CHAPTER XXI.
AN UNEXPECTED HALT.
Swiftly flying along in their flight, neither Kent King nor his degenerate father looked for danger ahead, and were brought to a sudden and unexpected halt by blinding flashes in their eyes and two sharp reports from a revolver.
Down beneath them went their horses. As Mathew Kingsland struck the ground, a form darted out from behind a bowlder, and, at close range, sent a bullet crashing through the brain of the man whose life had been a lie and full of crime.
As if confident of his aim, the assailant did not wait to see the effects of his shot, but turned upon Kent King, who had sprung to his feet and attempted to draw his revolver. The fall had broken the outlaw’s arm. With a curse, he seized the weapon in his left hand and faced his foe, who was advancing quickly upon him, while Mary Hale, spellbound, sat on her horse like a statue, watching, waiting, and praying.
The weapon of Kent King flashed first. The aim with his left hand was untrue, for the one he fired upon still advanced upon him, and said, in clear tones:
“Kent King, I shall win my bet!”
“Great God! Are you man or spirit?” cried the Gambler Guide.
“Neither; I am Buffalo Bill,” was the rejoinder.