He lifted his head, listening to the baying of the dogs.
“They are pursuing you, I think,” he remarked.
“Yes.”
“Well, I’m here to see that they don’t harm you. Will you please take my horse? I’ve an idea those dogs belong to the outlaws that I know are in this section. But we will see that they do not harm you.”
His assurance tended to dissipate her fears. She stared at him with large eyes, that were still round and terrified.
“I was held by Panther Pete, whom I used to think was Buffalo Bill,” she stated; “and I escaped from the hut he placed me in, over somewhere in that direction. I thought I——”
He saw her reel with weakness.
“My dear young lady,” he said, putting forth his hand to sustain her, “I must insist that you take my horse, if you feel at all able to ride.”
She glanced at Wild Bill, who was approaching with the prisoners, Panther Pete and Garland.
The clamor of the dogs broke louder on the air.