A WEEKLY PUBLICATION
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Issued Weekly. By Subscription $2.50 per year. Entered as Second Class Matter at the N. Y. Post Office, by STREET & SMITH, 279 Welham St., N. Y.
Entered according to Act of Congress in the year 1902, tn the Office of the Librarian ajf Congress, Washington, D. C.

 

 

No. 87.

NEW YORK, January 10, 1903.

Price Five Cents.

 

 

 

By the author of “BUFFALO BILL.”

 

 

CHAPTER I.
ON A SECRET MISSION.

“This is terrible! It is appalling, and the red deed
calls to Heaven for vengeance!”

The one who uttered these startling words was a man
of world-wide fame—no less a personage than Buffalo
Bill—among men the born hero of the plains.

It was in the gray dusk of morning, and the scene
was upon. the limitless plains of the far frontier.

Two companions accompanied Buffalo Bill on that
morning. He was acting as guide for them to a settle-
ment whither he was going on an important mission.
~ The two were young men fresh from the civilization of
the East—one a recent graduate of Yale, going to teach
school in the border settlement, and by name Allan Tre-
main; the other, Dallas Donohue, a young physician,
who accompanied his friend to begin“the practice of medi-
cine there in the new country among the farmer settlers,
the miners and cattlemen. ;

They had left the stage on the Overland Trail, and
were told that they must await some parties going
through. as the trails were beset with dangers—Indians

and road agents being the ones to fear, not to speak of
the fear of being lost in that then unbounded wilderness.
But just then a stranger had ridden into the little stage

- station, alone and on his way to the settlement which the

young men sought.

He was at tall, splendidly formed man, dressed in vel-
ret coat, black trousers, slouch hat, but showing no weap-
ons about his person.

He looked like a border sport, and his dark, strikingly
handsome face was lighted up with most expressive eyes,
while a mustache with curling ends but half’ concealed
his determined, resolute mouth.

The keeper of the tavern had appeared to recognize
him, but ere the host could speak his name, he received
a warning sign and heard the words:

“Landlord, [am going to the Silver Thread Settle-
ment, and would like you tO take care of me to-night
and put me on the right trail to-morrow.”

The young men heard the name of the settlement they
wished to find and listened attentively, their gaze riveted
by the. appearance of the striking stranger.
~ “You kin git lodgin’s fer man and horse, pard, at-my

 
 

2 THE BUREALO

os out; but whar is ther rest of yer outfit?’ asked the
landlord.

a tant alone, ard.)

“And goin’ to ther Silver Thread Settlement >’

“That is my intention.”

“T guess: you.be a stranger in these parts.”

“Well, you might call me so.’

“Ver don’t look like a durned fool.”

Tam not generally picked up as one.”

“Waal, maybe yer hain’t; but fer yer ter strike trail
alone to Silver Thread, yer would be set down as a ten-
derfoot hopin’ ter git some one ter kill him.’

“Ts it so bad as that?”

“And wuss.”

“Twas told I could not reach this station, that red-
skins and road agents were on the trail; but here I am,
safe and hungry,” said the stranger, smiling.

“What trail did you come?”

“Down the Dead River Valley.”

“Whew! You war playin’ in great luck, for the whole
cduntry is as full o’ Injuns an’ outlaws as a Bullfoundland
pup is of fleas.”

“Well, I sunply passed, as We say in the game of poker,
and here I am,’

“Luck can’t stick to one man clean through a trail, and

avs I to vou, jist wait ontil a wagon train, or soldiers
eoes through, or you'll tarn up yer toes.

“Why, hére is two, gents, tenderfoots from ther Land
0° ther Risin’ Sun, .and greener than grass in May,
awaitin’ ter shove through to Silver Thread; but they
has horse sense enough ter wait here and find company,”

“All right; I’m company ; so if they wish to go through
with me, let them say the word, for I shall start at day-
break.

“Now,
hungry

ee ollow my trail, pare. ” and, once out of the saloon,
the landlord turned and grasped the hand of the stranger
euest, and cried:

“But I is glad to see you, and I’d like to give away who
vou was, though you hain’t togged up as usual, and you
has been sealpin’ yer chin, 1 sees, and choppin: off yer
long ‘hairs 2

“T cut my imperial off, Pard Beiey. but my long hair

2

s done up under my hat, for I'm on a secret trail and do.

not care to be known.
“But who are the two going vas to Silver Thread ?”
“Gents, both of ‘em, if they do be tenderfeet—true
gents; one a son 0’ Settler Tremain, the big man o’ the
settlement; and t’other a young medicine man going to
practice there.” ~
“Very well; let them go throtigh with me, for there will
doubtless be use for a medicine man there before long.”
The landlord soon returned to the saloon, and, going
-ever to the table where the two young men sat, playing an
innocent game of cards, said:
“Young fellers, you kin pack yer grips ter go through
to-morrow at daylight, and Pil have horses ready tor yer.
“Ts there a train going ?
“No, only one man.’
“That splendid- -looking fellow you were talking to? :

let me remind you, Pard pat that [ am

he had come to. the

BILL To

“Yes, ther same.’

“But that will only make three of us!

“Don’t you fool yerself, young feller!
dozen, for [ll tell yer a secret—that man be

ie si
It makes a
Buffalo Bill i

CHAPPER i.
THE GUANT SPORT.

Upon the old idea, “when in Rome do as the Romans
do,’ Allan Tremain was inveigled into a game ef cards
that night in the combined hotel, saloon: and gambling
den of Landlord Sankey, and which was known as the
‘Last Chance Lay-out,”’ it being the end of that branch
of the Overland stage line,

To his credit be it said, Allan Tremain did not wish to
play, but he also did not wish to anger the rough element

about him, and so he and Dr. Donohue had entered into
a little game with several miners and had won, they
both being exceedingly fortunate.

The sums won were not large, and, chiming in with
their surroundings, both had “stood treat,” and were
about to leave the saloon and retire early, preparatory to
taking a daybreak start for Silver Thread Settlement the
next morning with Buffalo Bill as their Bee and com-
rade.

They had heard and read much of the Panious scout,

“and when the landlord had imparted to them the secret of

who he was, they had been most anxious to go with him
on the trail which they had been told before would not
be safe to travel with less than a score of men at least.
‘T say, tenderfoot pards, you may be squar’, and yer
may not, but when strangers wins straight games in this
part o’ ther country, we honest men suspects ’ em of bein’
card sharps, and you two galoots hain’t lost a single game,

and treatin’ don’t squar’ yer mn this crowd, as yer ‘doubtless

pays for the drinks with counterfeit money while yer.is

‘too toney ter drink yerselves, but takes a segar.’

This lone and insulting speech was delivered by a man
who suddenly stepped directly before the two friends as
they were about to leave the ‘saloon.

The man was half a dozen inches over six feet, broad-

shouldered, quick of action, and was known as the “Giant
port, *

also as “Circus Sam, the Tron Man,” he having
once been the strong man of a circus, but openly confessed
that he had killed two men and had been forced to fly for
his life: hence had -sought. the congenial atmosphere of
the Far West.

- If there had been any doubt about his having been a

slaver of men in the East. there certainly was not since

border, for he made it his boast
that he had “his own private burying-ground, where he:
planted all those he killed, at his own expense.’

As a gambler he had wonderful luck, and playing cards
and fighting was about all that he did until he was as
gre atly. feared in one w ay as in the other.

When, therefore, the Giant Sport stepped up before
the two young mer*from the East, and said what he did,
there was a general hush in the large saloon, for those
there knew that Circus Sam intended to treat the “ten-
derfeet” to a scene, nothing of a very startling nature
having occurred in Trail End since their arrival some
davs before. .

All.eyes were upon the two strangers, both of whom

 

 

 
 

 

Watt

- tenderfeet.

wr
were finely built, athletic young fellows, with the look of
men who were’not cowards, though unused to the ways
of the wild West. < .

They were not attired in the frontier fashion, either, but
wore traveling suits and derby hats, which, in the eves
of Circus Sam, was a crime that sltould be atoned for,
he being dressed in gray woolen shirt, buckskin leggings
stuck in top-boots, wearing a broad sombrero and carry-

‘ing a belt with a bowie-knife and three revolvers, while -

about his neck was swung a massive gold chain, and a dia-
mond stud glittered in the black scarf knotted on his shirt
front.

“You speak such a jargon of slang and dialect that I
do not’ know that I exactly catch your meaning, but it
seems as though you accuse us of cheating at cards,” said
Allan Tremain, quietly, and the crowd awaited with bated
breath, for they felt that he did not know just who Cir-
cus Sam was. :

“Waal, yer is right; I does say yer is card sharps, ter
win straight games.as s

He did not finish the sentence, for the right hand of
Allan Tremain shot out with the force and quickness of a
mule’s hind leg, and the fist catching the bravo directly
under the ear, sent him backward and downward in a
heap.

“Good, Allan! You never gave 2 better blow when
you were the champion heavyweight at college,” cried
Dallas Donohue, delighted at the knock-down blow of his

 

friend.

But, the end was not yet, for it was no college affair
the two young men had to face, but a frontier game of life
and death, as the bully arose with a yell of rage, with a
fevolver already in his hand, while he roared out the
words:

“T’ll have the lives of both of yer, fer Circus Sam never
takes a blow, and lets the man live that gives it!”

“Vou are mistaken, pard!” cried a ringing voice, and
the tall form of Buffalo Bill glided into the room.

Seizing the arm of Circus Sam and wrenching the re-
volver from his grasp, he hurled him to the floor, where,
putting his foot upon his neck, Buffalo Bill said, sternly:

“Now ask that stranger's pardon for the insult you
pave ee or I will pin you to the floor with my bowie-
enife !

CHAPTER III
“THE BRINK OF DEATH.

Buffalo Bill had appeared to be unarmed, and with his
long hair hidden under his slouch hat, and dressed in a
hunting suit more appropriate to the East than the
West, he might also have been mistaken for a tenderfoot.

But the bowie with which he had threatened to pin the
Giant Sport to the floor had suddenly appeared in ‘his
hand, his foot was hard across the throat of the pros-
trate man, and there was a dangerous light in his eyes
as he made the threat, and Circus Sam saw it.

The Hercules Sport did not know who his antagonist
was who had so quickly championed the cause of the two
This champion was not his height by some
inches, nor his weight by fifty pounds; but Sam, as did
all the others, marveled at his wondrous quickness and

vhysical strength, displayed in snatching the pistol from-

4

rHE BUFFALO

 

BILL STORIES. ia

the Giant Sport’s iron hand, then hurling him to the floor
as though he had been any ordinary man.

‘The display of strength and cleverness had also caused
the two young men to gaze with admiration at the scout,
while, plucky and able to look after themselves, they
pressed to the aid of their defender. gre

“If you move a'finger to draw a weapon or attempt to
rise, you'll sigm your death-warrant, and | tell you now
I’ll stand no nonsense, so ask the pardon of these gentle- |
men for insulting them.” . :

“Does yer call them gents?” hoarsely growled the
bravo. . : :

‘Judged by your standard, they are not; ‘but did you
hear me?” ey

“What has you ter do with it?”

“I am a Western man, and they are strangers here, so
shall not be insulted by such as you.

“Come, no delay, but ask their pardon as I tell you.”

“Who is you?”

“Your friends will read the name of the man who killed
you on your tombstone,” was the alarmingly significant
reply.

“Vas, and I has friends who will avenge me.”

“It will be cheaper for you to apologize than to have
your friends avenge you.’

“S’pose I say I won't.”

“Come! no nonsense!
consequences !’’

The foot of the scout bore more heavily upon the man’s
neck, while, suddenly dropping upon one knee, Buffalo
Bill placed the point of his bowie-knife over the heart of
the Giant Sport and said, sternly:

“Obey me!”

There was a deep hush upon the crowd, and Allan Tre-
main and Dr. Donohue, who had been anxious to take
the quarrel off the scout’s hands, not realizing their dan-
ger, had been checked by Landlord Sankey, who said in a
whisper:

‘Don’t chip in, young fellers, for yell be shot full o
holes, and he’ll run ther game, for I told yer Who he is.”’

In the hush that followed the scout’s last command and
act the big bravo saw that he must for once back down,
and fully realized his danger.

“Vou hear, pard, so talk quick,” and the sharp point of
Buffalo Bill’s knife just pricked the skin over the bully’s

Ask their pardon or take the

' heart.

But it was hint enough, as he cried out:

“Then I asks yer pardon, gents, and, as I was downed,
I says, step up.all and take a drink, fer it’s my treat.

“T means you, too, pard, for you is ther first man who
ever downed Circus Sam.”

And he turned to Buffalo Bill, who remarked:

“You forget the knock-down blow that gentleman gave
you, and for which you, like a coward, intended to kill
him and his companion. I drink with no such a buily as
you are; and, though I do not wish to influence others,
I would yet urge those two young gentlemen to refuse
also, as you are only playing a game to win in the end.”

“We will take your advice and refuse, sir,” Tremain
said, while, now on his feet once more; and with his
weapons ready to grasp, Circus Sam said, savagely:

“Now, the man that refuses to drink with me,’ insults
me and has to fight.” — . Sieh ee

 
 

ie

“What do you say, pards ¢ For there is three agin’
tlc, as ye sees.’

And the ruffian turned to the crowd, who had ranged
in line for a drink at his expense, while his eyes fell upon
those whom he could rely upon to back him up in a diffi-
culty.

Buffalo Bill now knew that the bravo intended to force
a fight. that he might kill the two young men and him-
self, and a glance over the crowd showed that there was

a dangerous element there who would be the backers of ©

the Giant Sport.

What had to be done must be done quickly, and with
nerve, so he seized upon the words of the bravo that
there were three against him, and said:

“No; I alone am against you, and as you seem crying
ior a fight, fire away!”

The scout had drawn a weapon in a second of time, and
the bravo. was covered before his hand could grasp his
cw, revolver.

But there were others, his minions, who were now ready
to support the Giant Sport, and one of them shouted:

“Draw, Sam, for I has him covered!”

“And. have you covered!

“Up with you hands, quick, or I pull the trugger!”’

«nd another person appeared upon the scene, a re-
volver in each hand, as he suddenly sprung between Buf-
falo Bill and his foes.

CHAPTER IV.
THE MYSTERIOUS MAN IN BLUE.

The newcomer upon the scene, and at the moment when
a scene of death would soon have been ushered in, riveted
every eye upon him, save that of Buffalo Bill, who never
took his gaze off the Giant Sport.

Had he done so, the lightning-like quickness with which
Circus Sam could draw a weapon might have cost him
his life...

The Giant Sport knew the voice of the newcomer upon

the scene, and was ready for Buffalo Bill to turn his head
to see who he was, as he spoke as he entered the room.

But the scout was caught in no such fatal error, and
yet he saw, without appearing to do so, an elegant form,

slightly built, yet with the physique of an athlete, stid-

denly appear between him and the Giant Sport.
Nor was this all that the scout saw, for his attire was

strikingly picturesque, being a dark blue velvet jacket

trimmed with silver lace and buttons, broadcloth pants of
the same hue, and witha silver cord down the'outer seam,
and with top-boots of military pattern, the heels of which
were armed with spurs.

A white silk wégligé shirt with Wide collar, a black
scarf with a ruby in it, the match to which was upon the
little finger of his left hand, a blue sombrero Brace

with silver, and a sash about his slender waist half con- .

cealing his belt of arms, made up his striking appearance.
His face was beardless, youthful, for he seemed scarcely
over twenty, and his features were refined and expressive,
yet with a look upon them as though his life had been
shadowed by some sorrow or crime.
Masses of waving hair fell below his shoulders, adding
to his look an almost womanly appearance, and about him

as he entered the saloon there was a look of recklessness

| THE BUFBALO BILL. STORIES,

‘’

“as though he defied canelr and gloried in a edne his

life in a “good cause. ‘

That he was»known to those present was shown by a
chorus of voices crying out as he entered:

“The Man in Blye!

