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“ DROP THAT STONE 0N THOSE SOLDIERS, AND IT Is THE LAST ACT OF YOUR. LIFE!" THE SPEAKER WAS BUFFALO BILL.

 

 
   

2

Buffalo Bill’s Red-skin Ruse.

 

 

Bulitlu Bill's lied-skin Ruse;

on,

Texas Jack’s Death-Shot.

A ROMANCE OF THE

Overland Desperado Giant.
BY COL. PRENTISS INGRAHAM,
AUTHOR OF THE “ BUFFALO BILL ” NOVELS,
are, ETC.

CHAPTER I.

. THE WILD Nimnsrs.

V " DROP that stone on those soldiers, and it
is the last act of your life!”

The speaker was Buffalo Bill, the King of
Plainsmcn; the one he addressed in such
stern and threatening words was a giant, a
wild creature of hcrculean size, who, with
an immense bowlder raised above his head,
"was about to hurl it downward from the cliff
upon which he stood, to crusir to death some
unfortunates of a column of soldiers march-
ing through a canyon.

The deep voice of the scout, the threat,
caused the wild-looking man to start sud-
denly, sway to and fro, as though about to
fall over the cliff, and turn his fierce, rugged
face upon the one whose hand had fallen
heavily upon his shoulder, and whose revol-
ver was pointed directly for his heart.

In spite of his start and his look of almost
consternation, he still held the huge rock
aloft—still appeared as though about to hurl
it upon the soldiers beneath.

Would he, in defiance of the threatening
words of Buffalo Bill and that deadly revol-
ver, take the chances and send the stone on
its mission of death?

It seemed for a moment as though he
would—madman that he evidently was.

Then his fierce eyes seemed to take in the
calm, determined scrutiny of the scout, to
see in the fearless face indomitable will and
undaunted nerve, and, quick as a flash, his
look of ferocity changed to one of deepest
cunning.

His eyes lost their fierceness of expression,
and droopcd before the commanding gaze of
Buffalo Bill, while he turned, lowered the
rock from its elevation above his head, placed
itlupon the ground without seeming effort,
and then faced the man who had cowed him,
standing like one utterly subdued by. a
mightier will than his own.

His cruel mouth grinned, his features
twilched, his form trembled convulsively,
and be said in a. deep voice, full of pathos:

“ Why stay the avcnging arm against
those whom i am sworn to slay 1/”

“ Are you a renegade to your own race
that you strike at the likes of those who are
to protect you from the Indians?" asked the
scout, sternly.

“ Protect me? Ila, hal Why, I need no
protection, and those soldiers are not of my
race; they are my foes,” almost shouted the
man.

“ What have you against them?”

“ What have I not against them?

“ I tell you that I am their foe—a sworn
avenger of terrible wrongs they brought
upon me."

Buffalo Bill hesitated before replying.
He realized that the man before him either
had suffered some great wrong- through the
army, or else that he was insane, and his dis-
eased mind conjured wrongs that were in
imagination only. _

He saw that the column of soldiers were
still passing, straggling along on _the march,
cavalry, artillery and infantry, With his own
scouts in the advance—all told, a thousand
men.

The were on a march to strike a blow at
an In ian village, and to surprise it.

There was not one man, it seemed, scout
or soldier, who had looked up at the cliff, or
they would have seen there the tall form of
the Mad Avenger, and realized their danger
from that huge mass of rock he meant to
have hurled upon them.

In a few minutes more the soldiers would
have passed, and the chief of scouts would
be left to master the giant as best he could.

The Mad Hercules wore in his belt a pair
of large revolvers, and an enormous knife,
and that he would use them the scout did
not for a moment doubt.

 

 

l
Powerful as he himself was, and active

and quick, Buffalo Bill (lid not care for a
test of strength with one who had raised
the enormous rock above his head as if it had
been but a hundred weight.

So, all things considered, the scout felt
that he must use strategy with the madman,
and not force or weapons.

He gazed at him with deepest interest.
Fully six feet four in height, he was, with
massive shoulders, limbs large and rigid
with muscles, and weighing fully two hun.
dred and thirty pounds, yet of perfect form
from head to foot—a veritable Hercules.

His face, the hue of leather and as hard-
ened, was cast in a noble mold, the features
being perfect, though the eyes were in-
tensely fierce, and the expression of the face
was cruelly stern and determined.

The garb of the strange being was scant,
consisting of a bearskiu hunting-shirt, leav-
ing the arms exposed from the shoulders,
and leggings of undressed deerskin. while
buffalo-hide moccasins covered his feet, and
a foxskin cap sheltered his head.

His hair and board were unkempt and
Everln long, and there were streaks of gray in

0t 1.

A rope sufficed for a belt about his waist,
and in this his weapons Were stuck without
holsters.

Such was the wild being that Buffalo Bill
now had to deal with, and must subdue by
strategy or a. bullet, not by mere physical
strength.

 

CHAPTER II.
THE SECRET MARCH.

“ I WOULD not advise sending the force,
colonel, though of course I am ready to guide
the expedition if on wish.”

So spoke Bufl’a 0 Bill * the chief of scouts
at Fort Vale, Utah, some twenty-five years
ago, when the far frontier was a scene of
danger, and brave men fell by the score in
fighting their way further and further into
the land of the setting sun.

Fort Vale was situated in the Mormon
country, and in the midst of a wilderness in-
tested by savage Indian tribes who were ever
ready to strike a blow at the settlers whom
the army protected, yet were friendly to-
ward the followers of Brigham Young, only
because they knew that there was warfare
between the “ Saints"and the Government.

This friendship the Mormons encouraged,
as it the better protected them by keeping
out of their country Gentile settlers.

Fort Vale was in the mountains, upon a
spur overlooking a vast expanse of country,
and near it was a. most fertile vale, through
which ran a large, swift-flowing stream.

Parts of this vale were cultivated by the
soldiers at the felt, and there were thousands
of other acres used as pasture lands for the
horses and cattle of the fort, and which were
guarded by a. company of Cowboy Rangers
constantly on the watch for danger, so that
if an alarm was given they could drive their
herds into the fort corrals for safety.

The fort itself was im regnable against an
attack by any force of ndians, as the latter
had several times found to their cost. It
was garrisoned strongly with a battery of
eight guns, a regiment of infantry and five
companies of cavalry. Besides this strength
there were Buffalo Bill’s scents of half a
hundred men, and the Cowboy Ranger com-
pany of many more, also under the chief of
scouts’ command.

All told, there were fifteen hundred men
at Fort Vale, the families of many of the
officers, a few settlers in the vale and half a
hundred miners scattered in the mountains
near, looking for hidden riches.

Colonel Carrol Kent, the officer in com-
mand, was a dashin , flne looking cavalr
soldier who had ma 9 a record in the CiVil

.War and commanded a fighting division of

Boys in Blue, dropping back from his rank
as major-general to that of colonel, after the
war, and being'sent to the dangerous and im-
portant post of Fort Vale.

In I’esponse to Buffalo Bill's remark which
opens this chapter, the colonel replied:

“ Explain just why you advise against

 

‘ Now famous the world over, then an army scout.
Known as Buffalo Bill for and wide, he is Colonel W.
F. Cody in rivate life, and honored and respected
by all who now him.—Tu Airmen.

H'-

 

this expedition into the Indian country,
Cody.”

“ Well, sir, to attack the Indian camp we
have to make a long and hard march of it,
and the only chance of perfect success is to
surprise them, as they can throw all of three
thousand warriors against you, and you will
hardly be able to send out over a third of
that number.”

“ That is the number I will send, one
thousand men; but why can they not be sur-
prised?"

“Their hunting parties are constantly
roving about, air, and if some of them do
not discover us, you know that we are close-
ly watched by the Mormons, and it would be
to their advantage to send a courier at once
to the Indian camp to warn them of your
coming; and. as I said, sir, it must be a sur-
prise to be a success, these facts would seem
to make a surprise impossible."

“ A very reasonable inference.
else?”

” We would be driven back if the Indians
were warned, sir, and that would mean a re-
treat that might end in great disaster.”

“ I am glad to have your views, Cody, for
they are just my own’, and I have so stated
to the commanding general, but he, urged in
turn from Washington, says a blow must be
struck to utterly destroy the power of the
Indians here, and which will by thus depriv-
ing the Mormons of their secret ally, im-
mensely weaken their own powers also.

“ 80, thus urged, I have picked my men,
and will make the expedition."

“ I am sorry, colonel."

“ So am I, but there is no alternative.

“ I shall march light, carrying three guns,
four troops of cavalry, five companies of
infantry, and your band of scouts—your
Bedouins as you call them.

“Now, what have you to suggest to ex-
pedite matters ?”

“ That you start right after nightfall, sir,
and makes. forced march to a spot I will
guide you to, which will be a good hiding-
place until noon, when you can again move,
and by rapid marching, strike the main
Indian camp that night. , ,

“ Only thus can we hope to get ahead of
any couriers giving the alarm.’

“ All right. Hold yourself and your
Bedouins in readiness for to-morrow night,”
Colonel Kent ordered.

Buffalo Bill went direct to his quarters,
uneasy in mind, and with no wish to guide
an expedition which he almost knew would
not be a success.

However, he made his arrangements, as
his superior had indicated, and just after
night set in the next day, the command
pulled out of the fort in ominous silence,
Colonel Carrol Kent himself at its head, and
Buffalo Bill and his Bedouinstell in ad-
vance. i,

It was past midnight when the command,
after a rapid march, came to the camp the
chief of scouts had selected, and all were
soon in deep repose, evon the scout senti-
nels.

The next day at noon a start was made.
men and horses fully rested, and Buffalo Bill
led them along as fast as the" infantry could
march and the guns be dragged.

Toward evenin he sent word to Colonel
Kent that he‘wou d scout well ahead alone,
as they were approaching a pass where, if
their expedition was known, they would
doubtless find some of the vigilant hostiles
on the watch.

So, bidding his lieutentant, Texas Jack *
to web on with his men in advance, Buffalo
Bil branched off to one side, and, leaving
the valley. made his way along a range
which he knew would shorten the distance
by miles and allow him to reach the pass an
hour before the command could be there.

Hitching his horse in a cedar thicket, he
approached the cliff on foot,‘intending to
keep watch over the pass until the soldiers
arrived, and be able to see if an Indian, or
horseman courier should go y, coming
alon any one of the several trails that cen-
ters there...

What was his surprise, as he neared the

Now what

 

0.1 B. Omohundro, av nian who went to sea.
asalad, was wrecked on t 9 Texas Coast, became
aTexan cowboy, then a runner. served as 9. Con-
federate soldier, and after the war joined Buflalo
Bill‘s scouts on the frontier and made a name for
Maintain—Tan Airmen.

 

 

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Buffalo Bill’s Red-skin Ruse. 3

 

 

cliff, to see a huge human form seated upon
a large rock almost upon the clifi's very
edge

He could have killed the man then, but
would not do so, and was wondering how
he could approach nearer. unseen, when he
saw him start to his feet, utter a savage
shout, and, seizing the heavy rock wave it
to and fro like a playlliing,

“The soldiers are coming and he means
mischief, so I must act," muttered Buffalo
Bill, and he walked quickly forward unseen
by the giant, until he spoke to him.

 

CHAPTER III.
THE LOST GUIDE.

“ WHERE is Buffalo Bill?”

That question ran from lip to lip as the
command came to a halt just at dark to camp
for an hour for rest and supper.

The scouts had first Wondered about their
chief and then asked questions among them-
selves as to his not having met them at the

)383.

1 Texas Jack had expected to find him there,
knowing the shorter trail he had taken, and
whiém a marching army could not have pur-
:Slle .

But, the chief of scouts was not at the
pass, and the searching eyes of the skilled
:scouts failed to discover that he had even
been there.

Nor was there any trail of any one having
lately passed that way.

This last discovery was a relief, for it told
‘them that if any one had one to warn the
Indian camp of their coming, he had not
passed that way, and Texas Jack did not be-
lieve the marching column had been seen by
Indians or Mormon's, who could travel any
other trail and get there ahead of them.

Jack had halted to confer with Colonel
Kent, who looked anxious when told that
Bufialo Bill had not met them at the pass.

But Buffalo Bill had notified Texas Jack
of the trail from the pass, b which he would
guide the force, and so the leader rode ahead
with his scouts once more. ,

At nightfall Jack camped in a meadow

{bordered by a stream.

There was plenty of grass, water and
wood, and the men were allowed to build
fires and have a hot supper.

Then weapons and accouterments were
looked to, and, men and horses well rested,
the command m0ved ahead again, one and
all now most anxious about the missing chief
of scents. ' -

At last it was decided that Cody must
have gone on ahead, to await the command
near the Indian village, which he had recon-
:noi'tered for the attack.

Against this, however, was Texas Jack’s
assertion that there was no trail, and that
his chief could have gone by no other way,
.save through the pass, which would enable
him to reach the Indian camp before them.

Colonel Kent was now keenl anxious
about his chief of scouts. He ha full con-
fidence in Texas Jack's ability, and knew he
would make no mistake as guide and scout;
but Buffalo Bill's very presence with a com-
mand inspired confidence, even in defeat.

He had not wished, as we have seen, to go
-on the expedition, but when he found it
necessar to do so he had one into it heart
and sou , like an intrepi soldier that he
was.

It appeared to Colonel Kent, and to the
scouts, that the non-appearance of God , as
planned, indicated that some harm h be-
f'allen him.

The command pushed on through the dark-
ness, cavalry in front and rear, the infantr
and artillery in between, and the teams we I
in advance, all faithfully guided by the
dauntless and vigilant Texas Jack.

At last word came back from the front
that, the- advance scouts were within two
miles of the Indian camp, and the‘ command
came to a halt. '

The horses were unsaddled for a few min-
utes to rest their backs. the men looked to
their weapons, the infantry threw them-
selves down for a rest, and thus half an hour
passed while Texas Jack and Buffalo Bill's
Bedouins were reconnoitering about the In-
dian village.

Still. Cody did not up ear, and as the
scouts did not report him 11 the front, more

and more anxiety was felt regarding his
safety.

At last Texas Jack sent word for Colonel
Kent to please come to the front.

He had found a point from which the lay
of the village or camp could be seen, and not
a quarter of a mile from it.

“ Ilere is the place for the guns, Jack,"
decided the ofliccr.

“ Yes, colonel."

“I will need the cavalry on either flank,
and the infantry in the center to take posi-
tion, and have the guns open with three
shells each. Then the command can charge
into the village, which the artillery will
throw into a panic."

“Yes, colonel; but, somehow, I do not
like the looks of things over in the village."

“ How do you mean, Jack?"

“ Well, sir, the fires appear to have been
freshly built. while, if they had been burn-
ing since dark, they would have been low
now.”

“ True; but what does that indicate?"

“ I may be wrong, sir, but I do not see a
soul in the village, and in so large a one as
that is, it is strange, for they are all not
dead."

" Well?”

“ I fear, sir, that they have heard of our
coming and have deserted the village."

" How could they?"

“It does not take an Indian family long
to pack up and get out, sir, especially when
they wish to fly from danger, or perpetrate
an act of cunning."

“ And if they have gone, Jack?”

“ Well, sir, they went because they were
warned, and the women and children are re-
treating to some secure place in the moun-
tains where we dare not follow them."

“ That means that the braves have not de-
parted?”

“It does, sir, for they, with their people
safe, will be free to attack us on our to
treat.”

“ Well, we came here to attack the village,
so ‘I shall do so, and we will soon know the
result," said the colonel, and, turning to two
staff oflicers near, he ordered them to place
the artillery in position, and send the infan
try and cavalry to attack according to his
1) an.

CHAPTER IV.
A SURPRISE INDEED.

THE staff officers quickly fulfilled their
missions, and it did not take the well-disci-
plined command long to take up their sepa-
rate positions. '

It was after midnight, and the village was
as quiet as a graveyard; but, there were
scores of fires burning brightly, which, to
Texas Jack, looked exceedingly suspicious,
for it was not cold, and red-skins do not build
big fires in their camp late at night.

Anothcr most suspicious sign to Texas
Jack, and which he made known to Colonel
Kent, was that not a single dogr was heard
to bark, and certainly this was ominous.

Tine colonel commented upon this, and
50.1 2 \

“You scouts are as well trained in cun-
ning and signs, Jack, as soldiers are in
tactics, for that suspicion about the dogs is
certainly one to consider, and I believe now
with you, that the village has been deserted.
But, we will soon know."

The guns were now in position, and, at an
order from the colonel, as the cavalry and
infantr had also reported read , the uns
burst orth in loud reports, t at ec oed
through the mountains with startling eflect.

The shells burst over the Indian villa e,
and the gunners were about to fire aga u,
when the colonel called out:

“ Cease firing!"

Then he added:

" You were right, Texas Jack; the Indians
have been warned and the village is deserted.

“Let the cavalry move into the camp.
and you, Texas Jack, throw out your scouts,
so that we will not be surprised by an
attack.

“ Has Cody come'in yet?"

answer. _

The cavalry moved into the village un-
motl‘ested, for not a red-skin was there to fire
a s oti

 

" No, sir; no one has seen him," came the ~

couple of miles in length, cuttin

 

Then the command went into bivouac un—
til morning, all disappointed at not having
surprised the cunning red skins.

When the sun arose it revealed that the
village was strongly located in a valley on
the top of a mountain range.

There was plenty of water, grass and tim-
ber, and the approaches were but few and
could be well guarded, if the coming of a
foe was known.

The Indians had taken no chances of de-
fending thcir village, but had quietly slipped
away further into the mountains to some
other fastness.

That they had gone in haste there was
every evidence, for though all the tepces had
been left standing, in some were blankets,
robes, provisions and even firearms, left in
their alarm and hurrying.

The village showed that its population had
been several thousands, and that as many
ponies and cattle had grazed in the valley
meadows the scouts reported was the case.

But, braves, women, children, horses and
cattle had all been successfully run off by
several trails leading into the mountains.

“ You will camp here until to morrow, sir,
I suppose?” observed Texas .l‘ack when he
reported at noon to the colonel.

“ Yes, we will start back early tomor-
row."

“ Then I will follow up the separate trails
for some distance, sir, to see if the braves do
not branch off to flank us upon our retreat."

“ Do so, Jack, for we must not be am-
bushed on our way back.

“ But you have heard nothing of Cody, or
seen any sign to indicate that he was ca tur- \
ed by those who warned the village 0 our
coming?"

“ No, sir; and I fear he has met with
some accident, for the chief is as sure as
Time to keep an appointment."

" Such is my fear also; but. what do you
think of my sending a force on into the
mountains?"

“ Don't do it, sir. Let the scouts go. They
may run into an ambush, but if you divided
the command the whole force of braves
might pounce upon it and wipe it out, for
they are watching us, sir, you may be cer-
tain."

“Then Iwill remain here, and must be
content with havin taken the Indian village
and destroyed it. ur coming will show the
red-skins we are prepared to punish them
for their raids upon the settlers and the
wagon-trains,” said the colonel.

Saluting, Texas Jack went to the scouts’
camp, divided his men into four parties-
one to remain with the command. and the
others to go off on the three trails by which
the Indians had retreated.

“ I only wish Chief Cody was here, but I
will do the best I can," said Texas Jack to
his Bedouins.

The three arties of trailers set off on their
mission, whi e all were a look of gloom at
the uncertain fate of their chief, for Buffalo
Bill was the idol of his men, and it had be-
gun to be feared by all that he had been
killed.

Texas Jack alone seemed hopeful, for he
had seen Buffalo Bill turn 'up safe and sound
so many times, when he had been iven up
as dead or captured, he still had fa th in his
8 am showing the truth of the saying tha‘
V5. F. Cody was born under a lucky start
and would never be killed by an Indian.

It was just before dawn that the scouts-
began to return to the Indian village, and
each detachment had the same report to make
——that the Indians had not branched off from
the retreating force, as far as any trails could
be found. .

They had followed the trails until dusk,
and not anywhere could a sign he found
where the braves had left the main body to
flank around and ambush their foes upon the
retreat.

At sunrise the command struck out on the
return march to the fort. after having burned
the tepees and destroyed what the red-skins
had left of any value to themselves.

The column marched slowly, and camped
early, the scouts still reporting no signs of
the red-skins about them.

But, the next morning, as the troops
entered the basin where the different valley
trails met, and neared the pass, a canyon a.
through a.
range, and with lofty, unscala lo cliffs of.

+<.r.l+..

.4.‘ «uu<_.3_. A . I. .

 
   

4

Bufialo Bill’s Red-skin Ruse.

 

 

rock on either side, Texas Jack suddenly
called out;
“I-Ialtl
edl
“ We are hemmed in, in front and rearl”

The whole command is ambush-

 

 

CHAPTER V.
A Flour FOR LIFE.

, WITH such a prisoner as the Wild Avenger,
\ Buffalo Bill felt that he was in an awkward
position.

The giant's strength was to be feared, and
his quickness in the use of weapons made
him an “ ugly customer ” to handle.

True, Cody felt that he could kill him-
with a single quick shot, but his was not the

s r nature to take life unless imperative necessity
compelled.

If he shot the man down he would doubt-
less be doing mankind a favor, for the wild}
man had avowed himself as a hater of the
army, and asserted his purpose to kill his
fellow-men.

Naturally he was to be looked upon as a
renegade to his own race and if dealt with
as such it would not be cruelty.

Still, the scout wished act to try concln~
sions of a deadly strife with the man, but
preferred to take him to the command, a
prisoner, if he could do so.

For ,once Buffalo Bill had met one man
whom there was reason for him to dread,
powerful as he was in physical strength, and
the deadest of dead shots; but he knew not
fear, and only felt that he must be over-
csutiqns'in handling a man who was danger-
,oua as a wild beast n the jungle.

r Who was the m sterions creature!

In his life in t at part of the country the
scout had not heard of him.

True, there were rumors of Mormon aven-
gers roaming about the frontier, striking at
the lives of soldiers and arm trainsmen, but
, Buffalo Bill had alwa s ta en these stories
' . with allowance; he dd not believe all he

heard against the Mormons, though he was

well aware that there were among them a
v considerable number of bad men who were
.  for any deed of crime. '

.. hether these ruflians were Mormons or
Gentiles, they were always said to be the
former. _

But in this giant man of mystery Buffalo
' * Bill found an unknown quantity, and did
 not know 'ust what he had todeal with,

I 1 other than t t he was an acknowledged foe
of the army.

He looked upon him as a bad man, for
looks, attire, Words all indicated this, and as
such he was to be pitied forrhis misfortune.

So the scout bade his prisoner precede him.
, fback from the cliff, holding him under cover
I. of his revolver. v

The man obeyed with an humble manner,

u and the look of one who was utterly crushed.
 - He seemed to realize that he had met his
tmatch, and went along at theseout's bid-
'.ding, with no show of resistance.
 k from, the clifi, a quarter of a mile
they came to where Bufialo Bill had left his
horse. . , ~
r He ordered athe man to halt near the ani-
. mal, and, fearful lest he might break aw
from him, forcin him to fire, Buffalo B l
eeided to bind h m with his lariat. .v
> So far he had not disarmed him, but, turn-
ing to him, he did so, lifting the revolvers
and knife from the ropebelt. , r I

Then he took the coiled lariat from his
saddle-born, and bade the man place his
hands behind him.

 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
    
   
 
   
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
   
  
 
 
 
  
  
 
   
 
  
  
 
  
   
 
 
 
  
   
  
 
 
   
 
    
  
   
   
      
   
 
   
    
   
    

 

  

~ I wise the scout ordered him to put his
hands behind him before be obeyed; then he
started,gaVeasighanddidso. v - .
«3 Buflalo Bill stepped behind him to bind
the hands together, and to do so hadto place
’hh revolver in‘bis belt; when, nick as a
mesh. the giant form leaped bac ward, the
» lotus-isms BnfialoiBill to the Igonad, and
.with the rity of'a tiger sp g be was
won’the scout. , t
"- 'Buflslo Bill rallied with great nerve. and
> as sickly as had been the movement -ofhis

 

    
 
  
   
 
 
  
    

    
 

  

had no time, then,'to draw a was
the man with all his forcepg‘d

 
  

      
 

 

r -. The giant made no resistance to bein die '
 armed, but stood with drqoped and *
o easteyes. z

 

’ sacs! mm the desperateflghfjor -

It was indeed a battle of giants.

Never, among the men with whom he had
come in contact—rand they, too, were giants
—had Buffalo Bill met his master.

He was quicker, stronger and more _wiry
than' those with whom he had tested his
strength.

He had fought for life time and again,
writhing in deadly combat with red-skin
and desperado, and had always been the vic-
tor.

He had been the king of all athletic sports
among his fellows, and his powers of en-
durance were phenomenal.

But now he felt that he had one whose
sinews were of steel, and bones were of
"‘00.

Ilis flesh was as hard as the bark of a tree,
and when Buffalo Bill was able to get in
now and then one of his terrible blows, full
upon the man’s head, it did not seem to in
the least degree harm him.

Over and over they rolled,‘ the scout try-
ingin vain to grasp the revolvers and knife
in his belt, the Mad Nemesis seeming not to
care for either.

The latter struck no blow, did not seek
to clutch the throat of the scout in his iron
grip, only fought to conquer by mere
strength and en urance.

The minutes passed away and still the
giants fought, the Mad Nemesis for his life,
or the scout would have killed him now if
he could. and his foe for mastery.

But human endurance has its limit. and
at last the size, weight and iron strength of
the madman triumphed.

Buflalo Bill had met his master in a
struggle for victory.

CHAPTER VI.
a PRISONER son DEATH.

ONE thing Buffalo Bill had taken note of,
through the whole terrible ordeal of his
death stru is with the huge foe he was
battling w t , and that .was that the man did
not appear to wish to kill him, or to harm
him, seriously. ' y ,

Several times the scout had noticed that
he had been at the mercy of the ,ant, as far
as a deathrblow was concerned, or the Her-
cules had it thus come his way to kill, had
he so wished. '

But, this he did not do; and when at last
Buffalo Bill could stru gle no more and was
helpless. the giant di not strike then, but
drew to him the scout's lariat and secured
him with it. .

Then he sat down to rest, for he, too, was
panting like a hard run hound. . ‘

He gazed with curiosity upon his' enemy,
mingled , with admiration . at his great
strength, and seemed to realize that it had
been the battle of his life; that never before
had he 'met one whom he could not handle
as he would a child. V .

After/resting for many minutes he rosb'to
his feet and glanced‘about him. '

Buflalo Bill had rested also, but his broad
breast still heaved convulsive] ‘, and he
gazed at his enemy with curl t , not de-
void of anxiety as to his next move, for the
scout remembered that Colonel Kent's com-
mand was marching on"to attack the Indian
village. and he was fearful that a warning
might be sent the red-skins of their danger,
for certainly this wild rover of the menu-
tains must be their ally.

When he felt himselt again. the Nemesis
took hold 0! the larlat that bound the scout,
unbound his feet and said: .

“ Get upl"

The scout did so.

“ Come with mel’/ , I

“ Where?" _ , . ' r
7 " To death!” _ ',

Such an ominous reply would have no-
nerved man a man utter! , but with Buflalo
Bill it was iflerent, and said in an indif-
ferent tone,- 1 ‘

a l . . ‘
“80 you “9.8m”; w  eh?» p /,,,

"‘1 slugging to leave’you‘ to die." ,

to Why r « l

“ You are my foe.” ~

“ We never met before." v

.” You are s-soldrer." ,
Q‘yellufw sake of argument. I'll ad.

t tau, , stothsnrmy,". . a
syncs genera by that  my
sw roe  » A V .

  

      
   

' will take

. could not but crowd upon him.

 

 

“ I do not just see how.”
. “I hate soldiers; I slay them whenever
it is in my power: so you shall die "
" How have i ever wronged you?”
“ You area soldier.”
“ A scout more properly speaking. ”
" You belon to the army.”
“ I am prou to say that I do.”
" Then you must die.“
" Why did you not kill me when it was
in your power to do so?”
“I saved you for a worse fate than sud-
den death.” ‘
“ All! and What?"
" I have seen an army of soldiers go by
in the canyon ‘2”
" Granted.”
“They have but one motive.”
" Well?”
"It is to attack the village of the red~
men who are my friends."
“Then on are a renegade ‘2”
"Yes, if so you wish to call me, I am a
renegade.”
" And go against your race to aid others?"
" The one are my foes, the others my
friends.
"But I must not linger here, for I have
work to do."
" Lead on, for as I can do nothing else,
I will follow."
" No, on will remain here.”
“ All r ght; I have no say in the matter.”
“ 1 shall tie you to a tree—that tree yon-
der, beyond all chance of escape."
“ Well?”
“ I will leave you there while I take your
hors'e and weapons." . -
" To the victor belong the spoils,” was the
scout’s indifferent response.
“ I seldom mount a horse, for I am fleet of
foot and have the strength to endure; but
your horse shall hear me up a valley where
know a trail that will shorten the distance
to the Indian village.
” See, I tell you all, for I am sure of your
death."
“ You are very kind.”
" Your horse will save me a twent mile r
run. and I shall ride him hard. ride h m unv ..
til he drops dead, and then I shall run on ,‘

 

[my way on foot, and reach the Indian vil-
lage in time to warn them of danger. "

“ And what will you do with me?" .

“ I will leave you here, bound to that
tree. to await the retreat of the soldiers;
then I will bring the red—skins here to show
them that I am indeed their friend, that I
lfiafie captured their terrible foe, Buffalo

1 ," , ’ ‘

“You have the advantage of me in more
ways than one, for you know me.”

“ Yes, 1 know you as Buffalo Bill, one
whom the Indians fear as they do the Evil '
Spirit—one whom they have long wished
to caqpture. /

“ hey will come and find you here, and‘
you to their village, where you
will be burned at the stake."

“ A, cheerful prospect, surely. But how
is it that you know me?" ,

“ There is but one Buffalo Bill, and you
are that one! ‘\

r "Now, as I cannot less time by taking
you with me, Iwill see that you are here
'when 1 return for you." ' ‘

It was useless to resist, so Buffalo Bill
calmly submitted to be bound toatree in
suchsa way that to free himself was impossi‘
hie, for his back was placed against it, and .
his hands stretched back and tied tightly, , 9
his feet then being made fast. ‘ . ,,

He uttered 110 Word. no appéal,,nnd saw.
the ant avenger mount his s lendid horse 
and ashswayatas to‘ki .lesvinghim . ’5‘,
alone and spray to t terrible thoughts that

 

 

 

l

 

tenures v11.
aunt's-Ln» roa’n. ', ‘ /

Wan} a situation for any man, to be. help- \
less bound in a wilderness. and left to u/
aw t the coming back ota foe who had said
that he would return with those who would
lead his victim away toa fate worse than to' . '
remain, there and starve to death, or even be r ,
tomb wolves. .  '- ' .
Bu ‘alo Bill saw the ,man ride away iike
the wind, and knew that he would it his ‘ t
threstandrridehis noble horse t‘odes "in‘ g



 

 
 
  
   

  

   
   
   
  
 
   
 
 

    
 

I I .

    

‘»

 

 

 

 

 

 

' ran, lint not to go far.

 

5,

i’.

‘ Vter.

Buflalo Bill’s Red skin 3......

 

5

 

 

his determination to warn the redlskins of
the coming attack of the soldiers

The scout did not break down. however.
with despair, and in spite of his own suffer
ing and danger he thought of his comrades

‘ That man will warn the red skins, and
Colonel Kent and his command will march
into a trap

" The giant is a fiend, and he will lead the
Indians to Wipe out the command if. in their
power, and though I do not believe they can
do that, the brave soldiers will suffer terri-
bly in the retreat.

" And Iani left here unable to aid, or to
Wlll'll them—by .love, but I‘m unable to aid
myself, ’ and the scout’s face was illninined
by a grim smile as he uttered the words.

The situation was a novel one Always
the victor. he was, for once, the vanquished.
What was more. he was left to his own hitter
meditations ever the untoward fortune of
his capture.

If he could only release himself he would
lie nine to take the command. for he could
trot along like an Indian for half a day with-
out tiring. .

Once warned that he could not surprise
the Indian village, Colonel Kent was too
good a soldier to go on, but Would return to
the fort

Tugging at his bonds Bufialo Bill only
found how thoroughly secured they were.

The madman, as he regarded him, had
been only .too expert in binding hiin.an:i a
team of horses could not have broken the
raw hide lasso.

Once he was'sure of this the scout began
to consider his own case.

He was certainly in a very desperate
situation, for, once .the madman had warned
the red skin village he would return to him,
and not alone", he would come with foes
whom the noted and feared scout had every
reason to dread.

More; he would come with braves who
would harass every foot of the trail the
soldiers retreated by, and maybe destroy
the whole command in detail.

The day were away; the sun glared in the
face of the bound scout us it neared the
horizon; a huge snake crawled by, new himl
going to his night den; and as twilight fell,‘
a wolf howled dismally not far away. as
Ehoggh calling his mates to a feast of human

es ~'

The scoutistill stood against the tree, his

' hands and feet swelling under the tightening

ropes, and his body becoming racked with

' pain from the impeded» circulation of the
blood.

Darkness came on and the boot of an' owl
in a tree near by sounded doubly dismal to*
the suflering Victim.

Then there came another long howl of a
wolf, and it. was answered from afar by the
sharper yelp of a coyote. /

, An hour more passed and the chorus of
the wolves had begun in earnest. '

The howling of the finder of a. feast, of
human flesh had brought nnswerfrom all
aides, and as the night were on there was
heard'the yelping of the» hungry animals
from every direct on.

Buffalo Bill had tracked the forest all his
life, and never had he felt dread of wolves
before; he had slept alone upon the prairie
and in. the mountains countlesrof times,
without an atom of apprehension; but, there
he was free to defend himself, now he was
bound and helpless! ;

He began to feel that the ravenous wolves
would attack him no soon as they
he #3 at their mercy. ‘
, A single shot would have sent them fly-
ing; a.‘ brand of burning wood thrown into
their midst would have sent them scnmper
ing away; but, now, alasthe was at‘their
mercy. \ . '

They grew bolder and bolder, and at last.
game so near that he could see their eyes glit-

wild shout; and ed they
They quickly re-
turned, and sat on their. haunches howling
in chorus’h's if chanting the death chant.
'fltis a question of time only,” the. pris -
oner muttered; “ but. to be torn topieces by
their shar teeth is no worse than being \tor-
tnred to earth; in fact, not so bad," and the
scout awaited ,his fate. with grim fortitude,
The nightrwore on until at last Buflalo
Bill. felt that it was but avqnestion of a few

Then he uttered a

 

felt that ,

minutes more. and he closed his eyes, to open
them suddenly as with startled yelps the
wolves dashed away.

What had caused their flight the scout
soon ascertained, some one was approach-
ing!

A man or woman or ghost it- might be for
all that Buffalo Bill could tell, for the form
was closely mnflled froth head to foot, and
came gliding straight toward him, as silent
as n shadow.

CHAPTER VIII.

AN UNKNOW’N RESCUE“.

FOR an iiistaut Buffalo Bill believed that
it was a creature of his imagination that he
saw

But nol the whole terrible pack of wolves
had gone. and the muliied form was there
before his eyes!

Who was it?

\Vhat did its coming portend for him?

Did the person know of his presence
there? ‘

Yes. the miiflied form came straight to
him, showed no surprise, uttered no word,
and passing behind him quickly unbound
the lariat, thoroughly as it .was fastened
about hands, feet and tree.

“Who are you, my good friend?” asked
Buffalo Bill, as the form bent over the
knots at. his feet. ‘

There was no answer. .

“ Who is my brave rescuer, may I ask?”
Buffalo Bill repeated. \ ‘

Still no answer.

Then the scout
closely. ~

He thought at first that it might be the
Giant Madman, returned to release him, after
having given him a scare.-

But no. it. was a slender form, not near 36
tall as was the madman ' _

From head to feet. enveloped in a blanket,
the form was, the eyes looking out through
holes in the covering of the face, and the hand
was visible working at the: ropes. and also
coming through cuts in the covering about
the form. t ‘

“ You may be a ghost. for all I know,
but be you what, or who you may, I thank
you”. said the scoutearnestly. '

Still no reply from the muflied form.

“ Say. pard, don’t you think we ought to
get acquainted. as you've got it all your way
now '2” said Buffalo Bill in his ofl-hand way
.of speaking so natural to him. ' "

Still no reply. I. '

’ “ All right; have your own way, for I will
not quarrel with you, you betl” said the
scouts i '

The muffled and unknown Samaritan had
moved around behind the tree and seemed.
busy there with the lariat. .

Then the scout noticed that there was no
lonrrer any tugging at his bonds.

‘He moved his hands and they were

,He raised one foot! ‘

It was also free!

He moved the other, audit-was also no
ion or boundl" .

o stepped forward, but his numbed and
swollen'vlimbs would not now’snpport him
and down he fell. ' ‘ - "’

With an efiort he arose and looked fOtlhis
unknown rescuer. , ‘ «

He or she was not to be seen! .

The stars gave light enough for him' to, see‘
that the inuflied form was not hiding behind
the tree, and was nowhere seennom:

Bufialo Bill did not understand its all;
butghe was free and' that was enough, just,
thenl ' - t . ~. ,

3 He remembered that there: was a streamer
water just at the base of the hill, and pro
needed to make his way painfully there. ',

A good .drink of the cool water revived
him, and then, pulling off his boots and
socks, he put 11 feet into-the swift flowing
current and at l. 9 some time‘begon to bathe
his swollenjhands. _ .. ' g . . '

The ,efiect Seemed magical, for the pains

gazed at the form’more

free! i

own , . ,- 1
"I must get away from here as'soon as ,1

, can, fort.th is-work for me‘tQ-dOm, 1

l , “ But1who in the mischief was that deaf

‘ and dumb ghost that set me ifree?” bet-nine

 

I

tel-ed.
1' Havin lot

 

ceased, and soon the swelling. began to  . '

_ traitmnd of the

I
in the Witter he rubbed them dry and drew
on his socks and boots.
Then he stood for a moment in deep medi-
tntion
“ Well, I am free, but unarmed, without
a horse, without food and forty very long
miles to the fort.
" Now I could not catch the command,
and if I (lid 1 could do no good, for it‘s
about this time that the attack is to be made,
and nearly fifty miles lie between me and
the Indian village. _
“If the. colonel did not surprise the red _
skins. and I am sure he (lid not. he‘ll be ',
worsted and soon be on the retreat, and he '
may'necd aid before he reaches the fort
" If not worsted where he expects to sun
prise, he will surely be ambushed on his re.
treat. so my plan is to go to the ort with
all haste and get a force to march to his re‘
lief—but what in thunder was it that set me‘
free. I should like to know.” ' i
No longer fearing the wolves, and though ‘
on foot and disarined, Buffalo Bill at once '
started on his way to the fort. '
At first he limped along with much pain;
then the blood‘,hegan to circulate freely and
he walked better and better until after an '
hour, he began to trot in the swinging way
he had learned from the Indians
/ Day dawned then and found him well on,
his way on the track trail. . '
“ I shall not be worried halting for breakgi
fast, ” he muttered. tightening his armless belt
a couple of holes. .
“ I should make the fort this afternoon by
four," he muttered, “ for I’ve struck a very! "
fair pace for a man as stiff as an old cavalry
horse; but won’t somebody tell me who that
was who set me free, for I owe him, here
it, a lifelong gratitude." 3 U
And/still trying to solve the riddle of who _
his unknown rescuer had been Buffalo Bill ' -
kept steadily on in his run for the fort. furl ”
he knew that the lives of many brave men’.
'might depend upon him. ' ‘

   
 
   
  
 
 
 
     
   
   
    
    
  
 
   
    
 
 
   
   
  
  
  
   
   
 
  
  
  
  
   
   
   
 
  
    
   
   
  
   
  
    
   
  
   
  
  

 

CHAPTER 1x. I
THE scou'r‘s TIDINGS.

THE next in command ‘of the fort
Colonel Kent. and commanding in hia'a
sauce. was LieutenantvColonel Hugh, Gray
son of the, infantry. ‘ ' .

He was a fine officer, and had come to the
"fort in command of the infantry bottaiio
sent there.

He had with him at the fort his wife and
‘ dnu hter. and his home was a most popular
and ospituble one.  T

I With Colonel Kent he had disapproved
of this expedition against the ’Indinn villa
and felt very anxious when he saw
cemmand depart. » -

-After they had left, Lieutenantflolon
Grayson ‘ had discussed the matter with
Major Rafael Roy,‘who had come to 
Vale in command of the two light batteries,
and was the third in rank there. . 
A The major was a bachelor, bandso
rich; a dashing soldier. and liked by all. .
' He. too, had urged against the expedi,
.tion, and had said: t , , , ~

“Let me 'gowColonel Kent. and you re
main here, for! am a bachelor. you know
so can easily be spared. if the rod-skins-
up the mountains withthe command?

