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L CODINKMHL MN. m HEADLE AM; ADAM,» ENTI-nucn AS 5mm“) CLASS MATTER AT Tm; Nu“ Yum“. N. Y.. l‘ns'l‘ 'In‘h‘u. May 161, 1894.

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N O 8 1 2 Published Every cijccuila (f' y/lrln 771,,8', (l)ll [M ('8 )LHI’S, Ten Cent: 8 Copy.  
I 0 I U

 

BY COL. PRENTISS INGRAHAM.

BUFFALO BILL’S DEATH-KNEL ;

Or, THE RED HAND RIDERS OF THE ROCKIES.

 

 

 

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lluiialn Bill's Death-Kiel];
THE RED HAND RIDERS

OF THE ROCKIES.

 

BY (‘Ola l’llEN'l‘lSS INGRAIIAM.

 

(lllAlyl‘l‘lll I.
'l'llli scour‘s nnxru wxnxjtvo.

“WELL! that is like reading one‘s own
obituary!

“ ()nly l‘m not yet dead, and before I pass
in my chips some of those who put this
ghostly warning and death-knell to Buffalo
Bill may cross into the Land of Silence be-
fore he does.”

So spoke a man who had ridden up to a
cross made of hewn timber and which stood
upon a sunuuit'that commanded an extensive
view of the country surrounding: a wild,
unsettled land where lurked only death and
danger.

The cross stood just off the trail, near a
spring about which were the signs of a camp,
and it had been firmly planted there for a
purpose that was two-fold.

At its base were the lonely mounds mark-

‘ ’ing the last resting-place of several dead per-
sons who had met their death there on the
stage trail that ran near, and it had been
erected by the comrades of the fallen driver
of the coach, in his memory and to his pass-
engers who had lost their lives at the same
time.

There was cut into the wooden cross the

word 4
“ BEWARE?

and beneath it was the name of the driver,
with a warning to his slayers that their doom
would yet be at the end of a rope.
But, the horseman who ‘now gazed upon
. the cross saw that its wording had been
changed from what it was when placed there.
More skillfully cut into the wood than was
the original, he read the “ Beware ” changed
in its wording to suit another than the guilty.
He beheld at either end of the arm of the
cross, most skillful! carved, a Death’s Head
and Cross-bones, ‘W ile cut. into the center
was a smaller cross, defacing the original
lettering, and in its place he 

“Bus-mun BILL'
“ BEWARE! '

“Take nbtice, W. F. Cod —-Bufi'alo Bill
the scout—that. as you had t is cross erected
V here to the memorycf your purd, Six-Horse

- Sam, who drove tgi: trail, and as awarning
that his slayers 5 am yet die at the rope
end, we, the -' ’ _

Rnoffiann RIDERS  " 5 .

snow sound your death-knellmnd take lemn
oath to bury your body at the‘FjbaoQG this
cross before another year has 1') -

“ To save your life give up your .hnntl‘or
the band of road-agents known as. the ,Red
Hand Riders.” v . ' , '

j The man who stood before the cross rcudu
. ingthe warning cut into it, was one to com-
! mand attention and admiration there.
 His face and bear-in were di ,nguished,
for, as upri ht’ia's‘ use fer, lie was over six-
feet in hot; tend hit‘form was-both elegant
and indicativeo: mot strength. quickness
and endummgw‘ » '  ’ ‘
.He m cm , , ,
_ hymns and '|'go‘8louéh»hnt.,and. wows be
oarms.  a _ ._ 
a ’ His hair was dark, wags-and worn long
., and but lately  lib Q.  an
 imperial whichygave “him is military sir,
_ while his features were
and strongly marked:

‘His horse steed ,

“ a long trail, and with arlfio‘hnnglng from
the saddle—horn: a worthy. animate-g):
such a finer, for the; man We: . Bunnie ‘;

, r

‘r

_ i.

one now known athe wide world over; 
whosodonds ordering, whose life of romance

 v and thrilling sdvtoture upon the frontier: in
: days 30116 have made him famous tang-a
; 'hero of the lid West. . ac - -.,

, 7.1

Dismounting at the cross. 
‘ stood gazing upon it in silence for tulips--

 

u.

rinlrmuaer'm dun to ’- L , \ ,

' ' ’ ‘ i  W'Don’tkittblmr He $23 richa rim.”
,shoutod
 The warn
perfecnyexmdm

at his: m: confided  . man dropped sad in

 

‘.

minute. after uttering the words that open
this story, a story founded upon real in-
cidents in the life of the noted scout, and
telling of those who now live in history.

At last, with a sigh, the scout milsed
aloud;

“ It is said that a threatened man is long—
lived, and it may be so.

“ Certainly. I manage to keep above
ground in spite of many threats made to
kill me.

“ But I must look to it that this threat is
not carried out, for the lied liand Riders are
a desiperatc lot and would be only too glad to
kill me.

“They have vowed to drive me away, or
kill me, so l take up the war with them from
today, and as they have begun it I will he
the last to end it, for now I shall avenge my
old pard, Hixllorse Sam, whom they mur-
dered here—«obf’

And with the exclamation from the scout's
lips mingled the crack of a rifle, and he stag-
gered back and fell heavily to the ground.

 

CHAPTER II.

THE GAME 0|“ DEATH.

THE puff of smoke from behind a distant
rock, had eaughtthe eye of the scout just as
the bullet came and the report followed.

The bit of lead had been well-aimed and a
stain of red over the right temple sliowcd
where it had struck or passed, and Buffalo
Bill lay as-motionless as though it had pierced
his brain.

Ilis horse, startled by the shot, had at first
sprungawa , but now turned, trotted up to
his fallen l der and stood gazing do Nil upon
him, snorting in terror and apparently in
an or at his death. ‘ /

moment passed; then out of the thicket
sheltering the group of rocks from the midst
of which had come the shot, advanced two
men, each with a rifle in hand.

They were dressed in buckskin leggings,
gray-woolen shirts, sombreros, top boots and
were masks, while their hands were covered
with red gloves.

Bot 1 were well armed, and came forward,

at first, cautiously—their eyes upon the fal- '

len scent; and then with more rapid stride
when one of them said:

“ 0w], your shot did the work, for he is
dead. Sorry, for that will disappoint the
band; they all wished to hang him.”

“ Yes, but he was too dangerous to allow
him to escape, Hawk, and so I aimed to kill,”

answered the other.

“ Well, it will raise a terrible row for
awhile, and the soldiers will hunt us hard,
for Buffalo Bill is the idol of the army; but
after awhile it will blow.over and we will
rake in the gold!” 

“ You bet we will! and Iwill be the dandy

‘of the outfit, for it was my bullet that
"brought down the dreaded anflalo Bill.

Why, Hawk, it ought to makome chief,“
Captain Eagl geiskilled.“ , r

"‘ Which C. pta-in E ' it) won‘t; for he hears
acharmed life. as we owe all thought that

.Bufl’alo Bill , did.'l 1 ‘

The taro outlaws new advanced more
rapidl~ toward the prostrate scout..,and, as
they rcw near,-.Owl callddout’:  '

i “SQuarely in the temple, ‘Hawk, for. use
where my bullctcut its wa  . ‘ . - ,

“A. splendid '~shot,f0w , 'and- Devils!
lookout!”  g u  l  Kr _ 

The exclamation w  by the sod;
don rush, of Bu 0;" , llahorso directly
_ poo them, his web tomb-rarefied. his eyes
gushing withzttgvsngefulf ,. .r - ' '

0w1 as :Ho’wlr was (having is‘ re-
‘volver.  “ _".  1 . ~. - ,
‘ walruth as Hawk new
all: danger as threw hla‘mtolver forward to
m' "if"! ' r 2”]; ‘ .1'1" 1
But, the no a never trigger, an the
I whim h (Exec;- eriehthe re-
. no at} " ‘ . aw '. 4‘, “Rt a cry
gin-morn wl turned  had fired
the shuttlth to behold;   ,
rise to, foot, revolver’ln'hfldl _
He,  . sooty _  ind bulimia!!!
his use, but with a bound'_fo,;snrny¢d ho,
was it, v him. his she  W , .  ,
ginning: teeth,  ,   hoof:
    and,
term (  " ‘ A ‘

 

8

  
  

  

. “wisuddeniy'  , ., .
" ~ _ have had some aid5 and now "to’

, once," 'i.

A few bounds and Buffalo Bill had grasped
the rein of the horse, while he cried sternly:

“ Let him go, Lucifer! let go, I say i”

The horse released his grip and the man
sunk helplessly upon the ground.

Seeing that he was unconscious the soout
turned and patted his horse affectionately,
talkingr to him in endearing tones which the
trained animal seemed fully to understand
and appreciate, for he uttered a low whinny,
yet glanced down at the victim of his rage
as though wondering why his master had
not allowed him to finish him.

“I ruess you‘ve done for him, Lucifer,
for winch I am sorry, for I wanted him to
live and get from him information he could
have been for'ced to give.

“ You. Were vicious in your attack on him,
old horse, but, as it was to avenge me, it is
all right.

“Now go and nip grass, while I see if
there is any life in him, for I know yonder
cut—throat is dead, as I sent a bullet through
his heart.

“ Why, I am dizzy myself from the effects
of the bullet; it was a close call, for an
eighth of an inch more and it would not have
glanced as it did, but must have killed me,"
and the scout wiped away the blood from
the gash over his temple, and which, cutting
to the bone, had momentarily stunned him.

Lucifer, with his master alive and able to
take care of himself, obeyed his injunction
and went off to crop grass, while Buffalo
Bill, after a glance at the man he had shot.
to be assured that he was dead, went to
where the other lay, and bent over him.

The Owl—as his comrade had called him
——was breathing hard. but lay unconscious,
the hoofs of the horse havin g evidently struck
him hard in the breast. , . ,

Taking the mask off his face Buflalo Bill
uttered an exclamation of surprise, asthough
he recognized the man, and then walked
rapidly over and unmasked the other.

“I don‘t know you, but I do know your
pard, whom I never suspected of being what
he is.

“ It will be best for him to die now, for if
he lives he will go, later, at the end of a
rope. ,

“I will make him as comfortable as I can
and ride to the stage-station?th help.

“They pla'ed axleadly me upon me,
but we won, didn’t we, an fer?” '. I,

 

CHARTER In;
THE MISSING ()l'TlJHV.

BUFFALO BILL rodp rapidly to the stage
station, distant a score of ’miles from the
scene which had so‘nearly "pi-oven fatal to
him. ' .'
The station was one of a line upon the stage
trail which led to a frontier military post, a
settlement, and mining-camp, and weekly
coaches were run in spite of the danger from
Indians and roadagents, the latter bein '
particularly energetic in their hunt for gold
gained by the hard toll of honest men.

At the relay sta e suati were two men,
and telling them w rat ha nocurred. Buffalo
Bill got one of them to yeturn with him,
carrying a cart used for hauling wood down
~ from the mountains. . .7,

' The return was made rapidly, and upon
arriving at the spot where. e had left the
wounded road-agent, to the great surprise of
the scout he Was not there!

’ .,'There lay the dead body of the man whom
the scout had killed, but the one Lucifer
had attacked. was gone beyond all doubt. -

“ Well, I thought it was a one of
die. with that fellow, Nipfi’r %'~th97acout. .-
ond he added: A i;  ,1 ' ‘

" Lucifer had a terri  t p" on his
‘shoulder and struck at ‘jr , lav ely with
his fore hoof: untilI thou ‘ ‘hisw ole body
was crushed in,’ but as --Jvanted',to loam
somethin from hi , botanic die , I placed
him just ere, in ' asylum ‘00me able, and
went fitereylo’u ow khan is be?”
_“S' ., '. foq' -

“ we‘ll? lane. dong: or Viral: rim.

 
    
  

  
  
  

*we can nbout,_xhi 

The  then walked yerfifig body
of the dead Hawk and saw at  weapmm

 

and all else he had had Maniac about him

  

 

.
.i.

.,
3‘s
3.“
at
it
a
..

 

 

more: «Jflimmfa .. f,

 

 

had been taken, for Bill hadtouched noth- I, 

  
 

 

 

 

’ we’ll return to the station.”

cross.”

s -. . .. M  j ‘ ." " v"- r.‘ u
WW “two—4%?"
, x

owe them a grudge for killing Six-Horse
.Sam and several other of my pards.

* til I see the end of it,” and Buffalo Bill spoke

.shall at once fight it to the bitter end. '

 
  

,y . .,, ‘Js ,mzihj'aa. was” \_:I.N.‘.' fit“ an...‘ 5..
. \,r‘.“4':';y:t ., U11 "T‘Ih 'A

 

ing before going to the station, not expect-
ing any one else to come along in that wild
land during his absence and feeling con.-
vinced that the man Lucifer had attacked
was beyond the power of self-aid.

Setting to work. in his skillful way of
hunting down a mystery, he began a circuit
of the hilltop in search of trails or signs
and soon came upon the tracks of tWOhorscs
going aml coming from the spot where the
cross was erected.

Following the tracks up the hill, he soon
found where the two horses had been hitch-
ed in a thicket, while their riders went into
ambush for him.

“ They saw me coming, and so laid for
me." muttered the scout.

Then he “saw where the horses had retraced
their trail, and failing to find any other
tracks leading to and from the hill, other
than this one, Buffalo Bill said:

“ Nip, that fellow evidently played pos-
sum on me, and did it well, for he was not
as badly hurt as I supposed.

“ lie just waited until I left for the station
and then he shook himself together and
started on the jump to escape. ,

“ First he robbed his dead pard, and then
mounted his horse and dug out, taking the
other animal with him.”

“ That’s it, Bill,” aequiescod Nip.

“ Well, I'm sorry to have brought you here
for nothing.” .

“It hain’t for nothin’, Pard Bill, for I has
seen that you did 'er best, and this galoot is
terbe planted, so ’11 set to work, and then

.“ No, I will go on the trail of those two
horses, and find out where it leads to.”

“ Don‘t do it, Bill!" urged the other.

“Why not?” ' ,

“I has read that warning, thar on ther

“What of that?"

“ Them Red Hands means what they says,
and the "ll down you sart’in of you goes on
the trai .”

“ Why, pard, if I heeded warnings I
would have been driven away from the
frontier long a '0.

“Those Red _Iands are a bad lot, and they
hope to frighten me oil by reading my death-
'knell; but instead of going I shall devote my
time, hereafter, to running them down, for I

“ No, I’ll not heed the warning. Nip, un.

with a quiet determination which with him
meant so much. '

“ You knows best, Pard Cody, but to me
that warnin}r means sart’in death to on, as
I said, and fwishes Iyou would heed t; but.
as I sees you is dear Set on not minding it, I
know it's no use to talk."

“Oh. yes, I shall heed it so well thatI

“Now we will bury this body,” and the
two set to work, with a spade and pick
brought from the station to dig a grave.

It was soon done,’ the body was wrapped in
a blanket and placed in the grave, which
was at once filled up, Buffalo 3 ll remarking

uietl : '
q "Nip, it is surprising how death chan es
my feelin 8 toward a foe, for, though Ikil ed
that man have no hatred against him, onl
pity and respect for the dead. But, it is
growing late so‘ I must be off," and with a
grasp of the stock-tender’s hand the scout
mounted Lucifer, struck the trail of the
road-agent’s horses, "and rode awa like one
who had a determined purpose in View.

CHAPTER Iv.
THE MYSTERIOUS “new.

Tunas was considerable excitement'at
Fort Advance, the military post a\ the ter-
minus pf the stage trail that ran by the

 

mnmamws'
:4 J .' g}.

' ask‘ you, ColonelCarr, if

wa:.~asa.nwmwemfietsawere}:
.  gym 3‘ g4:  ts; ', .‘ ~
.. . . I . 1. 

 

WY

Louis Fallon.

He had joined the army some years before
as a private soldier, entering the cavalry,
but, it was at once seen that he was fully
competent to command the company as
well as any of its officers, though he made
no display of his military knowledge and had
very little to say of himself.

Six feet in height, handsome, courtly in
bearing and a man of education, he was call-
cd by his comrades the “ Soldier Adonis, "

He had ridden into the fort one day bring.
int,r a wounded oilicer, who, while out hunt-
ing, had been attacked by Indians.

lie was on his way to the fort, he had
said, saw the officer’s danger, went to his
rescue and saved him, after having killed a
couple of the red-skins and put the others to
flight.

Then he brought the ofllcer, who was quite
severely wounded to the fort.

All he had to say for himself was that he
had been a miner, had met with no luck to
speak of, and wished to enlist.

llis courage, splendid physique and age,
for he was aboutthirty-live apparently, Were
all in his favor, and so he was assigned to
the cavalry, and at once made his mark as a
soldier.

It was discovered. after he had served
half a year, that he was a fine scout, that he
was darin g to recklessness, and that he was
a very superior man, one who became the
idol of his comrades and a great favorite
with his officers.

lie was made a corporal for gallant scr:
vices, then won a sergeants stripes for sw-
ing a comrade's life, and soon after was ap-
pointed post ordnance-sergeant, which rank
he held at the time this story opens.

But, the cause of excitement in the fort
was that Sergeant Louis Fallon had received
a letter which caused him to at once seek an
interview with Colonel Carr.

The letter informed him that his daughter,

to the fort to visit him for an indefinite
time.

Mrs. Carr had at once offered, in a kindly
way, to secure for the young girl a place in
some otlicer's family as a, nurse, but the ser-
geant had said in explanation:

“I thank you, madam, but my daughter
has just finished her education at a fashion-
able boarding-school in New York, and,
though I have been parted from her for long
years, now that her mother is dead she
wishes to come and live with me, and I beg
ti) say that though she is a sergeant's child,
she yet has quite a large fortune in her own
right. and it is under her personal control,
young as she is, so that my desire was to

could secure
quarters where I could make her comfortable
and live with her there?" .

” By all means. Fallon, and anything I can
do to make her com‘fmtablc it will give .me
pleasure to do. ,

= ” thn'will she arrive?”

“ By next week's-eoach, sir,” answered the
sergeant. ‘ '

".And I will also lend a helpin hand, ser-

took his departure.

“ That man was born and raised a gentle—
man, wife,” said the colonel after the ser-
geant‘s departure. »

“ There is no doubt of that, for there is no
officer at the fort who has more courtly man-
ners, and I learn that he bu s from the post
trader German, French an Spanish books,
all of which he reads fluently. ‘. .

“ Yes, and he handles a sword with won-
derful skill; he can drill~ a regiment as well
as I can; he sits a horse like a West Pointer
and is working for a conimission I am sure,
and which Lwill do all in my power to aid
him to get ' _ ,» , ‘

" I ho 0 so. and I confess to a curiosity to

cross on the hilltop on which Buffalo Bill “see this aughtergof his, who he saylhasa

had read his death-knell.

The excitement was not caused by an In-
dian outbreak, nor the news of a hold-up by
the Red Hand Riders. but from an event
that was to happen in the fort, and to which'
all were looking forward with the deepest
interest. from the commandant, Colonel
Carr, to the most insignificant personage at
the fort. 4

fortune—a ser eant’s daughter who is. an
heiress,” said it rs. Carin. l

“I, hope she will not be made to too
keenly feel her position, educated and refined
asshe must be.”. . , .

“He will guard ‘her ifrom that. I trust,"
and the lady went out to consult acme of her
friends upon the coming visitor. the ser-

geant’s daughter.

 

The fact was that. tliere was a sergeant at .i

The news soon went the rounds of the

l

 

 .‘ I .v r W , ‘1 H l, I ' ’ u
the fort [who was looked upou as a very fort, that the daughter of Sergeant Fallon
mysterious-personage, and his name was.

Lucille, a maiden of seventeen, was coming'

gaunt,” answered Mrs. Carr, and t e sergeant.

  
   
    
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
   
  
  
  
   
   
  
  
   
  
  
   
   
   
   
   
  
   
   
  
    
    
  
  
   
  
  
    
   
  
   
   
  
   
  
   
   
   
  
    
   
  
   
 

 

was coming to the fort, that she was rich in
,her own right, would live in quarters fur—
' nished by her father. and as gossip always
goes, it was added that she was young. very
g beautiful, highly educated, and other stories
' were told until all were anxious to greet the
; fair visitor and bid her welcome. .
The sergeant went calmly on with his \
duties, secured a pleasantly situated cabin,
had it furnished as well as could be ex-
pected, hired a soldier’s wife to do the cook-
ing, and awaited the coming of the young
girl who was all in all to him. and who was
expected to arrive on Jack Jessop‘s coach,
which was due at sunset the following day.

CHAPTER V.
THE SEIiGEANT’s naeonrnn.

THE coach for Fort Advance pulled out of
the last settlement on the trail until it
reached the mining country over which the
military post was the guardian, as Well as of
the settlers who had boldly made homes in
the adjacent vallcyS.

The trail was along one, rugged and dan-
gerous.

It was a trail that few even of the bold
Overland drivers dare attempt at night, and
along its way were a number of mounds
marking the last resting-place of those who
had been killed either by Indians or road-
agents, for, as the coaches often carried
valuable treasure, there were outlaws ever
ready to hold it up.

Then, too, the trail was so rugged that
only the most skillful of drivers could carry
a six-horse team over it in safety.

The relay stations were few in' number
and far between, and save these not a hut
was visible, not a human being was eneoum
tered on the trail, unless it was an outlaw or , ,
a red-skin, the very ones to avoid. .

But, Jack Jesso ) was one that knew how
to handle the wil est team, could drive the
Fort Advance trail by night _if need be; and
was a man who had heard deadly bullets
whistle and had felt the burning lead enter
his own flesh.

He had faced death time and again, and
had a “record ” of men he had placed under
the sod, so was dreaded, peaceful looking
and quiet though he was.

He had been the first man to take a coach
through after Six-Horse Sam had been killed
by the Red Hands, and though time and
again warned that he would die on the box.
some day, always started off from his post
with a cheery: ' .

 

“See on again, pards." ‘"

Sohe ind left his post. in the little sctlle- ,_ ,
ment, one morning early, and had started up-
on th'c day’s run to Fort Advance. with just .
three relay stations on the Way. the center -
.one being that which Buffalo Bill had visited 7
for help when he had met the two masked
outlaws at what had been named “ Menu--
ment Hill” on account of the cross erected
there to Six—Horse Sam, and which the Red ‘
Hand Riders had converted into a warning 
post for the scout. -

Three passengers were inside the coach—{—
an army officer and two Eastern men, from
their appearance, and upon the box by the
side of ack Jessop was a young girl.

Upon the coach register she was down as
Miss Lucille Fallon, and her destination was. 
Fart Advance. f ,

She had referred a box seat to one insidfii
had made cw night rides, taking the journey
glnietly, and seemed to enjoy every mile, of

6 way. ‘ ‘ s, . .

' driver shehad met with  soon:
warmed up under the influence of her beauty!
and sweet ways, and she had appeartho unrfi
demand that a good cigarwas a comfort on
a drive. and so had broughtalong a supp}
for those who were to be «comrades on the
long trail. ’ ‘

, , “ Ldon't smoke myself," she said with a,
mischievous smile to Jack, Jesse , as 
hook her seat by his side, “hut wit you not?
have a cigar?”_.- - ‘\ » ‘ \
Jack flushed 11 litres schoolboy. took
cigar. accepted gematch handed to hinrjb 
hisdfair companion, and with the first} a;

“ This hain’t no Wild West a ‘r,  .
“ No; I bought them in New origami;

    
  

    
     
       
       

   

         
         
      
        
     
   

 
 

   
 

  

     
 

 

      
   

  
  

    
  

 
  

 
  

  

  

 
 

 
  

  

        
 
 

  

   
  

    

    
       

 

haw more when you wish them. V -

 
  

   

   

iii“: "  r L s  ~ 9:" ‘ --. " 9

“My . _ 

I x
O

 

 

 

   

“ We reach Fort Advance to-night, I be-
Iieve?”

“ Yes, miss. by sunset; but, I‘ll push 'em
ter run in a little before, so you’ll git thar in
good daylight. for it’s dismal runnin’ inter a
place by night for ther fu’st time.”

“ You are very kind, sir."

“No, I was told ter look artcr you, miss,
for I takes it yer is ther sergeant's daugh-
ter.”

“ Yes, I am Lucille Fallon.

“ Do you know m father?"

“ I does, miss, am a braver man I never
seen. lie run through with me for a dozen
i2. times over as uard, when the road-agents
 at too wicke , and there was no scare in
 " rim. ”

“ Yes, my father has always had a record
"g- for bravery. I hope he is well.”

“ Couldn’t be better, miss, and as anxious
to see you as though you was his lady-love.
. .- “But you is pluck to make this run, as
 the Red Ilands and Iynjuns has been awful
u:  bothersome of late.”

 “And who are the Red Ilands‘!”

“ W'al, miss, that are a hard question to
answor, more than to say that they is a law-
less band that goes bv the name of ther Red
Hand Riders, ther Red Itoughs, and ther
Outlawed Saddle Kings.

“ JISt who they is there is nobody outside
of the band that knows, for some says they
is desperado cowboys, others that they is
ill-luck miners and again it is said that they
is settlers who prefers to rob folks to work-

   
  
   
   
  
   
  
  
  
    
 
   
  
   
  
   
  
  
    
  
  
  
  
   
 
  
    
  
  
   
    
  
  
 

“ They calls themselves Birds 0’ Prey, and
goes by ther name 0’ birds, ther capt’in being
 named Eagle.

. " They goes masked, and wears red loves,
and has been guilty 0’ more cruel deer s than
any band 0’ outlaws on ther border; but

 somehow they always gits of! free, exceptin’
last Week when Bufialo Bill kilt one of .‘em,

' and Went off on ther trail of another, since

which time the scout hain’t been seen.”

, I “ I have heard of this Buffalo Bill; but
will you please tell me who he is?” asked
Lucile Fallon with an interest that caused

Jack Jessop to at once comply .with her re-

quest ’

CHAPTER VI.
Tan GIRL DEAD-SHOT.

‘- t” YER asks me for tell yer who Buffalo
Bill is, miss?" said Jack Jessop, gazing with
admiration upon the young girl on the box
by his side.
P" And well worth was she of admiration,
forher form Was aultless, and she was clad
, in a neat gray traveling dress and soft slouch
; 9hat with a black plume in it. '
 Her face was one of striking beauty,
the features distinctly cast, full of expression
“and bearing the imprint of a bold, fearless
’mturefull of determination, intelligence and
 gcharacter strangely marked in one so young.
'Bhe had come prepared for a long stay, to
ad e from her bagga e, which completely
;~, lied the rear boot 0 the coach, and she
“carried a small repeating rifle and revolver,
th which she had amused herself shooting
tint game alon the Way, and alWays proVing
“herself a do -shot to the admiration of the
rivers she had been a pleasant companion
of. .
v 9"Yes, I- would like to know all you can
l the about Buffalo Bill, for I have often
heard and read of him,” said Lucille.
“ Well, miss, he is ther king of ‘em all as a
, nt, guide an‘ Injun~ti hter. ‘
3." He began away bac in Kansas, when a
o’ ten. and no man has seen'ther wild
{frontier life he have, and today he stands at
 , r head 0’ their list as a man 0’ narye and
 illin border craft. :
‘fle kin outride a Injun, shoot ter dead,
ter with rifle, revolver or bow an’ arrer,
handle a knife like a sword, and though
‘  ghaln’t no man-hunter. lookin’ up men ter
-. be have a record that few kin equal for
s' core-9' his life when- he is jumped on
them as wants him out‘o’ ther way. ‘

 

  

   

  

  
   

  

   

   
  

 
 

 Buffalo Bill c'u’d show u with any

  
 

pg of, would make along list, though he
#2?“ a rod-skin in war, never jist ter
, m." .

‘ He. is a very remarkable man, from your
,1 ription, six. ’3 -

   

   
  

‘13! if comes ter private graveyards I,

am, and ther Injuns he has ca led in ther

“ You bet he be, miss! Remarkable is
ther word. He’s a six-footer and a inch ter
spare, straight as a soldier on parade, hand-
some as a woman, a gent clean through,
wlliile he is a pard to tie to when a man needs
an ,

“At present he is chief o’ scouts at Fort

since that time he hain't been hecrd of, and

put a warnin’ up that they would kill him,
and maybe they has.”

“I sincerely hope not."

“So does I, miss; but if they has, then
the ' will be hunted down sart'iu by Buffalo
Billy's scouts.

“ Men do say that he hears a charmed life,
and it looks so; but it may be, after all, that
he has had to go under.

“ We pass the Warning post this arter-
noon, miss, and though it were put up as a
monument to my driver pard, Six-Horse
Sam, they changed it to a death-warning to
Buffalo llill, as you will see when we gits
there. miss.”

Lucille Fallon had been deeply interested
in all that Jack Jessup had told her of Buffa-
lof Bill, the Red Band Riders and frontier
li e. '

Whatevvr her life in the past had been:
she felt that she was now almost going into
another world, that she was about to cross
the threshold of a new existence and one that
held for her a wonderful charm.

Suddenly a (leer sprung up before them‘in
the trail, and, quick as a flash, the rifle of
the young irl was at her shoulder, there
was a rapi aim, a sharp report and the
game dropped dead.

” A splendid shot that, miss, and one even
Buffalo Bill or your father couldn’t beat.

“ You are as quick'as a flash and are a
sure shot.”

“ I doubtless inherit any talent I may
have as a shot from my father,” was the
quiet reply. and drawingin rein, Jack Jes-
sop dismounted from the box and quickly
dressed the deer, throwing it upon the top
of the coach with the remark:

i“ You took him just back of the head,
m as.” '

“ That is where I aimed for. ”

But Jack was dubious, and he kept his eye
watching for more game.

He wished to see if the shot' had been a
chance one.

At length he saw a coyote skulkin g along
the trail. '

“ Can you drop him, miss?”

Again the rifle was uickly aimed and the
coyote rolled over dea .

“ You is a dandy, miss!” and Jack drove
on with increased admiration for his fair as-
1slenger, the “ Girl Dead-Shot ” as be en led

er.

It was after noon when the coach, half
an hour ahead of time, began to ascend Mon-
ument Hill.

The trail moved over the summit of the
hill, and then down a” ain_iuto the valley and
omits way to.Fort A vance. 5

" I can catch up more time in the valley,
miss, so I’ll get youin while the sun is yet
an hour big , so you can see What your
father looks like by daylight, as you sayt you
hasn’t seen him for a longtime." '

“ No, I do not even remember him, for I
was but two years old when he went away,”
she answered with some sadness of tone, and
the silence that followed was broken by
Jack’s hastily uttered words; '

“ Lordy, is we to be held up this soon? for,
there's somebody at'the Monument waitin’
for us.” ' '

"-

1 Chairman vn.
run wnaama on ma war.

Tan remark of Jack Jessop causgd Lucille
to glance quickly-ahead. up to the summit
of the hill. " - ‘

Her c '03 first fell upon the white cross
placed here as a monument to the dead,
and it git/tamed brightly in the rays of sun-

~Ii ht. ' _
anion she saw. relieved against the back-
round of trees, a horse, bridled and sad-
dhfii‘. but his rider was not visible.
ving discovered the animal, Jack Jes.
top at once took the idea of a hold-up by

 

 

road-agents. ‘ , - .
~ To tuvmwandzduhlhaclt down the trail

',l~4
,, ‘

   

  

Advance, or he were two weeks ago, but‘

I do fear he has been kilt, for the Red Hands '

would accomplish nothing. for mounted men
would readily overtake the coach in that;
rugged road.

To go on might mean to certain death, and
yet there was nothing else to be done.

1 So Jack then called out to those in the
coach:

“ Thar is somebody ahead in the trail, and
,it may mean road-agents, so be ready for
what may turn up.”

The voices of those within showed that
the news was startling to them, and faces at
once peered out of the coach windows upon
‘ either side.

To Lucille Jack said:

“ I hopes you hain't got much money and
valuables with you, miss, in case we should
be held 11 ).”

“ 'es, have a good deal of money. some
jewelry of value and the contents of my
trunks are valuable also.

“it would be hard indeed to have to
lose what I have with me, though what
can‘t be cured must be endured, you know,
and I will accept the situation as best I
can.”

“You is plucky, miSs, jist like the ser-
geant," and Jack peered anxiously ahead

' as the coach-horses toiled on up the steep

trail.

As they neared the monument the driver
suddenly gave a whoop that startled his fair
passenger. while he said eagerly-

“ It's all right, miss, for that is Buffalo
Bill’s horse, Lucifer; I knows him now.”

As though to add proof to the driver’s
words the tall form of the scout came out of
the timber, mounted, and rode toward the
coach, meeting it just as Jack drew rein in
front of the cross.

“Hooplal Pard Bill, Iis glad to see you
and no mistake, for I thought you was dead,
and then seeing your horse we mistook you
you for a road-agent.”

“ No, Jack, I am very much alive, as you
see. and I am just off of a trail after road-
agents, and wish to warn you to be on the
.alert on the run in to the fort, for I have rea-
son to know that a band of Red Hands are
abroad."

you along. I won't fear 'em much.”

" I am going in the other direction, Jack,
but will come on to the fort to-niorrow."

" I'll report seeing you, Bill, but, let me
interdooee yer.- toa young lad who knows
yer b name, Miss Lucille Fal on, ther ser-
geants daughter, and going to the fort to
staly with him.” _

he scout bowed low in his courteous way,
taking off the broad sombrero that he wore,
and Lucille gazed with admiration upon him,
feeling that Jack Jessop’s description had
not been overdrawn.

” Ho, Cody, glad to see you again," said a
voice from the coach, and the oflicer held
out his hand which the scout grasped with
the words: .

“ Ah, Lieutenant Leslie, '1 am glad to see
you again, sir.”

“I am going to the fort under orders.
Cody, and hope we will get through with-
out being held up by the Red Hands, of
whom I have heard so much.

“ You say you have, reason to believe there
is danger ahead on the trail?" said the young
oiflcer. ' -

“ I know that a band of Red Hands, sir,
are out on a raid, and feared they might strike
theycoach, on the trail, but hope not sincere-

“ Sodo I, for besides the lady on the box,
there are two other passengers in the coach
and they are. they tell me, well’ sup ied
with funds, as they tire going to the m nes
in search of payin leads.

" The lied Hands would strike it rich‘if
they held up this coach. and particularly
in): the young lady‘s sake I hope they may
n n ' .

. I

“ Thank you, sir, for Iyour consideration,
' butdo not mind me. as am ready to take
I what comes with the rest." was“ Lucille’s
' plucky response. ‘ ,

.“ on are plucky, Miss Fallon, and Ihope
that Jack will, get you through without
trouble. I know your father, the sergeant,
though Iwas not aware that he had a daugh.
ter

 

'.‘ Keep your eyes open, Jack, now I have
warned you, and I'll tell on frankly that I

amgoing back on the tra l, fearing staid on I‘

v or
" : 1.... .‘r

" I’ll watch for ’em, Pard Bill, butwith '

'-

 

 

 

 
    
       
     
     
       
      
       
 
       
        
   
 
     
   

 
 
     
    
         
   
  

   
 
  

   

3‘ in».

 

 

 

 

into the nearest shelter. '

u WA-A.r-1,‘.'-."‘.«:Vsiu’~
. w w .

L i.  , 

  

um:7t'w~A—41‘W-¢"w“‘" r finmww

 
    

- 'sm‘-~:.~‘>1m»-‘ T

5

 

Buffalo Bill’s Death -Knell.

 

Nip‘s station after horses. for the band head-
cd in that direction, but I came by here hop-
ing to meet you.” ,

“ And what do you think of that warning,
Mr. Cody?" asked Lucille, pointing to the
cross.

“ I saw it some time ago, Miss Fallon. and
had reason to know that they intended to
keep their threat, for um of them ambushed
me here: but there lies one of them in that
newly made grave, while I have been upon
the trail of his comrade."

“Did you get him, Bill?"

“ No, Jack, I did not; but some day I may
have better luck," Was the quiet response of
the scout, and raising his but in adieu, the
coach rolled on once more while he continued
on along the trail it had just come over.

“ Wal, miss, what does yer think 0' him ‘2"
asked Jack JtSSOD as- they went on their
‘Wily Oll(?(.| more.

“ Bull"an Bill you mean?”

“ Yes, miss.”

“I think he is a very wonderful man. cer-
tainly a very magnificent specimen of man-
hood, and one 1 would trust implicitly from
his face.

“ So that is the man who has such a history,
who is the bravest of the brave, and as
made such a name for himself by his daring
deeds?”

“That’s the man, miss.’

“ Well, such a man ought to rise above his
fellows, be marked among men in actions as
he is in appearance, or elsc~ magnificent phy-
sique and manly beauty go for naught,” said
Lucille, speaking rather to herself than to
Jack Jessop.

1

CHAPTER VIII.
run mssmo .concn.

THE time was drawing near for Jack Jes-
sop’s coach to roll into Fort Advance, and
all were on the 9111' via: to greet it.

’ “Never before had its arrival been looked
forward to with such interest, and it was all
on account of the sergeant’s daughter.

Even the oilicers showed decided interest
in the coming of Lucille Fallon, for recog-
nizing that the sergeant was a gentleman, a
man of refinement, and that some cloud or
misfortune had made him enter the ranks as
a private soldier, they felt: assured that his
(lau hter must be a lady.

T at she was a reputed heiress of course
had much to do with their desire to see her
was certain, and the stories told of her for-
tune had been repeated until it was said that
'in some way the fact hadz leaked out that
Lucille Fallon was worth half a million.

The sergeant had made a cozy little home
for his daughter.

The cabin was prettin located, had a
piazza across the front and four rooms in it,

and the sergeant was known to have money '

and spared no expense in fitting it up.

Mrs. Carr and Several other ladies at. the
fort had insisted, in a friendly way, of send-
in over several presents“ to add to Miss
Fa lon’s comfort and pleasure, and Ser-
geant Fallon had‘ accepted them for the

indiy spirit in which they had been sent,
and more, he had been aided in fitting up,
thing‘s in a tasty way by one or two young
ladies who were glad to lend ‘their services
for that purpose. . '

The soldier’s wife was on hand, and an ¢=x~
eellcnt Cook, she was preparing a tempting
dinner for the sergeant and h s daughter to
sit down to on their first night in their new
home. ‘

The men not on duty hung about to catch
a glimpse of the young lady upon her arri-
val, several of the young ser emits, who ex~
pected to meet her socially, ad'spruced up
to make an impression upon their comrade’s
daughter, and the emcers and wives from the

' Colonel down to the junior lieutenant were

curious to see'the fair Stranger.
As the sun neared the western horizon,

‘ r , however, a storm rose suddenly over the

mountain-tops, and the‘thunder crashed in
deafening eais against the cliffs, while the
lightning ashod ncessantl .

It was grand to look upon yet appalling.
and when the rain descended in torrents it
drove all whom duty did'not force to face it,

, 4
with”

   

Sergeant Fallon paced to and fro
“it 2. 58f Ofihb WbiUréhh‘OV

 

again up at the inky clouds to note a break
in them.

So black were the clouds that darkness
fell upon the scene before the setting of the
sun, and the greatest anxiety began to be
felt for the coming coach.

The mountain torrents would be swollen
beyond their banks, and the way was a most
dangerous one even under the best of cir—
cumstnuces, and now it would be far worse.

As the time drew near for the arrival of
the coach, and the sentinel on the lookout
tower, who could see several miles along the
trail, (lid not report its coming, Sergeant
Fallon could stand it no longer, and throw-
ing on his great storm-coat went to ask
permission to go out and meet the stage.

It was granted on condition that he would
take a Squad of cavalry with him.

He asked for half a dozen volunteers, and
he could have gotten as many hundred.

But half a dozen was all he would take
out to face that storm, and armed with lan-
terns, in case of need, and protected from
the elements, the arty rode away in the
gloom, which, as night came on grew more
and more intense. '

The sergeant and his men were seen to
fade away in the darkness and then, as
the time.came and passed for the coach to
comein, great anxiety began to be felt.

An hour passed and still the storm roaréd
and thundered. still the rain came down in
driving sheets of water.

But no coach came in.

Two hours passed and it was decided that
the coach must haVe broken down.

In her anxiety the colonel‘s wife urged v

that another part be sent out. taking an
ambulance with them for the protection of
the young girl, and other passengers, if there
were any. . ' '

A harum-scaruai young oflicer asked to
command the party, and it was granted. for
he was’as brave as he was wild—in fact, his

rapid, reckless life had gained for him the v

name of “Wild Walter,” his name being
Wa‘lter Worth, and his rank that of first
lieutenant.

With a liberal income besides his pay,
having been first a midshipmnu in the navy,
graduating with the honors of his class, and
after a cruise in foreign lands resigning and

becomin‘ga Texan rancher, then getting an. flashed forth in blindin

ap intment in the army, a dashing officer.

liv ng rapidly and as generous as he was . th

brave, Walter Worth had, young as he was,
run the smut of a very adventurous and
remarks le career, and to go out in search
of the missing coach was just what chimed
in with his humor. ‘

—.

CHAPTER 1x
A FATAL BRIDGE.

SERGEANT FALLON had pressed forward
in the darknesstnnd storm, unmindful of its

fu .

ale cared not for himself in his anxiety for
his daughter. ,for well he knew the danger of
that fatal trail on such a night. I

Jack Jessop he had perfect confidence in,
and yet in that mad warfare of the elements
he knew that huge rocks were split from the
mountain-tops and buried down into valleys
and canyons through which the stage trail
ran.

and there, one or two spanning canyons that
went down sheer hundreds of feet, that little
brooks would become foaming torrents, and
larger ,streams .would swell into rivers in
such a fall of waters. ‘ r

.He hoped that Jack Jessdp, realizing the
danger of going on, when he saw the storm
rising, had sought some spot where he knew
he would be secure, and had halted for the
Sight, for better a long delay than an acci~

cut.

“I told Jack to take good care of: my
little girl. and he will do it, said Ser ant
Fallon to the men with him, as they ro e on
through the storm, leaving it to the instinct
of their horses to stick to the trail in the
darkness. ‘ t ‘

0n, on they pushed until they came to a
halt at a torrent. v f .. : t ,

A lantern was, taken its sheln

ates :

    
 
  
 
  

   

 

    
 
 

He knew that there were log bridges here '

5 nine severe blows with  boots it

     
   
   
  
  
   
    
 
  
  
   
  
  
   
   
   
   
    
  
  
    
    
    
  
   
    
  
  
    
   
   
  
   
  
   
 
  
  
   
     
  
 
    
    
   
 
  
    
   
  
   
    
   
   
    
  
   
   

i “Men, I will not ask you to follow, 80
F seek shelter and camp; but I will pass on,”
Said the sergeant.

But, the men at once followed him into the
foaming waters, and their horses carried
them safely across to the other side.

Another stream was crossed in the same
way, for there was no back—out to the brave
volunteers who had joined the sergeant in
his search for the missing coach.

At last they reached a point near where
they judged the coach must have been when
the storm broke upon it.

But, they had not seen any trace of it, and H
the sergeant had kept the lantern in view, so  "
that it would be seen by those in the coach 
if they were near. ,

Large bowlders had been found here and
there in the trail, here a tremendous tree had
been uprooted and half fallen across the way,
while smaller ones were scattered about in
confusion, having blown ~from cliif‘tops
down into the canyon and valley.

“When we reach River Canyon we will
be likely to find the coach on the other side,
for there is a good halting-place there among v; 
the pines," Sergeant Fallon called back hope- i ’ ,_
fully to his men.

