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Discrete and
Continuous Simulation
Theory and Practice

Susmita Bandyopadhyay
Ranjan Bhattacharya
 Discrete and
Continuous Simulation

Theory and Practice

 Discrete and
Continuous Simulation

Theory and Practice

Susmita Bandyopadhyay
Ranjan Bhattacharya
MATLAB® is a trademark of The MathWorks, Inc. and is used with permission. The MathWorks does
not warrant the accuracy of the text or exercises in this book. This book’s use or discussion of MAT-
LAB® software or related products does not constitute endorsement or sponsorship by The MathWorks
of a particular pedagogical approach or particular use of the MATLAB® software.

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 Dedication

This book is dedicated to our parents.

Contents
List of Figures.........................................................................................................xvii
List of Tables............................................................................................................xxi
Preface.................................................................................................................. xxiii

Chapter 1 Introduction to Simulation.................................................................... 1

1.1 Introduction................................................................................ 1
1.2 Types of Simulation.................................................................... 2
1.3 Steps of Simulation..................................................................... 3
1.4 Application Areas of Simulation................................................5
1.4.1 Manufacturing Simulation............................................ 5
1.4.2 Transport and Logistics Simulation.............................. 6
1.4.3 Military Applications.................................................... 7
1.4.4 Network Simulation....................................................... 7
1.4.5 Construction Operations...............................................7
1.4.6 Social Science Applications..........................................8
1.4.7 Environment Applications............................................. 8
1.4.8 Health Care Applications..............................................9
1.5 Simulation of Queuing Systems............................................... 10
1.6 Simulation of Inventory System............................................... 12
1.7 Advantages and Disadvantages of Simulation......................... 14
1.8 Overview of the Remaining Chapters...................................... 14
1.9 Conclusion................................................................................ 16
References........................................................................................... 16

Chapter 2 Monte Carlo Simulation...................................................................... 17

2.1 Introduction.............................................................................. 17
2.1.1 Examples..................................................................... 17
2.2 Steps of Monte Carlo Simulation............................................. 22
2.3 Random Number Generators.................................................... 23
2.4 Types of Monte Carlo Simulations...........................................24
2.4.1 Crude Monte Carlo......................................................25
2.4.2 Acceptance–Rejection Monte Carlo...........................26
2.4.3 Stratified Sampling...................................................... 27
2.4.4 Importance Sampling.................................................. 27
2.5 Variance Reduction Techniques............................................... 27
2.5.1 Common Random Numbers........................................ 27
2.5.2 Antithetic Variates.......................................................28
2.5.3 Control Variates.......................................................... 29
2.6 When to Use Monte Carlo Simulation..................................... 29
2.7 Applications of Monte Carlo Simulation.................................. 30

vii
viii Contents

2.8 Advantages and Disadvantages of Monte Carlo

Simulation.......................................................................... 30
2.8.1 Advantages.................................................................. 30
2.8.2 Disadvantages.............................................................. 31
2.9 Conclusion................................................................................ 31
References........................................................................................... 31

Chapter 3 Introduction to Probability Theory..................................................... 33

3.1 Introduction.............................................................................. 33
3.2 Definitions Related to Probability Theory...............................34
3.3 Brief Introduction to Set Theory.............................................. 36
3.3.1 Venn Diagram............................................................. 38
3.4 Counting Techniques................................................................ 43
3.5 Definition of Probability...........................................................44
3.5.1 Classical Definition of Probability.............................. 45
3.5.2 Relative Frequency Definition of Probability.............. 45
3.5.3 Axiomatic Definition of Probability...........................46
3.6 Numerical Examples of Classical Approach
to Probability.................................................................... 47
3.7 Laws of Probability.................................................................. 49
3.8 Conclusion................................................................................ 51
References........................................................................................... 51

Chapter 4 Probability Distributions..................................................................... 53

4.1 Introduction.............................................................................. 53
4.2 Introduction to Random Variables........................................... 54
4.3 Discrete and Continuous Probability Distributions.................. 56
4.4 Various Discrete Probability Distributions.............................. 61
4.4.1 Discrete Uniform Distribution.................................... 63
4.4.2 Binomial Distribution..................................................64
4.4.3 Geometric Distribution...............................................66
4.4.4 Negative Binomial Distribution.................................. 67
4.4.5 Hypergeometric Distribution...................................... 68
4.4.6 Poisson Distribution.................................................... 69
4.5 Various Continuous Probability Distributions......................... 70
4.6 Conclusion................................................................................ 78
Reference............................................................................................. 78

Chapter 5 Introduction to Random Number Generators...................................... 79

5.1 Introduction.............................................................................. 79
5.2 Characteristics of a Random Number Generator..................... 79
5.3 Types of Random Number Generators.....................................80
5.3.1 True Random Number Generators..............................80
5.3.2 Pseudorandom Number Generators............................ 82
Contents ix

5.3.2.1 Linear Congruential Generator.................... 83

5.3.2.2 Multiplicative Congruential Generator........ 86
5.3.2.3 Inversive Congruential Generator................ 86
5.3.2.4 Combined LCG............................................ 87
5.3.2.5 Lagged Fibonacci Generator....................... 88
5.3.2.6 Mid-Square Method..................................... 89
5.3.3 Software Implementation of Pseudorandom
Number Generators.....................................................90
5.3.3.1 Mersenne Twister Generator........................90
5.3.3.2 Marsaglia Generator.................................... 91
5.3.4 Attacks on Pseudorandom Number Generators..........92
5.3.5 Quasi-Random Number Generators............................ 93
5.4 Tests for Random Number Generators.....................................94
5.4.1 Frequency Test............................................................96
5.4.2 Runs Test..................................................................... 98
5.4.3 Autocorrelation Test....................................................99
5.4.4 Poker Test.................................................................. 100
5.4.5 Gap Test..................................................................... 101
5.4.6 Equidistribution Test................................................. 103
5.4.7 Coupon Collectors Test............................................. 103
5.4.8 Permutation Test........................................................ 103
5.4.9 Maximum of t Test.................................................... 104
5.5 Conclusion.............................................................................. 104
Reference........................................................................................... 104

Chapter 6 Random Variate Generation.............................................................. 105

