“Cody, you sha’n’t do it! By the nine gods of war! it’s foolish—it’s insane!”
“I have promised.”
“But I forbid you!”
“I can’t help that, sir; but if you will think a moment, you will see that it is quite out of your jurisdiction. I was the reds’ prisoner. They did not have to let me go at all. My life is hostage to them yet. They have trusted me—and, God knows, enough white men have lied to them.”
“Then I’ll attack their camp, small as my force is.”
“You will compass my death sure enough if you do,” said the scout, shaking his head.
“But, Cody, of all white men alive, you are the one they most wish to see dead!”
“So be it.”
“Be reasonable.”
“They desire to make my closer acquaintance, and I intend to give them the chance,” said Buffalo Bill, smiling.