After the first flush of surprise, a fierce anger against the miscreants who could treat a woman in such a way arose in the scout’s breast.
The prisoner, of course, was Annie McGowan. And it was the man she supposed she was going to marry who had brought upon her this humiliation and danger!
Muttering to himself, Buffalo Bill arose softly to his full height and peered about him.
From behind the boulder breastwork he heard a sudden mumbling of voices.
Bascomb and Bernritter were there!
If they two were alone on the island with the girl, the daring notion ran through the scout’s brain that he might be able to effect a rescue.
Farther along the moonlit shore he could see clumps of brush and could hear the trampling of horses. But he could see no other men.
Whatever he did, the scout realized must be done quickly.
Giles was supposed to be transporting the supplies from the main shore to the island; unless those back of the breastworks heard sounds indicative of such labor, their suspicions would be presently aroused.
Dropping to his hands and knees, the scout crept up behind the bound girl. Her head was bowed and she did not hear his approach.