But very shortly I saw a body of soldiers forming a skirmish line. Then
I knew that Terry's men were there, and that the Indians I had seen
were Terry's scouts. These Indians had mistaken me for an Indian, and,
believing that I was the leader of a big party, shouted excitedly: "The
Sioux are coming." That is why the general threw out the skirmish line
I had observed.
General Terry, on coming into the Post, ordered the Seventh Cavalry to
form a line of battle across the Rosebud; he also brought up his
artillery and had the guns unlimbered for action, doubtless dreading
another Custer massacre.
These maneuvers I witnessed from my hill with considerable amusement,
thinking the command must be badly frightened. After I had enjoyed the
situation to my heart's content I galloped toward the skirmish line,
waving my hat. When I was within a hundred yards of the troops, Colonel
Wier of the Seventh Cavalry rode out to meet me. He recognized me at
once, and convoyed me inside the line, shouting to the soldiers:
"Boys, here's Buffalo Bill!" Thereupon three rousing cheers ran all the
way down the line.
Colonel Wier presented me to General Terry. The latter questioned me
closely and was glad to learn that the alarm had been a false one. I
found that I was not entitled alone to the credit of having frightened
the whole Seventh Cavalry. The Indian scouts had also seen far behind
me the dust raised by Crook's troops, and were fully satisfied that a
very large force of Sioux was in the vicinity and moving to the attack.
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