“You are, then, Buffalo Bill?” said Major Conrad, advancing quickly and gazing intently into the face of the man before him, and upon whom every eye was now turned with admiration, for his wonderful career was known far and wide. “I am called Buffalo Bill, sir,” was the quiet reply, “and I am glad to have saved your daughter, Major Conrad; but, can I ask, as I learn you are destined for the headwaters of the Republican, why I find you bearing so much out of your way to the southward?” The scout spoke modestly, and as if anxious to turn the conversation from himself. “We are under the guidance of an experienced plainsman, sir. Yonder he comes, now,” replied Major Conrad. The scout turned around at the words of the officer and glanced in the direction of the coming man. It was the hunter and the guide of the train--a man of almost giant frame, attired in a suit of buckskin, and with a face scarred in such a manner by a knife cut across the nose and cheek as to give it a most forbidding expression. One glance at the hunter, and Buffalo Bill exclaimed: “What! That man your guide? Red Dick, do you know me?” With a bound the scout was in front of the hunter, whose brown face turned white, and whose eyes lighted up with a malicious expression, as he said savagely: “A man who has left a mark on me such as I bear is not soon forgotten, I’ll take my Bible oath.” Instantly the giant hunter drew a long knife and stood at bay, as though expecting an attack, while the scout quickly drew his own keen blade and appeared as if about to advance upon him. “Hold, guide! Hold, sir. There must be some mistake here, for this man has been a most faithful guide and was strongly recommended to us,” and Major Conrad stepped forward between the two men. “There is no mistake, Major Conrad,” said Buffalo Bill. “This man is a renegade desperado, and we have met before, as he well knows. Stand aside, please, and let Red Dick meet me.” A step nearer the scout advanced, his eyes ablaze and fastened upon Red Dick, who somewhat nervously awaited the expected attack, which now appeared most imminent, for none present seemed called upon to interfere. But, suddenly, a slight and graceful form glided in between the two men, and the hand of Sibyl Conrad was laid upon the arm of Buffalo Bill. “Surely, one so brave, so noble, would not stain his hand unnecessarily with blood in the presence of women and children.” The face of the scout flushed, his knife was lowered immediately, and he replied in deep, earnest tones: “Lady, I am glad you recalled me to myself. But you do not know the accursed life of this man, or you would hardly plead for him; but it shall be as you request.” Then, turning to his burly enemy, the scout continued sternly: “Red Dick, this lady has prevented an encounter that should have ended in your death or mine. Now I bid you leave this camp.”