The scout complied with his request. Keyes had his despatch-box open, and was undoubtedly just inditing his report of the day’s work, and of the intelligence the scout had brought him, to his commander at Fort Advance. He motioned the scout to a camp-stool.
“Sit down, Cody. I want to talk with you.”
Buffalo Bill obeyed.
“We have deeded to divide the command. I shall go myself with the first division on to the place where our poor brave fellows lie, and attend to the burial of their bodies. The rest of my party will form a reserve squad with the howitzers—in case of treachery.”
“There will be no treachery, Captain Keyes. I know Oak Heart.”
“But you say that deserter, Bennett, has influence in the tribe.”
“Not enough to make the old chief break his word.”
“Best to be sure, anyway. Now, there’s a point I wish to discuss with you. I know your confounded quixotism, Cody. You certainly don’t propose to keep your promise to that squaw and go alone to the Indian encampment?”
“I do mean just that, sir.”
At this the officer rose to his feet and spoke vigorously.