6.1 Introduction............................................................................ 105
6.2 Various Methods of Random Variate Generation.................. 106
6.2.1 Linear Search............................................................ 106
6.2.2 Binary Search............................................................ 106
6.2.3 Indexed Search.......................................................... 107
6.2.4 Slice Sampling........................................................... 108
6.2.5 Ziggurat Algorithm................................................... 109
6.2.6 MCMC Method......................................................... 110
6.2.7 Metropolis–Hastings Algorithm............................... 110
6.2.8 Gibbs Sampling......................................................... 110
6.2.9 Box–Muller Transform Method................................ 111
6.2.9.1 Basic Form................................................. 111
6.2.9.2 Polar Form................................................. 112
6.2.10 Marsaglia Polar Method............................................ 113
6.2.11 Inverse Transform Technique................................. 113
6.2.11.1 Exponential Distribution............................ 114
6.2.11.2 Weibull Distribution.................................. 119
6.2.11.3 Uniform Distribution................................. 121
6.2.11.4 Triangular Distribution.............................. 122
x Contents

6.2.12 Convolution Method..............................................124

6.2.12.1 Erlang Distribution.................................... 125
6.2.12.2 Binomial Distribution................................ 125
6.2.13 Acceptance–Rejection Method..............................125
6.2.13.1 Poisson Distribution................................... 126
6.3 Conclusion.............................................................................. 127
Reference........................................................................................... 127

Chapter 7 Steady-State Behavior of Stochastic Processes................................. 129

7.1 Introduction............................................................................ 129
7.2 Definition of Stochastic Process............................................. 130
7.2.1 Classification of Stochastic Processes....................... 131
7.3 Steady-State Conditions in Various Fields............................. 134
7.3.1 Steady-State Condition in Economics....................... 134
7.3.2 Steady-State Condition in Chemistry........................ 134
7.3.3 Steady-State Condition in Electronics....................... 135
7.3.4 Steady-State Condition in Electrical Systems........... 135
7.4 Various Stochastic Processes................................................. 135
7.4.1 Markov Process......................................................... 136
7.4.2 Poisson Process......................................................... 136
7.4.3 Gaussian Process....................................................... 137
7.4.4 Brownian Motion...................................................... 137
7.4.5 Bernoulli Process...................................................... 138
7.4.6 Simple Random Walk and Population Processes...... 139
7.4.7 Stationary Process..................................................... 139
7.4.8 Autoregressive Process.............................................. 141
7.4.9 Examples of the Markov Process.............................. 142
7.4.10 An Example of the Poisson Process.......................... 150
7.5 Conclusion.............................................................................. 150
References......................................................................................... 151

Chapter 8 Statistical Analysis of Steady-State Parameters................................ 153

8.1 Introduction............................................................................ 153
8.2 Terminating and Steady-State Simulation.............................. 154
8.3 Conclusion.............................................................................. 157
Reference........................................................................................... 157

Chapter 9 Computer Simulation........................................................................ 159

9.1 Introduction............................................................................ 159
9.2 Computer Simulation from Various Aspects.......................... 159
9.3 Simulation of Computer Systems........................................... 160
9.3.1 Various Components of Computer............................ 160
9.3.1.1 Memory Types........................................... 161
Contents xi

9.3.1.2 Monitors or Video Display Unit................ 163

9.3.1.3 Floppy Disk Drives.................................... 163
9.3.1.4 Compact Disk Drives................................. 164
9.3.1.5 Hard Disk Drives....................................... 164
9.3.1.6 Overall Method of Execution of
Computer Programs................................... 164
9.3.1.7 Software Used in Computers..................... 164
9.3.1.8 Computer Language.................................. 165
9.3.1.9 System Software........................................ 166
9.3.1.10 Elements of Programming Language........ 167
9.3.2 Simulation of Various Components of Computer
Systems...................................................................... 168
9.3.2.1 Stack.......................................................... 170
9.3.2.2 Queue......................................................... 171
9.4 Computer Simulations for Various Fields of Study................ 171
9.5 Game Simulation.................................................................... 172
9.6 Conclusion.............................................................................. 173
Reference........................................................................................... 173

Chapter 10 Manufacturing Simulation................................................................ 175

10.1 Introduction............................................................................ 175
10.2 Scheduling.............................................................................. 176
10.3 Aspects of Manufacturing for Simulation Study.................... 177
10.3.1 Aspects Considered for Design of
Facility Layout......................................................178
10.3.2 Aspects Considered for Design of Material
Handling Systems...................................................... 178
10.3.3 Aspects Considered for Design of Cellular
Manufacturing Systems............................................. 179
10.3.4 Aspects Considered for Design of FMSs.................. 179
10.3.5 Aspects Considered for Operations Scheduling........ 179
10.3.6 Aspects Considered for Operating Policies............... 180
10.3.7 Aspects Considered for Performance Analysis......... 180
10.4 Selection of Simulation Software........................................... 181
10.5 List of Simulation Software Applications.............................. 182
10.5.1 Introduction to Arena Simulation Software.............. 182
10.5.1.1 Flowchart Modules.................................... 184
10.5.1.2 Data Modules............................................. 189
10.6 Conclusion.............................................................................. 191
References......................................................................................... 191

Chapter 11 Manufacturing and Supply Chain Simulation Packages................... 193

11.1 Introduction............................................................................ 193
11.2 Introduction to C Language.................................................... 194
xii Contents

11.3 Introduction to C++ Language.............................................. 197

11.4 Introduction to AweSim Simulation Software....................... 198
11.5 Introduction to Beer Distribution Game Simulation..............200
11.6 Conclusion.............................................................................. 203
References......................................................................................... 203

Chapter 12 Supply Chain Simulation...................................................................205

12.1 Introduction............................................................................205
12.2 Areas of Supply Chain Simulation.........................................207
12.2.1 Distribution in Supply Chain....................................208
12.2.2 Collaborative Planning, Forecasting,
and Replenishment....................................................208
12.2.3 Supply Chain Performance Measure.........................209
12.2.3.1 Various Performance Measures
and Metrics................................................ 211
12.2.4 Methodologies Used in the Existing Literature........ 220
12.3 Types of Supply Chain Simulations....................................... 220
12.4 Types of Supply Chain Simulation Software......................... 222
12.5 Conclusion.............................................................................. 223
References......................................................................................... 223

Chapter 13 Simulation in Various Disciplines..................................................... 227

