“Listen to Golightly, Buffalo Bill,” spoke up McGowan. “We’re getting down to cases in this matter. Go on, Golightly,” he added to the Irishman, “and tell Buffalo Bill what you have just told me.” Golightly, with many “begorrys” and “bedads,” and a wrathful twist of his brogue, repeated to the scout what he had just told the mine-owner. Dell followed the recital with a narration of her own experiences. Thus the method of the abduction was cleared up, and the scout and McGowan were given clear understanding of all the details. Thereupon Dell explained about the letter which she had brought from Phœnix for Buffalo Bill, and placed it in his hand. The scout tore open the envelope and was soon deep in the letter’s contents. His face expressed surprise and wonder as he read. “Here’s something,” said he, folding up the letter and placing it in his pocket, “something that makes it necessary for me to take the field against Bascomb, no matter what your decision regarding Bascomb and Bernritter may be, McGowan.” “What is it?” inquired the mine-owner. “My letter is from the commandant at Fort Apache, and asks me to use my utmost endeavors to capture a deserter from the army. The man’s name is Slocum, but he was last seen in Phœnix, where he was using the name of Bascomb.” “Jumpin’ taranches!” crooned old Nomad. “How these hyar trails o’ trouble does cross each other, sometimes!” “Slocum, otherwise Bascomb,” proceeded the scout, “was a mutinous soldier. He was under arrest at Fort Apache, some weeks ago, for insubordination. In some manner he got hold of a revolver, shot his guard, and took to the hills. From the description of the fellow contained in the letter, there is no doubt in my mind but that the rascal with Bernritter is the same man.” McGowan looked perturbed. “If you have to take the field against Bascomb,” said he, “then it will be impossible for me to promise him and Bernritter immunity, and place the writing, with a five-pound bar of bullion, by the old shaft. Your activity would be construed as a breach of confidence on my own part. Can’t you put this off, Buffalo Bill, until my daughter is safely in my hands?” Dell Dauntless whirled on McGowan with fiercy eyes. “Mr. McGowan!” she cried. “Can it be possible that you are scared?--and that you intend to carry out the demands of two bluffing rascals like Bascomb and Bernritter?” “I am anxious only for my daughter’s safety.” “How do you know that Annie will be returned to you, even if you should give up what Bascomb and Bernritter demand?” “I--I don’t; but I don’t feel like taking any chances.”