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Issued. Weekly. By Subscription: $e. 50 Der year. Entered as Second Class Matter at the NW. ¥. Post Oftce, by STREET & SMITH, 298 William St., N. V.
| Entered according to Act of Congress in the year igor, tz the Office of the eee ner of Congress, Washington, D. Ce

 

No. 18,

NEW YORK, September 1, 1901.

Price Five Cents.

 

OR,

    

D

Re

Doomed

rivers

 

 

By the author of “BUFFALO BILL.”

 

CHAPTER I
DOOMED TO DEATH.
It was when that dashing and able officer, Nelson A.
Miles, was commanding a frontier post, after the close of
the Civil War, that a doom went forth against the brave

drivers of the Overland stages.

Colonel Miles, forsuch was his rank asa regular army
officer at that time, had a rather desperate field of serv-
ice, with the Indians on the warpath constantly, a lot of
men in the settlement and mining camps to control and
a lawless element to keep in check, who lived by the
murder and robbery of those whom fortune had favored.

These last named were merciless to all from whom
they could get gold, the successful miner being their
marked prey, though army payinasters, officers, travelers
and even women suffered at their hands. oy

With a comparatively small force of soldiers under. his

command, Colonel Miles was expected not only to hold
the Indians in check, but to make war upon them, also
to guard the trail and keep order among the camps. _

Of .course, with outlaws most numerous, ane their
identity unknown, the task was a most hazardcns and
difficult one, indeed; but the gallant commander of Fort
Rest did all in his power to maintain order, keep the In-
dians back and protect the stage trails. :

The main trail was the one most cursed by the outlaw
bands, and, as the drivers had lately been daring to rush
their coaches through , braving all chances of being

killed, war had been waged, a cruel, merciless war upon

‘these brave men, until, asa number had been killed, it

was found difficult to find any man who would dare

death by taking a coach on the run, or. who would try to

do so.

SESE SETS ae LE eT

a a ia FT ere peg NE TEE TE Ce TTT TTT
aE eo

)

1
}

 
 

2 a . THE BUFFALO BILL STORIES.

Whe result was that the stage company had ateted a
s bonus to each driver who would drive the trail, and
pth did: ‘not tempt men to risk almost certain death.
With every confidence in his chief of scouts to accom-
vlish all that he set out to do, Colonel Miles sent for
him and the two. had a long talk. together. ce
The chief of scouts was William F. Cody, the hero. of
world-wide fame, better oe under the title of Buffalo
Bill. oe
t It was his deeds of desperate heroism in those me
days of Wild West warfare that gained: for Buffalo Bill
his enviable title and the claim to be justly known as
the King of Bordermen: |
A description of the noted scout here would te useless
1 foreto™ the reader of to-day, so well is he known, so
| widely told have been his deeds of heroisni.
| Fort Rest was a stockade fort, built by the saventine
soldiers who had halted there as a resting-place at first,
and later because it was an ideal spot for a military post.
It was well located for defense, and held a position
ye which offensive operations could readily be made.

sus, but to the west it had been found necessary to place
coe outpost sixty miles away from Fort Rest, as an
»dvance guard. 7 : |
Winter had caught the advance post without sufficient
provisions, and unable to get. supplies a number of men

 

Pamine.

The two posts had been ony fortified in the

Spring, the one known as Fort Famine, the other as Fort

Rest, the latter being the headquarters of the military

district over which Colonel Miles had command.
Le On. the stage trail between Fort Rest and Fort Famine
was Graveyard Gap, or Canyon.

It was just here that death stalked with sei fee
and on account of its location that so well favored them
the road agents had chosen it as the very place to strike

at the coaches that were compelled to go through the
gap. ce og

a a Ceasar Gap had justly won its 1 name, for a battle
had been
fought there and strewed the canyon with human bones.

between | Indians, the Sioux and | Pawnees,

Then a fight between United States cavalry and red-
skins had been fought in the canyon several years after,

water or grass could be found within ten miles upon

ae miles to the east was ‘Trail End City, the place
-here the Over! land trails had centered and had a termi- ie

-ad starved to death, ga inne i it ee name of Fort
drivers willing to take the deadly risk of the run through

| that sure death would be visited upon them.

« ‘That gallant officer received hina cordially and arc

“Good!

 

and the result was ay new BAN dotted the a w
scene. i ee -

The relief goi é a of Fort Famine with sup-
plies had beer -d there by redskins and massacred.
This made Gi.

As there was a rich mining country’ beyond. ‘Fort

ard Gap still more. a place to dread.
Famine, the Overland Stage Company had found it
expedient to rum a coach through each week, and back
all the way to ‘Trav End City |

- But the horrors of Graveyard Gap were edaen to, as
there was a stageload of passengers, with the driver,
slain and robbed there, :

Deaths in the coaches, and of the ee followed. fre-
quently, until the gap became known as the Death Drive.
_ Both Indians and road agents were said to be the mur-
derers and robbers, but about this opinions differed.

There was talk of establishing a picket there, but no

either side, and nothing but a very large force would
have dared remain, as the redskins could sweep down

 

from the mountains in numbers and annihilate them.

When at last Buffalo Bill was called. by General Miles —
into consultation, and asked to take as a special duty the
work of securing drivers for the coaches, and endeavor-
ing to ind some way, with the limited means at hand
for protecting them, the great scout entered upon the K
deadly duty with his usual vigor and fearlessness.

Buffalo Bil’ S$ “first work had been to find three new

 

 

Graveyard Gap with the threat hanging over them

Buffalo Bill went at ence to headquarters. to report to
‘Colonel Miles. a

casked: te,
‘“Back so soon, Cody?’ ae a : pate
ees, colonel, I was not detained long.” a
a ‘Well, what luck???

““'The coach goes through tp. morrow, sir.’

 

‘And who is the brave fellow, Cody, pho. takes’ the
terrible chatices?”’ asked Colonel. Miles. he ee i

“Charlie Christopher, sir,anda good 1 man, ? answered '
the scout. Ne pea ay

| ae wish I could g give hini an escort, but T dare not, for

hs

 
 

 

 

 

 

 

we cannot Stor to lose any of ‘our soldiers now; but I
fear he will be killed!’

_ “I feel almost certain of it, sir; but he is a driver,
and dut calls him to sacrifice himself.”
| Trae but if he falls no other man will dare 20.7!
: ““Yes, sir, Ben Bolton has volunteered to take the
“coach if Charlie falls.’’ Z
‘“He, too, has nerve, and it will be a pity to see him
go under, and if he does, then that ends trying to keep
the Overland coaches running until my force is stronger.”’
‘‘No, sir, for Harry Hawkshaw will go if Ben Bolton
goes tudery
Ah! He, too, is a plucky one.
‘(He is the man, is he not, who so well imitates a
viel calle?
CONS str?
‘eV on surely got no others to volunteer?”’
‘* Not another man would do so, sir.’’
‘“¥hen, if those three men fail, I shall order Peters to
stop the attempt to run the coaches.”’ |
7 There is one more chance, sir.”’
“Indeed!
7 Wie is he?
Polat. str. 1 cannot tell you, but if those three men
fall, I have a man who will take the coach through.
‘If he falls, also, then it will be time to stop the
coaches.”’ | |
“‘I should think so; but I am interested in knowing
who this plucky fellow ean be, Cody.”’
‘*You shall know in good time, colonel, so pardon me
for refusing to tell you now.”’
‘‘Gertainly, Cody, and if he is your choice, I have

faith in him,’’ was the colonel’s reply.

“As we have gone into this game, Colonel Miles, té

win the game against the outlaws, we must do it, cost

what it may in the lives of brave men,”’ said Buffalo

~ Bill.

. “Yes, if we can find the men to risk certain death.’
“They will be found, sir, in spite of the doom of death

upon all drivers now who dare to take the trail,’ ” said

Buffalo Bill

. THE BUFFALO BILL STORIES.

‘the box seat.

ay
ii

C3

: CHAPTER II.
CHRISTOPHER’S COACH ON THE TRAIL.

There were three coaches to go through on the branch
trails of the Overland.

Their destinations were Trail End City, Fort Famine
and Fort Rest.

At the former place was what its proprietor, Peters,
was pleased to calla ‘‘first-class hotel,’’ though there
were many who differed with him as-to his claim.

The coach from the north came in at midnight, and
the one from the southward at dawn.

At sunrise the coach going west was to start, the one

to Fort Rest, through Graveyard Gap, and thence on to.
Fort Famine, and Charlie Christopher was to take it out.

There were at Trail End City three passengers waiting
to go on to the mines beyond, and in the vicinity of Fort
Famine, and upon the three coaches coming in were mee

pays an

other passengers.

Two of these were for Fort Rest, the other ence fo :

Fort Famine, and one of the latter was a young girl Of
sixteen, the daughter of an officer at the fort, another
being the wife of a sergeant, the third a soldier, a young
man and a new recruit.

So Charlie Christopher had eight passengers to go
through with him; and the young girl had ePaper ts for

  

Every eye was upon Christopher, as he came out of ee

Peters’ Hotel after breakfast and lighted his cigar.

His face was a trifle pale, and yet his look was.one in om

which there was not an atom of fear.

The young girl, a perfect beauty, and bright asa lark,
must also have known of the full danger of the road, yet
did not show that she held any dread of it.

There were others of the passengers who looked
uneasy, however, and the two whose journey was.to end
at Fort Rest had a satisfied expression upon their faces.

Every eye was upon Charlie, and the drivers, his
‘‘pards of the reins,’’ came forward and grasped his
hand as though in a last farewell. :

Then he niounted to his box, there was a roaring cheer
for his pluck, for all of Trail End City had gathered
there to see him take his departure, and Peters gave the
word:

‘“Time’s up, Charlie, and Heaven protect you.

Foot

 

Se

 

 
 

 

 

 

A THE BUFFALO BILL STORIES.

A crack.of the whip and the team of six horses
bounded away on their run to Fort Rest.

Fifteen miles out there was a relay and fresh‘ horses
were hitched in place of the others, and twenty miles
farther another team was put in.

Then it was about a fifteen-mile run to Fort Rest.

Charlie had made good time, and been greatly enter-
tained by the conversation of his fair companion, and

‘including his two halts at the relay corrals, had made

the run in eight hours, coming in sight of the fort just
at two o’clock.

‘“See here, miss, I wants you to ‘do mea favor,’ die
said to the young girl.
“Certainly, what is it, sir?’’ was the ready answer.

‘*T wants you to stop over at Fort Rest until this trail
is safe ter travel, and ter keep ther sergeant’s wife with
Ver <

MON GE a.)

‘Ver see, miss, I knows yer is game, but then there is

soinething awful mysterious about ther killing at Grave-

yard Gap, and there is women in ther graves there as
well as men. :

“J hain’t hurt ter see men face death, but when it

comes to a woman, and especially a pretty gal like you,

I draws out o’ thér game, so I asks yer ter stay at ther
fort, and keep ther sergeant’s wife with yer.’’

‘'T started to rejoin my father, knowing the dangers I
had to face, and I shall go on my way with you,”’ was
the determined reply of the maiden.

lin ke miss; but I hopes the colonel won’t let
yer go.’

*‘My father may be under Colonel Miles’ orders, but I
am not, and I go through.

‘“What time will we reach Fort Famine?’’

‘*We are due there at midnight, miss,’’ was the sig-
nificant reply.

‘‘ Well, my ticket uaa to Fort Famine, and I goon

- with the coach.’’

Charlie sighed but said no more, and soon after blew
the bugle call to announce the coming of the ‘coach.

‘*Now let me have your bugle,”’ said tlie maiden, and
she at once began to ring off a: moat stitring aif, to the
great delight of Charlie. °> coo a

As the bugle notes died away ‘the coach dashed up to

the station in the fort, and the driver was greeted with

a cheer, for all knew the chances the brave fellow had

taken to go through to Fort Famine.

The horses were’quickly replaced by fresh ones, time
was allowed for the passengers to get dinner, and, minus
the two who were to remain at the fort, the coach rolled
on its way.

The coach had been gone an hour or more when Colo-
nel Miles came out of his quarters, attended by a group
of officers, and in the midst of whom was Buffalo Bill,
for a war council had been held, which the chief of
scouts had been asked to attend.

‘The coach has not come through yet, Cody, so your
man must have backed down at the last minute,’ said
the colonel. i

Before Buffalo Bill could De an onder approaches
with the mail bag and handed it to the adjutant.

‘“What, orderly, has the coach arrived ?”’ aed ‘the
colonel, for the stage station was at the other end of the
fort, nearly half a mile from headytiarters, i.

‘“Yes, sir, over an hour ago, but’ 1 did not wish ‘6 dis-

turb you, sir.’

‘‘Tndeed! hen I retract ,the: remark: against Christo-,

¥ oe

pher, Cody.’’ fe PS
‘‘Who was the driver, ordetly 2? quickly asked Buffalo
Bil ! oh ne i :

‘Charlie Christopher, sir, and he was as ‘chipper. as
could be.”

‘‘Orderly, I expected the daughter of Major Dean on

that coach on her way to join her father at Fort

Famine.

‘‘Was she along?’’ ;

‘Ves, sir, and she went on with Charlie and his other
five passengers, sir.’’

Colonel Miles turned pale at hearing this, wlple he
said:

‘‘Great heavens! her father asked me to stop her here,

“The coach must have been ahead of time, orderly.”’

to pbalt an hour, sir, and did not ‘stop long, for the

driver wanted to get through Graveyard Gap before
night.) :

“Quick, Captain May, take a squad of your men and
ride with all haste after the coach, carrying a led horse
along for Miss Dean to return on, for you must fetch
her back with you. Tell her that such are my orders,

and you, Cody, go as guide for the captain.”’

 

fk

ces as
Ge

   
   

=

—
REISS

 

 
 

 

   

had been driving along at considerable speed, having

“Ves, sir, but suppose she will not come, for she is a
woman.’? ,

‘“‘But she must.”’

“But still, Colonel Miles, I cannot force her to do so,”’
Captain May remarked.

‘*Then, if she refuses all your powers of persuasion,
command her, and if she still remains obdurate, then
escort the coach through to Fort Famine, for I must
delay our intended move until your return, that is all,’’
was the answer. | :

‘Buffalo Bill had already hastened away, and the oe
tain went quickly to his quarters.

But it was a quarter of an hour before sixteen gallant
troopers, under a sergeant, reported at his quarters ready
for the ride, + :

Buffalo Bill, with two of his scouts, awaited them at

the stockade gate, and when all was ready the party

started off on the trail of the coach just one hour and
forty minutes after its departure.

‘CA stern chase is a long one, Cody, and the coach is
all of twelve miles away, if not more, so set the pace,’
said Captain May.

With these instructions, Buffalo Bill set a rattling

pace, which he soon saw was too fast for the heavier
2 : |
- horses of the troopers, so he slackened it somewhat after

several miles had been gone over.

‘The Graveyard Gap is a trifle nearer Fort Rest, sir,
than-Fort Famine, just about twenty-eight miles away,
and I fear we will hardly reach there before the coach
enters it. Charlie never spares his horses, and takes no
note of schedule time, for he pushes right through,”’
said Cody, when a halt was made, ten miles out, ata
brook.

“Well, Cody, what have you to suggest?” asked Cap-
tain May, who saw that the chief of scouts had some-

thing more to say.

_ “That you allow me and my two mien to push on

ahead, sir, with all the speed we can.”’
‘“‘You may do so, and I will accompany you, leaving

the sergeant to bring up the men,”’ was the reply.