“Now, pards, looks out for deadly music!”

The situation was dramatic’ and thrilling. For a mo-
ment it seemed as though it would end in the cracking of
a dozen revolvers, for the Giant Sport’s friends had “ral-
lied when they saw him again under the shadow of death
from the stranger whom no one there, save the landlord,
seemed to’ know as Buffalo Bill.

“T said hands up! Did you hear?’ and the Man in
Blue broke the hush upon all by his clear, resonant voice.

Ag though his power was known and felt, the weapons

that covered Buffalo Bill were lowered instantly, and as.

his eyes ran over the crowd the men belonging to the
Giant Sport's clique raised their hands.

“Did you hear, sir?”

“With a quick step forward, the Man in Blue faced the
Giant Sport and drove the muzzle of his revolver hard
into his face.

Instantly the arms went up with a swing, and then the
Man in Blue spoke, turning toward Buffalo Bill as though
defying those his presence had subdued to fire upon him:

“You and your friends are strangers here, I see, sir,
and it never fails that there are cowards in Trail End
City to force them into deadly feuds.

“I have interests here, and am captain of the Vigilantes,

so you need have no fear of further trouble, for m} w ord

goes.
“Will you all join me in a drink, gentlemen, and that
means you, Circus Sam, and vour pards?”
‘A wild cheer greeted the words of the Man in Blue,
and, turning to the bar, he ordered drinks and cigars set

up for the crowd, who quickly gathered around to take ~
- advantage of a treat.
Buffalo Bill saw him replace his revolvers, and noted.

that, as he said, the trouble was over, at least for that time,
for he was well aware that he had made Circus Sam and
his followers his enemies for life.

But he replaced his revolver and gazed with deeper
interest upon the strange man who ha 1d come to his aid.

He had often heard of the “Mysterious Man in Blue,”
as he was called, for other than that he was a prospector,
or gold-hunter, roaming at will through the frontier, no
one knew aught of him, it seemed.

It was said that he was the deadliest of shots, and had

‘a record of having killed a number of men, forcing those

who sought a quarrel with him, or with whom he had
trouble, to meet him in a duel, thus giving them equal
chances.

Rumor had it that he had found gold enough to make
him a millionaire, but of that no one knew, for he still
roamed the plains and mountains in quest of more, and
was content to live a wild, dangerous existence to going
where his riches would bring him every luxury.

“T have heard of you often, sir, and now am under a_

deep debt of gratitude to you, for in aiding these two gen-
tlemen [i woke up a hornets’ nest,’ remarked Buffalo
Bill.

Suge here T will not speak your name—mine is Ford

 

 

“T have seen you before, sir, but, as you seem to be un-

 
 

 

 

 

 

THE BUrPALO

Belfont, and if you happen near where I have a camp at
“any time I will be glad to have you as my guest, you and

your friends. Good-night,’ and tossing several bills on
the bar, the Mysterious Man in Blue raised his sombrero
and left the saloon, the landlord leading Buffalo Bill and
the. two young men out quickly after him as though
dreading further trouble.

CTLAPT ER V.
THE’ MAN. FOR THE WORK.

“Cody, I sent for you to put your life in danger, for
your valuable services are needed.”
~ So spoke!Colonel Royall, commandant of Fort Defiance,
at which dangerous military post in the wildest of the
Indian country, Buffalo Bill was chief of scouts at this
time, having been recently transferred there from Fort
Faraway, where he had finished up a great fight against
the outlaws in that vicinity.

“T am ready, colonel, fot any service I can render the
army, sir,” was the prompt response of William Cody in
answer to the words of the commandant.

“But let me tell you now, Cody, that this is not a mili-
tary service you are going upon, for [ am glad yéu so
promptly accepted the mission [ desire you to under-
takes?

“Whatever the duty, sir, | am under your orders, and
will be glad to do all I can.” ,

“T feel, I know that, and for just that reason I need you,
as you are the man for the work, the man above all
others who can do it successfully, though the risk you will
run will be terrible.”

‘My life belongs to my country, sir.”

“Well said, Cody, especially when I know that day and
night you risk it in the performance of your arduous
duties as chief of scouts at this post.

“But now to the work’ in hand.”

“Yes,.sit.”

“T received some time ago an urgent letter from an old
friend of mine, a boyhood friend, Judge Oswald Tremain,
whose goodness of heart in indorsing for others ruined
him financially and caused him to try and rebuild his
- Tortunes.

“Accompanied by his wife and daughter, and leaving
his son to graduate at Yale, and then follow him, the
jtidge joined a large party of emigrants and settled in
Silver Thread Valley, of which I believe you know some-
thing ?” . :

“I have scouted and hunted through there, sir, when
there was not a cabin or a fort within a hundred miles
of the valley.”

, “So T was assured, and you are, therefore, better fitted
tor the work in hand, as you know the country.”

“I know every foot of it, sir,” I may say.”

_ “Well, in spite of the strength of the settlement, the In-
dians cause a great deal of trouble at times, but even
worse than they are the bands of outlaws. the-foad
agents, who rob the messengers, the Pony Riders bearing
the ‘mails, all wagon trains and persons going to and
fro. <

“A weekly coach is now to be established to Silver
‘Thread from Trail End City, and as the mines in the:
mountains are beginning to pay well, the outlaws will
be more desperate in their efforts at robbery, and they

ra

é,

BILL STORES. | 5

are organized into a secret band that no one knows the
retreat of, while, Judge Tremain writes me, there is
reason to believe that some of the settlers are secretly out-
laws. ' .

A Vigilante company was formed to hunt them down,
and. at once the outlaws began to hunt the Vigilantes,
showing them no mercy, and marking each member for
death, until in terror the band broke up to save their lives.

“Herds of cattle have been run off, horses stolen,
houses: raided, and the miners have been robbed in their

camp and on the trail, until a perfect reign of terror and

death exists there, for even young girls have been kid-
naped and held for ransom. a

“Such is the situation, and Judge Tremain implores
me to send a company of cavalry to the valley to put
down the outlaws.

“This, however, I cannot do, as my powers are limited ;
but, desirous of helping him and the people, I thought the
matter over, and suddenly it dawned upon me that you
were the man for the work, and so I sent for you.”

“I am ready to go, sir, and take as many men as you
deem necessary, sir.”

“That is just it, for I cannot spare a company, nor any
ef your scouts. In fact, I do not see how we will get
along without you, but we must.”

“Then I am to go alone, sir?”

“Alone, yes, Cody; but you are a host in yourself, and,
as I said before, the very man for the desperate work to
be done. ?

“How shall I go about it, sir?”

“That you must decide. I will give you the authority
of a United States marshal, which [ can do, and place no
limit upon you as to time, so go about the matter in your
own clever way.

“Dll give you a letter to Judge Tremain, but to all
others you had better remain unknown until you deem ‘it
best to take off your mask, so to speak.

“When do you think you can start, sir

“Within the hour, sir.”

“Take longer time, if you wish, and yet delays are dan-
gerous, you know.”

“I will go at once and get ready, sir.

“It is a long trail, and 1 will carry a pack horse with me,
for I suppose the duty will detain me perhaps for several
months.”

“AIL gf that, and for all expenses needed the paymas-
ter will fit you out.”

Thus it was that Buffalo Bill started upon his secret
mission, his. trail leading him through Trail End City,
where he so strangely and opportunely arrived in time
to go to the rescue of Allan Tremain and Dr. Donohue,
whom the Giant Sport had singled out for victims.

???

 

CHARTER VI.
THE DEADLY WARNING.

When the day dawned upon Trail End City, Buffalo,
bill and his two “tenderfoot pards,” as he called them, -
were a mile on their trail to.Silver Thread Settlement.

The scout found them pleasant companions, intelligent,
cheery fellows, ready for any hardship, and he had seen
their courage put very severely to the test thé night be-

fore, and knew that he could trust them in a close place.

He had suggested their buckling on a belt of arms each,

 
 

  

%

oo * “THE BUFFALO

and securing rifles, and these weapons Landlord Sankey
had for sale, as he had a supply on hand left by his guests
who had been killed soon after arriving in Trail End City.

They were both well mounted, too, and, being fine
riders and fair shots, the scout told them it would not
take long to take the tenderfoot out of them.

lhe trail was a long one, in places dangerous from
meeting bands of roving redskins, and almost anywhere
along it there was a possibility of meeting road agents, if

half the tales were true that were told of the outlaws’ }

doings in the valley and on the trails leading to it.

“We will camp early, to-night, pards, as we can make
the valley in good, time to-morrow night,” said Bill, and
he was looking about for a good camping-place, where
wood, water and grass could be found, when he sud-
denly drew rein, for there was heard the clatter of hoofs
ahead on the trail, and the next moment a horse dashed
into view.

But the horse held a rider all saw at a glance, and a
thrill of horror shot through them as they beheld him.

It was a man, and he was stretched out on the back of
the horse to which he was securely bound.

As the horse was dashing on at full speed, the form
bound to his back, he neighed wildly at the sight of the
horsemen, yet did not check his mad career.

Buffalo Bill, now on the alert, gathered his lasso, ready
to act in the startling emergency,

Nearer came the. frightened steed, with its frightful
burden, and then the scout sent his lasso flying through
the air, and the frightened horse and his rider were
brought to a sudden halt,

“My God! the man is dead!” cried Dk Donohue, as
he sprang to the side of the horse and felt the mulse of the
man in irons, while Buffalo Bill cut the thon... loose and
then, pointing to a wound in his side, said:

“With that knife thrust in his heart, Veo

“I did not see that wound. It means red work has
been done.”

“Yes, doctor; but, see! here in this hand!”

One of the hands, the right, was tightly clasped, and
bound thus with buckskin thon igs, but in it was clasped a
piece of es which Buffalo Bi qh drew out and read
aloud.

Tt was as follows:

WARNING)

“By this, the last one of the members of the Silver
Thread Valley Vigilantes, we send this warning that
shou vad another band be raised to put us down, taking

mus our right of outlawry, we will again put to death

ch and every one of them.
the last band of Vigilantes numbered twenty-one,
ana the last, their captain, bears this warning to you,
setilers of Silver Thread Valley, for his four comrades lie

@

  
 

ee and manacled, awaiting burial, on the summit of °

‘cout Mound.
‘Co there and you will find them, and heed not’ this
sriing if vou dare.

i lee DOYS IN BLACK”

Buffalo Bill’s fine face paled as he read this, and then
he said:

“We will go on and see if they have done as they said, .

BILL STORIES.

for Lookout Mound is about:ten miles from here, and
there i is a good camp near it.

“We will car ry this poor fellow along and bury, him
with the rest, for though the night will be cloudy‘ and
black, I have a dark lantern by which I can follow the
trail.

“They evidently expected the poor horse to go to the
settlement, but in his fright and suffering he got off the
trail.”

With this the horse was taken in lead and the party
moved on, Buffalo Bill leading, and not a word being
spoken, for the tragedy they had come upon so suddenly
had impressed them all deeply.

Night soon fell, but the scout led on unerringly, though
the darkness at times was intense, aid the two young men
wondered how he could find his way in the midnight
gloom.

But at last Buffalo Bill said:

“There looms up Lookout Mound before us, and I have
heard that it has been the scene of many a tragedy-—-I
know of one that happened here in which I was an actor.

“I will light my lantern, for the trail up to the summit
is a rough ‘and dangerous one;

The scout dismounted, lighted his lantern, a as he
moved on up the trail Tremain and Donohue followed
him, leading their horses.

At last the summit was reached, and, bending forward,
Buffalo Bill flashed his lantern upon four dark forms
that lay still and cold in death at his feet.

As he did so out of ‘the darkness behind him came a
burst of wild, demoniacal laughter.

 

CHAPTER VII.
LHE SCOUT S° VOW:

The laugh which was heard by Buffalo Bill and his
two companions, coming as it did out of the darkness,
caused the scout at once to close the lantern slide he
held in his hand, and leave all gloom about them, while
he said quickly in a low whisper :

“Come this way to shelter, as we may get a shot.”

The two young men hastily obeyed, and all three led
their horses over to the other side of the mound and there
remained silent and watchful.

sul hat a wild laugh?” whispered Allan Tremain. .

“Yes, it was the laughter of a madman,” returned Dr.
Be hohus. in the same low tone, while Buffalo Bill re-
marked :

“TI believe you have struck it, doctor;
the laugh of a madman, and its not being repeated leads
me to believe that some poor vinfortunate fellow is near

3)

us.

Hardly had the scout spoken when once again was |

heard the burst of wild laughter. It came from out of
the gloom several hundred feet-away and at the base of
the large mound, and as its echoes ceased, a voice cried
in deep tones:

“He latighs best that laughs last.
joy, for Buffalo Bill is on “the trail!
- “Now is my time to be avenged—ha ! ha! ha!

“There will be red work now in Silver Thread Valley—
ha! ha! ha!”

The voice died away in the distance; the. clatter of

Now is my time for

it did sound like.

was |

 

 
 

 

32.) OTHE BUFFALO

hoofs that followed grew fainter until, at last, it died

from hearing inthe distance.
“Well, par tds, what do you. think of the Wild West as

far as you have got?” queried Buffalo Bill, dryly, when
‘the sound of hoofs no longer came to their ears.

‘A remarkable country, indeed, scout—tfull of surprises
that are startling,” answered Allan, Tremain.

“Yes, and with people as startling as their surprises,”
added the young doctor.

NR -are fp eeteet and cannot deny it, but we are be-
ginning to catch on fast. I do not wonder that this coun-
try produces wonderful men.

“We thought we knew it all, but we are as innocent as
babes out here, and if-you were not with us we wou Id be
as helpless.”

“Well, doctor, you will soon learn, and you will make
good plainsmen with the nerve you have, for it requires
nerve as the first of all acquisitions to live out here.

“But now to our wild man.”

“Yes, he called your name.”’

“That is what surprised me.”

“And did he mean that he would avenge himself upon
you, or that you would avenge him now that you were
here?

“That was not exactly clear-to me, Mr. Tremain; but
let it be one way or the other I do not care, for all goes.
I am here for a purpose, and that purpose will be accom-
plished if I live:

‘Now let us seek a camp. “There’is a good one not far
away, but we must pack those bodies with us, or the coy-
otes would soon be after them.”

“The dead men will outnumber the living in our camp,”
observed young Tremain, but he willingly “assisted in pla-
cing the bodies upon the horses.

This done, the two friends followed the lead of the
scout down the rugged trail to a place where there was
ap exccllent camp.

“There have been campers recently here—the Boys in
Black, as they signed themselves. -It-was they who mur-
dered these poor ‘Yellows, * and Buffalo Bill pointed to the

' smoldering remains of a camp-fire.

A fire was soon started and the horses staked out, after

“which-the four bodies found at the mound, and the one
+ vw. ‘
oe along, which,

Mazeppa: like, had -been found,
sound to his horse, were placed side by side in the s shadow
ae some pinon trees nearby. =

Supper was cooked and disposed of, aiter w Aen the
two young men. were glad to seek their blankets, their
first outdoor camp upon the far frontier.

The scout-said that he would keep watch, and when he
had scouted about the camp and-found all quiet, and the
horses feeding, as though no danger was near, he halted
by the bodies of the five dead, manacled forms. fe

Standing there with uncovered head, as the firelicht fell
upon the deat ‘Buffalo. Bill said, in a low, stern voice:
“I carne here to do my. duty, and [ now ‘make a solemn
vow to avenge these murdered men.’

CHAPTER Witt?
CAUGHT TN tHE ACT.
“Ah! this looks suspicious.”
Buffalo Bill drew rein as he spoke and gazed. fixedly

down at the ground.