“ No, Roy; my orders are to whom
thirds of my command and strike shalom
‘villa and give them a quietus.”  _

' “ es; that is the way orders comet?”
men sitting in pieasantquortersinWoett‘iws
ton, telling us who are on the field heroism!”
to fight the Indiana“. the moior had new
,eu,'and with regret he had seen the expodf
tion'deportt ‘ , ' . n

It was the afternoon of theysecond
after the command and departed. that» .w
lieutenantcoionel, and major werooented
the latter's pleasant cabin quarters, Wharton
Orderly reported that a manon foot, undid.
run was Beer; coming across the plain to. V
thefort. " ' l ." I .t‘ ,

f‘ Send urn? with: led horse, {erbium
that he Will 0: have‘to climb the Milli
foot,”'ordere the‘illeutenant-colonoiv§n¢
was done; «soldier fining out-leading
magnum“ q \ '-  v“...

' swarmed seesaw!“ new» :

idle.- 19743398
manager; called out; .

i

 

’gluss aw.

   

6 ' Buffalo Bill’s Red-skin Ruse.

 

 

“ Corporal, report at once to Colonel Gray-
son that the man is chief of scouts Buffalo
Bill. ”

The corporal dashed away and returned
with orders for Buffalo Bill to come at once
to the major's quarters.

At that moment the mounted soldier rode
into the fort, with Buffalo Bill riding the led
horse.

“ Ho. Cody, something has gone wrong,
to see you back alone, and on foot,” said the
oflicer of the day.

“I have news for Colonel Grayson, and
my horse failed me, sir,“ was the answer of
the scout, whose haggard appearance all
could not but see, though he had answered
calmly.

“Colonel Grayson wishes you to come at
once to Major Boy’s quarters," answered the
ollieer, and Buffalo Bill rode rapidly on, and
disinounting, was at once admitted by the
Orderly.

“ My God, (lolly, what has happened?
Are you wounded?" cried Colonel Grayson,
as the scout struggled and dropped heavily
into a chair, as he gasped:

“ No, sir, oniy tired out, for I have hoofed
it for forty miles at a run."

instantly a glass of brandy was handed to
him by the major, and Colonel Grayson
said -
“ Drink it, and you need food, too; then
you can talk."

The major‘s man soon found something
for the scout to eat. and finishing with a hot
cup of coffee, he rallied quickly and began
his story.

“ Yes, colonel, now I can talk, but I did
not know how hungry and tired I was.

“ I'll tell you just what has happened, sir;
but first let me ask you, upon my respon-
sibility, to order about half your force, in
fact every man you can spare, to go to the
relief of Colonel Kent, and I will guide
them. "

“And I will command them, Grayson,"
cried the major.

" All right, Roy, go and get your men to-
gether, for you can hear the story after.
ward.

“ Take fully three hundred men, and mount
the infantry so they can travel rapidly.

“ Better take three light guns with you,
also, for we will need but a small force
here.”

The major was gone in an inslant, and
thep making Buffalo Bill take the easiest
chair in the room. the colonel told him he
was ready for his whole story.

Then the scout told just what had hap-
pened to the astonished officer, who com-
mented here and there upon what he heard,
and finally remarked: _

" You did just what was right, Cody, in
coming to the fort, and first telling me to or-
der the men to get ready on your respon-
sibilit , as every moment may count.

“ ou deserve more than raise, and have
accomplished more than thought man
could.

“ Now go to your quarters and get rest,
for you need it badly."

“ Oh, no, sir; I’m all right, and will guide
the expedition back,”

“ You are not able to. Don’t try, Cody!"

“ Indeed I am able, sir, and I‘ll go to my
quarters and freshen up. get some more
Weapons, a horse, and will be ready in half
an hour; but I do wish I knew who it was
that set me free."

“ So do I," assured the colonel.

In little over an hour,after the arrival of
Buffalo Bill at the fort, he rode out a aim to

uide the expedition to the rescue of olonel
eat and his men.

CHAPTER X.
LYING iN WAIT.

MAJOR RAFAEL ROY was glad of his
chance to go to the rescue of his colonel and
comrades. and he had quickly rallied his
men, inspiring them with his spirit and do
termination.

He had been given free rein by Colonel
Grayson to take all the men he wanted, and
he quickly ordered three light guns gotten
ready with their caissons, two troops of
cavalry and three more companies of infan—
:try, the latter mounted, and a number of

 

scouts and some of the Cowboy Rangers be-
fore alluded to.

In all he had about three hundred men,
and packing provisions in ambulances, in-
stead of heavy army wagons, he knew he
could travel rapidly.

He was much pleased when Buffalo Bill
reported to him for duty, as he did not think
the scout able to go, and said;

“ I fear you have over-taxed your strength
already, Cody."

“ Oh, no, sir; I’m only tired and sleepy.

“ I can sleep in the saddle on the march, .

after I tell you what to expect, and will be
all right, soon.”

" \Vcll, you have got will and nerve to
master much, Cody,” declared the major,
and then as they rode along, the chief of
scouts setting the pace, he heard the story
that Buffalo Bill had made known to Colonel
Grayson .

“ Well, Bill, I hardly know how to con-
gratnlatc you upon your escape.

“ You certainly are a man of luck, and it
will beat great thing if by your defeat by the
madman you are able, throuin our going to
the rescue, to save the command

“But now tell me just what your idea. is
of our advance?"

“ \Vell, sir, it is ofcoui'se only my Opinion;
butI fear, warned by the mad giant, that
Colonel Kent. expecting to surprise the
Indian village, will in turn be surprised."

" And defeated- but what does he think of
of your mysterious absence?"

“ThatI am dead. sir, or I would have
been there, for my men know that I am not
one to fail them.”

“True.

“Now, granted that the command is (le-
t'eated, Cody?"

“ \Vcll, sir, it will be a defeat that will
hurt, but Colonel Kent is too good an oflicer
to allow his men to be demoralized or over-
ridden, and he will extricate them and re
treat and just then is where aid will come
in."

“Yes, they will need our support most
surely, and we may be able to give the In.
dians a lesson with our combined force."

“ Yes, ‘sir, for the red skins will be elated,
and as the command Will retreat in compact
order, the fear is that they may march into
an ambush, for there are numbers of places
where the red skins can get ahead and strike
terrible blows with but little risk to them—
selves."

“ Ah! I see.

“ There is where we will come in well, in
driving the red-skins from their am-
buscades?”

“ Yes, sir, and I will keep well ahead in
the morning with my men, so as not to run
in an ambush from this direction, but to
find out where the red-skins are and surprise
them." ,

“If we only can; but you must be very
careful, Cody.”

“ I will be, sir; but at what time will you
camp?”

“ When do you say?

“I think, sir. the red-skins will make a
stand at the pass. We can camp so as to
reach them early to-morrow, for I know a
good camping ground.”

“ All right; you know best, Cody.”

It was now some time after nightfall, and
soon the command went into camp some
tWenty miles from the fort.

Tired as he was, Buffalo Bill rode on ahead
with a dozen of his scouts and went into a
tireless camp not very far from the pass.

Giving orders that two of the men should
start out a couple of hours before dawn on
foot. to reconnoiter the pass, Buffalo Bill
gladly turned into his blankets for much
needed rest.

It was just at sphrise that 'one of the two
scouts sent in advance during the night came
to the little camp and reported that the In-
dians were at the pass in very large force.

“I left Dockery to watch them, Sll‘, and
came back to report to you,“ said the
scout ’

Buffalo Bill had awakened thoroughly
rested, but a little stiff and sore from his
being bound and his long run.

But, he was at once ready for action, and
said: .

“That settles it. for we can go no fur»
ther than the pass; but we can attack
the Indians there and surprise them, and

n

 

our guns will warn Colonel Kent so that
he won’t march into the ambush."

Then he ordered one of the men to go
with all haste back to Major Roy and re-
port what the situation was, asking him to
push on rapidly, as he feared Colonel Kent
was not very far away in his retreat, while
the Indians being in hiding was proof that
the command was all right, or at least able
to make their way back,

As soon as he had eaten a hearty break-
fast anfalo Bill went ahead on foot, ac-
companied by Several of his men, and order-
ing,r the rest to remain in camp with the
horses saddled and ready.

He had just secured a good position, from
which he could see the Indians, for they
were not in hiding from their rear, expect-
ing no danger from that quarter, when Scout
Dockery came up and said:

“The command must be near, sir, for the
Indians have been taking position, evidently
warned of the coloncl’s coming by their
scouts."

“Then Colonel Kent must be warned.”
was Buffalo Bill‘s emphatic rejoinder.

CHAPTER XI.
THE seoer’s RESOLUTION.

THE scouts looked at their chief in Sill“
prise at his words, for how could the com—
ing command be warned?

The Indians occupied the cliffs of the
pass, and it was certainly not possible to
elude their vigilance and get by them, and
that was about the only way that the colo-
nel could be notified of his danger.

But Buffalo Bill was considering, and his
face showed that he was planning some bold
move.

Major Rafael Boy was yet miles away, and;
Colonel Kent was reaching the pass even
sooner than the chief of scouts had anticipa:
ted.

If he reached the pass even a few mo
merits before the major came up it would
be time for the Indians to open upon him
from ambush, and that would mean a great
loss of life even if the soldiers were able to
punish the red skins severely afterward.

So it was that Buffalo Bill was consider-

ng.

He knew the pass well. '

It was acanyon a couple of miles in length,
here and there widening almostinto a valley,
but with walls of rock all along, rising to,
Elie height of from seventy to two hundred

eet.

The average width of the canyon was a
little over a hundred yards, and the Indians.
would not expose themselves but take up
position upon the cliffs on either side.

From considering the chief of scouts took
to reconnoitering.

He sent another scout back to the camp,
telling him to run all the way, and then
mount his horse and go and urge Major Roy
to come on at full speed.

This done, he took two men with him to a.
point as far as he dared advance toward the
red-skins‘ position.

All then began to take in the situation
with their glasses from their different paints
of observation, and when they again met-
Buifalo Bill asked quickly:

“ Well. what have you seen?"

" There are all of a thousand red-skins in
ambush, chief."

“ Yes, all of that." said the second man.

" Where were they stationed?"

" Back from the cliffs in the timber, as I
could see in through the gaps."

“ Yes, but they had "some scouts on the-
watch to call them, when they should run-
to the edge of the cliffs,” said the other-
scout.

“ Yes, and they know that the colonel is
not very far away, and will run to the cliffs
on signal of the scouts.

“ Now I was on the cliffs on the right of
the canyon on our way up the other day,
and I notice that the Indians have piled all
along a great many stones. from the weight
of a pound to ten and twenty pounds, just
where, on account of a deep rut in the trail

the command must march close under the'

cliff.

“ Here the attack «is to be made, and the—

soldiers thus caught, and with stones rained“.
I

Bufialo Bill’s Red-skin

“Maw‘tvuwmnr a .... H... -....-v. .. «a»... .  Mm... .« 0.. u. v -.

Ruse. ' 7

 

 

down upon them, will be literally murdered
in their tracks.”

“It looks that way, chief.”

“It is that way, and the colonel must
never be allowed to go into such a trap.”

“ I do not see how it can be prevented.”

“We could fire our rifles and revolvers
and warn him trouble was ahead, but I fear
he would press on the more rapidly, think-
ing a party from the fort was in danger, and
the Indians, in their numbers, would not
dread our small force, and so would still
hold their point of vantage on the cliff.”

“ I do not see what we can do, chief.”

“ I do."

“ Well, sir, I am ready.”

“ And I.”

“I know that, my brave pards, but this is
a'work I have cut out for myself, so you,
Nat, go with all speed hack to camp and
bring my horse as far as you dare do so in
this direction, and I will meet you, while
you, Baldy, go on back to meet Major Roy,
and tell him to begin to shell the timber and
cliffs, upon nearing here, and dislodge the
Indians, while, to save Colonel Kent from
going into the trap, Ihave gone to run the
gantlet and warn him."

“ Oh, chief, you can never do it!"

“ Don’t make the mad attempt, Chief
Cody.”

“ I will try, and take my chances, which
are good, for only the scouts are on the
cliffs at the other end of the canyon, and be-
fore the braves get there from the timber, I
will be through."

In vain did the two scouts urge Buffalo
Bill not to attempt to make the desperate
run, for he had made up his mind to do
So.

Nothing could change his purpose, and
the two men could but obey his stern orders
to them, and twenty minutes after his splen-
did horse had been brought to him and he
was ready to ride the deadly gantlet.

CHAPTER XII.
AN UNFORTUNATE s'rimrnnn.

MAJOR RAFAEL ROY had eneamped like a
good soldier, with sentinels out, and the
men in position to call into action at a mo-
ment‘s notice of danger.

The camp was in some timber in a pretty
valley, on the banks of a. small stream, and
there was a fine piece of meadow land near,
where the horses were corralled to feed, with
guards around them to keep them from
straying, for it was not thought that on the
morrow they would get much to eat, or time
to enjoy it if grass was found. ‘

It was just as the camp was preparing for
the move, and the horse-wranglers were
going to drive up the stock, that a sound
was heard like distant thunder.

All stood still and listened. -

Was it a charge of Indian horsemen down
upon the camp?

For a moment all thought so.

Then a scout called out:

“ It is a herd of buffaloes on a stampede!

“ Look out all for the horses!”

But the warning came a few minutes too
late, for in the darkness a huge black wave
was surging dOWn the valley, and the next
instant there were thousands of buffaloes
dashing right toward the meadow where
the horses were being rounded up by the
men.

With wild snorts the frightened horses
stampeded, the men in vain trying to check
them.

Down the valley they dashed like mad-
dened beasts, ahead of the mighty herd of
buffaloes.

Fortunately, there were a few experienced
men on the lower side of the horses, and
these, recognizing that to check the stam
pede was impossible, wisely dashed away on
their own good animals and led it.

Urging their horses to their utmost speed,
they gazed out ahead in the gloom in search
for a canyon or small valley into which they
could lead their (Yove of terrified animals.

At last they be told one on the right, and
into it they dashed. -

The whole drove followed, and as the
riders slackened their, speed, and called
loudly to the horses following, they began
to check the alarm, and, as it was a blind

canyon into which they had ridden, with no
outlet at the other end, the hundreds of
horses at once came to a stand-still, though
still trembling and listening excitedly to_the
roar of the buffalo herd as it dashed on down
the valley.

The score of riders, who had so skillfully
checked the drove of horses, quickly made
their way to the entrance to the canyon, and
ranged across it, Served as a barrier to pre-
vent the drove from (lashing out again,
while one man was sent at full speed to tell
the cavalry and artillery soldiers to come
after their‘own animals.

It was a couple of hours before the whole
drove was roped in, and then the animals
were led back to camp and harnessed and
saddled quickly as possible, for a messenger
from Buffalo Bill had come, urging the
major to push forward with all speed.

“ (,‘ody has made some discovery, and
needs us, and here we are detained here by
that stunniede.

“' It seems that luck is against us, for I do
not believe a herd of buffalo has been in
these hills for years.

“But what a wild stampede it was, and
those horse-wranglers deserve great credit
for checking it as they did, for otherwise we
would not have colleetcdallof the animals
in two days.

“ But work lively, men, for we are wanted
at the front.”

So said Major Roy, and work lively the
men all did, and the command pulled out of
camp at a quick pace, but over three hours
behind time.

The animals, too, were still very nervous,
and the men had much trouble with them
the first few miles of the march, thus delay~
ing the command still more.

Another courier had come from Buffalo
Bill, and Major Roy was getting anxious.

He had moved to the front with the cav-
alry, and was intending to dash ahead with a
troop, leaving the rest to follow, when Buf-
falo Bill’s third courier came up and told
just what the chief of scouts had bid him
say.

“My God, Cody will throw his life away,
for no mortal man can run the gantlet of
that pass," said the major, and every otlicer
and man who knew just what the situation
was agreed with him.

The last report from the chief of scouts,
showed the major that he must advance with
his entire command and begin the battle, so
he at once made arrangements to do so.

The cavalry were in the advance, and the
mounted infantry and artillery pressed close
behind them until the scouts, camp was
reached, where a line of battle was formed to
begin action by shelling the cliffs with the
guns. .

“ Where is Cody?” cried the major as he
rode up to the camp of scouts.

“ Ile has gone, sir, to ride the gantlet of
the pass,” was the answer.

“ Poor fellowl

“ He has but ridden to his doom," the
major said sorrowfully, and then gave the
order for the advance.

—_———

CHAPTER XIIl.
THE EVIL srrnr'r.

WHEN the Mad Giant turned away from
Buffalo Bill his face was that of a demon, so
full was it of triumph and hatred.

He had leaped upon the horse of the scout,
after having thrust his revolvers and bowie
into his own belt, and with the rifle of Buffalo
Bill slung at his back, he started off at a
run on a trail with which he seemed to be
thoroughly acquainted.

Reaching the valley there was the large
trail left by the passing soldiers, and riding
rapidly on the madman dashed through the
long .canyon,eoming out some tWenty minutes
behind the rear end of the command.

Then he branched off sharply to the left,
and rode ahead at a long sweeping gallop
for miles. ‘

Buffalo Bill‘s horse was a large, long—
bodied ,' strong animal, with great speed and
endurance, but after half a score of miles
had been gone over, under the extra weight
of the madman, his weapons, and the arms
of the scout added, he began to feel the
strain.

 

 

But he was not spared and still urged on
at the same killing pace until a score of
miles had been cast behind him.

The command had been passed by far to

the right, darkness was near at hand, and
yet the madman still urged the now very
tired animal 01].

Before him rose a ran, e of mountains, and
straight toward it he 1‘0( c.

He was in a valley to the left of the
command, and which apparently stopped
at the range, there being no visible gap
through it.

Darkness came on, but still the madman
urged his horse, now able only to keep up
a slow canter.

This came down to a trot as another mile
was passed over, and as the range was reach
ed the animal’s strength failed utterly.

Leaping from his back the madman took
off the saddle and bridle and turned him
loose.

There he stood nimble to move and pant—
ingr violently.

int the rider had no mercy for him, and
shonldering the bridle and saddle started off
straight up the side of the range.

A (-limb of half a mile and he came to a
narrow break in the range.

Here he halted, laid down the saddle and
bridle and weapons of the scout, tightened
his rope belt, and then started otl’ through
the narrow canyon at a long, running gait
that would carry him along at a seven mile
pace an hour on level land.

The canyon was a long and winding one,
but came out upon the other side of the
range, and overlooking a V1.“ y.

The darkness of the nightdid not for I?
moment check the madman's speed, for he
bounded down the mountain-side with great-
leaps, reached the valley and again kept up
his swift and‘steady gait for miles.

Then he began to ascend another range.

No seemed untiring and never once paused
for rest.

An hour's climb brought him to the sum—
mit, and there he beheld a striking and pic-
turesque scene.

It was a valley in the summit of the
mountain range, and through the valley
bounded a. stream.

Upon each side of the stream, for several
miles, glimmcrcd camp-fires, and their light
revealed a hundred of tepees.

It was the Indian village, where dwelt
the great tribe of Utes, under their leader
Death Hand, a bitter foe to the white Gen-
tiles and soldiers yet who was accused of
being a friend to the Mormons.

Whether the latter assertion was true or
not, he certainly was greatly dreaded by
Gentile settlers along the frontier, and gave
the army no end of trouble, until at last
it had been determined by the department
commander to strike a blow at his tribe that
would be long remembered.

Down the slope into the valley ran the
madman, passing Indian braves here and
there who gazed at him with awe, while, as

he dashed by the tepees, women and children.

fled from him in terror.

All seemed to know him, and
though he was not a hand was raise
him.

Seeming to know his way he ran on to-
ward" a cliff, at the base of which was some
timber, and here were half a dozen large
tepees.

A bright fire burned before one, and there
were gathered half a dozen chiefs, one of
whom, a very tall, sinewy red-skin, was
decked out in all the regalia of a mighty
chief.

“The Evil Spirit!" cried a number of
voices as the madman dashcd up to the
group. '

“ Yes, the Evil Spirit I am, and come to
warn you that the pale-face braves, a thou-
sand strong. are marching upon your village,
and are to attack you when the light drives
the darkness away by hurling iron from
their wheel guns into your midst.

“ You have no time to fight them, so must
retrtat at once further into the mountains,
and strike them before their retreat, forI
will tell you where, when and how.

“The Evil Spirit has spoken,” and the
Giant Madman, having spoken in the Ute
tongue, folded his arms calmly upon his
broad breast. heaving violently from his long
and rapid run.

ale-face
a gain st

 

 

 

 

   

Bufi'allo Bill’s Vilitusé.

 

CHAPTER XIV.
THE EVIL srmr'r’s DISCOVERY.

THAT the Giant Madman held influence in
the Indian tribe there was no doubt, from
the manner in which the chiefs who heard
his words regarded him. ’

They seemed to stand in awe of him, and

   
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
   
 
  
 
 
  
  
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
  
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
  
  
   
 
   
   
   
 
   
 
  
 
 
 
    
 
  
   
 
  
  
   
       
        
      
  
 
    
    
    
     
     
        
   
     
   
 
    
   
  
  
 
 

 even the mighty chief Death lIand was
of» most respectful in his manner of addressing
 him.

,_ . “The Evil Spirit is .wclcome to my vil-

ffi logo, and he brings tidings to frighten the

“ most of my women and children, though

my young braves know no fear of their pale-

face foes. .

” But he tells me what my warriors do not
know, and my scouts are abroad always.”

“ Then your scouts are asleep, or so intent
on hunting for game as not to know what
the palot'aces are doing.

“ I tell you, chief, that not four hours ago
I passed the pale-face warriors, on ponies,

' on foot, and with wheel-guns, crmvling’ like

a huge serpent through the mountains to at-

. tack your village.

‘ “ I saw your dread foe, Buffalo Bill, the
paleface Man of Many Scalps, as you call
him and call me.

“ We fought, and I was his master.

“I bound him with his-own lariat to a
’tree, there to await my return with your
warriors, and give him to them to burn at the

I stake.“

f‘ Then I took his horse and rode on after

| the crawling serpent of pale-faces.

, ” I passed them by, came on to the further
range, left the horse of Buffalo Bill, and ran
on toothere to tell you of your foes’ com—
lng‘.

. “ I tell you now you have no time to fight

them, for they are many and would kill your

young men and destroy your village.

_ “ Retreat at once where they dare not fol-

low 'ou. '

, " cave your tepees standing, throw wood

‘ upon your camp-fires, and let them attack a
deserted village.
,‘ “‘ When you have taken your women and
children, your old people, crippled and sick
to a place of safety, mount your bravest
warriors upon your best ponies, flank around
and head off at the pass the retreating pale-
faces, and strike them there from ambush,
and you will hear a wail of woe through
the‘bressts of thousands of your foes.

'3“ The Evil Spirit has no more to say.

, , “ He has done his duty by his red brothers

and is silent. but he wil not remain here to

glide before the wheel-guns of the pale~faces

“whom he hates.” .v

, ,The words of the Mad Renegade made a

decided impression, and without hesitation

theg‘reat chief responded: '

"" he Evil Spirit has spoken well, and he
u‘is thoiw‘hite brother of my people.

 “ His words shall be obeyed.

,4“ Let the alarm be given, and my people
must move at once to the secret retreat
“timber lithe mountains.” ‘

‘ The chiefs departed, the alarm was, given,

and braves, squaws and children worked

mite gst rbady forthe retreat. ,

{In an hour’s time \the retreat began, the

cattle which had been stolen from the whites

being first driven awn alon the mountain
rolls, the women a chil ren following,
heponios‘ packed with household geods,
aromatics and all hat could be carried

' s. . the sick, ng

. moo“. ' I - .
The tspees were left standing, the fires re- .

built; 'none dreaming that that very ‘nct

Quid be read sright by Texas Jack. and

3.115 warriors brought up the rear, sullen, but

 or revenge in the near future. ‘

v, e Evil~Spirit rode away with. Death
Band, and planned to act as they went

rugs. ‘- , ' - ~
1 he Evil Spirit was known to the Indians
1y as armed polo-face, and they respected,
 upon whom they believed the Great
sflpi‘rit had laid the hand of affliction, to take
$93”; “I l1 v'_ , , v
ey knew. him as a wild man, as one who
I "and roamed the mountains and valleys
, wild boost, the cruelist, hitter-est foo of
ownrace forsome reason. ‘ '
This had, made him their friend, and when!
'_ came to their‘villoge,’ as now and then be
.; he was welcome, for once he had warn:
» party of their braves on the war-paths)!

  

 
 
  

   
  

  

  

  

  

       

 
   
  
  

   
 
  
  

   
  
 

awe: are'jattpckcd, we still ,

 

So the chief Death Hand listened to the
plan of the Evil Spirit as they rode along.

It was to tell off the bands of braves, under
their respective chiefs, as he wanted them to
go and attack the soldiers.

Then he, the Evil Spirit, would guide
them to the place where the blow could be
struck at the command from ambush, and
with little danger to themselves.

The great chief heard and was pleased, and
he called his chiefs about him at the first
bait, and they were given their orders, to
get.their braves together, and be ready
to move at dawn, by ailank rail, to go to the
scene of ambush. '

' So it was that two thousand mounted
braves were on the march at early dawn for
the pass, while the rest of the tribewent
into camp'umong. the mountain i'astuesses
where they knew that the soldiers dare not
follow. ~

‘It was. in the middle of the afternoon
when the Evil Spirit and Death lland, fol-
lowed by the column of rcd‘men, ,rodc up to
the place where Buffalo Hill had been left.

What asight met their gaze.

There, hanging from the tree, bound by ,

the lnriat, was a human being. torn to pieces
by the fangs of a hundred wolves, that scat-
tered snarling and yelping at the approach
of the Indians.

The long dark hair, the clothes, boots and
quivering flesh yet clinging to the bones told

the story, and the madman cried with rage

at having been thwarted:
“ Great God! the wolves have devoured
him!”

“ But the braves though disappointed at not
finding the scout alive. rejoiced at the
thought that their deadly foe was no more.

So they followed the Evil Spirit out to the
cliffs, the ponies were left back in the valley,
rocks were piled up all along‘the edge of the
canyon as missiles, and the red-skins, leaving
scouts on the watch, went back into hiding

,in the timber to await the call to battle.

CHAPTER XV.
‘ THE: WILD RIDER. *’

THE command under Colonel Kent had
approached to within a short distance of the
fatal pass, when Texas Jack. who was well
in advance with his scouts, had grown sus-
picions and came to a halt. ' ' ,;

1

There was no si 11 of a red-skin in sight,‘

nothing to indicate an ger ahead, only ’I exas
Jack thought that he did not like the looks
of things.
To him it seemed that the silence was too
death-like, and so be halted.
h “ Boys, I don't like the looks of things
ere.

“ Keep our eyes open all of you for the

slightest sign that is suspicious," said Texas.

Jilck. /
All did so, athorongh reconnaissance was
made, nothing was seen to cahse alarm, and
the band of scouts moved forward just as the
head of the column came up. '

“What is it. Texas Jack?” asked Colonel
Kent as he rode up, accompanied by his staff
officers. v

“ Nothing it seems, sir, only I do not like

looks of things?”
“ How so?”

“ I can hardl tell, sir, any more than to

say it is forebod ng." . ,
and wounded being , '

."Of what?” _ ‘

“ Weil,‘ sir,‘ we are. in the basin here.
which .narro a into the s yonder, and if
there should be an ambus in the canyon the
command would suite: terribly and. could do
very little fighting back.” v s. I
. “ Very true, .but we must go forward.” -'

“ Yes, sir, I will move on ‘t with, the
scouts. ” . ’ , ,
'. “ No. for they. would not bring: the fire of
the Indians upon them. as the would be al-

lowed‘to.~go throu h.‘ and themommsnd fol-V,

lowing would cute the fire. so wd willmov'o
forward Jo; compact column and ,risk, it;
than I: why you think'there 'is an ambush
here" cannot understand". ’ t

“ You see, air, they havehnd

I felt the‘impressiou that they had done so."
“ Well,-we will boys to chance .it, for ,if
must; go through to,

mo 3 j 

 
 

 

theifortt’i-
, Tom .1:

 

'ln' the attempt.

ample! time.
to flunk around and get here,.and somehow

bereachedWi out a ti no! seth lfi’i'les,

 

 

fl “ Allow me to reconnoiter ahead alone, sir,
rst."

“ All right. if you wish.”

Texas Jack rode on alone, the command
following very slowly, and he was seen to
cross the basin and reach the entrance to the
Dill‘l'OW CililyOll. '

Then he disappeared, and the command
moved on.

At last the column came to a point where
they could see fora long distance into the
canyon.

As they looked they saw Texas Jack
slowly riding back toward them.

They were moving forward once more,
when he held up both hands warning them
back.

The command halted, and, urging llll
horse to a gullop,.Texns Jack came ftrwanl
and called out, as has been seen:

“ llalt!

“ We are ambushed ahead and in the
rear!"

This was startling news, and as Texas
Jack drew rein near the colonel he con-
tinued: '-

“ I saw several Indians hiding in the clist
ahead, sir, but made no sign that I had (lis-
covered them.

“ As 1 turned back, I saw other Indiana
away back on the hills in our rear.”

“ Well, we are in close quarters, but must
risk going through.

“1 will order the cliffs shelled and then
We can push ahead,~and there may not be
many red-skins after all,” said Colonel Kent.

But, as he turned to give the order for the
guns to unlimber for action,,a shout arose
and a number of soldiers pointed down the
canyon. ’

Then all behold a horseman coming at full
speed toward them.

He was riding like the wind, and as they
looked they saw flashes from the cliffs, heard
the reports of rides, and behold the forms of
Indians upon the heights above hurling
stones down into the canyon to kill the dar-
ing rider.

“ My God! it is Buffalo Bill that is running

that deadly gantlet!” cried Colonel Kent who .

had his field glass to his eyes. ‘ ,

For an instantldisciphndwas forgotten
and a wild shout went up from the soldiers
in admiration of Bufialo Bill‘s magnificent

pludk, and all eyes were bent upon him as A

be came flying along.

They saw that his horse ran as though
hurt, and the scout was bending low in the
saddle, his feet free from the stirups, as
though prepared for a fall of the splendid
animal that was hearing him. "

Nearer and'nearer he come, but nothing
could be done to-aid him, as to go to his re—
lief would ‘bntbe toplace other lives in
dan er and without doing good. ‘

. eater and nearer he came, the shots,
arrows and stones from the cliffs raining
down 11 :1 him, but still be pressed on.

“ Be eats a charmed life i“. cried an officer. ‘

and as he spoke the noble horse was seen to
stumble, recover himself, and then. fall.
But the scout caught nimhly. on his feet,

,and ran on like a deer, shouting as be come

closer: »

" The cliffs are swarming with red-Skin's. 35

and I came to warn your"! _ I _

2 And such a mighty about as went up for
Buffalo Bill the brave scout felt repaid him
for the deadly risk he had run. .

l . _,,.—.—.
' ' j‘ CHAPTER XVL ,
m "renaming: GANTLET. ‘
 ‘13an made his mind up to either

give warning of tho danger-ousting) they 3 -

were, to march into to Celene] Kent, or

He hadseen cum?
to know that wi in, hundreds of radish-ins
tiring down upon the soldiers showers of

arrows,~riflo_shots‘and a rain- of rocks, -the 7
result in the "crowd not men in the canyon’ ' '

would be terrible“ . . , i , 
" Hundreds‘will fail, and doubtless among

the firstwlll by Colonel jlgentd’ he argued to .

blsmen.,  ' ‘ V ‘ ‘ 1--
"You ,see," he centinue'dh‘qhe Indians,
will have, eve ‘advanta ; for “they . cannot

  
  

and some war-therein , , _
are to the trap

h through reconnoiteringl "

 

 

K .4“-

MN-Wx —~,-..

 

 

Bufialo Bill’s Red-skin Ruse. 

 

are not in force enough to stand their
ground.

“With the colonel warned he will keep
out of the trap, can shell the cliffs with his
guns, send the cavalry one Way and the in-
fantryanothcr and catch the red-skins be-
tween two tires, for Major lioy, though de-
layed now by some reason, can help ‘im-
menselyin the attack, and the savages not
expecting aid from the fort will be demoral-
ized.

“Now you See, pards, the Indian scouts
are only watching along the cliffs, the main
force being back in the timber in hiding, so
I will only have the gantlet of a few shots to
run."

The scouts did not see it this way, for
they knew that the few shots their chief re-
ferred to would be many before the end of
the canyon was reached.

They knew that BuiIalo Bill was taking
all risks to save the lives of others, and they
admired him the more for it, though they
urged him not to go.

But the scout was determined, his mind
was made up, and his horse having been
brought up by one of the men he turned to
mount without longer delay.

” If I go under, pards, tell the colonel I
tried to do my best.

“ I will leave my rifle, for I do not wish
any extra. weight to carry.

“Well, good-by, for I’m off.”

With this he leaped into his saddle, gather-
ed his reins well in hand, and with a nod
was away.

He shot soon full into view of the cliffs,
but as good luck would have it, he was not
seen by the Indian scouts stationed there,
as their eyes were all turned in the other di-
rection.

He reached the entrance to the canyon,
and not until the echo of the hoofs of his
horse reached their ears did the Indians dis-
cover him. ,

Then they were nonplused for a minute.

They had looked for no one from the di-
rection of the fort, and hardly knew what to

do.

And all this time Buffalo Bill was sweep-
ing along like the wind.

Then the red—skins supposed him to be a
courier, carrying dispatches from the fort
to the command that had gone to attack
them.

Should they allow him to go by and not
reveal their presence?

It seemed best to them to do so, and thus

‘ not give the alarm to Colonel Kent’s com-

man

Whatever their intention in this respect it
was quickly changed, and by one of their
own number who revealed himself in seeking
arbetter position for observation.

The quick eye of the scout glancing up-
ward saw the Indian, the opportunity was
too good to be lost, and throwing his revol-
ver upward he pulled trigger as he sped
swiftly along.

In spite of the long range and motion of
his horse, the scout’s aim was sure, and,
with a wild yell of surprise and pain the
Indian attempted to spring to cover but bad-
ly wounded staggered, reeled, and fell With
a heavy thud into the canyon,,causing Buf-
falo Bill’s horse to bound wildly to one side
in terror.

Ashout from the scout, answering yells
from_ the Indians, and a . Score of rifles
rgtfttjed forth their leaden hail from along the
Cl 8.

Buffalo Bill’s horse gave a bound as a
bullet cut through his neck, and the scout
feld a stinging pain in the shoulder that told
him he was wounded, though he knew that
it was slight.

Then he urged the horse onward the fast-
er, and all along the cliffs the Indian scouts
be an to fire. _

hey must check the flight of the wild

rider at all hazards.

Arrows were fired at him, bullets rattled
about him, and rocks were hurled in showers
to crush him.

But on he rode, as though indeed bearing
a charmed life, and shot around a bend of
the canyon into full view of those he had
risked life to save.

Several times had his horse been hit by
bullets, and two arrows hun g In his haunches
filild the scout knew that he was failing

m.

 

Once a bullet had slightly wounded the
scout, anothcrhad passed through his hat,
a third through his huntingjacket, while
several arrows were hanging in his cloth-
mu.

lint still he rode on, until at last his horse
fell beneath him.

But he caught on his feet, and flying on—
ward as has been seen, rode the the terrible
gantlct to the end, and a proud moment it
was for him when he heard the cheers of
the soldiers upon his magnificent achieve-
ment.

CHAPTER XVII.

A S It} \’ I} It It} I) E lv‘ I“. A T.

Tm.) first one to grasp Buffalo Bill‘s hand,
as he dashed up, was Colonel Carrol Kent,
and as he did so he cried:

“ Splendidly done, Cody; but is it really
you or your ghost, for we have mourned you
as dead.”

“ No, colonel, I am stillin the ring, though

I (lid very nearly pass in my chips; but now
I can only tell you that I ran the gantlct of
the canyon to tell you that there are all of
two thousand braves along the cliffs, back in
the timber, and they are there to ambush
' u.
“ But Major Roy, with three hundred men,
and three guns, is not far from the other end
of the canyon, and we were going to your
aid, knowing you had failed to surprise the
village, and must need help.”

“ We would have needed it first here,
Cody, but for you; but bravo for Major Roy
and his men, though how did he know we
failed to surprise the village?”

“ I told him, sir.”

“ You?”

“Yes, sir; oh, I knew it all, colonel, as
you shall later hear.

“ But as I know the lay of the land up on
yonder cliffs, may I show you how to aim
the guns, for you see the Indians have given
up all hope of ambushingr you now. and are
going to close in on your rear and try and
drive you into the canyon, where they will
leave braves enough to greatly harm you,
for they do not know that Major Roy is
near.” \

“ Goodl then the biters will be bitten, and
we will give them a surprise.’

“ Yes, tell Captain Baxter just where to
aim his guns, and we'll begin work.”

Captain Baxterlistencd attentively to Buf-
falo Bill's description of the land back from
the cliffs, and where the Indians were doubt-
less in heaviest numbers, and instantly the
gunners had their orders, and the cannon be-
gan to roar.

The shells flew over the cliffs, bursting in
the timber beyond, and as soon as they had
rained death into the midst of the red-skins
and ponies alike, they were taken quickly to
the rear, and poured in a hot fire upon the
ridge, where there were hundreds of war-
riors coming down into the valley to attempt
and drive the soldiers into the canyon.

The infantry began also to advance upon
the ridge, firing as they did so, and the In-
dians were driven rapidly back up the ridge,
just as the thunder of Major Roy's guns was
heard,and shell after shell began to burst
back over the cliffs.

“ Hurrah! Roy is at them I" cried a
young officer, as e dashed up to tell the
colonel that the Indians were being driven
from the ridge in the rear of the soldiers.

Then at both ends of the canyon the roar
of the guns was incessant, the bursting of
shells followed, the rattle of the infantry
rifles was steady, and soon after the carbines
of the cavalry was heard.

The Indians had attempted to stand their
ground for awhile, but the fire of the “ wheel
guns,” and their bursting shells demorallzed
them.

Their ponies were stampeded, and as the
infantry of Major Roy began to climb the
ridge, they broke and followed the example
of their horses.

But they did not find escape so easy, for
Buffalo Bill guided the cavalry up a narrow
trail, the infantry with Colontl Kent follow-
ing, and, driven intoa narrow pass on the
ridge, and caught between the fires of the
main command and Major Roy’s, the suffer-
ed greatly, and were soon in full flig t, most
of them on foot, as their stampeded ponies

 

had been rounded up by Texas Jack and a
number of scouts, and started off toward the‘
fort. .

Within an hour the battle was won, and if,
a number of soldiers had been killed and
wounded, the loss to the Indians had been
ten to one, while nearly a thousand of their
ponies had been captured.

Compelled to leave the guns in the can.
you below, both (‘oloncl Kent and Major
Iioy had ascended the ridge with their infan-
try and cavalry, and at last met on half-way
ground upon the cliff, just where Buil'nlo
Bill had seen the Giant Madman abontto
hurl the huge stone down 'npon the soldieis.

Buffalo liill came up as the two oflicers
grasped hands, for, mounted upon a cavalry—
sergeant‘s horse, he had followed the flying
Indians until sent back by the officer con»
manding the cavalry,‘ to ask how far he
should push the pursuit.

The two oliiccrs had only had a few words
together, but enough had been said to let
Major Iioy know that Bullalo Ilill'had rid-
den the gantlet in safety, while Colonel Kent
had heard that it was the scout who llflll
brought the news to the fort that the expedir
tion needed aid.

“ I will send word back to Captain Bromv
field, Cody, by Lieutenant Swaync, not to
push the pursuit further, and you remain
here with me and find us a good cainpingr
place for the night as you have done fully
enough for one day, for it is owing to what
you have done that we have gained a grand
victory. '

“ Come, major, call off your men and we
will go into camp, for Cody will lead us to a
good one,” and the colonel gave the neces-
sary orders for the pursuit to be checked.

CHAPTER XVIII.
BUFFALO BILL Mvs'rrrian.

Comma]. KENT, with the aid of his able
officersf had the situation well in hand.

The artillery in the canyon was ordered to
a camping-place, which Buffalo Bill sent one
of his scouts to guide them to, and an.
oflicer had been dispatched to recall the
cavalry from the pursuit, and with orders
also to go into the general camp.

The infantry Were devoting their attention
to the dead and wounded, and the latter
were being carried down the ridge to the
ambulances, which had been ordered there to
meet them, and then to push on for the fort.

When all was going well the major asked
Buffalo llill to show the colonel and himself
just where he had found the Mad Giant, and
the tree where lie had bound him, the scout
meanwhile making known to Colonel limit
his story of meeting the mysterious wild man
and what had followed. .

There on the cliff was the large stone the
madman had so easily raised above his head,

Dismounting, the major, who was a very
athletic man, in vain tried to raise the stone,

The scent did take it up in his an”,
but was not able to raise it above his head,
and taking up a smaller one he showed jun.
how the wild man had easily bandied the.
Jar 0 rock. '

hen the scout and the two oflicers rode to
the spot where Cody had left his horse, and
near there was the scene of the struggle
which had been such a desperate one be—
tween Buifalo Bill and the man whom the
Indians called the Evil Spirit.