13.1 Introduction............................................................................ 227
13.2 Simulation in Electronics Engineering................................... 227
13.2.1 Open Access Software.............................................. 228
13.2.2 Proprietary Software................................................. 228
13.3 Simulation in Chemical Engineering..................................... 229
13.4 Simulation in Aerospace Engineering.................................... 230
13.5 Simulation in Civil Engineering............................................. 231
13.6 Simulation in Other Disciplines............................................. 232
13.7 Some Selected Simulation Packages...................................... 235
13.7.1 FLUENT................................................................... 235
13.7.2 TRNSYS.................................................................... 236
13.7.3 EASY5....................................................................... 237
13.7.4 GENESIS.................................................................. 237
13.7.5 BetaSim..................................................................... 237
13.7.6 AMESim................................................................... 238
13.7.7 SimOne...................................................................... 238
13.7.8 LogiSim..................................................................... 238
13.7.9 DWSIM..................................................................... 239
13.8 Conclusion.............................................................................. 239
References......................................................................................... 239
Contents xiii

Chapter 14 Simulation of Complex Systems....................................................... 241

14.1 Introduction............................................................................ 241
14.2 Advantages and Disadvantages of Simple Systems............... 242
14.3 Effective Tools to Simulate and Analyze Complex Systems..... 243
14.4 Conclusion.............................................................................. 247
References......................................................................................... 247

Chapter 15 Simulation with Cellular Automata................................................... 249

15.1 Introduction............................................................................ 249
15.2 Cellular Automata.................................................................. 249
15.3 Types of Simulation with Cellular Automata......................... 251
15.4 Applications of Cellular Automata......................................... 251
15.5 Software for Cellular Automata............................................. 252
15.6 Conclusion.............................................................................. 252
References......................................................................................... 253

Chapter 16 Agent-Based Simulation.................................................................... 255

16.1 Background............................................................................. 255
16.2 Characteristics of Agents........................................................ 255
16.3 Types of Agents...................................................................... 257
16.4 Phases of General Agent-Based Simulation........................... 259
16.5 Design of Agents....................................................................260
16.6 Multiagent-Based Simulation in Manufacturing.................... 262
16.7 Some Multiagent Models........................................................264
16.7.1 Gaia Methodology.....................................................264
16.7.2 ROADMAP Methodology......................................... 265
16.7.3 Prometheus Methodology.........................................266
16.7.4 PASSI Methodology.................................................. 267
16.7.5 MaSE Methodology.................................................. 269
16.7.6 Tropos Methodology................................................. 271
16.8 Applications of Agent-Based Simulation............................... 272
16.9 Conclusion.............................................................................. 273
References......................................................................................... 273

Chapter 17 Continuous System Simulation......................................................... 277

17.1 Introduction............................................................................ 277
17.2 Approaches to Continuous System Simulation...................... 277
17.2.1 Ordinary Differential Equations............................... 277
17.2.2 Partial Differential Equations................................... 278
17.3 Integration Methods............................................................... 279
17.3.1 Euler Method.............................................................280
17.3.2 Predictor–Corrector Method..................................... 281
17.3.3 Runge–Kutta Method................................................ 282
Exploring the Variety of Random
Documents with Different Content
all seasons of the year, accompanied by frequent changes of
station, which render it impossible for him to have his family with
him, render a state of peace with Indians the most desirable of
all things to him. He therefore omits no proper precautions, and
does not fail to use all proper means, by just treatment, honest
distribution of annuities, and fair dealing, to secure quiet and
friendly relations with the Indian tribes in his neighborhood. His
honest distribution of the annuities appropriated to the Indians is
further secured by his life commission in the army, and the
odium which would blast his life and character by any dishonest
act. If dismissed from the service for such malfeasance, he
would be publicly branded by his own profession, and would be
powerless to attribute his removal from office to any but the true
cause. The Indian agent, on the other hand, accepts his office
for a limited time and for a specific purpose, and he finds it easy
when he has secured his ends (the rapid acquisition of money)
to account for his removal from office on political grounds or the
personal enmity of some other official of his department superior
in rank to himself. The eagerness to secure an appointment as
Indian agent, on a small salary, manifested by many persons of
superior ability, ought of itself to be a warning to Congress as to
the objects sought by it. It is a common saying in the West that
next to, if not indeed before, the consulship to Liverpool, an
Indian agency is the most desirable office in the gift of the
Government. Of course the more treaties an Indian agent can
negotiate, the larger the appropriation of money and goods
which passes through his hands, and the more valuable his
office. An Indian war on every other day, with treaty-making on
intermediate days, would be therefore the condition of affairs
most satisfactory to such Indian agents. I by no means say that
all Indian agents are dishonest. In truth I know some who are
very sincere and honorable men, who try to administer their
offices with fidelity to the Government; but that the mass of
Indian agents on the frontier are true only to their personal and
pecuniary interests, I am very sure no one familiar with the
subject will dispute. I repeat, then, that a condition of peace with
the Indians is above all things desirable to the military officer
stationed in their country: something very like the reverse to the
Indian agent.
The transfer of the Indian Bureau to the War Department
would at once eliminate from our Indian system the formidable
army of Indian superintendents, agents, sub-agents, special
agents, jobbers, contractors, and hangers-on, who now infest
the frontier States and territories, and save to the Government
annually a sum of money which I will not venture to estimate.
The army officers detailed to perform duty in their places would
receive no compensation in addition to their army pay. Previous
to the creation of the Interior Department and the transfer of the
Indian Bureau to that department, army officers performed well
and honestly the duties of Indian agents, and it is only necessary
to refer to our past history to demonstrate that our relations at
that time with the Indians were far more friendly and satisfactory
than they have been since.... The military are absolutely
necessary in the Indian country to protect the lives and property
of our citizens. Indian agents and superintendents are not
necessary, since their duties have been and can still be faithfully
and efficiently performed by the army officers stationed with the
troops. Harmonious and concerted action can never be secured
while both parties are retained. The military are necessary—the
civil officers are not; and as it is essential that the one or the
other be displaced, I cannot see what doubt exists as to which
party must give way. These are only the general reasons for the
retransfer of the Indian Bureau to the War Department—reasons
which are well understood by every one familiar with the
subject.... In order that any policy whatever may be consistently
and efficiently pursued, a change in our present administration of
Indian affairs is absolutely essential. The retransfer of the Indian
Bureau to the War Department is believed to be the first step
toward a reformation, and until that step is taken it is useless to
expect any improvement in the present condition of our Indian
relations.
I am, General, respectfully your obedient
servant,
 John Pope, Brevet Major-General U. S. Army.
General U. S. Grant, General-in-Chief, Washington, D. C.