So the captain and the three scouts set off at a more ©
rapid pace than the troopers could keep up, Buffalo: Bit >

urging his horse to a sweeping gallop.
The trail of the horses aud coach showed that Charlie

 

THE BUFFALO BILL STORIES. 5

passed the relay corral twenty miles out from the fort

two and a half hours after leaving it.
‘(He were going fer all ther critters was worth, Bill,

and shot off with ther fresh team in ther same style, so

- he’ll git through ther gap afore dark, if ther cattle kin

hold out,’’ said the stock tender at the relay station.
‘We must catch him if we kill our horses, captain,’’
was Buffalo Bill’s response, as the party took toe the trait

again,

CHAPTER IIT.
TRAILING A MYSTERY.

On sped the scouts and Captain May, after leaving
Relay Number Three, as it was known, and discussing,

as they rode along, what the stock tender had told thei.

‘‘Charlie is a plucky fellow, Cody, and so are his pas-
sengers, for all must know what they may expect,’’ said
Captain May.

“‘Ves, sir, it requires nerve, and I sincerely hope we
can reach the gap before the coach enters it, for it would
be fearful if Miss Dean was killed.’’

Pde: avould pe;
party on more rapidly. x

indeed,’’ and Captain May reed the

They had left the last stream they would cross for
miles, and were descending a valley road to the gap,
which was a tocky pass through a mountain range, and
over a tnile in length.

But, ride as they might they saw that it was impossi-
ble to reach there before sunset at least; but this meant
that Christopher, who must still be half-a-dozen miles .
ahead, would have gone through by daylight, and that,
at least, was cheering to contemplate, for ahead of time
an hour or more, he might thus elude any enemy who
was going there to ambush him, for certainly such mur-
derous foes would not remain longer in the spot than
was necessary for their red work.

At _the pace they had ridden, Cody felt that ae
would arfive at the canyon nearly half an. hour ahead of
the troopers, and time might oe most a to
Charlie and his passengers. f

So down tHe valley trail they went at a gallop, increas-
ing their paee as they reached the level road, and still
moré as they drew near the towering rocks which marked
the entrance to the Death Gap.

The shadows had already thrown the valley im gloom,

 

 
  

 
 
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
   
 
  
  
  
  
   
 
  
  
 
 
 
  
  
 

 

Aomcnecsrntiae EE

Stee Hameo

 

and as ieee neared the pass, they beheld only darkness
ahead of them, where the light of day was shut ‘out by
the towering walls of rock.

Into the canyon they dashed, leaving the light bela
them, for all was gloom there, which would increase as
the night settled down, for the mountain tops far away
were yet tinged with the setting sun. :

But Buffalo Bill knew his trail well, and went on at a
pace scarcely less rapid than in the valley.

In the center of the canyon, that is half-way through,
it widened and there was a space there of half-a-dozen
acres, with a thicket of trees upon either side of the
trail and huge bowlders of rocks here and there scattered
about.

This-had been the battle ground, where fell the inur-
dered drivers and passengers, aud where were the graves
of the slain in combat, as well as those shot from am-
bush.

As they neared this dreaded spot, Buffalo Bill drew
rein, and, after a halt of a minute, all listened atten-
tively, and hearing no sound they moved on once more,

They had neared the other side of the open space

: when Buffalo Bill’s horse gave a startled snort.

| “Well, Buckskin, what is it??? and the scout quickly
dismounted and went ahead on foot, the others waiting.
Soon they saw a match lighted and beheld the scout
bending over something on the ground.
‘‘We are too late, sir. Please come here,’’ he called
out, and Captain May and the two scouts reached the
spot together. -
Dismounting, they beheld Buffalo Bill Genaue a lan-
tern, and when he flashed its rays upon the scene all
were appalled at what they beheld.
There was the coach not far away, the tired horses

_ standing with drooping heads.

Upon the bos, the reins still erp in his nen
was Christopher.

But he was dead.

Lying upon the ground were the dead bodies of the
tnree miners.

But, search as they might, nowhere could be found the
bodies of Miss Dean, the Soigeeee s wife and the young
soldier.

What had become of iene what their fate had been,
was wrapped in mystery.

They stood in silence, and with uncovered heads, out

THE BUFFALO BILL STORIES.

‘of respect to the dead, for Buffalo Bill had removed his

sombrero as he came upon the tragic spectacle, and the
others had followed his example.

“My God, Cody! What does it mean?’’ at last broke
from the lips of Captain May.

“Tt means, sir, that those who Hage done’ this deed are

determined to kill as well as rob their victims, and to

st

show us they dare do those red deeds in Our: very faces
was the earnest reply. 4

‘But who has done this red deed ?”’

‘“Who has been guilty of the other tragedies. enacted
here, Captain May ?’’ ;

‘Heaven only knows. But can you not discover
whether Indians or road agents are the guilty ones ?”’

‘‘When the morning comes, perhaps So, sit, aS we are
so soon upon the scene this time; but not until then,”’

“Now, what is to be done?’’

**T will send one of my scouts back to thefort at once,
sir, to report to Colonel Miles, what we have discovered,
and the other on to Fort Famine to report the occur-
rence there.’

‘That is right; but let us see if we cannot Gud some
trace of Miss Dean, the sergeant’ s wife and the young

soldier who were reported as passengers upon the coagh.” y

‘Had we not best wait until morning, sir, sothat no ~
other trail will be made save those of the scouts going to
the forts, for we can stay in the. coach, sh, and your —
troopers can be halted before reaching Nerve. e.

‘‘You are right, Cody. But I will write a line to poor fe

- Dean.’’

This Captain May did, and the scout mounted and fs
rode on his way, the other one having already started to — ;
head off the troopers and then continue on to report to:
Colonel Miles the sad discovery made at the gap.

The scouts gone, Buffalo Bill and Captain May got -

into the coach and made themselves as comfortable as
they could, anxious to get all the sleep ee as they
expected a hard day of it on the morrow.

They had staked their horses out, though there was
no grass or water near for them, and they were forced to
make a dry cainp of it. ae

With the first glimmer of dawn coming into the pass,
they left the coach, and while Buffalo Bill went at once -

to work reading “‘signs’’ the captain rode back to the

camp of his troopers to bring them upon the scene.

  

 

     
THE BUFFALO BILL STORIES.

th half an hour he returned, and when sunlight
was beginuing to: ‘peer down into the canyon. ie
: A soldier had been stationed at the: opening into ‘the
_ wide space, upon either side, to keep auy one coming
from | the forts back, and the others, after a cold break-
; fast, washed down with water from their canteens, were
“placed in positions by Buffalo Bill to make what search
ia they | could for any signs they might find of trails.

“There | were the graves of the dead Indians slain in
battle long before; near were the graves of the soldiers
who had more lately, fallen, and in a row near the trail
were buried the victims of those mae had haunted the
gap to kill and to rob.
| Near the coach were the bodies of the dead miners,
and still upon his box was poor Christopher.

All had been shot, and all had been robbed of evety
valuable they possessed, their weapons being also taken.

But in the hard ground about the scene of death, there
was no trace ofa trail. Na

The tracks of the hors SES and the wheels of the coach
had hardly Jeft an impression.

Each. entrance to the scene of the tragedy was most
carefully examined by the scout, and no trail led into. it,
save that of the coach and their own.

Phe trail of the scout sent to Fort Famine here and
there could be seen.

It was plain that Buffalo Bill was oierted that the

king of trailers was thwarted for once in his life.
With their tired horses, the two scouts sent to the
forts could not ride fast, and it was an hour after sun-
rise before the soldier on duty reported a force coming
froin Fort Rest.

Soon after another force came from Fort Famine.

With the former came Colonel: Miles himself, and a
troop of cavalry, and with the latter was Major Dean,
with a party of troopers. All. met in the open space
where the red deeds had been committed, but they had
.all come too late to save.

The face of Major Dean was stern and white, for he
was a widower, aud Hilda was his only child, who had
just finished her school days and had come to make her
home with him at Fort Famine, where other officers had
their wives and families.

: She had beg

last he had consented, and - changing his mind, when he

gged so hard in her letters to come, that at

regarded the dangers, he had written her not to come.

eo

 

‘come of them I cannot say.

But the letter had arrived after her departure, for she
had started sooner than she had anticipated.

- Warinly did Colonel Miles grasp his hand in sym-
pathy, and then turned to the poor sergeant who had

‘also come to learn ‘what the fate of his wife had been.

“What does it mean, colonel ?”’ asked } Major Dean.
Alas, I do not know, and Cody can give no explana-

pe)

tion,’’ was the reply. \

at least be alive; but suffering what?” sadly said the
major. :

Buffalo Bill would say nothing.

Other scouts had come with the parties from the forts,
and these Buffalo Bill had at once set to work, giving
them no clew, AS was eee to hear ge ey had to
report. |

While waiting, he walked to where Colonel Miles, the

major and Captain May were.

ee clew?’’ asked the colonel.

“T sent for my best men, sir, and those frem Fort
Famine, and. all are now at work, and I hope some may
be able to discover something, sit.’ a
! “What is your theory?” ae

“I can discover no trace ofa trail, so that would indi-
cate that the murderers were on foot, more likely In-
dians, and yet it does not look like the work of Indians.’

‘How so?” |

“Charlie was shot on his box .sit: and neither He. nor

the miners are scalped.
The soldier is not to he, found, and Miss Dena and

Sergeant Gale’s wife are missing, sir, and Wa has be-.

   

‘‘Fad Indians attacked from an | ambush they would
have riddled the stage with bullets, and there is not. a
fresh mark upon it, only | fired into it on previous
occasions. i

AT] were robbed, and yet the gaudy red sash Chari
wore was not taken, and an Indian could hardly have
resisted taking that.”’ i

‘“Then you fean to the belief that they. were . whites
who did the work?’

‘Ves, colonel, I do, but my men will report as the,

_make a discovery or give up the game, and then we oe

know imore.
‘‘T have been over the whole scene, and confess myself

beaten.”!

 

“Well, her body not being here, I: feel that she must.

 

 

 

 

 

 

P
h
i
H
R
{he

as seis iret aon

 
 

 

“(Then your men will surely be; but oie do you

think of the soldier, Miss Dean and Gales’ wife having ©

been captured and carried off??’

‘‘That is what puzzles me most, sir.

‘Tf the soldier had not been taken I night idee and
that the two women were taken as hostages, or for ran-
som; but the soldier’s going I cannot yet comprehend. ”’

One by one the scouts came in, and each one had the
same-report to make. A

They-looked anxious and seemed ‘ feel cage inability
to make a report of some kind.

But noon had come and all were of the same opinion,
that the murderers, be they Indians or road agents, had
covered up their tracks too well to be followed.

As there was neither water nor grass near, a move
must be made, and then Buffalo Bill asked Colonel Miles
to allow him to drop out of the line on the march back,
and returning to the canyon, go on a still aunt alone to
solve the mystery. .

. ‘This request was granted, and Buffalo Bill was to hee

provisions seyt him by the stage on its return, for a

scout was to:drive it on to Fort Famine, and back again

to Trail End City, on condition that the chief of scouts
should remain in the fatal pass and await his coming.

That Buffalo Bill was to remain was known only to
Colonel: Miles, the scout who was to drive the coach, and
to Major Dean.

Premed need ee

CHAPTER IV.
MORE MYSTERY.

The miners had been buried where they met their
death, while the body of poor Charlie had been laid to
rest in the separate row of graves which marked the last
resting-place of the drivers who had fallen on the fatal
trail, | ee 3

Major Dean had returned to Fort Famine in an agony
of Stispense about his daughter, as had also the sergeant,
but both felt they left the solution of the mystery in the
hands of the only man who could solve it, Buffalo Bill.

Colonel Miles had gone back to his command fee ling
some anxiety regarding Buffalo Bill, for the mysterious
murderers, who never held back from a stage load of
passengers, must be in large enough force to readily get
away with one man, even if he was the chief of scouts,

who was noted as one ‘‘ worth a dozen ordinary .men.”’ .

THE BUFFALO BILL ST ORIES.

The coach wate its run on to che fort, under the scout
Diamond Dan, and started almost at once upon its return,
being a day behind schedule time.

The soldiers saw it go with misgivings, and many
bade Diamond Dan good-by, one ee to see him
again.

But it had been the wish of Buffalo Bill for its ies come
without an escort, that he might discover the Wy etery of
the murders in the gap. ay an

He had explained to Colonel Miles that a pe for
the coach might protect it in the cauyor, but the mo-
ment they left it there would be an attack elsewhere,
and this would not be finding the murderers, -

Then, too, the soldiers could not be. spared for the
work, and that the sure means to check the evil by find-
ing the outlaws would be to secretly discover who they
were.

The colonel and his- Thee ts s realized the an of this
argument, and so Buffalo Bill was left alone. ae

It was night when Diamond Dan reached the gap, ane
he drove into it with misgivings, ‘for he was. alone, not
a soul caring to make the trip back with him.

He passed the scene of the murders with his heart aL
most seeming to stand still, and started as he went Dy,
aud heard a voice behind him say: |

‘{Ho, Dan, there is nobody abroad to-night.’’

“Ttris you, chiel, ’ cried Dan,’’ with a deep -sigh of
relief, as Buffalo Bill climbed up over the top of the
stage and came to the box.

“Yes, I have not seen a sign of any one.

“T heard you coming, and was in ambush, ready. for
an attack, if any came, but they were not here to:night,
so I’m going on with you.” . | oe

‘You bet I’m glad of it, chief, for I was frightened,
E admit it.)’

‘‘ Well, you showed your pluck in going on the coach
as you did, Dan, and you shall have full credit for it.’’

‘‘But you could find no trace of the murderers, sir???

‘‘Not the slightest.’’

‘You can’t think who they can be?” |

‘‘T cannot, for they have covered up their tracks mn
the cunning of Indians.’’

‘*Maybe they be Injuns.’’

“I think not; but my horse is yonder up oe ee,
so I will mount him and follow you a quarter of a mile
behind, in case you are attacked at some other noint ”’

e

 
 

 

 

  

|
“Keep a leetle closer, chief, please, for this be a lone-
some trail to travel.’’ i
_“*T will be within hearing, Dan, never fear.’’
> Ves, for there. is a treasure box aboard.’’
‘“CAh! From the mines?’’
‘Ves; nigh onter ten thousand in dust, I:heard.”’ -
Albright’. : ae
With this Buffalo Bill got down from the box, and,

I

while Diamond Dan drove on he went up the valley for
his horse. ur .
To his surprise he found the animal was not there.
He supposed that he had pulled up his stake rope and
gone astray; but searching for his saddle and bridle,
found that they, :
Somebody has stolen him.

too, were gone.

‘Well, I cannot overtake Diamond Dan on foot, that
is certain, so I will canip here, look for the trail of my
horse in the morning, and when I do not come in behind
the coach, Colonel Miles will send after me, I know.

“But who has got my horse is the question that I
would like answered.’’ ne

With this the scout rolled his blankets about him and
sought forgetfulness in slumber.
lhe. sentinel on the tower at Fort Rest spied in the
oe morning the coach coming slowly along the trail.

“he horses were in a walk and came along as though
fey had been hard driven.

The coming of the coach was reported to the corporal
of the guard, who in turn reported it-to his superior
officers, and soon after came another report that the
driver of the coach was asleep on his Box.

‘The gates were thrown open; the officer of the day
met the coach, the team was brought to a halt and then
came the startling cry:

‘Diamond Dan, the scout driver, is cog as

The words were true. - ° - }

There sat Diamond Dan upon his box, his body tied

in place by a lariat, se head hanging forward, and the |

reins wrapped around his hands securely.

