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Jfl, Will”; \

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on, THE

Peatscout'sBiglllee 

THEI PflNY RIDERS of the UVERLAND.

BY COL. PREN’I‘ISS INGRAI-IAM,
AUTHOR, OF “BUFFALO mm,” NOVELS, ETC.

 

CIIA PTER I.
THE MYS’I‘ERIOIYS \VARNING.

"IF Bufialo Bill had not, just made a
double run because Jess Jordan was killed,
he’d make the ride, boys.”

H I . ‘ . ._
and Egg: 12y]?:rl‘:g$ht filffi?fi;y$§_ BUFFALO um. SEIZED THE LARIAT AND WENT UP HAND OVER "AND.

 

 

 

 

2

Buifalo Bill’s Double Dilemma.

 

 

he’ll be glad enough to take advantage of his
double ride not to go on this one, which will
be sure death to the Pony Rider that starts
on it."

“Don't be too sure of that, lien Black, for
I‘ll wager my pay as agent against yours as
Pony Rider for one month, that if I asked
Cody to go he'd do it."

“I'll take the bet."

“ Good! You are witnesses, boys, of the
bet, and I say BuIIalo Bill will go." -

“I say he won’t, for he’s got a heap of
good sense, if he is the most during rider on
the trail."

“80 say I, and he‘d be a fool to go, for
within the last month no less than tive of us
Pony Riders has gone under in some mys-
terious way. and it's giving Providence a
slap in the face to risk a ride carrying, on
this run, thousands of dollars, when we has
a warning ‘ that the rider will never git
through.”

"Right you are, and here‘s the warning,
Cap'n Starbuck. Let me read it over ag’iu
for the boys." V

And the last speaker held up a paper, to
read aloud the following, written in a bold,
distinct hand: '

“ ‘ WARNING To PONY Rimzns or run

OVERLAND.

" ‘Keep it a secret that this warning is
given you, but take heed of it if you value
your lives.

“‘It is known to the Cloven IIoofs, in
some mysterious way, just when a Pony
Rider carries money and valuable packages,
and in each 0850 he will be held up.

“ ‘If he attempts to ride the gantlet his
death is certain.

“ ‘ To convince you, I know that the next
rider from Headquarter Ranch will carry a
large sum in money on the Western Run.

“ ‘ Let it be sent through under guard, or
it will never get there.

“ ' Heed this, for it is the advice of

” ‘ A FRIEND IN Cam-f "

“ There, you hear that, pards; and, though
I don’t believe there is a coward among the
Pony Riders, not one will go through in the
face of such a warning.”

“Well, Jess Jordan went through last
time?”

" Yes, Cap‘n Starbuck, he went through,
but he came in here feet first, for they killed
him on the very trail we are now warned not
to take."

" Well, boys, the Express has got to go
through, and i’m not allowed to send an es-
corL

“ 1f 1 had to guard the Pony Riders, I
would have to write the Overland Pony
Rider Company that the service did not pay,
audit would be given up— Ah! there comes
Buffalo Bill now. In spite of his double
ride he is on time to the minute," and as the
agent spoke, all eyes were turned down the
trail, which led along through a valley be-
tWeen two mountains.

There they saw, a couple of miles away,
just passing around the base of one of the
mountain spurs, a small dark object.

A closer look revealed a horse and rider,
and they were coming on like the wind.

As they drew nearer it could be seen that
the horse was stretched out at full speed,
his red nostrils dilated, and the rapid rattle
of his boots reached the ears of the group of
men who were watching his approach. A
stream of dust, left in the trail behind, fol-
lowed him like a trail of smoke.

Nearer and nearer he came, and when
close up to the camp the rider became visi-
b e.

He was riding erect in the saddle, his
heels now and then under the flanks of his
horse, to keep him at the mad pace, and his
long. dark hair streaming out behind him in
the wind like a vail.

He was a tall, slenderly-formed man, with
a splendid physique, broad shoulders, and a
face that was strikingly handsome, and, in
finite of his wild life and deadly calling it
bore the stamps of perfect refinement.

He was dressed in an embroidered flannel
shirt, buckskin leggings stuck in the top of
high cavalry boots, armed with silver spurs.
and had on his head a slouch hat encircled
by a silver cord and looped up on one side

 

with a. pin representing a miniature Pony
Rider.

Another moment he had dashed up and
was greeted with a cheer,while Captain Star—
buck called out:

" Buffalo Bill, as Jess Jordan was killed,
and there has been a warning of sure death
sent in to the Pony Riders, if they make
thelrnn westward, I can get no one to go on,
ant —”

“I will go, sir, and take the chances,"
was Buffalo Bill the Pony Rider’s prompt
response.

CHAPTER II.

THE PONY RIDERS.

Tim Pony Riders of the Overland have
won a place in history, romance and poetry,
and deservedly so, for no braver set of men
ever faced death. -

Carrying the mail and Express through
the then untroddeu country of the far West,
from the end of railroad travel from the
East, to the California. terminus eastward,
they rode through what was literally a wild
West.

Their paths were unbroken and their way
led through mountain fastuesses, valleys,
canyons, over plains, across rivers, and every-
where the danger to face of wild beasts, and
the still more dreaded redskin.

As civilization pushed westward, they had
the fear before them of Mormon foes, for
there were men among the followers of
Brigham Young ever ready in those days to
strike a blow at the Genti es who invaded a
country they called their own by right of
first possession.

\Vith the advance westward of brave
pioneer settlers, there also hovered about
them a wild set of men who, flying from
justice for crimes committed, were seeking
to hide themselves in the wilderness, and still
do red deeds that would send them to the
gallows if caught.

There were adventurers of all kinds and
classes, men and women, too, and they were
seeking to find homes and fortunes in the
Wild West.

Of course, too, there was a. large element
of outlawry among all this class of people,
this mingling of many nations, and the army
of Uncle Sam, with the Indians to keep in
check and the outlaws, had all that it could
do.

Situated in Utah, was the last general
headquarters westward, of the Pony Express
Company.

Beyond that point, the scene where my
story opens, and known as Pony Riders’
Ranch, there were only small stations or
corruls, held by from one to three men, and
where were kept the relay horses for the
riders, situated every fifteen to twenty miles
apart, according to the nature of the coun-
tr .

)These corrals were generally built as
strong as forts, where the men could‘ stand
a short siege against any ordinary force of
Indians.

At the' headquarters, Pony Riders’ Ranch,
fully thirty riders were kept for an emer-
gency, acouple of hundred horses, and the
stock-tenders, with an agent and his as-
sistant.

About the place had gathered a small
settlement, half a dozen farmers, as many
more cattle-men, a score of miners who were
looking for gold in the adjoining mountains
and some hangers on who did not do much
of anything.

There were the Overland Riders’ shops, a
store, a public house, for travelers sometimes
went through under an escort, and the typi-
cal frontier saloon and gambling den.

The Overland Company’s quarters were
apart from the settlement, but the store-
keeper and gambling den always were Well
patronized by the riders when pay-day came
around. .

Such was the lace where the scene of my
story opens, an the group of Pony Riders
introduced to the reader were a dashing,
gallant set of young men, wild fellows per-
haps, rough riders, but with big, fearless
hearts and noble natures.

Among the riders on the Overland were, at
that time, men whose names have gone into
history as heroes. '

 

Most prominent among them was Buffalo

Bill*, and there were also his pards Wild
Bill f and Pony Bout the three known as the
most reckless riders on the trail, and whose
adVentures in the discharge of their duties
had been most thrilling, perilous and numer-
ous. .
Of late the outlaws along the Overland
Trail, and the Indians too had been most
active, while it was said that the Mormon
Danites were also doing all they could to
break up the brave riders’ band that so bold—
ly penetrated their country.

Five of the riders had been taken from the
list within a month, either killed, or had
mysteriously disappeared.

One of these had disappeared, and with him
a large sum of money that he carried, and
many asserted that he had skipped off with
it. ‘

But this Buffalo Bill and the other riders
stoutly denied. They all asserted that the
outlaws or Indians had (aptured him.

In the face of these fatal happenings, the
riders had become very nervous about going
on the lVestern run out of Pony Riders
Ranch.

Jess Jordan had come in mortally wound-
ed, and when he reported that the band of
outlaws known as the Cloven Hoofs had
held him up, but he had run the gantlet un-
der flre, he fell from his saddle a dead man.

Buffalo Bill at once volunteered to finish the
run for him, and dashed off on a ride of forty
miles and back, as he would have had to go
out on the next ride westward.

Shortly after his departure the riders had
found tacked up on their cabin door, the
warning that one of the men read aloud, and
as the riders to the west had all met with
mishaps, Captain Starbuck had called for a.
volunteer to take the Express through, and
which he had been notified ahead would be
very valuable.

Not a rider, in the face of that mysterious
warning, had volunteered until Buffalo Bill
came in from his double ride and at once had
said:

“ I will go!"

_-_

CHAPTER III.
FOUND IN 'rmc TRAIL.

WHEN Buffalo Bill came out so promptly
with his offer to make the desperate ride,
breaking in upon Captain Starbuck the
superintendent, before he finished his sen-
tence, there was’a cheer from the group of
Pony Riders, from all but one.

The exception was the rider, Rocket Rob,
who had bet his month’s pay with the agent,
that Buffalo Bill would not make the ride.

He looked very serious, while his com-
rades, who were all most Willing to have bet
as he did, mentally congratulated themselves
that they had not done so.

“ There’s no telling what Bufia'lo Bill
won't do," said Jockey Jack. I

“ Remember. Cody, 1 do not ask this of
you; I only tell you the situation and call
for a volunteer," said the agent.

“ And I have volunteered, sir."

"Here, Jack, read the warning,” called
out the agent.

The warning was again read aloud, and
Buffalo Bill said quietly:

“ That does not change my determination,
captain, for I knew what the danger was
before.

“I will get dinner, take my horse Red
Devil, and be 011’, and if I am a little be-
hind schedule time it can’t be helped as I am
doing extra work.”

“You’ll be behind, Buffalo Bill, until
eternity, for you'll never get there,” Rocket
Rob averred.

“ Then I'll give you a chance to win back
what you lost just now witL the agent, for
I’ll bet you a month's pay I go through, yes,
and on time, too!"

‘f I’ll take the bet,” cried Rocket Rob,
brightening up, while Jockey Jack said:

“For shame, Rocket Rob, betting on a
commde’s life."

*General W. F. Codynwho is too well knownthe
world over, to need any introduction here.

+James H. Hickok—famous as scout and guide.
He was killed in Deadwood by Jack McCall a tew
years ago.

tRobert Haslam. a famous Pon
wi'h ahe firm of Osborne & Son 0
AUTHOR.

Rider, Now
Cnicago.-Tal

I

 

Burran Bars Double Dilemma.

3

 

 

“ Declare it off,” cried several voices; but
Bull‘an Bill said, in his calm way:

"The bet stands. If I go under, Captain
Starbuek, pay Rocket Rob a month‘s pay
out of what I have coming to me.

“ Now, Jnni er, get my horse lied Devil
for me, while look up some dinner,” and
liullfalo Bill hastened over to the “grub
cabin."

In ten minutes he came back and found
the splendid but vicious bay horse awaiting
him, and held by the stock-tender Juniper.

“The bags are on, Bill; and remember,
they are worth thousands. It‘s a big sum
this time.

“ Good-by, and God bless youl” said the
agent, grasping his hand.

With a bound Buffalo Bill was in the
saddle, the assembled Pony Riders gave a
cheer and Red Devil tore loose from Juniper
and was off at race-horse speed.

Buffalo Bill had ridden Red Devil on ac-
count of his remarkable speed, his ugly tern-
per, which made him fight any one who
barred his way, and because, if he wished to
run by any one of the relay stations, the
horse could readily stand the task, for the
beast possessed wonderful staying powers.

lvery one at the riders headquarters
were afraid of Red Devil, Juniper being the
only stock-tender whom he would let come
near him, though with Buffalo Bill be was as
docile as a lamb, and would follow him like
a dog.

Away sped Red Devil, fleet as a bird,
along t e Pony Trail, his rider sitting upright
in the saddle, his face stern, but deter.
mined, and his eyes bent searchin 1y on the
way ahead, to detect any sign of anger.

One good thing about Red Devil was that
‘he could climb and descend a steep moun-
tain like a. mountain sheep; he would go
where his master bade him; and he could
swim well and fast, and was always fond of
the sport, for sport it seemed to him.

Time and again the horse had saved Buf-
falo Bill when in a tight place: hence he had
been selected that day, when the danger
ahead seemed so great.

Buffalo Bill realized fully his danger. He
.knew that the warning sent in had not been
:an idle one.

Who had sent it he did not know, but it
was certain that the Pony Riders had some
friend in camp, and the danger was from the
Cloven Rods and not the Indians. ./ ,

The Indians wanted to kill for revenge, the
outlaws for gold.

The daring rider who had accepted the‘.

alternative in the face of the warning, felt
that he was doing his duty, and trusted to
his proverbial luck and experience to get
[through in safety; 7

With death staring him in the face he was
perfectly calm, and ready to meet what was
before him. I

So on sped Red Devil, casting mile after
mile behind him.

The first relay was reached, and he simply
drew up to call out:

“ I’ll make ‘ no change of horse here,

pards."

“Don’t go on, Bill, ’causs there’s some-

thing wrong," cried one of the stock-tenders.

But Buffalo Bill did not heed if he beam,

and Red Devil was flying on as before.

Several miles from the station, while run-

ning through a valley, Buffalo Bill drew
, rein suddenly.

He saw just in the trail a stick driven,
and inthe top, which was split, was a slip of
pa r. ,

c sprt from his saddle, pulled up the
stick and brew it to one side, while he read
what was writrep on the paper, and in the
same hand of the warning.

It as as follows: i .

" If any rider dares the trail in face of the
warn n given. it will be Buffalo Bill, Wild
Bill, or .ony Bob. ‘

“To the one who makes the ride, I bid»

him‘look to the left, half-way up the menu-
tain, for he will see there one who will guide
him around the trap set for him. 1

“ A FRIEND m CAMP."

CHAPTER IV
Tn numerous GUIDE.
Bureau Bus. stood like one in a, quank
«dart . * ' , ~ ‘; .

3.,

 

He knew the country pretty well, for
when not riding Pony Express he had been
hunting Indians or game, and did not know
that a flank movement could be made at that
point and the trail regained.

He knew that the hills on each side ran
along for miles in an unbroken cliff from
thirty to a hundred feet in height.

The trap set for him must be at the head
of the valley, some six miles ahead, where
the two mountain ranges that formed the
vale met almost, being divided by a canyon
only a hundred yards a width, and through
which a small river ran, the trail following
its banks. .

Beyond this pass, half a score of miles,
was the next relay station, where he must
leave Red Devil, as he would have had a run
of over thirty miles.

These thoughts flashed rapidly through the
mind of the handsome and daring Pony
Rider, after he had read the note found in
the trail, and then he turned his eyes to the
left, upon the mountain-side.

There, a third of a mile away, he saw
where the cliif jutted out like the huge prow
of a boat, and it was devoid of undergrowth
upon the top.

But, there on the bold cliff, Buffalo Bill
behold that which surprised him—a horse
and rider. - '

Without a moment’s hesitation he leaped
into his saddle, wheeled his horse out of the
trail and rode across the valley at along,
swingin lope.

The r ver ran at the base of the cliff; but
in the stream Red Devil plunged, and, a mo-
ment after, stood dripping on the other side
just under the shadow of the jutting rock
spoken of.

Looking up Buffalo Bill could see no one,
but a voice called out:

“You are Buffalo Bill, the One I feared

ing.
“ A Pony Rider must not shrink duty be-
cause danger lies in his trail."

“ This is not a risk; it is certain death."

“Who are you?” .

“ Itymatters not so that I am here to save

ou.”

“ That is the very reason I am more anx—
ious to know.” ,

“ You will not know, for my-identity must
remain a secret.

“ Sufficient let it be that I save you.”

“How can you, for this cliff could not be
scaled by a mountain sheep.”

“No, but by a man, yes."

“ I will not desert my horse.”

" See here, Buffalo, Bill, you must know
that, at the pass ahead, there is a deadly am-
bush laid for you. '

“ It is known that you carry a large sum
of money, over fifty thousand dollars, goin
through to California. Your life is noth-
ing compared with the desire to get the
treasure.

“Then,'too, you are more feared by the
Clovcn Hoofs, and the worst hated of any of
the riders, as you have outwitted them so
often. have ki led several of the band, and
are always hunting them’when you are not
riding Ex ress.

“ Now wish to aid you to escape, if you
will trust me and do as I tell you.”

“ All right! Go ahead!

" But that is a woman’s voice.”

"No matter, whether man or woman, I
can save you, If you'will pledge yourself -to
obe "me."

" will." ~ \

“I am glad, for you are too brave a man
to be shot down like awild animal when you
are doing your dut —shot by those who are
outlaws and the haters of their fellow-
men.” ’ .

“You are on the right trail there: but, I
am losing time.” ‘ . l ,‘

“The trail 1 will lead you by will cut 01!
fiva mlles,,so the delay will thus be made
up‘n . »

o.  l" l .
“ Nown'ide along the cliff for a few hun-
dred feet and you, will come to n fissure, in

l the rocks. .

/ “Ahorse can enter it. and a spring is

there. a basin among the rocks; also grass

and timber. , .
“ You will find a sapling cut down there,

and arranged as bars to step up the open ng,

so you can turn your horse loose them

would risk the ride in spite of my warn“

 

he will be all right, for there is a spring, and
grass enough to feed him for weeks.

"‘When you have unsaddled him, look up
and youll see me on the cliff above, forty
feet over your head.

“I will lower a lasso, to which tie your
saddle and bridle, and I will draw them up.

“ Then I will lower it for you, and on
will have to climb it to the top of the 0 iff,
where it is fast to an overhanging tree."

“I can do it.”

“When you reach lhe cliff you will find
a horse there, so saddle and bridle him, and
follow me, for I will be a hundred yards
away. But, remember; you are not to up
proach nearer to me than that."

“ That's too bad, but I will obey."

“I feel that you will, for I have your
promise.

" When mounted, follow me, and I will
guide you into the Pony Trail six miles be.
yond the pass where certain death awaited
you if you had gone on, and where there
will be an ambush for you until it is dis-
covered by the outlaws that you are flank~
ing them.

“Now go to the basin and hide your
horse..”

CHAPTER V.
THE UNKNOWN.

BUFFALO BrLL was certainly impressed
with the one who had come to his reruns,
and did ust as he was told.

He r0 8 nice the chill, on the narrow way
between it an the river, until he came to
where the trail seemed to end at a clump of
pines that grew out of the crevices of the
rocks, and were dwarfed in size,

But peering through them he saw a break
in the rocky wall, so pushed his way on ‘
until he came outinto a very narrow pass.

It seemed as though some throe of nature,
had split the cliff there, the break widening
as it went back into the mountain for a few'
hundred feet, and then abruptly ended.

But a spring flowed from beneath the rock
there, earth and trees had slipped down
from the heights above and formed a soil on
the bottom of the basin thus formed, and it
was as secure a retreat as one could wish.

The whole place was carpeted with rich
grass, the sides were sheltered by trees, and
through the basin ran the little rivulet from
the spring.

By the pass Buffalo Bill found some fresh-
lycut bars, from saplings, and thrown down
from the heights above.

With them he quickly made a barrier
across the ass, that even Red Devil could
not break own.

Then he let his horse 0 free, and taking
his saddle and bridle, wa ked to the head of
the basin.-

There'he found, hanging over the cliff and ,
fast to a tree that grew there, and the limbs '
of which extended over, a couple of lariats
twisted together. '

At once tying his saddle and bridle to it,
hengaused a minute, and then, with a smile,
to e his saddle-bags, which seemed well
filled, also fast, and called out:

“ Haul away! All fast; and the saddle
bags are there too.”

He smiled again as he patted a buckskin
vest he wore, made to carry packages in it,
and where he had the money a safety.

,“ If the Unknown does not skip ofl'. think-
ing‘tho mone is there. then'I can certainly
trust him‘ or er, or whatever my friend up
there ma be,” be muttered. = K_

1m lately he saw a. hand stretch out
over the cliff, but it was gloved, and he
could not tell whether it was white, black or:

It seized the lariat and then began to
draw up the saddle, bridle andlExpreas.
ha a. w ich were simply stuffed with paper ‘
an locked, the. mail and treasure package
beta in the buckskin jacket. ' > «

" ll right! Now you come upl"called

_'the Unknown from the clifl above. and down ’h ‘

dropped the end of the double larlot. ‘

Quickly Buffalo Bill seized it and ’went up, 3 ' '

hand over hand. \

1 He swung from the limb over on the clifl' ,

and coiling the lei-fat, left it there. ‘
But he was not quick enough to catch the 5

rUnkno, .whom he saw seated upon a line» x

.horse a awaiting him a hundred yards ding

tent, while them near the cliff fastened to

 

4

stake-rope, be discerned a dark bay horse
that looked like a very superior animal;

“is saddle, bridle and the Express-bags
were there at his feet; the mysterious Un-
known had not run oii' with them.

Quickly suddling the horse, and throwing
the bags across the saddle, Buffalo Bill
mounted and rode off at a. gallop after the
Unknown, who had already set the pace. '

Awa sped the guide along the top of the
ridge, uifalo Bill keeping the required dis—
taure behind.

Thus miles were gone over; but at length
the Mysterious Guide halted, holding up a
hand for the Pony Rider to do the same.

, “ Follow this canyon down the mountain
 ’ and it will lead you to the Pony 'l‘rail. On
it; , ‘ ypur return leave the horse where you found

in.

“ In the future heed my warning."

Without a word more, without waiting for
a repl , the Unknown wheeled suddenly and
 darte away along the ridge.
.3 “ Well, if that is a man or woman, white,
black or redskin, there is no indication of it
from the ,dress.

“ The 'voice strikes me as being that of a
woman, though it may be disguised.

 

 

thanks,” and Buffalo Bill looked after the
horse and rider with deepest interest.

, He saw a wiry, long-bodied black horse,

' and the rider, from headto foot was clothed
in black, the robe, for such it was, falling
oneach side of the animal and completely
'hidin the saddle, if there was any.

, B 0 there was none, and the rider guided
, the horse only with along black lanes.
4, The face of the rider was masked, the

" hands gloved, and thus was the Unknown
wholly concealed.

'_ When the black horse and sable-clad rider

I ,had disappeared from sight, Bufl'alo Bill
rode ,on down the canyon, and after oin
half a mile came out of the thick under rus
right upon the Pony Trail and some ten
miles from the point where he had left it
and several from the pass where was the
deadly ambush he had been warned against.

CHAPTER v1.
on was: Pour moon’s TRAIL.

BUFFALO BILL halted; as he struck the

' trail, toqk out a handsome watch, presented
tohim by the Pony Express Company, for

valuable services rendered by him as a rider,

 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
   
 
 
 
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
   
   
   
  
  
  
   
 
  
  
   
 
  
    
   

said: .

“1am within five minutes ofbeing on
time at this point. /

“This looks like a good horse my un-
known friend in camp has furnished me
with, and I can reach the next relay on time,
if I puin him, though I an:. begining to feel
the tear of my ion ridelin the saddle. . ‘

“'But never in ad the wear of human
machinery if the, company keeps its con-
,firact." . I » / t r
, With this he set his horse going, and was

lad to find out that he was as eet‘as he
’ ooked. It carried him alongstatremendons

,~ 'Giancing again at his watch the Pony
,Rider saw, as» the ,relay station came in
; that. he was ahead of time, with a‘few
,,  sparel ' ., -,

Thor'stOck-tender their was a . culiar
haract‘er' know‘n‘as Silent Sam. the ermit,
Myths fact that he preferred to occupy'his
 alone,“ took care of the relay horses
ithont paid, .never went to the ranch for
, [Hairppliea‘buthad his provisions brought to

.‘himvby. a special rider each month. . .

;’Then, too, he never spoke save when it
‘ was necessarwa do so, and answered orgy

, lithe shortest mannerl'possiblo‘..Whe,n

  

. a

'He' dressed always in buckskin, wore a
slouch hath always pulled down ‘over ,his
eyes, and looked liken man'outvwithlthe
. ' world and humanity in general... v
Silent Sam the Hermit was seated upon a

' r

  

  

    
   
  
 
 

 

his lips. ' ' a. = ,

.‘ ;~The cabin was small, as strong. as a fort,

find early blacked the entrance tea canyon;

: widened into a valley. -be‘yqnd..ana'

wasp "beautiful spot, with'grs‘sa. a:

d‘meadow land.,'while tine :woundé'
t a '

 
 
  

 
  
   
 
 

  

“I didn’t even have time to express my ,

’ bench in front of his cabin, a pipe "between'~

 
    
  
 

I. Eustachian Double Dilemma.

The trail led close by the cabin, which had
a massive Stockade wall running in front of
it.

Suddenly Silent Sam started,
rattle of hoofs eamc to his ears.

Nearer the sound came, and springing to
his feet the stocktender ran back of the
cabin, lassoed one of several horses there.
and returned to the trail to find Buffalo Bill
standing by the side of his pantinghorse.

” I caught you napping, did I, Ram?”

44 No‘n

“ Well, you were not ready for me, that is
certain, but I’m several minutes behind.”

“My clock’s wrong.”

“ Set it with my watch then, for I regu-
late the sun.”

“ Did you have any trouble on the trail?"

“ Why do you ask?” a

“ I seen strange men pass here.”

“ How many “I” .

“ Five.”

“ Who were they?"

“ Don’t know,”

“ What did they look like?” .

“ Outlaws."

“ Did they stop?"

to NO I!

for the

“ S ask to you?”

ll ‘ G.” ‘

“ Then I can swear on didn’t s ak to
them, for next to a den man you ave as
little to say as any human being I ever
struck."

Silent Sam *made no reply but went on
with his work of changing t e saddle from
one horse to another.

At last he said:

“New horse?”

I! Yes.”

“ Never on run before?" .

H No.”

" Good runner?"

It Year.”

“ You can big mone this run?" -

" Who sai so?" Bh 10 Bill demanded,
breaking into his determination to answer as
Silent Sam did. ,

“ Jess Jordan said it was ex cted.”

“ Poor Jessi
some da there will be a reckoning along this
trail an
said Buffalo

I“ Hope so. "

“ Well, I‘m off, Silent Sam. Some time I
hope to catch you asleep 'to see if you do not
do your talking then,” and away bounded
the well-trained pony the moment Buffalo
Bill leaped'into the saddle. '

It “was a run of fifteen miles to the next

11 earnestly. .

time, though the rider was more tired than
the horse; .
Another mount was ready for him, and

falo Bill to keep his ,eyes open, as horsemen
which the were sure were members of the
band of ,loven Hoots, had passed the. day
before. ‘ ’ '
' Once more mounted it on a fresh horse,
Buflalo Bill sped along or the next relay,
twentv miles distant. _

' ,Nig'ht fell before he had gone five miles,
but he still flow on, unmindful of the dark-
nessand the rug ed trail.

At the nextvre ay his horse was ready.
The men there had seen nothing of a suspi-
cious n‘ature; so,o_n the riders d for the next
relay, which was fifteen miss distant and
the end ofhis run. . ’V , 1..

Just midnight he dashed Up to « the cabin
of stock-tender f‘ Gentleman GeOrge." and

. finished his wonderful run on time.

CHAPTERQVIL x.’
' " GnN'ruhiaN scones."

' Tan: terminus of the westward run foryone
rider from Headquarters Ranch was seven-
,ty-flve miles fromthe last station.

  

over the trail. a . .,
Buffalo Bill’s ride was to talse the.Express
brought in by Jess Jordan. On its eastward

  
   

westbound Express.  i ,  .
‘sitrwalslm the :run of.,Jordan rib“ most 0"

  
 

 

Massiactsé’liadmeéneomnntted/a inst
’  * ' .liav ken/fl: 881m

cabin

They did or him; but,‘
evegi Pony Rider will be avenged,"-

relay station and it was reached ahead of

the «three men at the station all warned Buf»

, This was the run of Jess Jordan, who had ,
beenkilled by, the outlaws on his‘last ride‘

Tth attemrxte

rumour; hundre’d'rniles. “Pd return With the. from the 'eorral’ he shorted that he was
..  t V“. I. .,f  

 

That rider had also taken the place of‘
one whohad most mysteriously disappeared,

as had several others lit-tore him, neither men
nor horses having ever 0an! in, and m one!»
case considerable money was liuowu 1o lmVu

been carried by them.

Thus it was that when Jess Jordan did not
appear on time, llufl’alo Bill had volunteered
to go out in search of him.

He had found the dead body of the rider
just beyond Silent Sam’s station, a bullet.
through his breast.

That he had been murdered for robbery
was certain, as the Express and mail were-
gone, his pockets were emptied, his belt of
weapons were missing, while his horse was
feeding near.

Buffalo Bill strapped the body on his own
horse and rapidly rode back over the trail to
Headquarters Ranch.

Then he mounted afresh animal and made
the ride over his own run to report Jordan’s
death, and the loss of the Express. and to re-
turn with the westbound bags.

It has been seen that, in spite of Lie ride
after Jess Jordan, he returned on‘ time, not
havin taken his allotted rest at the other
end 0? his run.

Then he had promptly started on with the
Express. notwithstanding the warning letter
received.

When, therefore, he drew up at the sta-
tion of which Gentleman George Ross was
in .char e. be had made within forty hours,
nude 0 over three hundred miles, with as
many as twenty-two difl'erent mounts.*

The station of Gentleman George was also
situated at the‘entrance to a valley‘ that na~
ture had surrounded with a. fencing of rock.
and thus the horses had a lar e pasture land!
to run over, with no fear 0 escape, as the
uarded the entrance.

At t is station but two persons dwelt,
George Ross and his daughter. ’

The man had gained the name of Gentle—
man George on account of his ver courteous
bearing toward ,all with whom 8 came in
contact. .

That he was a man of education, and had
been reared in refinement, all knew,-and that
was all that was known of him.

He was a handsome man of fifty, and of
fine physique, while he was possessed of
undaunted conra e and great strength.

He wore his hair long, it falling below his
shoulders, and it was alive white, while
his full heard was dark and ad not a gray
hair in it.

The voice. of George Ross was low and
mellow, and even when he had been brought
face to face with dos eradoes and the dead-
liest danger, he.ha never forgotten his.
politeness. .

Two years before, when on his way west
with his ,daughter, as passengers in a stage
coach. it had been held up by road-agents;
but Geor e Ross was not‘onetosubmit to
being rob d .ofhis earthly possessions. He
shot the leader ohthe robbers dead, wounded,
two others. and, I as the driver had been
killed, he «took the reins and brought the
coach in totthe next station.

‘ It transpired that he saved for the com»

’anya large sum of money, and when asked .

the su rintendent what reward be asked,.
11 reply ad been that he wished a position
in some capacity where he could live with
his daughter and farm a small place: /

Thus had George Ross been E,in the' «

position of stock-tenderat Valley Farms.
A good cabin had been erected forhim.

warehnnd he [had cultivated a few acres of
land in the valley,'raiSed..cattle and carL-d'

for the cowboys’ horses: ,....s  , . ‘.7

, His homewas astrange'one, forth ‘ ‘fme
away land, for he had’rmacls for MK I 'm'"
niture; he had brought with 5himl overli‘ml

household efiects,_andllm0ng“ them =wcre "
books, pictures a‘guitar ‘nnd‘f’violinflor hc~ ‘-
and hisdaughter werewon‘t to play well to-- ,g f;
rgether. ‘H‘ ‘ ‘9 ' ' ' ' ‘ "i “

\V,'.‘

v ' Once, the Indiansihad‘made an attack up.

"on him, but the reception they receiyed v
sent them 03 minus several of their number;

while, visited by several outlaws .one."'da

it

  
 
 
 

.., r . , “i

d" ‘to forcibly take on horses

  
 

‘ :rm... <,< H I. -» ‘S‘K‘ VC‘I“;“-"" -‘

-« amen-u

.m.r-,.,-n- m.

 

  
  
  
    
     
        
      
   
 
   
   
 
 
  
 
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

‘ ‘terview. ‘

 Buffalo Bill’s Deub'le‘ Dilemma.

  

.5

 

capable of protecting his own.

As for Lena Ross, his daughter, she was a , daughter,

girl of wondrous beauty of face and form,
and with all the gentleness ofa refined wo
man, possessed pluck and determination to
hold her own under the most trying circum
stances.

She could ride like an Indian, throw a,

lariat with great skill, could hit dead cen
ter with rifle and revolver, and was not
afraid of man or wild beast.

She had the endurance of 9. Pony Rider,
was a skilled cook and good housekeeper.
She could sing divinely. and play the guitar
and violin with great skill.

The Pony Riders all along the Overland
Trail had heard of her beauty, her deeds of
daring, and accomplishments. and those
who had not fallen in love with her had
their affections centered elsewhere.

But to one and all Lena Ross was the

‘same frank-hearted, gentle girl, showing no

preference and was ever ready to do a kind
act to any one.

Like her father. she seemed to love their
wild life of seclusion, of exile from the life
they had known, and he happ in their
frontier home, while the thong t of fear
seemed to be a stranger to them.

Such was Gentleman George, the stock-
tender, and such was his lovely daughter,
whom the Pony Riders had name'd Little
Sunbeam.

 

CHAPTER VIII.

A car FOR HELP. ‘
“ A11, Mr. Cody, you have mpde the ride

through in poor Jordan's place

afraid of men of their stripe and was fully Iv

" It took a plucky man to ride the trail,

as i hear the Cloven Hoots are all along the
line, and I am surprised that you got
through.’f

“ I saw no Cloven Hoofs, Gentleman
* loot-go, save aherd of deer," responded Buf-
falo liill.

“ You were fortunate, for one of the men
from the stations east and west of me were

there during the day and told us of Jordan‘s

death, and that the Cloven Hoofs had pinned
a note on his body that the riders were to
be shot‘ at sight if they refused to halt when
ordered." . j . , . r

" Yes, they did do that, for I took the
body in. Then [went on in own run east.
and have now come here a on time, so I
am very tired.” . .

“Have you made such a ride as that, Byuf-
falo Bill, and within forty hours?”

" Yes, and I may add that I’m awful
him ry, so‘I suppose I can get a bite?"

“ h, yes, for Lena always keeps a good
supper for the midnight comers, who must
eat here, as you know. ' .

“ The rider from the' west. is an hour

-oVerd no, and we were anxious about him, so

Lena has not retiret .” .
“Who is be, Mr. Ross?”
“Buck Renshaw." ‘

“A good man, and hard rider.- It is

Bill. 5 ,

, “‘Yes, strange, indeed. I do‘ hope no harm‘

has befallen him." ‘

“So do I."
“Now come. in and have some supper,

and maybe he’ll arrive, meanwhile—back,
. you savage brutes, for this
“ Hoof or redskin," and Gentleman George:
‘muskets with bayonets flked, an ele hunt

is he Cloven

oddre’ssedthe last remark, to half a ozen
huge and fierce dogshalf bloodhound, half

strange, that he is overdue,” said Buffalo

The two rooms on one side of the hall
were the sleepingrooms of the father and
and on the other side a parlor and
spare bedchamher for belated Pony Riders.

The cabin was built of stout hewn logs,
and had a flat roof, encircled by a breast
work of timber, behind which the stock.
tender could crouch and sweep the approach
up and down the irail, and in front, for a
long,r distance, and the rear was protected by
the wall of cliff that surrounded the valley.

Within the house there was an appearance
of comfort not looked forin that wild land
any more than would be the beautiful girl
who came forward to greet Buffalo Bill with
the air of a society hello.

“I am glad to see you. Buffalo Bill"—
Lena Ross always called the Pony Riders
by the name their comrades did.

“ But I am sorry 'our coming was made
necessary by the death of Jess Jordan, for
he was a noble fellow.” I

“Yes, but like a soldier, Little Sunbeam,
he died with his facoto the foe, and in the
discharge of his duty," and Buffalo Bill.

dered what strange combination of circum-
stances had caused that girl and her noble-
looking father to exile themselves in that
habitation, far from civilization.

“ Yes. I expected that of him, and I sup’
posed you would be put on this run in his

‘ place ‘i"

“ And why, Miss Lena?"

“ Well,‘few other men would dare ride it
now; but you look tired, and must be hun-
gry, so sit down and have some supper, for
I ave flsh, quail, and venison steak, with
potatoes, hot biscuit and coffee.” ,

Buffalo Bill knew well what a meal at
Valley Farm Station was. as the stock-
tender‘ raised vegetables, and had his own
chickens, ducks, turkeys, hogs, and cows
which gave plenty ,of milk. ~

Lena was always glad to set a good meal
before an always—hungry Pony Rider, and,
expert fisherwoman and huntress that she
was, she kept the table well supplied.

Gentleman George then told his daughter
of the ride Buffalo Bill had made. and she
complimented him upon his endurance and
pluck, and said: , l i ' '

“I am glad that‘Buck' Ronshaw is late,
for it gives you a longer rest before starting
back. ' g r

‘ “ Will you not take‘ a short nap until he
comes?" ‘ f ‘

But are Biiffalo Bill could reply there was
a, warningnote irom one of the dogs with
out, and springing to the door the stock-
‘tender cried: ‘ v ' I

“ Here comes Renshaw now.”

Even as he spoke there-«was heard a shot,‘
theni another and another, and then a voice
one 1 . - »

“ Help! Gentleman George, Help!"

 

CHAPTER 1X.
‘A mom: aonmsr oops.

_ GnNTLEMAu Gnoaon had, a regular arsenal
in his cabin.

his weapons. and then under each one was a

shelf. containing the ammunition for that.

particular weapon. 3 . ,
There were a pair of crossed sabers, four

 

gun, double barreled and capable of fit ‘ng’ a

mastiflf. and, 'who were feared '_by even the 1"score of slugs. ‘

Pony Riders who visited the little house.

1 Then there were abet-guns. rifles and re-

They obeyed their master at once and , jvolvers, in fact the “arsenal ," counted up a
slunk away to the Stockade» gateas though . score of firearms, all ready for use. ‘ '

to wait'for some‘ one whom they could in.

r r nil ri’ wont to u ‘1  ht!) 88 ‘hey ex “5d it,
“You have a lot of splendid sentinels.and , they never cirridgd more than a [filer of re.
guards, there, George—.yes, and your nonseivmvem’ and.freqnenfly only mm. ‘ I ‘ .

u as strong as a fort.” . - 

As in riding Pony'Express the rider was

So; when the call for help came from out?

' "_Yes. Mr. Cody, those dogs are as sava ell, side. Gentleman Gem-gs called out-
astigers toward all save,Lena and myse l',""',, “Take that repeating rifle, Cody, and

and it is well my house is a fort, as it ma

.~  be besieged at any timepthou h Lena and I
could stand on a small army 0 Indians, and 1 While Little Sunbeam didthe same.
:a score or, two

/_ of‘outlaws; but walk
Lanai here’ is Mir. Cody.“ Hols riding, for
‘ponr-Jcss Jordan.” '. ,»  i ‘l- 'j
'r d entered theleabin, which‘had
- ' side of a'wide
kitchen

h)...— .

  

‘ come on i?” ‘

l
l Atvthe same time lie seized a rifle" himself ‘

Out of the cabin thgy all dashed, and-at
. the; gate ,wercgtbe hal dozen savage dogs
"baying‘ferociously‘. ' ‘ " " ‘ ' ‘
‘ hrowing down
itwomen a mu ‘0
. in ‘

  

 

‘Renshaw the Pony Rider.

gazed with admiration upon the slender, per- ‘
ect form, darkly bronzed face, and won-»

'sprung for their horses, but one unfortunate,

_ , freight.
The hallway was the place where he kept”
'miles back, on the trail, wounding both'mo

in h itte‘gggghf'koggwtm'.knitwear,
e. “g . e . xv “ I
"iii a;  M}, Lei» Rose as

 

He held his
saddle-bags in one hand, his revolver in the 3
other, while his horse lay dead a few paces
distant.

That the Pony Rider was badly wounded
was certain, yet he had reached the stockadc
and falling there, when his horse dropped
dead from the lire of his foes, he was brave-
ly at bay though unable to rise.

Coming rapidly upon him were a band of
outlaws, all of a dozen in number.

“We have the Express bags now, menl
Rush in and tear them from him!“ shouted a
man who led the band, and the mounted
outlaws hastily threw themselves from their
saddles, just as Buffalo Bill and Gentleman
George dashed out. ‘

With a faint yell of triumph Buck Ren-
shnw shouted back:

” You liel You'll never get the bags, for
Buffalo Bill is here i”

At the name the outlaws hesitated, and
jlist then Buffalo Bill and Gentleman George
opened fire, and with deadly effect.

“There are but two of them! shoot them
down!" yelled the outlaw chief, and the
shots rattled forth rapidly, while a voice
from the gate called out. i

“ Fall back into the stockade, for I have ‘
drag Ired Buck in."

It was Lena Ross, who had done as she >
said. The wounded Pony Rider she had
lifted by main strength, and had taken him ‘
inside of the Stockade gate. ‘ - . ,

But the outlaws were maddened at the
thought of losin the Express bags, which
they 'seemed to .now were valuable, and
were crowding upon the two defenders who
were facing such odds, when again the voice ’
of Little Sunbeam was heard—this time ad. \
dressing the dogs; , 4 v

" At them, Tigersl it is your time now!
Go!” cried Sunbeam, as she opened the ‘
Stockade gate and set the, half-dozen savage’
dogs upon the band of Cloven Hoofs who r
were now close upon Buffalo Bill and Gentle-
man. George.

With .yells of terror the Cloven Hoofs

   
  
   
   
   
   
  
  
 
   
  
 
 
 
 
    
   
   
  
  
   
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
   
  
  
   
     
    
   
    
   
  
  
     
    
    
       
  
  
  
    
  
  
  
   
       
    
  
 
   
     
   
   
  
  

fellow was not quick enough and in an in- ‘.
stant he was dragged down and Would have '
been torn to pieces had not Gentleman.
George rushed to his rescue. ' x, r
risk was. he Was already dead, having  '
been wounded and thus fallen easy prey to
the dogs. '
A There were two other dead outlaws lying 
on the ground and a horse that hadlbeen
shot, while another stood near, Lwiih. a 1
broken leg. ‘
This home Buffalo Bill put out of his:
misery by a shot just as Lena Ross called 
out: . -
“ Come to Buck! He is dying, Itblnk.”
The dogs were called off from the, chase
by a loud blast of the horn, but one failed,
to come back, be having been shot, and as ,.
Buffalo Bill and Gentleman George re-
entered ‘the ,stockade shey found Buck
Reushaw lyin upon the cabin‘porch, hifif
head supporie by Lena Ross. . . 
“ He is dying.” said the girl sadly. -. ‘
"Yes, but, tell the captain I saved'the-

“They fired on me: from ambush. five"

and my horse. a , , a
' “ I took to the timber and-hid, but wi)
I came out they saw me and" cheat-d
here—see. \ I he 3 three ,w0unds, ' but
didn‘t give up the might. , s , ,
“ My horse fell as we got to the stoekade
"You’ll tellrthe boys, wont you, Bill? ' > ’
His voice was ver . faint, hardly audible
and Buffalo Bill, grasping his head said: ’
.“1 will ;» tell them, Pard Buck, and)“.
the captain "know allri‘md I promisewyo,
this. night's work will ,not be
that on willbe remembered." .' ~‘ A . 
r " » hankee. Bill-— cod-by. friends, for—9.