“I believed by surprising him I might
master him, for I did not wish to kill him.“
and I thought .I could move more quickif
than he could.

“ I was never more mistaken in my diff;
Colonel Kent, and though I am known along
the frontier as a very strong man, I was no
match for him, and he could handle men!
readil as I could a half—grown boy.

“ nowing my danger the fight was a
desperate one, but I was bettered in the end.
bound and led to yonder tree and—but what
i that I see?” and the scout ceased his
narrative of his desperate affray, touched his
horse with his spurs and rode rapidly to the
tree where he had found so many hours «t
suffering.

The two officers followed him, struck with
his sudden words and his rapid departure
from their side. ‘

They saw Buffalo Bill standing beforea

 

10

 

   

Buffalo Bill’s Red-skin Ruse.

 

strange sight, one that seemed to impress him
visibly.

\Vhat they saw also impressed them.

There, bound to a tree with lariat thongs,
yet half torn from it, was a human form, or
the remains of it.

It was the sight that the Mad Giant had

 

beheld, and which caused him to believe the ,

wolves had devoured liuilalo llill.
There was the skeleton form, the flesh
to_rn from the bones, which still clung to-

,, other, save the hideous skull, which had

if allen to the ground and been picked clean

I, by the sharp teeth of the wolves.

 , The clothing was that of a white man, and
‘had been torn in shreds by the ravenous
beasts to get at the flesh.

'I The boots were also cut to pieces, and

locks of matted, stained hair, the same length

and hue of the scout‘s, was scattered about,
while a large slouch hat was lying near.

It was a pitiablo, appalling sight, and the
two ofiicers looked at Buffalo Bill as though
expecting him to explain.

“ I am as much mystified as you are,
gentlemen. '

“That is the tree to which I was bound,
yes, and this is my lariat which I did not
earr awaywith me.

" at who is this unfortunate man?"

Neither could answer the scent, and he
made a most thorough search about the

lace.

“ The hair is about the length and color

.‘ of mine,.and the clothes, boots and but are
those of a white man.

= “ What does it, what can it mean ?"

I It was very evident that Buffalo Bill was
ver much worried, and yet he went on

wit his search.

" See here,” he suddenly cried, and he
draw from the small finger of his left hand
a 1' ng. V

Washing it ed in the brook near, a hewvy
gold seal ring was revealed.

A design was engraved on the seal.

“ It was a red stone, and, in it was-cut a’
hand rasping a knife, and in a semi-circle
beneat were the words in French:

.“ Le jour' m‘endm.” ’

‘,‘ The day will come!” said the colonel,
translatin the French, and he added sadly:

“The ay has come, did come for him,‘

r fellow. "

“ But what do you make out of it, Cody?”

V “ I'do not know, sir.

" But look! this tells a story.”

The scout pointed to the skull, and in th
‘ very center of it was a small round hole.

9‘ , ” That is a ballet hole”.

-: “Yes,'colonel," and taking the skull up,

.hideons as it was, a bullet dropped upon the

ground. '

- Buflalo Bill. picked up the bullet, washed,

it‘ofl. and found it indented upon its side,

‘oli ht . ,
I; ' oked at it most intently, then took
his knife and cut it, when he said: 7
. _ “ This is a silver bullet.”
“ Silver bullet?" echoed both oflicers.
‘ “It most surely is, enllemen. '
"Well, I am comp eter mystified," and
scout evidently was. . .

 
 
  
   
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
   
  
  
   
 
 
  
  
    
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
   
  
 
 
   
   
 
  
   
     
   
 
  
  
  
 

      
     
 
  
  
  
 
 
   
 

  

 

1, CHAPTER XIX. ‘ .
1 firm: scou'r's mnmon'r MISSION.

 more be regarded his strange discov.
, the more mystified Buffalo Bill was.

I: vain did he try to solve the affair. ,
, he could say was that he had been left
yby his onem , the madman, tied to that very
3m; with h own lax-lat. I

In the night he had been released by an
unknown, some one muffled from head to

 
 
 
 

  

' Mounts had been tied to that very tree,
Mkuh his larlat. ,
That other was a white man, too. with
gdark hair, boots and clothinggnuch ,as
won-er

‘H‘ho wolves had threatened to tear him.

  
 

 

 

   
 

fin ill,topieces.~ ‘ - -_..
hybrid torn home who followed‘

x

  

Was he not dead when they had done so?

The bullet wound in the forehead indi-
cated that he was. -

He could not have taken his own life
bound as he was, and remembering his own
suilerings, liuil'alo Bill hoped that the other
had been killed before the wolves seized him.

And more, the man had been killed by a
silver bullet.

This was a strange circumstance there was
no accounting for.

The ringr and the bullet Buffalo Bill gave
to Colonel Kent to keep until the mystery
had been solved, 9

At last the scout said.-

“ it is my opinion, colonel, that the mad-
man must have returned here, and with an}
other captive, and finding Inc gone, in his
demonincal rage killed him and bound him
to the tree. ,

“ That is the only solution I can arrive at
regarding the affair. "

“ And your unknown rescuer, Cody?” ,

“ Alli. 1 had not thought of that, and your
question suggests that the madman might
have discovered his rescue of me. and so
made him suffer."

1" That is the way of it, I take it," said the
colonel.

“ But, who was this rescuer who met such
a terrible fate?“ the major asked. 4

“ That I will make it my duty to find out,
sir," returned Buffalo/Bill, and he added:

“ May I ask that we keep the finding of
this body a secret, colonel, so that I can go
my own way about finding out all about
it?"

“ Certainly, Cody, it will be best.

“ Don't you think so, major?”

“ Yes, sir, for the secret can come out
when it is necessary to be known,” an-
swered the major.

“ Then I Will come here alon
sir, gather up the remains, and
secretly.

" I will also take some pieces of the cloth-
ing, the boots and the hat, to keep with the
ring and the bullet/as they may be needed
to identify the body some time. " '

“ Do so, and now let us go, and we must
see to it that none of the scouts and soldiers
come this way to discover the body.

The three then mounted and rode away,
and the men were soon after drawn awa
from the ridge, and the bodiemof the d ,
soldiers and Indians alike, were buried in
a little clump of pines not- i'ar from the
trail. ~

The ambulances had started to the fort
with the wounded, under asmall guard, and
the rest of the command went into camp as
they arrived, the last squad of cavalry
returning from the pursuit just as the sun
set. '

The encampment could not have been a
better one under all circumstances, for there
was water, grass and wood in plenty, and
the position could be well defended in case
of an, attack, should the Indians. in their
ra . return to strike a blow at night.

fiuflalo Bill threw his scouts well out, to
guard against surprise, and double sentinels
were placed on duty.

It was time to turn in; when, tired- as
he was, Buffalo Bill mounted the horse he
had been riding and rode away in the dark-

tonight,
ury them

385.- , _ r .

“That man never tires,"-said an officer,
who saw him depart, and then he addressed
‘agreed with him in all that was said of the
chief bi scouts. I

Bu’fiaio Bill had concealed a ,pick and
shovel in a blanket, and carried them with
him, and once free from camp he took the
trail on up to the spot where the torn
fipfdy of the unfortunate unknown had been

1;. ' ‘- .

He reached the spot. and un’mindful of
the darkness and gloom, he set to work to do
his work of mercy in burying the remains. ‘

He bade lantern with him, and its' light »

enabled him to selectsomo pieces, of the
ciothin , the hat and boots, and -foid them
all up a bundle. . ' '

Then he unfaétened his lariat from the
mangled form, washed it in the brook and
hung it over the horn of his saddle. ,, ~

1. Gathering up thebonesthen be her them
in. a blanket to a secluded 3 some d tunes
6 sheet: and withpi __andshovelsoon

 

 
    
   
 

  
  
 
   

. therein“.
‘ near w

   
 

 
 

had left his horse, he tied the pick and
shoVel to his saddle and turned to put out
his lantern and mount, when he heard a
wild cry of terror, it seemed, and ere he
could draw a weapon he was struck a blow
that felled him senseless to the ground.

 

CIIAP’I‘E Ii XX.

’l'IIE DYING SCOUT.

Buymno inn. had not very long left
camp before a shot rung out, startling the
sleeping soldiers, as well as those on duty.

The guard was at once turned out, and
the whole camp was on the alert in a minute
of time. -

As the guard was hastening to the post
from whence the shot had seemed to come,
and yet from which no call had come from
the sentry there, strange to say, a, second
shot was heard further along the line of sen-
tinels.

There was still no call from the sentinel on
the last post, and the flash and report had
isieemed further out than was the sentry
me.

The “long roll ” was at once sounded, to
give a general alarm, and that it was needed
the officer of the day quickly made known,
as the guard had discovered two sentinels
dead on the posts from whence the shots had
been hen/rd.

It was of course set down as the work of
some skulking Indian, and the scouts were
then sent out to make a detour of the camp.

Hardly had the scouts gotten a couple of
hundred yards when a cry of alarm was
heard from one, and then a shot followed
quickly upon it.

Texas Jack ran like a deer toward the spot,
and an officer and several soldiers, followed
him.

When Texas Jack reached the scene, he
found one of the scouts lying upon the ground
and roaning from a wound in his side.

" iy poor Jeff—some red-skin has given
oua bad wound, 1 fear,” cried Jack, as he
'nelt by the side of his comrade, whom a
minute before he.had spoken to as he left the

cam .

man. '
“No Indium—who was it then, Jeii’?"
“The devil.”
“ Poor pard, your mind is wandering,”
said Texas Jack, just as Major Roy and seve-

. ral soldiers came up.

“ No, Jack, my mind’s all right, though
I’ve got to pass in my chips. I feel it and I
tell you it was no Indian.” '

‘.' Who was it then, my man?" asked the
major in a kindly tone, kneeling by the side
oi the scout, while he ordered a soldier to
bring the surgeon with all speed. .

“ No need of ther doctor now, thank yer, ’
major, for I knows when I has gone my
limit. and I’m going fast)?

“ And who was it that shot you, my
man?"
killed the two soldier sentinels. ‘

“He was. sneaking along to pick of! an-
lother one when all of a sudden/I ran upon

1m. .

“ I was scared and no' mistake, forI saw
what was a cross between a grizzly and
ther devil. ‘

“ Ii,it was a, man, then he was the big-
gest one 1 ever seen, ‘and he were clothed
in skins. \ .

" That was. all I seen, and I tried to pull
on him, but my naive wasn’t edual to it, so
I give a yell. '

“ He then saw me, and . he gave a growl I

like a wild beast and sprun toward me; ,
“ But he changed his in ad. and shot-Tine.

and-then, he [went ofl like a deer crying‘out

as harsh: ‘ ’ . .
“Three! threel three! ha! ha! hat".

limit, major, so let me die ri ht here. ,’

“ No, my man, I'll not - fielieve you are
mortally hit, and the surgeon,will soon bring
you round all right—here he come; now.“

, "I will leave him to your care. major,

and see it I can make any. discovery."_saidi.-"

Texas Jack. , ~
, “ Hold on, Paul Jack, don't run ed that
way but shake as you wili‘uever test
 min." ' l * ”

 

hie ‘he',

 

All» were touched by'rt-he' 5MP.“

 

p .
“It was no Injun, Jack,” gasped the

“Ther same, man, demon or devil, that '

“I tell at the shot, and I‘ve, got'rny

 

st

 

J

      
   
 
    
       
         
    
 
      
     
       
    
   
    
 
  
  

 

    
  
   
       
  
  
   
      

a

 

 

_ had then mtar'ned

. . Thus

a... ....r . “than”,

Buffalo Bill’s Red-skin Ruse.

mm .m. Muscat-'1 Mm «pm mmmw. warms-I. awn ram-u new -m.-:x:.~s run: :u-r flaw urgmzwmn-mmwwn‘mcmw mm“ ea. r-

    
   

11‘

 

 

and the dying scout saw Jack run his hand
across his eyes, while he could not speak as
he turned and grasped his comrade by the
hand.

" What, Jack, a tear, and for me?

‘ Lord, old friend. I liav‘n thatl a tear shed
for me since my poor old mother used to
weep over me when I was a growin’ kid.

“They say, them us don't know, that we
men of the border are a bad lot, rough and
with no hearts; but they don't know us.
Jack.

“Now, pard, tell the chief good-by for
me, for he's gone out of camp, and tell him
I died doing my duty.

" Now, good by, pard."

The hands of the two clasped for an in
slant, anil unable to speak. Texas Jack
turned quickly away and disappeared in
the gloom of the timber near by. '

The surgeon made no comment as he bent
over the scout, butsiinply ordered him borne
into the camp.

Tender hands raised him and he was soon
placed near a camp fire, by the light of
which the surgeon bent over to look at the
wound.

A moment only did he look and then
said:

“There is no need of my causing you
greater pain. my poor fellow, by probing,
for 1 will tell you frankly that the wound is
fatal."

“ I know’d it, didn’t I, major?

“ Well, Buffalo Bill knows me, and where
the few kin I have lives, and he will write
them for me—ahi colonel, I want to say
good-by to you. sir, and it was kind of you
to come; but just like you, for you are a
true man. - '

“And you. too, major, you’ll say I was no
.slouch and did my duty.”

And so the dying scout ran on until his
voice became a whisper, then, with a sigh.
he crossed the Great Divide.

 

CHAPTER XXI.
THE Missmo CHIEF.

THE sentinel here was strengthened, and
:the scouts were constantly making a circuit
‘of the camp until morning dawned, after the
three men had been shot on duty.

The two soldiers and one scout killed, was
:a. deadlyl record for the night, and a ffeling
of awe ad come upon all when the umor
got out that poor Jeff had said that the one
who had killed him was a huge creature, half
man. half beast. ' v

Of coursn, from the scout’s description of
the man, Colonel Kent and Major Roy both
knew that it must be the Mad Giant described
by Buffalo Bill.

It could be no other, they decided, and
they talked together near their camp-fire
until late in the night, and dreaded a meet-
ing between Buffalo Bill and the mad .

Knowing the duty that Buffalo 'Btl had
gone on, they were both fearful that he had
met the madman, and they sent for Texas
Jack, determined to take him into their con-

fidence and have him go out with some of '

his men to see if his chief was really in
danger. .

But Texas Jack, the orderly reported, had
gone out on a scout and had not yet rc-
4turned. v

So they retired to their blankets. but left
orders that Texas Jack should come to them
.assoon as he arrived. '

Day dawned and Texas Jack did not an
rive; but, as Colonel Kent and tho majorlsat
down to an early breaka he came in.

He. had made an extended scout he 

ported, but had seen nothing, and then,
thinking that whoever had fired the shots
would retreat along the trail the Indians had
taken, he lay in wait there until daylight.
, Seeing no one, and being dismounted, he
to camp. r
He was pained to hear of poor J efI's death,
and heard with'considerable anxiety that the
c f of scouts had not returned. '
ere was no way of accounting for Buf-
falo Bill's absence. save that some harm‘had,
bofallon l '

im_ . 1 .
‘olonel‘ Kent told him the story of
Buffalo Bill's having met the “Mad Giant. and

7 , 'yvhich Texas Jack had not before heard, and
' Just why~
Willi-

he had gone‘out of camp in the

  

“ Now, Omohundro,” continued Colonel
Kent, " we do not wish this known for per-
sonal reasons. '

“ We are anxious to catch this mad man«
slayer, and to learn who the unknown res-
(:uer of Cody was. and also who it was that
some one tied to that tree after he had killed
him.

“ “’0 are going secretly to Work, so do
you keep the affair to yourself, and yet do
all in your power to solve the mystery.

“ (Jody is missing, that is certain, and yet
what he went to acooniplish would not have
taken him over three hours at the best, and
he left camp about nine o’clock, so he has
been ten hours away.

“ He was to report to me at daybreak, and
tell me what he had done.”

“‘ It looks bad, sir, but I hope he has met
with no harm.”

“So do all of us, most sincerely; but I
wish you to take a score of your men, and
send them about on the search. only do you
make a thorough investigation of the sur.
roundings of that tree, and keep your scouts
away from them. >

" You are second only to Cody in trailing
and reading signs, and you can readily pick
up information, with the knowledge you
have to start on. and I can direct you to the
spot.”

“ I will go at once, sir."

“ As soon as you havo.had your breakfast,

and we will camp here until tomorrow,
while Major Roy will take a couple of hun-
dred cavalry, and two light guns, and push
along thelndian trail for some twenty miles,
returning to camp to-night, by way of the
)ass. ,
x “ The guns firing in the mountains can be
heard by the Indians, and the will believe
we are marching toward their village, and
will get a. fright at least.

“Now, Omohundro, I depend upon you
to find Cody, or discover what has become
of him, while, should he turn up in camp, I
shall send a courier in search of you to notify
you of the fact.”

“ I will do my best, sir,” said Texas Jack,
and he at once went 'over to the scouts’ camp
and picked out a score of his best men to go
with him. ‘

It could be seen that the men were all
anxious about their chief, and asked many
questions, but all that Jack would reply was
that the were going to find Buffalo Bill,
who ha gone off on a scout during the
hi ht and was overdue. 4 .

vin breakfast, and the men all being
furnishe with a. day’s provisions, Texas
Jack inountedand led his little band out of
camp.

Soldiers and all seemed to intuitively un-
derstand their mission, and ,several called
out:

“ Be sure to find,Bufialo Bill, pards.

“'We cannot afford to lose him."

Hardly had the scouts (gone when Major
Roy rode out of camp lea ing two hundred
troopers‘and with a coupleof six-pounders
following.

3, CHAPTER XXII.
READING sums. ’

Texas J sex was more than anxious about
his chief, after havin heard what the
colonel had to so as to a Mad Giant.

Could Buffalo ill have a ain fallen into
the hands of that wild man, a wondered.

He had been very doubtful as to Buffalo
Bill’s having been worsted by one who was
‘his superior in strength. ,

A-phenomenally powerful man himself,
Jack yet knew that his chief washis superior
easily. and to understand . just how one
could be still so muchstronger was beyond

him-‘ ‘ ' v <
And‘yet it had been Buffalo Bill’s own
story. to Colonel Kent and _ Major Roy, so
Texas Jack could not but believe it.
‘ In Ieavi'n camp with his scouts he had to
goitblind na measure. . t
It would not be possible to follow a trail,
with all the tracks about, and Jack was not
acquainted with the hoof-tracks of the ser-
geant’s horse, which the chief had ridden.

 

180 he went .to the canyon, halted there and
sent his men in parties of ' three in diflerent-

directions, telling them that he would go

 

upon the cliffs alone. and hem later at
.theplace the 8W 1 . ’ ‘

:

 
  

 

“Bill, and about the trunk the marks of the

trail leading to the little grove where he had 

 

     
  
   
   
  
  
  
 
 
   
  
  
   
  
  
   
   
    
   
 
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
   
  
   
  
   
 
  
    
   
   
      
 

So tip the steep rid go he rode to the sum
mit, and came out not far from where Buf~
falo Bill had been when he sighted that mad-
man. about to hurl the stone upon the sol-
diers marching below him.

Texas Jack recognized the stone, from the
coloncl‘s description of it and the Spot, and
he saw as he rode up to it that it had been v.
moved. ' .u'

Distnounting he tried to discern how high  '
he could raise it from the ground, and
quickly relinquished the self-imposed task
aftena trial, with the remark:

“ Itis a couple of hundred more than I can
tackle.”

Then he saw the piles of stones all along
the edge of the cliffs. which the Indians had
gathered to hurl down upon the soldiers. and
had been disappointed, havin had a chance
only to throw a few at Bu alo Bill as he
sped through the canyon.

Then Texas Jack rode back in search of
the tree to which his chief had been bound,
and afterward an unknown. '

He went down the slope to the stream, and
there discovered What he was sure was the
fatal tree. ' ‘

A search abOut it convinced him thnl there
was no mistake, for upon one side was the -
ground irodden down by the feet of Buffalo .

lariat.

There were red stains, too. upon thetroo
and the ground. and the tracks of the bum
gry wolves, with here and there a still more
ghostly tell~tale of the unfortunate who‘hnd
there met his fate, for at night, by lantern
light, Buffalo Bill had not been able to clear
away all traces of the sickening scene. i "

That Buffalo Bill had been there was prom, .
on, so Texas Jack’s next move was totry
and trace him from that spot.

After a long while he found the scout’s

buried the remains of the unknown unfortu-
nate.

He saw that the ground had been careful:
1y dug and filled in, and his next move was
to track the chief of scouts from there.

This he did by finding where he had hitch~
ed his horse. and noting the trails by which
the animal had come to that spot, he began,
at once to follow it away from them. I

To his surprise he saw that it did not lead '
back toward the camp, ~ a 1

Nor did it go in the direction of the‘forti'

Instead it bore away up the valley -.in the
direction of the mountains where the Indians
had their retreats. .  .
Why had the chief of scouts gone in that
direction instead of returning to the camp,
Texas Jack wondered. ’ -

It could nothave been far from daylig
when Buffalo Bill had finished his task"o£~
burying the dead, and yet he had deliberate
l gone from, instead of toward. the cam
t ough he had to report to Colonel Kent“,
dawn. - I v "_
" He may liave seen some scoutingred
skin and followed him. ' '

1‘31 will follow his trail,” Texas Jock;
so . v 3.!

Then he continued on along the trail. and
after awhile muttered: ‘ r a ‘ -. A

"He was riding islowly when hé passed
along here." ‘ .

He discovered this byethe tracks loftby
horse ridden by the ob f, and which sin)
that the animal was in a walk. . ,w ‘

Texas Jack had now been long enough
the trail to feel that it must have been _‘ ~.
daylight when Buffalo Bill had‘ gomiitlons
there. ‘ -

He saw thatthe‘ trail was leading 11 “ , .
ley that had its head in a mountain range
somecniles beyond. -

Beyond this range was a wide v
at its head were the mountains whoro'
dians dwelt.

He was not on the trail’ihe soldi =. ,, *
taken tothe red-skin village, for-thaw“;r
miles away to the left of him. .  “

But he soon found that he had-disco,
thatle which the Indians had, flank I
the pass and come to take up their pm
in'ambush. . ' g,

The many tracks of the ponies shoved“
high been their force. ~ . *

‘ e track ‘ ‘

Bill. iron-shodand ~ a large' ani‘mallg‘lsh
lainiy among the lesser. Junshodhoofs of
Indian ponies going inward. the pass

   
 

   
  
   
    
    
  
  
  
   
  
    
   
 
 
 
       
    
 
      
  
 
  
 

       

u. ,

 
  

  
  

   

   
 

   

 
  

 
 

   
      
  

 
 

 
      
  
   
  
  

  
   
  

         
      
   
   
   

   
   

     

     

  
 

 

12

 1 Buffalo Bill’s Red-skin Ruse. ,

 

 

  
  
  
   
   
   
  
 
 
 
  
  
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
   
  
 
 
 
  
  
  
 
 
  
    
  
   
 
 
 
   
   
  
 
  
    
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
  
 

 

“ Well. 1 have read signs enough to know
that Buffalo Bill left this trail, and I wish to
see the end of it," muttered Texas Jack, and
once more he continued on, folloWing the
iron-shod tracks of the large cavalry horse
Cody had ridden from the camp.

 

CHAPTER XXIII.
THE END on THE TRAIL.

TEXAS JACK knew full well that he was
venturing upon dangerous ground, but he
was not one to swerve from a duty,especially
when he was seeking to find his chief and
true friend Buflalo Bill, for the two were as
brothers.

He therefore pushed on, until, heading
the, valley and ascending the ridge, he came
to where the trail to the pass, to tlank it and
ambush the soldiers, was crossed by the In-
dian retreat from the pass.

But the retreating trail did not continue
on with the one he was following; it was too

‘far around to the Indian village that way,
and the red-skins, demoralized by their re-
treat, were ilyin g then to their mountain fast.

’ Desses. . '

The trail nearly crossed the one he had
been traveling.

It did not take the scout’s experienced
eye longyto discover that in their retreat the

Indians had been weighted down by their
“dead and wounded.

The marks of man tweets were seen upon
which the wounded ad been borne, and the

dead had been piled, while there were more

human footprints than pony tracks, as half

'of their horses had been stampeded and
captured by the scouts, and there were

scores of warriors who also had to walk
back and ({give up their ponies to draw the

, .trmm's an carry the slightly wounded.

. , “ Well, they certainly got it bad, and as
the lost half their ponies, and Colonel Kent
- entirelydestroyed their village of hundreds

of'rtepees, and forced the whole tribe further
into the mountains, the result has been all

that Government wished it to be, and I

,nk a rest deal of the success was owing

to Bufla 0 Bill. ~

' " But, what of him, poor fellow?

, ‘ Well, I’ll still stick to the trail till I

know where it ends."

Bo saying Texas Jack halted for his noon-

meal. ' ,

" fie found good grass forvhis horse, water
a close at hand. and having staked the"

imal out he sat. down and are a cold din-
ner, for he dared not build a fire.
As he had ridden slewly all the morning,

’o’v'did not halt longer than half an hour, and

again saddling up and mounting he continued

git ' Instead, they went on2 only a few hundred
ids; and then branched off along the ridge

is is strange. : J  :

Bi: 0 Bill must havo'been‘following

s ecial trail along here, though I do
see-any. ‘

~ -. :8till,.a,_ pony’

   

 

s unshod hoof , would not
 with his iron shoes. 5

New to follow on," and then it was that,
ack returned to his horse to 3091: his

 thoridge he went for over an hour,
‘ ‘ as then unable. to see any trace of a
a , ' , on the hard ground, and again picking
“up Once snore further along. I
‘ Marries hewonid come to. a
wath on. the mountain top. and look
of over the broad valley to the higher
. iwhere the Indians had their home.
, " _:th'e' t'rack'would near the other side,
 catch a view of the cliffs which
" therscene afathe red-skins‘ ambush,
beyond which a few miles he knewwas
meanness of the soldiers: ' ‘ ‘

 
 
 

  

     
        
  
 
   
        
   
   
 
  
    

    
 
  
  
  

  

  
   
 

Looking still further. beyond-he could '

   
  

rungs upon whichFort‘ Yaleiwas located...
119/ then:

day's denser frog: where.

  

is: th‘e‘traekthat. the large cavalry horse ,

break in we, .

scouts at any moment, nothing would deter
him from still trying to find out what the
fate of Buffalo Bill had been.

So on he pressed once more, until the
shadows of the trees began to lengthen as
the sun neared the western horizon.

He knew that he could not then reach the
rendezvous with his companion until late in
the night, and that there would be alarm
felt for his fate as well as the chief’s, but on
he Went.

Suddenly he saw an opening ahead, a
vista through the trees, and the trail he fol-
lowed led straight to it. -

The nature of the ground here made the
iron-shod tracks more distinctly seen, and as
'i‘exas Jack rode into the opening he came
out upon a cliff.

A roar reached his ears, and he knew that
a torrent was dashing along far below in the
valley. -

Iie halted within fifty feet of the edge of
Ehe cliff, and dismounting went forward 011
001:. '

It was a bold point of land, jutting out
from the ridge, and going sheer off down-
ward flve hundred feet, where the foaming
torrent dashed madly along.

But it was not the height that he looked
down from that made the scout dizzy, but
the fact that the trail of the iron-shod hoofs
went directly over the cliff.

There was no doubt, no mistake, Texas
Jarfi: had found the end of Buffalo Bill’s
tra .

 

CHAPTER XXIV.
SHOTS FROM AMBUSH.

TEXAS -JACK stood like one who had been
struck a stunning blow.

The discovery he had made dazed him.

He had followed the trail to the end and

had found what? f . I »
The indication that his chief had ridden to
his doom over the cliff. '

Having recovered from the first shock,
subdued the emotion that had almost over-
whelmed him, TeXas J ackset .to work.

He had an hour yet of sunlight, and he
would see what it would reveal to him.

Taking his horse to a spot where he could
feed, Jack unsaddled and bridled him, so as
to refresh him for the rapid ride he intended
to make back to camp through the-ni ht.

He then went again to the cliff an began
to thoroughly investigate the trail.

There were the iron tracks, made as the
horse wentalong in a 'walk, and, without
sifefiming to see his danger, had gone over the
ex . ' v. r

‘ The tracks showed where one fore foot
had just caught the' edge, broke the earth

away, and the other hoof had tried to catch '

a hold to prevents. fall. _ a ,

The, hind feet had scraped and struggled
for a" second, in'a mad scramble to prevent
the fall, and they had broken the cliff edge
as they also went overt V

There was no doubt that the animal had
walked over the cliff. r

Looking coolly downward, Texas J aek be-
held where the horsehad fallen, six hundred
feet below. , . ' ’

He could only have splashed downward
into the swiftly~flbwing torrent, and been
swept away; beyond finding. I

But was there a rider on the unfortunate
animal? _ ,'  , , -

‘ Buffalo Bill was the rider, and ’if he had
 in the, saddle then he too had gone to

oom. ., v , ' l ,
r ' Tessa Jack hoped in his inmost heart that'
the horsehad solider when, he went-

 
     

oven: , l - . » - ,
' But wouldtheanimal 0 without urging?
The tracks indicated t at. there had been
no halt. nohesitation on the chills, until the
fore foot had gone over,ra'nd then had come,
the dos rate struggle“ ‘  , . ’
.. Had shale Bill,‘w‘9m down b allhe had
passed through, been' asleep
and not have“ seen his danger? . '
l’l‘hat‘ seemedthe solution of,.it. ,
But‘the‘horsot' ‘ ‘
It appeared “that ithe,
drowsy. mating anions
often do half asleep, V , ‘
 ,f

 

  

 

 

 

 
 

as. horses
t realisz

 

in
of

in-  is saddle, V

than, ‘tired'f‘and';

y.

. ; They had

 

to find that the horse had branched off to—
ward the cliif seemingly aimlessly.

There was a faint trail along the ridge.
made by deer and other wild animals, and
along this the iron shod hoofs had led until
they had turned off toward the cliff.

So, after a thorough search, and reading
all of the signs with skillful eyes, Texas
Jack came to the conclusion that the horse,
half asleep, had branched off from the trail
and gone over the cliff.

lint there was a hope that the rider might
have saved himself.

Then Jack went on along the ridge looking
for any trace of a trail made by human foot.

There was none, and as the sun was now
touching the horizon, he concluded to re-
traee his way.

Returning toward his horse he was startled
by the sudden whir of arrows, and the crack
of a rifle.

The arrows came truly aimed, one striking
him on his belt buckle and beingr shattered,
and a second sticking in the leather strap
swung over one shoulder, and to which
had hung his rifle, he having left the latter
with his saddle. '

The arrow had out half through the leather
strap, his hunting-coat and shirt, and wound
ed him slightly, being checked by striking a
rib just overhis heart.

But there was a rifle-shot as well.

.Three hands had sent as man missiles
at the scout, and they were all wel aimed to

k1 .

The bullet from the rifle had out directly
through thescout's hat, just drawing blood
from the scalp.’

Texas Jack was a man of quick mind.

He could think with lightning rapidity
and act as quickly.

He had realized in a flash that three per-
sons had fired at him, and he naturally sup-
posed they were red-skins.

So he must accomplish by strategy what,
he could, not do then by the use of his.
weapons. ' .

There was no hiding—place within twenty
feet of him, and those who had fired the
shots were doubtless watchin the result. ‘

So down dropped Texas Jae , andlwrlthing '

for a moment he lay still. . , ,
But in that moment of seeming death-agony
he had managed to draw his revolver and
turn with his face toward his foes.
Thus he waited.

CHAPTER XXV
run scours s'rnunsv.

HABD'LY had Texas Jack fallen, when his:
ears were greeted with yells of triumph. .

As be divided the chorus of yells, there-
were three voices. ~ ‘ ‘

That accounted for the trio of shots fired
at him from ambush.

That they were Indian yells Jack knew,.
as well as he did that they were the war:
cries of the Utes. ' 

‘ But he lay motionless, his revolver hid»
den by his arm, but the butt within reach of '
his hand. ' ‘
11His eyes were closed in,
a

part, but seeing
liis form was as still as‘though in reality

the life had ,left it, and“ the poition wast. ‘

such as one suddenly shot'down might as—
sume. ‘ ‘

_But every sinew and” muscle was nerved to ~
its full tension for action the vmoment that

action was needed. . ‘
The scout there lay, and hishalf—‘closed
eyes saw advancing toward him three terms.

. .He‘ saw a chief in full war-paint “and,
. feathershndWO bravesw . - .‘ ,  
The chief carried a. ringing bung-“9mg

stored with bow and arrows. '. x
,Nearer they came, fthe'rr forms
‘relieved against the setting aunt», ‘ .r ..
killed their game' they'wcre
sure. ' ' . ' ' 

 hey were oing tojrea the result. 
' - got once, Igitiiap,,‘:¢:unnid

  
    
   

   
 

  

 

from

‘ ghad been Over-r;  
s Waited, and “a pale-face wasvthexmore art-‘

No a: doubt crossed theirminds hntfthat'.
,thcgr‘ oawas dead.   -  a ,'  r,
I ow-couldgitbe 6th
. fired ._ >

 

 

 

        
       
  
 
   
 
  

 

   
    

 

 

  
  

 

   
 
   

    
  
 
 
  
    
      
  
  
 

 

. Iheard.

. "the rein 0

V wav as

Wic‘ommand: ' .- , , .

Buffalo Bill’s Red-s

my”:qu cam-1‘. -:::::;:rx.-‘- -~‘-~- ‘* ‘

kin Ruse.

     

 

 

coincidence, that an arrow had struck a
silver buckle, another a thick leather strap
and a rib, and the bullet had cut its way
just half an inch too high to be fatal.

But such had been the coincidence that
had saved Texas Jack.

Instead of being dead the scout was simm-
ming.

He “played possum ” so Well that the
three Indians were within fifteen feet of him
when they saw a twitch of the right hand
.and arm.

They had quickly halted to finish their
work, but the twitch had been fatal to
them, as the movement had grasped the
butt of a revolver, and the next instant, with-
out moving from his recumbent position the
scout had touched the fatal trigger three
times

Each shot had followed the other so rapid-
ly the three reports were mingled together
as one.

And ere one of the red-skin trio could
raise his weapon again he had felt the leaden
messengerof death crashing through body or
brain.

It was Texas Jack’s time now to shout,
and he leaped to his feet with a triumphant
vell. '

“I guess i must scalp them. or the boys
might not think they are dead,” he grimly
muttered, as be bent over the three forms.

“Ah! they are rigged out in all their In-
dian regalia, a chief and two head braves.

“Going upon some special mission, I
guess.

“Let me see that there are not more of
them.” .

He quickly looked about him and discov—
cred four Indian ponies hitched a short dis-
tance from where his own horse’ was staked
out.

“ Ahl their ponies are decked out, too, in
gorgeous trappings.

"But, where is the

ony ?"

“ Ah! Isee‘l « -

“ 'l‘he stirrups are tied up,,and that means
he was being taken‘ as 8. led horse, to carry
.some one back.

“ And they were going along the ridge
'trail, when they came upon‘my horse, and
«simply laid for me.

i‘ Well, I‘ll have to scalp them, take their
fine trappings and arms, and light out for
:the camp. ‘

“ But, what about the bodies?”

“ I have no means of burying them, and
'no time, so I guess I'll do astthey did when
1 was a boy sailor, and used to follow the
:sea—l’li bury them at sea.” ’ ' _

With this he stripped ‘the bodies of their
costumes and weapons, and then taking the
form of the chief in his arms, walked to the
cliff and launched it over.

Down it shot to strike the water with a
‘thud and splash that the scout distinctly

man for the fourth

The other two bodies shared the same fate,
:and then, in the gathering twilight Texas
.Jaek ate his supper... after ‘which he fastened
one Indian fpony to the tail of'the other, took

the led one, and mounting his
.horse, started on the'back trail for thecamp.

There was a moon several days old, and
this lighted his way for an heur, and then
darkness came. ’ i .

But he was too good a scout to care for
that, and not the same brisk center held on his

before. ’ V t ’

t‘ter several hours be halted fora short
'rest for the horses. and then resumed his
way, his mind constantly pondering over the
‘fate of Bufialo Bill. 3 ' . ‘v '
'~ ‘ It was after midnight‘wben he rode down
from the ridge" intO'the‘. canyon, where he
had appointed the rendezvous with his
.scouts. and drew rein quickly at the sharp

“ Halt! handsupl” , ’ 1 .- ‘, v

CHAPTER- xxvx. I
 j IN nouns, I , ‘, . 3
,--'Ho~. Dockery, on’ the. slim, I he ,”rwcs”
xas Jack’szanswer tolhe stern ch llengc‘
9 had received ache neared thearendszyo s‘
of‘tbe'soonts.‘ ” ‘ ‘ 

 a 5b,,Pard" Innis-“hi
= ""‘Yesr-Mhér‘y

 

 
 

you, is it 

“ All right, sir; but I saw, as I thought,
half a dozen horsemen, and so, halted you,
for I am on outpost duty here, and the boys
are back a couple of hundred yards, but
have no tires.

“Any news of Chief Cody. Pard Jack?"

“ Well. yes, and I fear bad news.

“You had better remain where you are
for to-uight, and I will ride on to camp and
see the colonel,"

“Orders were to strike camp at dawn,
but as you did not come back they were
countcrmanded, and a large force was going

you had come to harmas the chief ha( .”

“ No, I am all right, but [was hoping that
Chief'Cody might have returned to camp.”

“No such good luck, I’ard Jack.

“ But these are Indian ponies.”

“ Yes, and their riders are accounted for,
asl will tell you later. when I have a talk
with the boys of what I discovered, for 'I am
going to ask the colonel to let me take the
scouts and go back on the trail.

“ Now I will push on to the camp so as
to get there before a move is made to look
me up.”

With this Texas Jack rode on toward
the camp, flanking the sleeping scouts, who
with perfect trust in their comrade guards
were sleeping soundly, after their day of
unsuccessful search for Buffalo Bill.

Texas Jack was again halted as he ap-
proached the main camp, this time byono
of the Cowboy Rangers, who were oing
duty as outpost sentinels.

But he made himself known and passed
on to the soldier line of guards, where he
was once more halted and, being recognized,
was allowed to go into the lines, the oliicer
of the day telling him he had better go-at
once to Colonel Kent’s quarters and report,
and adding: _

“ We were expecting to have to look you
up, too, Jack; but I hope you b:ing news of
Cod ‘2" ,

“ 0 good news, I am sorry to say, cap-
tain,”and Jack rode on to the colonel's head-
quarters. “

Colonel Kent and Major Re bad just
risen from their blankets as Jae rodo up,
and they both recognized him in the early
gray of dawn, the former calling out:

“ Ah! Omohundro. I am more than glad to
see you back. for the bugle was just about
to call the cavalry into the saddles to go on
a search for you—but, what news have you
ofCody?" ,

,1' It is quite 9., ion stery, sir, so I will
hitch my horse and is lyou,”

“ Where did yen get that tandem outfit?”
and the colomsl pointed to the Indian ponies
tied washout of the other. '

“Three of them had riders, air, a chief
and two braves, the fourth beingal‘ed horse.
These will account for the three Indians,
sir," and Texas Jack held up the scalps.

J “ Ah. you scnlped them? ‘ . ~
g '\“I don’t like In men to follow the ex-
’.a.inple of savages. mohundro." .

.” True, ‘sir, and I seldom raise an ,Indian’s
hair. but in this case thought it best.
, “ They fired on me frorn ambush. and an
arrow and a bullet drew blood, though they
were mere scratches, another arrow striking
my belt here, as you see. ' , I
' “I scalped themand saved their trappings
and their ponies, sir.‘as proof that they are
dead, for you know the boys have told some
great stories of late of what they had done,
and the-cry is now ‘ show up or shut it .‘ "

“ Well, Texas Jack, no one would
you ” said the colonel with a smile. I

9‘ ke Cody, your deeds have spoken for
you, and! congratulate you upon your es-
cape,,and comp

iment you upon your gallant
achievement. l ‘

“ Major Roy went a long‘wa toward the .- »

/

(Indian village with this, ca' r . and' his
scouts saw two trails, one of a horse they

     
     

' said must ha've been Cody's, and another

they coniclnot account for.‘ v, r v
" it was at horse made the second trail,
“sir, for I fol owed Chief Cody from the

i “ st t,’,’and"having,turned‘ hisownjand his,

ca tured ponies over to an orderly whom

gladlygaceepted the invitation to breakfast
.with the headquarters men, after which ,he'

3 told the colonelan Major ,Roy thewholei
‘ (1‘ made.  w

 

d. isowxsoe every '

   

sth of the. discoveryh 1m

.‘ half way lies; Mo
‘ i‘ l H . i

   
 

in search of you at daybreak, for we feared ‘

ouht

{the colonel called to take them, Texashck.

- 'onel Grayson made all arrangements to were

 

r

    
    
  
  
  
   
  
  
   
   
   
  
  
   
  
    
    
 
   
   
   
   
    
  
  
   
   
    
     
    
   
  
   
     
   
   
    
     
  
   
   
   

Chief Cody in camp, he having escaped go
ing over the cliff with his horse, and it hurt
me when I found he was not here,” he said.

