“How does he happen to be here?”
“That’s what I’m trying to get him to tell me. First, though, you fellows strike hands. Hickok, this amigo is Nate Dunbar. He has an interest in Perry’s cattle, and he’s all right.”
They shook hands.
“Now,” went on the scout, “give me the right of this, Pard Hickok. Why are you here?”
“I’m here to see how things stack up at this ranch,” said Hickok. “Something came my way in Hackamore that offered a chance for excitement while we were waiting for you to ride in from Texico.”
“You came alone?”
“Hardly.” Pulling his revolver, the Laramie man fired three quick shots into the air. “The rest will hear that,” he explained, “and come a-running. Meanwhile, as explanations will consume a little time, where’ll I put the caballo?”
“In the corral,” answered Dunbar. “I’ll take the bronk.”
Turning the horse over to the cowboy, Wild Bill walked into the cabin with the scout.
“This has been a night of surprises,” said Buffalo Bill, “and not the least of the surprises is this meeting with you. I’m glad you’re here, though. There’s a tangle at this ranch, and we’re to unravel it.”