“I would go to the end of the earth to see Kent King die,” said Panther Kate fiercely. Having arranged their plan to capture the disguised gambler, the party approached the house, in which a dim light was burning, and Old Negotiate knocked at the door. “Well, who is it?” came from within in a deep voice. “It’s only me; an’ ther dandy card sharp says as how he wants yer at ther hall ter chip in a leetle game,” said Old Negotiate in an innocent tone. “Tell him I have gone to bed and am not well.” “I’ll tell him, but he’s got a prime chip in fer yer,” urged the teamster. “All right, I will come.” With a muttered oath at having to dress and retrace his way half a mile to the gambling hall, the man arose and began to put on his clothes. Presently the heavy bar was removed from the door, the key was heard to turn in the lock, and a head was thrust out carefully, the eyes narrowly searching the surroundings. As if assured of no lurking danger, the man stepped out, and turning, locked the door, just as two dark forms bounded around the corners of the cabin, and he was seized in a grasp he could not shake off. In vain did he strive to beat off his assailants and to draw his weapons; he was held in the clutch of Seven-foot Harry and Ben Tabor. Seeing around him half a dozen more, while the cold muzzle of a pistol pressed against his temple, he ceased resistance, and said, in surly tones: “Well, who are you, and what do you want with me?” “We are Texans,” said Ben Tabor quietly. “Ha!” “Yes, and Revolver Riders, who acknowledge Captain Dash as our chief.” “I know nothing of him or his cutthroat band.” “You are mistaken; you escaped from us when we were on the trail for Santa Fe; but this time you shall not escape, Kent King.” “Yes, I am Kent King, and you have me fast, but I do not despair,” was the reckless reply. “You have no hope, Kenton Kingsland, for I am on your trail.” “Great God! Kate Colvin! Is it you or your ghost?” The man shrank from Panther Kate as though from a spirit of the other world, while a bitter laugh broke from his lips as she replied: “I am no ghost, sir, as you will find out!” “A healthy ghost she is, pard,” put in Old Negotiate. “Come, let us be off,” said Ben Tabor. “But where will you take him?” asked Buffalo Bill. “I hardly know. Our horses need rest before we take the trail again, and----” “I will take charge of him,” said Panther Kate. “You, Kate?” asked Cody in surprise. “Yes; I will not lose sight of this man; and more, if you know no place to take him until you start west, bring him to my cabin; he will be safe there.” “No, no; she will kill me when I am bound and cannot defend myself,” said Kent King. “I will pledge my word not to do so; I will cancel my engagement at the theater and guard this man, for I will revel in seeing him die.” The voice of the woman proved how deeply she was moved. “What say you, Cody?” asked Tabor. “I see no other plan; Kate certainly can keep an eye on him.”