“I enjoy the fragrance of tobacco smoke, so please light them.”
They did so, and then Bonnie Belle threw herself into an easy chair in a tired way and said:
“I am really fatigued, for I have had a long ride since leaving the fort. I knew that you were upon my trail, Buffalo Bill, and I am glad that you were, as you came up in time to have served both Horseshoe Ned and myself well, but for the fact that our enemy had already been placed hors de combat.”
“Yes, you are fully able to protect yourself, Bonnie Belle,” said the scout.
“And others, too,” remarked Surgeon Powell.
“Well, as I wished to throw you off the scent I went on eastward by stage; but only for a couple of stations, where I secured a horse and guide, going across country to head off Sandy on his way here. I caught his coach and made him promise not to tell of my arrival, so he drove, as there were no other passengers, at once to the stables, and I got out there and ran to my rooms here. It was Sandy who heard of the row in the Den, and he came for me, just as I intended going into the saloon as a surprise. Now I have a favor to ask of both of you.”
“Granted before asked,” said Surgeon Powell.
“Ditto,” responded Buffalo Bill.
“You are very kind, to offer to grant me a favor without knowing what it is. Suppose I ask you something that you cannot conscientiously do?” said Bonnie Belle, with a smile.
“That is impossible, for you would not ask anything of us which we cannot conscientiously do,” was the response of the surgeon.