“Well, you certainly helped his case as far as possible,” Wild Bill replied. “It’s a pity we didn’t get that scoundrel, Barlow, to serve as an example of military punishment!”
“No use regretting that now; the dog is dead. Well, for my part, I’m off again.”
“Where do you intend to go now? To Scarlet Gulch?”
“Yes; I think it’s about time I investigate those rumors about my crimes, that are floating around in that section of the country.”
“So do I. If you remember, that’s what I came here to tell you; but we’ve been busy with other matters. When will you start?”
“To-day. I’ve said good-by to the colonel. Will you join me, Hickok?”
“Not just now. I’ve got business to attend to in Eldorado. I may meet you later, if good luck or adventure brings us together.”
The two friends parted, soon after this, and went on their several ways. Buffalo Bill rode slowly and cautiously across the plains, in the direction of Scarlet Gulch, thinking over the points which his friend had given him, and wondering how he should proceed against the gang of ruffians who were in league against him, under the leadership of a man known as “Panther Pete.”
“The first one to tackle is that fellow Slocum,” he thought. “I suspect he has schemes of his own, though he appears to be the tool of the others. I’ll get him first, and I reckon I’ll find him in the Flash Light Saloon.”
As it happened, this guess was correct. Even then, while Buffalo Bill was on his track, “Bug-eye” Slocum was standing in front of Rainey’s saloon in Scarlet Gulch, talking in a loud voice.