‘ .

‘.
o.

 
 

    

* Wha more he an d was unheard. for the.
words d on his lips as the breath is,“ lib
y. ! i ' , ‘ ‘ : . . ‘ '

   

-. w " ‘VCVHAPTE‘R x. _ _
M ' ’, frHEBF-T‘UBN.  ‘ ' 
you new

'laid'the

  
    

   
 
  

      
    

candid;
head

 

any Rider-tenderly down ,
r a V

 

 
 

 

{.hets on this ride.” ' , r V
I x All the horses were he t in com-rain night,

 

6

Buffalo Burs D

Elfin,  up  .3. ‘ 

 

“Only a scratch, Miss Lens, and your
father needs care now, for I am sure he
was wounded.”

Lena Ross sprung to the side of her father,
who said.

“ I am not hurt, my child, though it was 3.
close call.

“ See here!"

He showed that a bullet had struck his
belt buckle squarely and folded it up, the
leaden messenger remaining in the brass.

“ It was as severe as a kick and lirou ht
 to my knees, but is only a bruise after
a I)

“Now, Cody, we’ll see’to that wound of
yours, for it may not be such a scratch as
you think."

The arm was bared and an ugly gash was
visible where a bullet had cut its way, but
was by no means serious, and Lena dressed
it with the skill of a surgeon.

“ I am behind an hour in starting. so
must be off, Pard Ross,” said Buffalo Bill,
and he strapped the bags brought in by
Buck Renshaw about his waist, and con-
tinued: '

“The are marked of extra value I see,
and Buc doubtless had orders to save them,
at all hazards.

“ I will send the boys off duty up to bury
oor Buck, Gentleman George, and they
shall all know how well you and Miss Little
Sunbeam can defend your home against big
odds.” ,

“ With the aid of Buffalo Bill,” said Lena
with a smile. '

“ And the dogs.

“ You let your tigers loose just at the
right moment, Little Sunbeam, and I don’t
wonder that the outlaws tied, for I was half
of a mind to climb a tree myself, expecting
they would take me for a Cloven H oof."

. “ Oh, no, they know the difierenee be-

tween wolf and buffalo meat," replied Lena,

and both her father and Buffalo Bill laughed
heartily at her joke. .
In a few minutes the stock-tender had
brought up the freshhorse Cody was to ride,
and with a farewell grasp of the hand the
Pony Rider dashed out of the stockade gate
just as hour and ten minutes behinditime.
" ome, old fellow, you have got to make

the miles fly behind you, for there’s lots .of

money up on my getting back and on time.

and as the Unknown, who aided me before,

showed me a cut-off of a number of miles,
there is a chance that I can make the run.
New show what you can do.” -

Away thrdugh the darkness flew the horse,
his hoofs awakening many an echo that

V broke upon the stillness of the night.

At the first relay station, Buffalo Bill

' glanced at ‘his Watch and saw that he had

gained twelve‘minutes, and as he leaped from
his saddle and said: I , .
“ Buck R'enshaw . was pursued to the

Valley Farm, tB-night, boys, and killed.

 We had might with them and beat them,
,ofl, killing two.

“ Look out for them."

Without waiting reply, Buffalo Bill leaped

: into his saddle and was off like an arrow

from a bow.
“ Just an hour to make up. _
“ This horse'is a good one and I ought to

‘ cut down fifteen minutes to Silent Sam's sta—

tion." .

’ .i‘ - 0n went the fleet animal, now through

timber land, then across an open 8 ace, up

, hill,down hill, along a valley trail, an mount-
. ring, with the same untiring bounds, a long
'slope, he dashed u

to the stockade station
over which Silent m held sway.

This time Silent Sam was ready for him,

- holding his horse as he came .up.

ed" Is there any news up the trail?” he ask-
4 Without heading the question, Buffalo

Bill said sharply:

“' That is not the horse . I rode here,
Sam n , - . .

“ Want him?"
‘ “ You know I do,’for I told you so'."

“ Forgot." . ‘ .
~ " Well, out with him quick, for you will
delay-me five minutes or more,

vs quickl otten
a5 : an:

and so Silent Sam could

an. 1123i. be t delayed, until; 

 
  

and there are,

 

ready for the riders when they come. I’ll
ask Captain Starbuck to get some one here
who can!"

In an instant Silent Sam trotted out of the
corral with the horse and said:

“ I am sorry, Bill—don't reportme—meant
to do right."

“ All right, paid," and with a leap in the
saddle Buffalo Bill was gone.

He reached the place where he was to turn
off from the trail, and doing so, he found
that the horse he rode did not care to slacken
his ace in the dense shadow of the timber,

I e hold right on at the same fleet pace un-
til he drew up at the hill where Buffalo Bill
had found him.

“ You‘re as good a guide as the Unknown,
good horse, for I would have had to go slow
to find my wa through that darkness.”

So saying, Buffalo Bill hitched: the horse
to atree. lowered his saddleland bridle by the
lariat'still swinging to the tree, and quickly
followed himself. ‘

His horse trotted up to him with a neigh
of welcome,’and quickly saddling and brid-
llng him, he put down the barrier and was
again away like a rocket.

The station he had before skipped he this
time stopped at, but not to change horses, as
he decided to still keep On with Red Devil.

He only gave a warning of the Cloven
Hoofs being abroad, and of Buck Renshaw’s
death.

Then Red Devil leaped forward on the
last part of the run, and looking at his
watch, for daylight was dawning, Buffalo
Bill muttered:

“I have just ten minutes to make up to
go in on time.

“ I’ll do it!"

CHAPTER XI.
ON TIME.

ONCE back in the trail again, which he‘

had left on his western run at the call of his
Unknown Guide, Buffalo Bill sent Red Devil
flying along at his. utmost speed, well know—
ing what the animal could do.

He had gone buta short distance when,
what should he spy ahead in the trail but
another stake, with a paper stuck in the top.

He swooped from his saddle and picked it
up, throwing the stick away and reading
what was written on the paper.

" From my Mysterious and Unknown
Guide," he muttered, as he recognized the
writing as being the same, as that in the
warnin to the Pony Riders, and the paper
he had efore found in the trail.

What he now read was short and to the
point, as follows:

“ As warnings are of no avail, and ’I feel
that you will still ride in defiance of all risks,
I will, try and protect you,_others if I can,
but you have the first claim upon me, Buf-
falo Bill. ' '

“Each time you ride this trail turn off
where you did before and a horse will await

ou. ‘

“ If the secret is discovered; I will seek
some other way to warn you, but it must
not be known that I do so. . v

“ I pledge you to keep the secret that you‘
have. ‘ ,

. “ A FRIEND IN CAMP."

“Well, I’m pledged to secrecy, and I can

but obey, after what the Unknown has done,

'forme.’ , 

So. saying, Buffalo Bill quickened his pace ’
e

again to a ct run,‘and as he drew near the
Headquarters Ranch he could but feel a
glowof triumphant satisfaction at what he
had §cc$nnplished

“ e rly four hundred miles, dodging an
ambush, climbing a rope, risking my neck,
saving the treasure. fighting a band of Cloven
Hoots. having no‘slecp and all within forty-
ei ht hours is .not had work, and 1am proud
0 the accomplishment. '
a ” Well, I’ve gone through and back again
and won my beta, for I, am now just on time
to this point. . .

“ Quicken your'steps a trifle, good Devil,

and we’ll get in. with a few minutes to.

ap‘re‘u ,
Ha .
don circumstances:
2 t '

‘un.’
aha -_ f

ouble Dilemma.

    

sateen . , tulation wascertainl  
' use? ' ‘ 3°  ‘°

But, as he neared the group of Pony Riders
who were yelling themselves hoarse, and
wildly wavin their hats. his face assumed
its wonted ca m, and he threw himself from

his panting horse and handed the bags over 7

to a tall, fine-looking rider who stepped for-
ward to take them, and who said:

“ Bill Cody, I‘ve got my money up that
you went to Valley Farm and back—did
you?"

“ The Express answers the question, Wild
Bill." was the calm response, and another
wild yell greeted the words.

“ You are three minutes ahead of time,
Buffalo Bill, so have w“ n all bets against
your making the run and getting back; but
you are wounded."

“ A slight gash in the arm from a bullet,
Captain Starbuck, received ina brush at Val»
ley Farm with some Cloven Hoofs, and I
have to report. I am sorry to say, sir, the,
death of Buck Renshaw."

“ Renshaw dead ‘2" exclaimed the agent,
and asilence fell upon the Pony Riders and
the stablemen gathered there.

“ Yes, sir. and if ever a man died game,
he is that man.

“ They fired upon him from ambush, some
miles beyond Valley Farm, and both his horse
and himself were wounded.

“ Plucky man that he was, he would not
halt, but broke for the timber, eluded them
and hid, but when he came out they saw him
and gave chase."

“ Indians?"

“ No, sir, the Cloven Hoofs."

“ Go on, Cody, and tell us how poor Buck
died,” said the agent;

“ He ran for Valley Farm, pursued by a.
dozier: outlaws, and though twice wounded
he kept his saddle and reached the stockade,
his horse falling dead near it.

“ Gentleman George, Little Sunbeam and
myself went to the rescue and we had it hot;
for awhile.

“ Poor Buck, unable to stand, laid dowu
and fired at them, but little Sunbeam dragged
him into the stockade and set loose those
(log tigers to come to our aid, and the way-
they pulled one outlaw down was startling
to see. _

“The hand then fled and left three men
dead behind them, one that the dogs can ac-
count for.

“ Buck died soon after and wished‘ me to
tell you and the boys that he died game.”

“Good old fellow, I knew he would do

that! ' ' .

“ But you were wounded?”

‘i Only a scratch, sir, but Buck went
under, his horse was killed and one of the-
dogs." ' ‘

“ And the outlaws ?”

“‘ Left three men and two horses dead he»
hind them."

“It was a victory for us then; but, what
time did you reach Valley Farm, Bill?”

“ On time, sir." . 4

“Then you ,have sworn every bet made-
against you! are you satisfied, boys ?”

"Yes, captain,,pay over the money,” an~
swered several of the riders, and Captain:
Starbuck turped to Buffalo Bill and re—-
marked: .-

“ I have put Wild Bill on the run from‘
here eastward, Cody, while you are to take
the run from here to Valley Farm, and now
that B ck Renshaw has gone under I will
give Po y Bob the ride on from there.

“Now, Wild Bill, you can 0," and the
tall handsome scout 'who had ' rst reeled
Bufl’alo Bill upon his arrival, leaped into his
saddle and sped away. .u

“ New, Pony Bob, you can start, for your
post, so as to henready to bring the .next Ex-
pressthrough to Valley Farm.” ',

“ I will start 'as soon. as I have had a talk
with Pard Bill, captain/’3 answered the rider-
addressed as Pony. Bob. He was a young
man of mail, wigy frame, with a face den:-
ing and etermine in expression.

' “Get your breakfast now, Cod , and then
go to‘bed, for you have aecomp ished a feat

never before know on this frontier, inthe  ’
'ride that you" have made, It ,is simply

marvelous, said the agent. and three rcu
lng- cheers were given' for the. hero 0 th
Ponygmders, Ponvaob' remarking: ’ ..
“ would “be a pity.“ Bill  for
deatbiamrw

 

   

nth-m I I «warp-4‘

 

   

 

 

  
  

(W:- . < . « ‘v-tvfilfiytonh

 

 

Rensllaw makes the sixth Pony Rider to be
avenged i” ’

Pony Bob mounted his horse and set 03
for his future post of duty, he and Wild
Bill having been called from oil their runs
further east by the agent.

 

CHAPTER Xii.
A JEALous CABAL.

THAT the Pony Riders were most earnest.
ly impressed with the achievement of Buffalo
Bill there was no doubt.

They knew him as a young man who had
led an eventful life.

Danger. hardships, deeds of endurance,
hair-breadth escapes and familiarity with
death scenes had been familiar to him since
he was a boy of ten.

He had been messenger-boy from one
wagon train to another when all the freight
used b the army and settlers had to be
carried in wagons. ‘or "prairie schooners " as
the were called.*

I—i’e had been pony border, cowboy, bull-
whacker, Indian fighter and guide. and had
also won a name as a great buiYalo-hunter.

Then he had come with the army up into
Utah and drifted into riding Pony Express,
as highest prices were paid to men who
dared make the rides.

Since oing upon the Pen Express it was
Bufl'alo ill who had carrie ofl? all the honors
as champion, with his friend Wild Bill as a
close second and Pony Bob as number three
on the list.

There were et jealousies amen the Pony
Riders, strong y as they were no ted in the
tics of brotherhood.

Several had been the champions until
Buifalo Bill came; and then they dropped
back before his steady advance as the best
rider, the one who was always on time in
his rides, and the most daring and skillful
man of the brotherhood. '

Next came Wild Bill, following his pard
Buifalo Bill, and then Pony Bob, the firm
comrade of the Dare-Devil Bills, as the two
former were called, and the trio had never
been backed down in any venture.

The few who did not wish to admit that
suptriority and were 'calous of them,’ were
Rocket Rob, Jocke Sack, Phantom Phil,
Fearless Frank and aring Dick. ‘

They had been _ rivals for honors until
Butfalo Bill came, and since t en, . with
Wild Bill and Pony Bob close upo his heels
in deeds of during, they had found among.
their five that honors were easy, and like a
man and wife, when quarreling, being inter-
fered with, they had turned alpon' the inter-~
fering party-that is the quintette of riders
had turned againstCody and his two pards.

Not that they did so openly. forjthcy did
not wish to admit that they had taken back
place, and wore most friendly toward them
outwardly; but it had been Rocket" Rob
ahd his four allies who had bet against an.
falo Bill making the ride to Valley Farm,
and then that he would not get there on
time, that he would not get there at all, and
never get back alive.

All their bets were promptly taken by the
warm admirers of Buffalo Bill, when they,
would not have accepted wa ers on any
other man, and the successful r der had won

- them for his backers. as well as his own bet
. made with Rocket Rob. " ‘

/ I ,

As the riders had certainl been, ‘.‘ blufled
ofl,"as Agent Starhu'ck ha said, from tak-
ing the runs which had been of 'late so fatal
to the men. he had at oncesent to their
posts for Wild Bill and Pony Bob, and 'of-

fered them the beats to which they hadvbeen . i

sent, Buifalo Bill goin‘gvto Valley Farm and
back, Pony Bob from all
ites’ , Ranch and back, andWild .Bill from

Headquarters Ranch to Dedth Gulch and‘

back, the three runs covering adistaaee of
’ two hundred-and sixty mlles. ' '

Itlwas on these‘ runs that the six Pony

l Riders had lost‘thelr‘ lives or. mysteriously

disappeared within the past , month, and
long before that the distance had heenknown
ast e Fatal Trauma many had been the riders

 

began his eWnttul career. as a boy

a; messages from the wagon trains or

.  Weddell, strung out our

econ thslmoh. aisles-vise then
, . y,"

ey Farm’to Dan~ ‘

 

who had come to grief upon it, either by the
hands of Indians, roadagents or had mys-
teriously disappeared.

When it came to such a marked fatality
as the past month had shown it was no won.
der that the Pony Riders. brAve as all of
them undoubtedly were, for it looked like
defying death to make the run

Bllt when Buffalo Bill had made it, and
his two guards had promptly volunteered for
the rest of the Fatal Trail, the five allies
were pllt in a very nnenviablo humor.

Of course it was the place of the agent to
have substitutes for the rides. should either
of the three pards be killed, and Buffalo Bill
had promptly volunteered in case of either
of his two comrades being killed, to take
their ride, and they had followed his ex-
anfiple alld done the same.

ut still further extras were needed to call
on in an emergency. and Captain Starbuck
had put down as sllcb Little Lone Star. Hap y
llarry and Devil Dan, three riders who
though they would not volunteer would
obey orders if told to go, no matter if they
knew they would be killed.

Besides these named, at the Home Ranch,
there were two score more of ” extras,"

always kept ready to dispatch to any point, -

and on half pay until on duty. ,

The extra men were organized into a
company for the protection of the trail, and
were wont to ride over it in force each month,
and escort the pack-animals bearing_supplies
to the relay stations.

They we're also held for a call to go to any V

point where there was trouble on the line of
Captain Starbuek‘s district, and their pres-
ence kept both outlaws and Indians in check,
though at times raids would be made in spite
of them. '

The captain of these “extras” was Rocket
Rob, with Jockey Jack and Phantom Phil
for his lieutenants.

When these three, with two others who
formed their quintette. went to their quar-
ters, after seeing Bufi'alo Bill come in safely,
and thus losing their bets. they were de
eidedly in an ugly humor and sat dow to dis-
clnss the situation where no one could hear
tlem.

 

CHAPTER XIII.
TROUBLE BREWING.

“ WEL'L pards, I’m out two months’ pay on
that man,” observed Rockt Rob, by way of
opening the conversation, when they had
reached ,their cabin, which the five occupied
together. ‘

“ You was all tools for betting so much, I
only put a ten ag’in’ him, as I know’d his
luck, and feared he might get through,” said
Darin Dick. ’ , -

‘l‘ V ell, be got through and downed us. ’

' “I only wish I had his ludk,” Jockey
Jack said.
"‘ Do you think it altogether luck, pard?"
iIt was Fearless Frank who asked the ques-
t on. ‘ ’
All looked at him in silence, for there was
something very significant in the]. tone.

All heard him.too.‘hut Pha tom Phil asked
as though he did not underst nd:

“Just what did you remark, Fearless '

Frank?” ‘* l '
“ 1 said did you think it was all just luck'
that Buffalo Bill always wins and we lose?"
“ Don’t begin to preach, Frank, about his
being ready for wings, and a special pet o"
prov1dence." , ’, ‘
\ " I don't intend to preach, Rocket Rob, 1

‘ only asked the uestion.”

\t v What do 5’ 1: consider it, it it'ainlt luck,
hen?” , ,

‘9 Well, I wouldn’t say so outside of you,
pards, but it do seem to me that luck could:
,n’t cling to a man as constant as it does to

him "i .
and as he

 
 
  
 

 
 
  

All‘wstted for him to continue;

remained silent, Rocket Bob said:
~“ We are waiting. Frank." 1‘ l
" New, Buffalo Bill has been-..around

heap. and who. knows but that he ma

  

Again he paused and glapeed furtzvely at -

the faces of his comrades.
“ What were on saying. Frank?"
" Mind you, adopt '
is} so. . out ,mayhefho‘ mi
handso utia’w

 

' game with hlm.’

 )’

:mi ht let him go 1) , , I
i dregssed and maunted xiii ht be kille .‘ff 

_ _  CHAPTER’XIVA,
Rob, Loosen’tsayit ., ‘
t;pr  .

 
 
 

 

    
 
  
 
 
 
    
    
   
 
   
    
   
  
 
 
 
 
  
  
   
  
   
  
 
 
  
  
  
       
   
  
  
 
 
 
  
 
   
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
 
  
   
   
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
  
   
 
   
   
    
     
  
   

Bufi‘aloIBuPs “Donnie, D ‘ma.’ ~_  ~  ~7 

l “ He speaks several Injun languages, don't
re?"

.5 Eves. H

“ He’s known to the Utes, Piutes, Pawnees,
Blackfeet and other tribes. “

" Well?"

"Now he might—mind you I.say might
—have an understanding with the chiefs
that he was to go through with his scalp and
Express boodle, while other riders were to
lose theirs.”

" But I think outlaws, not )ndians, are
the ones lnost to fear on this trail, and may-
be Mormons.”

" Maybe so, Rocket Rob, but could not
the some understanding be had with them or
with the Injuns?"

“ Yes, it could."

" But is it?" asked Phantom Phil.

“That is just what we want to know,"

“ Have you any suspicion founded on
fact, Fearless Frank?" asked one.

“I may be wrong, but I has put certain
things together an to me it does look sus~
picious.” -

" As what, for instance?" l

“ His wonderful luck.”

“ We all grant that."

" 1n the face of that warning he went
throu h."”

“ Buck Renshaw was killed.”

“ 'l‘rue."

" Jess :llordan was killed."

" And Ed Darke and Kit Valiant were
killed."

“We all know that." ., '_

“ And Diamond Ned and Jim Jordan has
disa lured ?" ‘

H es.” .

“But Bufi'alo Bill takes all big chances
with death, and comes out ahead of the game 3 , .
every time. _ ~

"Why, the boys are beginning to bet on .,
his bein killed, or going through safe, every .1 ,1
time he eaves headquarters." 7

" Yes, and his two best pards, Wild Bill ,, 1'
and Pony Bob, 0 through, too." I : ~ _ “

" Yes, they 0, and they may be in‘ the

,

” Yell mean in league with the Indians,“
outlaws, or whoever it is that holds, up thei
riders?" ' l :

u Yes-n

“ Well, give us all reasons for suspicion. v
pard, so we can get down to bedrock," said: -
Rocket Rob. ‘

" He didn’t care for that warning.” ‘ '
No, and it backhd down all the rest of-

l'
U
“ it looked to me as though he knew he’d, ‘ ‘
be safe? . * ' \
“ And he was." ' 
"Yes, and do you notice that he and his
two'pards dresses different from the re“ 0

I“ They all wear buckskins, top-boots,"snd ‘
a light slouch hat." a ‘ ,  
“ Yes, and not a «man of us togs upfhat r

“ You consider it a mark by which they ,
might be recognized?" ‘ l
“ It mightbe.“ 
. “Soit might." : - ~  J»
“I had not thought of that,” Rocket Rob
said, in a meditative we . ‘ “’1’ ’
" And the three of t em were never see
to ride anything but a bay horse." g ‘ "
“ Ri 'ht you are there. too, pard." >
“ Bu alo Bill has his Red Devil, Red
Redskin.) .ued Runner, Red Win audited
Fire, all blood bays, while Wild in has
horses named scarlet, Crimson; Carmine . 1:
Blood and all bright bays. ‘, '  ‘
“ Peny'Bob has got Sunrise, Sun t, Bun
beam and Sundown. il’hey are’ - al, 5»
bays, you know, and any one seeing a’ Pony,
Rider coming, dressed in hucksk mood a"
light slouch hat, and riding a boyhorsgj
when one

 
 
 
   
    
 
   
 

 
 
  
 
 
 
 

0b ’ into thernattm

"Paula. we must" 1 g
declared RocketTRob, earnestly, and a;
follogvedh hearty: ‘ l .  
~"‘ 'es!’ -

   
 

  

    
  
   
 
 
  

    

__——— ‘

 
  

    

   

' ntmai*siuss“ mum. Duets...

 

 

 

 
  
     
  
   
   
   
   
  
  
  
    
    
    
   
   
    
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
   
  
  
   
   
  
   
   
   
  
  
   
  
   
    
  
    
   
    
     
 

brought up against Buifalo'liill, Wild Bill

and Pony Bob, there was no doubt.

Upon the principle of misery loving com-
any, they were united, for all of them had
ost money betting against Buffalo Bill’s

success.

Then, too, they had all been dethroned by
his remarkable deed, which so much over-
shadowed theirs.

They were decidedly in an ugly humor
toward Buffalo Bill, and it only needed the
spark of suspicion, set forth by Fearless
'Frank, to kindle a fire of proof in their
minds that no more luck could carry a man
through with what Will Cody had accom-
pllshcd.

There must be something else, and Fear-
less Frank had doubtless hit the nail on the
head in suspecting that the Indians and
Cioven Hoofs spared the three pards, for
reasons to be discovered, to vent all their
hatred upon others of the riders.

That the three Pony Riders dressed alike,
and all rode blood-bay horses. was not put
[down as an eccentricity on their part, but as
a proof that they did so for some subtle
pnr ose.

\ hat that purpose was the quintette de—

~ tel-mined to find out. '

Now, how to go about making the discov—

cry that their three fellow-riders were other
than they seemed, was a question they must
Wary carefully consider.
. ‘ They knew that not one of the tnree were
' men to triiie with, and they were aware how
serious was the charge that they must make,
,when they asserted the three men were
,sccretly in league with either the‘lndians,
 Mormons or outlaws, for they believed that
I many Mormons were lawless in their deeds
I ,totvardngentiles, and opposing civilization
not established in the wilds by followers of
their creed.

thether this was true or not of a few
lawless followers of Brigham Young, the
dilemmas as a whole were made to suffer for
rman crimes of outlaws and deeds done by
the adians, and the Pony Riders stood in
awe of them as of foes they had real cause

odreadu r r
 Thewarning letter was discovered by the
five men and the writer of that too was con-
neeted with Buffalo Bill, and, after a long
conversation together they -. worked them-
‘ive's into the belief that they really had‘
three traitors in their midst.

.But there was not one of the five, plucky
‘=mbn though they were, who had the nerve
gto'openly make the charge against Buflalo
‘ Bill and his two friends, that they were not
. rue to the League of Pony Riders ,
They must first get undoubted proof
:‘against them and then spring the trap that
would destroy them. ‘

,To do this they must establish a spy sys-
tem amon themselves, and Rocket Rob told/
‘ thew t is could be done. ,‘ ,

t’Eards, we havegot to. watch them,”..he,
min a low tone. ' ‘ '

 

“Went on: t ' I "

‘ do this; keep one of our number con-
 on the watch. ‘
, w this must be a

as five,“ for we can trust each other. '

  
    
    
 
  
  
  

dead secret among

1?: scheme and put min a hole.“ -.
4“me a real.hole in the ground,” sup-

lem’entefl Fearless Frank in a tone the sig-

i’ficanmof which all understood. » -' '

  
  
   

'. .hat’s your” plan, Rob i" asked Jockey
' filth for one of us , go, out ahead of
uflaloBilion his next ride'. , 9. . ‘

'3 We are to gosome‘ hours before. and .go
the place where the Clown Hoof! Wouldv
d'blm' up if an where. I » ‘

 
 

is
“it

 
 
  

O

 
 
  
 

say to the p ace; but mean near it.
‘The man that goes can tan: or: the trail,

   

 
     
  
 

   

gait ’discéver any

 

impressed with the suspicious circumstances 5

There was no dissenting voice‘to this, and _

1‘11an offsto others would thwart our 'whole '

ng-Iow hired as five has got to playspy, .
I of we are to relieve each other at the busi. g

position. until Bnflalo Billcomes .
when;

 

the right one, then the next man who goes

as a spy must select another one. and so on. .

"We can report the man that goes as on
the sick list, and so he won’t be missed

“ Now, I want to know who will be the
first to go?” I .

Rocket Rob glanced over the faces of his
comrades and saw that none of them seems
ed just anxious to lead off, though they all
thought the plan was the best one to entrap
Buffalo Bill.

As no one spoke, Rocket Rob continued.

“ Maybe I had better lead 011’.”

“ No. we want you here as captain. I‘ll
go as Number One," spoke up Fearless
Frank.

“ Yes, you made the charge against Buffa-
lo Bill, so you are the first to go as spy,
Fearless Frank," said Rocket Rob.

And so Fearless Frank was the one to go
as spy.

 

CHAPTER XV.
‘THE sscae'r conrsssnn.

BUFFALO BILL was thoroughly rested
when he woke up at nightfall, after his
champion ride.

His frame was too enduring to ,ct sore
from hard work, and he felt null-effects
when he got up and said that he was ready
for supper.

This over, and he ate heartily, he went:

over to headquarters cabin to have a talk with
Starbuck. -

The captain was a man all the Pony Riders
liked, yet knew. better than to trifle with.

He was firm with all, rigid in his discipline,
but kept the best horses constantly on hand
for them to select from, bad the trappings
always in the best condition, and always sup-
plied his men with the best food, having
some one hunting game for them all the
time. -

The stablemen were kept up to the mark
in lookin' after their duties, and there was
military. d scipline upon all. - .

Captain Starbuck had been a cavalry sol-
dier for ten years, rising, to the rank of order-
lyusergeant.

‘ Then he had driven stage for several years,
and'from that had gone to keeping a border
tavern and being sheriff of the place as well!

Those who knew him were well aware that
he had a. “record” as alman who had never
been run over, but neverseught trouble, and
he was selected as the very one to take
charge of the Utah Division of the Pony Ex-
press Line. ‘

He at once brought order out of chaos, and
in a short while, though on the most dan-
gerous and worst part of the whole trail, his
riders made a record as the promptest men
on time, the most daring, trustworth , as
well as having proven themelves go In
dian-flghters. ‘

By courtesy Nat Starbnck had been pro-
moted to “ captain.” as, the commander of
the Pony Rider's Division. t. , '

' He was thoroughly trusted by the com-‘
pany, and he was known, to*be flully com-

petent. ' . , ,.

Bufialo Bill and Starbuck had met before,
whenihe one was an. army sergeant and the
othera messenger for‘the Overland wagon-

~trains,’and they had been fast friends.

When Buffalo Bill came to the Pony Ex-

re‘ss, Captain Nat, as he was most frequent-
y, called, had been very glad to have him,
and when Wild Bill and Pony Bob had join:
'edlater. through their pard leading the way,.
Btarbuck had Written '- to the superintendent
of the. company: '

"‘ Irhave now got three men who Will ride

Ethos-tars fa i, '1 i -. ' , j
.“ They are . ufl’slo Bill. Wild Bill and Pony
fiobgand L’Il stake; my life against them, any
lmep‘,‘ " g:  , - ‘ ~1
" “ The, other" mop'aré good. Fhave the pick

, ofithe frontier, and'there is not One who will
. D

t do to tie to, so send on yo‘uflfreight, and
.if it can go ‘ throu 1)."va anon will take it.‘

a ‘but; if it fails; yourwill'i know‘that the man

[wheezuried itis deadgrf ‘: ‘ 5 ,

. . l

fiders,bnt,"Nat Starhnck knewy‘them, and in
spite] {setbacks they" had not failed him,
 in *on had gone
m . ,.

@0119 M one izht-  .‘
  

    
  

 
 

,estl said Captain Starbuek;;and soon after

, . next morning to see the arrival of one Pony .  t

I V ,  __ . ‘ ’. . The Ponyltiders had been calléd up by
» "This was high praise for . his company of ,

through on each ,rld’e,‘

 

When Buil'alo Bill rcachedheadquartesshe
found Captain Starbuck smoking his pipe.

" Ah, Bill, glad to see you,

“ Ijust finished my report, and wished to
question you, but did not care to wake you,
so made it up without.

“ How do you feel?"

“ Fine as silk, thank you, sir, for I had a.
good; long sleep, then ate a few pounds of
supper, and thought I'd come over and see
you before I turned in for the night to make
up on sleep."

“ I am glad you did. and I Won't detain
you long, for tomorrow comes the rub again,
you know."

“I am ready, sir."

“ Iknow that, Bill, you alwaysare ready.

" You may be sure I wrote a. deservedly
flattering report of what you had done."

“You are very kind, sir, but we are in
this business to put the freight through, so
why shrink when certain death seems to bar
the way.

“Suppose a soldier did not
if he feared he would be kill
of an army would we have?

“No, I am here to take all chances, and
if I cannot circumvent my foes, then I am
read to meet the alternative!”

“, ell said, Cody. and I know that I can
rely upon you and others in spite of what
has Illappened."

“Ido not blame the men from holding
back against the warnings, but I cannot do
as they wish, and run half adozen of them
through together. _

“Suppose every division had to send a. 3
Pony Rider through under a guard. it would
take thousands of men and then‘the dis-
tance could not be made in one—third of the
time.” '

“ You are right, sir. It is a one man ride,
and the Mormons who oppose it, the out—
laws and the Indians must learn that the
Poply Rider is going through on a lone
tra . ‘ ,

“If one rider goes under, anhther must v ,‘
take his place, an the ride must‘ and shall ‘ ‘
be made.." ‘ '

“Right you are, Codyl?

"But now, let me ask you if you have
any idea as to the sender of that mysterious r
letter of warning?"

“ Captain Starbuck, 1 came over here to
tell you what I deemed it my duty to make
known to you.”

” Well, Cody?” .

“I am under a pledge of secrecy, but I
feel that I owe it to you to let' you know the
secret.” ' '

“I will so consider what you tell me,
Bill.” , ‘

“I do not wish to/appear under false V
colors, sir, and hence I desire to make ._»
known to you how I got through on my last 3 
run. . - '

“ I had intended to make ai‘dash. where ‘I :,
believed the ambush was. firing with both  
revolvers, but -I was saved making the effort ‘ ‘
to break through. and I will tell yo how."

Then Bufialo Bill told of his warning, his
unknown guide, and‘how he had returned,
making knownalso the finding of a second
warn’in ' aper in the trail.

“Th s s remarkable, Bill; but may
mysterious guide always protect you,

  

0 into battle
,V what kind

 

 

 

your '
‘ earn~

Bu alo Bill returned to his cabin and turn-
ed in for the night. , \ , a

, .

 

’CHAPTER XVI.  i .1
WVan 'mr.1.’s‘“sonvsnm."' .' '
T mm was a large crowd at the post the '  - 

      
      
  
   

 
 

lRider and departure of another; , :l.‘ . , , V. .

.All of the riderslwere there, withjlgw 3-  ‘2
captions. and the stablean Md 933013993 in
an appearance in numbers; '  " ‘. ‘

The settlers had heard of the'fiate. of‘ the -
riders of late.,,who‘h‘sd ri, an what was.
known as the Death Run, on they also had  "
comer in,~whlle mint“, and others in the “
Home Ranch settlement were all on hand ,

   
  
    
  
     

 

 
 

  
 
 

 
 
    
   
 

 

 
      

 

CaptainiStarbuclt and swam to secrecy on ‘

"the hubjectmt. the warning letter; as it'zwas,
" at, it‘ll. get out.‘it mightwca

r the one who had warned'thom-

   
  
   
  

   
  
   
 

  

 

m

 

  

   
 

"m-anh'w‘k: a»... ~P_~aLg-’ . c .A- . h ,

c.
l
h
.I.

 

 

 

 

 

  
     
   

‘ . 'F“Book,tt»' pleaseitca
' etc, I "d'

The post was a tall staff, upon which
waved the flag of the Pony Riders, a red
held with a horse and rider in blue.

Over the headquarters cabin floated the

  

 

 

 

‘  humid strengths  ' '

“ A half a minute in his favor!"
Along the trail Wild Bill came with arush,
his horse all in a team.

I As he drew nearer, it was seen that. the ,

Stars and Stripes, and the post was right in ‘. horse was bleeding from a wound in his

front of it.

i neck, and drawing up, Wild Bill waved at ‘
There Were but a few minutes to spare to I

long black Scull) look around his head and l

the time of arrival when llul‘l'ato llill came i called olil,‘

Walking leisurely toward the crowd.

lie was all ready for the ride, dressed as
was his wont. but carrying, all noticed, two
revolvers in his belt, while :it his back was
slung a lariat.

He was wholly unmoved and greeted the
crowd with a pleasant word, glancing at. his
watch as he did so,

Just then Juniper, the man who had cared
for Buffalo Bill's horses, came up leadingr
Red Devil.

The crowd gave the vicious animal ample
room, for he appeared in an ugly humor,
and Juniper was having trouble with him
until Buffalo Bill stepped forward and spoke
to the beast, sharply.

Instantly the horse calmed down, and
Juniper had no further trouble with him.

The captain always knew ahead of‘ the
days when extra. valuable packages were to
go over the trail, so he now came out of his
cabin and said:

“ All ready, Buffalo Bill?"

“ Yes, sir."

“ Well, you will have another valuable
freight to-day, as Wild Bill brings one in.”
'Ré‘lglf Wild Bill gets in,” growled Rocket
“ Oli, he’ll get in all the same, Rocket
Rob, never fear,” assured Buffalo Bill, con-
fidently.

“He’s no more than human, and a bullet
will down him as quickly as it will any of
the rest of us, or even you," was the half
sullen reply. i .

“ Doubt ess, if he gets in the way of one;
but I have faith that Hickok will as surely
get in, as I will reach the end of my run, or
that Pony Bob will make his from Valley
Farm to Danitcs’ Ranch. We are the lucky
three you know.” .

“ Do you want to bet that all three of you
go through ‘2” _

“ Yes. of course, and bet to win.”

“,Will you bet that the rider whom Wild
Bill’ gets his freight from will come
through?" - r ' ‘

“No; that chap, whoever he is, is not on
my betting list.” - -' , ,

“Will fyou bet that the man Pony Bob
gives his rcight to goes through?" -

“No, again.” \ I.

“But you will bet on yourself, Wild Bill
and Pony Bob?” - ,

“Of course I will. The Good Luck Three
every time! 80 name your bet.”

“ First, why wonft you bet on the others?"
demanded Bob, as if to get information for
the jealous live. i ‘ I >

“'For the simple and sufficient reason that
lI do not know them.” _; >
" Don’t know them?" ‘ ‘

. “ No, I am not sure who brings the freigh

t
q to Wild Bill or takes it from Pony Bob. iIf

vaas I might bet on them, one way or the
other.” . ‘ ’ , .
“ How do you mean f" . ,
“That they would, or wpnld not get
through." 4 ' 1 ' f t,
“Then you only have faith in you and
your particular pards‘x‘  . , -
“I wish to consider all the riders my
pards, but as you put it that way, I,will say
thatl have faith in a mamas I know him,

v and when he, has shown, just what is in him.

“I would ,bet on the. glaring. through of
many I see here, ,whilewt
would not bet 011."; '

“Who, for instance?“ " ;it ~ , ;'.

Buffalo Bill smiled and replied: 6- ' 

“Did you go throu h on the‘east'run'tbati'.

I volunteered for, Roe ,et Rob?" . I
'A loud lau h greeted this question, and

v ‘- BOCket, Rob retortcd with 'a visiblesh'ow-o‘f

amen,  '  '
2 ‘S‘Well‘, I'll bet you fifty dollars, Buffalo
BillI that ‘yourGood Luck Three, asyou call
yourselves, donnigo, through ,safe' on this;
run." _w  g ' ‘ N

 " I'lltakeah‘e beet , ‘

 

trim-Starbuckt .
‘ ”‘ a yell

etc are some I'

 

   
 

 

» lino.  .
, VIZskzords whilaimptaiug

“ It was an Indian, this time, captain; but
I brought you a souvenir of him!"

“ Then you were fired on by Indians, :
Wild Bill?"

“ No, sir; only one lone Indian. for I saw
no other. The bullet struck my horse, but}
I rode onto him before he could fire again,
and that was his funeral. I thought I’d
fetch his scalp along, for actions speak loud
er than words.

“ Good luck to you, Pard Bill! May you
go through without a scratch! You carry
valuable freight,” he continued, turning to
Buffalo Bill, who had heard what his friend
had said, without any word of comment,
and leaping into his saddle, went away with
one mighty bound of the angry and impa-
tient horse, which was to risk his life with
his rider‘s, and, followed by a roaring cheer
from the crowd, ho was watched by ll un
til he had disappeared at the first turn? in the
Overland Trail. .

CHAPTER XVIIt "-
'l‘lIE srv.

THERE were very few men in the crowd
that saw Buffalo Bill ride away, who
thought they would ever behold him alive
again.

Good luck could not continually favor
him, was their way of putting it.

So believing, several openly asserted that
he would never get through. 1 .

“How much is your 'opinion worth,
pards? I’ve got mom: to bet that he oes
through,” called out ild Bill, turnin om
Captain Starbuck, with whom he ha been
talking. ‘ .

Silence fell at once Upon the ‘crowd, and
Wild Bill called out: 2

“ Money talks, pardsl" ,

, ‘4 Well, it’s my opinion he goes under,"
said Jockey Jack.

“ Put up or shut up!" cried Wild Bill,”
waving a roll of bills above his head. .

“ You can’t back me down, Wild Bill, 30
name your sum," Jockey Jack added, with
some temper. I .

“ Goodl You are the kind of man I like——
one who has the courage of his opinions. ' :'

“ There is fifty dollars. and I've got more!
of the Some sort ifx anybody wants to put

donkey, Jack-covered the bet promptly,
and (one other Pony Rider took 'a thirty

dollar wager that-Buffalo Bill would not go ,

through. » i . -,
Wild Bill at once eovorcd it, and then
walked off to his cabin. ' ~ , f i v
Meantime, Buffalo Bill was riding alon
with Red Devil at a full run—on—on. nut l
the first? relay was reached and passed, for, .
,as‘ before. he did not change his horse.
The stocktenders ‘there were too much
afraid of Red Devil, while. at the nextsta-

   
 
    
   
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
   
   
   
   
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
   
 
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
     
    
  
  
   
   
   
   
    
   
    
    
  
     
 
   
  
    
     
   
    
   
  

The head disappeared once more. the ri lie
barrel llew up and all was silence.

“ \Vell, be aimed straight," remarked tho
(lood Luck llider, as he wile the blood
from a scratch on the cheek, for the bullet
had niereiy grazed it. ,

“There may be others there," muttered
the rider; at which thought. he dismounted,
left ltcd Dovilstandingand i'au swiftly and
noiselessly to the rock.

Darling around it. he suddenly stopped
and from his lips broke the words . ‘

" My God l" ‘ u

“ Bill, l'ui done for," was the faint reply. 5

“Fearless Frank, my poor pard, what in
Heaven's name did you lie in ambush io‘
kill me for?"

“You‘ve got it wrong, I’ard Bill, for I
didn‘t intend to kill you, but you saw me,
thought 1 was an outlaw, and fired, and
then, to protect myself, Iliad to fire."

“ What a terrible mistake I made in firing,
yet what else was I to ‘infer but that you
were an outlaw, and here to kill me? Oh, -
Frank, what a terrible mistake you made."

“ Bill, I’ve got my death call, and I'll tell
the truth."

He paused a moment to regain his breath.

“ I was here for a purpose, and that was
to ascertain for a fact if what we opined was
true. We five—you know whom I mean——
suspected you of being in with whoever
kills the riders, and I was the spy to find
out.” - » v

“ Great God‘ Fearless Frank, did you ans.
pact m» c ...-n a crime?‘

“We .Lid: and I was spying, and—say,
Bill. catch me for l'ui falling."

