Wild Bill had seemed rather serious and thoughtful this night--and it was so uncommon for him to remain serious long at a time that it attracted my attention--and as we were about to turn in he remarked:
"Boys, as Tom says, it's best to be prepared for emergencies, and if anything serious should happen to you, such as Satank an' his warriors a-looming up of a sudden and a-jumping your camp or corralling you, an' you could manage to send word to me, the captain an' I'll mount some of his soldiers and come right over. Now, I'll tell you how you can send me word"--untying a bead necklace which he wore around his neck. "I'll leave this with you. Hang it somewheres handy, and if you have need of help just write a few words on a slip of paper, tie it 'round the necklace, then hold the necklace to Found's nose and let him get the scent; then tie it 'round his neck, point to the fort, and say to him: 'Go to Bill!' He'll savvy, for he's been trained to it, and he'll go a-flying till he gets to my quarters. Now, mind you, you may not have any occasion to send for me at all; you're likely to finish up your wolf skinning an' get away from here before Satank gets around; but if anything should happen that you need us, do as I've told you, an' we'll come a-curling and help you out. Is it a whack, Cap?" appealing to Saunders.
"It is," replied the captain, "and to be prepared for such a call--though I hope they'll have no occasion to make it--I'll have an understanding with the major when I get back, so that if it should come in the night I will be allowed to take my company out of the post as quickly as possible, without calling on him or disturbing the rest of the garrison."
"That's a good idea," added Bill. "It'll save a heap of time."
"Well," said old Tom, "we'll try an' not put the captain an' Bill to so much trouble unless it's a case of dire necessity. I hardly think that Satank will make war on us, an' if he should, we're pretty well fixed for fighting an' can give him a good tussle before we call on our neighbors for help."
"I'm not scared about it," replied Bill, "an' I know you boys ain't, for this is just an emergency arrangement. But I tell you right now, Tom, if there's any fighting an' you don't give me a show I won't like you for it."