“Now, sir,” said Buffalo Bill, “I suppose you know where to find Kent King?” “I might be able to strike his trail.” “Well, see that you do, and also see that the sunset finds you out of Border City.” “It will, fer a fact.” “Tell Kent King that now that I know him to be on the path of revenge against me, that I, too, will strike the same trail against him, and kill him when and wherever I find him. Go!” He unfastened the scarf as he spoke, and, glad to escape, the villain darted out of the door, his haste causing Old Negotiate to laugh heartily. “I’m glad that you let him go,” said Panther Kate as she left the room. CHAPTER IX. THE AMBUSH. A few moments after the departure of Panther Kate from the hotel, Buffalo Bill also left, having received word from Ben Tabor, the Texan, that he wished to have a few words with him in private. Tabor, as has been stated, was a member of the band of Texans known as the Revolver Riders; and a number of his comrades were in Border City. Buffalo Bill’s intention on leaving the hotel was to go to his temporary home, some distance out of the town. “You are going out home, I take it?” said Tabor, addressing the scout when the two met. “Where is your horse? I want to speak with you, and if we ride out together that will give me the chance I want.” “My horse is at the hotel stable,” said the scout. “All right. I’ll get mine.” They parted, to meet again in ten minutes. “Where is your captain--Dash?” asked Buffalo Bill, as they started on the way to Cody’s cabin, which was distant perhaps five miles from Border City. The direction took them along a trail passed over a short time before by Panther Kate as she went toward her ranch. “It is from Captain Dash that I came here to see you,” said Tabor, in reply to the scout’s question. “To see me?” asked Buffalo Bill in surprise. “Yes; after the escape of Kent King we went to Santa Fe, and there we remained a week, looking for the gambler; but not finding him, and hearing that he had gone to Denver, the captain determined to go on to his home, being compelled for some reasons to do so, and offered me liberal terms to take half a dozen of our riders and come and seek you, he promising to join us in Colorado as soon as possible.” “But why should he take so much trouble to send word to me?” “Because he says you, believing the Gambler Guide dead, would be taken unawares, and he felt that he would attempt your life; but, warned, you could be on the lookout for him; and he sent you this little package, and you will find instructions written inside.” As the Texan spoke, he handed the scout a small package, which the latter placed in his pocket until he should get home. “I thank you, Mr. Tabor, for your kindness, but when do you start west?” “As soon as our horses have had a few days’ rest.” “Good! I shall set out myself in a few days, and I will accompany you.”