“As the sister of the outlaw chief, no matter how innocent I might be, you can well understand how I would lose my power. A wicked man might influence them, yet not a wicked woman. It is only by holding myself pure in all things that I retain my influence, and I wish to be so respected unto the end.” “You are a very remarkable woman, Bonnie Belle, and one whom both Cody and myself hold the highest respect for. Let me tell you, if it is a pleasure for you to know it, that you are most highly respected and admired by all at the fort, especially by the warm friends you made in Colonel Dunwoody, Major and Mrs. Lester, and Miss Carr. “Did they know you as Bonnie Belle they would not change their opinions in one iota regarding you. But, I can well understand that this community, knowing you to be the sister of Silk Lasso Sam, would at once suspect you of being secretly his ally in wrong-doing, so your secret shall be kept.” “I thank you most sincerely, Surgeon Powell.” “And permit me to say, Bonnie Belle, that I switch off your trail at once. I followed, for I believed that you intended to rescue your brother,” said Buffalo Bill. “I believed that you went to the fort to accomplish it by strategy, and, finding yourself thwarted, gave it up. Then, I frankly confess, my idea was that you intended to accomplish by force what you had failed to do by strategy, that is, secure a number of men here who would follow your lead and thus rescue your brother.” “No, I would not accomplish his rescue, save his life even, by the taking of another life. What I could not accomplish by strategy I would not do by force.” “I can believe that of you now, since what you have done and said to-night.” “Let me tell you, Buffalo Bill, what I could have done to-night,” said Bonnie Belle eagerly. “Yes.” “I could have seized both you and Surgeon Powell, sent you into hiding where your best scouts could not have found you, and there have held you as hostages to be given in exchange for my brother, or put to death if he was executed.” “You are right; you surely could have done that.” “Without doubt,” added Frank Powell. “But I would not do so, and I would not be known as connected with the outlaw in any way, and I thank you both for your promise not to betray me. It is late now, so I will say good night, and I will be glad to have you breakfast with me at nine, for that will give you seven hours’ sleep. Good night.” They bowed themselves out, both impressed with the thought that they had stood in the presence of a very superior woman and one as pure as a pearl, in spite of her surroundings and the calling she followed as mistress of the Frying Pan and the Devil’s Den. “Frank, I would not place a straw in the way of that girl to do her harm,” said Buffalo Bill, as the two friends reached their room. “I would protect her from harm with my life, Bill,” was the Surgeon Scout’s rejoinder.