“See here,” he said, “if you don’t stop that yelpin’, I’ve got orders to gag ye. Now, will you stop?”
Pool Clayton stopped, but lay shivering against the logs, white-faced and wild-eyed, overcome by terror.
At the other barricade Nick Nomad had been tied in the same way.
But Nomad was showing no cowardly spirit. He believed in Buffalo Bill’s ability to accomplish even wonders, and he therefore had hope.
CHAPTER XV.
THE GALLANT TROOPERS.
Buffalo Bill scaled successfully the slope of the mountain above the outlaw camp and got away.
He heard the uproar in the camp, and was almost tempted to turn back, fearing for the life of Nick Nomad; but he went on. He did not really see how he could help Nomad without at the same time putting his own life in such jeopardy that the risk could not be justified.
Two hours later he reached his horse, which he mounted, and then shaped his course by the stars in the direction of the camp of troopers.
Midnight was long past when he reached their camp and reported his discoveries.
“I must have half an hour’s sleep,” he said, “and while I am getting it have everything made ready for an immediate advance.”