' But he was dead, and a bullet wound was in his
temple |

What did it mean? Where was Buffalo Bill?

These questions could not be answered by a tongue
silenced in death, and so the officer of the post has-
tened to Colonel | Miles with the report of the tragedy —
another deadly mystery of Graveyard Gap,

 

 

THE BUFFALO BILLSTORIES.. = 9

- Colonel Miles was astounded, startled, and Captain
May and his troop were at once ordered back over the
trail.

They departed within half an hour, while another
scout mounted the box and drove the coach on its way
to Trail End City, several passengers going in it on the
eastward run.

Captain May lost no time on the trail, but went along
at a sweeping gallop.

‘As he neared the dreaded spot, his horses all foamitig
and panting, they saw a tall form standing in the trail
awaiting them.

It was Buffalo Bill.

At-sight of him the soldiers broke forth in a cheer, for
they expected that they would find his body only. :
‘Flo, captain, glad to see you.

“But what’s the hurry, for your horses have been
pushed hard I see?”’

‘What is the hurry, Cody, when we ce to find
you dead?’ cried Captain May, sternly.

“Dead? Oh, no,
did not follow the coach in, as I told Diamond Dan I

sir; but’ I suppose it was becatse I

would. But my horse was spirited away, captain, and iy
could not.’

‘Perhaps it is well you did not follow Diamond Dan oe

in, Bill, for he is dead.’’ i

The scout started and his bronzed face ow sad as he
repeated the words:

“Diamond Dan dead!”’

‘“Yes, he came in just after dawn, tied’ to his box, the
reins fast in his hands. and with a bullet wound in lis
left temple.’

‘““My God!

"Poor, poor Dan!

‘*Oh, that I could only have followed him.’’

“Vour horse was stolen, you say, Bill?’’

‘Ves, sir. I left Dan right at this spot and went up
the valley where I had staked my horse, a quarter of a
mile from here.

‘‘T found him gone, and that my saddle and bridle
were also missing.

‘To overtake Dan on foot I knew was impossible,
with a start of a mile, and besides I wished to have a
search for the trail of my horse, feeling sure Colonel
Miles would send after me.’

“And what was the result of your search, Cody?’

   

 

 
SE

se

ip aN OE

 

   

 

410

“Captain May, I flatter Sayed that I am 1 good

trailer, but I can no more find the trail of: my horse t than
I can fly.”’ . ag
“The ground isteo hard?’
“Not that, only there is no trail. ‘i ie
“Tet us return to the place, Bill, and camp, so we
can give another search for 1b. %
The scout led the way, asking a as he cared off:
‘“Was the treasure box also taken, sir?’’
‘“Rrom the coach?’’ |
OV os sit.
‘There was none there.’”? ;
‘‘Then it was taken, for there was a box with ten
thousand in dust on board, so Dan said. te
“T searched the coach, and none was there.’
‘Vou found the scene of the hold- “up, sir? Be
“No, we pushed right on to look you up.’
“Well, we can see on our way back ve it was, and
there wust be a trail leading from there.’
Yes, surely.”’

Biact- “was cooked, while the horses were staked out.
But search as they might, no trail led away. from the

i spot where Buffalo Bill had left his pos ae the .

‘track leading to it was plainly seen.

¢ turn to the fort, hoping to find the trail from the place
where the coach had been held up.

With the skill of an Indian, Buffalo Bill followed the

trail of the coach back to the fort.

Behind him came two scouts, who had come with the
troop, and then the troopers, all watching for any. sign
that might have missed the eye of the Chien ay, :

Though the passing along of the troop had greatly
marred the trail of the coach, still if there had been any
tracks leading to and from it on either side, the keen
eyes of the scouts would have detected them.

But the troop went slowly along, for Buffalo Bill and
his two men were on foot, and often came toa halt as.

they examined the trail. : ;
But just at sunset they came in view of the fort, and

soon after Buffalo Bill and Captain May were in the |

presence of Colonel Miles, the chief of scout’s return
alive having been greeted a cheers by those in the
fort.

The scout made his report, and Captain May told all

THE BUFFALO BILL STORIES.

. They had now reached the camping- place, and break-

  

that he od to say, and then waited for the colonel | to
speak. a
“I do not eee ne ae not know what to say.

When the coach next goes through, it must have an

escort, though a sinall one, as. I am determined to start

to-night upon this expedition, to strike the Indians in
their villages before they get teady to raid upon us,
which they are preparing to do.

Ou, Cody, I must’ have Wate he command, a
Major Dean is to meet us with his force, and thus act. as
a support, perhaps join us in the attack.

““Now who shall I have to guard the coach i 2

‘« Allow me to suggest, sir, that. ‘you order Bolton, who
is the next driver, to go through by daylight, remaining
at the fort all ae and to come back os following _
day, sit.’ : |

A will do so, for this will de. away en an: escort, -
which I am not allowed to furnish, and only would do
so in case of direst necessity.

‘*But you could send a couple of your: men, Coay, to
scout Mm Graveyard Gap, as you did, and thus serve. as a

protection, and perhaps discover sémething about those

fiends.’’

“I can, sir, and will do so. I will send two of my

> best scouts.’ ; oo a
After hours spent in search the party started upon ee

“Do so, and they sieht go to-morrow ee Phoned

' to remain until you recall them, so that the drivers will
know that there is help near.’’

The orders were given then for the treops to get ready
for thie match” ‘up “into ‘the Indian country, one troop _
‘to Fort
Famine, to order Major Dean also to move with his men

going at once, by way of Death’s Canyon,
to a certain point in the mountains and 1c ie force
from Fort Rest. a

Buffalo Bill picked out two of his men, and ‘edeved
them to take their best horses, plenty of: ammunition,
and provisions for several weeks, and go to the gap, or
near it, where they could camp, “put to be on duty by
night in the canyon, and by day when the coach was ex-

pected through.

It was just sattek midnight when the command, consist-
ing of five companies of. mounted infantry, one battery
of four guns and two troops of cavalry, with a. dozen
scouts under Buffalo Bill, moved out of the fort, at their
head being Colonel Miles himself, who had almost

 

% SE ‘i LGB s

 
    

had long

 

 

stripped the stockade of defenders to deal a blow against
the redskins in their strongholds. »
just before dawn, ‘the troop having arrived with
others, 1 Major Dean left Fort Famine with three com-
panies of mounted infantry, two troops of cavalry and a
section of light artillery, while half-a-dozen scouts were
in the advance

With this force, Colonel-Miles hoped to deala very
severe blow upon the Indians. .

The two coimmands inet at noon the next day, thirty
miles out from the forts, and went into camp until
nightfall, when they intended making a forced march of
thirty miles more so as to attack the Indian village at
dawn, thus surprising them in their stronghold.

Major Dean’s face was pale with sorrow and suspense,
as he greeted his commander, and the two officers held a
long talk together over the situation and the fact that no
clew had been found as to the fate of the three captives
taken from Christopher’s coach, or the perpetrators of
the deed. |

‘{T live in hopes that we may find them in the Indian
villages, for you will attack the lower village, sir, upon
your retreat,’’ said Major Dean.

‘Yes, I shall strike the stronghoid at dawn, wipe it
out if in our power to do so, and retreating rapidly the
fifteen miles to the hunting village, will fall upon that,

thus giving the Indians a double lesson to remember.’’

a cores Ee

CHAPTER V.
THE ATTACK ON THE INDIAN STRONGHOLD.

It was well known to Colonel Miles that there were a
couple of thousand warriors in the Sioux stronghold,
which he was to attack, and half as many more in the
hunting village overlooking the plains, where they got
their game. ale

But he was well aware that to keep them from getting
on the offensive against the two posts, he must do some
daring act that would strike terror to their hearts.

He was also aware that in the stronghold there were
all of a hundred white captives, men, women and
cHildren, and these could only be reached by such a bold
stroke as it was his intention to deliver. _ :

His little army was a command of veterans, men who

fought redskins, and knew that a stampede

 

  

THE BUFFALO BILL STORIES. — 1)

meant death to all, so that he could rely on them, while

Buffalo Bill and his scouts were one and all heroes.
They had camped in a sectire hiding-place by days

building no fire until after nightfall, when supper was

cooked, and all prepared for the rapid march to the In,;.

dian stronghold.

The scouts started well in advance, to be sure there
was no ambush, and the men mounting their well-rested
horses, and with the wheels of the guns heavily wrapped,
to prevent sound, they moved out upon their march.

At two o’cleck a halt was called, for the stronghold of
the Indians was in sight, a mile away, and Buffalo Bill
reported all quiet there.

The men_and horses had a couple of hours’ rest, then
an early breakfast, which was cold, however, and Buffalo
Bill having
there were three columns of infantry sent against it.

explained the situation of the stronghold,

The gtns were placed im position, to open fire when

the infantry had gained places for action, and the
cavalrymen stood by their horses, ready to mount and at
them, when their time to strike should come, the scouts
taking places where they could do most good. — a

Just as the gray of dawn began to steal over the moun-

tains, so that the guuners could see where to fire, the

order was given, and six guns, two twelve-pounders and
four sixes, flashed forth red flames and sent terrific roars
echoing from cliff to cliff.

The shells went crashing down into ihe village, burst-
ing viciously among the tepees, and scattering death and
destruction around, for Buffalo Bill had made known
where the captives were kept, so that their position was
avoided by the gunners,

It was a complete surprise, and after several rounds

from the guns, the infantry, with wild cheers, advanced
upon the stronghold at a double-quick.

As they reached the village and their muskets began
to rattle, the oe ey mounted and rode down to the
attack also.

The soldiers soon saw that the fight was theirs, and
they pushed rapidly on, stampeding the women and
children, driving the warriors before them, and setting
fire to the tepees.

The captives were rescued, and sent quickly on the
trail, whither two guus, a company of mounted infan-
try and a troop of cavalry were now marching.
tainpeded, but

The ponies in the corral had been s

 

 

 

 
Seabees

£
i
{

 
  
 
 
 

42

many were captured, and within an hour’s time the

 

stronghold was aruin, its people fugitives among the
mountains, save the braves, who were rallying for a
blow against their victors.

Down upon the hunting valley swooped the retreating
victors, and they were met by the warriors there who
had been alarmed by the firing, and hoped to check the
retreat. :

But the guns cut gaps in their ranks, the infantry
charged, and when the cavalry came in sight, the red-
skins fled for their lives, leaving their village unpro-
tected.

Here, too, other captives were rescued, and the tepees
of the redskius were set on fire.

Rapidly then the retreat was kept up, the cavalry pro-
tecting the rear, until the pursuit became too hot, when
the guns would be wheeled about and the savages sent to
the rear by a few well-aimed shots.

That night the soldiers’ camp was besieged, but no at-
tack was made, for the redskins had received too severe
a lesson.

They, however, sent many a shot into the camp, but
retreated at dawn, and the march back to the fort was
begun, a camp of a couple of days being made at the
point where the commands had met on their way up into
the mountains,

Colonel Miles had halted on the way back, to check
any advance the warriors might attempt to make against
the forts in their desperation.

The scouts had been left behind under Buffalo Bill to
report any movement of the redskins that might> look
hostile, and so the soldiers awaited their coming.

The dead had been buried, the wounded cared for and
the captives who had been rescued, a hundred in number,
were sent on to the forts.

But when the third day passed and Buffalo Bill came
in to report that the redskins who had pursued had
returned to. the mountains, and were too much demoral-
ized to recover for some time, the commands divided
and marched for their respective forts.

The hope of Major Dean, that he would find his
daughter a captive in one of the Indian villages, had not
been realized, and the closest questioning of those who
were rescued, failed to discover that they knew aught of
her.

Nor could it be ascertained from the captives that the

 

THE BUFFALO BILL STORIES.

Indians were in any way connected with the perpetrators
of the foul deeds in the gap, for such had been the opin-
ion of many.

‘‘T have only you to depend on now, Cody, so I leave
all in your hands,’’ sadly said Major Dean as he parted
with the scout. |

‘‘T shall do all in my power, major, to return ur
daughter to you and to punish her kidnappers.

‘That the three captives taken from the coach were
not found in the Indian villages is to me a strong hope
that they are held for ransom by road-ageuts, and that
no harm will befall them.

“*It is unfortunate indeed, but from all accounts Miss
Dean is a very plucky 1oune lady, and will bear her
captivity with a good grace.’

‘hen you will go again upon the trail of fine mur-
derers, aS soon as you return to the fort, Cody?’”’ °

‘‘T will, sir, and you know that I now have two men
on duty in the canyon, and as the coach is to go through
to-day, we may get news upon our arrival, a you shall
be at once informed of the result, major.’

‘*T thank you, Cody, and I rely on you,’’ and grasp-
ing the scout’s hand, the major rode on after his com- |
mand. . : ; if

- As he passed to the front of Colonel Miles’ command,
Buffalo Bill was called by that officer, who said:

‘‘Well, Cody, we gave the redskins a lesson to remem-
ber ??’ ?

“Vou did,
forget, for you killed and wounded many, and it will

indeed, sir, and one they will not soon

take a long time for them to recover from the blow you
dealt them, sir.

‘‘Tt was a brave move, ee Miles, and you deaereea
the success you have won.’

‘Thank you, Cody, and a success which your valuable
services made. possible, aided by the brave men under
my command.

‘*We lost heavily, I admit, but we rescued many poor
captives, and have greatly strengthened our Pe on
the frontier. |

‘‘But now what are we going to learn at the fort atc
the doings at Death Gap?’ .

*‘I hope my men have made some discovery, sir, aud
that Ben Bolton,
fate of the other drivers, but I am doubtful, sir.’

going through by day, will word

‘‘AsamI; but what do you think of not finding Miss

 
THE BUFFALO BILL STORIES,

Dean, the sergeant’s wife and the young soldier, cap-
tives in neither of the Indian villages, Cody?”

‘*That Indians are not the murderers, sir, that haunt
Graveyard Gap.”’

«But white men are?”’

‘“Ves, sir.’’

‘But Whol.

‘““That is to be discovered, sir, but they are outlaws,
road-agents, of course.”’

‘And where are they ?’’

That I must Gud out: sir.”

‘“No one reports seeing them, or having done:so.’’

Very few live, sir, to make any report Of an attack
on a coach on the fatal trail.’’
Yet do you think Miss eau and the

other two were slain ?’’

‘hat is true,

‘(TE SO. sir,
killed,
them from the way they served their other victims.’’

we cannot find their bodies, and if not
then the road-agents acted differently toward

‘"You are right, and, if they killed them, for some
reason of their own, concealed their bodies.’’

‘“T do not. believe that they killed them,
Miles.’

‘“Miss Dean might be held for ransom, for she is an

Colonel

heiress, yet why the sergeant’s wife and the young sol-
dier?’’

“That is what I do not know, sir; but did you dis-

cover to which command the young soldier was going
sire’

“Tt did not, for nothing was known of him whatever
at either fort.”’

‘‘He may have been on leave, sir, going to Fort
Famine to visit some relative or friend.

‘‘I will find out from the stage company what his
mame was, and then we can discover who he was,’’ and
saluting the colonel, Buffalo Bill rode on ahead of the
column.

CHAPTER VI.
MORE VICTIMS,

Buffalo Bill was the first to enter the fort, and his in-
quiry regarding Ben Bolton, the second of the volunteer
drivers to take the stage through, was quickly made.

The answer was that Bolton had come through two

days before alone on the coach, no passengers daring. to

13 \

venture, and that he had been detained all night, return-

*

ing by day through the gap.