“book before vou. Mr. Cody,”

:

BILE STORIES. | ; 7

What he saw. that “looked suspicious,’ Allan Tremain
and Dr. Donohue could not: discover, but they watchecdl

him closely.

They had passed the night in their first camp in wncis-
turbed rest, and, in the morning, had buried the five dead
men, the scout removing the irons by unlocking them
with keys from a bunch he carried, and remarking as he
did so, in his quiet way:

1 L hese are cnet to revenge, and will be useful
sone day.’ \

The young men had watched him place heavy logs over
the large grave, to keep the coyotes away, and Tremain
said in a low tone:

eWievare leap. 120c."

“How can we help: doing so with a teacher who knows
more about the frontier game thaw our great iootbail
coach at Yale does of the game of football.”

After a couple of hours’ ride on the trail, they saw
the scout halt at something suspicious he had discovered,

‘They watched him attentively and curiously.

At last Buffalo Bill said:
“We'll follow this trail, pards.”
“What tragr:

“This one that crosses ours ‘

“T don’t see any, but I stippose it is there,” voung Tre-
main remarked. Ae

“Oh, yes, it is there, though faint, | admit.

“Now, this trail, you see, comes from over yonder on
that range, and it crosses ours and branches off to the leit,
which indicates to me that, whoever Jeft the trail, saw us
coming from yonder spur; and so, knowing that we were
following the direct track to Silver Thread Valley, grossed

‘here to get on ahead to the range, twenty miles away, yon-

der, and there ambush us.
“Now, if we follow their trail, we will surprise then
you understand, not they us, so we will just bratch afk
and see what it will turn out. We will not be taken
very far off our trail to the valley. ;
“Then, too, we could have come by a shorter trail
from-Trail End City, and which would ‘have brought us

by yonder spur, as this one leads, so that. some one from

the cdmps may have decided to head us off here and ger
even for the little powwow of night before last.

“T came this trail as it is the safest one, though longer ;
and it is well we did, having made the discovery on it of
the five murdered Vigi lantes.’

“You read signs as Houen you were reading an open
said Allan ‘Tremain.

“It is wonderful,” the doctor coincided, and added:

“Ww eare in your hands; so command and we obey; but
first show me what you call a fresh trail crossing the one
we are traveling?

“See here; though the ee is hard, vou can see
faint traces-on it w ‘hich are "made by ironshod horses. [
can trace it back vonder, and on ahead for quite a dis-
tance.”

“Yes: now that you speak of it, we can see. it, but!
never would have noticed it otherwise.” :

“You ‘will soon learn to take note of every sign out
here, doctor, for therein is the virtue of being a good |
plainsman.

“Now we. will go on.”

And.the scout led the way once more, the others: fol-

 
 

 

lowing, leading the pack horse and the animal that had
been found with the man tied upon his back.

A tract of low, wooded country was soon after passed
through, and then came the foothills of the range towering
ahead, and beyond which lay the Silver Thread Valley.

-. Unerringly the scout followed the trail, remarking,
alter several miles had been gone over and having come
to spots where the tracks were plainly visible:

_ There were five horses.”

“That means as many men ?

“Not necessarily, Mr. Tremain, as they imay have had
a led horse along.”

of rue.’

“But my idea is, from watching the tracks, that there
are three men, as two of the trails swerve as though the
horses were led.”

7 @ .

“Then it you expect trouble with them, there is one
each.”

“Yes, doctor, unless we are Se in an ambush, and
then cre man in cover is worth half a dozen riding upon
him.”

pb te.

“But if they intend to ambush us, it will be on the trail
we were following, and, by striking them mi the. tear, owe
will have the advantage.

“When we reach further in the { foothills, I will go ahead

%n foot ail of an eighth of a mile, leaving you to follow.”

- At a point further on, Buffalo Bill *dismounted and
went on ahead, the two young men slowly following with
his horse and the led animals, and watchir ng the trail
closely so as not to go astray.

They had gone about a mile,
scoub) waiting os them.

“acre they a e, hali a mile away,
the trail we monies have taken.

“There are five horses, Qut I cannot see all the men,
and tiley are protected well where they ate from any one
approaching on. the other trail, but vou see we have
flanked them,

when they found the

lying in wait on

“We can only tide on our way from bee, and when!

ey see if they wish to attack us let them do so.
nd Bi iifato Bill mounted and rede slowly out of ¢
oe of the hills on toward the high range some nies
ahead of them,
“They had gone but a short distance when the
aimbush discovered them.

men in

 

CHAPTER TX.
THE UNTOLD SECRET.

When those they were lying in wait to catch were sud-
denly discovered in the rear, “having flanked them, there
was Great excitement.

Their horses were staked out a cou ple of hundred yards
‘from where ey were.in ainbush among some rocks over-
grown with scrub pines, - :

To their horses they ran with full speed,
ifies 11 their hands, and as the,
elit, cuietly ;

Hlilere ate darce or ahem:
“Now you will have a chance for a border felt ay
Then you will attack them ?’’

"No, doctor, they have bee n caught in the act, and so

will attack us.’

—

c=

carrying: their
r broke cover Buffalo Bill
Q

(

g 8 THE BUFFALO

a

BILL STORIES, eS

&
‘

“Then if will be three to three, so tell tis what to do.”

“Let them first show their hands,” said Buffalo Bill, and
he rode quietly on toward the range

The three men had reached ee horses meanwhile
hastily bridled them, and, leaving two still staked out,

came riding rapidly (oad Buffaio Bill and his compan:+

ions, one of them waving his hat.and shouting as he did
SO.

“They wish us to halt, so their intentions cannot Be hos-
tile after all,’ said Allan Tremain..

Buffalo Bill smiled, and said: ‘

“It.is a trick, for_they have been caught in an ugly
business, and they wish to try and make us believe our
own eyes deceived us.”

“Then you will not accept their friendly offers?”

“Did we do so our toes would be turned up within five
minutes, ;

“That.is their game, to pretend friendship, catch us off

our guard, and then suddenly open fire upon us. /

Pilar”

As the scout spoke one of the men hailed and called out:

“Ho, pards come here, for we were watching redskins,
and there are more than we can handle.

“Come on and join us in standing them off.”

“Why, ‘they are all rieht,? said Dr. Donohue.

oO friendly enough,” 2 ided Allan Tremain.

But Buffalo Bill’s answer to the words of the man, as
he and his two come had now halted within a couple
of hundred yards, was to suddenly throw his rifle to lis
shoulder and call! Hae ;

“Hands up, all of you!
have to fear!”

“Give it to them,.pards, for they are onto us! We
has got to fight,” caine in the voice of the one who had
before spoken, and instantly they dropped from tlicir sad-
ue ae n on the. off. side of their horses, and their rifles
Were fired almost together. f

But Bufialo Bill had pulled trigger, too, and though he
had only a man’s head to aim at, his bullet sped true and
one of the trio went down, while the fire of the other two
killed the scout’s pack horse and slightly wounded Allan
‘Tremain in the arm.

Buffalo’ Bill’s two companions had not been slow in
realizing a he was right, that the three men were treach-

You are all the Indians we

~erous and foes to the “bitter end.

Before the scout could tell them to take their Hepes | as
a shelter, they had-slipped-from their saddles, had their
rifles lev reled and pulled trigger. ae
“Bravo! you got one than and a horse!” cried Buffalo
Bill as he saw one of the two men drop_and the horse of
the other also go down, his rider throwing himself quickly
behind him. ;
“Now, hands up, or take the home trail!”
falo Bill, w illing to be merciful.
But the man fired. and the shot dropped the doctor's
horse, while, leaping to his feet. he sprang into the sad-
dle of one of his comrade’ s hors ses and darted away, fifing

shouted But-

ee he rode.

But he had not made half a dozen rods before the rifle
of Buffalo Bill again cracked, and he fell heavily to the
ground.

“Wiped out,” coolly said Buffalo Bill, and, ee to
Allan Tremain, he continued :

f \ -

 

 

 
 

 

 

 

TH Bue

“Now, pard, you were hit, I believe?’

“Slightly, in the arm, but as it gives Donohue his first
case, | should not, as his friend, complain,’ was the
plucky response of Allan Tremain.

Well, LE ll leave you in the doctor’s hands\while I look
after those two loose horses,” said Buffalo Bill, seeing that
Tremain’s wound was not serious, rode off at a gallop
to where the three men had fallen, and two of their horses
were feeding near. |

tO, doctor, here is another case for you,’ cried the
scout, as he found that one of the nien was still alive.

As the wound had been quickly bandaged, Dr. Donohue
and Tremain came quickly toward the scout, who said:

“Who fired at the man on the right?”

“T did,” called out Tremain.

“Then you are avenged, Mr. Tremain, for the man will
die,’ and Buffalo Bill “had placed the wounded man in a
more comfortable position, and was doing all he could to

relieve him in his sufferings.

Dallas Donohue quickly knelt by the wounded man,
and said in a kindly tone:

“My poor fellow, Vour wound is fatal, so if you have
anything to say, let me urge you to speak now.’

The man’s eyés rested upon the face of one then an-
other, until at last he said, faintly:

“T deserve my fate.

“It was the Giant Sport who sent us to kill and rob
you men, and there is a secret 1 wish to tell you that-——”

But he said no more, but after several convulsive shud-
ders, and striving to speak, his head dropped back and he
was dead.

\

COAR TER OX:
SILVER THREAD VALLEY.

Silver Thread Valley was a pertect garden of beauty
in the midst of a wilderness.

The Silver Thread River ran through it for a distance
of twenty miles, winding-its way along, a clear stream
flowing over a pebbly bottom, and indeed in the distance

looking like a thread of silver embroidered in green vel-
vet, fer the banks, meadows and hill lands on As side
were bright and beeutiiul in the first bloom of spring.

Into this valley had gone a number of well-to-do people
to find homes, and adjacent to them were mining claims
in the mountains, while upon the plains beyond were some

ranches, each containing several hundred cattle and
horses.
The most prominent man of the settlement was Judge

Oswald Tremain, who has before been spoken of, and
what he had ieft of his own fine fortune he had expended
in making a new home for himself and family.

_ His cabin was a large one, well built, with incircling
piazzas, and the judge had brought along over many a
weary mile, furniture enough to furnish it well; also
horses, cattle and domestic fowls, to make an ideal home
in the wilds of the West.

The family of the judge consisted of his Syite
daughter, Myrtle, a beautiful girl of eighteen, his
Allan being then on his way to his new home under
guidance of Buffalo Bill..

There was another member of the family, a young gir!
by the name of Blanche Vassar, and one more lovely in
face and form it would have been difficult to find.

and
son
the

ALO. BILL STORIES. 9

Blanche Vassar’s life had had its shadows, rather than
its sunshine, for her father had, years before, killed a man,
as he dsserted in self-defense, yet having no other proot
than his word, and circumstantial evidence being against
him, he’ had been tried, found guiity and sentenced to be
hanged.

‘The trial was held before Judge Tremain, who plainly |
charged the jury that there was not proof sufficient to
prove guilt; yet, in spite of this, the verdict had been
brought i in against Carl Vassar, and the sentence of death
was passed upon him.

An appeal was taken; but again- was the verdict the
same, and Carl Vassar appeared to be doomed to dic
upon the gallows, when one night he mysteriously és-
caped from prison, and all searclt for him was in vain.

His fortune had been nearly swamped in his trials,
and he leit his wife and daughter a little home anda
small income.

Blanche Vassar was the ches of Carl Shae a
friend of Judge Tremain. Being unjustly accused of
murder, he had fled to the West, leaving his daughter to
the care of i ge Tremain.

Seon after the judge lost his fortune and in his calani-

“ity there came to him a letter from Mexico.

It was from Carl Vassar, and told him that he wis
making a fortune there, that he had heard of the judge's
misfort tunes, and his intention was to go to the Far Wesi,
and he sent to.him a map of a valley he knew of, and
which was the very pice to establish a’ settlement.

‘The letter -also begged the judge to become the guard-
jan of his child, to take hee with him, and facieced a
draft for all expenses that might arise for Bianche.

At the suggestion of Carl Vassar, following the direc-

tiong on the map, Judge Tremain had sought the valley
ee spoke of, his advice cat ‘rying thither the other settlers
he was journeying westward with, and thus it was that
Silver Thread became ‘lise lane place, while, with a
strong settlement near, miners beean to hunt gold in the
mountains nearby and: cattlemen to establish ranches
not far distant, where they could feel secure.

For a year the settlement had only the Indians to
dread, and then sprung up a new evil in the bands of out-
laws that began to taid the homes and lie in wait upon
the trails. yf

As the eVils grew worse, Judge Tremain. ‘had written
a pleading letter to his old friend, Colonel Royall, at Fort
Defiance, for help, with the’ result that one man, Buffalo
Bill, was sent to the rescue to free the country of the law-
less element.

But, before the arrival of Buffalo Bill ‘matters grew
rapidly worse, for the settlers who had formed a band of
Vigilantes were being picked off by the outlaws, who
had doomed them to die in revenge for having captured
and hanged several of their lawless comrades.

Thus matters stood while Buffalo Bill and his two ten-
derfoot pards were wending their way toward Silver

‘Thread Valley.

\ ee

COA PAR Xie
THE FUGITIVE’S DAUGHTER.

Since arriving at their new home, Blanche had re-
ceived letters regularly from her father, and Judge Tre-
main had also heard from him often, and been asked to

 
 

oo : THE BUFFALO

build hig cabin for hirn, the situation being a most beauti-
ful one, which Carl Vassar had marked out on the map
Ae eis Swi :

ht adjoined t he ranch of ae judge, and the plans sent
for building the cabin were of quite an extensive kitd, the
fugitive saying in his last letter :

“| hope soon to be with you, and t6 enjoy the latter
years of mydite in my new home, for I have papers with
me which will go to prove that I was falsely accused. ~

‘Miy riches earned here in Mexico gave me the power

to set the machinery in motion to prove my innocence,
and : cat demand a pardon of the governor, and live
with no further dread tpon me.’

4
Te ane forward to the coming of Hee father: before:
mauy months, Blanche Vassar was a happy girl, and ev-
cry altcrnoon was wont.to mount her horse and ride the
iworiitiles to her new home to see how matters progressed
}

 

(
t
Vassar fully.

Generally Blanche was accompanied: by Myrtle, but,
thé latter pleading a desire to help her mother, one after
noon, as her brother and his friend, Dr. Donohue, who
was coming as the physician of the settlement, being al-
most daily expected, they were getting all in readiness
for their arrival, as it was thought that a wagon train
would soon come through with supplies from Trail End
C be

So Blanche went alone, and after. visiting me cabin,
from which a grand view of the valley and its farms
could be had, she started on a long ride back, eee. as
was her wont, by the trail that led her many miles around.

There were several places along this trail where she
was miles from the nearest habitation, but, mounted upon
her fleet and tireless white mare aoe fake, she had no
fear, and was dashing swiftly along when suddenly out
of a canyon dashed a horseman, who, seeing her, called
loudly :

“Turn about for your life, miss.

“Tam pursued by outlaws!”

Instantiy Blanche wheeled her horse, but not to fly
until the horseman dashed up to her side and cried:

“Quick! they are upon us!”

As he spoke there appeared in view several horse-
mien, inoufited on black horses and dressed in btack, while
their faces were masked.

"the Boys in Black}...

“It 18 time to fv!" and Blanche, recognizing at a
glance the scourge of the valley, laid the whip sharply

Fupon Snowflake, just .as several rifles sent bullets rat-
thing after then

“Cowards! to fre upon a woman! And they have
wounded your horse, miss!” «‘id the horseman, now
dashing along by the side of B lanche, who, seeing his
face deathly pale, and his hand pressed hard upon his
side, where. his clothes were stained crimson, cried:

‘And you are wounded, sir!”

