"That's good work." "Major Banion, of Doniphan's column in the war." "Will he fight ?" "Try him!" News travels fast along a wagon train.

Word passed now that there was a big Sioux village not far ahead, on the other side of the river, and that the caravan should be ready for a night attack.

Men and women from the earlier train came into the Westport camp and the leaders formulated plans.

More than four hundred families ate in sight of one another fires that evening.
Again on the still air of the Plains that night rose the bugle summons, by now become familiar.

In groups the wagon folk began to assemble at the council fire.