. P bl‘ n d W73;er b B (11 and Adams - , NO- 428- 3‘53. “ ‘3 :0. AA‘vaufiAmysneimf yum ' Flv‘e't'v°e°m VOL XXXIH- NEBRASKA CHARLIE. A. ‘ I i l m Adventurous Life of Nebraska. Chm-lie. The Adventurous Life of “Nebraska. Charlie,” (Chas. E. Burgess,) THE “ BOY MEDICINE MAN” 0]? THE PAWNEES.‘ BY COL. PRENTISS INGRAHAM, AUTHOR or BIOGRAPHIES or “ BUFFALO BILL,” “WILD BILL,” “TEXAS JACK,” “warm mama,” “NIGHT HAWK GEORGE,” “nucxsxm SAM," “ EDDIE Bim- GESS, rm: BOY cams,” “ammo BILLY,” mm, are. ‘ CHAPTER I. m mum: amass. TEE glimmer of a campfire shed its rays far out over the mine, piercing through the foliage and brus of a small clump of timber, in the present State of Nebraska, for, at the time of which I write it wasa Territory, and had not a representative star in the flag of our country. There were four men riding slowly along afar of! from the glimmering camp~flre light, a% as the eyes of one of them fell upon it, he drew rein quickly, and attracted the attention of his companions to it. _ A low talk together of a minute, and the heads of the four orses were turned toward the distant timber. And in that little clump of woods, lying like an island in a sea, was a camp, where two per- sons had laid down for the night. The horses were near. two fine ponies, lariated outto feed upon the juicy grass, and beneath the shelter of a small wicky-up, or hastily con- structed shelter, slept their masters. In that lone spot, far away from human habi- tation, one would have expected to find men braving the dangers ever to be met with n n the prairies: but, instead, the camp-{ire of age showed two youths—nay, boys, slumbering innocently beneath their blankets. One of them soon began to move uneasily, . and at last set up and looked around him. ,. This awakened the other, who asked: ‘,‘ What is it, Charlie?” . “I don't know, Eddie.” “ If it isn’t anything whyV don’t on lay down and o toslee-p again for ’m aw ul slee y.” “ was; too, but 1 ain’t now, and guess something a wrong. for I can’t sleep, so I’ll have a look at the ponies.” The speaker arose as he said this, and dis- played the tact thereby that he was very young. scaroel twelva, and a well-formed. dark-faced boa, w 0 had it in him to play a man’s part it on ed upon to do it. ' He was dressed in buckskin jacket, leggings, and hunting-shirt, and wore moccasins, and a V broad sombrero. ’ ’ Also known as “ Wild Charlie.“ and a brother of Iddle Burgess, “ The Boy Chief of the Pawnccs.“ Taking up from the ground where he had been éying a belt of arms, he buckled them aroun his slender waist, and stepped out from under the shelter, to walk away in the gloom be end the camp fir . ardly had he disappeared when the other occupant of the wicky-up sat up on his blanket and muttered: . “If Charlie can’t sleep there’s something wrong, for he’s like an Injun, father says, to Inufl danger. “ So I’ll look about, too.” And up he arose to a standing position, mailer than the other, more slender, younger. and with long golden hair and blue eyes, while the other had locks as black as aerow, and eyes dark and piercing; and yet they were brothers i—the one Charlie Burgess, the other Eddie Burgess, border bogs, and the sons of a worthy farmer whose ranc was forty miles away from their camp. The boys were en route to the home of a young friend, where they intended visiting for a few weeks, and well skilled in prnii‘ie craft, cunning as Indians, and brave ns lions, they were going alone to the much of their boy com- rade, and this was their first camp on the plains, where their lives depended upon their-own valor and sagacity, for those were days when prowl- ing bands of red-skins were roving;r hither and thither bent on mischief,and just as bad. white renegades who prayed upon their own race for booty. The two brothers, oung as they were, could ride like Indians, fol ow a trail as unerringly," and could handle their rifles and revolvers M" h uneil'lring skill, and they were both armed to the teat . When Charlie, who is the hero of this biogra- hy—for I am writing no tale of fiction now, ind reader—went out to rccmmoitcr about the camp, his steps led him to the spot where the ponies were lassoed out. Instantly he saw that neither one was feeding, but stood with pricked up ears gazing out into the darkness across the prairie. “ What is it, Butlerl” he asked, as he patted the pony upon his shoulder afiectionately. The animal seemed to understand the ques- tion for he gave a low snort, as of warning. “Good pony,” said Charlie, and instantly he retraced is way to the camp and found his brother just coming from under the wicky-up, rifle in hand, and with his Lelt, containing two revolvsrs and a hunting knife, strapped about his waist. “ Something’s up, Eddie, for the ponies have seented it.” ' “Then we had better make tracks Charlie.” “ No, Eddie, for we ma run into the enemy. “ We’ll just coony up t is tree and wait." And Charlie set the example by swingingl his rifle to his back, rolling the blankets up to ook as though human forms were beneath, and then climbing up into the thick branches of a tree. beneath which their wicky-u was built. “ You sit there, Eddie, an I’ll stay here. and we can see all that goes on within the circle of the flreli ht,” said Charlie. “But e ponies, Charlie?" “ Well. if it is anybody who‘wants to steal l The Adventurous Life of Nebraska. Charlie. ‘ 8 Ihe ponies. they’ll try to get more and come for the cam ." ll Hal. l” Both listened attentively, and there came to their ears the distant fall of hoofs upon the rairie, and this it was that had evidently at- racted the keen senses of the ponies. Then the sound ceased, and Charlie said in a low tone: “ They are coming on foot now, Eddie, for fear we may hear the horses.” “ Then they mean us harm, Charlie." “ We will know soon, and we can be ready for them." Then the two boys, in this their first great ril alone, set to wishing that this person and hat one was with them, until Charlie said: “ I wish Buffalo Bill was here.” “ So do I, Charlie, for he isn’t afraid of any- thing and it would be just fun for him, and it isn’t for us, is it?" “No, Eddie, it don’t seem funny; but we are border boys, and we have got to face what’s be- fore us.” This is what the two boys bravely decided up- on doing, and they remained. silent] waiting for matters to take a more tangible orm than sounds upon the prairie. Presently one of- the ponies started snorted, and ran to the end of his lariat, and Charlie whis red: “ omebody was near Butler then, Eddie.” “ Yes,” whispered back Eddie, and again came a silence between them. Fora long time not a sound was heard, and then the two boys started suddenly, for four bright flashes illuminated the darkness, and as many shots rung out with sharp, ominous re- ports, There were some dull thuds followed, the blankets moved under the Eressure of bullets,and then four men came boun ing forward. As they came into the glare of the camp-fire, the one in advance, a tall, long bearded white znsn, Charlie recognized as one he had seen be- ore. it had been at Kearney, when he was a pris- oner to the soldiers, and under sentence of death as a murderer and renegade, the chief of a band known as the Prairie Raiders. ‘ Charlie had gone toKearney with his father, and the mnn condemned to die brd attracted his curiosity and sympathy, and his face had often been before him as it had looked that day. He had heard that the man had seen , the night after he had seen him, by killing h a guard With his irons, and now Charlie beheld that out- law before him, and instantly he covered him With his rifle, while he called to his brother: “Take the second one. Eddie!” Their rifles tie-had almost together, and the two men in advance we down, justas they had almost reached thel tle wicky-up. The other two