The Apaches were doubtless in the castle, and the Comanches were at the front, in the grove, or near there.
While the scout looked, a force of Comanches, with their fantastic make-up, dashed around the side of the castle. They kept close to the building, evidently aware of the safety of this proceeding. The Apaches could fire only from the windows, and these were high up, and so netted with bars that they were of no service unless the enemy should appear far out in the inclosure. At the head of the Yelpers was Wild Bill. He saw the king of scouts perched on the wall, and gave a shout of welcome.
The drop to the ground was about fifteen feet, and for a moment Buffalo Bill had a mind to drop and join his old comrade. But a different counsel prevailed as he saw the Yelpers approach the rear of the castle.
Climbing back to the ground outside the wall, he entered the tunnel and hurried quickly through it. His intention was to reach, if possible, the room in the castle where Alkali Pete had been placed, and then try to find a way to open the back door and admit Wild Bill and his Yelping Crew.
The chances were against him, he had to admit it, but he would make the attempt, nevertheless.
He was halfway through the tunnel when he heard the sound of approaching footsteps. Halting instantly, he drew his pistol and waited for what might be a deadly encounter. There was a possibility that the on-comer might be Thunder Cloud, but the chances were that the chief was in the castle occupied with more serious concerns than the return of prisoners and the keeping of a sentimental promise.
The darkness prevented the king of scouts from seeing any object in his front, and the person who was coming from the cellar was within touching distance before Buffalo Bill knew it.
The tunnel was narrow, and, therefore, each must discover the presence of the other at the time of passing, if at no other period.
Buffalo Bill reached out a hand, and catching the unknown person by the wrists, flung him sidewise to the ground.
“Who are you?” he whispered, as he tried to hold the struggling victim down.