River Can 'on was so called as it was a
rapid, sur ng stream, dashing between
cliff-banks fiiundreds of feet in height and
not thirty yards apart. :-

Across this chasm. from clifi‘ to clifi', a

; span had been thrown by an army engineer
.of four strong, long trees, and upon these
heavy split logs had been laid and lashed
I firmly with wires. 1 '
A railing was upon either side, and yet it ,
was a perilous looking structure to cross.
. and several fatal accidents had occurred
3 there, a mule team and driver going ever at
one time, an emigrant wagon and several
I children at another, and several times, a
I cavalryman’s horse had plunged down with
: him, so that the brid e was greatly dreaded.
! “ Jack would not dare venture to chase in
the storm, 30 we will find them in the pines,” ,
‘ the seigeant' said as they neared the can on. ‘ '
In e intense darkness nothing s end ‘
toould be seen, and the roar of the surging ‘
f torrent dowu in the canyon was deafening.
The thunder still crashed viciousl , and ‘
‘ now and then at long intervals the" lig thing a .»
flames revealing " ‘ ‘
, wild scene about ‘

 

 

‘ momentarily all the we

 

cm.
i At length all the horses came to a lialt, and ,-
, taking the rubber covering off of the lantern 1'
5 he carried. the sergeant turned it upon the i;
trail ahead. . _ 
One look and‘the cry broke from his lips: ; a a
“ Great God! Sect the bridge is onei‘ ‘ '
The soldiers all saw that the hri ge was, .
indeed no, that there was no wooden span
across t e canyon.‘ , '
There were the posts deeply sunk to which -.
the ends of the four spanning timbers had
been made fast by wires, but these showed
that the bridge in falling had nearly-uprated" i I.
the stays. ~ ' 
“ This accounts for the delay of the coach.
" Yes, Jack is in shelter on the other side
and we can go no further and it is a ride of
man miles around, so I will not see my
chi tonight. , a s
" See! the cliff caved here, and it must,
have fallen from the other ide, which 
caved in—m God! what if the brid ‘e was:
down with t e coach upon it?" and rge'sn
Fallon reeled from faintness at the thought
when shddenly, from stress the 
a loud hail: ‘
“ Ho! who is there?” ”
“ Buffalo Bill’s voice! my life on it,”
the sergeant excitedly. ‘* - !

  
       

u..-

   

\

CHAPTER X. ’
THE soon'r's ram.

WEEK Buffalo Bill left Nip to return
'the relay station, he started 0!! alone am
the trail left by the two horses of the twine:
outlaws Who had ambushed him. ,  ' 'v 

hie felt assured that though the man whit!)i .
Lucifcr' had attacked was able to ride he 
. ust at least be considerably hurt, for the. ‘
Em had held a gnod grip on his" shoulder
with 'histeeth, and if he had-n01; struck Hm,

        
       
      
     
 

 
 

    
       
  

   

       
   

 

 

  
   
  
  
  

  
 
 

 

‘" " Er:  r;r'j}‘~,.|;:.al:; warmly.

6 Buffalo Bars Death-Knoll.

 

 

when he left him, and reviving have hasten.

cd, suffering though he was, to make his .

escape
Robbing his dead comrade of his Weapons,

and taking his horse in lead, he had doubt—

less at once hastened to his camp for aid.

Buffalo Bill felt that the man had been 1

cunningr enough to throw him off his guard,
if he was really not unconscious when he had
left him.

He felt that he could follow thetrail of the
two horses readily, and he pushed on at a
brisk pace in spite of the long ride that
Lucifer had already had.

The trail led further into the mountains,
and toward the Indian country, a circum-
stance the scout did not particularly care
for as he knew it would give him both out-
laws and red-skins to contend against.

But nothing daunted he pushed rapidly on,
determined to face every danger in tracking
the outlaw to the lair of his band, and he did
not draw rein until darkness shut out the
trail from view.

Then he sought a camp for the night, and
finding good grass for his horse, and water
near, soon made himself comfortable.

Nip had dressed the wound in his head for
him, so that gave him no trouble, and hav-
ing eaten his supper in darkness, for he dared
not light a fire, he had at once wrapped him-
self in his blankets and sunk to sleep.

The next morning, the moment it was light
enough for him to see to follow the trail, he
was again in the saddle and ushing further
and further into the land of anger.

He did not halt until afternoon, for the

v fresh appearance of the trail told him that
the man he pursued was not far ahead of
him, and he hoped to overtake him before he
should reach his retreat.

He had come upon his night camp, then
where be halted for breakfast, and also upon
other haltin places which Convinced him
that the out aw was really badly hurt and
compelled by his sufferings to take frequent
rests. '

It was in the middle of the afternoon that
the scout was congratulating himself that his
enem could not be but a short distance
ahea , when suddenl Lucifer's foot turned

r on a stone in the trai , which ran around the
edge of a rocky hill, and down he went
crushing the scout under him, for so sudden
was the fall, and unexpected in his surefoot-
ed horse, that Buffalo Bill had no time to
save himself.

he fall was such a hard one. the head of
th scout striking the rocky ground, that he
was stunned, and twice the animal in strug-
gling to rise fell heavily back upon him.

Insensible, Buffalo Bill lay like one dead,

, while the frightened horse stood near gazing

' at his prostrate rider with deepest pity in his
almost human eyes.

A moment the scent lay thus. and then

. there came bounding down the bill a slender
form. 5
.1 It was a woman, and she was clad in buck-

, shin, leggings, skirt and jacket, and wore

[upon her head a slouch hat.

. A rifle was slung at her back and in her

[belt was a revolver and a bowie-knife.

Her faCe was darkl bronzed yet beautiful,

. and she looked scarce y twent years of age.

‘ ’I‘He had a bad fall, and fear is badly
hurt. . . '

" What shall I do?" and she dropped on

her knees by the side of the scout.

Feeling his heart she found that it was

-, beating, and then running to the stream at
.the base of the hill she filled his large but
‘wlth water and taking it-back held it be
” tween her knees and began to bathe his face.
It was not long before the eyes opened,
., and: the scout beholding the woman bending
_. .over him, gazed at her in a dazed way and
, - muttered: -

“  horse Went down with me, and—~—am

I dear , and are you an angel in buckskin?"

;.

“ You are not dead and I am far from be-‘

'ing an angel. ..

’ \ ” You are neither in heaven or Hades. but
you had a bad fall and are severely hurt,"
was the reply. ‘

"I believe you are right, for I feel as l toa master or address:

. though my head was splitting open and every
' j hone in mybody was broken."
 believe you have, any broken bones; but,
- wands: l a

an

' some little distance, and the scout noticed

' lurks increry covert in this country for

   

, “ It lei-not half so bad as that, for I do not.

“It matters not who, or what I am.
“ Come, let me aid you to your feet."
The scout arose with the greatest effort,
1 and suffered severely in doing so
i The woman saw that he could hardly stand
and said:
“Where are your friends?"
“ I am alone.”
“ No one is with you?”
“ None nearer than Fort Advance. "
“Then you will surely die if I do not care

i “ Who are you?”
t
l
l

 

.for you, for you cannot ride han a dozen
miles.”

“ I half believe you are right.”

“See here! I will take you to my home,
but upon one Condition.”

“Well?”

“That you pledge me your word of honor
you will not betray me, or ever speak of
. what you discover there.”

“ 1 will give the pledge, for reallyI am
half blind and suffering greatly.”

“Then I will trust you, Buffalo Bill."

“You know me?".

“ Yes, and for that reason am anxious to
serve you.

“Now I am your friend, but break your
word and you make me your most ,merciless
foe; but you have pledged me your word ‘2” ‘

“ I have.” :

“Then I will save your life.”

 

CHAPTER XI.
A woman on nvs'rnnv.

LUCIFER seemed relieved at the coming
of the woman upon the scene, and gladly
came at her call.

So helpless was the scout from his fall,
that the woman found it no easy taskto help
him into his saddle.

But, she did so at last, and, taking the
rein, led the horse slowly down the hill.

fitter going half a mile she halted and
am :

“ I fain would trust you, Buflalo Bill,
but I am determined to be on the safe side.

“ I believe you will keep your pledge,
yet 1 must take no risks, and you must sub-
mit to being blindfolded.” .

“ As you please," was the reply, and the
.woman led the horse alongside of a rock,
got upon it, and with a silk scarf she had
knotted, about her waist blind folded'securely
the scout’s eyes remarking: ‘

“I will trust you not to remove this with
your hands, because they are free.”

“I will not do so.” ‘

Then she leaped up behind the scout,
Lucifer seeming not to mind at all his extra
load, and rode on up the valley.

She turned into the stream after going;r

that the horse was Seemingly guided ina
number of directions. but w tether purpose-
ly to throw him off his guard, or to follow
the regular trail he did not know.

After going several miles, it seemed to

Buffalo Bill, the horse washnlted and the
blindfold was removed from his eyes.
- At first he could hardly see, but soon his
eyes took in his surroundings and hedis-
covered that he was in front of a log cabin,
built against a cliff.

Everywhere about him‘ were lofty, over-
hanging clifl’s. covered with heavy timber,
dad in front of the cabin ran a stremn‘.

“Here is my home, Buffalo Bill, and in
distress as you are, you are welcome, but it
would, not be so. if you were yourself, for
. your life is in dahger here, as it is.

“ Come! I will do what I can for you
until on are able to go your way, and then
my a vice will be. when I take you back to
fire trail on which I found you, that you

ake all haste for Fort Advance, for death

on.”

She aided the scout to dismount and help-
ed him to a bed of robes and blankets she
i spread for him in one room of the cabin.

3 Then to the sur rise of Buffalo Bill. a ne-
; gross up ared an asked with the familiar-
' ty oneo theisouthern negroes always shows

 

f ” Now, Chile. who has you got dere, for I
doesn’t know him?” .
"‘N Polly. you do not know him,

, a  a; an: badly hurt

   

“ Where is Uncle Toby?”

” Gone fishin’, missy—no, dere he comes
now,“ and as the negress spoke, a form ap
peared in the door of the cabin carrying in
his hand a string of fine fish.

“ Here. Ifncle'l‘oby, I wish you to look
after this gentleman, and care for him
well, for he has been badly hurt by his horse
fallingr upon him,

“ You claim to be a doctor. so see to it
that you cure him in the shortest time pos-
sible, for you know that he must be away
from here before the next visit of—"

She paused suddenly and Seemed confused
an instant and then added:

“Yes, he wishes to be able to return to
his post as soon as posSibleJ’

“ Yns, Missy Mildred. I'll fix him up all
right in no time,” said Uncle Toby, seeming
very proud of the opportunity to show what
he could do.

Turning the fish over to Polly, he at once-
set to work, removing the scout’s jacket,
and looking to his injuries.

” There hain‘t no bones broke, sah, but
you had a awful bad fall and is bruised up
all over: but I has some linament here dat
Will do on heaps 0’ good," and he gave the.
bruised body of the scout a thorough rub-
bing with a mixture that he said would soon:
take the soreness away. ,

Buffalo Bill certainly did .feel easier after
the rubbing, and was able to eat some sup-4
per which the negress brought to him later-

on

Then he went to sleep and so the night.
passed away.

He was terribl stiff and sore the next-
morning and con] hardly move, but the ne-
gro, Toby, took the best care of him and”
after a few days he began to improve.

negress, and they were well cooked and.
tempting, for he had quail, fish, squirrel,
bacon nicely broiled, hoe-cakes and good
coffee.

The strange and beautiful woman who,
had brought him there he saw no more of,
and questioning the two negroes about her,
gleaned no information from them.

They were loquacious enough on all sub-
jects save about their mistress and what she-
was doingr in that wild land. ,

On this subject they had nothing to say
and not a word'did they utter that gave him
any clue toward solving the mystery of the-
mysterious woman who dwelt with them:
alone in that far-away land.

[I

 

v CHAPTER XII.
UNFATIIOMED.

IT was the tenth day after his coming to
the cabin when the scout said that he must
delay no longer, but take his departure.

He had said several days before tbathe
was able to ride, but both of the negroes 1n-
sisted that he should not do so until he was.
really well once more.

Their mistress he had not seen since the
day of his arrival, and askingl about her

gained only the reply: ~

“ She’s about, sub, and she hopes you is.
better." ' .

When he decided that he would remain no-
longcr, Buffalo Bill took Some money from
his pocket and liberally rewarded the two
negroes who had so tenderly and kindly
cared for him.

To hisw‘wrprisc they no long", “YEP”
against his going, as they had each tune be
fore when bespoke of doing so, and they
helped him dress and prepare for 1118 long
ride. - v .

As he stepped outside of the cabin there:
sat the mysterious woman who, for ten days
he had not seen. . ‘

“Ah! you are not“ inv1s.ble after all, a
myth as I almost feared ‘2” he said with a
smile. ‘

‘ No, I am very decidedly flesh and blood,
no myth, no angel in buckskin, as now you.
see.

“ I hope you have recovercd entirely,

r9!)

“1 have, for I only feel stiff and a trifle
sore now, thanks to the good (are I havo re-
ceived. , , .1 v, ‘A I
“How can lever repay. It";de 
W?’ ' W 

  

 

$85442, . {51' 

1".

His meals were brought to him by the I

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

 

.-’Fallovn had hoped he would  Euclidea-

 
  

Buffalo Bill’s Death-Knell. " 7

 
  

- r a»..- a“. --..,_W >.4..v~~4

 

‘ask you to repay me I will do so frankly, but
I hope that day may never come,“ and she
spoke earnestly.

" I trust it may come, for Ifeel most grate»
ful to you, as, had you not cared for me I

really believe I would have died there, being {
5 above the roar of the waters and the fury of

unable to help myself.’

CHAPTER x.
IN DIRE SUB‘I’I‘JNSE.

TiiE clear, ringing voice of the one who
hailed from the other side of the canyon.
reached the ear of the soldiers distinctly

“ You were in a bad way. but you have i the storm still raged.

said that you hope the day may come when
you can serve me, and I beg tllat you will
remember those words, should it so happen
that you might have the opportunity to help
me. ’

“I will not forget them.”

“ Shake hands on that."

The scout did so, and then the woman
said:

“ You will not forget the pledge you
gave, not to betray my presence here?"

“ I will keep it.”

“ Not to hunt me down, nor seek to solve
the mystery of my life, my stay here in these
wilds?"

“ I renew my pledge.”

" Thank you—you will keep it.

” Now I will have to blindfold you again,
and then guide you' back to the trail you
were on when I met you.

“There has been rain since on came, so
whatever trail on were followmg then has
been oblitera now, so you will go back to
the fort.”

“ Yes, I can do nothing else.”

“I have had Polly put up provisions for
you, and your horse has been well cared for.

“ Are you ready?”

ll 1 am.)’

She again took her scarf and securely
blindfolded the eyes of the scout, and then
the negro led, up Lucifer, all saddled and
bridled, along with a horse for his mistress.

The scout. mounted with a slight effort,
the woman leaped lightly into her saddle,
and led the way down the can on, the two
negroes calling out " good luc ” to the one

’ who had remembered them so generously.

Again it seemed several miles to the scout,
by the trail that the woman led him, before
she halted.

But at last she did so, and removing the
bandage from his eyes she said:

“ You recall this spot?”

“Yes, it is where I had my fall, and
Lucifer seems ashamed of himself for the
trouble he causec 

“I will not again remind you of your
pledge, but I wil warn you not to again
come this way—good by."

She held out her hand, the scout grasped
it, and she wheeled her horse and dashed
away.

The scout gazed after her for-a moment '

anld then rode on his trail, muttering to him-
se i-

" She is an unfathomable mystery, for I
am )ledgcd not to attern it to fathom it.

“ Veil, she saved my tie, that is certain.
for 1 fear I could never have helped myself,
crushed and buried as I was, and I will
never forget her for it, or those two dear old
negroes.

“What does her stay in this wilderness
mean, I wonder, and, who is she?

“ Baht I‘ll craze myself guessing at what
I cannot fathom.

“Now for the fort, for I suppose I am
looked upon as having turned up my
toes.”

After a fair day’s ride, for Lucifer was
fresh, the scout camped early, and the next
morning arose feeling like himself again,

, During the day he came upon a fresh trail
going toward the settlements.

It was made by over a dozen horses, and
he at once followed it until it branched ofl'
ligward the relay station nearest Monument

ill.

Here he left it and went to the hill to
meet the coach, for he remembered that
it was the day for its run to the fort.

Havin met Jack Jessop and warned
him, Bugalo Bill a in followed the trail he
had discovered unti 'he saw that it crossed

- the sthge trail, and went southward, and he

turned off to Nip's station, which he had
feared would be attacked, for he felt sure
that the Red Hands were on a raid.

Leaving the‘station to 0 on to the fort he
was caught in the terribe storm and took
shelter in the pine thicket where Sergeant

   
 

 

The Sergeant recognized the voice at once
as that of Buffalo Bill, and so called back in
the tones of one who seemed more to com
mand. I

“ lIo, Scout Cody, is that you?”

” Ay ay. sir? Are you from the fort?"
came the answer.

“ Yes,I am Sergeant Fallon and half a
dozen soldiers come out to find Jack Jessop’s
coach."

“ The coach should have reached the fort" trail of Sergeant Fallon. with the firm hope

well ahead of time, for I saw it at Monti»
mcnt IIill.”

“ And it left the Hill?" almost gasped the
sergeant.

“ I do not hear you, sergeant.”

“ Did the coach leave the Hill?”

“ Yes, all right!"

“ And should have crossed here before the
storm broke?"

“ Yes, or about the time."

“ You have come along the trail?" '

“,Yes, I rode to Nip’s relay station and
back this far.

“I saw signs that led me to believe the
Red Hands would strike the trail somewhere
and I returned," was the answer of the
scout.

“ And you saw nothing of the coach?”

“ No, and it is strange that you have not
met it.” -

“ One question more, Buffalo Bill!" cried
the sergeant, in a tone full of intense anxiety.

" Yes, sergeant." '

“ Was m daughterin the coach?”

“ Yes, s e was on the box with Jack
J essop, and there were also along Lieutenant
Ernest Leslie and two other passengers.”

“ Might Jessop not have driven into the
pines for shelter?" ‘

“ No, for I reached here about dark, and
took shelter in the pines when 1 saw that the
storm was not going to blow over.

“ I saw your lights and came down to see
what they meant and found the bridge

nc.”

“ God have mercy! My child is lost,"
cried the sergeant in a voice so full of anguish
that it went to the hearts of the soldiers who
stood by his side. , '

" IIo, sergeant?”

“ Yes, sir!“ answered one of the men, for
the sergeant could not speak. '

“ Off to the right is a small canyon, in
which there is an old camp and a wicky up,
so you had better retreat there for shelter
until morning and I will return to the pines,
for with the daylight we can find the coach
it Jessop has run in for shelter somewhere."

“All right, Mr Cody; I will do as you
suggest, for it is cruel to keep the men out,
and do yoiiseck shelter, too," said the ser-
geant, rallying from his great distress to re

)1 ..

I Then he led the way into the little canyon
where the wieky‘up was found and afforded
a good shelter from the wind and rain in
that secluded spot.

The horses, too, were sheltered, a fire was
built and the men turned in; but the poor
sergeant in his sorrow paced to and fro un-
mindful of the storm and longing for day to
break and end his terrible suspense. .

Buffalo Bill also returned to shelter, for in
the pines was another old camp and a small
log cabin which afforded a dry retreat for
his horse. and himself. _

With his rubber coat and blankets he had
kept dry, so that the scout was far from
being uncomfortable as he had built a fire iii
the stone fire-place of the little hut, and
hoping that the morrow would reveal that
the coach was safe he was soon fast asleep.

How long he had slept the scout did not
know, but he was awakened bya loud knock
at the door and a voice called out:

” Ho, within there!"

The scout was upon his feet in an instant.

He knew that the Red Hands were some-
where about, as he had followed their trail
in the afternoon. , . ' .
Though they had crossed the stage trail
going southward they mtg t have'returaed

If i  .1 . V: r - ' 1’

. chasm where all else had fallen, and in fixed“?

  
  
 

  
 
   
  
   
  
 
   
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
    
  
    
   
   
  
  
  
   
  
   
   
  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
  
  
 
    
   
   
   
  
  
    
 
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
     
  
   
      
 

the door of his but but the outlaw band,
for there would hardly be any one else
abroad on such a night, and the bridge being
gone no one from the fort could cross. *.
So Buffalo Bill felt the danger of at once ' ’
opening the door, as he might be confronted
by a whole band of lied Hands; therefore he
asked quictly,as he got his repeating rifle
ready for work.
“Well, who are you and what do you _ 
want?” ‘

CHAPTER XIV.
Winn WAirrnit's nAiiixG. 

SERGEANT" \Valtcr “'orth, or ‘ Wild Wal»
ter " as his men liked to call him when
speaking of him, started out to follow on the

 

that he would come up with him by the time
he met the stage coach and be able to render
aid to the fair passenger through taking her
to the fort in the ambulance.

He led the way himself along the trail, the
ambulance, with its lanterns casting fantastic
shadows ahead, following, and the cavalry-
inen bringing up the rear. all glad that they
were able to lend some aid to the sergeant's
daughter.

U der many an officer the little relief '
party would not have gone far on such a.
night; but Lieutenant Worth was not one to
fa ter where duty called, no matter what
obstacles barred his way.

The bridge being gone from the first
stream they came to caused only a tem- .
porary halt, and the youn officer caused
two of his men to make the r lariats fast to
the mules and the ambulance, plunge inef-
ter him and follow acmss.

It was a close call but the stream was cross-
ed, and on they went. ' '

Obstacle after obstacle was thus ne by
and at last the party arrived on the rink of
Canyon River and then they came to a halt.
for beyond that there was no passing.

The men gazed at the abyss, listened to
the roar of the rushing river far beneath,
shrunk from the fury of the storm and look
ed toward their young commander as though i
expecting an immediate order to retrace their
wav to the fort. ’

But the order did not come, only the
words:

" Drive the ambulance nearer so that the
lights will shine on the brink here.”

The order was obeyed and the two lar e
side lamps on the ambulance shone bright y
upon the spot where the bridge had been.'

But, they revealed what the flickering lanl'
tern, half shaded by the rubber to prevent
its being blown out, had not done, and this
was thht one of the cross pieces had remain-
ed spanning the chasm.

It was the upper one of the four timbers,
and at the smaller end resting on the brink 
where the lieutenant and his men st00d, was
a foot in diameter, and longer by two feet at
the base on the other side. '

The four pieces had been reversed alter--
natel in laying the bridge to make it of
equa strength. . , ,

The timber had been wrenched loose from ’
its fastcnin gs, when the bridge had gone 
down, but yet it had remained spanning the .

 

 

uncertain light of the sergeant’s lantern had’
not been seen, while in the. darkness on his
side Buffalo Bill had failed to observeiit. ,
The quick eye of the young officer had‘nt
once seen the spanning timber, and he 
called for one of the ambulance lantern”
and approaching the brink had sprung upo
the log and ’ lanced down cooli intoth
seething river undreds of feet be ow, wh
his men hardly dared look at him so dizz
did it make them to see what he ventured.
“ The bridge has gene, that is certain, but
this timber remains and a pears to be I 'f
thou h 1 cannot see howt e other end rests;
be as d. ,
Then he added, as he threw the light
far out over the chasm as it would penetrates
“ See here, men, I shall go across antitalin
the, lantern with me. for if the coach is else it?
tered yonder in the pines on the other-side
wish to know it, thongh what has beocmeof
the sergeant and his party I should like it;
know.’ .
 Oh, lieutenant, do not do it,” cried m

     
       
       
      
      
       
     
 

 

   
 

 

      
       
         
   

    

       
      
     
 

 

     
       
  

  

  
  
  

   
 
 
 

 

  

 

   

,‘xflfv

 ‘1 .' iguas‘ H 7 all. 1: z _.
"Io‘ - s ' oath-

 

 

1 “Go toyour certain death, sir, on that
o .”

g“ Why, there is no danger in it?"

 , “ No danger, sir, and it not a foot wide on
:55: A this end ?"

if“ . “1 could walk it if it was half as wide,”
 was the confident reply.

“ Yes, sir, but it's hundreds of feet to the
river below; and just listen to the roar of the
waters, sir; and all in darkness below, sir,

. and if you slipped you'd go to the devil, sure,
snr." '

Walter Worth laughed at the last remark
of one of the men and said in his pleasant
way;

“ You seem pretty sure of my future,
Casey; but you all forget that 1 have been a
sailor and often ina storm like this at sea
have I been aloft in the ri rging.

“Why this is easy walking as you will see,
and I am so anxious about the Sergeants
daughtcrI am determined to risk crossing
and go on to the pines.”

“Please don’t do it, sir, for you will go to
your death I am sure.”

“If ldo, corporal, my junior lieutenant
steps into my shoes, so what will be my loss
will be his gain.”

“ Peor consolation for on, sir."

“ I shall go across, ant you can wait here
until you see my lantern disappear in the
pines, and if I do not find the coach there I
shall press on up the trail until I find it, for
Heaven grant it went not do ND with the
bridge.”

A fervent answer came to the prayer
from the lips of the men, and the corporal
asked:

“ If you should—not return, sir?”

“ If 1 should go down, why return to the
fat and report my loss, and the colonel and
my friends will say I was a fool.

‘ “ But when you see my light enter the
pines, go to the canyon on our right and
seek shelter in the old camp there, for this is
indeed an awful night to be out for men and
horses, and I believe the storm is increas-
‘ (P
3 n is, indeed, sir, and the wind will blow
.you off the log, sir. ” -

“I think not, for I’ve walked the yard-
,arm in as had a blow, and on a pitching
ship.

, “ Here goes,” and the lieutenant sprung
‘ upon the timber. ,

CHAPTER XV.
DAhINe DEATH:

Wrrn his sword caught up \on the belt-
hook, and the ambulance lantern in hand,
the daring young oiiicer threw the light out
upon the timber span and boldly stepped
,4} forward, while the men shrunk back with
‘5} bated breath and gazed in appalled admira-
tion at his nerve.
f. He hesitated a moment as he peered ahead
"of him, but seemed undaunledb the nar-
‘vmw path he had to tread, and the howledge
. that a false step, or loss of nerve for an in—
latent would dash him to death.
- , The wind swept sava ely down between
(the hills, the rain drove nto his face with
*stingin force, the waters roared threaten-
gar beneath him, and the thunder
K, ed incessantly, breaking now and then-

into a terrific peal that followed a vivid,
‘ lindln glare of lightning.

1.“. :_ But t c undauntcd officer never swerved
“from his purpOsc, and while his men breath-
., hasty watched for' his destruction to follow

' nu death-daring act, a few of them even
‘ urnlng‘their faces away, he boldly stepped
orward on his perilous journey. ,

ilc walked slowly but surely, each foot
fiein put down upon the wet timber with
taut on, to feel that it Would not slip.

. EBB swayed at times under the impulse of
me sudde gust of wind more furious than
._;the others, bl t held on his way as before.
3",The then watched the glare of the lamp
, g, further and further away,‘and then
rdly dared. breathe as they saw him come
shalt lathe very center of the timber.
:Iie made a ,motion as though‘he Was test-
;ing the strength of the timber span ahead,
rid apparently satisfied moved on' once
.07? ~ . ’
A form had come up to the crowd who
 watching him, and unseen by them
_‘ gazing in terror at the bold officer.

was Sergeant Fallon. _  a

    
  
  
   
   
   
   
 
   
   
  
   
  
 
    
   
  
   
   
  
   
 
  
 

J

  

  

  

  
  

   
  

  

  
  

  

  

    

  
   

 

«-

    
 

  

  
  
 

 

  

He had left his men' asleep and returned to
the chasm alone. -

He saw the flickering glare of the lantern,
discovered to his horror that it was going
out over the canyon, and dared not speak as
he silently came up and joined the group of
soldiers.

Spellbound he watched, for he saw now
that one of the bridge timbers remained. and
with the others he beheld the bold advance
of the daring young officer toward the other
eliil'.

Nearer and nearer he drew, and at last
with a leap he Was upon the brink, and as
he wheeled about with the lantern facing
them now the soldiers broke forth in one
wild, cxultant yell that arose above the roar
of the storm.

In that cheer of admiration the sergeant
joined, and the men saw for the first tint)
his presence in their midst, and one of them
called out:

“ Lieutenant,
sir!"

“ Ah, Fallon, are you there?" called back
the oilicer, his voiCe calm as ever.

“ Yes, sir, my men are camped in the can-
'on.

3 " Were you following us, sir?"

“ Yes, to lend what aid I can; but finding
the bridge gone, I crossed to look for the
coach on this side.”

“I will join you, sir."

“ On your life, no! The timber rests only
on the bare end on this side. the cliff having
washed, and now it would not hear your
weight.

“ Go into camp and I will press on and see
what I can discover.”

The sergeant made reply that he would
find Buffalo Bill in the pines, but this [lieu-
tenant Worth did not hear, and walked rapi’d-
ly on his way.

“ You go to the camp, men, for I will re.
main here.

“I cannot sleep. and it is best for me to
wait here,” said the sergeant, and the men
obe ed, leaving him alone.

I e stood watching the retreating light for
a while, and then determined to see if the
lieutenant had tried to frighten him from ven-
turing upon the span of timber.

He had a cool head and would dare any-
thing; but a few feet on the timber showed
him that it was very slinky and that it would
be madness to attempt to cross, so be con-
cluded to wait there until the night passed
away. ,

In the meanwhile Lieutenant Worth had
reached the p nes and disappeared within
their shelter. '

He followed the narrow way out into the
thicket until he came to the open space where
the hut stood.

To his delight and surprise he saw the
glimmer of light through the cracks, for he
was sure that the coach had taken refuge in
the pines.

(loin up to the but, and not seeing any
trace 0 the coach or the horses, he wonder-
ed who could be within.

But whoever it was he was determined to
know, and so knocked loudly upon the door
and asked who was there. '

The voiCe of the scout in reply he at once
recognized. and called out:

‘il‘io, Cody, it is you is it?”

“ Yes, and you are-”

“ Lieutenant Worth."

Instantly the door was thrown open and
the scout was face to face with the young
officer.

Sergeant Fallon is here,

 

' CHAPTER XVI.
A NIGHT OF HORROR.

“ WELL, Cody, Iam indeed glad to find
you, for‘ we had become so anxious "about
you at the fort that the colonel had told me

might go on a scout aftcryou if you did

not get in in another day.”
' “ ‘hank you, lieutenant‘, but I am all
right now, though I have been laid up, as my
horse rolled over me and I was very badly
used up." ,

" Yes. you look pulled down; but where
have you been i” ' ‘

“ On, a scout. air, to see if I could find any
trace of the Red Hands." \ I, .

“ Ah! you have heard'that they have death-

llad‘yp 1" ‘ pong?” , ,~ I.

     

 

4i.

 

 

ed most terrible tethem. ,_ 

“I read their warning, sir, cut into the
cross on monument Hill.”

“ Well, you bear a charmed life and I have
little fear of your being killed somehow.

“ But I am on a special trail."

" Yes. sir."

" Sergeant Fallon, the splendid fellow,
had word of his daughter's coming to the
fort by to day's stage and he set out to look
her up, and 1 followed him, for the coach
had not come in.”

“ Yes, sir, I saw him on the other side of
Canyon River some hours ago; but, how
did you get across?"

" I remember now that he came up as I
crossed and he said something that I did not
hear and it was your name.

“ I came here to look up the coach."

“ But how (lid you cross, Lieutenant
Worth?" again asked (.‘ody.

“ ()ne timber of the bridge remains and I
crossed on that. ”

“Well, sir, you have more nerve than be-
longs to one man, for I know of no one else
who could do it.”

“ You know I was a sailor,- Bill, and what
looks venturesome to a land-lubber is pie
for a seaman."

Buffalo Bill shook his head and replied:

“It was as daring an act, sir, as I ever
knew done, to cross on that piece of tim-
her a night like this.

' ” But the coach is not here, sir."

“ No, and not on the other side.”

“So the sergeant said, sir, unless it is in
shelter somewhere and was not seen."

“ Do you know that it is not in shelter on
this side, Cody?”

“I hope that it may be, sir, though I
doubt it, for, except in these pines there
is no shelter back for a couple of miles,
and I came over the trail before night, and
would have observed the tracks had the
coach turned off.”

“ Very true.” ,

“Then, too, I saw the coach at Monu-
ment Hill a dozen miles from here and it
was ahead of the schedule time .that Jack
Jessop runs by. and should have reached
River Canyon before the storm struck it. ”

" Yes. and if sage it is on the other sidein
shelter somewhere ”

" Yes, sir.”

“ If not, it went down into the chasm with
the bridge.”

“ I hate to think of it, sir."

"So do I, and it will well-nigh kill the
sergeant."

. “I did not know that he had a daughter,
srr.” ‘

“Nor did an one else; b tit seems that
he had, and his wife dy ng latel his
daughter wrote that she was comin, n to
join him here, andlshe has'been le t a for-
tune I hear too, and is a refined, educated
youn lady.”

“S e' is that, sir, for I saw her, and a
perfect beauty as well; but for the fact
that she is a sergeant’s daughter she would
be the belle of the fort, sir.” "

“ You saw her at the Hill?"

“ I did, sir."

“ What was she like?” -

“ She had reatlarge dark eyes, golden-
red hair, the ngcst ashes, tecth'even and
as white as milk, and a smile that was most
fascinating.”

“Great Scott, Bill, but she made an im-
resaion on you—my God! what if she has
con lost?"

“ It will be fearful,, sir, and the sergeant
will never have the satisfaction of erer find-
ing her body." \

“No, the river is bad enough at all times,
but with such a rainfall as we have had. not
a vestigc of the coach can ever be found,
forit will be dashed to pieces at once.

“ I pray Heaven sucha fate may not have
befallen them." '

After some further conversation,

the

young ofiicer decided to remain in the but

until dawn, getting what res! due could.

So he shared the scout’s blankets wit himg 

and with the fire burning brightly sou ht
sink to sleep. ‘ '
But neither could coax slumber to their
eyes, as before them rose continually the
dread fear that the coach had gone down in.
to the seething river. and all bad‘been dash-
ed to death, while the beautiful girl the scout
had pictured being thus fated to die,

    
 

1- 4

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15,, “H .3 31.;zk1k ..,\.

 

 
    

 

    
     
     
     
     
      
 
       
       
     
      
    
      
      
    
    
     
      
      
 
    
         
     
      
      
 
 
       
     
     
       
    
   
  
      
   
 
    

   
 

 

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‘B on Bill’

 

s De . an.

 

 

 

“ I cannot sleep, Bill, for each time I close
my eyes I can see the coach going down and
imagine I hear that young girl‘s cry of de-
s a .’

p“ I feel the same way, sir. For Jack, Lieu-
tenant Leslie and the others 1 also feel, but
for that beautiful girl to meet such a fate
seems far worse than for a score of men to
die.

“ You are right; but it is almost dawn, so
let us go to the chasm and wait."

They put on their storm-coats and leaving
Lucifer still in the cabin, set out for the
river in the darkness.

 

CHAPTER XVII.
GIVEN 131’.

THE glare of the lantern coming out of
the pines caught the eyes of the sergeant, as
he paced to and fro upon the brink of the.
chasm.

It was a ray of hope, for the lieutenant
had said that he would go on up the trail,

' and now he was comingr back.

Perhaps, after all, BuiIaIO Bill had been
mistaken and the coach had taken refuge in
the pines, he thought.

He saw the lantern coming like a will-0-
the-wisp toward him.

The storm had broken, the clouds had
blown away, the thunder had ceased to re-
verberate through the mountain passes, and
only a glimmer of lightning afar off now and
then was visible.

The wind had dropped down to a gentle
zephyr and the eastern skies were brighten-
in%under the comin of day. ,

ut the rivulets still ran wildly from the
vast quantities of rain that had fallen, the
river roared even more furiously deep down
in its narrow walls, and the sergeant almost
felt that the groans of the doomed passen-
gers of the coach the cry of his daughter,
mingled with the sound of the waters.

Nearer and nearer came the light, and at
last as the oflioer and the scout reached the
' brink of the chasm the sergeant called out:

“Oh, tell me that you have found the
coach!”

-“ Ah, sergeant, that is you, is it?”

" Yes, sir, and you have news for me?”

“None 'et, my poor friend, but we hope
with the aylight to find the coach on your
side in hiding somewhere.”

“ God grant it, sir. ”

“And, ser cant, for fear you might have
passed it in e darkness, send one of your
men back in all haste over the trail, and to
report to Colonel Carr the loss of this bridge
and the condition of the trails."

“ Yes, sir."

“And, ser cant, also report that Buffalo
Bill is here w th me.”

\ “ I will, sir.” and the sergeant started off
at a swift pace for the little camp in the
can on. ' _

be men there had also been restless with
suspense, and were just turning out as he
arrived.

He at once ordered two of them to meant
and wrote a short report of the situation to
Colonel Carr, also stating‘that only one tim-

. ber of the River Canyon bridge remained

and on that Lieutenant Worth had daringly
crossed to the other side through the dark-
ness and storm, to continue his search for
the coach along the trail.

One of the two men received the report
and they both started of! at a gallop, while
the rest of the party began to prepare break-
fast. ’

Returning to the chasm the sergeant
found that the lieutenant had a in crossed
on the timber, while Buffalo Bi l had one
back to the but to stake hishOrse out to cod,
and would return to breakfast with the sol-
diers, and to learn if any news of the coach

ad been learned. t

In a shert while the scout reappmred, and
as day had dawned now, it showed how the
brink of the cliff on each side had washed,
and that the one span of timber held on the
further end only by a foot or two. _

.But the scout had a nerve of iron also, and

' boldly walked across the timber, remarking
as he joined the others:

” It is daytime now; 'I would not have
done ithist night, lieutenant, for a colonel’s
commission."

, Walter Worth lau hed lightly. and the
three walked over to t e cymp to breakfast.

 

 

  

The meal was eaten hastily and in silence,
and then Buffalo Bill said that he would ride

back to Monument Hill and examine every ,
foot of ,the trail to see if the coach had turned :

off anyWhere, and he would then return to
the bridge and report, but hoped to find good
news awaiting him of the missing coach.

So back across the piece of timber went the
scout, and returning to the chasm the young
officer and soldiers watched his departure and
then started back over the trail they had
come from the fort, also hoping to find the
coach, or meet one of the couriers with tid-
in s that it had been found.

ut mile after mile was gone over; then
they saw a party of horsemen coming toward
them.

They proved to be the ehiefengineer—oflicer
at the fort and his assistants, coming to at
once set to work in respanning the river with
a bridge, for the courier had arrived at the
fort. with the sergeant's letter.

ll‘iuding that the coach had not gone on to
the fort, Lieutenant \Vorth and the sergeant
returned with the engineer-officer to the
river, and the men coming up were at once
set to work cutting other trees with which to
build a bridge.

The lieutenant and the sergeant crossed the
span together, for now their only hope lay in
Buffalo Bill.

Should he return and report that the coach
had not been seen, had not taken shelter any
where along the trail, all hope would die
away.

At last the scout came in sight, at a swift.

gallop, and as he drew near he called out:

“ The coach is not on this side.”

“ Nor on this," answered Lieutenant
Worth. while the sergeant said in a voiCe of
anguish:

“ Then all hope is gone—it went down
with the bridgel”

w—

' CHAPTER XVIII.
BUFFALO ninL’s SUSPICION.

THE strong man who had been full of
nerve in direct danger, who had smiled at
the whiz of a bullet close to his car, had
suffered hunger, hardships and ills that
made others quail without a word -of com-
plaint, and always had a cheery word to
add courage to his companions, now trem-
bled as though he had been seized with a
chill, when the belief forced itself u n
him that his daughter had met a terrible
fate just as she was almost within reach of
his arms. ' ‘

“ She was so young, had so much to live
for, and now death has claimed her.

“Oh! why was I not taken and she
spared?” said the sergeant to Lieutenant
Worth who answered in a tone of deepest
sympathy.

‘ “ t Was her fate to go thus, Fallon, yours
to live on, and you are spared for some good
purpose, so do not despair man.”

“Lieutenant, I will. not despair. I will
live, for there is yet much in life for me, be
it good or bad. Shall I return with my
squad to the fort, sir?”

The man’s manner instantly changed, and
though his I face was white he was calm and
every inch the soldier now.

“God bless the brave fellow!" said Bu’f-
falo Bill who saw his act and heard his
words, and, seized by some strange impulse,
the scout added: ,

“ See here, sergeant, I cannot believe your
dau, hter is dead. ”

“ ot dead, sir‘i”.

“Well, you may all set me down as a
fool, but I cannot believe that Jack Jessop
would drive on that ,bridge unless he was
sure that it was safe; and more—it does not
look to me asthough that beautiful young
girl was doomed to meet death in such a ter~
riblc manner as app ars to be the case.

“ No, I shall not give up hope that she is
alive until I see the ver end of this trail,”
and Buffalo Bill walker aWay, while 'the
engineer~otlicer shook his head and said:

“ Codyr is generally right, but he is wrong
this time.”

“I cannot but think so, too,” add Lieu-
tenant Worth, while the sergeant id in a
low tone of deep earnestness: .

“ And his words havegivcn me hope, for

I cannbt believe, that I wiltne've'r meet my
Chm“    .'

 

 

   
 
  
  
   
    
  
  
   
   
   
 
 
 
     
    
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
 
   
  
   
   
 
    
  
   
   
   
 

He then saluted and walked away calling
to his men to return with him to the fort.

The wagons coming up went into camp
near the chasm, the suppers and miners at
once getting out their tools to go to work on
the bridge.

Buffalo Bill finding that a sentinel would
be placed across the canyon, decided rather
than ride around to a far-away crossing, he
would leave his horse to be cared for by the
soldiers while he went to camp with the
lieutenant, riding a soldier's l.orsc, who went
back in the ambulance.

As thcv rode along together Lieutenant
Worth said:

“I say, Bill, what reason here you to be-
lieve that the sergeant’s daughter is not
dead?"

For a moment Buffalo Bill mad.-
ply, and then he answered:

‘ I am sorry I made that remark, lieu-
tenant, though not on your account. but
that others might not repeat that I think she
is not dead.”

“ Only the sergeant and Captain Payne
heard you, Bill."

“May I send a note back to Captain
Payne, sir, by one of your men?"

“ Certainly. ”

“ I wish to ask him not to speak of the re
mark, for reasons I will make known later.”

“ All right.”

The note was written and dispatched by a
cavalryman back to Captain Payne, who
had at once set to Work on his plans for a-
new bridge.

” Now, sir, I will ride on and overtake
the sergeant, so as to ask him not to speak
of my remark.”

“ All right, I’ll go with you; but you have
some motive in wishing your words to ,re-
main unknown, Cody?”

“ I have, sir, and as we have been on a
number of scouts together, and you have al-
ways been most friendly to me. while I may .
need your aid. I will tell you 'ust what was _ .
in my mind when l said what did ” ‘ ‘ '

“ All right, Bill, I am with youin any
work."

“ The truth is, lieutenant, it looks too hard
that a lovely young girl such as is the ser-
geant’s daughter should meet so terrible a.
fate.” '

“l 9. rec with you.”

“An there is Lieutenant Ernest Leslie. a
handsome, dashing rich young ofiicer who
should not be thus cut off in life.”

Ill X'es- ’7 I

“ There were twb gentlemen in the coach
going out to invest in mining property, and ’
thep looked like clever fellows, while Jack
gessop you know, and what a splendid pard -'

e is."

“ None better.”

“Then, too, Jack takes no chances like--
drivingI on that bridge, and the sergeant had
asked im to take good care of his daughter: ‘

“ He should have been,at the bridge before; ~
the storm struck him, and only the ram would
have made the structure unsafe; so, all thin ' '33;
considered I look to other reasons for the dlsv , t;
appearance of that coach than going down'. '
with the bridge.” ‘ .

 

in» re-

 
     
     

  

        
       
       
 

. .1...
. CHAPTER XIX.
THE snsnow or A CLUE.

THE earnest manner of Buffalo Bill deeply
impressed Lieutenant Worth. ‘ 
ild as he was, reckless, free and easy'and
indifferent, he had a big heart and was as
brainy as an man at the fort. ,. ‘
He knew uffalo Bill well, and was a ’ are
that when he had a suspicion on any 811%“
he was sure to have a foundation. , - , 
The argument advanced that Lucille F ‘
was too beautiful to meet such an awful _
that the same doom should not also falliu‘ w
the others, Walter Worth took as a myth '
reason for a decided opinion the scout harlot
the real cause of the disappearance of.
coach and its passengers. ,
“ Bill, you have some clue to urge you! _
say what you do. more than a belief that" ‘
girl is too beautiful to meet such a deem-.3.-
“I will tell you in confidence, hean
that I have only the shadow of a clue v- [f
the coach did not go down with the bald.
" Fire away. Bill, and let me see how re
gard “91:13 shadow o: a clue.” .r  
“ e , sir, on 'now the band f“ '

      

 
 

    
   
  

 
 

    
       
  

  

 
  

  

    

  

    
      
  

   
 

     
 

 

      
     
       

   
 

    

      
  
 

  
   

      
     
  

.3

  

      
  

  

        
  
 

    

  

 

 g  i

 

 

“But too well.”