As he had started early he was due hours before, and
even starting late upon his return, he was long behind
the time for his arrival.

Buffalo Bill looked serious, and waited for the coming
up of the column at the head of the command.

Those who had gone in with the wounded soldiers,
and the captives, had told of the double victory, so that
the contingent left in the fort turned out to welcome the
command. ;

Guns were fired, cheers resounded and the band

played, as the tired soldiers filed into the stockade.

While they marched to their respective barracks, the
colonel gave orders that a line of scouts should be
thrown around the fort, that the guards should Be
doubled and the men should, ds it were, sleep on their
arms, for he did not knew but that the cunning savages
might seek revenge, expecting to catch the garrison off
its guard, by rushing in upon them with an overwhelm-

ing force of warriors.

These orders issued, the colonel turned to Buffalo Bill

and said:

“Now, Cody, you have something to communicate.’’

Buffalo Bill told what he had heard, and the colonel
also looked serious.

“I will start on the trail, sir, as soon as I‘have had
supper and gotten a fresh horse,’’ said Buffalo Bill.

‘‘But you are worn out.”?

““No, indeed, sir, Iam all right, colonel.”

‘Well, it would be the best thing to do, Cody, I ad-
mit, if the coach does not come in meanwhile.

“‘Who will you take with you?’’

*‘I will go alone, sir.’’

‘‘Better take some force along in case you need aid.”’

“‘Well, sir, I will take half-a-dozen scouts, and they
can camp in the valley this side of the canyon, where I
left my horse, while I will go through alone on foot.”’

‘You will be taking big risks.’’

‘That is the oy way, sir, to find out who these

murderers ATE

‘Well, I trust all will be right, only do not be too
rash,’’ was the celonel’s response, and the scout de-
parted.

Going to his quarters, he selected half-a-dozen of his

 
   

£%

best men, and having had supper, mounted a fresh horse
and rode away from the fort.

No sign of the coach had been reported, and the more
re thought of it, the more certain Buffalo Bill felt that
either Bolton liad never reached Fort Famine or, doing
sc, had been ‘killed upon his return, for it could not be
that the brave fellow had, at the last moment, failed to

iake the attempt to go through.

oe te the camping-place at a brisk cater, went the
scout and his men, and os he left them, along with
his: horse.

He had expected to find the horses of the other two
scouts there, but in the darkness they were not visible,

a short search revealed.

oe he set out, with a scout accompanying him to
lead his horse back after ‘he should have gone a few
miles.

The scout went with him near to the scene so fatal to
the drivers, when the chief dismounted and sent him
back to the camp.

‘«If you do not see me, or hear from me by noon, Bob,
come after me all of you, for I may need you,”’ were his
parting orders. | oe

of the dead victims of the mysterious murderers.

He went cautiously along, gliding among the stunted
trees and bowlders that were there, and at last saw some-
thing looin up ahead of him.

“It is the coach,’’ he muttered, and at once became
still more cautious, for a closer look through the dark-
ess revealed the fact that the horses were there also.

 

The scout remained for a long while silently watching
“alle coach aud waiting.
| _He saw that the horses were restless, and swerved con-
siderably, yet no voice was heard soothing them.
At last he said to himself:
‘«There is no living being there, that is certain.
, ‘« Poar Bolton is there; yes, I am sure of it now.
‘* But he is dead.’’
With this the chief of scouts moved from his hiding-
place, and cautiously approached the coach.

heighed a welcome.
_. This was further proof to Buffalo Bill that if a human
being was there, it was a dead one.

THE BUFFALO BILL STORIES.

- wheels of the coach had been firmly lashed together.

Then he went on his way on foot, and after half an -

hour approached the open space where were the graves

Vie horses quickly discovered him, and one of them _

   

He spoke soothingly to the horses, and saw that they
were glad of his coming.

Then he approached the coach.

Upon the box he saw a dark object, and quickly he
mounted to the driver’s seat.

It was Bolton, but he was dead!

The scout muttered an imprecation, and a quick search
revealed that the driver had been shot at his post, his
body falling back upon the top of the coach, the reins
still clutched in his stiffened fingers. !

Ben had been robbed, for his pockets were turned in-
side out, and, to prevent the team from going on, the

‘““Where are iny two scouts, Bennett and Hill??? the
scout leader asked himself, as he looked about him, try-
ing in vain to pierce the darkness.

Then, revolver in hand, for he had gone about his
search oe for any emergency, he opened the coach
door. “

He could not see within, for it was so intensely dark;
but he stretched forth his hand and felt within.

He touched a leg and then another.

Yes, there were two forms in the coach, both in the
back seat, and both dead.

No; one leg seemed warm, and quickly springing
upon the step he seized the hand and felt the pulse.

Tt was beating, yet feebly.

In an instant the chief of. scouts fe taken a match
from his case and struck it.

The flame revealed to Buffalo Bill the two scouts
whom he had sent to protect the coach through Death
Canyon.

He uttered a cry as he folenied them, in the flash of
the light of the match, and having seen that one of the
men was alive, for he had heard a low moan, he took the
dead one from the seat, made the living man as con-
fortable as he could with the cushions, and closed :
stage door.

Then the lashings of the wheels were cut, and mount- |
ing the box, Buffalo Bill placed Ben on top, tying his
body so that it would not fall off, and seizing the reins
sent the horses along at a thundering pace.

They were only too anxious to go, and went ata gal-
lop over a trail on which only a driver of skill and nerve
would dare force then: at such a rate,

As he neared the camp of the scouts, Buffalo Bill

 

 
 

    
   
   
   
   
  
 
 
  
 
  
 

pened fire with his revolver, and by the time he passed
long the trail nearest to them, they came dashing down
: o meet-him, mounted and ready for battle,

hen you get near it, leaving one of your number to

men! Go to the Death Gap, but go on foot
keep the horses.
At daylight look for trails, ae I will be back as
oon as Tean return and there join you.
“Bolton is dead on top of this coach, and within are
‘Bennett aud Hill, the latter still alive, sol am going to
see if he can be saved by getting him to the fort.”’
With this the lash fell” upon the horses and the eager
team dashed eWay ouce more at the same rattling speed
as before,
As the sun was rising, the oe on the watch
ie tower reported the coming of the coach at the full speed
of the horses, the: driver laying on the lash.

_ Soon after he reported that the driver was not Bolton,
but Buffalo Bill, but that there was a | dead body on the
top of the coach.

Word was at once ae io. Colonel Miles, so that when

 

and dressed.
1) As Buffalo co whirled ee the oo he called
i: eutr |
oe the surgeon at once, for I have a wounded
hy man here.’ :
: ‘Halting at the station, Buffalo “Bill ae Lo tue
ground, threw open the door, and placing his hand upon
the pulse of the wounded man, cried: ,

OOF

Thank Heaven, he is still alive.
‘‘But he has been hard hit, and more than once, too.”
He then lifted the wounded scout tenderly from the
coach, and placed him upon the stretcher which four

soldiers had hastily brought from: the hospital.

 

‘The surgeon was there. also, and ordered the wounded
man carried quickly to a cabin near the hospital, as
Buffalo Bill said earnestly:

“Save him, doctor, not only for his own sake, for he
is a splendid.fellow, but because he can tell us who these
murderers of the gap are—he | can ae the mystery if
you save him.’
eT will do my best, Cody, but he is a desperately
wounded man,’’ was the surgeon’s response.

‘Buffalo Bill then. hastened on to headquarters, where

he found Colonel Miles ready to receive him.

THE BUFFALO BILL STORIES.

the coach dashed. up to the s stockade that officer was up .

“You have news, Cody?”

‘‘Yes, sit, very sad news,’’ and Buffalo Bill made
known all’ that had occurred since his departure from
the fort.

“This is appalling, Cody, simply es said the
colonel sternly

“Tt is, sir, but the more deoumineae am I to sift the
whole mystery to the bottom.”

“‘T am glad to hear you say fie. Buffalo Bill, for it
means that the guilty ones will yet be found = pun-
ished, i:

‘‘But what is to be done now?’’

‘“‘Yll send one of my scouts on with the coach, Sin,
and the. report to Trail End City, and Hawkshaw will
bring it back, and my man with him.’’ . :

‘‘But will Hawkshaw dare drive the coach through
after these last murders?”

Ves sir, he will, for-I know the man.’’

‘And then?’’ ; a be

“When: he goes through Graveyard Gap, sir, be it
night or day, going or coming, I will be on hand to lend
any aid that he may need, and discover Log the jure
derers are.’’

‘*Not alone, surely ?”’

“Ves sir, Vl play a lone hand on the next run of the
coach; and after that, if 1 do not make a discovery, Tl
try another plan, which I le yet to make known to
you, sir.’’ : a
‘AM right, Cody, I feel: that the ‘is in aon
hands, so ‘you shall have your way.

“Now. what hope does Dr. Brand give you ot saving
Hill’s life >?” oe

raNoue, sir; but while there is life there is hope, is
my belief, and if he-can ouly bring him around to talk,

much will have been gained.’

‘Let us go then and see what the result is so far; but
I forget that you need rest and food.”

‘Don’t mind me, colonel, for I'll get breakfast. ‘soon

and then take a fresh horse for camp, where I can sleep:

for some hours.’

‘‘Well, we will go together to the hospital.’

“The colonel aud Buffalo Bill then walked to the hos-
pital and Dr. Brand met them at the door. :

‘What hope, Brand? 2? asked the scout.

“I fear none, sir, for he has a wound in the lef lune,

15

 
   
       
     
       
     
       

aud another in ae right aa oe a third that aa
the skull,

lasted much longer, for he was bleeding freely.’’

‘He is unconscious then ?”?

Whol ly unconscious, colonel, in spite of all efforts to
rouse him; but he has a splendid constitution and may
rally,” ,

‘Heaven grant ct

‘‘How long, Surgeon Brand, would you tune he had
been wounded when I got him, which was two o’clock?’’
asked Buffalo Bill,

‘I should say for four or five hours at least, from
what ohservation I was enabled to make,’’ was the reply.

‘“Then he was shot late in the afternoon ?’’

“He must have been.’

‘‘And in passing through Graveyard Gap at day-
light?’

OO ea)

‘“This is remarkable, for there were Bolton, the driver,
and my two scouts for the murderers to face, so there
surely must have been a large force that ambushed
them,’’ said Buffalo Bill, thoughtfully,

CHAPTER VII.
ON WATCH.

Vea con Brand could give Buffalo Bill no more Hone
for Hill, the scout, and so he mounted a fresh “Eee and
dashed away toward the gap.

found two of the scouts with the horses, the other hav-
ing remained on the search.

Before these two could say anything regarding the
search

 

scouts caine in sight.
“Ho, pards, any news??? called out Buffalo Bill as
they appeared.
: They looked a trifle confused at seeing their chief,
and one said: :
‘*No, chief, we could not find even the photograph of
a trail, and we looked close, tao.”’ :
i Wh Hy did you leave the canyon before dL, came to join
you?”

THE BUFFALO BILL STORIES.

“Had he not arrived when he did, he could not have

 

He reached the camping-place before sunset, and there 7

for the trail of the murderers, the other four

‘<Fact is, chief, we saw night was coming on, and that

  
   
    
  
 
 
    
  
   
   
   
  
  
   
 
  
   
   
  
  
  
   
   
 

canyon hain’ t no place for live ioe oben the stn Soke
down.”’ ee ae

‘“Vou were afraid, eh?’’

“You know us all, chief, and is aware we don’t scare
‘easy, ‘but that canyon and what goes on there is out of
ther common, yer see, and we put it to ther vote as ter
whether we should go or stay.”’ _
“Well?”?

‘Ther vote were unanimous that we should light
Outs

“Well, boys, I can hardly blame oe ; but you should
never desert your post, you know.’ ;

“That? ’s so, Chief Cody; but them we was guarding
was dead folks and they didn’t need us, and if live folks
was about they war so hid as ter make dead folks out of
us when night come on.”’

‘All right, we will go to camp and have supper, and
then I will go on foot to the canyon and see if I can
find any spook or outlaw.”’

“Don’t do it, Bill!”

ie Why not?’

‘“Themn as has turned up their ee in that canyon
never gets a chance ter draw a weapon, that is certain.’

op ll have to take the chances, you know, and I was
there last night.’

‘Ves, and Bolton and two of our oe went under last
night. i

‘They were led | in the afternoon, but noe Hill may
survive, though the chances are against him.’

‘‘T?m glad to hear that; but couldn’ the talk and tell
yer anything: fail

‘‘No, he was unconscious.’ :

‘‘Well, if he could talk he could tell it all.”’

‘*T only hope that he will be able to do so,’’ and with
this Buffalo Bill rode on to the camp.

He ate a hearty supper, enjoyed his pipe, and “just as
the shadows | began to fall upon the les a off on
foot for Death Canyon. ee

His men begged him not to go, but seeing him deter-
mined to do-so, wanted to go with him. :

My ne said that one could escape Hotice when: half-a-
doze ae

could not, and he would go alone.

He had put on moccasins, so that his step was noise-
less, and as he disappeared in the gathering gloom, he-
drew a revolver in 7 hand, thus Oe them ready

for instant use.

os

Yee
  
      
 
   
   
   
 
   
   
 
  
  
   
 

Reaching the canyon, ae moved more ees and
lowly, and at last came to the opening which had been
lhe scene of so many red deeds, all of which lay buried
@ the. deepest mystery.

He crept along among the stunted trees and the rocks
itil he reached the spot where he had twice found the
age coach.

All was as silent as the grave.

No wolf was even whining around in search of food,

ild beasts and night birds.
_ The chief of scouts stood for a long while gazing about
im through the almost impenetrable gloom, his thoughts

VO

uSy.. : :

_Not far away were the graves, the white boards mark-
ng the last resting-places of the brave drivers, dimly
een in the somber light, or a darkness, for light
here was none.

At last the scout’ felt a drowsy feeling creeping over

shining brightly, and he had not been dis-
turbed through the night by outlaw, spook or wandering
pS oirit. | :
Buffalo Bill felt mortified at his having slumbered so
soundly through the night, and yet he could not but
think that there had been no one near, or he would in-
stinctively have felt their presence and awakened.

His training had been such that he had conie to have

i} He looked about him, and knew that the sun was all
of two hours high.

   
  
  

‘Then he searched around for any trail, but only the
stale ones were visible here and there in the hard soil.
‘AS he could inake no discovery, and the stage was 1ot
Ddue coming that way again for days, he thought it best
© go back to the fort with his men, and start off a gain
| upon ae lone scout just before Hawkshaw should come
i i through.

yy

  

So back to the camp he started, to meet his comrades

‘coming to look for him, they having become anxious

  

sregarding his safety.

 

  

THE BUFFALO BILL STORIES. -

md the weird ghoulish spot seemed even deserted 7

\

‘Any news, chief?’ asked one.

‘No, for I could find no trail of any kind to‘indicate
where. the murderers came from, and. whither they
went.”’ | 5

“Did you stay inthe canyon all night, Pard- Bill?”
another one asked.

“Oh, yes, and slept pa most of the time.’’

‘Yer slept??/

CONES)

“I wouldn’t close my eyes in that canyon, at night, for
a dozen ponies.”’

Why not?”

‘With all them graves around.’?

“The dead would not trouble you, Nick, while the
livin g would.”’

“Waal, I can’t git familiar with dead folks, no matter
how I tries.

‘‘When a man has handed in his chips, somehow I
fears him; yes, I is afeerd o’ a leetle dead baby, even,
for they is so silent, so white, and seem to be thinking
sO Heep about what they is seeing in ther speritland.