He stretched out his hands and Buffalo
Bill grasped them, though the man was not "
falling, .for he already lay flat on the.
ground. , . . .

Before Buffalo Bill could 'speak,,he felt ‘-
the tight grasp of the hands released and ,-,
the Foo Rider any was dead!

That affan Bill was decply impressed
there was no question, for he stood like one
struckastunning blow. ‘ ‘ t / . I

But, in an instant. he seemed himself, and, '
with a deep sigh said: ’ ‘

“ Poor fellow. he made asad mistake." ‘J ,

Then he looked about him for the horse,
of the Pony Rider spy, and after a few
minutes found him hitched in a thicket. »

Leading him to the rock he strapped the ,
body to the saddle, and, mountin Red ‘
‘Devil, started ofl.’ for the corral un er” the
clifl‘. but going: at a slow pace, not caring to
dash along with the dead‘hody of theaun-t
fortunate‘ Pony Rider, who had come to
such aa~untiinelyend.~ _, _  ‘

' ‘ ’+‘ Y 

\ CHAPTER XVIII.‘

' HALF-WAY.  __
, Russian the Secret corral, under. th
cliff, Buffalo Bill stood up in his saddle Va
lifted the body of Fearless Frank toashe
rock where it would be safe from thequ . n
until his return, and where. unseen l I
vultures, ,it Wouldbe undisturbed by. ,‘3,

Then he at up the the barrierl‘aarl it n4
ed the two arses loose in the natural co at
to await his return. . v:

 

tion, there was a yen in Which he could be
kept to himself, i need be. " '

As Bil! neared the s at wlierche had be- t leather hoisted buckskin pouch to“:
fore found the stick w th the warning initial of the don

his eyes Were searching the trail tto~sec if
there was any si as! there this time; i "

He discoverer ' none, and was about' to  left there, that he could see that he. had
turn oil to go to the secret corral oyer under “takes awayand caredtor by the M
~ the cliffs. when just 'off from the trail liefI Guide
nthou’glitl he saw a head disappear behind a 4 .

rock which was
small pines. - . v
Drawing rein he sat upon his horse wait‘
Lin ‘. a revolver cocked in his hand! ‘ .
.5 - grill as a stathe in hronze were home and

sheltered by a groupbf,

, .

    
 

upon thwock. . * -

    

BufioloBill was sure tliat’whdevcr-was

' there would lock over thevstono‘again see;

 he did, not ride on. ‘
“ 1 ll

hat appeared over the r,
head and eyes, a: a,
.flash, the Pony; ider fired“
He'sawthc. en ‘ '
and auntie. ran. out,
st as 'Buia loam

 
 

rider, the‘eyes of the latter fixed searchingly“ \

st as he had ’nrmised,’soon the top: offal”
oak: than! theaters? .
.mn; when’quicknsaj ‘

 
  
    
  
   
   
  
    
     
   
 
    
 
   

Fastening his: saddle"; bridle mic “ g

, le lariat, he climbed: on I,
drew the thin ‘ .

s upafter bins
~" There st

the horse, - the some he

and then bnght back in time“!

no .  .t
‘ Novghere lyisihle. however, wasthe.“
known triend in,need.: J ‘ ’v ‘
'Saddling and'bridling‘ the shims ,g'
Bill‘mounted and rode rapidly awn
Ihisrunw. v ,'  H H
 ‘had- lost over half an hour byh
vfortunate and fatal‘nieeting with Fe
Frank, that he knew, the cutoff, Woul'

  

   
 
     

   

     
 
 
 
  
  
 

 

 

   
  
  
   
  

 
    
  

    
    

 

 
   

10~

‘Bufi’alo "Bill’s 'Dcuble' Dilemma. 7 " A "   "L 7

 

 

 

again caught not ready, and said.

 You is away ahead 0’ time, Buffalo

1 ."

“ Just twelve minutes. and had you
started a quarter of an hour ago to get
ready, Silent Sam, you could not have had
my horse on time.”

Silent Sam made no reply, and hastily saw
after a horse.

He came back with one Buffalo Bill always
rode from there—a blood-bay, that looked

\ ‘ like aflyer. ‘

“ If you delay me again, Silent Sam, I
shall have to report you," said the rider as he
leaped into his sad lc,‘and, awaiting for no
reply, he dashed away.

He got a bite to eat at the next relay, and
a fresh mount; and, half an hour ahead of
time. he rode up to Valley Farm Station.

“ Well, Bill, you are a wonder, and cer-
tainly bear a charmed life, for I have seen no
less than half a dozen Cloven Hoofs go by on

r the trail since you were here," informed

Gentleman George.

' ” I was lucky enough not to meet them.

“ But, I left you in hard luck, last time I
iwas here, and plenty to do. How goes
to!!!

” All serene, for we have had no visitors.

“ I buried the Cloven Hoots on one side of
the trail, a hundred yards from here, but
Lena‘and myself gave poor Renshaw a rest-
. ing-place in the valley, a pretty spot on the
bank of the brook.’ I' read the service for
dead over him, as in fact I did over the
others, for they were human beings, Cody,
and death cancels such debts as hatred, and
wipes out the stain of crime.”

“‘1 agree with you, Gentleman George,
perfectly; but I have brought with me a
valuable freight, and am sorry. to see that
Pony Bob is not in.”

"Oh, have no fear of him, for he’ll come
,-"in all right. You forget you are half .an
hour ahead of time.”

“True, I think there is no need for
’anxiety about Bob, though I did not know,
. ‘but that he mi ht have run upon‘ some of
‘ those Cloven oofs you you saw go by.

‘ “ But, my greatest anxiety now is for
Miss Lens and yourself, Mr. Ross, since we
had theflght here—fear that the cut-throats
> might come back for revenge." ' '

“ We will take care of them if they do
,eome—«Iz’ena and I, see if we do not! I

, “Bqtm daughter waited up to see you
.- and Pony ob tonight, and will have ready
the best supper she can get up for you.

_ " Go in, and I’ll follow—see, the Tigers, as
you gall my dogs, know you as their friend

w. J

 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
 
 
 
 
  
    
    
  
 
    
 
 
 
  
  
  
   
  
  
 
 
  
   
    
    
      
  
  
   
   
  
  
 
 
   
    
 
   
  
   
     
      
     
    
     
    
     
     
    
   
      
 
    

 

‘ “ Oh! I’m willing to be friendly, you bet.
for no man whats to cfiend one of those four-
footed sentinels. ,
‘.‘ What are their names, or do you just
bunch them all as do 3?" '
i‘No, Lena name them—~Tiger, Lion,
Wolf. Panther and Grizzly, while Cat was
killed the other ni ht—no matter which one
you call, they'll a1 come.”

"They look it. and come when on don’t
call them, t . I’ll bet!” said ‘Buflao Bill as
hammered t e cabin. ‘

\

 

, CHAPTER XIX.
PONY non’s Russ.

.. V,
I'rwas the duty of Gentleman George, as
st dander, to see to the horse Buflalo Bill
h ridden to the station, and also to get
fresh animals for him and Pony Bob to ride
awe again.

ere the two bags of Express and mail
were exchan ed by the riders, for Buflalo
Bill Was to ta e what You Bob would bring
and turn over to him ‘w at he had come
through with, from the eastward.

Atrthis station the riders were allowed an
hour’s halt for supper, and rest before start-
ng‘ back again on the long run, so‘ Lena Ross
alwaysprepared a good meal for them, leav-

  

we

:lrrival' was eleven at night and departure
' ve. ' '. ,l

‘ riders needed this rest. and supper
or it was a long trail they had before

   
   
   
     
    

‘_ while each wa “from “Valiey Farm the
 as'darkJuEg

r . .

The man looked, greatly confused at being '

Wit for her father to serve it, for the hour

and hours before they, got'thei'r break,

 

ed, lonely and dangers

Not long after Buffalo Bill entered the
cabin Gentleman George heard the clatter of
lliioofs and s. moment after, up dashed Pony

0 .

He had gone to his post from the Home
Ranch as ordered, and was there in time to
receive the next Express sent throughfrom
the west. '

“ Just on time, Pony Bob,” welcomed Gen-
tleman George.

" It’s blind luck that I am here, pard; but
has Buffalo Bill arrived ‘2" asked Bob as he
threw himself from the saddle.

“Yes, half an hour ago.”

" Then he was playing in as big luck as I
was.”

“ What was the matter, Bob?"

“I’m hungry. Come in and I’ll tell you
while I eat, though they say it is not polite
to talk with your mouth full.”

“ G0 in and I’ll soon follow,” ordered the
stock-tender. . '

Bob entered the cabin and found Lena
Ross busy preparing supper, while Buffalo
Bill sat near watching her.

The two pards shook hands warmly, like
men who had just met after a long absence
from each other, for they realized that they
had both been through a dread ordeal, and
glad were they to meet again.

“ And how are you, Miss Lena?" asked
Pony Bob, turning to the young girl.

“ Always well, Pony 'Bob; but, as you
know it is like caring for a dying person to
look after you Pony Riders now, as there is
no telling if you will ever come in, since the
outlaws have been killing you by the whole-
sale, ” said Lena Ross feelingly.

“ Bless your sweet soul, Little Sunbeam,
it’s worth risking life to get here and eat one
of your suppers—ah! here is your father,
and I’ll tell you all now how near Icame to
missing supper, here, tonight.”

“ You had trouble then, Bob?" said Buffa—
lo Bill with more anxiety for his friend than
he ever felt for himself.

“ You bet I had trouble, or I thought I did,
and I’ll tell you how it was:

” I stopped at the brook the other side of
Signal Rock to ive my horse aswallow of
water, as we a ways do, when, out of the
darkness. in a way that scared me half out
of my wits, a voice said:

" ‘ Ride around Indian Range, for there is,

an ambush in the timber, this side of the
pass, Pony Bob.’ ”

“That was remarkable.
called you by name?"
George. ,

,“ It did; and I called out and asked who
it was, but got no answer.”

. “ And then?” asked Buffalo Bill, deeply in-
terested. v ~ ,

“ I rode into the timber, but could find no
one, and I tell you I was mystified."

“ Have you no idea who it was?” asked
Lena. Ross. ' _ .

“ Not the slightest, unless it was one of
my Mormon friends, for you know the Mor-
mons are quite friendly to me, as‘ 1 saved a
train once from an attack by Indians. But,
Bill, what solution Can you offer of this
strange warning?" g

“ Well, Pony, some one who was friendly
to you gave on the warning; but you can-

And the voice
said Gentleman

. not have hee ed it to have 'gotten here on
' time, as around the range it would have been

twent miles out of your way."

-‘ " lof that, Pard Bill.f'

" What did on do?" ‘

“ I in ed a, one hand, and won. ,

“ I re e on' to the thicket quietly; then ‘I
started at a run, yellin out: ; _

/” ‘ Run, pards, all'o you, for he’s coming
and a big gang with him!’ ”

“ It was a. bold game, to play, Bob, but I
suppose it worn}? ,’

“ It did win, Pard min, for there were
shouts of alarm, and quite a number of home
men, I should say over half a dozen, mount--
ed in great haste and, went tearing away
through the timber all together.”

“ And you?" » .

“ I simply flew along the trail, and here I
am, friergg; but, Miss Lena has supper
ready, I . and I can do it more than jus-

tics," and Pony Bob" dismissed his adventure .

with the cool manner of one toWhom deadly
danger Wag an eye -day occurrence. .
Butthe there raked o'ver‘thestrategy of

‘ and paw leBuflsIo' Bil

  
  

said to him, as they went out to mount their
horses and go their separate ways:

" Bob, alwaysheed the warn ng of the one
who warned you tonight.”

 

CHAPTER XX.
A VOLUNTEER WITNESS.

BUFFALO BILL’s injunction to Pony Bob
calused the latter to look sharply at him and
as K:

“ Do you know who it was?"

“ I know enough to tell on to heed every
warning thus given you, oh; but I cannot
say more, now.

“ Good-night. and look out on our return
for the Cloven Hoofs, for they’l be doubly
anxious to down you after the fright you
gave them."

“ You bet they will! but, I’m watching for
them all the time,” and with a grasp of the
hand Pony Bob leaped into his saddle and
was OH in one direction, while Buffalo Bill
went in the other, the cluttering of hoofs
soon dying away in the distance; and Gentle-
man George. after closing the stockade gate,
going into the cabin to join his daughter,
leaving the dogs on duty as untiring and
sleepless sentinels to give him warning of
danger.

Buffalo Bill rode back with a sad heart,
for he remembered the dead body of a for-
mer comrade that he had to carry back with
him to the Home Ranch.

He found Silent Sam awaiting him, this
time, and with the horse loaned him by his
Unknown Guide.

This time he had very little to say, and it
was Silent Sam who seemed anxious to talk.

But, Buffalo Bill was in no humor for con-
versation, and warning the stock-tender to
be on time when he next came through, he
was riding away when he caught the low
muttered words:

“ If you get through, next time

“ What ‘did you say, Silent Sam?”

“ Nothin’?”

“I heard what you said. and I want to
know right now what reason you have for
saying what you did?”

“The riders is bein’ kilt every day, and
you % more likely. to go than any of them.”

u by?"

“ You takes bigger chances.”

“ Well, I‘m still on deck, and I’m going to
try and stay as long as I can. Just see if I
don‘t come through next time.”

With this Buffalo Bill rode away, and
when he came to the spot where he turned
off for the decret‘corral, the horse turned as
[before and kept up the same steady pace.

Arriving at the top of the cliff he lowored
his saddle and bridle, hitched the horse and
and then slid down the lariat into the little
basin.

The two horses were there, and so also was
the silent form lying upon the rockshelf.

9»

When he had saddled the two animals he' “

lifted down the body of, Fearless Fran and
firrinly secured it to the saddle With his
lar at. ' ‘ ‘

Then he mounted'Red Devil, and with the
other horse and his ghastly burden in lead,
he rode out of the basin, crossed the stream
and went along once more at a. rapid pace.

As he reached the true Pony Trail he look-
ed at, his watch and saw that he was yet
twenty minutes ahead of his time. ‘

’ “ I am glad of this, for I cannot ride as
fast with this horse in lead, and so will just
about get in on time.

“ And then what a surprise for all when
\fiheyizge Fearless Frank dead, and learn how

6 l ’

“ hét can I say about it and tell the"

truth, for I hate to he.

“I of course cannot tell what he told me I

with his last words, that though $le be-
tween Rocket Rob and, his comrades to en-
trap me by sp ing upOn my trail’and-proving
that ,1 am in esgue with the Cloven Hoots.

. “No, I , must keep that secret and watch
these fellows. '

"‘I will'not say that Fearless Frank was,
for it won't do to let-

not killed at once,
them know' that he made anyronfession.

 

‘believed'an outlaw and that’the rifi

 

i fired’at meythe bulletgrnin my oh

, “ I will just state that I saw a head dodge; .
down behind the rock, was ready fora shot" '
, ‘fi'red‘at the-second glance I caughtot one;

 
  

‘xa thin—2.1 . . ,. . ,

 

 

 

  

 

w- cam“

 

 

     
 

    

! Bum. Bars. ofibiékniiéx‘nnia. '   .

  

’11“

 

 

the scratch remains as proof—ah! another
warning,” and Buffalo Bill' eyes fell upon
a stick stuck in the trail, and a slip of paper
upon it. -

lie took the paper as he rode up and read-
ing it saw that it was the same handwriting
as before.

IIalting his horses for a moment he read:

" I saw your duel with one you believed
to be an outlaw, but who proved to be a
comrade, a supposed friend.

"‘If you get into trouble through it, and
need a witness. send one who is your friend
with a letter asking me to come. Let him
deposit it on the rock where you killed Fear—
'lcss Frank, weighting it down witha stone to
prevent it from blowing away.

“ Only to save you will 1 appear, so do
not trick me into coming unless your story of
the affair is not believed.

f‘ YOUR UNKNOWN GUIDE.”

Twice Buffalo Bill read this letter over;
then, putting it securely away in his pocket
he resumed his way, wondering at this offer
of his Unknown Guide to stillfnrther be his
friend in need.

CHAPTER XXL
THE sesrncr FOUR.

WHEN the time drew near for the coming
in of Buffalo Bill the crowd began to gather
at the starting-post.

That a great deal of anxiety was felt there
was no doubt, but if Captain Starbuck felt
anxious he had learned to conceal his feel-
ings and was smoking his pipe most leisure-
ly as he sat upon the piazza of his cabin,
which was combined tavern, offiée of the
company, store-room and general headquar-
ters

There was one thing that had given more
cause for anxiety than simply the dread of
what might happen to Buffalo Bill, and that
was the unaccountable disappearance of
Fearless Frank. '

At roll~call the morning before he had been
reported sick by Rocket oh, and just after
the going of Buffalo Bill Captain Starbuck
had gone over to his cabin to see how he
was.

“ I guess he’s asleep, cap’n,” said Rocket
Bob, who was outside talking to Jockey

Jack. .

“Well, I’ll see him anyhow, for if hols
ill he must be looked after at once,” -

With this Captain Starbuck had entered
the cabin, but Fearless Frank was not to be
found.

Rocket Rob called him, but no answer
came, and then they decided that he had
slipped out of the cabin when all were up
at the post to see Wild Bill come in and Buf-
falo Bill start. , . ,

“ I guess he’s slipped awe on ‘a hunt, and
played sick so that he woul not have to re-
port his absence, cap‘n.”

“ He did wrong, for my orders are strict
that no rider shall leave camp now without
my permissmn, as there is no telling at what
moment I may have to call the whole force
out, after all that has happened of late.

“ Send Fearless Flank to report to me the _

moment he returns." »

With this Captain Starbuck returned to his
quarters. '. '

But the day’ passed and Fearless Frank
did not appear. ,

When n ght came on Captain Starbuck
grew an ry at Fearless Frank's long stay,
as he ha pretended to be sick to get away,
and then believing his absence sufficiently
accounted for, remained out all day' for a
hunt, and it was known how extravagantly
fond he was of the sport of both hunting and
fishing. . , a,

As he did not appear at dark, his immedi-
ate comrades did not know what to make of
it and grew anxious.

They had already reported him as on the
sick list, and that he had slipped off while
they were away,.so they could say nothing to
the contrary :without' compromising them-
selves.‘ ,

He hadtaken his best horse. rifle and some
food, Captain Starbuck ascertained later; but
expecting he wbnld return by night, no ef-

‘ fort was made to look for him. .
A . Astiarkness had fallen several hours, and

treatest nx was

I

, felt for him, and Captain Starbuck said, if he
f did not put in an a pcarance a scarchparty
would be sent out or him.

His immediate comrades were far more
anxious than they cared to admit.

'l‘hey feared that he had met Buffalo Bill,
who, angered at being (logged by him, had
shot him.

Or perhaps in a duel between them both
had been killed.

There was nothing to do then but wait.

As Rocket Rob and his three companions
were the ones ordered to look up Fearless
Frank the next morning, when he did not ap-
pear, they wcre very slow in getting off, as
they wished to first see whether Buffalo Bill
came in or not.

With one excuse and another they delayed
in starting until it was time for Buffalo Bill
to come in and then they rode up to the start-
ingpost and reported that, as their com-
panion had not yet put in an appearance,
they were ready to go in search of" him.

“Why, I thought you had gone an hour
ago, Rocket Bob,” said the captain hotly.

“ (lo at once!" . .

“ Would it not be well to await the arrival
of Buffalo Bill first, sir?”

“ What for?”

“ I'd ma have seen him.”

“ Oh, I orgot that you had a bet on with
Cod , and you are too anxious to know the
resu t to wait until your return from looking
up your friend," said Captain Starbuck with
a sneer.

iIgocket Rob winced under this shot, and
en :

" I am ready to go at once, sir.”

” Then, why the devil don’t you do it?"
swore Captain Star-buck, now thoroughly
angry.

Rocket Rob turned to his comrades with
an injured look upon his face and said:

“ Come on, boys!” ‘

Off they started and the way they were
taking was the regular Pony Trail.

“ Why don’t you go to the corral and pick
up Fearless Frank's trail there and follow it,
or, are you first going to meet Buffalo Bill
and find out if you have lost or won your
bet?” '

The crowd were amazed at the stubborn-
ness of Rocket Rob and knew that he would
get into trouble with Captain Starbuck if he
provoked him further: but, just then, the
cry rose that Buffalo Bill was coming, and the
four comrades were forgotten in the ap-
proach of the Pony ;Rider, and who was on
time. ‘

 

CHAPTER XXII.
BUFFALO BILL’S ACCUSER!

WILD BILL had reported at the.,post, read
for his ride, and Juniper stood near by, hold}:
ing his horse, a large, long-haired blood-bay
that had both speed and endurance in un-
limited quantities.

“ What do you think of Fearless Frank’s
absence, Wild Billi". asked Captain Star-

orders for his eastward run.

“ I think he has struck bigger ggme than
he could handle, captain." ,

“ You mean that he has meta grizzly and
been worsted?"

“ Yes,\sir, something that got the best of
him—an Indian,
or, maybe his horse has falleri on him and hurt
him, or he has shot himself by accident.

“ In fact it is hard to’ tell.”

“ Well. I have sent his pards out to search
for him and we will soon know.

1 “But you have no dread of Cody’s coming
n?” .

“Not the slighest. sir, for that man was
not born to be downed, captain. .

“If ever man had a charmed life he has.
and I V out superstitious enough to bet big
1money on his going through every time. for
there is some little angel aloft that seems to
have nothing else to do than to watch over
Bill Cod , and the little winged one has no

icnie o it. either.” ' r ,

Captain Starbuck laughed at Wild Bill’s
suggestion regarding Buflalo Bill's guardian
angel, and then glancing toward the riders’
cabin he muttered an imprecation and said:

“ Those fellows have not yet goneto work

 

f to look up ‘Fearless Frank, for there? they;

3 come. now. " . ,3
; Then. followed .- , 0.0

L ,«\

buck after he had given the daring rider his'

perhaps, ora Cloven Hoof; x

told, between Rocket Rob and Captain Stur-
buck. and which was ended by the cry:

“Buffalo Bill is coming!"

" And he’s on time." averred one.

“To the minute,” Captain Starbuck re~
marked

"Rocket Rob, you‘ve lost your bet, and
you, too, Jockey Jack," called out a voice in
the crowd.

B “ Bill has a horse in lead, sir," said Wild
ill.

“ So he has, and a pack-animal at that.”

“ No, captain; it is a dead body strapped
on the saddle,” Wild Bill rejoined.

“He has a dead body along,” shputed a
man. '

” IIe’s downed an outlaw," cried another.
and three cheers were given, but they ended
abruptly as Wild Bill cried:

‘ “ Captain Starbuck, that is Fearless
Frnriik’s horse Bill is leading, and the body
is h s."

“ Call Rocket Rob and hi men back,"
shouted Captain Starbuck.

But there was no need to do so, for they
had not gone.

“ They, too, recognized the horse of their
comrade, and they felt sure that the body
across the saddle was none other than that of
Fearless Frank.

On came Buffalo Bill at a long, swinging
gallop, Red Devil seeming to fret at being
held back by the horse in lead, which hung -
back onvthe line. .

Al was speculation now with the crowd
as to what it meant, and in silence they
awaited for the coming of the only one who
could explain. .

Promptly Buffalo Bill drow rein before ' ,
the post, leaped from the saddle, and handed ,
the Express pouch and other things to Cap-
tain Starbuck, saying as he did so: ~

“ The pouch ‘ carries a good value, sir.
Pony Bob reported.

“ All well along the line, sir." - x,

All now had recognized the body across .
the saddle as that of Fearless Frank, and
were waiting for Buffalo Bill tosay more.

Having seen Captain Starbuck note down i
his, time .of arrival, and the’ value in the
package. he then said: '

“ I am sorry, sir, to have to make 9. ve
sad report to you.” _

“ Fearless Frank is dead ?"

“ Yes, sir.” I

“ He left the ranch yesterday morning
‘witbont leave to go hunt rig. ‘ ‘

“Did he shoot himself, or I see he died
by a. bullet?”

“ No. sir, I shot him," responded Buffalo
Bill, turning from Captain Starbuck .to, the
dead body of Fearless Frank, still tied to
the saddle with his lariat, and at his words
the e as of the score of Pony Riders present .
gaze at the body in amazement, be standing: ‘ ‘
unmoved under their gaze.

Even Wild Bill, who was read to mount .
and carry the Express pouches wh ch Buffalo
Bill had just brought in, looked suspicious .
when the cool words were uttered: -

“ No, sir; I shot him! ~

“ You shot your comrade Fearless Frank,’ . 4
Buffalo Bill?” cried Captain Starbuck- with
astonishment. . .

“ Yes, sir; it was my misfortune to have ’:
to do so. " ’ ‘ ‘

“ accident of course i”

'” o, sir; I fired to kill.”

“Explain yourself. Cody!" . -

“I can only any, air, that. in ridi
the trail. this side of Wolf Den Pass,
headdodge down behind some rocks. ‘ n

“It at once struck me that I wash) a
trap, soil halted. awaiting for the head to
reap ear. r ' p, L
“ hon it did.so a rifle wok visible also, ~
and I fired, as likewise did the One behi "
the rocks. , r g

" The bullet grafed my cheek here, sinus

on see.

" I then ran on’ foot to the rocks. and
31y amazement and sorrow I discovered» , ~
Ihat k1 had killed my comrade, Fearless '
ran .” ' .

Not a word broke the silence of the crowd -
as Buffalo Bill made his report. and at his;
last words, Captain (Starbnck asked: _ " '

“ Was this going ‘west or coming east?”

“ It was going out yesterday morning

  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
   
   
 
 
 
  
   
   
  
   
      
 
 
 
 
   
  
  
 
   
  
   
   
     
  
  
   
 
  
   
   
 
    
 
  
    
   
   
   
  
   
   
 
 
  
 
    
   
 
  
 
   
    
  
   
   
  
    

 

 

along
saw a.

i .

       
 
       
     

    

  

:11“ you. more to

   

 

   
 

sir." \
83 ?l' \ . I I a.
I am leg 7

  

12 .

 

return, and the horse, too, making no men-
tion of the affair to the stations on the
line."

“ Anything else?"

“ I’ouy llob dashed through an ambush,
sir, by making the outlaws believe cavalry
was escorting him and so stampedcd them."

“ Good for Pony llolii iut now to your
killing of Fearless Frank;

“ What is your opinion as to his presence
there?"

Before hilTalo liill could reply came the
loud spoken words:

“ My opinion is that it was a downright
murder and the murderer should hang for
it!” ‘

CHAPTER XXIII.

THE :\(‘(7IISATI0N.

 

THE loud, angry voice that made this bold
charge against Buffalo Bill riveted every eye
upon the one who had uttered the words.

It was Jockey Jack, the most devoted
friend of the dead man in camp, for the two

. were like brothers.

His face was livid now, and his eyes glared
upon Buffalo Bill.

The latter merely turned toward him, an
angry glance in his bright dark eyes, but he
said no word.

He had made his report to his chief.

It was for him to speak.

Afterward, he would deal with the man
who dared to accuse him of a crime so foul.

“ Do you know what you are saying,
Jockey Jack ‘2” demanded Captain Starbuck.

"Yes, I know well, and I wish to make a
charge against that man."

“Make it, then.”

“I charge him, Buffalo Bill, with being
the murderer of my friend, for some reason
best known to himself, and for the crime he
should be tried, and if guilty should hang.

“I further demand his arrest and being
locked up until he is tried."

Before Captain Starbuck could reply, and
he was forced to take notico of the charge
made against his champion Pony Rider, and
who stood unmoved under the accusation,
Wild Bill faced Jockey Jack and said in
his calm, cynical way:

“And I say to you, Jockey Jack, and
to your three pards there, who, 1 See, are

. ready to back you up in your charge, that
the man who accuses Buffalo Bill of crime,
of being guilty of a. mean act even toward a
foe, is a sneaking coward and aliar, and I
mean it for you.”

There was no mistaking these words, and
uick as a flash Jockey Jack’s revolver was
rawn, yel before he could pull trigger Wild

Bill had prung upon him and hurled him to
the groi 'lti with an exhibition of strength
that won ,. 'Ineral admiration, and rendering
him senseles' from the stunning fall.

“I am on duty now, but call on me,
gentlemen, when you need me," continued
Wild Bill, addressing himself to Rocket Rob
and his immediate pards.

Then, turning to Captain Starbuck, he
said In his quiet way:

“ I am ready, sir.”

‘5 Go!”

With aleap Wild Bill was in his saddle
and his horse bounded away on the long run
eastward.

When he was gone Captain Starbuck turn-
ed to Buffalo Bill and said:

“The charge having been made against
you, Cody, that you killed Fearless Frank
for cause, I must abide by our laws and
make you a prisoner.

“But as you will have to start on your
run to-morrow, if not found guilty, I will
have the trial set down for tonight, so make
what arrangements you can for your de-
fense.”

“Thank you, Captain Starbuck; but all I
ask is that you send two reliable men, not of

. Rocket Rob's gang, to take the trail of Fear-

less Frank from the camp and fellow it to
the spot where he lost his life, while, if his
immediate comrades will explain his reason
for being there, and leaving camp without
permission. as you said, it may serve as
testimony in my behalf.

“Now, sir, I am ready to be locked up.”

Deprived of his arms. Buffalo Bill was led
away to what was known as the Lock-up, a
cabin of stout logs where prisoners were
kept. '

Bufiabfifllfs ,

I

 

 

IIe accepted the situation without a mur<
mur, and ate a hearty breakfast, after which,
having spent the last. twenty-four hours in
the saddle, he threw lumsclf upon the
blanket-bed and was soon fast asleep.

In the mean time (Juptaiu Starbuck had at
once acted upon lull'alo liill’s suggestion
and sent for three of the best. skilled trailers
in the camp to report to him ready for the
road.

in a short while three Ponyltiders rode up
to the post, and going out Captain Starbuck
said:

“ Little Lone Star, you take charge and
go to the corral, pick up the triil left by
Fearless Frank’s horse, in fact take the horse,
for he will follow the same path he took be-
fore, and report all that you discover.

" From where you find the killing took
place you need not go, as Buffalo Bill says
that be caried the horse and body to hide
them until his return.

“ I shall await your return before I try the
case, so lose notitne more than is necessary,”

The three Pony Riders saiuted and rode
away at once upon their mission.

CHAPTER XXIV.
THE TRIAL.

Tun scene at the pOst had cast a gloom
over the cntire'camp, for there was not a
man there who was so popular as was Buffa-
lo Bill.

Fearless Frank had his friends too, but
they were not very many, as his nature was
a surly one.

Wild Bill was another popular man, and
thus with three of their number suddenly
taken from their midst, one by death, an-
other a prisoner and the third, after his
punishment of Jockey Jack, gone away for
twenty-four hours, it might he never to re-
turn, the Pony Riders were in a very de-
pressed mood.

Jockey Jack had risen from the ground,
where Wild Bill had hurled him, thoroughly
dazed.

Quick as he was known to be on the
draw, he was not quick enough to prevent
Wild Bill from giving him a severe lesson.

He had found his master and he was not
one to forgive.

Jockey Jack was an Englishman, had rid-
den races in England, then spent a. couple of
years in the Australian bush, and coming to
America had enlisted in the army and been a
cavalryman.

Then he had turned Pony Rider and was
known as an excellent man.

He was small, but tough as a pine knot,
quick, active and an athletic, while he was
knolyvn as a dead shot and a man not to trifle
wit .

His companions stood in certain awe of
him, and he was proud of the fact.

To be humiliated by Wild Bill was a bitter
pill for him to swallow. and there was but
one way to wipe out, all said. the injury,
and that was to demand satisfaction, although
he had been the a gressor in accusing Buffa-
lo Bill of a cowar ly murder.

The day wore away and Buffalo Bill con-
tinued serenely sleeping as was his custom,
until nearly dark, when he arose and had his
dinner brought to hipi.

As he was eating it Little Lone Star and
his two companions returned, leading Fear-
less Frank’s horse.

All their horses showed that they had
been hard ridden.

They reported their return to Captain
Starbuck and then went to get their supper.

It was just nightfall when the bugle
sounded from headquarters, calling the camp
together.

Captain Sfiarbuck, while in the army had
also served asa bugier, and fond of play-
ing the comet he was wont to often wake
the echoes of the hills with his ringing
music, and always called his men together
by its notes.

The moment they heard the call the crowds
began to gather at the headquarters.

The eating room. the largest place that
could be found in that primitive settlement.
was made to do duty as a court-room, and
there had gathered Captain Starbuck, who
had dropped his military title for that of
“judge,” for he was a justice of the peace,

 

Dilemma.

 

 

l . .
wlule near him was the prisoner. the Wit-

nesses and his accuser.

The crowd gathered as soon as possible,
and when all was in f(!:ltlillt‘>H the judge de—
clared that the court, was open for the trial
of William F. Cody, nicknamed lutl'alo
Bill, for the killing of his comrade, Fearless
Frank

Buffalo Bill sat unmoved, the only t-xprts
siou upon his handsome face that of Weari—
IICSS.

“ Jockey Jack, you are the accuser in
this case, so stand up, take the oath to tell
only the truth and tell what you know,”
said the judge.

Jockey Jack arose, his face very pale. and
a bruise upon his forehead where it had
come in contact with the ground that morn’
ing when thrown down by Wild Bill.-

He made the charge that his friend was
murdered, as Buffalo Bill had never liked
Fearless Frank, being envious of him.

“ On the contrary Fearless Frank, my poor‘
dead pard.” he continued, “ always liked
Buffalo Bill. and had said to him, Jockey
Jack, that it would be a good thing if the
Ponv Riders would go out singly and patrol
the trail to prevent the outlaws from killing:
more of their number, and my pard hadl
doubtless been cn that errand When shot
down by Buffalo Bill.”

This was all that Jockey Jack had to say,
and then his immediate pards expressed
themselves as believing as he did, Rocket.
Rob saying:

“ I hate to acouse Pard Cody, but it does
look as if he had had it all his own way with
poor Frank.”

“ Buffalo Bill, you have heard the charge.-
of Jocke Jack?"

“ I hav , sir.”

“ You have heard that Rocket Rob, Phan-
tom Phil and Daring Dick agree with his ac-
cusation ‘2"

“ I have, sir.”

“ State to the court fully your meeting
with Fearless Frank, and just how he died.”

" I will, sir, in a few words,” and Buffalo

Bill told the story over again, and substan— ,

tially the same as when he first made his rcw
ort.

p But not once did he convey the idea that
Fearless Frank had not been instantly killed
by the shot.

“ That is all that I have to say, sir,” said
he, as he finished his story and sat down.

Then Captain Star-buck said: .

“Now, Little Lone Star, I will hear what
you have to report of your trail this morn-
ing."

W

CHAPTER XXV.
THE THREE wrraassss.

LITTLE LONE STAR took his name from
his size and because he hailed from Texas.

He was a man universally respected, and
his word was law amon his comrades, while
he was known as one o the best riders and
deadest shots on the frontier.

As a trailer he had the greatest skill, and
his companions were wont to say that he-
could trail a rabbit over rocks.

When called upon by Captain Starbuck be
advanced briskly, kissed the Bible, and said
without further urging:

“ We took the trail of Fearless Frank’s.

horse from the corral. ,

“ By we Imean Happy Harper, Devil Dan
and myself.

“ The horse left the corral on the jump,

and kept up a. gallop, so the tracks were deepl

andlwe had no difficulty in following the
trai .

“ It made a flank movement around the

ranch, then kept parallel with the Pony
Riders’ trail, and after keeping so for a long
distance, branched on into a thicket before
coming to Wolf Den Pass. ‘

“ Here the horse was hitched to a tree, and
a handkerchief, folded on the ground, here
it is, showed that he was muzzled to keep
him from neighing. ' .

” The tracks ofa man led from the tree to
which the horse had been hitched to a large
rock some hundreds of yards away, and
within easy range of the Pony Trail.

“ The rock was nearly hidden by dwarf
pines that grew about it; but we saw where
some one had been lyingr in ambushthere.

‘_‘ I sent Devil Dan 01? to reconnoiter about .

 

 

 

 

 

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I say, Dan?" ’ v

. of their fires."-

. :. ,"Tha‘t
‘ id

 

w

      
 

1:3

 

 

 

 

the place while Happy Harper and I looked
over all signs about lbe rock.

’ The ground behind it was soft and the
truths revealed that It‘earless Frank had
stood there for some time.

" On top of the rock was the mark ‘
where a bullet had struck, and from the
powder burn there a rifle, or revolver, was
l'LNlinL!‘ on the rock when it was fired, and the
man who pulled the trigger was the one who
was waitiul,r in ambush.

" llloothtains were upon the ground and
another man's track, and also the hoof‘mai ks
of two horses, one coming from in front, ,
from the Pony Trail. the other from
the thicket where Fearless Frank left his
horse.

“The tracks of the two led away toward
the Hills bordering the stream, where anv
falo liill must have hidden the body when
he continued his run."

“ You have given a very clear account,
Little Lone Star, and I would ask your two
comrades if they concur in it.”

"You bet I do," said Devil Dan, while
Happy Harper remarked:

“ Yes, and more too." ,

“What is your opinion. Little Lone Star,
from what you saw, regarding the killing of
Fearless Frank by Buffalo Bil ‘2"

“ I'll give it flat-footed. though I hate to
say anything against a dead man: but then
the life of another man is at stake and so I
give it as my opinion that Fearless Frank
got tired of making money by drawing pay

.as a Pony Rider, and set outvon his own
book to scoop in a big barrel." ' '

“ How do you mean ‘1" '

“ I mean, captain, that he slipped away
from camp, took up his position in am.
bush, and waited for Buffalo Bill to come
.along‘ "

“ For what purpose?”

“For only one or all signs lie.”

" Say what .you think."

'1 I thought I had done so, but I’ll come
out plain.

" I believe Fearless Frank intended to
shoot Buifalo Bill, rob him, skip back to
ramp and let the Cloven Hoofs get the credit
of killing another Pony Rider, the best man

that thl' rode this trail. '

“ Is that plain, captain?” i

“ Docidedly.” *

“ Do you have the same ,opinion
Harper?" '

“I have." '

“ And you, Devil Dan ‘2"

“ Down to bedrock the same, Captain
fitarbuck, as Little Lone Star has.”

 Have you more to state, Lone Star?”

“ I have, sir. orrather Devil t Dan has, for
he made the discovery, though it does not
bear on Fearless Frahk exactly.”

“ What is it?” ,

“I said that I sent Devil Dan oil to re--
connoiter?" ‘ ‘

u X'es.n - .

“ He went toward Wolf ' Den Pass.” ‘

" Well?” ' ,

“.What'did you find, Dani!” ..

1n ansWer to Little Lone Star'szquestion,
Devil-Dan said: | ,

“I found, cap’n,” 1 means judge; that
‘there had been cam ed at the pass for some
days a band of 110‘ ess than adozen horse:
men. '  . - .

“They had not left theircsmp long when
I got- there, for their fires. among the rocks
‘were still burning."

“This is surprising.

“ Were they Indians?” ~ I l,» j _ '

" Not an In'un; ‘ they was pnléfaces,
'Cloven Hoots, or I found a‘ mask on the/
ground. Here’ it is." " l v a.  .

\He handed the mask over for inspection.

It was black, and had on‘it jn‘st above the
eyesholes a cioven hoof in scarlet; .

I “ They had been there for some daysgyou

I

Happy

“Yes, sir, for theirvgrazing ground for
their horses proved that, us did the ash~heaps
_ “Bdtgtheyicould not ,liavebeen,.as.Bul"~
:falo Bill' has ‘fpur times been through‘that.
fpass of late. .  . , , ‘ "
is just what me and, to two perils
t memmndajudge, so would like ‘
. .895" Jamil.” . l

\

 

    

~09» 
1:03}!

[and gets through in safet . j l \

.__tion given. ’

Buffalo Bill’smpouble Dilemma. i

CHAPTER XXVI.
AN ANONYMUIIS ACCUHA'I‘ION,

BI'FFALO 1311.1. did not liineh under the’

half a hundred pairs of eyes turned upon
him, when Devil Dan said that he would

like to know how he had gotten througli‘

Wolf Den Pass with it occupied by outlaws
in ambush, and who had evidently been ly-
ing in wait there for days, until conviueed
that their presence there was known and no
l’ony Rider would come through.

“ Builalo Bill, will you answer the ques-
tion of Devil Dan. as to how you got
through Wolf Den Pass with the outlaws
eneauiped there?" said Captain Starbuck,
who was also mystified by what he had
heard

“ 1 did not go through the pass, sir." was
the quiet response

“ How could you do otherwise?"

“ There was a way, sir." ,

“ You did not go through the .pass either
time?” ‘ ' .

“ No, sir." V

“ There is no other way, for-the cliffs on
either side for miles are solid walls to the.
pass, as half the men here know."

It was Rocket Rob who spoke and it was
evident that half the men in the room, if not
more, agreed with him.

“ You are mistaken,
there is another way as I to ik it going and
coming,” calmly replied Bali-ale Bill.

R ” I say that there is not," yelled Rocket
ob. ,

“Don‘t fling the lie in my teeth for you
may have to eat your words, if I am not
proven guilty of murder at this trial,“ and
Buffalo Bill’s voice had a threatening ring to
it. - .
“ You’ll never go free, for the testimony
will hang you; but if you do,‘ threats don’t
scare me."

"Silence, sir, for I am trying this case,
and if ‘ you speak again, unless called upon
by me to do so, I’ll place you in the lock-up
for ten days." .

This stern command from the captain
completely silenced Rocket Rob. and was a.
lesson to others, who felt sure the case would
be tried on its merits. . , ’

Then turning to Buffalo Bill Captain Star-
buck said: . ‘ i: g

“ Buffalo Bill, I wish you to tell‘just how
and where you got around the 7Pass, and why
you did not‘speak of it before ’ '

“ I cannot tell you, sir, for it is a secret I
am under a ledge not to divulge.

