“It does not require much mind-reading to know that they offered you big money to turn against me.”
“That’s just what they did do, sah; offer to give me half de gold dey have got ter set ’em free and let ’em kill you.”
“They didn’t know you, Black Bill. But I don’t blame them, for killing is their trade, and they naturally wish to go free. Come, men, and we’ll have breakfast,” said the scout, with no show of resentment toward his prisoners.
The meal over with, Buffalo Bill decided to start at once for the scout’s camp, leaving Black Bill to guard the four prisoners, who were greatly cast down at their failure to bribe the negro to allow them to go free, and which they could only do by putting the chief out of the way.
They had, indeed, offered him half the gold that they had, and said he could accompany them on their way.
That the guide would prove false to him Buffalo Bill did not for a moment believe, and he called him aside and said:
“Last night I would not leave you alone, with those fellows, black pard, for I was not just sure how that head of yours would pan out after that wound, and feared they might best you. But now you are all right, and I will go to our camp after the boys.
“You keep your eyes upon these men, for they are as tricky as snakes, and bound as they are, they are four, you one, and they may find some way of getting the best of you should you be off your guard for a moment.”
So saying, he shouldered his rifle, and started off for the scout’s camp. He had not gone very far before he saw two men approaching. At a glance he recognized Sergeant Buck and a soldier.