“You must have help at hand, or you would not be so defiant, Buffalo Bill.”
“That may be,” said the scout non-committingly.
“At least, these will not help you,” said Boyd Bennett, with a horrible smile, pointing to the stark figures in the valley.
“Not one left to tell the story—no prisoners?” queried Cody sorrowfully, forgetting for the moment his own peril.
“No, no! Chief Oak Heart wanted no prisoners from Danforth’s band. I told the chief that Danforth and his men were come to take him captive—that they had sworn to do it! Ha! ha! That was rich, eh? So every man of them died.”
“And he came for you,” said Cody bitterly.
“Aye; and met the death he deserved; but a more merciful death than you will meet, scout. I do not need to stir up the red men’s rage against you. They will receive you with great joy at Oak Heart’s encampment.”
“And you fought with these savages?” cried Cody.
“I did. And killed as they killed—without mercy.”
“You do not fear to admit your crimes.”