This order was likewise obeyed, Buffalo Bill the while looking calmly on, evidently anticipating the crime his enemy intended, yet uttering no word. He would not plead for his life of the miserable cur who now had him in his power.
Having executed their work, by lashing Buffalo Bill with lariats firmly to the box seat and his feet to the foot-board, the outlaws turned to their cruel captain for further orders. It was at this moment that Buffalo Bill took occasion to speak; but his voice was calm and his manner unshaken:
“Hold on, Bennett, before you go too far!”
The bandits’ chief turned with a wicked smile, and asked:
“With what do you threaten me, Bill Cody?”
“The worst fate that ever met mortal man, if you dare commit the deed you have in view,” was the bold reply.
“Dead men tell no tales!”
“Ah, but they do! It is only the fool that says ‘It is all over!’ when his enemy is dead by his hand. It is not over. It has only begun! My fate will become known; a hundred border men will not rest till they learn who committed this deed; and then a thousand men will not rest till vengeance is satisfied!”
“Bah! Your friends might be bad men to meet, I’ve no doubt—if they could prove anything.”
“They’ll prove enough. Your fate will be worse than mine, Boyd Bennett.”