian wards, and when he was told by his
sentries that twice in succession night riders had been heard on the
westward "bench," and pony tracks in abundance had been found at the
upper ford--the site of Stabber's village--and that others still were to
be seen in the soft ground not far from Hay's corral, the major was more
than startled. At this stage of the proceedings, Sergeant Crabb of the
Cavalry was the most experienced Indian fighter left at the post. Crabb
was sent for, and unflinchingly gave his views. The Sioux had probably
scattered before the squadrons sent after them from the north; had fled
into the hills and, in small bands probably, were now raiding down
toward the Platte, well knowing there were few soldiers left to defend
Fort Frayne, and no cavalry were there to chase them.
"What brings them here? What do they hope to get or gain?" asked Flint.
"I don't know, sir," answered Crabb. "But this I do know, they are
after something and expect to get it.
Pages:
202
203
204
205
206
207
208
209
210
211
212
213
214
215
216
217
218
219
220
221
222
223
224
225
226