outlaws had not seen from whence came the deadly shots, as the flrelitzht dad the flashes, and instantly they sprung back to seek cover, when a pistol-shot 'rom Charlie wounded one in the leg and brought him down. while the tourth once Eddie's fire and ran with all a sad out upon he prairie. ,“Quick, Eddiapyou keep your rifle on that fellow, and 1’" o for their horses," cried Char- lie, and the two ys slipped down from the tree, and the elder ran to his pony, and sprung upon his back, while Eddie began to plotto ca ture the wounded man, who had drawn himsel to a tree, and sat there his revolver in hand. Darting across the prairie, Charlie soon came to where four horses were lnriated out, and in stantly he dismounted, pulled up the pins, and “as about to return With them to camp, when up dashed the fourth of the fugitives. It was evident that he did not think that he had already been flanked in his intention, for the horseman he had seen dash away, he thought was one of his comrades, mounted upon one of the ponies belonging to the camgofi . Up he ran, right up to the y, and called out: “ Is that you, Jim?" \ ' “ No. it’s Charlie, and you just throw up your bands," was the startlinc response, and the pistol was shoved right into his face. The man did not take note of the boyish voice and slight form, for it was the pistol he feared, and up went his hands above his head while Charlie disarmed him with a coolness and celer ity shat was surprising, for the prisoner mut tere : - * “gaught squar’, or I are a liar; but whole er “Charlie Bur ess.” “ A boy, as I ive.” “ Yes, I am a boy.” ’“nNot full grown yet, or I’ll take ter preach~ “ No, I am not full grown, but my pistol is so no foolishness, mister, or I’ll have to you." said Charlie firmly. “ Don’t do it.” “ Then do asI tell you.” ~ “ Sure l" “ Put one arm down by your side.” _ This was at once done, and a lariat noose was thrown about his body, holding the arm firmly. “ Now the other. ” “ You don’t mean it.” Charlie raised his revolver and down came the arm, and it. too was made fast. “ Now, march for yonder timber " and lead- ing the four captured ponies with his own, Char] e drove his prisoner to camp. , He found Eddie watching the wounded prie- oner, who had ' crawled behind a tree, and remained there silent and motionless. “Is that you, Charlie?” called out Eddie, on he heard the steps a roaching. “ Yes, Eddie; an ’ve got him and all their horses.’ “ Where’s the other!" . " l“liehi’nd that large: bignlook put, for he’s pay up: possum an may I you. As Eddie called out there came a/flash from behind the tree, and Charlie’s hat was knocked from his head by the bullet. Instantly he sprung to cover, and calling to Eddie to remain where he was andnot exams himself, he drew the prisoner toward him by the lnriat, and said: “Now, you’ve got to help me capture your nerd!” , ’ I it; P’ 'L or C The Adventurous Life of Nebraska Charlie. “I can't do it, boy, for I is tied; but if you lets me free I kin." “ No. I won’t untie you; but just walk right , toward that tree, and I‘ll come behind you.” The outlaw was in a trap, and he said in a. whining tone: “He’ll shoot me, sure.” “ I’ll shoot you if you don’t mind me. u Go I” The man felt the pistol muzzle pushed hard against his back, and at once he moved forward, while Charlie kept behind him at a close step. “Now, Eddie, be ready," he called out, and the boy advanced upon his hidden foe. “ Say, Buck, that hain’t a squar’ deal,” he called out to the outlaw who was so cleverly made use of. “ It don’t look it to you, Jim Henley, but it do tor me, fer I hes a feelin’ in ther back thet hsin’t cdmfortable,” answered the other as he still moved forward with Charlie in his rear. “ I’ve ot a broke leg, or I’d not let two boys take me n," said the other. “ Waal, up with yer grips and end ther circus, fer ther cap’n and Bounce hes chawed grass as yer kin see.” - " Quick, Buck, dodge away from the boy and I’ll end him." “ No yer don’t, fer I mout git ther bullet.” "Waal, I surrenders.” “ Then come out here before the fire,” called out Charlie. “I hes a broke leg and can’t." “You crawled there, so crawl back.” “ I’ll try.” And out tram his shelter came the wounded outlaw, and down went his weapons at Charlie’s command, and he, too, was securely bound. r Then the boys hastily dug a grave and buried the two dead outlaws, and mounting their pooled after strapping their prisoners upon two of the horses, they started on the nearest trail to Kearngg. The; r 0 hard, in spite of the groans of the woun ed man, and gave np their prisoners to the omcerin command, were paid fair prices for their captured horses, and congratulated warmly upon their gallant deed. _ Then the two brothers turned their ponies’ head: toward their former destination, and went on their way full of pride at their e_x loit, of which two men, in their position, mig t have boasted as a great teat. CHAPTER II. In mams or ORUEL FOES. ’ Cnannm and Eddie Burgess certainly found ‘themselves heroes upon their arrival at the home of the young triend whom they were going to visit when they met With their thrilling adventure. Bat they ound the settlement, in which was the ranch 0 their friend, in a state of excite- ment. regarding the Indians, who were threat- ening an outbreak along the border. ’ And all too soon it came for the denizens of the ranch were awakened in the dead of night - to find the rsd—sldns upon them, and a scene of horror followed. Charlie saw his blends out dpwn, scalped, and mumflwu killedi but he was no «r boy to tamely die, when by living he could avenge these he loved. Down from the up or floor he dropped. from the window upon a s elter over the cellarway, and into this he crept: but he was soon dis— covered by an Indian chief, and, though he made a desperate fight of it, he was dragged away a captive, and soon after found himself a prisoner, tied to a mustang, and in the midst o: gonies laden with booty from the settlement, eing carried to the red skin :illage far away. It was a long, hard more," [or the poor boy, bound as he was day and .nght, and not fed by his captors; but at last the village was reached, and to his delight he found that Eddie was not dead, though it was sad to See that he, too, was a risoner to the renegade white chief that had led the attack upon the settlement. The chief who claimed him lived in a distant village, and had merely allied himself with the renegade’s band for the attack upon the settle- ment, and consequently Charlie was dragged away with him, leaving Eddie behind, for all en- truaties to allow them to remain together failed with their cruel-hearted masters. But Charlie had a nature that rose under rlitfl wulty, and instead of re ining, he at once decided to make the best of is sad lot, and to plot for one end. and he told the chief, for he spoke Sioux a little, that be rather liknd red- skins, and was perfectly willing to remain with t em. . Red Bufialo, his captor, was glad to hear this, but he was such a cunning rascal himself, t at he took Charlie’s assertion with a liberal grain of allowance, and determined to watch him more closely: but he wished to show his good» ness by releasing his hands from the thongs that bound them, though he kept the boy’s legs tied beneath the pony, and so securely that to escape was impossible. CHAPTER III. SAVING A FOE. r TEE first night on the march, Red Bufl'alo and his band eucnm ed in a piece of timber on the banks of a smal stream, and Charlie was forced to sleep between the Red Buffalo and a warrior, so that the very thought of attempting to get away had to be given up. Before dawn the red-skins were astir to con- tinue the march, and Charlie was given a piece of bread, some that had been stolen in the set- tlement, and a chunk of bufl’alo-meat to eat for his breakfast, and having been again tied to his pony, he sat upon his back eating his humble meal with considerable relish, and watching the Indians get ready for the march, for, as they we? loaded down with plunder, it was no easy tas . ’ While he‘ sat there the quick ear of Eddie Burgess caught a soun oti’ in the river. It might be a deer running across, attracted by the camp—fires, and it might be a. herd of buflaloes. Then he knew that it was a hostile country. and he felt that rhaps it might be a “band of Indians, foes to is captors. His heart akso gave a bound when the thought flashed through his mind: “ Perhaps it is soldiers!" w”. um, 4 V...” , k, .34 4x . .