“No man can do that, Cody; them Red Feathers aire always watching, as I’ve reason to know. We’ll have to come it roundabout, some way. But I think I can help you, and I’m willin’ to try. I’d like to feel that I’m your pard again, and that that Niobrara debt is paid off.”
The pallor was going out of his face; his voice began to harden and show a firmness that indicated a sense of increasing manhood.
“I’d like to stand straight up on my feet again, and have the feelin’ that I’m worthy to be Buffalo Bill’s pard, like in the old times. And I’ll do the best I can; I can’t do more. I can’t tell you everything, though, and you’ve got to trust me.”
The scout rose and stretched out his hand.
“I accept your offer, Conover,” he said.
“And forget the past?” said Conover, as if he could not believe it.
“All of it.”
“Particularly that time on the Niobrara?”
“I said all of it.”
“And overlook the fact that I ain’t tellin’ everything I know, for which I’ve got reasons I don’t want to pass over now?”