They struck out in swift pursuit.

In a few minutes it became painfully evident that they were gaining.
When I crossed Pawnee Fork, two miles from the Post, two or three of them were but a quarter of a mile behind.

As I gained the opposite side of the creek I was overjoyed to see some soldiers in a Government wagon a short distance away.

I yelled at the top of my lungs that the Indians were after me.
When Denver Jim, an old scout, who was with the party, was informed that there were ten or fifteen Indians in the pursuit he said: "Let's lay for them." The wagon was driven hurriedly in among the trees and low box-elder bushes, and secreted, while we waited.

We did not wait long.