‘i‘f‘fi '. ‘ Mina-WM‘EYL‘T: m u... Q N... m. ,bers, and were is The Adventurous Life of Nebraska. Charlie. I He saw that the Indians evidently expected no attack, for ,if they were pursued, they knew that White Snake the Renegade Chief, was between them and danger. ’ He also observed that the red-skins had not heard the sound, and then he listened attentive- ly once more. A low snort told him that whatever was coming it was nearer than before. Again was heard a splash, and then a clink- ing sound, as though steelhnd rung against steel. ‘It must he cavalry,” said Charlie to him- self and then his heart beat high with hope. Then came the call of a night-bird, and the bon knew that it was an Indian signal. f Indians he would be perhaps killed at their first charge, bound as he was, and in the full lire-light. but if soldiers he would stand achance of rescue. Yet soldiers he was now confident they were not, and he determined to not for his own advantage. The Indians were also busy packing their booty on their horses, and getting all ready for the march, that even their acute hearing had not been attracted by sounds beyond the camp, and the guards had been called in. ’ “ The Red Buffalo has ears," said Charlie, ad- dressing the chief in his best Sioux, as he just then came near him. “ The pale-face boy speaks true,” and the Red Buflalo‘ste ped quickly to his side. “The pa e-face boy is the friend of the Red Buffalo, and he wishes not that his foes should come upon him. “ Let the Red Buflalo listen,” and Charlie inted toward the river, which glided by not irty Eces distant. The d Buffalo made a spring toward the bank, listened an instant, and then his wild war-cry, rallying his braves, rung out piercing- ly in the crisp morning air. ; Instantly every brave sprung to the shelter of the nearest tree, and not an instant loo soon, for up the bank out of the river, came floun- dering horses and riders by the score. A volley of shots was poured upon them, and Tony tumbled back into the stream dead or ying. But others came on. and hot and savage bo- gan a hand-to—hand conflict in the timber. The band of Red Bulfalo was at first pressed back, for the attacking party, who wore In: dians, mounted as the were, rushed upon them with overwhelmin ores, and in large num- by a huge chief, mounted upon a large spotted horse, that carried all be- fore him. Red Buffalo boldly sprimg right in front of him, to meet his attack, and raised his rifle, when the muzzle covered the heart of his large . foe, who was not twenty feet from him. But the cap snapped, and ere he could turn his enemy was 11 n him, and another second would nave ende the days of the Red Buflalo. Just then, however, there came a sharp crack of a pistol, and the large chief fell from his horse, which dashing by where Charlie’s mus- tang was tied to a tree, was seized by the brave ho . it the fall of their huge leader. the attacking warriors halted, wheeled to the right-about, and find for the rivar, followed b the exultant Sioux. with a hot fire and the wi dost yells. As they rode into the river many were shot from their ponies and the animals were cap- tured, so that the result was a grand victory for the Sioux, many scalps, two-score captive ponies, and the loss of only half a dozen war. riors wounded, and one killed. Back to the captive boy then came the Red Buffalo and his head braves, and the chief said: “My pale-face captive is my friend, and I name him waah—cots—tah—ka.* “ He saved the life of the Red Buflalo, who did not know he had a pistol, and he shall have the scalp and horse of the great chief Us—oaw- wuk 11+, the foe of my people.” “ I had the pistol in my leggings, and I wished to prove I was the friend of the Red Buflalo. “But let him take the scalp and horse of Us- au-ulatk-y, for I do not want them,” answered, ar ie. The Red Buflalo seemed to ap recinte this double gift immensely, and to s ow that he could be generous too, he stepped forward and severed the thongs that bound the feet of Charlie, unfastened the lariat that held the pony he rode to a tree, and said: ' “ La—tah-cots tah-ka shall be the son of the Red Buffalo, who will make him a great war rior. if he is onl a pappoose.” Charlie smilei , as though he was immensely 'pleased, and when soon after the march was con- tinued, he rode free, and trotted along by the side of his adopted father with a look that tickled the cunning Indian, who was delighted with the boy who had done them all such a great service. CHAPTER IV. THREE AGAINST om ALL along the march that day Charlie could ‘ see that he was re arded with high favor am the Indians, and a that he was the subject 0 conversation. . ~ And no wonder for the surprise upon their camp would have n comps-101176, and b aforoe their equal in numbers, w e they, en “at ,dlsadvautage, on foot, hampered by booty, and hemmed in, would certain] have lost But the quick ear of t e ho on two had ,given them a. slight warning, an his illin of their hitherto invincible chief, Spotted H516, had wholly demoralized their foes, and hence they owed all to the youth and many were glad that the Red Buffalo had so promptly recog- nized his services by making him a warrior, though he was but a boy. / There were some envious yonn .bucks, who were on their first war-trail, who 1d not like to see a boy of twelve or thirteen, and a pale-taco, put over them, when they were from eighteen to twenty years of age. ‘ But they comforted themselves with the thought that the pale-face bay would neverpass throu h the ordeal he wo d have to ere he could e recognized asa warrior by the tribe. And into the village of the Indianvsi, a perfect; , stronghold in the hills. went the ctori. and 0 White Each. ? Ipotted Eons. l l . W :; w. Fr. 4.13 F; - ,if‘-;.’i\y’- ,n,. ,. >:» . .,,;l, ., .. . m... .n-.._~ «nummuuuw 8 The Adventurous Life of Nebraska. Charlie. those who had been left behind came forth to meet them, with yells of delight at their suc- ecs-x minglin wit howls, of sorrow at the loss of t ose who ad fallen. Seein Charlie, as was their wont the squaws rushed or him, to heap upon him abuse of all kinds, but the stern voice of the Red Buffalo waved them back, while he cried: "Let in people know that the scalp of the Red But! 0, and the scalps of his braves, would have hung at the belts of Spotted Horse, the Pawnee, and his warriors, but for this pale-face boy, who is now my friend and the friend of my people, and he shall beknown as Lartah- oats-tah-ka.” The squaws fell back and Charlie was saved from many an indignity and really physical pain at their hands, while the youngsters of the v lage crowded about him with every token of admiration, and many a brave in embryo looked at him with envy, and wished he could have become the hero of the fight upon the river—as did the pale—face boy. To the tapes of the Red Bufl’alo Charlie was taken, and giyen to understand that he must make himself at home; and, to aid him in this idea, the squaw wife of the chief at once sent him to the spnégg for water and to the timber nearb forw . At t is the Red Buffalo rebelled, for it was lewering to the dignity of a brave to