“But 1 le tthe trail and by a secret way
flanked the'pass oin'g and coming and in
that manner elu ed the outlaws who were
in ambush.” ‘ . V . .. I

“ How did you know that they = one
ambushed there?” - "i '

“Icannot tell that, sir." ' , , ‘ _. ‘ ’

“I Why did you not report this before, your
return to camp?” ‘ "

“That I could not,
known how 1 flanked the
the outlaws were there.” ,

“I am sorry. Buffalo Bill, that you cannot
tell this, or will not, for though I place little
faith in any communication that the writer
,is too co wardiy to put his name to, Ityct find
that your refusing to answer places just such
a suspicion'upon you as this paper, mys-
tcfi-iou’sly. left upon my desk today, tin»

es. ’ ‘ l
p “‘ And what is that, sir i”; l

“I will read it aloud. ' ,

“It says; ‘ ‘

do, sir, witbontvmaking
pass after knowing

‘6 ‘ You will find out that where other Pony
Riders sre.killcd"and tired upon, Bufl‘alo‘Bill‘
goesfree. : ' . «  t ‘ - I

“ ‘ Where other riders fear logo on their
'runs. sureof certain death, Buifalo Bill“ 3905,

_ u «The mystery :01 t s is that ‘holras
friends in theoutlaw camp; and among the
"redski'ns, who spare him, but kill others, this
being a. compact between them for informs!

‘.Such is the communication. Cody?» - 

. The reading of this anonymous-letter.
mysteriously left upon" th 
Smrhuck. was listened

mentp '

        

  

Rocket Rob, for»

»_ ~ ’ “The hotel is yours, miss

   
 
     
 

desk of: Co a“
an minimi-
dig do ’by

  
     
   
  
   
    
   
   
   
   
   
  
 
  
    
    
   
  
  
   
   
    
  
 
 
   
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
 
  
 
   
    
   
   
   
   
   
  
  
   
 
    
  
 
    
   
 
  
   
 
 
   
    
  
   
    
   
  
  
  
 
  
 
   
    
  
   
    
  
 
 
     
  
 
 
  

“Well, Cody, what have you to say to
a that letter?" '

“' It is anonymous, you said, 811‘, hence the.
charge of a coward, and any man who would
do u cowardly act will lie or steal.

" As it. is a slab in the back. a shot from I
ambush, I cannot answer it, nor do i intend ,‘ t
to more than lo‘say that i put my record
against. any such charge."

“That. is well said, Buffalo Bill; but the
fact remains that suspicion is bad seed to
sow, for, like weeds it takes root rapidly,
and you should do or say something to show
us ‘how you came to avoid Wolf Den Pass,
and the manner in which you did so. as also
the reason for it, for if aware of the presence.
there of any of the (llovcn Hoots, you must
have learned it from one of the baud."

Captain Starbuck spoke seriously and earn»
estly. ‘

He seemed anxious to shield Buffalo Bill,
and annoyed that he would not answer the
questions asked him. , , - I

There was a chance for him to explain all.‘
yet he refused to give that explanation, and
under such circumstances the unwitnessed
killing of Fearless Frank, the charge of his r
having murdered him, and the anon mono,
letter, all certainly militated against h m.

Bnfl’alo Bill making no reply, 23‘ deep
silence fell upon all, which was broken‘at-
, last by Captain Starbuck‘saying, in almost a
i pleading voice: ' .. g
l. "Once again I ask you. B fialo Bill, if, » ‘
you will explain more fullyt c killin of;
Fearless Frank, how you came to avoid elf
Den Pass, and how you did so, and knew .
that the outlaws were there?" ‘

' “ I cannot answer, Captain Star-buck."
, “ Then I will answer for‘ you, Buffalo _
Bill," cried a voice by an open window, and. ‘
a moment after a woman, closely vailed,’ cn'
tercd the frontier court-room. > ;

 

, CHAPTER XXVII.
‘ AN nxsxrne'rno WITNESS.

ALL started as the rich-toned and clpa
voice fell upon their ears, and had a bomb"-
shell .fallen into the room those gather
there would not have been more startled an
surprised than to scan woman enter the doc
and walk straight toward Captain Starbiick‘.

“ I have come to be a. witness in this trial,
Sir Judge, to tell what Buffalo Bill ,
‘pb’dged not to- do, and to save him from
'what looks very much like a plot to deem
, him, for I have listened 'tothe trial as L ‘
* outside by that window." . ‘ ‘ ,
, .Every word was distinctly uttered and-11,6,

reason ’foricoming no one present could doubt
; after having heard her. _ = J
g. ‘ Buffalo Bill seemed more nonpluse ,
seeing her than at the charges that and,
I made against him. ’ '

5 She was dressed in a black ridi
5 that revealed her faultless, willowy
' perfection. “ t . , , ’ l j
. ,Upon her head. was a: black slouch my
hat with a gold cord about it and snowy
sable plum upon one side. , , _ -

Around ‘t a front ,0! theyhat was a .
thick vail that completely shielded her see:

Her hands were gloved, and one held: a
‘ skirt of. her habit, the other a deity ,vighip
whilein a bolt about her slender wa a
a pair of revolvers. V , . - , --

Captain Starbllck arose-immediately ,
marked politeness. for-the sight of a: wow
in that wild land was a noyelty.‘ aln
~es ecially sacks woman. , . A ' 
" EI‘he.»whole-'croml followed the
example and were on‘ their ,feetjin
stunt. . ‘ ‘  
» ‘ The " gadget biferedlherlhis choir,

she said :1 her sweet, mellow vol
» “Thank you, no. I will notf .
foul came here merely as a witness",
:having given my testimony, I wish t.on
,to'the hotel,,for. I will claim ‘yyourth -«r V
'ity tonightA—perhaps.” i“

 

     
      
  
   
   
     
   

 
 

   
 
 

  
  

aslewho it is that we have t ‘
welcoming?”  gr.   '
,, \_‘,“ijill tellyoulater [Vane , am
you my mutiny testimony , av tri
'1‘ ow let me- teli‘yo'n thank
old ' -' iii tthoClo n

  
      
   
   

  

»

 

 
   

14

Bufi‘alo Bill’s Double Dilemma.

 

 

 

said warned him, for I put a warning letter
on a stake in the trail. .

“ He obeyed my instructions, turned off
and went by a secret trail, known only to me
then, and never coming near me, and obey-
ing mryr written orders, he was led to the
iPony ail again miles beyond where he left
t

 

if I“Still obeying orders he came back the
-* same way, and the letter demanded that he
should pledge himself to make known to no

 one the secret trail, or that he had had an
 Unknown Guide.

{3F “Having told this, and shown how well
 ‘ he kept his pledge, I will now tell you that

I was on the cliff near where he killed the
man known as Fearless Frank. '

_ , “I had my glass, and I saw Fearless
i? Frank go to the thicket, leave his horse,
 make his way to the rock, go into ambush
and rest his rifle before him ready for use.

“I thought that it was 9. Pony Rider, in-
tending to guard the trail, but I waited to
see. ‘

“I saw Bufialo Bill come into sight and
the man behind the rocks prepared asthough
for action and I grew alarmed._

, “Then Buffalo Bill halted suddenly, as
though. he had seen danger ahead, and he
evidently had caught sight of the man peer-
ing over the rock.

“ The next I beheld was a flash and report
from the rifle over the rock, a flash from
Buffalo Bill's revolver, and the one in am»
bush fell backward.

“ Buffalo Bill ran on foot, revolver in
/ hand, to the scene, and I saw him raise, the

fallen form and seem to care for his foe

tenderly.
“Soon after he went off in search of the
» other’s horse, and finding him led him up‘,
' strapping the body in the saddle and rode on,
going by the secret path that I had no need
to’again guide him over. I

“ As for myself I am closely watching the
Cloven Hoofs and for a purpose of my own,
and which will be of benefit to to the Pony
, Riders whom I have more than once warned

of danger. .

f' “‘ Now you,have my testimony, sir, and is
it necessary for me to reveal who I am ‘2"

“I should prefer it, lady, that we may
know who has been such' a timely witness
of Buffalo Bill and so unexpected a one.”~

‘i'ghe woman hesitated a moment and then
Sit :‘ I
‘ " If I must, I must, I suppose.” and rais!
. ing her Vail she looked straight into the f cc
of the captain while Buffalo Bill cried in‘

car ' rise:
“p Little

   
  
   
   
 
 
 
   
  
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
   
  
  
 
  
 
  
  
  
   
   
 
  
   
   
  
   
 
 
  
   
 
  
 
   
 
 
   
   
   
   
 
 
  
  
  
      

Sunbeam! The daughter of
Gentleman George!" ‘ v ‘
"Miss Lena Ross. the stock-tender’s

daughter!” echoed Captain Starbuck.

'her veil again she glided toward the door.
“ There she turned, bowed and said sim-

Py‘ , ‘ y i _

“ Good-night, gentlemen.”
Such a cheer as broke from those in that
room she had never heard before. and they
werenrepeated when Little Lone Star called

at: ‘
.“‘Thrce cheers and a tiger for Little Sun-
'beami'.’ ‘ ,
Then the deep voice' of Captain Starbuch
‘was heard calling all to order, and he said:
.. " Buflalo Bill, the charges against you are
not proven. and you are therefore not guilty,
liar ng killed Fearless Frank to save your
lite—you are'frce.“. v
. Again cheer after cheer was given, and
Eraising his hat in acknowledgment Buffalo
'Blll walked 03 with Captain Starbuck to
to find Little Sunbeam. ' -' ‘ .
But she was not to be found anywhere.
No one had seen her come or go. 7
She had most'mysteriously disappeared.

. ~——.— \, .
' CHAPTER XXV III. . /
BUFFALO arm‘s SECRET.

Tim disappearance of the fair witness [was
'myeteriousvas her coming. - ' ,
No one had seen her arrive attire ranch,

stations ,‘man, who had discovered a form
' ching by the open window hadvrsupposed

  
    
  
   
  
 
 

   
  

 cachet the sthable
_.~ope. semen ergoa . _ 

.. Halidedlohtotthedm 111113006613?
‘mmhfing room is

But the girl made no reply, and lowering ‘

 
 
   

 

:the crowd, interested in the trial had not

noticed which way she had gone.

When looked for she was not to befound,
and all were surprised who knew the fact.

Captain Starbuek had consulted with Cody
upon the strange circumstance, but he COUid
tell nothing to account for it.

The captain had a motive for detaining
Buffalo Bill that he might not come in con-
tact with Rocket Rob and his pard.

He could not make laws in that wild land
to prevent encounters, and he feared, after
the matter had been settled that there might
be trouble.

So he bade Buffalo Bill remain as he
wished to speak to him.

When he found that the fair witness could
not be found he said:

" What do you think of it, Bill?”

“ I hardly know, sir.” »

“Could she have gone to any of the set-
tlers' homes?’

“I do not know that her father is par—
ticularly friendly with any, sir.”

“Would she dare ago alone on the trail
home?” 0

“Yes, sir, she knows no fear and would
dare go anywhere alone.”

“ What had we best do about it?”

'- I could go after her, sir. but she rides
like the wind and is far away by this time,
while if she heard me coming she would not
let me overtake her.” .

“True, and you. have riding enough to do
without going upon a wild goose chase.

“ But yet I do not like her being alone
upon the trail.”

” Nor l, sir, but I do not see just how we
can help it, as she has over half an hour
the start now.”

“ Well, let her go; but I am glad she
Came as a witness, for had she not I fear I
should have had trouble did I take your
word against the apparent evidence.”

“ Matters did begin to looks little dark ‘

for me, captain.”

“ Not for an instant did I doubt your
story, butl could not be partial, and had to
look at all as others did. v

“ Of course Jockey Jack wanted to see
you strung up to avenge the death of his
friend,n0 matter how killed, and then too that
particular band, of which Rocket Rob is the
leader, are envious of your success and
deeds, and wanted you out of the way.

“ Still, I did not think we had a traitor in
camp, that Fearless Frank would really go
out to rob a rider, killing him from ambush
of course, and let it be placed to the credit
of theClOVen Hoofs.” '

“ Nor did he. captain.

“ He went there for another purpose.”

“ Youknow something that you did not
divulge.” -, . . - I l '

“‘ Captain Starbuck, what I tell you must
be a secret between us.” ,

“ Certainly, Bill.”

“ I told nothing more than I had to, for

the reason that I did not wish to give myself
away. i ' ’ i ‘ .
“ kept secret some important‘facts to
serve me in getting at the truth, and dis-
covering certain things by holding back a
trump card to play at the proper time.

“Now I will tell two others the whole
story, and they are Wild Bill and Pony Bob,
for we three are sworn pards.

“ You shall hear'also what my secret is.”

“ Well, Cody, you are a very strategic
worker and I have perfect confidence in you,
as also in Wild Bill and Pony Bob, as you
know.

“I am glad also that you are going to
take me into your confidence in this matter.
for if-more trouble followsI willbe posted
and know how to act."

“In the first place. Captain Starbuck, I
did 13:}: Ikill Fearless Frank instant.y." '

u n

“ When I saw the head over the rock, I
fired. supposing it to be an outlaw. ‘
time, just as he did so. ’

“ He'did not intend to kill and rob me I do
not think, but when I fired.'he decided on

the instant to kill mé to proteht himself,

‘ '” I found him dyin .and,
can??? clean breast o it.»

poorfellow, 
’ my, feelings when I
airless Frank wh ,-

 
  

 
 

,, imagine
ii.

«5

“ He returned the fire, and I shot a second}

 

about haunts fl".
1’ "arcs i '

and his pards, Rocket Rob and his band, were-
jealous of me.

“ They could not understand how I went ,
through unscathed, while other Pony Riders [
fell. , ' .I

“ They also saw that Wild Bill and Pony 1
Bob did the same, so they marked us for ;
ruin.

“ They knew that we must be in league
with the Mormons, the Indians and the out-
laws; that we three rode blood-bay horses and
dressed in buckskin as designating to the
outlaws that we were friends.

“ We went through and posted the Cloven
Hoofs whom to kill and rob among the Pony
Riders.

” This was all suspicion, mind you, but to
make it afact, they decided to play the spy
upon me.

“ Fearless Frank was the first spy, but I
did not let Rocket Rob and the others know
that he made a confession before dying, and I
that I was onto their little game.

“ Holding their secret, we can thwart their
play, for we hold trumps.”

 

 

CHAPTER XXIX.
A TALK wr'rn run CAPTAIN.

“ WELL, Bill, you are a wonder!”

Such was the expression of Captain
Starbuck. who, seated in his own room, had
listened most attentively to the story that
Buffalo Bill had to tell, the secret that he had
to divulge.

“ I could never have been on trial, as you
were for your life, for seeming proof of" s
guilt, as you know. would have banned you,
and not have divulged the whole affair, and
few men are there who could have done as
you did.

“ Why, you were the most unmoved man
of all of us."

” I saw no reason to be otherwise, sir.”

“ But, suppose the crowd, for they are the i
jury here, had decided that you were guilty, “ t
as I fear they would have done had it not
been for that lonely and fearless girl, whom
her father should never have brought to this
desperate land?"

“ I should simply have asked several days
grace, and have communicated with her, as
she told me how to do. and have her prove
that I had been led by a secret way around
the pass, and also to have her tell of my kill-
ing Fearless Frank.” I

“ Then, you knew that she was aware of
the fact?” .

In answer, Buffalo Bill simply took from
his pocket the letter from his Unknown
Guide, offering to be a. witness in his favor
if she was needed. ,

able.

“Well, this is rema
your pocket and

 

“You had this proof in
would not produce it.” , _

“ I had no right to do so, unless my life
depended upon it, I considered."

“And, you had already sent for her,
then ‘2”

” No, sir; hcr coming was as nruch a sur»
prise to me as to you."

“ And, when she revealed who she was, it
amazed me.” _,'

“ Yes, sir; I have not recovered from my .
astonishment yet.” i ’*

“ And you did not suspect her?" 9

“ Not in the slightest degree.”

" How came she to know of the trial?”

“ I,wish I knew. sir." . . ‘

“ She appeared at the right time. ”

‘4 Yes. sir; just when she was needed.”

“ She is a very remarkable irl, and I shall
get for her one of the gold ife badges the
company gives to its men for distinguished
servrces." ' r ,

“ It would be an honor, sir, that she would
appreciate, I know, as I would, for though.
as you are aware, Ihcve three of them, I I .5
prize each one most highly." ‘ r it

‘f And on are likely to get three more of . -,_ 
them at ail; rate yortare now traveling tow-
ard thatend. ' ' ‘

“ But, about that girl?”

“Yes, sir. Please do not yet ask for the
badge for her. but wait until her work is-
finished, as she is still seeking. to aid us.” {

9‘ 1. will do as‘you suggest, ‘Bill. ‘ ' "

" But, teli ‘ me, , do ,you know anything?

      
     
     

  

      

 

 

   
   

  
 
 
  
  
 

 
 
  

  

'9‘wa

. flour-[Lu .o mg..aur.nvsm; NI a»... ..

, datum. “ems,

  

 

 

, ‘as ever havin

 

»: .<‘

15'

 

 

Buffalo Bill’s Double Dilemma,

   

 

“ He is a gentleman, refined, courtly in
his manners, splendidly educated, with no-
thing of the.rough about him, yet content
to settle in this country of desperadoes. out—
laws and Indians, and, what is more, to
bring here his daughter, a girl fitted to shine
in the best society of the land.

“ Never seeking trouble, in truth avoiding
it as much as he can, he yet can be bullied
by no man, and is as dangerous a piece of
humanity to face in anger as any one on this
frontier.

“ Why the last 'timc I went over the
trail inspecting, he and his daughter treated
me like a prince.

“They sung for me, and it was fine music
and I have heard the best when a soldier, for
the officers and their wives were often cul-
tivated musicians.

“ He had books on scientific subjects, is a
fine geologist, and I declare I cannot under-
stand their comin here to live.

“In fact there s but one solution of. the
mystery.”

“ And what is that, air.”

“ That Gentleman George has either com-
mitted some great crime, or is accused of it,
and has been forced to seek a hiding—place
among these wilds."

“ That is the motive that has driven many
a man here, sir; but the real criminal most
generally becomes a desperatio after coming,
and I cannot regard Gentleman George Ross
been a bad man."

“ Nor can .

“ But solve the mystery if you can."

Buffalo Bill shrugged his shoulders but
made no replyI and Captain Starbuck con-
tinued:

“ Now, Buffalo Bill, (you are going to steer
clear of Rocket Rob an his. gang?”

“How do you mean, sir?"

" I hope there will be no trouble, no
encounter." r

” I hope not, sir, for I want no trouble.

“I shall in my turn play the spy, and
keep my eyes on them; but I shall seek no
difliculty, and only when driven’ do so, will'
I resent their meddling with my affairs.”

“All right, I cannot blame you for that;
but it is nearly midnight, and you need rest,
so go to your quarters now, for you go out
on your run to-morrow, and I am more than
ever interested to know the result,” and
offering his hand, Buffalo Bill grasped it
warmly and at once went to his quarters
and turned in, greatly impressed by the
occurrences of the day.

CHAPTER XXX.
Tun PONY ninnn AT REST.

Tun feeling among the Pony Riders, and
others in the camp, after the trial was over,
was, that a mistake had been made ,not to
havc taken Buffalo Bill’s story without doubt
or comment.

Fearless ,rFranlt had certainly sent in word
at ‘oll-ca'll that he was ill. , .

Instead he had gone away and his com-
rades had so taken in a false report.

He had gone without leave, and had no
businessaway. ' ,

He certainly had no right to be lying in,

ambush on the Pony Trail unless he had
gone there for an evil purpose. '

His jealousy» of Buffalo .Bill was well
known, and if he had not gone to rob him,
he might have gone to put him out of the
Way. ' . . . ~ .

The testimony of Little Lone Star over his
\two companions showed that Fearless Frank
had gone to the rock, hidden his horse and
Was lying in ambush. , l .2 .

Hence rthe'Pony Riders argued amen ‘
themselves that the word of ufl’alo B“
should have settled the affair anditocket
Rob, Jockey Jack and the others did wrong
to make an issue of it. * I

When, Buffalo Bill had said that he had
flanked the Wolf Den Pass going and com-y

.ing. taking a secret trail ‘to do so, they

,should have believed him, for no one could“

' have learned :of his own knowledge that there

was not a V of; trail.
‘ But in t ,e endnll had come out in favor
for Bufialo Bill, and the testimony of his fair
om («Ber

had made Fearless Frank;
he :- l” n and  I

 

The general decision in the different cabins
was. therefore, that Rocket Rob and his fol-
lowers had “ put their foot in it."

They had been reduced, by the death of
Fearless Frank to a quartette, and . Little
Lone Star promptly called them the ‘ Fool
Quartettc. “

That there would be trouble follow the
trial not a Pony Rider doubted, for they did
not believe that Buffalo Bill would allow
such pronounle ill‘wlll as they revealed to—
ward him to go unnoticed.

“ When they seen the black light they was
put in by Fearless Frank's actions they
should have come right out and said Buffalo
Bill had been badly treate( ," said one.

“ Yes, it would have been the manly thing
to do and made it much more pleasanter all
around," another remarked.

“ Well, I don’t see as Buffalo Bill is called
on to take notice of their ill will.

“ lt wasin the trial and he came out on
top, and I hopes he'll drop the affair," a
Pony Rider remarked.

“ Yes, it would best, for we want no trouble
among ourselves."

“ Bill hain't no fellow to look up fights, so
I guess he won’t worry them."

“ No. but when they gits him in one, he’s
generally the last man to git out."

. “ True you are, pard.
“ But if he don't notice the Fool Quar-

tette,’ as Little Lone Star nicknamed the

Rocket Rob gang, there will be one who
will.” .

“ Who is that?"

“Wild Bill." '

“ You bet he'll go for Jockey Jack’s scalp,
for Wild Bill will stand no trifling."

This seemed to be the general opinion,
that there would be trouble when Wild Bill
returned.

Then the fair witness was discussed. and
all gave her the greatest praise for her pluck
and valuable Services. , .

But no one could understand just how
Little Sunbeam, the stock tender’s daughter,
could know so much about the movements of
the Cloven Hoofs. '

As they could not solve this mystery they
gave it upxand went to bed.

, In the mean time over in the large cabin
of the Rocket Rob clique there wasashadow
resting.

Rocket Rob and his three companions
had returned from the trial considerably
crestfallen.

They had hoped to down Buffalo Bill and
in turn‘had been downed. ‘

They had played and lost.

Their first spy had lost his life. ,

.«And more. he had been killed and in the
minds of all lindleft the belief that he had
tried to kill and rob Buffalo, Bill. a - ' ,

In their own minds it was not just certain
that it was not so, for appearances were cer-
tainly against Fearless Frank. I - r

’Perhaps, they thought, the temptation
h d been too much for him, for he sus-

pected Buffalo Bill carried a large sum of _

money.

In the cabin lay the dead form of Fearless
Frankycovered with a blanket.

The four pards sat discussing the affair
until late. and also talking over the return
of Wild Bill. ‘

They, too, expected trouble when Wild Bill
came back, for Jockey Jack had decided
that there should be, and he was not one to

back down from any man, and he also had

perfect confidence in himself, and his com-
rades had in him.

At last all was quiet in the camp, and only.

the! whining. of the skulking coyotes broke

‘ the silence of the night.

Bright and early the camp wasrastir, and
the four pards got ready to bury their dead
comrade. ' " ‘ '

'The Pony Riders struggled over to the
* cabin in twos and threes, and at lastthe body

was taken up b Rocket Rob and his pards.

ground ’over in the va icy.

and borne slow y awn to the little burying-

The others followed ,behind4'and to 'the'
surprise of all captain Starbuck was there,

for they had not supposed he would come to

 

less act. - '
 But he read the

7U'

the burial of one :-he deemed killed inn law-.
burial" ervice ovsr'
‘ . his" 0.

   
  
   
  
 
   
  
   
 
  
   
 
   
   
  
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
   
  
  
   
 
 
  
   
 
 
  
 
  
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
   
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
     
   
   
 
   
 
   
    
  
 
  
 
 
   
    
  
   
 
 
    
 
  
        

He was in his cabin, rcparing for his
westward run as soon as ild Bill should
come in from the east with the pouches.

He did not think it would have been in
good taste to go to the burial of the man his
hand had taken the life of.

CIIA PTER XXXI.
BEHIND TIME.  é

 

BUFFALO BILL reported at the arriving
and starting-post promptly, read for an-
other risk of life in his run to Va ley Farm
and back again, as. rapidly as horsefiesh
could make it.

The crowd were already on hand, every
man in and around Headquarters Ranch that
could get there.

They were still excited over the happen-
ings of the past few (lays, and were anxious
to see what else would occur.

The seventh Pony Rider had gone under.
in Fearless Frank, in the last month. and the
incidents attending the death of each one '
had been exciting in the extreme. A

Wild Bill was coming in with an unfine
ished quarrel with Jockey Jack, and Buffalo
Bill was to go out once more on the most
dangerous run of the entire Pony Trail. and
yet one that a young girl'had dared to come
over and return by night, to serve as a wit
ness in his favor ,

The re ort of Little Lone Star that the
‘Cloven oofs had men encamped for sev-
eral~days at the Wolf Den Pass, proved how
earnest they were to cntrap a Pony Rider.

Buffalo Bill, all thought. was most likely
to find them ambushed somewhere else along ,
the run. . '

Could it be that he would again be so for-
tunate as to give them the slip? -

Could it be possible that Little Sunbeam.
the stock tender's daughter would once more '
be able to warn him of the trap set for
him? ‘ . i

It did not seem as though it could. and ,
"those who had before counted upon Buffalo"
Bill’s going through in safety now felt that'
he would not do so. ' i

As he came up the crowd greeted him
with a cheer, which he responded to by rule
his hat and a quiet: ,. v :

“Thank you, boysl” " . " 

It was observed that Rocket Rob, Pha
tom Phil, Jockey. Jack and Daring Dick
were there, all standing, close together, and
looking very serious after the burial of their
friend! , ‘ ‘ ' ‘ ’ ‘
, As for Bufi‘alo Bill he was unmoved ”
usual, and his eyes by a quick glance, evi
dently took in the fact that Rocket Rob/and?
his pards did not join in the cheer given

him. “7

Buffalo Bill, it was observed, carried
couple of revolvers in his belt, and he held
in his hand a third, 9. ;very large wea‘ on in
.a holster, with straps to fasten Upon h fsa‘ ‘
dle‘horn, , ' r’

He evidently expected trouble and" wds
prepared for it. ‘ ~ . -’ a 

“Bill means business,” whipered 'Litt
Lone Star, and Devil Dan to whom she
dressed the remark. answered: 

“He is right, too.” , ~ "

“ ,Did yer see him take in ate glance, wh,
ther any of Rocket Rob‘s gang was missing
‘asked Happy Harper. ,  a

““ Yes, and that they did not cheer hi"
too," added Little Lone Star. "
r The agentnow came out and“ he'-
glanced at his wntch. , - ' " . ~ ,

“Wild Bill is 'five minutes late.” lie-said. *

A\dozen watches camevout, anda‘ '
inlet;i went the rounds as Buflalo Bi
pie : ‘ . ',

f‘ it? watch makes him seven min
late. aptain Siarbuck.” . r ’ _

“ You are doubtless right, Bill. for) ,
watch is the best in the ountry."sai,
agent. glancing at’the v ry elegant t \-

iece which the company had presenté‘ 

umth Bill..and it was said had aid ;
hundred dollars for the watch andrc aim,

“ It neveifvariesa second,‘ air.“ 1. ._

Captain Slarbuck set his time Miriam:
‘10 Bill, the others doing the same. from {ht
thatnwnedahrass time-piece to ti: '

   
  
   
    
      
  

  
  
    

       
  

  
   

    
  
   
 

    
   

      
 
  

 
  
 

 

 

 

.15--

_Buffalo Bill’s Double Dilemma.

 

 

 

 

there Buffalo Bill never showed a trace of
anxiety on his own account, he was seen to
look quite uneasy now at his friend not being
on time.

“ Ten minutes late, sir,”he said, glancing
again at his watch.

'l‘hus the minutes went by until nearly
half an hour passed, and the Pony liider did
not appear.

At last Buffalo Bill said:

" lie is just halfan hour behind, sir.

“ May I take Lone Star and his two pards,
and go up the trail to see what is wreng‘!"

“ Certainly, more men, if you like."

“ No, sir, four of us will do," and telling
Juniper to take Red Devil back for his Ex-
press ride, and bring him another horse, Buf-
falo Bill waited until it was done, and with
Little Lone Star, Happy Harper and Devil
Dan, who came up mounted just then, rode
off on the trail of the missing Pony Rider.

 

CHAPTER XXXII.
WILD num’s TRAIL.

WILD BILL's trail led along two valleys,
across a plain and over a high range of
mountains. »

It was a long run of a hundred miles, bu
except ascending and descending the moun-
tains, it was an easy one for the horses.

It was so mapped out that it could not be
made much shorter, and the Pony Riders who
had been on that run had never objected to it
on account of the beat being some miles
longer than the others were.

Buffalo Bill had been the last to ride it, be—
fore Wild Bill was put on, and the former
met him at the other end, and Pony Bob was
still further on.

The deaths along the run between Head-
quarters ]ianeh and Valley Farm, caused
Buffalo Bill to be placed there, with Wild
Bill on his beat. and Pony Bob to meet him
at the other end, thus having the three sworn
pards to meet each other and be on acon-
tinuous string, on the three most dreaded
runs on the whole Pony Trail.

To climb the mountain, Wild Bill always
rode a large, strong horse, taken at the sta-
tion just at the foot of the range.

Upon the other side at the base of the
mountain was another relay station, and the
two men but ten miles apart, but then that
made up in hard climb what the run
lacked in distance.

Wild Bill had started on his return run to
Headquarters Ranch with a very valuable

' freight.

“ It was all in money too, going through
to California, where a man had ordered it
sent in that way.

“ You’ve got enough to tempt many a
man to bolt with it, \Vild Bill, and I'm glad
that you are the man to take it through.

“Then it goes into Buffalo Bill’s hands
antd he turns it over to Pony Bob, so it's all
sa e.

“ It came through with a force of soldiers
to where it struck my division, and Pony
Bob is to leave it at Fort. Utah, so it can go
on from there in company with a force of
cavalry going westward, so, if you, Buffalo
Bill and Pony Bob get through without be—
ing killed, it’s likely to reach its destination
in safety, but the man was a fool to chance
it, and I hope no one else will send such a
sum over the line.”

So said the agent of the division that join-
ed Captain Starbuck's, and who had come on
with halfa dozen Pony Riders as a guard
until he reached the station where he would
meet Wild Bill, and which was the end of
his line.

He was anxious to get the money across
his division in’safety. .

“ How much money is there, captain?“
asked Wild Billcalmly.

f “ Ah! I forgot to give you the way trans
er.

“Here it is, and you see there is thirty
thousand dollars in greenbacks there."

” All right, you got her through your
division in safety and I guess we can get her
through ours.”

“ Yes, I hope so; but then yours is proper-
ly cafled ‘ The Deadly Division ’ you know.”

“ nd it has earned its name, captain; but
I am ready, sir."

With a leap into his saddle Wild Bill was
off, for the welltrained horses knew just

 

what was expected of them, and, nervous at
delay, after they were brought out of the
stable, they were away the moment the
rider‘s foot touched the stirrup, or they saw
him about to leap into the saddle.*

It took a wonderlully active man and
splendid rider to mount one of the horses of
the Pony Express, when they started off
from a station on their run.

\Vild Bill held his horse at his speed mile
after mile, and from relay to relay.

The changes of the saddle and Express
pouches at the stations was a minute‘s work,
and only a word was had with the stock-
tender.

The station at the base of the mountain
was reached on time, and one of the two
men then said:

“I’ll detain you a. minute, Wild Bill, to
tell you something."

“ All right,pard, out with it.”

“I was up on the mountains yesterday
looking for one of the horses that run off,
and I found him on the range, just at dark.

“As I looked over the trail you go, I saw
a firelight.”

“ Yes.”

“It was just on the trail and all of five
miles from the base of the. mountain.”

“ Could you place it closer than that,
pard ‘2"

“ You know the Pinnacle Rocks?”

I‘ lives. 1’

“ There is a clump of timber just to the
right of the Pinnacle Rocks."

“ I know it.”

“As near as I can place the camp—fire it
was there.”

“ All right, and thank you, pard.

“Being forewarned is being forearmed—
good-by,” and Wild Bill was away.

thth great bounds the horse began the
ascent of the mountain and only when he
reached the summit showed signs of weak-
ening, for \Vild Bill had pushed him harder
than usual.

He wished to gain a little time.

Springing from his horse, and keeping him
back in shadow, he took a small field-glass
from the case swung to his belt, and peered
over the valley through which the trail ran
from the base of the mountain,

He saw the winding Pony Trail, followed
it along until his eyes fell upon the Pinnacle
Rocks and there rested.

For a couple of minutes he swept the sur-
rounding space about thc rocks, and then
said in his cynical manner natural to him:

“ That's a game that two can play.

“I’m onto you, gentlemen.”

With this he went back to his horse,
mounted, and went over the summit at a run,
slacking up only when he came to the
descent on the other side.

CHAPTER XXXIII.
THE GAME THAT 'rwo coran PLAY.

DOWN the steep trail rode Wild Bill, his
face as calm as a mill pond, his eyes on the
lookout, his thoughts busy.

The relay station at the base of the moun-
tain was where he was allowed to stop of
fifteen minutes for breakfast.

The men could see him coming far up the
mountainside, and so had breakfast ready
for him upon his arrival.

They were ready for him this time, and as
be dismounted one of the three men took his
horse and remarked:

“ You‘ve been pushing him some, Wild
Bill ?”

” Yes, I am a little ahead of time.”

“Breakfast is all ready, Wild Bill, bacon,
hoeAcake. venison steak and coffee.”

“And I am ready for breakfast, for the
mountain gave Inc an appetite."

“Any news back on the trail, Bill?”

” i heard none.

“ Have you seen any one on the trail
since I passed?"

" Not a soul.

“I guess all is clear.”

Wild Bill ate his breakfast with a decided

 

"' Buffalo Bill once won a large we or on his
“ Ponies." he stati L e; that they would ot rough the
run riderless, an‘l on time from star on to station.
'l‘her.x were ten horses entered in the run, fresh ani-
mals being saddled and s nt of! at each relay and
the run of one hundred miles was made twenty min-
utes ahead of time by the well-trained ponies_with-
out a, rider.—Tnl: Amen.

p

 

relish, and not. like a man over whose head
hung a drzad of death, that within one hour
he might be a corpse,

lle then mounted his fresh horse and was
ofl‘ like a flash.

Pressing his horse even harder than usual
he drew rein when within a quarter of a
mile of the Pinnacle Rocks and said:

“ I'm just twenty five minutes ahead, and
I hope I won’t be delayed longer than that.

“ Old horse, I must hide you here, and if
Idon‘t turn up again Buffalo Bill will find
you.

“ I'll just leave a note for fear I might go
under.”

He had gone off the trail to a thicket, and
there dismounting. muzzled his horse and
hitched him securely.

Taking a pencil and slip of paper from his
pocket, he wrote:

“ Give this to Buffalo Bill, who will find
the Express pouches, which are valuable,
hidden where he killed a grizzly bear three
months ago, near Pinnacle Rocks.

“ WILD BILL."

This slip of paper was fastened to his
saddle-horn, and taking the Express and
mail “freight,” as the Pony Riders called it,
Wild Bill walked rapidly away, going down
toward a dry creek bed.

Followin this for a short distance, he
came to a p le of rocks.

“It was upon that one the grizzly was
sunning himself when Bill saw him and
brought him down.

“ I'll leave the freight up there. for no one
will see it in passing, but Buffalo Bill will
know where to look for it if 1 go under.”

With this he hid the saddle pouches on the
rock, and then walked rapidly on up the bed
of the stream.

By this means he made a flank movement
of a mile, coming out in the trail beyond
Pinnacle Rocks.

. Reconnoitering carefully, he began to apv
preach the rocks, which from this side he
was enabled to do under shelter, while from
the other direction he could not have done

0.

Looking at his watch, after going a short
distance, be said:

“ If I had ridden straight on, I would just
be due here now on time.

“But, it is worth being behind if I do
what I hope to.

“How many are there I soon will know,
for their horses are in yonder thicket of
pines."

He turned his glass upon the thicket,
searched it carefully. and then moved on.

When he got to the pines he saw three
horses hitched there.

“Three of them, are there?

“Well, I've met three men before and
came out on top—no, one is a pack-horse, so
I will have only two to handle.”

IIe glanced at the horses; saw that two of
them were saddled and a third carried a
pack.

All three were hitched to trees, and ready
for departing quickly if need be.

It was just three hundred yards from the

pine thicket to the Pinnacle Rocks by which
the Pony Trail led.
, These rocks were odd in shape, like
steeples, and were at ‘the end of a ledge
running out from a range beyond the pine
thicket.

Along this ledge Wild Bill crept, for it
offered a good protection to him, and at last
came to within a hundred feet of the group
of rocks.

There he knew that the ones in ambush
were awaiting him, and they had been en-
camped in the pines awaiting his return.
Nearer and neared be crept, going from rock
to rock, his revolver in his hand, as though
he was about to flush some game and was
ready to shoot on the wing.

Presently be halted behind a rock which
helknew, if he passed beyond, would bring
him in sight of his foes.

He knew the place they must be, for often
had he passed there before.

When he was ready to act he passed
around the rock and his face lighted with a
grim smile.

The game that two could play was about
to be in, the cards were dealt and Wild Bill
felt t at he held trumps, if the odds were
against him. , '

 

 

«we»: ‘ ..

 

,,
I

 

nafiaio Bill’s no

ble.   i s i

“:21,  _,«_ J ,‘r<,v;y.‘,u‘.,../~w‘_-;_.

 

 

 

 

(inAlVi‘llit XXXIV.
FtiUtlii'i‘ To A r‘iNisii.

WHAT Wild Bill saw would have caused
many a man to slip quietly away, mount
his horse and make a wide ilaiik movement
to avoid his foes, if he could do so, though
the nature of the country just there was
iiilCll that he could not have gotten by on
either side on horseback without discovery,
the chances being a hundred to one that he
’would be Seen. ‘

Still he could have gotten his Express
pouches, and mounting one of the ontlaws’
horses have ridden on.

Then he could have returned to the relay
station at the base of the mountain, five
miles back, and gotten aid there to come
and capture or kill the outlaws.

But Wild Bill was not that kind of a
man.

The Cloven I-Ioofs warred upon the Pony
Riders because they carried treasure with
them about half the time.

These men in ambush must be Cloven
Iloofs, and they were waiting for him to
come along. ‘

They should find him he was deter-
mined.

Thev were there to kill him as an Indian
would: from ambush, withoutgthc claim the
redskin had to do so as being his natural foe,
for these wore men of his own race. ‘

It was old they wanted, or its equiva-
lent, nnd ild Bill determined that he had,
instead, lead to give them.

Peering at them he saw that they were

very saflely located from danger approaching

them in the opposite direction. .

One was upon one side of the trail, and he
was sitting behind a rock- seine four feet in
height and against which his rifle leaned.

The other was 'ust across the trail, per-
haps thirty feet rom his comrade, and he
also had a natural fortification.

It wasa fine place to fight from if their
enemy came from the other direction.

But unfortunately for their calculations
the enemy bad flanked them.

They looked for no fee from that direc-
'tion, for the Pony Rider was due from the
reastward. 1

"‘I say, pard, hain’t be behind a little?”

called out the man on the left to the one on
the right of the trail. ‘ ,

“ l guess he may be, but not having a
'Watch I don’t know. i ' p > ‘ v »

“Maybe it seems ,so because‘we 'is anx-
ious.” _ v

“ Yas, and if the report come true to us
we’ll get enough dust to quit this biz and
live like gents.” I ‘

“So we will, and we’ll move away in a
hurry, for if the captain or any of the gang
I were onto‘ our secret racket, of gettin the
plunder and slippin’ away with it they’d
roast us alive.” , ‘ ,
“ You bet they would. . , V

“ But we must make no escape this time,

but ,both plill trigggr to kill, and/never halt~

him.,for it's Wild ill you know.”

“Yes, we don’t want no muss withhim,
for he's about as quick to draw and hard to
tackle as puffalo Bill.” '

I 1‘ Shoot when he‘rcaches that pine yon-
( Cr.” « v

and .pull" trigger the. moment his horse

reaches the stone therem’,’ . « I ‘ ‘
“ I'll do it, and you pull tor his heart.”

, , “L’il get there, never fear,” was the an,-

v swo‘n'w , v' ;  1 l.

Could they have seen Wild Bill then, the

cynical smile on his face, and *his revolver in.

hand it would have sent: the blood" rushin _
to theirhearts to see how ' cleverly ,‘he' had

me. , , . ' ,‘, _ - ‘ r 
éim'Having apparently encio ed; the-situation
for a. moment, and heard a that: was said ;,

iistenedto the plot of the-two outlaws to

kill him, rob him, and then with tlieir‘boot'yy
. :i‘o desert the band, Wild Bill was deciding;-

iiow‘to"‘:call them," when the one on-the‘
Jets Snidiinpafientlfi: u , ,
‘1, jl‘lteil ole-he's ,ehind time.” 

        

fljiistgolngtifle,lwéagr , b hind
Itepp, 7 aryfou, am e
it had halts d' l ‘ da-

came the crack of Wild Bill’s revolver and y
one of them fell never to rise.

Quickly he turned upon the other man,
who had thrown himself upon the rock and
was scrambling over for shelter before at-
tempting to fire, for he knew the danger
came from behind him.

The Pony Rider’s revolver cracked a second
time and the man gave a yell, but went
down behind the rock, while Wild Bill
realizing his danger now from the other’s
rifle, sprung to cover also.

He felt that he had not killed the man,
though was sure he had not missed him as
the yell he gave was one of pain. '

The moment he got shelter Wild Bill took
in the situation and saw that he could keep
under shelter and almost flank the rock his
fee was behind.

Quickly he sprung across an open space to
a rock near by, and just as he
rifle bullet out near him. ,

But a short run brought him to a high rock
which he could ascend and peer over and
down open the outlaw.

“Hands up, pard, for I‘ve got
called out, but the answer was anot ier shot.

" See here, pard, I can killyou if I wish,
but I want a talk with you, so say hands

Another shot was the reply.

" All right, let me give you a hint that I’ve
got vou foul, for you seem to doubt it.

“Look out for a slight clip.”

The revolver of Wild Bill flashed as he
uttered the last word and the outlaw yelled

lzill me! my hands is up!”

“ Come right out from behind that rock,
and leave your weapons there!"

The man obeyed.

“Now turn your

Again the order was ob
down 'fl'Olll the
around it before going out, for he was not
going to be tricked. ,

But there stood his man with his hand
raised above his head. .

back to moi"
d, and slippin
id Bill peer

 

, CHAPTER XXXV.

