He raised himself to a sitting posture as the old man entered, casting at him a quick, inquiring glance. Evidently the doughty leader of the Night Hawks regarded his newly-found relative with considerable respect.
“Well?” he added, as the old man approached.
“It is well, so far, but we must work to keep it so. This young fellow tracked us home, and his are not the sharpest eyes on the border. Hawksley is out with the settlers. They may find this place at any hour, and then, though I could make a good fight first, my revenge would be cut short by death. You know my reasons for acting thus, because I have told you my story. Well, the time has come for you to play your part. I need your help now, because I can not leave Lola here alone. Are you ready to keep your oath?”
“Yes. Tell me what I am to do, and I will not fail for lack of trying,” was the prompt reply.
“Good! I like to hear men answer like that. But now listen. You remember what I told you about the Kiowa chief, Chigilli?”
“Yes.”
“Well, you must go from here, to him, as speedily as possible. Tell him that the time has come when he can strike the blow. Tell him that his white father asks the aid of his strong arm. Or stay—I can do better than that. See—Chigilli gave this to me. It is his totem; this border is made from sacred wampum. Give this to him and bid him follow you. Lead him and his band here. When you come I will have all in readiness for the blow. You shall have Mary Colton—though she is one of the accursed, I spare her life, because I know that as your slave, her life will be worse than death.”
“You are complimentary,” muttered the outlaw, in a slightly bitter tone.
“I speak the truth. But let that pass. You must go now. You have not forgotten any of my instructions? You remember the rendezvous?”
“I forget nothing. But how am I to go? On your horse?”