General Grant was at that time so impressed with the

importance of General Pope’s letter that he forwarded it to the
Secretary of War, with the request that it might be laid before both
branches of Congress.
It might be urged that the above letters and statements are
furnished by officers of the army, who are exponents of but one side
of the question. Fortunately it is possible to go outside the military
circle and introduce testimony which should be considered impartial
and free from bias. At this particular period in the discussion of the
Indian question, Colonel E. S. Parker, a highly educated and
thoroughly cultivated gentleman, was asked to submit a plan for the
establishment of a permanent and perpetual peace, and for settling
all matters of difference between the United States and the various
Indian tribes.
Colonel Parker is well known as a distinguished chief of the once
powerful Six Nations, and since the time referred to has been better
known as Commissioner of Indian Affairs during the early part of the
present administration. Being an Indian, his sympathies must be
supposed to have been on the side of his own people, and in his
endeavor to establish a permanent peace he would recommend no
conditions prejudicial or unjust to their interests. He recommended:
“First, the transfer of the Indian Bureau from the Interior Department
back to the War Department, or military branch of the Government,
where it originally belonged, until within the last few years. The
condition and disposition of all the Indians west of the Mississippi
river, as developed in consequence of the great and rapid influx of
immigration by reason of the discovery of the precious metals
throughout the entire West, renders it of the utmost importance that
military supervision should be extended over the Indians. Treaties
have been made with a very large number of the tribes, and
generally reservations have been provided as homes for them.
Agents, appointed from civil life, have generally been provided to
protect their lives and property, and to attend to the prompt and
faithful observance of treaty stipulations. But as the hardy pioneer
and adventurous miner advanced into the inhospitable regions
occupied by the Indians, in search of the precious metals, they found
no rights possessed by the Indians that they were bound to respect.
The faith of treaties solemnly entered into was totally disregarded,
and Indian territory wantonly violated. If any tribe remonstrated
against the violation of their natural and treaty rights, members of the
tribe were inhumanly shot down, and the whole treated as mere
dogs. Retaliation generally followed, and bloody Indian wars have
been the consequence, costing many lives and much treasure. In all
troubles arising in this manner, the civil agents have been totally
powerless to avert the consequences, and when too late the military
have been called in to protect the whites and punish the Indians,
when if, in the beginning, the military had had the supervision of the
Indians, their rights would not have been improperly molested, or if
disturbed in their quietude by any lawless whites, a prompt and
summary check to any further aggression could have been given. In
cases where the Government promises the Indians the quiet and
peaceable possession of a reservation, and precious metals are
discovered or found to exist upon it, the military alone can give the
Indians the needed protection, and keep the adventurous miner from
encroaching upon the Indians until the Government has come to
some understanding with them. In such cases the civil agent is
absolutely powerless.
“Most of the Indian treaties contain stipulations for the payment
to Indians of annuities, either in money or goods, or both, and agents
are appointed to make these payments whenever Government
furnishes them the means. I know of no reason why officers of the
army could not make all these payments as well as civilians. The
expense of agencies would be saved, and I think the Indians would
be more honestly dealt by. An officer’s honor and interest are at
stake, which impels him to discharge his duty honestly and faithfully,
while civil agents have none of these incentives, the ruling passion
with them being generally to avoid all trouble and responsibility and
to make as much money as possible out of their offices. In the
retransfer of this bureau, I would provide for the complete
abolishment of the system of Indian traders, which in my opinion, is a
great evil to Indian communities. I would make Government the
purchaser of all articles usually brought in by Indians, giving them a
fair equivalent for the same in money, or goods at cost prices. In this
way it would be an easy matter to regulate the sale or issue of arms
and ammunition to Indians, a question which of late has agitated the
minds of the civil and military authorities. If the entry of large
numbers of Indians to any military post is objectionable, it can easily
be arranged that only limited numbers shall be admitted daily.”
Colonel Parker next quotes from messages of Washington and
Jefferson, showing that they had favored the exclusion of civil agents
and traders. His recommendation then proceeds: “It is greatly to be
regretted that this beneficent and humane policy had not been
adhered to, for it is a fact not to be denied, that at this day Indian
trading licenses are very much sought after, and when once
obtained, although it may be for a limited period, the lucky possessor
is considered as having already made his fortune. The eagerness
also with which Indian agencies are sought after, and large fortunes
made by the agents in a few years, notwithstanding the inadequate
salary given, is presumptive evidence of frauds against the Indians
and the Government. Many other reasons might be suggested why
the Indian department should altogether be under military control,
but a familiar knowledge of the practical working of the present
system would seem to be the most convincing proof of the propriety
of the measure. It is pretty generally advocated by those most
familiar with our Indian relations, and, so far as I know, the Indians
themselves desire it. Civil officers are not usually respected by the
tribes, but they fear and regard the military, and will submit to their
counsels, advice, and dictation, when they would not listen to a civil
agent.”
In discussing the establishment of reservations, and the locating
of the Indians upon them, Colonel Parker says: “It may be imagined
that a serious obstacle would be presented to the removal of the
Indians from their homes on account of the love they bear for the
graves of their ancestors. This, indeed, would be the least and last
objection that would be raised by any tribe. Much is said in the books
about the reverence paid by Indians to the dead, and their antipathy
to deserting their ancestral graves. Whatever may have been the
customs for the dead in ages gone by, and whatever pilgrimages
may have been made to the graves of their loved and distinguished
dead, none of any consequence exist at the present day. They leave
their dead without any painful regrets, or the shedding of tears. And
how could it be otherwise with a people who have such indefinite
and vague ideas of a future state of existence? And to my mind it is
unnatural to assume or suppose that the wild or untutored Indian can
have more attachment for his home, or love for the graves of his
ancestors, than the civilized and enlightened Christian.”
I regret that I cannot, in this brief space, give all the suggestions
and recommendations submitted by this eminent representative of
the red man, displaying as they do sound judgment and thorough
mastery of his subject. In regard to the expense of his plan he says:
“I believe it to be more economical than any other plan that could be
suggested. A whole army of Indian agents, traders, contractors,
jobbers, and hangers-on would be dispensed with, and from them
would come the strongest opposition to the adoption of this plan, as
it would effectually close to them the corrupt sources of their wealth.”
General Grant, then commanding the army, must have approved
at that time of the views of the distinguished Indian; for a few years
later, on entering upon the duties of President of the United States,
he appointed him Commissioner of Indian Affairs, thus giving
Colonel Parker an opportunity to inaugurate the system which he
had urged as being most conducive to the welfare of his people and
tending to restrain them from acts of war. The influences brought to
bear by the exponents of the peace policy, as it was termed, were
too powerful to be successfully resisted, and Colonel Parker felt
himself forced to resign his position, for the reason, as stated by him,
that the influences operating against him were so great that he was
unable to give effect to the principles which he believed should
prevail in administering the affairs of his important bureau.
The latter part of the summer and fall of 1867 was not
characterized by active operations either upon the part of the troops
or that of the Indians. A general council of all the tribes infesting the
southern plains was called to assemble on “Medicine Lodge creek.”
This council was called in furtherance of a plan of pacification
proposed by Congress with a view to uniting and locating all the
tribes referred to on a reservation to be agreed upon. Congress
provided that the tribes invited to the council should be met by a
peace commission on the part of the Government, composed of
members of each house of Congress, distinguished civilians, and
officers of the army of high rank. At this council all the southern
tribes assembled; presents in profusion were distributed among the
Indians, the rule of distribution, I believe, being as usual that the
worst Indians received the greatest number of valuable presents; an
agreement was entered into between the Indians and the
representatives of the Government; reservations embracing a large
extent of the finest portions of the public lands were fixed upon, to
the apparent satisfaction of all concerned, and the promise of the
Indians to occupy them and to keep away from the settlements and
lines of travel was made without hesitation. This was the beginning
of the promised era of peace. The lion and the lamb had agreed to
lie down together, but the sequel proved that when they got up again
“the lamb was missing.”
 XIII.