do menial work; but Charlies eyes, young as they were, could read that he had a shrew to deal with, and be instantly determiner] to get upon the good side of the “ old red, hen,” as be mentally called her, so he begged to be allowed to do the work to aid her. He quickl brought the water, chopped up a large pile 0 wood, cleaned up the tapes and all about it, and won the heart of Fire Eyes, as the sqnaw was called, before he had been a day in the village. ' Then he set about showing her how to coo; certain things, for Charlie had hung about the kitchen enough at home to find out something of the culinary art. and with the edibles stolen from the settlement he prepared dainty dishes, and the Red Buffalo felt that he had a treasure indeed, and was site drawn toward the boy', for he had no children to make his Wigwam hep . V a; there were some youngsters in the vil- lage that preferred to steal rather than work, chopping wood, and consequently had piled up a goodly supp‘l‘y behind the tepee, the decided to raid upon m for what they need for their mothers, as it would be far easier than to gather it- for themselves. fagots and tube would drag up a. large load on a little wagon he had made, and which, though rude, was serviceable, he noticed that the pile seemed to decrease rather than increase. , The Red Bnflalo and his warriors were 03 on a hunt. Fire Eyes was over in the village. for ', her tome stood apart from the others, and too ‘ 4 busy ‘ gossiping to notice what was going on, 9 and consequently Charlie knew that there were ' thieves at work. . Instantly be determined to watch for the / and as Charlie spent some time each day in» Charlie was of! in the woods getting more , raiders upon his wood-pile, and he went back into the woods with his wagon; but, as soon as the thicket concealed him, he left the go—cnrt, ran around through the brush,and came out at a point where he could obtain a view of his tapes and at the same time be near enough to act. Hardly had he gained his point of observation when he saw that which made him mad as a hornet. . There were three Indian boys—two of his own size and one larger—deliberate] y shouldoring 'his wood and carrying it off to their respective tepees. As they left with their loads, Charlie ran to his Wigwam and entered it, at the same time trimming a stick he had hastily cut to have it ready for use. ‘ Hardly had he gained the inside of the wig- wam when back the trio of thieves came at a trot, anxious to get several loads stolen before the return of the youth of whom they were thus taking advantage. They were Just raising their loads t6 their shoulders when Charlie darted around the tepee upon them. They were surprised, that was certain; but from babyhood they had been trained to show no surprise at anything, so stood in stolid silence looking at the pale face boy. ’ As they did not drop their loads at sight of him, but seemed inclined to brazen it out, Charlie decided to encourage them, and as quick as lightning he ran along the line delivering upon the back of each culprit a stingin‘o blow that made them shout out with pain and drop the wood quickly. But this at once precipitated matters into a row, for, smarting with pain, the three young red-skins rushed upon the boy together. Now not one of the fighting uartet o bed ob- served that the Red Buffalo ha come near with some of his warriors, and sat on their ponies watching the fracas, having sen the wood- stealers, and Charlie dart into the Wigwam, and, with an Indi'in’s love of excitement, waited to see the de’rwurement. Each red-skin boy had tried to crush Charlie with his load of wood as he threw it down. but he nimbl sprung one side and squaring ofl met the attac . The old saying of “ entertaining an angel un- awares” came to Charlie then in all its vivid‘ uses, for some six months before a rran had stopped at his father’s house, having been all that was left of a small party that had been at- tacked !) Indians. He ha been entertained by Mr. Burgess most hospitany until he could write to Boston for money, and the six weeks that assed before a replg came he had spent mos ly with Charlie and ddie and given them lessons in the art of boxing, telling them that he was a prize-fighter on his way to California to meet a foe when caught by the Indians. ihhnmmi. before / These lessons-now. served Charley well, for he threw aside his stick, and, as his three foes rushed upon him, sent them to grass with a skill :fild ease that surprised, hurt and maddened em. ' Up they would stn get and again rush upon a ow could be struck tbs O z i i The Adventurous Life of Nebraska. Charlie. ' 7 brave pale-face boy, down would go Ma 'ter In- dian all in a heap. The red skins could not understand this any more than could the Red Buffalo, his warriors with him, and all others in the village who caught sight of the fracas, and instantly crowd- ed toward the scene. Red Buffalo was delighted with his protege, and rode forward rapidly to the spot where Charlie stood, his back against the wood-pile his ener had gathered, his foot upon the stick he had gun the fight with, and his hands squared to meet his foes. It wasa sight for an artist, with the brave ale-face boy, alone in the Indian village, brave- y meeting his three adversaries, any one of whom seemed an e ual for him in appearance, And the red-skin ookers on certainly were amazed. But the trio of boys were hard to whip, and still pressed the fighting. Their faces were cut and bleeding, their eyes and noses swelling, and they were pretty well battered up by Charlie’s hard knuc les, which had been skinned by the blows, that were his only wounds. Again the] r of the three rushed upon him, and determine to end the uflair. Charlie sprung one side and sent a telling blow under the right ear of his foe, that not only brought him down, but kept him there senseless. Then he urged the fighting, for before the two others were ready for the double rush at him he was 11 n them, doubling one up by a fearful blow Just above the belt, and catching the fist of the other upon his left fore—arm, he brought his right knuckles so squarely under the chin of the third that he sailed backward in a manner that was startling. A yell broke from Red Bufl'alo at this, and a few warriors joined the chorus, for their admi- ration could not be suppressed, while Charlie started to follow up his advantage, but was at once proclaimed Victor, as the two last reci i- ents of his favors took to their heels, while t e third still lay unconscious. CHAPTER V. OOWING A WARRIOR: THOUGH the Indians admired the skill of Charlie, et, as a pale-face, they could not bear to see t eir Own race defeated by him, and angry frowns went round the crowd for now half the redskins in the viilage were 1: ere. In a few words the tired-out, panting boy told the Red Buflalo how the three boys were stealing his wood, piled up for Fire Eyes, and of course the squaw he was serving so well looked daggers not only at the cal rits, but at their parents, while the chief told harlie he had done ri ht, and to keep it up if he found others stes in from him; for, if he had a white face, his h was an Indian heart, and he was worthy to be a youn chief. In t 9 mean time, the largest one of the three thieVee had not et recovered consciousness, and just then his ether rode up and, wild with rage demanded who had killed his son. , e isn’t dead, but is 'ng ’possum, because I licked him,” boldly sa d arlie. ’ This brought the ire of thechief mChsrlie. . a“: for he was second in power to Red Bnflalo in the village, and he said savagely: ‘ “ The Panther will kill the pale—face bo ." Red Biiillalo would have interfered, but ike a spring of the beast after whom he was named is e Indian was upon Charlie, his hand grasping his throat. But suddenl he