' 'rnn Racoonr'rron. » .
Bill to pass his hands about the
man and see that he had no weapons eon-
. ceaied on his person, was the work of an in‘

‘ He also saw that he had been wounded
each of' his shots, ,once in the neck: slightly,
and which had been the “hint” for him to

surrender, and also in the arm, also a flesh

, “ Well, pard, ‘1’“ dress your wounds as
wcilms I can, and then you will have to do
some rapid ridingv’with me, for already I'm
a quarter of an hour behind time, and it
will be that much more before we can start.”
and in talking to his prisoner W
ed him over carefully. » ‘
f nil-bearded. long-haired man of
forty, with a face which crime had stamped
\ all over with evil.
Ills eyes glared at hiS’ca
ad like one who was completely crushed. *
you before, but I guesses

lid ‘Billlook-l

ptor. and he, look-

“ I nave seen

and said-
“ Yes, you guess well. ‘
“ Whatamade you thin
“Waal, your style is about. I like “what
' yOu’ve just done, from all i’v,e,.heerd of<youu

‘ “ They say that, you and Buffalo ‘ Bill
Pony Boy is the wu’st on the trail." - .«

l“'oll, no, we’re. not bad; but
with your coat and I'll look at your avounde a
don’t wish you tovbleed to

.. Don’t mind the, ,but aim, for his head ‘ k rwns Wii‘d'niiny' ' goose

ed arm“ for I

on want ter keep/me for, bangin’fl '
, _ Wild sin isqu warm,
f-«handk chief around the Woundpwhichwaa»
in the fleshy. part of the arm, and‘ their
rison r’s‘ hands behind his back With
' ‘l’ heftook from abdiitiliis‘neck..~

‘j “,Now, we'll see
Lwnlked «to where ,
outlaw lay. ,a bullet wound
' we'll go after lihe

’fianked them, beating them at, their ,own 

“ congratulate you.”
r ' “Yes. for I feared troublé;‘

 knowii'his man; WildBill‘!"‘l . i,

r

_ ‘ " Not-intimately.”

l

, ~' Buffalo B

   

  
  

 

rWild‘B'ilils, a *

  

 

Strapping tiic dead form to his saddle,
and tying the weapons of both men to
the pack-horse, Wild Bill leaped upon the
latter and said:

" Come right along, for l’ve got no time
to lose.”

He rode quickly back to where he had
left his own horse, and mounting hini set
011’ for the rock where the pouches were
hidden. r

These were soon secured, and as Wild

Bill regained the trail at Pinnacle Rocks he ' r

said:

“ I am just thirty-five minutes behind,
and I will lose more time, hampered as I am
by a prisoner, dead man and pack-horse;
But you all go through with me, you

ct.”

The priSOner did not appear to like the
arrangement, but he could but submit.

The dead body of his comrade was there to
remind him of how close had been his call,
and his wounds, though not severe, were
painful. v

“I don’t think I kin ride very fast, pard,’f ‘
he said. _

“I only ask you to ride as fast as the ‘
horse goes, and I’ll see that he don’t loaf,” 
was the reply.

‘t-Whar is yer goin’ ter take me?"

“To the Pony Riders“ Headquarters 01‘
this district." , l

“ What will they do with me?”

“ Han you, I guess."

" Oh ordl

“ What has I done?"

“ Nothing of course." \

“ I hain’t so bad, pard:”

" I don’t ‘ust see how you could be worse.”

“Maybe could buy my way free.” '

“What have you got to char?" i ,1 '

“ You want to know something about the ,
Cloven Hoofs?" , r‘ ‘

“ I think I know enough about them.” " '

“ You don’t know what I can tell you.” ',

“ What can you tell?" ‘ , ‘- '

“Enough to make you think it is worth“
more than hanging a poor devil like me,"‘

“ We shall see later just what on ax
worth," said Wild Bill and he pus ed-th ,
horses as fastr'iis he could go,” hampered as”
he was with the body, the’prisoner and
pack-animal. ‘ - ‘ u 

The next station was reached three quar-
ters of an hour behind time, but he smiled/in
his grim way when one of the men at the

 

:

relay said: I » '
- “What’ being behind, Wild Bill. to car
ryingdn w th you what you do and saving:
your hwn life, t'oo?’ . y. I ,
,As he wished to car in his capture, us
as it was, and the next alting-plaue,’uios 5th
Home Ranch, Wild Bill onl changed ’
own horse for a fresh arrival, etting the

law's horses make the whole distance, , ,
“ Well, if there is not Buffalo Bill‘: 
he Woulddo

after me. - »

“ I might have known ,
when I was not on time}? said Wild Bill as he
siiddenlyisaw conic around a bend infthe mil

\B'nflialopBili, Little Lone Star; and‘tw ether

    

 

 

    
   
 

horsemen. ‘ g . . -. ~
The were coming on at a rapid pace, ,a
die pr soner fairly groaned as he saw. the

‘ \

“It's 'Buaaio sin, and, that cook‘s‘

“wk,  .‘ -, 7‘ ,~-‘ ., v.
But die mun seemed‘to feel he he made
migtake in saying What he did, an 'vk“ '
,qnet. ’  ,  ‘
In afew minutes more Buffalo ill 1
his eon: nion’a‘ gave a. yell, waved. . l
hats; an cametearing forward tomeot‘w it
Bill; whocali'ed out; ’  , ,‘ p
. “ I‘m ' behind, Bill, old pard;,bn
Iwas detained by compel! 3"» r.
“"‘Yes, and you’ve brought you 

" you had a closets“: {01d W;

 

clonal see

4

“,~And you were going to’looi: mo

 
 
  

   

v in, hadhisplerein r’éy. 
months urinationwhovtried toth

    

  
 

    

  
  
  
  
     
  
   

 
 
 
  
    
 
 
 
  
    
    
 
  
     
   
 
  
  
 
  
  
       
 
   
 

     
    
    

  

18

 

Bun"an Bill’s Double Dilemma.

 

“I'm a bad man, I admit, but I'm not the
Red Danite, Buffalo Bill,” cried the prisoner,
eagerly. '

“You are the Mormon whose cruel deeds
 forced Brigham Young to outlaw you. and I
, 1'", _. know you as the man who led the Indians to
‘ attack and massacre an emigrant train, and I
 I have heard that you had joined the Cloveu
' Hoots.

” No. I never forget a face.
“ You and I have met several times be-
fore, and I‘ll take oath that you are Kit
Kirby, the Danite, renegade and outlaw.
, ” Wild Bill, you have made a rand cap-
ture,” and wheeling about the w ole party
rode rapidly on toward the ranch.

   
 
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
 
  
   
    
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
  
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
 
   
  
  
 
   
  
 
    
  
  
  
  
 
  
   
     

 

CHAPTER XXXVI.
‘RED HAND, THE DANI'I‘E.

I As they rode along side by side, Wild Bill
told his pard how he had gotten wind of a
su posed ambush and had flanked his foes.

ne Star and his two comrades came
close behind, each one leading a horse of
Wild Bill's capture, thus leaving the two
friends to talk together.

“ I did think, Buffalo Bill, that we could
make terms with this prisoner to betray the
othersof his band, but if he is the man you

‘ say he is, the Red Danite, it will never do to
let him go on any account.” __

“ No, indeed, for he i a deserter from the
army, you know, and killed an officer the
day he made his escape. ,

“Then he joined the Mormons: and be-
came a captain in their Legion, but he was
sucha fiend Brigham Young triedhim for his
crimes'andhe was sentenced to be shot.

“ Again he escaped and went to live with
the Indians, and led them in an attack on a
train of emigrants.

“ The next I heard of him was that he had
become lieutenant of the Cloveu Hoofs.”

" You have met him, then?”

“ Yes, when he was a soldier, and after-
ward when he was a Danile Captain, and I
know that he- is the man.

‘ “ But Captain Starbuck will know, for he
was in the same compdny with him when

..he was in the army, so do not say who
he is, but give him a chance to recognize
him.”

. ' f‘ You never make'mistakes in faces, Pard
Bill; and I should not wonder if you are

-ri t. l .

' g"If Captain Starbuck recognizes him,
that settles it, and we will have to take some
other plan to catch the Cloveu Hoofs than

t ’7 _

through his treachery. , ,
.V , _ "5 Yes, and I believe 1 know the way, Wild

Bill, though I can say no more now.”

" I can wait.” , r l

’ “ You shall know in good time, or rather
when I really know anything myself; but
,now let me ask you about your'trouble with
'Jockey Jack.” 4 '.
, ‘5 What about it?” ' -
,-,. “It was on my account, and I hope it will
not go any further.”
W,“ Oh, no, I am satisfied, though he may
notmin .
“‘ Ythink he is anxious to renew it.”
° i ;‘ I never seek trouble, and I never dodge
. to s. i ,
" I know that, pard; but now let me tell
,ouzwhat has happened since you lef ."y 1’
I " I was afraid there were some who want-
ed to make trouble for you.”

" They did.. - -
g “ I'll tell you about it," and Buffalo Bill
told the story of the killing of Fearless
Frank. the trial and of the fair witness 'who
had come to his rescue. \, . "
, .‘f Well. that was a noble act, but I
"never knew of any secret trail over those
(dike. Bill." ‘ . .' » , '
‘ " 1‘! did I, until she revealed it to me. "

¢

 
   
  

at?" .
‘ IIis all a mystery to me. " ' I ,1
‘And how does she know so well the
movements of the Cloveu Hoofsi'.’ 
,“I answer ,you 1 do not know, and it
zzies me greatly." -
‘ There is somethin

   
    
  
 
 
   

 
  

g in all this to fathom,

I, going"  leave the
the and or it, n

r
9.,H3w on earth dld'Little, Sunbeam glad it.

“ Well?"

“ It is said that all is fair in love and war,
and 1 think, as we dare not make terms
with your prisoner, we might at least allow
him to believe we may, and, without any
promises or pledges to him, find out all we
can that he will tell."

“So I think, and the captain is the very
man to do that.

“ But here we are on the homestretch
now. for we are in si ht of the ranch, so I
wish to tell you that have in the pouches a
lar e sum of money some fool sent through
by any Express.“

“1 hope I will get it through as safely as
you have done, Wild Bill."

“ There are special instructions that go
with it in a letter to the captain, so you will
know them.” ‘

In a few minutes more they were nearing
the post, and they could see that the crowd
gathered there were wild over the return of

uifaio Bill and his pard, while it was evi.
dent that they realized something of what
had happened.

“ Just one hour behind, captain, but I
could not well help it, sir,” said Wild Bill,
~as he leaped from his horse and handed the
pouches over to Captain Starbuck along with
a letter he had brought for him.

“I can Vwell understand your delay, Wild
Bill, from what I see before me.

“A dead man, a prisoner, a pack-animal
and two saddle-horses, well worth an hour’s
dela I should say.”

“ ’es, sir, I thought so.”

“ Cloveu I-Ioofs, of course?"

“Yes, sir.

" But have on ever seen the prisoner be-
, fore?" asked ild Bill, in a low voice, which
only the agent heard. .

Captain Starbuck glanced into the face of
the prisoner and then said slowly:

“ Yes, 1 have seen him before, and though
he has changed much since then I cannot be
mistaken in the man.”

“ Who do you think he is?”

“ Ho. Sergeant Kit Kirby, look this way!”
suddenly called out the agent. _ ‘

The prisoner uttered a cry, turned quick-
ly toward the agent, and Buffalo Bill said:

.“ Did I not tell you Captain Starbuck
whuld know him?”

“Yes, Iknow him well, and he is now
known as the Red Danite, or Red Band,
the Danite Captain.” ' '

 

CHAPTER XXXVII.

PHANTOM PHIL BEARS A MESSAGE TO M'ILD
BILL. l a

, Tim double recognition of Kit Kirby by
Buffalo Bill’ and Captain Starbuck con-
vinced Wild Bill-that there was no mistake,
that he was Red Hand' the Danite, whose
deeds of crime and cruelty had gained for
him the unenviable name. ‘ i

Looking well at him Wild Bill could well
understand that at one time he had been a,
gentleman, for it was, said that he came of
an old New York family, inherited a fortune
at twenty-one and had been known as a
beau whom designing mothers sought to
catch for their daughters.

Handsome, well-formed, and sent abroad
to be educated, he had killed a fellow student
in a (incl at Heidelberg University and then
began to Wander about foreign lands until
called home to take his large inheritance.

Within three years his fast horses, yachts,
palatial quarters and score of sycophants
whom ‘he had imported had squandered
his fortune. and finding himself ruined he
had gone West and' entered "the army as .a
private soldier. '

There his career had been a bad one. until
at last, taking the life of an emcer he had
deserted and fled to the Mormons.

had become ‘an oflicer in the Legion, and

of the fiend, for his red deeds made the
Mormons outlaw him. '

leading them to massacre his own ;people,

which {he had been made an .oflcer, Kit
’sjcareer .had come at
i ig'wbsnzbe.»a

     
   

, renew
to

 

Adopting the creed of Brigham Young be,

from that day his naturd seemed to partake ' 1
cynical smile, did not change in the slightest

\Next a renegade chief among the Indians, ,
then an outlaw of the Cloveu 'Hoof band, in:
last tb'be‘capi, ~

 

sum of' money he carried, and then seek
other scenes to enjoy it.

“There is no doubt, captain," said Wild
Bill, when the agent gave him a short sketch
of his prisoner‘s career, “ but that he would
have killed his comrade and taken the whole
treasure for himself, had they been success-
ful in bringing me down.”

“ It is just what he would have done.

“ Now I will not try him for a couple of
days, Wild Bill, for Lwant Builalo Bill here
as a witness, as he knows Kirby.

“ You must therefore write your testi~
mony out in full so we can have it, for that
will hang him, while the recognition of
Cody and myself will clinch matters for his
other crimes and get you the rewards for
him, as there are several offered.”

“ If you get the money, captain, put it in
the fund for the sick and disabled Pony
Riders,” said Wild Bill.

The two were in the captain’s office dis-
cussing the cnpturc, shortly after Buffalo
Bill had ridden away on his run to Valley
Farm.

The prisoner had been turned over to the
Pony Rider who was keeper of the lock-up,
and had been carried there and a guard
placed over him.

“I sincerely hope that Buffalo Bill will
have no trouble in getting through, for that
is a large sum he is carrying.

“I was almost tempted to send a guard
along,”

“Bill wouldn’t have liked that, sir, as the
pouches had come safely through to him."

“But then his run, as you know, is the
hardest ride and the most dangerohs one by
far.” /

“We all know that, sir, as We also know
that Buffalo Bill volunteered for it when
others refused to go, and he is the one to
make it.

" He’ll go through all right, never fear.”

“ As you did, Will Bill.

“ But then comes the run of Pony Bob.”

“ He’s another one who will make it. sir.

"I never feel any fear of Buffalo Bill,
Pon Bob or myself." '

” or do I, Wild Bill.”

“ There are other men on the trail just as
good, only they do not seem to all put heart
and soul into it as we do.”

“ Or will take such chances, and when in
desperate danger know as well how to ex—
tricate themselves. ' r »

"Why I think your saving your life as
you did. and bringing i your fees, was a
deed seldom equaled in c everness and dar—
ing, and I shall report it.

“‘ If any of the boys wish to know who
are my champion riders, they have only got
to know that you three pards wear more
life and service medals than all the rest of
the men in my division. , ‘ v

“ But what do you think of Stock-Tender
Gentleman George’s daughter saving Cody as
she did?” ‘ \

“Buffalo Bill told me about it. sir, and I
think she should home a life medal from the
company also.” '

“ Can you ,telllhow she knows so much
about the movements of the outlaws?“

“ No, sir, that is her secret; but she, seems
well posted, and has to work to find it all
out, you may be sure,” and Wild Bill soon
after went'over to his quarters and found
Little Lone Star and Phantom Phil there
awaiting him, the former sayin : ’-

- “ I came over to see you, Par ' Bill. and as
Jockey Jack has sent you a message by
Phantom Phil here, I concluded to wait and

see it I ’could help you out, as your two ~ I

side pards, Buffalo Bill and Pony Bob are not
on hand to see fair play.” ' I ‘ .1

i

 

v

‘ CHAPTER, vam.
V , was; CHALLENGE. 1 ‘
THE face of Wild: ’Blll,’always wen/ring a

at the words of Little Lone Star.

 

   

  
      

that Phantom Phil bore-a hostile  ,
fremni‘dkey mid sine . "Vi i

_' i own, 3". - it. snow ‘ ..
’bout.??saidp%!i‘ild “ v has

Of course there could he’but one inter» '
pretation of what Little Lone Star had said“, . ‘

 

 

 

 

 

        
      
 
       
 
   

 

       
     
      

    
   
    

 

 

Buffalo Bill‘s Double. Dilemma. ‘

  

. i. '

19-

 

   

 

" You wanted to have a talk with me, you
say. Lone Star?”

" Don‘t mind me, for it's Phantom Phil
that has the call on you.

" I'm on hand only to see if you need me
to serve you."

“What is it, Pard Phil?" and Wild Bill
smiled pleasantly as he turned to the other
Pony Rider.

“ I’m here from Jockey Jack, Wild
Bill."

“ Well. what does he want?“

7‘ “ He wants to Call you down."
“ Why did he not come and do it then ‘2”
.- " Well, he wants it all done reg‘lar like and
i in a business way."
“ Wants what done?"
l “ Satisfaction."

" I am satisfied.“

“ Well he liain't,”

" He is hard to satisfy, for he insulted my
pard and I downed him for it.

“ He was in luck that I did not kill him,

,. as I had a right to do, for he drew a weapon
i on me, a thing I allow no man to do.
i: ” Come, what does Jockey Jack want, for
g‘; I’m the most obliging man in the world, and
i1 will satisfy him, yes and all who wish to take
7. up his quarrel after he is satisfied.

“I hope I make myself understood, Pard

Phantom Phil?”
3 Wild Bill spoke calmly, but it was plain
5’ that he did not like being crowded into an
,‘i encounter with one whom he had treated
=1 most fairly.

Jockey Jack had said that which he had
resented, and then had tried to use a weapon
and been disarmed, when he would have
been killed by almost any one else.

Now he sought to get satisfaction and it
made Wild Bill angry, as he thought he saw
atrap itfget him into a fight with Rocket
Rob and his pards, and hence his words that
v he was ready to meet all who took up the
;§ , \ quarrel of Jockey Jack.

In answer to Wild Bill‘s words Phantom
Phil replied:

“ Oh, yes, \Vild Bill, I understand that
you think we, Jack’s immediate pai‘dsgvant
to down you.

“ But you are 01!, for this is Jockey Jack’s
quarrel alone, and my advice to him was to
let matters rest as they were, for he had
given the insult and you had squared it.

“ There are enough of our band of Pony
Riders dropping off from outsnie fees. with-
out having us fight ameng ourselves."

“Good reasoning surely, Pard Phily‘ but
Jockey Jack won‘t see it in that way it
, seems. and I am , sorry, for I don’t wish
._ trouble even with my foes. I never draw on
" an Indian or an outlaw, simply to kill, and I

certainly do not care to shoot one who is a
g i, comrade. ,
4; “I wish Jockey Jack would look at it as
f‘ I do." '
 ' “ He won’t, for there are others that think
«5 as he does.”
“ How does he think?" ,

meet you.”

“ If I refuse?” i

“ Wild Bill, you are no coward." "

“I don‘t know of any man now above
3 ground that ever told me I was,” came the
calm response. ‘

, ” Well, you know men could say so if you
refused to meet J ack." >

“ I see that the Rocket Rob clique are set
upon a meeting between Jockey Jack and
myself, so~I won't disappoint you all»

“ What do you wish?’

“ Jocke Jack challenges you to meet him
with revo vers at twenty paces, walking to-
ward each other as the word and, tiring‘as
you advance.” .

“ See here, Phantom Phil, are you as great

'a fool as Jockey Jack, to bring a challenge

 

 

  

yourself? ..
“Little Lone Star comes from a part of
the country where dueling goes/all the time,

   

  
 

distance?! r ,

“.Yes. that is the law of the Dueling Code,
Phil}; saitzvlaone Star. ‘ . .,

‘ ' “ 3"? . e“;- ou make your terms, so on
316% gm for Mg is not going tovbeba ed

     

   

“ That you should give .him a chance to.

to a man and arrange all the preliminaries

so ask him if the challenged party has not.
the right to select weapons, place, time and‘
' I mounted, and there were Pony Rid

I ' . He was smoking-d

 

down, Phantom Phil, ‘ said Lone Star hotly,
while Wild Bill only smiled and said:

" Arrange a meeting, Lone Star.

" This is my time to eat and then sleep.
but, if Jockey Jack is so anxious, I'll put off
my nap and meet him within half an hour.

“ If he prefers later, say when I wake up
for Slipper, or early in the morning.

“As for the place, let us have it up the
valley. then. in the Pony Riders' graveyard,
where it will be convenient for the one who
falls, and the surroundings will be appro
priate, for, though Captain Starbuck would
not interftre. it is best to clear him of all
blame by not telling him now about it."

. " And weapons ‘2” asked Little Lone Star.

“ Revolvers: but. instead of advancing
and firing, one shot will be enough for me,
so I shall need but one 'bullet in my
weapon."

" And distance?"

" Ten, fifteen or twenty paces, as you and
Phantom Phil may agree, for it is a matter
of utter indifference to me."

Lone Star and Phantom Phil then talked
together awhile, and it was decidedthat the
duel should be fought at sunset up the
valley in the Pony Riders’ buryingground,
the distance to be fifteen paces, weapons i'c-
volvers, and but one load in each weapon.
while the two seconds should toss up for the
word to fire when they got u on the field.

This being settled. Wild ill ate a hearty
dinner and then lay down to sleep, almost
instantly dropping into a deep slumber.
wholly unmindtul of the shadow of death
hovering over him.

I

O.
UHAP’l‘ER XXXIX.
'riin PONY Innsns' DUEL.

THE sun was a little over half an hour
high when Little Lone Star, Happv Harper
and Devil Dan went over to Wild Bill's
cabin for him.

He was still fast asleep, but Black Dia-
mond, Buffalo Bill‘s negro Servant, had a
good supper‘ ready and Wild Bill was
awakened and said: -

" Have some supper with me, boys?"

:‘No, Bill, We have had an per, but my
pards came with me incase ocket Rob’s
men should not feel wholly satisfied and
wish to make more trouble. ,

“ Your pards, Buffalo Bill and Pony Bob,

,are not here to back you up, but we three

will stand by you.”
“ You are very kind, all of you: but I

hope there will be no trouble, as Jockey

Jack will doubtless be satisfied.

“ If you can get the duel declared off, and"

shake hands all round. I’m more than will-
ing, Lone Star; but if they won’t, then I
uess I‘ll be ready when called.” '

“ You bet you will, and we'll be ready,
too,” Sitld Devil Dan.

Wild Bill ate with a decided relish. .

' Not a shadow was upon his face, what-
ever emotion‘ was filling his heart.

When he had finished his supper. they
mounted their horses,‘for Black Diamond
had saddled Wild Bill's animal, and the four
rode away together.

“ I’m coming to see yer. kill him, Massa

'Bill," called out Black Diamond, and he ran

to catch a pony and follow them.

Black Diamohdhras acharacterin his way, ‘

afraid of nothing on earth save “ ghosts.”
He was an intelligent negro from the
South, who had been serving a. young lieu-

tenant of cavalry who was killed by the In-
dians, and whose fate he would have shared

had not Bufialo Bill rescued him.
From that day he became the devoted

‘friend and servant of Buffalo Bill, going
with him everywhere, and in the Pony Riders’

camp he looked after ' the quarters of Cody,

Wild Bill and Pony Bob, though the latter

now was on another run.
There were quite a number of who
to the scene of the'duel; which shows
it had become known.
Some were on ,foot, but ’mos:

(going

men, borders and settlers, ‘

Rocket Rob and his three comrades were ‘
there. Jockey Jack beingfthe ,one mongoth

served, . , ‘ . . .
Indira
, oi- aoinesiinis‘mee Bhme

t velver‘utléin w

' that

all were
rs, stable

   
  
  
    
   
  
  
  
   
  
    
  
    
   
   
  
   
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
   
  
  
   
   
   
   
   
  
   
   
   
  
  
  
  
  
   
    
   
    
  
   
  
   
   
   
  
   
   
 
   
    
    
    
  
     
   
    
     
     
   
   
   
 
 
 
 

That he was the deadest of dead shots all
knew, and his comrades wore a most confi-
dent air, in fact were decidedly aggressive
in their way of talking and acting.

The spot chosen for the duel was a truly
beautiful one.

It was at the head of a little vale, ovcr'
hung by high clile covered with vines, and ’{
shaded by a few large fine old pine trees, ""~
through the branches of which the wind
sighed an ever mournful requiem for the
dead that lay beneath, for over a score of
brave Pony Riders in buried there, and
not one of whom had (lied a natural death. ,,

As Wild Bill came up with his pards the r
crowd greeted him in a way that had been ,
extended to Jockey Jack, though of course
when he had arrived there had not been near
as many gathered there.

Jockey Jack stopped his practice of shoot-
ing at wild flowers and turned toward Phan-
tom Phil. while Lone Star, throwing his rein
to one of his pards said: ,

"Parde, I don‘t think any man will say .
that Wild Bill is afraid to meet Jockey Jack,
and if he does, why I‘ll give him the lie
flatfooted and take the consequences.‘

“ But Wild Bill don't want trouble with".
his pards, there is enough killing to do out—
side of our camp and band, and we Pony
Riders take too many chances as it is, with-
out having to shoot at each other. so I say
let us make up this quarrel between two of
the best men that ride our trail."

A cheer greeted Little Lone Star's words.

Few men would have been bold enough
to have uttered them, but all knew the man
that did so. _ . .

The cheer showed that the crowd thought. A
as Lone Star did, with few exceptions.

Those few were Rocket Rob‘s party, and.
about a dozen men backed them up. ;

When Little Lone Star had ceasedspenk- .
ing Jockey Jack said with a sneer: ‘ "

“Of course there will be. peace as Wild.
Bill is afraid to fight." ,  '

The Rocket Rob party cheered these , ,
words, and all eyes were‘turned upon Wild 2
Bill. . .,

His face was , as placid as ‘ever, but it».b
could be seen that having done hi best to
prevent a duel, he was now ready. 0 meet
the issue. ' ' ,

_Without award he stepped to the place
that Lone Star indicated, and, ’Jockey Jack
went to his position, a triumphant smile up—t
on his face that was malignant also. '.,

The toss up ’ for the word was won by
Phantom Phil, andJockcy Jack took this as:
a good omen. ' . r

In fact he seemed to feel an abiding con
fidencc in himself. ‘ ’ 

Then, as the sun touched the mountain;
horizon miles away. PhantomPhil gaVc the
word as agreed upon: j ~.

“ Are you,ready?" I . by .

Both men nodded, while .,Jockey Jacl
half turned his head and answered: ' ' ,

“ Yes, Phil.". ‘ ' 

It had been arranged that themen should.
,stand with folded arms, their revolvers i
their belts, and, at 'e word. draw and fire
. Having had the answers tins: both WQI'
ready Phantom Phil, after it
seem)? an age, called out quick and sharp

. [I re!!! ' . I

There was but. one report, for the and
who tired that had sent a bullet in'to’ath'
very center of the otlier’a forehead before l'
had gotten his revolver to a, level. . ' r

Quick as he..was, and dead shot i."
Jockey Jack'had met a qui ker man on:
draw and as dead a shot in V ild Bill. .i

 

CHAPTER XL. I
_. THE rear mnen‘s’ conrnssrom‘ .
WHEN the crack of Wild Bill’s revel
was followed by the quick fall of Jo ,
Jack. Rocket Rob, Phantom Phil anew.
ing Dick involuntarily dropped their hand
upon their Weapons. ~ '. ~  *
But instantly Little Lone Star called out
,“None of that, Rocket Rob, or you a
your nerds will rue it. . ‘ “I :"
"‘Do I any right, man?" .. ,
, The roar of voices .answ

    
  

   
  

  
      
  

 
 
  
 
  
 

    
   
 
  

  
   

 
 
    
   
   
 
 

W3

the"

 

V didn’t a: an

  

    

I :20

i  Double Dilemma.

 

 

Wild Bill made no reply to this, but
simply smiled, while Lone Star said:

“Wild Bill didn’t want to fight a com-
rade, and I told you all so.

“But, Jockey Jack wanted war, and he
got it, fair and square, for he wasn’t quick
enough.“ ,

“i guess there is no man here who will
assert that the duel was not wholly fair?"

   
  
  
   
    
  
    
   
 
 
  
   
    
  
    
  
   
   
   
  
   
   
   
   
  
    
  
 
  
    
    
 
   
  
  
 
     
  
    
  
  
  
     
  
  
   
  
   
 
  
    
        
       
   
   
    
   
    
  
 
  

' fl . ‘ said Wild Bill in his quiet way. and his
V  ‘ piercing eyes swept over the crowd, seeming
1’. g, to rest upon each one.

it: Not a voice answered, and Wild Bill
 . turned‘ away, with a. sad look toward the
body of Jockey Jack.

The three close comrades of the dead man
’had been convinced that they had not better
seek further trouble, and so they dropped
the matter and went and bent over their
fallen comrade.

“ Poor J nekl
, “ One minute ago in perfect health and as
chipper as a bird, but now dead and gone
from a forever."

Wild Bill heard his words, but his face re-
mained immovable, as it did also at ‘the
frame of his deadly aim some were bestow-

ng upon him. ,

“ Bight square between the eyes,” said
.one.

“ The best shot I ever seen."

"‘ He is quicker than greased lightning on
:the draw and pull trigger.”

“He had his gun out and leveled before
.Jaek got his from his belt.” g

» “ Jack made a mistake to look’ toward

(Phantom Phil when he got the word."

< “ He made a mistake to force a fight with

‘Wild Bill."

80 the comments ran around the crowd,
‘while Wild Bill and Lone Star walked over
to their horses to mount and ride away.

” Here’s your horse. Massa'Wiid Bill.

," I‘seen it, sah,'and it was mighty quick
work. ‘ .‘ ,

’ ” I’d hate to have you shoot at me, ssh,”
'said Black Diamond, admiringly.
’ 'f You‘d never know it if he did, Dia-
mond,” Lone Star said. .
.“ That's so, sah. , ‘
“But I thought you was going to have
.‘more trouble, and I had my gun ready.”
“And would use it well, too, Diamond;l
at 'no, the storm did not break,” Wild Bill
responded, and as he mounted and rode—on
e Continued: , '
v “glow, Lone Standoyou wish to go with
me fend jplace me under another ,deep ob-
- «ligation? I 4 - ‘

‘ "', Certainly, pard.
'f Where are you going?" ~ v
Q “ To report to Captain Starbuck and. take
«anymedicine, whatever it is." A ,
m with you, Pard Bill."
" L'know that. Lone Star, ,for you showed
your friendship well to-day. » v ,v, -
f “ I‘am sorry that ]poor Jockey Jack forced

to kill him, for tell you, old pardj, this

ing human life is a'hitter weight’to carry,‘
,4 111 have more than had my share obit, as ,
lies [.Buflulo Bill also; but neither 'of us
go or pulled trigger en's 'man without just

use.” ‘ 3. v ., . ,
“NI can believe that, Wild Bill.” y -. ,
, ookey‘Jack intended to kill me I saw...
f Heahd his pards talked it over and they
“had eoiifldence in his ability to'do it, for

"d

, _ may had he not thought so he never would
' isyuft‘reed that fight upon Incl.” ' . -.

- “Yes, a d they were as much amazed as,
‘ old bet at you, got in the shot first, and}.
aid dh't carats; ress the-matterfurtber. g 3/, l
" ‘ But now see Captain Siarbuek‘.’ ' ' .
hey dismounted at the door ’of' head-

eagtain met them with the remark: r_ \, . 5
, ‘Anythlng wrong. Wild But-that you and v
Ibseer are mounted?” . . ' v -f, , ,‘J,
.‘ an is just ,it, captain, for there is'somer‘
"in Wrongff  g ‘ . l , ,- r ,
Out with it then." ‘- ' '
I‘j'ust killed Jockey Jack,
‘ Ah! in a quarrel in camp?" . ,

  

    

é

   
  
   
  
 

as!" ' 1

  

ttlartersin the gathering twilight and aim:

- nYd'u saw the quarrel, sir. anthers-was .
an! it, when‘Bnflnlo Bill came fnywitbithé, M,

if: _ \'

" It is easier to tell you who was not, sir,
for every one except you."

“ It was a regular duel. captain, according
to the Texas code.

“I seconded Bill .here, and more, in his
name offered on the field to call it oil“ and
make friends

“But Jockey Jack was so dead sure «he
could kill Bill he wouldn’t have it.

“He said Bill was backing down from
fear of him and of course that settled it, the
duel Was fought, Phantom Phil gave the
word, and I never saw anything so quick as
Wild Bill’s draw and fire, and his bullet
landed right between Jack’s eyes, so we are
here to report it, sir."

“As it was a duel I can say nothing,
though I regret that the affair occurred,
but you were not to blame, Wild Bill, I
am sure," and Captain Starbuck extended
his hand to Wild Bill and then to Lone Star,
both of whom felt relieved by his generous
action, for he could have discharged them
from the company.

‘ CHAI’TER XLI.
THE SEARCH PATROL.

THERE was a certain feeling of gloom
resting upon the camp of the Pony Riders
that night, after the killing of Jockey Jack.

The latter was borne to his cabin by his
pards, who, for the second time in three days
had to mourn the loss of one of their little
family.

From a quintette their number had come
down to a trio.

With the‘death of Fearless Frank it was
different, as far as the Pony Riders general-
ly were concerned, for they had looked up-
on him as a traitor to their band.

They considered themselves above such a
deed as he was thought guilty of, in an at-
tempt, not only to kill a comrade, but to rob
the company.

Hardly a man was there who believed that
Fearless Frank‘s ards were in the deal with
him, or they won d have been very quickly
dealt with. I
 Whatever liadbeen the career of the Pony.
Riders, as, far as leading wild and reckless
lives, they were men of the highest honor, to
be trusted under any‘and n11 circumstan'ces,
morning to do-a mean act. 4

Personal encounters they' might have had
often, they had been poor, and had roamed
about from mining-camp to settlement and
fort, but the were notintentionally bad men,
and they 11 been picked for the ,work they
were doing lwholly on account of their worth
and because they possessed the qualities rea
‘qnisite for just the hard and dangerous ser-
vices devolving upon them.

When the Pony Riders, then, kept away

1 .

lying dead ‘in it. because they, believed. him
guilty, they showed their sympathy‘at once
when Jockey Jack was borne there a corpse.

They all felt, that Jack had brought his
death upon himself, but that was his affair
and he had been the sufferer, and they would

not, go against him and his friends when
‘deadfi ' ' '

“So they dropped into the cabin in twos
and threes, expressed their sympathy and of«
fared their services as'watchers. ‘

But their ofiers, were declined, Rocket
Rob remarking: , ' r 1 '

.z‘tNohthank yon,:1’gards, we have laid him
out,“ you see. inhis best,“ and we’ll spread
a blanket over himat‘bedtime. and then turn

1 in. ourselves

when he was alive,"
nowhe'sdead.” ,, 1 ,. l . » 
,,,HS.0. aftertthe stream of Pony Riders h d
ceased, all." havin'gtaken, a .ook' at their
dead‘gomtade‘. Rocket Rob and his pards

I guess we won’t mind, it
‘j . ' ‘ ,y . ‘

the door and'nat down forfatalk. _
‘ "“Pnrdsfnifi, was; all v square”, returned

4. I’lia‘nto‘mrPhil’. who was‘a little anxious to
‘kaow ‘if his companions thought he had.
‘ , himself, wellfas ascend-for Jockey

 
   
  

 

from Rocket Rob‘s cabin with Fearless Frank . V'

_1. We've slept with ‘him there often.

drew-"a 'blanléet'pyerfithe silent fcrm, closed p

" Nor me," added During Dick.

“ Why, no fight Would be square, I mean,
that a man fought with Wild Bill 01' Buffalo
Bill, yes, and with I’ony Bob.

" \Ve all think ourselves men here, and I
guess we are and above the average, but the
man who faces those three I have named in a
funeral encounter makes the mistake of his
life'. .

“ Yes, it was square enough as men go,
but not when Wild Bill was the man poor
Jack meant to kill.

“Why I was as sure Jack would kill him
as I am that I am here this minute."

“ So was I," said Daring Dick.

" Me too." echoed Phantom Phil.

“ Well, Fearless Frank went. you know
how, and by Buffalo Bill's hand. and now
Jockey Jack is gone, and by Wild Bill’s
hand.

“Must we give up our plan of running
those three men down?" and Rocket Rob
asked the question in a low tone.

" No, there are three of them and three of
us.
“If we can’t match them one way we
can another."

“ Yes, but we must go mighty slow.”

“ Yo_u bet we must.” ,

" Well. pards, as we are of the same way
of thinking we can do it. “

“Now let us turn in, for we have got
to bury Jack in the morning and you know
Buffalo Bill is to come in and Wild Bill to
go out.” ‘ .

With this last remark of Rocket Bob the

trio turned in for the, night, their dead ‘

pard lying in his last sleep on his cot.
The next morning all the camp turned
out to the funeral of Jockey Jack save

~ Wild Bill and Little Lone Stag, who re.

mained in the former’s cabin.

Captain Starbuck read the burial service
and a quartette among the Pony Riders of
fine voices sung several hymns in a way that
brought tears to many eyes.

Then one and all adjourned to the post to

see Buffalo Bill come in and Wild Bill start .

out.« n .

Wild Bill soon appeared all ready for his
hard and perilous ride.

He had the same calm face and cynical
smile, and spoke pleasantly to' those who
came up and had a word with him. '

As the time came for Buffalo Bill to arrive ,
and he did not appear in' sight, Wildr Bill’s'
handsome face grew .clouded, and when
minute after minute went by and he did not
come, in'sight.‘ he said: '

' “ Captain Starbuck, Cody is an on-time
man, sir, and he is now thirty minutes late,
so I would like to. go in search of him, sir."-
 po so, but takes. patrol with you, Wild
1 I ‘ , x I
"Four of us will do, sir."' r ; ‘
“ Yes, if .you think so.” .

“ I do, sir. ‘ ;-

“ I would like Lone, Star and his .two '

pards to accompany me, sir."_

“All right.”.' - ‘ ' ‘

“ And me too, Massa Wild Bill,” called
out Black Diamond running up, his face
most anxious. looking at the fear of harm- to‘

(BuffaloBill. ( .
“ YeaDiamond, you can go along also.” '
said Wild ,Bill, and five minutes after the

party of five rode away from the ranch in
investiggto the reason that Buffalo Bill

should 6 war half an hour behind time.
.' ’ ,‘  ' '
\ _ CHAPTER XLII. g

'1'rin'stere MAN.’ .1.  '

v. WHEN. Biiilalo Bill rode away. from‘eithe‘
post, be fully realized that, heycarrivd 1136
'most valuable packs 9 he ewl’i’llid "1
his charge,apd an eryci‘mumstapces the
most dangerous,“ .  ‘33.;- I w

.TheRed Danite had adm tted in a way
thatthejiing o -_,_t.lle1,0l0ven Roofs, as the
chiefwof the out aw Wendy'Was called, had
told him that his splashed reported a vain.
ablep
,th ha

,3 .

 
   

 

    

    

 

acka'ge,of..mone ,comingthrough,and 
a a  '

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

llool's would surely be on the watch for him
llull'alo liill rode. away from the ranch.

He could not believe it possible that his :
friirfiirl (Guide would again be on hand to‘

warn him,

Buffalo Bill’s DoublerDilemma.

1 him Willi a look of surprise as though won l
l di'rinn' if his eyes deceived him. ‘
hashing up linil'ulo llill slipped from his ‘
saddle on the other side of his horse, and‘
i had his revolver ready for quick use, while

lint he was not a man to hesitate in tho i he said-

discharge of his duty, and so on he rode,

Arriving" at the spot where he had had the
fatal Oilt‘Olllliel‘ with Fearless Frank he did
not even draw rein.

l

Red Devil would have turned off at the '

secret frail, remembering the fine pas»
tiiruge in the little canyon-basin, but the
Pony Rider kept him steadily on for Wolf
Den Pass.

It is needless to say that he did not look
for the well remembered signal of danger in
the trail, the stick with the warning note
stuck in it.

But the pass came in sight and no warn-
ing had he seen.

'He served himself for what wasbefore
him, settled himself in his saddle and with a
revolver cocked in each hand dashed into
the paSs which had been such a fatal spot
to the Pony Riders.

But he saw no one, and there was no
sound of a voice calling to him to halt.

On he swept, inuch relieved in mind, for
the Wolf Den Pass had been the spot most
dreaded.

The first relay was reached, but he did not
change horses there, always giving Devil
Dan the double run as he was well able to
stand it.

t Then Silent Sam’s station was the next,

and he was within five miles of it, his horse
running free, when suddenly his eyes fell
upon the looked for signal ahead.

He swooped over in his saddle and drew
up the stick, taking out the slip of paper
from the slit in the top.

Halting a moment he read:

“ The danger to Buffalo Bill this time lies
at the brook a mile this side of Silent Sam‘s
corral.

“ When he halts at the brook to water his
horse, he will be fired upon without chal‘
lenge, from the top of Table Rock on the
left of the trail, and not fifty feet from him.

“He can flank the danger by turning a
mile from this point and following the deer
trail to the left, and coming out just the
other side of Silent Sam‘s cabin.

I “ A FRIEND 1N CAMP.

“ P. S.—I have just learned that there
will be another ambush of three men four
miles this side of Valley Farm station, where
the trail runs through a canyon, just ata
thick growth of pines. _

“ To avoid this you will have to ride
around a distance of ten miles, as you doubt
less know, but it is better than tithing the
chances of being killed from ambush".

Buffalo Bill meditated a moment before
going on, and then glanced at his watch.

“ I am glad I rode so fast, for I am twenty-
two minutes ahead of time to this point, so
can make the flank ride and not lose much.

“ Come, Red Devil, do your level best.”

Away bounded the horse and reaching
the deer trail Buffalo Bill swung into it
without hesitating an instant, for he had
made that ride several times before when do—

‘ ing patrol duty over the line.

He kept up the same fast gait as before,
Red Devil looking well to his footing and
going over rocks and rugged places like a

eer.

When he knew he was coming near to the
trail he slackened his pace as he did not wish
the sound of boots to reach the ears of Silent
Sam. .

Wheeling into the trail he turned back to
ride to Silent Sam‘s station some few hun-
dred yards away.

As he turned the bend he caught sight of
Silent Sam.