“ Then you feal‘ he Went over the cliff?"

“Yes, sir, for it looks that way."

“I fear it does; but what carried Cody to
that part of the country, when he was to rc- 
turn to camp after burying the body of the t \ ' ‘
unknown man?”

“I could find no reason for his going, sir,
and i would like to ask you, as on are re-
turning to the fort, if I (:ouh take the ‘
scouts, and about as many Cowboy Rangers,
and go again on the trail?"

“Yes, and Major Roy will go also with a
couple of troops of cavalry! and two iguns
without caissnns, and make the search most
thorough, which the force along will enable
you to do.

“ i. will turn OVer the provisions to you,
major, and pull out for the fort with the
rest of the command."

An hour after the command was on its 
way to the fort, while Major Roy with two .
troops of cavalry, and half a hundred scouts V
and cowboys under Texas Jack, were of! on
Bufhtlo Bill's mysterious trail that ended at
the cliff. .

 

 

CHAPTER XXVII.
'rnn COLONEL RECEIVES A LETTER.

Tun mysterious disappearance of Buffalo
Bill caused Colonel Kent considerable un-
easiness. ' ‘ .

The chief of scouts had disap )eared be: ~
fore, when on the march to the ndianwila
lage, and all had believed him slain. ' _ '

Well for all was it that he had disappea
ed, as the command, without the aid of:
Major Roy's force, would have been caught
in a very deadly ting. , - . ,

Time and again uffaio Bill had been re},
ported lost, missing and dead; but he 
always turned up at the right time and with
creditto himself.

But now there was a mysteryvabout is
going 05 on that lone trail toward the In~‘
dian country ‘which Colonel Kent and no one
else could fathom. - , ‘

Then, too, from the report of Texas J
it seemed that’the chief of scouts had ,atil
come to the end of his trail. _ - 

So the'coionel rode rapidly ,on to the tort; ,
accompanied bya small gxard, and. lends "
the command to follow in re leisure] '; 
all along he was pondering over the etc of
Buifalo Bill and wondering if Major  ’
special search force would find him,,- K v

The coming of the colonel was re,
by the sentinel, and at once Lieutenant»

  
   
  
   
 
  
  
  
   
   
    
   
   
   
    
  
   
   
    
  
    
       
     
    
   
    
   
  
        

come him.- . _ » _

Other flags were run up, the band
called out. the troops atthe fort were
to nrms,and the 'ofiioers’ wives, children a
other non-combatants at the fort assent
to aid in the welcome. - ' ‘
, The'lnrge drove of, captu ed» India .
had arrived at the corrals. the wound - r
come in,‘nnd the sto of theexpcditioa
the Indian village, which had been desire
and the reserve, party’s service , had
unofilcially told, so that all rein cod.
really‘ had. been a grand v otoryJ
troops. ' ‘ ‘ ’ g

The guns thundered forth a salute g
colonel and his - arty dashed up, and c.
rent the air, WM 6 Colonel Gmywn w
greeted hissupericr, and the two out

eadquarters together; , .
' It was soon told, the whole story of
partition. and though‘sorroyvlor the?
was felt, they were known to’hay’e‘ .,
soldier's'tste, andthe rejoicinglo nth ‘
tory was universah ,  ' * , 
Many felt defiant regret at their: " '
fatepf Buffalo iii. and it couldbs 
few' believed but that he would‘tui'n‘ _
right in the end, while Lieutenantb
Grayson said: V ' " ,   
' “Cody‘ ’luck is proverbial, and
not desert him this timct  

‘5. Rather-c, ColonelKent, is, your "at ,
two ridershave arrived since-you left.:
will. save. you in ionic over younlctt
.' ,;“" oénmeysomromaln. for ,t
be ejrirnportanoes' mull: wit ‘

   
   
      
  

 

 
 

  

 

  
   
    
    
 

   

 
  

      

    
    

     

  
   

  
   
     
  
   

 
   

" '* sills". "seasni at... v * 

 

 

asked me to let Major Roy get his command
together while he was telling me the need of
them. .

“ He certainly met with a most remark-
able adventure with that madman.”

“ Yes, he (lid indeed.

“ Poor Cody, I hope he is not dead; but
we will know when Major Roy returns to
the fort.

“ I will particularly mention his valuable
services on the expedition in my report to
the Department Headquarters, and I hope
that the authorities at Washington will be
satisfied now that 1 have destroyed the In~
dian village, and which well-nigh ended in
the annihilation of the entire commanddn
fact, we owe it to Cody that Major ltoy was
on hand to attack the red-skins when they
believed they had us at their mercy."

All this time Colonel Kent was opening
his letters, glancing at them and casting
them aside.

Now he had opened one that caused him
to stop talking and glanced over it slowly.

At last he said.

_ “ Grayson, listen to this letter I have re-
ceived. ‘

“It is from an old friend of mine from
whom I have not heard for a great many
years, and really thought was dead.

' “We were boys together, and were also
in the same class at West Point, and when
I he graduated he came West in the cavalry,
' 01; in some trouble, for I know he was un-
er a cloud, and resigned under pressure it
was said. .

" Then, it was said, he went to the mining
,\camps and became a'noted gambler, and
was in several killing scrapes, and that was
the last I heard of him, until now I receive
this letter from him.

“It is dated from Omaha~ and—but I’ll
read it to you," and Colonel Kent read as
follows: ' '

“ MY DEAR KENT:— .

t‘ Have you wholly forgotten your old
fiend 'Dukc Dashwood ?—if so, permit me to
remind you of him by this letter.

1' Ilearn you are commanding Fort Vale,
13mins I have business calling me to Utah, I
 coming to sue you, for the sake of our

hood days. -
“ I am well fixed, and expect to get quite
nsnm by coming West, for I know just
where to lay m hands upon it.

"1am an ol frontier man so know my
way and shall come alone, so expect to see
one soon after receiving this letter.

‘- ‘ “Ever yours,

“Dunn DABHWOOD.”

 
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
   
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
  
   
  
    
   
   
  
  
 
    
  
  
 
    
    
  
  
 
 
  
    
   
  
  
  
  
      
   
  
  
   
    
   
 
    
        
      
    
   
    
   
     
         
 
    
      
 
    

l 5

CHAPTER XXVIII. >

THE TELL-TALE nru‘o.
WEEK the colonel ceased reading the letter
“seemed to be waiting for his brother
oer to speak. .
clonal Grayson had listened with con-
gldersble interest to the letter of the colonel’s
Man 'e friend and said: I ,

3‘ gas, I remember having heard ,of Dash-

aria graduated the vear before left West
dint, but many stories were told of him,
has his being the handsomest cadet at

post, as generous as a prince, wild, and
 fel ow generally.

,thechsrge of sharp practice in, cards,
but he was accused of cheatingby his
.ntensnt. who. strange to say, was after-
ward dismissed the service for dishonorable
Wet and many thought that Dashwood
all olselyvaccuscd and not guilty. '_

' Anyhow he had left the servace then,
' c I never knew what had become-of him,
x ff shall be glad of his coming here as 1
old like to meet him.”

As I will be glad also to meet him, for I
’ ‘bielieved him to be guiltyasaccused,
dthose who met him after his resignation
‘ ' recharge broke down his proud spirit
“mode a reckless outcast ofhim.

' flint glad that‘he has rospered, and he
be welcome, though 8 is very foolish
ottgtnpt to come, through this country

flies, but, those I heard speak of him
~ * wont to say he was a splendid. dashin

y-bold Indian—fighter and a moron
would so anywhere «Ion  ‘

  

 
  

   

   
  

    
  
 
 
  

Ireembertoo that the cloud upon him '

 

Dill, or’thc tail-tale _

“Yes, he was all that, and is a perfect
frontiersman. but nevertheless he should not
come alone through this country.“

"I agree with you."

“By the way he was very much such 9.
looking man as Buffalo Bill, and when he
took to gambling in the mines he wore his
hair long. I have heard, and must have
looked strikingly like the scout; but now let
me tell you what I forgot to do, that last
night after Cody rode away from the camp,
to go and bury that unfortunate fellow
whose mangled remains were found bound
to a tree, there were three men on outpost
duty mysteriously shot, two soldiers and a.
scout, and from the description given of the
man who shot them, for the scout was able
to tell about him, I believe it was Cody’s
Mad Giant. "

“Then that may account for Cody’s ab-
sence, as he may have met him again."

“ Yes, Grayson, but then Texas Jack
trucked the horse ridden by Cody to the cliff,
where he went over.”

“True.”

“It is all an unfathomable mystery to
me.

“But you spoke of finding a ring on the
finger of the man you found bound to a
tree,"

“ Yes, I will show it to you, and also the
bullet with which he Was shot.

“The latter you see is of silver, not
lead."

Colonel Grayson took the bullet first and
looked at it curiously, and said:

“Yes, it is certainly silver—a queer con-
ceit certainly, and the one who molded it
must have had a silver mine to draw on.”

‘I cannot understand it; but look at the
ringlll >

“ It is a massive affair, and you have seen
the device on the red stone?”

“ Yes, a hand grasping a dagger, and the
French words meaning, "l‘he day will
come.’ " ,

_ “ Yes, and there is some engraving in the
nu ." r

“ Ah! I had not noticed that.

“What is it?” asked the colonel with inter.
est. ,
“ A. name.” and holding the ring so that
the light fell full upon the engraving, Lieu-
tenant-ColonelGrayson cried excitedly:

“ Great God! it is the name of your friend,
colonel—Duke Dashwoodl” ‘ '

‘ Colonel Kent sprung to. his feet with is
surprised exclamation and held out his
hand for the ring. '

It was handed to him by the lieutenant-
colonel and Colonel Kent read aloud:

“ Duke Dashwood.” ‘

-“_It is true, and neither Bufialo Bill;
Major Roy or myself noticed it when we
looked at it.

“ Can it be that poor Dashwood was the
victim who; was shot by the silver bullet
and bound to that tree i”

“The ring would indicate that it was be,
taken in connection with your letter from
him, saying he would come alone, and to ex-

‘ pect him about this time. ”

” Yes, but who was his murdérer and why
was be murdered?”

“You saw the remains?”

“ Yes. torn topieces by the wolves.”

“Could you find nothing to trace him?”

"\This ring, yes, until his hair was long
and dark, whileCody said he was a. tall man,
about his ,height.

c

“ He- were good clothespthough of the

border style, top-boots and a slouch hat.

” Cody was to gather up parts of his at-
tire. his boots and hat,’and bring them back
with him,rbut alasl he has not returned.”

“ I very much fear that the murdered man
was your friendDasbwood, as all signs point
that Way, thou h why he should be dealt
with as he was, can not understand”!

"Nor I. f ‘ '

“ Oh! that they may find. Cody, for he is
the man of all men to unravel a mystery,
and is a horn detective.

" I do hope that Roy.ma
some news of him, then b

bring home
hardly dare

 

   
 
 
 
   
  
 

I hope that harm has not be alien him too.."

Thus "the two 0
long time. but wi
tion of the mysterious absence 0

     
  

gloom talked together.er a
bout arriving at any solu-
f Buflalo

 

 

the pawn:

 

CHAPTER XXIX.
THE RETURN or run smucunns.

AMONG the scouts in Buffalo Bill’s hand of
Rangers, there was one who was known as
“ Old Buckskin Joe.”

Few people knew that he had any other
name, and that it was very like his nick-
name, for he had been christened three-score
years before as Joseph, and his full cog-
nomen was Joseph Buck, changed to Old
Buckskin Joe.

This old scout was a man with a history,
for he had come West to make a fortune
while in his teens. and had dug a nice little
sum out of the California mines, and then
had returned East to marry the girl he so-
dearly loved.

She had broken hcr pledge to him and
married another, Joe's best friend in boy-
hood, and whose life had been saved by the
very young man whose sweetheart he stole
from him, ,

Joseph Buck was broken down at the dis-
covery and grew revengeful, and one night
he met the man who had wronged him, and
it was a. fatal meeting.

He fell (lead by Joe Buck's hand, and it
was said to be a case of self-defense, yet the
young miner was sent to prison for three
years,

He served his time, came out and began
to drink and squander his money; in fact, he
went through his fortune, and then started
west on ('0 more. ‘

On his way he was taken ill, and a. kind
farmer nursed him back to health and
strength, and Joe worked for him six months
to repay him.

But the farmer had a lovely daughter,
who had been Joe’s devoted nurse, and so he-
loved her and went again to seek a fortune
for her sake.

After many wanderings in the for West her
again “ struck it rich," and returning for the
farmer‘s daughter, they were married, and
removed to a home which Joe had built way
out on the prairies

couple of years of happiness came to

JOc, and then one night the Indians raided .

his home; his wife and baby were scalped
before his eyes; he, too, was severely
wounded. and his house burned and all his.

, cattle run off.

But for the gallant dash of a' single horse-
man Joe would have been dragged, wounded.
as he was, a prisoner to the Indian village.

But he was rescued and most kindly cared
for by his rescuer, and from that day Joe‘
Buck took to scouting and soon became
known as asplendid scent and guide, and a
deadly foe, to the red-skins, ‘ _

His hair turned white before his time, and
he became a. silent, imbiltered man, but des-g
perntc in “battle, and as true as steel to his
friends. _ , . / ,

Again captured by Indians, he would have-

been burned at the stake, but for Buffalo _

Bill and his men pursuing the red-skins, and
saving him from a fate so terrible.

From that (guy he joined , Cody’s scout
band, and we the devoted friend of the-
chief and every man in it. ‘

When after several days Major Roy 'rc-
turned to the fort, and as all saw with deep
regret, without Buffalo Bill, and, the three

. ranking ofiicersat the fort were talking mat"-

ters over, the major, who had heard what
the colonel had tosay about Duke DESI)?
wood. said: ‘4 " '

“I have heard of Dashwood, and there is ‘

a man in Cody's command who knew him
well, and can tell all about him.’ ’

“ Who is\he, majori”. ‘

“His name 1‘ do not know, though he is
known as Old Buckskin; and I once heard

that he was in the mines-with Duke Dash- \

wood, and the two were friends. _ >
“ We were discussing Dashwood one
night, when I was at Fort McPherson, and

Old Buckskin was a scout there, and I was '

told ‘ that he Was a man with a 'strun re his-
tory, and was the friend of Dashwoo . hav-
ingoémce killed a man for slander-lug Dash-
wo .” - v Q '

“I will send for him aidsee if we can

: get-any information to help us, forthc more-
I

think of it, I feel assured that it Was Dash—
wood who was bonnd to that tree‘; but now
let me hear :your storyeof your search for-
Basal-gainer ‘ _- v. p ;*- , :' , ,.

  
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

v—' ‘Tf;(.&:::::: “ "r:

Bufi'alo Bill’s Red-sk

 

 

 

 

 

“ We went along the trail from the fatal

His white locks and heard Were the cause

tree, Texas Jack and I, sending the men on of this, for a closer look showed no‘wrinkles

to a point ahead to meet us.

“ We picked up the trail of Cody’s horse,
found the grave where he had buried the
bones of the unknown man we discovered
bound to the tree, and followed on in the
tracks until we joined the men some miles
on.

“Then we pushed along until late in the
afternoon we reached the cliff, and from
what I saw there I was convinced that Cody
went over to his death.”

“ The horse, you mean?”

“ Yes, sir; and I was assuming that (Jody
was on his back.”

“It is my hope that he was not, major.” '3

“And mine, and all of us had that one
hope for (Jody‘s life.

“But there were the tracks where the
horse had gone ,over, and it is a fall of five
hundred feet, and a torrent is at the bottom
of the cliil’.

“ I camped there, and Texas Jack showed
me where the ludians had been when they
fired upon him, and he searched about until
dark.

“At; dawn we extended cur, search, and
there was no way fora horse to leave that
ridge save by the way he had gone up, or
over the cliff.

“ As we could discover nothing more, and
there seemed to be no lndians about, I de-
cided to return to the fort.”

“You were right, major.

“ And Texas Jack and his scouts return‘
ed with you?”

“Yes, sir, though Texas Jack and Old
Buckskin wished to remain, but I refused to
let them as I saw no use in further search.”

“I fearit is so; it now I will send for
the old scout, Old Buckskin Joe,” and an
orderly was dispatched to order him to
headquarters. _ > w ‘

‘ CHAPTER XXX.
OLD BUCKsKIN JOE.

THE orderly returned from the scouts’
camp and ushered “Old Buckskin ” into the
presence of the colonel and his two brother
officers. .

Of course they all knew him, but now ’re-
ardcd him more attentively than ever be-
ore.‘ '

Since he' had been] at thov fort they had
known him as a man ever ready for the war-
path, and always anxious to do his duty,
while his skill as a scout was acknowledged
by all. ,

Regarding him now as he entered and
saluted politely, they saw a man ‘six feet in
height and perfectly erect, though his long
hair and heard were snow-white.

His shoulders were broad, his waist
slender, and arms and legs very muscular.

He was dressed in buckskinifrom Head

I V to feet.

His moccasins were of buckskin, for he
never were boots, his leggings and‘ hunting-
shirt, and the cap he wore as well, and
even his belt, were of the same material.

All were well made and fitted him well,'

and there Was an air about him that showed
he was careful about his toilet, his long hair
and heard being well cared for. .
-There.was also that about the man that
stamped him as one who had not forgotten
his refined surroundings. in youth, notwith-
standing his wild border life, for his manners
rich toned:
He did not~sssume the slang of the border,
nor speak in the frontier slang which la man

were really'courtly, and his voice low and, ‘

“so quickly drops into.,

Then, too, 01d Buckskin had newer been
known to utter an oath, nor did he drink or
use tobacco. ' ' -‘ ' *

The year of dissipation he had known, and

which grief had driven him to, when he"-

‘ squandered his hard-earned savings in the

mines, had been his last dissipation, for he
had been redeemed from himself by the
farmer’s daughter, whom he had afterward

made his wife, to see 'her years after, slain.

bolero his eyes, their little child torn from

‘ her arms and carried sway‘to share the some

fate'. , v y .
. The face of Old Buckskin wasja study. '

,It was a noble face. such a one as you

‘would expect-some great man to possess.

x

_ At first glance he app red an old mutt; ,

 

 

in his face, but a clear, hronzed complexion,
indicating health and vigor, for Old Buck-
skin was just a few years over the threshold
of two-score.

His eyes were very large, black, and hada
dreamy look, as though they were looking
back into a sorrowful past.

Their expression, at rest, was extremely
sad. and it seemed that tears were ever ready
to llow.

liut in action they were lighted up bril-
liantly, and were full of flashes of light,
which the long lashes failed to conceal.

The nose was straight and expressive, and
the mouth was full of determination and
daring.

Generally it was a cynical look, but now
and then softened in repose, and was in keep-
ing with his eyes, they adding to the intense-
ly sad look in his face when he was lost in
meditation, and his comrades who knew him
best Were Went to say that whatever his past
had been, it was constantly before him.

His never speaking unless there was need
for it, had given him the name of Silent Joe
as wall, though he was never moroso.

With a splendid voice, it was only now
and then, when following an Indian trail,
that he could ever be persuaded to sing, no
companyng himself upon the guitar.

But when after the red-skins he brighten-
ed up and was often seen to smile. in fact.
he seemed more cheerful in deadliest danger,
and before a battle more than at any other
time. ~ '

His comrades said that it was because he

‘was about to strike another blow to avenge his

wife and baby, and tbathe was merciless in
action, but as tender asa woman toward an
Indian who was wounded and at his mercy,
Such was the stl ange character whom Col~
onel Kent had sent for to ask about his
friend, Duke Dashwood, a man scarcely less
strange than Old Buckskin the scout, it"was
said, and one who had a history as well.

 

CHAPTER XXXI,
A FALSE CHARGE.

Wrrn a respect for the scout, which his
presence commanded, Colonel Kent said
pleasantly:

" Sit down, scout. and just tell me how’

you are down on the rolls?”

“ Under my own name, sir, which I have
no desire to screen. ‘ ’

“ It is Joseph Buck,” was the answer,
delivered politely, with a. military salute,
and with dignity.

But the scout did not take the seat, and.
the colonel again said:

“ Be seated, Mr. Buck, for I wish to have
some talk with you.” .

Thus urged the scouttook the seat and
the colonel continued: '
\ “ You are acting as second in command of
the scouts, while, in the absence of Chief
Cndv, Texas Jack is commanding?”

a .,"I have that honor, sir.” “‘ -

“You have lived for a longtime on this
frontier, I believe?” .

“ In California, New Mexico and Uta ,
sir, I have." ,‘

. .“Do you recall "a former officer of,the
army by the name of Lieutenant Duke Dash-
wood?" '

" 1 do, God, bless him, sin"

“ You were friends then‘r'” ' " ,

. “'I owe him my life, sir, and we wore the
best of friends. ” '

“ I received a letter some days ago, from A

him, for he‘was a boyhood friend of mine,
telling me he was coming to this fort. ” .'

‘9 I certainly am glad to hear that, sir, for
v I have not heard of him for years."

“ Do‘you remember at one time he fell un-
dera cloud. and resigned from the army ?”
,‘“ I do, Colonel Kent, but you are not the

man to hold that against him?” \

The words came out frankly and earnest

1y. .
“No, I never did, for I alwaysitbelieved
implicitly in Dashwood, and“ felt that he

was ‘the victim of unfortunate'circumstau-' .

ces. ” '

. ‘ “ He was, sir and more, he Was the victim
ofaplot, laid r’ ‘ v
"I would like to have you tell us who _

or him. by another.” v ~

you know of the affair; for we have only
heard it'iromrnmonl’. ‘ ; t ’
. . I ”

 

superior, Nevins owed him some five t

' lover, to find that he was. a bookm‘

‘ old friend.

' spouse. .

 

came over his handsome fncc,\w relish

      

  
 
  
  
  
  
    
  
  
   
  
   
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
   
  
  
   
   
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
     
    
   
  
  
   
   
  
      
  
   
   
  
   
   
 
    
   
  
     
   
   
   
  

"I will gladly tell you anything I can to
clear Mr. Dashwood of the cloud of suspicion
upon him, sir. ,

“It was down in Arizona, Colonel Kent.
when he was stationed there at an advance
post, and it all came about from a game of
cards.

“ Lieutenant Dashwood was a man of luck,
and he won so regularly that a brother oili-
ccr, the junior lieutenant of his troop, for
Mr. Dashwood was commanding, the captain
being laid up by a severe wound, charged
him with cheating.

“The accusation was wholly unfounded.
but there were those who believed it, es-
pecially on account of Lieutenant Dash-
wood’s strange conduct in the face of such a
charge.”

“ What was that?"

“ He did not resent the insult, left it for
his friends to decide if he was guilty, and,
after several months, resigned his commis-
stou.”

“ You remember the officer who made the
charge?"

“ Yes, sir, it was Lieutenant Norcross
Nevins.”

“ lle afterward resigned ‘2" .‘ -

“ No, sir, he was afterwards dismissvd, as
he was caught ’cheating, was overwhelmed
with debt, and left a very black record he-
hind him. , - ,

“ Then it was that those who had suspect— -
ed Lieutenant Dashwood of fraud, changed
their minds, for the truth be had never told
of the affair and few, if any, knew it. "v

“ Do you know the reason?"

“ I do. sir." . L

“ And will tell 

“With pleasure, sir, as it will clear they,
lieutenant of all thought of dishonor.” ' 

“ Let us hear it then.”

‘,‘ Mr. Dash wood was engaged to Miss Clam
Nevins, the sister of‘ his former lieutenant,
and she was devoted to her brother. "

"Mr. Nevins was an inveterate gambler,
and having introduced Mr. Dashwood to his,
sister, he was wont to call upon him for
money to help him out of scrapes. , i

“ This Mr. Dashwood did time and again,
for he had a fair income outside of .his pay,
and at the time of the accusation against his
sand dollars. 1‘ ,

" Mr. Nevins had also been aware of tbs
fact that that his sister had a lover of middle,
age, a. man of great wealth, who was ,urging
her to break with Mr. Dnshwood and marry
him, promising to settle a large sum upon
her in her own name on the weddin day _

“ This‘ caused Mr. Nevins to colds to,
break the engagement betwee Lientcn ' ;
Dashwood and his sister, an ‘ hence
charge against him, and also therenso
plain why the insult was not resented. ’

“ The lieutenant idolized Miss N »
knew of her devotion to her brother;
would not hold him responsible, while.
wrote her, hoping she would not hecd'thg
char e."’ ' r - v ‘ i ‘

“ id she?” ' '

" Yes, sir. -. ' x

“ As soon as he had ‘hervletterps’c
the engagement, he resigned :from th’

“Then be challenged. Mr. Nevins ,
him in a duel, and he refnsed,;upon the: w ‘
that he could onl meet an honorable. a 3.

" Soon after as Nevins married her ‘

  
 
  
   
   
 
  
  
   
    
  
     
  

so she could .not help her brother
tack to cheating at cards to hide bi
“ And Lieutenant Dashwood‘r.’ "
“ Wenti to s -mining-camp' and"
for a. while, then turned gambler“,
made captain of the Vigilantes by the,
’ing settlement, audit was while he at, a
that capacity that he risked his liferto!
me one day, and we became as broth
“I am glad that you have told met
Scout Back, for it verifies my‘opinion’o '

  
  
      
 

     
   

    
    
  

 
 
    
   
 

» “ Now tell-ins what else you'know‘o‘l » ‘
 I ‘ . J
{‘A great deal, .slr’," wss’tho-ea

 
  

      
 

\ .—-——-.

     
  
  

_ nonAP'rnn xxxrrfl .
sernn‘M-sn‘nns'r nick”

. OLD, Bncxsmu'sat for a moment.
meditation, and that inexprcuh' "

    
 
     
  

 
 
 
  

      
   

     

   

 16

 Buffalo Bill’s Red-skin Ruse.“

 

 

that his thoughts had gone dreaming into
tilhe past, a past that had been so bitter to
ml.

The three oillcers looked at him as upon
one who held their deepest sympathy,
while, seeing that he had lost himself in

   
     
  
 
 
 
   
  
  
    
   
   
  
 
  
  
 
    
    
   
  
   
    
 
  
  
   
  
  
  
   
   
 
  
    
 
 
  
  
  
 

~‘. thought, the colonel said, gently:
Y “You say you knew Dashwcod in his life
‘5 among the mines?"

The scent started, passed his hand across
his brow, as though to brush away the clouds,
and said quickly:

, “ I beg pardon, colonel, but I fear I was
l, down in the depths, as the boys call my
'5 _ - moods.

‘» ‘ “You wished me to tell you more of Mr.
Dash wood ‘2” ‘

“ Yes, Mr. Buck.”

" Ah, colonel, please don’t mister me, for
I'm plain Joe Buck, or Old Buckskin, just as
you please.

“ I told you that Mr. Dashwood saved my
life, and after that we became as brothers.

“‘ He secured imbittered with life, and so
Was I, and that was a bond between us.

. “ He took to gambling, and was called

- the only square—card man on the border, and
square he was, though his luck stuck to him,

, Winnings.
“He would not knowingly play with a
' dOOi‘ man, or one whose family was depend-
ng on what he sent them from his earnings
. in the mines.

" But those who struck it rich, who felt
they were lord sharps, and men with money
to lose he would take a hand with.

" Whether winning or losing, he was al-
ways as cool as an icicle, and appeared to
 play for the sport rather than the money.

a. “ When he won heavily, he used to go
{around the camp and give money to the
sick and unfortunate. -

“ Well, gentlemen, though he had many
iriends. there were those who wished to
down him, and I overheard a talk one night
to accuse him of cheating, raise a row, and
ii him. ,

-“ I had notimo to warn him, but I went to
the'saloon, and when the charge was made I
called the fellow a liar. ,
, "5 Of course on know what that means
out here, and killed him,-——in fact, there
were five men died with their boots on then
and there, and when I told the crowd of the
plot I had heard, three of the plotters—there
our five of them—swore taken out of the sa-
loon and has ed, to a tree. I
“ Captain ashwood, as we called him,~
, aswounded, but not seriously, and I went
home with him to his cabin.

.“ He badh stran a fancy of using silver
bullets in his revo vers and rifles, molding
them himself from silver ore he had dug

hile mining, and—” ,
liver bulletsi”.cried the colonel, with

or. .
Yes, sir,-it was a conceitof his, and the

‘ name of Duke to Dick”, _
T‘s-And he‘ was known generally to use ail-l

Shallots??? ' _ , v, t
as, sir, and whilovhowas in‘ the mines

      
   
    
   
          
      
    
     
    
 
        
      
  
     
          
   
 
   

 killed half a dozen men with them—re-

her, sir. he was no desperado, andfhe
' sought trouble, but men would
d him "at timm, and he acted only in

«idiom, _
Whertdid he go, from the minest'f~
lefihtha mines suddenly, andthough'
of the miners knew the reason, Inns.
it from WhatI knew of his life.”
known the reason?" v , . '
was army at the time. guiding» attain
, and. and he left a note, for me saying
goings: a cruel fate seemed toido
and find a place whereghe woul
inded 'ot the past. ' l .

gold that, some day We‘might meet

  

 
 

   
 
 

  

  

  
 
 

  

es, sir.",~1‘or I have the letter still."

  

"flange 'cou lobed arrived theraaud
 f; tlwas'a man and hints
and boy. were gamblers. ' i 

  
  
 
 
  
  
   

  

other, jewelsgthon rs

and some losers growled about his steady "

, q ,ck‘gjlanoc at thalieutenant-colonel and.

called him Silver Bullet’Dick’, changing ‘

I sir?"

 was all 'he said in his letter to;
 ' ' g , .ho‘hsdarrived at the fort.”,' , ,

,honlt'retnrned to the mines I found . ‘

woman was beautiful, but ’w‘ckod4

._ , am going t
‘ shouwas called the 1211HKi noon, Alon ’ ‘

 

“ She had a necklace of rubies, bracelets,
rings, earrings, and a breastpin in the shape
of a dagger, and they Were worth a fortune.

“ She handled cards like a. sharp, and set
up a game which the miners were only too
anxious to bite at.

“ The Woman dressed in black, wore a
black slouch hat with a large ostrich feather
of scarlet, pinned in with a dagger pin of
rubies, while she carried a pair of revolvers
in the belt about her waist.

“ Well, gentlemen, that woman raised the
very devil in the mines, and made a mint of
money; but I recognized her brother as soon
as I had time to figure him out, and her face
came'back to me from a photograph Silver
Bullet Dick had shown me, for they were
Nov-cross Nevins and his sister.”

“ Can it be possible?”

“ It Was none other, Colonel Kent, and
their coming was the cause of Silver Bullet
Dick leaving the mines, for he had seen and
recognized them while they had missed him,
but that they went thereto find him Iam
sure.

“ They left as suddenly as they came, and
after going the rounds of the mining-camps,
disappeared.”

“ And Dashwood?”
“ I heard that he had been captured by In-
dians, sir, and married the daughter of the
chief, who saved his life, and since then 1
know nothing about him, but am more than
glad to know that he is coming here to visit
you, sir, for that means that he is safe and
well." v

“ I am not so sure of that, scout,” cbserv-

ed the colonel, significantly.
\

 

CHAPTER xxxm.
TWO SCOUTS TO THE RESCUE.

THE tone in which Colonel Kent spoke at
once was noticed by Old Buckskin, and he
asked quickly: , \ g ,

“ Have you any news, sir, that Mr. Dash-
wood is not safe and well?”

“ I’ll tell you, scout, and have your
opinion." ' - .

“ Yes, sir."

“ First, tell me if you remember that
Dashwood were any jewelry?"

“ He was not of the flash kind, sir, but did
have a watch and chain, and a ring.”

“ Do you remember the ring?” ,

“ Yes, sir; it was a family crest, he said,
out into a seal." ,

“ Describe the ring, please.”

“ It was of heavy gold, representing
shields piled together, and around the top
were links of a chain in a circle, and in
which the stone was set."

. “ Do you. remember ,the stone?”

“Yes, sir; it was a blood¢stone, and Mr.
Dash wood said to me one day that the crest
and motto of his family were ominous.”

“ You recall the crest, doubtless ‘2"

“Yes, sir: a hand grasping a dagger, and
the motto was in French—’Le jo'm' m’endmfl

” Is this the ring?” and the colonel handed M
over. the rin taken from the finger of the
man whom uffalo Bill had found boundto
the tree where he had been left as a prisoner
by the Mad Giant. ' '

“Oh, yes; this is the ring, colonel, and his
name should be in it—yes, here it is,” and
the scout’s face assumed an anxious look
now. and he asked: , , v \ - ,
“ May I inquire where you got the ring,

.“ es,I‘willtellyou'. '~ ‘,  ’ _

." But, lot ,me say that the whole affair ls
enveloped. in mystery ust now, andiwe are
keeping it aseeret until we can make some
discoveries, ,. ' , . , - r l ,

“ First, hero is the letter from Dashwoodr
It was written nearly a month ago, and
dated at Omaha. ( . .
'rlt'Reudit-H   a  ‘  l

The scout quickly did so, and said: 2, ‘y,

=" Itiis his writing, sir,.nnd itr'is' time that

.V,

", Yes“ but he says. hawos to come alone.""
“He was :well.‘ capable of. doingxso, Colonel
Kent, anthem-are“ cw,more skillful bordsn
men than'he.”,' ‘,. r». v I  f .  '3
" n will need fyonn aid; Buck} and-so I,
to Y .tgiew‘lgolo aflair,'and-

  

 
 
  

 

 
     
  

     
    
 

5’
our 1

 

, only by U the Pony

for Buffalo Bill, but I desire you to know
what we regard as the cause of his disap-
pearance, and with which Dashwood is con-
nected, as you will learn.”

Then the colonel told the whole story
known only to the three oilicers present,
Texas Jack, and the absent chief of scouts.

With silence, but with deepestinterest the
scout listened to all, his face showing no sign
of what was in his thoughts.

When he had heard all there was to tell,
he brightened up at once and asked quickly:
“ The letter was sent from Omaha, sir?"

(1 fires. I)

“ He was to come alone, and there are but
two trails he could take.” '

“ W ell?”

“That would cause him to pass one of
two points, or stage-stations, and certainly he
would be known tohave gone by or not.”

“ That is true."

“ Buffalo Bill disappeared the night he
went to burn the mangled body, sir?”

(I  U

“ But be buried the body, and then was
tracked, as I know, to the cliff?”

“ lie was.”

” Now, Cglouel Kent, we must find out if
Mr. Dashwood did, or did not pass either of
those points, according to the trail he took in
coming here.”

“ Yes, that will show which way he came
and where he was last seen.”

“ Now Texas Jack can go to both points,
first one, then down to the other, for they are?
but sixty miles apart, and then he can join
me, and ,we can work in full possession of
facts. and with our eyes open.”

“ Join you where, scout?”

“ Off on the trail, sir, for, with your per-
mission, I should like to go at once.”

“ Alone?"

“ Yes, sir. I can do better alone until
Jack comes. We work well together, and
it will not do to take many.

“ We can go well prepared for a long
stay, and while Jack is finding out aboutthc
trail Mr. Dashwood took, I can - go over the
field slowly where the body was found, and
thence on to the clilf which Chief Cody is
supposed to have ridden over. ‘ .

“ Somehow I cannot believe that either
Mr. Dashwood or Bufilalo Bill are dead.

“ It does not seem to me that those two
men were born to die that way, and the un-
known, muflied form that rescued Buffalo
Bill must be discovered, for it was no Indian
1 am sure. Then, too, the one who fired that
silver bullet and tied his victim to a'tree to
be devoured b
covered. He, ikewise, was no Indian.

“Then the Mad Giant must be hunted
down, and positive proof ,obtained that both
Mr, Dashwood and Buffalo Bill have been
killed, for,‘as I said, sir, “I do not believe it.

“ If they are they must be avenged," and
the scout sprung to his feet, his eyes flash- I
ing. The colonel and the other two officers
then saw just what the man could be when
aroused to action in battle. ' ,

Colonel Kent at once sent for Texas Jack, I u

and the affair was talked over, is rendezvous
appointed where the two scouts were to meet,
and an hour after they were riding away
from the fort on their separatodrnissions, to
come together ’again in a few" ays‘ on the
trail of rescue or revenge. '

' anaemia fxxxrv. ,_
mas, Lucx’s MISSION.

THE trail taken by Texas Jack npon' 1m- , V. 4

ing the fort, was the one the arm ~Wagon
trains used in going to and fro, and: t'rwound
along among the valleys to the nearest point,-
where it. struck the .Overland ,stage route"
across the continent.‘ -. ' _ _ 1 .‘ 
This was aday's ride from the fort.

    

t

The other trai was one that led to another ' -

Eointpn the Overland, not- so faraway, and
itting the line'further West, .1 . ‘ l‘ v '

it led through mountain pastures; 310825 ’ 'f

valleys and over plains, across streams u

where vehiclosxcould not travel, being and I! ’
Mail Riders sound from 
the fort, [and the couriers bearing dispatched. ,
,andfiperhop‘s ay' squadron of cavalryon ,a' ,
use!) .. » ' ' ' :'

   

' ,v The two [stations ~"were something? .ov'
:m 18; ltd t h ‘ 

'wolves,, must also be dis- ,

l . ‘

 

 n ,..w..-....w__,

 



’ I: .u: ._-; 

 

-.a

Buffalo Bill’s Red-skin Ruse.

17

 

 

011.3 settlement was mostly agricultural and
of a stock-raising class, and the other, in the
mountains, was a mining-camp.

Persons going to the fort on horseback
were won’t to continue on to the station and
take that trail, while others would go by a
buck-board hired at the more easterly point.

At the further one there was a branch
stage line, running to a settlement and army
post further north, and it might be that any
one going to Fort Vale would go by one,
or both places, and so it was that Texas Jack
was to first visit the more easterly point,
then the westerly one, and from the latter
make his way by his own judgment to his
rendezvous with Old Buckskin at the cliff
where it was believed by ’most every one at
Fort Vale that But'falo Bill had lost his life.

Mounted upon a. splendid horse and fully
armed to meet all emergencies. Texas Jack
started out for the first station on the Over-
land, the stock—raising point, and known by
the name of Rawhide City.

It was a typical frontier ('amp, containing
a mixture of many nationalities, from China~
man and negro to Indian and Irish, while
Mormons and Gentiles in creed were about
(equally divided, the former being the farm-
ers, the latter the cattle-ruisers, and the
grand mixture the ranchmen on the farms,
the ranches and about the stage station.

There was a tavern in the settlement, for
the benefit of travelers on the Overland, but
the main business done by the landlord was
in running a saloon and a gambling den for
the people in and about Rawhide City.

Texas Jack went at once to the tavern,
known as Traveler’s Ranch. and knowing
the landlord he received a welcome that was
apparently most cordial.

But Luke Dunn had a guilty conscience
and he was always suspicious of any one
from the fort, as he feared he was being
caught in some of his sly deviltry, and he
was most anxious to know the reason of
.Jack’s visit. '

“ Say, Luke, run over the list of passen-
gers who have gone through westward on
the coaches the past month, or stopped with
you while traveling on horseback, and say if
you remember one answering to this descrip-
tion,” and Jack took from his pocketawritten
description of Duke Dashwood, given him by
Old Buckskin.

Luke gave a sigh of relief, and said:

“I allus gits ther autigraph of my gents,
"Texas Jack, and there is no use botherin’
my brain readin' descriptions, when you kin
glance over this book and see if his name is
down, if you knows it.”

Texas Jack stepped to the tavern register,
some pads of paper tied with twine passed
through holes cut on one side, and fastened
into the outside corner of what had once
been a large Bible, and with a smile at the
queer make-up, he glanced over the names
and dates.

The array was startling, for all who took a
meal at the Traveler’s Rest, were made to
register, and some of the names were strik-
ing. , v
Presently the finger of the scout paused at
one name, and he read aloud:

“ DUKE Dasnwoon—
“ Cosmopolitan. ”

“ Here is my man, Duke.”

“ Yes, I remembers him particular, for he
kilt a. man here.” .

“Indeed?”

“ Yas, he stopped over from one stage to
another with me and was a perfect gent, order-
iug my best accommodations without ask-
ing the price and paying up without a
word.”

“ So he got into a quarrel here did he?"

"‘ Oh no; he wasn't in no quarrel ”

” You said he killed a man here?”

H So he did, but there wasn't no row.”

“How (lid it happen?”

“ Well, there was a mean crittur of a man
here known as P’izeu Pete, and he jist run
the lay-out, he and his gang, for the boys
was afeard of him.

“Now P‘izen Pete see the gent talkin’ ter
me. and he calls out that he were Silver
Bullet Dick, and that he was his game, and
then he gave a. whoop for his gang and pull-
ed his gun. . ‘

“ Lord bless you, Jack, the gent drew,
pulled trigger, kilt Pete, for he sent a bullet

 

between his eyes, and he didn't hardly stop
talking to me, for he said he wanted to git a
horse to ride over to Fort Vale."

“And the gang did not disturb him?"

