“My white brother forgets,” returned the chief, with equal firmness. “He promised that the maiden should become the squaw of Raven Feather.”
“‘Circumstances alter cases,’” said the villain coolly. “I had not seen the girl when I made the promise. She will become the wife of Rixton Holmes.”
There was silence for a few moments. Buffalo Bill, his interest at fever heat by the unexpected development, waited for the next words of the chief of the Navahos.
But it was Crow-killer, the chief’s brother, who was the next speaker.
The giant in a guttural rumble sided with Raven Feather. He insisted that the promise must not be broken. Raven Feather had agreed to help the white man, and his reward was to be the white maiden. The white man must leave her behind.
Holmes compressed his lips, and his eyes flashed ominously. He was not a brave man, and his demeanor under the circumstances puzzled Buffalo Bill exceedingly.
Addressing the girl in English, the villain said: “Go back to the other chamber. There is a hitch. My friends, Raven Feather and Crow-killer, object to your departure. I must smooth them down.”
As she moved away, the king of scouts drew a deep breath. He felt that a crisis was approaching.
Myra Wilton was about to pass his place of concealment, her eyes looking straight ahead, when the king of scouts touched her on the arm, whispering these words at the same time: “I am watching the grotto. There is likely to be a mix-up. Tell Angell I need him here.”
The girl frowned. “You must not harm Mr. Holmes,” she said, also in a whisper. “He gave me the knife, and told me to free your partner.”