She was almost convinced. “No!” she said, again feeling that warning, and also because it did not seem right for her to leave Mrs. McGee. “You won’t let me help you, to save you from the Cheyennes?” “No. Please release my wrist. I’m going back to see what you have done to Mrs. McGee.” A bitter curse broke from his lips. “Then I’ll save you in spite of yourself.” He caught out from his pocket what seemed a very large handkerchief. Before she divined his intent he threw it over her head; and then clutching her by the throat, he stifled her cries. The assault was so sudden and dastardly, and withal it so frightened her, that she slid to the floor in a faint. “Thank Heaven for that!” he panted. Then he caught her in his arms, drew open the door before him, and, carrying her thus, he stepped out into the darkness of the yard. CHAPTER XXIV. THE MAN IN THE SHADOWS. When Buffalo Bill returned to the palisade gate, having seen nothing of Lieutenant Barlow, the man he had followed out on the prairie, he was careful to ask the sentry if Barlow had returned. Being told that Barlow was still outside--a thing which the sentry believed to be true--the scout rode slowly away from the gate, intending to look farther. Riding thus along he saw near the corner of the palisade wall the slinking form of Smallpox Dave. He did not know who the man was, and could not see him clearly, but the renegade’s creeping manner spoke of treacherous conduct of some kind. Thereupon Buffalo Bill softly dismounted, and, leaving his horse standing, he crept toward that corner of the wall, intending to discover just what this man was doing. Smallpox Dave had secreted himself in the shadows by the wall. His horse and that of Lieutenant Barlow were well concealed not far off, and he was awaiting Barlow’s reappearance and further orders. He did not know that the scout was drawing close upon him, for the advance of Buffalo Bill was made as quietly as that of a panther. When still some yards from the hiding spot of Smallpox Dave, Buffalo Bill dropped to the ground, intending to await the movement of the man hidden by the wall, whom he was now unable to see. He had scarcely done so when he heard hurried feet within the ground of the fort, and then a whispering voice: “All ready over there?” Buffalo Bill lifted himself on hands and knees and felt for his revolver. He knew the words were not meant for him. Nevertheless, he would be ready for whatever happened. The man in the shadow whispered something. The feet were heard again on the other side of the wall, and this was followed by a scraping sound. Then the form of Lieutenant Barlow appeared on top of the wall with the unconscious girl in his arms. “Hoist that block,” Barlow commanded.