Comrades, leave me here a little, while as yet ’tis early morn;

Leave me here, and when you want me, sound upon the
bugle horn.

IN this instance, however, the bugle whose summoning notes I was

supposed to be listening for was one of peculiar structure, and its
tones could only be rendered effective when prompted by the will of
the director at Washington. In other words, I was living in involuntary
but unregretful retirement from active service. I had spent the winter
of 1867–’68 most agreeably with many of my comrades at Fort
Leavenworth, but in the spring was forced to see them set out for
their summer rendezvous for operations against the Indians, and
myself compelled by superior authority, or rather by “circumstances
over which I had no control,” to remain in the rear, a non-combatant
in every sense of the word; so much so that I might have been
eligible to election as honorary member of some one of those
preponderous departments referred to by General Hazen in “The
School and the Army,” as “holding military rank, wearing the
uniform,” but living in complete “official separation from the line,”
except that I was not “divided from it in heart and sympathy.” It is a
happy disposition that can content itself in all phases of fortune by
the saying that “that which cannot be cured must be endured.” I had
frequent recourse to this and similar consoling expressions, in the
endeavor to reconcile myself to the separation from my command.
For fear some of my readers may not comprehend my situation at
the time, I will briefly remark in parenthesis, and by way of note of
explanation, that for precisely what I have described in some of the
preceding chapters, the exact details of which would be out of place
here, it had apparently been deemed necessary that my connection
with certain events and transactions, every one of which has been
fully referred to heretofore, should be submitted to an official
examination in order to determine if each and every one of my acts
had been performed with a due regard to the customs of war in like
cases. To enter into a review of the proceedings which followed,
would be to introduce into these pages matters of too personal a
character to interest the general reader. It will suffice to say that I
was placed in temporary retirement from active duty, and this result
seemed satisfactory to those parties most intimately concerned in
the matter. When, in the spring of 1868, the time arrived for the
troops to leave their winter quarters, and march westward to the
Plains, the command with which I had been associated during the
preceding year left its station at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, and
marched westward about three hundred miles, there to engage in
operations against the Indians. While they, under command of
General Sully, were attempting to kill Indians, I was studying the
problem of how to kill time in the most agreeable manner. My
campaign was a decided success. I established my base of
operations in a most beautiful little town on the western shores of
Lake Erie, from which I projected various hunting, fishing, and
boating expeditions. With abundance of friends and companions,
and ample success, time passed pleasantly enough; yet withal there
was a constant longing to be with my comrades in arms in the far
West, even while aware of the fact that their campaign was not
resulting in any material advantage I had no reason to believe that I
would be permitted to rejoin them until the following winter. It was on
the evening of the 24th of September, and when about to “break
bread” at the house of a friend in the little town referred to that I
received the following telegram:

Headquarters Department of the Missouri,

In the Field, Fort Hays, Kansas, September 24, 1868.
General G. A. Custer, Monroe, Michigan:
Generals Sherman, Sully, and myself, and nearly all the
officers of your regiment, have asked for you, and I hope the
application will be successful. Can you come at once? Eleven
 companies of your regiment will move about the 1st of October
against the hostile Indians, from Medicine Lodge creek toward
the Wichita mountains.
(Signed) P. H. Sheridan, Major General
Commanding.

