“I see--I see. I am even more indebted to him than I supposed. Cody, you have risked life and everything for me--for me, a traitor!” “I have only done my duty,” replied the border king simply. “Say no more of it.” But Hare, who, if he could not always be courageous, was at least grateful, would not be repressed on this point, and he continued to manifest his gratitude to his deliverer with childlike earnestness and simplicity. “But how are you to get off, and when?” he asked. “I do not know. Probably our red friends will help to put us in the way of getting to the nearest white settlement or to Fort McPherson.” “Ah, I hope you get through safely, both for your sake and for mine. If you are lost, I shall be lost also. Yes; even if anything happens to delay you beyond the three weeks stipulated, my fate will be sealed.” “Never fear. We shall doubtless get through without trouble, or one of us, at least; and even Congo could attend to your business. He could get assistance, you know.” “Is there money enough at my command, I wonder?” “How much can you raise?” “About a thousand dollars. I will give you a letter which will enable you to get the money.” “It ought to be enough. If it is not, I will make up the deficiency.” “Yes, yes; and I will repay you the last cent, if I have to live on bread and water to do it. But you may have time to communicate with my father, and he will supply all you need. How will you get the things here?” “The best way will be to charter a small sloop and sail across the lake, I suppose,” replied Buffalo Bill. “It will be quicker and less perilous than traveling by land through a country so infested by Indians, who, if they are not actually hostile, are yet not by any means to be trusted--especially if they saw articles so much coveted by them as those which we shall bring.” “Massa Cody, dere’s Cap’n Running Water an’ Bully Boy, looking as if dey was waitin’ to spoke to you,” said Joe. “So they are. They are too polite to interrupt our talk. You find more courtesy among Indians than you do among most white men. I will go to them.” He went, and the chief, advancing to meet him, pointed to the lake and asked if he and Congo would like to be sent in a canoe to rejoin their friends, who had not been gone more than an hour and could be easily overtaken. Of course, the border king replied in the affirmative, and instant preparations were made for departure, Cody hurrying back to bid Hare good-by and give him a last word of advice. Hare promised compliance with his admonitions, and his friends, after a more formal farewell with the chief and principal braves, proceeded to the beach and embarked in a canoe which was awaiting them, manned by two young Indians who had been instructed by Running Water to go “much quick.”