“You know very well, scout, that you are bossing your superior officer. But it isn’t the first time. What shall I say to this red rascal?” Cody’s smile widened and his eyes twinkled. “Just tell him that he has proved himself too brave an enemy to be either kept in captivity, or punished.” “And set him free!” “Sure.” “But why?” “Because I can use him in just that way, sir.” “How?” “Let me explain. I’ll mount his horse--or the one he rode. I know the splendid fellow well, as I told you. He belonged to Colonel Miles, and a faster or better enduring animal is not now on the frontier. “I’ll put Oak Heart on my old black. The poor fellow is foundered and will never again be of much value. We will ride out side by side.” “You will!” “Somebody must return Oak Heart to his people, you know. And I crave permission to do that.” “All very well, Cody; but I don’t see your plan.” Cody laughed again. “I’ll make it plainer then, sir, by saying that I propose to paint and rig up as old Oak Heart himself, and put _him_ in my togs.” “Jove, scout! That is a perilous scheme.” “It’s a good one.” “But you’ll be shot when they find you out.” “_When_ they do I’ll be a mile away. I’m going to ride on ahead toward the mouth of the cañon. It’s the nearest road to Fort Resistence. I’ll wave back the tribe as I advance, and they’ll think it is Oak Heart ordering them. They’ll obey him, all right. _Then_ I’ll make a break for it, and you can wager I’ll get through all right, and with that white hoss under me nothing in that outfit can head me off or catch me!” “And the chief?” “Hold him back a bit at the stockade. When my horse begins to run, let him go. If the beggars shoot him, it will serve the old scoundrel right. At least, it will confuse the reds.” “A good idea!” exclaimed Baldwin. “And I really believe it is feasible.” “Sure it is.” “There doesn’t seem any better way to break through their lines.” “That’s right! Strategy must aid pluck in this game.” “Aye, and you’re the one to make the effort. But may I suggest an amendment, scout?” “Just put it up to me, Major Baldwin. You haven’t been chasing Injuns all this time without having learned a trick or two yourself.” “Thank you, Cody. Here’s my idea: Oak Heart will see through your scheme and possibly signal his people the truth before you can reach the cañon.” “I’ll have to run that risk.” “No use running any more risk than necessary. Why not take a second man with you?” “Ah!” “Yes. One of you represent Oak Heart and the other be yourself. We’ll hold the real chief back until you and your mate get to the cañon. Then, by turning Oak Heart loose, we will add to the reds’ confusion, as you say.” “Glorious! Fine, major! And I’ll take Texas Jack with me and let _him_ play Oak Heart’s part. He makes a better Injun than I should. And then--I know Jack. One of us will be sure to get through and reach Resistence.”