“Sit down, Cody. I want to talk with you.” Buffalo Bill obeyed. “We have deeded to divide the command. I shall go myself with the first division on to the place where our poor brave fellows lie, and attend to the burial of their bodies. The rest of my party will form a reserve squad with the howitzers--in case of treachery.” “There will be no treachery, Captain Keyes. I know Oak Heart.” “But you say that deserter, Bennett, has influence in the tribe.” “Not enough to make the old chief break his word.” “Best to be sure, anyway. Now, there’s a point I wish to discuss with you. I know your confounded quixotism, Cody. You certainly don’t propose to keep your promise to that squaw and go alone to the Indian encampment?” “I do mean just that, sir.” At this the officer rose to his feet and spoke vigorously. “Cody, you sha’n’t do it! By the nine gods of war! it’s foolish--it’s insane!” “I have promised.” “But I forbid you!” “I can’t help that, sir; but if you will think a moment, you will see that it is quite out of your jurisdiction. I was the reds’ prisoner. They did not have to let me go at all. My life is hostage to them yet. They have trusted me--and, God knows, enough white men have lied to them.” “Then I’ll attack their camp, small as my force is.” “You will compass my death sure enough if you do,” said the scout, shaking his head. “But, Cody, of all white men alive, _you_ are the one they most wish to see _dead_!” “So be it.” “Be reasonable.” “They desire to make my closer acquaintance, and I intend to give them the chance,” said Buffalo Bill, smiling. “Never, Cody!” “But I----” “I’ll hear no ‘buts,’ scouts. If you persist in such a foolish intention I’ll put you in the guard-house and keep you under arrest until you come to your senses.” “I’m afraid I’ll grow gray in the guard-house, then,” laughed Buffalo Bill, who knew that his friend did not mean this. “But you were forced to make the promise to save your life. Therefore, the promise was given under durance and cannot hold.” “The redskins have few lawyers,” said Cody, with a smile. “That sophistry would not appeal to them.” “It’s sure death!” “I’m not so sure of that. However, I must go to Oak Heart’s camp. I may risk my life, but I hope to accomplish a purpose that I have in mind.” The officer saw that the scout was determined, and that his will could not be shaken. “It seems like being a party to your murder to let you go, scout,” said Captain Keyes gloomily. “And you saved my life, too!” “Let us hope for the best, sir,” said the scout quietly, as he bowed himself out of the officer’s tent. Before dawn Buffalo Bill and a squad of men sent by Captain Keyes went to the ridge to hunt the live--or dead--body of the Mad Hunter. In an hour, and just before the column was ready to start, the squad returned without Cody. “Where is the scout, sergeant?” asked Captain Keyes. “He left us upon the ridge, sir,” said the man, saluting. “Left you?” “Yes, sir.”