"Such are my instructions from General Hazen." In response to an inquiry if I wanted any of his young men to accompany me I said that it would be best to go alone.

Wheeling my mule around, I was soon across the river, leaving the chief firmly believing that I was really going for the cattle, which existed only in my imagination.
I knew if I could get the river between me and the Indians I would have a good three-quarters of a mile start of them and could make a run for Fort Larned.

But as I reached the river bank I looked about and saw ten or fifteen Indians who had begun to suspect that all was not as it should be.
The moment my mule secured a good foothold on the bank I urged him into a gentle lope toward the place where, according to my story, the cattle were to be brought.
Upon reaching the top of the ridge and riding down the other side out of view, I turned my mount and headed westward for Fort Larned.

I let him out for all he was worth, and when I reached a little rise and looked back the Indian village lay in plain sight.
My pursuers were by this time on the ridge I had passed over, and were looking for me in every direction.

Soon they discovered me, and discovered also that I was running away.