“I have been away hoping to track them
to their retreat.” ~

“A proven impossibility thus far."

   

my horse, or rather he fell, crushing me be-
neath him, and I was so badly hurt I had to
lie up for nearly two Weeks.

" When able to travel I started upon my

again."
“ Are you able? for you look pulled down,
Bill "

I went to Monument Ilill to meet the coach,
as I told you.

" I saw .laek, there, the sergeants daugh—
ter, Lieutenant Leslie and the others.

“Jack was ahead of time, as 1 have said,
and was pushing, he told me, to get to the
fort some time before night, so that; his
fair passenger should have a welcome by
daylight."

“Just like him.” .

" He could make better time after leaving
Monument Hill, than before getting there,
for the valley trail was easy to travel, and
if he gained half an hour in the mountains
he would double that time in the low-
lands.” ,

“Naturally.”

“ Calculating his time even at no increased
speed, he would have reached Canyon River
brid re an hour before the storm broke, and

‘ shou d have arrived at the fort when the sun
was an hour high: in fact before the tempest
swe t down from the mountains. ”

“ t would seem so, certainly.”

“ If his coach had broken down I would
have seen it, so it did not, and as the storm
had not washed away the cliff, the bridge

, was perfectly safe; in fact would have borne
' , up half a dozen coaches."
é “Well, Bill?"
 ' “SNOW Jack would never have driven
.4 onto that bridge had there been a sus icion
that it was unsafe, and until its foun ation
was washed by the rain it was safe, and so I'
 be either crossed it, or did not cross
t. ' '
' “I don‘t exact y understand, Bill."
. “Ido not be eve the bridge went down
' with the coach on it.”
“Xou do not '2" .
-- “No, sir.”
‘ -’“ What do you believe, than?”
_, ” I may be wrong, sir, but those outlaws
I was trailing crossed the stage trail going
south, near hip’s station, and that may have
.‘been a blind, for they may have turned and
" come back to the stage trail, strikin it near
River Canyon bridge, or crossing t, have
laid in \vait be 'on‘d."
’39“ Ah! now see 'our trail, Bill."
“If they did, an (held up the coach, they
"ts big lot of money from the sergeant s
' 'ughter, Lieutenant Leslie, and the two
peculators, and must - have known of their
coming and, who they were."
, ,Lieutenant Worth ‘gave a loud whistle of
'Mrprise. ,
f *4 They, knowin who they were, after
robbing them, coul hold'tbem for ransom,
’ aia’rger sum, or--’"

  
   
  

     

the s securing
j '.' Or th could, to cover up their robbery,
hive put em out of the Way." »
3‘" And the coach?" , ‘

‘- ~‘.‘ Could have been driven on the bridge,
Whichcoum have been cut down, and thus
hide. their crime, causing the very belief,
 the storm arising, that all nowhold,
Shatdhe waters undermined the timbers and
“coach and all went down with“ the

O
'1
2
D‘
3'3
*2
S

  
 
 
 

  

I

   
 

    

oulrnothing more than a suspicinn that such

a the case? ‘ ‘ .

*V',‘ No more than that the other bank of the

chasm was not undermined enough to have

.thrownthe bridge into the river, save. by aid
the an hands." ' ~ , a

I 7 , g i, you lead me to believe as you do,
‘ior'nOW I remember that the timbers project-

  

  
  

  

   

“ I'm all light, sir; but on my way I came 3
upon a trail of a score of horsemen, and it T
led toward Nip's stage station, and leaving,r it ‘

A, ~ f‘ difaldBill, you are a wonder; but have.

i

“So it seems, sir; but I had a fall from "

l

return to the fort to reiit, and start out

 

CHAPTER XX.
Tim mm'rns'r HOPE.

IN an altered tone after his decided re-
ply to Lieutenant Walter \Vorth. Buffalo Bill
said:

“ Let me explain, lieutenant, that I do not
wish to excite hope in theheart, of poor Sen
geant Fallon which may be dashed to the
ground.

“ lspoke without thinking when we were
back at the river, and now I wish to tell him
to forget my words, and that 1 only hold
hope as long as we iind no proof of the loss
of the couch by going down With the bridge,
by the bodies or mark of the coach.

“ I shall tell him I shall search for more
proof, by looking up any wreckage of the
coach and for the bodies, going a long way
down the river to do so, and shall ask him
not to speak of what I said, or hint to a be-
lief that I held any suspicion that the coach
had not gone down with the bridge.

“ What comfort he may get out of this
faint hope I will be glad of.”

They soon overtook the sergeant, riding
ahead of his men, his face pale and stern.

lie saluted the lieutenant with his usual
courtesy, and was dropping to his place in
the rear, when the officer said:

“ See here, Fallon, Buffalo Bill is going to
make a scout down the river to see if any
traces can be found of the bridge, coach, and
——yes, the bodies. v

“ He does not wish to build up false
hopes in your heart- that your daughter is
yet alive."

“No, sergeant, I can only say that my
hope is so strong that I wish proofs that the
coach and all in it are lost, yet please do not
say to any’one that I believe the coach did
not go down with the bridge.”

The sergeant heard the words of the lieu-
tenant with respectful silence, and when
Buffalo Bill added what he did, be cast a
quick glance at him and his pale face flushed,
while he said:

“ Your very words give me hope, Mr.
Cody, for unless there was a doubt in your
mind you would not assume the almost
useless task of looking for the bodies and
wreckage.

“ 1 am a soldier and on duty, so will con-
tinue on in my routine, but not until 1 see
you give up hope will I do so, and I leave
all in your hands and will tell you now that
I no more believe my daughter is dead than
do you and Lieutenant Worth, who, if she is
not, will soon discover the truth.

“Please believe that I trust all to you,”
and be saluted the officer and held out his
hand to Cody., ; ; ’

The lieutenant grasped the outstretched
hand himself, and said warmly: ',

‘ All my 3 mpathy is yours, Mr. Fallon,
and the trut , good or bad, we must some
day know, and may it be in thc'ncar future.

“Trust all to Cody, our good friend
here." , t . .

“I will, sir, I do,” we the low response,
and the lieutenant and . out rode on, leav-
ing the sergeant to follow more leisurely
with his men. ‘

Reaching the fort they readily saw that a
loom rested on all there, and as they rode
a, the officer of the day called out quickly.

“ Any news, Worth ‘1’" -

“ The worst—41:6 bridge'is gone, and there
can be but one belief, that the coach': and all
in it went down with the wreck, for no trace
of it can be found.” ,

“Poor Ser eant Fallon; but I heard that
Lieutenant rnest Leslie was in the coach
and other? too?” - . ‘~

H I

“ A" bright fellow gone, and poor Jack
Jessop too. - t

“ rgeant, go and lower the flag to half
mast,” and the officer turned to the sergeant

‘ of the guard. Who hastened to obey, the flag

fluttering down to halhnsst
Fallon rode into the fort.
He was received with: a dead silence that
was more expressive than words of s mpathy,
and the officer of the day returned is salute
by raising his hat, a mark of respect the
wiggant saw and appreciated. _  ‘
 _ ing to his quarters the sergeant at Once
Went to report-to. Colonel Carr, who received

him with saying th that m ‘ "autos. st
to. ‘ ' (mix * ' tthergh; mire

justas Sergeant

I
I

 

up the search for the coach the commandant
wanted no further proof that it had gone
down with the bridge.

“ Retain the quarters you had selected,
sergeant, as you may wish to be alone more,
and you can have a leave if you wish,” said
the colonel.

“I would prefer to remain on duty, sir, to
employ my mind: but I will keep the
quarters, sir, as you say I may do so."

“ Certainly,” and; as the sergeant left, the
Colonel said to his wife:

“ I can see that the poor fellow still clings
to the hope that he may yet hear from his
child, that she may not be dead.

“Ah! there comes Lieutenant \Vorth and
Buffalo Bill and we will now hear the whole
story for I had not the heart to question
Fallon,” and as the colonel spoke the lieu-
tenant and Buffalo Bill entered his quarters.

CHAPTER XXI.
AN IMPLIED RESOLVE.

“ VVELL, Cody, I began to fear we would
have to send out a search expedition after
you, as you have been absent two weeks, and
I have been told of the Death-Knoll written
against you on the cross on Monument Hill,"
said Colonel Carr as the scout entered his
quarters with Lieutenant Walter Worth.

“1 have been laid up, sir, from a heavy
fall, while looking for the retreat of the Red
Hands who have warned me of my doom,”
and then Buffalo Bill went on to report the
ambush against him of the two men at
Monument Hill, and how he had followed the
trail of one of them who had been fatally
hurt as he had believed.

But of the woman who had so'mysterious- '

ly come to his aid he said nothing more than
to ask: '
“ Colonel, did you ever hearof any settlers

having gone up into the mountain country to

the north of this?”

“No, Cody, I never did, and vet, now I
recall it, I remember that there was a mining
train of a dozen people who started up there
in search of gold and were never again heard

of, and what {became of them was never, '

’i,- _
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known. a -

“ Search was made for them, but whether
they pushed on through and found homes
elsewhere, or were massacred by the Indians
we could never discover, but it was thought
that they met the latter fate."

“How long ago was this, sir?” _\

“ Half a dozen years at least; but why\ do
you ask?" .

“I found traces, sir, of there having‘been
white people in that country!”

“Ah! then those of whomI speak were
doubtless the ones, and they were doubtless
all massacred. ‘

“ They Were warned against going there,
but would take no heed of what was said to
them.

“What did you find there?" ,

“ A cabin, sir,” answered Cody. . .

“Doubtlcss built ‘by those of whom I
speak. -

‘f Well, they‘form but a small part of the
number of those wh ,. have boldly penetrated
this western wilde of danger and death
never to be heard of again: but those Red
Hands in ambush gave you close call Cody,”
and the colonel gazed at the woun .
scout’s forehead where. the outlaw’s bullet.
had cut its way. \ , , I

" Yes, sir, but the wound wassli ht."

“You never seem to mindh knocks.
(bray; but now about the sergeant’s daugh-
ter ” ,  ,

” Everything indicates, sir, the going
down 0 the coach with. the bridge over
Can on River.” , ' '1‘ .

“ ’es, ther can be no doubt of that, and
the sergeant Is broken-hearted, poor fellow,
for. as I understand it, he has not seen his

.
9

,child since she was a mere bi) , and he was

separated from the wife, who ately died; at

least that is my idea, though he has nothing,

to an en the subject."

“ t is a very and case, sir.” ' a \ ,

“Sad, indeed, and we have tomourn the
loss of that bright young officer, Ernest
Leslie, who was coming here as my az'de-de-'
cam ,as also poor Jack Jessop, the Ovar-
ian driver and two others. . .  - .  '
 ',‘ I wish to send one. of ,youhimen '
rotting settlement,  . “ 

l

  

 

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Buffalo Bill’s Death-erll.

11

 

 

 

stage-agent there, so he can send another
coach through to leave here on the day sched-
uled."

“ Yes, sir, I would like to go on this duty
myself, colonel, and—”

“Beware, Cody, how you go alone about
the country, for those red hounds mean to
keep their threat against you."

“I am very sure of that, sir, if they get
the chance; butl must not, on account of
that warning, fail to attend to my duty of
scouting,"

“ Very true, only do not go alone."

"‘1 can do better alone, sir, in finding out
whatI would know, and then call on my
men when I need aid."

“I will have that warning-post removed
at once.”

“No, Colonel Carr, I beg that you will
allow it to remain, for I may have some more
carving to do upon it, as I have already out
there one name, that of Ilawk, which the
man whom I shot answered to, and there are
others to keep him company."

This threat of Buffalo Bill was quietly ut-
tered, but it implied much to the colonel and
Lieutenant \Vorth, for it told them that if
the Red lland Riders had warned him, and
were upon his trail, he had resolved also to
hunt them down.

“ As you please, Cody, only go slow and
the careful.”

“ I will, sir; butI would like to ask you
‘now if, after I have informed the stage-
:agent about sending the coach here to start
out next Thursday, if I can then have my
own time for a few days to thoroughly
patrol the Overland trail and its vicinity?"

“Yes, but surely not alone?”

'“ Yes, sir, though I would like to have
‘several of my men in hiding at certain points,
in secret camps, where I can easily reach one
-of them if need be, and also ask if Lieuten-
:ant lVorth and asquad of his men can be in
readiness to leave at any moment they get a
call from me."

“ You are playing some game, Cody; but
as you are ’most always a winner, I cannot
but say it shall be as you say, if Lieutenant
“'orth desires such a detail of duty.”

“ Nothing would please me more, sir."

"‘ Very well, you are relieved from other
Tduties for the present, and can pick your
men, a sergeant, corporal and sixteen cavalry-
men, with packs all ready to start at a mo-
ment's notice on a call from Scout Cody,"
:said the colanel.

" Lieutenant Worth bowed in acquiescence,
:saluted and left the ::olonel's quarters at
once, while Buffalo Bill said:

“ Understand me please, colonel: I have
nothing definite in view, only desire to go
off on a scout for an unlimited time to see
what I can accomplish in pursuing the trails

‘ lot the Red Hands, and ask your aid in case

I may need the lieutenant and his men at a
moment’s notice.”

“ You shall have your way, Cody; but to-
morrow morning will be time enough for you
to start, and I will have the letter to the stage-
.agent ready for you.”

\ __

CHAPTER XXII.
THE MYSTERIOL’S scoc'rs.

THE sun was an hour high when Buffalo
Bill reached Canyon River, the morning af-
ter hisinterview with Colonel Carr.

He had gone to his quarters and prepared
faithfully for his secret expedition of indefi-
nite time, taken along an extra belt of arms
and another repeating rifle, with a full camp
outfit and provisions to last several weeks.

It was his wish to take a pack-animal, one
of his best horses, but to be used as such.

That night, before leaving, he had gone to
Lieutenhnt Worth’s quarters and held a long
interview with that young officer, at which
the two had come to a thorough understand-
ing of the movements in the future, and had
confidentially talked over the scout's plans,
for the fatter had every confidence in Walter
\Vorth.

To the scout’s quarters the same night
had gone Sergeant Fallon.

The latter was attending to his duties as
usual, but his haggard face showed how he
suffered. and he had the sympathy of every
one at the fort.

“ You are going to the settlement, Cody?”
the sergeant had said on entering the scout’s
quarters.

 

“ Yes, I leave at dawn, sergeant. Is there
anything I can do for you ‘1”

“1 would like you to mail a letter for me
—register it please, for it would be a week
nearly before it would leave here, you
know.”

“It will give me pleasure to do so, ser-
geant."

“ ltis to my daughter's attorney, telling
him of what has happened, and yet in the
very face of all, I haVe dared say that she
may yet be shown not to have thus lost her
life, for your words gave me that hope, and
I will not banish them from my heart until I
see that you give up hope."

Buffalo Bill made no reply.

He saw that the sergeant, like a drowning
man, had grasped at a straw of hopes, his
words uttered the night before on the (‘an-
yon River.

110 could not bid him hope, with the slen-
der thread he had to cling to himself, and
yet he would not wish him to utterly de-
spair.

“ You are silent, Cody, yet I know, I see,
I read in your heart that you do not believe
that my daughter is (lead, that you do not
believe that Jack Jessop and his coach went
down with the bridge.” o

“ livery evidence points to its having done
so, Sergeant Fallon, and yet I am one who
is most hopeful, hard to make give up, and
so I am determined to have proof of the fact
that the coach went down with the Canyon
River bridge.”

“ Proof?”

“ Yes, for three large timbers of the
bridge went down, and several smaller cross
pieces, and then there was the coach, six
horses, the harness, five people, baggage
and tarpaulin on top, and I tell you that I
must find some of these things. _

" The river was a torrent that night."

“ It is the better .for my purpose, forl
know its course. .

“ There are places where it broke through,
and when it runs down, the debris would be
found on its banks where they are shelving,
miles below here.”

“ You are right."

“ I shall follow down one side and up the
other, until I am sure that there is no trace
of coach, team, baggage or passengers, and
then I shall try another plan.”

“But you will need help,” urged the ser-
geant.

“ No, I will need no help, for I prefer to
go alone, to attract no attention in what I

o.

“I will take with me four of my scouts.
who will be placed within call, and when I
need further aid, it will be quickly fur-
nished.

“Now I have told you what I intend to
do, but you must not breathe it to a soul,
for I am supposed to have gone off on
business for the Overland Stage Company
alone.”

“Buffalo Bill, your words give me hope,
and I will not despair that they mean more
than you care to have me know.

“We have always been friends, but find
my child for me, and you are my brother—-
no, no, not that—not that, but dearer by
far, and I will devote my life to you—good-
by, and lleaven bless you.”

With a wring of the hand that made even
Buffalo Bill wince under the iron grip.
Sergeant Fallon turned and left the scout’s
quarters.

The next morning when Buffalo Bill left
the fort it was just atbreak of day, and he
was accompanied by five of his scouts, one of
whom led a pack-horse.

The scouts horses were all heavily loaded.
save the one ridden by Buffalo Bill, as
though they were goin on a leug scout
and carrying ample provrsions and camping
outfit. .

Arriving at Canyon River they found that
Captain Payne had the bridge well under
way, and after a short delay the scout’s
horses were taken across, though not with-
out the reatest risk.

But t e one ridden by Buffalo Bill was
not taken over, nor did two of the scouts
cross, one of them startin back to the fort
with his chief’s horse, anr had any one taken
notice of the fact it would have been Seen
that on the way to the bridge one of the five
scouts had mysteriously dropped out.

And it was one of the four who had come

 

 

prepared for a stay, according to the traps
he carried with him on his horse.

It was the fifth man, who had carried no
extra weight, that went back from the
bridge, leading the horse the chief of scouts
had ridden there.

(‘rossing over Buffalo Bill had found
Lucifer in fine trim, and mounting him had
started on up the trail toward the settlement,
accompanied by his three remaining men,
and leading his pack horse.

In the old camp in the pines another of the
scouts dropped out, and the chief and the
others passed on until Monument llill was
reached, when the scout left the other two
along with his pack-horse, going on along
the stage trail alone.

All this meant some settled plan. Some
mylsterious move to be carried out by Buffalo
Bil .

 

(‘IIAPTER XXIII.

SCUUTING ALONG THE STAGE TRAIL.

IIAVING gotten rid of the scouts who had
accompanied him from the fort, Buffalo Bill
went on his way to the second stage relay
station, over which Nip presided as stock-
tender, the first one out from Fort Advance
being only a dozen miles distant from the
fort.

Nip was seated in front of the cabin and
seeing the scout. coming, arose to meet him
with the remark:

“ Seen any more of the Red Hands, Pard
Bill?"

“ No, have you?”

“ We hasn't; but Tuck is off scouting now
to prevent a.surprise from them and a‘run-
ning off of our stock, for if we got 'em in the
corral here, we could stand off the gang from
our cabin.”

“They will hardly fight you for your
stock, Nip. In fact, I do not now believe
they would care to run it off, for they wish
the stages to run, so that they can hold them
up for gold and booty; but you have heard
no news of Jack’s last run have you ‘3”

“None; was he held up?"

Just then Tuck, Nip’s pard, came up, and
reported that he had seen no trace of the
roadagents anywhere around in a circuit of
miles, and the only trails he found made
since the storm were of game, deer, bear
and coyotes.

Nip and Tuck, as the two ‘men were
known, were fine specimens of bordermen.
Both had records as fighters and were chosen
on that account for the lonely and perilous
life of stock-tenders on the stage trail.

They would defend the company’s stage
property with their lives, and were square,
all-’round fellows.

As Tuck came up he saluted Buffalo Bill
wrth a shout of "welcome, told of his scout
around the station for miles, and then the
two heard from the scout the story he had to
tell of Jack Jessop's mysterious disappear~
ance with the coach and its paSSengers.

“W'ent down with the bridge, I’ard Bill,
and no mistake,” decided Nip. ,

“ If ther coach can’t be found nowhar. that
is nothin’ else ter believe. Poor Jack," said
Tuck.

“ And that beauteous young leddy—shc
were too pretty ter die,” added Nip.

After finding that the two stockmen, with
no hint from him, took no other view of the
loss of the coach than through its going down

with the bridge into Canyon River, Buffalo I

Bill mounted his horse and rode on, stating
that he would send another coach through to
the fort to start out on time from there.

“ This is gittin’ to be a fatal trail ter drive,
Pard Bill, and yer won’t find drivers itchin'
ter take ther run,” said Nip as Buffalo Bill
rode away.

The next relay station, like the one nearest
the fort, had but one stock-tender, as it was
near the settlement.

This man met the scout as he rode up and
listened with deep interest to the story of the
loss of the coach and passengers.

“ Yer of course lays it to the bridge, Pard , -

Cody?" he said after awhile.

“ Why of course, for what else could have
been the cause, Mooney ?”

“ That’s so; it’s sad for poor Jack.” '

“ It is indeed; but Ithought, Mooney, that,
you and Jack were foes?”

“ Whatever I has ag'in’ a man living, Bill,.
I forgives him when he’s dead.”

 

Eddaloh s D _ h-A -'

 

 

  
  
    
   
   
   
  
   
  
  
    
   
  
  
  
   
  
  
   
  
 
     
  
 
   
   
    
   
  
   
 
   
  
     
   
     
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
 

“That is a good creed, Mooney; but I
must go on to the settlement, for I wish to
reach there by night," and Cody rode on his
way once more. musing to himself;

“Somehow I cannot believe Mooney is
square. I always doubt him, and Ishall
keep my eye on him, for somebody posts the
Red Hands when to strike a blow, and it is
somebody who knows more than an outsider

' can know. '
.“The man at the settlement who was a
‘ spy I discovered in the one who,attacked me
at Monument Hill, and whom, now, I wish I
had allowed Lucifer to kill.

“ Of course he is not such a fool as to re-
turn there after my having discovered who
he was; but I did not remove his mask and
maybe he thought 1 did not recognize him
after all. ,

“He isa bold fellow and plays a clever
hand at all times.”

It was just growing dark when Buffalo
Bill rode into what was known as Pioneer‘
City.

It was an important stage center. though
an insignificant place, consisting of half a
hundred houses, a stage tavern known as
“The Overland,” a coach and blacksmith
shop, stables for the horses of the com-

ny, a couple of stores and a dozen sa-
oous. ,

A few poorly pa ing mines were scat-
tered about near by m the mountains, there
were several cattle-ranches within a couple

‘ of hours‘ ride, and half a dozen small farms,
and such was Pioneer City and its surround-

in .
gerhaps five hundred people were in and
around the place, and to them Picn'eer City
was a ver important center, for it was on
the main ine of the Overland with sev-
eral branches running from it, one of which
wasa weekly coach to Fort Advance and
' back. '
The Overland was a cabin structure two
‘ stories high, and with sleeping rooms above,
'the office, dining-room, kitchen and saloon
being on the first floor, and if any one could
sleep in peace there at night he had a good
 , conscience and better nerves than most
men. .
When Buffalo Bill rode up he was wel-
corned by “Colonel” Buck, an err-sheriff,
ind e, soldier, Vigilante and man of all pro-
ons and trades. (

CHAPTER XXIV.
BUFFALO mm. sro'rs ms MAN.

5» “ COLONEL ” BUCK was a character of
Pioneer City. He had con 9. private in the
war, but claimed the ho omry title of colo-
nel, and having been a police justice also,
tOOk the title of "judge."
. ‘. He had been also a deputy sherifi, was at
member of a band of Vigilantes and at last
became landlord of the Overland TaVern,
stage" agent and all-’round man about the
town, or rather camps, for th? place was
gT-he colonel Was a brave man, and had
Own it on many occasions. '

, He loved money, and put aside something
each week for a " rainy day," until he was
nownas the richest man in Pioneer City.
 He had a bluff, but hearty way with him,
“ snd‘when Buffalo Bill rode up greeted him
in/a manner that showed that the scout was a

favorite with him.

' "Well, Cody, the sight Of you is like
salve for'sore'eyes. I'm downright glad to
. ’ see,you,tand hope you are to tarry with us a
dies? days.” l, x I ’

“ No, Colonel, I am off again tomorrow,
 come this time as a courier for I bear a
, her to on from Colonel Carr. ”

-~.“ Ah, nd *ed, from my. good friend Colonel
(fin. who rope is ;Well?" said Buck, and
though his words implied a friendship be-
tweenthe real and the bogus Colonels, he had
never met the commandant of Fort Advance
but once in‘ his life.

.. ,i‘ Read the letter, colonel, for' it is impOr-
tant, and what it does not explain I will,”
said the scout. "

The letter was short and to the point .
{It'stated merely th t the coach of Jack
msop, on its way to ort Advance on the
.:  run, had been caught in the storm and

 

  

  
 

  

  

    

  

   
  
 

As it was necessary to kee the mails go-
ing on regular time, he, Buck, would see to
it that another driver and coach were sent
out to be ready to leave Fort Advance as
scheduled.

Any other information desired would be
furnished by Cody the chief of scouts, who
would go over the trail with the driver,
should he be a new man.

Colonel Buck was astounded at the news,
and at once turned to Buffalo Bill to give
him the full particulars. .

This the scout did,- and, as the Overland
Agent, Buck went at once out to the yards
to select a driver and coach to be sent the
next day to Fort Advance.

He seemed almost stunned by the shockof
the news of the death Of Jack Jessop, the
sergeant’s daughter and the others who were
with the coach.

Having had supper Willi the colonel, after
it was arranged that Toby Hart, 9. crack
driVer and a plucky one, would take out the
coach, Buffalo Bill said'

“ See here, colonel, what kind of a man
is But Brindley?”

“ First class.”

“ Isnhe not postmaster at Pioneer Cit ?"

“ Well. yes and no, for he isa man 0 edu-
cation, you know, and helps old man Ilaw
ley with the mail; in fact, does most Of the
work wheri‘he is not off prospecting, for he
is constantly going, gold hunting, you
know."

“ With what sucoess‘?"

“ Sometimes he strikes it, for he has mon
cy, I know.”

“ Where is he now?”

“ In town.”

" Has he been away lately?"

“ Well, not for over a week, as he ot a
fall and was hurt quite bad, he sai ,. so
come back for the doctor to fix him up.”

" Where does he live?"

“ Over on the hill, but he’ll be in the sa-
loon tonight, if you wish to see him, for
half the’town are there every hi hi.”

“ I would like to see him; ut, do not
ipeak of it if you meet him, or of my being

ere.”

“ N O, i won’t; but is anything wrong be-
tWeen you, Bill?"

“ Wait and see, colonel. and if I want
help, I’ll call on you, for I’m on the right
trail in what I do.”

. “ As an officer of the law, Bill, I’ve got to
back you, though I hope you are wrong, for

But Brindley is one of our best citizens, free

with his money and a good fellow all
’round.“ ,

“ All night, if I make a mistake, I am re-
sponsible for it."

“ Now let us go into the saloon.” t

The two walked into the large saloon and
gambling den run, in connection with the
tavern, and the colonel’s first words were:

“ There is But Brindley now."

 

CHAPTER XXV.
rlint.“ own ” IDENTIFIED. .

Tar: ma'n pointed out as Bat Brindley sat
at a table with three other men playing cards,
and the pile of money in front of him showed
who was the winner.

'IIe glanced up as the landlord and Buffalo
Bill entered, butwent on playing. making no
comment on the murmur that ran around the
crowded saloon at the entrance of the scout
and the welcome he received from a score of
voices. I ' ‘ ,

After a short conversation with a group of
men he gathered about him, for the news
had td‘ eadyspread through Pioneer City of
the loss of Jack Jessop’s coach, Buffalo Bill
walked over ’toward the table where Bat
Brindley sat and nodded to him as he looked
up with the‘remark: -

“Glad to see you, Buffalo Bill; but, it's
hard news you bring.” I

" What do you mean?"

" About Jack Jessop and his coach.”

“ How about the other news I bring?”

" What is that?"

“ Have you heard the rumor about the cap-
ture of the whole band of Red Hands?"

A general exclamation of astonishment was

 
 

 

 

 

this down with the bridge across Canyon
egsllbeing l_ , ‘ ., j

       

\

   
 

diving his cards inautter amazemept. Wit
,1: y . x. .3-

heard 611 all sides, while Bat Brindla

  

c

u»,

 

     

 

“ Is this so, Buffalo Bill?”

“I only asked you if you had heard a
rumor to that effect, forI had not: but, it
seemed to startle you, when it only sur-
prised and pleased others.”

“ I do not understand you, Buffalo Bill.”

“I will be so explicit that there will be no
mistaking my words, Bat Brindley.

“I accuse you of being one of the Red
Hands!”

A general exclamation followed these
words Of the scout, and every eye was
turned upon Brindley, whose face now was
perfectly calm, as he replied:

“Is this your little joke, Bill, or are you
drunk?"

“ It is my serious joke, and I am not
drunk, Brindley; so I repeat my charge and
can prove it i"

“What is the proof on offer against all
who know me here andvthat your charge is
false?"

“I charge that your right shoulder is all
bruised and bears the marks of horse's teeth
upon it, while there also are bruises from the
hoofs of my horse upon your breast."

“ It is a lie to thus accuse me, though I
am all bruised up from a fall I had, as my
friends here know."

“I have made the charge, Brindley, that
you are one of the Red lland band, and——
Ia! that is your game, is it?"

Buffalo Bill had seen the man be accused
drop his hand upon his revolver, and so
gnick was he in drawinghis, that his weapon

ashed before Brindley could level his.

A sharp cry of pain followed the scout’s
shot and the revolver dropped from Brind»
1e '3 shattered, bleeding hand, while Buffalo
B ll cried sternly:

“Hands up, Bat Brindley, or I will kill
you, and I do not wish to do that.” "

A suppressed silence had fallen upon all
in the saloon.

All eyes were upon the scout now, as he
covered Brindley with his revolver, forcing
him to raise his hands above his head, while
he cried earnestly: ‘

“ Don't kill me, Cody 1” ~
“Had I wanted to do so,~I would not
have shattered your hand to disarm you.

"No, I wish to save you for the rope, Bat;
Brindley.”

“But sa , Cody, is there .not some mis-
take?" crie Colonel Buck, coming forward.

“ Nol there is no mistake. That man is a
Red Hand, and two weeks ago ambushed
me at Monument Hill.

” There were two of them, and they gave
me this wound. '

“ It stunned me, and as they came'to bag
their game, my herse seiZed Bat Brindley by
the shoulder and, as ;‘I believed, hurt him so
severely by his bites'and hoofs that the out»
law was wholly unconscious when I called
the horse off.

“ I shot the other man dead, and believing
Bat, here, to be mortally hurt, I rode on to
{he first station for help to bring Brindley
n. ' , u

" When I returned he was gone, having
robbed his comrade and taken his horse
along, also.

“The were both masked. but I looked
at their aces and one Of them was this man.

“ Look at his shoulder and you will find
where my horse hit him, and struck him on
the body With hiSlioofs— Ali? doctor, I want.

0

‘you to see to this man whom I was com-

elled to shoot in the hand," and Buffalo
Bill turned to the doctor of,P.ioneer City,
who had been hastily sent for by Colonel
Buck.

All had heard Buffal Bill's storv of his
being ambushed, and t e charge that But
Brindley was a Red Iland.

It was hard for some to believe, but there
were others who kn‘e that the scout wth not
one to make a false c arge against an man.

“ Strip him, and of the bites and hoo blows j

is there, hang him!” cried a v 'ee.

. " NO, entlemenl ' This nm is iy pris.
oner, an goes to the fort, for Colon Carr to
decide upon his fate. '

“ If I {nake any mistake I hold myself
answerab e. "

“ Hang himl” now came a chorus of voices
about the room, and, wheelihg quickly. But
fan Bill faced them, a revolver in each hand,
for. he saw that an ugly humor had been
excused against

action would q ll. ,, 

rindloy which only prompt. . _.

  
     
 

     

. . r.
.«Mynm-«rw ‘35:".

x: eaten-372 harshest-

35:5?  .

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'13

 

CHAPTER XXVI.
INJUN Nick snows FIGHT. '

“ MEN, this man shall not be given over to
the merciless fury of a mob.

“ I am the one most wronged, and I shall
see that he has a fair trial and is given a
chance to prove his innocence, so do not
make any scene here, for I shall protect him
with my life."

r M

   

-...‘;-_-4"~ arm... ,Wwawr aeyw'
-  . ..,.._

{,9 Buffalo Bill spoke with perfect calmness,
fl and in a distinct tone that all heard, and he
 had stepped between his prisoner and those
 who were now threatening him, while the

doctor —- Pills they called him in Pioneer
City—was skillfully dressing his wounded
hand, for, constantly expecting practice in
surger the doctor always went prepared
1 with his case of instruments, lint and all else
necessary. _

The scout's words had their effect, but this
x was heightened by a voice suddenly calling
out in the favor of Bat Brindley:
I “ See here, Buffalo Bill, has you any war-
} rant for arresting Bat Brindley? ’
 “ Yes.”
l “ Show it!”

All gazed at the bold speaker.
,3 He was a man well known in Pioneer Cit
 as a miner, and was one to fear when arouset ,

*"25

 ‘ for he had been in some desperate encoun-
 ’ ters.

 “ Injun Nick ” they called him, for he had
 the look of a half-breed, and yet no man
i, " dared tell him he had Indian blood in his
 veins. 5

 In answer to the demand that Buffalo Bill
lip should show the warrant for the arrest of

Bat Brindley, the scout simply pointed to
his revolver.

“ In many cases that might go. but it don’t
where Bat Brindley is concerned, for we
know him here as an honest man—yes, know
him better than we do you.”

“ Well, you'll get better acquainted with
me. Injun Nick, if you interfere in my ar-
rest of this man as-an outlaw, so hands off
‘unless you wish to make this r our funeral.”

 

 

movements were quicker and his Weapon
covered Injun Nick ere he could level his at
the scout.

“ Think better of it, pard," said the scout,
coolly, and the man, 'beatén at his own
game, turned on his heel and left the saloon,

 “ I‘ll make it yom's!" yellet injun Nick
.  -' and his revolver was drawn in an instant;
l‘i‘ but. quick as was his act Buffalo Bill’s
5’,

5.2—

> .1. ' while the crowd burst forth in a cheer for
‘ 7  Buffalo Bill.
. i “ Well, doctor, how is the wound?”
“ I “ Not so 'bad as it might have been. The
‘ first joint of the forefinger is shot off, and
_ I/ ‘ the bullet cut through the flesh near the

thumb, that is all." '

“Colonel Buck, I give this prisoner to
._ you for safe-keeping until I am ready to
 start with him in the morning to the £0 ,”
’~ .said Buffalo Bill.

" I shall hold him, sir, at your command,
thou h I hope he can prove his innocence,”
.andt c colonel turned him over to two of
his‘ deputies, and callingthe scout aside
whispered:

" See here, Bill, look out for Injun Nick,
for he is as deadly as a snake and as silent;
he twill ' strike you when you least sus-
)ec .” '

“ I do net doubt it; but I do not regard him
as dangerous Sust now: later he may be.

“ Now come to the cabin of Bat Brindley
and we will loo it over and see what we
can find there in the way of proof against
him.”

The colonel accompanied the scout to the
cabin of Brindley, which stood apart from
the others, and on the edge of the settle-
meat.

As they neared it they saw a light within,
.and Colonel Buck whispered: ’

“ Some one is there!” «

“Injun Nick, my word for it.”

“ Theh it will be a fight right here.”

“Oh. no, for I’ll get the drop on him,"
was the quiet reply, and, creeping up to the
door, the scout found that it was ajar.

Some one was within, and quickly shov-
ing open the door Bufi‘alo Bill covered the
man he beheld there and cried: '

“ Hands up, Injun Nicki"

Injun Nick it was. and caught wholly 03
his guard, for he had his arms full, a blanket
in which some things had been wrapped
up ” ,  - - .

 

 

  
   
 
 

 

.8

 

“Buffalo ears Death-Knoll. '

IIe dropped it and raised his hands above
his head, while he said (savagely:

“ Do you intend to kill me, Buffalo Bill?"

“I guess I'd cheat the hangman if I did.
yes. and save my own life perhaps; but
; what are you doing here?"

' “ It is none of your business.”

“ I have made it my business, and I wish
to know." ‘

“ Well, as you are going to take But
Brindley to the fort, I came to get his
blankets and a change of clothes for him.”

“ He did not ask you to do so."

“ No, but he is my friend, and I thought
it but right."

“ Well, I‘ll take them."

“No you won’t! I’ll—”

“ field! if you value your life don’t make
me shoot you, for I’ll do it, Injun Nick, and
if you do not wish to also go to the fort, just
skip."

“Don’t be a fool, Injun Nick, for Bill
knows what he is about." urged the colonel,
now appearing in the door.

“ All right;'1’ll go; (but some day we’ll
meet on even terms, Buffalo Bill.”

“ Any time you see fit, Injun Nick,” was
the quiet reply, and the man stepped quickly
out of the door and disappeared in the dark-
ness, going back toward the Overland $loon.

 

CHAPTER XXVII
ON THE HOME RUN.

BUFFAIJO BILL took the blanket bundle
which he had made Injun Nick drop, down
to tlfe tavern with him, and placed it in the
mom he was to occupy for the night.

He saw Toby Hart about making an early
Start,in the morning with his coach. The
colorel said breakfast would be ready an
the prisoner prepared for his journey \to mix
fort, the doctor romising to again dress his
wounded hand efore he started.

There was a very ugly feeling about on ac-
count of But Brindley’s capture by Buffalo
Bill. for many believed him innocent, while
others thought him guilty and openly said
that he should not besent to the fort for trial,
but be strung up there and then, if he was
really one of the band of Red Hands.

Many more urged that Buffalo Bill was
trying to make capital for himself y accus-
ing Brindley, and that he had, in t e glance
he had taken of him, been mistaken as to his
identity.

There were two things, however, that car-
ried out the scout’s charge, and which the
supporters of Bat Brind y could not et_
over, and also checked them in a determ n-
ation to rescue him and give him a chance to
prove his innocence there in Pioneer City and
not be taken to Fort Advance.

These were the fact that Bat Brindley was
often absent from Pioneer City, prospecting
he said, and had been absent at the time Buf-
falo Bill claimed he was in ambush at Monu-
ment Hill, while he had come back with in-
juries which he had said Mere caused by the
fall of his horse u on him!

The doctor had een appealed to and a
demand made of him to state just what those
in uries were.

Ie claimed a professional right to silence,
but that did not (go down in Pioneer City,
and at last he was creed to speak, for Brind-
ley his patient was a prisoner and very likely
to hang, and his defenders were the ones
whom he, the, doctor, depended upon for
future calls upon his services.

80 the doctor said that the wounded
shoulder bad the signs of havin been made
by the bite of some animal with urge mouth
and dull teeth, that pinched the flesh. but
did not penetrate the clothing and the flesh
as would have been the case had a bear
given the wound.

Then, too, there were several bad bruises
upon the breast and one leg. as though from
a blow dealt by a all instrument, such as
the iron-shod hoof o a horse.

This settled the fact in the minds of nearly
every one that Buffalo Bill had made no misc
take, and so no opposition was made to the
taking of the prisoner away in the mornin .

Anticipating that an efl‘ort mi ht be ma e
to rob him 0 his prisoner—for nifle Bill
felt that Bat Brindle had lawless friends at

 

    

  

 

his call in Pioneer. 0 t -—the scantzpsssod the
1. .

 

night mparedtoresst he in and
V Butpdayda nod m er

 

  
  
    
 

   
  
      
  
    
    
   
  
   
  
  
   
  
   
   
  
   
  
    
   
    
   
  
  
   
  
   
  
  
  
  
    
   
 
   

\
-n».

breakfast was ready on time; the coach,
with Toby Hart on the box, rolled up to the
door and the prisoner was led out and placed
in it, hands manacled.

Buffalo Bill got in, also, while Lucifer,
thorioughly trained, was told to trot along be
him .

Early as it was a large crowd had gather-
ed at the tavern to see the coach start, and
half a dozen men had come to take passage ,
on to the mines, but were told that the stage ‘, 
was carrying no passengers, not being on a '
regular run.

They seemed greatly disappointed, but
there was nothing to be done other than sub-
mit to the scout‘s decision.

50 the coach rolled away with Toby Hart
on the box, Buffalo Bill and his prisoner in-
side aud the faithful horse of the scout
trotting close up behind with neither saddle
nor bridle on him.

Toby Hart had been told by Buffalo Bill
to drive rapidly to the first relay station, and
he made the distance in good time, halting
his horSes panting and covered with sweat
before the log-cabin where Mooney sat smok-
ing his pipe after a late breakfast.

Toby had been over the trail to the fort,
several times before as an "' extra,” so knew
it fairly well, and, as the scout suggested:
would put his teams through, and running
light would reach the terminus before dark,
in spite of any delay at the bridge across
Canyon River.

“ Mooney, I want a good horse at once
brought up and this saddle and bridle put on
him.” said Buffalo Bill as he got out of the
coach, after throwing a saddle and bridle
out.

“ I don’t think there isnny in corral, save
the coach team and my owg riding horse.
Bill. " .

“ Then I will take your riding horse, ‘
Moone '.” «

“ I oesn’t allow anybody to ride him, you
know.”

“ This time you must make an exception,
for I’ll take your horse, if you have no other
in corral.”

Moone saw that the scout was in no mood
to be tri ed with and went off muttering:

“ Wal, maybe there do be one of the
animals about; I'll see."

 

CHAPTER XXVIII.
mums A TOUGH.

THE moment that Mooney went to, the
corral for the six coach-horses, for a team
always had to be kept on hand, and tofind
outi another animal than his own riding
horse was near, Buffalo Bill called {:3
Hart out of ear-shot of his prisoner and :

“ See here, Toby, you w ll have to go on
alone, for lam sure that Injun Nick and a
band intend to hold up the .coach to resend
Brindley." ', .

“ I shouldn’t wonder, Bill, for I am sure
there was some under-hand sme being
played last night, and Injun Nic never for-

ives or forgets and he is a firm pnrd of

rindle .” .

“ I s all, therefore, take to the saddle 
here, with my prisonsr, and make a circuit '
of the stage trail. wh 0 you go on, and when
held up, as I am convinced you will be,
simply say that I took no chances and went I
by saddle to the fort.” '- ix“

“ You’re a dandy, Bill, and it takesa sharp
one to match you,” and Toby Hart lau bed.

“ I do not intend to neglect any card that.
may win, or to play one that will lose," was"
the scout’s res use. ' - '

Just then - ooney returned with the six,
coach-horses ands most insi nificantlooking?
beast that would not last ha the 'ourne . _

“ This is the out' critter n , Bi l, but ’8 a
a goer, and better than he loo s. " .

“ I’ll leave him for you to learn to ride on,
Mooney, and take your own horse, instead."

“ No, you won’t l" sulleuly. , r

“ See here, when you took this station. you
did not own a horse, or even a gun, and  t.ka
colonel put you here because you wero‘in‘i
bad luck. ' r ' ‘ a

“ Now, the horse you claim belongs to-tho
stage company and shall take him." ' ,v 

" Does on mean you'll take my horse?” '
“ I do if it is (your horse/which I do not

ing in discharge of ‘d '
sad‘i'li take what comes my w’y. A.
i ., 4 ,. ,n  .  ..n_

      
         
         
     
       
       
  

   
      
       
       
       
     
       
        
      
        
   
    
     
        
   
      
   

  
  
 
     
   
 
    

  

   
 
  
 

 

 

 

 

 

   

“ I don’t want no trouble with you, Buffalo
' Bill; but i is here to protect stage property,
and ill do it."
“ See here, Mooney, you know that Buffalo
Bill is only asking,r what is just. lie is un-
' ' der orders from Colonel (farr at the fort. and
you better not act the fool,” Toby IIart
warned. ,
“ And, I am under orders from Colonel
Buck,’ the boss of this end of the stage com-

a . .