But he was not alone. Another was with
him. and he stood in the middle of the trail,
their backs toward him, and seemed to be
listening for his coming in the other direc~
tion, though it was a quarter of an hour be5
fore he was due at the station.

Quickly he Wheeled his horse and rode
back around the bend a short distance.

Then turning he put his horse in a rapid
run for the station.

His horse’s hoof-falls rattled loudly now,
and as he came in sight of the station he saw
only Silent Sam there, and he was regarding

. /
mm“. m t ,,' 1

 

‘ " Quick, Silent Sam, and I want to push
on; but as I am a little ahead this run [’1]
not report you for not having my horse ready
for me. "

 

(lllAl’Tlili Xlilll.
AYHIIHNG A 'i'iiAI'.

SILENT SAM looked surprised, and said:

“ [low (lid you come that way?"

" 1 simply made a flank movement, Silent
Sam, for in these days so fatal to l’ony Riders,
I am over careful you know, not to ride in
to ambush."

“ Don’t think there's any danger now."

“ You don't?

“ Well, 1 do, and that makes another
marked difference between us."

“Maybe so.

“Well, you walk in and get a bite, or a
leetle tanglefoot, for I has some.”

"Your invitation I thank you for, Silent
Sam, but I am not hungry just now, for
food at least, and I've joined the Water Tanks,
so fairly shiver when I see liquor.

“ Have you seen any one around lately?"

“ No; but you better have suthin', for it’s
all ready.”

“ So am I to start, so fetch out my
mount."

Silent Sam walked doggedly away, the
eyes of the Pony Rider watching him like a
hawk.

Had he attempted to have entered his
cabin Silent Sam would have gotten into
trouble then and there with Buffalo Bill.

But the cabin door was closed, and Buffalo
Bill was watching it.

Nowhere was the man he had seen visible,
and Silent Sam had made no mention of his
presence. - '

As he came back leading the horse Silent
Sam started toward the cabin, and Buffalo
Bill called out:

" Come, Sam, no delay, bring that horse
here at once."

“ I’m going to get another bridle."

“That one will do.

“ Don’t anger me, Sam, by your delaying
me.” ’

With it mattered oath the man halted

'with the horse near the cabin door, and

quick as a flash Buffalo Bill covered him
with his revolver and cried:

“ If you do not obey me I‘ll make you feel
that I won't be triflcd with.

“ Come, and come a-runningl”

Silent Sam obeyed to the letter, for he said
something Buffalo Bill did not hear and
came rapidly forward with the horse.

“ See here, Silent Sam, you seem anxious
to make me lose my place by delaying me,
and I’ll tell you fiatrfooted, if you don’t mend
your ways I’ll report you and Captain Star-
buck will bounce you.” -

" Just because I offered you something to
eat, and a drink.”

“ No; I thank you for you offered hospi-
tality, but I cannot delay. and you put me
back more than all the rest of the relay men
on the trail.

“ There, I am ready now; but, tell me, do
you think there is danger ahead. for me?"

“ No, I hain't seen a man since I seen you
last, not one having gone by.”

“ All right, I’ll take my chances.”

“ Don’t report me. Bill, for I’m a poor
man and didn’t mean to delay yer.”

“ All right,” and with a bound Buffalo
Bill was in his saddle.

But he reined the impatient horse back
and went off slowly, looking behind him and
calling out to Silent Sam

“1 say, Sam, Wild Bill got two Cloven
Hoots on this run through, and I may have
to pull trigger on some one yet before I get
back to Headquarters Post."

“ Where did he kill ‘em, Buffalo Bill?”
called out Silent Sam, with marked interest.

But Buffalo Bill was now out of revolver
range of the cabin. and no longer cared to
keep his eye on Silent Sam. so he let his
horse bound ahead at a full run.

“Well, what I saw carries out in sus-
have

 

picions against that man, and which
had for some time.

“l just hinted my suspicion that Silirnt
Ham was crooked to Captain Starbiu-k, for i
did not wish to accuse a man without proof
of guill.

“ I think I have full proof now, and he is
surely in with the (lloven llooi's,

“ lie and that follow with him were stand»
ing in the trail when 1 saw them, waitingr to
hear the rifles go off that ended my life, for
they could easily hear them there from the
ambush at the brook.

“My plan worked well, to let them hear
llOOi'vfilllS, and see if the other man would
not go into hiding. ,

“ Well, he went, and Silent Sam’s hospital-
ity meant that I should enter the cabin and
be killed, but I wasn’t quite fool enough to
please him.

“When he halted the horse at the cabin
door, it was for me to go there and let his
piii'd shoot me in the back.

“ But, I was a few chips shy on that, too,
and in riding away I knew better than to
take my eye off of him.

“ lie is too big a coward to pull on me
himself, but be arranged for the other to do
it.

“Well, Silent Sam, if I live to get back
this far on the run to the ranch, I'll take
company with me from your station, or I am
very much mistaken."

So mused Buffalo Bill as he rode on his
way. feeling much elated at having flanked
the ambush at the Table Rock, then circum-
vented his foes at the station and gotten thus
far on his way toward the other danger he
had been warned against.

 

CHAPTER XLIV.
A DEADLY (lAN’I‘LE’I‘ TO RUN.

WHEN Buffalo Bill came to the place
where he should turn off, if he wished to
heed the postscript warning of his fair res-
cuer, he drew rein and sat motionless in his
saddle and mused for awhile, the moonlight
fallin full upon him.

“ hree men, the warning said, and at the
pine thicket in the canyon four miles this
side of Valley Farm.

“ I know the place well, and the pines are
so thick it is the very place for an ambush.

“ But they are only on one side of the trail,
a cliff on the other, and if the men are in the

pines they are toward the other end of the ‘

thicket.

“They would not see me until I turned
the cliff; but they would hear in horse's:
boots in that canyon half a mile be ore I got
there.

“ The streams are so high now, from the
m lting snows on the mountains, I could not
cross the river where my fair preserver indi-
cates, by a ten mile ride around, but would
have to go perhaps thirty miles out of my
way, so guess I’ll try strategy and risk it
at the pines."

Having so decided Buffalo Bill started
ahead again in a run.

Looking at his watch by the moonlight he-
saw that he was all of twenty minutes ahead
of his time. ' i

It was a beautiful night, the skies being
cloudless and the moon lighted his way. _

Swiftly he sped along until he drew with-
in a mile of the canyon ambush.

Then he drew down to a walk, and in-
stead of flying through the rocky canyon,
sending the echoes (if his horse’s hoof-falls
rattling far and wide, he rode at a very slow
pace, picking his way most cautiously.

As he reached the bend in the canyon, he
halted, dismounted, hitched his horse to a.
pine and peered cautiously around the cliff.

His ears were as alert as a fox‘s. and list-
ening he heard a laugh not a hundred yards
away, and then the words:

“Keep still there, you fellers, for I can‘t
hear the sound of his coming if you make
such a racket.“

“ Why it hain't time yet, pard, so come
and get another nip afore he comes along,
for we'll need a leetle to sustain us, for
mind you, if the King didn’t catch him at
Sable Rock, we've got to do it, and it‘s Buf-
falo Bill remember we has to tackle.”

This voice came from the pines, not two
hundred feet from Buffalo Bill, and, as.
though to accept the invitation offeredna man
stepped out frmn the shadow of the cliff and

walked across the trail in the full glare of.

the moonlight.

’*~T\

J,

  
   
   
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
   
  
   
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
  
  
   
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
   

'22

In an instant Buffalo Bill had leaped into
his saddle, and with a revolver in each hand
rode around the bend in the canyon.

He kept close in under the shadow of the
cliff for a hundred feet, and just then saw
the form of the guard returning to his post,
be having gotten his drink.

 in an instant Buffalo Bill covered him and
 i pulled trigger.
1 v' The man uttered a cry of pain and fright

f'i. commingled and staggered backward falling

heavily, while Buffalo Bill with his wild and
terrible warlcry sprung forward, both re-
volvers rattling forth and aimed into the
pines about where be supposed the other
outlaws were seated.

Over the form of the fallen man his horse
bounded. and away like an arrow he flew,
the revolvers of Buffalo Bill flashing into the
pines as he rode by.

Not until he was a hundred feet beyond
the fallen outlaw did an answering shot
come and the Pony Rider answered it with
a yell, as the bullet whizzed by his head.

t Then he suddenly drew rein, and wheeling
quickly to the right rode off the trail.

His quick eye caught sight of three horses
hitched not far away and plainly visible in
the moonlight.

To catch rein after rein and cut them
loose, and then start the three horses ahead
of him in a run was the work of an instant,

" .and he uttered a shout of triumph as he re-
gained the trail with his prizes and kept
.'them at full speed on toward Valley Farm.

Hislbold act had been seen too late to pre-
vent, but as he sped along a rifle sent bullets
flying after him, one striking his own horse
in the hip.

On the Pony Rider. flew, his captured
‘horses dashing on ahead, like animals ac-
customed to being driven in droves.

The moonlightrevealed the face of Buffalo
Bill, stern, determined, defiant and triumph-
:nnt, for he felt that he had added another
bold deed to his many daring achievements.

He did not let the horses slacken their
speed until they drew near Valley Farm, and

1then he said:
. ,s “I must go slow, or Gentleman George.
2 Little Sunbeam and those savage dogs will
alh be upon me, thinking 1am the whole
Cloven Hoof outfit.”
' ' Ten minutes after at a slow pace he rode
;. up to the stockade and heard the stern chal-
‘ ‘lehge: I . .
 “ Who are on?" ‘
v “ Buffalo ill, Gentleman George, and
three outlaws’ horsesI captured back in the
canyon four miles from here.

I “ Can you mount and return with me, for
 I brought down one of their riders, and we
I :may capture the others, too.”

’ ” I will go at once—shall I bring my
'-dogs?”

“ No, they would tear them to pieces, and
I don't want that. ' ’
“I am on time, am I not?” ‘
“ch, with two minutes to spare," was
the answer of Gentleman George, and call-
ing to his daughter to look out for the cabin,
and bring a rifle out to Buffalo Bill, he
mounted onset the outlaws’ horses.

Buffalo Bill gave the pouches ovar to
_' Little Sunbeam, and then,»with Gentleman

George by his side rode back on the trail,
behaving changed from his wounded horse
“to onset those he had on turedpand which,

« , CHAPTER XLV.
.nnnmn 'rmn. 

Gannan Gnome ihe’ stock-tender ac-.
fircompanisd Buffalo Bill back to the scene of
‘ his running the gantlet with the hope that
they. might capture the two outlaws as they
were not mounted. ,

, f‘The one I fired on we will find there I
- ow, for if they have find they cannot take
“him along. dismounted as, they ,are," said
the Pony Rider. ' ‘

 
 

 
 
 
    

 
 

  

   
   
   
  
 
 

‘ he should dismount and adysnce on
dent, some distance ahead of Gentleman
Wye, who w'ould follow with the horses“
“Arriving within a short distance of the

gear! with the rifle L ttle Sunbeam had brought
, him. went ahead. , ‘ r . , I ‘
‘ :‘eshrelnsightof the plus this

  
  

~lay upon the ground near the body, and also

an has been said, were a ready saddled and"
bridled‘.f - .

Asthey rode along Buflalo Bill arranged ,

mu. after a m id ride, Buflslo Bill arm- .

 

 
 
 

, forty m
‘0

getting out of the moonlight. in the shadow
of the cliff he advanced cautiously.

He soon came in sight of a dark form ly-
lug on the ground.

" They have fled and left their dead com-
rade unburied," he said.

A close search of the thicket where Gen~
tleman George came up, showed that the
two men were gone, and they had departed
in such haste that they had left their blankets
on the ground where they had been seated.

On the blanket was a rifle, and there was
upon it stains of blood.

“ See here, Mr. Cody, one of your random
shots at the other two wounded one of them
surely.

“ It looks so, and that explains why only
one fired at me.

“ Now to this dead man.”

“ We will carry him back with us, and I
will bury him to-morrow.”

“ Yes, they left him unburied but I can-
not‘ do that.”

“They robbed him too, or rather took
from him all that he had valuable, for his
pockets are turned inside out.”

“ But they left his rifle and belt-of—arms,
see!” and Buffalo Bill pointed to a rifle that

a belt of arms. .

” I guess the man who was not hurt had
all he could look after with his wounded
comrade and his own weapons," answered
Gentleman George, and he added:

“ Your bullet was well aimed, for it
struck him in the head.

” Now we will strap him upon his saddle,”
and the body was lifted to the back of the
third horse which they had brought with
them.

“Feeling that it was useless to look for
the fugitives by night they started back to
the ,station riding at a swift gallop.

So far Gentleman George had not spoken
of the noble and daring partlhis dau hter
had played to save Buffalo Bill, an the
latter wondered that he had made no men-
tion of it. ' '

He was surprised when Gentleman George
asked: ' .

“ Have the Cloven Hoofs given any
trouble along the trail the last couple of
days, 'Mr. Cody?” ,/

“ Have you heard nothing from’the east-
ward since I was last here?”

“ Not a word.‘

“ How could I?” 4

Buffalo Bill made no reply, but the
thought flashed through his mind that Lena
Ross had not told her father of her going to
Headquarters Ranch, and he wondered how
she eculd keep it from him.

' So he ventured: 1 l

“I didn’t know but that Little Sunbeam’
might have seen some one.” "

“ No, for if she had she would have told

me. .
“ Oflate she has not gone out hunting as
much as she used to do, on account of the
Cloven Hoofs having been seen on the trail.”
They had ,now arrived at the stockade; and
there stood Little Sunbeam ready to receive
them.

She glanced quickly at the limp form on
the saddle, and said in a pathetic way:

"‘ Another corpse?’ '

“ Ohi'is it not terrible that to live in this
wild land one must kill, kill. kill!”

“ Mr. Cody fired in’ self-defense, my
daughter,” reproachfully said the stock-
tender. . ‘

“ I well know that, father. for Buflalo Bill
is not one to take life without just cause.

“ I was only referring to the fact that life
here renders t necessary tb constantly keep
your hand‘raised against your fellow-man.”

“ It'is true. Miss Lens. and sad that it is
so; but; fortunate] , we are on the side of
justice and self-dc ense.'( ' .

, “ Do not think Imeant a reproach to you,
Buffalo Bill, for I did not.
“ Why, have I not also had to kill in both ‘
ownand others’ defense?" : 1

,“ Has not Pony Bob come in yet?” quickly
asked the stock-tender, seemin, now to miss
him for the first
was overdue. r . I
Buffalo Bill quickly looked at his watch
and said: ‘ ’ - - ~

  
  
   
 

  
  

time, and res izing that he '

x'uws ,1 automates Pony 1391:; he a,

surname Double Dilemma.

and he is doubtless detained at the place
where the trail crosses the rapids, and 1 will
go and meet him and bring him over a
bridge I only finished to-day across tne
istream half a mile above where the crossing
s.

“Daughter, see that Buffalo Bill gets a

ood supper, and I will soon be back with

ony Bob.”'

Bufth Bill had entered the stockade as he
was talking to Lena Ross, While her father
had placed the body of the dead outlaw upon
the piazza to await burial on the morrow.

As Gentleman George spoke of the cross-
ing, he leaped upon one of the outlaws’
horses and rode rapidlyJ away, leaving Buf-
falo Bill and Little Sun earn together.

 

CHAPTER XLVI.
A SURPRISE FOR BUFFALO BILL.

“ COME in, Buffalo Bill, and I will soon
have your supper ready‘for you," said Little
Sunbeam as her father rode away.

“ I would rather wait until Pony Bob
comes, Miss Lena, and we will have supper
together.”

“ Just as you please, but I feared you
would wish to rush right off. for I know how
anxious you always are to be on time to the
second.”

“Well I guess this time will be an excep-
tion, for I will have something to detain me
going back."

“ Is anything wrong?"

“ Not yet, but it would be if I left some-
thing undone.

“ The fact is, Little Sunbeam. I am sure
that one of the stock-tenders is a traitor."

“ Then I can name him.

It DZ so.” .

“ Silent Sam."

“ What reason have you to suspect him?"

“ I have no reason ot er than to have dis-
covered that he has company he never speaks
of and they are none of our people either.

“Then if he is not a villain it is a shame
that Nature gave him the face of one."

“ It is Silent Sam I referred to; Little Sun-
beam,” answered Buffalo Bill and he went
on to’ tell what he had: discovered, and that
he intended making Silent Sam a prisoner
upon his return and taking him to the ranch
with him.

Then Buffalo Bill continued: -

“ Now, Little Sunbeam, I wish to bank
yell for your great kindness 'to mei com-
ing to my rescue as you did."

“How do you mean, Buffalo Bill?”

“ Need I explain to you that your testi-
mony got me out of a scrape, for matters
were looking bad for me when you came, and
you are a brave little woman to make that,
long night ride as you did.” .

“ Why, Buflalo Bill, I do nct know what
you mean?” . '

“ Do you mean that you do ndt want'your
father to know ‘2’ ’ ’

“ Know what?” ‘

“I did not tell him, for from a word or
two he said I did not think that he knew, so
I did not give an swag.”

" See here, ufialo ill, you don’t appear
to be drunk. and I do not believe you are
delirious with fever; but what you mean by
talking as you do I cannot understand.”

“ Do you mean to say you do not under-
stand w y I wish to thank you?" ‘

.“J‘I dosay so.” . I ‘

H‘ Do you deny having been to Headquar-
ters Ranch ?"

“ I have not been there in two months. ”

“ Two days, you mean.”

“ I said two months, and I mean it."

nessin my favor?" :' ' ,

“ Inever was, and I do, not know to what
you alude.” /’ \

“ Upon honor?" « .

“ Yes, upon my honor." '

“ You deny having warned me of outlaw
tra s b letters and having been my Girl
Guide y a secret, trail around Wolf Den

?1! ‘ . ‘ >

 
  

“ Itis all news ‘to me’.
“ I never wrote you a letter in, my life." '
" I cannot. understand why' you deny all

, .

which my own eyes sec.’ ,

 

notes, he ..
h ' . are all; high

" Do youmsantosay .that oil in 
mafia? have #5 Harlan 7

     

“ Then you will deny having [been a wit-~

this. Miss Lenin but I am one to believe/that: ..

 

 

' 

 

   
      
     
 
   
             
        
      
      
    
   

 

 

 
 

‘f—

Muewéu... «w

  

 

terms?” 5”" .

‘rv‘r

 

- <  5131' 3 subs '

 

 

when we met on the trail, when I was hunt-
ing, and rode back here with you?" ,

“ I mean to say thatl saw you in disguise
some days ago, when you uidcd me by the
secret pass 1 spoke of, an I have received
several warning letters from you, staked up
in the trail, giving me news that saved my
life, while you appeared as a witness in my

g behalf the other night at Headquarters
Ranch.

“ But you deny all this?"

“ Most certainly I do, though there is
nothing that I would not do to save any of
the brave Pony Riders from death."

Buffalo Bill shook his head in an incredu-
lous way and Little Sunbeam asked quick-
] ' ~

“ Have you those letters?”

“ I have the last one [received with me.”

“ Let me see it.”

He handed her the last warning, and the
moment she glanced at it she said:

“ Why, this is not my writing, Buffalo
Bill.

“ Come in and I’llshow you my writin ,
for you cannot see well in the moonlight.’

He silently followed her into the cabin, and
she handed to him her diary, and said:

“ See, that is my writing, and it is wholly
different from this letter.” '

“ Yes, but the testimony of my eyes."

“' You say that you saw me?”

it X'eS-l' '

“ At headquarters?”

“ Buffalo Bill, I pledge you my word you
are mistaken."

“ Then you have a double, Little Sun-
beam, and I did not believe that possible.”

” I a double?” she cried excitedly, and
then she stood lost in deep meditation 9. mo-
ment, and broke the silence with:

“ Buffalo Bill, you did not see me at the
ranch, for I was not there.

“I did not write those warning letters,
gladly as I would have warned you if I had
known of your danger.

“Some one else has, and I ask you, did
she say that she was Lena Ross?”

“ No, I recall now that she simply raised
her veil and revealed your face, when Cap-
tain Starbuck asked her who she was.”

“Buffalo Bill, you interest me far more
than you can know. i ,

“ Sit ri ht there and tell me the whole
story of y—my-rdouble,” and Lena Ross
spoke in a'tone of deep feeling.

 

CHAPTER XLVII.
ON THE TRAIL or A man.

“IF the girl is deceiving me she is a finish-
ed actress and a very wicked woman to say
what she does on honor.” .

So said Buffalo Bilbwhen he looked at
Little Sunbeam and heard her last words,
begging him to tell her the story he had
claimed she knew all about. .

But there was a look away 'back in the
depths of her beautiful eyes that was all in-
nocence and truth, and so he said:

“Little Sunbeam. I am inclined to take
your word against my own eyesight.”

“Do so, for you will have it proven to
you. that I would not lie to you, would ,not
deceive you. _ ~

“What motive havsI for doing so, and
had it been in my power to have served. on,
and other Pony Riders, would I not ave
gladl done so?

“ ould I not be too lad to accept the
honor, and not to seek to snfiv it? ‘

“Then too, how could I ave been your
mysterious guide and yet be here whebyou
arrive. for I would not have fresh mounts‘as
you Pony Riders have?"

 “I thought of all that, and Tadmit I was

. bewildered, and yet I had the‘svidsnce of
' what I saw, and others MW, and one and all
believed that it was you.”
“ Do you now think so, Buffalo Bill ?”

' r, “Frankly no, when I have your word

that it was not; yes, and reason too tells me
as I view it now that it could not have been
on. , x ' -

“But then who Was it?" e

“That I am going to ask you to find out
for me, for it is more important than you
now can imagine.
“ But tell me,
, unless. your meeting with. her.

    

please the wholestory of
and

I .
her coming to appear as a witness in your
favor.

“ Yes, I wantto know it all, and you will
tell me, will you not, Buffalo Bill?"

“ Yes, I will tell you all, and perhaps we
can find out who my Girl Guide is."

Then Buffalo Bill told the whole story
from beginning to ‘end, stating that he had
kept the warning a secret as he supposed of
course that his mysterious guide was in some
way connected with the band of Cloven
Hoofs and it would get her in trouble if it
was known that she had done anything to
aid the Pony Riders.

“ When, as he supposed, Little Sunbeam
appeared as the “Unknown,” he confessed
that he was completly staggered. and Cap-
tain Starbuch had wondered how she, the
stock-tender’s daughter, was so well inform-
ed of the movements of the outlaws.

“I tell you, Little Sunbeam, no one save
you and I must hold this secret, that it was
not you that appeared at the trial that night,
for we might save the one who serves me so
well a great deal of trouble, as it will surely
leak out and get to the cars of the Cloven
lioofs in some way, for see, Fearless Frank
intended to play a bold game to benefit him-
self, and Silent Sam is a traitor, so you see
we must be careful who we trust.”

“ Certainly, and I wish to ask you not to
speak to my father of this, at least not for
a while, as I wish more material than we
now have to Work on before I tell him about
it.” ' '

“ I will do as you wish, Miss Lena.”

“Thank you, and let me tell you that it

yes and others too."

“ But is it not strange that Pony Bob has
not come in, for it is past the time for you to
have started on your return run?"

“ Yes, I should have been off ten minutes

“Iwill get a horse and ride on to see
what is the matter.”

Several horses were aiwa s kept up at the
cabin, so in a few minutes uflalo Bill had
saddled an animal and was on his way up the
trail.

He rode directly to where it crossed the
brook, 'ust at the rapids, and as he reached
the for he saw Gentleman George coming
across. _

“You have not found him?" he said, anx-
iously, as the stock-tender reached the‘ shore
where he was. .

“No, and, as you see, it was not the
brook that detained him, for it was not near
so high as, I thought. - ,

“ I crossed on my bridge, a quarter of a
mile‘above, and which spans the stream
where it is narrow, running between high
cliffs.”

“, Did you ride far-‘2”

“ Several miles.”

“And saw no signs of him?’

“None, so I returned to talk with you as
to what was best to be done.” ‘ i
you .return, for your daughter is‘all shine
and you may be needed.”

“True, but Lena is (pretty well able to
take care of herself, an then the cabin is
stort you know, while 'she has the dogs,
oo.’

“Yes, but I dislike to leave her alone,
and I can find out what the trouble is, for
I cannot understand the delay, as Pony Bob
is an on-time rider, as you know, and pretty
well able to take care of himself.’

“Yes, indeed, he certainl is; but he is
mortal, and a bullet will ring any man
down—see there! some one is comin ."

They were in the hadow of t s trees
across the stream, and they both behold a

. form come into the moonlight.

He was following the trail, and [coming
alon at a trot, '

" ravo! it is Pony Bob, and'hs has had
trouble for he is afoot," cried Bufialo Bill

horses across‘ths stream watching the dis
mounted Pony Rider’s approach. ‘

 

, l ‘
. CHAPTER'XLVIII.» 
Pour BOB.

‘ PONY Ben was as cunning ssva fox, allot
his comrades asserted, ,,  ‘ . ..
He was small ingstatnre,'but wiry

 

 



.night on his long and lonelyJuns, and f

means a‘ great deal to my father and myself,

“Iam going on to the next station, but'

to Gentleman George. as the two sat on their '

 

quick, while he held himself erect with the
di nity of a general reviewing his command.

at Pony Bob's dignity was all in appear—
ance outwardly, as he was the greatest lump
of mischief in the Pony Riders’ League.

He could run like a deer, ride like a Go-
manche, and mount and dismount at full
speed.

His endurance was wonderful, and he
Eras wholly devoid of knowing emotion of

ear. .
Big chances he always took, and his very
boldness was wont to carry him through.

When in his camp he was constantly play-
ing jokes upon his comrades, and his nno-
cent expression caused him to be the last
man suspected.

Buffalo Bill was his beau ideal of manhood
and Wild Bill was another type of man that
he regarded as far above par.’

It had been Pony Bob’s luck once to do a
great service to a Mormon train, and since
then he had been most kindly regarded by all
of Brigham Young’s followers.

Eiiiery minute of his life Pony Bob on-

o e .

j f he ate a crust of bread he was fully
satisfied with it, and if he slept on a bed of
leaves he enjoyed it, while when " the very
best " fell to his lot it gave him no greater
pleasure.

He enjoyed riding along by day and b

  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
   
   
   
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
  
   
 
    
   
   
 
  
  
  
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
   
  
  
  
 
  
  
    
  
 
  
  
   
  
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
   
    
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
  
   
  
   
  
        
         
   
 
  
  
 
 
  

danger came he would meet it with a bold
front and what his indomitable pluck would
not accomplish his cunning and cleverness
would. '

He had been a target for scores of bullets.
but they were wont to pass him by, and
when wounded. as he had been several times,
the were, as he asserted, “slight affairs,
an I needed bleedin as I was living too
hi h—-—alWays on top 0 a horse.” _ .

hen Pony Bob played a joke his quick
departure from the crowd showed that he .
was fearful of consequences, and no one had
ever seen him laugh outri ht himself, but
the old trick was always urking in his ’
e es.
ySuch was the oung Pony Rider that Buf-
falo Bill and entleman George had gone,
out on the search of. . ’

Buffalo Bill had felt perfect confidence in
Pony Bob's coming in, if he was alive. ‘

It was the thought that he had been shot ,‘
from ambush that troubled him. ‘

And Pony Bob?

Wh , he had started on time,» and with
some important papers from San Francisco -'
that a company there had paid the Overland
Express Company special rates to have sent,
through in haste and safely. \

He .had ridden faster than his wont, go
that the paperspould get in ahead of regular
schedule time, ‘and had passed station after
lsltation aheisd of time and without a this-g

ap. . , ‘ ._
, As he‘ reached the last station beforsthe,
one where Gentleman George lived, and,
which was the end of his eastern run, the"
stock-tender said: .

. “ Bob. there is troubleahsad.” .

“ What’s up?” ~ : v
‘ “’I was out hunting this afternoon, and I I
came upon acamp in'ths timber under Eagle , '
Rock." n . r

“ Close quarters, there?” v -

“ Yes, there is no chance of going through ;
unseen on horseback.” ' .

“ No, it does look that way, and- they are
laying for me!” ‘

“ Yes,._they are Cloven Hoofs ”

“ How many of themare there?" , , .
‘ “I counted five horses staked out on the
{idle’ meadow on the creek side of the 

er.’ x 4 a ’

“ That means five men. or four'and a

ack-horss,: for those outlaws always travel

9 style.” . ' . ,
"Yes, if more than two are along they
sang; pack-horse generally." r\ ‘
. “ ell. four are a little too rich for my.
blood, Handy.” ' 
“That’s what, and if I was you I’d pl .
the sneak act on them." \ ‘ r ‘5,
“ How is that?" ‘ r , 2
"It is to turn your horse. loose and send.
him in this direction. foril’ll watch for him:
and then slip through on foot, as, you can do »
aid hoo'f. it to the station »of’ Gentleman
‘ or e.’ , l ‘ , . 1
"'Ig's a hoot dance ermine-miles. Hardin“!

  

 
  

 

    
   

 
   
  
 
 
 

 
  
 
 

 
   

‘24

' Buffalo Bill’s Double Dilemma.

 

“ Yes, but it’s a longer trail to the Happy
Hunting Grounds, Pony Bob.”

“ Right you are, pard. ,

“ Jmt, I’ll be guided by circumstances
when i get there— Say, now I think of it,
Handy, lend me an old suit of clothes and a.
hat that bullets won’t injure to any alarm-
ing extent, and several sticks and a. lariat,
too.”

. v “I see your little game, Pony Bob. lf
” ., anything is to be. shot it won’t be you.”

‘ “ Exactly; but, hurry up with the things.
for, though l’m ahead Well on time, it will
take me half an hour to build my dummy, if
I have to do so; but, you bet, Handy, I’m
going through on this run, for the Pony Ex—
press Company can’t afford to lose me. ‘

"I never heard any of the company say
so, but that is my opinion."
“ You are right, Pony Bob, and your life
. is more valuable than any freight you may
/ carr

 
 
 
  
   
  
 
  
 
 
  
  
  
 
 
 
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
 
  
 
 
    
   
   
   
  
 
 
   
    
    
 
  
 
    
 
  
  
    
 
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
 
  
  

camp was in the timber, the horses in the
meadow, and five of them—don't forget.”

“ Forget? Why, I’m branded with it,
Handy—tra-la-la," and Pony Bob was away
to face the danger ahead of him.

 

CHARTER XLix.
THE FONY RIDER’S RUSE.

PONY BOB went flying along the trail, his
- mind budy with what was before him.
The moon lighted his way, but whether

dashing through heavy timber, under the

shadows of the high walls of a canyon,‘
, around a mountain spur, or over a range, he

, ke t up the same steady pace.
e was light. he had,a 00d horse and he
_ was goin over the groun at a speed that
. was mak ng minutes in his favor on time of
V .larrival, that is if he did not meet with a de-
_ u by.

- As he neared Eagle Rock hedrew his horse
' down to a gallop, and then toacanter, at last
, going in a walk, ~

‘ Soon he dismounted, hitched his horse at!
the, trail and went forward on foot, having
:hldden his pouches and thebundle of old
in s Handy had su plied him with.
e proceeded wit the utmost caution, un-
fll'be came in viewof Eagle Rock.
‘ 'The wind was light, and blowing toward

us. -

“ They are there,” he said, as he smelt to-
bacco-smoke. ,.

,,Tben he went toward the timber, and got
rapesition where he saw a camp-fire that had
been covered up, yet flashed up again.

“ Now to the horses," muttered Pon
Bob, and making a flank movement aroun
he timber, he saw the meadow. . .

», But the moonlight showed that the horses

’ere not there. ‘ ‘, _

, “ They‘ve got them nearer at hand, and

' .formoving. ‘ ’

 ‘ must borrow one if I can.”

Grasping into the timber, he soon found

ehorses all saddled and bridled.‘ ,
g one of the animals, as well as he
could in the darkness. t ing to get the best,
imounted him and r , e hack to where he
had left his own animal. . '  V
I _ hen'he wont to work “ building his man,”
has): ressed it. .  r 3'
The i) I nket on theoutlaw’s horse and some
you served as stufling, and the old coat,
, ' ,.,boots and hat, with the help of a lariat
d stakevrope was soon a. fair re resents-

outlaw’szhorso. ,

But» try as he would, Pony Bob could not
maths horse run the traih . r
,fl‘e; turned and turned, and would not
veils horse. ’_ , t - -, ,
ilfom sorryto have you go, old fellow,
, hey‘ may kill you; but you'll have to
thatarget, and you ' bet I’ll make this,

“saying Pony Bob transferred the‘dum-
Ponyfiider to his own‘ borse,‘ after
his saddle and bridletoo, and than
» ‘flfpouches about his shoulders.

.am_, just due here," hammered,

yet. , ~ ,. . , . l
at llhnakeghis try first." ' ‘

 
 
  

  
   

   
   

iswatch.‘ v 
 £0,131} lime: 81
menu. of
nndcd

“liemernber, it is at Eagle Rock, and the I

‘ rung out. and he added:

vefof a man and bound to, the sadde of, the "

andthe chances are ,that I‘ll have '

,' trail just as though his rider was on his
9 back.
l’ony Bob did not hesitatcan instant, but

{ throwing himself into his saddle darted after
i the Perry Express horse.
, But he only went for a short distance
‘ along the trail. and then, driving the spurs
: deep into the flanks of the horse he rode, he

wheeled off obliquely, intending to flank the
' position held by the outlaws.
i The valley there was notover four hundred
i yards in width, the trail running nearer the
i right side, under Eagle Rock, than to the
' left.

It was broken by a few large bowlders
that had rolled down from the mountains on
the left and hero and there Were a clump of
trees.

Pony Bob’s plan was to ride as far to the
left as possible, and while the outlaws were
trying to head off his dummy rider, to get by
the narrow space and unseen and so keep on
his way. _

The “ pony” (lashed right ahead along the
trail, and the clatter of his hoofs told the
waiting outlaws that the Express Messenger
was coming and on time.

They were upon their feet and ready in an
instant. ’

“ Halt!" yelled a voice as the horse came

side as though to dodge a bullet.
' But though the ou'tlawhad .commanded
“ halt,” as though to be merciful, he followed
it uickly with a shot.

at the rider did not fall and the flying
horse was almost upon the outlaws. ,

“Riddle him with bullets!” yelled the
voice of the outlaw leader, and it was heard
by Pony Bob. .

The volley of rifles that followed the com-
mand shoWed that there were half a dozen
outlaws at least in the party.

But, though the storm of lead seemed to
make the rider reel badly, he did not fall
from his saddle, and again the clear, ringing
voice of the chief was heard:

“ Kill the horse 1"

As he gave tbe'order he leaped out in
front of the horse, almost upon him, and
fired his revolvers, his shot being followed
by a'rapid cracking of weapons at close
quarters.

The doomed horse bounded into the air
and fell heavily, riddled with bullets, roll-
;nagkover the dummy rider lashed to his

0

 

CHAPTER L.
, a RENNING FIGHT. .

“Tunis King Cloven Hoof‘s voice—I
have heard it before,” said Pon' Bob as the
first command to halt reached his ears as be
was speeding to get ,by on the further side
of the valley. ', . v ' " ‘

Then came the shot, and again the ’voice
was heard.» , _ ' ‘

“Poor ony, yougare doomedfif mur‘mqr-
ed Pony ,0b, and he added: 7 ‘ ' v
b “ Well, the row over there helps me go
‘ Y‘s), _ i ‘ r ‘

, Then came the command in the same clear

. voice to kill the horse.

"Poor pony," muttered Bob as the volley

, *‘Handyiwas mistaken
for there Were over'half a dozen outlaws
there. ‘ n \ .  ' 1

“ I should have counted the horses."
. Hardly had the ords been uttered when
Pony Bob found t at the outlaws over by
Ea e Rock were ‘not all. that there were. "
‘ , e King of the Cloven Hoofs was present
himselfgon the field and he left nothing to
chance, he guarded/well his'flanks, - l
.' ‘This Pony Bob discovered when he saw‘a
man spring from behind abowlder? and fire
athim. '* ,‘  ,’ v ‘. , '
Fortunately: he missed." ,’ ’ r ‘ .
Then another came out :from the shadow
of a tree and fired. , ., I , ,
.,The bullet cut through thelsaddle-pouehes
she carried. ' ' " ‘

  

   
  
 
 
 
   
    
    
    
  
 
  

 
 

e.‘

 
  
  
 

 

the jump that he‘gay
’ It s' u: pk

in sight, the “ rider” leaning far over on one-

in the .numbers, ‘

, ‘ ‘_ Athird'mamever  the'rdcksals’o fired, ‘ r
" {and Pony Bob ’felt that his horse was h‘it by,

. most;ssri°‘i°71‘9rx119w «7

 

 

in. line of men across the little Valley to the
other side.

He knew how tricky Pony Bob was, and
was determined he should not slip by on
foot if be suspected danger at Eagle lix’lt‘k.

But the men on guard across the Valley
had been so taken up with the uring at
Eagle Rock, they had all been gazing in
that direction and so it was that the real
ridcr'had gotten close upon them before he
was seen.

Then to their horror they discovered that
there were two Pony Riders and one of them
seemed likelyto go by, to dash through the
line.

When he realized his danger, Pony Bob
was not idle.

He quickly drew his revolver and opened
fire.

He was a crack shot, and he sent two
bullets first at the man nearest to him, then
two more at the one under the tree, and
the last two at the third man, over by the
clill’. ‘

He was anxious to try and wound each
one.

The first man escaped, but the second one
fell to his knees, tried to get up and toppled
over.

The third seemed to have also escaped, for
the Clovcn Hoof called out:

“Kill Pony Bob, pards, or the King will
kill us.”

They had emptied their rifles, so now turn-
ed to their revolvers.

But Pony Bob was within fair range, and
they opened. .

As for the daring Pony~Rider he had emp-
tied his rcvolver, and one was all. that he.
carried. . 1

He had a derringer in his pocket. but this
was kept for a last emergency and was not
used at a distance.

So Pony Bob had to “take his medicine”
as he said, as the outlaws gave it to him,

Another shot wounded his horse again,
and he heard a bullet, and felt it. too, strike
the thick leather pouches on his back.

He knew that the bullet would have en-
tered his back but for the pouches.

Another bullet cut through the brim of his
hat, and a third again wounded the unfer-
tunate horse.

But Pony Bob was out of range now, andf
though his horse he felt was hard bit, he was-
still running well, and the rider was ready.‘
for a spring when he went down.

Ifhe could only last him a quarter'of a;
mile further he would be all right,” he could.
elude, his foes on foot... , ' '

The yell of disappointment that the Cloven.
Hoofs gave vent to, when they found a dum--
my instead of Pony Bob. the latter heard"
and he smiled in his peculiar way and mut-
tered:

" The way they’ll swear would makes. sea.
captain drown himself with envy. *

p“ Just listen to that, now l” r y -

The last remark wascaused by hearing;
the chief 3 voice uttering most ‘violent oaths,
and then saying; i

“ Gone by us, you say

that line!” - ' /
Pony Bob chuckled and muttered:
' i “ I wishhe‘d shootthe whole outfltl”
:Then, came thofinging command:
"‘ To your horses all and Catch him-1” ._
" That means me,” muttered
and heidrove the spurs deep. 2 ‘
He knew that the outlaws had all Of. three"
hundred yards to run to their horses. and by
the tune the were ready to start, he would
have ovgr ha‘f a mile the. start of them. _ ‘ ‘ ,
-,_ ,If he had had , his own horse. he, wouldi’
have had nothing to fear, for he could hurt”
held his lead. . ~ V V '

l

I ,That \the poor brute could :’ not of very“
much further Pony Bob‘re’hlized. an , then it
was a case of his beingdlsmounted'. - I

:A‘ ,h,

, ‘  ,3cIrAP‘ITE-R5Ltl .

l

  grammar; 'rlyn PONY RIDER. '.

Bongwias; ,n w er“).

 
  
  

 

‘2
“By Heaven,'bnt I'll shoot every man on

Pony Bab; '

Even with his present ,monnt‘; hefconld. .
have keptahead for a long time. but the nni- ‘
. malwas w‘ounded andweakening. ‘

i
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, Mai...”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

    

 

 

 

 

   

But he wanted to plan so that they would
not follow him.

How to do this he was considering.

With Pony Bob to consider was to act.

lie was not long hitting upon a scheme.

Glancing over his horse, as he ran along in
the moonlight, he saw that one of his wounds
“as in the flank.

That was the most serious one.

.\uothcr wound was in the neck and was
bleeding freely. .

.J The third wound was in the fleshy part of
the hind leg.

f, “Pretty fair shooting that, for you got
four wounds, the pouches two and my but
one.

“I got oil' well,” muttered Pony Bob.

“ Now, old fellow, you‘ have Served me
well, and it seems a shame to have to do a
cruel deed to you; but then it is best, all
i, things considered—ah! you nearly Went
- down, and are growing weaker.

“There is some timber ahead, and there

you shall rest—a last, long rest.”

. ‘o the timber the straining horse car-
ii ried his rider and was then turned off the
it trail.
1* After riding a couple of hundred yards,
‘1 Pony Bob forced the horse into a small
i.’ thicket of undergrowth and dismounted.

" it seems a pity, but you might neigh
and tell them I had not gone on still mount-
ed. 1

“ Good-by, old fellow, and don’t hear any
ill-feeling toward me if in the hereafter you
ever see me in the horse heaven looking for
a spirit mount. ”

So saying the Pony Rider took his knife
and drove the long, sharp blade deep into the
neck of the already dying horse.

As the animal fell he sprung aside, gather-
ed his pouches close about him, reloaded his
revolver, and walked rapidly back to the
trail.

Reaching it he set out in a brisk trot
which he had learned from the Indians and
knew would. carry him along at asix mile
an hour pace.

lie had gone but a short distance when he
heard the clatterof hoofs after him.

“ They are after me, and I was wise to
kill the horse, for he might have betrayed

, that I was dismounted, and had they seen
‘his dead body in the trail it would have also
told the story. , I ‘

“New I can find a hiding-place and let.“
them go by, and if they keep on and attack
Gentleman George’s station they will get a.
bitter dose, for Buffalo Bill is there by this
time.

“I wonder if those shots I heard up by
Eagle Rock, after I regained the trail, was
the King of the Cloven Hoots killing those
men I got by as he threatened; ,

“ Well, I won’t mourn their loss, and they
say that is the way King Cloven Hoof has
of doing.” . .

So musing, Pony Bob. trotted himself
along, no longer a rider but a runner.