“ You bet they didn’t!”

“ Did he start for the fort?”

“No. I advised him to go on to Silver
Nugget and he could get a horse, or a
backboard there along with a guide; but,
does you remain long?”

“ No; I will take the coach soon due
throth to Silver Nugget, letting my horse
follow, which he will do like a (log, and not
having weight to carry.”

 

CllAP'l‘lClt XXXV.
(:or‘rIN Tom on 'rnu OVERLAND.

THE coach was not long in coming, and
Texas Jack got dinner and then mounted
with the driver.

lie stripped hishorse of saddle and bridle,
and called to him to follow, which the faith-
i'ul animal did.

The driver that Texas Jack rode with was
known as “ Collin ’l‘om.”

He had long driven the Overland coaches,
and once had been a l’ony l‘lxpress Rider, and
was known as a man of nerve and deadly
aim.

\Vounded time and again, he could not be
driven from the Overland, and was consider-
ed one of the best drivers on the trail.

Answering to the name of Tom Sands, he
had gotten the prefix of coflin to his Christian
name from the fact; that the road~agents had
posted placards with a coffin upon it, follow-
ing which was a warning to Tom Sands to
go off the road or .110 would be killed.

Instead, Tom had had a coffin built at his
own expense, and in on the lid was painted:

“ Fon Till". BODY on
ROAD-AGENT ROB.”

Road-Agent: Rob was the chief of the out-
law band who had made the lives of the
drivers and passengers of the Overland one
of suspense and misery, and he had put the
warning up against Tom Sands to drive him
oh9 the trail, as he was not one to surrender

at the demand of every mounted man who V

crossed his path and allow his coach to be
looted.

On the contrary, he had several times
brought the road-agent, stopping him, to
earth, and had made himself a terror to
them.

. After securing the coffin Tom Sands put it
on top of his coach, carrying it back and
forth with him on his horse, and always say-
mg:

“Some day I’ll fetch it in full up with
Road-Agent Rob.”

On the same coach the day Texas Jack left
Rawhide City with Coffin Tom was an army
officer in uniform, accompanied by two pr -
vate soldiers, and two other passengers who
looked like well-to-do citizens, but tender-
feet as far as the Wild West was concerned.

Texas Jack had met Coffin Tom before
and gloried in his pluck.

The two men entered into a conversation,
the scout intending to find out if the driver
knew anything about Duke Dashwood.

That P'izen Pete had been right in recog-
nizing, in Dashwood, Silver Bullet Dick, Jack
well knew, though he did not tell Dick
Dunn, the landlord at the Traveler’s Rest
so.

He simply regarded that Dashwood had
done a good (iced in ridding the community
of the desperado, and the better people about
Rawhide City thought the same and were
thankful to the handsome stranger.

Texas Jack at once, however. connected
Dashwood’s fate with Pizen Pete’s band, and
began to question Cofiin Tom to find out all
that he could. ’ .

“ Know the gent you ask me about, Texas
Jack?

“ Well, I should remark that I (lid know
him, for he rode with me through to Silver
Nugget sitting where you do, and he’s a man
clear through.

“ You see, I laid off half the run on that
trip, and so was there in Rawhide when
he called in P'izen Pete’s chip, and I never
seen anything neuter done. _

“Why, he were smokin’ and talkin’ to
Luke Dunn, and he never took the weed from

 

between his lips or more than made a comma
in his conversation.

“ It saved l’ete killin' me, or my killin’ him
some day for there was had blood between
us, and have my suspicions he was one of
Road-Agent Rob’s band 0’ varmints.”

“ Did the gang follow the gentleman on to
Silver Nugget?”

“ I can't swear that they did, but Idid see
two of them in Nugget, and asked them why
they wasn’t at 1"izen Pete’s obsequies Of
course they got mad and told me to climb a.
tree, and pull it up after me; but I didn't do
it, or hasn’t yet,” and Cofiin Tom laughed
heartily.

“Did Mr. DashWood stop long in Nug-
get?"

“ No, I guess not. He said he was going
to get aborse and a pack-animal, for he had
some things along with him on the coach,
and a saddle and bridle too, and was going
to ride to the fort."

“ Alone?"

“ So he said.

“I warned him that it was a long day‘s
ride, and he said that if night dvertook him,
he could camp."

“And he went?"

“ You bet, for when I told him that there
were outlaws and Indians to fear, and he
might get lost, too, he said that he wasn’t al-
together a tenderfoot, though he had been
knocking about the world for some years,
and he'd take chances on. being his own
guide.

“ But, my, Jack! he were a handsome man,
very much the style in face and form of your
friend, Bufl‘alo Bill, only he did not wear
his hair long like him.”

“ Did not wear his hair long?” asked Texas '

Jack, quickly, as it flashed across his mind
that the mangled form bound to the tree had
had long hair, as the colonel had particularly
said, and the major too.

“ No; but he said be guessed he'd grow it
if he stayed out on the frontier long.’

“ So he started for the fort?”

ll Yes.]l

“ And alone, you said ‘2”

“ He and his two pack-horses, for he
bought three of the best animals in Silver
Nugget.

“ But, Jack, I’m awful glad you is along
this trip, for I've gota valuable outfit aboard
and somehow I’ve kinder dreaded a holdin’
up by road-agents to-day,” and in a low tone
Coffin Tom added:

“ I’ll tell you a secret Jack.”

 

CHAPTER XXXVI.
THE HOLD~UP.

IN a. low tone, Coffin Tom, bending over
toward Texas Jack as he drove along. said:

“ I say, I'm glad you are along, Jack, and
I’ll tell you why.”

" All right, Tom."

“ Word was given me to be cautious this
run, as the officer in the coach is the new
paymaster for Fort Vale, and he has consid-
erable money with him to pay off the men.

“The two soldiers with him are guards;
and, in addition to that, I’ve got the Over-
land Compuny's paymaster along — the
smooth—faced gent inside dressed llke a par.
son. He’s going to pay off our crowd, be-
ginning at Silver Nugget and working back.

“The other gent is booked for Silver
Nugget, butI heard him tell the oflicer he
was going to Fort Vale, where his youngest
daughter was visiting her sister, Mrs. Gray-
son, and that she was soon to margy a young
lieutenant, and he had all the wed ing outfit
along and lots of presents, and you see the
coach is well loaded down with trunks.

“ So he is going through with the pay-
master, and the are to wait at Nugget for
an escort of sol iers to be sent.”

“You have indeed got a valuable load,
Coffin Tom; but why do you dread a hold-up
particularly on this trip?"

“ Well, experience has tau ht me all I
know, and there are men on th s trail I sus-
pect, living in Nugget, Rawhide City and
Overlook Ranch, the three points that make
up my run.

“ I can't just get my hand cn them, but I
think the are in with Road-Agent Rob’s
gang and rave posted him that I carry a rich
load this trip, and with you along, the officer
and‘ the two soldiers, our paymaster, who is

A.» ~...,._.._ Wn_-.__.-mn —._ n A

 

 

 

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Ruse.

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a fighter from ’way back, the old gent, not to

_s eak of myself, we mi ht manage to carry

land A ent-Itob into lElugget in his coffin,

which has along, as yer see, and has car-
ried for over a year for his accommodationf‘

" Well, Tom, I only hope he may hold us
up, if we can box Road Agent Rob,” replied

Texas Jack, more seriously. , ’

“ There must be,a good deal of money
along to defend, for it will take many thous-
; ands to pay off at the fort, and the monthly

wages of your men _ will count up big, I

know, while it will never do for pretty Miss

Sophie Willis to lose her t'I-oueseau."

“ Her what ‘I”

“ Traumatic"

“ Come again, Jack.”

“ Her wedding outfit." A

,“ Now you're talking, but before, you
sprung Dago upon me. I hain’t up in any
lingo except American, and I guess the
school—teacher would say as how I took
liberties with that.

“ No, she must’n't lose her outfit."

.“ Indeed no! for she is a. beautiful and
lovely girl, is Miss Willis, and I heard her in
tended husband, Lieutenant Walter Wayne,
who is a splendid fellow, had shut East for

, lots of presents for her, and many of the
officers have done the same, too, for he is as
popular as she is.

“They were to be sent,1 remember; to
the home of the young lady’s father, and he
was to fetch them through, as I heard the
colonel say he had to send an escort, when
he got word what time Judge Willis, for has
a U. S. judge, was to be at Rawhide.

“Now it seems he has kept on to Silver

Nug at."
.l. “ hat ,is on account of the paym‘aster
‘ going that way, and they’ll have to carry
the things over on buckboards they got at
Nugget— but where is your horse, for he
isn’t following?" ,

“He has stopped to feed doubtless, but
will soon catch n’p-say, hold right on, for I
saw a man jump behind a rock just now,
and here is where the holdup will be," and
turning his head slightly Texas Jack called
‘ , then b not inn loud voice,

- , “ aside the‘ coach there—don't look out,
 but all be ready to fight, for we are going to
‘ be halted ahead here."

3  . There were voices heard in the coach, but

' noonelook'ed out. '

V Then a voice said: . v

‘ “ We are all ready and must fight, for we

, carry a most valuable load. '

“ Give us the signal!”

" 3, say, sir, it will be when Idrop the
man ea who halts ins," was Texas J ack’s

   
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
   
  
 
  
 
   
    
   
  
  
    
 
    
  
   
 
   
   
  
 
  
  
  
  

cool response. I .
, Coffin Torn had simply gathered his reins
well in 'hand, and quick y slipped his revol‘
verslfrom his belt to the box seat.

‘Then he said:

i “ I didn‘t see any one. Jack, but I’m
gambling on it they are there. '

‘7That was the U. S. paymaster who
vfinsweredfl on, and you bet they’ll all fight,
tombs ju ge hain't no slouch.

' “fiWhich rockwssit?”
 ‘The one with the pine behind it.”
 “Goodi' Coaches has been stopped there

, , orgnsnd there’s a couple of graves just off
A; 3. . ,

‘It was on that tree my warning. was
stadium-and maybe I‘ll gits chance touse
fibeeomn'after'all—you intend to drop him

halts umayou say?” , r
'2 Yes, the rst man that shows \himsel-t is
’? . , ' ” ' -
"‘,‘ Steady now, for we are near the place,
I’m, with you, Jack. tooth and claws."

‘ L know. that, Coma Tom,” answered
en’s Jack in, a low tone, and hiydly had he
flaredthe words when halt a dozen men
pmgmfrom cover out into the trail, and
,,., > one shouted in a sharp, commandingvorcez,
7' “' "‘Igalt that coach, Tom Sands, and/bands

‘ I”. ‘ .
With the'uttersnce of the last word 1; re
35.: sharp report from Texas Jack’ re-

s

    
      
  
        
      
 
        
 
    
   
    
  
    
  
    

  
  
  

  

 
  
  

    

   

/

 

 
   

EGHAPTEB XXXV‘II.
I UNLOCKED-FOR AID.
,’ ' iwsro sedan men in sight when

axes Jack. fired, and the one who gave the
'  , haldng-theeoach,‘stood just mthei
.theuail. g 1  I!

 
  
  
 
 
  

 
   

,decided to fight it out.

 

He had sprung, there, at a bound; from be-
hind the rock upon which the scout had his
eye.

The other men had appeared upon each
side, two of them springing to the heads of
the leaders and rrasping their bridles, and
the other four cveling their revolvers at
Texas Jack and Collin Tom.

If there were others they had not yet
shown themselves.

The road~Agents had not expected re-
sistance. that was certain, and Collin Tom
had whispered: '

“ That‘s lioadlAgcnt Rob!”

He spoke while the leader was giving his
command to him to halt and hands up.

Texas Jack had fired with the quickness
and deadly aim for which he was noted.

He had his hand already resting upon his
revolver by his side. lying upon the seat, and
to throw it forward, take rapid aim and pull
trigger was the work of an instant

A loud curse broke from the leader’s lips.
as he was falling, and tried hard to speak to
his men; but. he went down in a. heap in the
trail,

The men at the heads of the leaders.
startled and demoralizcd by the fall of their
captain. let go their hold on the bridlcs, and,
quick as a flash, Coffin Tom‘s whip descend-
ed. and at the same time he yelled to his
team

“ Git aheadl Git!” ’

Texas‘Jack had fired a second shot by this
time, and the man dropped his weapon with
a cry of pain, while other road agents fired
scagtering shots, evidently at a loss just what
to o '

But suddenly as the team and coach
dashed over the body of the leader, 'who was
tr ing to crawl out of the way, crushing the
ii 0 out of him, thus finishing the work of
the bullet, Coflin Tom reined up quickly, and
with an oath cried out:

“My God!

” They have blocked usl

"dWe’ve got to fight it out right here,
par l"

Texas Jack’s quick glance told what Cof-
fin Tom meant, for he saw that the outlaws
had stretched lariats'across the stage-trail,
tied from tree to tree.

The nature of the ground would not ad-.

mit of the coach going to either side, so that
it was stopped by a'fence of ropes that could
not be’ passed. ‘

“I'll cut the lsriats, and you drive
on!" shouted Texas Jack springing to the
ground.

".1 hain’t that kind. Jack, to‘ desart a
pard,“ responded Cofiin Tom, and he, too,
sprung from the stage-box to the ground,
gust as the ou‘tlaws, with renewed confidence
n themselves, as the coach was halted by
the' barrier", shouted wildly and opened fire
once more, while ansWering shouts came
from back in the timber, and half a dozen
meanted road‘agents dashed into View, a
hundred yardsaway.

The doors of the coach had now been
thrown‘open, and out sprung the army
officer with a revolver in each hand, and
the two soldiers followed him with their
rifles. ,

On the other; side the Overland paymaster
leaped out, ready fer battle, and the judge
wig: by his side, a revolver in his hand

a . . .
- . The coach part saw' that the were at a

outnumbere , but they
Texas Jack had
already dropped another outlaw as he ran
tothe lariat barrier, and Coflin Tom was ad-
vancing to meet others. ‘

Just. as Texas Jack slashed the lariat
barrier down, the firing was'hot on both
sides. The mounted outlaws were near at
handuthe-one who led them shouting:

disadvantage, an

" Hold them, men, 'for we are With,

you l“ ,

,Thc road-agents on foot would have been
easily put to flight, but/for this reinforce-
ment by theirjcomrades, and they rallied, to
phe the order of the One who was now their

er. . I , \
.“It’s odds against, us, ,pardsh but [die
game!" shouted Toxins Jack. ‘ r - ’ .‘
_ “Yes, stand firm and we may beat them
oflzyetl ' cried the army. paymaster. '
But, they were words of .liopeuin thema-
men :1de 0‘ f' Wrwmu'
was t

  
 
   
    

  
 

 

wounded, one of the soldiers had been killed,
ilud Collin Tom had a severe wound in the-
cg.
“ Wipe them all out! Show no mercy to
any onel” commanded the mounted leader
as he neared the scene, and all knew what
they had to expect.

But, just then. help unlooked for came, for
the rapid clatter of boots was heard, and
Texas Jack’s horse dashed into sight.

{Iis coming had caused the road-agents to
he Is.

As they were about to dash on again into
the fray, other boots were heard, and then
came in ringing tones:

“ Stand firm, men!
hand!"

With wild cries of rage the outlaws lled,
While the same voice shouted:

" Drive that coach on with full speed!”

All saw but one horseman, and that was
an Indian, but the command was obeyed
quickly, Texas Jack saying:

B  Tom, that was the voice of Buffalo

il !”

The guard is at

CHAPTER XXXVIII.
TEXAS JACK nexus News:

THE body of the Overland paymastcr and
the dead soldier were quickly thrown into
the couch by the army/officer and the remain-
ing soldier, while Collin Tom had hopped to
the stage and clambered up to the box.

Texas Jack had shouldered the dead and.
crushed form of the outlaw leader, and run-
ning back with it had called out:

“Drag him up, Tom. for he’s the fruit for
your coffin," _

Tom lost no time in dragging the body.
up,- the judge sprung back into the coach
with the others, and Texas Jack grasped the
reins, telling the driver to bind up the
wound in his leg as best he could.

On dashed the team, eager to go after the
exciting scene they had passed through, and
the invincible Texan handling the reins like
an expert. '

" Well, Pard Tom, I’m all mixed up,"
said Texas Jack as they drove along.

” How’s that?”

“ We got a temporary relief by‘thecoming-
of my'horse, for they thought aid was at
hand.’ ' ‘

“ Sure, and he's keeping close behind.

now.” .

“ Yes,_and we were saved by the one who
came to" our rescue a moment after, for his
words didthe work.”

“ No doubt of that for they meant to wipe
us out. But who was be, God bless him?”

“ He was Buffalo Bill." ‘

v “ He was an Injnn, for 'I seen him fair,
and he dashed up the trail, then back, and as
we drove away he was in sight again—it was
a In "an."

‘,‘ id you ever hear an Indian speak Eng-
lish as he did, Tom ?” v .

“ New I think of it, Iguess not.

for?”

“‘He left the fort some time ago. on ,9.
scout, and he may be disguised as an 'In-
dian.” ' l- -  

“ Fact.” -

“ For some reason he‘ did not seem to
wish to come and join 8. but he told'us to
do just what saved us. i he ’had not come
when he did and stampeded’ the outlaws, we
would have all been‘kllled, for we were get-
ting the worst of it, and the road-agents
would have gotten a fortune from Uncle
Sam, the Over and Company and Miss So-
phie Willls’s weddin outfitfi » “

"Sure they won] . ‘

" And now I think of it, no, Injunconld 

give an order as he gave it. It was the yoiee
of a'man who knows hq'w tocommand. "
‘ " 1 hope he had pards near." \ 1 ‘

“'I fear not, Torn; butil any man can take
care of himself, Buffalo Bill can; When we-
resch Silver Nug ‘at,‘I will..return, and try
and find him; in‘ net, we’ll halt. further on,
and I'll saddle up rutherer and ride bac , for
you can drive on after I haverdresse your
wound?” 7‘ -'
“ Ypu-betl c
obackalone.” .. . . rm:

"m business, Tom, youknow‘mnd
'Buffalo'Bill; b t} "

   

 

ammo.

"But what’s Buffalo Bill playing Injun .

: I. .- Onlyldon’t wahfio see H

H“ -__-_ t. ‘ . n.7nr.r,v..<,...._.. . ..   ,. I.

an»..- Aw...“

 

 

34:7

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

. Old Buckskin, at the request of Colonel

 

' timber. v .

-maybe some one else may ~wish looking
after.” ' ‘

gigging out of the coach and . addressing

practice early in life to sin ylaw,‘andhad~

 

 

 

 

pearng and stampcdiug the outlaws, for I
have my motive, Tom.”

“I will, you bet, and I tell you I owe
heaps to you. Jack, and Buffalo Bill, if it
was your pard."

“ Don't speak of it, Tom, for my life was
at stake as well as yours, and Government;
property to defend.

“ But, I'm awful sorry the Overland pay-
master was killed, and the Soldier, while the
officer was slightly wounded, too.”

“ Yes, and didn't they all light game?"

“ Indeed they did."

“ And the judge got there with both feet.

“I tell you, we’d have been wiped out
quick, but for their game fighting.

“ But, we got my man for the coflin, and
I counted four roadngents go under."

“ Yes, and several were wounded.

“There were nine in the lot on foot, and
seven more were coming on horseback, mak-
ing sixteen in all."

“Sixteen against seven of us, Jack, and
one man turned the tidcin our favor, and
that one man, you say, was Buffalo Bill."

“ Yes, ten to one on it, Tom.

“But, we are all of ten miles from the
holdup point, now, and it‘s not many more
to Silver Nugget, i guess; so, when we reach
yonder timhei'ed hill, at the base of which I
remember there is a stream, I’ll dress your
wound, and then put back on my horse to
see if I can find Bulfan Bill," said Texas
Jack

“ You know best, Jack; but I’m sorry you
will not go on with me to Silver Nugget, as
I'm going to try my luck to-night ag’in‘ the
Queen of Rubies.”

“ Who?" asked Texas Jack, quickly,
glancing at Coflin Toni, while he recalled
when he had heard of the Queen of Rubies,

Kent, having told him the story of Duke
Dashwood, that the scout might go on the
search for him with his eyes fully opened to
catch at any clue to discover who had taken
his life. .

“ Yes, that’s her name.”

“ Who is she?”

“ Ask me something easy, Jack.”

“ Do you know nothing about her?"

“ Well, she came to Silver Nugget a few
weeks ago and opened a gamblin’ den. It is
known as the ‘Lucky Card.’ She bought
out the man who was running it.

" She’s a beautiful woman, too, and she's
got rubies to throw to the birds.” /

“ How old is she?" . , i

“ Don’t know. Who does? for she’s a wo-
man, and no man can tell the age of a
feminine. ”

“ Is she a young girl?”

“I guess not, and if I was gambling on
her age I'd say she was about thirty-five,
though she looks younger.

“She's dead game, runs her den for
,money, allows no nonsense and some of the
boys have raked iii-a big pile o’ chips there,
andbzl was going to risk a hundred to-
nig t.”

“ Don’t ‘do it, Tom, for that woman will
get your money, mark my Words.”

“ Do you know her, Jack ?"

“NOV only I have heard of her; for she
was down in the lower mining country
years ago, for she must be the one I‘refer to.

“ But, here we' are at the hill, and that
wound «of yours is bleeding freely and
must be stopped,” and Texas Jack drew rein
on the banks of a small stream fringed with

—d————

CHAPTER XXXIX.
ran ringer. ‘

I HAVING gotten down from the box, Texas
Jack called out: , ‘-

” We halt here, gentlemen, todress Coffin

Tom's wound, for it is bleeding freely, anti

"\Are you a surgeon?" asked Judge Willis,

v " Only, a scrub unfair, to do my best

when there is no, one else around to helpfa

wounded man.” _ I I ~3
“Well, ~perhups~1can hel for I- left‘the

‘sonie experience with wounds in the Mexi-

 

can fixer, for I Was then a regimental sun.

3

“Then plense,look after poor Torn, sir,"
said Jack. _

“Certainly, for I have dressed the captain’s
wound as I came along," and the judge re-
ferred to the paymaster, and continued:

"I saw you in action, sir, and must com-
pliment you upon your most valuable ser-
vices.

“ You were fortunate not to be killed, ex-
posing yourself as you did."

“ You were, indeed. my man; and I would
like to know your name I. am Captain
Enos Knapp, army paymaster, and I shall
make a full report to Colonel Kent of this
attack on us, and of your bravery and that
of the driver."

“ Capt’iu, this is Texas Jack, for I‘ll inter—
doocc him, and he’s lieutenant of Bufialo
Bill’s company of scouts and is stationed at
Fort Vale,” explained Collin Tom.

Captain Knapp at once grasped Jack’s
hand warmly and said.

" I have heard often of you, Texas Jack,
and I know your chief, Buffalo Bill, having
met him some years ago. " '

The captain then presented Texas Jack to
Judge Willis. who greeted him warmly, and
said that his daughters had frequently
written him of Buffalo Bill and his brave
scouts.

“ it isa Secret, gentlemen, my being along,
and I do not care to have it mentioned at
Silver Nugget. ’

“ But, as I am going back on the trail
from here, Captain Knapp. I shall be obliged
if you will tell Colonel Kent where you left
me, and that I believe I am in a fair way to
make a discovery of importance. He will
understand, sir.” -

“I will tell him. v ’

“But. you are not going back alone on
the trail?“ .

“.Yes, sir; for I beiievc the one who came
to our aid is a man I am most anxious to
flat .”

“ I did not see him, but thejudge did, and
said that it Was an Indian, though I cannot
think so, as I heard his voice and words and
no red-skin speaks as he did.”

“‘ He was, in my opinion, Captain Knapp,
a white man disguised as an Indian, and that
I am going to find out.”

“ Well, in spite of your plucky fight, and
all we did, we owe our escape to him, be he
red-skin or white man. ‘ . *

“ I was deeply pained to lose one of my
men. Also the Overland paymaster was
shot dead, while the driver and myself were
wounded, my hurt being _a bullet through

.the arm, but not serious. '

“ I trust Coffin Tom is not badly hurt.”

“ He got a bullet in the leg. sir.” '

“ No, it is not dan erous, though it was a.
close call from brea ing the bone,",called
out the judge, who was dressin the hurt.

“Fortunately,” he added. “. never travel
without [by combined surgical and medicine
case, so I was able to extract the bullet,
which was checked by the bone.” -

The wound was soon dressed, and by that

time Texas Jack had called his horse up and 'h

saddled and. bridled him. _ r

He always want provided with his pro-

visions and camping outfit, and these were
taken from the coach and strapped on his
saddle.
* “ Come, Pnrd Jack, don’t go without help-
ing me to place Road-Agent, Rob in his box,
for hows it to our shot that I got him, and
the coach simp finished our Work.

“We‘ll box- im, and ’ll take him into
Silver Nugget, toes up!“ _

The scout leaped upon the wheel,» was
soon on the coach. and, with the aid of the‘
soldier, the body of the dead road-agent cap-i
tain was soon in the coffin, the 'lid being left

off. » , .
The bodies of the dead Overland paymas-
ter and soldier were then laid at length on
the top of the coach, and Coffin Torn crawled
up to,the box and grasphd the reins. . ‘
“Well, Texas Jack, I suppose you’ll not
get into Silver Nugget be ore we leave, as
the colonel will doubtless ‘have ‘an escort
then?" said Captain Knapp. ‘ , t
“.Tbe‘colonclspoke of your cxpectedoom-
ing sometime next week, sir/f I ‘ .
“Did he not gem letter from me saying .I

i was comingten- days sooner?”

" I‘am surethat he did not, sir." '
,"When did you learethe fort?”
'9 Hot “twenty—tom hours a

' scoutgoing ahead through the timber, notto

’ lariat that had: ormed the barrier and W

colonel expected 0 to go to Silvor Nugget 4
and said nothing out your being there.”

“ When did the last mail 0 in?”

"Four days ago, sir, ant another is not.
due for three days.”

“Then my letter missed in some way;
but, we can get buckboards at Silver Nugget
and push through, judge, rather than wait.
several days for an escort."

“By all means, captain.” .

" It you do, captain, go as soon after
reaching Silver Nugget as possible and. do
not delay long enough to let some of the
lawless men there head you off on the trail,” ~
urged Texas Jack; and with a good-byto
al‘, he started back on the trail for the scene
of the holdup, Coffin Tom calling out:

“I’ll share with you, Jack, all that Road-
A gent Rob pans out."

    
  
  
    
   
   
  
   
   
   
  
  
  
   
  
   
   
  
   
  
   
  
   
   
  
   
  
   
   
 
  
  
   
   
    
   
   
  
  
  
  
   
      
  
    
 
    
  
  
    
 
 
   
  
  
  
   
   
   
 
 

CHAPTER XL.
run st'oo'r’s FIND.

TEXAS JACK rode on the back trail,
thoroughly conscious of the danger that he
was running, yet feeling certain that the
man they had seen disguised as an Indian
wnsnone other than BnlIalo Bill.

“ After all, dear old llill is not dead, as I
felt sure he was not in spite of the seeming
proof that he had gone over the cliff.

“For some reason he was disguised as an:
Indian chief, and he was vw‘fy careful not to-
let the outlaws geta glimpse o liim,l thought,
for he disappeared so suddenly after coming
in sight of the stage. '

” But, his voice rung like a trumpet and I
am very sure the Voice was his. .

“ Well, I'll soon know, but‘l must go slow;
or the gang may be there and jump me":

So mused Texas Jack as he rode at a cam
tcr back for the scene of conflict.

His horse kept up a steady gait, not having-
felt his gallop without any weight. ,_ 

Thus the miles were gone over until the
scout was withinla mile of the hold~ups. .

Then he rode on at a walk, his repeating-
rifle, a splendid Winchester, held across his
saddle ready for use. I , ‘

Approaching nearer, he dismounted, threw
his bridle-rein our the horn of his saddl ,
and walked on ahead, his well-trained horse,
awaiting patiently until called ' '

Soon. the callcame, a shrill whistle, and the,
horse movedv'on at a slow trot. ,

Coming up with his rider he was'ngain left,
the scout going on ahead, and then, afte
awhile came another whistle. ‘

The horse instantly obeyed it. , ‘

This was repeated half a dozen times. the;

 

be caught in an ambush, and then calling
his horse up to join him., . ‘- z ' ’ ,.
After half an hour Texas Jack cameo
the scene of the attack upon the coach. .
He was still on foot. his horse several bun
drcd yards back down the trail. _ i7
Agter a glance about him Texas Jackmu

tere . ~ .- ,
“ They have not been back,” all‘is safe

ere. u ». ,
'With this he called his horse up, an '
faithful animal stood. patiently by, ‘w in is;
rider looked aboutxhim. , 
The first thin r that caught his'.eye-
he had cut down, ‘ . . p 
The ends were still about the trees on oi
side the trail, andjust beyond lay the,
body of an outlaw; ,- * . »
Texas J , k walked up to it, remov»
mask from the face and said aloud:
»“ I have seen that man before. ”- '
Over‘ on one aideof the trail lay another,
lent form,'and the mask ‘ was torn, from

 
 
  

  
   
  

    

 
 

face. , . ~ . .
»- “Ahi a miner from Silver Nuggc
have seen him there often. . a

“ Ava, have thought, the road-agree
doubtless men who hang out‘in Raw
City and Silver Nugget, pretendia
honest cowboys and. miners. 1
,“Novitothe‘others.” ‘ . , ‘
There was a-red stain upon the:

       
   
  

  
 
     
 

  
    
    
  

 
 

    
     
    
  
 

  

    

 

 
    

 

‘ “Bush’s this nus...” ‘

 

 

 
  
   
 
 
   
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
   
 
  
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
   
 
 
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
    
  
 
 
  
 
  
  
   
  
 
   
   
  
  
  
  
  

Two other bodies of ogtlaws were found,
but when unmasked. the scout failed to re-
cognize them as any one he had before seen.

" Five, counting Road-Agent Rob.

“ Not a bad day‘s work for us,
severe blow to the agents, for they seldom
get shot of late. '

“ Road Agent Rob has gone under, but the
one who come up with the relief seemed a.

,1 bold leader.

"New to see what the outfit pans out,”
and Texas Jack went from one to the other
of the bodies and searched them.

“I will leave the party Collin Tom will
.send out from Nugget to bury them, while I

Buffalo Bill."

rifles, half a dozen revolvers, and asaddle
.and bridle -

“ I'll cache my find to return for another
slay, and then set out to follow that trail,"
and gathering the things together Jack
" packed them on his horse to hide some dis
Lance away from the scene.

Walking along the trail, his horse follow
lug, he soon crime to the spot where the
.liorsenian, Indian or pale-fuce,. had been
men.

Readily he picked up the trail, and was
' =following it book through the timber, when,
.suddenly, from behind a group of rocks,
l-came the sharp command:

“ Hands up, Tean Jacki”

 

" CHAPTER XLI..
AGAIN A PRISONER.

THE reader will recall how Bulfalo Bill,
' 'upon the scene where he had once so nearly
met his doom, and where he had found
' the mangled remains of an unknown bound
,to the same tree where he had been a pris-
‘oner, had just started to mount his horse
to: return to the camp when he heard a
,1 wild yell, and, ore he could grasp a weapon,
six; was felled to the ground by a severe
ow.
. He had gathered the pieces of~clothing,
the boots “and the hat of the man who had
mysteriously died there, and had buried
‘the mangled remains, the lantern he had
with him lightingfhim’ in the work.

one;

atom throu h the trees and the one who
beheld lt' ha crept nearer and nearer as
noiseless as a phantom. ‘

. Hexhsd seen the scout’s form, and as the
. ‘ was not ten feet 'from him and crouching
he a wild beast to spring upon its prey.
That flash- of the lantern, revealed the face
’Buflalo Bill ’ ' y ,
There was, no mistake. for the scout‘s Was
has face one cbuldl'orget. '
,Thsn a wild cry of
 the face the lantern had revealed, and
With the bound offs tiger he was at the back
{the scout, a terrible blow cams crash-
ing: downward and Bnfislo Bill dropped his

. ml: upon the ground.

  
 

 

   

   
  
 
  
  

,rcélfleshsndbtoodm . .

,,_,'-th'at" the wolves ‘had' torn  ‘ to
Kin-night I came back to bury him. for

 
 
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
   
  
 
 
  

A ‘ l
in; blowhas felled him;
stu at myiest, .’ r ,.
lhsv‘e mflcd’at tho'dead’sreturn’ingltb
th in;in form. but for a moment 1
'ldwiths dden terror.  ' ‘  - ,
o.‘ it- was ot‘BnflalotBill who died,
a *Ibb, wolves‘toce to
my -,_ feet; “once a’g‘ n. wholly in, my
.. ,. . . p, , .

Wilma n
. 3’"

and he

 

The search of the bodies "panned out,”
as Jack expressed it, considerable money, .
csome jewelry, a couple of good repentng l ning blow just as he found himself bound,

flA moment more and he would have been

8
.« I‘ But, keen eyes had seen the glare of the'

lure of the lantern fell full upon his face .

mingled rrlgm'ans »
burst from the lips of the one who be- ’

‘ Great Godi‘ it was no “ghost thatI struck, '

31'an his mangled remains here where I 3 ‘
Wk-him, bound/to this ‘trée, and} be-. »

bad luck to leave human bones unburied. 
be¥0ld, as Ibelieved; his ghoststand-i ‘

naskthe aid (sf/the madman tompuut.’ __ 5 r y
‘ r; Itwas‘given in an unexpected way, for the ,

   
    
 
  

sees, for be her

will bosom that  use ‘

 

"Now to bind him beyond escape, and
when he comes back to'consciousness, he
shall go with me."

The man who had stood over the scout

and a. and thus mused aloud, was, as the reader has

doubtless conjectured, the Mad Giant who
had before proven such a cruel foe to Buffalo

l Bill.

There was no change in his wild appear
ance, either in face or attire, and as he ceased

 his musings he took the scout’s luriat, which
‘ had had served so well before, and securely
i bound his hands behind his back.

His next move was to take the scout's

jlurge sombrero, fill it with water at the
try to strike the trail of the man I claim was ; stream, and dash it 'into his face with the
l muttered words:

“I hope he is not dead."
But BulIzllO Bill had rallied from the stun-

and though still half dazed he knew who his
cantor was.

‘ l
Not anticipating the dash of water, or car-

ing for a repetition of it, he said calmly;

“ No, I am not dead, and I only wish I
had let you know the fact, a moment
sooner.” »

“Not dead! How glad I am,” said the
the Mad Giant, with a growl.

U Why?!)

“ Because I will have the pleasure of see
inks,r you diel":

It be had expected his words would no
nerve the scout he was mistaken, for the
cool response came:

“No "doubt; but, you had me foul once
before and I am still on earth.”

The mad man-slayer turned quickly and

asked:

“ How did you get free?"

,v “Guess. ' ' '

“Some one set you free, and in return you
tied him to the tree and let the wolves do
your him.”

“ You are a gigantic old liar,” angrily re
turned Buffalo Bill, for the charge against
him cut him severely, that he could be
thought, eyes by a foe, to be capable of so
cruel o. deed. ,

* The madman raised his hand, as though
abcaut to strike, land then lowering it quickly
sai : - i
_ “‘ No, not yet! I can wait, for your time
of torture has not yet come.”

There was something fiendish in the words .-

and'tonc and the. scout made no reply. '

Then the captor asked:

“ How did you get free?"

" Guess again.” ‘ .

“ Who was the man whom the wolves de~
‘voured?'»’, v . '

“ Do you not know?”

‘ ‘ “No.”

“ Who set you free?" -

“I w set'gree by a friend".

'“ Wh did you come here tic-night?”

“,I saw to-da the body tied to the tree
and came tornig t to buryit, for]. em human,
“Refill” b" itl I I

‘ 1 011 u I i"
"Ididtm ry' I _ .

“:Well,"there is much you can tell me
will walk.” < , , _

"?Where?", _ ' ‘1 ,‘ ,-
"‘ You will“ see,”.was the reply of the
giant. ". V I] , ‘ 3 l ‘

v

, CHAPTER XLII.
1 term Humans Cu'Nmno.
"BUFFALOVBILL did not-resist.w  .
y; He was studying the nature of his captor
as best‘hecouldh v y, 3 39., I ,
Thst hereally was insane the prisoner felt

convinced. had the thought struck [him that
hermlght humor him intoacertaiu. friend-l
ship'for, him,whioh,imthe end would be to,
his-advantage.« !-  : r ‘ . ’  3
,So heal-one, and bound as. he was, had/to

a

   
 

  

 

giant sling raised bimasnae would a child,
so, imin‘ithe‘saddls’z-‘v ' ‘

snag!»

 on are the most ,, erful man lever
' pounds "over "

   

rd .vfor‘ILwel" some
.3 theistic

that .I would know; to mount yon horse. I .

   

‘ that wouldfleawe a trsii'.‘

 

ons were him to the born, but so that he
could not get old of them. and, taking the
bridle reins, the captor started off in an op-
posite direction from the camp.

“ You are not going to the camp, pard,”
intimated the scout.

“ I have just come from there.”

“ Ah! did you see the colonel, for I spoke
to him of you ‘2"

“No, but he heard of me from other than
you, to-night.”

“ Who was that?”

“I killed three of his guards.”
‘ “ What?" and Buffalo Bill started at what
he heard.

“ I shot three of his sentinels."

“ You did?”

“ Yes."

“ \Vhen?”

“ To- night.”

“But you were herel"

"1 had just come from the camp when
I saw your lantern ”

“ And you killed three men?”

“ I (lid. ”

“And got away?"

"Bah! I care nothing for your soldier

guards and scouts,

“ Of course 1 got away, as I have before
and will again—fies, will now, taking with
me Bull'an Bill, the chief of army scouts.”

" You are a most wonderful man.” _

Again the madman seemed pleased, and
Bull-ale Bill continued: ~

“Tell me how you did it?”

“ I‘ll tell you that I killed them as I have

- many a man before." .

“ Where?" ‘
“ Is the death of a soldier and a scout so

light an afinir nt_F01't Vale that your take no '

note of it?"
“ But this was not at Fort Vale."
“Have there been no mysterious deaths

of sentinels ut‘Fort Vale, and of youvscouts
while on the trail?" ‘ '
Buffalo Bill gave along whistle. Hlse es

seemed to he suddenly opened to someth ng
that surprised him, and he said: '

“ Yes, Indians have picked ofi several
sentinels at the fort of late, and :nlso I have

lost two scouts in the same wsy‘.’ < ‘

do it. ,

“Who did?”
“ 1 did!
two scouts. and I killed to night two more
soldiers and one scout.

“Nor is that all, for I picked ofiothers'

today, in the battle.vand had i been on‘ the
cliff that daring rider would never gone
through,the canyon with the news of our
bein ambushed- on the cliffs. '
“ howas he?" , ’ ,
“I might as; well tell you that I made
the ride." 3 t. ‘ .
\ ‘frlt was just like you. Some of the In-
dians said it was
were dead, so laughed at them."

‘ “ Why are you so revengeful toward the ‘

soldiers ‘1’. ,

~ Tasmanian halted,’stepped, back toths '

side of the horse and seemed aboumq'bgm
forth in a‘rage, , . -. .

,But, suddenly checking  behold in,

‘alow. almost pathetic tons: -' ‘

  

sla er. " »

  

he did not answer several.
questions the lattptbecsme silent, also;

on, at a swinging walk that kept
Bill's horse at‘a trot to keep up with him.‘ I
The scout had congratulated himself upon

 

  

the fact’thnthis men Would track them; big, , .;

   

whenda dawned, lie-took notice tha
madman. elt no trail. ' ' " ‘ ‘
When he Walked aion
did so with a ver . iightfi ,
hisflsize,’ [and .  thithe‘ cunni‘n
creature he was prepared ‘lwell

  
 
 
 
 
 

 

read for a. manof
of ‘afimsd
he"so

    

 
  
  

Now the .scout‘nnderst

" tor. had belted

; r Inst actively his-,c

the sol w . ft, and: no
vmiedgthnyhggidd hung schisij
dame; dial ‘2'

claws an
id pull

‘: It is no such thing, for Indians did not»;

I picked 'ofi three soldiers and,

you,*but I thought you ‘,

“‘I .have‘vcause to she—I sins. soldier-5 

hon he walked ahead once "more, and 
of the, scout’s

, Day had dawned; and the madman » g
o

. 'l. -;
over rocky or

V , 'bstsduring,
'the'ni ht, which‘hs didqnot‘understandgr ..
, when"
a daylight,” ‘
, or

“H. 

it

 

 

 

 

   
        
      
  
  
  
    
   
  
  
  
 
   
  
    
     
   
  
  
  
   
 

 

 

 
    

 

14—

1;“

Buffalo Bill’s Red-skin Ruse.

21

 

 

At other places, when he could go around
and let the horse continue straight on, he did
so.

Again, he would reverse the bear-foot san-
dals, and the animal would appear to be go-
ing in the opposite directionl

Then, at other times, he would leap up
behind Buffalo Bill, and the horse would
carry him for several hundred yards over
soft soil.

