A moment more and they came within ten feet of him, and would have come full upon him, when suddenly they were confronted by a tall form, and heard the words:
“Hands up, both of you!”
CHAPTER XXVI.
FACE TO FACE WITH ENEMIES.
The sudden appearance of the chief of the black scouts before them, appearing like an apparition to the two men, who had no thought of danger near, caused them to cry out in mingled terror and utter surprise.
The form of the negro, which they were half bearing, half dragging along, was dropped with a suddenness that was by no mean showing a proper respect for the dead.
The two men stood for an instant like statues, and before them towered the tall, athletic form of Buffalo Bill. He held a revolver in each hand, and was ten feet from them.
“Hands up, I said!”
The men had not heeded the first command, perhaps from utter helplessness, in their amazement. Now they did heed, and quickly.