The reception of this despatch was a source of unbounded

gratification to me, not only because I saw the opportunity of being
actively and usefully employed opened before me, but there were
personal considerations inseparable from the proposed manner of
my return, which in themselves were in the highest degree
agreeable; so much so that I felt quite forbearing toward each and
every one who, whether intentionally or not, had been a party to my
retirement, and was almost disposed to favor them with a copy of the
preceding despatch, accompanied by an expression of my hearty
thanks for the unintentional favor they had thrown in my way.
Knowing that the application of Generals Sherman and Sheridan
and the other officers referred to would meet with a favorable reply
from the authorities at Washington, I at once telegraphed to General
Sheridan that I would start to join him by the next train, not intending
to wait the official order which I knew would be issued by the War
Department. The following day found me on a railway train hastening
to the plains as fast as the iron horse could carry me. The expected
order from Washington overtook me that day in the shape of an
official telegram from the Adjutant General of the Army, directing me
to proceed at once and report for duty to General Sheridan.
At Fort Leavenworth I halted in my journey long enough to cause
my horses to be shipped by rail to Fort Hays. Nor must I omit two
other faithful companions of my subsequent marches and
campaigns, named Blucher and Maida, two splendid specimens of
the Scotch staghound, who were destined to share the dangers of an
Indian campaign and finally meet death in a tragic manner—the one
by the hand of the savage, the other by an ill-directed bullet from a
friendly carbine. Arriving at Fort Hays on the morning of the 30th, I
found General Sheridan, who had transferred his headquarters
temporarily from Fort Leavenworth to that point in order to be nearer
the field of operations, and better able to give his personal attention
to the conduct of the coming campaign. My regiment was at that time
on or near the Arkansas river in the vicinity of Fort Dodge, and about
three easy marches from Fort Hays. After remaining at General
Sheridan’s headquarters one day and receiving his instructions, I set
out with a small escort across the country to Fort Dodge to resume
command of my regiment. Arriving at Fort Dodge without incident, I
found General Sully, who at that time was in command of the district
in which my regiment was serving. With the exception of a few
detachments, the main body of the regiment was encamped on Bluff
creek, a small tributary of the Arkansas, the camp being some thirty
miles southeast from Fort Dodge. Taking with me the detachment at
the fort, I proceeded to the main camp, arriving there in the
afternoon. I had scarcely assumed command when a band of
Indians dashed close up to our camp and fired upon us. This was
getting into active service quite rapidly. I was in the act of taking my
seat for dinner, my ride having given me a splendid relish for the
repast, when the shouts and firing of the savages informed me that
more serious duties were at hand. Every man flew to arms and
almost without command rushed to oppose the enemy. Officers and
men provided themselves with rifles or carbines, and soon began
delivering a deliberate but ineffective fire against the Indians. The
latter, as usual, were merely practising their ordinary ruse de guerre,
which was to display a very small venturesome force in the
expectation of tempting pursuit by an equal or slightly superior force,
and, after having led the pursuing force well away from the main
body, to surround and destroy it by the aid of overwhelming
numbers, previously concealed in a ravine or ambush until the
proper moment. On this occasion the stratagem did not succeed.
The Indians, being mounted on their fleetest ponies, would charge in
single file past our camp, often riding within easy carbine range of
our men, displaying great boldness and unsurpassable
horsemanship. The soldiers, unaccustomed to firing at such rapidly
moving objects, were rarely able to inflict serious damage upon their
enemies. Occasionally a pony would be struck and brought to the
ground, but the rider always succeeded in being carried away upon
the pony of a comrade. It was interesting to witness their marvellous
abilities as horsemen; at the same time one could not but admire the
courage they displayed. The ground was level, open, and
unobstructed; the troops were formed in an irregular line of
skirmishers dismounted, the line extending a distance of perhaps
two hundred yards. The Indians had a rendezvous behind a hillock
on the right, which prevented them from being seen or disturbed by
the soldiers. Starting out singly, or by twos and threes, the warriors
would suddenly leave the cover of the hillock, and with war whoops
and taunts dash over the plain in a line parallel to that occupied by
the soldiers, and within easy carbine range of the latter. The pony
seemed possessed of the designs and wishes of his dusky rider, as
he seemed to fly unguided by bridle, rein, or spur. The warrior would
fire and load and fire again as often as he was able to do, while
dashing along through the shower of leaden bullets fired above,
beneath, in front, and behind him by the excited troopers, until finally,
when the aim of the latter improved and the leaden messengers
whistled uncomfortably close, the warrior would be seen to cast
himself over on the opposite side of his pony, until his foot on the
back and his face under the neck of the pony were all that could be
seen, the rest of his person being completely covered by the body of
the pony. This manœuvre would frequently deceive the recruits
among the soldiers; having fired probably about the time the warrior
was seen to disappear, the recruit would shout exultingly and call the
attention of his comrades to his lucky shot. The old soldiers,
however, were not so easily deceived, and often afterwards would
remind their less experienced companion of the terrible fatality of his
shots.
After finding that their plan to induce a small party to pursue
them did not succeed, the Indians withdrew their forces, and,
concealment being no longer necessary, we were enabled to see
their full numbers as that portion of them which had hitherto
remained hidden behind a bluff rode boldly out on the open plain.
Being beyond rifle range, they contented themselves with taunts and
gestures of defiance, then rode away. From the officers of the camp I
learned that the performance of the Indians which had occupied our
attention on this afternoon was of almost daily occurrence, and that
the savages, from having been allowed to continue in their course
unmolested, had almost reduced the camp to a state of siege; so
true had this become that at no hour of the day was it safe for
individuals to pass beyond the chain of sentinels which enveloped
the immediate limits of the camp. Before it became known that the
Indians were so watchful and daring, many narrow escapes were
made, and many laughable although serious incidents occurred—
laughable, however, only to those who were not the parties most
interested. Two of these serio-comic affairs now recur to me. There
was a beautiful clear stream of water, named Bluff creek, running
through camp, which supplied bathing facilities to the officers and
men, a privilege which but few allowed to pass unimproved. Whether
to avoid the publicity attending localities near camp, or to seek a
point in the bed of the stream where the water was fresh and
undisturbed, or from a motive different from either of these, two of
our young officers mounted their horses one day without saddles
and rode down the valley of the stream perhaps a mile or more in
search of a bathing place. Discovering one to their taste, they
dismounted, secured their horses, and, after disposing of their
apparel on the greensward covering the banks, were soon floating
and floundering in the water like a pair of young porpoises. How long
they had been enjoying this healthful recreation, or how much longer
they might have remained, is not necessary to the story. One of them
happening to glance toward their horses observed the latter in a
state of great trepidation. Hastening from the water to the bank, he
discovered the cause of the strange conduct on the part of the
horses, which was nothing more nor less than a party of about thirty
Indian warriors, mounted, and stealthily making their way toward the
bathing party, evidently having their eyes on the latter, and intent
upon their capture. Here was a condition of affairs that was at least
as unexpected as it was unwelcome. Quickly calling out to his
