I am ready at any time." The mule was forthcoming.

At dark I pulled out for Fort Larned, and proceeded without interruption to Coon Creek, thirty miles from Fort Dodge.

I had left the wagon road some distance to the south, and traveled parallel to it.

This I decided would be the safer course, as the Indians might be lying in watch for dispatch-bearers and scouts along the main road.
At Coon Creek I dismounted and led the mule down to the river to get a drink of water.

While I was drinking the brute jerked loose and struck out down the creek.