“I’d believe him before I would an Apache scout,” returned Buffalo Bill. Markham stood for a moment thinking. “Perhaps you have more faith in the Piute than in the Apache,” he said finally, “but my opinion inclines the other way. Cayuse is only a boy, and a Piute at that. Likely enough he doesn’t know Geronimo as well as Chico does.” “Cayuse is the lad that gets my gilt, all the same.” “I think the Tres Alamos trail the most promising.” “Very good,” said the scout calmly. “Merely a matter of divided opinions.” “That’s all. Either of us may have the wrong pig by the ear, but that remains to be seen. Are you traveling with me?” “I’m going to the pass,” said the scout decidedly. “Very well. It may not be a bad idea to cover both points. I can’t spare many men for you, Cody, as I’m taking the bulk of the force I have left here. A hundred bucks under Geronimo is a gang not to be sneezed at, and there’ll be brisk work if we come up with them. However, take Lieutenant Doyle and ten troopers, if you wish----” “I’ll go it alone with my pards.” “What? A girl and a boy? Think again, Cody.” “I don’t need to, captain. If you knew the girl and the boy as well as I do----” “You’ve got a head of your own, and a way of your own about doing things,” laughed Markham. “Do as you please. You’re welcome to any Pimas I leave, even if you don’t want the troopers. _Adios_, and good luck. Hope you find Nomad.” Without waiting longer, Markham hurried out of the cabin, flung himself into the saddle, gave orders relative to sending a courier after the Bowie ambulance, then galloped away up the cañon at the head of his troop. CHAPTER XXIV. OFF FOR TONIO PASS. “Tired out, Dell?” asked Buffalo Bill, whirling on the girl as soon as Markham and his detachment had ridden away. “Did you ever know me to be that?” the girl countered. “I don’t think any one ever knew you to say so. Go to the cook’s hang-out and get something to eat, you and Cayuse. Then come back here and we’ll hold a powwow.” “We can hold the powwow first, if you’d rather.” “Aren’t you hungry?” “Not to hurt.” “Well, the horses are. Cayuse can put them out and then join you at the chuck-shanty.” Dell and Cayuse left the cabin. When they had gone, Buffalo Bill walked over to the bunk where Patterson was lying. The doctor was sitting at the head of the bunk watching his patient. The sergeant had opened his eyes, and, as the scout came toward the bunk, kept them on him. “Buffalo Bill?” said Patterson. “The same.” “I’ve heard a lot about ye, but this is the first time our trails have ever crossed.” “Hope it won’t be the last time. It’s a pleasure to meet up with a man like you. Sergeant, eh?” he added, his eyes on the diamond of one of Patterson’s sleeves. “Sergeant Patterson.” “I reckon you had a hard time getting through with your despatches.”