Bilfi‘alo liill had taken the lariat from the
extra saddle he had brought along and start-
ed for the corral, paying no more attention to
the stock—tender.

Seeing this, Mooney called out:

“ If you K oes there, you has it out with
me, Buffalo lili.”

Mooney had dropped his hand upon his
_ revolwr, but, he was not prepared for the
_ - quick act of the scout, who had his revolver
V .alread in his hand with the lariat, and
. , wheel ‘ng, covered the stock-tender before he
’ ‘ could draw.

.“Hands up, Mooney. or this station is
' without a tender! Up, mighty quick 1”

The man raised his hand with a prompt-
new that made Toby Hart laugh; he had
" heard of Buffalo Bill's deadly aim. and knew
that he was a dangerous erson to take
chances with or to arouse to net anger.

' 'f‘ As yer holds winnin’ eerds, Bill, I

thrmvs up my hands,” he said, doggedly.

' Bnflalo Bill advanced upon him, un-

buckled his belt, placed the weapons in the

cabin. locked the door and said: .

l - “Kee your eye on him, Toby, while I

, get the arse.”

: He soon returned. from the corral, leading

haplendid animal and remarked:

\ - “ Why, Mooney, there are a score of good

 horses in the cryral, and your conduct would
make a less suspicious man than Iam, be-

sifiieve you wanted to have the Red Hands

 rescuenBat Brindley; but, that game don’t

 ,He saddled his own horse then, while
Toby put the saddle and bridle upon the
one he had brou ht for the prisoner, the
flock-tender sullen y hitching up the fresh

an.

In.

a, “ Will see you later, Toby," said Buffalo
W" Bill. as 'the driver mounted his box and
arrive away.
[Then the scout aided the prisoner to
mount, and, takin the end of the lariat m
hand-sprung into is own saddle.

‘ By‘ the way. Mooney, here is your key,”
,be said, as he rode away, and be tossed it
' Over in some bushes.
'  “The stock-tender sprung for it with a face

that betrayed his vicious purpose to open
’lho door, seize his weapons and fight it out
h the scout. 1
ac, Cody saw ‘and read his purpose, and-
:ecktly covering him with his revolver said
‘t y: , v '
 “Mooney, you are a bad man, but 1 do
not Wish- to kill you, and that you may not
we his to do so, I order you to Walk along
,‘tmil ahead of me." 4 I
‘2? I‘ll die first."
“All right. if you wish it to be a case of
'ihgide," and Buffalo Bill took deliberate

   
   
 

   
   
 
 

. ‘ 'Dbn’t shoot! Youphas me foul, so I
3 more , l
‘ k l" You have gothorse sense, Mooney. .

Just take a little pedestrian exercise

.  df,m- on that trail.”
‘The than?

 
 

obeyed, and for half a mile Buf-
", Bill, made him" walk in advance, and
 slid: ‘ ,-
.  ‘Nms; go back, find your key, and try
" faggot that you have made a foolof
. so ." ‘

ith thitthe scent and the prisoner rode

 
 

 
 

 

' CHAPTER XXIX. v '
 '- . amour. . v
non’r wonder that ,Bnfl'alo Bill has

   

resulted, and means what he says?

, . ‘ Toby Hart“ as he more on his
with his empty coach after leaving the
relay station. 3 ’ . r ' '~

A! liketho man,» and he is true as steel. '

- Bat Brindley is guilty am now sure.

. 'hI never suspects

 3t 'hin ,anytinistakethis‘ 0.".
“knit “lat-loaned?

  
  

s
s
a

   
  

  
  

 
  
 
  
 

   

 

e namehe has, for he is‘as cool as ice,’

, I
him; but autism,

he told him that he acted as though he
wanted the Red Hands to rescue Brindley.

“ Meoney is a bad one, and Bill must look
out for him.

“ I am sorry I did not remain until he left
with his prisoner, for he‘s treacherous as a
snake, or his looks go back on him.

“ Maybe I‘ll be held up on the trail. It
won’t be by the Red Hands, but those who
wish to rescue llat Brindley.

“ land, but won’t they swear and yowl!

“ 1‘” have to put cotton in my ears to keep
from learnng their oaths.

“ if the Red [lands should'lmit me. which
I am not looking for, as this is an extra run,
why, they'll get next to nothing, forI (lid
not even bring my own watch along," and
Tobv laughed all to himself as he took up
his (linner-lmsket, opened it, and glanced in
between two pieces of bread that appeared
to be a sandwich, and revealed a watch
there.

“ I’m making good time.” he muttered, as
he saw the hour, and he kept his team at as
brisk a pace as the nature of the trail would
allow, while he mused half aloud as he drove
alon r:

“ guess they’ll halt me before I go much
further. for the rescuers won't go very far
from oneer City."

Hard y had the words been spoken when
he saw two men step out in the trail ahead
of him. ' '

Involuntarin he glanced behind and saw
two horsemen following him.

Further up the trail ahead a couple more
horsemen rode into view, and were coming
toward him. ,

“ 1 thou ht so,” he muttered. “ Wonder if
the '11 cal in my chips in their fury at not
fin ing Bat aboard?”

Suddenly another form appeared in the
trail, a hundred yards nearer than the two
first seen on foot. He held a revolver in
hand, leveled at Toby, while. he called out in
a voice not to be mistaken:

“ Halt!” ,

“ Every durned one of 'em is masked,” and

Toby put‘ his foot on the brake. drew hard ’

on his reins and brought his team to a halt.

“ Toby Hart, we don’t mean harm to you.
but you have two passengers we want,” cried
the man close in front of the horses.

“ You won’t get. ’em."

“Don’t be a fool, for we are seven, and
we have come pi‘epared to kill. if kill we
must’fl’

“ I am not a feel, but Isay again you won‘t
get those rm1 want, if they are Buffalo Bill
and Rat rindley.” '

“We will rescue Brindley, and kill Buffalo
Bill if he resists, for he must be taught that
he cannot carry too high a hand in a country
where the people’s will is law.” ‘

" Just ta 0 'ern then if on can'flnd ’em."

“Whatl are they not the coach?” de-
manded the man. '

“ Not they.” .r

The man dashed tothc coach, risking all
danger. threw open the door and yelled:
“Pards, they are not here.”

“I told you so.’.’ coolly Said Toby Hart.
“Where are they?” -

“ On another trail to Fort Advance.”

” Eluded us?”

“ It looks that way. ” ' .

“ They were to leave Pioneer City with
you.” » \

“And they (ii( .” - - .

“ Where did they quit the coach ?”

. “Bill; you see, is no play bonierman to be
taken in, so he concluded he’d leave the
hearse at Moouey’s‘station and take to the
saddle." a '

“And he did so?"

“He did for a certainty.”

“ And Brindley?” ‘ . 

. "Went with him of course.”

"And we havehbesn failed by Buffalo‘

Bill?” l . '
’ “‘ It looks that way. Nick."
“ Why do you call ‘me Nick?” quickly
asked the man. ‘ -
Tob laughed who answered: ‘
“.Miisk or no mask. lnjun Nick, I would
k 'ow- ymi in Hades." . :,
m'fyour. knowledge may‘cost you your
9-,  ~ , . , ‘ i
‘f Bah! all, Pioneer. City knows that on

sweat? at with.

   

   
 
 

 

‘.‘l i)rsi

' so il’Bathiil
gling 8e moduli

  
   
  
 

' and that in this blanket so securely't ed up,

 

  

     

“ There was a blanket roll along belonging:
to Bat Brindley. It is on the coach.”

“ Guess not, for Buffalo Bill strapped it;
on behind his saddle. and I heard him re-
mark that it would hang more men in l’i-
oneer City than Bat Brindley."

The masked leader of the rescuers uttered”
an exeeration and then said: ~ p,

“ I believe you are in on this deal with 'V
(Jody, Toby llart. "

“Being an honest man  am not in with
road agents, Nick."

“ Drive on, and I advise you to keep your
mouth shut as to who held up your coach;
say we was Red Hand Riders."

“Might hit the truth if I did,” muttered.
Toby as he started up his team, and was soon.
dashing rapidly on once more. V

Iiooking back he saw that the masked men- ' 2-
had hastily left the trail. f ‘

“ They are going to head off Buffalo Bill,” . "g
the driver decided.

        
   
   
   
   
  
   
  
  
   
  
   
   
    
  
   
    
 
   
   
   
    
   
  
   
  
    
   
  
  
  
  
   
   
   
   
  
  
    
  
    

 

CHAPTER XXX.
snanenme FOR PROOF.

BAT BRINDLEY felt that he was in a very
dan erous situation. .

e saw that the scout‘s cunning had nip-
ped a rescue in the bud, if any was intended.
by his friends, but he reached to delay But--
falo Bill all that he could. As he could do
nothing else he suddenly pretended to be
taken violently ill.

He at first said that he believed he hact
been poisoned—that something had been put; _- ; 
in his food that morning at the hotel. l‘ “i

" I can go no fdrther. for I feel that I am. '
goingr to die,” he declared, as he reeled in his;
sadd e. , ‘

“ Do you really think so, Brindley i"

“ I am sure of it. Let me lie down here!
and die in peace.”

The scent halted, took his lariat and threw , ,-
the noose over the prisoner’s neck. The a ;
other end he threw over the limb of a tree. '
and made it fast to his saddle-horn. , 

Bat Brindley watched him with a look of‘ i 
wonder, groaning terribly the while. . "’ ‘

As the scout dismounted he gasped:

“ What are you geing to do .' , I

“‘ Hang you,” was the quiet reply of Buf~
falo Bill.

” My God! What do you mean i”

“ You said you were dying, andl have no
time to wait here for you to die, and as you.
will be hanged for your crimes if you are.
tried at the fort, I shall just anticipate the
verdict and sentence and be your executioner '
now." '

“ This is cruel. horrible."

" It is not a pleasant thing for/me to have
todo, Brindley, but I am compelled to'it as
you are unable to ride on.” »
“I believe I could ride on, for I feel better ‘ i
now.” ‘ . r
“ Yes, you look better.

“ Shall we ride on, or do
here?” 4 . ,
“We will ride on.” : ~ ,1 '- .
‘The scent smiled grimly coiled his lariat,
and once more led the way. I
Bat Brindley groan terribly at times,
but the scout knew wel enough that his ill-
ness was feigned—that he hoped his friends:

would come up and rescue him.’

Familiar as he was with the. country Buf-
fnlo Bill bore afar off from the stage trail,
determined to strike it by going to the Can» 
yon River and then followrng its bank down. ,'
to the bridge. , .  l“ ' 2

It was nearly nitrht when he at last came. .
in sight of the bridge, upon which the men
under Captain Payne were just putting the
finishing touches. , ' '

Riding up to the engineer-officer Buffalo
Bill said: -. , " ‘ ' '
“I have a prisoner here. Captain Payne;
that I. wish to leave in your charge. a

“ His name is. Bat Brindby. I arrested'. r
him on sus icion of bein » seeretly a member“ 7
of the ban of Red Han Riders. v

“ Please say to the colonel that When ‘1'. .
return Iwill make my charge with roofs; ~ ‘

 

 

       
       
 
  

   

you wish to die:

   
        
       
  
  

  
          
         
   
  
 

 
       
       
     
    
     
    
   

he may find a great deal ‘thatwill interest
him, and which I will explain uponfiny re. A
turn, to the fort.” ' : ~ ,_
“ I will take your man myself to the fort” v 

- ale Bill, for I shall go~inwnh myth, ‘
obopt‘no'oulomorrow, ray with}: «  
Show  .. ,«r; V’ . .‘s -
L‘é " >

 
 
      
   

 
  
    
  

    

Q' ‘r'

  

 

 

finished, and as the timber for the smaller

bridges has been placed along the trail, they '

will soon be in position.” _

“ You got the coach over all right today,

I sir?"
  “ Oh, yes; and Hart said that he was held
' y. ', up on the way by masked men, but he had
nothing to be robbed of so was allowed to
drive on."

“ Some of your friends, Brimlley; and led,
I presume, by honest Injun Nick!

“ You see Iwas wise to leave the coach
with you,” said Buffalo Bill with a smile,
while Bat Brindley uttered an path at the
thought of how near he had been to a res-
cue, but for the shrewdness of the scout.

lIaving turned his prisoner over to the

I y keeping of Captain Payne, Buffalo Bill went
‘ e- to the camp where he had left one of his
‘ ‘ ‘ scents, and gave him certain orders.
. 1 He then visited the others in the pines,
and after giving them orders as to what he
wished them to do, had su per with them,
and, mounting his horse, r e on down the
river-bank, evidently having some definite
destination in view.

It was after midnight when be halted,
staked Lucifer and his pack horse out and
made his camp for the balance of the night.

In the mornin he went on foot to the
river, and reach it at a spot where it came
out of the canyon, its narrow cliff banks,
31ndd widened out among hills and timber
an .

“ Above here there is no lodging place for
any drift the river may have brought down,
but below, on each side, there are places
where the coach, the team or bodies might
be cast ashore— Ah! there is a timber of the
bridge now,” and sweeping the banks below
with his glass the scout’s eyes fell upon
_ - ‘ somethin that had been cast ashore and
 ‘ ‘ caught his vision. ,

3 ' The river had run down from a flood to its
a normal flow, and the mark of the height the
the waters had attained were to be seen on

w he $1.5. '

Sadr» , Raw“!

-i
‘i
i

ii;
r2
:8

. '3"

 

glanced all about for any refuse that might
be left there, as he Went on down to the
piece of timber he had caught sight of.

lie soon reached it, and found that it was
one of the bridge timbers that spanned the
narrow canyon, and near it were several
other pieces, ‘those that had served as floor-

in . .

fioing back to his camp Buffalo Bill
, brou ht his horses up and then began to ride
slow y on down the river.

 

 the banks.
 Here and there it had overflowed into a
 ' ‘ .vale, canyon or meadow, and the scout

CHAPTER XXXI.
THE scou'r’s mscowcnr.

BUFFALO BILL had set out to find some
trace of the coach, team or passengers, or
their baggage.

‘ He knew that if the coach had gone down
witlr the bridge, and every timber of the
latter was found, near it would be a frag-
 i ment of the coach, bagga e, one of the six
' , horses, the harness or the y of some one

the unfortunate passengers.

r ‘0f.cohrse in such a torrent the coach would
bo‘irorn' apart, the harness would br k and
thus separate hethorses, and of all, ith the
baggage. if me parts of the bridge were
found there certainly would be proof that

Jack Jessop’s stage andyidl» in it had gone
, down or not. 3
El With this argument for and against,
 Buffalo Bill set out to makes most thorough

" ,,scarch of the Canyon River bank downwmch

he was oing, and. after having goneaslfar
‘as he eemed advisable, to return up the

tstream on the other shore.

If he should find other pieces of the bridge,
and not one thing to indicate that the coach
had gone down with it, the scout would be
thorou hly. convinced that his theory was
right, t at the road-agents and not the storm

‘- Were responsible for the very mysterious
~ disappearance of thcstage and its passen ers,
though of course aided by the tempest w ich

had happened at that time. ‘ .

Jotting doWn in his note-book the pieces

‘ df‘tim-ber he found, as he came to them, and
usntities of other drift, Buffalo Bill con-
anu‘ed slowly'on hisiway until nightfall,

i

  

  

)

h

    

. .
'were visible. trees were uprooted, others

, for at least a day and night.

'wicky—ups, he gavela shout at what he be-

 

 
 
 

~. . mmhaitedtocampt , th

e'night;
"5W mgr". ' the

 
 

so. ‘1.
 «marmalade as

broken off, limbs scattered about, large rocks
had been detached from mountain—sides and
sent crushing down into the valley, while
the streams had all overtiowed beyond their
banks.

Three of the main timber Spans of the
bridge had been found, and these, with the
one remaining across the chasm, accounted
for the four heavy pieces.

()f the cross-pieces, which served as floor-
ing, and were about a foot in width, seventy
one logs had been found, and it was the cal-
culation of the scout that there had been
only about a hundred of them, or very few
more, as the actual span of the bridge that
was floored had been one hundred and ten
feet.

After going a mile the next morning
Buffalo Bill had come upon the pieces of the
bi‘idgeq‘ailing and a dozen more of the cross-
logs, and yet not the slightest si n of a dead
human body, horse, fragment 0 the coach,
harness or piece of baggage.

Before him were the rapids, and at low
water, with the river spreading to a quarter
of a mile in width, the water for a long dis-
tance was not over two feet in depth.

Buffalo Bill felt that there was no need of
going below these rapids, for certainly the
coach could not be forced over them, nor
would the body of a horse, unless at high
water.

The bridge in fragments had lodged all
along on the bank the scout had traveled, and
certainly some part of the coach, one of the
horses, the passengers’ bodies, or the bag-
gage would have done the same.

“ I am now convinced that the coach did
not go down with the bridge, but to make
my proof perfect, I will cross below the
griltlige and go up the other side,” decided

i

Pushing on several miles below the rapids
to secure a good crossin , Bill suddenly
came upon a camp in a thic pine forest! /

The camp was deserted: there was no trail
leading to it, from the direction' the scout
came, and there were indications that it had
been occupied during and after the storm.

Buffalo Bill was all interest at once; so,
dismounting, he staked his horse out and pre-
pared to remain there all night. ,v

He was all of forty miles from the bridge
across Canyon River. The nearest habita-
tion of a white man he knew of was the settle—
ment about the fort: yet here was a camp
made by a dozen or more people.

There Were freshly cut boughs to form
wiekylups, to shelter the campers from the
storm, and there were remains of several
camp-fires, enough shelters to protect a score
of )eople, and, near by, the; indication that
fui y two dozen horses had been staked out

Then. too, when no trail led to the camp,
a broad one led away fmm it. I

Billgave a low whistle and sat down to
meditate. . ‘

Ashe sat there his eyes fell 11 on astrange
looking trail to and from the , ver. it had
the appearance of a number walking to and
fro on it. - '

Then another thing caught his eye, a piece
of painted charred wood. 1

” A piece of the coach, by all that’s good!”
cried the scout, and, springing to his feet, .
he at once began pokingin the ashes of the
campfires, uneart ing several bolts, the ban-
dle of a coach door and the iron off of a hub.
of a wheel, while, glancing into one of the

held there. 1

CHAPTER XXXII.
THE LIGHT on Tim mun.

BUFFALO BILL started into the wicky-np,
where his gaze fell upon somethin there
that caused him to start and his ace to
bri hten, and bending over be dragged out a
cue ion. r I ,

It was just such a "o e as was used on the.
rear seat of the Over and coaches,.and had
been placedin the brush shelter for the com-
fort of some one. . _

Cody regarded it with a look bf
admiration, and mused aloud:

'~ “ They were very cunnid ,
hoodlum, Ohfit'beofiier-

 

positive '

but ‘ t enou‘ h
“lyre. unlegss

we

     
 

  

  

 

{ii

. else,”

“My first belief was right, that the coach
never went dowu with the bridge!

“ The set of the stream was all toward this
side, for that is shown by the fact that I
have found nearly every piece of the bridge,
here

“ The lied Hands got the coach. took ad-
vantage of the storm to cut the bridge down
and let it be supposed that it went down
with it.

“Then, too, their trail was destroyed by
the storm, and they traveled all night to this
point with the coach, and through that tem-
pest. _

“ Then, as the trail would not allow their
taking the stage further, they burned it

“Well, it was mighty cunning in them,
but not cunning enough, for they did not:
Clean up their work Well, as here is a piece
of the coach not fully consumed and bolts
and the door-handle. ‘

“ The rest of the telltale pieces Were taken
to the river and thrown in.

“Then, too, some one forgot to take this
cushion with them!

“They came to this camp during the
storm and traveled all night to do so.

“They camped here the next day and
night, from appearances, and then left with
their booty and prisoners, for they had the
six stage-horses to aid them, and they always
move with packanimals of their own, when
the band goes out in force, and they were all
out that night, that is prett evident.

“ Clever, very, but not 0 ever enou h, for
I can follow their trail, and though hind ‘
them a day and night, I’ll get there all the
same.”

Thus ran the‘scout’s thoughts; and in the ‘2.
face of, to him, the most convincing facts:
that his first belief regarding the mysterious
dimppearance of the stage was right, he felt Y
that he had gained half the battle by his dis. ' ”
eovery. ‘ " ‘

His horses had had a good rest, and would
still have another night, while grass was
plentiful for their food. ‘

He made himself comfortable for the night, ,.
in, the wicky up where he had found the 
cushion of the coach, cooked it good supper ‘
and then sat down to enjoy his pipe and W
meditate. ‘

Not a dread of danger came to him there,
for he knew there was nothing to bring the
Indians to that locality, and the road-agents;
would certainly not retrace their trail to that
point, for their desire would be to reach their
retreat and lay low, wishing to have it fully 3
believed that the coach eon d have disappear-t
ed in no other way than by going down with;
the bridge. as everything certainly indicated}
had been the case. ., . 

Having finished his pipe, Bill turned in to
get a good sleep and be fresh for his heavy,
work on the morrow. ~ .

But, though he at once sunk to sleep, in
short while he awakened. He tried to go to
sleep again, but in vain; so he arose, for his
frontier-training had given him the instinct};
almost of a dog. , >

He felt that there was danger of some kind“ ‘
about. ‘. ’ ,
What it was he’ could not fathom,‘hut 
had a presentiment of evil. ._ }

Risingi be determined to make a seen
around is camp. ' 

“lies! that some danger is ,near, and
cannot be a bear either—it is humanx’.

So he went. to where his horses Were am
out. and found them safe, but Lucifer was“
not feeding and seemed nervous. ., ,‘z'i~ ’

” You feel that there is danger about-aim,
bid fellow,” he' said. ‘ ‘ '2  K

f‘ I will look it up]? , - j “ 

The horse. seemeghto at once be satisfied ‘. ,
/ Elie mutater was the alert and saw“
so. e, so went toeroppin ss ' ,  '

Up the stream, back on  fintfinfia
falo Bill for fully half a mile. “ H “

He was about to turn back when his eyes
caught a glimmerahesd. _ ,. » ‘ 

“Acamp-fire and no mistake,” he mat
tered. j. , i  ' 1 1
Then he advanced slowly and with"
greatest caution. " l 

As he neared the the he saw that it
been built in a thicket on a slight rise. ,

He leveled his night glass and bob
the flat below. four horses feeding; 

3“Boad<'a is, far they can be
dad. and  

    
 
   
 
    
   
   
   
    
 
   
    
   
  
  
    
  
  
  
 
 
   
    
  
  
  
 
 
    
   
   
    
       
       
       
     
     
         
     
           
     
       
     
           
    
 
  

   
   
  
     
       
         
       
    
 
  

  
   
   
       
       
     
  

  
   

  
  
  

 

      
       
    
       
     
    
   
  

     

  
 
  

 

 

 

 

At last he was near enough to get a view

of the camp. He saw a form pacing to and

, fro between him and the firelight, while near
the tire were men wrapped in their blankets,
asleep. -

   

 

CHAPTER XXXIII.
t FOES ON THE TRAIL.

BUFFALO BILL saw enough to warn him
of his danger. There were foes upon his
trail, for, if not following him, what were
thev doing there?

They kept a man on watch, which show-
ed that they were on the alert for danger.

Could it be some of his own men follow-
in him for some purpose?

file must know that at once.

To do this he must take big chances, but
the would do that. '

Creeping around the hill he approached
the spot where the horses were feeding, for
he knew that near theta would be found
their saddles and bridles. ‘

, His own scouts all rode the same kind of
saddles and had bridles and aecouterments
alike.

At last he found the spot where they had
been left and carefully ran his hands over
them, looking also as well as he could in
the darkness.

,' “ They are not my men, and they are not
soldiers. Nor are they Red Hands, for they
are uniformed in their riding equipments.

“ Who are they?”

The scout crept slowly away, and at last
reached a place of safety, when he arose

' and retraced his steps toward his own camp.

He was lost in thought, for he was puz-
'zled as to who Were in that night camp.

He dared not take them for friends, so
must Consider them foes until he had proof
to the contrary.

Suddenly it flashed upon him who they
might be. ~

" It‘s dollars to dimes that it is Injun Nick

/ and his gang! Yes; I feel sure of it, for
having held up Toby Hart’s coach, "and
knowingl gave them the all , the set of!
to find my trail, hit the one I feft a tar get-
‘ting my par-khorse and starting down the
river, and they think that I am, to avoid
(them, making a long flank movement to
reach the fort.
‘ “That is the way I read it now, and as
night caught them on m trail they camped.
.. “ I’ll just light out, ut all traces of the
destroyed coach goes with me.”
"' He gathered up the bits of iron and the
cushion, brought his horses up and stowed
away the things on the pack-animal, after
which he mounted and rode away on the
trail which he had seen in the daylight, and
which the road-agents had taken.
 «By the nature of the land he could follow
this trail in the darkness for a couple of
miles, and had no intention; to abandon
limiting the Red Hands.
.2," Then, too, Bill had made up his' mind to
. a into ambush and take the chances with
 s pursuers.
' ng in ambush was half the battle, and
 g extra weapons along, he would be
.sble to st into a good position to discover
'7' , just w 0 his prisoners were and to stand
' them off. ,
. After a ride of a couple of miles he came
tea point where he was not sure which wa
the trail went; so he looked about for a fee -
lug-ground for his horses, found it, and then
made search for a place of ambush.
He could not have found a better spot had.
0 made it to order for himself, for it was a
soup of rocks, covering the top of a rise,
,and with a score of stunted pines growing
‘among them.
' “Just bei 'nd him was a vale in which were
zliis'horses, ud through which a small creek
tan.
With the air of one holdingt perfect eon.
_:fldence in himSelf, he wrapped “his blankets
about him and sunk to sleep. ,
He awoke in the nick of time. changed the
grazingyplaces of his horses to a fresh spot,
watered them at the little‘rivulet, saddled
them, leavingtite bit slipped out of Lueifer's
moutlh, and then returned to reeonnoiter his
t on.
,, ,‘Be was much pleased with it, for he held
acornmand ot‘a rock 88, and for seVoml
"hundred‘yards in h s rout. ' »
v It was broad daylight new, but Bud

is

   

  
 
 
 

  

  
  

  

   
  

   
 

It,

   

Bill knew if the men in the camphad started
as soon as they were able to follow the trail,
they must be at the wicky-ups, for they
would surely halt there for awhile to con-
sider.

So he sat down and atea cold breakfast
with real relish, notwithstanding the sus-
pense and danger he was in.

As he put away his haVersack of food, and
got all ready for flight or fight, the sun peer-
ed over the hilltops, and he saw all about him
with evident satisfaction at his point of ad-
vantage.

The minutes Went slowly by, and at last
the patient waiter was rewarded by Seeing a
h’orseman come into View.

“ Injun Nick, by the gods of war!" cried
Buffalo Bill, as he recognized the staunch
friend of Bat Brindley, and betWeen whom
and himself there now was war to the knife
and knife to the hilt.

Just behind Injun Nick rode two others,
and Buffalo Bill recognized a couple of the
men who had been the defenders of Brindley
at the Overland tavern._

Following these, and in lead, was a pack-
horse.

This accounted for the four horses the
scout had seen feeding ncarthe camp, and
he muttered quietly:

“ Three to one.” '

CHAPTER XXXIV.
THREE TO ONE.

“HALT! Hands up all of out”

The command came like a 0 up of thunder
from a cloudless sky to those who heard it.

The three riders obeyed the command; then
they, as one man, slipped over the backs of
their horses and thus remained sheltered.~
t Injun Nick had set the example, and Buf-
falo Bill from his ambush laughed at the
alacrity shown.

The three were following a trail They
had come to the conclusion that the one they
followed had left cam early, before the break
of day, and was all e a dozen miles ahead of
them. They had not looked for an ambush.

Of course there could be but one man to
dread, so they had slipped behind their horses
for shelter, and, thus protected, Injun Nick
called out:

“We know you, Buffalo Bill.”

“ Yes, and I ant not proud of the acquain-
tance. But what are you doing on my trail ‘5"

“ You know."

“ Are you ashamed to tell me, or afraid?”

" I want-the man you hold as a prisoner,
Bat Brindley, my pard.”

“I hav‘n't got him.”

“ Don‘t lie, for you left Pioneer in the
stage-coach with him. and then took to the
saddle at Mooney’s station.”

“I did; but what then?”

I “ We took your trail and have tracked you
tore.”

“ You got mixed on the trails, I guess."

“ No, we did not, for we know that you
have Bat Brindley a prisoner with you, and
are now making for the fort with him."

“ You think so?"

, “I know so.”

The scout lau hed.

Injun Nick dd not like the laughter; it
gutted on his ears, and he called out:

“ it will be our turn to laugh last.”

“ Well, what do you want?" ,

“ Give up But Brindley to us, and we
won‘t harm you.” -

“ Thanks, awfully.” ,

“ We mean it." _ ,

“ If I give up Brindley to you, I can go
free?"

“ Yes "

“ 'on will make no effort to follow me?”
“ 'o.7'
“ Do you mean it?"
“ I swear I do.”
“ Your oath is about as much to be trusted
as you are; but, suppose lrefuse?”
“ Then we will take Brindley from you."
“ You must have more men than I see to
make such a threat. ”
“ We have.”
“ Where are they?” ‘
“ Coming back on the trail.”
Again the scout laufihed, and then said:
"‘ See here, Injun ick, while on were
sales ' I' ' J

    

     
 

 

   

your ,cam last ht, sol
  98m eat

 

   

 

with, and three to one, with such as you, I
do not look upon as too great odds, especially
when I hold the winning hand.”

“ We willdown you, Buffalo Bill, mark
my words.”

“ IIow?”

" You are a long way from help, and We
are three to one against you, while you have
a prisoner to guard as well.”

“ Who?”

“ Why Bat Brindley.”

“ lie is not with me.”

“ Again I say don't lie.”

“ All right. If you make any effort to
rescue him, I will have to see to it that he
does not bother me.”

“ How do you mean?"

“ Why, to kill him, of course.”

“ You would not dare do that.’

“ Self-preservation, you know, Nick.”

“ I don’t wish to fight you, for 1’ve got
nothing against you, as you were doing
your duty, as you saw it, "in arresting him;
but, as Bat is my friend, and I do not wish
to see him hung, if you will give him up we
will call it quits, drop our quarrel and go our
separate wa 's.”

“Well, ali I can say is that, if his life
stood between me and death, through your
attack upon me, he would have to turn up
his toes.” '

“ All right; I’d rather have you kill him
than have him hang, but if you did,‘ we
would avenge him."

“ See here, we are losing time.
not ot Bat Brindley with me.”

" know better."

“I tell you. on my honor, I have not,
foriI turned him over to Captain Payne at
she Canyon River Bridge day before yester-

ay. ’ '

“That is not so, for your trail showed two
horses."

“ Very true. but Bat Brindley is not the
man riding the second horse."

“ Who is?”

“ You will know when you are curious
enough to attempt to find out.”

“I do not believe you. ”

“All right; play your cards and you will
find that I have the tram s.” ,

Injun Nick, nonpluse at this, turned to
his two companions, all three still keep ng
hidden behind their horses, and they held a
consultation.

Much as they hated the scout they knew
that no man was squarer in his actions, and
he would not deliberately lie to them.

If it was not Bat Brindley with him, who
was the other man? for they confidently ex-
pected to find two, not suspecting that Cody
had a pack-horse.

Two against three would greatly reduce
the odds which they thought they had, of
three to one, supposing the prisoner to be
bound and helpless.

Then, too, if there were two, in such a
position the odds were in favor of those in
ambush by a large majority. ‘ ~

Bill waited patiently for their consulta‘don,
for he felt that if he was not master of the
situation they certainly did not hold the win-
ning hand against him. -

At last Injun Nick called out: a

“Do you take oath, Buffalo Bill, that But
Brindley is not with you ?”

I have

” My word I hold as good as my oath, and F

I tell on that he is not."
” ho is?”

It might have been a mistake, but the '

scout risked it and said: i
“ No one!"
“ You have two horses?”
“ One is a tick-animal.”
Hardl ' ha the words .been uttered when
three ri es flashed together without warning
and the bullets were sent to kill.

- \

 

1
CHAPTER XXXV.
BUFFALO man’s unantir BRAND.

Tun shots were fired almost as one, by the
three ursuers, the moment they were com
vinced) that they had only the scout to deal
with. '

They had consulted and Injun Nick had
ordered:

“At a. si nal, men, pull on the scout, for
we can get
not expecting us to fire.’ .
, "That will leave but one, it

im before he dodges our bullets, , ‘
‘ trot-sf?

       
       
     
    
 
 

 

    
     
   
  
  
   
  
  
   
  
  
  
   
   
  
  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
  
   
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
    
 
   
  
  
   
  
   
   
   
  
   
  
    
   
   
  
  
   
  
   
   
  
   
  

 

 

 

 

 
       
     
       
     
      

     

  
   
        
       
    
      

 

   

v, .~.V.

 

“steam "Bi-1155‘ neat-smear

  



 

 

   

will not be Buffalo Bill and that means
much.

“If Bat is his prisoner, we rescue him,
and if he is not, and another man is there,
we will soon finish him.“

When therefore the scout stated that Bat
Bi'indley was not along, and also that he was
alone, Injun Nick gave the signal and the
three rifles flashed to ether.

The quick eyes of njuu‘Nick saw the hat
and form of Buffalo Bill disappear behind
the rock which had sheltered him, as the
shots struck their target.

“We've got him, pards,” yelled Injun
Nick triumphantly, and the three started to-
ward the rocks, the two men springingaway
from their horses, while their leader still
kept under cover. \

The act was fatal to them, for Buffalo
Bill had been looking for treachery, and
watching the movements of the men like a
hawk, his blanket and but had been what
the shots had stricken, while the scout him-
self, was several feet distant; he had calmly
taken in the situation and so was wholly un-
harmed.

One bullet pierced his hat; the other two

 

and his two comrades Were the deadliest of
shots with rifle and revolver.

Seeing the blanket and hat disappear——
'for the scout had toppled them over—the
ruflians were. wild with delight, and as stated
two of them sprung at a run for the rocks.
but the shrewder Injun Nick still remained
sheltered by his horse.

His wisdom was shown when, suddenly,
the form of Buffalo Bill appeared and two
shots rung out in quick succession.

First one, then the other of the men who
had exposed themselves Went down, while
Injun Nick, seizing the reins of one of his
comrades’ horses, with his own animal in
hand also, started oil? at a run for shelter.

A few shots rattled after him, but the scout
.Iiad fired not to kill the horses, but the
man.

He clipped the shoulder of Injun Nick
lightly with one bullet, while a second shat-
tered his revolver butt in his bolt, the shock
bringing the man to his knees, and causing
him the sensation of being hard hit.

But he sped on, and was soon in the saddle
flying for dear life.

He had no desire to take chances alone with
Buffalo Bill, so was only anxious to get out
of range and danger.

He glanced back as he ran, as though ex-
pecting the scout to pursue, and was ready
to let go his led horse should be discover
him, for Injun Nick, brave as he was, had
become aide-stricken now and was in that
state of a arm which makes the bravest men

’ arrant cowards.

On, on, he sped and only breathed more
freely when, after a run of several miles, he
came to a hill-top which gave him a view
of the trail for a long distance hack and he
did not see his enemy coming.

“ If dead, he Will bu them, and if
wounded care for them, for know the man,”
he muttered.

~ ' ~ ’ “ I haVe but one course open for'me now,
,2 . ' as I dare not live in Pioneer City; but I
’ must go there and getm traps; then it will
be a ll 8 of outlawry wit me.
“ I have no time to lose, for he may go to
the settlement ahead of me.
“If those men are not dead I fear they
will tell all, and that surely means a rope for

 

   
  
  

A. 837$

 

P
m-

,g, a“ .

 

7 me.
'1‘, “ I’m glad I’ve 0t two horses, at least,"
 and he put all 0 his extra traps, rifle and
blanket on the led animal to lighten the ‘one
he rode of all weight that he could.

Then he pushed on oncemore, his face
dark and revengeful, expressmg the feelings
he held .in his heart as he mounted.

“ Yes, I’ll devote my life now to killing
Buffalo Bill.” _

In the mean time Buffalo Bill had'made
no effort to follow Injun Nick, save With his
bullets. .

“ It is but a question of time, so let him 0
f—now,” he muttered, as, rifle in hand, rea y
to fire at a movement at the two rostrate
forms, he left ,his shelter and walkc toward
them.

“Dead,” he said laconically, as he bent
over one of

‘ ed through his brain »

l.

  

 

  

   
  

 

were buried in his blankets, as Injun Nick ‘

 

l
l

them and saw where the bullet.

 

  

“ This one is alive, but badly if not fatally
hurt.

“This killing one's fellow being is a terri-
ble business, and yet it was kill or be killed,
in their case.

“ I will see what I can do for the poor felv 1

low."

Laying his rifle aside, be bent over the man
whme eyes were fixed upon him and who
said in a faint tone:

I nor was Brit Brindlevz

“Nothing, pard, for I’ve got my death ;

wound.”

“ Maybe not so bad as that," and the scout
spoke kindly. placed the man in a more coin- :
fortahle position and gave him a drink from ‘

his canteen.

“Yes, Ican’t last long; but. I have only
myself to blame for it. not you.”

“ You are kind. to say the least.”

“I am just, now that death’s shadow is
upon me.”

“ Who are you?"

“Once a wild. wayward boy, who broke ,

my mother's bent and went to the bad.

“‘ Now I am suffering just punishment for,

all the misdeeds of my life, dying as an out-
law in this wild land, with the man I sought
to kill my only friend, dese'ited by the man
who led me on this trail that ends my life,”
and the voice now was firm and distinct as he
uttered his repentant words.

 

CHAPTER XXXVI.
THE DYING OUTLAW.

THE man gazed at Buffalo Bill no longer
as one he hated, but with an expression as
though he was all the friend he had to cling
to in his dying hour.

The scout was deeply moved, for he saw
in the dying man one who had been well
born and reared, and whose own reckless life
had brought him to a death of violence as an
outlaw.

He felt sorry for him, sorry that he had
been the one to have to kill him.

But he saw that there was no help for
him, as the gra pallor of death was creep-
ing over his ace, and he knew that his
wound was fatal.

“ I wish that your wound had been only
a slight one, so that you mi ht recover and
lead adifl'erent life,” he sai , with sympa-
thetic tone. '

“ Oh! how I wish that it was not

“ButI do not blame you, Buffalo Bill,
for we sought to kill you and were three to
one against you.

“We started out to rescue Bat Brindley,
and when he was not in the stage coach In.
junl Nick determined to start upon your
rai. ’

" We pressed on at night. crossed a trail
the next day of two horses, which Injun
Nick said was yours, as he knew the track of
your horse wel .

“The rest of the band would follow no
further, for they had come cal to rescue
Brindley from the coach, an so turned
back.

“But they were employed for that work
alone, while Dandy there. and I, were in In-
jun Nick’s pay. so we came on with him.

I “This is the result.”

“And who is Injun Nick?” asked the
scout, quietly. for he had listened to the
low-uttered words of the dying man with
deepest interest. _

“He is But Brindley’s right hand man,
and Dandy and I were his assistants."

“ To do what?"

jibe man was silent a moment and then
88“ : \

“As I have done no good in life, I may
do something that is not wicked in dying, so.
I’ll make a clean breast of it.”

“ You would die with an easier conscience
if you did."

"Dandy there could have told you more
than 1 can; but he is dead.

“I am late member of Injun Nick’s

gang; but do know thatBat Brindley is a 2 county clerk of my native town' that I

l
l

 

 

 

l o
where their retreats are located."

, these places of rendezvous are?”

   
  
  
  
   
   
 
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
   
 
   
  
  
  
   
  
   
    
    
   
 
  
 
   
   
  
   
  
  
   
    
     
  
    
    

Hands are firm‘ pards, and he has men in
his employ all along the Overland Trail who
report any move of value to him, which en—
ables the Red Hands to make a haul."

“ And you are a Red Hand ?"

“Indirectly, yes. for I was a courier for
them.”

“ And Injun Nick is one?"

“Not a member of the band in the field.
_ but both were spies."

“ \Vhere are the lied Hands?"

“They are at one of their retreats, I sup-
pose.”

“ Where are their retreats?”

“ That I do not kno w."

“ Or knowing will not tell?"

“Oh, no, no, no!

“I will tell all I know.

“ But even Injun Nick does not know,

“How did you act as courier then?”

“We went on stated dates to certain points
where we met some member of the band
proper, and gave him the letter from Brind-
lcy and received communications for him
from the chief in return.”

“ Have you any objection to telling where

d “ One is at Monument Hill, every Sun-
a II!

XYes,” and Buffalo Bill wrote it down in
his cote-book.

“ Another is at the bridge across Canyoii
River.”

“ What da "P"

“ Every I ednesday.”

II 1708' J,

“ The third is at Mooney’s Station."

“ What day i”

‘2 Friday."

“ What hour?" ‘

“ Any hour between sunrise and sunset on ‘ .
the days named, for plenty of time is given." - j

“ And Mooney is a member of t e-Red
Hands’ hand ‘3”

“ Not a riding member, but what is called
an ally.” ~ I

“ Such as you are?” '

“Yes.” > ' 

“Are the other stock-tenders also mem- .,
hers?"

“No; only Mooney.”

“ I thought as much. ,

“But now tell me if you have given any
late information to the Red Hands? '

“Yes, I carried the news to Mooney last,
Friday a week ago of ‘ the going through of,
the daughter of‘ a sergeant at the fort with I
plenty of luggage. and others, too. who 
were booked and would be fat fish to fry, for I,
the news was sent through by Pony Express 
to Brindley.” -

“I see. = . .

“ And the Red Hands made their haul?“ _. I

“ The intended to, but the coach went ‘
down With the Canyon River bridge and all}
were lost.” , r g ,

Buffalo Bill looked fixedly into the facets?“
the man as though to see if he was keeping -
back anything, and then said:

“ Do you know that the coach wen
down?" _ "

“it never appeared at the fort and could
not be found, while the bridge Went dow
in the storm, and Mooney so reported it." ‘ ‘ 

The scout saw that the man believed w
he said, and asked:

“ Do you have any idea of the-‘w’h ;
bouts of the retreats o the Red Hands? 

“No; they keep that a dead secret, on
the riders knowing.” . -

“ And Bat Brindley was a rider!”

u 0h. es.» .

Buffalo Bill saw that the man was to
growing weaker, and so asked: . I

“ What is your name ‘2” 11»

" Leonard Lorne.” , x

“ Have you any message to leave to any
one? for I will faithfully attend to it.” 4 g

“No; my parents are dead, and all my
brothers and sisters were estranged from m
long ago. therefore, merely write to 31:.

 
 
 

i.

  
    
  
  
   
   
  
    
   
  
 
  
     
  
   
   
   

      
   

spy for the Red Hand Riders—that he uses l dead, so that that fact‘will be established

Injun Nick to do the. underhand work and Eand Iwill not be astumbling-block to

Band and I were helpers.”
“ but did you do?”
"Oh, we were couriers to. take messages

to the chief of the Red Hands, when a trea- l wallet that I have on me, and what mom
1 there is, with the other things on (laden '

sine coach was coming through.”
 And, Bar Brindle! was,
01,» res. h and m not

at ;,'.\-.

  
    
 

 

l

t

the main mover? body, express to the county c rk."
  "~

   

   
   

settlement of an estate when the w
heir is of age. / 5 ‘
".My name and address are in a ham

    

   
  

      

        
       
  
    

  

'3 I will do a."

 

  
 

 

 

18

Buff‘alo Bill’s Death-Knell.

 

 

“ And your hand, that took my life, will
dig my grave?”

“ Yes, you shall be decently buried, and
your grave marked, I promise you.”

“ Buffalo Bill, you my slayer, are my only
friend now, in my dying hour—God bless
you!"

The scout grasped the hand that sought.
his own, and thus clasping it, remained until
the life of the repentaut outlaw fluttered out
of the casketof clay ‘

CHAPTER XXXVII.
THE TRAIL c ONTINUE I).