“It was given me some miles back, and I feel that it is
serious—but we must. ride faster—ah! your horse feels
his wound as I feel mine,” and the man seemed gasping
for breath, while Snowflake, bleeding from a wound in
her flank, was stumbling badly and not running with her
accustomed speed.

‘

‘e, for the judge was carrying a the ee of Mr.

BILL STORIES.

“They have given up the chase, sir,”
she saw the pursuing horsemen come to a halt.
“And I, too, must halt, for I can go no farther, I

oe)

 

They dashed over a rise out of sight as the. Lorenan

cried Biansie.. as...

spoke, and, reeling in his saddle, he suddenly fell heavily -
to the eround, while Blanche, in a vain effort to hold him

up, felt Snowflake go down beneath her.

Nimbly the young girl caught on her feet, and as she

did so managed to grasp the rein of the stranger’s horse,
and, checking his speed quickly, threw the réin over the
limb of a tree nearby and hastened back to the fallen
man.

He lay upon his back, having twice attempted to rise
after his fall, one hand clinched and pressed upon his
wound, the other lying out ane by his side:

His face bore the hue of death, and, kneeling by his
side, Blanche pee i gloved hand over his heart.

It seemed forey - “stilled : but the fingers of the girl
touched a (tie case which involuntarily she drew out
from its resting-place by the wound, and, glancing at
it, saw that it contained two photographs—one of her
dead mother, the other of herself. \

Then all her own danger was forgotten, all else but
the tact that the man who lav dead at her feet was her
own father.

She stared at the photos ‘taphs as though she read there
the story, for she had a ‘similar likeness ot her mother
at home, and the one of herself had been taken when she
was a little girl, and she also had one like it.

“My God! it is my father, and they have killed him.
“I did not know him, but did he not know me,.] won-
dere:

And, dropping down upon her knees by the form of
her father, the fugitive’s daughter buried her face in

her hands, wholly unconscious that her foes were again

coming in chase of her, having seen What had necanhel

from a distance.

\

CHAPTER XDI;
THE PROTEST OF A BULLET.

Bent in sorrow over the dead form of her father, for
Blanche Vassar’s heart had told her that he was dead, she
did not even hear the coming of the horsemen who had
pursued her, and who had dealt her the cruel blow by
slaying her father just as he was in’ sight of his. new
home,‘just as he was almost within reach of her welcome.

‘Tf she heard their coming, she did not heed.

Seeing this, they came on more slowly, gazing at the

scene with their masks hiding all feeling of pity that.

might have welled up in their bosoms at the sight.

They were five in number, all mounted on jet. black
horses, while they were clad in black pants, shirts and
sombreros, making a gloomy-looking lot, and defiantly
wearing their carb, the emblem of their calling as out-
laws, into the very midst of the settlement.

Nearer and nearer drew the murderers,
halted within twenty paces of the young pie

But still she moved not.

Then the leader dismounted, and as ie advanced to

until they

¥

within a few feet of Blanche, he peed and gazed upon

her for fully a minute.

S

 

 

 

t

1
 

 

 

ee s

At last he spoke, and there was not an atom of pity in
tone or words. . es

“A pretty picture, miss, but our time is precious and it
must be broken in upon.

-“T am sorry I have not my pencil and paper with me
to sketch the scene, but I have not, and then, too, the grief
is feigned—feigned to try and make us give up our izes’

She looked up, her eyes flashing, and said, almost
fiercely, as she faced him:

“Feigned ? .

“Can grief for a father be feigned?”

‘A ‘father?’

“Yes, my father, and you have murdered him.”

“That man your father?’ —

“T tell you yes.” a

“Rah! Carl Vassar had a wife and child, but both are
dead.”

“Tt is a lie, for 1, his daughter, am alive. Yes, and I

shall live to yet avenge his cruel murder.”

“ \ woman’s threat is like a woman’s vow of love, made
to be broken.”

“Vou insult me over the dead body of my father, whose
name you but just now spoke?”

“Ves, I know him.” .

“Were it not that you but now spoke his name, lL
would not believe you.”

“T tell you the truth, for I knew him years ago.”

‘‘Who-are vou?” /

@® ‘The telling will not please you; that is, if you know

anything of your father’s past life, if you are, indeed, his
daughter.”’

“TI vow that I am his daughter, my name is Blanche
Vassar, and I know all of his cruel past, for he was forced
to. fly to save himself from the gallows, his life. being
sworn away by those who he supposed would tell the
truth, yet swore falsely to condemn him.”

“I believe that you are his daughter.

“But then he has just come from Mexico, and he is well
supplied with funds which I want and will have.

“We held him up, but he resisted, killing one of my
men, and wounding another, who will also die, I fear.”

“T hope so, for he deserved his fate,” was the plucky
response of Blanche Vassar.

“But a lasso dragged him from his saddle, and we cap-
tured and disarmed him,

-“Then, when we did not expect it, he leaped into his
saddle and was away.

“I fired'to stop him, for I had recognized him as my
old friend, Carl Vassar, but did not believe that I had hit
him.

“Now, it seems, however, that my bullet was not so
badly aimed and did the work I intended.”

The man stepped closer as he spoke, and as she drew
back in horror from his touch he called out to one of his
men:

“Seize her !’

With a leap the man sprang to her side and grasped
ner rudely by the arm.

But as he did so there came the crack of a rifle at long
range, and the man dropped in his tracks, while Blanche
Vassar drew the knife froin his belt as he fell dead at her
tect and stood at bay facing the masked Boys in Black.

) a”

THE BUFFALO

BILL STORIES, 11

CHAPTER MIT,
A SHOT AT LONG RANGE...

“Ti an hour more, pards, we will be down in the Sil-

ver Thread Valley, and I have a treat in store for you in

{22

just one minute—now see there
» Buffalo Bill, as he spoke, had neared the top of the
range that looked down into Silver Thread Valley.

It was. the day following their adventure at Lookout
Mound, and they had been delayed in burying the dead
outlaws who had left Trail End City to ambush and kill
them, for Buffalo Bill never allowed even a redksin’s body
to go without decent burial, for, as he said: :

“Death cancels all hatred, and they are human beings
who demand of us the same treatment we would hope for
for ourselves.” :

The party had journeyed along at a good gait, though
they had an additional horse to lead, and, remembering
the view he would surprise his companions with, Buffalo
Bill had said what he did. ;

When the two young men beheld the valley, with the
river running indeed like a silver thread through it, and
dotting the landscape here and there the homes of the set-
tlers, they were spellbound with admiration.

“T do not know just where your father is located, Mr.
Tremain, for I have not been here since the valley has
been settled.

“There is a group of cabins up toward the upper end,
and I suppose the store, the meeting-house and blacksmith *
shop are there—my glass will tell me—and the trail leads
there after we have gotten down into the valley.”

Turning his field-glass upon the distant group of cabins,
Buffalo Bill continued : ,

“Ves, I suppose that is what they call the village of Sil-
ver Thread City, for they have a way out here of putting
city even to a mining-camp, for instance, Trail End City,
with its five hundred souls.

“Ves; 1 see some very fine houses scattered about, and
which one could hardly expect to find in so new a com-
munity.

“Turn your glasses upon the one on the slope, miles.
away on the right, and there is another this side, which
appears to be just being built, for I see men working.
there, |

“Tt will take us until night, so shall we ride on?”

The voung men were loud in their praise of the beauty
of the scenery, and as they rode on down into the valley.
expressed their admiration.

At length they came to a rise, and the scout suddenly
drew rein before going over.

“See anything suspicious, scout?” asked Allan Tre-
main, and he, too, halted, while Dr. Dallas Donohue re-
marked :

“Tf it is to be another fight, I hope it will be with In-
dians, for we have had a couple of brushes with outlaws,
and I have a consuming curiosity to behold a wild sav-
age on the warpath.” :

“Sh! there is trouble ahead.

“Dismount, hitch your horses, and keep out of sight,”

The command and the serious manner of the scout
made the two vounge men at once obey, and when they
came near Buffalo Bill they saw that he was very atter- -
tively regarding some scene through his glass.

“There is trouble ahead,’ he said.

 

 
 

 

BUFFALO

 

. }.

“What is it, scout?”

“If I mistake not, there has a, an ambush of some
‘one, for I see a dead man and a dead body, a woman in
riding habit, and some forms clad in black, and I have

heard that the road agents on these trails call themselves i

.the Boys in Black; yes, and, ate Heaven, they are
masked !”

The scout oa to be at fault as ‘6 just what was to
be done, and the young men, peering through their
glasses, the’ three sheltered by some pines, saw what he
fe pointed out, and Allan Tremain remarked :

“Yes, they are clad in black, and: masked, as I can
plainly Seer”

“And I count five of them, and one woman, while a
qan’s form lies near, ety, dead,” added Dr. Dono-
Le
“Tf the woman is@n trouble, Mr. Cody, we ought to go
to her aid,’ Allan Tremain said, while Dr. Donohue
quietly rejoined :
“Yes, indeed, for odds against us are not to be counted
where a woman demands our ay
Good for you, pards! E
“T like*your grit, and you bet we will help her out—ha!
one of them has orasped the woman’s arm; it is a risky
shot at stich long range, but I'll try it,” and Buffalo Biil
threw his,rifle to his shoulder, took quick aim and pulled”
trigger.

 

CRAVE ER LV:
FOR A WOMAN'S SAKE.
At the words and act of Buffalo Bill, the two friends
glanced quickly toward each other.
They were evidently anxious at the risk he was taking
at a shot at such long range, and which he had acknowl-
edged.

‘They saw that the group they were w atching were close .

together, and in the midst of the black-¢ arbed forths was
a woman, and it must be that she was at their mercy.

Could it be that Buffalo Bill, and at the range of five
hundred yards Ne kill the one at whom he aimed and
not hit another, an innocent one?

It did not seem | possibie. and they were about to remon-
strate, but they saw that the woman was in terror of the
man and already was the scout’s rifle-butt againét his
shoulder, his piercing eye glancing along the barrel.’

They dared not speak then, and stood in breathless sus- :

pense, watching him, not the effect of his shot.

i LL Awas a. quick aim that he took, appallingly quick,
thought ty enain and Donohue, when so much depended

upon it, and with the crack of the rifle the eyes of all

were strained for a,glance at the result. .
There was no exclamation of triumph from the scout’s

lips, for he seemed to know his power, to have felt just

what he could do; but both Tremain and Donohue gave.

vent to a fervent ejaculation of thanksgiving at the re-
| sult, followed by a shout of triumph as they saw the man
who had attacked the woman drop in his tracks as though
dead. ay ;

They saw also the woman bend quickly, seize his knife
from his’ belt and stand at bay, and they beheld» the
|} masked men, startled by the shot and its deadly result,
look in the direction from whence it had come and then
|} bound toward their horses.

BILL STORIES.

They heard the command:
“We! must fly, but we take that girl oe us, men!”

At the words, Buffalo Bill, who was turning toward 3

his horse, wheeled quickly and called out:
“No, but you shall not take her with you!” — ;

Again his rifle went to his shoulder, once more there —
was a quick aim and the report followed.

“T hope I got the leader, for he is the one I want,

“but I do not know, so picked one at random,” said Buf-

falo Bull.

“You got your man, though; for another has gone
down,” cried Tremain, exultantly.

“Ves, that makes three men now—three to three,”
Donohue called out, and the three bounded to their horses,
for they saw Buffalo Bill preparing to mount.

“Now come for that brave woman’s sake,” cried the
scout, and he dashed over the ridge with one of his
wild war-cries that fairly startled his companions

-and awakened a hundred echoes in the valley.

The masked boys in black had obeyed their chief, in

that they had made another effort to seize Blanche Vas-

sar, who, with the bowie-knife she had seized from the

belt of the fallen outlaw, stood at bay as Buffalo Bill,’

from beyond the ridge, was preparing to fire again.

“One of the men nearest to her, and who was prepar-
ing to rush in and grasp her. uplifted arm was the
recipient of the second long range shot from Buffalo Bill.

Seeing him fall the leader uttered a savage oath and
hissed forth the words:

“I will take you with me, girl, or die trying.

He was preparing to make good his boast when the
wild war-cry of Buffalo Bill came to his ears, and his
men, seeing the scout dash over the ridge, fled to their
horses in terror and threw themselves into their saddles,
one of them calling out:

“Remember where you are, chief

“Fly, or we are lost !’’

But the one he addressed seemed’ determined to carry
out his threat, and made a move toward Blanche Vassar,
while he called out sternly :

“Down with that knife, girl !’””

“No, I shall kill you ae it if you touch me,” was

33

.the firm reply.

The man saw that she was in earnest, he saw that she
was in a dangerous mood and had the pluck to execute
her threat.

She was not awkward in handling her knife, and stood
at bay a beautiful picture, but a dangerous one, and he
hesitated.

A glance showed him that the horseman coming over
the ridge was not alone, as he had suspected was the case.
One, two others followed, and there might be more.

His men were already flying for their lives, and he
knew that it was death for him to remain.

‘Another time, my beauty, we will meet again,’ he

shouted savagely, and with a bound had reached his horse.
In an instant he was if the saddle, his splendid horse

flying away with him, while a few moments after up

dashed Buffalo Bill followed by his two companions.
“She has fainted, doctor.
“See to her both of you, while I give those fellows a

run for it,” shouted Buffalo Bill, and he sped on like the . —

wind.

 

 

 
 

 

 

 

‘ %

THE BUFFALO

CHAP LER OV,
THE FIRST VOLUNTEER.

You’ re a doctor, Donohue, so your place i is here.

“Tl go with the scout,” shouted Allan Tremain as he
reached the scene of the tragedy.

And he drove his spurs deep into the flanks of iis
horse in pursuit of Buffalo Bill, who had disappeared over
a hilltop, a couple of hundred yards away, in rapid chase
of the Boys in Black.

It was the wish of Dallas Donohue to push on also in
pursuit, to go where he supposed there would be an en-
counter and his good right arm needed, and he momen-
tarily resented the words of his friend.

But then his eyes fell upon the form of the: young girl,
and near her lay the others, while her dead horse was
not far distant, as he saw by its having a side-saddle on.

Then his sympathy was aroused, and, leaping from his
saddle, he threw the rein over the limb of the tree, to
which Blanche had fastened her father’s horse, and ap-
proached the spot where, when the danger was over, the
young girl had fallen in a death-like faint.

Kneeling by her side, he felt her pulse, drew off her
gloves, and then stepping quickly to his saddle, returned
with a leather case of medicines.

It was not very long before, under his efforts to restore
her, she showed signs of returning consciousness, and
she heard the kindly spoken words:

“Have no fear, for you are with friends now, and your
foes are gone.”

she opened her eyes. and looked straight into his face,
while she obeyed when he said:

“Take a swallow of this, for you need it.”

He handed her the cup off his silver flask with brandy
in it.

She then spoke, asking:

“Who are you?”

“Dallas Donohue, a physician, come to Silver Thread
to practice, and anxious to be of service to you, miss,’

“Dr. Dallas Donohue!

“You are the friend of Allan Tremain2”
quickly.

“Yes, indeed, and he will soon ‘ here.”

“} have heard much of you from Allan’s letters to his
parents and sister, for I am Judge Tremain’s ward,
Blanche Vassar.”

“Ah, Miss Vassar! and I have heard much of you
‘through Allan’s letters from home.

“I am delighted, indeed, to meet you, though I regret
to find you under the circumstances that I do.”

“Alas! far more than you can know, for there lies my
poor father, slain by those cruel, cowardly outlaws, from
whom you rescued me.

“When they left the reaction came and I swooned
away ; but I owe so much to you, Dr. Donohue.”