companion, who was still in the water unconscious of approaching
danger, the one on shore made haste to unfasten their horses and
prepare for flight. Fortunately the Indians, who were now within a few
hundred yards of the two officers, were coming from the direction
opposite camp, leaving the line of retreat of the officers open. No
sooner did the warriors find that their approach was discovered than
they put their ponies to their best speed, hoping to capture the
officers before the latter could have time to mount and get their
horses under headway. The two officers in the meanwhile were far
from idle; no flesh brushes or bathing towels were required to restore
a healthy circulation, nor was time wasted in an idle attempt to make
a toilet. If they had sought their bathing ground from motives of
retirement or delicacy, no such sentiments were exhibited now, for,
catching up their wardrobe from the ground in one hand and seizing
the bridle rein with the other, one leap and they were on their horses’
backs and riding toward camp for dear life. They were not exactly in
the condition of Flora McFlimsy with nothing to wear, but to all intents
and purposes might as well have been so. Then followed a race
which, but for the risk incurred by two of the riders, might well be
compared to that of John Gilpin. Both of the officers were
experienced horsemen; but what experienced horseman would
willingly care to be thrust upon the bare back of a flying steed, minus
all apparel, neither boots, breeches, nor saddle, not even the spurs
and shirt collar which are said to constitute the full uniform of a
Georgian colonel, and when so disposed of, to have three or four
score of hideously painted and feathered savages, well mounted and
near at hand, straining every nerve and urging their fleet-footed war
ponies to their highest speed in order that the scalps of the
experienced horsemen might be added to the other human trophies
which grace their lodges? Truly this was one of the occasions when
personal appearance is nothing, and “a man’s a man for a’ that,” so
at least thought our amateur Mazeppas as they came dashing
toward camp, ever and anon casting anxious glances over their
shoulders at their pursuers, who, despite every exertion of the
former, were surely overhauling their pale-faced brothers. To the
pursued, camp seemed a long way in the distance, while the shouts
of the warriors, each time seeming nearer than before, warned them
to urge their steeds to their fastest pace. In a few moments the
occupants of camp discovered the approach of this strangely
appearing party. It was an easy matter to recognize the warriors, but
who could name the two who rode at the front? The pursuing
warriors, seeing that they were not likely to overtake and capture the
two knights of the bath, slackened their pace and sent a volley of
arrows after them. A few moments later and the two officers were
safe inside the lines, where they lost no time in making their way to
their tents to attend to certain matters relating to their toilet which the
sudden appearance of their dusky visitors had prevented. It was a
long time before they ceased to hear allusions made by their
comrades to the cut and style of their riding suit.
The other affair to which I have alluded occurred about the same
time, but in a different direction from camp. One of the officers, who
was commanding a troop, concluded one day that it would be safe to
grant permission to a part of his command to leave camp for the
purpose of hunting buffalo and obtaining fresh meat for the men. The
hunting party, being strong enough to protect itself against almost
any ordinary war party of Indians that might present itself, left camp
at an early hour in the morning and set out in the direction in which
the buffalo were reported to be. The forenoon passed away, noon
came, and still no signs of the return of the hunters. The small hours
of the afternoon began to come and go, and still no tidings from the
hunters, who were expected to return to camp after an absence of
two or three hours. The officer to whose troop they belonged, and
who was of an exceedingly nervous temperament, began to regret
having accorded them permission to leave camp, knowing that
Indians had been seen in the vicinity. The hunting party had gone by
a route across the open country which carried them up a long but
very gradual ascent of perhaps two miles, beyond which, on the level
plain, the buffalo were supposed to be herding in large numbers.
Anxious to learn something concerning the whereabouts of his men,
and believing he could obtain a view of the country beyond which
might prove satisfactory, the officer, whose suspense was constantly
increasing, determined to mount his horse and ride to the summit of
the ridge beyond which his men had disappeared in the morning.
Taking no escort with him, he leisurely rode off, guided by the trail
made by the hunters. The distance to the crest proved much further
than it had seemed to the eye before starting. A ride of over two
miles had to be made before the highest point was reached, but
once there the officer felt well repaid for his exertion, for in the dim
deceptions of a beautiful mirage he saw what to him was his hunting
party leisurely returning toward camp. Thinking they were still a long
distance from him and would not reach him for a considerable time,
he did what every prudent cavalryman would have done under
similar circumstances—dismounted to allow his horse an opportunity
to rest. At the same time he began studying the extended scenery,
which from his exalted position lay spread in all directions beneath
him. The camp, seen nestling along the banks of the creek at the
base of the ridge, appeared as a pleasant relief to the monotony of
the view, which otherwise was undisturbed. Having scanned the
horizon in all directions, he turned to watch the approach of his men;
when, behold! instead of his own trusty troopers returning laden with
the fruits of the chase, the mirage had disappeared, and he saw a
dozen well-mounted warriors riding directly toward him at full speed.
They were still far enough away to enable him to mount his horse
and have more than an even chance to outstrip them in the race to
camp. But no time was to be thrown away; the beauties of natural
scenery had, for the time at least, lost their attraction. Camp never
seemed so inviting before. Heading his horse toward camp and
gathering the reins in one hand and holding his revolver in the other,
the officer set out to make his escape. Judgment had to be
employed in riding this race, for the distance being fully two miles
before a place of safety could be reached, his horse, not being high-
bred and accustomed to going such a distance at full speed, might, if
forced too rapidly at first, fail before reaching camp. Acting upon this
idea, a tight rein was held and as much speed kept in reserve as
safety would permit. This enabled the Indians to gain on the officer,
but at no time did he feel that he could not elude his pursuers. His
principal anxiety was confined to the character of the ground, care
being taken to avoid the rough and broken places. A single misstep
or a stumble on the part of his horse, and his pursuers would be
upon him before he could rise. The sensations he experienced
during that flying ride could not have been enviable. Soon the men in
camp discerned his situation, and seizing their carbines hastened
out to his assistance. The Indians were soon driven away and the
officer again found himself among his friends. The hunters also
made their appearance shortly after, well supplied with game. They
had not found the buffalo as near camp as they had expected, and
after finding them were carried by a long pursuit in a different
direction from that taken by them in the morning. Hence their delay
in returning to camp.
These and similar occurrences, added to the attack made by the
Indians on the camp the afternoon I joined, proved that unless we
were to consider ourselves as actually besieged and were willing to
accept the situation, some decisive course must be adopted to
punish the Indians for their temerity. No offensive measures had
been attempted since the infantry and cavalry forces of General
Sully had marched up the hill and then, like the forces of the king of
France, had marched down again. The effect of this movement, in
which the Indians gained a decided advantage, was to encourage
them in their attempts to annoy and disturb the troops, not only by
prowling about camp in considerable numbers and rendering it
unsafe, as has been seen, to venture beyond the chain of sentinels,
but by waylaying and intercepting all parties passing between camp
and the base of supplies at Fort Dodge. Knowing, from my recent
