The Indians immediately following came to the ridge and stopped, for it was plain that those ahead were closing in on the luckless ambulance, and its occupants.

One Indian dismounted and looked long and intently on the ground. He wore a spotted head dress of wild turkey feathers gayly colored, and reaching nearly to the ground. Captain Mitchell knew him to be none other than the famous Spotted Tail, and there he stood a good mark, not more than thirty yards distant.

The death of this chief would have a demoralizing effect upon the Indians, and the Captain later asserted that he thought would more than compensate for the loss of twenty captains. He. was directing his pistols in the direction of the breast of the famous warrior, when a shout arose, and the chief disappeared behind the breast of jutting rock. One of the tribesmen had detected a movement in the brush where Anderson was hidden, and all had found shelter.

HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA

A general movement toward Anderson was begun, and his rifle cracked. One Indian quit moving. Another shot and another Indian stopped, but there were now returning shots. A sudden rush was made by a dozen or more of the Indians, but three shots in quick succession sent them back dragging with them three companions. That deadly aim was disconcerting.

Captain Mitchell says he determined it was time for him to take a part, as he saw some thirty Indians preparing to make a rush. It was then he heard the voice of Anderson.