Thus the method of the abduction was cleared up, and the scout and McGowan were given clear understanding of all the details.
Thereupon Dell explained about the letter which she had brought from Phœnix for Buffalo Bill, and placed it in his hand.
The scout tore open the envelope and was soon deep in the letter’s contents. His face expressed surprise and wonder as he read.
“Here’s something,” said he, folding up the letter and placing it in his pocket, “something that makes it necessary for me to take the field against Bascomb, no matter what your decision regarding Bascomb and Bernritter may be, McGowan.”
“What is it?” inquired the mine-owner.
“My letter is from the commandant at Fort Apache, and asks me to use my utmost endeavors to capture a deserter from the army. The man’s name is Slocum, but he was last seen in Phœnix, where he was using the name of Bascomb.”
“Jumpin’ taranches!” crooned old Nomad. “How these hyar trails o’ trouble does cross each other, sometimes!”
“Slocum, otherwise Bascomb,” proceeded the scout, “was a mutinous soldier. He was under arrest at Fort Apache, some weeks ago, for insubordination. In some manner he got hold of a revolver, shot his guard, and took to the hills. From the description of the fellow contained in the letter, there is no doubt in my mind but that the rascal with Bernritter is the same man.”
McGowan looked perturbed.