BUFFALO BILL had never felt more im-
pressed in his life, at the death of a dear
friend, than he did in sitting by the side of
the dying outlaw, Leonard Lorne, and listen-
ing to his last words.

t was not only that his hand had been the
one to take his ife that caused him to feel
so deeply, but the man after all had a good
heart, and, sorry for the past, had confessed
it, and died with the scout his only friend.

When at last he ceased to breathe, Buffalo
Bill clasped the hands upon his breast, after
he had taken off his belt of arms and the
things he found upon him, along with a seal
rin‘g’ and an old-fashioned watch.

rapping the body in his blanket, he then
went to the other dead form.

Dandy, as Lorne had called him, was a
bad man clean through, one of the des-
perado type and of a different kind, alto-

ether, to the one whom the scout had stood
y in his last moments.

But Buffalo Bill just as tenderly folded the
stiffened hands and wrapped his blanket
about him.

Then he can ht the horse of Dandy, for
Injun Nick ha run off with Lorne’s horse,
and led him to where his own animals were
pastured.

He seemed not to take any precaution
against Injun Nick’s coming back, for he
had realized that a panic had seized him b
the way he fled, and that he would not half
until compelled to do so.

Going to his own pack Buffalo Bill took
from it a small shovel, and a hatchet, tools
he l:tlways carried with him, as well as a

10 . '

With the pick and shovel he be an to dig
a grave, and near it another one, or he was
determined to bury the two men apart, in
case the famil of Leonard Lorne might wish

-to find his bo y.

The graves were dug at last, the bodies
placed in them, saplings cut and fastened
over them and rocks piled on top to keep the
co otes from digging them up.

hen into the tree at the head of Lorne’s
grave Buffalo Bill cut the name in the bark
and the date.

It was nightfall now, so he went into
camp where the pasture was good for his
horse.

The night passed away in quiet, the scout
seeming to have no haunting specters to dis-
turb hisslumber; but bright and early he was
up, bad cooked and dispatched a hearty
breakfast and lessening the load on the pack-
animal by dividing it with the outlaw’s
horse, he started off on the trail he had been
following just as it grew light enough to
see it.

He had a mission to perform which, though
delayed in, he had by no means relinquished.

He would continue on the, trail of the Red

Q

V Hands, who he now felt assured had held

up the coach of Jack Jessop, captured its
prisoners, destroyed the bridge to give the
dea that it had gone down With the stage in
the storm, and then retreatin rapidly, had
burned up, as they believed, alfproof of their
prime and retreated to their secret haunts
with all dispatch.

Buffalo Bill was now convinced, when be-
fore he had held only a suspicion that the Red
Hands were the gui ty ones.

Of course it was only conjecture on his
part as to the fate of those in the coach.

He had found no dead body, come upon

I no freshly made grave, and yet Jack Jessop
and some of his passengers might have been
killed.

The scout believed that the fair passenger,
Lucille Fallon, and the others too, would be
held prisoners, to get ransom for after
awhile, and a large enough price to enable

 

. y I \
. f . i. ’ "‘1'. .1I’-‘-
. ,r I. .,  «2 -’ ‘."“ .\ r "
-«.» . .  A. .«;.-«-_...iv.‘.s. 3.x»  f . 

the Red Hands to fly the country once they
got hold of it.

The companion of Leonard Lorne had given
him data to work upon.

The secret haunts of the Red Hands were
known only to those who were riders in the
raids, the fighting members of the baud.

That Bat Briudley was one of these the
scout felt no doubt now, and he would hold
him in reserve for future use, he decided.

The fact that )ioouey was an ally was a
gratification to know, and he was anxious to
reach his station before Injun Nick could get
there and give the alarm.

Then, too, the fact that he knew where on
three days he‘ might be able to meet three
members of the band, come for information,
the scout considered greatly in his favor.

So he pressed rapidly on along the trail of
the Red Hands, determined to follow it until
it frpssed the stage trail, in which direction
it e(.

There he would leave it to swoop down up-
on Mooney, and he might force further in-
formation from him.

With the rest the horses had had he did
not spare them, after leaving the scene which
had so nearly proven fatal to him.

As he. had believed, the trail of the Red
Hands crossed the stage trail, but there was
an effort to conceal it there, the horses hav-
ing been led across at different points, and
with their hoofs mufiied.

But following the trail as Buffalo Bill had
this did not deceive him at all.

The trail was a large one, and made after
a heavy storm was most plainly marked,
while the number of horses along made it as
easy to follow as a wagon road.

Having crossed the trail and picked it up
where the horses united on the other side,
Buffalo Bill at once sought a camping-place
for his horses, and mounted upon the animal
ridden by Dandy, and with the dead out-
law’s clothes and hat as a disguise, rode
rapidly toward the station where Mooney
was the stock-tender.

He hoped to reach there ahead of Injun
Nick. who from the direction in which he
had fled, would have to follow up to Canyon
River and then take the stage trail, all of a
day’s further ride than the scout had made.

 

CHAPTER XXXVIII.
BUFFALO BILL's Mrs'runrous M(')Vl£.\iF.l\"l‘S.

MOUNEY, the stock-tender, had been in a
ver sullen mood, after the departure of
Bu alo Bill and his prisoner.

He felt that he had made a mistake to in
any way antagonize the scout, for it would
on y bring trouble to him, perhaps the be-
lief that he might not be all that he professed
to be.

lie saw the men that had not gone with
Injun Nick, returning to Pioneer City the
day after, and he had questioned them close-
ly as to how matters had gone.

They could only tell him that they were
sorry they had been roped into the affair,
and had refused to go further with Injun
Nick in his hunt for Buffalo Bill and his
prisoner.

'This made Moone feel more at case,
when he heard that njun Nick had gone
on Buffalo Bill’s trail with Leonard Lorne
and Dandy, two men of unflinching courage.

"Injun Nick will kill Cody and rescue
Bat Brindley sure as shootin‘, and as Bill is
the only one to kick against me I‘ll be all
right.

“Dandy hates the scout, as much as Nick
does, and has told me before he intended
some day to lay him out, and Len Lorne
seems to hate every man who is leading an
honest life.

“ Well, I'll just wait and see how things
turn out. ”

So mused Mooney as he sat alone in front
of his cabin, smoking his pipe and ponder-
ilng over the occurrences of the past few
( ays.

Suddenly he glanced up the trail and saw
a horseman coming into view.

He was mounted on a large spotted horse,
and came along at a walk.

“ It‘s Dandy, or I’m a liar.

“And he‘s alone," said Mooney, and he
called out' ' ,

“ Ho, old pard, glad to see you.”

“I’m glad, too, Pard Mooney,” was the

 

Maia-u“ . ,_

 

response and the horseman drew rein and
suddenly dropped his Winchestcrmuzzle to
cover the breast of the stock tender.

“ Hands up quick, Momrcy'."

“ Great God? it‘s Buffalo Bill!" gasped the
man, but be obeyed.

“ Yes, I'm back to see you. Mooney,"

“i thought you was Dandy, my par-d.”

“ ()nly outu’m'dly. Mooney, for I wear his
coat and hat and ride his horse.

“ Turn your back to me."

“ Are you going to shoot me?"

“ Oh, no, I shall not cheat the gallows of
you.

“ Quick, obey me.

The man obeyed and slipping from his.
saddle, Buffalo Bill quickly disarmed him.

Then he cast his lasso over his arms and
ordering the man to lower them, pinioned
them together securely.

Having tied his prisoner effectually, Buf-
falo Bill went into the cabin and searched it
thoroughly.

He seemed to find a few things of interest
there, for he came out with a blanket bundle
securely tied up.

“ Now, Mooney, I‘ll saddle a horse for
you, and the station must take care of itself
until I send a man to care for it for a few
days, when Colonel Buck can get a regular-
stock-tender and one who is not the villain
you are.”

“ I hav’n’t done anything wrong."

“Well, that is to be seen when you are
tried; but it is my opinion you have done
enough to hang you.”

“Just because I didn't want you to take
one of my horses.” -

“Oh no, not that; but I’ll soon be ready
for you,” and in ten minutes the scout came
from the corral with two good horses saddled
and bridled, for he had ridden Dandy’shorse
hard and so left him at the station.

It was nearly night. now and the scout hav-
ing forced Mooney to mount, went back along‘
the trail at a gallop.

He did not halt at the camp where he had
left Lucifer and his pack-horse, but pushed
on at a swift pace to the pine thicket near the
Canyon River where he had stationed one of
his scouts to wait for him.

The scout/was in the but and hearing his
approach arose and hailed:

“ Halt!

“ \Vho are you and what do you want?”

“It is all right, Jack,” answered Buffalo
Bill, and the door opened and the scout step-
ped out.

“ Glad to see you, chief, for I was getting
anxious about you.”

“ I'm all right, and I am glad to see you
on the alert.

“ Mount yourhorse and ride with all speed
down to where \Vill Palmer is stationed, and
bring him back with you.

“1 will in the mean time write several let-
ters I wish you to deliverin all haste to Mars-
den on the other side of the river, and have
him push with them to the fort, while you go
down at a slow pace and relieve Brockway
of his duty, after which you can return to
your station here and meet Toby Hart’s coach
as it comes along to-morrow afternoon."

It did not take Jack Harding three min-
utes to saddle up and be off on his errand,
and having made his prisoner comfortable
for a sleep on the floor of the hut if he wish-
ed, Buffalo Bill threw some wood on the tire
and by its light wrote page after page on a
pad of paper and with a pencil he had with
him.

When he had finished his task he had three
letters written and addressed, in envelopes
he also had along with him.

Just before dawn Jack Harding came back
accompanied by Will Palmer, the scout
whom Buffalo Bill had stationed further
down the river to be within call when
needed.

17

“ Well, Palmer, I made a flank movement, ‘

so did not return your way; but I wish you
to goat once to Mooney‘s station and take
charge there. You may look for a visit from
Injun Nick of Pioneer City, or may find him
there.

“ ‘In either case I want him, but don't kill
him unless you have to do so in self-dc~
fense.”

“ I understand, chief.” said Will Palmer,
who was a tall, slender, wiry, handsome
young fellow, every inch a frontiersman and
most popular among his fellows.

 

. ‘ i. . ‘ .v_,".’ t” N‘

rs-

 

 

 

 

 

     

He had “ grit” written on every feature of
his face, and was known as a daring In-
dian fighter, a dead shot and fine roper and
rider.

“Harding will be along with the coach

, to morrow to keep you company. and I have

written you some private instructions here.”
l, and the colonel handed Will Palmer a slip
' of paper, after receiving which be mounted
his horse and rode away with a curious
glance at the prisoner who pretended to be
asleep. .
“Now, Jack, I wish you to take these
letters and this prisoner, and turn them all
over to Marsden, who will push on to the
fort with all haste, while you ride down to
relieve Brockway.
“Then you come back here and join Toby
Hart as he comes along tomorrow and go to
Mooney‘s station and await further orders
- there with Harding.” .
. «v “ Yes, chief.
T “ And Brockway ‘I” ‘
_ ._ _ “ Give him this, for I have written down
’ f. 1 ‘, his instructions.”

CHAPTER XXXIX.

OBEYING ORDERS.

JACK HARDING took the letters and the
u , sli of paper and put them carefully away.
lg‘ Then he called to the prisoner to get up
’ j and go with him. '
i; - Mooney seemed to be sleeping soundly,
” 3 but awoke very quickly when Harding
gave him a grip on the shoulder that was
painful. - '
“ Come, you are awake, and I want your
. company on a ride,” said the scout, and
Moone arose with an oath.
“ W at are you goin to do with me?”
“I leave you in g company, Mooney,

 

 

 

Bill. , , .

Mooney’s face paied, but he said nothin
in reply, and 'Wassoon tied in his saddle, an
with the bridle-rein of his horse held by Jack
Harding was on his way to the fort, while
Bafflan Bill rode away in the opposite direc-
tion, taking the trail back toward Pioneer
City after his most mysterious movements of
the night.

Jack Harding crossed the new bridge over
Canyon River, with a compliment to the
quick and cod work of Captain Payne who
had built t, and made his way then to the
place Where he knew that Marsden was in
riding, awaiting a call to duty from his
chief.

“I say, Harding, I hear you have gambled
away several fortunes," said Mooney.

“ Yes, fool that I am."

y . “ And they tell me that you owe big
,3 , ‘ gambling money now among your fellows.”
‘ ” 1 do owe about a thousand, but I’vequit
fooling with cards now and am paying it off
as I can: but what is my gambling and
debts your business?"

« , “Just this: I’ll square them if you will let
' 'rl me get away from you.”

' “ I ll Square them myself if I am given
time."

" i‘ll do it now,”

“How so?" .

“ Well, I've got twelve hundred dollars
width»? which you can have, if you‘ll let me
givegiou the slip.” ‘

“' n’t think of it, Mooney."

,  “ You need only let me e, that is all, say

; . yourltorse fell, and jerke the lead-line out
‘ of you!“ hand, and I rode array in the dark-

ness." 

“ You hav‘n’t got more than tWelve hun-

dred, have you Moone' ’" . .

“ Well yes, a few undreds more, but I

Wanted that you know." , ' '
, “ And I want money, too, and want it bad;
’ but. you havn‘t got within a hundred thou-

‘\ dollars enough to tempt me to sell

out my honor and go back On my chief, Buf-

falo Bill. '
‘No,.1‘m not. that kind of a fellow, gum.
bier though I am and hard nut in general."

Mooney swore savagely, for he found he
‘had mistaken his man, but he said no more

and soon after they rode up to Marsden’s lit
, the camp. .
3 Jack Harding found Marsden on the alert,

   

  
  

  
  

w his \bmen, to go with him, and they
v  to , ht as ' ‘
m new

i .

   

v ' w L ,
over to Marsden, Ja

and send you to Colonel Carr,” said Bufialo,
on the box and driving brisk

[dark no , though there’i

. he had been, for the chief of scouts had .
' lacked

 

in .. _ g
 the, prim .

 G, ,

r 4.

 

ck Harding saw him de-
part for the fort with the wretched and un—

7 fine...

willing Mooney, and then he went on down‘

the river a few miles after Brockway who
had been sent to a point where he would be
readily found if needed by the chief.

He found Broekway also not one to be
caught easily off guard, and the two were
soon returning together toward the but
where Jack Harding had been told to wait
until Toby Hart's coach cameulong from the
fort and tnen go on with it to Mooney's sta-
tion and 'oin Will Palmer.

When ( av dawned Brockway read his in-
structions from Buffalo Bill and they were
as follows:

“Go to Fort Rock on the Overland stage
trail.and you will find my trail, marked for
you.

“ Follow it to a secluded camp where you
can leave your horses, and returning to Fort
Rock await there the coming of Lieutenant

' Walter Worth and his men, and then follow

on after me.
“ I will mark my trail for you, and leave
word for the lieutenant.” ‘

Reaching the cabin where Jack Harding
had been stationed, the two scouts had break-
fast together, and while Brockway went on
to obey his instructions from Buffalo Bill, his
companion stationed himself near the stage
trail, spread his blanket and is down to get
(vivlhat rest he could after his nig t in the sad-

e.

He knew that the rumble of the coach-
wheels would awaken him ., long before it
came in sight.

It was shortly after noon that he awakened
with a start, for the coach was coming, and
the wheels had struck hard a ainst a stone.

He arose quickly and took is stand b the
trail, and soon it came in st ht, Toby art
along.

“ Ho, Toby, I’ve got to ho d you up,” he
said with a laugh, and the driver drew rein.

" Seen anything wrong on the trail,
Tobyll”

“ othing, Jack.”

“ Meet any one?"

“No, but I am sure two horsemen rode
out of the trail when they saw me coming,
and I confidently, expected a hold-up.”

“I can tell you about them, for one of
them didn’t want to be seen; but wait until
I hitch my horse to your leaders, and I’ll ride
on with you to Mooney‘s.” .

The horse was soon fastened alongside the
ofl‘ leader, and mounting to the box Jack
Harding said: / _

“ Got some passengers inside 1 see?” .

“Yes, three: a soldier’s wife, a miner and
the sutler‘s clerk." '

” Any news of Jack Jessop‘s Coach?”

“ Not a word and there will not be, for it
went down with all hands, on the Canyon
River bridge.”

“I don’t see any other way to look. at it,
Toby; but the chief is out hot on' the war-
trail for some reason and he don't‘throw time
and energy aw Hi . , i . 1

“ You bet he on’t; but where is he?"

“ Off somewhere, just now; but the tWo
horsemen you saw bolt ,for shelter were
Marsden and stock-tender Mooney, the latter

a prisoner, and that is why the scout bid, for

he didn't wish it to he seen‘by‘ any of the
passengers, that Mooney was in trouble."
“ But he is, you say?” ' , ~
“ Oh, yes. only don‘t speak of it at Pioneer
City; but the chief brought. him in and fired
him on to the fo in charge of Marsden,
and sent Will Palmer on to the station to

take control there, and I’m going on to join

him. i .
“I go 3 something’s up, >

be 1 ght enough
when the chief gets read to have it.”

“ You bet there is, an I’m glad he cribbed
Mooney. for 1 know he’s ahad one, and I’ve
been suspicious of him.” ‘ ‘

Thusth'e two .ards talked together until
the reached oonéy’s station, and there

Wil Palmer‘ans found onldut ,‘and with

 

   
  

onl I’m in the,

-Hands for sounding his death-knell."

marked :

 

the relay of horses ready to, ch to the
coach. ‘ , . v 3 .

\. CHAPTER XL, 3
t -, ‘ v m. minnows. -' .
, wnnN‘Will Palmer went to Rooney’s sta-
tion he found it‘fi :1 e emits“:
issued 15' r "' 



     
    
  
   
  
  
  
   
   
  
  
  
  
  
   
    
  
  
  
   
  
   
 
  
  
  
 

He gave them water, hoppled them and
turned them out to feed, eXCept the six fresh
ones for the coach, and these be staked out
near at hand.

When the coach came up, that the pos-
sengers might not know Mooney was not.
there, should any one be aboard who might
state the fact in I’ioneer City, Will I’alrner
several times called out to the stock-tender
by name, as though he was inside the cabin.

\Vhen the fresh horses had been bitched
up, and the coach rolled away, Will Palmer
turned to his comrade and said: ‘

“ So far, good, Jack.” .

“ Yes, Will, and Marsden dodged the 3’,
coach with Mooney, so that he was not seen 4 ’
to be a prisoner.” ~

“ I guess there‘s trouble expected here, as
the colonel selected both of us to keep the
station."

“ It looks that way, pard, and I guess we
can meet it half way.”

“ You bet!“ and the two scouts arranged-
affairs about the cabin to suit themselves.

They discussed the matter of Marsden‘s.
goin on to the fort with Mooney a prisoner,
that roekwa * had been sent off on a mis-
sion to Fort lock, to await for Lieutenant; 
Walter Worth, and they had been placed at. 4 5
the sta 0 station.

“1 ts 1 you, Jack, the chief is on the war-
path worse than a wolf. "

"He is, indeed, and he knows just what»
he is about, too.”

" You bet he does! and that means, I,
think, that he intends to hit back at the Red.

 
         
 

“W 11. I hope he will, for that was a
piece f iron nerve on their part, putting out. .
that threat against the ghief.”. ' 

‘The day passed quietly away at the sta. f
tion, and at night all the stock was curtailed; ,
and all made safe for the hours of dark- .7
ness. ' .
The two pards had supper, smoked their. "
pipes, and turned in early, for they wanted
to get what rest they could.

They had been asleep but a short while”
when the sound of hoofialls without aroused
them. - .

They were up in an instant, weapons in
hand and silent as ghosts. '

“Ho, Pard Mooney!” was called out from, '
without. ‘

“ Well, who is it?” gruflly returned Willi-i
Palmer, imitating the surly voice of'the-
stock-tender, and answering as though just.
half awake, '

“ It‘s me." , .

“ Who’s me? ’ 

” Bat Brindley. Let me in quick, for I’m
got news for you, and have got to be away:
soon. ” 75" 

“All ri ht, in one minute. Comeinff
and Will almer unbarred the deor and“
opened it. V .

“ Strike a light, for it is as dark as Sheet
here," ordered Brindley, as he stepped across?
the threshold.  - _ g,

In an instant he was dealt a stunning W
in the head by Will Palmer, and,'a8'h
re‘eled Jack Harding threw his arms abOu
h m. , )-

Bat Brindley was knoWn as a very powerl-
ful man, but the blow" half stunned .him
and he had two men to deal with almost as.
strou as he was; so he was quickly em
arm , bound and a prisoner. . ‘ _
- Then Will ’Palmer struck a light, and:

      
         
     
         
       
       
     
     
     
     
  

  

        
     
     
     
       
  

  

 
    

      
 
      
  

   
     
     
  
 

 

      

    

  
         
 
 
  

     
  
 
     
  

  

 
     
 

t “ I thought you were a prisoner at 
on“)! , L _  ‘x
“‘50 I was, but they found I was. '
accused. so released me.” ‘r ; ., '
“ That is a lie, for Tob Hart told 
day that Captain Payne ad sent ends
theme under, two of his men, jan you”
never turned up there, nor‘the‘ men elth
and so it was an assured thing, that you-
bribed your guards and escaped." _ ‘ ‘
“ W l, I.didn’t give them all the mono

N!

      
  

  
   
  
        
  
   
 
      
     

        

“ What do" on mean i” . *_

“I mean t at they were new hands ,, . , a
Captain Payne. late enlistments, and w, ..
gladtotake a few hundreds enchant!“ ‘ "

"They went one, way with any ,
the ursnitwas doubtless put on that?
wall; [I dgdged along the vagaries _ . .
an came ereex tngtofl_ cope 
'-“ Where is beigec ‘ - v  .1

  
        
  

          
    
   
  

  
    
  
   

 
 
  
 
   
   

   

-_ Lg My.

’ Bar-raid Bill’s

    

$.‘é‘,4v.#_’;iifiu
" c

Death-Knoll. ‘

 

 

   

“ You intend to send me back ?”

, .. “ Certainly.” ,

k  “ You know I said I had not given the two
" soldiers all the money I had.”

“ And you have got some for us?”

“ I have," eagerly said the man.

“Well, it Will take a big sum to buy
Jack Harding and myself.”

“ I've got some thousands along, for I
always went ready for business."

“ Well, pay Jack a hundred thousand
dollars, and give me an equal sum, and you
can "0." ‘,

“ on are fools.”

“Just because we wish a big bribe? Oh

   
   
   
   
   
   
  
   
    
   
  
   
    
  
 
  
   
  
   
  
   
 
  
  
    
    
  
    
 
   
  

no.

“If we took an thing it would be big
money, and as we now you can't raise the
money we demand, we will be honest men
and accept no bribes—see ‘2"

n Jack Harding laughed at Will Palmer’s
Way of putting it, while Bat Brindley
roundly cursed them both, for he saw that
he had been captured in a very clever way.
after his bribing the two newly enlisted

were that he woul
escape. ‘
“ ell, Brindley, we‘ll make a bed down
for you, and then we‘ll all turn in again."
“ Better gag him, for should another visi-
tor come he would warn him,” said Harding.
“ If he does I'll knife him the moment he
chir 8," Will Palmer said in a tone that cer-
tain y warned the prisoner to keep silent.

get no other chance to

 

CHAPTER XLI.
A sUCCEssi‘nL CHASE.

MansfiEN went on his way to the fort
with his prisoner, looking well ahead, as day
dawned, for the coach, so that he could ride
ofl the trail as it approached and not let those
who might be in it see that MOOney, the
 stock-tender, was in trouble.

.He rode off the trail just as Toby Hart
caught sight of him, and then be renewed
' his way as before. ‘

When he was again on his way, Mooney
said to him:

" See, here, Pard Marsden, you don’t wish
to see me hanged, do you?”

” Not unless you deserve it. Mooney."

“ Well, it’s 'ust this way, you see.

, 1 “' \iifalo Bi , your chief, don’t like me,
or-Y’

" He don’t like any infernal rascal, M00-
as . and that is what he knows you to be,
' (tr e would never have sent you a prisoner
.t  the  u
 “ That is the way on believe; but the

ftruth is, Cody is on t e wrong trail, and he
thinks I‘m crooked when I am not.

’meon his say-so and I’ll get it where the
chicken got the x." .

“ In the neck?"
, ‘f.Yes."
 “ Well?"

'" Now, I’m pretty well heeled, for I’ve
, ta wad of money with me that runs up
flat 6 hundreds, and I’ll share it with you,.
just let me make my escape—see?"
",‘ You'll see that I‘ll break your jaw if
on dare to hint to me that 1 can be
,. ribed. '
" I’ve a notion to shoot you and go in and
{sport that I had to do it to rcyent your
escaping,” said the scout wrth indignant
cigar, and the ifoiled stock-tender became

’8! .

iA second time had he been foiled in his at- '
{tempt to bribe one of Buffalo Bill's men,
I 'nd now he 'saw that there was no chance
5'. ‘ him—that he must be taken to the fort.
As Marsden neared the fort with his prison
«er, he drewikrein suddenly, for he saw a

arty of horsemen ride into the trail.

A glance showed that they were soldiers,
.t‘and ding on, he came up with them.

,Their horses were jaded and all the party
locked worn out. .

.- It was the s uad sent in pursuit of Bat
'Brindley and 1} two ruards.

They had followed t e trail of the three
tonnes. riding rapidly, and had come up with
'e fugimes in s ite of their rapid flight.
Lieutenant Wa ter Worth was in command
“he plursuers and he was not an officer to
' men or horses in chasing down a (ugh

i.

  

   

in
I.

94.
0
‘

  
  

    

 

  

  

 
 

  
 
  

I i.

   

soldiers to let him dgo free, and the chances ;

“ If you take me to the fort, they’ll jump ,

 
     

. B
' He had discovered the trick played by Ba : the pines beyond Canyon RiVer, and send it to
Brindley, to make his escape on foot and let = you by the hands of two of my scouts,

 

the two men take his horse along, so that he 
would be supposed to be with them, and i get at them in case of need, and went on my
they, in their greed, had been glad to take I‘
, the animal hoping to sell him at some of the ,
camps fora good sum, for they supposed,

i that they had covered up their trail well; but ,‘

understand what a gOOd borderman he was.
The result was that though the two newly
i enlisted soldiers and treacherous guards had
: been captured, Bat Brindley had not been
found with them.
i Soon after the party rode into the fort, and

the Soldiers greeted the sight of the captured l

prisoners with a cheer.

“ Come on with me toheadquarters, Mars-
den," said the lieutenant, and he rode up to
the. quarters of Colonel Carr, accompanied
by the scout and the three prisoners.

“Well, Worth, you are back again, and

of it, though the capture of the prisoners
compensates for all suffering," said Colonel
Carr pleasantly as the young officer, the scout
and the three prisoners entered his quarters.

“I captured three horses and two men,
the soldiers, colonel, for Brindley had left
them and gone on foot; but I met on the
sta e trail near the fort Scout Marsden, here,
an [this third prisoner.”

“Ah! Scout Marsden captured Brindley,
then?"

“No, colonele. this man is not Brindley,
but Mooney the stocktender of Station One,
this side of Pioneer City, and sent to you by
Buffalo Bill.”

“ Ah! I had never met Brindley; nor did I
know the stock-tender.

“ What mischief have you been up to, my
man 7"

“I have a letter for you, colonel, from
chief of scouts Cody, and also one for you,
Lieutenant Worth.

“ They will doubtless explain about
i Moone here, sir.” said Marsden.

“ Al right, I’ll have these prisoners cared
for first.” and calling his orderly the colonel
ordered the prisoners sent to the guard-house
and a strong guard plaCcd‘ over them. '

 

Bill.

CHAPTER XLII.
THE SECRET LETTERS.

LIEUTExAN'r WALTER Won'rn had lanced
at the letter given " him by Scout arsden,
with an apology for doing so to the colonel,
and read:

“ DEAR Sm:—

“Ma Iask you, upon receipt of this,
and an ject to the approval of Colonel Carr,
to whom 'I also write. to come with your
picked squad of . men to Fort Rock, where
one of my scouts will be on hand to meet

 

 

ou. .

“He has his instructions and will lead
you on after me, my trail being marked so
as to be readily followed.

I “In my letter to Colonel Carr I have
, stated the result of my trail thus far.
1 “Once having 'struck my trail there will
E be no need of great haste. as I only wish to

know that I have you within easy call, and I
' will leave written reports on the way.
“ With respect,

” W. R. CODY,
“ Chief of Sands.”

Such was the licutcnant's letter. and hav-
‘ ing read it he handed it over to the colonel,
who said: ‘

" Now, Scout Marsden, what havb you to
re rt?"

1 arsd-en told of Jack Harding's coming by
night to his hiding-place for rim, bringing
. the letters and the prisoner, and the orders
i given him from Buffalo Bill.

He also made known that the prisoner,
Moone , was so anxious to escape, that he
had 0 ered to bribe him to allow him to do so.
, Havin heard the scout's report. and dis-
missed him, the colonel opened Buffalo Bill’s
letter, after having lanced over the one
handed to ,him by Leutenant Worth, and

 

‘ found it as follows: , \

i . , , “- 0N trim Tum. Night.
.,1 f, ’ W

    
 
  

you look as though you had had a hard time :

Then he turned to his letter from Buffalo

hut in

they did not know the persevering young:
officer who had gone in pursuit of hun,'or

 

l

 

“ I placed my four scouts where I could

trail alone down the river

“ I found nearly every piece of the wreck-
ed bridge, but no dead bodies, horses, or
pieces of the coach or baggage, for the rea-
son that the stage did not go down into
Canyon River.

“ I have proofof what I say, but can say
no more now, only to request that you give
nohint of this to anv one, save Lieutenant
Worth and Sergeant Fallon, to both of whom
I have written.

“Continuing my trailing, I camped near
aspot where there had recently been a camp,
and while tthe at night, scouted around
and found that there Were fees on my track.

" I went on my way that night, found a
good spot and ambushed them.

“ They were Injun Nick and two com-
rades from Pioneer City who sought to res-
cue Bat Brindley from me, believing that I
had taken him far off the stage trail to dodge
them. .

“Injun Nick escaped, but I buried the
other .wo, and pushed on along the trail I
had been following.

_“ Going to Mooney, the stock-tender’s—
Station ()ne on the fort stage trail—I made
him a prisoner, not only from my own sus‘
picions of his'treachery but from the dying
confession of one of the men with Injun
Nick, proving that I was right. and I send
him to you under the charge of being sec-
retly an ally of the Red Hands.

” I will continue on my trail from the
camp, which crosses the Overland, and mark
it for Lieutenant Worth to follow, with your
permission.

“ May I also ask that Sergeant Fallon be
allowed to come along with Lieutenant
Worth. and that the expedition be fitted out
with extrahorses and fully a month’s sup—
plies, and Ibelieve I can pledge you good
results. .,

“ I have (placed two of my men at Mooney’s
station, an they have their orders what to
do when relieved from there by another
stock-tender sent out by Agent Burk at Pi-
oneer City.

‘ ‘, With .respect,
' “ I remain,
“W. F. CODY,
“ Chief of Scouts, Fort Advance.”

The colonel having read this letter care-
fully through, went over it again aloud, to
Lieutenant Worth, and said;

“ Well, I am convinced of ‘one thing, that
the right man is trailing this mystery to a
solution."

“ Yes, sir, there is no doubt of it. ” ,

” Now we must keep his suspicion about
the coach a dead secret, Worth.”

“ In fact, sir, his assertion that it did not
go down with the bridge, rather than his
suspicion. "

“ Yes, he plainly 'sa 3 that the coach did
not 0 down with the ridge. and his wish-
ing er cant Falth to go with you, is proof
that he as, or expects, good news for him.”

“it would seem so, sir.”

“ Now when will you be ready to start,
Worth?" '

“ t once, sir,'for you know I did not take
any f my picked men after those fugitives."

“No, but you took yourself, and you are
used up; but I guess to-morrow will be time
enough to start, so you will have a night's
rest.”

.“ Delay might spoil all, Col'nel Carr, so I
am ready to go within an hour, and can rest
on the trail.” , ‘

“ All right, and take Sergeant Fallon with
you, and also several scouts to send back in
case you need aid." 7

The lieutenant saluted and Went to his
quarters. and there found S‘a‘geant Fallon
awaiting him.

“ The very man I wanted to see, ser-
geant." . ,

“Yes, sir, and I received a letter from
Buffalo Bill, by Scout Marsden, telling me to
come with you and join him, and that there
is hope for me that I will not find matters as
bad as I had believed.”

“That is cheering news, ser
grant that it may be so, and. as
w- 00 there is even here M
l fin"

  
  
 

cant. and I,
uflgalo' Bill.

   

.w Lwa-tw vsfiwHWQWa—o-w _

.1.

 

Q

W..._,M.._... u....- -,W.—-u ., . ,h. . .,

«, “semi-wor- "‘

'fl-i.’ '

‘ W 1,, :dwfiwwa .

.  ,4)"; 1.
' 1:." his.» “‘

 

35-2.:- . a]:

'1‘ l .‘- ‘ . -
.s-wxm.

,. ,..
nvi w-Nfl‘s’.a,7..

 
   
       
 

 

 
   
      
      
      
 
       
     
    
 

         
      
     
 

  
   

    
      
     
   
   
     
   
 
    
   

 

 

 

“Yes, sir, but he tells me Iam not to speak
of it to any one but you.”
“ Yes, and I have orders from the colonel : who started in to rescue Brindley.”

, to take you with me.”

‘l  “Thank God for that, sir.”

' ' “ And I start within an hour, sergeant."
“I will be ready, sir.”

“ And prepared for a month’s stay.”

was all placed in Buffalo Bill.

 

'fi CHAPTER XLlII.
' AT FORT ROCK.

 

 

was formed of picked men and horses.

camp outfit and and ample supplies.
, A horse-sheer was one of the party, and
‘ i an extra man as cook for the men, while
‘ Lieutenant \Vorth carried his own faithful
negro servant and man-of-ali-work.

Besides Sergeant Fallon there wasa ser-
geant, corporal and sixteen men, so that the
party all told with the four scouts number-
ed twenty—seven, and thoroughly armed and
equipped they need have no fear of any
outlaw band that could be brought against
them, while they could stand off ten to one
their force 'of Indians. '

Then, too, they were to be joined by
Brockway the scout at Fort Rock, a huge
pile of stone on the trail which had the ap-
pearance of a fortress, and further still they
were to follow on the trail of Buffalo Bill
and he by himself was a tower of strength.

The command, so rumor went in the fort,
was sent to patrol the stage trail for a couple
of hundred miles, and tr to protect the
coaches running beyond 'oneer City from
the road-agents, as well as those on the
branch to Fort Advance. , -

Sergeant Fallon had been sent along, it

was whispered, to-take his thoughts of! his
 , great grief by active duty in the field.
*3 r i ' . When they rode away from Fort Advance
iri,‘ " ‘ Lieutenant Worth called Sergeant Fallon to
‘ X ride up alongside of him and said in his free-
and-easy way:

“Sergeant, with the consent of Colonel
Carr, you are to serve on this expedition as
my aide. forI will need your services as
such, and you will be obeyed accordingly."

Sergeabt Fallon saluted and said earn-
estly:

‘{You are very kind tome, lieutenant. and
I appreciate all that you have done and are
doin for me, sir.

I will endeavor toretain your good will,

q.

 

-fl¢muw.w—w,~sw

:1~_‘

I

‘1}.
It:
i.

i
,

 

 

‘ , Sir.”
‘ " “ You will do that I am sure.

“But now let me ask you just how you
understand Cody's letter?"
‘ “That he has made some important dis-
' k » co‘very, sir, which leads him to bid me hope
i that my child is not dead."

“Just so, and the colonel told me thatI
might say to you that in Buffalo Bill's letter
to him, he said that he had convincing proof

 

with the bridge.” , s

“ I felt, sir, that Buffalo Bill had some
.such thought all along.

“ It was a slip of the tongue, maybe, that

he made, and yet what he said bade me hope

as much as t ough he had told me to do so.

ation, and he at once went out tostrengthen
his suspicion I am sure."
rested in the work. . t

“ Now, we are gomg to jotn him. or rather
cording to his orders from Cody.
of Stock-Tender Mooney, scrgehnt."

 » it “ 1t was indeed, sir, and of the man'Brind-
' ley as well. "

  

  

turning the tables on them in great shape.

secret members of the outlaw band.” _
' "“He is indeed, sir; but from what Driv'er
Toby Hart told me, for I had a talk wrth
.hit‘nw‘f fear that there ,is a very dangerous
t : 'man on Scout Cody’s track."
' ‘ ‘flWh‘o is that?" ‘

‘ ' w.)

  

Extra animals had been ordered taken:
along and pack horses carried a complete tknow, without having to camp and await
' until the next day, as he would not care to

that the coach had not gone down the chasm .

l
i
I
l
l

The sergeant left the lieutenant’s quarters ‘ another bloodhound on (‘ody‘s track.”
with a glad look upon his face, for his faith ‘

l

 

l
l

 

 

i
i

I

i

l
I
i

“ But that was a clever capture he rriade 5

l

l

. “Yes, the Red Hands threatened to kill:
‘ V Cody, or drive him off the frontier, and he is keep company

granting of course that those twn men are ’

i

i
l

l

   

“ Injun Nick, sir.”
“ I hare heard of him, and he is the man

“ Yes, sir, and failing to find him in the
coach, went off on Buffalo Bill‘s trail.”

“ Well, from the letters sent in by Buffalo
Bill he seems to be all right; but it is a great
pity that Brindley got away, for he will be

“ Yes, sir.”

The pace set by Lieutenant Worth was a
brisk one, though not fast enough to distress
the horses.

The young officer was anxious to reach
Fort Rock, and meet Brockway, so as to

Tim troop to go with Lieutenant Worth i learn just where Buffalo Bill was and what

he had to do.
By getting there before nightfall he would

risk finding the scout in the darkness.

The sun was yet an hour high when the
rocky pile came in sight on the right of the
stage-trail.

They had passed Monument Hill, the
bridge and numerous other points where
the road-agents had held up the coaches, sev-
eral of them dotted with graves that went to
prove how merciless the Red Hands had
been in thier search after the gold of other
people.

As they neared the fort-like pile of stone
a form advanced from its shadow out into
the trail. "‘

“It is Brockway the scout, sir,” said Ser-
geant Fallon, and as the lieutenant rode up
the scout saluted and said:

“ I am here, sir, by Chief Cody’s orders,
to guide you on your trail, Lieutenant
WVorth.” -

“ All right, Brockway, we are one and all
of us most willin .

“Where is Cody?” ‘

“I have not seen him. sir, only received
written orders through Scout Marsden, and
came here.” ,

“ You do not know where he is then ?"

“ Gone to the northward, sir, for I went
according to orders, struck his trail, and re-
turned to await your coming, sir.

“ Will you go to the place where he camp-
ed, sir, and where my horse now is, for the
night, for grass is plenty there and water
too?” '

l . “ Then there is no hurry to come up with
um, ’ - ‘

“0n the contrary, sir, he wished us to
come along slowly and give him time to
act." 5 -

~ “ All right, lead the way to cam Ah!
there comes some one,” and as the lieutenant
spoke, around a bend in the trail: dashed two

horsemen at a gallcip,‘ but seeing the soldiers-

they came to a sudden halt.

 

CHAPTER XLIV.
Tim 'rwo HORSEMEN.

Tan two horsemen-that had come so sud-
denly around a bend in the trail. had drawn
rein in a way that at first showed fear of the
group of soldiers. '

But an instant after as though reassured,
they came forwaid ama gallop once more,
and Broekway the scout called out:

“ It’s Jack Harding, mm and a prisoner!"

“ You are right, theman with him is tied
to his saddle,” answered Lieutenant Worth,

“ When aman such as‘he is has a doubt in " and coming up Jack Harding isolated the
his mind it is surely based upona iirm found- ,

oflicqr and came to a halt.

Tllen it was seen that the one' with ‘him‘

had‘his hands bound behind his back. and-

“That is what he did do, and he has not , his feet securely fastened together beneath

his horse. . ,
The two animals were also side by side,

to follow on his trail, for Scout Brockway is i the bridle-rein of the prisoners horse being
to meet us at Fort Rock, and guide us ac- '

wrapped cluse around the horn of the scout's
saddle. x ‘ l

." You gave me ascere, Lieutenant Worth,
for in the shadow of the rocks ‘as you are, I
thought you were road-agents,” said Jack
Harding. - ‘

“ Not so bad as that, Jack, but willing to
list now with any road-
agents we may at]. -. -. . ,

“ But who have you there?” '

” Bat Brindley, sir.” " ,

“.Ah! the Very man Colonel Carr Wants.

” Where did you catch him?"

“ He came to Mooney-at, the stock-ten-
der's station, last m, ht, air. and wanted 'to
betakeninand web iigpdhim ’ . ‘

 

  
    

‘ into one that had not been made by less than

 

  

“ He wished to surrender?"

"Oh, no, sir, only to have Mooney, his
pard. take him in, and he found the stock
tender gone and Will Palmer and I keeping
house."

“It is a valuable capture, Harding, that
you have made, for he escaped, you know,
by bribing the men sent by Captain Payne

it

to guard him to the fort." 

“ He told us at first, lieutenant, that the 9’2,
colonel found he had been falsely accused > T"
by Buffalo Bill, so let him go, but afterward i

   
  
 
  
   
   
   
  
   
   
  
   
  
    
 
  
    
   
  
   
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
    
   

 

he said that he had bribed the men, and
wanted to bribe us, too."

“ But could not?”

“He didn’t have our price, sir, for we
wanted a hundred thousand dollars each,”
answered Jack Harding, solemnly.

“ You come high, Jack,” and Lieutenant;
Worth smiled.

“Too high for any but a millionaire to
buy, sir," was the scout’s response.

“ And now what are you going to do with
your prisoner?"

“ I had started for the fort with him, sir,
to make a night-ride of it, for fear that in
daylight i might run upon some of his gang
who wants him more than I do."

“Do you think you can make it alone
with him?"

“ ()h, 'cs, sir, I’ll go through, I guess."

“Wel , report to Colonel Carr that you
met us at Rock Fort. and that I found the
scout Brockway here."

“ Yes, sir,” and with a salute Jack
Harding rode on with his prisoner, whose _ ;
face wore a seowl full of hatred, seemingly _ ‘
of mankind in general.

The lieutenant then told Brockway to .
lead the way to the camp, and the party,
had soon reached the spot, a fertile. narrow
little valley, through which ran a brook of
the finest water.

It was so locatéd that two guards could
keep the horses concealed in the valley. and
also do the sentinel duty, while wood was: -
plentiful and several camp-fires were soon ; ~ ~
casting their cheerful light on the scene. ’ ,

Sergeant Fallon, in his honorary rank as.
aide, was invited to mess with Lieutenant-g
Worth, and the negro servant of the officer.. ,
who bore the Irish name of Mike, soon had a. '
tempting supper for them. ‘ .'

It was early still when the camp-fires were
alloWed to die down, the sentinels were
placed, and the camp sunk into deep repose g e
for the night. "

In the morning the camp was astir early
and the sun was not far show the horizon.
when Brockway rode to the front and soon
after came upon the well-marked trail left by
Buffalo Bill.

The scout led on for an hour or more. pass--
ing the 5 0t which had been as far as I: had _
gone on t alone, and was then seen tolcome 
to a sudden halt. I ‘.= '

What it meant Lieutenant Worth discovers _
ed as he rode up and beheld not only'the
chief of scouts' trail, but that he had turned.

, "\y

 
         
     
     
       
       
     
       
 

a score of horses. » l ,

The seout's trail was comparatively fresh,"
that of the large party he was trailing days
old, yet it could be seen that it-had been '
made shortly utter the storm when the earth" "
was softened by the rain. 

“I told you so, sir; Buffalo Bill followed‘
this .trail from beyond the Coach-trail, and,
pursues it with a sure knowledge that the:
other end will solve the mystery of the lost.
stage." whis red Sergeant Fallon. f v : -

“Yes; an the sign of the trail eontvittbad"
him that he would need help, so he sent“ 

us. ' '

" Iiowfar ahead do you think \the chief 18.,
Brockway?”' . ‘   .1‘
. “ All of twenty-four hours, sir, per-liaison“?
little more.” * \ . , , fig.

