“The messenger will place the answer in this box and return immediately to Summit.
“If you attempt any treachery or fail to comply with our demand as stated, you will never see your boy again.
“If you pay the money as demanded, he will be returned to you safe and well within three hours. These terms are final, and if you do not accede to them no further communication will be attempted.
“Two Desperate Men.”
I addressed this letter to Dorset, and put it in my pocket. As I was about to start, the kid comes up to me and says:
“Aw, Snake-eye, you said I could play the Black Scout while you was gone.”
“Play it, of course,” says I. “Mr. Bill will play with you. What kind of a game is it?”
“I’m the Black Scout,” says Red Chief, “and I have to ride to the stockade to warn the settlers that the Indians are coming. I’m tired of playing Indian myself. I want to be the Black Scout.”
“All right.” says I. “It sounds harmless to me. I guess Mr. Bill will help you foil the pesky savages.”