“I will do as you wish, sir. But you are angry with me, Colonel Dunwoody?” “No, I am sorry that you placed yourself and Miss Carr in a false position,” was the reply, and when the colonel left the room Nina de Sutro threw herself upon the floor and burst into tears. CHAPTER XXII. BUFFALO BILL’S MAD RIDE. Horseshoe Ned, always an important personage in the eyes of many, was particularly so on the morning of his departure for the East with no less a person as a passenger than Silk Lasso Sam. He had told over and over again the story of his last run out, and had brought with him as evidence of Miss Arden’s deadly shooting the outlaw, wounded in both arms, who had been placed under guard in the hospital. Now he was to go out with Silk Lasso Sam and the three detectives. He had another passenger, whom he had no knowledge of, but the box-seat had been engaged for some one who was to go along. The coach rattled up to its starting-place, the mail was put aboard and instructions given, and the three detectives stood ready to receive their prisoner. Presently a squad of soldiers was seen approaching, and in their midst was the tall form of the outlaw chief. He walked upright with soldierly step, and looked about him as he halted at the stage-station with calm indifference. A very large crowd had gathered to see him off, and, as the guard halted, they were anxious to get a look at his face. The officer in charge, after coming to a halt, asked: “Is Mr. Raymond, the detective, here?” Henry Raymond stepped forward and said: “I am Detective Henry Raymond, sir.” “I have orders to surrender into your keeping this prisoner, known as Silk Lasso Sam.” “I am ready to receive him, sir.” “Then please sign this receipt.” The officer drew from his belt a paper which the detective carefully read, and, stepping into the stage-office, signed. “Thank you, sir,” said the officer. “The prisoner is now in your charge,” and, ordering the sergeant to march the guard back to the guard-house, he turned upon his heel and walked leisurely away, as though there was no more interest in the case for him. The detective ordered the prisoner to enter the coach, assisting him, as both his hands and feet were manacled, the others followed, and Henry Raymond called out: “All ready, driver.” “I’m all ready, too, but I has orders to wait a few minutes.” But a moment after Surgeon Powell hastily approached, and, leaping to the box-seat, said: “Let her go, Ned.” “The seat was for you, then, sir?” “Yes.” “Then she goes.” The whip cracked and the team went rapidly away down the hill toward the stockade gate. Soon after the stage rolled out of sight in the distance, and Horseshoe Ned, having given the idea to the uninitiated in stage-travel that he kept up that speed all the way, now drew the horses down to a slow pace for the long drive ahead.