interview with General Sheridan, that activity was to characterize the
future operations of the troops, particularly those of the cavalry, and
that the sooner a little activity was exhibited on our part the sooner
perhaps might we be freed from the aggressions of the Indians, I
returned from the afternoon skirmish to my tent and decided to begin
offensive movements that same night, as soon as darkness should
conceal the march of the troops. It was reasonable to infer that the
war parties which had become so troublesome in the vicinity of
camp, and made their appearance almost daily, had a hiding place
or rendezvous on some of the many small streams which flowed
within a distance of twenty miles of the point occupied by the troops;
and it was barely possible that if a simultaneous movement was
made by several well-conducted parties with a view of scouting up
and down the various streams referred to, the hiding place of the
Indians might be discovered and their forays in the future broken up.
It was deemed most prudent, and to promise greatest chance of
success, to make these movements at night, as during the hours of
daylight the Indians no doubt kept close watch over everything
transpiring in the vicinity of camp, and no scouting party could have
taken its departure in daylight unobserved by the watchful eyes of
the savages. Four separate detachments were at once ordered to be
in readiness to move immediately after dark. Each detachment
numbered about one hundred cavalry well mounted and well armed.
Guides who knew the country well were assigned to each, and each
party was commanded and accompanied by zealous and efficient
officers. The country was divided into four sections, and to each
detachment was assigned one of the sections, with orders to
thoroughly scout the streams running through it. It was hoped that
some one of these parties might, if in no other way, stumble upon a
camp-fire or other indication of the rendezvous of the Indians; but
subsequent experience only confirmed me in the opinion that Indians
seldom, if ever, permit hostile parties to stumble upon them unless
the stumblers are the weaker party. Before proceeding further in my
narrative I will introduce to the reader a personage who is destined
to appear at different intervals, and upon interesting occasions, as
the campaign proceeds. It is usual on the plains, and particularly
during time of active hostilities, for every detachment of troops to be
accompanied by one or more professional scouts or guides. These
guides are employed by the government at a rate of compensation
far in excess of that paid to the soldiers, some of the most
experienced receiving pay about equal to that of a subaltern in the
line. They constitute a most interesting as well as useful and
necessary portion of our frontier population. Who they are, whence
they come or whither they go, their names even, except such as they
choose to adopt or which may be given them, are all questions which
none but themselves can answer. As their usefulness to the service
depends not upon the unravelling of either of these mysteries but
little thought is bestowed upon them. Do you know the country
thoroughly? and can you speak any of the Indian languages?
constitute the only examination which civil or uncivil service reform
demands on the plains. If the evidence on these two important points
is satisfactory, the applicant for a vacancy in the corps of scouts may
consider his position as secured, and the door to congenial
employment, most often leading to a terrible death, opens before
him. They are almost invariably men of very superior judgment or
common sense, with education generally better than that of the
average frontiersman. Their most striking characteristics are love of
adventure, a natural and cultivated knowledge of the country without
recourse to maps, deep hatred of the Indian, and an intimate
acquaintance with all the habits and customs of the latter, whether
pertaining to peace or war, and last but most necessary to their
calling, skill in the use of firearms and in the management of a horse.
The possessor of these qualifications, and more than the ordinary
amount of courage, may feel equal to discharge the dangerous and
trying duties of a scout. In concentrating the cavalry which had
hitherto been operating in small bodies, it was found that each
detachment brought with it the scouts who had been serving with
them. When I joined the command I found quite a number of these
scouts attached to various portions of the cavalry, but each acting
separately. For the purposes of organization it was deemed best to
unite them into a separate detachment under command of one of
their own number. Being unacquainted personally with the merits or
demerits of any of them, the selection of a chief had necessarily to
be made somewhat at random. There was one among their number
whose appearance would have attracted the notice of any casual
observer. He was a man about forty years of age, perhaps older,
over six feet in height, and possessing a well-proportioned frame.
His head was covered with a luxuriant crop of long, almost black
hair, strongly inclined to curl, and so long as to fall carelessly over
his shoulders. His face, at least so much of it as was not concealed
by the long, waving brown beard and moustache, was full of
intelligence and pleasant to look upon. His eye was undoubtedly
handsome, black and lustrous, with an expression of kindness and
mildness combined. On his head was generally to be seen, whether
asleep or awake, a huge sombrero or black slouch hat. A soldier’s
overcoat with its large circular cape, a pair of trousers with the legs
tucked in the top of his long boots, usually constituted the outside
make-up of the man whom I selected as chief scout. He was known
by the euphonious title of “California Joe”; no other name seemed
ever to have been given him, and no other name ever seemed
necessary. His military armament consisted of a long breech-loading
Springfield musket, from which he was inseparable, and a revolver
and hunting-knife, both the latter being carried in his waist-belt. His
mount completed his equipment for the field, being instead of a
horse a finely-formed mule, in whose speed and endurance he had
every confidence. Scouts usually prefer a good mule to a horse, and
wisely too, for the reason that in making their perilous journeys,
either singly or by twos or threes, celerity is one principal condition to
success. The object with the scout is not to outrun or overwhelm the
Indians, but to avoid both by secrecy and caution in his movements.
On the plains at most seasons of the year the horse is incapable of
performing long or rapid journeys without being supplied with forage
on the route. This must be transported, and in the case of scouts
would necessarily be transported on the back of the horse, thereby
adding materially to the weight which must be carried. The mule will
perform a rapid and continuous march without forage, being able to
subsist on the grazing to be obtained in nearly all the valleys on the
plains during the greater portion of the year. California Joe was an
inveterate smoker, and was rarely seen without his stubby, dingy-
looking brierwood pipe in full blast. The endurance of his smoking
powers was only surpassed by his loquacity. His pipe frequently
became exhausted and required refilling, but California Joe seemed
never to lack for material or disposition to carry on a conversation,
principally composed of personal adventures among the Indians,
episodes in mining life, or experience in overland journeying before
the days of steam engines and palace cars rendered a trip across
the plains a comparatively uneventful one. It was evident from the
scraps of information volunteered from time to time, that there was
but little of the Western country from the Pacific to the Missouri river
with which California Joe was not intimately acquainted. He had lived
in Oregon years before, and had become acquainted from time to
time with most of the officers who had served on the plains or on the
Pacific coast. I once inquired of him if he had ever seen General
Sheridan? “What, Gineral Shuridun? Why, bless my soul, I knowed
Shuridun way up in Oregon more’n fifteen years ago, an’ he wuz
only a second lootenant uv infantry. He wuz quartermaster of the foot
or something uv that sort, an’ I hed the contract uv furnishin’ wood to
the post, and, would ye b’leve it? I hed a kind of a sneakin’ notion
then that he’d hurt somebody ef they’d ever turn him loose. Lord, but
ain’t he old lightnin’?” This was the man whom upon a short
acquaintance I decided to appoint as chief of the scouts. This thrust
of professional greatness, as the sequel will prove, was more than