We followed them for two days but never got sight of them.  They had turned and made their way back in the direction of Black canyon and we gave up the chase, but we were sure that in the running fight we had with them that evening we had killed at least thirteen, as we found that many newly made graves when we went back to take their trail.

We returned to headquarters and I found George doing splendidly, and the next day we all pulled out for Fort Yuma.  The first day’s travel took us to Mrs. Davis’ This was the first time I had seen her or any of her family since the next day after the funeral of her husband and two sons in the fall of 1866.

Mrs. Davis insisted on George staying there with them until his arm was well, which kind and hospitable offer he accepted, remaining two months.  We put in our time that winter as usual when wintering at the fort, doing nothing.

CHAPTER XLII.

“We are all surrounded.”—­A bold dash and A bad wound—­Mrs. Davis Shows her gratitude.—­The most of my work now done on crutches.

It was the last of February or first of March, 1876, that we started for St. Louis Valley.  I had visited this valley twice, but had come in both times from the opposite direction to which we would have to enter the valley in going from camp, consequently I was at a loss to know just which direction to go from camp to strike the valley where we wanted to enter it, but we struck out southeast, taking twenty days’ provisions with us.  The ninth day out we came in sight of the valley from the west side.  It being about noon, water being handy and no end to the grass, we stopped there for dinner and to let our horses graze After I had taken a squint through my glasses, I called the Lieutenant to me and handed them to him.

He sat and looked for a long time, and when he took the glasses from his eyes he said:  “That is beyond any doubt the prettiest sight I ever saw in my life.”  There were small bands of bison scattered here and there all over the valley, elk by the hundreds and deer too numerous to mention, but not an Indian nor even a sign of one could be seen in this lovely valley.

“I have made this trip unnecessarily,” said he, “for I had expected to find many little bands of Indians in this valley hunting, but in that I am disappointed.”  We then turned back for headquarters as quick as possible, making the entire trip without seeing an Indian or even a sign of one.

Some time in June the Lieutenant started out in command of two companies of cavalry to cross the mountains to protect the emigrants, George Jones and I ahead with four assistants.