Halting at the entrance, not twenty feet from Buffalo Bill, the “ghost” showed what its intention was. It intended to break down the barrier, and thus leave an open way for the cattle to stampede.
But the entrance had been better closed than the midnight prowler in white thought, as it had some difficulty in its attempt.
Just then there came from the hacienda, rising far above the singing of Broncho Rawlings and all other sounds, wild and piercing shrieks.
The ghost seemed determined to break down the barrier as he heard the sound, but was suddenly startled by the stern command:
“Hands up, there, or I’ll fire!”
A cry broke from the white-robed form, and, with a bound, he was off, when sharp, loud, and deadly came the report of a revolver.
Just as Buffalo Bill pulled the trigger it seemed as though the white form fell heavily, and then Buffalo Bill’s voice was heard:
“Turn out, all, to quiet the cattle.”