‘‘No, sir, no graveyards in mine,

Buffalo Bill laughed at Nick’s earnest way of describ-
ing his fear of the dead, but not another one of the
scouts did.

They all looked serious, and there was no doubt they
felt as their comrade did, while their commander rose
the higher in their estimation from his utter disregard

of the supernatural.

So back tothe fort went the scouts, and Buffalo Bill
made his report to Colonel Miles, with sincere regret

that he. had nothing to tell to cast any light upon the

situation.

But he told the colonel that it was his intention to go
ahead of the coach at its next run, and to start the night
hefore, taking up position in the canyon so as to be on
the spot long aiecad of time, and endeavor to anticipate
the coming of the murderers.

‘‘VYou will take men with you, Cody?”

‘No, colonel, I will go alone, for a party of men

would surely be seen.
‘‘Upon one condition you can go then.’ -
“Yes, colonel.’”
‘‘Promise to obey my commands.’?
pwerianiv weir)

‘Then you can go upon condition that you shall find

 

  

  
   

  

18

the senurest ie places, and then, no matter wnat
occurs, you are not’ to venture forth or attempt a rescue
of the driver, if there are over three men to fight.”
“Three men, sir?’’ :
“Ves, three of these outlaws, murderers and robbers,

for that number I feel you can stand a chance with, but

more than that I do not wish you to face, even if you »

have the advantage of a surprise upon them.,’’
‘¢Ves; sir.”’
“You promise???
hde sing?
‘‘Well, under those circumstances you can go!
‘‘May I ask, Colonel Miles, if there is any change for
the better in Scout Hill’s condition?”

¥

‘None!

‘“The surgeon then has no hope?’’

‘‘He has hope, yet it is so faint he hardly dares ex-
press at.

‘“The poor fellow lies in a state of coma, and neither
speaks nor moves.

‘He may rally yet, but the chances are against him,
though Surgeon Brand is doing all in his power to save
him—in fact, keeps by him night and day, for he knows
how much depends upon his beiug able to state what
occurred, independent of his wish to save him.’

Soon after Buffalo Bill took hisleave, and going to his
quarters he found that there was much excitement in the
fort about the murders committed in Graveyard Gap.

The days passed slowly until the eve of the one on
which the coach was expected to arrive from Trail End
City, when Buffalo Bill, after reporting to Colonel Miles,
niounted his horse and rode away toward Death Canyon

to go on duty as a louie watcher.

CHAPTER Vue.
NUMBER THREE.

There was general indignation against the unknown
murderers, and: a belief that Harry Hawkshaw should
not go. ae

**No one will call him a coward if he don’t,’’ said one,

and he echoed the sentiments of nearly all.
If there were any one who thought he should go, they

~ were those who were his enemies for some reason or
other.

/ THE BUFFALO BILL STORIES.

said he would, it were jist a game of bluff.’’

tered right and left to open a lane between the. two men,

   
   
   
  
  
   
 
   
   
  
   
   
  
  
  
   
   
 
   
   
  
  
  
  

‘The night Scout Casey brought the coach in, the
gathering at the saloon of Peters’ Hotel was enormous,
including all the people in Trail End City with very few :
exceptions.

They played cards, drank, swore and canvassed the
going of Hawkshaw, the remark often being heard that
he was a fool to go to sure death. ae

“He hain’t a-going,’’ said a rough- looking - ‘man with
an evil face.

“Who ae so??’ asked one,

“'T does, ’

“How do you know, Jace Keeler, that Hawks! haw
isn’t going?” : |

‘<7 knows it by what I kpows of him.”

“Wihatis that?”

The man saw that every eye was upon him now, a
dead silence had fallen upon the room, and he had to tip-
hold his position taken against the young stage driver.

So he said: :

‘‘T knows he hatn’t got ther grit ter go, and when he

“"You lie, Jack Keeler!’ rane out a clear voice from
the crowd, followed closely by the words:

‘And I am coiming to make you eat your own ards,
so, pards, give us rooin.
The speaker was Tiawesuey himself, iad ‘he had just
entered the saloon accompanied by Scout Casey, who
had been up in the mountains to find him, and tell 4
of the fate of Bolton. a i

At his defiant words, and quick resenting ae the
charge against him, a cheer arose, while the crowd scat

for they had learned by sad experiepce what Une in
the way meant,

Hardly had the eee opened when the two men socd
alone, Jack Keeler having drawn a revolver in “each

  

hand, while Hawkshaw had not yet drawn his weapon.

  

But as Keeler opened fire, Hawkshaw, as quick as a

  

flash, had his revolver out and pulled trigger.

  

The bullet crashed into Keeler’s brain, and a

 

dead, while Hawkshaw called out:

  

) ais) Doc. Sands here, for I’ve got a leaden pill in my

 

oa

 

deg.’

 

The doctor was there, and going to. Hawkshaw’: s ade,

 

fie bullet was quickly extracted and the wound dressed.

     
'

‘THE BUFFALO BILL STORIES.

“That settles it with you, Harry, for yer won’t drive
me said’a miner. .
*You are mistaken, for I’d drive that hearse on the

An if the bullet had half killed me,’’ was the gritty

tesponse of the young driver. —

And he kept his word, for when the day rolled round
“the coach to start, Hawkshaw ordered the men to
‘ch up and drive around to bugle call, to let the pas-
22 ers know that all was ready for the start.

‘Heaven protect you, Harry,’’ called out Peters, and |

any a good-will followed the plucky young driver, as

v3 th an empty coach, but with Scout Casey sitting upon

: ‘*T am ready to start, sir,’’ said the chief of scouts.
‘‘Well, Cody, I dread to see you go alone, and yet you
ow best what you can do.
‘But remember your promise.”’
POL Wilk sit.
“ll court-martial you if you break your pledge,’’
aid the colonel, with a smile.
‘fT ll remember, sir.
“I sent my horse out, with a scout riding him, sir,
d would like leave to slip out the headquarters gaté,
I wish to be reported on-the sick-list, and my going

t be known.’’

nd witha
ce of the hand, Buffalo Bill left the colonel, and soon
ed out of the gate in the stockade road.

it will send the scout here at once, sir, for he is but a

rt distance away,’’ and Buffalo Bill bade the captain.

d-by and hastened out upon the prairie.
He soon found the scout, with his horse, and said:
pike, you must not be seen going back through the
Hain entraiice on foot, so go to the headquarters gate
nd Captain May will let you in.”’ :
“All right, Bill, and good luck to you,’’ said the

19.

scout, as Buffalo Bill leaped into his saddle and rode
away in the darkness.

He took the stage trail to Fort Famine, and when he
came to the creek, the last bit of water for many miles,

he turned up the bank, and a quarter of a mile away

found the camping-ground where his men had awaited

him before.

He went further up the valley to where there was an
open space, and the grass was long and beautiful.
Here he

the edge of the creek, and drink, as well as get food, and

staked out his horse so that he could go to

then he went into a crevice of the rocks and cooked his.
slipper. |

This disposed of, and enough cooked besides for him
to have a couple of days’ cold provisions, he went on
foot toward the gap.

It was a couple of hours before dawn when he reached
the canyon, but he soon found a secure hiding-place,
within easy pistol range of the graves and the spot where
the coach had always been held up,

Spreading his blankets he lay down to rest, with the
air of a man who had ample leisure on his hands.

The morning came, but he did not move from his
position, but as patiently as an Indian ate his cold
breakfast and remained in hiding.

- Just at noon he heard the rumble of wheels, and at
ouce he was on the alert.

He had brought his repeating rifle with him, and this
was placed ready to grasp at an instant’s notice, while
his revolvers were in his hand as he ‘crouched ready to
attack the moment any foe of Harry Hawkshaw revealed
himself. Ce

In the excitement of the moment he had forgotten his

‘promise to Colonel Miles, and there is no doubt but that

he would have fought six or eight men, did they appear,
for his position was well chosen among the rocks,
shadowed by stunted trees, and with his deadly aim
and a surprise, he felt he could render a good account of
himself,

The coach drew nearer, and was coming along at a
slapping pace.

It must come within twenty-five feet of his position,
so he would havea good chance to see all that took
place. | 3

‘ Nearer and nearer it came, and suddenly rolled into

 
ZQ

    

1

view in the epen space in the canyon, which had been

rew nearer, Buffalo Bill saw that though

stern and fearless,

pale, it

and the coach swept by, the driver
as near, for the bold sentinel

ime the coach went through without a

S
muracrers

have gotten booty

enotigh, or have become satiated in their greed for
human life, I wonder?

“‘Ah! I forgot! there isa return run, a second gaunt-
let for Hawkshaw to pass through. :

t wait, but I ewess I can stand a

ts, ate a cold dinner, Sd
nteen, and then settled
intoal + anvthin Lat tot } 5
wateh for anything that might be seen.

E
‘*Harry is a plucky fellow, and I should hate to se
- 3

n

miy wait now until to-morrow, so I

n training of patience to bear upon

Thus the afternoon passed slowly away.
sniffed at the

new-made graves, and then, scenting danger, suddenly

A hungry wolf trotted into the canyon,
skulked away.

A bird of prey, as though anne 3 spot where it

i not fifty

had gotten food before, alighted y feet from the
scout.

Soon after several deer came bounding through the
canyon, as though in fright of pursuers, aud Buffalo Bill
was at once on the alert.

But no one came into view, and at last the shadows
began to fall upon the valley.

Afar off in the distant mountain tops the sunlight still
: lingered, but soon this faded from view, aud intense

~

darkness rested upon all.

THE BUFFALO BILL STORIES.

Then the scout settled himself for slumber, and was
soon serenely sleeping, wholly undisturbed by ‘his weirq
and dismal surroundings.

The night passed away, and it was atiother cold
breakfast of meat and bread with water to wash it down,
yet apparently the meal was relished. _

The scout was there for work, and he was Willing to
put up with anything to discover the secret he sought to
unravel.

As the hours crept by he looked to his y
placed his repeating rifle in position for ready use, got
his revolver within easy reach and waited.

Then came the distant rumble of wheels.
Not a human being had yet shown himself in the

canyon.

Sa

Could it be that the murderers of the canyon ha
already given up their red work for gold?

It would seem so. Was Hawkshaw to pass safely the)
deadly gauntlet a second time?

Such were the thoughts that filled Buffalo Bill’s 1

as the sound of wheels grew louder and louder.

mind

‘“‘Harry is driving very slowly this time, not like his
run through on the outward trip.

‘Well, I can see no danger awaiting him, and I am
half inclined to go on with him to the oe 1US Sav-
ing a walk to my horse.

se

Great heavens!

There comes the stage into view, and——
there is no driver on the box, ” cried |
Buffalo Bill, suddenly springing from his place of an-
bush.

“The words of the scout were but too true; there was :
no driver upon the box.

Where was Hawkshaw?

The team of six horses came trotting slowly along, the |
reins made fast around the brake on the right of the
coach.

But the driy not there!

Did not the horses know this?

Were they not doing their duty faithfully in taking
the coach to the fort?

er was

There was no need for Buffalo Bill to remain longer ii

=

amnbush, he knew well. .
The harm had been done 1 efore the coach reached the
gap; as once before had been the case.

So Buffalo Bill left his hiding-place and ran dow!
into the trail,

 
   
  
   
  
 
    
  
   
  
  
  
   
   
   
  
 
   
   
   
  

P called to the horses and they halted.

hey seemed to be glad to have the responsibility
oved from them of carrying the coach to Fort Rest.
aving halted the team, Buffalo Bill walked to the
ich and threw open the door, starting back at what he

pon his heart, fastened there with black pins, was a
ard upon which were a skull and cross-bones in
k, a red dagger, and words in crimson:

Let another man dare drive this trail, and this shall
is fate!??

CHAPTER IX.

RUNNING THE GAUNTLET.

uffalo Bill’s face grew stern as death, as he read the
ard on the dead stage driver’s breast, and his eyes
ned brightly, while from between his cliched teeth
the words:

nother driver gone to his death; but I shall drive
; trail in spite of all threats.”’

le placed his hand upon that of the dead driver, to
over that the flesh was still warm—proof that he
d not have been long dead.

will drive back over the trail and find the spot,’’
nuttered. )
Then he mounted the box, wheeled the team shout
started upon the back trail.

is eyes carefully searched the trail on either side for
e spot where the coach had been held up.

But on and on he went and no such place was visible.
He continued along the trail, however, though con-
need that he had surely passed the spot where the
h had been halted.

hen a desire seized him to go on to Fort Famine.

e reached the relay and found that Hawkshaw had
ised there in safety.

GQ

“Lam going onto Fort Famine, Murdock, and shall
@ |return over the trail by night, so have the coach ready
i

or nie,’’ he said to the stock-tender out at Relay Num-

1 r Four.

 

THE BUFFALO BILL STORIES.

x
or

‘“‘What! you going ter drive ther coach, Buffalo
Bill?’’ asked Murdock.

‘‘Well, I am, for this run, at least, and then I shall
put a man on who will go through I think.’’ |

Whois her.) |

‘“Well, that is a secret, but if those niysterious mur-
derers get away with the man, they will have something
to do.”’

‘“Well, it’s gittin’ time they was worsted, Billk”’

“Yes, and their time is coming.’’

The two assistants having hitched up the fresh team,
Butfalo Bill mounted the box and drove away on the
trail to Fort Famine.

He put his team through rapidly, and it was an hour
before sunset when the sentinel at Fort Famine ISOS
the coach returning.

This created great excitement, for it was surmised. that
had been unable to get through, and had

turued about, being pursued, for his horses appeared to .

Hawkshaw

have been pushed hard.

Then a great shout arose as Buffalo Bill was recog-
nized as the man on the box.

He swept into the fort, ordered the stablemen ‘te
devote themselves to the horses, and have them ready to
return in just two hours.

Then a guard was placed over the coach in which was
the body of poor Hawkshaw, and Buffalo Bill went to

headquarters to report to Major Dean.

Care and sorrow had left their impress upon the face
of the handsome major, but he received the scout pleas-
autly, and listened with deepest interest to what he had
tO.Sa. :

‘‘T came back, major, hoping to find the spot where
those murderers held up the coach, so I could take their
trail from there, leaving the coach at the nearest relay
station.

‘But I could find no trace of the scene of the hold-
up, so came on to report to you.

“T shall take the coach back myself to-night, and

»?)

‘(And meet the same fate of the others.’

‘‘T think not, sir, but J wish to find out by my return
to-night if these murderers are constantly camping on
the trail or not.’’

‘How can you?”’

 
    

22

a i
trail, sir.

ee ionote:

“"It will shew that they have a retreat which they g go
to es the coach has passed and repassed.”’

‘‘And if they hold up the coach they will kill you.’’

‘‘T am not so sure of that, sir; but I must take the
chances, aud will, but I have certain ideas of my own,
which I wish to put to the test.’’

Welt, Cody, 7
somehow I feel that you bear a charmed life.

A old me up, then they are caps upon the

‘‘You have proniised to rescue iny aus) or c
cover her fate, and I have confidence in you.’ ‘

‘‘T thank you, Major Dean, and I hope to keep my
pledge to you before very long.”

It had: become known that Buffalo Bill intended to
take the coach back to Fort Rest.

And more, he was to drive the fatal trail by nist,

As though defying death, he was to carry back in the
coach the dead body of poor Hawkshaw.

This looked like tempting Providence to do its worst.

So a large erowd had gathered to see the scout depart

as driver of the fatal coach, for it was the same coach
upon which so many had been killed.
He had had a good supper, Major Dean had given
him a handful of fragrant Havanas, and lighting one, he
mounted his box in apparent g good humor with himself
and the world in general.