" All right, we are on his trail new, and he.
surely is tracking the Red Hands, for Who'
else can he be following? ' » ‘

“ Push on once more. Brockway;”

The scent again rode to the front _
close behind came the lieutenant and 
zen, all now feeling that they had som  " ’

ngiblc to cling to in the two trails
were following, lead wherevthey might.

CHAPTER XLV. \ « ,.
‘ FRIDAY AT “STATION ONE.” ’ , "

" COLONEL ” Beak. shge agent, Indie .
and general speculator of Pioneer City had

    
         
     
       
 
  

   
  
     
  

   
  
 

    

      
 
        
  
 

 
   
    
   
  

   
       
         
       
        
   

 

    

  
 
 

 

     
 

     
 
  

  
  
    
 
 
   

  

  
      

*Hg". It
s. '.

Py>

M; ‘3? 
H" " -i‘ ‘mi
r' v ,
.-,« . -
d ‘  v
11.8 .

 

 

 

   
   
   
     
  
   
   
  
   
  
 
   
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
  
   
  
  
 
  
 
    
  
   
 
  
  
  
 
  
    
   
  
   
   
     
   
  
   
 
 
  
  
 
   
  
    
    
     
 
         
   
    
 
         
 
      
 
    
     
        
   

been let into the secret by Toby Hart that
Mooney was a traitor, and asked to send an-
other stockotcnder out to Station One.

But he had been told also that two of
Buffalo Bill’s scouts were there in charge at
the stock and cabin, and not to semi the new
man until Saturday morning, as they had an
engagement for Friday they Were most anx-

‘ ions to keep in their own way.

The truth was that Bquan Bill had made
known to Will Palmer the report of the dy-
ing outlaw, that upon three ,days of the
Week the lied llands sent a messenger, or
courier. to the rendezvous to meet their
spies. and the scout had been ordered to
take in the man who came to Station One
on the following Friday, for he was sure to
be one of the outlaw band.

That the spies were not own allowed to
know the retreats of the lied Hands, showed
how well they guarded their secret and pre-
pared for their safety. .

Only the Riders knowing, they could not
readily be betrayed. ‘

But who were the ” Riders" was the.
question Buffalo Bill was determined to
.solve.

Moone the stoektender was an ally, but
not 9. Bi er, and Injun Nick was a spy, but
not one of the raiding band. ,

That Bat Brindley was one of the road
:agents proper Buffalo Bill firmly believed;
but spies, allies or whatever they might be,
rail, Were guilty of outlawry and must be
hunted down.

,With Moonc and Bat Brindley prisoners,
,- .11an eonard .orne and Dandy dead, the
v » werk of Buflalo Bill had been by no means
41 » bad time far, for Station One was held by his
""ch‘outs, Lieutenant Worth and his men were
\i{ . [J‘rithin call, three days were known and the
'3' rendezvous where the couriers of the Red
‘ ~'.Riders were to appear to ~ lve orders or re-

'—

"it: .was on the trail of the band, he had discov-

»'ered that the coach had not gone down with

-_ the Canyon River bridge, and In'un Nick,

' be he Rider or spy, was a fugitiv .

' The chief of scouts had begun well in his
not for those who were hunting him, and

She was spreading his nets surely though

’BIOWi to catch the Red Riders. ‘

. .Jac Harding having gone on to the fort

~-with.Bat Brindley as his , 'soner, Will Pal-

met-or Dashing Billy as is scout comrades

‘ called the handsome young man—was left

piece at the cabin of Station One, and the
following da would be Friday.

i; Brit that id not disturb Dashing Billy in

Coho slightest degree.

:He,was a brave feliow,had, many times

 

self "in times of danger, and woutd do so
‘DOW. . ..~
'i'LiHe was anxious to get Bat Brindley safe
 ntothe fort, {on fear a party of Red Hands
might come there and find him a prisoner. \\
When therefore Jack Harding departed
'ith‘ the prisoner, Will Pfilmer got ready to
meet what came in the way of friend or foe.
‘ He dressed in a nattybway, and was often
called .the " Buckskin ude ” from his neat
 (one "attire, so it-went hard with him to
[11% on ' ooney’s old slouch hat and worn
4. uckskin cost, rough boots and appear to be
firestock-tender himself.
tile was just the size of Mooney, and.1ike
gfistqck-tender were no .beard, his‘faco
 , 3 clean shaven, so that hereally did
‘  without a critical examinhtlon, very

  

  
   
    
 

y

 

  

,.

. , hat was ust what he wanted, for in that
‘ -  the vantage over-aloe v
   .night after ‘Jack Harding and his
erleft, passed without any interrup-
j ,to the scout on watch. . ‘
He turns his horses outta the mornin ,‘
_ p  brea fast and then sat around awa :-
, tithe cgnming of the ,Red Hand courier
om «fro ‘ what Buflalo Bill had told him
ently expected. i ‘

  

  

 
 

    
    
     
         
  
   
   
   
  

  

  

bound
t uneasy reach,>besides those he Wore in

. e was just'preparlng dinner when he
,, rd the clatter of hoofs,~and at-once he was
.39 fanatical fir bd v t
‘ we eat a «or u ashed a horseman,
 "hgidrfixorein he called out: , ~ ' r
a

W l a, u
diggfiias’iqrh

    

 
 
 

 
  
 
   

 

oeive information, the chic of scout himself ’

i'beforelbcen forced to rely wholly upon him- V

like the man/he intended to imperson- ‘

fished weapons scattered here and there,

 

-to; of .
b r3111" ..

big trail a-followin' our own up to the north-
ward, and they is soldiers too.

“ Any news for ther chief?"

“ Yes, come in, and I‘ll show yer.”

Will Palmer had stood back in the shadow
of the cabin and while the horseman was
speaking took him in from head to foot.

lie was well mounted, Well equipped,
armed thoroughly and wore a miner's garb,
of slouch hat, Woolen shirt, corduroy pants
and a scarf about his neck.

lie threw himself from his horse as the
scout spoke, dropped the reins on tlieg'round
and stepped into the cabin.

The wooden blinds were closed and the
light that came in was through the open
door, so Jack Harding was back in the shad-
ow, his enemy in the full glareof the sun-
light. '

That he was the lied Hands courier his
own words had betrn 'ed, and as he stepped
into the cabin he said

“ I've got to ride for it, head those soldiers
off and report to the chief" that they are on
our trail."

“ Hands up, first!"

The man was taken completely by sur-
prise.

V He saw a cooked revolver pointed full in
his face.

 

0
CHAPTER XLVI.
('(‘)Rit.~\l.LiNtl 'rnr. eouurna.

WHATEVER courage the Red Hands courier
might possess, he had not sufficient to dis‘
obey the calmly uttered command of Will
Palmer. . - ,

lie promptly raised his hands above his
head. turned deadly pale and gasped forth:

“ You are not Mooney?"

“ No, but he is as safe as you are, so don’t
worry about him.

“Turn your back to me, and the attempt
to lower your hands means sudden death to

,Oulfl
3 The man obeyed, taming promptly around.

With the revolver muzzle now resscd
hard with one hand against the back one of
the fellow, Will Palmer with his other hand
unbuckled his belt of arms and then felt over
him for any concealed weapon he might
have. ‘ '

He had none, and throwing the noose of
a lariat over his upraised hands, Will Palmer
drew them hard down to his side and had
him securely bound within a minute of
time. _

”' Who is you?" said the man, giving a
sigh of relief when the seout’s revolver no
longer covered him.

“I am one of Buffalo Bill's scouts. and
my name is William B. Palmer, late of
the Texas Rangers, and called by my pards
Dashing Billy.

“ Want any further information ‘2”

“No, I knows too blamed much now, if
you is one 0’ Buffalo Bill's men.”

“ I am, and it was througi him that I am
so lucky as to corral you.”

“ What does yer want with me?”

“ I guess the colonel will_hang you.”

» “ Lordy, what fcr‘l": =

“Well, as a Red Hand Rider, I reckon.”

. “ You is a {ooh/for I hain’t an outlhw, but
an honest man.”

“ Your looks belie you then, if you are
honest, for your face is a‘ painted sign read-
ing: ‘ Villain from ’Wayback,’ and besidés

Your own words-made you out a patriot

ooney." .

“ I knows him.” '

"Yes. and, came 11 re as a Red Band
courier to learn what in ormation'v he had of
the booty the coaches were to carry, and, i
suppose, leave orders for your spy also.

l" But Buffalo Bill, at onto your little
game, and I tell you t at your- whole gang
will be corralled, 0
than a wolf.". , . . ,

The man became a shade ‘whiter, and Will
Palmer'rcontinued: ,

“ Now I will at dinner; and you are my
guest. for you- on were angry. -

‘ '“ What may I on l'you, gm 7” .

“ My 9 meta Jack Ray uric",

"Jack , lab“, is it? ‘ ‘ ’

  
 
 
      

1' Well. Jack;'you’ll who be any guest
until tomogrow, when I without-t th you
 15H} j I} ‘ “

.,\
t ‘1‘

\ .

   

Y i

rhe is hunting you worse .

f

 

l

l
i

l

“ Though I hain’t done nothin’.”

“That is the melody they all sing; but,
you’ll have to prove your innocence to the
colonel, after I tell him just what you said."

Will Palmer then got dinner, and fond of
gOod living himself, and having a guest to
dine with him, he got the best the larder
afforded.

First binding the feet of his prisoner, and
making him fast to a log of the cabin, he
then released his hands and drew the table
up to where he could eat from it

Then he helped him bountifully and the

1 two ate together as though they were the

best of friends.

llaving secured his prisoner's hands once
more, Will Palmer went out and led his
horse'to the corral, after which he returned
to patiently wait for the morrow, when he
would be relieved from duty by a stock-
tender whom the agent would send out from
Pioneer City according to instructions.

The young scout was much pleased with
his clever capture of the outlaw courier, and
muttered to himself:

“ If we can only bag those that visit the
bridge and Monument Hill on Sunday and
\Vednesday, we will be in great luck.

“I must not let this stock-tender, who is
coming to-morrow, know about my prisoner,
for I‘am not surel can trust him, so I’ll get
him out of sight early in the morning.”

The night were tediously away to the
Scout Palmer, for he was awake most of the
time. every movement of his prisoner put-
ting him on the quz' nice for fear he might in
some way have released his hands.

Just at dawn Will Palmer came. and soon
had his prisoner's horse saddled and
bridled.

Then he got‘ breakfast. and when they had
eaten it, he made Jack Rayburt, as he had
called himself, mount and led his horse up
the trail for a quarter of a mile, when he

turned into a secure hiding-place among the .'

rocks.

Making his prisoner dismount, he said:

“ I don’t like to be cruel, Jack Rabbit; but
I’ve got to prevent your esca e, or singing a
tune should any one pass . y, so you will
have to be ga ged aswell as bound hands

and feet. and ‘11 muzzle your horse also, so .

he will not neigh if any one goes along the
trai ."

“ I’ll swear to yer I won’t call out if yer
don’t muzzle me."

“ Oaths don’t go in this court, ard. ,

“ It must be done,” and ill Palmer
bound his prisoner securely, then, after a'lrard
struggle, pushed the gag, he had made ,for
him, into his mouth. - '
‘ A sack was then drawn over the head of
the outlaw’s horse, and, leaving them. he
hastened back to the cabin, arriving there
just as a buck board drove up, and in it he
saw Colonel Buck and another man.

" IIo, I’almer. glad to see. you; but I-guess
you prefer scouting to stock-tending.”

" Yes, colonel, Ido; but as Mooney ,was ,

called to the fort, I took his place."

“ All right, I have a mention: now to re
have you. and I guess he is not of the M00-
ney stripe.” *

"I hope not, sincerely”

“ It was a trump car Buffalo Bill played
for me in' finding out what Mooney was;
but do on know if he has seen or heard of
Injun ick and two (pards that went with
him to rescue Bat Briu icy?" '

""Hav‘n’t heard, colonel.”

me.”

“ Yes, but was caught again: but now I
must be off, for I’m wanted badly, and was
only waiting the coming of another stock:
tender. ‘ , » , ; ’

“ I’ll show you round, paid." and having.

made the new man acquainted with his our-I
roundings, and held a fewminutes' conver- ,

cation with the colonel aside, Will Pal er
mounted his horse and wen off at a gaiiirp
along the trail, for he had ther orders of
Buffalo Bill to execute. ,-

\ ; ‘ .

 

CHAPTER XLVII. s
scours IN 'Aarnusn.
“JACK. Ranntr,” as Will Palmer

  
 
  

 

 

     

his rison. er, was found ust ' she, .ld
himg‘and‘freed of his jand"'t;M ‘
«some cunt-"hisngst  

   

    

" And Brindley got away, Toby  told

sailed
“ .

ii'
i'7‘_

    
 
  

 

fia‘JA“.

 

.r. i:
'K

[I

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

w w...

«afar.- * L‘.A *

 

 

 

 

   

 

‘ i

 
 

  

_ v,»

' . fhavi
' «' - ftions rom Chief Cod , at ~Stat

’.

\

 

I 3 Behold thrills" "Egathékneu.

 

The man showed an ugly spirit, and the
scout was forced to tell him that he would
have to obey promptly, or he would gag
him again, and tie him hands and feet to his
horse.

He then sullenly mounted his horse and
his feet were secured beneath the animal,
and one hand tied to the horn of the saddle.

'l'hcn \Vill Palmer started out at a brisk
pace on the trail to the fort.

lie halted at the center stage-station, or
Number Two, to change horses, the two
men there seeming surprised to see a pris-
oner, and were yet not told who he was. or
was supposed to be.

Riding on at the same rapid pace \Vill

Palmer reached the pines in which stood the

little cabin, and there found Jack Harding
awaitin him. .

“ We 1, Billy, you got him all right?”
called out Jack llarding.

“ You bet I did, and he‘s as ugly as a bag
full of cats."

.- “ lie looks it, and I don‘t remember to
have seen him before.”

“ Nor do I, but he’s a self-confessed lied
IIaud.” ‘ '

“ It‘s a lie, I hain‘t."

“I never argue with adying man," said
\Vill Palmer, quietly, and turning to his
companion he asked:

“ Did you get in all right with your man,
Bat Brindley, Jack?" v

Both scouts were gazing at the prisoner

as the'question was asked, and they saw him
start at the name of Bat Brindley and turn a
shade paler.
, ‘“ Oh, yes, and delivered him over to the
colonel, who seemed pleased greatly and
.said Buffalo Bill and his Buckskin Boys were
worth a regiment of soldiers any day.”

“ Good! 1 like to hear the chief praised;
but now let us eat. 8. won ful and then push
on to the 'fort, for’ I’m a . ions to get in by
night as you know to-morrow will be Sun-
day rind we have got to be at Monument
Hill.

" I’ll go on there now, so’as to be in plenty

, -of time, Will, and you come back and join

me there.” -

“All rirht, Jack,” and the two scouts
soon had inner ready and ate it in haste,
the prisoner appearing to have lost his ap .e-
tite, for it looked to him now as though is
capture was not an accidental haplpenin .

Having m nnted once more, ill Pa mer
and his pris ner started oif again in a allOp,
leaving Jack Harding to go on to loan-
meat Hill and go into hiding for another Red
Iland courier on the next day, as one was
due there at that time.

The same pace was kept up to the new
bridge, and then on to Station Three, where
the- horses were again changed, and “‘1”

Palmer and his prisoner pushed on toward '

.the fort. . "
It was just sunset when Dashing Billy

:and ,his prisoner rode up to the stockade

,gate, and the officer of the day conducted
:them at once to headquarters. ,

“ I have another prisoner for you,” colonel,

captured him, according to instruc-

on One yes-

and he’s a ha one to handle, sir. "

. terdayy,
" v 6‘ . m: deserve great credit, Scout .Palmer,

purccialiy if you made the capture alone?”
~“ I was alone. air, but the credit is due to
Chief Buffalo“ Bill, air, for he put me onto

him." :- ' z ,-
“ Yes, and he shrill have the credit he de-

' serves, though you are as modest as he is,

Palmer. in never taking credit to yourself,
- " You are pretty sure this man is a Red
Hand ‘2” _

“No he hain't, for l is not aoutlaw, but
an honest man,” said tb ri nor. 9

3‘ Well, sir, the chief’s ins motions were to
remain at Station One over Friday and lay

' for a ed Hand courier who would'pnt in
an apfiaranee for orders, and to give ‘ina.
.strnc one. . ‘

“ Jack Harding came inwith his man, for
fear of a rescue. so I ri,_ ged up in Mooney’s

. 'togs and looked as nine like him as a twin

brother. .
“Up came this man, took me for Mooney,

' l've Written down here, sir. just what
ghe said,” and Will Palmer handed Over a
. all got.

aper to the colonel, who, glancing
said): ’ ‘ r -‘ ‘

to

charge of the prisoner, and turning to 'Will
' Palmer, said:

" \V’ have Mooney, Brindley. and your
man prisoners now, Scout Palmer, and pros-
pects are brightening for the running down
of this band of Red Hands, for Chief Cody
willnevcr leave the trail until he sees the
end of it.”

“ No, sir, that‘s his way; but maybe Jack

of them by Wednesday night, sir."

“ How so?"

” The man- I first brought in, sir, is the
Friday courier to Station One. and there is a
Sunday man for Monument Hill and a \Ved-
nesday courier for the liiver (‘auyon bridge,
and Jack and I are to lay for them, sir."

“ Do you not. need more help?"

“ No, sir, for I guess they all know
Mooney, and ill rigr out in his togs, as I did
before, and get the drop on them."

“ All right, you know best for you have
been trained in a splendid school under the

to you, 'Scont Palmer."
“ Thank you, sir, and ill start back to-
night.”
1 “ fYou have heard nothing more from your
c tie 1’"

but he‘s looking for the head imp of the
gang, you may be certain, sir.”

With this, and a wish from the colonel for
his success, Will Palmer went to the scouts’
quarters to get supper and get a short rest
before starting back on his ride.

then went away like a rocket on his back
run to join his pard Jack Harding.

lie chad arranged with the stock-tender at
Station Three to have his horse ready for

rode on.
It was a couple of hours after midnight

Monument Hill, where he had arranged to
join Jack Harding. .

The latter was on hand to greet him, and
having staked his horse out the tired rider
was soon fast asleep, for he had hardly closed
his eyes the night before and the strain upon
him had been severe with the capture and
guardin of his prisoner.

Jack arding called him just at daybreak
and had breakfast read ', for he said:

“ You seemed player out, Dashing Billy,
so I let you sleep to the last minute."

“ Thanks, pard; but I feel like a new man
now, and'I'_will soon be. ready for what comes
our way.” ’ 1

CHAPTER XLVIII.
scxmr ,AT THE nsxnnzvous.

Tm: tw‘o scouts in am’bush decided that it
would be as well to let Will Palmer, in
Mooney’s rig. be in sight at Monument Hill,
for certainly,,going as the members of the
band did three times each week 'to the ren-
dezvous, all of the Red Hands must know
the stocktender. ‘ I

Seeing him as he would think at Monu-
ment Hill as he came up, the outlaw, courier
would be thrown off his guard by the clever
ipmersonation of Mooney by the scout.

so Will Palmer took his place not far from
the monument,,and began to whittle sticks,
while Jack Harding lay in ambush on the
only trail leading up to and from “the. mpnu-
ment. ' . '

The stage trail ran near the cross and the

to approach. ‘ _

Once he had passed Jack Harding lying in
ambush, his fate was sure, should he even
kill Will Palmer‘ and attempt to eseapo.

The day was a beautiful one, just such a
Sundav as makes one» feel that it is indeed a
day of‘rest. '

The birds were singing above the graves
of the dead...one being perched upon the
cross, and a calmness rested upon the scene
that could not but impress the two scouts
waiting to break thewpell perha s with. a
tragedy. )erbaps for one or
have the r own lives snu ed out within a
short while, for what its numherofthe Red
Hands should happen along that dirt] ,
The time passed slowly away.and ,noon
came‘ ‘; ""‘ ‘Mi‘
‘ Th

     
  

. .-,,i.
.

     

i

 

nd‘c pad Mhtfielfrsurely,”and -
 “he ‘ tak _
3:“

llarding and I can fetch in a couple or more "

king of bordermen, Buffalo Bill, so I leave it 1

“Not since he sent me to the station, sir; ,

He was just two hours in the fort and,

him, and he quickly made the change and ‘

when he rode into the little canyon near.

graves, and by’ this the courier would have

both 0 them, to-

 

   
  
   
 
  
   
   
   
  
  
      
  
    
    
    
   
    
    
  
 
  
  
     
  
  
    
    
   
   
  
  
    
    

, .
The two scouts nerved themselves for their

work.

Will Palmer was calm and ready to face
the ordeal, be it even (lC'ltil to him.

Jack Ilarding was on the alert to protect

his friends life and, should he not be able to

i do so, to avenge him.

 

! Up the trail came a horseman, mounted on
in large horse and himself a large, heavily
I bearded man.
3 His quick glance, saw the farm of the pre-
 tended stock-tender, and he called out as he
‘ came on; -
i “ llo, Mooney, old boy, are you the courier
 to—day?"
l “ Yes, pard; but did you strike a big trail
i croSsiug the stage road 1”"
“ You bet I did, and it means trouble, so
i I must get back and warn the chief with all ~. "
T haste, for things are going wrong I fear, as
i Rayburt, who went to your station on Friday
5 hasn't turned up yet.
i “ Do you know what is the cause ~_
The man had dismounted as he was talk-’
'ing, and hitching his horse now turned to
Will Palmer, to suddenly discover that the .
latter had him covered, and heard these
1 words: , 
' " I want you, pard!" * 
“ \Vhat! you a traitor,Mooney? By Heaven! V, '
i it is not Mooney, and-——” '  "
lIe‘had drawn his revolvers, one in each. "
hand, in defiance of the weapon of the scout
l covering him, and a bullet from Will Palm‘ 
, er checked his words, for now it was to be a ‘jv
battle to the death. .
The shot of the scout shattered the right
I arm of the outlaw, but nothing daunted he 1‘
pulled on Palmer with his left and the
!bullet caused a slight flesh wound in the 
 shoulder. ‘ "
Then again Will Palmer fired, and the Gut:
law dropped to his knees and answered the;
shot of his foe. , - : .'
Seeing that there was nothing for it but to £113
! kill the man. though they were anxious to
3 take him prisoner, Jack Harding sprung
shou' »%

9”

gm

2 from his ambush, threw his rifleto his
' der and pulled trigger. ; , 
The bullet tore through the outlaw’s brain ‘
'ust as two more shots passed betvgeen‘
almer and himself, each one drawing; ,
ihlood. , _ , v '
“Pard, are you hurt badl ?"‘crled'1aék
Harding, drawrng up‘to the potashe‘sa’
tfihelputlaw fall dead and his comrade stngg
ac . .

“ No, but that last bullet "flattened out m1“
my belt buckle and was well intended:  i i 
“It felt as though a mule had kit’xfid:
me.,’ " I

“But there is blood here,"aiid Harding;
laid his handon Will Palmer's shoulder. , '

“Only a flesh wound that amounts; _
nothing—let me see, I fired three showbiz:
broke his arm; put a bullet in his shouid' .
and another in his body, but your shot-did“
. the work, Pard Jack.” ,  ‘ ,3

“ I couldn't fire sooner, ache was be ' ”
you and me; but, he was game.” \'  , 

“To the backbone, for he stood up
tank his medicine like a man; but,
aorr we had to kill him." »

”§fes, he should ‘have' stretched rnpagi
but we got the game. so will haveto bu“ "
him and then report to the‘oolonel.” ‘

“And be ready. for Wednesday at
bil‘d '2.” i I h f be :-, '
,‘,es, anoterot n comes,
this make: two of the coring; also.th

       

   
     
     
    
   

  
  
         
       
  

  

     
 

  
   

     
  

  
      
   
      
    
  

   
         
 

to report, d . one of them," 
Lieutenant o ’s trail 1110,30 tinge,“ '
afew chips ihyeabout coming.” ‘, -~

“"1311th theretoohey- , , ,.
contract and do our duty,’ 
Palmer. , - ‘ ’  ‘, *3, 

   

 

      
 

/ CHAPTER XLIX; ,7
A Dunn‘rornzeutam _
Tm! body of the dead Outlawiwu : :-
and buried on the hill, adding another
to the little trail-side cemeterv. ., 
As Will Palmer {either he shoal 1 -
his wound roperly‘ cared, for  , ,
goon at the ort, he started onhis.‘ , “W
port to Celene] , Garr the' remit obj ;. :
ing at Monument Hither lag 
 trpppings of) the out new 

' 

      
  

   
  
 
  
 

 
 
 
 
  

 
   
   
 
 

  
  
   

 
  
   

  
 
  
     
 

 

   
  

' . . ' ‘ ‘ . u ,

  

 

‘ s . nests—"Knea-

 

 

 

 

 
  
 
 
 
  
 
   
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
  
     
 
 
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
   
  
 
  
  
   
  
 
  
  
   
 

tired he- at once reported to him before
: going to the surgeon.

“ Well, Palmer, glad to see you back
again; but you look pale and haggard."

. “ He nipped me, sir, in the shoulder, but

 ‘ it is only slight and the surgeon will soon fix
me up all right,” answered the scout and
then we went on to tell the story of the fight
with the outlaw courier.

Colonel Carr turned to a tablet near and
jetted down some notes, while he said with
a smile: ‘

“ One by one the reses fall, so to speak,
Scout Palmer; but I congratulate on upon

. your good fortune in escaping deat 1.”

“'It was Jack Harding who saved me, sir,
for the duel was getting hot and deadly
when my pard chipped in and brought the
outlaw down with a bullet in his brain.

“ He was plucky, that outlaw was, colonel,
for I had him covered before he drew and he
didn’t scare a little bit and when we began to
play our guns he advanced steadily upon
me, though I broke his right arm with my
first shot and clipped him twice after.

“It was a mighty pretty duel, Jack says,

and Ivguess to a looker-on it was.”

 " ell, you were lucky to escape, and,
with the man who was with Brindley in am—

, bush and fired on Buffalo Bill, and the two
our chief got down the river, this man you
rought down makes four killed thus far,

and three prisoners. -
.“Yes, Buffalo Bill has struck the right

trail to exterminate the band, and he has got

the right men to aid him in the work.

“ But now go at once to the surgeon, and
as your next appointment is for Wednes—
day, you can have a couple of days' rest at
'- least, if you are determined not to send some
one else in your place.” '

“No, sir, the chief left the work for me
,' to do; with Jack Harding‘s aid, 501 would
. like to be able to tell him we kept every ap-

‘ .fpointment and bagged our game.”

1 “All right, and Harding being on the watch
, along the trail, you can take it easy fora
couple of da s,”and the colonel dismissed
thescout w o hastened to the surgeon’s
"quarters. ' '

.It was found that the bullet had cut into
his shoulder an inch deep and passed out,
and after having the wound properly dressed
the scout felt much better and was soon fast
I asleep.

The next day the sur eon twice dressed
his‘wound, and as it no onger pained him,
-Will Palmer concluded not to await until
:Tuésday night, but to slip off at once and
join his comrade, who was waiting at the
cabin in the pines near Canyon River
bridge. ‘

Supplied with lint and salve for dressin
* the wound, and a fresh su ply of prov:-
sions, Will Palmer left the ort after dark
and pushed on through to the cabin in the
fries that night. . ‘
' J k Harding slept lightly, heard his ap-
rOach and was ready to reCeive a foe or
fiend as the case might be. .
The next day Will Palmer took it quiet-
y‘ Jack dressing his wound, and once more
at red in Mooney’s clothes and make-up, he
Ms. ready early Wednesday morning to meet
thethird outlaw courier should he put in an

appearance. I
' he spot which Buflalo Bill had said was
the meeting'placc, was a canyon in the cliff
surest the bridge, and about a quarter of a
mile'away from the river. v
There were scrnbpixies growing about the
entrance tolthe canyon, which only >ene-
stated the cliff a hundn d rods or so, an thus
J stone in waiting had every chance in his
' hvor against an enemy. - -
’ flack Harding concealed himself in a
thicket ear the mouth of the little ’canyou,
ad eoul see every one approaching it.
, Once the courier entered the canyon, Jack
intended to make a run for it, and close in'
‘hahind’him, so as to be on hand to aid his

 

    

   

  

  

  

    
    

   

é N

  

 

  

  

  

 
 

  

, be had barely gotten into position when
ack' arding gave a whistle of warning. as
'h’uns'aw a“ herseman coming down the
'tra . ,

' The man came slowly and evid ntly with
*"g'reat caution. for he wasvgazin a sad and
upon, either side of him as hero 0 along.
‘.He,haitcd in the trail and calmly surveyed
its entrance to the' can on. ‘
 he apprOache it s

  
 

  

  
  
  

lowly, and ready

    

 

to run for it if there was any indication of
danger.

“ Something has frightened him, that is
Certain.

“I guess it’s the fact that the Friday and
Sunday couriers have not put in an appear.
ance,” said Jack Hardng to himself.

At last the horseman reached the mouth
of the canyon and halted.

Then he hailed:

“ Ho, pard, are you there?”

“ I’m here, pard,” came the answer of
Will Palmer, and be advanced toward the
horseman.

But the latter had keen eyes, and knowing
Mooney well, while he had a good chance to
observe the scout thoroughly as he came to-
ward him, he called out:

“That card don't win!

“ You hain‘t the man you pretends to be.”

Both had drawn their weapons together,
and the last words of the horseman were
drowned in the rattle of revolvers.

Down went the horse of the outlaw under
\Vill Palmer’s fire, but the rider caught on
his feet and sprung to cover behind a rock
just as Jack llarding dashed into view.

He was running into the canyon, not see-
ing the outlaw’s place of refuge, or hearing
Dashing Billy Palmer‘s cry of warning,
when a shot brought him to his knees.

The plucky scout turned toward his foe
and fired at the head peering over the bowl-
der, when a second time he felt a bullet cut
its way through his flesh. and he fell forward
upon his face, just as Will Palmer showed
that he deserved the.title of Dashing Billy,
by running up to close quarters with his foe,
who now turned again upon him.

But the outlaw's aim was‘bad, will]? Will
Palmer’s nerve, was steadied by the all of
his comrade. and he brought down the man
with a shot between the eyes.

 

CHAPTER L.
A DEBT REPAID.

BUFFALO BILL having set the trap for his
scouts to spring upon the outlaw couriers,
went on his way once more with no dread of
their failing in their duty.

He always picked his men, and he was as-
sured of the fact thafithere was not a scout in
his command who would not stand and die
by his side if need be.

So, knowing that Marsden would take
Mooney on to the fort, Brockway would Come
on after him and bring the soldiers on his
trail, while Jack Harding and Will Palmer
would take care of the Red Hands’ couriers,
he went on his way with a feeling that he
could devote his whole time and’ thought to
the duty he had’ to accomplish.

The trail he had seen leading away from
the camp down the rivar, where he had found
proof that the coach had been burned, he
was now following to the northward. ,

It led up into the Indian country, or dan-
gerousl near it the scout well know, but
that di not deter him fr0m his intention to
see the end of it. '

It was a larger trail than he had ever knowu
the band of Red Hands to leave before, but
that he could account for b their having
along the six stage horses, an perhaps some
extra animals. for the riders were known to
be only about a dozen in number.

As lar e as the force was, if every horse
had a fit or, the scout soon saw that every1
effort had bceh made to avoid meeting wit
any one, and to cover up their tracks.

“This trail loads, as did the one of Bat
Brindle which I followed, up to the country
where saw that strange woman," mused
the chief of scouts as he went along.

“I must not forget my pledge, in fact I
will keep it; but then that shall not prevent
me from trailing outlaws, so long as I do not
track them to her home.”

The scout had just found a camp, the first
night after his leaving the stage trail, and
had staked his horse out can grass plot near
a stream when he suddenly saw a man dash
into view, dodge down behind a rock and
remain there. . -

That he was in ambush the scout knew.

But was, it for game Or a human being?

He could not see the face of the man. but,
from; his'position. for he had also dodged in-
to op er. lie-Leonid have easily brought him
dew this-rifle , '- _ '7

 
   
 

a

 

     
  

 

’l "When I got near enough I disco

Patiently the scout waited to see the result
of the man’s lying in ambush, and whose
sudden appearance had been so unexpected
to him there where he had not expected to
see any one.

Buffalo Bill had not long to wait, for he
saw by the actions of the one in ambush that
his game was approaching.

He could kill the man, yet, as he could not
see his face, he might be firing upon a friend,
perhaps one of his own Scouts.

Still, if not a friend, might he not be sav-
ing one from the shot from ambush.

The scout was in a most painful quandary
and did not know what to do.

Seeing that the man crouching behind the
rock was so taken up with his own work
that he would not be looking behind him,
Buffalo Bill crept nearer and nearer, at last
darting behind a tree within ahundred yards
of the one in ambush.

As he did so he saw a lasso whirled
around the head of the one lying in wait,
and the next instant the coil was thrown. ,

Spriuging to where he could see who barf
been caught in the noose, to his surprise
Buffalo Bill behold the very woman who had
come to his aid weeks before when he had
been hurt not very far from that very spot.

The noose had settled over her shoulders,
as she sat in her saddle, and, as her horse
gave a bound forward in his fright, there
came a sharp twang and the woman was
dkagged to the ground with a force that the
scout knew must have hurt her severely.

In an instant he was rushing like a deer to
the scene. and hearing his steps the man who
had laid in wait for a woman, turned with a
cry ofalarm and found himself face to face
With one whom he had every re on to fear.

“ Buffalo Bill!”_broke in start ed accents.
from the man’s lips, and dropping the lariat
be seized his revolver.

But Buffalo Bill already had his in his
hand and halting in his run, for surer aim,
he fired, at the same time calling out:

‘ "With my compliments, Inj'uu Nick ”

Down went lnjun Nick in a heap, bu: he
rallied, raised his weapon and fired. upon the
scout as he advanced toward him. .

But his aim was untrue, for the hand hohl~
ing the weapon could hardly gras it, and he
fe forward on his face Once motile). ,

“Iam glad Idid not have to shoot him
again, when he was wounded and down; but
he was dangerous to the last,” and the scout
bent over the fallen man, who ,was gasping
for breath, and cried: r .

” That woman was my promised wifey—she
fled with another man, and I vowed to have
her life.

“Oh! why did you thwart me?”

His head sunk down again and with a con-
vulsive shiver be stretched out dead.

Then Buffalo Bill turned to the woman,
who in the excitement of a deadly encounter,
he had momentarily forgotten.

She had risen to her feet, but swayed £0
and fro as though dazed by her fall, hi 3
the blood from a cut on‘ her forehead,'drop-
ped upon her buckskin jacket./

“Buffalo Bill, you have repaid the debt
you oWed me, more than‘repaid it,” she said
slowly and held out her hand, but reeling
sudden] would have fallen had not the scout,
sprung orward and caught her.“

, ,

n—‘——

CHAPTER LI.
A MOST TRYING ()RDEAL.

” WELL, this is a pretty pickle, here alone
with a‘fainting, perhaps dying woman, and
no help near."

So said Buffalo Bill as he stood holding
the woman, fora moment accruing to have
lost his nerve. ‘

But he quickly recovered himself and bore
the woman down the hill to the stream near
where his horse was staked out.

Placin her at, length upon the moss bank
he hath her head and forced a swalth of
whisky from his flask between her lips.

In a short while she revived and her «eyes
opened wide and met his.

,1 H You killed him?” she said with a ,shud-l,
(er. .
“ Who do you meanl”

” That man who sought my life”,

“ Yes, I saw him
throw his lariat.

 

 

 

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who it was that he had lassoed. and so I ran
upon him, he turned and he fell.

“ That is all there is to it."

“ No, no indeed, not one half, as you shall
know.” .

“ Do not worry about it now, for you are
hurt, I fear, and should return to your
home.”

“ Were you going there?” she asked,
quickly.

“ No, I am scouting, for it is reported that
the Indians are in an ugly mood just now."

“ The ' are, filltl‘do you know I was going
to asttatlou on this stage trail to give you
warning, to send a note to you, telling you
that a large band of warriors were preparing
to sweep down within three days upon the
fort and settlements.” _

“ Can this be true?" asked the scout.

In response she drew from her bosom a
letter, and handing it to the scout said:

“ Read that, and then see that on my
horse yonder are blankets and food for a
couple of days’ ride."

The scout looked at the letter and saw that
it was addressed to him.

Opening it he read:

" Be on your guard, from Pioneer City to
Fort Advance, for Iron Eyes and a thousand
picked braves are preparing to strike the set-
tlements by night within the next few days.

~ “ THE \VoMAN or MYsTEln’."

“You are true as steel after all,” and
Buffalo Bill held forth his hand, which the
woman grasped.

Then she said:

“ I am better now, but do go back at
once and prepare for that Indian raid, for I
tell you they are strong enough, if it is a
Surprise, to sweep the whole settlement from
the mines beyond Fort Advance to Pioneer

. City.”

“ I do not doubt it, if it is a surprise, but
now it will not be, thanks to you; but I
shall leaye you only when I see you safe in
the hands of the two old negroes who nursed
me so kindly.” ,

The woman would have refused, but it:
was evident, when she attempted to rise that
she was more severely hurt then she wished
to believe, so she sait :

" I believe I will have to tax your kind-
ness, Buffalo Bill, to go a part of the way
with me.”

“I will go all the way, for you are in no
condition to look after yoursel . t

“ I will bring your horse and mine.”

“But I cannot blindfold you this time,
and I—" . '

” W'ill you take my word that I will not
betray your secret and trust me to go un-
blindfolded to your cabin?" .

“I will,” and she passed her hand over
her head as though she was suffering pain.

The scout went at once to the woman’s
horse, that was grazing, not far away, and
readily caught him.

Then he saddled Lucifer and his pack-
horse, and raised the woman to her_saddle.

She reeled as though about to fall, and
said:

“ What will you do aboiitliini?” and she
shuddered.

"I will care for his body upon my re.
turn.’f I

‘ She said no more and Buffalo Bill rode by
her side as she pointed out the way.

But when they reached the spot where
she had blindfolded the scout she swayed
far over and he quickly can ht her to pre-
vent her falling from her sadd e.

Night Was falling then, and never in his
life before had Buffalo Bill found himself in

such a tr ing position.

“ Iron ‘yes and his whole band are not a
marker to this,” hevmuttercd.

Then he meditated a moment, and bright-
ened up as a thought flashed upon him and
he cried: , 1

“See here, Lucifer, you were not blind-

, folded when we went there before, so what

is the matter with your being the guide ?"
Lucifer shook his head as though he un-

~ ‘ (la-stood the situation fully, when the scout
I said:

“Why, I forgot her horse, and I can
carry her better from her side saddle than

unconscious woman upon
her horse, and
tag over took her gently in his arms.
 f..~ E , 4 I {a "1“. ’1'»,- ‘

He, then laid the

 

“ Now go home, horse, for you should
know the way well, and you follow, Lucifer,
with your pard to bring up the rear."

The horse carrying his double load moved
away as though he did know the trail, and
Lucifer and the pack - animal followed
through the gathering gloom of nightfall.

 

CHAPTER LII.
THE scour sauaurrax.

THE horse of the mysterious woman
walked rapidly and never once hesitated

In spite of bearing the unconscious Wo-
man in his arms, Buffalo Bill took in every ‘
step of the way, saw where the horse turned ‘
into the stream at a certain point and crossed 
to the other side.

Then how he went along the other bank I
for some distance, again turned into the,
stream and crossed to what appeared to be a ‘
large island with steep shores that could not -
he climbed. [

But the horse found a landing place be- I‘
tween two rocks, or rather one large one‘
which had split in twain, and after a short '
climb came out upon a level meadow in the
center of a rock-bound island, the upper end ;
of which towered into lofty cliffs. .3

A light was visible ahead and toward this "
the horse made his way, Lucifer and the:
other animal following close at his heels.

Buffalo Bill was not sure just what wel-
come he would receive. 1 1

Who, he thought, would be there to re-l
ceivc him other than the two negroes, Old ‘
Toby and Polly. *

He did not wish to alarm them, at sight f
of him, or their mistress in an unconscious ;
condition; but there was nothing else to do ‘
but go on, so go on he did, and the horse
neighed as he entered the little canyon int
which the cabin stood. j

The neigh brought old Toby to the door r
and he called out:

“I dcelar, ef Missy Mildred hain’t come '
back ag’in.”

“IIo, Uncle Toby, how are you-——I am
Buffalo Bill," called out the scout from the
darkness.

“ Lordy! what fetch on here ag’in,
massa?" cried Toby, not y t able to see the
scout, having just come from the brightly
lighted cabin.

“To bring your mistress, Toby, for she
has had a fall, just sari: as I had, andis
hurt. so‘call Polly to aid er."

The two negrocs were greatly excited as
the scout halted before the cabin with their

calm manner soon ‘quieted them, and lifting
the limp form of the woman down from
across the horse, Toby bore it into the cabin.

"Lordy, massa, she hain't dead he she?”
cried the old negro man anxiously.

“ No, but she has been unconscious a long
time. so we must bring her to."

“ My old woman’s as good as an doctor,
sah, and she'll know what to do,” oby said,
and the form was laid upon a cot, and re-
storatives administered. .

It was a long 2time beforevconsciousness re-
turned, and when it did the woman was very
weak and complained of pain in the head.

With the skill of a surgeon, Buffalo Bill,
who had had much experience in wounds,
bathed the wound, drew the cut tOgether
and then held it close with/ sticking plaster
which his always carried with him.

“ You must remain until I get better—to-
morrow—for I haVe something to say to you,
and you yet have several days to giVe warn-

in .

g‘ Will you stay ‘3”

The woman spoke in a low tone. but Buf-
falo Bill heard all that she. said and an-
swered: .

“ Yes, I will remain until to-morrow."

“Thank you,’f and she smiled as though
glad of his obeying her request.

Left to t e care of old Polly she seemed to
rally, and a ter awhile the negrcss came out
and reported that her mistress seemed much
better and had gone to sleep. a

Supper Was prepared for the scout and
after eatin it, as the mysterious woman
seemed rest ng quietly, he went to his blank-
etstorestm , " w ..

  

 

  

 

In the morning he. found .- thenséru I, "
Toby looking very, l’,

\

  
 
 
 

 
 
 
 

on the hmneward trail. r “I

mistress unconscious in his arms, but‘his -

' ,tofthe road-agents, Buffalo Bill had
7' as  ' , V l

   
   
  
  
  
 
  
    
    
  
  
  
   
    
  
 
    
    
 
    
     
 
  
    
 
   
   
   
  
    
  
    
    
  
   
   
  
   
   
   
  
 
 
   
    
  
     
   
   
   
    
       

him that their mistress had fever and was
talking in delirium.
L The scout went in to see her and found it
' was only too true, for the woman was deliri-
, ous and had a high fever.
i He hardly knew what to say or do, and at
1 last said:
i “ See here, Toby, it was a man who at-
E tacked your mistress, one who is known as
l Injuri t ick over in the settlement.
“ Do you know of such a man 1/"
“ No. boss."
“ \Vell, he caught her with his lariat and
dragged her heavily from the saddle.
saw it, went to her aid and killed
him.

“Then, finding that your mistress was
badly hurt Ibrouglit her here.”

“ How you find de way, Massa Bill?”

“ I let her own horse be my guide.”

" You is awful cunnin‘, sah, ’fore de Lord
you is.” said Toby, admiringly.

“ Vl'ell, I am compelled to go, Toby, and
vet would not leave your sick mistress unless

had to do so.

" But I hope she will come round all
right, and soon I hope to be back and bring
some one with me who can help her back to
recovery, Uncle Toby,” and with another
look at the sick woman, and the dread in his
heart that he would never See her again
alive, Buffalo Bill took his departure.

 

CHAPTER LIII.
IN SUSPENSE.

Tun trail away from the lone cabin Buf-
falo Bill had no difficulty in following, havb 
ing been over it. ‘

Had he not kdown it, Lucifer would have
carried him unerringly. « v

The face of the scout was clouded as he '
left, for he felt that he was leaving the wo.
man at a time when she most needed his I

aid.

