“If you have done all this,” smiled Dell engagingly, “you’re entitled to the friendship of all of us. You must be a brave girl, Wah-coo-tah.”
The Cheyenne maiden studied Dell for a few moments, then turned away rather curtly.
“What’s the matter with her?” whispered Dell to Wild Bill.
“Well, she thinks she’s got first lien on the scout,” laughed Wild Bill, “and you look to her like a claimant for first honors.”
At that Dell laughed, too.
“You can’t tell about these Injuns,” went on Wild Bill, “especially when they happen to be breeds. Wah-coo-tah is mighty pretty, though.”
“Do you think so?” asked Dell.
“I do, for a fact. What’s more, I’ll never forget what she has done for me.”
After Buffalo Bill had dismounted and got his riata from the shaft, he climbed into his saddle again and gave the word that started the party for Sun Dance.
“You and Cayuse are several hours behind schedule, Dell,” said the scout. “Did you meet with trouble on the way?”