“You saved more than forty thousand dollars’ worth of bullion for me, a few days ago, Buffalo Bill,” observed McGowan, with feeling, “and now you have rescued my daughter. What can I do for you to show my gratitude?”
“Your thanks are more than enough, McGowan,” said the scout kindly. “I was doing some work for the government, too, you remember, and in carrying out my duty as government scout, it was surely a pleasure to find that I could serve you and Miss McGowan as I did. Only”—and the scout’s eyes twinkled as he said it—“don’t try to keep me here any longer. When we make our next start for Phœnix, I and my pards want to get away.”
“Annie and I were hoping that you would remain with us for a few days, anyhow,” said McGowan.
“Impossible,” said the scout. “We must leave here in the morning and take Bascomb back to Fort Apache.” Then, as he looked around, he asked: “By the way, what’s become of Dauntless Dell?”
“She had to go back to the Double D Ranch, Buffalo Bill,” said McGowan. “When she left, she said she hoped you and your pards would stay here for a day or two so that she might ride over again and see you.”
“Much as I should like to see my girl pard again,” said the scout, “it will be impossible for us to wait. That girl is a little brick—one of the bravest and finest young women I ever met.”
“Shore she is!” cried Nomad.
“Wuh!” added Little Cayuse, nodding vigorously.