He sent the teain away at a dashing pace, and soon the
rumble of wheels died away in the distance, while many
a head in the fort was ominously shaken, and bets were
quietly made among the gamblers that Buffalo Bill was
taking his last ride, that he had dared fate too far. But
the scout held on at a greater speed than that at which
the team had before been sent over the trail.

The coach was empty, and there was no baggage.

The wheels had been well greased, and if the horses

_ arrived at the relay station distressed they would have

ample time to rest before next coach day.

The relay was reached well ahead of the usual time
for the run from the fort, and Murdock had the fresh
teain all ready.

Buffalo Bill had little a say, but Murdock started asa
flash of his lantern showed that the body of Hawkshaw
was still inside the coach.
~“*Vou will have a new man ter drive her through
next time, yer say, Buffalo Bill?’’ called out Murdock,
as the scout mounted to the box,

** Yes, I will.”’

With this the whip aoa. over the backs of the

horses, and they were away.

‘The coach lamps were lighted, and cast grim, dancing.

must let you have your way, and

THE BUFFALO BILL STORIES.

shadows as it rolled along, giving a weird aspect to the
flying vehicle. a :

But Buffalo Bill was a skilled, daring and Oe
driver, and he knew the trail well.

The horses felt that they had a master hand upon the
reins, and they went accordingly.

The coach came in sight of the gap at midnight, just
the hour when gravey ards yawn and spooks prowl
about, it is said.

Hvidently to the surprise on the horses, they were
drawn down to a walk to pass through the canyon.

he coach was halted at the lone camp of Buffalo Bill,
and, dismounting, he got his traps which he had dett
there:

Then he mounted the box again, aud Bicye on ata
funereal pace, until he had passed through the fatal gap.

Once more then the horses were sent forward with a
rush, until again halted at the creek, when Buffalo Bill
disinounted, and hitching the team, went off at a run
for his horse. :

The animal was found as he had left it, except that
there was a string about his neck, and a card attached.

Reaching the coach by aid of one of the lights, Buffalo
Bill saw on the card as follows:

‘*Don’t dare us too far, Buffalo Bill!’’

He said nothing, hitched his horse by the side of the
off leader, and, again mounting the box, went on at the
same rapid pace to the next relay.

Here he halted for fresh horses $s, and the men seemed

_ startled at seeing the scout driving, and the dead body

of Hawkshaw in the cea wch.

‘‘We feared he’d get it, Bill, and: I tell you we is
getting skeered the way this killin’ goes on,’’ said one
of the men at the relay.

Buffalo Bill replied: lo ie

‘‘Don't mind it, pards, for it will stop soon, for I put
a new man on as driver, and he’ll go through, never
fear.’ ;

““Who is he, Bill?’

‘‘Nobedy knows. _

‘‘He is an unknown, and he was not born to be killed
by cowardly murderers in ambush. -

But I must be off’

Away he went again, and in spite of cc halt in the

gap, and again for his horse, he was then over an hour
ahead of schedule time between Fort Famine and the
relay station.

On went the team, urged to a fast trot, and just as
dawn. bro} ke, Fort Rest came into view three miles away.

ced he sentinel on the watch tower reported the coming
in cf the coa ch, and a cheer rose for Hawkshaw, though
he should have come in at sunset; the day. before.’

As the coach drew nearer a treop of cavalry was

 
    

at thes stockade jae for ines were under ee to go
out and see what. had become of the coach. |

' Buffalo Bill was recognized on the box ten still
P quite. a distance off, and Captain May,:in command of

quaint Colonel Miles with the fact.

' “That settles the ie of poor EN ‘if Body: is
WW epringing the coach in.

said the colonel.
The soldiers about the stockade gate ea a a
) glimpse of the form of Hawkshaw as the coach rolled in,

nd at once their cheers ceased, for they knew that he.

was either wounded or dead.
‘Ask Colonel Miles.to kindly come. to the stage

: hrough the gate.
oo The colonel was there soon after the coach halted and
| Buffalo Bill said:
“ I wish. you to see the situation as it is, colonel.
‘Harry passed through the. sopeoe on the outward
n-without molestation.

‘‘At noon the next day the coach came in, the horses

rotting leisurely along, the reins fast to the lamps, and
| he body of Harry inside, as you see it now.

 

' phat placard I left upon him, and his hands and feet

re manacled, while he is tied in an upright position.
rr at.once drove back to find the place of the hold-up.

 

‘ Famine.
“T then started pack by night over the trail, got my
ips left in the canyon and met with no molestation. ©

‘‘I halted to secure my horse, and I found. him with

at string and card about his neck, showing that he had
€ visited, and my presence known in the gap.

“T now ‘desire, sir, to drive the coach on to Trail Bod ©
City, and I will find a man who will take the coach

rough and return, on the run between the forts, and 1
elieve i in safety.
“At least, sir, I ask permission to make the trial.’’

“You have done well, Buffalo Bill, and you shall have.

€ permission you ask.

“‘Tf another driver is killed, fee a shall stop the
Now about this poor fellow?’?..,

“‘I would request, sir, that his body be sent in.an ae
yulance: to. be’ buried alongside the other drivers who

unning of the coaches.

ave fallen there, for such was his ai a

 

 

A | Aiter breakfast, sir, I will ae ‘upon the ran to
d rail End. City. is oe
‘But you need foe

 

ithe troop, at once spurred toward cae ‘to ac-.

\ ' “‘Order him to fee at once to me, Captain ee

7 tation, please,” called out Buffalo Bill, “as he passed

“But I was unable to do so, and went on to Fort

y ®

“Tt shall be granted. a oe co
‘And Vous Ge ‘ ae :

THE BUFFALO BILL STORIES. | x

“ey bad more. ee ee I ee sir, ie fore eight.
hours I was in the gap, thank you, colonel.’’

When it became known that Buffalo Bill had made the
tun, by night too, and. with the dead driver in the coach,
and was going to drive the coach on to Trail End City,
there were a number auxious to go eastward with him,
who had before feared to take the trip..

So, when the coach started out with Buffalo. Bill on
the box, he had two companions by. his side, and no. less
than nine passengers inside the stage, one of whom was
an officer’s wife, another the wife of the sutler. :

The scout driver seat his horses. briskly along, the

relay stations were reached ahead of time, and the sun

was two hours high when the coach began the descent of
the mountain trail leading to Trail End City inthe
valley. Every eye in the ae ‘was on ek watch for the
coach. Be

All fete the: Gerbree 3 interest’ in knowing the fate of
Hawkshaw.

The man who had killed the one who had called hii a
coward, before his leaving, was’ not. surely. ae te
back down when he came to the gap.

There were many who said that he ele never go.
through, others. who added that he would never get.
through alive, while still more declared that he was just
the man to take the chances and win, life against death,
in the deadly game of running the gauntlet. ae

So a great roar went up, surging. from. Peter’ s Hotel to.

the cabins on the hillside, the imines, and from ‘every-

where that men were gathered in their various. oceipa-

tions or in idling.
Then a general rush was ; made to “meet the coach.
It. was coming sure enough.

And more ; there were two passengers on the box with.

the driver.

‘Was that. driver. Hawkshaw?’ was “the | question

which everybody asked everybody. else.

At last the coach crossed the valley. stream, and came
pulling up the hill. f

Then all eyes were strained, ce a voice rang ‘out:

ott is Buffalo Bill on the box and not Hawkshaw.’ a

CHAPTER x
AL ONE OVER THE FATAL, TRAIL.

A few one nore, and Buffalo. Bill’s. ee went
down. upon the brake, and the stage had halted.
“TI came in behind time, boss, but it was unayvoida-
ble,’’ he said, as he threw the reins upon the backs ‘of
tie wheel-horses. oo
‘"Where is Hawkshaw?’ pelced) Tees aimee in a
whisper. Be
“In his grave . ne tage. Poe H

 

\

 
 

os

24

roiled 2”
pa Nag se
“Tn Graveyard Gap?”
ln that es
1“ How??? |
‘No one knows, but I found in dead, and in mana-
cles in his coach, and his team trotting on to the fort.’’
2 When?: :
‘‘Vesterday at noon.’
» “He went ee all: tig on the run out?’’
Ee Viegiitn
« “But was killed coming a qe
“Ves. ?
‘* Any tober? ee
_‘*Only Harry was robbed, for no passengers would
travel, and the. miners won’t send any treasure along
now.’’
‘*Tt has come to that, then?” .
“Yes.”
‘Then that means that the stages to the forts must’ be
taken off.’? ....
wo NOE yet. ”
66 Why? 229
‘* Because you must iy still rile to push ‘hes
through. i

“No one a drive.’
Opry them.’

‘‘T suppose I must do so, but: it ue do no good. ,
_ ‘Give them a chance to refuse.’

This conversation | had taken place before the crowd,
while the passengers were getting supper, preparatory
to taking the coach going east, or in the direction they
wished to go.

Buffalo Bill called eters inte. his beledte room and fhe
latter said:

‘*See here, Bill, I have z new orders from the company. o

6 Yes. >»
“They. say offer as high as three hundred for the run,
and if any accept, aud are killed, then Iam to get up a
band of seven men to go as an escort for the coach,
changing their horses. going and coming at Fort Rest.

“Well, make the offer. and see who accepts. ”’

P Ana. Ti hope there will be some one who will do so,
for if the company starts in on this escort business it will
have to do it on all the trails, and it will take an army
to guard the coaches.’

“Vou are right, so try the het ws ue

“¢ And if they do refuse?’’

“Then, as: I fold you.once before, Peters, i have a
man who will go.’

*“He must be a dandy if he does.’”

‘He is willing to take all chances.’”

‘\Is bea driver?’

‘ :

THE BUFFALO E BILL STORIES.

<‘Vou mean one of the ede ed ere,
ves.” a
‘‘He is not, but he can drive as all as any of your
men, and knows the trail the darkest night.”
“Then why not let him go now?”
“Because you must give your men the chance first.”
“Not a man we go, I:kuow.”?
Fry them,’ : Oh
. ** Then i will be for your man to get the three hin a
dred a run.’
Vou are ee for my man will accept no pay.”
‘“What does that mean, Bill?’’
‘That he is not driving for money.
‘What then?’’ Se
**Under orders.’
‘‘Well, whatever his motive, fer it go, so long ashe
will drive.
‘«Now I must see what I can do among the drivers.”
The coaches east, north and south having departed
Peters went to the saloon where he knew he would find
nine-tenths of the community,

  
   

9?

He was accompanied by. Buffalo Bill, and when they
entered a general hush fell upon the crowd.

‘‘Pards,’? called out Peters, the Overland boss, “I
have word froin the company to get drive: ers for the Gap :
Prail.

“‘T wish to tell you that the coaches must go through.

‘(The offer is three hundred dollars for the run, and
it’s a big amount of money to make in fifty hoursol §
time. |
‘*Now, who bids for the ieee takes the purse?

‘Don’t all speak at once.”

But no one spoke: there was a dead silence, for there
were n0 takers.

For some reason Petar seemed glad that there were i
no takers of his offer. |

He urged for a while, but in a faint eae and at last,
when nota soul had spoken, he turned to Buffalo Bill s
and said:

‘* You see how it is, Bill?”

Pwes?

“Not a man will go.”
~ “Tecan hardly blame them, Peters.’® -

“Well, you said that if I found no one to 3 my
offer, you would find me a man. wie ae do sO.”

“Yes. ” ; :

‘And you will?”
2 val”
“Who is he??? |
; OV ate | cannot tell you.’*
» “Where is he??

“He will be at Fort Rest oe you must send. your |
coach rons tlfere.”’ . a

 

 

 
THE BUFFALO BILL STORIES.

* And then? ae y
: “‘He will take the ee to Hock Famine and. back.’’
“Tf he don’t get killed.” B

“Tf he does, I. -will ee another man to pay in his

i

“That? s fair, aly But should number two. 20

Ber?”

Nuinber thee will be ready to take his place, and so
ith number three, four, and. as many as are needed, for
e Overland coaches shall go through, I am resolved on

at,’’? was Buffalo Bill’s determined way of putting it.

This conversation was overheard by many, and it
eemed to increase the interest felt in the running of the

untlet of death.

A driver was readily found who a to drive the
oach to Fort Rest, await its return there from Fort
amine, and bring it back to T'rail End City. for very
eldom hada hold-up ever been known to occur upon
he first half cf the run.

That night Buffalo Bill remained at the hotel and was
well entertained by Peters, who was the ae man’? of
rail End City.

‘He had brought his saddle and bridle over on the
oach, and readily got a horse from Peters to ride back
o Fort Rest.

After a hearty breakfast, and followed by a cheer from
hose who saW him depart, Buffalo Bill mounted his
1orse aud rode off on the trail.

He seemed in no hurry, and it was night before he

rived at Fort Rest, he payee made quite long halts at
the relay stations.

Hawkshaw had been laid in his grave, by the side of

is Slain companions, and having seen Colonel Miles for
half au hour, Buffalo Bill sought Dr. ‘Brand at his quar.
ers.

“‘T came to ask, sir, if there is oy hope whatever for
‘Hill’s recovery?’

1 fear not the slightest, Cody.”’

. “He i is still unconscious, then ?’’

‘‘Wholly so, and steadily sinking.”*

‘‘With a chance of regaining consciousness, sir ?’’

“I see none; I am sorry to say.

“TT have watched him closely, and been ready to ask
ihe questions you wished me to ask, should his reason
return.”’

“How long do vou. think he will last, sin:

‘*I give him a couple of days only.’

Buffalo Bill turned sorrowfully away a went to his
quarters. =: =
S He retired early, Bat before-dawn was’ up oe in his
saddle. 2 OG

His way lay along the death trail toward Fort
ATS,

He went at a rapid pace until he reached the creek,
and then went very slowly.

He eyed one side of the trail only, and witha feed
look that took in everything that came before his vision.

Reaching the hard soil of the canyon, he kept his eyes

‘upon the high cliffs upon either side, rising like walls
_ far above his head. ales

Every crevice was examined upon one ae as before.

Entering the open space, every bowlder and bush on
one side was gone over with the same minute scrutiny.

Then he passed on his way, still, as before, searching
the trail, and ali upon his right hand.

He had halted at the relay for a while, the one nearest
Fort Rest, and had quite a long talk with me three men
there, having diuner with them,

He halted again at Relay Number Four, and as it was -
late in the afternoon, consented to remain for supper. —

Murdock had just come in from a hunt,and had
kilied plenty of game, so they had a feast of venison
Steaks, a wi ild goose, some pee roa ce bread and
coffee.

“‘Well, Bill, vou hain’t gi’n up yit trying to find the
mysterious murderers,’’ said Murdock, as Buffalo Bill

started upon his way just at nightfall.

‘‘No, Murdock, not yet,’? was the ‘reply, and the
scout rode on his way.
‘Yo the surprise of Murdock and his two ‘comrades,
Buffalo Bill et at their cabin, on his return, just at

dinner-tinie, |

He was made welcome, however, and told them he had
been sent back to Fort Rest with Ou to Major
Dean.

After dinner he started on the trail, and this time it
was the other side of the trail that underwent his closest

scrutiny, as the opposite side had been scrutinized.

He rode slowly, as before, and went at the same pace
through the gap.

On the side he was searching there was the newly-
made grave of Hawkshaw.

By his side also lay the other murdered drivers ina
long row.

