Camp was broken at daybreak, and the pursuit began, but not an Indian
was in sight. All the day the trail was followed. There was evidence
that the Indians had abandoned everything that might hinder their
flight. That night the regiment camped on the banks of the Republican,
and the next morning caught a distant glimpse of the foe.

About eleven o'clock a charge was made by three hundred mounted
warriors, but they were repulsed with considerable loss, and when they
discovered that defeat was certain, they evaded further pursuit by
breaking up into companies and scattering to all points of the compass.
A large number of ponies were collected as trophies of this expedition.



CHAPTER XVIII. -- WILL MADE CHIEF OF SCOUTS.

IN due time the Fifth Cavalry reached Fort McPherson, which became its
headquarters while they were fitting out a new expedition to go into
the Republican River country. At this time General Carr recommended to
General Augur, who was in command of the Department, that Will be made
chief of scouts in the Department of the Platte.

Will's fancy had been so taken by the scenery along the line of march
that he proceeded to explore the country around McPherson, the result
being a determination to make his future home in the Platte Valley.

Shortly after reaching the fort, the scouts' division of the Fifth
Cavalry was reinforced by Major Frank North and three companies of the
celebrated Pawnee scouts. These became the most interesting and amusing