Thus, he left no trail that even the most
experienced scout could follow, though Buf-
falo Bill muttered:

“ He's a dandy and no mistake! But, he
overcalculates his own cunning, for a blind
man could follow the trail of this horse, and
some men who are not blind will do so.”

 

CHAPTER XLIII.
(:oVERING UP ms TRACKS.

IF Buffalo Bill thought that the giant was
over-matching himself, he was very much
mistaken, as he found later in the day, and
his admiration for the soldier-Slayers cun-
ning greatly increased.

After the sun had been 11p a couple of
hours, and the giant made no halt, moving
on with no thought of rest or breakfast,
Buffalo Bill said:

“Say, pard, I’ve got a bag of provisions
along, so suppose we have something to
eat?"

“ Not here.

“ Wait," was the answer.

The man went along like one who knew
tust where he was going, never at a loss,
and with the same care to disguise his own
tracks, while he made no effort to hide the
trail of the horse ridden by his prisoner.

At last they drew near a cliff, where there
was an open space in the timber, looking out
upon a grand view.

To the ears of the scout there came the
roar of a torrent, and he knew that a stream
ran along at the base of the cliff.

Taking the bear’s-feet sandals from his
belt, the madman fitted the hind claws upon
the feet of Buffalo Bill.

Then he untied the rope beneath the saddle
and bade his prisoner dismount.

The scout did so.

Next he took off the saddle and bridle,
with the bag of provisions, belt of arms,
roll of blankets and the bundle of the un-
known victim’s clothes, books, and hats, and
fastened all upon his own broad shoulders.

His next act was to take a piece of blanket
and tie it over the head of the cavalry horse.

Buffalo Bill watched his every move with
curiosity and interest.

This done be grasped the horse by the

mane, and led him forward in a walk.

The animal thus led, with perfect confi-
dence in man, although he heard the roar of
the torrent, but could not see the cliff, follow-
eLl him faithfully.

Then Buffalo Bill recognized how the mad-
man had made no mistake in not hiding the
trail of the horse.

He saw his cruel purpose, and unable to
prevent, he yet called out:

“ Great God, man! don't be guilty of an
act so inhuman as to kill that poor horse.

“ You are worse than a brute!”

But the madman only smiled malignl and
kept on leading the poor horse to his oom.

As he neared the edge of the cliff, the
madman stepped aside, the horse kept on and
over his next step went.

He tried to recover himself, but in. vain,
and with a shriek that was human in its
fright, the animal plunged downward, the
madman laughing merrily and standing on
the very edge of the precipice and coolly
looking down to see his dumb victim strike
the water.

Buffalo Bill’s ,tcmper was up, but his good
sense controlled him, and he simply said:

“He fell into the river, did he not?"

“ Yes; did you not hear the splash? It
was as loud as a cannon. Now you’ll have
to walk, but it is not far.” , '

“The Indian village is a long way off,
away over yonder in those mountains."

“ We are not going to the Indian village.’

“ Ahl" and the prisoner had the relief of
knowing this much, at least.

“ Where are we going?"

, “ To my den, for I live like a wild beast. ”
\"Is it far?"

;

 

u Why?”

“I am a little lame, you see, and cannot
walk well with these things on my feet.”

“I will carry you.”

“Oh no; never mind; but must I wear
these bear-claws?”

“ Yes, for I leave no boot-track behind
me.”

“ All right!
I'll follow you."

The scout saw that there was no use to
argue with the madman, so accepted the situ-
ation.

When they reached the end of the ridge
the madman halted, took the bear’s feet oiI
of Buffalo Bill’s boots and said:

“ \Ve must climb down here, for, as you
see, no horse could come this way."

“ Yes, and it’s dizzy work for a man.”

“If you are dizzy I’ll aid you.”

“ Go ahead; don’t mind me.”

The madman swung over the cliff. The
scout followed, and the two made their way
slowly down the steep mountain-side for
over a mile.

Then they came to a canyon in the ridge,
yet some distance up from the valley below.

Into this the madman turned, and the
scout saw that it was, after going back from
the entrance, a small and fertile valley in
which there was a deep, clear pool of water,
with plent of grass about it.

To his ( elight, the scout also recognized
his own splendid horse, which the madman
had hidden away where he before became a
prisoner.

The hard ride had not hurt the animal in
the least, for he came at a gallop toward his
master, whom he knew at a glance.

“ The horse knows you.”

“ Yes, I lthought you had ridden him to
death."

“ No; he’s a splendid beast, hard to kill.
I found him where I had left him rested and
all ri ht, so brou ht him here.

“ here is my cn, and there you will re-
main until I decide just how you are to die,"
and the madman pointed to a cavern in the
side of the cliff overlooking the little valley.

Jump ahead, old man, and

 

CHAPTER XLIV.
THE MADMAN'S DEN.

BUFFALO BILL gazed about him with
strange interest, regarding the hidden val-
ley, the cliff, cave and all within his vision.

What that retreat of the madman meant to
him he did not know, and it might be, he
thought, that there his life would end.

Buthe was not the man to despair and fed
on the motto:

“ Where there is life there is hope.”

The madman led him toward the cliff in
which was his cavern.

The latter Iwas concealed in a clump of
pine trees that grew close to the cliff.

Behind them Buffalo Bill saw an opening
in the rock.

Approaching nearer the scout saw that
the cavern entrance was arched and about
the size of a church door, and through it
light. enough shone to reveal the interior.

It was indeed a den, as the madman had
called it, running back some thirty feet, and
about ten feet in width.

In the further end was a bed of bear and
buffalo robes, and several blankets.

Near the entrance there was a natural
fireplace; the smoke going up through a
split in the rocks.

Rocks served as andirous, and the cook-
ing utensils were a frying-pan: coffee-pot
and skillet, with a tin cup, plate and knife
and fork.

A hollow log, supported on rocks served
as a cupboard, and a deer hung in the en-
trance of the cave.

A couple of muskets had been ingeniously
fitted as a trap in the rear of the cavern, and
lariats stretched across and passin across
the trigger, so that any one enterln ,and
not knowing the combination, wen (i be
killed.

A wolf lying dead in the mouth of the
cave showed that even his light touch had
set off one of the muskets, which were load-
ed with buckshot and made him a victim,
as he was trying to kidnap the deermeat,

and red trails leading away told that others

had been wounded and sent howling away.

 

While the madman was unspringing his.
death-trap the scout had a chance to take in
the cave and its surroundings.

But what particularly struck his attention
was a” group of graves under the pines.

There were fivo of them, and at each was a
strange head-board.

The head-boards told the story, and a sad
one.

At one was a cavalry carbine, at another a
trooper’s saber, while two more had muskets
at the head, and the fifth a bowie-knife was
driven through the broad-brimmed sombrero
of a scout.

The madman had kept trophies of his vic-
tims to mark their graves with.

Though having only two revolvers in his
belt, and a large knife, and with a rope only
asabelt, there were weapons in plenty in
the cavern, and bolts, too.

“ \Vell, this is my den, and here you are
to be my prisoner, Buffalo Bill.

“ See here, I can keep even you here, for,
though I have not the luxuries of a home, I
have the necessities for a man of my call-
lug")

He went to the rear of the cavern as he
spoke and came back with a long and heavy
chain, and some irons.

The scout then noticed that a chain hung
down through the chimney crevice in the
rocks, and to this the madman fastened one
end of the chain he held in his hand, locking
them together with a stout padlock.

Unbinding the hand of the scout he then
put handcuffs on his wrists, connected by a.
chain several feet in length.

Then he placed a manacle around one an-
kle, and locked the end of the chain to it,
which gave the scout some thirty feet of
space to go to and fro, in and out of the
cave.

“ I guess you are safe now, and so we'll
have something to eat,” said the madman
with one of his cunning lecrs, which meant.
so much.

" Ah, yes. I‘ll be quite comfortable, if
you will only let me have my roll of blank—
ets here, for I see that you have the roll that
was on my own horse, as well as the saddle
and bridle, and you have the other outfit,
too.

“ We‘ll be quite at home, pard, and I'll do
the cooking.”

The madman threw the scout both rolls of
blankets, and the provisions, while he took a
tin bucket to the pool for water.

Buffalo Bill was hungry, and was going to-
havc a good square meal.

He would let the future take care of itself,
and just then look out for the present.

So, when the madman brought the water
he set to work and got up a really good re-

ast.
p His captor ate like a wild beast and seem-
ed to enjoy it. t

Then the scout took from his traps which
had been last captured with him, a pipe and
tobacco and gave it to the man, he smoking
his other pipe.

The madman enjoyed it greatly and as
night was near at hand went to his bed back;
in the cavern and was soon fast asleep.

Buffalo Bill sat for a long time in thought
but as night fell he spread his blankets an i‘
also retired.

The night passed without any disturbance,
but the dawn of day found the madman up
and he went for water as though anxious to
have the scout prepare breakfast.

This Buffalo Bill did and the madman-
again ate ravenously and afterward enjoyed
his smoke, the scout filling the pipe for
him.

Then his ea tor found another bucket
somewhere an brought [them both filled:
with water from the pool.

“This will have to last you [for several
days, for I am going away,” he said.

“ Where?”

“ To the Indian village," and the madman
gave a cunnin leer.

“All right, ’11 keep house until you get.
back." , ,

“ You can’t get awa .”

“ Pon’t want to—I’dy rather live here with

ou. ’
y The man smiled as though pleased, and,
then, after seeing that the scout was secure,
he started off from the cavern without utter—g
ing another word and Buffalo Bill was left
alone, in irons!

 
   

‘22

Buffalo Bill’s Rea-skin Ruse.

 

 

 

, CHAPTER XLV.
A nssrnua'rn SITUATION.

THERE was something about his mad
captor that could not but impress Buffalo
Bill strangely, and cause him to feel both
pity and admiration for him as Well as ab-
horrenee at his deeds.

“Poor fellow,” the ,scout mused as the

, _ Mad Giant strode away from the cabin:
; v " I cannot but feel sorry for him though
he has doubtless gone to arrange with the
Indians for a barbecue, I furnishing the
roast.

“ I wonder he did not force me to go with
him.

“ I do not believe the Indians know where
he lives, or if they do, are a bit sociable with
him knowing how he has the guns arranged
to greet them with half a pound of buck-
shot if they come in his absence.

“I guess the wolves will be a few chips
shy of this place, after the reception they

ot.

“ Well, he says he has gone to the Indian
Villa 0. .

“ ut has he?

“ May he not be hiding somewhere over
yonder in the rocks to see if I am going to
escape? _

“ I’ll just think it over before 1 make any
move in that direction; but it looks to me
easy to get away as I now take in the situa-
tion, and there is my own splendid horse
.aWaiting me, with my saddle, bridle and
weapons here, only he has taken good care
to put all the rifles and revolvers beyond my
reach.” . .

So the scout sat musing upon the strange
man and his own situation, and after awhile
continued: '

“ Now that man has been made to suffer
by the army in some way, and has vowed
vengeance against soldiers and all connected
with them.

“ Whatever the wrong, it crazed him, and
he is a very dangerous wild animal to be a1-
IOWed to run loose, though I would hate to
’ have to kill him, because he is mad and
' therefore not responsible.”

, All through the morning the scout sat lost
-‘ in thought and then he arose- andcooked his
dinner. ‘

The madman’s not coming back made him
. believe he had gone to the Indian village,
. “which was about forty miles away, the scout
reckoned. .

After he had eaten his dinner and smoked
.his pipe he began to consider about escap-

in .
lie first tried the strength of the chains
Jthnt held him fast.
They were too large and strong to break.
Then Buffalo Bill tugged at the chain at
nee, hoping it might not be securely fas-
tened after passing through the crevice in
he rocks. ‘
:. vBut it withstoodall pulls and his weight
'45 well. ' ‘ v
, , His next effort was to break the chains
.with the rocks taken from the fire-place.
But, this was also in‘ vain.

   
 
  
  
  
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
  
 
  
  
  
   
  
 
    
   
 
 
   
  
   
   
 
 
  
   
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
    
    
   
   
  
   
 
 
   

P

V g the chain that held his leg fast,
Over the edge of another rock, he hurled the
other. down upon it with full force.
. " This was repeated time and again, but the
chain was'vtoo stout to be thus broken.
“j  scout had not expected this, and he
began to feel as ni ht came on that his situa-
tionwas indeed a esperate one. ‘
His disappointment in not being able to
escape made him care but little for supper,
’nd he did not cook. any, only ate a piece of
mid venison and a creche .

  

  

 
 

think of some way in which to him-
selfof his irons. ' ‘
< , But in vain, forethc steel cufln about his
wrists, and the iron manacle around his left
Ignklcgheld‘him firmly. ‘. l
r «,At, last he sunk to sleep, and when he.
' the sun was. rising. ,
r madman had not returned, and than
wreaths mind of Buflalo Bill came the ter-.
nitric-thought that “he had. not on killed
would remain there in irons on starve to

th. ‘ .
a.“ Nutrients: resume
a w a 
‘ .‘But, though he triedryo'ver 183118 I
y of the day befowiallwerc in

 
  

 
   

  
 

   

     
 

 'Raisin a large rock 'above his head then. -

r ~_
Late into the night he sat musin 'trying' me?” .
There was no response, onl the rescuer ‘

and night coming on found him still a pris
oncr.

Now he began to hope, as he sat there on
his blanket bed, gazing into the fire as it
(lied out slowly, that the madman would re-
turn.

it would be far better than remaining
there to die alingering death, until he be-
came too weak tofight off the wolves that
would rush upon him and finish what star-
vation had begun.

Should the madman return, he made up
his mind that he would at once plan some
bold plot to escape by striking him down
when he came near him, and thus getting
possession of the keys of his manaclcs.

But, a second night had come since the
madman's departure, and he had not re-
turncd. '

It was no wonder that even the brave heart
or Buffalo Bill, the King of the Border, be-
gan to feel despair at his desperate situation.

Suddenly, as he sat there musing bitterly
at his lot, he started.

.His ears had detected a sound‘that he
knew was not made by a wolf!

He listened attentiVely, and felt a pang of
relief as he heard a step and saw a form in
the darkness, for he felt that the madman
had returned. .

Another moment, and the form stood in
the glare of the dying embers.

But, 'it was not the madman.

 

CHAPTER XLV I.

THE SILENT .VISITOR.

THE scout could not resist a start as his
eyes fell upon the form [that had appeared
before him.

Where he had expected to see the ,Mad
Avenger, the embers still glowin in the
cavern revealed to him a form he had seen
before. ' ‘

It was the muflied form that he had seen
once before, when it came to his rescue when
he was bound to the tree.

“ What! do you again come to my relief?"
itisked the scout quickly and he arose to his
eet.

There was no response and Buffalo Bill
added:

“ You appear like a phantom, and are as
silent—indeed, did I believe in' ghosts, I
would say that dyou were one, to thus know
when I was in eadly peril." A .

Still no answer from the blanketed form.

The head was covered with a hood which
shielded the face, only two holes enabling
the scout to see the eyes.

The Unknown stood a moment taking in
the situation, and seemed to realize that the
scout had done , all in his power to escape,
for he strode into the cavern further than‘ the
chain enabled Buffalo Bill to go, and findin
there the lantern. which the madman h
brought along, lighted it and began 'to
scare about in silence. .

The scout saw that the blanket enveloped
the arms and hands as well, of his rescuer,
for he felt that was why .‘he had come there.

Failing to find what he was apparently
looking or, the rescuer returned to the fire,
picking up the chain, passed. it through his
hands as near the scout’s leg as possible. and
{hein throwing more wood on the fire laid it
n t. , ‘ '
At once Buffa’lo Bill saw what the inten-
tion was, to 'heat the links red-hot and then
to break them. 1
. .“Well, you are ‘a. good one and no mis-
take. and what a'monumental fool I was not
'to think of the same thing.

“Will you-not make yourself known to

took _,up the knife which Bu alo Bill had
used in cutting the deer meat, but which the
madman had QVerlooked, and looking about
for a rock found one and stood waiting for
the links to get red-hot. . r ’

' The scont.‘ now knowing
rescuer meant to do, aided im by flrstplac-
ingl,r his right wrist as near the are as he
could, to heat, the links within a few inches
of the manaclo on that/hand. .

i The rescuer took up. laces of wood and

 
   
 
 
   

 
 

and. no  the links

 

m'mk.

machinery“ the

just “what his

shielded the hand and w t from the blaze. .
' id , then was.

  
 

A few blows and the chain was cut in
twainl The scout's right hand was free,
save for the manaclc upon it with a couple of
the links hanging to it!

The mannclc Was very hot, but this Buf-
falo Bill did not care for under the circum-
sla ices.

he chain hanging to the left wrist was
then placed in the lire, and while they were
waiting for the links to get red hot Buffalo
Bill again spoke to his good Samaritan.

But the same silence as before was main-
tained by the muffled form.

The chain on the left wrist Was severed
by the reseller, and then with his arms free,
save for the manaclcs about his wrists, the
scout aided in his deliverance by quickly
placing the chain attached to the manaele
about his leg into the fire.

This was quite a large chain, with heavy
links, and it was put into the fire as close up
to the ankle as possible without burning the l
flesh.

It took longer to heat it through, and
when it became red. hot the rescuer laid it
across the knife, and, after several blews
one half of the link was cut through.

Then the mysteriousartificer put the chain
again in the fire, to heat it red hot once more,
and when he took it out and laid it across ‘ i
the knife he handed the rock to Buffalo Bill ; 1
and silentl ' pointing to the chain arose quick-
ly and gli ed out of the cavern.

1n vain did Buffalo Bill call to him, for
he disappeared in the darkness, and. re-
alizing that he was not yet wholly free, the
scout grasped the knife with one hand, and
brought the rock down upon the'chain across
it with the other.

It took several blows to cut into the iron
half way, when, aware .that it was cooling
rapidly, the scout arose and twisting it wit
all his strength broke the half-cut iron in
twain. v

He could hardly restrain from a about
when he felt himself free. and darted out of
the cavern in search of his friend in need. >

He could not at first see in the darkness, ,:
and when he did there stood his splendid 3
horse fastened to a. pine tree of the group i
about‘the gravest .

Quickly the scout returned to tho cavern,
seized his saddle, bridle and outfit, buckled
on his belt of arms, and slin ing his rifle at
his back, lost no time in sad ling his horse,
mounting, and riding out of the canyon.

.22?“

.am

 

CHAPTER XLVII.
THE LASSO as A WEAPON..-

‘ IT was with a. glad heart that Buffalo Bill
rode out of the canyon, for he was a free
man once more. -

If it came then to a combat with the mad-
man, man to man with weapons, he was
willing (to meet the alternative. .

In fact, as.he rode along he made up his
mind that it was his duty to capture the
man. ,- Y
He must make him a prisoner, and thus
prevent him from doing no end ofharrn.’

The more he thoughtof it the more he de-
cided what his course should be. ' '

" Yes, I will camp for the night down in
the valley, and return on foot tomorrow to
the canyon and-hovel it out with the mad
soldier-slayer. v ,

' “ I do not wish to take his life, and will
not if I can help it. but if it must be, then his .
life will have to ‘be {the forfeit, or mine.
If he goes free, other poor soldiers will suf-
fer.’ ' ‘ . _ ~

The scent continued on down' the stce
trail;.leading his horse, and after. a mug
time‘of it reached the'vallcy. ., ' , ‘ , 

He was in an unknowncountry to him.” ‘ "
save the glance he had taken of it when th
prisoner of tho madman. . ‘

But he had the aims of the carapace, and
[Buffalo Bill has a ways been n 1 for be‘ ‘
'ing-an expertrin finding out a country and
in going through it unerringly- .

After a search, he found a good camping-
lace, and among his things lie-discovered
his box of matches. so determined to build _a . j
fire, and make himself comfortable, for if ,_

themadmnn had gone to the Indian filing:
he would not pass near the spot where

       
    
   
      
      
      
     

 

 

 

     
       
     
   
     
 

  

          
 

 
 
 
 
   

 
 

 
 
   
 

  

 

' w redrhe _
flowed brought the

     
 
  

it... t. .
all?» at - 

 

A :24 cm; ,7. m“ izjt-r‘m‘ n

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[the trailto find anoon ha tin

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The fire was not a large one, just enough
to enable him to See well, and after staking
his horse out he sat down to look over his
voutfit.

He had just begun to overhaul {his things
when a startled exclamation broke from his
lips.

, in spite of his nerve his face paled, and
magerly he looked over weapon after wea—
pon, and turning over his outtit searched
closely through it. '

“ Well! if this is not a pretty mess I’m
greatly off in calculation, for that madman
has unloaded my revolvers and rifle, and l
have not a charge with me to load them
with!

“ I have my knife, and that is the only
weapon I can defend myself with.

“ I guess I won’t look the madman up,
tomorrow; but, instead, must take mighty
good care that he does not find me.

“Come, old horse, this is no place for us,
for we don‘t wish to be caught unable to de-
Iend ourselves.

“Let me sec: 1 can go to Silver Nugget
quicker than to the fort by a day's ride, so
there I’ll go and fit out with provisions and
ammunition, and then I’ll come back and
rive my mad friend a call.

“ Yes, I’ll push on to-night for some hours
before 1 camp, and to-morrow I will go on to
Silver Nugget.

“ From there I can write a letter to Colonel
Kent, to let himvknow that I am all right,
for he must thinkI am dead.”

With this the scout saddled his horse, put
out his fire, and, taking his bearings started
off in the direction of Silver Nugget, distant
nearly a hundredmiles from Where he then
was.

He rode on for several hours, and then
finding good grass near a stream he crossed,
decided to camp.

He did not fear the madman’s following
him, as he could not strike his trail until
daylight, and then he would have some thirty
miles start of him. ’

But, Cody well knew that he was in a
dangerous country, as he might run upon a.
band of Indians at any time, while, besides,
he had the road-agents to guard against.

Under such circumstances his feelings can
the imagined, unarmed as he was.

But he had sought as Secluded a camp as
"he could find in the darkness, ofi from the
trail, and staked his horse out very near
where be spread his blankets, while he did
not light a camp-fire. ,

He slept fairly well, but was awake at
dawn, and taking in‘ his surroundings con-
cluded to risk building a fire and cooking
breakfast. which would be a light one, as
he had very little more provisions.

' “ If I can’t fight I can run away. for I’ve
got the horse that can Show his heels to any
one of them,” said the scout with some satis-
faction at being able to run, at least.

So he had is breakfast, again searched
through his trappings, hoping to find some
ammunition, but without result, and then
saddling up. rodc'on his way. I ,

“ I can hardly make Silver Nu get before

'late this afternoon, but that wil do, for I

guess I’d better go in after dark, as I do not
wish to attract attention there now, ” he said,

' ( as he rode away.

It was while looking about for a camping
place about noon, that Bufinlo Bill suddenly
saw Coming toward him a horseman.

“An In in chief, and if I move out of
the pines he'll see me, sure.

“ Ah! I had forgotten my lasso! I’ll make
that serve me. for I’ve ot the dead-sure
(hog on that 1111013” an leapin from his
and le, Buflalo Bill called his ssso, and
branching among some rocks. stood ready to
launch it at his coming foo. '

w.

 

CHAPTER XLanfl .
TEE museum’s comssrc'm.

Tun position of the scout was a good one,
and fortunately, he had inst ritliden out of
-p ace; ‘

_ Hardly had he reached thegshelter of some
pines when he saw the horseman coming
atong the'trsiln ” ‘ ‘ -

, He had at once
indian chief; and
was s compsni

     

discovered that he'was an
what he at first supposed

.M‘...

3..-...— ...._._‘..‘.....~-:_. A m--. .w.

-...  .

    

 

 

23

 

Bufialo Bill’s Red-skin Ruse.

 

Having found a good place among the
rocks, BufTalo Bill had quickly made one end
of his lnriat fast to a stump, and the other
was held coiled in his hand ready for use.

Nearer and nearer drew the Indian horse»
man, apparently dreading no danger on his
trail to his village, and riding easily in his
saddle, as though determined to take it
quietly.

The trail would bring him within tWenty
feet of the scout, and his head would be a
few feet lower than the rocks where Buffalo
Bill was crouching, and well realizing that
he must make no miss, without a weapon to
defend himself with.

“lie has been on a raid and secured lots of
plunder, and those horses, for they are not
Indian ponies,” the scout muttered.

Another moment and the coil went whir-
ring from the seout’s hand; the noose settled
over the head of the Indian; his frightened
horse gave a bound, and the rider was drag-
ged violently from his saddle to the ground.

There he lay, motionless while, having his
rein looped around his wrist, it checked his
horse, and the pack-animal, with his lead line
around the leader‘s saddle-horn, was also un-
able to run off. ,

Down the decline scrambled the scout, and
with a word to the horses, he approached the
fallen rider.

A closer look at him, and he exclaimed:

,“This is no Indian, but a white man in
red—skin garb!

“ If he is a renegade, then I shall not be
sorr if I have killed him—ah! he is not
den .”

Down on his knees, by the side of the man
“dropped the scent and placed his hand on his
pulse.

“ No, he is not dead, but how badly hurt I
do not know. His horse gave such a spring
I was sure his neck was broken.

" Well, he is certainly made up well, war-
paint, costume, feathers and all, and he’dfpass
for a chief anywhere, without close inspec-
tion—but he is coming to his senses.

“ Say. pard, are you badly hurt ‘2,”

The man‘s eyes slowly opened, and as he
gazed at the face of the scout a strange look
came into them.

He tried to move but the effort seemed to
give him intense pain, and * he began to
breathe hard and in a labored way.

At last he said:

“ You are Buffalo Bill?” '

“ Yes.”

“ It was you who killed me?"

“ I threw my lasso over you, but you are
not dead yet.” v

“ I soon will be, for I am hurt internally—
ift isa just retribution, for I deserve my

ate. -

“ I see it now with Death’s icy touch
upon me.”

“ Who are you?”

“A rene de.”

" Adweller in the Indian tribe?” ‘

“Yes, for, I have been a renegade for
years—I am the chief known as Sky Efyes.”

“Yes, I‘hnve heard of you, and ought
your hand several times. ‘

“ I knew that the Chief Sky Eyes was a
white man, and a cruel foe to his own race."

“ I know not wh I should have been.
save that it was the evil born in me; but. if
a flying man can atone for his sins, I will
g1 ly do so, and I believe that Icon do.
much good now in my last few 'moments'of

e.’ ’ ‘

“ You are right if itrisin your wet to
atom; for the past to do so, and! w l1 gladly
do all in mlydpower to help you." - ,

“ What 0 must be done‘qulckly, for I
feel that I have not long to live. ‘

“ Iain suffering agony here, and my life
seems slipping from me.

"Listen while I tell you that 1 am Sky
Eyes. the renegade chief, and I have just
kit Road-Agent 'Rob and his bundpf out-

wa. " , ‘

“I went to see the road-agent captain to
arrange with him’ a raid u n the settle-
ments, for the chief Death and is anxious
to retrieve his defeat of a few do 3 ago. .

v “Road~Agent Rob sent hisleutenant to

Mark a- few days to arrange the raid upon
Silver Nugget and Rawhide City, and Iwu
the onejthnt went to see him.

“ All was ,arran fer Death Hand to

 

 

 

 

lead, and titanium

   

carried a large

an, proved to has harks-c in '

  
   

   

 

d» two hands. rl rs. each six hoof

Death Hand, telling him to undo chief to.

 

    

  
   
  
    
  
 
 
   
 
  
   
 
   
   
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
     
    
  
  
   
 
    
  
  
   
   
  
   
 
    
  
  
  
  
  
    
  
    
  
  
   
  
        
    
   
   
  
    
     

dred strong, to attack Silver Nugget and
Rawhide City the same night.”

“ thnt night?"

“ Just ten days from this.

” The Indians were to have the scalps and
plunder, horses and cattle, and hurry back , - ,
to their village, bearing the gold and silver 
to the outlaws, for liondAgent Rob said ‘
that there were thousands of dollars in dust I .
stored in Nugget City.” ii,

“And this diabolical plot you arranged ‘
with the outlaws?"

“I (lid, I am ashamed to say, as I feel,
now, how guilty I am.”

“ Your (lying confession, if you are dying,
atones for your guilt, and you can pass away
without this crime 11 ion your soul, and feel
that you have done, ilt the last, much good.

“ Ten days from this, you say?"

“ Yes.”

“ And you were 'going back now to report
to Chief Death Hand ‘1”

“Yes, and with yonder pack-horse laden
down with presents for him, food, arms,
ammunition, and other things.”

“Some things, then, will come in uito

handy for me,” said the scout, with n silgni-
ficant smile as he glanced at the pack-horse,
to turn quickly as the man cried out sud-
denl :
“Kiy God! I had forgotten—Rond-Agent
Rob is to attack the west-bound coach to-
day, which he said carried a large amount of
money.

,“ Quick! Go and warn the coach, for you
can head it off before it reaches what is
known as Road-Agent Rock! God have
mercy, for I suffer the torments of the
damned," and the renegade clasped his hands ‘2
over his left side, half-arose, and dropped
hack—dead! , ,

 

 

CHAPTuER XLIX.
T0 HEAD OFF THE COACH.

“WELL! I’ve certainly got work on my
hands—a dead man to bury, an uprising of
rcdskins to thwart. a stage-coach to warn of
an attack by road-agents, and a madman to
hunt down. . ' " , '

“ What time have I before the coach is“ \
due at RoadvAgent Rock, I wonder? .  .

“Ha! there are shots now and I do not
wish yet to be known." I

So said Buffalo Bill, and suddenly drag-.
ging from the renegadehis chief’s war bon-
net, and throwing a blanket about him, be
leaped into his saddle and dashed away in
the direction of the firing. ,

He was glad to know he was so much
nearer to the Overland Trail than hcghud
thought, for the firing was close at hand. ,’ 4 5

He had not taken time to .look for ammuni-
tion for his weapons, had simply seizedjs
revolver fr m the belt of the dead rener
ads, and h , by‘rdnking a display of
orce at hand, to frighten ofl the road- '
agents. ‘
His experienced eye told him as he reach- ‘
ed the‘trail, that the coach had one along on»:
its way to Silver Nugget, even ad the firing
ahead not done so, an hn'ving been over the,
trail several times he knew that Road-Agent
Rock was ,only a couple of hundred y
distant around the d. ,  " ‘ 

Ashe reached the trail a horse-
bridle or saddle went-by him in a run. ' 1“

“Texas Jack's roan more, ten to one“ I
it!” he exclaimed, and as he dashed into
view around the bend he saw the coach. the
people defending themselves, and the: _
agents that Were riding hard to the aid?!

their comrades“

Loud his voice rung out, giving nopeho
the coach party and striking terror to‘thet-
outlaws, who at 'once stompedcd in flight
the mounted men wheeling quickly she
the dismounted men rushing with oils
barcrlc in the that)? for their horses. - ’

o a man y en posed
had a military guard? which they had -.n'
expected to be along, and they know that:
on. tin-e meant aliens death to . . ; ' '

ey spur away at, u s . whiteg
Buffalo Bill. when he rode back. into their“)
found that the coach’hsd quickly driven-on.

He was at first tempted to foilow. but. _.
be was not armed as he wished to
he did not know but that the outlaw: ,
orlng from their score, would return to look
after their dead. -

    
    
 
    
   
    

      
        
     
     

i

 

   
 

    
   

 
 
       

   

     
 
  
 
  

      
  
    

      
   
  
   
 

  
    
     
   
 
   

  

 

24:

Buffalo Bill’s Red—skin Ruse.

 

From the direction the outlaws had fled
Buffalo Bill knew also that the coach was
safe.

So he wisely decided to return and reap
the fruits of his own victory over the rene-
gade chief.

Back he went, the way he had come, and
returning to the spot where he had lassoed
the renegade, he found the body lying just
as he had left it, the horse feeding near.

Several wolves, that had scented the body,
were already skulking about, but fled at the
return of the scout.

“I’d rather have a better place than this
to see what my capture will pan out, and to
bury the body, a place where I cannot be
surprised. '

“ Maybe I’ll find what I need here, and
not have to go to Silver Nugget.

“But I would like to know what Texas
Jack’s roan mare is doing here, for I do not
think I am mistaken.”

So saying Buffalo Bill strapped the read
gade’s body upon his horse, and, taking the
two animals in lead, rode away toward a dis-
tant hill that he knew would give him a view
of all about him.

There was a stream at the base of the hill,
good timber and grass, and he found a. secure
camping—place among the bowlders scattered
about it. .

His first duty was to unsaddle and stake
the horses out to feed, and in a place so
sheltered that they could not be seen, for a
trail led along the base of the hill.

His next move was to dig a grave for the
dead renegade, and finding a good spot he-
hind a large rock, he set to work, rather glad
to find that strapped to the pack-saddle was
a spade, pick and shovel.

“ I uess the renegade chief was going to
do a ittle gold hunting on his own ac-
count,” the scout muttered as he saw the
tools.

In an hour's time he had dug a deep and
narrow grave, and wrapping the body in a
blanket, he placed it in it.

Then he dpacked in the earth hard, and
when he ha filled it in brought heavy stones
and piled over it, so that the wolves would
not tear it up.

Having done this he turned his attention
to the pack-saddle.

CHAPTER L.
A PLEASANT SURPRISE.

WHEN a man is in deadly danger his
thoughts flash with lightning rapidity
through his brain.

If he is a man of nerve then it is that his
r presence of mind comes to his rescue.

If he is timid, the mortal terror he suffers
reveals itself very quickly.

But Texas Jack had a nerve of iron, and
when he heard the command toehalt and up
with his hands he was not thrown off his
guard though surprised.

He was following the trail of the m -
terious horseman, appearing like an n-
dian, giving a command like a general in
action, and yet keeping out of sight as much
as possible, but supposed by him to be Buf-
falo Bill.

Jack’s first impression was that he had
run upon the road-agents.

In such case he was too wise to attempt
to wheel and fly, as he felt that he would be
riddled with bullets.

He had no chance to retreat, for he could
not see his foe.

He showed no sign of fear and called out
in a careless way:

“ It’s your game, pard—I pass.”

“Well, Jack, old pard, how are you?”
came from among the rocks, over which
Jack had seen a rifle pointing full at him.

“Buffalo Bill!” shouted Texas Jack, as
he recognized the voice, which, when calling
to him to halt had been disguised.

“ Ay, ay, Jack, as large as life, and
Buffalo Bill came out from behind the rocks.

Spurting toward him the two clasped
hands warmly, Jack saying:

“ The saints be praised, Bill, that you did
not go over the cliff to which I tracked
your horse, which I half passed.”

“ Ahl you tracked me well, Jack, but the
horse went over as you say, though I did
not.

‘ -- “ But who are you trailing now ‘I”

n

 

“ Acertain Indian chief with the voice of
Buffalo Bill.”

“ You recognized me then ‘1”

“You bet I did, and as soon as I could
feel the coach was safe I mounted my horse
and came back to look you up.”

“ Good for you.

“I saw your horse dash by me, and felt
sure I recognized him,

“ But the coach went through safe ?"

“Well, the treasure aboard did and there
was lots of it, but the driver, Coffin Tom,
was wounded, Lieutenant Knapp an army
paymaster also, while the paymaster of the
Overland and a soldier were killed.”

“ [knew they were having a but time.”

“And your coming saved us and nothing
else”

“ I am very glad.”

“But since when have you been playing
big Injun and why did you not come on and
join us, for you stampcded the road-agents,
and Road-Agent Rob was killed.”

“ Are you sure?”

“ Oh yes; I fired as he held us up, and the
team and coach went overhim.

“When we drove on we took his body
with the others of the coach, and I helped
put him in Coflin Tom’s box he has carried
so long for his particular accommodation.”

“ Well, it is good news to hear that he is
out of the way, but his lieutenant, known as
Faro Phil, is a clever fellow and a better
man, it is said, than was Road-Agent Rob
himself.

“But, we’ll get him, too, some day. We
must rope them all in!”

“ Now, tell me how it is that you are here,
and you seem to have been on a raid from
the looks of things.”

“ It’s a long story, Jack, and you shall
bear it after we have had scme supper, for
I’m hungry enough to eat coyote tenderloin,
and was just about to cook supper when I
saw you coming.”

“I'm with you, Bill; but do you know I
do not like the trail the road-agents took, for
I saw which way they went.”

" Which way was that?”

“ On a course that would bring them
:Ecross the trail from Silver Nugget to the

ort.”

“Ah, thatis it, is it?”

“Yes, and they knew‘jnst what treasure
the coach carried, and you may be sure
found out that it was a false alarm of guards
that scared them off."

“ No doubt.”

“They will therefore not give up the
treasure, if their chief is the clever man you
have heard he is."

“Then, you think he will head the coach
party oflf on the trail to the fort?"

“That is just what I do think, Bill.”

“But, there will be an escort sent from
the fort.”

“ No, for the paymaster’s letter never
reached them, and they are to start from
Silver Nugget tonight in buckboards.”

“How many?”

“ The paymaster and a soldier, Judge
Willis, with his daughter’s wedding outfit,
and the drivers of the three huekboards, for
it will take that many to carry the luggage.”

“ Jack, we’ll have supper at once, then go
and pick up the trail of the road-agents and
be on hand to aid the paymaster and his
party, for we will make those outlaws think
there is no false alarm this time,” said Buf-
falo Bill, earnestly. '

 

CHAPTER LI.
THE scours COUNTERPLOT.

TEXAS J son's horse was staked ' out to
feed with Buffalo Bill’s and the two animals
of the dead renegade.

A fire was built and a. good meal was soon
choking, for Buffalo Bill had found a “ com-
missary department," as he expressed it, in
the pack—saddle of the renegade.

Road-Agent Rob had certainly been most
anxious to send his Indian friend, Chief
Death Hand, 8. most tempting assortment of
presents. ‘

He'had bought in Silver Nugget, through
some of his band not known as road-agents,
revolvers, rifles, knives, cooking utensils,
blankets, supplies of flour, coffee, sugar,
bacon, ham, and other edibles galore, while
there was enough ammunition for the fire-
arms to last during a small battle.

 

As quickly as he could, Buffalo Bill told
of his second capture by the mad soldier-
slayer, and how he was for a second time
rescued b the muflled Unknown.

Of his eciding to go to Silver Nugget for
supplies and ammunition he also made
known, and ended with:

“ New, I was in great luck when the
renegade, Chief Sky Eyes, came along,
loaded down with supplies and ammunition,
not to speak of the other things, and the two
fine horses; but I’m doubly fortunate now,
Jack, in having found you while you were
looking for me ”

“Ditto, pard, say I, in finding you; but
I’ve enjoyed my dinner, supper, or what‘
ever we may call it, and am ready for the
trail, for we have no more of daylight than
we need,” responded Jack.

The horses were brought up and the con.
tents of the pack-saddle equally distributed
between the two horses of the renegade.

Then the scout mounted, and each with a
horse in lead, started on the trail.

They decided it best to avoid the scene of"
the hold-up where the party sent out from
Silver Nugget to bury the dead might be,
and to cut straight across country to where:
the road-agents’ trail would be found in their
retreat.

Doing this also saved them an hour of
time.

“It is just as I thought,” said Texas:
Jack, as they came to a fresh trail, made:
by a dozen horses at least.

“They decided to strike the party on
the trail from Silver Nugget to the fort as,
soon as they had been driven off without.
raiding the coach,” said Texas Jack.

“That is just it, and havin discovered
that they had been frightened o by one man
they got revengeful and still determined to
yet gobble the paymaster and Miss Sophie's
weddingoutfit."

“Yes, for they knew that no guard was
expected from the fort, and felt sure that
Captain Knapp and Judge Willis would
press right'on in buckboards, rather than de—
lay several days in Silver Nugget for an
escort.

“Itell you Bill, those road- agents have
got some spy among those who handle the
mails 'and thus get posted upon what is
going on, and more, kept hack the pay-
mastcr's letter asking for an escort.”

“ You are about right, Jack.

“ But now about these fellows?"

“Well?”

“ There are a dozen of them at least?”

“Just about, eleven or twelve, but they
have not got Road-Agent Rob to lead them.”

“ No, but they have Faro Phil, now their
captain, and even more dangerous.”

“True; he showed up well in the fight.”

“Thereare in the other party the pay-
master, one soldier, the father of Miss Willis-
and the drivers of two, or three, say, buck-
boards."

“Yes, six call them!

“And we are two, but will count for
more, as we will surprise them.”

“ Yes; but where do you think they will
strike the Fort Vail trail?”

“ Why, at the best place in the world for
an ambuscade, at the Point of Rocks.”

“ It is the Very place."

“Yes, and the course of this trail heads
for that place.

“ In fact, Jack, if they do not branch off
ahead here a couple of miles, to take the
lower valley trail and hit the party nearer
the fort, they cannot come upon them at any
other spot than the Point of Rocks.”

“ That’s so. .

“ We will soon know when we get to the
Two Valleys, and it will just about be light
enough for us to see which trail they took."