“Indeed, you owe me nothing whatever, Miss Vassar,
for I am like the fifth wheel of a coach in this affair, for
your rescuer is the man who has at.long range killed
those two black-robed men, and has now gone off in chase
of the others, leaving me to care for you, as did Allan
Tremain also, for he wished to help the scout.”

“To whom do you refer, Dr. Donohue,-as the one to
whom I am so deeply indebted ; ?” asked Blanche, while
her beautiful eyes were filled with tears.

she said,

>

 

BILL STORIES. I 13
“I refer to the man who was our guide here frou the
end of the stage line, and who came to see Judge Tre-
main, sent by the commandant of the fort, to down the
outlaws that have been cursing this valley by their
deeds ‘There, perhaps I have said too much.”
’ “Oh, no, for I knew that Judge Tremain was expecting
help from ‘the fort, and how glad am I that it has come,
for a.company of soldiers will soon put down outlawry
here, and avenge the red deeds done.”

ah company of soldiers, Miss Vassar, why bless your
sweet soul, there is only one man.”

One man?

“Then there is no hope for us.’

“Yes, indeed, there is, for that one man is worth a
company of soldiers at the work to be done here, and
when I tell you that: it is Buttalo Bill, you will under- 4
stand just what he can do.”

“Buffalo Bill? I have heard so much of him, ves, he
is said to bear a charmed life, and to be a most wonder-
ful pan

“He is all of that. Well, he it was who killed thése
two men at long range, and he is now chasing the others,
while he told Allan Tremain and myself, that he had
been sent to run down the outlaws in Silver Thread Val-
ley, and intended to do’so, and he will, for f heard him
vow to avenge the settlers.”

"But he is only one man, Dr. Donohue.’

“Oh, yes, but one man who will do as he pledges him-
self to do.

“But then he intends to raise a company of Volunteer
Vigilantes, among the picked men of the settlement, so he
told us, and he will then not be alone in the work.”

“A company of Volunteer Vigilantes will not be readily
found in Silver Thread V alley, Dr. Donohue, after the
experience the Vigilantes here have had the past year———
Ah! there comes some one.’

“Tt is Buffalo Bill now, and Allan Tremain,” and.as the
two rode up and dismounted, Dr. Donohue introduced
them to Blanche, who extended her hand warmly to
each and in silence, to then break out suddenly with :

“IT am told, sir, that you are to raise a company of
Vigilantes to put down outlawry in this valley.

“l have a wrong to avenge and I offer myself as your
first volunteer?’

 

CHAPTER XVI.
BUFFALO BIEL S PLEDGE.

There was admiration in the glance that Buffalo Bill
cast upon Blanche Vassar at her words, offering to be
the first volunteer to the band of Vigilantes which the
scout was going to organize to put down the outlaws of
Silver Thread Valley.

“T accept your services, Miss Vassar, with much pleas-
ure, for if you cannot be one of our active members in the
field, you can at least be the Mascot of the V igilantes,”
said the scout. ;

“T thank you, sir, but there is more “for me to do than
become the good- luck number, as I have a duty to per-
form in hunting down the murderer of my father and
seeing him brought to justice, but I feel that in your
hands all will be done that is possible.

“My father 1 had not seen for years, not since I was

 

 
 

at oa

@

Dad

seven years of age, and he left home under a cloud, and

my mother died, leaving me alone in the world, save for?

Judge Tremain, his wife and daughter, who are most
dear {oO me...

“Fo-day my father was returning to me, and I came
upon him suddenly flying from the outlaws, from whom
he had escaped.

“Of course, I did not know him, nor am I certain that
he knew me, but he turned me back from danger, the
outlaws fired upon us, and my father received a bullet in
his body which soon proved fatal, while my horse was
wounded.

“Do you ome: that [I am revengeful, that I tell_you
L will gladly become one of the members of your Vigi-
lante band?”

“No, Miss V assar, I do not wonder at your
ing of revenge.’

“fend let me say, Mr. Cody, that E, too, offer my ser-
vices as a volunteer Vigilante of your band, ‘Miss Vassar

just feel-

having put us to shame by setting the example,” said
Allan Tremain,
“Count me in also as:a vol fanteer Nor Cody; tor T

gladly follow in the wake of Miss Vassar and my friend
‘Tremain,”’ said Dr. Donohue.

“Tt will not take me long! to recruit a company at this
rate, | see; but let me explain, Miss Vassar, that I came

here for the work of running down the outlaws, and I so .

told these gentlemen.

“I made known to them the ae that I had determined
to organize a secret band’ of Vigilantes, taking only
picked men and not too many.

‘Let me explam, to a that I came here in partial
disguise, | am not to be known as Buffalo Bill, and I wish
to remain unknown, save to Judge Tremain and those
intim ately associated with him.

“I have heard much of this leader of the Boys in

lack, as they call themselves, and there is a large price
set upon his head, dead or alive, for his crimes

“No blackers more cruel and cowardly crime can he
have been guilty of than to fire upon you and take your
father’s life, and 1 pledge you my word; Miss Vassar, that
the Mascot of the Volunteér Vigilantes will avenge your
father’s death tenfold:

“These gentlemen know well what has been the dope
of those who belonged to the Vigilante band in this val-
ley, but that has not deterred them from following your
example and becoming volunteers, and it is just what I
expected of them, though they are new to this country
and out here are called tenderfeet; but now let me urge
that you ride on with Mr. Tremain and Dr. Donohue,
while ] remain here on guard until Judge Tremain sends
after your father’s body, and to bury these two outlaws.
I regret that there are not more but my horse went lame,
and so I gave up the chase.

— “T will-put your saddle” and bridle upon one of these
horses of the outlaws.”

Buffalo Bill hastily did, this, and tans urged to go on

‘with them, by Allan Tremain and the doctor, Blanche

decided to do so, and the scout was leit alone with the
dead.

It was nearly two hours before the rumble of wheels
was heard, and Judge Tremain himself.came up with an
ambulance and several men, to carry the body of Carl

THE BUFFALO

BILL STORIES.

Vassar on to his home, and bury the outlaws where they

had fallen.

Buffalo Bill saw in thé judge a ee -looking gentleman

_ of fifty-five, who greeted him mest warmly and said :

“Tam glad to meet you, Mr. Cody, and as my old friend
Royall could not send me a troop of cavalry, I am glad
that he sent me a man who can accomiplish «more than
any one else that 1 know of in this most-deadly work.

“You will ride back with me now, Mr. Cody, and my -

men will follow more slowly with the ambulance bearing
the body of poor Vassar, whose death is a bitter blow to
us all, and especially to his noble daughter.”

““T have pledged my word to Miss V assar, Judge Tre-
main, to avenge him, yes, and the other victims of the out-
laws’ merciless deeds of blood, and I shall keep my word,
sir, or leave my band of scouts to avenge me, as I know
they will,”
with the judge tor the ride to Hope Vale Ranch,

ICHAPTER XVII.
A MAN. WITH A SECRET.

Carl Vassar was buried from the home of his old
friend, Judge Tremain.

The whole settlement knew Blanche Vassar, and, learn-
ing that her father had been killed by the road agents in
sight of his own home, and just as he was coming to
dwell there, the sympathy of all went out to the young
girl, and the settlers came from far and near. to the
funeral.

The miners too had heard the sad news, and came
down from the mountains in force, while the ranchers
were well represented from beyond the range, and only
the death of Judge Tremain or a call to arms could have
brought out so many people.

Then, too, theres were strangers there, for the young
son of Judge Tremain had arrived, just from college,
and he was to be the teacher of the valley school.

He had been accompanied by his~friend, Dr. Dallas
Donohue, for the settlers had asked the judge to write
East and get them a’ physician, as the only one in the
valley was advancing in years, and he wished to give
up practice.

But all were impressed with the friend of Judge Tre-
main who had come to the wally, it was said, to settle
there.

He was a Western man, rumor had it, had served in
the army and knew wild life well, and wanted to make
his home in the settlement. !

His striking appearance, genial and’ courteous manners,

“added to a certain dignity of mien, impressed all most

favorably and all sought to know him, and the two young
men who also came in for their share of admiration. —

Judge Tremain had introduced his friend as “Captain
Cody,’ and the claim upon the settlement the stranger
had would have rendered him popular at once, for young
Tremain and Dr. Donohue had told how he had come
to their rescue at Trail End City, and had guided them
to the valley, which he had known years before when
serving in the army. .

The ambush prepared for them had been told of also,
as well as the fact of having found the settler tied to his

“it ie
ake

was Buffalo Bill’s firm response, as he started

 

 
 

 

  

hofse and placarded with goraraing for others, and the
four manacled forms lying at Lookout Mound.

To these services rendered by “Captain Cody,” was
the rescue of Blanche Vassar, and the driving off of the
Boys in Black.

“He has said, my friends, that this lawlessnéss must
cease in this valley, that the otttlaws must be taught a
serious lesson, and we must not be cowed by the fact that
they have put to death every one of our Vigilante band
organized to.hunt them down.

“You have asked me to serve as your chief, but I ysis
to a better mah, one whose record I know, whose worth
I appreciate, and I name Captain Cody as the leader
of a new band of Vigilantes, for he has already avowed
his determination. to form one.”

So said Judge Tremain, who had called a meeting of
the settlers-aiter the Pineal of Carl Vassar.

Continuing, he went on to say:

“Captain Cody, moved by the scenes of outlawry he
has already. seen here, and ‘wishing to avenge our com-

ao and punish-the guilty ones, ‘has already started to

aise a company of Vigilantes, and so far he. has three
members, one of whom is none other than Miss Blanche
Vassar, my ward, and who is to be the mascot of the
band.

“Ffe calls only for volunteers, wishes unmarried men
alone to join him, and asks for but twenty-five: all told,
a ‘chief, two officers, a surgeon, and the fair mascot.

“Captain Cody has already arranged for a home in
our midst, for he will dwell at Solace ‘Lodge, as poor Mr.
Vassar had written his daughter to name their home.

“As this ranch is most central, Dr. Donohue will make
his home there for the present, until he can get suited
for himself,,and there you will find him, and let me say
that he comes splendidly recommended as both a physician
and surgeon.

“Now, friends, those of the young men who wish to
join Captain Cody’s ‘band of V olunteer ‘Vigilantes, know
where to find him, and he wishes to begin wotk at once
to put a check upon further bloodshed and depredations
in our midst.

“Let me further state that the Nolin iaee Vigilantes
will also have an eye upon the Indians—in fact, be at once
our scouts and guards.

“Here comes “the captain now, so give him a welcome
as the Chief -ofgthe Vigilantes.”

Just then Buffalo Bill, a man with a history known
over all the earth, but unknown personally to those of the
settlemerit, and who determined to keep his identity a
secret as long as he could, rode up to join Judge Tremain,
and the welcoming cheers that greeted him were a sur-
prise, and caused him, while raising his hat and bowing
- thanks, to blush: like a schoolgirl at the honor done
ae ¢

GHAPTER: XVIE-
AN UNLOOKED-FOR ALLY.

HA) and Indians, too?”

So said Buffalo Bill, as he was scouting along the range
averlooking the Bileer Laread, making himself familiar
with the ald scenes he had known years. before when
scouting there. |. }

. THE BUFFALO.

 

BILL STORIES, | : 18

‘He had been one week only in his new home, and had
taken possession of Solace Lodge, the home of Carl V ase
sar, which had been completed just in time.

It was supposed in the settlement that he had bouglit
the ranch from Blanche, as her father had been killed,
and the idea was to let the settlers
not in the secret, for if it got out that Buitalo’ Bill was
in the valley and ‘had come to hunt down the outlaws, the
chance to capture them jwould be destroyed, as it would
be thought that he was backed by. some secret force.

Judge Tremain had stocked the ranch with cattle and
horses for Mr. Vassar, and so the cowboys on the place
were simply told to. transfer their allegiance to Captain
Cody, the mew master,-and they did.

‘Dr. Donohue Had taken up his quarters there at Bui-
falo Bill's request, and the two friends were getting along
splendidly together, the young physician being kept busy,
for nearly every settler’s family seemed to suddenly de-
velop an ache or a fever just to test the skill of the new
physician.

The band of Volunteer Vigilantes had been raised the
very first day, in fact, twice as many men could have
been secured, but Buffalo Bill stuck to his original inten-
tion of twenty-five all told, organizing another band,
however,
significa ntly :

“We will need others to exit upon to supply, the plaecs
of those made vacant by death.”

Carter Kent, a young settler, had been made first lieu-
tenant of the band; and, out of courtesy to his’ father,
Allan Tremain was appointed second lieutenant, with. Dr.
Donohue as surgeon, and Blanche Vassar as mascot and
color- ae for she had at once embroidered them’ a
fighting flag, a rather ghastly one with a red hand hold-
ing scales of justice, w vith the words:

“RETRIBUTIVE JUSTICE.”
F ;

Beneath was the lettering in silver thread:
¥

‘VOLUNTEER: VIGILANTES.”

“You must fight the Boys in Black under a flag of
their own color,” grimly said Blanche as she gave tlic
colors to Buffalo Bill,

Buffalo. Bill had been delighted with his band of volun-
teers, and found them to be a splendid lot of young fel-
lows, magnificent riders, dead shots, men who could
handle a lasso, follow a trail, and not one of oe stood

‘less than six feet in his stockings.

ee

“They are a band of heroes,” tlfe sat sly had
said as he gazed at them sitting on their horses before
him, clad in ‘buckskin, wearing large sombreros and armed
to the teeth.

He had originated a series of signals, by which he could

call them together in a short while, and giving them their ° :

orders, had ‘started alone upon his réconnoitering expedi-
tions to see just what he could find out about. the out-
laws, their haunts and their members.

It was while scouting along the range that he sud-
denly came upon a sight which caused him to quickly

dismount ‘and creep to a-Ti idge, over which he ‘looked ©
with his glass to his eyes. ”

What he saw was a white man ina canyon engaged

so believe who were

as a reserve force to draw oe as he Said, |

  

   
    
      

16. ‘THE BUFFALO
in fishing, while toward him, trying to get near enough
to kill him, were three Indians, while half a dozen more
were beyond the ridge holding the ponies of their com-
rades who had gone to get the scalp of the paleface.

“It may be a settler, it may be a road agent, but I will
chip in and save him.

“Tf he is a road agent, I will have ae his life and
have to take it later.

“It is a long-range shot, but 1 can make it,” and so
saying Buffalo Bill brought his rifle around, took quick
aim, touched the trigger, and the redskin nearest the
white man, and who was leaning over a rock to shoot
him in the back, leaped into the air and fell headlong

_over the ridge within a couple of hundred feet of his
intended victim. Y

As the other two sprang to their feet, Buffalo Bill fired
a second time, and again an Indian went down while
the third ran like a deer to rejoin his comrades.

Again the rifle cracked, and the scout saw the Indian
leap into the air, then fall, but he sprang to his feet and
ran on.

Again he pulled the trigger of his repeating rifle, and .

the let knocked up the dust at his feet.

Another shot must have clipped him from the way
he jumped, but he gained the ridge, darted over and
reaching his pony the party dashed away, the scout send-
ing shot after shot flying in chase of them.

“Ho, pard, do | owe my life to you?’

Bufialo Bill turned and beheld standing near hi a
man over six feet in height and of massive frame.

Fis hair and beard were long and were as white as
snow’, while he was attired in. a combination suit of
buckskin and mountain lion skin.

He had a rifle of ancient date in his hand and a belt
of arms was about his waist, his hat being made of a
wolf’s skin.

One glance at him and Buffalo Bill called out: “Great
Scott! is it you, Nemesis Nat? I thought you were dead
years ago?” :

“You bet I ain’t dead, Buffalo Bill, and darned glad

am I to see you, while this ain’t the first time I owe you
iny life. »

“God bless you" pard, you thought I was dead, did ye?

“No, no, I followed the Navahoes westward, you know,
for I’m still gathering scalps, as you know what they done
to me and mine. ;

“PIL just rope in them you has got for me to add to my
string, for I know you never takes Injun hair,” and the
venerable-looking old avenger walked over to the two
Indians and scalped them with a dexterity that showed
long practice.

“Now, Bill, come right home with me, for I has a cave-
ranch a few ‘miles from here, and I wants ter entertain

ayer.

“I has a string of ch and plenty of game at home, so
come right along, as I has something ‘to tell you,’ and

Buffalo “Bill mounted his horse, for the old man was a.
most rapid walker and a tireless one, and followed him
for several miles, until he passed up to the head of a
canyon, ‘

““There’s. grass for the pony, Bill, so stake him’ out
while I set dinner agoin’, and then come into the cave
—watch me and see how I go.”

   

sa referring to a

BILL STORIES.

Buffalo Bill obeyed, saw th@old man climb up the rocks
and disappear fiity feet above in a clump of pinons.

He soon followed and found himself in a large, dry
cavern, of which the old man had made a home.

There was a fire there,.and dinner was cooking—q
buffalo-rib roast, some fish, hoecake and coffee.

Upon the tocky walls hun g a saddle and bridle; a pair
of revolvers and numberless weapons, taken from red-
skins, while a buffalo robe in one corner and some blan-
kets formed the couch of the strange man. /

“Sit right there on that rock, and we'll soon have din-
ner,’ said Nemesis Nat, and in a short while dinner was
ready and the two men, so strangely met, sat talking
over the past when they had known each other, until at
last Nemesis Nat said:

“T tell you, Buffalo Bill, that there is a secret in these
mountains you would give your scalp to know.”

CHAPTER XX:
NEMESIS NAT,

“Yes, Bill, I ain’t forgot yer, and :never will,’ resumed
the old man, going back to his remembrance of the scout
quickly, as though he thought he had said too much
secret of those mountains that Buffalo
Bill would give his scalp to know.

» Nor have I forgotten you, Nemesis Nat,”
the scout.

“But you ain’t got the same reason for foneeene
me that I has you, for I remembers how you saved me
from the Vigilantes on the Platte, who were going to
hang me as a suspicious character, and yet the very
men sitting in judg rement upon me were cutthroats and
fugutives from justice.

"1 remember again when you tackled the three Cane
who had me prisoner and rescued me, savit ng me from
being roasted alive.

“But, Pard Bill, I am no fugitive from justice. I did
not come West with a crime upon my head and have to
hide from the gallows.

“It may not look so to you now, but I was a gentle-
man once, yes, | was a minister of the Gospel, and had
a happy home, a wife and children. |

“I had some money, too, so gave my salary to the poor
of the congregation, serving them from a desire to do
good. ee

“But all was changed in a night, Bill, for a fine young
stranger who had come to our town, and played the organ
in my church, ran off with my bea wutiful daughter, the eld-
est of the family.

“She was sixteen then, and that was a cruel blow, for
those I had preached morality and resistance to tempta-
tion to pointed to my child, forthe man she had, gone
away with was married and it- was found that he had
urged her to take a thousand dollars of church money
T had i in the safe in the vestry-room, along with some rare
old jewels belonging to her mother and worth a small
fortune.

“I was reviled by those I had taughit, the shame of her
act was put upon me, my usefulness was. gone, and so
wife and I determined to pull up*stakes and. come where
we were not known to any one.

“Well, Bill, I am telling you the same old story of

‘answered

 
 

 

THE BUFFALO

many an unfortunate settler, for one night when we had

a lovely home, and all was going well with us, my four
Hildred were happy and I was educating them along
with the other little ones of the settlement, the Navahoes
swept down tpon us.’

“My wife was killed, my children, too, before my eves,
and I was badly wounded, scalped and left for dead—
see, the scar yet remains here, but it is felt more here,”
and as he spoke he first showed among his thick, massy
locks where the scalp-lock had been torn from his head,
and then pressed his hand over his heart to reveal where
the hurt, was deepest.

“My home was burned, too, Bill, and I saw the bodies
of my loved ones cast into Hic lanes

“T could do nothing, and prayed that I, too, might dic.

“But my prayer was unanswered, and then suddenly
there came over me a longing to live—to live to avenge
the deed.

“I had,not preached a sermon since my daughter went
away, and I tell you that curses came to my lips where
prayers had been uttered.

“How I got well I never knew; but I rallied and in
time took the trail, going first as a scout at Fort Whipple.

“Then I took to the wilderness and began to avenge
my wrongs geen the redskins, and you tae me agate
that time.

“T lived: for revenge, and the soldiers and miners called
me Nemesis Nat, and I suppose I deserved the namie;
I know that I do now for I am only an avenger—TI live
for revenge.

“See, this cavern is my home, Buffalo Bill, and I am
comfortable here, and you are the only one who knows
where I dwell.

“I have money, ‘plenty of gold hidden away, for the
redskins did not get that, and when I need provisions
and ammunition I go to the nearest fort or settlement.

“Tam a back number, but I ‘keep up with the most im-
proved weapons, for I need them, Bill, in my business,
for my mission now is to kill, to add to my string of
scalps.

“T show you my record,’ and he arose and took ow n
an appallingly long string of Navaho scalps, and re-
marked : .

“They were all there—at the killing and cremation of
my. loved ones.”

=

{

a)

CHa? THR Xx,

es OU ONSE OE: DoS HeGaRy te Des

Buffalo Bill had listened with deepest interest to the
strange and pitiful story of old Nemesis Nat.

He felt that grief, not age, had turned his hair and
beard to a snowy hue, for he was scarcely over fifty-five

Or sixty, and as strong and athletic as though twenty
years younger, .
He had, ‘indeed, had a sad life, and the-scout could

net blame him for having become a Nemesis.

He lived alone with fe sorrow, and was a monomaniac
upon the subject of scalp-taking.
Ina different life memories
have driven cee mad. ;

set last the scout said in a sympathetic tone:

of the a past would

BILL STORIES. ee (og

“You always had my sympathy, Nemesis Nat, and I
am glad that you told me your story.

“I am glad that you brought me here with you, for I
feel that we can be pards and help one another, and I
have something to tell you too; but I shall hope to see
you in better quarters some day, and leading a different
life.’

‘No, no, Bill, there is no other life for me to lead.

Vg ana an outcast, a rover of mountain and plain, a
dweller away from my fellowmen, and my life is devoted
to avenging my loved ones.

“Feeling as I do now, I would be glad to hunt down
the man who destroyed: the honor of my name and
brought shame upon my. beautiful child, the idol of our
hearts and home.

“I would have done so, would have dogged him to
justice, only her pitiful letter told us that she loved him
and for harm to befall him meant death to her.”

“And have you never heard from her.”

bONT G2? ‘ &

“And do not know whether she is dead or alive?”

Lope that she is dead, and God rest her soul and
forgive her.”

“Weil, Nemesis Nat, let_ me tell you that I am here in
the valley on a special mission, though you must keep
the secr of as it is known only to a few interested ones.”

“Who is there for me to tell it to, Bill, even did I care
to betray you?”

“I spoke in a general way, Nemesis Nat, and I’ll tell
you what my mission is, and you can helpeine in it.”

A will do all in my, power.’

“Tt is to run down the outlaws known as the Boys in

Black.’

Buffalo Bill’s keen eyes saw the man give a start at
his words, and a sudden look of anxiety cross his face,
but not appearing to notice it, he continued:

“You have heard of these outlaws, of course?

1, yes.”

“Well their deeds have been so vile that I decided to
come to this valley
the settlers from the curse upon them,’ and the start
and look he had seen made Buffalo Bill’caytious now.

“And you intend to hunt thtm down?” —

“T-hope to do so.’

“They are. bad men.’ /

“Yes, there never have been worse outlaws banded to-
g et] ter on this frontie

“Have you proof of this, Bill?”

yes, b have:

| What proos *”

“The proof of my own eyesight of what they have
done.”

“That should be the best of proof.

‘But tell-me of them.”

Buffalo Bill told of the crimes of the Boys in Black,
the long list of their red and cruel deeds, up to the killing
of the Ta ast of the settler Vigilantes, the murder of Carl
Vassar and the capture of his dauchter.

D

The man listened with deepest attention to all, alpained

look upon his face, and at last said:

“I would as soon doubt my hatred’ for redsk
falo Bill, as your word;
Boys in Black.”

and see what could be done to free °

“ins ett
but this is a red list a gal iat the

Skaaemcece

 
 

i
Wee

THE BUFFALO

18

4, Yes? aid do: you not think it is time a should be
wiped out it

oe

“And you will ue my ally, Nemesis Nat, will help me?’

“Bill, let me tell you something ?”

Veg”

“T know these Boys in Black, know their chief and their
haunts.

“But I did not suspect then of being what you claim
they are, for they have kept their red deeds hidden from
me, and [ only supposed that they held up wagon-trains,
coaches, and robbed men of gold, not of life, and | had
no means of knowing to the contrary, though when last

at the fort for supplies I did hear hard stories told of |

their acts, but supposed all was overpointed.

“Now, Bill, you ask me to help you ‘hunt them down,
and I could do so, but let me tell you that they have
been my friends, and they believe that I am theirs.

“T was wounded in a fight with Indians once, and
they carried.me to their retreat and cared for me most
tenderly for months, while one of their number, a physi-
cian he had been, saved my life.

“Again, when a captive to the Navahoes, and about to
be tortured to death, their chief,-whbd is an ally of the
redskins, demanded my release and secured it.

“The outlaws are masked, Bill, but I have seen the
faces of all of them, and some strange magnetism draws
me to their chief.

“They trust me and I will not betray them; but I shall
not betray you either. 1 shall be neutral, ves, more, For
they are evil, you ate cood, and I shall protect you when
I can from them.

“The secret of their retreat and trails I will not tell,
but I will protect you.

“More I cannot, will not, do, Bill,”

CHAPTER XXT
A SPRANGE STG IR 7,

4 here was .no doubt in the mind of Buffalo Bill but that
me mesis Nat had told him the whole truth about the

Wes agents, 8

He ‘felt assured that the old man felt owad to them
by ties which would not allow him to betray them.

A man of honor, he yet could not uphold their acts, or
take sides with them ; but yet he would not, owing them
all that he did of eratitude, betray them, forfeit their
confidence in him in having taken him to their secret
retreats,

The scout realized just how the old avenger was situ-
ated, how he felt about it, and he would -not urge him
to ae him.

But he was sure that the outlaws would not be in-
formed of his intending to hunt them down, that they
would not be warned that Buffalo Bill was upon their
trail; while if he could save his, the scout’s life, there was

no doubt but what he would do so.

Nemesis Nat intended to remain neutral, as he had
said, with a leaning toward aiding the scout, and with
this Buffalo Bill must be satisfied, he felt.

“Can you conscientiously, Nethesis Nat, give me any
particulars regarding these road agents ?”’

BILL STORIES.

“Ask what you isk. Bill oand 1 will answer as I
deem just to both sides.”

“THdw many meni are in the band ?”

“All of seventy-five, but they are scattered, and, being
on friendly terms with the Indians, they are strong in
that, where they can retreat for safety to the camps of
the redskins.”’

_ hey have their secret retreat, though? f

“They have their secret camps.’

“And are under the leadership. of a. man who is a
very capable commander ?”

“Oh, yes; I consider him a very remarkable man.

“He has the power of life or death over his mien, and
has ironclad laws for them to follow, allowing no devia-
tion from them.”

“Will you describe him to me?”
“No, for you are liable to meet him at any time, and
he is one to recognize from a description.”

“Why do they go masked ?”

“Vo .avoid being seen in. an attack, and recognized
afterward, when the recognition might be fatal.”

“Why dress in black ?”

“It is a fad with them, as is also their riding black
horses.

“The Boys in Blue, the soldiers, were ‘ one time their
most earnest foes, and they simply took the name of
30vs in’ Black,’ though they do not commit their lawless
act’ now near a fort or post.’
“Who are they mostly ?

“Mostly, I should say, men driven to seek safety by
coming West, for crimes they have been guilty of.

“Some have been cattlemen, others miners, a few
settlers, and still more the hangers-on about camps, a de-
serter or twq from the army, and, in fact, men of all de-
grees of crime and occupation.

“They are cunning as Indians, well armed and. splen-
didly mounted, and from what you tell me of them, and »
I regret to hear, they are a éruel and merciless lot who
deserve capture and punishment, though I will do nothing
to bring it upon them, yet, as'I said, I will do nothing to
protect “them, because they are law less, and everything to
protect you, as you represent right and justice.

“Can I say more, Bill?”

“Indeed you cannot, Nemesis Nat, and I thank you,
while I will also place confidence in you.

“TI: am in this work to_stay, and 1 tell you frankly I
shall run these outlaws down, some of them to death by:
bullet, others to die at the rope’s end, and more to suffer
punishment by imprisonment for their evil deeds.

“T shall show them no mercy, and heart, hand and life
I am in the cause to stay to the end of the trail.

“Now I must be off, for 1 have made you a long visit,
but I am going to tell you where you can find me, and
we must be good friends, Nemesis Nat, while I shall ex-
pect one thing of you, and that is, that where you know
that the innocent are going to suffer at the hands of
these“fends, you will at least give me a warning that will
prevent death and ruin which one word from you could
have .averted.’’

“IT will promise this, Bill,” answered Nemesis | Nat,
and he went with Buffalo Bill to his horse.

Mounting, Buffalo Bill rode on his way, and returning
later by the trail which he had seen the ‘Indians on, he

ona

§

 

 

 
 

 

THE BUFFALO

came upon a strange scene, for there stood Nemesis Nat
at the head: of an open grave in which were the bodies
of the two redskins, while in his deep voice he was re-
peating over them the service for the dead.

“T intended to bury them myself, but he has done so—
what a strange man,’ and Buffalo Bill rode on unseen
by Nemesis Nat in his humane act to the dead Indians.

CHAPTER X20,

CSE GLANS) 3 Ok RO Wik Re.

Buffalo Bill was much impressed with his long inter-
view with the man whosé life. was that of an avenger.

“tl am glad that I saved his life, and I have discovered
much by my talk with him.

“He will do as he says in my behalf, but nothing could
make him betray the outlaws, after the debt of gratitude
he owes them.

“He is as true as steel to friend or foe.

“This trail will lead ‘me by the house of Judge Tre-
main, so I will return that way,” and Buffalo Bill turned
off of the trail he had been following, into one that
branched off to the right. —

He was within a mile of the home of Judge Tremain,
when he suddenly reined his horse toa halt.

It was just on the summit of a ridge, and he forced his
horse back over it, as his eyes fell upon a scene of deep
interest for him.

The burying-ground of the valley was a most pictur-
esque spot, a meadow under a massive rock that towered
aloft like a mighty monument.

It waf&on the banks of the Silver Thread, and there
was a natural grove there.

Here had been buried the dead of the settlement, and
there were a number of new graves that marked the last
resting-place of those who had been victims of the Boys
in Black.

One grave there was apart from the others, and this
was where Carl Vassar had been buried.

Each day since his death Blanche had gathered wild
flowers, and, riding the three miles that lay between Hope
Vale Ranch and the burying-ground, had gone to his
orave.

It was Blanche that Buffalo Bill now saw, and she was
spreading flowers upon the grave, while her horse cropped
grass near her. 2

All unconscious that there was a human being within
two miles of her, Blanche was wrapped up in her work
of love. 5

But there was one near who saw that danger threatened
her,

A horseman had come slowly along the trail toward
the burying-ground and halted in the shadow of Monu-
ment Rock, where he had dismounted.