Beyond were the. graves s of the pagsehgers who. ad
fallen victims to the mysterious assassins.
ey here, indeed, Iie three heroes Hawkshaw, Be
bravest a ens all, for he was the last one.

‘Peace to their ashes! : oe :

‘“They are at rest now. If they iced the joys that
would have come to them in living, by dying they have
also missed as many sorrows and sufferings which surely
would have been theirs.

™

‘‘Again I say, may they rest in. _peace; and more—
may they be avenged.’’

 
  

_ The scout had stood hat in fan by the graves, his
head bowed in deepest respect as he mused aloud.

Now he turned and pads on, his horse. slowly fol-
lowing him.

Halting and looking back at the group of a in

the canyon, Buffalo Bill raised his hand and cried aloud:’

_ “Yes, may you be pected, amy gallant pards, shall be
my daily and nightly prayer.’

The scout’s voice rang, i eyes flashed fire as he
uttered the words.

Then he threw himself into his saddle, his face
assumed its usual expression once more, and he rode
slowly on as before, searching one side of the trail.

He went to his old camp and looked about for a trail.

He wished to find some trace of the one who had been
to that camp and hung the placard of warning around
the neck of his horse. . >

_ But trail there was none.

So on he went, and just before sunset rode up to
"Relay Station Number Three.
There were three men here, one of them a man by the

mame of Fox being the overseer of the relay stations

a between Trail End City and Fort Bamine, it being his

duty. 1o make the ride once a week to see how the stock

was cared for and that the men did their duty.
“He had been a driver in the Rocky Mountains, but
had lost an arm while on his box, and was given the
place as overseer of stations.

A tall, handsome man he ‘was, of powerful physique,
and a manner as gentle as a woman’s.

He carried two revolvers in his belt, both upon his
left lip, so as to reach them with his one hand, and also
a knife, and he was a dead shot, and it was. oe a dan-
gerous ian to arouse in spite of his gentle ways.

It was said that he was a man of education, though if
8 he assumed the border dialect in conversation.

“His comiades ‘dubbed - him “Captain,” though at

times he was called ‘‘ Foxey.’’

. The Station Number Three was situated in the mouth
of a canyon which widened into a valley, where there
“was fine grazing and’ ‘water for the horses.

There cliffs of the caliyon towered high over the cabin
‘of the. stock- tenders, and the corral, ‘there being a score
of horses in the latter.

ie ‘Ho, Foxey, hayen’t been to ‘supper, Have. you, for
Jen hungry as a bear,”’ called out Buffalo ‘Bill, as he

drew near the canyon,

“Tust getting ready, Bill, and you are more ‘than wel-
come.
‘‘Any news. back on the trail?”
‘* Nothing, for the major has heard not a word about
his daughter, and has ao given up all hope of ever
seeing her alive again,’

THE BUFFALO BILL STORIES.

_ ‘T Hope it won’t be as bad as that, Bill

‘It looks so, Foxey, I am sorry ‘to say,’ ' was Cody’s

answer.

After enjoying his supper ane a pipe, ‘He mounted his
horse and rode off on the Fort Rest trail.

et eee

CHAPTER XI.
THE UNKNOWN.

oe Bill rode on toward Fort. Rest for : a couple of
miles, when he halted in the shadow of a huge rock,
which hung over the trail like the prow of a mighty
vessel. ; a

- He gave a low whistle in the short oe aird at once

-over the brow of the rock sw ung a human form, which

descended a rope apparently.

Instead. it was a rope ladder, for the end 6f it Bice
in his trail by the side of the scout’s horse. ;
--©*T dare not halt now, for I may be followed.

“‘Here is a note I wrote you this afternoon, and in the
dark I scribbled something further as I rode along, and
which you may be able to make out.

‘“The coach will come through to Fort Rese on time,
and then it will be for me to act.

‘“Now I must be off, pard.’’

There was a silent grasp of the hand, a few muttered
words from the man clinging upon his rope ladder, and
Buffalo Bill rode on his way. . ate

Then the man ascended. the ladder once more and drew

aiteup-aiter Him,

He had hardly done so ach a form skulked along ‘ the
trail following Buffalo Bill.
The man on the cliff peered over, and watching, saw

the form returning soon after, but he made no effort to

halt him, but let him go on his way.

It was midnight when the scout reached the fort, and
seeing a light burning in the cabin where the “wounded
man Hill was, he made his way there, after putting up

his horse.

‘Two scouts were there, and upon a cot lay ¢ a form cov-
ered with a sheet!

Instantly Buffalo Bill removed his hat, for he need not
be told that the scout had passed the portal of eternal

rest.

‘He died this evening, just at sunset, Bill, is said « one
of the scouts in a low tone. a)

‘Poor fellow.

‘‘ Did he regain consciousness, Bony’ ce

‘‘Ves,and asked to be placed in the door 50 that he
could see the sun set.”’

“ Anything else?’?’

‘1 do not know, for Dr. ‘Brand was s with oe

Buffalo Bill let his hand rest gently upon the ‘head of

 
 

a

Cy

 

we ee ee ee

the dead scout for a moment, as Bony drew back the
sheet, and then went away. ;
He saw a light in the ace of Surgeon Brand, so

went to his room and knocked:

“Cone inl):
The surgeon was there, playing cards with three other

_ officers, and with a bowl of punch and a box of cigars

upon the table before them.
‘“Ho, Cody, come in!’ said the doctor, pleasantly, for

he was too accustomed to scenes of misery and death not
' to have already forgotten the scout’s death a few hours

before.

‘Pardon me, doctor, but I did not know you were en- :

gaged, and seeing a light in your quarters, dropped in.’’
“You did right. Sit down and have a glass of punch
and tell me how I can sérve you. -You look tired.,’’
‘Yes, really ill,’’ said one of the officers.
‘“Not sick, are you, Bill?’’ a second one remarked.
‘CA punch will make you feel better than any medi-

| cine Brand can give you, Cody,’’ a third officer remarked.

oo Bill, take a treble allowance and catch up with
us,’’ added the surgeon.

“Thank you, doctor, one will do, saa I believe I really.
need that as a ae for I just. came from the cabin |

where poor Hill lies.’

‘Yes, poor fellow,-I could not save him, try as I
might.

‘‘He rallied at the last, asked to be taken to the door

_to see the sunset, and I gave him a stimulant.

“Then I sat down for a talk with him, for I saw that

j the change was but the rally before death.

“But when I spoke to him he did not answer, and
when I touched his pulse I saw that he was dead. -

“His life had goue out just as the sun disappeared be-

yond the horizon.’

‘“Then he said nothing more, sir?’”
“*Not a word.”’
Buffalo Bill sighed and turned away, soon after going

to the quarters of Colonel Miles, to whom he said:

‘‘Colonel, I have a favor to ask of you?”

+ Granted.’

“Well, sir, I may seem wrong in acting in a mysteri-
ous way, and not now cape but I shall BS all
clear in good time, sir.’

“All right, I trust you, so go ahead.”

“The coach has just come in, sir.’

**So it was reported.”’

-‘*You hold it to-night, sir, I suppose?”

So Ves. 29

‘And send it through by daylight to-morrow?”

ae but I dread the result.’’

_‘* Not so much as before, sir.’’
“Why not?”

THE BUFFALO BILL STORIES. ao 27

‘‘T have a man to take the coach through, sir, and he

will be on hand in the morning when wanted.”
''* Poor fellow!’

“Not yet, sir; but the favor I wish to ask of you is
that he must remain unknown.”’

‘Who is he?’

‘“That is the secret, sir, I must keep from every one,
aud so I ask you that he may wear a mask, and more,
colonel, please give me a pass to allow my-unknown to
go and come at will from and to the fort.’’

he request of the chief of scouts fairly astounded the
colonel, to judge from his looks.

“You. wish to send a masked driver mee upon the
coach, and to have me give him a pass that allows him
to enter and leave the fort at will.’’

(| Mes Sie:

‘‘This is a remarkable request.’’

‘lL admit it, sir, and 1 wish that I could now explain
my reasons, but I cannot.. The coach is driven here to
the fort by a driver who will not take it further, sir.’’

‘‘T cannot blame him.”’

‘“But I have a man who will take his place here and
drive ou to Fort Faniine. But there are reasons why he
should not be known yet a while, Colonel Miles, and the
air of mystery may help our cause. At least, I think So,
Sirs:

. ‘He isto goin disguise there, and so remain until
he is killed by those murderers, or return to the fort 2’’

OW eS Site |

‘When is he to unmask, unless he is killed?’

‘‘When there is uo longer any mystery regardiug these
murderers.’’

The colonel turned toward his desk, took upa pen
and wrote the pass. |

‘*Do you have hopes, Cody, of seeing your masked
driver alive after he leaves the fort?’’ asked the colonel.

“" Yes, el, I have; but I have another favor to ask,
colovel.’

Low bat. another???
Yes, six; Lo owould ke a ae of absence, sir, , for a
month.’’

‘What! Buffalo Bill ask for a leave of absence in the
face of the enemy.’’

‘‘It is not to go far, sir, only to be at liberty to go and

come at will, for I do not wish to be hampered by duties

in the fort just now.”’

“*Tt shall be as you wish, Cody, for I am sure you are

aiming at a dead center in what you are doing now.”’
‘‘T am trying to do my duty, sir.’’
‘“When do you ve your leave to begin?’?
“To-night, sir.’
‘*For one mouth ?’’
Ves sins.”

 
    

28

The colonel turned again to his desk and wrote a spe-
cial leave of absence for the scout, who took it with an
expression of thanks.

‘Now you do not wish an escort to go with our new
man, Cody?”

On, nie. Sik?

‘Suppose he is killed ?’’

‘He must take his chances as the others have done,
Sir.

Buffalo Bill found that ie driver who had brought
the coach up, was Brighton, a man well-known along
the Overland stage runs as a brave fellow.

‘“Well, Bill, ’m here, and come through without a
mishap, I’m glad to say,’’ said the driver. ‘‘Who’s to
take the coach on ter Famine?”’

‘‘T have a man who will be here on time in the morn-
ings

‘What did yer say his name were?”
SE didi’ t saya.”

‘*But yer knows???

‘(He is an unknown.’

‘‘Ah! And maybe he won’t do it.’’

‘Well, pard, you will be here at the fort to see whether
he does or not, and you will take the coach back to
Trail End City when he brings it here from Fort
Famine.’’

‘lt he does.””

‘‘T admit that ie chances are against hith, but then
he is going to try.’

‘“He kin do no more than that, Pard Bill,’ oid Brigh-
ton.

The horn was blown half an hour before starting
time, and a large crowd of soldiers, scouts and hangers-
ou were gathering there, impelled by curiosity to see
who the daring driver was that would thus go to certain
death, as all believed,

Officers were there, and their wives and children, and
to the surprise of many, Colonel Miles came saun-
tering down to the scene, accompanied by Captain May
and several of his staff.

The colonel also felt a desire to have a look at this
bold driver who was unknown to him, and who, he well

knew, would be ee through some strange whim of

Buffalo Bill’s.

‘' Here he comes!’’

Then, coming from the direction of the scout’s quar-
ters, was seen a tall form making for the stage station.

Every eye was upon him; and, as he came leisurely
along he cracked a very handsome coach whip which he
carried in a manner that showed how well he knew how
to handle one. :

He was dressed in a suit of black corduroy, age boots,
sombrero, wore gauntlet gloves, and had a silk hand-

THE BUFFALO BiLL STORIES.

quarters,

a

kerchief about his neck, while, strangest of all, his face

was completely hidden under a sable mask.

‘This was a surprise to the. crowd, and a murmur ran
among them as to what it meant.

As he came up to the station a silence fell upon all,
He politely saluted the colonel, who, returning the
salute, eyed the masked face curiously and intently.

“You are the stage boss, sir, I believe?’’ he said ina
low voice.

ean.’

‘I was told by Chief Cody to report to you to take
the coach out on the run to Fort Famine.

‘“It is just five minutes to starting time,

»)

and he took ©

out a handsome gold watch and glanced at the dial.

‘Ves, Buffalo Bill told me he would have a man here
on time to aS the coach out. You are the man?’

lenin sir.

What is your name?

‘‘My name has nothing to do with my driving, sir, so
put me down as Unknown.”’

‘All right! And you know what you have to face?”’

‘*T have been told all, sir, by Mr. Cody.’’

‘“There is not one chance in ten that you get through
alive.”>

‘‘T thought the odds were much greater against me,”’
was the cool reply.

““You had better leave your eee and valuables
Here,

‘‘No, for they will be of no use to me if I lose my life.
I risk death and robbery together on this venture.’’

‘‘You are a cool one and no mistake; but where is
Cody?’

‘“He was granted a leave of absence, I believe.’’

“Well, pard, you is ther durndest fool I ever struck
ter drive ther trail, so I says good-by ter. yer, ?” and
Brighton, the driver, who had listened to all that had
passed, stepped forward and confronted the masked
driver.

The unknown took the extended hand, and turaite to
the stage boss, said:

‘Any orders?"’

‘Not any, except not to get killed.’’ .

‘‘Time is up, then, so I’ll be off.”?

He turned, leaped lightly up to the box, Boerne up
his reins, and said, pleasantly:

‘Let them go, hope

The stablemen sprang ‘back from the heads of the
horses, and with a crack of the whip the driver started
his team on the run through Graveyard Gap! —

Then, loud and long rang out a cheer for: the bold
man, while Colonel Miles, as he walked back toward his

sent an orderly to summon Buffalo Bill to
come to him at once.

 
  

[ ran

take

ook

lere

SO

€s

 

 

S (he orderly teturty , ws .0
| the scout’s quarters, se
away before dawn,
‘Go and find or id out
| of the main stoc}
In a short tir: ton that

Buffalo Bill |.
half an hou;
another, thr

sade gate
sad leading

Colonel i said:

tO} .éked of me, cap-
tain

we {0 tiasked.’’

a : absence for himself.

th Hine the 4 » what is known as my
goie int a I verily believe he rode
0 rt. 2 “ some comrade awaiting him

through the little gate, went
ed up as the masked driver.”’
«<, colonel ?”’
wu came from Cody’s cabin.”

 Cody’s height and build.”*
ey gy, sir, I should think.’’
“And he vore gauntlet gloves, was masked, had even
his neck concealed with that silk handkerchief he wore,
and it looked very much to me as oe he had his long

hair done up under his sombrero.’

‘It might be so, colonel; but then what motive

would Cody have for going in a masquerading costume?”

“He well knew that I would not allow him to drive

| that coach.”

That t6's0, site” ‘

‘“He was determined to go through on the coach, and
he is not one to stop at any danger to gain his ends, and
I really believe that he masqueraded just to carry his
point, and discover how it is all those prone have been

massacred, believing that he could escape.’

“4gvben I fear, sir, that he has made a sad mistake,’
said Captain May.
CHAPTER XII.
THE DEATH GAUNTLET.
On drove the masked driver along the trail, and enter-

ing the gap, he drew his horses down toa walk, placed
his repeating rifle across his knees and loosened his

revolvers in their holsters.

He passed the graves, the scene of the hold- -ups, and
no shot came, no one appeared to molest him.
Once through the gap, he passed on to the next relay

= station, blowing the stage horn as before, long ere he
. came in sight of the cabin, which showed a knowledge

of where it was situated, at least.

/ BILL STORIES.

zo

When the coach drove up before Relay Number Four,
Murdock and his men were there to greet the driver, and
started when they beheld the masked face of the one who
had dared Graveyard Gap.

It was an hour before sunset when the sentinel on the
watch tower of Fort Famine reported the stage coming
in, Whowas the driver that dared make the run was the
question upon every lip.