/ He kept hishead half turned as he ran,

that he might watch for the coming of his
pnrsners, and one who saw him would have
thought he. was strangely reckless in that
respect. as he held on until they were close
. upon him. - I ,
" But Pony Bob knew that he was no longer
_ , running in the moonlight, but in thick tim-
; _ her where he could not be seen. .
' / Then, too, he was anxious not. to delay a
minute longer than was necessary. v
a: When he felt that he dared not take further
" i ~ chances, he dashed ‘into a thicket just'ofl the
trails few feet and crouched there. .
 " Couldn’t be better," he" muttered. as he‘
:saw that there was a break in the timber,’

__,_,_,. ...v.,... <..............._ mum“

 

have to pass in full view (at him. ,,
A minute more and they were passing,

 
  

them. ' » .
'- The leader of the ClOVen Hoots was mag-
nificeuliy mounted upon a jet-blackhorse,‘
handsomely saddled and bridled. , ' y ’_ -
He rods with easiest grace. like one accus-
i'torned to the saddle from earliest boyhood.
He was dressed in black top~boots and a
biog? sombrero in which hexworeasable
pu e.. .’ ».    ‘
The moonlightshone run. in his face for

\

  

 
      

 

  
    

 i there and the whole party. of pursuers.‘would‘ ‘

and Pony Bob’s eyes were riveted Upon w

Then he had paused, and he was riding at
a run,

Behind him, riding in single file, came his
followers, and Pony Bob took good care to
count them.

“ The (Jloven lIoof chief
men.

“ But there were more than that, for some
body died this night back yonder under the
shadow of Eagle Rock.

“ Well, if i got through to—night, I’ll find
out on my way back, I'm afraid, more about
them than I care to know."

With this he left his retreat and again be-
gan his brisk trot along the trail, much
pileased with what he had thus far discover-
et .

and eight

 

CHAPTER Li].
A woman’s WARNING.

Fou over half an hour did Pony Bob keep
up his steady trot, going along the moonlit
trail just as he had followed it often on
horseback. 

He did not seem to tire, and his eyes were
constantly kept on the watch ahead, while
he occasionally cast a backward glance.

He did not intend to run into a. snare
knowingly, and he was as determined that
no one should overtake him, had any of the
outlaws remained behind.

' Sudden] , as he looked far ahead, he
(taught sig it of a group of horsemen.

They had come to a‘halt in the trail, and
he was not long in following their example.

But only for a minute, for he saw that the
condition of the country just there was such
that he could skit along the trail and keep
hidden in the thickets and among the rocks.

He knew that he was within a few miles
of Valley Farm Station, and he was anxious
to get as near to the outlaws as possible to
learn why they had stopped.

He had gotten to within a. couple of hun-
dred yards of them, and was then compelled
to bait, for there was no thicket to hide him
further.

Just where he halted he knew there was a
broad trail branching off from the one he folv
lowed as a Pony Express Rider. ‘

This trail wound around the thicket and
met a dozen paces from where he was hiding.

He remembered that just here it was that,
Ed Darke, a Pony Rider, hadheenkilled by
the Cloven Hoots, and Diman N ed. another
Pony Rider. had been trailed to this point,
and ,then all trace of him was'lost. r

He had carried a valuable freight, and his
going’had been put down as a " mysterious
disappearance." ‘ ‘

'A few, perhaps, had suspected that he had
run ofi',’ with the pouches, but those who
knew him best resented the charge.

Like Jim Judson, another of the riders,
Wolf Den Pass, his fate was unknown.

Just where the trail led Pony'Bob'd'd not
know, but now the Cloven Hoots had’ sited
suspiciously near it. » ' »

As Pony Bob watched the Cloven .Hoofs
he saw them? start and come slowly back
along the pony trail. ~ . = ‘

This move Pony Bob'had not expected.
and he at once thought that he had risked
too much. for he dared not move then, as he
might catch their eye, and to remain there
where he was he felt was about as an un-
pleasant a duty as he could perform:

But he was in i'orv'it and socrouched close

' down between the t\\'owlittle scrub pines

where he had taken refuge. _ .
, As th y drew nearer to him Pony Bob

the horseman. ,
' But he was not alone. , , I
By his, side rode a person upon whom

. Pony Bob‘s eyes wereifastened [in a way that

fascinated him. . . I , .
“‘A woman as sure as death is certain.”
teeth. ' , , .

 It was a woman and no mistake. and as
the moonlight“ fell upon her, Pony Bob be-

vsahlevsombrero and plume, 'anddrmasked

her seat in the saddle ,wssmarfeot. a '
, The 'horses Were ‘now at‘a slow

  
  
 
  

  

 

an instant as he passed, and Pen y. Bob saw
"that it was.“ baarded‘a '

 

ndrthat he were."

who had disappeared in the same'way near ,

' pantingnlike a hound
saw thatthc ehief still rode at the hm 9f,
‘ i ‘ “George, to' get me a horse and rifle,
five of, thorn ‘i”

came from between the Pony 'Rider‘s sot .-

held a slender form clad in'adark habit, s'

, She was mounted upon a black.  and

' aik, and «were let

 

  
  
 
 
   
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
 
  
 
   
   
  
  
   
 
  
  
  
    
  
    
   
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
   
   
   
    
     
   
 
  
  
 
  
   
  
  
   
 
   
  
    
    
 
   
    
   
 
       
   
    
    
      
   

They were talking, too, and in no low key
and Pony Bob's ears drank in every word
that was said:

“ You are sure of this, that a large Pon
Rider Patrol is going to scout along the trail
to-night‘!" said the King of the Cloven Hoofs
in an angry tone.

“Yes, our spy in the ranch came in with
the news, and I came at once to warn you, 
for you told me that you would strike to- ‘- .»
night Eagle Rock,” answered the woman * , '8;
and her voice was sweet-toned,though pitched ‘ ‘3;
a little high. 

“ You were prompt, as you always are, e
and we must go into hiding at once. ,

" I struck to night at Eagle Rock—let'us
halt harembut “that sly devil, Pony Bob,
dashed by us by a clever ruse, and we pur-
sued him this. far, when I halted for the rest
of the men to come up. so we could go on
and attack the station of Gentleman George
and capture Pony Bob’s freight and But. ‘ ‘
falo Bill‘s, at the same paying off old .‘ _
scores.” " y “

” I’m a goner," muttered Pony Bob, for»
the man and woman had halted within fifteen
feet of him.

" You had better call all your men off,” ~
said the woman. ’ .

“ I will at once.

“ There are five back on the trail, burying .,
the dead, for Pony Bob killed one and I shot
two for allowing him to break through their
lines.

“ The will soon be along."

“Sen a man to hurry them up, while we .
ride on." said the woman, and. Pony Bob said
fervently: ,' ’ ;

 

“ God bless that woman." '
The chief’s men had now halted near him,
and calling to one to ride with all hate to
Eagle Rock and hurry along the men there, .
as 9. Pony Riders’ Patrol was on the trail, he ,
rode on, accompanied by the woman and 'fo - \
lowed by the others. 1 V :
They took the trail branching 03 around V
the pine thicket, while the: messianger rode
away in the direction of Eagle Rock. ' , _
Pony Bob waited until theywere all out of
sight, and heaving a big.sigh of relief, he
said: 1‘ a
“ Choke yourself, Pony Bob, or you will.
yell for joy and have the whole gan’gbaekon
top of you." ' 1
With this admonition to himself. " he‘
sprung to his feet and darted along the trail
at a far better pace than he had been going
before When forced to take shelter. 5»
' This pace he kept up until he neared th
brook, and then before him two horsem
came into view. , ' "

CHAPTER LIII.
' THE OUTLAW-HUNTERS.

“ Tun Pony Rider afoot!” 

Such was Buffalo Bill’s hail ‘ PouyBo _.
as he came in sight, and stopped in trot-only,
when he reached the spot where" ths‘others
awaited him. i , , I , » ’f ' i

i “ Don't mention it, Bit. , , I

“ I’m lucky to be on. earth,v’,. respond
Pony Bob, in his funny we .‘ , . y  ,

“ Had a hard time, pard ‘ ‘ a ; , r

", Hard! w‘ell [guess so, at least it impress.‘
ed me that why. . ,5, , . i w 

“(But wait’ until I’ get my breathing-bet
lows calmeddoWn an ,I w: 1 tell you-,—
another her-so here?" -‘ 3 ' w ‘i . /. ‘

“ No. but you can ride mine, for» you. gag?

I, ‘
n

' I \ ‘ ,.

“ I'm glad; l’m printing, for my‘hx-
nearly left‘me awhile back. i 
, “But, how long Will it take, Gentleman.

v?

if you Would like to rope in some, outlaws,

“ I will go immediately, Pony Bob; but fig.
it far back on the trail?" . ’ '  .
‘.‘ 'A couple of miles, or slime oven, butfi
'seemedva good deal more to me. ‘ g, g ,
“ Suppose you bring the pouches I «a, W
carry on'and 1' will push through Ironmthe
and you, Parrl Bill, 'can take mine nowgva" '
you'll findthey’ve got bulletdioles hat
too.”~ ' ‘ r  .. ‘
Without longer delay Gentleimr‘n,.G,€0 no
startedbn'ok for; his cabin,~;and‘thc two V ’
toilette.  A “ ‘ "i . '
1 about it, Bill,
Georng on our

    

   
    

   

  

  

 
 
 
   
  
  

   

 
 

‘1’” tell you” a]
tail 2

    
  
   
  
  
  
   
    
  
   
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
   
  
 
  
 
  
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
   
 
 
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
 
 
  
 
  
   
  
   
   
    
 

26

l

‘ Buffalo  Double Dilemma.

.-,'

 

 

“ I'd like to have had one of Miss Lena’s
good suppers, only I would have lost too
much time.

“ How much am I behind?”

“Two hours only.”

“ I cannot make it up, especially if we are
detained after those Cloven Iloofs; but I
will not mind being a day behind if I can
get even with those fellows, for if you could
see my face distinctly you would see that I
am badly scared yet.”

“ I guess not, Bob, for you don’t scare
easy." ‘

‘f Wait until I tell you, Pard Bill," assured
Pony Bob and he at once began his story,

I from telling of the value of his freight, and

the warning of Handy the stock~tender, up to
his plot to deceive the Cloven Hoofs and
how he had carried it out.

Then he made known how he had had
them overtake and pass him, and again how
he had come upon them halted in the trail
and added:

“ Now who do you think halted them,
Bill?”

“ I do not know. "

“ It was a woman."

" A woman 2”

” Yes, I knew I would surprise you, but
it was a woman.

" She came out of that strange trail where

I Jordan disappeared. and she found them you

their way to attack the station,,for they were
waiting for those fellows we are going after
to come up.

“ She told the King of the Cloven Hoofs
.that a patrol of Pony Riders was coming
=out tonight on the hunt for them, and he

said they must go at once into hiding.”

" How did she hear of the patrol, for it is
,not so?”

“ She said it was reported by one of their

1 spies, who had brought the news to the re-

treat, and she , had come to tell him, that
chief, knowing he was at Eagle Rock.”

“ Did ‘she say no more?"

“No, and I wanted to ask her some (pres-

‘ tions but denied myself the pleasure.”
‘ » "No doubt."

“And, Bill, do’you know 'I heard the

”Cloven H'oof king say to her that I had

killed one of his men, and he had shot two
others for allowing me to break through their

{18. .

“He said‘this, and he left five men to
bury them, for you know the Clo-ven Hoofs
make ita rule to always bury their dead,
and to hide the'graves so no one will find

' 'them and see that they have lost any of

their band.”
“ Yes, I know; but, Bob, do not speak of

one else.” ‘
" All right, fPard Bill.”
v“ I have a good reason for asking it, which

- I cannot expl’in now, for yonder comes the

 
  
   
   
 
   
  
  
  
  
   
 
  

took-tender. ,
Just then Gentleman George rode up,

1 leading two horses behind him, and carry-
; ihg the valuable pouches that Pony Bob was
to carry on.

‘fI' brought fresh horses for all of us
whileI was about it, gentlemen, for the others
had been ridden, as you know,-Mr. Cody,
and we can bitch that horse here until we

. return.

, ,“ Lena put up your supper for you, too,
Pony Bob, so you would not have to go back
hungry.” ' i

" She has saved ,my life—just tell her so,

:Gentieman George," cried Pon 13015, as he
stock the little haversack of f Little Sun-
'beam had sent to him.

t was but a few minutes after the return
Gentleman George before they Were ready
tostart, Pony Bob armed with a rifle whi
the stock-tender had brought him.

Away! they went in a gallop, and the pace
wt“ Blackened until they drew near the

Then they walked their horses and when

7they reached the spot, where Pony Bob had

such an uncomfortable ten minutes,
the-three dismounted to try and'seeif they
could find the trail of the party of outlaws
hoped to head off.

any Trail into (mother. as the others went

7

'and their pack-animals with them.

that woman- to Gentleman George or any

f. We can tell if the tracksf turn out of the:
‘. i’berchnd then came, back," said‘l’onyflg .

 

CHBPTER LIV.
TAKING Tunm OWN MEDICINE.

THE warning words of Buffalo Bill caused
Pony Bob and Gentleman George to at once
follow him to shelter.

They had left their horses across the
trail that branched off, behind some large
rocks, and thither they quickly went to go
into ambush.

No better spot could have been found for
an ambush. for those in hiding were thor‘
oughly protected by the rocks, and their
foes would have to come within thirty feet of
them before they turned into the trail.

Then too the party in ambush were in the
shadow of some trees, while the outlaws
would be out in the bright moonlight. '

“There are more than five men in that
party, Pony Bob,” said Buffalo Bill as they
all heard the hoofs of the coming outlaws.

“ I remember now, Pard Bill, the chief
sent a messenger hack to tell the men to
come right on and go into hiding on account
of the Pony Patrol.” -

“That would make six.”

“ Yes, two to one. but then we are used to
odds against us, and then we have the call."

“ True, Pony Bob, but there are more
than six horses coming there."

“I think you are right, Mr. Cody, for it
sounds as though there Weretwice that num-
ber,” said Gentleman George.

“ Then I suppose we ought to git at once,”
Pony Bob remarked.

“ Oh no; we are here to fight, Robert—not
to run.”

” Fight or run I'm with you, Pard Bill——
with you to stay!" -

“ I well know that; but you have had
your run to-nigbt.

“If there are a dozen of them we must
stampede them, that is all, and the report
about the Pony Riders' Patrol will help us
greatly.

“ They will think they have struck a
large force. ” , l

“ And we won’t detain them if they1
wish to go. "

. “ N0, Bob, we’ll' encourage their going;
but there they come and I will halt them
first, then fire."

“ Giving them some of their own medicine
from ambush,” muttered Pony Bob, while
Gentleman George remarked:

“Yes, and they should be made to take
it—sce, there are riderless horses there," and
he pointed to the outlaws now plainly visible
in the moonlight.

“Yes, they have the dead men’s horses
You-
were ri ht, Pard Bill.”

” An there are six men only.

“ blow, stand ready,” .

As ' Buffalo Bill spoke, the six outlaws
came up close to the ambush, and they were
leading three horses with saddles on them
and“ two pack-animals, eleven in all, and
which showed how acute had been the hear-
ing of Buffalo Bill, trained to detect the ad-
ditional nuufber. ‘ . .

'” Haiti you are covered by the“ Pony Rid-

ers" Patrol 1”

Buffalo Bill's, voice resounded like a trum-
pet, and it brought the outlaws to a Very
sudden halt.

But only for an instant, and then there
was an immediate stampede.

" Surrender, or diet” shouted Buffalo Bill.

But the outlaws were in no humor to halt,

and letting go their led horses, and {hr-owing

/

themselves over low in‘iheir sadd es, they
broke in wild confusion. .

Then came the command:

“ Firel" ' . r .

The three rifles flashed! together, and the
revolvers of the three men began to play
ragidiy upon the stampeded Cloven Hoofs.

he fire of the rifles had been deadly, for

two of the‘ outlaws dropped from their
saddles. and a third went ofi clinging hard
to his horse. Y / ' ' ~

There was a horse Went down, too, under
the revolver fire, but in less than a minute
the fugitives were ontof sight. leavingtheir
two dead comrades, their pack-horses and
the led animals. ‘ - ' v

" Well, it is a victory, and worth being
mundane-for. a ‘  ,- .V
.“ 1 “Ryan, the, Gloven‘ Hoofs.are getting,
leaned,» , 9 one '1 killed, and the,

the ob  Eags‘fies to m.

   

    
   

      
      
 

" 1 can account for another one, Pony
BOb, and when Wild Bill came in to the
ranch he brought a dead outlaw and Kit
Kirby, the Red Danite, as a prisoner—mak-
ing eight for a day and night's work."

“ Good! we Pony Riders will yet have our
revenge; but, do you mean that Red Hand,
the l'l)anite Captain, is a prisoner?"

is '88.?!

"That is a great victory, for he is the-
lieutenant of the Cloven Hoofs and about the
worst man in these parts.

" But, 1 must he oif. and I guess I’ll find
no obstruction in the way now, and will get
these pouches safely to the fort.

“ Goodnight, pards; and: Gentleman
George,’ tell Miss Lena that I will eat the
nice supper she sent me when I get to
Handy’s station. ”

With this Pony Bob mounted his horse
and rode rapidly away in the moonlight,
while Buflalo Bill said:

“ We must be off too, pard, for when not
pursued those fellows may return. '

“We’ll take those bodies along, do you
not think so ‘3”

" Oh, yes, and we have got some fine ani:
mals here, I see," answered Gentleman
George. pointing to the horses they had cap~
tured from the outlaws.

In ten minutes the bodies were strapped
in the saddle, and with the half-dozen horses
in lead Bufialo Bill and Gentleman George
started on their return to the station.

 

CHAPTER LV.
BUFFALO MLL‘s RETURN TRAIL.

“ THE shadow of death is always hovering
over us in this savage land,” murmured
Lena Ross as she beheld her father and
Buffalo Bill ride into the stockade with
the bodies of the two outlaws, and the cape
tured horses. -

‘.‘ My child, it is a land of crime and revenge
in its wild state, and we knew all that it was
before we came. '

“For two purposes we came here, fora
retreat and to avenge, and we must sub«
mit. ’

These words were spoken in a low tone
by Gentleman George, in answer to what his
daughter had said; but they reached the ears
of Buffalo Bill and gave him an insight into

coming to the Wild West. ‘ .

Lena had his supper all ready for him, and
the Pony Rider sat down and ate it with a
relish, while Gentleman George, having Buf-
falo Bill’s horse awaiting him outside, told
his daughter the story of Pony Bob’s ad-
ventures and their having ambushed the
outlaws. ‘

When he was ready to start Buffalo Bill
sau : i \

“ it is j ust‘three o’clock so I am three and
a half hours behind time. _ '

“I can make up some of it, but fear I
may be further delayed with Silent Sam, for
he goes back to headquarters With me, unless
he gets the best of me."

“ Which is not likely; but I think you are
wise, Buil’alo Bill, to take the man prisoner,
as there is no telling what a supposed friend,
yet a traitor, may do,” Gentleman George
returned. _

‘ With a word of farewell Bufialo Bill went
out 'of the cabin, the father and daughter
accompanying him, and mounting“ rode
,rapidly out of the stockade gate and away
on the trail. ‘ .

The moon, in its third quarter was low 'in'
the horizon, yet still lighted his wa .' thou h’
in the darknesss he was wontto :- do atyt e
same sWeeping pace. , , v , -

Mile after mile was left behind, the horse
being driven to its greatest speed, and the-
stations were reached and only tamed at long
enough for a word with the stock-tender to
ex lain delay and a change‘of horses;

tains, and still in the darkness Buffalo Bill
drove on. - o >  ‘ ~
The“ gray of dawn‘at last appeared, and:
then‘the east grew ros with the approach
of sunrise, andthe stra ning horse was still
ke tauhis utmostspeed. ’ ‘ / .

  

  

 

 

a:
mi; was glad to
 when

the motive of the father and daughter in

- he moon went down- hehind the modn- I

’ . he different horses be hadmonntedlat‘, , ',
rgfiy stations werewfla onesmadBu ' g '

 

   
  
   
    
    
  
   
 

  

 

 

 

  

    
     
   
 
   
      
      
    
      
  
 

   
 

  

         
     
   

 

 

. ".4... . ,3. «av we r «m—m-n.

 

  

  
   
     
  
 
  
 
  
 

 

 

   
   
 
  

' a ain he had

Baa"an Bill’s melamine '

I,

    

27':

 

 

that he had cut the time he was behind down
nearly two hours.

“ Good riding that.

“ Never did better," he said with pardon-
able pride.

Soon he began to approach Silent Sam's
station, and he nerved himself for what was
before him.

Wholly doubting the man now, he felt
that he must be prepared for any act on his
part of lawlessness,

Failing to down him on his westward run,
Buffalo Bill feared that he might be the
better prepared to do so when he arrived
this time.

So he looked to his revolver, and was
ready for any emergency when he swept
around the bend into view of the cabin.

There sat Silent Sam, smoking his pipe
and as Buffalo Bill drew rein he said:

“ Well. is you ready for your horse?”

“ You know that I am ready.

” Why are you not also?”

“I can‘t sit up all night, when you are
behind time this-a way." ‘

“ Can’t you ‘l”

(5 No.)’

“ Well, that is what you draw pay for,
and on havelittle enough to do.”

“ ’m all alone, while the other stations has
two and three men.”

“It was your own wish to be alone, for
you said you preferred it and would do all
the work.

“Now I know why."

If  A?"

“ You are an infernal traitor—

“ Up with your hands!" and Buffalo Bill's
revolver covered the man. '

Silent Sam’s face became ashen in hue, for
he felt he was wholly caught.

He had not expected it, and in fact was
preparing to spring a little game of his
own. when he was thus caught off his
guard.

For an instant he did not know just what ‘

to do, but at last got nerve enough to call
out:

“ Now, pard!" I

Quickly the left fist of Buffalo Bill shot
out straight from the shoulder and smashed
the stocktender full in the face, sending him
to earth as though he had been struck with
a club.

Seeming to know just'what his blow
would do, Buffalo Bill leaped over the'form
of Silent Sam, and reached the corner of
the cabin, just as the door on the other
side swung open and a tall man with masked
face sprung out and shouted:

“ Is he coming, Sam. for I’m ready?” .

“Hands up, quick i” cried Buffalo Bill,
now roused to desperate action.

CHAPTER LVI.
A FIGHT FOR LIFE. \

THE man who came out of the cabin had
evidently been sleeping. for he seemed .to be
ignorant of Buffalo Bill‘s arrival on/ the
scene. . h

The call of Silent Sam had awakened
him, and he came out in his sock feet,
hatless and a rev‘olver in his hand, while the
mask that covered his face had been hastily
put on. I

Had he been more wide awake he would
perhaps have realized that he made a. mis-
take in not only disobeying Buffalo Bill's
command to surrender, but particularly in
doing as he did, which was to fire as a re-

 

1

‘ spouse to it. .
, The shot struck the revolver of Buffalo-
Bil!,'knockingrit out of his grasp and-be-

numbihg his hand with thé shock.
But it is in an emergency that Buffalo Bill’
is at his best, and gust as the man fired
his 0 her revolver drawn in
h left hand and leveled, while he cried:
“ Surrender! or I will have to kill you.”
The second shot of the 'man buried itself
in the cabin near the head of Buffalo Bill,
who. seeing that the man was about to
fire again and would not surrender, teak
nick aim at his right hand and knocked
e revolver from his grasp. \ ,
“Now hands up!” cried the Pony Rider.
But’Buflalo Bill’s masked foe was’ dead
game. and“ with his right hand uselessshe
drew a revolver in his left and fired a

 

‘third’ shot that was a very close call, asj it

flattenedmgaj-nst xtheflar e and new
- : .mil’op Rider's   y

 

with some of
Jackie

“ I’ll give you a stronger hint, for I don't
wish to kill you," cried Buffalo Bill as he
stepped back under the force of the bullet’s
blow on his belt, and he sent a bullet
through the right arm of his plucky enemy,
who fired at the same time. '

The bullet tore its way through the fleshy
part of the man’s arm, and the blow caused
him to drop the revolver, and with a bound
like a panther Buffalo Bill was upon his ene-
iny and dealt him a stunning blow with his
eft.

It brought the man to his knees, and he
shouted:

“ Come, Sam, or we are both goners!"

This warning cry saved Buffalo Bill, who
had forgotten Silent Sam in the moment of
excitement, and he saw that he must act
quickly and severely.

Down on the head of his adversary. who
was trying to pinion his arms about his
waist, he brought his revolver with a force
that stunned the man, for he fell over as
though dead.

Turning,'Buffalo Bill was just in time to
see Silent Sam struggling in a half-dazed
way to get his revolver from his belt.

“Quit that, Silent Sam l" he shouted, and
in an instant he wass ringin toward him.

“ Don’t shoot, Biii), for was going to
help you," he shouted in terror.

Buffalo Bill laughed in a cynical way that
rivivéniled Wild Bill’s most telling sarcasm, and
so. :

" All ri ht, l’ll help ou—hands up!"

“ Whatghas I done?"y

“Quick! or I tire and I will be able to
handle you better dead than alive!”

Up went the hands, and takin a lariat oif.
of a peg on the cabin, Buffalo Bi 1 bound the
traitor’s hands behind him in no gentle man-
ner, at the same time keeping his eye upon
the other one he had to fear. ‘

With Silent Sam safe. he went to the other
and jerked the mask off of his face.

The look of utter amazement that was on
the face of Buffalo Bill was almost ludicrous
as he recognized the man. -

" Great Scott! it is Red Hand, the Danite,
or may 1 be struck dead for lying.

“ How on earth did you at here, or have
the boys hanged you since left and you are
your ghost? ‘

“ Or are there two of you? ' . ,

“ No, the country could not stand your
double, for you are the biggestdevil I kn’ow,
though your Cloven Hoof chief is running
you a close race for first'place.

“ Come, don’t possum, forI saw you sig-
nal to Silent Sam."

i‘ I’m wounded and suffering,” growled
the man. . '

“ Bah! a shattered finger, ailesh-wound in
the arm and a gash in the seal don’t hurt a
man like you, as I would quie ly: find out,
if you got the chance. ,

“ I’ll dress your wounds, however, for I
do not wish to be cruel, as soon as I have
secured you.” ; , .

With this Buffalo Bill tied the man's legs
securely, and saw that he had no weapons.

Then be bound up his bullet-shattered fin-
ger, and the wound in the arm, and ban-
daged his head where the revolver-barrel had
cut into the scalp.

.“You’ve got a hard head, or my blow
with my left would have knocked you out,
for it bruised you, Isee.

“ And you, Silent Sam, have got a black
eye to remember me, and it is lucky it is no
worse.

“ My hand is numb et, Red Danite, from
the shock of your bu let, which, you see,
shattered my revolver. ‘

‘y‘ But we must not delay here, as 1 am
aWay behind now;,but, Sam,, tell me .who
was your parcl that Was here yesterday.”

' “ here was no one here." « ‘

“ Oh, yes, there was, for I saw’ him, and it
was not (it Kirby here, for 1 left himln the
lock-up at the ranch." I ‘

' “ There wasn’t no one here,” j; ‘
‘ " All right. seeing is believing; but come.
we must be of! as soon as Lhavehad' a look
through your carbinflf ~ . ‘

 

CHAPTER‘LVIL. ' . 

   

THE PONY nmnn' RETURN. ,
THE searchpf Silent S m's cabin: seemed
to surprise Buffalo Billpfmr be filled ah
the 1b! he Mundtheregaa
v ' k bowl:

as
‘5}

      
 
 
  
  

 

.and tied in that position.

' cabin was in irons, nothing was then ht

‘ Starbuck cried with enthusiasm: ‘ ‘»‘

 

Then he took Red Devil and two of the
best horses in the corral. and saddling them
forced his prisoners to mount. ‘

Tying the bridles of the two horses, rid-
den by the prisoners. together, he took two
long lariats to serve as reins, and fastened
the ends to the bits, when he mounted Red
Devil. and with a bullwhacker found in the-
cabiu as his whip, he set the animals off in a
run.

Away went the two horses along the trail, » ,,
driven by Buffalo Bill, his two prisoners ' F
bound in their saddles, and the animals on- r M.
couraged by ayblow of the long bullwhacker ‘ 1‘
when they slackened their pace for an in-
stant. ,

This pace was kept up steadily, for But" ,
falo Bill was anxious to cut as much off of :1:
the time he was behind as was possible. "

“ 1’]! get in two hours late in spite of all,”
he muttered, as they flew along.

As they neared Wolf Den Pass, Buffalo
Bill suddenly reined in his horses.

Ilis piercing eyes had seen some horsemen
ahead.

But the slack-up was only for an instant.
as the Pony Rider quickly recognized that» -
the horsemen were not outlaws. .

“ It is Wild Bill. and on the search for me.

“A pretty pickle I'd'be in if they were
some of your cut-throat gang, Kit Kirby," .
he said.

The D nlte made no re ly, and in a few.
minutes lidBill. Little one Star and the
other two Pony Riders came at a run to meet.
them. ‘

“ Bravo. my boy, you are on earth yet.”
andaWild Bill grasped the hand of his best,

ar ..

“ Yes, and I have company for dinner, as '
you see.” -

“Holy Smoke and the Kllkenny Cats of
Old Ireland! where did .you got that thing. ’
and what has Silent Sam been doing?" r

“ Nothing. Pard Bill; I’m as innocent as a.
Quaker. It’s only Buffalo Bill‘s plan to
down me," cried Silent Sam. ‘ "

“I guess he’s done it.” was Wild Bill’s ’
response, while Buffalo Bill remarked? > '

” I am too much behind to tarry here and ’
tell the story, pards, but you shall have it
when I reach camp.

“ Now let us push for the post as fast as
I, can drive my team along the trail. ' n l

“ But let me thank you all for comin for
look me up, for I guess you thought 1%:
been lost in the shuflie." \

So the horses were started once more and
away the whole 'party sped alon the Pony-
Trail, the shouts of the Pony Riders as they.
dashed along, keeping the horses of "
prisoners up to their full speed: ‘ ‘

Their coming was heard before they cam
in sight, and when they dashed into '
view of the crowd gathered at the. get,
what it all meant was not known until
alo Bill drew up his team before ‘Captai
Starbuck. . ‘ ' ’ * ‘ '

«The escape of the prisoner [from the leg
up had already become known. as them
on guard over him had been foundby' th‘
relief, sitting upright before the loc mp

 

 

   
  
  
   
  
   
  
  
  
    
    
   
    
   
   
   
  
  
   
  
   
    
  
   
   
    
  
   
  
   
   
   
   
  
  
   
   
    
     
    
     
   
     
      
   
      
  
   
  
   
     
        
      
    
 
 

, ,

His hat was drawn down over his eyes
and those who had seen him he‘d suppose(
he was asleep, but as he was there at his?
post, and his prisoner within the stout 10

it, untila Pon Rider, shortlfy after-it is do,
parture of W lBlll to look or Buffalo Bil
had discovered the real situation. ‘ y-
,- ' The guard was dead, a knife thrust in ‘
heart, and the Brisoner was gone. ' . .' :w
_. But how, w on or by whose aid lilo or:
could tell, and Captain Starbuck had
called the men together when Buffalo
came in sight. ' a ,.
A wild cheer went up, from the cmwdd
it was seen that Buffalo Bill had “a p
oner the escaped Kit Kirby, and Gupta”

" Well; old Reliable, you are back
and if signs don’t lie ybu have had or
“WOflt.  » .I 3 

“ But I am delighted to .see you have M
captured our prisoner, but cannot“ und
stand what Silent Sam isdoing, in trouble

_“I will soon tell you. Captain St _ , ‘
for be is a‘traitor. and he was harborinr
Red Danitehere in his cabin. ' ‘
 'Plhave proof enou hto hang»
asaspy of the Clown floors but the r

   
    
 

   

  
 
  

    
 

  

 

"28

Buffalo Bill’s“ Double Dilemma.

 

 

needs the surgeon’s care, sir, as I was forced
to wound him twice and then smash him
over the head with my revolver before he
had enough.”

“I am glad ou did not hurt him more
seriously, BuiIa 0 Bill, for he was born to
be hanged, though I say it who must try
him.

“ Lone Star, take charge of the prisoners,
‘and doctor, you see to their wounds, for
Silent Sam looks as though a mule had kick-
edyhim in the face.”

“It was that wild devil's first,” growled
Silent Sam as he was led away, while the
man addresssd as doctor, whose real name
was Massey, but whom the boys called “ Old
Blue Mass,” followed briskly, for he was
paid by the company so much a. patient and
was therefore glad to get some work to do.

Some there were who said Old Blue Mass
growled whenever he heard of a man being
killed instead of wounded; but. at any rate
he was a fine physician and surgeon.

CHAPTER LVIII.
THE ra’mon or The roar TRAIL.

TIRED and hungry though he was, Buf-
‘ ‘falo Bill, as soon as \Vild Bill had mounted
.a fresh horse and was off with the freight

he had brought in, accompanied Captain
‘Starbuck to his quarters to tell the story of

his last thrilling ride to Valley Farm and
back and thus show that he had reason for
his delay.

Captain Starbuck listened most attentively

to the whole story, jotting down notes here
. and there and asking questions which he

‘deemed necessary.

'He seemed surprised when Buffalo Bill
told him that he had suspected Silent Sam
»of being crooked for some time, and asked:

“Why did you not tell me?"

“ I accuse no man without proof, sir, so
I waited until 1 had it."

“And nearly lost your life in securing
your proof.

“You are too just, Cody, if I may say
such a thing. " .

“ I’d rather err on the side of justice, sir,
than wrong a man without cause.”

“\Vell, you are fortunately one to keep
your eyes open, have the courage of your
opinions and the strength, pluck and de-
termination to carry out your plans, soI
cannot say a word.

“ Now about the rest of your run.”

Buffalo Bill continued his story, told of
his strategy in passing the outlaws, and his
arrival at Valley Farm to find Pony Bob be-
hind time. _ ,

The Search for Pony Bob, finding him
afoot, the ambush of the outlaw, the story of
Bob's adventures and the return to Gentle-
man George‘s station and start from it was all
told. .

Then Bull'an Bill made known his belief
that the man seen at Silent Sam’s cabin on
his run westward, was the Spy that had in-
formed the ontlaws that a Pony Patrol was
to he sent over the line. '

That a woman had made known the fact
to the chief of the Cloven IIo'ol's Buffalo Bill
told, but requested the captain to keep the
fact quiet as he was working a plot that
would perhaps discover just who she was,
and then it might get to the ears of the
“King” that the Pony Riders knew of
her existence, and he was one to be merc1ful
to no one.

“ The truth is, Captain Starbuck. it is my
duty to tell you that it was not Little Sun-
beam who came here as my witness, and I
have every reason to believe that the one
who did is my mysterious Girl Guide. the
one who Pony Bob says warned the outlaws
-of the patrol, and if she did I believe it was
to draw them off the trail for us to go
through, unless a spy had really gone in with
the news. "

“ llas there been any talk of sending out
a patrol, sir, since I left?"

“ I did consider it, yes.”

“Did you speak to any one about it?"

" Yes, Itold Rocket Rob that I thought
of doing so, and that my intention was to
,send out thirty riders. to patrol to the end of
Pony Bob's ride back again, and over your
.and Wild Bill’s run; but, Cody, the news
,you bring me takes me all aback.” '

“ (‘nptuin Starbuck, do you know if Rocket
Rob left camp before I started on my last
.run?"

 

 

“Not with leave.”

“ Can you find out quietly, sir, if he did,
and how long he was away?"

“I guess so.

“ But why?"

“Well, sir, I only got a glimpse of the
man whom I first saw with Silent Sam, yet
somehow it will come before my mind that it
was Rocket Rob.”

“ You do not surely suspect him of being
a traitor?”

“You just said I was too just to accuse
any one without full proof, so I will not say
that he is a traitor; but if he has been away
from camp, leaving before I left on my run,
and returning last night, then I believe he
was the man I saw with Silent Sam.”

“ It seems impossible.”

“Yet, sir, Pony Bob heard the woman
distinctly say that one of their spies brought
the news of the Pony Patrol, and you spoke
to Rocket Rob about it before I left on my
run.

“ Now I thought the man I saw was
Rocket Rob, and we know that news does
not get out of this camp that we try to keep
secret.

“Then, captain, we also are aware that
Tony was found dead on his post of guard
duty this morning. and the Red Danite had
escaped, so that shows he had help from
within the camp

“All these things considered, as well as
what Fearless Frank confessr-d to me when
dying, that Rocket Rob and his pards were
to be spies on my track, shows that they
may all be black sheep, and of Rocket
Rob less is known than of any Pony Rider
in camp.

“Though a. good man for the work he has
never been popular, and just who and what
he is no one seems to know, and I am sus-
picious of him.” ,

“I feel that you are right, Buffalo Bill,
and I will find out regarding his leaving
camp, and about the killing of poor Tony
and the Danite’s escape last night.

“Now go and get your dinner and seek
rest, for you are as haggard as though you
had been sick, and 1 am going to send 9.
Pony Patrol under Little Lone Star, to ride
to the end of Pony Bob's run and back over
the whole of my division to the end of Wild
Bill's run.”

An hour after the Pony Patrol of thirty
men, under command of Lone Star, rode out
of the camp to go the length of the trail of
Captain Starbuck’s Division.

 

CHAPTER LIX.
BUFFALO BILL stars A TRAP.

BUFFALO BILL went to his cabin, where
Black Diamond served him with the best
dinner to be had in the camp, and gave him
a warm welcome as well.

The Pony Rider then turned in for a long
sleep until supper. and he hoped that when
he awoke Captain Starbuck would have
some news for him as to whether he was
right in his suspicion regarding Rocket
Rob.

But when Buffalo Bill reported at head-
quarters, just after dark. the captain told
him that so far as he could learn Rocket Rob
had not been out of camp during the time
specified.

“Captain, I still cling to my belief, so may
I ask you to do me a favor?”

“ Certainly.”

“ \Vill you go into my cabin and hide he-
hind the curtain which shuts the sleeping-end
off from the living-end, and permit me to
take Silent Sam out of the lock-up and bring
him there?"

“I will."

“ I wish to have a talk with him that on
may hear, and it is better to promise rim
terms than not to know who the spy of the
Cloven Hoofs is that is in our camp."

" You are right there, Cody."

" I can also glean something afterward
from the Red Danite, though not by offering
terms, and you can judge between the stories
of the two men.

“ That was why I asked on to confine

them separately, so they con (1 concoct no
plan together. ’

" In other words, you’ll lay a trap for
them both to fall into?” -

“ Yes. sir, and spring the trap only when
Rocket Rob gets into it.” ’

 

“ You still stick to your belief of his
treachery?”

“ Yes, sir, but am willing to admit I am
wrong when I have the prOOf of it.”

“ Very well, go and get Silent Sam, and I
will at once go to your cabin.”

“And ask Black Diamond to seethat no
one enters the cabin, sir, for I can take him
there without being seen by any one but the
guard."

A few minutes after Buffalo Bill reported
to the guard that Captain Starhuck had sent
him to take Silent Sam to him, but he would
not keep him long away.

“ Sam, sit down there, for I may as well
tell you that you can tighten or loosen the
rope about your neck by what you say," said
Buffalo Bill when the prisoner entered his
cabin.

“ What has you got to say ?”

“ You know that this company is running
the Pony Express for profit to the owners, it
charges big prices, but pays all loses, and to
keep up a. first class standard for square
dealing. it employs only the best of men,
those who can be trusted.

“ Yet it has almost a trackless country to
operate in, it. has the Indians to fight, the
Mormons are not over friendly and the out-
laws along the trail are its bitterest foes.

“ Now and then a man proves false to the
trust in him, you forinstance. and to protect
itself, the company is willing to g’rant
favors.

“But, it must know who its secret fees
are, and you are the one who can tell.”

“ No, I can’t.”

“ Don’t lie to me, Silent Sam, for I’ll show
you how much I already know, and con-
VlDCe' you that my testimony will hang

'ou.’
) ” You don't know nothin’.”

“ I know something, though.

“ I know that I did not first approach
your cabin at a run yesterday, but in a walk,
for I was then suspicious of you, and when
I' saw what I did, I drew back around the
bend and went up at full speed.”

“ What did you see?"

“I saw you and Rocket Roi) together, and
when I came up he was in the cabin, where
you tried to entice me that he might do what
you did not have the nerve to do—kill me.”

“ 'Tain’t so,”

“It is so, as he will say if I allow him the
chance I now give you of saving your
neck.”

“Then, if he’s going to squeal, I does,”
said the man, excitedly.

” You will tell what I desire to know,
then?”

“ You bet I will, now he’s gone and ad-
mitted he was at my cabin and we plotted
to kill you."

"Then, you admit this?”

“ I’ll talk out if my life is to be spared."

” l’ll promise that you shall not be
hanged."

“ Can you do it?”

[I Xyes. V)

“ Does the captain say so?”

“ I do,” and Captain Starbuek stepped
out of his concealment and confronted the
startled prisoner.

“ l’m heat, so I’ll talk,” said Silent Sam.

“ I'll give you your life, a horse and
weapons, 8. month’s provisions, and pay you
the money due you, and which you left in
my keeping, on condition that you truthfully
answer all questions either Buffalo Bill or
myself put to you.

“Then, you are to appear as a witness,
after which you can go your way, join the
outlaws if you wish, only keep out .of our
way, for if you again fall into my hands I
will hang you."

” You bet I’ll keep out of your way, and
of the Cloven Hoofs also, for they would kill
me for telling What I know.

” I’ll go East, for I’ve got a leetle money
saved.”

“You are wise—now talk,” said Buffalo
Bill.

 

CHAPTER LX.
To savs ms NECK.

“SHOOT yer questions at me. and 1‘]! re-
spond, now I knows I won‘t have to hang if
I give the snap away,” said Silent Sam, now
most willing to tell all that he knew to save
his own life. ‘ ’

 

 

 

[ 2
't
i

A

L

     

 

 

   
    
   

" 3' hack. ,  \

Buffalo Bill’s Double Dilemrha.

  
   

29-

 

“ in the first place you are a spy of the
llovcn lloofs?”

“ l are."

“ [low long have you been their spy?”

“ Six weeks."

“ What caused you to join them?”

“ Well, i guess it was money."

" They offered you money?”

“ Yes, gave me money.”

“How much.”

“ I’ve got about four hundred dollars so

u

A

ar.

“ What have you done?"

“I put it in their way to rope in some
rich freight.”

"By their killing the Pony Riders?" /

“ About that.” ‘

“ Iiow came you to go in with the Clovcn
lionfs ?"