11] with fever, delirious, and hovering be.
tween life and death, the chances were that
she would die there in her lone cabin. '

But the warning she had given him he
dared not neglect. '

e had, in a measure, repaid his debt of!
gratitude to her in that he had saved her W
from Injun Nick, who had seemingly sought! *
her life.

He had taken her to her home and lefi‘
her in the kindest of hands, those who sp~
peared to be her dearest of friends.

But he must return and spread the warn- '
ing she had given him, for upon that thou-
sands of lives depended, the lives of women
and children and their homes and all they 
possessed as well. ' 

Buffalo Bill had felt that the Indians had
been too quiet of late for any good, and
now he knew that they had been hatching
deviltry.

The miners numbered several hundred
men, in the settlement were half a hundred .;.,
more, and the fort could put into the field of ~
light artillery, cavalry and infantry may five"
hundred fighting soldiers. ' ,

Then there was the settlement of Pioneer
City and there could be mustered several
hundred fighting men. ‘

In all, Buffalo Bill knew that all of twelve
hundred brave men could be rallied to resist,’
the Indians, and readily beat them ofi. , v -\

But a surprise was where the red-skins
could do their damage, for a thousand war-Q ,.
rlors striking the mines at night, the forum!» I
the settlement, and then sweepin thron 3,,
Pioneer City would cause the dent of huni». -
dreds of brave fellows, result in the 
of woman and children and destroy property.
that it would take years to replace. f I

So. to prevent a surprise. to mepare a.
surprise for the Indians, was Bu lo’Bill’I
earnest hope. : r ._ ,

He therefor was anxious to get back 0". ~
the trail, meet Lieutenant Worth and his

arty, and send the news to prepare for an

ndiun attack to Pioneer City, the settlemént'
surrounding it, the stage stations, the fofi’ ’
and the mines. - i ' '

Once the tocsin of alarm was sound 
and the red~skins would be beaten at. lgg;
own game, for they would be the ones aura
 I r

 

  

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Believing that the mysterious woman'ywho, 
V befriended him was in some-way'hllid: .

 

 

 

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28

Buffalo Bill’s Death-Knoll.

 

 

CHAPTER LVlII.
A RED-SKIN STAMPEDE.

Ir Sergeant Fallon had really arranged to
have his words verified he could not have had it
better, as when Buffalo Bill rode up he said, as
he saluted:

“Lieutenant Worth, the firing proved that the
Indian: first struck the fort with all their force,
or an ambush prepared for them, and they were
quickly sent off in retreat in thisldirection, for
they were cut ofl from going back on their trail.

“ The cavalry is pursuing and they are in full
flight, coming rapidly this way, so that it will
be well to get into position, air.”

The guns were at onca placed by Lieutenant
Mayo in the positions selected for them by Buf-
falo Bill. and scouts Were sent to lead the troop-
ers'by diflerent passes down into the valley, to
charge out upon the red-skins after the six-
pounders had sent a score of shells down into
their ranks.

Just as the mounted men got into position,
and were standing by the side of their horses,
the rumble of hoofs crossing the Canyon River
bridge was heard and the advance of the re-
treating force was kn0wn to be cro sing,

Shots were still rattling in a lively manner in
the rear of the retreating column of red-skins,
who, defeated in their intended surprise and at-
tack that was to gain for them so many scalps
and so much booty, were stubbornly resisting the
charging of ' their pursuers who kept their car-
bines playing upon them.

Once across the bridge, and 'Iron Eyes the
chief rallied his warriors for a stand to beat
back their foes and punish them, as he knew
they were but few and far from the fort.

But suddenly a red flame shot out from the
dark hillside behind them, and not a quarter of
a mile distant, followed by a second livid glare.

Then was heard a burst like a peel of thunder,

another, and the shrieking sound of iron whirl-

throu h the air.

A ew seconds more and into the black mass
of men and horses, burst first one and then an-
other shell.

The effect was electrical for it told the red-
skins that their raid was but too well known
and prepared for.

They were betwsen two fires, and, as the two
guns fired now rapidly, sending bursting shell
after shell into their midst, with terror in their
hearts a panic seized them and they started in a
wild flight up the valley through which glided

1 the Canyon River.

‘ Hardly had they begun their flight, when there
gleamed out from the base of the hills what ap‘
peared to be myriads of fireflies, only there came
the rattle of rifles with the gleaming, and bullets
pattered like rain upon warriors and ponies.

A bugle then sounded its ringing charge, and
with cheers from the cavalry, and wild yells
from the Volunteer Ran ers there dashed out of
the timber a perfect ava anche of horseflesh and
humanity.

Revolvers flashed then, and it was seen that
there were several gallant horsemen far in the
lad using their swords upon the flying red-
s us.

These were Lieutenant Worth and Mayo, Buf-
falo Bill and Sergeant Fallon.

Then it was that the wild flight became a mad
stampede, carbines and rifles cracked, revolvers
rattled, wild yells echoed from the cliffs, and
when dawn broke upon the scene it showed pant-
ing ponies urged on and on by red riders, with
white pursuers in hot chase still, and all along
the trail they had come the bodies of dead and
wounded men and horses dotted the way. .

“Sound the recall, bugler.

“ We will camp here, and later push on in pur-

suit, thou h we can never hope to come up with_

the red-skins now,” said the young commander,
his face flushed with victory. ' ,

“ It was a complete wipe out, lieutenant," said
Buffalo Bill.

“ They are stampeded so that nothing will stop
them until they are safe in their village.

“ If Iron-Eyes brou ht a thousand braves
with him he has lost a t ird of them at least.”

“Yes, Cody, and we have lost heavily, for

r Lieutenant Mayo would leave his guns and
come in the char 0, and he has fallen, while I
lost Sergeant Ve t and half a dozen troo Irs
killed and a number wounded, and the Vo un-
‘teers suffered heavily also; but it isa glorious
victory.”‘_

Sergeant Fallon just then came up, recalled
by the bugle, a wound in his arm fr0m a bullet
and an arrow’s gash upon his head.

“Sergeant Fallon, if my word goes for any-
thing, you wdl wear a shoulder-strap for this
day’s work, for you saved my life twice, killed
the chief who shot Lieutenant Mayo, and pre-
Vented his being scalped, and the men are loud
in your praise.”

“I thank you, Lieutenant Worth, and twice
did Buffalo Bill save my life.”

“Oh, yes, he makes a business of daring and
good deeds, but he would rather be chief of
scouts than Wear a colonel’s epauletms, I verily
believe. for he has refused a commission half a
dozen times, to my knowledge.”

“Never mind me, lieutenant, for there are the
wounded tofl00k after," said Buffalo Bill, flush-
ing at the officer’s words of praise.

l .

 

An officer from the fort n0w came up and re-

rted that ambulances and surgeons were com-
ing to care for the wounded, and staking their
horses out all hands were set to bringing in the
wounded and establishing a camp on the banks
of a small stream, and in a thick growth of pine
timber, for the battle, though won, had left
death and suffering in its wake.

 

CHAPTER LIX.
AFTER Tin: BATTLE.

IT was the request of Bnflalo Bill that he
should take half a dozen of his scouts, and Ser-
geant Fallon and a dozen of tronpers and follow
slowly on after the red-skins, leaving Lieutenant
Worth with the rest of the men who had gone
on the trail of the Red Hands, to follow at his
leisure.

“It wouli be well to make the redskins be-
lieve we are following them in force, sir, and
then there will be no stragglrrs, so that we will
have none of them to fear when we again strike
thii trail of the Red Hands, sir,” Buffalo Bill had
sa d.

“ You are right, Cody, and I will so state it
in a letter to the colonel, and turn over the com-
mand here to Lieutenant Deering."

“And please state, sir, that we were on the
trail of the Red ands with every show of
success, but turned back to give warning of the
Indian raid, but now can press on with greater
safety and confidence than before.”

“ I will do 80, Cody.”

“And another thing, please ask the colonel
to lend you But Brindley to take along, for I may
need his services, and it will be well to have
him with us if wanted .”

“‘ All right, and it’s a good idea.”

“ One thing more, sir. please.”

“ Fire away at will, Cody, for you are hitting
the bull’s-eye thus far at every shot.”

“ I see that Surgeon Denniead is on the field,
sir, taking care of the wounded, and will you
have him come on with you tomorrow, lieu-
tenant, for I would esteem it as a personal favor
if you would.

” By Jove, but you are level-headed, for we
may need him, doubtless will do so, some of us,
before we get back.”

“Yes, sir, I am very anxious to have him
along, for be is a splendid surgeon and does not
know wh t fear is."

“ I’ll take him, Cody, or rather bring him
with me, and explain to the colonel afterward,”
was the answer. and with a salute Buffalo Bill
rode on after his men who had gone on with
Sergeant Fallon. .
The next day Lieutenant Worth received a
reply to his letter to the colonel, in which per-
m ssion was given him to goon and com lete his
search for tte Red Hands, and suggest ng that
he had better take a larger force with him.

The colonel also made the request that the
lieutenant should take one of the surgeons with
him, who was then in the camp looking after
the wounded who could not be moved, and this
chimed in with just what Buffalo Bill had
asked him to do,so Surgeon Dick Denmead was
told to get read to accompany the expedition
which it was sai was going to still push the In-
dlans in their flight, not a word being hinted
about their real obJect.

The Rangers, under Colonel Buck, having re—
turned to Pioneer City, save the dead, and most
seriously wounded, the camp was left in com-
mand of a young lieutenant, and Walter Worth,
with Will Palmer as scout and guide, a score of
cavalrymen and extra horses and pack-animals,
started on the trail after Buffalo Bill, Sergeant
Fallon and those under them.

It was noon of the next day when they came
upon them in camp at the very spot where lnjun
Nick had had his fatal encounter with Buffalo
Bill, and having heard the whole story of the
attack on the fort, Lieutenant Worth told how
the red-skins had believed that their presence
was unknown, and were preparing to dash up
and scale the stockade we] 3 of the fort when
the twelve-pounders poured a withering fire up-
on them.

Taken by surprise though they were the In-
dians had tried still to storm the fort,when they
were attacked in their rear by the force sent to
cut off their retreat by the way they had come,
and then the fight had begun, with very little
loss to the soldiers of the garrison and little or
no damage.

Pursued by what cavalry could be spared,
they had been forced to retreat by the sta e
trail acroas Canyon River, and thence up the
valley toward their own country, when the
splendidly arranged attack of the lientenant’s
force had completely stam (led them, though
the loss to the pale-faces h been seven in this
latter battle. ‘

Lieutenant Worth also told the scout with
just pride that the colonel had written him a
special letter complimentin him upon his vic-
tory, and the carrying out 0 his plans in such a
soldiery way.

“ He spoke of you too. Bill; as you will see
when I show you the letter, and in a way that
will make you blush, while he added:

“ ‘ it is supposed by all that you are surely fol-

 

d} '4 Ellie/"i Wflr‘l‘fizlilt Lif- an." ..,-.'iivi‘-‘1Vi.." v. .‘HL‘. . , «A 

lowing up your victory, to drive Indian strag-
glers back into their country: but I sincerely
hope that you may find Cody’s theory of the lost
stage coach correct, and rescue Fallon’s daughter
from the power of those wreiches.

“ ‘ If this can be done it will be a greater vic-
tory for y u and Buffalo Bill, than the battle of
Canyon River has been, and I hold hopes of
your success, only be cautious, and if you need
more men send for them, for I will order a force
sent to the resent hospital camp for you to call
on, as it m l he a day nearer to you, and thus
save time.

“ ‘ i will have these two parts of Troops A, and
B, under oflicers whom you rank, and the two
light guns also, so you may know what you have
to fall back on, should, after all, you find the
red-skins troublesome, which however I do
not expect to be the case, though Buffalo Bill
will know about this better than any one else,
and consult him freely, always feeling that his
advice is the best.’

“ Now, Bill. I con~ider that a most complimen-
tnry letter,” said the lieutenant as he finished
reading it.

 

CHAPTER LX.
THE scours sacasr.

Tm: camp where the little band had halted,
had been chosen by Buflaio Bill as the very spot
for a base of operations.

It was in a small mound valley, through
which flowed a stream of purest water, and
there was a meadow of the very finest grass.

“'Ood was plentiful, and more, the valley
was naturally fortified, for upon three sides
a towering cliff, which could not be flanked
or sealed from the other side, furnished a strong
defense, while a ridge on the remaining ap-
proach was as strong as a fort from which to
heat off a foe of ten times the force of the band.

With a con le of sentinels on the ridge, the

camp beyond in the little basin was wellguard-
ed, while a scout on the outside could readily
dtiiscover the approach of a foe a long distance
0 A.
It was in this valley where Buffalo Bill had
camped for the night when he discovered Injun
Nick goiniinto ambush and so cleverly thwart—
ed him in is attack on the mysterious woman
of the island, though not in time to save her a
fall; but for this delay the scout could not be
censured, as he did not know who it was Injun
Nick intended to assail.

Having gone into camp for the night, and
with the intention of using that encampment as
a starting point, Buffalo Bill said to Lieutenant
Worth after supper:

“ Lieutenant, I have a secret which just now
I cannot make known, as I am under a pledge
not to do so.

“ But soon I hope to be able to tell you all.”

“ In your own time, Cody, for I know you act
Only for the best.” \

“ Thank you, sir; but what I wish to ask you
now is to a low Surgeon Denmead to go with me
to-night on a little expedition.”

“ All right. Cody, if he cares to do so.”

“ I have not asked him yet, sir, first preferring
to speak to you about it."

“ hen ask him, Cody, for I am more than
willing, and leave it to you to explain in your
own good time.”

The scout at Once sought Doctor Denmead, the
handsome young surgeon of the outfit, and who
had made himself quite a name for his skill in
surgery and medicine. -

“ Doctor, I’ve come to ask you if you will go
on a night sccut with me.”

“ Certainly, Cody, if you wish it.”

“It is under peculiar circumstances which I
hardly know how to explain, sir.”

“ Never mind the circumstances, Bill, if I can
help you.”

“ ['11 have to ask a pledge of you, sir!”

“ Fire away.”

“ I must ask you to promise me you will not
remember the trail I take you, speak of your
trip in any way to others, or guide any one toand
from the place where we are to go.”

“This is mysterious, Bill.”

“ It is to see a most mysterious person we are
to go, sir, one who was severely hurt the other
day, and who even now may be dead, though I
sincerely hope not.”

“ I am with you, Cody.”

“ It is for you to help this one I ask you to ac-
company me, and yet I cannot tell you more
now.”

“ I am ready when you say the word,” an-
swered the young surgeon.

“ l’ll get the horses, sir," and the scout walked
away.

In ten minutes he had Lucifer and his pack-
horse ready, the latter for the surgeon to ride,
as both his animals had been over the trail to the
island home of the woman of mystery.

“ This is not my horse, Bill.”

“ No, sir, mine, ‘for I wish you to ride him, as
he knows the trail, and it is a hard one we are
to travel.” '

“I don’t mind it; but I’ve got my rifle and
belt of arms, leaving my sword.”

“ That is better. sir."

“ Now, lead on.”

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“ It is Will Palmer,” cried Buffalo Bill, and , ble as a cat, fell on his feet and opened fire
the oung scout drew up with the remark: ? on me.

“ 0 written dispatches,Lieutenant Worth, l

“ Then Jack came at a“run, and the fellow

but verbal orders for you, sir, from Colon’el . brought him to his knees with a shot, for he

Carr.”

“ All right, Palmer, what are they ‘2”

“ You have sent warning to Pioneer City,
sir?”

“ Yes, Chief Cody wrote a note to Agent
Buck; but when did the colonel get my
letter?” ,

“ This morning, sir, for Scout Broekway
killed his horse, then ran on foot to Station
Two, and getting a horse there rode that ani-
mal to death also. ”

“Hurrah for Broekwayl” cried the lien-
tenant, and Will Palmer continued:

“The colonel at once told me to mount
my horse and come to meet you, halting you
on the trail for later orders, but for you to
dispatch a man at once to Pioneer City to or-
der the men there to meet you and be ready
to pursue the Indians when they start in re-
treat.”

“ I will send a note at once to Agent Buck,
and, Cody, will you pick out your best man
and horse to carry it i"

“ I will give you a man that will get there
as fast as a ‘ horse can make it," was the
scout’s response, and five minutes after one
of Buffalo Bill's men was flying along the
trail toward Pioneer Cit , with orders to
change horses at Stations we and One.

CHAPTER LVI.
oannns anon ma roar. .

HAVING seen the courier off, and one in-
to camp in the rear of Fort Rock, elieu-
tenant, Buffalo Bill and Sergeant Fallon
were listenin to Will Palmer’s story of, how
the news of t e intended raid had been re-
ceived in .the fort. .

He stated that a courier had also been sent
tothe mines and another to the settlement
near the fort, so that all would be warned in
good time.

“Well, Palmer, how did
with your captives?” aske

 

on come out
Buffalo Bill

when the scout had told his story.

“ I’ll tell you, sir. 

“ We, that is Jack Harding and I, bagged
Bat Brindley the first night of our stay at
Mooney's cabin, for I suppose you heard that
he had made his escape?"

“ Yes, the lieutenant informed me yester-'
H .

“'He came to the cabin, called for Moone
and we ‘let him in and took him in, and Jac
took him on to the fort.

" Then, sir, I got the Friday courier, by my
playing Mooney, and I carried him to the
fort, met Jack and we went into ambush for
the Sunday man at Monument IIill.

“ We got him, but he fought like a tiger,
and gave me a wound in the shoulder and
came very near killing me—you see where
his lmllet dented in my belt."

“ A close call.”

“ It was equal to the kick ofh mule, chief;
but Jack killed him before he could get away
with me.”

“ That was Number Two."

' “ Yes, sir.”

“ And the Wednesday man, Number
Three?"

“ Alli I'don’t like to think of him, Chief,
for I have sad news for on.”

. “ I am sorry to hear t at.

“ Not poor Jack i hope,” .

“ Yes, sir. Jack Harding is dead.”

Bulfan iiill’s lip quivered, for he recalled
the splendid fellow's devoted friendshi to
him, and how many a long trail they ad
been on together.

He owed his life to Jack Harding on‘ more

-than one occasion, and now he was. gone for.

ever.

“How was it, Palmer?" he asked,while
Lieutenant Worth said sadly: ‘

“ Poor Jack liarding. , ‘

“ We went to the rendezmus. and as I
looked like Mooney when I had his rig on I
used myself as a decoy.

“I went into the little canyon, and Jack
took, a stand near by in a thicket.

“The fellow came slowly, and had heard
evidently oi’ the two couriers who did not re-

_ turn, so he was scared and looked it.

“He saw me, at got on to my game as I
preached him, and whee ng started off at

\

 

 

- ' < 't- harmony” In

 

 

  
  
 

was game and shot to kill.
“But Jack still fought, and got another

. shot that was fatal, before I could save him."

“ And the man escaped, Palmer?"

“ Oh no, chief, I killed him, for I avenged
poor J aek.”

“Did Jack die at once?”

“ He lived long enough to ask me to tell
you that he died with his boots on doing his
duty, and that, as a scout he could ask no
more." . ‘

“And then, Will?” asked Buffalo Bill, his
voice husky with emotion.

" I rode to the fort, sir, and made my re-
port, and an ambulance was sent after Jack,
and he was buried with honor, but we plant-
ed the Red iIand where he fell.”

“ Then you have one a prisoner, and killed
two?” ,

“ Yes. sir."

“ And Brindley is one, so that accounts for
four of the Riders, surely."

“ The band is thinning out, Bill, since they
sounded your Death-Knell so boldly," ob
served Lieutenant Worth.

' “ There are still enough left to do mischief,
lieutenant; but, the sentinel has challenged
some one.” .

- It was dark, now, and a horseman had been
halted by the sentinel stationed in the timber
bordering the stage trail.

As he came forward it was a cavalryman,
and salutin , he said:

“ Dispute cs from the colonel, sir. ”

“ All right, my man. Look to your horse
and then get your supper," answered Lieu~
tenant Worth.

'0 ning the dispatch the ofiiccr read:

-" on are to gather all the force you can
from Pioneer Cit , assume command, and
camp at, or near lock Fort, to be ready to
strike ‘he Indians who will be forced to re-
treat across Canyon River. -

“ Have Cody and his scouts watch for the
proper moment to strike them, and then

open fire and drive them hard, using your -

own discretion as to how far you had best
go in pursuit.

"Lieutenant Mayo, with two pieces of
light artillery, escorted by a sergeant and
p atoon of your own troop are on their way
to join you, and should arrive by midnight

‘ at your camp

“ Thank Buffalo Bill for me fer his warn-
ing of the raid, .which you notified me of;
you will find hiin an invaluable aid to you..

Should the red-skins be in larger force than
reported. and make a stubborn stand after
their attack, you could come to our aid and
stampede them with your command.”

This letter from Colonel Carr gave joy to
the heart of the young officer, for it was
his first largerseparate command, and cer-
tainly a most important one for a man of
his years ' . j.

CHAPTER LVII.
T0 murmurs RED FOE.

THE romotion he had temporarily re~
ceivcd, in no wise turned the cool head of
Walter Worth, but he set to work to
arrange his plans to inake no mistake._

Another courier was dispatchedwith a
letter to Agent Buck, tellinghim of the re-
inforcement of soldiers that were coming
from the fort, with two guns that would ad
greatly to their strength, and requesting
him to come on with his men, mounting
them on the best horses that could be re-
cured and arming them thoroughly, w ile
they were to bring provisions with them to
last until supplies of rations could begotten
from the fort.

The camping-place for the artillery was
then picked out, fires built and supper pre-
pared, and before the time 'named for their
arrival by Colonel Carr, they (tunic up at a
trot, for Lieutenant Mayo was another
young officer of the Worth stripe and never
tarried under orders.

 

Walter Worth was glad to find that several '

more scouts had come along with the guns,

,-and extra cavalryinen, and he congratu-

lated himselfdlpop having half a‘hundred
gallant fellows under, his command. inde-
findent of those‘who were min i

once: City ‘ '

 

 

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1. mm,

 

  
  
   
    
   
    
 
  
   
  
 
 
   
   
   
   
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
   
   
   
    
     
  
  
 
   
  
     
  
  
  
  
 
   
  
  
  
   
    
    
    
    
 
   

the scouts reported the adVance guard of the
Pioneer City Volunteers in sight.

Colonel Buck was at their head, but he
was only too glad to relinquish his honorary
title and report to the lieutenant for orders,
for the “colonel” was a better hotel man'
than he was a soldier, though no one could
cast a reflection upon his courage.

“I’ve got three mounted companies for
you, lieutenant, fifty men each, with a re-
serve force with the provision-train.

“ All are well armed and are greedy for"
scalps just now, so just give your orders
and they will be obeyed,” said the colonel,
and he added:

“ I took Buffalo Bill’s advice, called in all
the people, and arming those who remained
at the city, put a guard around the place so
that no spy could go and head the red-skins.
off with word that we were ready for them.”

“It was a wise move, colonel, and you
have agallant lot of men with you, I See.

"Let them go into camp, and there is fine

razing for their horses in the lowlands on-

er, and we will have ample .notice 0 the
coming of the red-skins, for Buffalo Bill?
and two of his scouts have gone out to re-
connoiter. ”

“ You expect them soon, then, sir?"

" Yes, colonel; for Bufialo Bill says that
they will strike the fort to-night, and in that
case they will be in full retreat by mid-
ni ht.” '

he colonel’s “army” went into camp,
one and all of the men anxious to get at;
the Indians and give them a lesson they
would lon remember. , 

The mu e train and its reserve had come- ‘
up by noon from Pioneer City, and the pack-
animals with supplies and extra ammunition
arrived soon after from the fort, and when
the young officer looked over his encamp-
ment, of two hundred and fifty men he
earnest] prayed that the chance might be
given h m to hurl them into battle under
his command.

It was just after nightfall that a courier
:33) the fort arrived with a dispatch which

4......

“Scout Marsden has just come in _with
news that the Indians are advancing by the , ;
fort trail to strike here first. ,

“ We are all prepared for them, and when
we et them in full retreat will push them.
ha . as you and your fresh men and horses
can strike them in Canyon River Valley.,”

Lieutenant Worth 'had just looked at his
watch and stated that it was eleven o’clock,
when Scout Will Palmer dashed into camp»
and said: ‘

“ Chief Cody sent me to say, sir, that the-
attack had begun at the fort, for he cam
hear the guns distinctly at Monument Hill,
and it will be well to get in motion, sir, and. ‘\
go into position on the ridge over Canyon
River, and which he has examined carefully
and can guide you to, sir." . 

The bugle rung out, calling the command
to arms. and fifteen minutes after the force:
was on'the march, Lieutenant “forth in ad-,’ 
vance, and Sergeant Fallon acting as aides:
riding by his side. r

As they neared thevvalley of Canyon River, 
the roar of distant firing was heard by all,
and as it grew louder and louder Colonel‘,
Buck said anxiously: _ ' g ‘

“ They are making a hard fight of it, liens
tenant.” , , j:

“ It is a running fight, sir, for they are 
retreat and hotly pursued." “

It was Sergeant Fallon who spoke, and 
his quiet way that carried conviction Wit!»
what he said. .

“That is it, is it, sergeant?

“I feared, like the colonel, that the In
(fiians,were making a hard fight of it for the~-'

ort.

“ No, lieutenant. they were surprisedwhen
they hfiefi to sweep into the fort, and then,
put to g t.

    
  

   
 

 

      
     
  

  
  
  

“ The cavalry are driving them, sir,
this as they pursue, the Indians returnin
the re as they fiee. ». ' - -

‘_‘ When you strike them, sir, it will be
double surprise and result in a complex}?
stampede.” ' .

The words of the sergeant were listened
to'with respect by the two' young 
and Colonel Buck. \ . i.
Hardly had he spoken when Buflalp ml;

.1 , tol'where they stood. ' ' '

   

  

     
 

  
 
  

      
  

   

       
 
   
  

      
  
 
 
 

 
   
 

   

 

 

28

Buffalo Bill’s Death—Knell.

 

 

CHAPTER LVlII.
A RED-SKIN STAMPEDE.

IF Sergeant Fallon had really arranged to
have his words verified he could not have had it
better, as when Buffalo Bill rode up he said, as
he saluted:

“ Lieutenant Worth, the firing proved that the
Indian: first struck the fort with all their force,
or an ambush prepared for them. and they were
quickly sent off in retreat in this direction, for
they were cut off from going bat-k on their trail.

“ The cavalry is pursuing and they are in full
flight, coming rapidly this way, so that it will
be well to get into position, sir.”

The guns were at once placed by Lieutenant
Mayo in the positions selected for them by Buf-
falo Bill. and scouts were sent to lead the troop-
ers'by different passes down into the valley, to
charge out upon the red-skins after the six-
pounders had sent a. score of shells down into
their ranks.

Just as the mounted men got into position,
and were standing by the side of their horses,
the rumble of boofs crossing the Canyon River
bridge was heard and the advance of the re-
treating force was known to be cro sing.

Shots were still rattling in a lively manner in
the rear of the retreating column of red-skins,
who, defeated in their intended surpriSe and at-
tack that was to gain for them so many scalps
and so much booty, were stubbornly resisting the
charging of ' their pursuers who kept their car-
‘bines playing upon them.

Once across the bridge, and ‘Iron Eyes the
chief rallied his warriors for a stand to heat
back their foes and punish them, as he knew
they were but few and fa r from the fort.

But suddenly a red flame shot out from the
dark hillside behind them, and not a quarter of
a mile distant, followed by a second livid glare.

Then was heard a burst like a peel of thunder,
another, and the shrieking sound of iron whirl-
throu h the air.

A ew seconds more and into the black mass
of men and horses, burst first one and then an-
other shell.

The effect was electrical, for it told the red-
skins that their raiil was but too well known
and prepared for.

They were between two fires, and, as the two

guns fired now rapidly, sending bursting shell
after shell into their midst, with terror in their
hearts a panic seized them and they started in a
, wild flight up the valley through which glided
. the Canyon River. .
‘ Hardly had they begun their flight, when there
gleamed out from the base of the hills what ap-
peared to be myriads of fireflies, only there came
the rattle of rifles with the gleaming, and bullets
pattered like rain upon warriors and ponies.

A bugle then sounded its ringing charge, and
with cheers from the cavalry, and wild yells
from the Volunteer Rangers there dashed out of
the timber a perfect avalanche of horseflesh and
humanity.

Revolvers flashed then, and it was seen that
there were several gallant horsemen far in the
lead using their swords upon the flying red-
skins.

These were Lieutenant Worth and Mayo, Buf-
falo Bill and Sergeant Fallon.

Then it was that the wild flight became a mad
stampede, carbines and rifles cracked, revolvers
rattled, wild yells echoed from the cliffs, and
when dawn broke upon the scene it showed pant-
ing ponies urged on and on by red riders, with
white pursuers in hot chase still, and all along
the trail they had come the bodies of dead and
wounded men and horses dotted the way. .

“Sound the recall, bugler.

“ We will camp here, and later push on in pur-
suit, though we can never hope to come up with
the red-skins now," said the young commander,
his face flushed with victory. ‘

“ It was a complete wipe out, lieutenant,” said
Buffalo Bill.

“ They are stampeded so that nothing will stop
them until they are safe in their village.

“ If Iron-Eyes brou ht a thousand braves
with him he has lost a t ird of them at least.”

“ Yes, y, and. we have lost heavily, for
poor Lieutenant Mayo would leave his guns and
come in the char 0, and he has fallen, while I
lost Sergeant Ve t and half a dozen trOopi-rs
killed and a number wounded, and the Volun-
teers suffered heavily also; but it isa glorious
victory.”

Sergeant Fallon just then came up, recalled
by the bugle, a wound in his arm from a bullet
and an arrow’p gash upon his head.

“Sergeant Fallon, if my word goes for any-
thing, you Will woar a shoulder-strap for this
day’s work, for you saved my life twice, killed
the chief who shot Lieutenant Mayo, and pre-
Vented his being scalped, and the men are loud
in your praise.” -

“I thank you, Lieutenant Worth, and twice
did Buffalo Bill save my life.”

“Oh, yes, he makes a business of daring and
good deeds, but he would rather be chief of
scouts than wear a colonel’s epaulettes, I verily
believe, for he has refused a commission half a
dozen times, to my knowledge.”

“Never mind me, lieutenant. for there are the

wounded toflook after," said Buffalo Bill, flush-

ing at the officer’s words of praise.

 

An officer from the fort now came up and re—
ported that ambulances and surgeons were com-
ing to care for the wounded, and staking their
horses out all hands were set to bringing in the
Wounded and establishing a camp on the banks
of a small stream, and in a thick growth of pine
timber, for the battle, though won, had left
death and suffering in its wake.

 

CHAPTER LIX.
AFTER rm: BATTLE.

IT was the request of Buffalo Bill that he
should take half a dozen of his scouts, and Ser-
geant Fallon and a dozen of tronpers and follOw
slowly on after the red-skins, leaving Lieutenant
Worth with the rest of the men who had gone
on the trail of the Red Hands, to follow at his
leisure.

“It wouli be well to make the T9il~SleS be-
lieve we are following them in force, sir, and
then there will be no straggli-rs, so that we will
have none of them to fear when we. again strike
th; trail of the Red Hands, sir,” Buffalo Bill had
sa d.

“ You are right, Cody, and I will so state it
in a letter to the colonel, and turn over the com-
mand here to Lieutenant Deering.”

“And please state, sir, that we were on the
trail of the Red ands with every show of
success, but turned back to give warning of the
Indian raid, but now can press on with greater
safety and confidence than before.”

“ I Will do so, Cody.”

“And another thing, please ask the colonel
to lend you But Brindley to take along, for I may
need his services, and it will be well to have
him with us if wanted ."

“‘ All right, and it’s a good idea.”

“ One thing more, sir, please ."

“ Fire away at will, Cody, for you are hitting
the bull‘s-eye thus far at every shot.”

“I see that Surgeon Denmead is on the field,
sir, taking care of the wounded, and will you
have him come on with you tomorrow, lieu-
tenant, for I would esteem it as a personal favor
if you would.

“ By Jove, but you are level-headed, for we
may need him, doubtless will do so, some of us,
before we get back.”

“Yes, sir, I am very anxious to have him
along, for he is a splendid surgeon and does not
know whit fear is."

“ I’ll take him, Cody, or rather bring him
with me, and explain to the colonel afterward,”
was the answer, and with a salute Buffalo Bill
rode on after his men who had gone on with
Sergeant Fallon. .

The next day Lieutenant Worth received a
reply to his letter to the colonel, in which per-
mission was giVen him to go on and complete his
search for tfe Red Hands, and suggesting that
he had better iake a larger force with him.

The colonel also made the request that the
lieutenant should take one of the surgeons with
him, who was then in the camp looking after
the wounded who could not be moved, and this
chimed in with just what Buffalo Bill had
asked him to do, so Surgeon Dick Denmead was
told to get ready to accompany the expedition
which it was said was going to still push the In-
dians in their flight, not a word being hinted
about their real object.

The Rangers, under Colonel Buck, having re~
turned to Pioneer City, saw the dead, and most
seriously wounded, the camp was left in com-
mand of a young lieutenant, and Walter Worth,
with Will Palmer as scout and guide, a score of
cavalrymen and extra horses and pack-animals,
started on the trail after Buffalo Bill, Sergeant
Fallon and those under them.

It was noon of the next day when they came
upon them in camp at the very spot where lnjun
Nick had had his fatal encounter with Buffalo
Bill, and having heard the whole story or the
attack on the fort, Lieutenant Worth told how
the red-skins had believed that their presence
was unknown, and were preparing to dash up
and scale the stockade walls of the fort when
the twelve-pounders poured a withering fire up-
on them.

Tiiken by surprise though they were the In-
dians had tried still to storm the fort,when they
were attacked in their rear by the force sent to
cut off their retreat by the way they had come,
and then the fight had begun, with very little
loss to the soldiers of the garrison and little or
no damage.

Pursued by what cavalry could be spared,
they had been forced to retreat by the stage
trail across Canyon River, and thence up the
valley toward their own country, when the
splendidly arranged attack of the lieutenant’s
force had completely stam ded them, though
the loss to the pale-faces ha been seven in this
latter battle. '

Lieutenant Worth also told the scout with
just pride that the colonel had written him a
special letter complimentin him upon his vic-
tory, and the carrying out 0 his plans in such a
soldiery way. ,

“ He spoke of you too, Bill, as you will see
when 1 show you the letter, and in a way that
will make you blush, while he added:

“ ‘ it is supposed by all that you are surely fol-

 

lowing up your victory, to drive Indian strag~
glers back into their country; but I sincerely
hope that you may find Cody’s theory of the lost
stage coach correct, and rescue Fallon’s daughter
from the p0wer of those wreiclies.

“ ‘ If this can be done it will be a greater vic-
tory for y u and Buffalo Bill, than the battle of
CanyOn River has been, and I hold hopes of
your success, only be cautious, and if you need
more men send for them, for I will order a force
sent to the present liOSpital camp for you to call
on, as it Will be a day nearer to you, and thus
save time.

“ ‘1 will have these two parts of Troops A, and
B, under officers whom you rank, and the two
light guns also, so you may know what you have
to fall back on, should, after all, you find the
red-skins troublesome, which howuver I do
not expect to be the case, though Buffalo Bill
will know about this better than any one else,
and consult him freely, always feeling that his
advice is the best.’

“ Now, Bill, I consider that a most complimen-
tary letter,” raid the lieutenant as he finished
reading it.

 

CHAPTER LX.
TEE scovr‘s SECRET.

THE camp where the little band had halted,
had been chosen by Buffalo Bill as the very spot
for a base of operations.

It was in a small mound valley, through
which flowed a stream of purest water, and
there was a meadow of the very finest grass,

\Vood was plentiful, and more, the valley
was naturally fortified, for upon three sides
a. towering cliff, which could not be flanked
or sealed from the other side, furnished a strong
defense, while a ridge on the remaining ap-
proach was as strong as a fort from which to
heat off a foe of ten times the force of the band.

With a couple of sentinels on the ridge, the
camp beyond in the little basin was wellguard-
ed, while a scout on the outside could readily
discover the approach of a toe a long distance
off.

It was in this valley where Buffalo Bill had
camped for the night when he discovered Injun
Nick going into ambush and so cleVerly thwart-
ed him in his attack on the mysterious woman
of the island, though not in time to save her a
fall; but for this delay the scout could not be
Censored, as he did not know who it was Injun
Nick intended to assail.

Having gone into camp for the night, and
with the intention of using that encampment as
a starting point, Buffalo Bill said to Lieutenant
Worth after supper:

“ Lieutenant, I have a secret which just now
I cannot make known, as I am under a pledge
not to do so.

“But soon I hope to be able to tell you all.”

“ In your own time, Cody, for I know you act
only for the best.” \

“ Thank ou, sir; but what I wish to ask you
now is to afiow Surgeon Denmead to go with me
to-night on a little expedition.”

“ All right, Cody, if he cares to do so.”

“ I have not asked him yet, sir, first preferring
to speak to you about it.”

“Then ask him, Cody, forI am more than
willing, and leave it to you to explain in your
own good time.”

The scout at once sought Doctor Denmead, the
handsome young surgeon of the outfit, and who
had made himself quite a name for his skill in
surgery and medium. -

" Doctor, I’ve come to ask you if you will go
on a night sccut with me.”

“ Certainly, Cody, if you wish it.”

“It is under peculiar circumstances which I
hardly know how to explain, sir.”

“ Never mind the circumstances, Bill, if I can
help you.”

“ i'll have to ask a pledge of you, sir!”

“ Fire away.”

“ I must ask you to promise me you will not
remember the trail I take you, speak of your
trip in any way to others, or guide any one to and
from the place where we are to go.”

“This is mysterious, Bill."

“ It is to see a most mysterious person we are
to go, si r, one who was severely hurt the other
day, and who even now may be dead, though I
sincerely hope not.”

“I am with you, Cody.”

“ It is for you to help this one I ask you to ac-
company me, and yet I cannot tell you more
now.”

“ I am ready when you say the word," an-
swered the young surgeon.

“ I’ll get the horses, sir,” and the scout walked
away.

In ten minutes he had Lucifer and his pack-
horse ready, the latter for the surgeon to ride,
as both his animals had been over the trail to the
island home of the woman of mystery.

“ This is not my horse, Bill.”

“ No, sir, mine, for I wish you to ride him, as
he knows the trail, and it is a hard one we are
to travel.” '

“I don’t mind it; but I’ve got my rifle and
belt of arms, leaving my sword."

“ That is better. sir."

“ Now, lead on.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bufi‘alo Bill’s Death-Knoll.

29

 

 

Buffalo Bill threw himself into his saddle and
rode out of the camp, the surgeon following
close behind him.

" We hope to be back by daylight, lieutenant,
but do not be anxious should we be delayed,”
said the scout as be ssed the camp—fire at
which sat Lieutenant orth and Sergeant Fal-
lon.

0n rode Buffalo Bill, taking the trail he now
knew uite well, having been twice over it,
while ucifer moved along as though he was
going to a place familiar to him.

Crossing the stream here and there, and at
last coming to the point where he had to strike
out for the island, Buffalo Bill saw what his
course was, but left it to his horse to see if he
was right. '

Lucifer proved this by gomg into the stream
and heading for the break in the rocky bank of
the island, the surgeon it: silence following close
behind, and wondering what strange secret
there was that the mom had to reveal to him.

CHAPTER LXI.
A FAIR SUFFERER.

BUFFALO BILL felt that he had almost gained
a victory, when he came in sight of the light
shining from the cabin in the canyon on the
island.

He had made up his mind that the fair suf-
ferer whom he had left there, the woman who
had served him so well, and who at first he had
felt he was quits with, in killing Injun Nick,
needed medical aid, and for that reason he had
wished Surgeon Denmead to come along.

He felt that he could trust the young surgeon
implicitly with his secret, and that he might,
with his eat skill, save the life of the woman.

He ha asked him to bring along his medicine
case, some stimulants and also his case of surgi-
cal instruments, for he did not know just what
was needed.

Instead of being “ quits” with the woman for
his return services to her, the scout now felt that
all at the fort and in the settlements owed to her
the deepest gratitude, for, but for the warning
given him of; the Indian raid, they would have
suffered terribly and perhaps hundreds of lives
would have been lost.

Now, as the light gleamed before him, Buffalo
Bill folt cheered, and yet there came the dread
to his heart that the mysterious woman might
have,passed away.

Doctor Denmead saw the light, but made no
comment.

He trusted all to the scout and rode on in si-
leuce.

“Await here one minute, doctor, until I call
you,” said Buffalo Bill, dismounting, and be ad-
vanced on foot toward the cabin.

Presently the form of old Toby came out of
the cabin, relieved in the doorwa by the light
behind him, and Buffalo Bill call out:

“ Ho. Uncle Toby, come here!”

“ Who dati”

“ Buffalo Bill! Come here, please.” _

The negro at once advanced toward him and
meeting him the scout said:

“ I am back again. you see, and I hope your
mistress is all right.”

“ Lordy, Massa Bill, my heart am almost
broke, for Missy Mildred am de sickest woman I
ever seen, sah.

“ She have fever dat is burning her up, and
she talk wild all de time. while we is almost
broke down with watchin’ her.”

“ 'l‘oby let me tell you that I have brought a
surgeon."

“ What dat, boss?”

“ A doctor.

“ I have brought him from the fort especially
to see your mistress, and he has medicines with
him and all that she will need to help her.”

“ But, massa, if she know you fetch some one
here?"

“ I swore him to keep the secret, Uncle Toby,
and he will not tell anything; but he is there
an his horse, waiting for me to can him to aid

er.

“ Massa Bill, you has a good heart. and both
me and Polly knows you is acting for Missy
Mildred’s good.

“Jist wait, sah, until I talks with Polly, and
calls you, for something has got to he did afore
you can come in; dere is one dar you must not
see," and Uncle Toby walked away, leaving the
scout to await his return.

“ Somebody is there whom I must not see,”
muttered the scoat, and he returned to Surgeon
Denmead, and told him to dismount.

The horses were unsaddled and staked out.

Altar nearly half an hour Uncle Toby came
back and said:

“ Polly and me has come to de conclusion,
sah, dat you is de man to save Mi Mildred’s
"‘0. so jist come in wid de doctor, sa ."

“ This is Doctor Denmead, Uncle Tobv, and
he is anxious to do all he can for your mis-
treu.”

“Denmead, ssh? You says his name is Den-
mead?"

“ Yes, Uncle Toby; Dick Denmead my friends
call me,” the surgeon said, pleasantly.
“Lordy, oh, Lordyi it was Denmead folks I

 

b’longed to, back in slavery days, down in Ala-
bamy, boss; but, come right in, sah, and see
Missy IIildrcd.”

“ Mildred! Mildred who?” asked the doctor.

“ She Missy Mildred Lamar 110w, rah.”

The scout. saw the doctor start. but he made
no reply and followed Uncle Toby into the
cabin.

In the largest and pleasantth room of the
cabin, lying upon a cot bed, was the woman of
m stery.

er face was flushed with fever, but it was
thin and haggard since the scout had last seen
it, and she was talking in an incoherent way as
the doctor and scout entered the room.

Old Polly was there, looking worn out, but
she shook hands with the scout and said:

“ l isso glad you has come, sah, for de doc-
tor can save her—can’t you, doctor?" '

“I can try, auntie,” and Dick Denmead ap-
proached the bed, sat d0wn and took the hand
of the woman in his.

His fingers deftly felt her pulse, and then he
took her temperature, and said:

“ She is very ill, and it appears to have been
from an injury, rather than disease.”

The scent then explained what had caused it,
how she had acted after her fall, her return to
consciousness and relapsing into unconsciousness,
and all that he could say to aid the doctor, while
Polly told what she knew of the illnm of her
mistress.

The doctor listened with the deepest attention,
and then set to Work to ii :ht the fever and show
what human skill would do against the ravages
of disease.

He mixed some medicines for her, placed them
on the table with his watch by their side, and
then sat down with the remark:

“ I will give these myself for the next two
hours, Cody, in fact I shall not leave her until
the crisis is passed, and as I have used powerful
remedies here, I shall hope for nick results.

“Of course I cannot now tel if there is any
fracture of the skull, or internal injuries to com-

at.

“If you deem best you can return to cam
and come for me to-morrow night, for I shal
stay here right here, for I, too. havea secret,
Cody, an I will tell it to you."

“ felt, when Uncle Toby told
did. that you knew this woman, Octor.”

“ Kn0w her! My God! she is my own sister.
Buffalo Bill,” was the low, earnest response of
the young doctor, and his pale face showed that
he was deeply moved by some memory of the
pas .

on what he

CHAPTER LXII.
UNCLE ronY's sscsnr.

BUFFALO BILL was deeply touched by the
woé'ds and manner of the young doctor, and
3a: :

“ I am so glad that I brought you here, for she
needs all of your care.

“I do not believe there is danger to you in
leaving you here; but I will recannoiter, and
then return to the camp to report to Lieutenant
Worth that you will be delayed a day or two.

“In the mean time I can scout around, strike
the old trail of the Red Hands, and perhaps un-
earth their secret retreat and pounce upon them,‘
for I may tell you n0w, Doctor Denmead, that
Jack J essop’s coach never went down with the
Canyon River bridge, but was captured by the
Red Hands, and they now have the sergeant’s
daughter, Lieutenant Ernest Leslie and the
others prisoners, or they have killed them.

“ The truth of which we will know before we
leave this trail; but now I will be off, and to-
morr0w night I will return.”

D'octor Denmead listened attentively to what
the scout had said, and replied:

“ Well, Cod y, you are a wonder, and I look to
you to unearth this whole mystery, and an ac-
carsed mvstery there is right here, in my poor
sister dwellin here in this wilderness.”

Buffalo Bil , after a few words more with
the doctor, left the room and sent Polly in to
see if there was anything she could do.

Toby he called one side and said:

“ See here, Uncle Toby, I wish to talk plainly
to you.”

“ Yas, bOSS.”

“ Your mistress is hovering between life and
death, but if she can be saved Doctor Denmead
will do it.”

“ Yus, sah.” .

“Now suppose she dies, what will you and
Aunt Polly do?"

“ Lardy, boss, don’t talk of it.”

“ But you must know the truth.”

“ Dat’s so.”

“ You and Aunt Polly once belonged to her
family, I believe!”

“ It was jis’ dis way, sah.

“ Me and Polly belonged to de Denmeads, sah,
away down in Alabam’.

u My mum, who was a soldier, died and left
a wife and child. and she, aft” a couple of
vears. married a German by de name of Lamar
Markham. don’t you see!

“ Well, den, she have ’nother child, and her
mg by her first husband. Cap’n Denmead, his
stepfather didn’t like. for he want all do pro-

 

perty for his own chile, a leetle girl, dat’s nmv
Missy Mildred.

“ So one day do boy, den fifteen or sixteen,
ran away from home, sailing away from Mo-
bile in a ship, and nobody hear of him any
more.

“ Missy Mildred was about thirteen when her
brother leave home, and she grew up mighty

retty, and her father want her to marry a
riend of his, and old enough to be her Pa.

“ But, though she half promise, under his
threats, she loved another man, and shortly af- ‘
ter her mother’s death, she ran off with him.

” Her father’s friend was so mad, for he say
that he told her to marry the other man 0n the
sly, that they had a quarrel and fought a duel,
and Mr. Lamar was kilt.

“ Then the other man, his name was Nicholas
Burt, he run off to save his life, for nobody liked
him, and I declar’, boss, he did look like a In-
jun, and they did say he had red-skin blood in
him.
B “ Injun Nick by all that’s holy !" cried Buffalo

ill.

But Uncle Tobv went on to say:

“ Missy Mildred found, when her father was
killed, that she had no fortune coming to her,
for he had squandered it all, and then the man
she marry was mad clean through.

“They had gone out to Leavenworth to live,
and she sent money for me and Polly to come
on. and we come.

“ But the man she had married was bad clean
through, he gambled and turned out to be what
they said was an adventurer.

“ There was some said he’d been a gold-miner,
and a soldier on the frontier, and one day two
officers come to arrest him, out on his ranch
when he lived near Leavenworth.

“ Well, boss, he kilt ’em both and getting on
his horse made his escape.

“It was a year after that he sent for Missy
Mildrad. and she took Polly and me with her.

“ Well, boss, he took us in a stage coach on a
mighty hard journey, and then we left the
coach and rid horseback for a long way, at last
coming here. where he had this cabin built and
fitted up as you See it now.

“Poor Missy Mildred was heartbroken, for
she had found out how bad her husband was,
but she could do nothing but stay here, and we
gheered her up all we could, only she was nevsr

[ID V.

“Ei‘he master told her if she betrayed him to
raw one he would punish her by killin’ me and
Pol‘v. hangin’ us before her eyes.

“He let her go about at will, but made us
entry on de island, and swore he’d kill us if we
a t it.

“ Now, Massa Bill, you knows why Missy Mil-
dred is here, and how it was she was so scared
when you was here, for missy went to where
her husband live, and stay there to keep him
from coming here and find you; but she come
back the day you left.”

“ And who is her husband?”

“ He says he is a gold-miner, sah, but he digs
in folks’ pockets for de gold .”

“Ila! it is Captain Eagle, the chief of the
Red Hands. I’ll wager my right hand.”

f‘Massa Bill. flu is right, sah. Dat am de
man; but. don’t et him find you and de doctor
here, sah.”

. “ I only wish that he would,” was the scout’s
fervent reply, and his words caused Toby to
turn ashentwith dread.

CHAPTER LXIII.
'rnr scour‘s RISOLVI.

BUFFALO BILL had never in his life listened
toa story with more interest than he did to
what Uncle Toby had told him.

The mysterious woman of the island was not
wicked, after all, but the creature of cruel fate,
the victim of circumstances over which she had

no control.

She had loved unworthily, and had clung to
the man who had wrecked her young life; but
she had shown that she was a true woman
when she had boldly started to find the scout.
and warn him of the Indian raid.

Uncle Toby had gone on to show, by what:
he told the scout, that Mildred did not believe
her husband to be guilty of murder, only of
highway robbery.

This she did know he was guilty of, and that
he had a band under his command, but he told
bar that they were to protect him, that was
a .
She know, also, that he was the friend of
Iron Eyes. the Indian chief, who never harmed
him or his men, though at war with the sol-
diers and white settlers.

Only Mildred knew the retreat of the Red
Hands, for her husband trusted her in this, and
neither Toby or Polly could tell where it was,
kn0wing only that it was nearly half a day’o
ride from the island.

Not one of the band had our been seen at the
island, either by Toby or Polly, and the chief
was wont to come at will, sometimes not for a

month at a time. and then again much oftener.
Though treating him with politenon, Uncle
Toby said, Mildred had learned to. hate him, and

 

  

3O

Dunalo DIII'S UBuLII-nucu. ' ' " 

 

 

'she was constantly entreating him to allow her
to take them and go far away from him.

She could have gone alone, for she had become
a thorough borderwoman, but she would never
leave them, and the chief said that he had a
spy constantly watching the island to see that
they did not run off with their mistress scrne
night.

Such was the story told in full by Toby, and
which the seeut heard with the greatest delight.

Uncle Toby also confided to Buffalo Bill the
fact that his young mistress had found consid-
erable gold on the island, and had hidden away
a large sum, enough to make her rich. the old
negro said, and he added that the chief did not
know of this, and more, brought his money to
Miss Mildred to keep for him.

It had only been a few days since he had
last visited the island, and he had then left for
his retreat.

“ And how strange all this is,” mused Buffalo
Bill.

“ The man whom this unfortunate woman’s
father wished to force her to marry, killed
that father in revenge, fled and came here.

“ Then he began to serve her husband, the
man she had believed honest and true.

“Did he know him, that he was the one who
had run off with Mildred?

“ I am half inclined to believe that he did.

“At any rate, when forced to flee from
Pioneer City he came in search of the band
he was the spy of, and meeting her, sought to
make her his prisoner.

“ Well, 1 never felt so glad over a thing in
my life, as I do that I was able to call in the
chips of Nicholas Burt, alias In 'un Nick.

“Then too to think that I s ould bring here
to care for the poor woman none other than her
half brother.

“ I saw Dick Denmead start when Toby said
what he did, and when he saw old Polly in the
light. and heard them call the name of Mildred.

“ He looked at the sufferer as though he would
read her soul, and knew, then, that he had found
his sister.

“Well, the b0 that ran away from home,
driven by a step- ather’s cruelt , did not go to
the bad, but made a name or himself, for
it will not be long before he is romoted to
tie surgeon-in-chief at the fort, aanhe deserves
l

“ My plan now is to leave Denmead there at
the island until to—morrow night; then we will
have to protect him against a visit from the

‘chief, who would kill him, did he go there, misa-
ing us.

“ He would shoot Denmead down like an as.

sassiu, so I will leave Will Palmer and two more

of my men in hiding to head off the chief, in

case he should make a visit to the island before

we reach his retreat.

“ Pledges are very well, but mine was made to
the woman whom now I must protect, and she
got it from me from fear of the consequences to
old Toby and Polly.

“ I’ll go at once to the lieutenant and lay the
whole matter before him, save the fact that the
woman is Doctor Denmead’s sister, for that he
can make known or not as he pleases, though he
told me. .

“Yes, that is my duty and 1 will do it,” and
.so deciding Buffalo Bill started back for the
camp of the outlaw-hunters.

 

CHAPTER LXIV.
FOUND.

THE lieutenant had just turned out of his
blankets when Buffalo Bill rode into camp.

“Ho, Bill, just in time for breakfast; but,
where is Denmeadi”

“ I will tell you, air,” and the scout’s serious
manner showed that he had something important
'to communicate.

“ I am under a pledge, lieutenant,” began the
scout, “ but I believe, under the circumstances,
that it does not bind me to kee it, for it would
protect crime if I did so, wh le to break the
pledge will be doing a great deal of good.”

“ Then break it b all means, Cody.”

“ I will, sir, and wish to tell you the whole
story.”

Then Buflalo Bill told the story of his first
meeting with the mysterious woman of the
island what followed, his pledge, and then his
second meeting and her mishap and illness.

He told why he had wished Surgeon Den-

mead to come along, and all that Uncle Toby‘

had told him of the history of his young mis-

tress.

That he‘had left the surgeon there until the
next night he told, and added that he would
leave Will Palmer and two scouts in hiding to

rotect the dootor from a visit of the outlaw
eader, while they, the command, went on a
search for the retreat of the Red Hands.

“I asked that Bat Brindley should be brought
along, lieutenant,” continued the scout, “ to force
from him the secret of where the retreat of the
outlaws was.

“ Failing to frighten him into a confession, I
was determined to make terms with him, as be
c "ll’I only thus save his life“

“ NOW, not until I am sure that I cannot find
the retreat, will I fall back on Brindley; but I

 

believe that I can find it, for there werea number
of horses in the lot, and their trail was made
when the ground was muddy, after the storm,
and such tracks can yet be followed, as I noticed
yesterday.

“ I will have breakfast, then go out on a scout
to see how far I can follow the trail, and be back
in time to go to the island to-nighr and pine
my men in hiding, and to-morrow we can start
after the Red Hands.”

“ But you have had no rest.”

“ Don’t need any just now, lieutenant, and
can stay awake a week on such work as is now
before us.”

“ All right, Bill, you are the doctor in this
case, so prescribe accordingly,” answered the
lieutenant, and he added:

“ We will let Sergeant Fallon into the secret
also, as itwill be best, in case we get into trou-
ble and both you and I meet with accidents.”

“Yes, it will be best, and he is more deeply
interested than any of us, sir,” responded Buf-
falo Bill, and they sat down to breakfast.
after whlch the scout went off on the trail
with Will Palmer and two of his men, and
the lieutenant told to Sergeant Fallon what
he had heard of the mysterious dwellers on the
island in the river.

Buffalo Bill was determined not to wait until
night, to place the scouts in position to protect
Doctor Denniead, as the chief nfight visit the
island at any time; so he led his men to a point
where they w0nld command the approach of the
island, and put them in position where they
could catch the chief easily with a lariat, as he
had to pass within a few feet of them.

Leaving two of the scouts on duty, he took
Will Palmer with him, and they went along on
the trail of the Red Hands for several miles
until Buffalo Bill said:

“There is no need of going further, for this
trail can be readily followed, Palmer, and here,
over ten miles nearer to the retreat than our
present camp-ground, is a fine camping-place.”

“ Yes, chief, that is so.”

“ All right, we will return to camp, and Lieu-
tenant Worth will have all ready f0r a-i early
start, and then you will go with me to—night to
join the other boys who are lying in wait for
CaDtain Eagle.

Returningto camp, Buffalo Bill and Will Pal—
mer had supper and the two then left for the
island—Lieutenant Worth saying that he would
have all ready for a move upon the chief of
scouts’ return to camp.

Palmer was left with his two comrades, who
had not Men the outlaw chief, and then Buflalo
Bill rode on to the cabin on the island.

Uncle Toby met him as he dismounted, and his
face was bright with joy as he said:

“ De fever done broke, Massa Bill, and Missy
Mildred a heap better and she talk reasonable
now.

“ But, do doctor say she must be very quiet."

“ This is good news, Toby; but, who is the
white lady I saw just now as I rode up?”

“ Massa Bill, I got suthin’ to tell you, sah, for
I didn’t tell you all last right.”

“ Out with it at once, Uncle Toby.”

“ You see, sah, Massa Lamar, de chief, he
brought a young lady here some time ago, to be
kept as a prisoner, until she pays ransom money
to go free.

‘ He say he kill Missy Mildred and me and
Polly, if we let her get away, and she was lock-
edhup in another cabin when you was here sick,
sa

“ But, she beg to come out and nurse missy,
who was good to her, and ever since she was so
slck, she have been so kind to her night and day,
and we don’t know what we would have done
without her."

“ Her name is Miss Lucille Fallon.”

“ Lordy, boss, how you know that?”

“There are other prisoners, who were cap-
tured with her, held at the retreat.”

“ Dat’s a facr, boss. for she done say so.”

“ All right, Uncle Toby. Ask Mi Fallon to
come out here, and do not tell the doctor that I
have come, yet.”

“ Yas, ssh ;” and in a few minutes out of the
cabin came a young and beautiful girl.

“ Miss Lucille Fallon, I believe?”

“ Yes, sir, and you—”

“ I am known as Buffalo Bill, chief of scouts
at Fort Advance.”

" You are the same man I once met on my
way to the fort.”

‘ I am the scout who has been in search of
you, Miss Fallon, since the day of the storm,
and I am glad to find you are safe."

“Safe, yes; yet a prisoner here, where that
cruel chief brought me three da s after my cap-
ture, while my unfortunate fyellow prisoners,
poor Jack J essop, the lieutenant and the others,
are at the outlaws’ retreat.”

“We are now going to rescue them, Miss
Fallon, for Lieutenant Worth and thirty sol-
diers are within a few miles of here. Your fa-
ther is along, also. and is hopeful of seeing you
soon, for he would not believe that you were
dead.”

“God bless him! How I long to see him!
But Doctor Denmead has told me all that has
been done toward my rescueby you and my other
good friends.

 

“ NOW Will you come in and see our patient?
for she is convalescing rapidly,” an] Lucille
Fallon led the scout into the cabin, where Mil-
dred Lamar, upon seeing him, smiled and held
out. her hand, saying, faintly:

“You have broken your pledge, but I forgive
y0n, for it is for the best, and this kind doctor
and sweet girl have saved my life."

CHAPTER LXV.
THE RESCUE.

IN spite of their cunning, the Red Hands
had not deemed it necessary to conceal their
trail so far away from the settlements and the
forts.

In fact, in the muddy weather which they
had traveled through, it would have been no
easy task to conceal their trail, and the truth
was that Captain Eagle, the outlaw chief, had re-
lied upon the raid the Indians were to make, to
prevent any pursuit of him.

The indians had made their raid, been savage-
ly whipped, and Chief Iron Eves had sent for
Captain Eagle to come and hold a council with
him.

It was unfortunate that such was the case, as
when Buffalo Bill led the troopers into the well-
hidden outlaw retreat at dawn, the day after
his last visit to the island, the leader of the
crime-stained hand was absent, thus escaping
being killed, or captured, and held for a death
on the gallows in punishment for his wicked
career.

Taken by surprise, the outlaws had been seized
with a panic, until, seeing that Buffalo Bill was
the one who had guided the soldiers upon them,
they felt that there would be no mercy shown
them; so they rallied and fought like demons.

But, they fell, one by one, until in their de-
spair the several survivors surrendered, and
were soon sent to be company for Bat Brindley
in the camp of the victors.

The retreat of the Red Hands was a strong-
hold that could not readily have been taken save
hvla surprise, such as was given them by Buffalo

 

l 1.

They had their cabins there, their vegetable
garden, cattle, sheep and horses in plenty—all
stolen—with quantities of booty, the result of
their raiding the settlements.

But best of all they had there what interested
the rescuers most of all, for Lieutenant Ernest
Lester, Jack Jessop, and the two other pas-
sengers were held prisoners in a pen, where they
were securely ironed.

All t ld, the band of Red Hands had num-
bered a score and half of men, and yet but few
remained after the attack on them.

The joy of the prisoners at their release was
great, for they were to have been held for a
long while, and then enormous ransom was to
he demanded for them.

What had become of Lucille Fallon they did
not know, as the chief had taken her away,
bearing on (pack-animals all of her baggage,
tfsnd they ha been most anxious regarding her
ate.

When told that she was safe their joy knew
no bounds; but one and all great! regretted
that the arch-fiend of all, who ca led himself
Captain Eagle, but whose real name was Loyd
Lamar, had gone to the village of Chief Iron
Eyes, where he was safe from all pursuit.

The booty having been secured, the cattle
and horses gotten together, and the outlaw
camp left as it was, to serve, perhaps, for
troops at a future time, the party of victors
set out on the march homeward the day fol-
lowing their attack.

They marched slowly, and made their second
night’s camp in the little sheltered valley which
they had left to start upon their rescue; and
that night Buffalo Bill guided Lieutenant
Worth and Sergeant. Fallon over to the island
for the services of Doctor Denmead were needed
to look after some of the wounded soldiers, and
he was to return with them.

Up to the cabin rode the chief of scouts and
the two with him.

Buffalo Bill entered. and, a moment after,
came out w ith Lucille Fallon, who found herself
clasped to her happy father’s arms.

Then the scout learned that Mildred Lamar
was improving rapidly, and had changed reat-
ly for t e better in the days since be h seen
her last: in fact she was now sitting up.

“Ican’t help but get well rapidly, Buffalo
Bill, for I know the truth, now, that this is my
Own brother, and I am anxious to go away from
here at the earlest moment possible,” she said.

“ And I am anxious to have you do so,” added
Lieutenant Worth when the scout presented
him, “for to be frank with you, I have but a
small force, and I fear greatly that the outlaw
chief, when he learns tl e truth, may at once
bring a band of red-skins against us.’

“ Am I not able to start now, brother?"

“ In the morning you can make a start, riding
as far as the camp, and from there on, until you
are stronger, we can arrange tocarry you in
some way,” was the doctor’s answer. 80 it was
decided.

There were a number of horses on the island,
and these were packed with the traps of the cab-
in, the baggage of Lucille Fallon, and also
served for riding animals for the two negroes.

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

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A gentle, easy horse was saddled for the lava-
lid, and her brother got up behind her so as to
lend her his supporting arm, while Will Palmer
and the two other scouts drew the pack-animals.

Lucille Fallon rode by Lieutenant Worth’s
side, while Bufi'alo Bill and the sergeant aided
in every way they could on the march.

At last the camp was reached, and it was de-
cided, as soldiers promptly volunteered to bear
the invalid on a litter, to break camp at once,
not waiting for the next day.

This was done, the cattle and horses being
driven on ahead, while Buffalo Bill and his
scouts hung far back in the rear, to prevent a
surprise. ,

hext to them was Lieutenant Worth and his
soldiers, while Sergeant Fallon and others led
the advance and kept a bright lookout against
running into an ambush, for Buffalo Bill had re-
ported that lie was sure the Indians were watch-
ing them, and it they had forces enough would
attack them.

One thing was evident to ‘all,rand that was.
they must get out of‘ that land of peril with all
haste; hence, as Mildred Lamar made no com-
plaint, the march was kept up and continued
late in the night.

All through that night Buffalo Bill and his
scouts were sleepless, constantly scouting about
the camp; but no disturbance came, and the
aim! morning the march was again resumed for

e ort.

 

CONCLUSION.

IT was a wise thought of Buffalo Bill’s to
suggest to Lieutenant Worth to send to the
hospital camp in the Canyon River Valley, for
reinforcements to come out and meet them,
and to have a courier sent from there on to
the fort for further troops to also march to
their relief, for, when still hali-a-day’s ride
from the Overland trail, a large band of In-
dians, led b a white man who was knOwn to
be Captain agle, pressed forward to run down
the little cavalcade.

But, just then, a bugle-call was heard, and
some forty men from the hospital camp, ar-
Si'ved in time to check the charge of the In-

lens.

The latter were seen to send couriers to the
rear to hasten on other bands of red-skins, and
the result would have been a severe battle that
might have  most disastrous to the retreat-
ing party, I. , not another force come a to
their a! , those who had been sent out rom

.ort Advance.

There was a sharp fight, but the Indians
were quickly t to flight, and the little band
of heroes cont nued on their way, in safety, to
the fort, where the welcome they met with
from all is beyond description.

The sergeant’s daughter was greeted by one

and all, for her beauty and refinement made.

her!- at once a favorite with the colonel and his
W1 e. -

Mildred Lamar was warmly received for her
brother’s sake, as well as for the entering she
had known, and which won the deep sym thy
of all, who alsolknew that it was her we ng to
Buffalo Bill which had thwarted the Indians in
their attack on the tort.

As for Buffalo Bill, be was the hero of the
hour. and congratulated that the Red Hands

,had not carried out their threatot

DEATH 'ro Burnno BILLi
And he was also praised it! having kept his
word and hunted them to the bitnr had.
ran and.

———-o§o——-—-

Thad Burr  l

I Nnx'r Dun: 'LIBBARY, NUMBER 813.
The Shansmtter’s Shmwd Schema;
 on,

Detective Barr’s Diamond Drop.

BY HAROLD PAYNE.

A mighty lively story!

Detective against Detective! I

Thad Burr es. the Australian Sharps.

A scheme tovictimize a “ tine old gentleman " and
his lovely daughter. A million dollars the high
prize! It is a battle of wits skill and nerve-Jrhad
Burr against a gang‘s dangerous, desperate, dig.
helical gang—and the “scheme " one of extraordi-
nary onnning and daring. There is. in fact. a scheme
within a scheme, which greatly complicates matters
and doubly myunau the sag-clans

Head-Canter Dotoctive !

but, that he was not “putinahole” by the con-
summate plotters and villains. the toast drank at
Delmonico’s. by the victim of the gang. makes
evident. That toast waaz— ,

“Here‘s to Thad Burr. the greatest detective and
the grandest man that New York City holds!"

 

l

. 67 The Boy Jockel': or, H

 

Btidlefs [lime ' library.
BY JOSEPH ELDGER, JR.

796 The Frisco Detective’s Thug-Tangle.

789 Sam Cary. the River Sport.

78!) Tue Dead Sport’s Double.

77 Prince John, Detective S ecial.

7153 Dandy Don. the Denver )erective.

7.31 '1 he Man from Texas; or. Dangerfield,
Doctor Detective.

7H Swve istakes Sam, the Silver Snort.

7‘le The Secret Six; or, 0 d Halcyon.

712 The Man of Silk.

705 Bantam Bob. the Beauty from Butte.

6113 Kent KlSSl >11, the l’I‘I-acln-r Spoi'l.

iiR'i Bo!) Breeze, the Rounder Detective.

67.3 Steel Sui-11v, the Sport fr 111 Sunrise.

6:38 Solemn Soul‘s Luck Str. ak.

661 The (jet-’l‘liel‘e Sharp.

631 Silveriip St w. the Sky Scraper from Siskiyou.

615 Gopher (lobe, the Unsoen Detective.

636 Dandy Darling, llrtl-("ive

627 Mossl):lck MOSe, the lllouniaineer.

617 The G rip Sack Sharp‘s EVHI up.

59‘? 1m: Bandy, the Brigadier of Brimstone Butte.

588 Sandy Sands. the Sharp from Snap City.

570 Silver-'l‘ongued Sid: or. GripSai-k Sharp s Sivoep.

564 The Grip-Suck Sharp: or. The Seraphs of' Sodom.

5.3") Grip~Sack Sid. the Sample Sport.

547 The lluried Detective; or. Smd’s Six Sensations.

541 Major Magnet, the Man of Nerve.

53.3 Dandy Dutch. the Decclrntor from Deadeift.

527 Dandy Andy, the Diamond Detective.

51-1 Gabe Gunn, the Grizzl ' from Ginseng.

Solemn Saul. the Sad an from San Saba.

495 Rnttlepate Rob; or. The Roundhead‘s Reprisai.

488 The Thoroug bred Sport.

471 Daddy Dem - ‘ye, the Dcsoot 01' Dew Drop.

466 Old Rough and Ready, the Sage of Sundown.

45% Dutch Dan. the Pilgrim from Spitzenberg.

4.31) The Rustler Detective.

414 A Cool Hand: or. Pistol Johnny‘s Picnic.

418 Oklahoma Nick.

43% Laughing Leo; or. Sam’s Dandy Pard.

4'36 The Ghost Detective: or. The Secret Service Spy.

416 Monte Jim. the Black Sheep 0! Bismarck.

409 Rob Roy Ranch; or. The Imps of Pan Handle.

40:: The Nameles‘s Sport. ‘

395 Deadly Aim, the Duke of Derringers.

387 Dark Durg. the Ishmael or the Hills.

879 Howling Jonathan, the.Terror from Headwaters.

872 Caligula Crisp. the Man with a Record.

367 A yai Flush: or. Dan Brown's Big Game.

360 Jumping Jerry, the

355 Storm Starve. the Mad Athlete.

351 Nor‘ est Nick. the Harder Detective.

845 Masked Mark. the Mounted Detective.

339 Spread Eagle Sam. the Hercules Hide Hunter.

831 Oh Gharley. the Gold Nmet Sport.

on Old orked Lightning. the Solitary.

81'? h‘raukflghttoot. the Miner Detective.

an Faro Saul. the Handsome Hercules.

299 Make Homer. the BoesRoustabout.

the

0'
3
a.

Gain from Sundown. -'

$96 Pistol Johnny; or. One Man in a Thousand.

283 Sleek Sam, the Devil of the Mines.
267 Death Tra Dig logs: or. A Man ‘Way Back.
249 Elephant omuo Durango.
841 Spitfire Saul. King of the. Bustiers.
233 The Old “by of. Tombstone.
so: Pirate of the Pincers: or. Joaquin’s Death Hunt.
11?? ReVolver Rob: or.-The Belle of Nugget Camp.
180 Old ‘49; r. The Amazon of Arizona.
170 Sweet “lliam. the Trapper Detective.
185 Joaquin. the Terrible
154 Joaquin, the Saddle King.
141 Equinox Tom the Bul‘y of Bed Rock.
127 Sol Scott. the hacked Miner.
119 Alabama J '. or. The Yazoo MamHuniem.
Dan Bmwn of Denver: 01'. The Detective.
88 Big or. The Five Outlaw Brothers.
71‘Ca n 001 Blade: or. Mississippi Man Shark.

34 n bimetallic D cgfimi w"

on . , no on o.

50 Jack Rabbit,the me n.
21o

Crooked ness. _

47 Pacific fete. nos 0 the Revolver.

45 Old 8111 1-19 ', the Lightning Shot. .

40 Lo -Haire Pardl: or. The Tariers of the Plains;
30 1 George: or. Fiery Fred. the Outlaw. "
28 Three-Fingered Jack. the Road~Agent '

By WILLIAM a. EYS'I'EB. v:

783 The King-Pin Tramp. * l
767 The Sport of Silver Bend.
718 Uncle Bedrock's Big Bounce. -
335 98:31:31! Rivfim u. 8 mu: m
on ‘ nor an. e ort a
677 Mr. Jackson, the Gent trgm' Jaybird.
859 Gilt-Edge Johnny: or. Roldan and His Diners.
650 Luck Lester's one Hand. _ .-
634 Old andcart‘s Big Dump. .' "
622 The All Around 8 rts. ' ._
1108 Desert All. the, an With the Cougar.
590 Gentle Jack. the High Roller from Humbug,
.578 Seven Shot Steve. the Sport witha Smile.
568 The Dude Detective.
558 Hurrah Harry. the High Horse from Halcyon.
549 Belshazzar Brick. the Bailiff of Blue Blazes. '
5‘33 Oregon. the Sport With a Bear.
5225 Fresh Frank. the Derringer Daisy.
508 The Dude from Denver. ' a
478 Pinnacle Pete; or. The Fool from Way Back.
459 Maior Sunshine. the Man of Three Lives.
429 Ha :- Trigger Tom of Red Bend.
402 Snapshot Sam: or. The Angels' Flat Racket.
896 The Piper Defective; or. The Gilt Edge Gang.
8715 Royal Geo e, the Three in One
356 Thr-e Han me Sports; or, The Combination.
344 Double Shot Dave 01' the Left Hand“
833 Derringer Dick. the Man with the Drop.
800 A Sport in Spectacles; or, Bad Time at Bunco.
$8 Magic Mike. the Man of Frills.
Captain Cuisieeve; or. The Little Sport.
4 The Two 0001 Sports; or, Gertie of the Gulch.
192 The Lightning Sport.
1812 Hands Up; or, The Knights of the Canyon. ,
160 Soft Hand. Sharp: or, The Man with the Sand.

 

145 Pistol Pards; or. The Silent Sport tram Cinnabh

/

ALBERT W. AIKEN’S NOVELS.

Dick Talbot Series.

Dick Talbot’s Close Call

Dick Talbot in Apache l and.

Dick Talbot. the Ranch King.

Dick Talbot‘s Clean—Out.

Dick Talbot in No M ,n‘s Camp.

Dan Talbot in the Rockies; or. lnjun Dick.
Dick T il'mt: oi. The Brand of (‘l‘lll‘iSOD Cross.
Dick. the (nellllt‘lllan Rom—Agent.

Dick Talbot. of i‘iimanar.

Dick Talbot. King of the Road.

uick 'l'zillior in l'mh; or. (iold Dan.

Dick Tnlhot‘s lrou (hip: or. 'l he Velvet Hand.
lliCk Tullmi; or. le Donili Shot of Shasta.
Dick i‘nlhot at the Mines: or. Keniuck the Sport.
Dick '1‘ vibot’s Fee: or, Rockv Mountain Rob.
Dick Talbot at While, Pine; or. Overland Kit.

741
737
733

72 3
384

349
10”
93
41
39
313
35

33

‘

Cu

Alkcn’s Fresh of Frisco Series.

660
652
617
556
5‘3?
’529
497

The Fresh in Moniana: or. Blake's Full Hand.
’l‘~-e Fresh’s Rustic at Painted City.

The, Fresh at Santa Fe: or, 'l‘h * Strange“ Sharp.
Fresh, the Sport: or. The Big Racket at Slide Out.
Fresh Against the Fie d: or. Blake. the Lion.
The Fresh of FHSOO in New York.

The Fresh in Texas: or. The Escobedo Millions.
461 The Fresh oi Frisco on the Rio Grande. .
173 The Fresh in Arizona: or. California John.

130 The Flush in Mexico: or. Captain Volcano.

97 The Fresh in Big: Walnut Camp; 01‘. Bronze Jack
77 The Fresh of Frisco.

Alken’s Joe Phenix Series.

799 Joe Phenix‘s Great Blue Diamond Case; orI The
New York Sport at Long Branch.

793 Joe Phenix‘s Decoy: or. The Man of Three.

760 Joe Phenix‘s Lone Hand.

749 Joe Phenix‘s Big Bulge.

745 Joe Phenix's Mad Case

708 Joe Phenix's Siren; Or, The Woman Hawkshaw.

700 Joe Phenix’s Unknown; or Crushing the Crooks

681 Joe Phenix‘s S ials; or, The Actress Detective

('37 Joe Phenix in azy Camp.

632 Joe Phenix's Master Search.

628 Joe Phenix‘s Coml‘in :1. r,the Dandy Consp’rator

620 Joe Pheuix‘s Silent Six.

601 Joe Phenix's Shadow; or.the Detectives Monitor

419 Joe Phenix.. the King of Detectives.

391 Joe Phenix‘s Still Hunt.

161 Joe Phenix‘s Great Man Hunt.

112 Joe Phenix, Private Detective; or, The League.
79 Joe Phenix. the Police Spy. \

Aiken’a Misc ellaneoua Novels.

m‘King Dandy. the Silver Sport.
758 Gldetm‘s GriBIat Babylon Bar.

71'! Captain Pat cGowen, the Greencoat Detective,
674 Uncle Sun Up, the Born Detective. ‘
670 The Lightweight Defective.

665 The Frisco Detectivm or, The Golden Gate Find.
613 Keen Billy, the Sport. '
607 Old Benzine, the “ Hard Case " Detective.

594 Fire Face. the Silver King‘s Foe.

58‘} The Silver Sharp Detective. .

577 Tom, of Califr-rnia; or, Detective‘s Shadow Act.
570 The Actress Detective; or. The invisible Band.
562 Lone Hand. the Shadow.

520 The Lone Hand on the Caddo.

490 The. Lone Hand in Texas.

475 Chin Chin. the, Chinese Detective.

(85 Actor Detective.

440 The High Hor e of the Pacific. '

(Si The Lone. Hand; or. The Red River Recreants.
M D Grip, the Vendetta of Death.

81 Th Gypsy Gentleman: (r. Nick FoxfiDciective
Black Beards: 01. The Rio Grande igh Horse
The Dusky Detective: or. Pursued to the End.
meningshield. 111'? Detective
sen The Genteel Spotter: or The N. Y Sight Hawk.
:5? The Wall Street lilood; (r. The Telegraph Girl,
an The Double Detective: x 121 he Midnight Mystery.
190 La Marmoset. the Le lrciive Queen.

101 The Man from New York.

91 The Winning Oar: or. 'I he Innkeeper's Daughter.
84 Hunted Down: or. The League of Three.

81 The Human Tiger: or. A Heart of Fire.

75 Gentleman GeOrge: or. Parlor. Piison and Street.
72 The Phaltnm Hand: or. The 5th Avenue Heiress.
63 The Winged Whale: or. The Red Rupert oi Gulf.
59 The Man from Texas: or. Tie Arkansas Outlaw.

3%

56 The Indian Hazeppa: or. Madmen oifthe Plains. .

49 The Wolf Demon: or. The Xanawha p .

42 The California Detective: or, The Wit Icsoi‘ N.Y.
81 The New Yin'k Share: or. The Flash of Lightning.
27 The 800th Detective: or. Girls of New York.

BY ll \ROLD PAYNE.
an The Grand Street Gold-Dust Sharpera.

 

798 Detective Barr's Luna ic Witness; or, The River Q

side Drive Death-Mystery.
792 The Wall areal. Shareer‘s Snap.
784 Thad Barr's Death Dro

742 Detective Burr ong {he New Ycrk Thugs.  .

738 Detective Burt’s ‘ - or. A Woman's Strategy. -

728 Detective. Burr. the eadquarters Special. .
ass. '

713 Detective Burr‘s Spirit Ch
706 Detective Burr‘s Seven Clues.
0% Thad Burr. the Invincible: or, The “L” Que. . _
090 The Matthieu-Detective. ' -
xx. the Fatal C'lew; or, Barr's liaster Case.

6&1

BY LIBU‘I‘. A. Ii. Ill!»
so: The
786 Chicago
776 Charlie. the Colombian W10.
758 The Wizarl Detective.
723 Teamster Tom, he Boomer Detective.
709 Lodestone Lem. the Chi
695 Singer Sam. the Pilgrim vs.
639 River Bustiers; or. {hi-Detective from Why ck-
678 Stuttering Sam the Whitest 8
666 Old damant, the Man otkoc . l , 2
616 n Karl, the Detective King. ; /_ .
5&2 nee Primrose, the Flower of the M
“Huckleberry. the Footrflilis Detective. ' ' ¥

' A mummy Wednesday. . . j

. Boadlo’a Man‘s Library is tor sale by all
Iowalealern. ten cents per copr. or sent by we.” on
receipt of twelve cents each. ‘ ABLE 8: anus.
Publishers, 96 William street, New York. a

of ChestnutBurr. 

King Pin of the Leadville mom. » s
Charlie's 0nd Haul.

 

   

 

 

5

l

' BUFFALO BILL NOVELS IN BEADLE’SDIME LIBRARY. ‘

...v. a ,, ., , ,z.‘ .  .v. .v...- :2» g .—.-.'.:M; v~,~.—

.... A “..-”... ... .. , .-. , f“,-
r .

I

 

812 Buffalo Bill‘s Death-Knoll: or. The R d Hand
Rider’s of the Rockies. By Col. P. Ingraham.

807 Wild Bill. the Wild West. Duelist: or The Girl
Mascot of Moonlight Mine. By Buffalo B ii

800 Wild Bill, the Dead Center Shot: or. Rio (Jimmie
Ral h. the Cowboy Chief. By Buffalo Bill, (Ge 1.
W. ". Cody.)

794 Buffalo Bill's Winning Hand: or. The Muskml
Woman of the Colorado Canyon. By Colruwl
Prentiss Ingraham.

787 Buffalo Bill‘s Dvad Shot; or, The S’rolelon Scout
of the Colorado liy Col. Prentiss lugrahmn.

781 Buffalo Bill‘s Brand: or. The Brimstone Brother-
hood. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham.

777 Buffalo Bill‘s pr Shadowo-r; or. The Masked
Men at Grand Canyon. By Col. P. Ingraham.

373 Buffalo Bill‘s Ban; or, Cody to the Rescue. By
Leon Lewis.

ALO BILL as mo AND AUTHOR!

 

 

‘ m Bacalo Bill’s Sweegstake: or. The Wipe-out at

Last Chance. By oi. Prentiss lngraham.

 '  Buffalo Bill’s Dozen; or, Silk Ribbon Sam. By

w‘lllllB

 

- ’5?“ at Buffalo Bill'I

Col. Prentiss Ingraham.

villi Buflslo Bill's Mas-mt; or, The Death Valley
Victim‘No. 18. By Col. Prentiss lngrsham.

‘  757 Buffalo Bill's Double; or The Desperado Detec-

? five. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. _
 Buffalo Bill’s Biz Four: or, Custer’s Shadow.
' By Col. Prentiss Ingraham.
748 Buffalo Bill's Flush Hand; er. Texas Jack’s
Bravos. By Col.Prentisslngsaham. l
lo Bill’s Blind; or. The Masked Driver of

, Dea h’s C's‘nyon. By Col. Prentiss ingraham.

 V ‘785 Buflalo B ii and His Merry Men: or. The Robin

Hood Rivals. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham.

78! Buffalo Bill's Beagles; or, Silk Lasso 8am. By
" Col. Prentiss lngrshem.

Guard: or. The Still Hunt 6:
the Hills. By 00 . Prentiss lngraham.

 

629’Bulfalo Bill's Daring Role; or, Daredth Dick,

 

_ . --.. . ..__._._H._~. ___.,. _.__.. l

722 Buffalo llill on the War Paul]; 0-, Silk Lnuso :
Sam, the Will otthe—Wlsp of the Trails. ;

716 Buffalo liill‘s Scout Shudowers: or Emrrnlri E'l
of lleVii‘s Acre. 15v Col. Prl'nliSs lngru am. i

710 Bui‘fal v llill liviiilol: or, The Downer Desper-
allo’s Defiance. By Col. P. lngmlunn.

607 Buffalo lilll's Buckskin Brotherhood; or. Onen
ing Up it I. at 'i‘rail. l-ly Col. 1‘. in 'l‘ahanl.

691 Buffalo lliil‘s I’- ind Trail; or. Tlu- Daughter of y
the Regiment. By C‘ .l. l’r u-iss luglzihzun. ‘

692 Buifalo Hill’s Snorer Service Tl'uil.
Danm-rfiuivl llnrr. ‘

687 Buffalo Bills Swoop; ( r. the King of the Mines. i
Ry Col. Prentiss lngrahmn. ‘

658 The Cowbo (‘lan. or. The Tigress of Texas.
B Colonel ’rentlns lngraham.

6531‘1e Lasso King’s League; or. The Tigers of
Texas. By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham.

.\\‘
\ \

 

649 Buck T lor. the Saddle King. Buffalo Bill‘s
Chief of utsp By Col. P. Ingraham.

644 Buffalo Bill‘s Bonanzs' or. The Knights of the
Silver Circle. By Col. Prentiss Ingranam.

689 The Gold Kinfi; or, Montebello, the Magnificent-
By Buffalo Bl .

King of the Cowboys. By Leon Lewis. .

599 The Dead Shot Nine: 01', My Paras of the Plains.
By Buflaio Bill. .

517 BnflaloBill’s First Trailz'or. Will Cody. the Pony
Express Rider. By Ned Bunlline.

414 Red Renard. the Indian Delective: or. The Gold
Buzz mis of Colorado. By Buffalo Bill.
401 T e One-Armed Para; or. Red Retribution in
B. rderiand. By Buffalo Bill.
3% The Wizard Brothers; or. White Beaver-‘8 Trail.
Buffalo

Bill. . ,
394 bite Beaver, the Exile of the Platte: or, A
Wronired Man's Red Trail. By Bud'an Bill.
on Main Bill‘s Grip: or Oath-bound to Custer.
. By Col. Prentiss Inflation:

 

liy Major i 1”

 

329 Buffalo Bill's Pledge; or, 'lhe League of Three.
15y ()ol. Prentiss Ingraham.

319 Will Bill. the Whirlwind of the West.
falo Bill.

30-1 Texas Jack. the Prairie Rattler; o:,'I‘he Queen
of the Wild Riderx. liy Buffalo Bill.

By llnf~

r 1213 The Pilnriln Sharp; or. The Soidier'.‘ Sweetheart.

l;_v Buffalo liill, Government Scout and Guide.
189 ‘Xlld Bill‘s (iold Tlail; or, The Desnerate Dozen.
A R'lmnuoe of llllifalo Blil‘s Old Pard. By (‘01-
Prentiss lugraham,
Wild ilili‘; Trump (‘n rd: or. The indian Heiress.
Br Col. i’l'i-n iss ingmham.
» Wild Bill tlw Pistol Dvnd Shot. By Col. Inzraham
158 Buffalo Bill, uniof of Scouts; or, The Doomed
Dozen. lly Dr. Frank Powell.
117 Buifnl'» Bill‘s Strating Pard: or, linshirg Dandy.
the Hotspur of the Hills. By Major 1). Burr.

MI

in

n

 

 

13m $3118 owma NI SEGOSIJH BNI'I'II‘EHLI.

92 Buffalo Bill, the Buckskin King; or a... Amalon
of the West. By Major Dangerfield Burr.

83 Gold Bullet S : or. tie Knights of the 0ver~
land. By Bu alo Bill.

52 Death Trailer, the Chief of B’outs' or, Life and.
Love in a Frontier Fort. By Maio Bill.

LATEST AND NEW ISSUES.

818 The Sham Syotter‘s Shmid Scheme; or, The
Demon Dwar 'e Striker Sharps. By E. Payne.
814 The New Yorker Among T as Sports; or, De-
tectlve Nick Tomllnson s Stil Hunt. By Aiken.
815 The. Soft Hand’s Clutch; or. Th» Night-Hawk
Chief‘s Right Hand Man. By Joe. E. Badger, Jr.
816 Buffalo Bl'l-‘s Red Trail: or. Running Down the
Outlaw Owls. By Col. Prentiss ingraham.
. ‘ A new issue every Wednesday.

Beadle,- Dime Library is for sale b all
low lers. ten cents per cop or sent by in lo.
maggot. twelve cents each. BADLI! & Annie.
Pub on. 98 William street. ew York.‘

 

.«_-. ....