“Doc, can you not give him something to relieve his sufferings?”
“He refused it—he will soon be beyond suffering.”
Just then Texas Jack approached, and as he did so Buffalo Bill said:
“Texas Jack, the poor fellow is dying, but will utter no word to commit himself or betray his comrades.”
The blue eyes of the dying man rested upon the face of Texas Jack in an earnest way:
“Jack Omohundro, I know you. We were boys together in far-away Virginia. And your hand has ended my career. So be it, for I might have met a worse death—— Ah! I see that you know me now, but do not betray me here, nor to the people at home, who believe me dead years ago. Give me your hand, Jack.”
Into the bright eyes of the Texan, who had witnessed many a death scene, came tears that rolled down his bronzed cheeks, as he grasped the hand, while he said softly:
“Yes, Ned, I know you, my boyhood friend. We never dreamed of this in those old days. I will not betray you.”
The Texan’s form quivered with emotion, and a smile swept over the face of the dying man.