started backward, stumbled over a pile o fagots and fell upon the wood- pile, while Charlie following him up kept a pistol full against his breast» A yell went up from the Indians, but the bravo boy held the weapon hard against the chief’s breast while he said: “ The Panther is a coward to beat a ho , and if the Red Buffalo save so I will kill him. “ No, the White a is must not kill the Penther. nor shall the anther hurt him,” said Red Buffalo stepping forward, and instantly Charlie returned his pistol to the breast pocket of his buckskin hunting—shirt, and sprung be- yond his reach. All could see that the Panther had been ter- ribly frightened by the boy, for though he had never fired a pisto , he had witnessed the deadly eflect of the weapons in the hands of the white scouts and soldiers, and stood in holy horror of the little “ shooting-iron.” It was 'the same pistol which Charlie had kept concealed in a secret pocket of his leg ngs, and which Red Buflalo had allowed him to Be ; but Charlie felt now that he would be forced give the was 11 up‘, and as he had managed to secrete anot er revolver, and had it hidden away, the cunning boy determined to yield it with the best grace possible, and he said quick- ly: “The pale-face boy has no anger for the Panther, for he likes him. “ The Little Panther stole from the Red Bailiffalo, and he fought the pale face with two 0 61‘s. ' “See, he is not hurt, and the pale-face boy gives the Panther this pistol, and will show him ow to use it.” He handed the pistol as he spoke to the chief, who, seeing his son, Little Panther, rise to his feet, was appeased in his wrath. and at once accepted the revolver with a grunt of delight, and ecame the envy of the other warriors, ex- cepting Red Buflalo. who had s single-barrel, weapon he seemed afraid to fire 01!. / ‘ But Charlie could see that the Panther only held out a flag of truce for awhile, and that he would yet get his revenge for the fright he had received, and the severe beating his son had gpg‘enst his hands, and be determined to m CHAPTER VI. . A FEARFUL 01mm TEE first step the Panther made to even with Charlie, was to suggest that, as e wore the name of a warrior, he must stand the ordeal 'all had to ass through, before he was really entitled to considered as such. As he hinted this around among the diflerent warriors, it soon began to tell upon the Red Buflalo, in a pressure that forced him to order a council to consider when the should take place. 'w'v'a ’ w \ / . . V r . ' _ . N. w....— -mM-o—w “.wmwa-w—nmmw. i“: . My, .m ,4 » *fi 8 Charlie now understood the Sioux tongue well enough to know that he would have a fear- ful trial to pass through, from all he heard said about the camp. He had no desire to become a warrior, in the Indian acceptation of the term, and the longer he dwelt in their village, the more he hated them, for he realized well, young as he was, that their wa s were not his ways, and that grilly a debased’ nature could live the lives they d As he had done an act of bravery that entitled him tothe rank of a warrior in spite of his ears, and his adopted father, the Red Buffalo, ad determined he should be made such, he had too much innate pluck to back out, so braced himself for the coming ordeal. There were a number of other applicants for the hi h honor, and, when the time for the dia- bolic ceremonies came, Charlie took his stand in the row of red—skins, a score in number, who were to stand the test. First there came a dance, rude, wild, bar- barous, and it was kept up without cessation to see who could stand it the longest. Now in this Charlie had the advantage, for while the sav es really were worked up to the highest pitch 0 excitement, that helped to pros- trate them, Charlie’s wildness was only assumed and he spared himself so well, that sinewy boy that he was, with wonderful powers of endur- ance, he saw his fellows drop down one by one with utter exhaustion, while he continued on to the last, and then could not withstand a smile of ride at his triumph so far. e saw that Red Bufl'alo was pleased at this, but that the Panther and many others were not. . Then followed, as soon as all were sufficiently rested, footraces, and Charlie ran like a deer and came in among the leaders, leaving three- fourths of the field behind, while in leaping, he found more than half of the longer- legged red- Ikins were his superiors. In bow and arrow shooting Charlie was even with the others, for a. bow had been his first weapon when but four years old, and he was a dead s ot with it. In riding he was also at home, and astonished the others, and though he could be thrown down in a wrestlin match, not even his large foes cared to face im when it came to box- in . These pastimes and trials Occupied the first day, and the second was devoted to showing nerve. A large tree had been smoothed ofl upon one side, and against this, one at a time, the aspi- rants for warrior-hood took their stands, while the old warriors were to see just what they would undergo without flinching. To test this, a warrior would stand ten paces away from the victim, for he was nothing else, and throw a tomahawk with a recision to come as near his head as was posszble and yet miss it. The very first throw of a chief resulted in the death of the youn brave for the temahawk cut into his skull; at, as it was an accident, nothini was thought (if it, and the next in or- der too his stand with a fearless face. i ha The Adventurous Life of Nebraska. Charlie. Charlie was the last of the lot, and had not only seen one killed, but several gashed on the head, an ear or two out off, and some very wild throwing. But he boldly took his stand, and never flinched as he saw that the Panther was to do the tomahawk throwing at him. It may be that the Red Buffalo observed the sinister look upon the face of the chief, for he said sternly: “The Panther'never hurts a young warrior, so let him not do so now, or the Red Buffalo will kill him." The Panther scowled, but he threw the flint tomahawk with evident care not to hurt Charlie, and the weapon sunk into the tree some two inches from his head. The second tomahawk buried itself into the tree within an inch of Charlie’s head, and the Panther turned away, evidently foiled in his pur ose by the stern words of threat spoken by the and chief, whom he dared not anger. Having stood this trying ordeal, the next scene was one of mutilation, for lar e slits were cut into the flesh of the as irants, t ongs were fastened into them, and t ough suffering the most excruciating agony, no sound was heard of meaning among the entire lot of young braves. And thus ended the fearful ordeal, and Char- lie became a warrior, but sickened by all he had seen and passed through, suffering from the wounds in his flesh, bleeding and exhausted, he staggered to the tegee of the Red Buffalo, and seemed to feel that e must die. But then his kindness to t e squaw Fire Eyes had its reward, for she bat ed and bound up his wounds, gave him a cooling herb-tea to drink, and nursed him most tenderly back to his former strength once more. CHAPTER VII. CHARLIE cmuans A Plaza. WXTHOUT any great adventure to speak of, or such as in his wild Indian life would be so con- sidered, Charlie Burgess’s days passed away in the red—skin village until several months had gone by since his capture. All this time he had not forgotten the one idea of his life, which was to make his escape; but to do so was a most perilous undertaking. Although he was treated as one of them, yet he knew the Indians, men, women and children had an eye on him. His seemingly perfect contentment in the life he led did not wholly undeceive them, and when he would go of! on a hunt sometimes by himself, he would unexpectedly find a warrior somewhere in his vicinity, as though by