“A mistake that can never be repaired.”
CHAPTER IV.
A COWARD DEFIED.
Rixton Holmes turned from Buffalo Bill to Myra Wilton. His voice was respectful as he asked: “How is your patient. Head all right?”
“He will live,” the girl answered coldly. “I hope it will be his good fortune to see you mount the gallows.”
The villain’s face flushed. “You seem determined to regard me as your enemy,” he said. “Haven’t I explained that I am acting for the best, in your interest as well as mine?”
Buffalo Bill’s expression of wonderment at this speech was increased when Myra Wilton suddenly replied in a broken voice: “Forgive me. I—I had forgotten. I ought to trust you, and I will.”
Holmes gave a sigh of relief. “That’s right,” he said. “I am, indeed, your friend, and these two scouts, honest men though they are, have been working against you.”
“You are a liar,” put in the king of scouts hotly. “I can’t guess what you have said to Miss Wilton to make her believe that you are not a thief and a murderer, but your statement, whatever it was, was a lie. You are not her friend. You are her enemy, and you are scheming to get the fortune which, by the death of Matt Holmes, is now hers.”
Rixton Holmes was not disconcerted at these accusing words. Looking at the girl, he said quietly: “For Mr. Cody’s benefit, read the letter that was found on the body of Tom Darke, the wretch who killed your Uncle Matt.”
Myra Wilton wiped her eyes, and then, from the little bag that was hooked to her waist belt, took out a letter and read these words: