n, and make them be prepared for anything that
might happen.

In the first place, a stage used to run from Bismark to the Black Hills
at stray intervals, when they first camped at Minturne Creek--although
it did not come within some miles of their own valley--and continued
running until the winter set in; but when the spring developed, and the
roads got in working order again, no stage was to be met with; and
rumour had it that it had been "frightened off the track by the Injuns."

In the early months of summer this rumour received additional
confirmation by the arrival of some scouts from the settlements, with
the news that the Sioux had declared war against the United States
authorities, and that all the outlying settlers had been warned to
withdraw into the townships, where they could join together and resist
any attack made on them.

And, later still, a special messenger from one of the military stations
on the Missouri, where "Uncle Sam's" troops were quartered, brought them
word that intelligence had been received that Rising Cloud had published
his intention of attacking the Minturne Creek miners especially, and
that his band of warriors had already started on the war-path--although
the commander of the detachment at Fort Warren assured them that he was
following up the Indians, and would revenge them should they happen to
get "wiped out" before he came up with the redskins!

This, naturally, was no very cheering intelligence; but the miners were
not discouraged, although they took every wise precaution so that their
wary foe should not catch them napping; and so, whether they were
working in the mine or went hunting--as they did more frequently when
the buffalo came northwards later on, led from the southern plains,
which form their more common habitat throughout the year, by the rich
blue grass, and other prairie delicacies which these bovine beasts
loved, that flourished among the valleys of the Black Hills; or whether
they were digging in the kitchen garden that Josh and Jasper had
improvised at the back of the little hut where they all lived--every man
went armed or had his arms handy. In addition to this, sentinels were
posted through the day at the entrance of the Creek, to warn them of the
approach of any suspicious strangers to the camp; while Seth caused as
rigid a watch to be kept at night, taking the first and fourth turns
himself, as if he were still a first mate with the responsibilities of a
s