ac- cident. It was many long weary miles to the near- est settlement, and he knew that hostile tribes lay between him and the spot he so longed to reach, while he dared not yet trust himself to make the trip alone. One day he rode out on his little pon which Red Buffalo had given him, determ ed to spend the day in hunting antelope. He saw a herd in the distance, and in trying to get around it seas the wind would not betray him. for he was to windward of them. and he The Adventurous Life of Nebraska. Charlie. know they would scent him, he went much fur- ther than he expected. At last he got to a place where he felt he could cree within range unseen, and dismount- ingi he ti his pony and started on his way. 8 had gone but a short distance when he suddenly came upon a horse lariated out to feed in a ravine. Quickly he sprung to cover, and began to glance around for the rider. But he was nowhere visible, and after a searching look at the mustang he saw that it did not belong to any warrior in his cam . It had on it a cavalry saddle and bridle, and was a clean Iimbed cream-colored animal, with jet-black mane and tail. I His heart now beat high with hope, for it might be a soldier’s horse, or perhaps a scout’s, and if so rescue loomed up before him. But Charlie was naturally cautious, and his life amon the red-skins had increased that cau- tion, and e did not take it for granted, on ac- count of the saddle and bridle, that the animal belonged to a white man, but determined to wait and see. Accordingly he made a hasty inspection about the animal, and discovered the trail left by a shoe-shod foot, and not one that was mocca- sined. This seemed further roof that the rider was not an Indian, but sti 1 Charlie took matters coolly, and quietly ensconced himself behind a clump of bushes that grew not thirty paces from the horse, determined to await the return of the master of the mustang. The trail had led up to the top of the wooded hill, and the rider, w oever he was, had doubt- less seen the herd of antelope and was then gone to at a shot at them. atiently as a full-blooded Indian would have one, Charlie waited, and soon there came to his ears the sound of a distant shot. This seemed another convincing roof that the rider of the mustang was not an ndian, for few of the red—skins at that time were armed with rifles.- And there Charlie waited, and again distinctly to his ears came three shots in rapid succession, which proved that the man, whoever he might be, was armed with a repeating rifle, as the re‘ ports'were toosharp and loud for a revolver, the ear of the be detected. An Indian wit a repeating rifle then was too greatararity for Charlie to doubt for an in- stant that it was a white man who fired the shotsi yet still he remained concealed and calm y waited. For half an hour, perhaps, he waited, and thenasound on his left caused him to start, when he had expected to see the rider of the bgalpitiful mustang come down the hill in trout o in. To his Surprise he now beheld the one for whom he was waiting, and the sight did not. please him, for he started and momentarily be- came a trifle nervous. What he saw was an Indian, in war-paint and the feathers of a. chief, and whom he could not but recognize, from the many stories told of him, by the remarkable mannerm which hi8 face was painted. One side of it was white, and the other side jet-black, the line being drawn equally, the nose dividing the light from the dark, and being painted in unison. Gorgeously—dyed feathers of the eagle were in his chief’s bonnet or head-dress, and though he was dressed in buckskin, headed and worked with quills, the Indian wore a pair of handsome cavalry boots, the heels of which were armed with spurs. In one hand he carried a rifle, and the other held the rein of Charlie’s own pony, upon the back of which hung two untelopes. About the waist of the red-skin was a belt containing a revolver and a bowie—knife, which showed that, Indian though he was, he preferred the weapons of the white man to those of his {)aco, as his bow and arrows were hanging at his m'k. Charlie was armed with a bow and arrows, and the revolver which I have said be men— aged to secrete, and he knew that in a fair fight the chief would have the advantage. Besides, he recognized him, by his painted face and boots, to which the cream-colored horse added conviction, as an often described Dog Sohiier Sioux, by the name of Two Face. He knew the Indian chief had a daring band under him, and was the foe of the Red Buffalo Sioux and of the whites too, and was noted as a Evurrior with few equals and no superior in com- at. Two Face had found his pony, that was cer- tain, and had made use of him in carrying his game; but the light moccasined f: ct of Charlie Burgess had left no trail, and the chief was com— ing back for his own horse, not knowinglwbither the rider of the mustang he had found ad gone. But his searching eyes, wary step, and whole manner indicated that he was ready to meet a surprise. Seeing his own mustang awaiting him how- ever, he seemed to feel that the owner of the pony he had found, had not come that way. and instantly be walked with a more confident step. But, just as he laid his hand upon the mane of his own horse he received a stunning blow which sent him senseless to the ground, for Charlie had glided from his covert as noiselessly as a. pnnther, and holding his bow, with the arrow fitted, ready, should the chief turn, had gotten up to him undiscovered, and then raising his revolver, which hung to his waist by a buck- skin thong, he struck a telling blow with the barrel upon the head of the Indian, who sunk in his tracks as though life had left him. With eager hands he then deprived him of his wea ns, slinging the splendid Winchester riflel the ndian carried upon his own back, after which he bound him securely with the lariat he took from the mustang, for his own lasso was doing duty by holding the antelopes in lace. “ Now I’ll go back tothe village,” sai Charlie in high glee. But, as the Indian still remained motionless. he began to fear he had killed him, instead of stunning him, as had been his intention. “Here, Two Face, wake up a little lick like that oughtn't hurt your her lngun head," said The ‘Adventnrons Liferof Nebraska. Charlie. . Charlie, at the same time feeling the skull to see if it was broken. Afiash was there, which had bled a little, but Char ie had seen enough of wounds to feel that it was not dangerous. “ Hop up, old man, for it’s a long way to a ' ._ stamp, hesaid, stirring up the Indian With his But the chief lay motionless, seeming not to even breathe. “ You are meshing your feathers.Injun, so come, get a?” ' But still t e chief remained as before. “ I believe you are playing ’possum, for that lick wouldn’t kill me, soft as my head is. “ Come, get up, for I’ll not leave you." Still no movement of the Indian. “ Ohl Isavy your little game, red-skin. , “ You want me to skip off and leave yo thinking you are dead; but I ain’t that kind o be , so up with you.” . fiat the chief still remamed as before, and Charlie took out his knife. _ “Now I’ll raise you, I bet,” he said, and he pricked the Indian in the arm. But not a muscle twitched, and Charlie really began to fees- that the red-skin was dead. . ' Yet he‘trled the pricking process again, and et with no result. “You’re too much for me lift u is your horse, or I’d do it, and carry you in t at way. “ But I’ll tie the lariat to your feet and drag you in, I guess, if I can’t raise you from the 7’ A moment he stood in thought, gazing down upon the red-skin and then his face lighted up, and he thrust his and into a pocket in his hunt- ing shirt and drew out several matches. a uantity of which had been captured upon Red inflalos raid, and which Charlie had told his adopted father the use of. ' Stooping down he i ited the match, and quickly thrust it under t e nose of the Indian. The result was magical, for the chief gave a ' louttiin cough and nearly strangled sprung up to a 't posture. . fl “ 51 y for old Lucifer l” elled Charlie, - laughing heartin as he danced about the In- dian in perfect delight. CHAPTER VIII. name UNWON HONORS. AaCharlie was trudging slowl up a steep - hill. within/a mile of the Indian v' la 9, leadin his own pony bearing the two ante 0 es, an ’ the lndian’s mustang with the chief tie firmly upon his back he saw a horseman at the sum- mifi a1) ently awaiting his coming. 