“Yes.”
“I could have seized both you and Surgeon Powell, sent you into hiding where your best scouts could not have found you, and there have held you as hostages to be given in exchange for my brother, or put to death if he was executed.”
“You are right; you surely could have done that.”
“Without doubt,” added Frank Powell.
“But I would not do so, and I would not be known as connected with the outlaw in any way, and I thank you both for your promise not to betray me. It is late now, so I will say good night, and I will be glad to have you breakfast with me at nine, for that will give you seven hours’ sleep. Good night.”
They bowed themselves out, both impressed with the thought that they had stood in the presence of a very superior woman and one as pure as a pearl, in spite of her surroundings and the calling she followed as mistress of the Frying Pan and the Devil’s Den.
“Frank, I would not place a straw in the way of that girl to do her harm,” said Buffalo Bill, as the two friends reached their room.
“I would protect her from harm with my life, Bill,” was the Surgeon Scout’s rejoinder.
“Do you know she takes the coming execution of her brother, loving him as she does, very coolly.
“Yes, Bill, and it sets me to thinking.”