“You lose your geld if you desert me,” savagely cried Captain Corduroy.
“Ain’t desertin’, only takin’ up a more safer posish, cap’n.”
In the meantime Buffalo Bill was coming toward the hotel, his horse in a slow walk. He had answered the hail of Old Negotiate with a wave of the hand, and shown no other sign that he understood it.
He saw the sudden decamping of the crowd and smiled. Then his eyes fell upon the form of Captain Corduroy, and he gave a slight start. Buffalo Bill was mounted upon his matchless black, Midnight, sat easily in his saddle, and was evidently equipped for a journey. As he drew near the steps leading to the hotel piazza, he drew rein and said:
“So it is you, Kent King, known as the Gambler Guide! I know you in spite of your disguise.”
Captain Corduroy, revealed now as Kent King, drew his revolver.
“Then it is war?” said Buffalo Bill, at the same time drawing his weapon.
“Yes, war to the death,” shouted Captain Corduroy, and with the last word he threw forward his revolver to fire.
Before it could flash, the report of Buffalo Bill’s weapon was heard, and the bullet shattered the pistol of his foe, knocking it from his hand.
“Come, boys; at him!” yelled Kent King, shaking his hand, which was stunned by the shock, though he was not wounded.