He urged Chief into the deep water, and swam by his side himself, resting a hand now and then on the beast’s shoulder, and encouraging him with his voice. Tired as they both were, man and beast found the pull tremendous. They were carried some distance down the river, but that did not so much matter. Only the water chilled Cody to the bone, and he had visions of rheumatism, that fell disease that lays hold upon the woodsman early in life because of exposure and privation.
It was somewhat of a battle to reach the shore, but they accomplished a landing at last, and White Antelope leaped down from Chief’s back and patted him.
“A brave horse, and worthy of carrying a brave man like Long Hair,” she declared.
“Give him a night’s rest,” said Cody, “and he’ll carry us both back to your father’s village.”
“The Long Hair was going there to redeem his pledge to me when I chanced to spy him?” queried White Antelope.
“I certainly was snooping about, looking for a chance to get through Bennett’s line of guards.”
“But you had been killing and scalping Oak Heart’s braves?”
“Not a one. I was there waiting for a chance to keep my promise to you,” said Buffalo Bill emphatically. “This renegade white was the fellow who was quietly knocking your young men in the head and scalping them. He was as bloodthirsty a wretch as ever went unhung. He’s dead now, thanks be!”
“Then Oak Heart will receive you with more friendliness,” said the girl.
“I dunno how friendly he’ll feel,” muttered Cody. “But I’ll take you back safe in the morning.”