~ What Buffalo Bill saw from the ridge was this man
leave his horse, and, with lasso in hand, creep’ cau-
tiously toward the spot where Blanche knelt,. shielding
himself as well as he could by intervening trees.

The scout was within very easy range of his rifle, but
he did not think 6f using it, as he said:

“T must catch that fellow alive.”

He could have called out to Blanche of her danger,
could have ridden over the ridge and put the man to

Q<

tf

BILL STORIES, 19
flight; but his horse had had a long ride and was tired,
and. he was not sure of overtaking the fhan upon the ani-
mal he then had.

Then, too, night was not very far distant, and the man
might elude him in the darkness.

So Buffalo Bill decided to dash around the ridge, de-
scend to the meadow, and await the man by Monument
Rock when he came there with his captive, for he was
sure that he intended to kidnap Blanche, as he recalled
the threat she said the chief of the Boys in Black had
made to her.

So Buffalo Bill rede

rapidly along the ridge out of
sight, until he came to

a water-wash leading down to
the meadow, and in five minutes more he had concealed
his horse in a pine thicket and wag standing by the side
of the animal of the man he had seen.

It did not take him but a minute niore to find cover
behind a boulder, and, unswinging his lasso, he crouched
down ready to throw it at the time when it was needed,
muttering to himself: —~

“ll give him a dose of his own poison.”

In the meanwhile the man had glided over the quarter
of a mile that lay between the spot where he had left
his horse and where Blanche was, all unconscious of her
danger in the sad memories that crowded upon her.

She had placed the fresh wild flowers upon the grave,
and was kneeling with bowed head, and her hands
clasped, while nearer and nearer crept the man as stealth-
ily as a coyote.

“Oh, if he could have only lived, how happy would we
have been in our home!’ she murmured.

As the words leit her lips there was a “swish” in the
air, a blow, and the lariat had coiled about her and drawn
taut, pinning her arms to her sides, while, springing
to her feet, she was dragged to the ground again with a

DI

_ heavy fall.

CHAPTER XXII.

UNEOOKED=f.O R OA PDs

In vain did Blanche seek to free, her arms, and strive
to grasp a revolver she had carried in her belt since her
last adventure.

The man who-had caught her in the toils was an ex-
pert hand with a lariat and quickly had it coiled about
her beyond all resistance.

sens : s Ss

“What do you mean.by this outrage?” she cried, in-
dignantly, as he took the revolver from her belt and
then secured her beyond all resistance.

“Keep that pretty mouth of yours closed, miss, or I'll
have to use a gag on you, for my kind are not popular
in this settlément, and, though folks is few and far be-
tween, the yell o’ a lovely gal can be heard a long way
Ole

“Tl keep quiet if you do not gag me.

“But why have you made me a prisoner?” she said,
appealingly.

She saw before her an athletic, wiry fellow, dressed as
a miner, and with top-boots and a slouch hat. 3

His face was bearded, cruel in expression, and Blanche
required but one glance into it to feel that she would ap-

eal in vain for mercv to that man.

But it struck her that she might appeal to his love of

 
 

Ae THE BUFFALO

gain, and what he would not do from a sense of mercy,
he might do for gold. ;
So she said; quietly :
“Why do you not answer me?
“What do you mean by this outrage:
“IT am not acting for myself, miss, but for another.”
“Ah! you have a “master, then, whom you commit crime
for?”

‘Don’t put it that way, fe I have no master.’

“Then you are paid for your work?”

You bet I am!”

“Who.is your master?”

“T said I don’t like the name of master.’

Aa right, who hires you for this work?”
“You'll khow, I guéss, sooner than you wish.”
nol here is he?”

“Up in the mountains.”

“It is the man who killed my father, at whose grave
you have committed this crime, as he did over his “dead
body.

“Tt is the vile chief of the band of outlaws known as the
Boys in Black?”

“Vou guesses well.”

‘How much does he pay you for your wot Bir
asked Blanche.

“Big money.

“What do you call big money?’

“A cool thousand dollars ?”

~ Then you commit crime for pay?’

‘About that.”

‘And you are for sale to the uae bidder ?”

“That depends.”

“Upon what?”

‘How big the sum is that is offered.”

Breppose. I offer, you fifteen hundred dollars if you
will release me?’

“Have you got your money with you?

“No, -ef- course not.”

“How could you pay itr’

‘‘T suppose you know who I am?’
eRe”

“Who?”

“Miss Vassar.

“That is your father in that grave you were putting
flowers on.

“T was with the chief the day he killed him and caught
you, and we were run off by a gang of settlers.”

“Then, as you know me, you must be aware that if
I promise you fifteen hundred dollars I am able to pay
ie

“Seeing is believing.”

“You doubt me?’

“T want the money, and you have not got it with you.”

“I will pledge you my word to meet you here at this
time to-morrow and give you the money, for I have it,
gold my father had with him when Be came from | Mex-
ico.’

‘“And which we missed?”

ese

2)?

* quietly

©

“Well, I can’t take your word, miss, though no » doubt

you mean what you say.

“T’ve got you and you must 0 with me, so L ll get
your horse and bring him here for you to mount.”

BILL STORIES.

“If you will trust me I oi give you two ‘thousand

dollars in gold.”
“If you fad the money with you, miss, Vv d take it and

light out quickly, for it would never do to let the chief

know I sold myself.
“No, you must go with me.’

He walked over to where her horse was feeding near

Monument Rock, and, catching the animal, led it back to
where he had left her.

But as he drew near to where Blanche stood, the
picture of despair, a horseman suddenly dashed out of a
pinon thicket behind the young girl, there was the crack
of a revolver and the self- confessed outlaw dropped in
his tracks. =~ |

But it was not Buffalo Bill who had fired the shot.

It was the Mysterious Man in Blue.

CHAPTER XXTY,
THE RESCUER.

It was a glad ery that broke from the lips of Blanche
Vassarids she stood there by the grave of her father,
the lariat of her captor wrapped closely around her, when
suddenly there dashed. into view a horseman, one who
came to her rescue.

She turned at the rapid: clatter of hoofs just in time
to see him level his revolver and pull trigger.

She saw the kidnaper leap into the air ‘and fall heavily
upon his face, as though killed on the instant.

She had heard of the Mysterious Man in Blue, and the
one she now beheld before her she was certains was no
other than he.

She saw a splendid horse, with Mexican saddle and

bridle, richly ornamented w ith silver, and a lariat hang-
ing from the horn.

The rider riveted her gaze and bo ceded her admira-
tion in spite of herself.

The rider was the same handsome, nobanar Man in
Blue who had come to the rescue of Buffalo Bill, Dr.
Donohue and Allan Tremain in Trail End City, and
whose word had been law to the wild element under
the leadership of the Giant Sport, Circus Sam.

He sprang from his saddle, and, with sombrero in
hand, his long golden hair hanging im wavy masses upon
his shoulders, he approached Blanche, his blue costume
even more elegant than the one he had worn at Trail
End City.

“I am sorry to find you in trouble, lady, and will
quickly release you from those bonds,” he said, in his low
voice, full of melody.

“You have saved me, sir, from one area that man

was the tool of, the cies ar the outlaws known as ‘the

Boys in Black, and without my expressing my gratitude,
you can feel how much I appreciate your act and the risk
you took on my account.” f

“Do not speak of it, lady, for a man who would not
risk his life for a lady is a despicable thing indeed.”

And the Man in Blue was quickly unwrapping the coils
of the lasso from about the form of Blanche, who said:

“You are he whom they call the Mysterious Man in
Blue, are you not?”

“Yes ; but my name is Ford Belfont, miss.

 

 

\

¥e
 

 

THE BUFFALO

“You. recognize me by my clothing, I suppose, as. the
most distinguishing feature?’

“I have heard of you, sir, and of your costume, which
is certainly picturesque, if odd.”

“Thanks. I have a fancy for blue and silver, and
humor myself in it.

“You are Miss Blanche Vassar, I take it?”

“And may I ask how you recognized me, sir? for [
do not recall that we have met before.”

“By your beauty, which has not been misrepresented,”’
was ithe frank. response, and yet so respectfully said that
Blanche could not feel offended, but blushed visibly,
while she said:

“When you see my adopted sister, Myrtle Tremain, you
will see one who is indeed beautiful, and may I not ask
you to escort me to Hope Vale Ranch, that you may
tell Judge Tremain of the tragedy here, for he is dead,
is he not?”

And Blanche glanced timidly toward the outlaw lying
some paces distant, just as he had fallen.

Without appearing to hear her last remark, he said:

“Yes, Miss Tremain is very beautiful, for I saw. her
once; but she is a blonde, and. being one myself, I like
the opposite type*of beauty.

“Yes, this man is dead, for I shot to kill, and I will
escort you home with pleasure, Miss Vassar, as it is
growing late, and you should not ride alone.

“Permit me to help you to your saddle.”

He led her horse up and with courtly grace aided her
to mount, when, leaping into his own saddle without using
the stirrup, they turned toward the ranch of Judge Tre-
main, Blanche remarking:

"Must he be left therer”’

“Oh, yes, P'll see to having him buried upon: my re-
turn, for my ranch is just beyond the range a few miles.”
“T heard that you had a home in Silver Thread.”

“Yes, I have several homes, for I am a roving gold-
hunter, Miss Vassar, seeking my, fortune where | can
find it,” and they rode on in a rapid gallop.

 

CHAPTER XXV,
THE SCOUT SURPRISED,

Buffalo Bill waited patiently for the coming of the
outlaw to his horse, accompanied by his captive.

But, as half an hour passed and the man did not ap-
pear, for he should have been there, certainly having had
ample.time to capture the maiden and bring her there,
Buffalo Bill began to grow anxious.

What the delay meant he could not understand, and he
at last decided to reconnoiter, when suddenly he saw the
man come into view.

He was walking rapidly along and going straight
toward his horse.

Then the right arm of the scout began to move in a
circle, the lasso- coil grasped in the unerring hand, while
his face grew stern as he wondered what had become of
the maiden.

Had the outlaw killed her?

Had she escaped?

With doubt as to her fate, he gave the Pak its last
whirl and sent it flying toward the man.

It was aimed as straight as a bullet, and the noose ©

 

 

BILL STORIES. a

settled down over the man’s head, there was a hard and
quick pull, and down went the ‘outlaw his full length
upon the ground, and with force enough to-half stun him.

Before he could realize what had happened, or rise to
his feet, the tall form of the scout bent over him and a
revolver muzzle was thrust into his face, while he heard
the words:

“T want you.”

cL ordy ! who is you:

“One who carries a rope especially to hang just such
villains as you.”

Are you a road poe ?’’ gasped the man.

On no, but you are.’

“Me! don’t you believe it.”

“T khow it.”

“No yer don't, for I am an honest man.”

“Your face belies you, then.

“Come, | want those weapons !”

And the scout unlinked the belt-of-arms and: tossed
them to one side, while the man asked, anxiously

“What do you mean, pard ?’

“To give you'a little of your own foe
have got you caught.’

“T don’t understand.

Ui wou. are a road agent, you miss it-in expecting to
find I’ve got money.’

The scout laughed and replied :

‘Don’t fool yourself. I've got the right man, the one
I want, for you’ve got your sien under your shirt, I see,
and your mask hangs on your saddle yonder, my Boy
in Black.”

The man turned very pale at the words of the scout,
and an ugly look came into his eyes as though he feit
he was in a desperate situation and meant to make a bold
attempt to try conclusions with his captor, who was bind-
ing him securely with his lasso.

One effort quickly made to free himself was. enough,
however, as he was hurled to the ground with a-strength
that amazed him, and he wished no more.

“Now I’ve got you secure, tell me what. about that
young Jady you were sneaking upon to eatch with vour
lasso?”

Again the man’s
silent.

“You heard me, so answer.’

“Then you saw me?”

3)?

now I

face turned livid, and he remained

ce Yes. 3)
“And was layin’ for me to come back to my horse?”
TL wae.’ t

oe

Well, she's gone.”

‘Where?’

vEome.”’

“You didn't catch her, then?’

“You bet I did, for if you saw me, I won't lie.”

“T saw you, and I wish to know what has become of
hen”

“Gone home.”

“She escaped from you, then?”

“Well, she got away, but not from any act of her
own.”

“What do you j;nean?”

“She was rescued,”

“By whom?”

 
 

22 | THE BUFFALO

“Has you ever heard tell o’ a Man in Blue?’

“T have heard of him often, and once met him ; in fact,
he rendered me good service a short while ago.”

“He's the man.”

“That rescued Miss Vagsar.?”

Ves. 39

“Where was he?”

“Lord knows; but he came dashing out of a thicke
and fired at me with his revolver. *

“I didn’t stop the bullet, but I knows when I has got
enough, and I jist tumbled down all ina heap, and play ved
dead *poscadence.

“Tt went, and he rescued the girl and rode off with
her, and I came back after my horse.”

‘Well, I am glad no harm befell her; but why did you
seek to capture her?”

“For ransom money.”

“All right; I want you, and so you go with me.

“Come, Pll help you mount, and then I'll take you face
to face with Miss Vassar and see what she says.’

And soon after the scout and his prisoner started at a
canter for Hope Vale Ranch.

CHAPTER XXVI,
MAKING FRIENDS, .

There was something about the Man in Blue that was
very fascinating.

He certainly was exceedingly handsome, he possessed
a slender yet fine physique, he rode with a grace and con-
fidence that showed the perfect horseman, while his man-
ners were courtly, he was intelligent, refined, and spoke in
a low tone with a voice that was peculiarly tich and of an
almost pathetic cadence.

He seemed to drop the affair at! the graveyard, as he
rode along and talked of matters wholly foreign to the
surroundings.

Once he spoke of himself, and then only to say:

“{ dislike city life, but love the wild career one leads
out here in the midst of danger and living with nature all
about you; none of man’s artificial work.

_ "T enjoy the hunt for gold, and though I have struck it
rich, as they say here; I still keep on in my search.”

“One out here hears such strange stories, we hardly
know ‘what to believe, and I am glad to be able to see for
myself just a you are,” said Blanche.

“Then you have heard my picture drawn in all shades
and colors, I s ppose?”’ he remarked, with a smile.

“Oh, yes, I have heard it said that you were a woman
in disguise ; again that you were a government detective
looking up criminals, that you were a gambler, a des-
perado, a fugitive from justice; in fact all ‘that one can be,
and now I find you 2

“Wha ties,

He asked the question abruptly, as: Blanche Died: but,
though she flushed slightly, she replied, pleasantly :

“Well, I will admit that the horns and cloven hoofs are
missing in your make-up, and if you are not what you
seem you certainly play.the part of a es well.’

~ Than! ks, Miss Vassar.”

“Ob, don’t thank me, for [ am only getting square for
the compliment you paid me a while since 5 but there comes

 

BILL STORIES.

Myrtle and her brother after me, doubtless es by my
long stay.”

As she spoke Allan Tremain and 1 Myrtle came in eu
riding rapidiy toward them. ~ .™

Myrtle was indeed a beautiful girl, with decay blue

eyes, the longest of black lashes shading them, a wealth of

gold brown hair and an elegant form.

Allan had discarded his derby hat for a slouch, and his
attire of the tenderfoot for a pair of buckskin leggins, top-
boots and a négligé shirt, while about his waist was a belt
of arms, and a repeating rifle hung at his saddle horn.’

They seemed surprised at finding Blanche with coim-
pany, but Allan Tremain recognized the Man in Blue at
a glance, and_cailed out:

“Ah, Mr. Belfont, we meet.again, and where I have
the pleasure of making you our guest, for you will, of
course, go on to Hope Mi ale with us—but permit me to
present you to my sister.”

