Swinging the three mules so that they formed a triangle, he drew his six-shooter and dropped them where they stood.
"Now there's a little cover, boys," he said, and we all made ready for the attack.
Our plan of defense was now made for us.

First rifles, then, at closer quarters, revolvers.

If it came to a hand-to-hand conflict we had our knives as a last resort.
The Sioux drew up when they saw how quickly Simpson's wit had built a barricade for us.

Then the arrows began to fly and among them spattered a few bullets.

We were as sparing as possible with our shots.