0 e t no dread of him, for he knew he could not be a fee, so near the Indian camp, and sup- posed that it must be one of the warriors, whom he knew to be constantly watching him. 1:238 may rain arrosv s15smli‘denl came w at im, an ri in m on . the head. Charlie Burgess know so more, while the two ponies, startled b his fall, bounded over him on up the hill, bu were sud- denly seized and checked b a strong hand. It was the Panther, and quick eye had at ":e‘ ‘ A \ once taken in the situation, that Two Face was a Eisoner to the daring pale-face boy. 0 had known Two Face in the past, before he became a rene ade Dog Soldier Sioux from the tribe, and he ad fought him Often since, and always to get the worst of it. The boy had captured him, but now he had a chance to avenge himself u n the White Eagle, and take the credit to himself of having been the one to master the great Dog Soldier Sioux. ‘ He could readily hide the body of the pale- face boy, and let it be supposed that he had es- caped, while he would turn his pony loose to go where it leased. With t is determination of gaining a double revenge and unwon honors at the same time, he raised his bow, took deliberate aim and fired full at Charlie Bur ess. The boy droppe without a cry, and confl- dent that his deadly work was done, the Pan- ther hastily caught the two horses. Upon one, seated calm and dignified, though blougd, was Two Face the Dog Soldier Sioux c is . k Upon the other were the two antelopes he had illed. A goodly prize certainly for the wily Pan- ther, for the antelopes would give him ample food for days, the mustang of Two Face was noted among the different tribes as the fleeiest _ horse on the rairies, and was called The Wind on account 0 his 5 ed. . Then, too. Two ace was known to possess the best arms the pale-faces could make, while tobe the one who had been his slayer, and who car ried his scalp, was an honor such as no other warrior of Red Buffalo’s band had ever won. Then. with all this. Panther knew he would have his revenge against the pale—face boy, White Eagle, and the Dog Soldier Sioux, too, and what more could even an Indian went? His first stroke brought Charlie down, his spo- ond caught the mustang, and then he stood gazing at Two Face with hate, which was changed to admiration when he now and then let his eyes fall upon the splendid mustang, which he had so coveted, almost as much as he has the scalp of his rider. “ The Panther is like the coyote, for he hangs on the trail to get the wounded me the wolf has pulled down.” said the Dog ldier Sioux, recognizing his foe, and throwing into his look and words the utmost scorn. “ The ale-face boy is one of the Red Buffalo's people; at he is my foe, and I have killed him,” answered Panther. doggedly. “ And the Red Buffalo will kill the Panther,” said Two Face, rimly. “The Red Bu alo will not know it.” “ The TWO Face will tell him that the Panther deserves not to wear the feathers of a chief, and he will tear from his coward head the bonnet of eagle‘plumes and from his neck the claws of the grizzly bear.* The face of the Panther grew black with rage, while he answered: ‘A necklace of bear claws head chief, as a mark of 01191' and mustn't!ng ‘ The Adventurous Idh " No, the Red Buflalo shall not know it, for I will kill the Two Face, scalp him, and hear his bodieto my village, that my people may see him. “ t him sin his death-song, (or my arrow shall pierce his eat.” The brave Dog Soldier Sioux uttered no word, but at once began ‘his death-song, chanting the words in a low, monotonous tone. Once‘hg glanced into the face of his foe, who stood directly in front of him, an arrow fitted to his bow, and pointed at his breast, while it was drawn back ready to let fly on its deadly errand. Over the head of the Panther the Dog Soldier Sioux’ eves glanced. and there flushed throu h them a fiery light, though not a quiver of t e stolid, painted face betrayed what he saw in that quick look, and his enemy suspected no wrong. What the Two Face saw, though. would have sent fear to the Panther’s heart had he seen the same sight, for Charlie Burgess was creepin noiseleme u n him, his revolver in hand, an aimed direct y at his bitter foe. The arrow point had glanced on the side of his head, cutting a gash, and for an instant only stunning him. But Charley had had the good sense to play the game of Two Face, and pretends to be dead, until at last he stolea glance in the direc- tion of the two chiefs and discovered that Pan- ther had his back to him. Then he determined to act, and promptly. Rising to his fe-t, he drew his revolver and rushed upon the Panther. ; That Two Face would see him, he knew, and I start might betray his presence; but, with a movement of the Panther, he intended to fire, and Charlie had full confidence in his aim. He did not wish tokill the chief, for that would get him into trouble he well knew, so he crept on, while Two Face continued his death- chant, as though he did not know his life was certainly to be spared temporarily, and that his intended slayer had better be singing his death-song, for he believed the boy woul certainly kill him. The bound chief sat upon his mustang, from his lips coming the chant; the Panther held his arrow ready to let fly into his heart, and without any more sound than a brave would have made. Charlie Burgess reached his back, raised his hand, as he had done with Two Face, thus giving that red-skin ocular demonstration of how he had been felled and the heavy muzzle of the revolver came down upon the d$ voted head of the Sioux, with the remark fro Charlie: “A turn about’s fair play, Mr. Panther!” The shock sent the arrow oil. yet not with force enough to drive it into the exposed bosom of Two Face, though it gave him a severe blow, and down upon his face went the Panther. But his head was harder than that of the Dog Soldier Sioux, for it barely stunned him, an ‘ he finickly attempted to rise, when the pistol was hrust at him, and Charlie said sternly: “ You’llfet a bullet in your head, Panther, if you don’t 0 a. I fall on. The chief saw that was entrapped, and by tbsonohobelievodhohsdkilbd. \ i of Nebruka. Charlie. l 1 A gash on Charlie’s head, and the red stain upon his neck and shoulder, proved that his arrow had been well aimed, only it had not struck hard enough. ' Half dazed from the hard blow, he made no repr. and Charlie said: “ Now, move for camp." The Indian hesitated, and Charlie stopped a pace backward, slung the Winchester rifle oi the Dog Soldier Sioux arour , and leveled it at his enemy, while he continue : “There are sixteen bullets in this ride, Pan- ther, and I’ll at. every one of ’em into You if you don’t strilie out for the village, or it you attempt to skip away." “The pale-face boy shall remember this,” hissed the Panther. “ I will, I know, for it’s a pretty big thing for a boy of my age to do, to take two chiefs into the village as prisoners. “ But come, move on i" The Panther moved on slowly, while Two Face lau bed, in spite of his peril, and leading the two arses, Charlie followed on elm be- hind, and soon after ap ared in camp. The sight was a start ing one for the lndians, ' and they