“That you, Hickok?” asked Buffalo Bill.
“Nary, it ain’t, Buffler Bill,” answered a voice. “This hyer’s Sim Pierce ag’in. I’m droppin’ in purty frequent, hey?”
“What’s to pay now, Sim?” returned the scout.
“Who’s with ye? I got ter know that afore I open up.”
Sim Pierce slid down from his horse and moved closer to the group under the shadowy branches of the tree.
“Old Nomad, the baron and Little Cayuse are with me, Sim,” replied the scout.
“Perry an’ Mrs. Dunbar in the house?”
“Yes.”
“Waal, ther’s the deuce ter pay, an’ no mistake. Dunbar’s been arrested.”
Startled exclamations went up from the pards.