Silence followed Lawless’ words.
“How did you learn about the rich vein?” asked the scout.
“When you thought you chased me and my men out of the cañon, some days ago,” replied Lawless, still in his high, mocking voice, “we took refuge in the secret workings of the mine. We were here when you rode off; and it was then we examined the drift and saw the vein of gold. More than that, I was lurking close at hand when you and your pards came here on your last visit and looked over the vein for yourselves. I am obliged to you, Buffalo Bill, for spoiling that deal of mine with Bingham. Thinking the mine worthless, I was on the point of handing him a bonanza. Now, as soon as you and your pards are out of the way, I shall have the bonanza for myself—and not a man in Sun Dance Cañon will lift a hand to interfere with me in working the mine.”
“What fate have you selected for me, Lawless?”
“In two hours it will be sunrise. Listen, then, and you will hear your doom rushing upon you. Nuzhee Mona!” and a diabolical laugh came with the last words.
“I have heard scoundrels of your stamp make their threats before,” flung back the scout defiantly. “Talk is cheap.”
“You will find that I am not making empty threats. You will be caught like a rat in a trap.”
“If my fate is not to overtake me before sunrise, why have you come into this part of the mine now?”
“I am looking for that girl of mine.”
“Then you need look no farther. She came spying upon me, and I have her here, a prisoner.”