“We did, indeed,” said Buffalo Bill.
“And it was in our behalf. You have indeed wonderful power over the wild savages that congregate here in Pocket City,” the surgeon remarked.
“As the sister of the outlaw chief, no matter how innocent I might be, you can well understand how I would lose my power. A wicked man might influence them, yet not a wicked woman. It is only by holding myself pure in all things that I retain my influence, and I wish to be so respected unto the end.”
“You are a very remarkable woman, Bonnie Belle, and one whom both Cody and myself hold the highest respect for. Let me tell you, if it is a pleasure for you to know it, that you are most highly respected and admired by all at the fort, especially by the warm friends you made in Colonel Dunwoody, Major and Mrs. Lester, and Miss Carr.
“Did they know you as Bonnie Belle they would not change their opinions in one iota regarding you. But, I can well understand that this community, knowing you to be the sister of Silk Lasso Sam, would at once suspect you of being secretly his ally in wrong-doing, so your secret shall be kept.”
“I thank you most sincerely, Surgeon Powell.”
“And permit me to say, Bonnie Belle, that I switch off your trail at once. I followed, for I believed that you intended to rescue your brother,” said Buffalo Bill. “I believed that you went to the fort to accomplish it by strategy, and, finding yourself thwarted, gave it up. Then, I frankly confess, my idea was that you intended to accomplish by force what you had failed to do by strategy, that is, secure a number of men here who would follow your lead and thus rescue your brother.”
“No, I would not accomplish his rescue, save his life even, by the taking of another life. What I could not accomplish by strategy I would not do by force.”
“I can believe that of you now, since what you have done and said to-night.”
“Let me tell you, Buffalo Bill, what I could have done to-night,” said Bonnie Belle eagerly.