Black-face Ned, struck in the head by a bullet meant for Wild Bill, staggered and fell upon the kneeling king of scouts, sending him flat upon his face. Shots and bloodcurdling yells rent the air as he was trying to arise.
When he got to his feet he saw a strange sight. The Apaches were running up the mountainside, pursued by enemies from two sides.
Wild Bill and all but four of the Yelping Crew were chasing the Apaches, while from the brush out of which the foe had emerged Alkali Pete and Colonel Hayden were using their weapons with telling effect.
The king of scouts joined in the rush of the Yelpers.
But the Apaches, demoralized by the attack in the rear, won out in the running race. They were out of range when the pursuers reached the top of the ridge.
Seven had been killed, and there were not more than ten, the two outlaws with them, who were able to get to the castle.
On the ridge, the king of scouts said to Wild Bill: “Go on and invest the castle, and I’ll join you after a while. I must have a talk with Colonel Hayden.”
“All right, but be quick, Cody, for it will be dark before long.”
Alkali Pete was coming up the hill as Buffalo Bill began the downward walk. Below, on the flat, stood Colonel Hayden and Sybil.
As the two scouts met, Sybil Hayden was hastening to the side of a wounded and dying Apache.