On came the coach at a rapid pace, and all the fort
had gathered to receive it.

As the stockade walls were reached, such a cheer as
greeted the driver was never heard before in Fort
Famine.

He had run the death gauntlet in safety.

The driver had come through alone, and was masked,

He threw the reins down upon the backs of the

wheelers, dismounted Und made his way toward the

quarters of Major Dean.
That officer
told by his orderly that the driver was masked.

a Tall, erect, with a soldierly step and fine bearing, the
masked driver walked to headquarters,

earch

As the orderly ushered him across the threshold he

. came face to face with Major Dean, who wore a look of

settled sadness.

‘‘Pardon me, Major Dean, if I do not unmask or. un-
cover my head in your presence, but Colonel Miles gave
mie’ perinission to drive masked, for, under such condi-
tions only do I make the run.’’

‘‘ You are excusable, sir; but I suppose Colonel, Miles
knows who you ne

‘“He does not, sir.’

‘«Then you are unknown wholly»?

‘*Except to Buffalo Bill.’’

‘“Then that is all-sufficient, sir.

‘‘I am glad to meet you, driver, and to congratulate
you upon having come uoeney, this way at least, in
safety, yet the back run remains.’

‘“T feel that I shall go through in a sir.’

‘“Heaven grant it; but, if not presuming, may I ask
nae you go masked ?’’

‘‘T cannot answer your question now, sir.’

‘‘Should I be killed it will be made ee and when
the work is accomplished that urges me to my present
course, you will know all, Major Dean.”’

‘‘And the work you caret to accomplish, may I

ask ?”’
‘To you, sir, in confidence, I will say that it is ae

rescue of your daughter, the sergeant’s murderers, and ©

their complete punishment for their evil deeds.’ °

‘‘Ha! Do you know that my child is not dead?’’

eagerly asked the major.
“‘T feel certain, sir, that she is alive and wal *” Was

had seen the coach come in, and had been “

ih : 5 *
lnc te ARs ECs SUE Bas tan Rtn aki Shee acti 2h SNe

Ricinaisedtoopereder

 
 

     
 

the reassuring response, which brought from Major Dean
a most fervent:

‘Thank God!’

The masked driver had been invited to half-a-dozen
messes, but declined all invitations, and admiring the
pluck of the man in taking the reins after the fatalities
he knew of toall drivers,"the bachelor club of officers
sent him in a splendid supper aud a bottle of wine with
their compliments.

It was early when the light went out in the driver’s
lone cabin, and yet others rem:.ined up until late discuss-
— ing him.

An early breakfast was furnished the as driver
from the table of the bachelor’s mess, and after eating it
he made his way to headquarters to report to Major
Dean.

   

That officer received hi: | said:
“Well, my friend, you see he whole ¢ i te
see you off on your per: Five ans a raver

will be sent after you for your safe

 

As the coach moved off a great slo.
it passed through the outer
grand send-off.

‘The driver bowed his acknowledgment of the cheers
upon either side of him, settled himself well in his seat,
aud sent his team ahead for the run back to Fort Rest or
—the grave.

se, and when

The masked driver drove back. AL an Blan pace, as
y

though not anxious to push his horses too hard, and
arrived in sight of the first relay corral on the ae
time.

‘He reached the open space, where the graves were,
with his ‘revolvers ready aa his rifle across his knees,
and cocked.

He even halted at the place of hold-up, uNe looked
~searchingly about hin.

But not a sound was heard, not a ent one and all
was as quiet as those in the graves mear by.
So on he went once more, yet still keeping on his

guard, and drove up to oo Number Three slightly
ahead of time.

Foxey and his men gave a wild cheer when they saw.

him coming, and the former cried, triumphantly:
nepard, yer has done it),

“‘T have not yet reached the end of my trail, Foxey,
for there are many miles travel yet; but I'll be ready
for whoever holds me up.’

‘‘Yer hain’t got no passengers, has yer?’

‘ONot one.’

‘“What makes yer keep ther old. pore closed up so
“tight? g
“(Why leave it open when thele is nobody aboard???

** Maybe you has a treasure inside thet don’t needrair?’’

30 ‘THE BUFFALO BILL &

and timber, to cross before |,

gale the so: aers gave hima

“Maybe tare pard. ‘#nd I only wish some curious
road agent would make arch for it.”?

‘*T guess they’d be” vcd, eh???

“They might, if a2 eae, Jeg enough to know what
the surprise was.’ ” %.

There was a plain, broke: , ere and there by ridges
aching the fort, but the
driver saw that the coach had’. cen discovered at the fort,
and that its coming was creating a sensation.

As it drew near, the stockady walls were lined with
soldiers, flags »run up on tit staffs before the off-
cers’ cabi- guard was /)awn up to receive the
darin- had been, rec ra as the masked
ae

arcer of the day had ascended to the watch
, and leveling his glass had called out to the

-cgeant of the guard:

‘Sergeant, report at once to Ce Mi
man on the box is the masked driver.’ eye

VA yellof delight broke forth at this news, and descend-
ing from the tower, the officer of the day arranged a
reception for the brave fellow.

Dismounting from his box the masked driver found it
hard to avoid the crowd about him, so said:

“that the

‘‘I have to report, sir, that I made the run in safety,
net having been molested in the slightest degree, so that
the mails are intact.

‘‘But now I must report to Colonel Miles
have dispatches.”’

Way was made for him through the crowd, and he
walked with erect manner and dignified mien on to head
quarters, bowing at the reception everywhere given him.

The colonel met him ina very cordial manner and

, for whom I

said:

‘‘Well, my masked unknown, it seems ee the mys-
terious murderers did not take you for their game?’’

‘fAt least, not this time, sir, for I saw no one to mo-
lest me”? =

“This is remarkable; but will you try it again?™

‘*Oh, yes, sir, for I am on to stay until the mysterious
murderers go under, or I do.’’

“‘T congratulate you upon being a man‘ of very.
remarkable nerve, sir. You have dispatches for me, have
your ~ 2S

The masked driver Wanda them over and, saluting
turned to leave, when the colonel said:
‘‘Do you know that I havea suspicion that I know

you, iny mysterious unknown?”’

PING Sih
— Well, 1 do.
‘““Who do you think Iam?’

‘‘Why, no more nor less than William F. Cody,
Buttalo Bill.

 

in

 
 

 

rious |

what

dges
the
fort,

With
off-
the
ked

itch
the

=

THE BUFFALO BILL STORIES. | 31

A light laugh came from beneath the thick black
‘mask, and then followed the rejoinder:

IT will report, sir, im time to take the coach out.

again, for Driver Brighton takes it on the run to Trail
End City and back to the fort.’’ ©
‘So I understand; but you will remain in a fort, of
course???
‘«VYour pass, sir, gives me the right to go and cone at
will, so i shall et myself of it, having your kind per-
mission.’

‘“All right, the pass wil ee you,’’ answered the
colonel, and as the masked driver left the room he mused
to himself:

**Now, is that man Buffalo Bill, or is he not?

AT thought so, and I do not think so—in fact, I do
not know. .

“Well, I must bide my time to see this riddle solved.’*

- Straight to the quarters of Buffalo Bill went the

masked driver, in the gathering gloom, for night was
coming on. .

Still unknown, the stage driver of Graveyard Gap,
reported when next the coach arrived on the way to Fort
Famine.

Again he went off with a rousing cheer, and anxiously
his return was awaited.

But on time. the coach came back and the unknown
was on the box. 5
- $o continued the drives of the unknown, and it began
to be believed that he either bore a charmed life, or his
boldness had driven the outlaws from the txail.

One day the coach left Fort Rest after the unknown
had held a long conversation with Colonel Miles:

Soon after the coach departed, a score of ee meh,
under Captain May, followed it. _

There seemed to be some cause of delay at the ie
Station before Graveyard Gap was reached, for the coach
was there when Captain May and his men rode up.

There were four stock men there, and they seemed
surpriséd at the coming of the troops; but the unknown
said quickly:

‘Those four ate your men, captain.’

There were revolvers drawn, a ae sharp fight, in
which the unknown took part, and three of the stock-
tenders lay dead, also a soldier; but one of the men—
Foxey—was captured alive.

Then the coach drove on, and passed through Grave-

-yard Gap, halting at the next station.
' Here it rested until Captain May and his men came»
up, and again the stock-tenders—five of them-—were in

trouble, only one prisoner being ee and without the

‘loss of a soldier.

At the next relay, where three aoee tendees were, the
deadly scene was repeated, not one man escaping.

Then back the driver turned his coach to Graveyard
ce the stage pou cee as he approached the fatal

” An answering eal was made, and soon over a lofty
cliff fell a rope ladder as once before, and a man
descended, just as Captain May rode up.

“Captain May, this man is an outlaw, but one I knew
years ago, and. whom I befrieuded more than once; I

BI86 saved his life.

‘‘In coming through Graveyard Gap once, I met him,
and made him a prisoner, but he offered mé a price for
his life to which I agreed.

“He has kept his word, for we have wiped out or cap-
tured his pards in outlawry.

‘As stock-tenders these men knew all the plans of the
‘Overland coaches, and not being oe they mur-
dered and robbed at will.

‘By way of a cave they gained that cliff, and there is,
their retreat, and there they hold their prisoners, to get!
ransom through Major Dean, who isa very rich man,
for his daughter, the sergeant’ s wife and a young officer, /
a paymaster, who, to cree detection, dressed as a
private soldier,

‘‘Thus their prisoners are now free—see, Lieutenant
Harper is now aiding the sergeant’s wife down the rep
ladder, Miss Dedn having already descended.

“They were set free by this man.

“Quick, Rollins, get your things together, mount aa
light out, and it will be sure death to you if you are
ever seen on these trails again; but I believe that you!
will lead a different life.’’

‘‘I will I promise you! Good-by!” and the man was;
quick to take advantage of his freedom to make his
escape, just as Lieutenant Harper came up escorting
Hilda Dean and Mrs. Gale.

A cheer greeted them, and entering the coach, they.
were driven on by the unknown, while Captain May
remained to get Miss Dean’s baggage, which had been
taken upon the cliff, leave a squad in the outlaws’
retreat, and then hasten on to Fort Rest with his
prisoners.

Fort Famine went nearly wild with joy when the
coach drove up to the station with the three rescued
prisoners, and the unknown, still remaining masked,
with afresh team of horses, started on the back trail to
Fort Rest.

A sergeant and his men were left at Graveyard Gap,
but the captain had gone on with his prisoners, who
arrived only a short while before the masked driver, and
hence all knew the story. |

‘‘Unmask! unmask!’’ were the wild cries of all, while
Colonel Miles said:

**Ves, show your true colors now, my noble. friend, Mt

The mask was removed,

- Buffalo Bill was revealed.

As soon as he could do so, the scout said:

‘*T met mystery with mystery, and went as an un-
known, for those men were all superstitious, and feared
to kill one they did not know.

‘“They became alarmed and checked their criminal
acts until they should feel safe again.

“But now the Overland trains, even to Graveyard Gap,
will be safe.’

And that meant after the execution of Foxey and his
outlaw pards, which followed very soon.

“To-day a railroad runs through Graveyard Gap, yet to
but few who travel constantly through the gap is its
strange and deadly story known.

THE END,

Next week’s BuFFALO Bint, Stories (No. 19) will
contain, ‘‘Buffalo Bill’s Death pple: or, Shadowed

by the Sure Shots.’’

 
 

 

 

‘The. only publication authorized by the. Non. Wm. Fe Cody

(BUFFALO BIL)

 

  

_A Sure Winner

 

We were the publishers of the first story
ever written of the famous and world-
renown 3 BUFFALO BILL, the most daring
\ scout, wonderful rifle shot, expert guide,
\\ greatest Indian trailer ever known, and a
popular hero whose life has been one suc-
cession of exciting and thrilling incidents
combined with great successes and accom-
plishments, all of which will be told in a
series of grand stories which we shall now
place before the American Boys.

These exciting stories will appear reeu-
larly in our new 5c. weekly to be known as

 

 

Hon. wm. F. Cody (Buffalo Bill)

erat
ta. ky
Ea
a fe

  

BUFFALO BILL STORIES

READ THE FOLLOWING TITLES
36, Buffalo Bills Pards j in Gray; or,Cn the | 18. Buffalo Bill at Grave-Yard Gap; or, alee

Death Trails of the Wild West. Doomed Drivers of the Overland.
17. Buffalo Bil’s Deal: or, The Queen of | 19. Buffalo Bill’s Death Grapple; Oe sae
Gold Canyon. | _ dowed by the Sure Shots. :

LOOK OUT FOR THE CREAT INDIAN STORI IES

 

 

 

   

STREET & SMITE i, sibs NEW

 

 

 

 

 
 

 

 
 

Jesse JAMES STORIES

WE were the first pub-

lishers in the world
to print the famous sto-
ries of the James Boys,
Whitten Dy that remark
able man, W. B. Lawson,
whose name is a watch-
word with our boys. We

have had many imitators,

and in order that no one
shall be deceived in ac-
cepting the spurious for
the real we shall issue the best stories of
the James Boys, by Mr. Lawson, in a New
Library entitled “The Jesse James Stories,”
one of our big five-cent libraries, and a sure

Jesse James.

winner with the boys. The first four issues ©

ave: Jesse James, the Outlaw. A Nar-
rative of the James Boys,” “Jesse James’
Legacy; or, The Border Cyclone,” ‘Jesse
James’ Dare-Devil Dance; or, Betrayed by
One of Them,” “ Jesse James’ Black Agents;
or, The Wild Raid at Bullion City.”

STREET & SMITH, Publishers, New York.

Nick CARTER STORIES

HE best known detec-
tive in the world is
Nick Carter. Stories by
}} this noted sleuth are is-
J sued regularly in ‘‘Nick
Carter Weekly” (price
five cents), and all his
work is written for us.
It may interest the patrons and readers
of the Nick Carter- Series of Detective
Stories to know that these famous stories
will soon be produced upon the stage |
under unusually elaborate circumstances. —
Arrangements have just been completed
between the publishers and Manager F. —
C; Whitney, to present: the entire set of
Nick Carter stories in dramatic form. The
first play of the series will be brought out
next Hil.

Nick Carter.

Srreet & Smiru, Publishers, New York.

 

 

BUFFALO BILL STORIES

The only publication authorized by
the Hon. Wm. F. Cody (Buffalo Bill.)

E, were the publish-

ers of the first story

ever written of the fam-

ous and world-renowned

Buffalo Bill, the great

hero whose life has been

one succession of excit-

gist ay ing and thrilling inci-

dents combined with great successes and

ac€omplishments, all of which will be told

in a series of grand stories which we shall

now place before the American boys. The

first of these stories entitled “ Buffalo Bill,

- the Border King,” appears in No. 1 of our

“new five-cent library entitled “The Buf
falo Bill Stories.”

STREET & Smiru, Publishers, New York.

 

Diamonp Dick Stories
THE seh tete re

f x - only be found in “ Dia-
CA =k mond Dick, Jr., The Boys’
SALE Best Weekly.” Diamond
Uiamond Dick. — Dick and his some ertie
are the most unique and fascinating heroes
of Western romance. The scenes, and many is
of the incidents, in these exciting stories are

taken from real life. Diamond Dick stories
are cenceded to be the best stories of the West.
and are all copprighted by us. The library
is the same size and price as this publication,

with handsome illuminated cover. Price,
five cents. be

STREET & Smiru, Publishers, New York.

 

 

 

eae 6 Sey e ft
<a mond Dick stories can.