“Wild Bill make um palaver by corral. You come, Pa-e-has-ka.”
The scout wondered at all this mysteriousness on Wild Bill’s part, but he presumed that Hickok, not knowing the lay of the situation, had made up his mind to proceed carefully. The main fact seemed to be that the Laramie man had returned from his search with important news about Red Steve. Thrilled with hope, the scout left the house quietly and met Hickok by the corral.
They talked for several minutes in low tones, and the scout’s voice betrayed traces of considerable excitement. At the end of their talk, Buffalo Bill saddled Bear Paw, gave instructions to Cayuse to say nothing, and slipped away into the darkest part of the night with Wild Bill.
Morning came, and great was the excitement when it was discovered that Buffalo Bill had vanished. Nomad fretted, the rest wondered, and Cayuse held his peace.
Breakfast was prepared, and while Benner and his men were eating out under the trees, and the others were taking their meal in the house, Buffalo Bill came slashing up to the corral, cared for Bear Paw, and hurried to the cabin.
There was a queer look on his face, and a queer gleam in his eyes. Over all, however, was an expression of triumph not unmixed with amazement.
“Whar ther nation you been, Buffler?” whooped the old trapper, when the king of scouts pushed into the kitchen and took his seat at the table.
“Been having a little ride, pard,” laughed the scout indefinitely.
“Took er leetle pasear around lookin’ fer Red Steve?”
“Well, you might call it that. I’m hungry as a bear that has just come out of his hole in the spring. Load that plate full, Nate.”