CHAPTER XIV.
THE SCOUT’S LETTER.
“Golightly!” exclaimed McGowan, when the riders had drawn rein in front of the office and the Irishman had dismounted, “what does this mean? Where’s the buckboard and the horses?”
While Golightly, stamping the ground wrathfully and shaking his fists, was telling of the theft of the rig and of the bear-trap, Nomad had been introducing the scout to Dell Dauntless.
“It’s an honor,” said the girl, leaning down from her saddle and grasping the scout’s hand firmly, “to meet a veteran of the plains like Buffalo Bill.”
“Thank you,” smiled the scout, and turned somewhat abruptly to Nomad. “Why are you back at the mine, old pard?” he asked. “I thought you were in Phœnix, by this time, waiting for Cayuse and me.”
“Would er been, Buffler, of important things hadn’t happened,” said Nomad. “Wouldn’t expect me ter keep cl’ar o’ ther mine when fireworks is due ter be set off, would ye? Miss McGowan hes been run away with, an’ we’re hyar ter tell ye erbout et.”
“We are already informed on that point, Nick. But how did you happen to discover it?”
“Already informed?” repeated Dell. “How, may I ask?”