“I‘ll bet on the Point of Rocks, for the
trail winds around there for a mile, with the
cliff on one ‘side, the river on the other, and
not room eno‘ugh to turn a buckboard.”

“You are right, and a they will push
through by night the party will not see the
trail of the road-agents.”

Two Valleys was soon reached. and the
trail of the outlaws led to the Peint of"
Rocks. ,

“ New, Jack, our plan is to ride for the
Fort Vale trail, and try and get there in time
to head the party off and spring a surprise
upon the road-agents.

“ If not in time, we must try and be in at .

 

.4

 

 

t?

 

. 3

 

 

  
  
       
   
 
 
 
     
     
     

   

the moon would light t

massing”'sgagskm

.97, M5. 

Ruse. ,

~ “My n.7,: «(J-w, awry“, .- A» 3»-
* »

 

 

 

the death,” said Buffalo Bill, and the two
counterplotters rode hurriedly on in the
gathering gloom.

 

CHAPTER LII.

THE NIGHT 'l‘ltAIL.

THE coach, after Texas Jack had gone on
the back trail, rolled on rapidly toward Sil-
ver Nugget.

Though his wound pained him consider.
ably it did not interfere with Collin Tom‘s
driving, and he sent his team of six horses
along at a lively pace.

The road between Rawhide City and Sil
‘ver Nugget was a long one, but only had
two relays for a change of horses. and these
were just ten miles out from each settle-
ment

As the horses had had two halts, Collin
Tom did not spare them, knowing that they
would soon get to the relay nearest to Nug-
get City, and he brought them to their rest-
ing place only half an hour behind time.

From there on he made the fresh teams
travel fast. anxious to come into Nugget on
time in spite of the hold up on the way.

When he blew his stage horn to announce
his coming, he was to the minute on time,
but his horses were covered with foam and
panting like dogs.

Ilis arrival created a sensation, for the
coach was scarred up with bullets, and in
addition to the dead paymastcr and soldier,
Coffin Tom’s box had an occupant—none
other than Road Agent Rob.

He had kept his pledge and brought in the
road-agent captain in his coffin!

But, Collin Tom was not boastful. He
had little to say more than that they had
been held up, but got through. -He turned
the body of the dead Overland paymaster and
his strong box over to the agent of the line
.at Silver Nugget. .

The body of the. dead soldier was en‘-
veloped in a blanket, to be carried to the fort

"for burial

Both Judge Willis and Captain Knapp
seemed disappointed to learn that there was
no escort from the fort there for them, as
they had hoped there would be, but after
talking with the agent of the Overland Line
decided that they would push right on and
go through by night. as they could get
some miles on their way before dark, and

sir we for some
hours, as it would not set his ore eleven
o'clock. , t

The agent told them that he, could give
them three good drivers who knew the way,
able horses and stout buckboards, and they
couldrrench the fort to breakfast the next
morning, while it would be safe traveling
by ni ht, as no Indians would attack them
after ark, and as their going would not be
suspected until they started no outlaws could

'get wind of it to molest them.

So it‘was decided to have an early Supper.
load the luggage on the buckbonrds- and

start.

The agent kept his word and did furnish
good teams, strong ‘buckboards and fine
drivers, and until the party drove out of the
coach stables no one, save those interested,
knew'of the intended night ride, and‘Coflin
Tom, who had secured a pair of crutches, and
gone to‘ see them start. said:

“ I tell you, gents, you have gotten ahead
of them as would harm you if yer had time.

" I knows these men as drives, and they, is
first class, you bet. only a leetle Superstitions
about carrying a. dead body along; but then
it's best to take the poor soldier to the fort

‘ to be buried with honors.

“ Good-by and good luck to youl” 1-.

The judge and the captaimrode together
in the rear backboard, the latter driving.
while two of the a nt’s men led in the first
vehicle, the thir
occupying thesecond, and all werethorough-
ly armed. / ' . l ‘ ‘ .

When night fell the party were miles
away from Silver'Nugget, and the teams
were traveling well. -

. The judge and the ca tain were congenial

companions and ‘ohatt
asthe drove along. ~ , .
‘An our after darkness fell the drivers in

pleasantly together

,the leading buckboard halted on the banks
ofnsmsll stream to water and rest their
' horses anddbuildmgn fire they made a cup

1

driver and the soldiers

of coffee all round and ate a cold snack
while the animals were feeding.

After an hour’s rest they hitched up and
continued their way again, the men in the
lead showing as before. that they were good
guides. keeping up the same pace when the
moon in its first quarter went down and left
the trail a dark and dangerous one

“We will make one more halt, after we
pass the Point of Rocks a few miles, and then
pusn on through from there," said one of the
men, and the horses were kept steadily at it.
though often had to go slow when the trail
was rough and dangerous.

The Point of Rocks was passed, and along
the trail under the cliff the buckboards had
to go CiUlthllSl‘lly. '

Suddenly out of the darkness ahead came
a loud command:

“ Halt there all of you!"

 

CHAPTER LIIl.
Tun FLIon'r. .

a

“ F<)Ivr17.\:.-\'r1<:t.v, Jack, I brought my lan-
tern along," said Buffalo Bill. as the two
scouts came to the trail between Fort Vale
and Silver Nugget.

Dismouuting from his horse the scout
took from one of the pack—animals the lan-
tern which he had brought from the mad‘
man‘s cavern.

Lighting it, he began to look about on the
ground, and was not long in discoverin
what he wished, for he called out: w

“They have passed. Jack, for here are the
tracks of the buckboards and made buta
a short while ago.”

“ We must ride for it then, Bill, or they
will get to the Point of Rocks ahead of us,”
responded Texas Jack. , ,

Putting out the lantern Buffalo Bill leap-
ed into his saddle and the two pushed on at
a gallop. \

After a hard ride they came to the cross-
ing of the stream and the dark cliffs loomed
up before them.

“Halt! I hear the wheels,” said Buffalo

.Bill, and hardly had the words left his lips

when loud voices were heard ahead and shots
followed. , '

“They are in for it. -' l

" Come, Jacki” cried Buffalo Bill; and
both scouts let go the lead line of the pack-
horses and dashed on, each giving his wild
and ringing war-cry.

"Confound these irons about in wrists,
they hamper me," cried Buffalo B I, while
Texas Jack shouted:

“Hold them“ at 'bay, Captain Knapp, for
Buffalo Bill and his scouts are coming. ”

A cheer greeted these words from some
one, and then came the command:

“ Charge them. meal, 1

“There are only two men coming yonder,
as your cars will tell oul”

‘A‘cheer followed t is from their leader,
and the road~agents began to run upon the
buckbourds and their defenders, when, and-
denly, Buffalo Bill and Texas Jack dashed
up and that there was but two was revealed
by the flashes of the revolvers and rifles.

“ Bravo, Texas Jack! And, hurrah! it is
ken, my gallant Buflulo Bill," cried Captain

napp, as he crouched behind a buckboard
and, was using his revolvers. .

“They outnumbered us greatly, gentle-
men, and 'we have lost two of our, men, but
we Won't give up the fight,” cried Judge
Willis; standing at buy by another buck
board, while the soldier and the remaining
driver were also fighting from a point of
vsntage'near at hand.

f‘Come onl Faro Phil, with your cut-
throats, and share the fate of Road Agent
Rob!" cried Buffalo Bill, in his deep com-
manding tones.

The road-ngentsa halted in their advance,
while one shouted: '

“‘Bpflnlo Bill fathers, for I know his

orce. ,
, But their leaderzcalled out:
’ “‘Cowardsl do you fear one man? Fol-
low mel’? ’ - ,
, But. suddenly. their advance was again
checked. as back onthe trail rung, clear,
loud andi spiring. the notes of, a be le..
Hardly had’ the-signal ceased wen- the’

 

 

boots .of running horses rattled back echoes
from the cliff, and». voice shouted; f

,. Ollie tosee of what'the supp”?! u“-

 
 
    
   
  
   
    
 
   
   
  
  
   
   
  
 
 
 
    
  
   
  
  
   
     
  
   
  
    
  
  
   
  
  
   
    
  
 
     
   
  
   
  
  
    

-" Help is near. menl Clear the trail for
the cavalry!"

There was no call, now tor the road-
agents to charge, and their leader tied with
the rest in wild terror, back to where they
had left their horses ,:

llastily they threw themselves into their , ‘
saddles, all but three who had fallen, and _
sprung away at their utmost. speed to reach '
the end of the narrow trail, where they could  >
find the open country on which to hide
from their pursuers.

Behind them they heard the bugle notes
now and then. but the clatter of the hoofs
of their horses drowned all other sounds,
and reaching at last the break in the cliff
they longed for, they wheeled into it and
rode like the wind through the can on to
seek shelter in the hills beyond, wil with
rage at being driven from their game in the
very moment of success.

But had they halted to listen, their long ,
experienced cars would have told them that
there were but three horses in pursuit and as
many riders. and one of these, as he rode ‘
along, would put his hands to his mouth and ,
most cleverly imitate the notes of n. bugle
soundng the charge! ’

When these three horsemen reached the
canyon they halted and listened attentively
for some minutes to the sound of retreating
hoofs, until they died away in’ the distance.
and then Buffalo Bill, who was one of the
three, said: ,

“ There is nothing more to fear froth those
men this night, so we'll go back and see
what damage was done; and you, pard, must .
tell us how you came to the rescue like a
squadron of cavalr , for Jack and myself j
are most anxious to now.” I .

 

‘ CHAPTER LIV.
PLATING A LONE HAND.

WHEN Buffalo Bill and Texas Jack
reached the scene of the conflict, they took 
in the situation, like the skillful fighters
they were. 7 ,

They saw that the outlaws had halted the
party at the narrowest partof the trail, but,-
fortunutcly,» just where it gave them the
shelter of a few large pines and some
bowiders. , - .

Beyond this position the outlaws had to V
advance, where there was no shelter for
them. -

But, it was evident that the roads. to
had never taken resistance into consi era-
tion, and expected a quick surrender upon
demand. '\ -.

The scouts found the captain, judge. and
the other two of the party whom theysaw,
in places of advantage and comparative
ssfet . standing bravely at bay sginst their ~
assai ants, who had been taken a ck at the ?
resistance oflered. ,  v ‘

The command of the outlaw leader to halt '
had been met by a fire from the two men’iu. .
the lendin backboard, who were 1pluek’y’
fellows. on one of’the roadngents {e .updern
their shots. , ‘- l g ‘

But, the answering fire brought both men
down, and one of the backboard horses,
while the ca tain called out all to springh
shelter and ght it out with their toes, w
ever they were. -' ‘ 4 . r "1
_ “ We are RoadrAgent Rob’s band, soda
,dozen against - on. so surrender it you value
your hips," c ed the leader of the cutie,

The response was a'voiley of, shots
the halted arty. ‘ ' "

Captain uapp, as well as those with bi
soon realized that the would be ave.
when the war-cries o the coming scouts
gave them renewed caning: and up
Budalo Bill and Texas Jae . ,-; ;

Still the outlaws great] outnumbered
them; and, as retreat was mpossible, they
could rain upon them volleys from their rifles
that nothing could withstand. it Seemedi, '

Thenjt was. that. in the momentwheh all
hung in the balance, the note of the bustle
were heard, followai‘by the clatterin hoof
and .the call as from sn‘oflicer that h p ,
athand. =_ , ,1.» -

1t wuss. surprise to Buflalo Bill andT
Jack when they heard the call. but agreeing

 

  
      
  

  
 
 
   

   
    
     

 
 

 
   
   

    
  
  
   

  

  

      
   
 

  

consisted. ~

 

 

  

, They saw one horseman, with his"‘hnudx
to his mouth, imitating. the notes * off

  
   
 

 

 
   

26

Buffalo Bill’s Red-skin Ruse.

 

bugle, and following him, and being led,
their own and a third pack-horse!

“ Great Scott! It's Old Buckskin Joe!”
cried Buffalo Bill.

“ How on earth did he get here ‘2" queried
Texas Jack.

They had leaped for their horses quickly,
and while Old Buckskin let go his led ani-
mals, the two pards joined him in the chase
at his call:

“ Come, pards, we must keep up the show
of pursuing with cavalry.”

Away the three dashed to halt at the can-
yon and then retrace their way.

Arriving at the scene of the fight they
found a tire built, and by its light Judge
Willis was dressing a slight wound received
by the gallant paymaster, while the soldier
and remaining driver had laid their dead
comrades out and were getting out blankets
to put about their forms, which they were to
carry on with them as they were doing with
the cold and stark body of the soldier whom
Cofliu Tom had said the drivers thought it
bad hick to have along.

One of the buckboard horses had been
killed, and two more were slightly wounded,
but not sulllciently severe to prevent their
going on with their loads. ,

“ You can have one of my horses to hitch
in,” said Buffalo Bill as he rode up with
Texas Jack and Old Buckskin and he ad-
dressed the buckboard driver, who said in
response:

“ We owe it to you and your pard, Mr.
Cody, that we can go on at all for we were
in bad shape when you came up.

“But what shall we do with the dead out-
laws, for there are three of them?"

“Better carry them along in spite of the
extra weight, for it won’t do to delay here
to bury them. You can push through now
and not spare the horses, though I expect
no further trouble for you,” and Buffalo
Bill turned, as Captain Knapp came up with
Judge Willis.

Both grasped his hand warmly, and thank-
ed him for his valuable services, while Texas
Jack said:

“ It was Buffalo Bill who saved us in the
other attack, captain. He was wearing
borrowod plumage then, yet would not give
us a closer look at him, for he was not yet
ready to show up.”

"But, here is our real preserver to-night,
gentlemen ——Joscph Buck, known to his
pards as Old Buckskin. IIe gc/t in his fine
work just in time. He can out-bugle the
man that made the first bugle,” said Buffalo
Bill, while Old Buckskin remarked in his
modest way:

“ I was fortunate to be near by.”

 

CHAPTER LV.
THE UNERquG TRAILER.

THE delay of the party was not longer
than was necessary to hitch one of Buffalo
Bill’s pack-horses in the place of the animal
that had been killed, and to envelop the
forms of the dead in blankets and place
them in the different buckboards, the slain
outlaws as well as the others as they could
be stowed away.

Captain Knapp had expected Buffalo Bill
and his two companions to go with them to
the fort, but the chief of scouts said that it
was impossible for them to do so just then,
and for him to kindly report to Colonel
Kent that Texas Jack and Old Buckskin
had accomplished half of their mission in
finding him, while the three hoped to be able
to give the colonel some valuable information
upon their return.

The driver from Silver Nugget went in
the leading buckboard as guide, the soldier
drove the second one, and the judge now
drove the third one, with Captain Knapp
riding with him. ,

Arriving at the canyon the scouts bade
them goodnight and watched them drive on
their way, confident that they would have no
more trouble, Buffalo Bill having explained
to them that the outlaws would have to ride
twenty miles around to another point where

Thus assured, they drove on with no fear
of further danger, and the trio of scouts con-
tinued on their way through the canyon.

Passing out of the other end they listened
attentively for some time, and convinced
that the outlaws were miles away and still
running. they went to a good campingplace
Old Buckskin knew of near by, and staking
out their horses were soon fast asleep, for
they were all very tired.

The sun was up when they awoke, but
they had had a good long sleep, their horses
were well rested, and were eating readily of
the juicy grass near, and one and all felt
ready for the work before them.

A fire was built and breakfast was cook
ing, they having the supplies of Old Buck-
skin to draw on, as well as those of the rene-
gade.

“Now we are just in clover, pards, say
I,” averred Buffalo Bill, and be added:

“It is now in order to know how you got
there last night, old man, and in the very
niek of time, as you have a way of doing,
when we thought. you nearly a hundred
miles :1th’ at the rendezvous, where Texas
Jack told me he was to meet you r”

“ Well, Chief Cody, the story is soon told.
I went to the tree where the unknown man
win tied, took the trail on from there to the
did, and looking about there discovered
where some one had gone on foot down the
steep mountainside.

“ My glass showed me that they must have
gone down to a canyon near the base of the
mountain, so I rode around the ridge until I
could get to the valley with my horses, and
keeping the position of the canyon in sight,
Istaked my horses out, and Went up on
foot.

“ I need not tell you, Mr. Cody, what I
found, for I saw traces of your presence in
that cave, and tracks I saw in the valley eon-
vinced me that they had been made by your
horse, the one the madman had ridden, as l
was told by Colonel Kent, when the giant
first captured you and went to warn the Iii--
diaus of the soldiers‘ advance on their vil-
lage.”

“ You were right, Pard Buck; and let me
say just here that you can give lessons to any
man I know in trailing and reading border
Signs.”

“ Thank you; but I have had experience
enough,to know my business well, so should
do so, Mr. Cody.” “1

“ But go on with your story, please.”

“ There is not much more to tell, for I fol-
lowed your trail, hoping to find you, and go
back with you to the rendezvous with Texas
Jack. '

“ I saw where you had killed some one on
the trail, and it looked to me as if you had
used your lasso.”

“ Bight you are. old man.”

“ I tracked you from there to the Over-
land trail, when you turned back to the
place where you lassoed some one, and from
there I followed your trail to the spot where
you buried him’.

“ Another trail passed here, joined yours
and then the tracks of four horses led from
there together.

“ I have made the hoof-tracks ofthe horses
of our scouts’ band a study, and I felt con-
vinced that the one who had joined you was
Texas Jack.

“ So I pushed on and finding that you
had turned into the trail leading to the fort,
I took it leisurely, supposing that you had
gone on there.

“ Then it struck me that you might at once
send some one to the cliff after me, so instead
of camping Ipushed rapidly on and Was for-
tunate enough to get to the fight at the Point
03 Rocks in time to see the outlaws stamped-
e .”

B  Yes, to stampede them,” said Buffalo

il .

CHAPTER LVI.
A COUNCIL OF WAR.
/
HAVING heard Old Buckskin’s simply told

 

they could attack them, and that would be
when they were within an hour‘s drive of the 1
fort, unless they came back after them
through the canyon. i

In that caso they would run as ainst a bar~ ‘,
rier, with them, himself and comrades behind ‘
it.

narrative, of how he had unerringly tracked
the Mad Giant to his lair, and read from the
signs there that Buffalo Bill had escaped,
and just as unerringl tracked him to the
Point of Rocks, the chief of scouts said:

“ Well, old man, they must all takeaback
seat when you strike a trail."

 

“That’s so!" added Texas Jack.
are the king-pin of trailers, Buck!”

“ But tell me, did you see no sign of the
mad-man slayer at the cave?”

“ Signs in plenty, but not the man."

“He had not returned then from wher»
ever he went.”

“ No one was there.”

“ \Vell, he started off, he told me, to go to
the Indian village, confident that I could not
escape. And, right he was, for if I had not
been aided by the same muffled being who
before rescued me, you would have found
me there, old man.

“ You see on my wrists and on this ankle,
that I was held secure. I wish I could get
rid of these irons, though I see no chance
to do so until I get to the fort."

“ No, you will have to wait until then,
though I can snap the irons so that. they will
not chafe the flesh,” said Old Buckskin and
this he at once did.

Then Buffalo Bill continued:

“Now, my idea. is that we should go to
the cavern, see if the mad Soldier-slayer is
there, and if so, capture him if we can, and
if not he will have to be killed, for he is too
dangerous a man to run loose any longer,
though I hate to shoot a man whose mind is
cra zed. "

“As I do, but, he is as dangerous as a
mad dog,”

“ Yes, take him alive if we can, but kill if
we must," asserted Texas Jack.

A : 1'0”.

“\Vell, should he not be there, I have a‘

scheme on hand, and it is this:

“ The renegade Sky Eyes, told me enough
to enable me to carry out a plot I have
formed.

“ You see that my beard has grown con--
siderably in the past two weeks. Well, I
will cut off the ends of my mustache and
imperial to match; then I will put on the
suit I took from one of those dead road-
agents, hat, boots and all. I can fix my hair
up on my head so that no one will know it
is long.

“ A little paint and dirt, a changed ex-
pression on my face and stoop in the should
ders, will disguise me completely. Then,
with the renegade chief’s two horses, I will
strike out for the Indian village, carrying
the presents Road-Agent Rob sent to old:
Death Band.

“ This will make me solid with chief
Death Hand, as coming from Road-Agent
Rob, and I will tell him that Sky Eyes was
killed by Buffalo Bill, so that I was sent to
plan with the great chief just how he was to
send his two columns of braves to attack
Rawhide City settlement and Silver Nugget,
only I will suggest that the outlaw chief
thinks he had better make a clean sweep of
both places by sending a thousand warriors
in each column, and while a small band re
treats from each settlement with the cap-
tured horses, cattle and plunder, the two
main forces will unite and march on to the-
fort to surprise it.”

“ A splendid plot, Mr. Cody.”

“ None finer; only you had. better let me
be the one to go to the Indian village,” sug-
gested Texas Jack.

“No; I am the one who should 0, for I
speak their language well,” remar ed Old
Buckskin.

” I chatter their lingo to a slight degree
myself, old man, and so I’ll be the one that

oes.

g " You see, I’ve got it all down fine, and I
wish to find out if there are any captives
there, and all I can about the village and its
advances, for my plan is to have the two
bands ambushed by a few soldiers, but for
the cavalry to make a quick ride to the vil-
lage, in the absence of their army of braves,
and attack it, so that the three blows struck
will make the red-skins quiet for a. long time
in these parts."

“ it will, indeed; but we must not lose
sight of the fact, Mr. Cody, that We have got
to solve the mystery of that poor man tied to
the tree, as to whether it was Duke Dash-
wood or not,” said Old Buckskin.

“No; we must solve that, and discover
whethen he was killed, and who was his»
murderer, if killed he was.

“Also, I desire to find out who my un«
known reseller was. In fact, in making that
discovery, in finding out Mr. Dashwood‘s
fate, hunting down‘ the Mad Nemesis, rny
going into the Indian village, and trapping

 

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17".»

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Buffalo Bill’s Red-skin Ruse.

27'

 

old Death Hand and his people, we have got
plenty of work laid out for us.

“ So we'll saddle up and start at once for
the cave of the madman, and it will be a
gOod retreat for you two while I am visiting
my red brothers.”

With this the three scouts at once began
to prepare for the work before them.

CHAPTER LVll.
TIIE wonk niaoiiN.

Tim packs were well distributed between
the remaining horses of the renegade, and
the animal which Old Buckskin had carried
with him, and then the three scouts set oil"
on what was the gamest trail of their lives,
for Buffalo Bill was to invade the Indian
village while his two comrades were to heard
the lion in his den. so to speak, as they were
to hunt down the mad soldier‘slayer.

They camped late at night,‘ and within
easy distance of the madmau’s cave, and
Buffalo Bill and Old Buckskin went on foot
after supper to reconnoiter in the dark-
ness.

They reached the canyon, and all was
dark at the cave, but remembering the trap-
guns set by the madman Buffalo Bill said:

“VVe’ll not investigate further to night,
but I do not believe he is here.”

So they returned to their camp and re-
mained until just before dawn, when they
went again to the canyon, and leaving their
horses a couple of hundred yards away, they
crept up and took position in front of the
retreat.

Then they waited until dawn broke.

But the madman did not appear.

When the sun rose and sent its rays into
the cave they saw that it was unoccupied, or
at least Buffalo Bill said-

“The gun-traps are set, but I think he is
not there.”

Convinced that: the madman was away,
Buffalo Bill. understanding just how the trap
was set said:

“I will go in and break the connection,
for by picking up a lariat, or gun, bear robe
even, or touching something with your feet,
you set off the muskets.”

So he went into the cave, cautiously
stepped among the lines and all set to ex-
plode the guns, and then removed them so
as to prevent thsir firing.

“Come in, pards, for all is safe now,” he
said and the other two entered.

“Now your first duty must be to find a
hiding-place for your horses, and one of
you will have to see to them night and
morning, the other being on watch here eon-
stantly.

"Knowing the man as I do, I would ad-
vise that one of you be on watch constantly
day and night, for he will slip upon you like
a mountain lion at an time.

“ Try and lariat im, and only when
necessary kill him.

“He has been here since I left, and he has
doubtless gone off on my trail, so you may
expect him back at any time.

“ Now make me up for a fierce dcsperado,
and I‘ll go on my visit to my friend Death
Hand."

With a great deal of ingenuity Buffalo
Bill was ” made up,” until his two comrades
had to admit that they would never suspect
hltTl'Of being the handsome chief of scouts.

His elegant mustache and imperial, dis-
tinguishing marks of the man, were cut
quite short. to eorrespond with the beard’s
growth of two weeks, and charcoal was rub-
bed over the face to give it a neglected look.

Two flat pebbles, about the size of a silver
dollar, were given him by Old Buckskin to
put in each cheek, which changed the con-
tour of his face, und made his voice seem
muffled.

His long hair had been twisted up aside
his head and fastened there, his brows had
been made far heavier by being charcoaled,
the handcuffs had been wrapped around
With pieces of bright-red flannel, and the
manacle upon one ankle had been hidden
under the large boots taken from one of the
dead renegades.

A red—flannel shirt, the clothing of the
dead renegade and a black slouch hat, with
a pad\ between the shoulders and a stoop
completed the disguise and Buffalo Bill was

certainly a metamorphosed man in appear~
ance.

 

The saddle given the dead renegade by
Road-Agent Rob was then put upon the
chief of scouts‘ horse, the packsaddle upon
the other and Buffalo Bill was ready for his
most desperate venture.

He shook hands with his comrades then,
mounted and rode away.

“ If that was any other man that was go-
ing on that trail I would say that he was a
fool, or wanted to commit suicide,” said Old
Buckskin as the chief rode away.

“And yet you would do the same, or I.”

“ That‘s so; onlythe chief seemsto be well
suited to play desperate games, and he’s just
the man to have his fun with the red-skins
while deceiving them."

“ You bet he will, for he'll see the funny
side of everything that turns up, no matter
what his danger is; but does he bear the
slightest resemblance to the handsome Buf—
falo Bill?"

“Indeed, he does not.”

“ Well, all we can do now is to wish him
good luck, and then take care of ourselves,
for from all accounts that madman is no
slouch, and it. will be like a grizzly bear com
ing home and finding us in his den, when he
drops in I guess.”

“Yes, and we must be ready for him,
but remember spare his life if it is possible
to do so, for I feel a sympathy for a man
whose mind is gone, for perhaps some great
shock and grief, sonic cruel wrong madden-
ed him,” and Old Buckskin’s face looked the
sorrow that he felt.

CHAPTER LVIII.
THE ARRIVAL A'l‘ 'i‘iin FORT.

THE anxiety at the fort increased as those
who were in the secret knew that Texas
Jack and Old Buckskin had made the last
effort to try and find the missing chief of
scouts, and also to solve the mystery hang—
ing over Duke Dasliwood.

The colonel, and his two brother oflieers
next in rank to him, constantly met and
talked over the matter, and hoped that
Texas Jack and Old Buckskin would find
some clue to the two missing men.

It was on the morning of the third day
since the departure of the two scouts on
their mission, one to the cliff, the other to
the two settlements, that Lieutenant Colonel
Grayson met Major Roy as the latter came
out of his quarters on his way to visit Col-
onel Kent.

“ Going to headquarters, major?"

“ Yes, are you?"

“I am, so we will go along together, and
I do hope the colonel has some news."

“So do I—but the sentinel is signaling the
approach of some one to the fort. " I

They soon reached headquarters, and Col-
onel Kent welcomed them in his courteous
way and said:

“ My orderly has just reported that there
are three vehicles in sight coming up the
trail, and Iain anxious to know who they
bring, as we are expecting no one.”

They did not have to wait long, as there
drove into the fort and up to headquarters
three buckboards.

The horses had been driven hard, and each
buckboard carried a ghastly load in addition
to its drivers.

“Judge Willis as sure as I live!” said Col-
onel Grayson, While the major said:

“And my old friend, Puymaster Knapp.

" There has been trouble there, surely.”

“ There certainly has, gentlemen," Colonel
Kent remarked, and added:

“Captain Knapp should have written me
for an escort, and not attempted to come
through alone."

“ And I expected a letter from the judge,
telling me when he was coming,” Lieuten-
ant-Colonel Grayson added.

The buckboards had now drawn up before
Colonel Kent's headquarters, and the three
officers went out to meet the arrivals.

The first buckboard was driven by a typi-
cal borderman, the second by a soldier, and
the third contained Captain Knapp and
Judge Willis, but Colonel Kent said re-
proachfully:

“ You should have notified us of your
coming, gentlemen.”

“I wrote two letters to you, colonel,” said
Captain Knapp.

“And I wrote both you, Grayson, and

t t \

 

my daughter Sophie, to expect me several
days ago at your nearest Overland coach
point."

“The letters were never received, and
there has been underhand work in this; but
you appear to have been very well able to-
take care of yourselves, gentlemen, without
our escort, from the looks of things," and the
colonel pointed to the bodies, for some sol-
diers had already taken the dead outlaws of'f‘
the vehicles and laid them to one side, and,
under the direction of the soldier who had
just arrived, were placing his comrade and
the drivers in another group.

“Yes, we were attacked twice, and owe
it to Buffalo Bill, Texas Jack and our elder—
ly scout that we are here at all,” said Cap~
tain Knapp.

“Buffalo Bill?

"What? have you seen him?" cried Col-
onel Kent.

“ And he is alive?” added (lolonel Grayson.

“Very much alive, I should say, Gray-
son.

“Oh, yes, we have seen him, and so have
the band of Road-Agent Hob,” Judge \Villis
remarked, while (‘aplain Knapp added:

“I am ready to make my report, Colonel
Kent, but let me relieve your mind at once
by saying that 1 got through without the
loss of a dollar, thanks to your chief of
scouts and two of his comrades, and they
saved a large sum of money for the Over-
land (‘ompany too, though their paymaster
was killed in the first attack.

“The judge also saved the valuable bag-
gage he has brought along, sir, but one of
my men was killed, and we lost two of the
drivers with us, and there \vei-es>iiie wounds
received also." '

“ Yes, Colonel Kent, Captain Knapp him—
self was twice wounded, and proved himself
a here, while I cannot say too much in favor
of your splendid scouts—but say, Grayson,
how are my girls, and let me ask if it is t0o
late for breakfast?”

Colonel Grayson took the hint and hurried
his father-in law oil' to his quarters. while
Captain Knapp went in with Colonel Kent to
get some breakfast, and while waiting told‘
the colonel and Major Roy the whole story
of the journey from Rawhide (fity, and how
Buffalo Bill had stanipcded the outlaws at.
the first attack, and afterward, aided by
Texas Jack and Old Buckskin, he had againt
saved them, the Government money and the
valuable baggage carried ,by the judge.

 

CHAPTER LIX.
AFFAIRS AT son'r VALE.

THE arrival of the buckboards at the fort.
created a decided sensation.

The death of the soldier was deeply dc-
plored and regret felt for the drivers, while
all were glad to know that the outlaws had
been hit so hard at each attack.

That Road Agent Rob had been killed was-
a subject of general congratulation, and.
many hoped that the blow against his men.
won (1 break up the band.

The whole stor was soon known to all,
from the colonel ( own and the captain, judge“
and the soldiers Were looked upon as heroes
after what they had passed through.

That Buffalo Bill had turned up again was
cause for universal rejoicing, and yet the
soldiers and scouts could not understand
wh he had disappeared so mysterious] ,
an also the reason he had not escorted t &
buckboard party to the fort.

The order soon came from the colonel to
bury the dead soldiers and drivers with mili-
tary honors, and at this the Silver Nugget,
man who had escaped was much pleased,
for he knew the compliment such a burial!
was to him.

The whole fort turned out to the funeral”
and the scene was an impressive one.

The dead outlaws were buried apart, and“,
it is needless to say, without funeral honors.

Most warmly had the judge been wel-
comed by his daughters, Mrs. Lientenant~
Colonel Grayson and Miss Sophie, and Lion-
tenant Walter Wayne, who was soon to
claim the beautiful young daughter of the
judge, was more than delighted with the
gifts purchased for his bride; and, happy in
saving them from the outlaws, he at once ‘
started a purse for the remaining backboard
driver and Cofiin Tom, giving a month’s pay
as his offering.

 

   
  
  
 
 
  
   
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
   
  
  
 
 
  
 
  
  
  
 
 
 
   
 
  
  
   
  
 
 
    
   
      
      
        
    
     
    
   

 

Judge Willis hsd also res onded most lib-
erally, and Colonel Kent, iajor Roy and
others, until the man was made happy over
his share of the purse, and started back for
Silver Nugget with a splendid opinion of
Fort Vale and its garrison, carrying with
him the money for Collin Sam also, as a
salve for his wound.
He expressed himself as wholly competent
3, to drive his team and lead the other two,
and from the way he started off bright and
' early one morning there seemed no doubt

a. fair prospect of reaching Silver Nugget
before nightfall, for he would go through
light and keep the horses at a rush.

When the baggage brought by Judge
Willis was opened for inspection, many
thought it was worth a desperate fight to
save, while all knew that, with the traummu
and the presents, the whole value was not
far from twenty thousand dollars, certainly
a rich haul for the road-agents.

That the paymasler had gotten through
with his treasure meant a great deal to all
in the garrison, and taken altogether there
were rumors that when BulIalo Bill and his
two companions (lid return to the fort they
should receive a grand ovation, due their
heroism. ,

But those that were best posted, the rank-
ing officers, were most anxious regarding the
return of the scouts.

Buffalo Bill had sent no other word by
Captain Knapp, than to tell him he had
been again a prisoner to his old foe,. but
Evould explain. all when he returned to the
ort. 3

He had also hinted that he had important
information for him that might require the
sending out of a large force.

.Texas Jack had sent word only that,hc
had found Buffalo Bill, but was still busy on
the other trail, which the colonel would un-
derstand, and' had gathered some valuable
information regarding the one he was seek-
, mg. a . _, '
, Old Buckskin had sent no word. but Cap-

tain Knapp remembered to having heard him
say that he had been to the rendezvous ap-
’ ointed with Texas Jack, and then had fol-
" awed a trail which brought him to the scene
; of the outlaws' attack in time to be of ser-
‘vrce. "
1,, This was all thatvColonel Kent could
igleanlabout the three scouts from the cap-
tain, judge and the soldier, for he had sent
"for the latter hoping he might have learned
something which the others had not.

, But it was all in vain.

    

  
 

  

three scouts were busy on some trail they
could not Send him a reportof, and he must
await their return to the fort, and he prepar-
ed. to act upon what information they might
bring in. '
1 Thus stood A
Bufislo Bill and his two comrades were 01f
on the deadliest trail of their lives.

   

 

 
 

 

1 CHAPTER LX. .’
sensuomn’s owner TRAIL.

BUFFALO BILL rode away on his mission
ally conscious of all it meant, and the ' ii

  

    

 
 
 

was safe again among his comrades.

. His seat in the saddle, after he rode out of
the; canyon, was not that of the splendid
hbmman he is, for he rode along with a.
mucky air in keeping with his disguise.

‘* knew not, as he neared the mountains,
where the Indian village waslocated, what
anyomight be upon him.

He had , neglected nothing, and knowing

that the outlines carried a red flag with a

lull and crossbones in whiteon it, for he
__ andme one 'on each dead road-agent, he
‘  hrogght a con is along. » .-

m‘h never Mgoggj‘ffirhsulre  the
_ ~ a cuts were I: t 't to h ans,
thougig'he had suspected it; and as they
hey must know the flag 'of. Road-Agent
nd h'ism'cn; , , “ _, "

Buffalo Bill carried one of the red flags
pole. above him as he rode aiqng, as a

  

 
 

 

  

  

  

   
     
    

‘t him and wish to ambush bun. ; _ ,
' ‘ ' latoin the afternoon ache, lira
highs/gauge, upon th? hummit‘of'

but that he could do so, and, as he said, with‘

' He could glean no more than that the,

matters at Fort, Vale while,
.fyoung chic
ibis Wei-y minute would be to him, untl be.

r - The great
- cather had to say, and welcomed his visitor , .

, ,of, protection should some red-skin :
' ‘ ‘ i V amwitillmi

 

shag "3111?..." tied-QB; 

was the valley where the Indian village was
located.

He knew pretty well where to find the
village, having scouted near it before, and
he saw by the trails be came upon that he
could not be far away.

He also saw columns of smoke along the
summit of the range, and soon after, glauc-
ing behind him to observe the grand view,
for the scout is an enthusiastic admirer of
nature, he beheld following upon his trail a
score of mounted warriors. _

He did not 11inch, but he knewhis ap—
proach had long been seen, and that they had
quietly fallen in behind him.

Glancing ahead he saw other braves ap-
pear ia View.

“ I‘m in for it now,” he said as he rode on
to meet those who had appeared in the trail
ahead of him.

There are some of the Indian tongues that
Buffalo llill is an expert in, but he felt that
i e was nota great success in the language
of the tribe he was then visiting, and he mut‘
tcred:

“ If they were Sioux, Cheyenncs or Paw-
nees, I could tcli'thcni something they (lid
not know; but I guess I’m badly oil on Ute
gilllllllOl'l.

“Still, with what I do know, with what
they understand of English. and some they
may have learned of Sioux or Pawnee, and
ringing in the sign language as a side issue,
I guess I’ll get along pretty well," said the
scout, as he rode fprward.

Then as he drew near the group of reds
skins, never flinching at the hostile demon-
stration of some of them, he said that which
is avcorrect salutation of any red-skin:

“ II/rw ovum .’ "

They responded by grunts, and the scout
sprung what he called his “Pigeon Ute”
upon them, and was pleased to see that it
passed muster, for he was told that the great
chief, Deathv’Hand, was at the big medicine
tepec, and to follow them.

He did so, and managed to get quite
friendly with the young chief of the party
as he rode along, paying to him the doubt-
ful compliment of saying:

“ The chief Red Feather speaks English as
well as I do Ute." I

“The pale-face is welcome, for the war-
riors of the Red Death Flag me the friends of
my people, . I
“ The great chief Death Hand will be
pleased to see his white brotherJ’

“The pleasure will, be all his own,” re-
turned the/ out,'with asly twinkle of the
eye, as he knew the young chief did not mas-
ter the satire of his words. -

Entering the villa 9 Buffalo Bill recogniz-
ed how well it was coated for defense. and
retreat if necessary, through, the passes be-
yond. " ' . '

He saw, too, that such a large village.
could readily throw a couple of thousand
warriors in the field, and yet have a respect-
able 'force to defend their home and families.

Continuin on through the village with the
Red Feather, and a score of

raves as an escort, Buffalo Bill soon». found
himself in the presence of the great chief
Death Hand, who would have given that
same dcadly’haud‘that had
nsinn, to have known that be ad thean his
power the famous scout whose name was a.
terror to his people. l
c is! heard what the Red

with delight.

The scout.‘.assuming his slouching' gait v

when he dismounted, and: with a peculiar
drawldn'hisvoice. told the chic that his
brother of the Red Death Fla , meaning
Road-Agent Rob, then in his grave, which
'lie wisely forb‘ore to mention, had sent him,
to tell him the sad npws Ofstlle chief ‘Shy
,Eyes's death at the hands of Bnflalo Bill. « ~
' The great chief/gave a. savage yell at this,
for he had leaned/much Upon his white ally
as an ‘at‘dé-de-camp. v ' , ‘ r ' . , ,
Telling the rim the scout went on tosay
that Rosdxagent b had beeh hit some hard
bl‘oivs of late, and was admin; for revenge,
and if he could get. Death Hand toald him.
they could get hundredsof horses, cattlcand‘

   

     
     

booty auct‘scafps galore

. 1/ ,> .

' Waxing on hnglsaticBuffalo Bill‘told just
6- o
 wovv'settloalpents‘

' a:

ained him his

was small and shapelsy. 4' :
a a

. pas“,

der a few of the oung men, to drive them
to their village, tile main force could retreat
by the fort, surprise it and strike a blow
that would long be remembered by the
whites.

CHAPTER LXI.
IN THE LIONS’ DEN.

Tun great chief listened with deepest in.

terest to all that the disguised scout had to
say.
It was a bait that he eagerly grabbed at,
this promise of scalps, hundreds of horses
and cattle, and no end to booty, of house-
hold effects, blankets, weapons and ammuni-
tion, not to speak of the supplies of provi-
sions from the stores.

Winter,was not very far off, and he could ,,

in one grand raid, stock his village with
supplies that would last them until the grass
grew green again.

Nor was this all, for he had been very
sore over their defeat by the soldiers.

Ile hated the soldiers and white settlers
with a bitterness that was fiendish, yet loved
the outlaws because they made war upon
them.

He regarded the Mormons most kindly be-
cause the Government was watching them,
and then he was a most dangerous element
to the peace of the border, hacked as he was
by his many braves, for his people felt as
he did.

Until they had been dealt a stunning blow
the army otlicers on the frontier all knew
Death Hand and his tribe would be a very
dangerous foe to face. and hard to manage,
and therefore every effort was made to catch
them napping and hit them hard, to con-
vince them that Uncle Sam would do all
possible to avenge the many soldiers and
settlers slain by them.