“ Rocket Rob told me it would be a good
deal,”

“ Rocket Rob did ‘2”

“ Yes, he arranged it all.”

" Who else in this earn
1 loofs' pay besides Rocket

“ No one." «

y “ Not one of his pards?"
l “ Jockey Jack was, but he’s passed in.”

“ No one else?"

i, “ I'll tell you, Buflalo Bill, as I said I
would.

“ There was no one else in the game here
that was in with the outlaws; but Fearless
Frank and me had a leetle game—yer see I’m
spoutin‘ Gospil noww—and we was to light
out together.

” He was to nail you, get the pouches and
bring ’em to me, and let a1 think the
Cloven Hoofs did it.

“ But you was too fly for him and hetwent
under."

" And Rocket ,Rob and his pards knew
nothing of this?"

“ You bet the didn’t, for it was our call,
and we were go ng to light out together."

“Then Phantom Phil and Daring Dick
are loyal to the company ?"

“They are as far as I have heard, but
there is no telling how long before they
go wrong, for Roe et Rob could tempt an
angel.” ' ,

“And there is no one else in this camp
that you believe is treacherous?"

“ Not one; but Rocket Rob will kill me if
he ever gets oil, and the Cloven Hoots will if
he don’t." I ' V -

“ He will not kill you, and you can he a
long way from here before the Cloven Hoofs
know that you told on them, that is, unless

is in the Cloven
ob?!) -

there is another spy of theirs in camp to'

tell on you, so you had better think well if
there is, so we can put a stop on him too.”
“ There is no one else, and on bet I’d tell
if I thought so even, Buffalo ill.”
“ Nor along the line eastward or west-
ward?” - , v _
- “ The Cloven Hoofs have got .spies‘ at
starting points, but I don’t ‘knowfiiem of
course." ,
“What do you know of the King of the
Cloven Hoots 7" ‘ ‘
I “ What others do.”
“ What is that?”
“ Next to’nothin’.”
" You have seen him ‘2‘”
“ Yes, he came to the cabin and more me
into the band.”
“ Tell me about him."
“ He’s a hantlsomesfemw,‘ with long,r heard
and hair, a, perfect gentleman in looks and
manners, but he has the heart of a tiger and
holds power over his men to kill .when he
(wishes, or thinks they deserve it, and kill he
Des-n . . 'l ‘ . t v, t l ‘ r
“ Do you know where his retreat is?”
“I don’t.” . w ,, ' ;
“You do but won’t tell.” ‘ -»' , , .. .y
“ No,- he always sent his messengers to me
and I never knew.” " y . ,_ .
“ Have you heard of his having. any one
in camp besides his men?” , ' s: ,1 ,
“. There is a woman there, or rather a
young girl, and he calls her his mascot. ‘
. .“ She is" as pretty as a icture the men
told me. for she wore a mas when; she came

to my cabin ’with the king; but she. spoke to \

. me and, her ,rvoice] was as sweet as flute

music."  ' . i. , .
, ' “ Is she hishw‘i‘fei'fi‘Captain Star»

 
 

i.

 

me sir” i

 

“ Over forty I should say."

“ And the girl?"

“There's no telling what a woman’s age
might lid-besides I didn't see her face. "

“ All right, Silent Sam, see that you bear
out your name and tell no one why you
came here.

“Now I will take you back.”

“ And the cap’n won’t forgit and hang
me?"

“ You have my word, Silent Sam, and I
never break it to friend or foe."

“ I guess that’s so, cap’n, from what I have
heard of you,” and with this Silent Sam was
led awn by Buffalo Bill to whom Captain
Starbuc said:

“ Come to my quarters, Cody, in about a
quarter of an hour." .

Captain Starbuck then went to his cabin
and sent a man up to the quarters of Rocket
Rob, asking him to come there as quickly as
he could upon a matter of importance.

Rocket Rob was not long in reporting to
the agent, who was writing at his desk, and
simp y bade him be seated.

He kept on with his writing until he heard
a quick, firm step outside that he seemed to
recognize, and just as the door opened and
Buffalo Bill appeared in it, he said:

“ Now, Rocket Rob, we will have a little
talk together." '

———-

CHAPTER. LXI.
Bnouor‘r'r '1‘0 BAY.

‘ “ Yns. captain, how can Iserve you?"sald
Rocket Rob.

Without answering the uestion, Ca tain
Starbuck turned to Bufialo ill and sai :

" Ah, Cody, 1 am glad you dropped in,
for I may need your aid.

“ Sit down there.” ,

The a cat emphasized the word there, so
Buffalo ill took the seat indicated.

He saw that Rocket Rob had but just come
in, and understood the words of Captain
Starbuck that he might need his old.

" New, Rocket Rob, I wished to ask you,”
and the agent turned again to the Pony
Rider. and after a moment's hesitation con—
firmed:

“ To aid me in..running down the Cloven
Roofs”, .

“ It is no easy matter. sir, but I will do all

I can in the matter." r

,“ Where do you think their retreat can be
found ‘2" . :

“ I have no idea, sir; but it cannot be far
off the trail between here and Valley Farm,
as on that, run they are more frequently
seen. ' ‘ ‘

“ Perhaps Bufialo Bill could tell you, air,"

and Rocket Rob had» a peculiar, look on his .

face as he glanced toward Cody. I.
‘v‘ Perhaps so—I’ll ask him later.

" But he is on regular runs,,you know, and

you on ‘waiting-orders.’ so youhave‘ the
time, and I wished to ask you if 011 could
take a company out in search of tie Cloveu
Hoofs." ‘
1 “I could, sir, but fear it would be use-
ess.” ' - p .
" Su pose I sent you as guide with a com-
pany, ufl'aio Bill to get a substitute for
his ride and go in commandgand tell you
that if you did not lead the PonyKRiders to,

‘the camp of the Cloven I-Ioofs I would hang '_p ' . ' a
" , But Phantom Phil replied-z "

you upon your return.’

The man started, glanced quickly at the ‘

impassible face of Buflalo Bill, then back at
the agent. i ' I '
Then he said with a light laugh: v
“ That would be rather hard treatment of

“It will be just what you deserve and
will receive, Rocket Rob."
‘ “Captain Starbuck, I will not—7” ‘ - .
“You will keep your hands away 1mm
yourbelt, Rocket RobLforl have ou‘cov.
cred," said Buffalo Bill; and he hel his ‘re.
volv‘er in his hand“. ‘_ , ' .,

” What does this mean?" gasped. the man,
new white ass corpse. ' i -
“ Disarm him, Cody!" ‘

 

 

 

hand of- Buffulo Bill fell upon hia‘shoulder

    
  
  

’wlth a grip of ironyand he saw thatintho.
eyes that looked (down deep into his ’ wn,
) which cowed » . ‘

  

I

 
 
 
 

hire.

i‘ “

your oath on a stack of Bibles.”

' comrade. ‘

. in this here {campyand I swim‘withthe ate

, what the charges were against 1m.

Rocket Rob would have'resisted,‘hut"the Dick

 

   
   
   
 
  
  
  
   
   
   
  
  
  
  
   
 
   
  
   
   
   
    
 
   
  
   
   
   
  
  
   
   
   
     
  
   
   
   
  
   
   
    
  
 
  
   
      
   
    
   
     
     
       

boss, or “ governor ” as the men often called
him.

" Rocket Rob, I wish to tell you that
your treachery is known.

“I know that you are a secret member
of the (llovcn lloof band, that you are their-
spy in this camp, and a sharcr in the booty
they get by killing and robbing Pony Ex—
press Riders." , e

“ It is falsel

“I swear it is false, and Buffalo Bill you
shall die for this, for I know that this charge
comes from you because you are envious of
me, yes, and fear me," shouted the accused
man, his e es burning and face livid.

” Well, locket Rob, I will not deny my ;
responsibility in this matter, for I suspected “ 
you, and mere. had proof of your guilt, for I t 
saw, on at Silent Sam’s cabin.” .

“ t was not me you saw there.”

“ When?"

“ Yesterday.”

Buffalo Bil laughed and said:

“ Self-convicted, for I did not say yester- .

day. '

“ But it was yesterday that I saw you." .

“ A clever catch that, Bill," said the cap-
taln, admiringly, while the prisoner closed
his teeth with a map, as he realized how he:
had made a mistake.

“ I was not away from this camp yester»
day,” said Rocket Rob presently. .

ilhave proof that you were.

"I know that on left camp two hours"
ahead of me, on you wait out along the ‘ 
mountain trail.

“ You went to Silent Sam’s cabin, for I I
saw you there, and iyou were anxious to . ‘
et a shot at me wit out risking your own ‘
is, but 1 was on to your little game. ‘
“ You came back to earn a tier nightfall, .

and slipped into our cabin. ’

" Who says th s?" ‘

“I was told it ten minutes a o by one,
whose simple word I would to. 6 against

“ Who says this of me?” .

“Black Diamond.” , l .
7 “That nigger.“

“A negro, yes, but an honest-hearted,
noble fellow." ‘ ‘

" Did Black Diamond say that, Codyiw ;

‘ ‘ Yes, captain." r

“Then no further roof is needed of.
Rocket Rob’s guilt, an I shall hold him_for~, ..
trial to-morrow, for he and the Red Danite i,
shall be tried together, you giving your tea
timony before you go your run, and W
Bill after becomes in. ‘ ‘1, .x

“Now we will take this man to safe :-
quarters for the night. " . °

     

/ —-— .

CHAPTER an; ' ., 
run accuser). "

. p , , \
Tun news s read like wildfire-that Rocket?I
Rob was not er arrest, and that a strong.
gpalrd had been placed oyer'him. for the?
n it. ~ '.
hatit was all about noon seemed" ;,
know, at some one reported ’ '
Bill h caused {the arrest of his Pony Rider“
‘ - ‘ t i , 1-!

i;
5’;
5’
.53
9.

Some one also an gested to Phantom Ph’ ,
and Darin {Dick t t‘they should: 'go; to!
(Jody's cab n and resent this act against th’ "
_ ill ' ' ' ' ‘ «t

“This is notlm quarrel, pards. and I
afraid it “will he i 1 chip in against Bu‘fi‘aiz;
Bill's play.‘ ' ' “

".1 mm in it for Jockey Jack, and
that the Buffalo Bill trio held trumpet:

 

rent. , . s . u - t
“ I‘m awful sorr for ' Rob, but he'll
in, some mischief, am afraid; and“!
in the game.” - 
‘f‘Ditto me," said Darin Dick, and
went to their quarters. to to k over the.
of their comrade and leader, arid‘r‘vere - ~-
anxious on their own aecoupt.\not known

 
  
 

 
      
 
     
      

    
   
     

 

“It‘s his going away’from carom?

.“ I'es, and we lied forhitn; as  diaries-
Fearless Frank, and‘now wemaythedra g '
in. . . , . _ y .1 ‘
' 7 ;" I'Lteli you, Bard Dick, I'm".afr_aid‘.~Bock'

1been playing some game wi * 
is vet’s , .r

 
   
 
 
 
  
   
 

 
 
     

   

30

“Yes, that's so; but, if we are called in,
we’ll tell what we knows, say I. ”

“Ditto me."

Buflalo Bill meanwhile had again gone to
his cabin and his bed, to catch up on sleep,
as he would have a hard day before him on
the morrow.

Black Diamond called him to breakfast at
‘seven o’clock and said:

“Court is called for eight o’clock at the
cap’n's quarters, Massa Bill, and l’m told to

be thar, too.”

“Yes, Diamond, you are to tell when you
saw Rocket Rob leave camp and return,”
said Buffalo Bill, and he devoted himself to
the flap~jacks Black Diamond had made for
him.

It was just eight o‘clock when Captain
Starbuck opened the frontier “ court.”

Everybody was there that could get there,
and all was curiosity to know what it was all
about.

The captain sat before his desk with
paper, pen and ink before him, and in front
of him sat the three prisoners, Kit Kirby,
the Danite, Silent Sam and Rocket Bob.

The Pony Riders were all there and the
stablemen, several settlers and miners, and
all of the camp stragglers.

“ Gentlemen, I open this court not by the
law of civilized lauds, but by the laws of
justice, and to try before it men accused of
crimes for which the punishment out here is
death.

“We have no military near to turn the
prisoners over to, nor any courts where they
could be tried, and the one who had the most
brilliant lawyer to defend him go free in
spite of his guilt.

“ These men are accused of crimes against
an honest company risking much capital to
send mail and Express matter across the con-
tinent.

“ They are accused of crimes against our-
selves. By us they must be tried, and they
shall have a fair hearing.

“ That there may be no one to say to the
contrary, I shall select from those present

{six men, and the fate of the prisoners must
hang upon their decision, whether they, the
jury, find them guilty or innocent upon the
testimony given.”

Such was the opening address of the cap-
tain, acknowledged by all as the “ Boss,” their
commander, manager, judge, jury and exe-
cutioner if so he chose to become.

His words were received with applause,
and then he began his selection of a jury.

Three Pony Riders, one stock-tender, a
settler and a miner, and all were looked up-
on by their companions as the best choice
that could be made.

When they were seated on a bench facing
the prisoners, the captain said:

“ We will first try Silent Sam, the stock-
tender."

Silent Sam looked terribly seared at this
and glanced appealineg at the captain and
then at Buffalo Bill.

“ Buffalo Bill, you are the witness against
this man.

“ Tell the jury what you know of him."

Buffalo Bill arose and told his story—first
of his suspicions against the stock-tender,
then of seeing a man there—whose name he
did not mention h0wever—and last, of his
return there and findin that Silent Sam and
his companion, the Reg Danite, intended to
kill him.

He modestl described the duel with the
two men, an how he had captured them
both and brought them in to camp.

“Does this witness tell the truth, Silent
Sam?"

“ He does, sir."

All looked surprised and none more so than
Red Hand, the Danite, and Rocket Rob,
who were seen to glance quickly toward each
other.

” You plead to this charge innocent or
guilt , prisoner?"

I“ am guilty, sir,” was the prompt re-

P 3"

CHAPTER LXIII.
GUILTY.

THAT he plead guilty was another surprise
for all, and every eye turned upon the
avowed culprit.

There he sat, very white, very nervous
and looking in a most pleadin manner to-
ward the captain and Buffalo ill, who, he

 

well realized, held his fate for life or death
in their hands.

“Silent Sam, though guilty of treachery
and intention to kill, you did not have the
opportunity to take the life of Buffalo Bill,
and as you have acknowledged your guilt
and can give us most valuable information,
I here state that you shall go from this camp
a free man, as soon as the fate of the other
prisoners is settled, be the verdict for or
against them.

— “ I take this right upon myself of pardon,
feeling that we receive a ful equivalent for
sparing you.

“Now, I will call before the jury Rocket
Bob, the Pony Rider.”

The man came to the seat designated, and
if looks could kill, the glance he cast at
Silent Sam would have laid him out likea
stab in the heart.

“ Rocket Rob, it was reported to me that
you were a traitor, and I found it so hard to
believe that I demanded proof.

“ Buffalo Bill, you will tell the jury what
proof you have that this man was treacher-
ous to his employers and his comrades."

“ I have told the jury that I saw a man at
Silent Sam’s cabin, when I first went there,
and that the stock-tender afterward denied
it.

“ That man I then thought was Rocket
ltob, though I could hardly belieVe my
C es.

y"I now know that it was Rocket Bob,
and that he went there to kill. me, leaving

,the money he got from the Express with

Silent Sam until they could get away with
it, and let it be thought that the Cloven
I-Ioofs had shot me.”

“ Give your proof.”

“ Silent Sam, who was the man there
with you, when I stopped on my westward
run?"

“ The prisoner there, Rocket Rob."

“ Why was be there?"

“ To kill and rob you, with my aid.”

A hum went through the audience at this,
and then Captain Starbuck asked:

“ Is there a spy of the Cloven Hoofs in this
camp, Silent Sam?”

“ There is.”

“ Point him out.”

“ There—Rocket Bob. the Pony Rider!"

This produced a decided sensation, and
then Captain Starbuck asked:

“ Are Rocket Reb’s two pards, Daring
Dick and Phantom Phil, guilty with him?”

Amid breathless silence the answer came:

“ They are not!"

“ As another witness, I will call Black
Diamond.”

The negro stepped briskly forward, and
Captain Starbuck put the question:

“ Can you tell whether this man, Rocket
Rob. left camp, yesterday ‘2"

“ He did leave camp, sab.”

“ When?”

“ About two hours befo’ Massa Buffalo
Bill was a-leavin’, sah.”

“ You saw him leave?"

“ Yas, ssh."

“ Which way did he go?”

“He jist sneaked around the mountain,
sah, same as if he was scoutin‘ arter Injuns.”

" Did he go west?"

" Yas, salt?"

“ When did he return ?”

“ Soon arter nightfall, sah."

” And then ‘1”

“ He went to bed, sab."

“ Now, Daring Dick, I wish to ask if you
knew that Rocket Rob left camp, as has been
stated.”

(1 I did.»

“ Did you know where he had gone?”

" Only what he told me.”

“ What was that?"

“ He said he was going on the trail to see if
Bufialo Bill was not in league with the
Cloven Hoots.”

“ What did he say upon his return ?"

“ He said simply that he was a d——d
fool, and as we did not contradict him, there
was no argument and he went to bed.”

“ Phantom Phil, you have heard the testi-
mony of your comrade?”

“ Yes, sir.”

“ Does he tell the truth?"

“ Yes, sir, as I recollect what passed.”

“Gentlemen of the jury, you have heard
what the witnesses have said.

“ Question the prisoner as you will, and it

 

Buffalo Bill’s Double Dilemma.

is then for you to decide the verdict for or
against him.”

A few questions were asked the prisoner,
but his answers were very weak, and when
told to give his story he sat sullen and si-
lent, except to say:

“Oh, I'm already sentenced to hang, so
why waste breath denying thelies these men
have told?"

Then, with quick impulse, he made a sud-
den leap, snatched a knife from the belt of
Phantom Phil and was bringing it down
with all his might upon Silent Sam, when
his wrist was grasped with a force that he
could not resist and the knife was wrenebed
from his hand.

“ W’ell done, Buffalo Bill i” cried the cap-
tain, while cheers and applause burst from
the crowd.

“ You saved my life, Buffalo Bill!

” I shall never forget. you," said Silent
Sam, and his hand trembled violently as he
held it out to grasp the matchless Pony
Rider's.

The jury were notiongin deciding upon a
verdict with such undoubted evidence of
guilt before them, and When Captain Star-
buck called upon them to say whether the
prisoner was innocent or guilty, the answer
came promptly and firmly:

“He is guilty I"

“ What shall his sentence be?"

“ Death.”

" Full a minute passed ere the silence was
broken after their verdict and sentence were
given; then the captain called upon Buffalo
Bill to tell what he knew of Kit Kirby, the
Danite, remarking:

“ You start soon upon your ride, so we
will hear your testimony now, and continue
the trial after the arrival of Wild Bill.”

The testimony of Buffalo Bill was soon
given, and then the frontier court was ad-
journed to await the coming of Wild Bill
Hickok.

CHAPTER LXIV.
A WOMAN‘S conrnssron.

WHEN the crowd gathered at the post, to
see Wild Bill come in, they had not long to
wait, for he was half an hour ahead of time,
and reported having met with no delay go-
ing or coming.

“ As you have half an hour, Buffalo Bill,
and a delayin starting of as much more,
which you can make up, I will call court at
once and finish the trial, that you may make
known at each station what we have done,
and the fate of those we have found guilty,”
said Captain Starbuck.

Buffalo Bill bowed to the will of his com-
mander, and the crowd assembled at once in
the headquarter cabin.

The captain followed Buffalo Bill’s testi-
mony regarding his recognition of the Dan
ite, and his duel with him at Silent Sam's
cabin, by giving his history as he knew it,
and asserting that he knew him to be Kit
Kirby, the deserter, renegade, Mormon out-
law and all that was he .

Then Wild Bill's testimony was given in
his terse, sarcastic way, and the jury was
told to question the prisoner.

He put in a general denial as to his iden-
tity and guilt, but the jury lost no time in
pronouncing him guilty and sentening him
to death.

This.done, court adjourned and a ringing
cheer was given for Buffalo Bill as he
mounted and started upon his run, just ten
minutes late.

Again was be mounted upon Red Devil,
and he was flying swiftly along when, as he
entered Wolf Den Pass, he beheld a signal
stick in the trail, as before. '

He drew it out of the ground, unfolded
the slip of paper and read:

“ The King of the Cloven Hoofs will no
longer be a terror to the Pony Riders.

“He is dead, and my hand took his life.

“ Who he is, and who I am, matters not,
now that he is dead. His hand will soon be
dispersed, and I will go my way, alone,
through life.

” I tried hard to redeem him from a life of
crime, butin vain. I did all in my power
to save the Pony Riders from death, and my
conscience upholds me in having done some
little ood in that direction.

“ ouid that I could have done more!

 

Bufi'alo Bill’s Double Dilemma.

31

 

 

“ On the door of Silent Sam's cabin you
will findamap. Study it well, for it will
lead you to the secret camp of the Cloven
Hoofs.

“ Attack at night, for they keep no guard,
find lose no time, for all have been called in
and are there.

" You will meet the patrol returning, so

i lend them against the Cloven lloofs, and you
land your comrades will no longer follow a
fatal trail.

“ Good-by.

“ YOUR UNKNOWN Gums."

Buffalo Bill halted to read this quite as-
tOJishing letter, and he sat upon his horse
with no idea how time was passing.

Over and over again he read the com'
munication and confession, and, then, with
a sigh, put spurs to his horse and dashed on
his way again.

When he reached his first relay he took a.
man from there, according to the captain’s
orders, to Silent Sam’s station.

Arriving at the latter relay, he found the
door closed and locked, as he had left it; but
upon the door was fastened a. folded paper.

Taking it down he saw that it was a map.

Thrusting it in his pocket, he mounted a
fresh horse and pressed on, having told the
man there that he would send him a com-
rade from the next station, Where there were
three stockrtenders.

This he did, and continuing on his run, he
came upon the Pony Riders’ Patrol returning.

lie at once called Little Lone Star aside,
and showing him the map, the two talked
earnestly together for a. few minutes; then
Devil Dan was called and told to press on
through with the Express pouchcsin place
of Buflalo Bill.

Devil Dan at once started, and placing
himself at the head of the Pony Riders’
Guard, Buffalo Bill led them back on the
trail a few miles, then branched off to the
left, and just at sunset camped on the banks
of a beautiful lake, many miles in length by
a mile in Width, and bordering on the base
of a mountain.

Going into camp, the men were surprised
to see Buffalo Bill throw off his saddle and
then his clothing, then mount his horse and
ride boldly into the lake, heading his horse
straight for a little island, covered with
timber, a few hundred feet from the shore.

In the moonlight they beheld him land on
this island. Ten minutes later, there came
the splash of heavy oars, and a large flat
boat, built of hewn timbers, but large
enough to carry a dozen horses, came into
view, Buffalo Bill rowing it along.

Three hours after, by making two trips in
the flat, the whole patrol had been landed at
the base of the mountain.

Still acting as a guide, Buffalo Bill led
them on into a canyon, that soon widened
into a valley.

There they came upon a camp, while a
coupleof hundred fine horses were feeding
in the valley.‘

With yells the Pony Riders’ Patrol dashed
upon the camp, when, from out of the log
huts rushed frightened outlaws, a score in
number.

A hot fight was begun. It was “give
and take '.’ on both sides, but the outlaws
knew their ground; there were rocks and
timber Dear. canyons and innumerable hid-
ing places; and seeing half a dozen of their
men go down before . the fire of the furious
riders, the Cloven Hoots broke for cover and
eluded all pursuit.

Not a wounded outlaw could be found;
nor was a prisoner taken, from whom any
information could be gleaned; hence, the
Pony Riders’ Patrol were compelled to con
tent themselves with their victory and the
capture of the retreat and the horses.

l Camping there for the night, the next
' morning revealed nothing more, for the
Cloven Hoofs had been scattered, the band
broken up.

Burying the dead outlaws. the Pen
Riders started homeward. carrying their
own dead and wounded with them.

The victory had been Won through fol-
lowing the directions of the Unknown Guide
and protector of Buffalo Bill!

But the secret of how e got his informa-
tion. for reasons of his own Buffalo Bill kept
to himself.

When the Pony Riders‘ Patrol reached

l.

 

Headquarters Ranch, they found a large
crowd gathered at the post, though Devil
Dan had arrived in safety some time before,

The cause of the crowd being there their
eyes soon had revealed to them. as there
swung in mid-air the dead forms of the Red
Danite and Rocket Rob.

CHAPTER LXV.
CONCLUSION.

IT was a surprise to Captain Starbuck
when Devil Dan arrived in Buffalo Bill’s
stead; but when he told how the latter had
gone off at the head of the Pony Riders’
Patrol the agent knew that his champion
rider had some good cause for it.

When he heard the story Buffalo Bill
had to tell he was more than rejoiced, and
had a greater admiration than ever for his
“best man.”

The next day Buifalo Bill made his ride,
and when he reached Valley Farm in the
nightl he was glad to find that Gentleman
George had gone out to guide Pony Bob
across his bridge, and that Little Sunbeam
was alone.

When asked by her why he had missed
the run the day before, he handed her the
letter of his mysterious guide and protector
to read.

She turned pale as she read it, and then
said slowly:

“He is (lead then, and she has gone her
wa l
“ let it be, for father and I can remain
here as we have done in the past.

“Buffalo .Bill, who the King of the Cloven
Hoofs was I need not now reveal to you;
but I will say this, that he held a secret that
has crushed my father to the earth for years,
for only through that man could father prove
his innocence.

“ It is impossible, now, and we must rest
content.

“ We came here hoping for justice, and
for revenge, in good time. \Ve have been
avenged by his death, but justice we cannot

ct.
g “ Say nothing to father about it; I will
tell him."

Just then Gentleman George came in with
Pony Bob, when Buffalo Bill related all of
the happenings at Headquarters Ranch. After
this talk the Pony Riders had their supper
and departed their separate w

Still remaining 11 on the
trail, Buffalo Bill,

siys.

ony Express
ild Bill and Pony Bob
saw many an adventure, but with many a
hair-breadth escape, and, as the Big Three,

made histor for years to come. Wild Bill
at length fe l at the hands of an assassin, but
is still mourned by his two gallant pnrds
who are still on the sunny side of the River
of Death.
Long may they so remain!
'rns: END.

___W__
NEXT DIME LllmARY, N0. 852!

The Stranger iii—oil's Shale-up;

on,

RED HOT RUBE‘S RAOKET AT

RED BEND.
BY WM. R. EYSTER,
AUTHOR or “man RING. ms nu FRO]! KIRBY,"

“ omnnm DAVE. 'rnI: nun mus srom,"
" was nine PIN rmr." ETC.

Lively times at Red Bend—mighty lively times.

What with a double trouble-outlaws wayiaying ‘

coaches and people on the lone hill-trails, and their
spies and other bad men in camp—the condition 01!
affairs calls for a heavy hand and wariest wit. This
comes in singular guise; and with the advent of the
S'rlunosn Sron'r begins a

Buctlon with Rogues

that keeps the camp and vicinity in a tremor of sus
pense. excitement and mystery. The autumn
Sponr, as if by merest chance, takes a hand in the
game—the butlews and people little suspecting his
mission ;‘\vhiis in the outlaw gang, as if one of their
number. is yet a greater mystery, in whose unmask-
ing we have a
Detective Chef d’muvro!

and the render rejoices’in having read one of the few
stories of combined Wild West and detective life that
gives unalioyed satisfaction. So don't miss the early
copy of the " boss story " or the monthl

 

, . .
Beadle s Dime library.

BY (70].. PREN'I‘ISS INGRAHAIVI.
834 The Wild Steer Ridersmr, Texas Jack‘s Terrors.
Bill The Rival Monte Cristos.

805 The Last of the Pirates; or. Doom Driven.

801 The Water Wolves’ Detective; or, ’l‘rnpoing the
Grave Ghouls. ,

791 The Coast-Raiders Death-Chase.

718 Arizona Charlie. the Crack-shot Detective.

704 lnvisihlc lvnn, the Wizard Detective,

685 The Red-skin Sen Rover.

671) Rovello, the Pirate Cruiser; or. The Rival Rovers

67".! The Red Rapier; or, The Sen. Rovor‘s Bride.

(562 The Jew Detective; or, The Beautiful Convict.

658 The Cowh iy Clan; or, The 'l'igrl-ss of Texas.

653 Lasso King‘s Lenguemr, Buck Taylor in Texas.

610 The Rev. r‘s Rct ibution.

13:15 The Ex Buccaneer; or. The Stigma of Sin.

(‘1in The Sea Thief

625 Red Wings; or, The Gold Seekers of the Bahamas.

615 The Three nut-cancers.

610 The Red Flag Rover:or,White Wings of the Deep.

605 The Shadow Silver Ship.

600 The Silver Ship: or, The Sea. Scouts of ’76.

59:1 The Sea Rebel; or. Red Rovers of the Revolution.

597 Conrad. the Sailor Spy; or. True Hearts of ‘711.

mil The Outlnwed Ski per; or, The Gantlet Runner.

5130 The. Man from It exico.

53'} Mth Monte, the Mutineer; or. T e Branded Brig.

516 TM Doomed W'haler: or, The ife Wreck.

510 The Fleet Scourge; or, The Sea Wings of Salem.

580 The Savages 01' the Sea.

524 The Sea Chaser; or. The Pirate Noble.

5111 Chatard, the Dead-Shot Duelist.

510 El Moro, th'u Corsair Commodore.

493 The Scouts of the Sea.

489 The Pirate Hunter; or, The Ocean Rivals.

482 Ocean Tramps ; or, The Desperndoes of the Deep.

476 ilob Bront.the Buccaneer; or. the Red Sea Raider.

469 The Lieutenant Detective; or, the Fugitive Sailor,

457 The Sea Insurgent: or, The Conspirstor Son.

446 Ocean Ogre. the Outcast Corsair.

485 The One-Armed Buccaneer.

430 The Fatal Frigate; or, Rivals in Love and War.

425 The Sea Sword; or. The Ocean Rivals.

418 The Sea Siren: or. The Fugitive Privateer.

899 The New Monte Cristo.

393 The Convict Caption.

388 The Giant Buccaneer; or, The Wrecker Witch.

377 Afloat and Ashore: or. The Corsair Conspirutor.

37:5 Sailor ot‘ Fortune: or. The Barnegnt Buccaneer.

369 The Coast Corsair: or. The Siren of the Sea.

361 The. Sea Fugitive; or. The Queen of the Coast.

316 Ocean Guerrillas; or, Phantom Midshipman.

311 The Sea Desperado. _

336 The Magic Suip' or, Sandy Hook Freebmters.

325 The Gentleman 'Pirato; or. The Casco Hermits.

318 The Indian Buccaneer: or. The Red Rovers.

307 The Phantom Pirate; or, The Water Wolves!

281 TheSea Owl; or. The Lady Captain of theGuif.

259 Cutlass and Cross: or. the Ghouls of the Sea.

235 The Pirate Priest; or, The. Gambler‘s Dnu liter.

248 new Helen, the Amazon ofrhn Overlan .

2% d Lightning the Man of Chance.

231 The Kid Glove Miner; or. The Magic Doctor.

234 Black Board, the Buccaneer.

220 The Spect ~r Yacht; or, A Brother's Crime.

216 The Corsair Planter; or, Driven to Doom.

210 Buccaneer Bess. the Limi' as of the Sea.

305 The Gambl ‘1' Pirate; or, Lady of the Lagoon.

108 The Skeleton Schooner: or. Tile Skimmer.

189 [me Ocnn'i Vampire; or, The Castle Heiress.

184 The Scarlet Schooner: or. The Sea Nemesis.

181 Don Diablo. the Planter-Corsair.

177 Black Pirate: or, The Golden ll‘ctters M stery.

172 The Mad Mariner: or. Dishonored and isowned

168 The. Corsair Queen: or, The Gypsies of the Sea.

147 Gold Spur, the Genlleninn from Texas.

139 Fire Eye: or, The Bride of a i=uccaneer.

134 Darke Dan, the Colored Detective.

131 Bucks in Sam, the Texas Trailer.

128 The Chevalier Corsair; or The Heritage.

121 The Sea Cadet; or, The Rover of the Rigoletts.

BY \VlLLIAi‘I II. EYSTEB.

828 Kirk King, the Man from Kirby.

818 Gentleman Dave the Dead Game Sport.

733 The King-Pin Tramp.

767 The Sport of Silver Bend

718 Unc'e Bedrock‘s Big Bounce.

707 The Rival Rovers.

887 Double Cinch Dan. the Sport With a Charm.

677 Mr. Jackson, the Gent from Jaybird.

1151) Gilt-Edge Johnny: or, Roldan and His Rovers. ’
6150 Lucky Lester‘s one Hand.

534 Old Handcart‘s Big Dump

622 The All Around Ireports.

608 Desert sit, the an With the Cougar.
590 Gentle Jack, the High Roller from Humbug.

578 Seven Shot Steve the Spert with a Smile.

568 The Dude Detect ve.

5'58 Hurrah Harry. the High horse from Halcyon.
549 Bels‘luzzar Brick. the Bailiff of Blue Blazes.

533 Oregon. the Sport With a Scar.

52:5 Fresh Frank. the Derringer Daisy.

503 The Dude from Denver.

478 Pinnacle Pete; or. The- Fool from Way Back.
459 Ma or Sunshine, the Man of Three Lives.

429 Ha r Trigger Tom of Red "end.

402 S pshot Sam; or. The Anzels‘ Fiat Racket.
396 T e Piper Detectiw; or, The Gilt Edge Gang.
375 Royal Gem 6, the Three in One.

356 Thr '6 Hum some S orts: or, The Combination.
344 Double Shot Dave c the Lt'f! Hand.

8'33 Derrine: 1- Dick. the Man with the Drop.

300 A Sport in Spectacles; or. Bad Time at Bunco.
268 Magic Mike, ‘lie Man of Frills.

2‘29 Captain Cutslceve; or. The Little Sport.

214 The Two Cool Sports; or, Gertie of the Gulch.
192 The Lightning S "rt.

:82 Hands Up; or, T e Knights of the Canyon.

:60 Soft Hand. Sharp; or. Th - Man with the Band.
145 Pistol Pards; or, The Silent Sport from Cinnabar

ll new Issue wary Wednesday.

Bendle’e nlme Library is for sale by our.
Newsdealers, ton c ts per copy, or sent by mail on
receipt of twelve ee each.

BEADLE AND ADAMS, Pususnns,

98 WiLLiAu Sn, an You.

 

Hullalo Bill Novels in Head 63 [lime Library.

 

 

351 Buffalo Bill's lmulile Dill-mum; rr, The Great
Scout's Big: Tim-n. By Col. P. lngruham .

«a
81‘!) BulTolo Bill’s R‘vdskin Rose: or, Texas Jack's
Death Shot. By ,(iul. Prentiss Ingrohnni.

839 The Ranch King Dotti-Shot' or, Texas Jack's
Proxy. By Buffalo llill.

830 Buffalo Bi.|‘s Boys in Blue; or, The Brimstone
Band‘s Blot-out. By Col. 1’. ingrahum.

83M Buflalo Bill's Sharp-Shooters; or, The Surgeon
Scout to the Rescue. 13y (,‘ol. P. Ingmham.

822 Bunnie Bill‘s Best Bower; or. Montehello the Gold
ng. By 001. Prentiss Ingraham.

823 White Beaver’s Still Hunt; or The Minor lla-
rauder‘s Death-Track. By Buffalo Bill.

s16 Buflalo Bill‘s Red Trail; or. The Road-Rider
Renegode‘s Run-Down. By Col. P. Ingxaham.

812 3118910 Bill‘s Death-Knell: or. The Red Band
Rider's of the Rockies. By Col. P. Ingmham.

 

7:3(1Burl’alzi llill’s Big Four; or, Custer‘s Shadow.
By Col. Prentiss Ingruhmn.

713 Buffalo
Bravos.

lllll’s Flush Hand; or. Texas Jack's
liy (.‘ol. Prentiss Inzruhnm.

739 llnffu'n Bill’s Bliml; or. The Masked Driver of
Death‘s (‘nnyum By (10]. Prentiss lngrahnni.

735 Buffalo Bill and His Merry Men; or, The Robin
Hood Rivals. By Col. Prentiss Ingmhem.

731 Buffalo Bill's Beagles; or, Silk Lasso Sum.
Col. Prentiss lngraham.

By

727 Buffalo Bill‘s Body Guard; or. The Still Hunt of
the Hills. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham.

7%; Buffalo Bill on the War Path; or, Silk Lasso
Sam. the Will-o’-the-Wisp. By Col. P. Ingrnham.

716 Buffalo Bill‘s Scout Shodowers; or. Emerald Ed
of Devil‘s Acre. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham.

710 Bufl'alo Bill Baflied; or. The Deserter Desper-
ado‘s Defiance. By ColaP. Ingrshsm.

 

414 Rt‘d Renard. tho lmhan Detective; or. The (iolt‘
Buzzards of Colorado. By Buffalo Bill.

401 The One-Armed Pnrd. By Buffalo Bill.

397 The \\ izurd Brothers; or. White Beover‘s 'l‘ruil.
lly Buffalo Bill.

394 White Beaver. the Exile of the Platte; or. A
\Vrongod Man‘s Rod ’l‘rnil. By Buil’alo Bill.

362 Buffalo Bill's Grip: or, Oath-bound to mister.
By Cnl. Prentiss Ingraliam.

329 llufl'alo Bill’s Pledge; or. The League of Three
By Col. P. Ingmhom.

319 Wild Bill, the Whirlwind of the West.
falo Bill.

304 Texas Jack. the Prairie Rattler; or,'1'he Queen
of the Wild Riders. By Buffalo Bill.

213 The Pilgrim Sharp: or. The Soldier's Sweetheart.
Bv Buffalo Bill. Government Scout and Guide.

189 Wild Bill‘s Gold Trail; or, The Desperate Dozen
By Col. P. Ingroham

By Buf-

 

 

 

 

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Jim-wild Bill. the Wild West Duelist: or. The Girl
- * Mascot of Moonlight Mine. By Burnan Bill.

‘ .300 Who am, the Dead‘Center Shot; or. Rio Grande

_ 4 .Riuph, the Cowboy Chief. ‘» By Buflalo Bill.
794 Buflolo Bill‘s Winning Band: or. The masked
3‘ women of the quorado’ Canyon. By Ingmham.

‘ 3‘87 ,‘Bufl'alo Bill‘s Deed Shot; or. The Skeleton Scout
 of the Colorado By ca. Prentiss Ingrshamp

 'Bhano Bill‘s Brand; or. The Brimstone Brother-
hood. By Col. Prentiss [nil-sham. 1
W LBill’s 'Epy‘Shudower; or, The Masked
Men at Grand Canyon. By col. P. Ingrahom.
Bnflolo Bill's Ban; or. Cody to the Rescue. By
‘ yLQQn Lewis.
mm
' Last Chance.
'aa‘s‘sn’mio Bill‘s Dozen; or, am: Ribbon Sam. By
 Prentiss .Ingrsham; ‘
61 “Bunnie Bill‘s Mascot: or, the Death Valley
“ ' JVW'NO'. 18. By 001. Prentiss Incubate.
m.mn Burs Double: «(he Demwdo W
vol. I: 001.?rentiu 111W. ' /

By Col. Prentiss Ingraham.

I . ~
A l

. ii "
Halo Bill's Sweepstake‘, or, The Wipe-out at y»

 

BUFFALO BILL.

697 Bnflaio Bill‘s Buckskin Brotherhood; or, Open
ing Up a. Lost Trail._r By Col. 1’. lngrahsm.

091 Buflalo Bill’s Blind Trail; or. The Daughter of

‘ the Regiment“ By Col. Prentisslngraham.

682 Buffalo Bill‘s Secret Service Trail. By Major
Dangerfield Burr. .

667 Buffalo Bill's Swoop: or. the King of the Min“.
By Col. Prentiss Ingrsham. i ' ' ’

658 The Cowboy Clan, or. The Tigress ‘0: Texas.
By Colonel Prentiss Ingrohsm. , ‘

\

653 The Lasso King‘s League; or. The Tigers of
Texas. By Colonel Prentiss lngraham.

4349 Buck Taylor. the Saddle King. Buffalo Billie
Obie;l of Scouts. By Col. P. Ingmhu'm.

644 Burran Bill's Bonanza; or, 'I he Knights of to
Silver Circle. ‘ By Col. P. Inn-sham. ‘

889 The Gold King; or, Montehollo. the Magnificent.
‘ By Buflslo Bil]: '

629 Buffalo Bill‘s Daring Role: or, Daredsoth Dick
King of the Cowboys, By Leon Lewis.

59 The Dead Shot Nine: or, My Penis of the Plains.
By Buflolo.‘ Bill. -

i
\

‘517 Male sinngxnstrmii.  By sea Banana;  f

175 Wild B ’s Tram Card; or. The Indian Heiress.
By CoLmRreniiss gngrahsm.
168 Wild Bill.the Pistol Dead Shot: or. be r Don‘l
“Double. "By Col. Prentiss mgr-sham, gge
'158 Buflslo Bill, Chief of Scouts; orgThe Doomen
" Dozen._ By Dr. Frank Powell. g '
u".Buflalo Bill‘s Stran ePsrd' or. rash! Da'nd .
‘ ' The Hitspur of tbefiiills. by Major 1515mm y
'92 Buffalo Bill, the Buckskin King: or the Amazon
of the west. By Major Dangerfield Burr.
83 Gold Bullet s rt; or, the Knights of the Over; 1
land. ByBu olBill. p
52 Death Trailer. the Chief of Bronte: or. we and
Love in “Frontier Fngt. By Buffalo Bill. ‘ l

LATEST AND nwg‘xssuns,
sterile 5mm r s We Sbska- -.' oer/ed Hm
Rnbe‘s Haggai. a Red Bend.  W- R. Eystér-
853 The ulcer Citvi‘rookz‘or.‘ Toad Burr's Fight
torn llion. By Harold Payne. ,
854 The Ocean (H v. or. The Gulf Cruiser's Last
Chase. By 00 . Prentiss 'lngrqham.
\865'The Crrwhov Chief's Death-Shot: or. Hard Knox.
the Rogue-Rancher, ByJos. “E. Bowel-Jr;
- A new law ovary Wodnuda‘y. ..
rim"- .mml'bs" ‘84:: r“ ‘i; '1'
e enters. on in per wear" you on ,
- E. & DAMS

 

receive of Wake cont: each. BE - L
Powwow '98 William  New?