gathered quickly around, while the l . i Red Buffalo asked: “ What has my son the White Eagle done!” “Brought some game home, Red Buil'alo, for I captured the Two Face, and the Panther tried‘ , tokill me and take my prisoner, to claim the honor himself. _ “ Here is his arrow mark.” and Charlie showed the wound on his head, while a silence, fell upon all, for that a chief should do so great a wrong to one who was as though of his own people was hard to believe. CHAPTER IXA on ma wan-urn. Tan Indians, who had assembled around Charlie and his two prisoners, were not long in‘ recognizing two important facts. ‘ Firs they knew that the Panther had gotten , himse into a very awkward situation and next, they were convinced that Charliea or White Eagle, as they called him, had the e a 111 st important capture, and one which made, , thg gallant warriors of the tribe hold their heads in shame. The first thing that Charlie did was to make a report of where he captured the chief of the Dog Soldier Sioux, and sugges t that he would ,. not have ventured that near to the village of a , ; hostile pee leunless he had some of his warriors near, and Red Buflalo at once ordered a hun- dred of his young men to take the boy’s t back to the t and reconnoiter for the foe. Then he ca led to an under chief and told him if: to see to it that the Panther was securely bound and placed in the guard tepee, until his case could be tried, and that Two Face should be confined in another prison lodge near by and '1- securely guarded by two warriors. The two chiefs were led away amid the hooti, ,[ ' ing of the squaws and children, at the Dog Sol- dier Sioux ca tive, an dRedBun'al prondasa 4-,. peacock at cold“ 0! his glowed m.‘ The Adventurous Life of Nebraska. Charlie. fig, saddle, brl e, rifle and pistol o the Two ’ - Charlie saw the look, but professed to misun- , 1 deratand it, and generous handed to his parent the old revo ver he had kept Md 1:, and which was not as good as the wea~ pen of the captive. But the horse and his equipments, with the rifle and revolver, he made no secret of his in- ,, tond to keep for himself. Charlie directed his attention to the two aute- lope. and suggested, as he did not cure for 113s, his adopted'parent might have the scalp ‘0! we Face when that worthy was killed. Bed Buflalo was too proud of his pale-face boy protege to grumble with him, for he a1- saw promise in him of becoming the a tof c iefs, so he told him to put away f horses, and come to the tepee for a talk. rCharlie gave the antelope to Fire Eyes, who , was immensely tickled with them, and than inflated his new ca tire and his pony out, tak- _ , ghis saddle and ridle with him to the wig- h. warn, f r fear of accidents. . I ' The Buffalo was there awaiting him, and after a few moments of silence, he said: “ My son, the White Eagle, is a. great brave.” ‘ Yes,” answered Charlie, at a loss what else tony and not caring to dispute the words of thaoadchief. t h. f"_ Iflng’inbesgI-ea e 1e . F Buflalo from death.” nte assent. ‘ hite Re is has captured the great fY of the Dog 80 dier Sioux.” es. , “ He is but a boy.” Charlie could not den this fact. ‘ge ’will wear his see. p at his belt.” 0. And Charlie declined this honor, and Red - v i alo hinted that he would wear it for him. “ He has a horse that goes like the wind.” ., _ “Yes”; the Two Face calls his horse ‘ The .8041 BMth seemed pleased, and continued: “ Now let the White Eagle tell of his meeting th the Panther.” lie gave a clear statement of facts, and old chief’s brow grew black with anger. . Two Face saw this?" he asked. * “ He did.” 3‘ I will talk with him, and then call my war- rzetp council,” and Red Buifalo arose and left ;'In amt an hour he returned, and said: ‘ 4“M son, the White Eagle has'a tongue that ,v ' ght, for the Two Face, though the fee of m people, talks as he does, and the Panther I .. , to the medicine lodge for the chiefs to w 15 shall be done with, him.” fIguess the old man Panther will give me more trouble," muttered Charlie to him- ' turned his longin eyes upon the superb mus- I . Bed uflalo grunted. but accepted the pistol, and seeing that he was not wholly satisfied, 3 " But I’ll have to look out for the Panther cubsI for they don’t love me, I know, and will think less of me after this.” ; Just then up dashed two lndian couriers and reported that the band of Two Face had been trailed to a prairie beyond the hills, where they were hunting buflalo, and had a camp of two , hundred warriors. . i Instantly old Red Buffalo determined to at- . tack them. and called out two hundred of his b1 eves, for he had a large force then stationed near the Dog Soldier camp waiting for rein- forcements. This was a. chance for Charlie to see an Indian battle he did not care to miss, he told Red Buf- falo, and he was told to get ready for the war- Beth at once, and that the young bucks who ad been in the warrior graduating-clams with him should be placed in a special baud under his command. Charlie was more than pleased, and he htEed that the two bands might turn out like the il- kenny cats, while he felt convinced he could do good service with his unrivaled Winchester. He looked over the stock of ammunition of Two Face, got all together, saddled The Wind, and reported ready for the war—path. The warriors rode out of the village in high feather, for they hoped to come back loaded with scalps and firearms, for it was known that the Dog Soldier Sioux were mostly all armed with rifles or pistols, and that their orses were the very best to be found upon the prairie. Then, too, the Indian scouts reported that the Dog Soldiers had been hunting hnflalo and other game in that vicinity for several days. accord- ing to the signs, but had remained undiscovered by the Sioux on account of their not expecting an enemy would be found in their hunting- grounds. It was ni ht when Red Buffalo and his braves left the vi age; but they moved on at a slow trot, and a couple of hours brought them to where their comrades awaited them, and the reported the Dog Soldiers still in camp, but evx- dently excited at the disappearance of their chief, for runners had started out in diflereut directions, two of which had come right into the trarp set for them 1) their fees. he entire band t en moved on to the attack, and at last oasis in sight of the camp-fires of their fees. Their position was well chosen, upon a slight eminence well wooded, and with open prairie all around them. But Red Buffalo determined to move slowly forward until discovered, and then charge, for he cared not to dismount his warri" not knowing the exact force of the Dog S . iers. This decision being arrived at, the entire band stretched forth in a long line, four feet deep, and went at a. slow walk toward the timber, in which were their foes. , Like grim, black phantoms, they drew nearer and nearer, until suddenly out of the long grass ahead, came a flash an report, and a. war- rior fell dead. It was a shot from one of the pickets, and it told the story of an expected attack. Then. with ringing war-cries. the red horse- WOS thele 01119! dashed “mam-t ', fly: ,\ ‘\_...~ \ .v I The Adventurous Life of Nebraska Charlie. 18 full speed, Sending shnwnrs of arrows before them into the timber, and now and then a bul- let, for a few of the braves had muskots. But above the yells and the tramp of hoofs was heard the rattle of Charlie’s Winchester, as he poured an incessant fire into the camp, while his mustang sped ahead of all others in the c arge. Sur rised though they were, the Dog Soldiers ralliel quickly to the defense, and the discharge of their fire arms told heavily uponltheir toes. But nothing could withstand the terrific on- slau ht of this terrible Cavalcade, and the Sioux reac ed the timber dashed into it, and then be- gun a hand