Now, it seemed to Buffalo Bill, through
risking his life, that the time had come for a
severe punishment for the Indians, and
hence be had taken the desperate chances of
invading the redskin village pretending to
be an outlaw ally.

When he had told the head chief all,
Buffalo Bill turned to his pack-horse and be;
gun to exhibit the many presents the outlaw
captain had sent. . ' : ‘ '

There was a repeating rifle, which how-
ever the scout had. not brought the am-
munition for, revolvers, bowieknives, red,
blue and yellow blankets, bends in great '
number, and no end of things to catch an
Indian’s eye. .

The chief was overwhelmed, and in turn
gave the scout one of his best ponies and
some splendid robes and skins. all well
tanned with the fur on.

Then he told him that he must remain
that night‘to tell his big chiefs all that he had
told' him, and at the pow-Wow they would
decide jast what would be done. ,.

Buffalo Bill did not relish a long, stay in

the Indian village. . .
He knew that Road-Agent Rob’s band,

defeated as they had been, and doubtless. '

expecting cavalry from the fort to scour the
country for them, might retreat for safety
:mong the red-skins, and coming there find
an. . - -, l -
The result would be most awkward for
him he well knew. , ' l ‘
But‘ he felt thathe must at least stay one
nightgand he was the more anxious to do
th s as he‘ssw pass by the chief’s tepee what
at first seemed‘to him to he a vision:

a skin, doubly bronzed though it wad, that
showed no' trace of Indian blood flowing
through her veins.‘ ' ‘ » _'
Her hair was of a light hronie has almost
golden. and hung in'two long braids down

her back, while her eyes were large, dreamy, a 

dark blue‘ and most expressive. . , ,

She was dressed in a tight fitting bodice
of buckskin, a fringed {skirt of theme fall-
ing below her knees, I
embroidered and fringe . and Anioccasina that,
were neatly made and s‘ owedi that her foot,

Upon her head w leap pads of birds' .

gathers,  shunt her waist We: a beaded.
,lt’in which was stuck a revolver. and ‘

knife. 7 .1 = .,   ' g
f In addition to these she‘carriedgin hefhandv

 

   

 

by a column ofrred»,
um V

  
  

 

a small rifle andrhad ether hack cred bow i
9? Wit.

It was a young‘girl. tall, slender and with .

leggings, that) were ‘-

 

 

 

 

      
    
   
     
       
  
        
     
   
 
    
    
   
     
        
      
      
  
    
      
    
    
     
       
    
  

 
   
 
 
  
 
     
 

  
   
  
    
     
  
   

 

.l‘

MVM- h‘ar , .l v

 

 

~ ~ ommwcmme  .. .

 

 

,1

3 Great Spirit has made him suffer.

Buffalo Bill’s Red-skin Ruse.

 

29‘

 

 

Following her as faithfully as a dog was
:1 spotted pony with buckskin saddle and
bridle, and a long lasso coiled up and tied to
the former.

Buffalo Bill took in at a glance the beauti-
ful girl, and said at a venture:

“ The daughters of the great chief are
very beautiful."

Death Hand followed the direction of the
scout's eye and quickly called for the girl to
come to him.

She did so with remarkable promptness.

The chief knew only a few words of En.
glish, and a little Sioux, the scout, as has
been stated, was not a Ute scholar, and the
two stumbled greatly in their conversation,
and many things that Buffalo Bill had said
were not wholly clear to the Death Hand.

At once he saw his chance to rectify all
mistakes, and said:

“The Wild Lily will talk for the Death
Hand to my white brother, for she is not of
my people but of his, and speaks his tongue
and mine.

“ Come, let the Wild Lily know In white
brother, and tell me all that he woul say to
me," and the chief turned to the young girl
as she came up to the tepee.

 

CHAPTER LXII.
THE RECOGNITION.

Tun young girl cast a quick, searchin
glance at Buffalo Bill, half turned, glance ‘
at the chief and then again at the scout.

She seemed suddenly embarrassed and did
not speak.

“ he Wild Lily will tell me what my
pale-face brother would have me know,"
said the chief.

Then the girl turned to the scout and
asked, in a low, strangely musical voice, in
perfect English:

“What is it the white chief would have
the Death Hand know ‘1"

Buffalo Bill saw that something disturbed
the girl, but what he could not guess.

But he at once went over all that he had
struggled through before, and she rapidly
translated it to the chief.

When he said that the chief Sky Eyes
was killed he saw her start visibly, and u -
on stating that he fell by the hand of Bufia 0
Bill, be was amazed to hear her words:

“ You are Buffalo Bill. " ' '

He did not think he had heard aright, and
so repeated what he had said, and again
came the words uttered rapidly:

“ You are Buffalo Bill!"

It was his time to start now, and he did not
reply.

The. chief saw that there was something
wrong and the scout understood in part the
words;

“ My white brother tells the Wild Lily
that the great iyoung chief Sky Eyes was
killed by the m ghty brave Buffalo Bill.” '

The scout was relieved at the reply, for
he understood well enough to know she then
explained to the chief that she had not heard
whether Sky E as had killed Buffalo Bill,
or had been kil ed by him. _

But again came the quickly spoken

- words:

‘ “,You are Bufialo Bill-41 know you."

The chief smiled now as though the matter
was fully understood, and the scout went on
With the plan of Road-Agent Rob, as he
said, for the Indians to attack Rawhide City,
Silver Nugget, and if possible deliver a blow
with the combined bands, at the fort.

The girl told all as the scout spoke, and’

the chief seemed much please to find what

a splendid chance there was a end of him

for reven e and booty. , ’
t what the chief

Determ nod to known;
“Nemesis, Buffalo

could tell him of the
Bill said:

“I would ask my red brother, the great
chief Death Hand, if the Mad Giant is his
friend?"

The girl asked_ths question, and the chief's
face clouded. ,

Then he said: ,

" Tell my white brother that the Evil
Spirit is the friend of the red-man, the foe of

' l

his own people.

" He has given us warning of danger, yet
he {has led my braves into danger that he
might kill. v-' w . ' ' '

“ His heart is had,- his head is sick, for the

 

 

“ My people call him brother, but fear
him.
h “ They do not love him; they do not know
no.

“He lives like a wild beast in the moune
tains, and he would kill the pale-face that
crossed his trail.

“He is the Evil Spirit of the Mountains,
but my braves would not strike at him, be-
cause the Great Spirit has laid his hand upon
him.

“ He came but a few days ago to tell me
that Buffalo Bill was his prisoner in his cav-
ern home—now you tell me that Buffalo Bill
killed my good chief Sky Eyes, he who
loved the Wild ,Lily here and asked her to
be his wife.

“No, the Evil Spirit has a bad head."

The girl repeated the words of the chief
just as he had spoken them.

She showed no emotion when she spoke of
Sky Eyes, and the scout at once decided that
that love affair was all on one side.

He had only learned that the Mad Avenger
was a friend of the Indians, but one they
were afraid of.

He asked other questions, but could learn
no more than that't'he madman had roamed
the mountains for some years, always killing
a soldier when he got the chance, but never
revealing himself.

Havin gotten all the information he could
in that d rection, the scout turned his atten-
tion to the young girl. ‘

He wished to question her about herself,
but felt that he must be extremely cautious,
as the chief would surely suspect any under-
hand work.

Then an idea struck him, and he asked in
an aside: '

" Do you know how to read f"

" Yes."

“ Tell the chief that his brother. Road-
Agent Rob, wished me to draw for him on
paper the trails his two bands were to go,
and mark where they were to meet.

“ I will make for him a‘ talking paper."

The chief seemed pleased at this, and tak-
ing some paper wrapped about the things he
had brought, and a pencil from his pocket,
Buffalo Bill began to draw a map of the
country, with the trails, the situations of the
Indian village, the fort, and the settlements
of Rawhide City and Silver Nugget.

Then he wrote lightly, as the girl looked
over his map: ‘

“ Who are you?"

CHAPTER LX111.
, THE APPOINTMENT.

'THE girl smiled, and her manner sudden-
1y changed to almost gayet , as she turned
to the chief and spoke rap dly. '

She spoke so fast that the scout, with his

imperfect knowledge of the Ute tongue

could not follow her, yet he thought he
heard words enough to convince him that
she was telling Death Hand that she could
learn to make a “talking paper.”

With this she took the scout’s pencil, and

' making certain marks upon another piece of

paper, a copy as it were of the map he had
drawn, instead of writing the directions, an
names of laces as he had done like: i

“The ort is here," “Rawhide City lies
here," “Silver Nu get her ” “Have our
band take this traii ’, “ Se nd band take
th s trail,” etc., etc., she wrote.

‘ I am not an Indian girl.

“ Onlylately, through aca tive white wo-
man, found out how wrong t was for me to
live here:

" Say you must return tonight-I will
meetnyou on the trail—have much to tell

u. .

She “showed her ms to the chief and he
seemed'much lease with it.

So was Bu alo Bill.

He soon after made known to the chief
that he must return at once to his ca tsin,
that,he was;anxiously awaiting to now
what he, Death Hand, would do, and there
was much for the outlaw band to do before
they arranged to strike‘their foes at the set.

‘tlements and forts. ~

The chief wished him to remain and meet
his warriors in council, but the scout ur ed
that he must
he would, exp n the “ talking paper " tothe
chiefs and t en‘ depart. , ‘

So it was __srranged, and Death Hand sent

 

twice before beheld.

the irons in the madman's cave. ‘
after the council, and t t.

 

     
     
 
  
   
 
   
  
   
  
  
   
  
   
  
  
   
   
   
 
   
  
    
  
   
   
  
   
   
  
  
  
  
  
   
   
  
   
  
  
     
    
  
  
 
 
  
   
  
  
 
  
   
  
  
   
     
  
   
 
       
   
     

to call hiochiefs to council at dark, and at
once ordered the best of suppers set before
the visitor.

As the supper was mostly composed of
the things he had brought, Buffalo Bill en-
jo ed it, and socn after the pow-wow was
on led.

One of the chiefs. Red Feather, spoke En-
glish fairly well, and as the young girl could a,
not be admitted to a council of braves he :
served as interpreter. ‘

He explained as Buffalo Bill pointed out
his map to him, just what the indian bands
were expected to do, and the time they were I,
to meet at a certain point marked on the map, ',
and which was within a short distance of
the settlements to be attacked.

Buffalo Bill scored another point with the
assembled' chiefs, when he stated that it.
would be a good idea if an alarm of a rising
among the Navahocs to the south was taken
to the fort, calling a force of soldiers to be
sent in that direction to repel them.

This would leave the fort with but a
small force to defend it, when the two bands
of Utes attacked after having pounced down
upon the two settlements. ‘

Having _iven all the information within
his power, ufiulo Bill smoked the pipe of
fellowship with the chiefs, and Red Feather
was appointed to escort him upon his way,
an honor that the scout would ladly have
dis ensed with yet dared not decl ne. ' '

eath Hand called him his brother over
and over again, and in leaving. Buffalo Bill
saddled an mounted the fine mustang pre- .
sented him by the chief, who seemed much
pleased at this. . .

Taking his own‘ horse in the lead the scout.
rode awa from the big medicine tepee, and
by his s e was Red Feather.

The eyes of the scout scanned the village
well as he passed through it, gazing into.
every te .e, and about several camp-tires he
saw gat cred those whom he knew to be
white persons, and who gazed at him with
seeming abhorrence of‘ a man who would be-
come a renegade to his own people through
his own free will, for they believed him to‘
be the ally of the chief and an outlaw. '

When they had cleared the village Buffalo
Bill began to plot to get rid of the chief, and.
he was very cunning about it. Y

He discussed with him all he had gone ,
over before with the chiefs, and at last pro-
posed to reveal plans which he thought it
would be well to have gone over before the .
powwow ended. '

To have this done he suggested to the .
young chief that he had better return and
give this alleged valuable information to the
chiefs, as to the number of defenders they V
would have to meet at Rawhide City and . 
Silver Nugget. " ,

He soon convinced Red Feather that these
facts should be known to the council of
chiefs. and even said he would sacrifice the
pleasure of his company to have him return. .
and make them known. ' a

Red Feather had expected to escort the.
scout through half the hi ht, but he saw a
chance for airing himself n a s h, ’and
telling his elders that which con (i not but .
impress them, so he bade Buffalo Bill good- '_
by,‘and with his braves, who were an escort»
returned to the villa o. r g, .1

Just as Buffalo Bil was beginnin to feel ‘
he had not gotten rid of the young ch efsoou'
enough, that the girl would be afraid to.
come that far from the village, he suddenly -, I,
saw in the moonlight 9. form glide into the I
trail before him. ;

—7_ .
CHAPTER LXIV.
m srtns'r. RESCUER.

BUFFALO Brnr. drew rein very 'quickl ,‘ 5
ssthe form stood before him in the brig t 
moonlight, glidin out from a growth of‘ ‘
timber upon one 5 do of the trail. a , r

He was startled at seeing one that he had ,

But it was not the girl that he now saw.
Instead itwas the muffled form that had
unbound him from the tre and the second ‘
time he was a captive h freed him from»

 
  

  

   
  

  

,It was his silent and unknown rescuer. ’j
'" Ab! we meet a n, and I suppose
must again, be in anger as you appear} .,
said the scout. and he wandered, as he spoke;
if he was going to get an answer, a -

 
  
 
 

   

  

      

   
 

 

.30

Bufialo Bill’s Red-skin Ruse.

 

He had not long to wait before he found
out, for suddenly the white blanket that
enveloped the form was taken from the head,
and the moonlight revealed the Indian girl
Wild Lily standing before him.

“\Vell, mayI be thrashed with a whip-
snake, if I am not completely upset,” mut-

‘ tered the scout.
‘ The girl did not catch his words, but said:

“ I told you I would meet you on the
trail, and I have done so.”

“ Who are you, I now ask again?"

“ I don’t know.”

" You don’t know ‘1"

“I was captured by the Indians when I
was alittle baby, and a.w11ite chief saved
them from killing me, and took me to their
village with him.

“ He treated me kindly, and so did his In-
dian wife, and he taught me how to read and
write as I grew older.

“ One day the Indians came into camp
with a wounded pale-face, a man so hand-
some and so brave. -

“ They were going to burn him at the
stake, but I begged hard for his life, and the
white chief, who was then head chief of the
tribe, spared him.

“He was so good to me, and he taught
Inca great deal more than the white chief
had done, and said that some day he would

escape and take me with him.

“But the young braves hated him, and
when the white chief was killed in battle one
.day with the pale-faces, the warriors deter-
mined to kill the captive.

“ But I overheard their talk, and so I ran
'to him and aided him to escape that very
night.

“Other pale-face captives were brought
here, and one, Sky Eyes, was good to me,
:and he became like a real Indian.

“ He said that some day he would marry
*me, but he had a bad heart to kill his own
people, and I did not like him.

“ The Indiansbronght in other white cap-
‘tives, and there are a dozen now in the vil-
lage, and forced to be Indians, though they
do not wish to be, and they have told me
how they wanted to get away, and said I
.ought to go, too, and help them.

“ I am like a real Indian, you know, and
:am looked upon as the daughter of the great
white chief, and live with my adopted
mother, his wife.

“ All the Indians trust me, and they have
‘cxpected I was to marry Sky Eyes, but I am
glad he is dead, for I want to go away from
this hateful place, and I am going to do
so."

“ Yes, with me tonight," said Buffalo
Bill, who had listened most intently to the
story, told in a childish, simple manner.

“ No, I cannot go yet, but I am glad you
are safe out of camp, for I knew you as soon
as I saw you, and your voice is not one to
for at, even if you did talk differently, and
ma e yourself look so ugly.”

“ How did you know me and never see me
before?"

“Wh , you have forgotten me already,
though Iuntied you from the tree where the
Evil Spirit had bound you, and—”

“ Yes, you need say no more, for how could
I forget your saving my life twice.

“But then you were all muffled up, and
would not speak, and now I see you as a
'very beautiful Indian girl." ,

“But ldon’t wish to be an Indian girl,
and will not be much longer.

“But i knew you also by the handcuff on
your wrists, which you have covered up with
red flannel, though I saw the short chains
han ing to each one."

“ on have very observing e es; but why
will you not escape now, an let me take
you to‘ people of the fort who will be kind to

on?"

“ I’ll tell you why.

“ I told you of the white captive who es-
escaped?”

“ Yes."

“That was years ago, as the pale-faces
count it: but I did not forget him.

“I told you I was like an Indian, and I go
alone where I please, and often many miles
from the village.

"I have gone on the war-path with the
braves, and some time a 0, just when you
were captured b the Evi Spirit, I was ofi
with a band andy was riding alone through
the mountains when I came upon a Red

 

 

Death Flag pale-face who had a prisoner
with him.

“He was taking the prisoner to our vil-
lagc to hand him up to Death Hand and
he knew me for he had been there often be-
fore.

“He told me that he and two of his com-
rades had attacked the prisoner, and he had
shot down his companions, but his horse
had fallen on him, and so he had taken him
captive, after wounding him severely.

“I heard all that he told me, and I said
nothing, for the prisoner was none other
than the captive pale-face I had saved from
the stake years before, and who had after—
ward escaped.

“I did not appear to recognize him and
told the bad pale-face I would guard the
prisoner while he went to the hill-top to call
the band of braves, for I knew he would not
find them there.

“ He left the prisoner and the horses with
me, and I at once cut his bonds, gave him
one of his own revolvers and told him I
knew him, and he must at once escape, as
there were Indians not very far away.

“Before I could say more the bad pale-
face returned, saw that his prisoner was
free, and they both fired at each other, and
my good friend killed his captor.

“ Do you want to hear more?”

“ Indeed, I do, for I am greatly interested
in all you tell me,” answered the scout, and
it began to dawn upon him, from what he
had heard from Texas Jack and Old Buck-
skin, just who the captive of the outlaws
might be.

CHAPTER LXV.
A SECRET SOLVED.

“MY good white brother," resumed the
young girl, after hearing Buffalo Bill’s re-
sponse, “ was wounded in the leg and in
the side.

“He could not walk, and as I told him
there were Indians not very far away, he
said that he knew that country well, and
half a mile from where we three were, there
wasaretreat he had happened to find by
acclildent years before when looking for
go .

“ There was plenty of room for his pack-
horse,and the one ridden by the bad pale-face,
and he would go there, for he had plenty of
provisions in his pack, and stay there until
he got well enough to go on his way, and
that I must come and join him, leaving the
Indian village in two weeks, for by then his
wounds would have healed.

“ We took the body of the bad pale-face,
with us, and rode to the retreat, and it was
indeed a place no one could find unless hap-
pening upon it.

" Then I promised to leave the Indian vil<
lage when he said and go with him.

“ It was the night before that I had un-
tied you from the tree, for I had seen you
there just at sunset, for the Evil Spirit had
met me and told me that he had Buffalo
Bill a prisoner, bound to a tree to await his
return from the village. where he was going
to warn Death Hand of the soldiers going to
attack him.

“ I had often seen the Evil Spirit and he
knew me well.

“ He told me to tell the chief of the band
of hunters I was with and that they should
wait to join their comrades who would

, give battle to the pale-faces.

“ I said nothing to the chief about seeing
the Evil Spirit, and slipping out of camp at
night, set on free.

“ Then returned. and none of the braves
had missed me.

“This I told my white brother, before I
left him in his retreat, and he told me to
take the body of the bad pale-face and tie it
to the tree where you had been bound, so as
to give the Evil Spirit a scare.

“ This I did, and when I returned to
camp, after leaving the body there, the chief
told me they were going back to the village,
as they had killed game in plenty.

“On the way back we met Death Hand
and his warriors marching to attack the sol-
diers at the pass, and were told that the vil-
lage had been destroyed.

“Now there is not much more to tell, ex-
cept that I heard the Evil Spirit tell Chief
Death Hand that he had captured you again,
and had you a prisoner in his cave.

 

“ Then it was I who jumped on my pony
and rode there to rescue you, but I wished
nobody to know me, so would say nothing.

“ Now you know who I am, and you
must go to the retreat of my white brother,
for I will tell you how to find it, and tell
him I will be there as I promised, and go
with him.

“ Will you do this for Wild Lily ‘2"

“ Gladiy,” assured the scout, and having
learned the story he had so wished to hear,
and gotten directions from her just how to
find the retreat, he bade her good-by after
telling her to be sure and keep her pledge
and come and join her white brother whom
she seemed to regard so highly.

The scout was afraid for her to longer de-
lay there, or to remain himself, and when
the young girl had glided back into the pine
thicket, he urged his horse rapidly forward.

It was just dawn that he rode into the
canyon where the cave of the Mad Nemesis
was located, and he was startled by a shot
ringing sharply out on the crisp air, followed
by another in rapid succession.

Springing forward he drew up at the
cavern, and in the gray light of early morn—
ing, beheld his two comrades standing over
the dead body of the Mad Nemesis.

“ We had to kill him, Bill, for it was like
lassoing a mad grizzly, as he tore the lariats
off of him like they were am. and then
sprung toward me with a wi d yell.

“As I jumped back I fell and fired, but
the shot ( id not check him and Pard Buck-
skin here fired.

“It was just in time to save me, for see,
his knife is still in his grasp.

“ My bullet went clean through him, but
it took the one in the head to kill him.”

So said Texas Jack, and Old Buckskin
added:

“Yes, I was sorry not to take him alive,
but there was no alternative, Mr. Cody, but
to fire to kill.”

“ Yes, for I well know what his great
strength was, and what he could be when
aroused.

“ Poor fellow!

“Who he was and what he was we will
never know, I fear, for his secret dies with
him.

“ Well, it is best that his sorrows are at
an end, and a comfort to know that we no
longer need fear his deadly deeds.

“But now I have work for you, pards."

“ Let us first say how glad we are to see
you back from the brink of the grave,” and
01d Buckskin held out his hand, and the
chief of scouts warmly grasped it and then
greeted Texas Jack.

CHAPTER LXVI.
THE s'ronr or A LOCKET.

WHAT Buffalo Bill told his two pards
was the strange story of Wild Lily, as she
had made it known to him, and quickly had
Old Buckskin said:

“ It’s Duke Dashwood, I’d stake my life!
C‘éWe’ll at once go and find out, Chief

0 y."

” Yes, as soon as we have had breakfast.

“It is on our way to the fort, and from
what the girl said his wounds rendered one
arm and leg almost helpless. ”

“ I hope they have not proven more seri»
one then she thought.” Ol’d Buckskin said.

The three then set to work to et break-
fast, Texas Jack telling Buflalo ill,mean-
while, how anxious they had been about
him. and that the Mad Nemesis had not re-
turned to his cave until that morning, and
then had entered the . place, little dreaming
that foes were there.

The breakfast over, they were about to
dig a rave for the madman when Texas
Jack sa d:

“Let us carry his body to the fort with
us, for somebody there may identify it;
and more, I wish the boys to see the man,
the only one who ever matched you, Bill, in
a combat. "

So the body was enveloped in a blanket
and strapped upon the Indian horse that
Death Hang had given to Buffalo Bill, and
the party s 1; off on the trail to find the re-
treat where all‘ hoped to find Duke Dash-
wood.

They kept steadily on their way, and it
was nearing sundown when Buffalo Bill, fol-

 

0
F
c
I
t
,
l
I
f

 

_, Buffalo .Bill’s Red-skin Ruse.

 

'31'

 

 

lowing the directions given him by
Lily, remarked:

overhanging precipices.

" The basin has a pool in it; it is a couple for YOU, at last!"

of acres in size; there are timber and g

which is just wide enough for us t

Wild and gazed at him, while Duke Dashwood Back to the fort went the victorious com-
added: ‘ mands, and upon arriving there the colonel
“We enter this stream here, but do not “You are right, and [was going to tell found his old friend Duke Dashwood, and
cross. We turn down it until we come to a you that she was your daughter, for she is more, there was Irma Buck, once the Wild
large rock on the left hand; there We leave the image of you!
the water, pass around it, and there is a “She was not murdered as you sup» found her father.
break in a cliff which we ride through and posed, but taken away by the renegade One discovery had Old Buckskin made at
find ourselves in a little basin in the midst of chief.

through. The girl told me she stopped the the horses loose in the little basin, and began had

way by tyin the lariat across it, and picked to get supper, for night had come on while dere
% wood for the wounded man, they talked. ‘
making him as comfortable as possible be Before they retired, it was decided, as But ill-fortune had followed her, as Read-
' Duke Dashwood's wounds were still painful, Agent Rob was none other than her brother,
that Buffalo Bill and Texas Jack should and this becoming known she had quickly
He led the way into the stream and soon leave Old Buckskin there with his friend, lied, no one knew where, nor was her fate
came in sight of the rock, where they left and also their supplies, while at dawn, the ever known.
following morning, they should ride rapidly The beautiful daughter of Judge Willis
they on to the fort, carrying the body of the mad- was married on the day appointed, and soon
after started East with her husband and fa-
Buffalo Bill was anxious to report to the ther upon her wedding tour. . 1
let us colonel the plan the outlaws had made with Along with them went Duke Dashwood ' ‘ "
ends," the chief Death Hand, to raid the settle- also, but not alone, as Joe Buck and his '
ments, and give him time to get his men daughter also went along, the latter intend»,
“ You call him b name then, Buckskin.” ready to cntrap the red-skins, and also send ing to attend school in New York for a
“ 1 will;" and 01 Buckskin called out: a force against the village while the braves year.
. Thus is mystery told, when I add that
hough As the time that Wild Lily was to leave there now dwells on the shores of Chesapeake \. ' ‘.
it has been years since I heard it,” was an- the village, was after Death Hand and his 139. , in a grand old house, Duke Dashwood "
army had departed on their hunt for scalps an his lover wife. Irma, once the Wild‘
But, Old Buckskin was already through and plunder, her disappearance would not Lily of the Utes, and Joe Buck, no longer
camp be known to the absent braves and cause known as Old Buckskin, makes his home‘ ._
forty. suspicion. _ with them. _ H
five, with darkly bronzed face, but with the ~ 8'0 at daylight Buffalo Bill and Texas Jack Poor Texas Jack died some years ago in
Leadville; the army oflicers of my stor are
still in harness; the band of Utes have en
auve, , —'"   ' nearly wiped out, while Buflalo Bill still ;
lives as the hero of heroes! ,

up plenty o

fore she left.
“ Now to see if I am right.”

[the water.

“ Eureka!" cried Buffalo Bill, as
came to the 'break in the cliff, and as
lariat tied across it.

“ He may open fire on us, pards, so
hail him that he may know we are fri
Old Buckskin suggested.

“Ho! Silver Bullet Dick, are you t
“ I am here, and I know that vorce, t

.swered from within the little retreat.

the barrier, and turnin to the little
where stood a tall, him some man of

appearance of one who had been ill.
“ Dear friend Joe 1" ,
“ Thank God, I’ve found your
Duke!”

Such were the salutations. of the two men,

.as they warmly clasped hands.

Then Buffalo Bill and Texas Jack were Worms cannot express the amazement
presented, and explanations followed upon, of Colonel Kent, when Buffalo Bill and

both sides.

The story of Duke Dashwood,'as he told Grayson and Major Roy, told, in his modest

it, was short and simple. ‘
He had left the frontierarich ma

D. and Di ht he'welitto bur 'thc‘man led- remains , ' i  i . .
had been captured by redskins on his way ofg the ' y g   er, ‘ a.
from the mines, and had escaped as Wild outlaw. » ,

Lily had said.

Becoming a wanderer he went to foreign badlbro » ht lathe body of the.
lands, and, after years of travel, settled in a man, ; wgligih

fine old home he purchased on the Chesa- recognizer-Was at once given decent burial. A'rnleorprivnteeringand Pinto-chino.
in: In Revolutionary time-{I

peakc Bay. ,
But, tiring of that monotonous life,

cided to 0 West once more and look

old frien 9, among them JoeBuckmnd also The colonel heard with indignation the
discover what had become of the pretty little plan of the, outlaws to brin the Indians
girl who had saved his life when he was a down upon the settlements, am said: ‘

captive among the Utes.
he had left Silver Nugget alone, with
saddle horse and a pack~animal-—the
was in command of Fort Vale.

Three men had followed him from
.him.
under him, he had killedtwo'ot them.

him up, and he had surrendered, .

. , - e. , -
 ’ The man had robbed him, even takin his “. Cod , you are to go with me, Texas
i - seal ring from his finger and-Putting ii on Jack Wil accompany Colonel Grayson, and v , V , a
3 his own hand, and changed clothing .eanduon the wag! to his position Meier Roy can . rhegimmesanmmu to the
- ' Buckskin,'and Dashwood must audhisdeyotion to,hls sacred m_m, J; . ‘.

        

in 

 ‘ backw .' and some ammunition
‘ .on‘hwgfiguflhow to that girl."

,l u was nerér'ukedh‘er

audj'who adopted has, mix to ’call her

    
      
   
 
 
 

  
 

murmurs» which w . keg the Indian band beaten, bac from Raw 9 .
thnthm‘f 5W herfiglggrmn on 9' 10° I  on,ih-eirren-eaicoth,eir Village. .. . ' .
. , neth ocket;:shg,“id, hm the nkenéss of ‘ut why follow the brave so diets-into 

 
 
 
 

* us! have been" 3
, $64M . w he;

   
  

 

  

iwut'r'hemm She told me that the rene-

~ girdle: “1‘0 would antler. the Indians kill her, , , ,

by her of themselves, should they; be attacked b a” on cupid
'r Nourish.

‘ 8910‘”er womanr‘m. am . ho woodwork-oi bloodshed, for: red. .mk a
infill“ and-.1, fiotliver, JWBB, “deemih command pobly'did their:

‘ '  .m'eg :37“; were hurled back,me their‘attaqkflnawndn *
i ' wise

w the man with them.

here?” were absent. I

started for the fort.

* CHAPTER LXVII.
THE s'ronv TOLD.

Texas Jack; in ' the presence of Colonel
way, the story of his, adventures from the
denyknovrn now to have been» an
Th‘ey'hoaiili an be at to sayiiand‘tho

, h, ia’s: no one at the fort could
and, as. the scout‘remarked, the secret of his

he de- life, his wrongs and sorrows was buried with
up his him

guns with you,“and get volunteers from the
Nug- places you are to defend.

Though wounded. and With his horse shut ry, and two guns, to attack the Indian vil-, ""6 and “Wide!” 0‘ “19 q
n lags, and‘by the, three blows we ought to Stirring drawn. viii:
Butthe third had followed him and hold figs 31983011 to the Utes that will last a iong

; diets with him. 3 , , gel: no.0} _

1‘. ' ' ,. Then came WildiLily upon the scene.  , , senttothe fort in an ambulance taken for note to a story whose narrative is one rapid ‘
'i . V 1‘ I yongumkvm your old habit,  him/3 , ' _.? ' " ,v .i ' '

l forthcmhnwaasbot with a silver bullet. such was the pistol of action, and all achieve!!!”

.,poi,,r.bronghi my old weapons awaited with anxious'expec’tsnc the mo~ Joy 

Lily of the Utes, but happy new in having

Silver Nugget, and that was that the Ruby
“Come, old friend, the future holds joy Queen was none other than Clara Norcross. ' i
The man she had met had been a bank- '
rassin “At last! at lastl" said Joe Buck, in. tones rupt, and she had gone West to follow the

plenty there, and the only way to get in or that told how deeply he was moved.
out is through the narrow break in the cliff, Then the four men sat talking until Bufu back Duke Dashwoodto her.

0 rule falo Bill and Texas Jack stole away, toward Accumulating a fortune by gambling she

no East and in a few years had squan- , 3
it, and once more returned to the r
frontier as the Queen of Rubies.

fortune of her evil brother and try to win

 

Nax'r DIME LIBRARY, No. Mill

is M .r ran DOOM or an Bantams

‘ mg BURKE BRENTFORD.

 

. A brilliant, exciting and markedly original story
“ You, Colonel Grayson, will take three the sea, in those stirring days when American priv
Determined to test his old frontier skill, hundred men and,go to the point selected by teers were the terror of Englishmsrchsntmea, and;
a fine Cody to ambush the baud attacking Rawhide the Sea Bandits were the terror of all flags. -. “

. latter City, While you, Major Roy, with three hun- u is filled with the excitement or the '
laden down With presents for old friends, dred men, will protect Silver Nugget, and in v » v fl _

- for he had heard that Colonel Carrol Kent both cases you are to take a couple. of light Galluntry, Daflnsnnd Huh Punish?»

of a young protege of the mysterious Maid  Mon
get, and had at last overtaken and attacked “I will leave Captain Branscomb in com- Wu" and 0W“ Wm‘ “1° “We in“! “Win

mand here. Dd o w f undred an}. pressnt interest otafourfoldineentive tothoadv
a g ith ourh c wok , m

The pouch for a boot Many ‘
‘ Vengeance 1199:; a let, Out! w

clan of exciting adventure and events‘ of, I p
t that eyes-y reader will 

    
   
  
   
  
 
  
    
  
   
    
   
     
    
  
  
     
  
  
    
   
   
  
    
   
    
  
   
  
  
   
     
   
   
    
  
    
     
   
   
 
 

,(

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.‘XI.

    

 

I had meant. when the order would for the
separate commands to mayo. v ' ” '

much
their separate ways, while-the garrison “ref '
mainingbebiud was amply able .to'take cars ‘

   
 
 

 
 
  
  
 
  

 

 
  
   
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
  

  
 

duty, and the terrified and amazed Indians 5

 

 

,\ 1‘, BtanlfiflifBjWhilOfflj‘erugmut n the vnh a; ‘ "
'his' was a perfecbtri‘ V . .
_ captives w

 

 

  

die“

t

 

Atthe'ro r'tirhethord ‘ j " .v .' 
warrant. it... nastiness , :Bedles Dime. their,
thrust usage; s; I
OgW'B-nk.mw
nK A a
Dead-Biron: or, :16!"

   
     

 
 
 
 
   

 
 
   
   

 

 

¥ Buffalo Bill Novels in Beadle’s Ill library.

 

 

845 Buffalo Bill‘s Redskin Ruse: or, Texas Jack’s
Death-Shot. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham.

839 The Ranch King DeadShot; or, Texas Jack‘s
Proxy. By Buffalo Bill.

830 Buffalo Bill‘s Boys in Blue; or, The Brimstone
Band‘s Blot-out. By Col. P. Ingraham.

826 Buffalo Bill‘s Sharp-Shooters; or, The Surgeon
Scout to the Rescue. By Col. P. Ingraham.

823 Buffalo Bill’s Best Bower: or. Montebello the Gold
King. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham.

320 White Beaver‘s Still Hunt; or. The Miner Ma-
rauder's Death- Track. By Buffalo Bill.

816 Buffalo Bill‘s Rea Trail: or. The Road-Rider
Renegade‘s Run-Down. By Col. P. Ingzaham.

812 Buffalo Bill‘s Death-Knell: or, The Red Band
Rider’s of the Rockies. By Col. P. lngraham.

877 Wild Bill. the Wild West Duelist; or The Girl
Mascot of Moonlight Mine. By Buflalo Bill.

 

743 Buffalo Bill’s Flush Hand; or, Texas Jack's
Bravos. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham.

739 Buffalo Bill’s Blind; or. The Masked Driver of
Death‘s Canyon. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham.

735 Buffalo Bill and His Merry Men; or, The Robin
Hood Rivals. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham.

731 Buffalo Bill's Beagles; or. Silk Lasso Sam. By
Col. Prentiss Ingraham.

727 Buffalo Bill‘s Body Guard; or, The Still Hunt of
the Hills. By 001. Prentiss Ingraham.

722 Buffalo Bill on the War Path; or, Silk Lasso
Sam. the Will-o’-the-Wisp. By Col. P. Ingraham.

716 Buffalo Bill’s Scout Shadowers; or. Emerald Ed
of Devil‘s Acre. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham.

710 Buffalo Bill Baffled; or, The Deserter Depor-
ado’s Defiance. By Col. P. lngraham. ' -

69!! Buffalo Bill's Buckskin Brotherhood; or, Open
ing Up a Lost Trail. By Col. P. Ingraham.

 

414 Red Renard, the Indian Detective; or. The Gold
Buzzards of Colorado. By Buffalo Bill.

401 The One-Armed Pard. By Buffalo Bill.

397 The Wizard Brothers; or, White Beaver's Trail.
By Buffalo Bill.

394 White Beaver. the Exile of the Platte; or. A
Wronged Man‘s Red Trail. By Buflalo Bill.

362 Buffalo Bill’s Grip; or, Oath-hound to Custer.
By Col. Prentiss Ingraham.

329 Buffalo Bill's Pledge; or. The League of Three
By Col. P. Ingraham. ’ .

319 Wild Bill, the Whirlwind of the West. By Buf.
falo Bill.

304 Texas Jack. the Prairie Rattler; or. The Queen
of the Wild Riders. By Buffalo Bill. ‘

213 The Pilgrim Sharp: or. The Soldier's Sweetheart;
Bv Buffalo Bill. Government Scout and Golds.

189 Wild Bill's Gold Trail; or, The Desperate Donn
By Col. 1?. Ingrahain

 

 

 

 

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a.H'I 139M PHM 9.1118 Oleflnfl

 

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‘ 900 Wild Bill, the Dead-Center Shot; or, Rio Grande
Ralph, the Cowboy Chief. By Buffalo Bill.

(94 Buflalo Bill‘s Winning Band; or. The Masked
Woman of the Colorado Canyon. By lngrahsm

W7: Buflalo Bill’s Dead Shot; or, The Skeleton Scout
of the Colorado. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham.

“#81 Bulalo Bill‘s Brand; or. The Brimstone Brother-
hood. : By 001. Prentiss Ingrahain.
m Buflolo Bill's Spy-Shadower; or. The Masked
_ Men at Grand Canyon. By Col. P. Ingraham.
"Cm Buffalo Bill’s Ban; or, Cody to the Rescue. By
: ' Leon Lewis.

“1 769 Buffalo Bip’s Sweepstoke; or. The Wipe-out at
’ Last Chance. By 001. Prentiss Ingrahsm.
' Museum-lo Bill’s Dozen; or. silk Ribbon Sam.

I! 001. Prentiss inxrshsm.
761 Buffalo Bill's Mascot: or. The Death Valley
‘ Vleflm No. 18. 3! Col. Prentiss Ingrsham. I
'~ in Buffalo Bill‘s Double; or.'!'he DespersdoDetec-
live. By Col. Prentiss Inga-sham.
‘WBn/ffsio Bill’s Big Four; or, Custer's Shadow.
:1 By 001. Prentiss ' fnzrshsm. ’

By

‘682 Buflolo Bill‘s Secret Service Trail.

 

BUFFALO BILL.

691 Buffalo Bill‘s Blind Trail; or. The Daughter of
the Beglment. By Col. Prentiss mgr-sham.
By Major
Dangerfield Burr.
667 Buffalo Bill‘s Swoop; or. the King of the Mixies.
By Col. Prentiss Ingraham.
use The Cowboy Clan, or, The Tigress of Texas.
‘ By Colonel Prentlss Ingrahain.
053 The Lasso King‘s League; Or. The Tigers of
Texas. By Colonel Prentiss Imaham.
649 Buck Taylor, the Saddle King. Buflalo Bill‘s
' Chief of Scouts. By 001. P. Ingrahun.
M4 Buffalo Bill’s Bonanza; or, The Knights of the
Silver Circle. By 001. P. Ingraham.
689 The Gold King; or, Montebello. the Maroifloont.
By Buaaio Bill.
629 Buflslo Bill‘s, Daring Role; or, Daredsoth Dick,
Kinx‘ofthe Cowboys. By Leon Lewis.

‘ m TheDeod snomlnewr. Myrnmouhsnaim.

By Bur-lo an

517 We ears First'i'rsil. By Ned Buntline.
m WilnBllmhe Pistol Deed Shot: or. Daggequifl
- Dadhle. ByCol. Premium ' ,

84013168008!“

 

a

175 Wild Bill’s Trump Card; or, The Indian Heiress,
By Col. Prentiss fngrsham. '
158 Buffalo Bill, Chief of W; 01‘. The Doomeo
Dozen. By Dr. Frank Pow'éll. I
in Buffalo 3111': Strange run; or. Dashing may. VA
The Hotspu‘r of the Bills. By Major D. Burr.
92 Buffalo Bill, the Buckskin King; or, the Amazon
of the West. By Major Dangerfield Burr.
83 Gold WWW; .‘01', the Knights of the Over. \
land. By Bull'le Bill.
52 Death Trailer, the Chief of Scouts; or, Life and
Love in a Frontier Fort. , By Buifslo Bill. ‘

LATEST AND NEW 1681118.
{on The Doom of the Red
Death. By BurksBrentford. ’

w Hiram Hawk, the Rom Detective. By Capt.’
H. Holmes. ‘

BBTwoBed-Hat
'g . 4mm

Boone’s“ Mine
New-denial. ten cents
receipt of twelve cents
Publishers. IO-Wiilism

3! Jon. 1:. W.
mam».
sin-nu is for me by nil
copy, or sent by mail on

BEADLE a ADAMS
New York. !

i’.

l