In short, Black Panther said--quite mildly now--that he agreed with Bulboo and with his cousin, the good chief, and would give his voice for postponing the execution, and for finally releasing the prisoner if all the presents came. There was no difficulty about this, especially as so many of the warriors had originally been in favor of mercy, and had been overruled in the vote taken on the subject. In a few minutes another vote was taken, and a favorable decision was announced. Buffalo Bill, delighted beyond all expression, hastened to ask permission to inform the prisoner of his respite. This was granted by the council. The chief and others followed to see the man released from his bonds. No words could describe the ecstasy of joy with which the good news was received by poor Hare, who swooned in his first excitement. For a minute or two he lay on the ground, unconscious of the good fortune that had come to him. When he revived he found himself on the grass, resting in the arms of his two friends. After restoring him fully by dashing cold water in his face, and dressing his wounds, they told him the particulars of what had taken place and what they had promised in his behalf. “It will probably take pretty nearly all you have in the world to pay your ransom,” said Buffalo Bill. “Oh, that’s of no consequence! What of that?” exclaimed the happy man. “If you had been where I was just now, you would have thought millions of dollars a cheap price to pay to get loose.” “Of course,” said Buffalo Bill. “And you are to stay here quietly until the presents come. Running Water says you will not be bound, but you will be watched. If you try to escape, you will be killed. It would be foolish for you to try to get away, for even if you did they would follow you and track you down.” “That’s all right. I’ll consent to that willingly enough. But, for Heaven’s sake, don’t fail to get the things here on time. Do you think you can do it? How can I ever thank you for all you have done for me, Cody? I owe my life to you.” “I have only done what I would have wished any other man to do for me,” the king of the scouts replied. “May Heaven help you in the same way when you are in your utmost need!” continued the grateful man. “And Congo, too--for he has done what he could. He has, at least, stayed near me and encouraged me.” “He has done a great deal more than that,” replied Cody, “as you will find out presently. But our other friends are gone, Hare.” “Gone? I thought they were back in the woods waiting for you.” “No; they took the boats and went, as they had a right to do. They got alarmed for the safety of the women, and Captain Meinhold, I suppose, thought it was best to go. I do not blame them. They thought there was no hope for you, and they were all in great danger. They gave me fair warning repeatedly, but I----” “Massa Cody wouldn’t go an’ leave you, sah, till de last was ober, let come what would. Dat’s it, sah.”