The blue silver-embroidered sombrero was doffed, re-
vealing the golden, wavy hair, as the Man in Blue bent
low at the introduction, while Myrtle extended her hand
and said:

“IT am glad to meet you, oe Belfont, for my brother
has told us of your kind service at Trail End City, and
we owe you renew ed thanks now, for bringing home this
runaway.’

“Tt was my pleasure, Miss Ween sin. to serve as an es-
Pore

ean much more than that, Mr. Belfont, for you were
my rescuer,’ and Blanche hastily told the story of her ad-
venture, while the Man in Blue said:

“T had started over to the store in the valley, but found
that I had left some letters | wished to mail, so decided to
return to my ranch and,come back to-morrow.

“T took the trail by fhe burying ground throu~h some
intuition of good luck in store for me, and came upon
Miss Vassar in trouble.

“That is all there is of it.”

“The man you killed would not hold that opinion could
he speak for himself, Mr. Belfont,’ said Allan Tremain,
and then he added:

“But father and mother were anxious
Blanche, and we came in search of you.

“You must go on with us to Hope Vale, Mr: Belfdnt.”

“Certainly, we can take no refusal,” Nyiee said, while
Blanche added:

“You promised to escort me home, Mr. Ponnat and |

rill hold you to the compact.”

“Thus: urged, I cannot refuse, especially as I wish to
see Judge Tremain and report to him the killing of the
outlaw, and as I will take him back to my ranch and have
my men bury him, there will be no need of a coroner’s in-
quest,” and, dropping back to the side of Myrtle as her
escort, the party continued on at a rapid gallop to the
Tremain Ranch, the Man in Blue having won favor with
his new-found friends.

about you,

 

CHAPTER XXV EL.
1 STARTLING RECOGNITION.

The stories told of the Man in Blue had not impressed

Judge Tremain favorably toward him. until his son and _.

Dr. ‘ccnohiue had reported the affair in the Last Chance
iay-outin Trait Bnd City.

 

 

 
‘Blue, and it was a

 

 

 

The fact was that when there was any one ay
marked upon the frontier, all kinds of tales went the
rounds about him, and the judge had leaned toward. be-
lieving some things he heard of the Mysterious Man in
regret to him.when he heard that he
had established himself on a ranch over beyond the range.

He had been told that the Man in Blue was a man
killer, and there were too many reckless characters then
in- the settlement to lock with favor upon another one
coming to settle there, and one who affected such a re-
mmarkable costume as did Ford. Belfont.

What his son had fold him. of the Man in Blue had,
however, changed his opinion in a measure, and ‘yet he
did’ not seem pleased with beholding the stranger return-
ing with his daughter, son and B lanche.

The cabin of the Tremains was a very large one, three
commodious rooms being on each side of a hall twenty
feet wide by fifty in depth.

There were wings on each side, and a lar ge kitchen in
the ‘rear, tor the indge was wont to say that with thou-
sands of acres of land about him he wished to have a
home that was large enough to extend hospitality when
there was a wish to do so.

The judge had brought with him a family of negro
servants, reared on the Maryland plantation, and ‘old
“Aunt Kittie’ was a cook to make one’s heart glad, while
her husband, “Uncle Toby,” had served as butler since he
was of age, and knew just how things were liked in the
Tremain household, though it was a frontier home,

Mrs. Tremain was a woman wrapped up in her family
and her home, and if ever she had a regret for the change,
a longing for the luxuries of her past, she never expressed
it in word or look.

The two, the judge and his wife, were seated upon the
broad piazza of their home when they saw the party of
four coming on at a gallop, and Mrs. Tremain said:

“They have found Blanche, and some one else-is with
them.”

“Yes, wife, and it can be none other than the Man in
Blue, for, he is dressed like a Mexican dandy, and no one
else rigs up that way.” al

“T wonder where they met him, husband?”

“Allan knows him, you remember, and they have met
him on the trail and picked him up for supper, I gtiess;
but I wou ld rather not have to entertain such picturesque
strangers.”

But Judge Tremain was the soul of hospitality, and ad-
vanced to meet the party as they dismounted, and sl hook

' hands with the Man in Blue when Allan presented him, in

his turn introducing him to his wife and remarking:
“Mr. Belfont aan of course, be our guest for the igh i
wife,”

“Thank you, no, Judge Tremain, for | must return to-
night to my ranch,” was the answer, and then Blanche ex-
plained her meeting with Mr. Belfont and the great debt
of gratitude she was under to him.

Mrs. Tremain turned pale, and said: .

“Oh, Blanche, what danger do you not run into, and
how grateful we should all ‘be to Mr. Belfont for his res-
cue of you.’

The ladies then retired to prepare for supper, leaving
the judge, Allan and their guest upon the piazza, talking

THE BUFFALO

 

BILL STORIES, | : 2

over the attack of the outlaw upon Blanche, the former
remarking : *
“You left him i iets he fell, Mr. Belfont?”
“Yes, Judge Tremain; I did not even approach him,”
“Are you sure that he was dead?’

“No more than that I fired to kill, sir, and I have the
reputation of being a dead shot,” was the modest reply.

“Well, my son will return with you, as you say you
must go back to-night, and I will send men along to bury.
the body. Ah! who is that coming, Allan, for ay sight is
not what it once was?’

“It is Captain Cody, sit, and he has some one’ with
him.” \

“Tam glad, for they will be in time for you
recognize the one with him, Mr. Belfont oe the
judge, as he saw the Man in Blue rise quickly and gaze
toward the two horsemen.

“I do recognize the men, sir, one being your champion
ab. rat Bnd: City, Mr. Tremain, and the other the man -
I supposed was dead—the kidnaper of Miss Vassar.”

“I do not) understand, it, gentlemen,” and the Man in
Blue seemed in a quandary as to what the appearance of
the supposed dead man could mean.

              

CHAPT RMR XX VI.
FOES, BUT NEVER FRIENDS.

The jtidge was fairly startled, as was the Man in Blue,
and Allan Tremain looked rather bewildered at the ap-
pearance with Buffalo Bill of one who was supposed to be
dead.

They all three walked from the piazza to meet the scout,
and as they approached the.spot where he had halted at
the rack to hitch his horses, they saw that the one with
him was securely bound.

“Well, Captain Cody, I am glad to see you, and it ap-
pears that you have unwelcome company,” said the judge
in his hearty manner.

“Most welcome company rather say, judge, as I have
captured a man whom it is not safe to have at large.

“Ts Miss. Vassar here, sir?” he added, quickly.

“Yes, she arrived half an. hour ago, escorted by our
friend here, Mr. Belfont, whom you doubtless know as
the Man in Blue,.and to whom we all are deeply grateful
for his services to Miss Vassar this afternoon.,’

Buffalo Bill turned to the Man in Blue and to Allan
Tremain, and replied:

“Then it is true what this man told me, that the Man
in Blue rescued Miss Vassar from him?”

“ves, pertectly trues:

“Oh, yes, I told you the truth, pard,” said the prisoner,
who was still seated upon his bare bound hands and
feet.

“May I ask how it is-1 find you alive, my man, when |
supposed I had sent a bullet through your brain?” said
the Man in Blue to the prisoner.

“You didn’t send your bullet where yer wanted to, th
is all, for I hain’t dead, as you see.

“At was a close call, though, as the lead razed. inv
temple, and I took the hint,and dropped. ey

The trouble was, pard, you didn't. feel my pulse to:
sce if I was dead.”

 
THE BUFFALO

a

And the fellow laughed, while the Man in Blue said,

vith a significant smile :

it as better as it is, for now the rope will make sure
work of you.’

“Don’t say it, Man i in Blue; and, besides, I’m this gent’s
game, not yours.’

“How comes it, Captain Cody, that you Bee the
fellow: 2” asked Allan Tremain.

“T was coming by this trail when I saw him from the
ridge leave his horse and creep up on some one.

*“T soon saw that Miss Vassar was his intended victim,
and, not wishing to fire on him, I went to where he had
left his horse and awaited his return.

‘When he appeared, I caught him with my lariat, and
he told me that the Man in Blue had rescued Miss Vassar
and ridden away with her.”

“You bet he caught me with his rope, and he throws it
for all there is in it,” said the prisoner, while a judge re-
marked : :

“Yes; your own testimony condemns you, my man.

“But come in, captain, for you’are in ample time for
supper, and I will see that your prisoner is cared for, as
his crime is too serious to allow of his escaping.”

“Yes, judge, he must not escape,” the scout said, firmly.

“No, indeed, for an example made of a few of his kind,
judge, would a a great deal of good in the settlement,
: from all I hear of the lawlessness here.

“IT am going to the village from here, and I shall be
elad to place the fellow in the lock-up you have there, if
Captain Cody will intrust him to my care.

For a moment Buffalo Bill was silent, but then replied :

“He is in the hands of Judge ‘Tremain, sir, and if he is
willing for you to guard him to Silver Thread to- -night, 1
certainly <

“Oh, ves, though we can secure him here to- night, if
vou will remain until to-morrow, Mr. Belfont.”

“Thank you, sir, but [ must go on soon after supper,
and I will see that the prisoner is safely delivered in the
silver Thread lock-up,’ was the reply of the Man in
Blue.

oO must ae you, for saving me a long ride

scout remarked, while the judge said:
“But vou will remain wi oo us overnight, Cody?’

‘Vhank you, sir, I will,” was the reply, and the “ade
oner haying becn left in 7 ch arge of a cowboy, who was

old to give oe some supper, the judge led his guests into
the house, 4 was tw o at now, and they joined the
ladies, who save Buffal 1a warm welcome, while the
Man in Biue said:

“It seems, Captain Cody, that I have met you before
cur meeting in Trail End Cit y:in fact, am I mistaken in
saving that you are the famous scout, Buffalo Bill?”

is did not ios I es T was ee sir, but vou are

cies 9
Sir, :

he
SRSLE
igh
o Bil

not
ae come oe Ga ead to find

” and the Man in Blue offered his arm
as supper was announced, with all the

AGT] have done,
to Mes. Tremain,

grace of a courtier.

An hour after he took his leave, accompanied by
prisoner, while, hardly had he gotten out of
tore Buffalo Bill, against the urging
horse and followed in the trail of the

the
sight be-
ot all, mounted his
Man in Blue.

BILL

T adn

 

STORIES.

CRAB ink Xx EX,
BUFFALO BILL GROWS SUSPICIOUS.

It was after supper, while the Man in Blue was singing
a duet with Myrtle Tremain, that Buffalo Bill managed
to slip out of the parlor after giving a significant look to
Allan Tremain to follow.

They walked a few paces away from the house, and
then the scout said: ;

“See here, Mr. Tremain, I have lived so much among
bad men and Indians that [ am growing suspicious of
many who may be all right in reality.”

““T do not wonder, Captain Cody, that you are sus-
picious, living with your life in your hands as you do;
but who has awakened your suspicions now ?” :

“It may be all simply distrust, but will you, if the Man
in Blue comes here often, and come he will, keep an eye
on him without appearing to do so?”

“T will, of course; but.do you really think he is one to
watch?” :

“He may not be, and yet, who knows anything about
ine: . - .

“Te has a record as a man-killer, as you know, though
ait he is not one who seems to seek trouble, and he
certainly rendered us good service at Trail End City, and
rescued Miss Vassar from that outlaw.

“But Tl tell you frankly that Iam suspicious of hin,
and when he ae to-night I go, too, so explain it to
your father, please.”

“T will, Captain, Cody; but do you ue my aid?’

“No, thank you, for I am merely going to ‘see that
the prisoner is delivered safely in Silver Thread lock-up,
for I want that man for future reference.” .

“lll explain vour going to father and the ladies,” was

the answer,,and the two returned to the parlor where the

voice of the Man in Blues was heard singing “Annie

Laurie’ with exquisite expression and melody.

It was soon after that the Man in Blue took his depar-
ture, followed minutes after by Bitttaion bill,” and
Myrtle’s close observation of both men caused her to
make the remark that she did, that they could never be
friends,

“I do not see why, Myrtle, for the Man ‘in Blue is cer-
tainly a most charming gentleman, just the kind to win
friends, I should Saya” said: Blanche. .

“T admit that he is a fascinating man, Blanche, refined,
courtly in his manners, and a fine talker, though modest
and unassuming, and yet there is that about him that. in
pressed me unfavorably also, though what it is I cannot,
tell

Lest

or explain, and I could never know him better than I

e

do to-night.

 

 
 

 

; TE BUPPALO

}

“T certainly saw that he also impressed Captain Cody,
and yet not favorably, I feel certain, and the two men
seemed to read each other, or that is my opinion.”

“Why, Myrtle, you argue your case like a lawyer,” said
Allan Tremain, laughing, and he added: : os

“But you are right, I am sure, for Cody did not,appear
to take to the man when he came to our aid in Trail End
City, and to-night he certainly was watching him closely.
and followed on his trail really because he had some doubt
of him. | |
“What doubt could he have, Allan?” asked Blanche.

““Well, the prisoner offered Captain Cody, the latter
told me, a couple of thousand dollars if he would allow
him to go, no one else knowing of his capture, and he had
the money with him, too, the scout said, and, therefore,

there was a desire on his part not to let the fellow escape —

should the Man in Blue yield to the temptation of the
same offer.”

“But Mr, -Belfont is very rich, 1 believe,
Blanche. 4

“He may and he may-not be, my dear.

“T have heard it said that he has found some rich mines,
yet he is not working them that I know of, and it may
be all talk.

“T rather like him myself, but I have that confidence
in, Cody that I am sure he is not one to make a mistake,
and if he suspects Belfont he has some good reason for it,
and these are times to be suspicious in this valley after all
that we have gone through with,” and the judge spoke
earnestly, but it was certain that Blanche was determined
to champion the Man in Blue.

>

urged

In the meanwhile Buffalo Bill had gone but a short
distance along the trail after them when he suddenly:
turned off to the right, and, putting his horse into a sweep-
ing gallop, held on at that pace for some miles.

Then he approached the main trail again through a
canyon, and, hitching his horse, he walked rapidly to a
group of rocks around which the road turned that the
Man in Blue and his prisoner would have to ride.

He had not waited long before he heard voices and
noof falls approaching, but what was being said he could
not hear, and, reaching the rocks, the two ceased talking.

But they passed within a few feet of the scout lying in
wait, and continued on along the trail.

- Mounting again, Buffalo Bill rede on, to at last halt
near the group of cabins that comprised the village of Sil-
ver Thread City.

“Well, he certainly has delivered up the prisoner at the
lock-up, and now to see which way he will go,” and

hardly had.the scout uttered the words when the Man’

in» Blue dashed by the place where he had halted in the
ishadow ol some trees, riding at full speed. .

BILL STORIES.

25

“OHAPTERR Kocx:
WHAT THE JATLER FAD - TQ SAY.

It was nearly dawn when Buffalo Bill at last reached
his home, at Solace Lodge, both his horse and himseli
very tired after their long day’s ride and work.

Dr. Donohue had long since gone to bed, and the scout
quickly turned in. :

Dallas Donohue loved his ease, even in Borderland, and
was not an early riser, so when Buffalo Bill slept late the
next morning it just chimed in with his humor, and it
was nine o'clock before they had breakfast.

The scoyt had taken a great fancy to both Dr. Dono-
hue and Allan Tremain, and he was telling the former of
his adventures of the day before, and the rescue of
Blanche by the Man in Blue, when they saw a horseman
approaching at a run. La

“It is Allan, for I recognize his style of riding, and yet
he seems to come on as though he had news,” said the
doctor.

A moment after Allan Tremain dashed up to the cabin,
and as he threw himself from his horse he called out:

“Captain Cody, your prisoner has escaped.”

“Impossible, for I saw him safe in the lock-up, for the
Man in Blue delivered him there after all, and Jake Jes-
sop took him in charge.” - ‘

“But he has escaped, and I came to notify you; as
father deemed it best.

“We were over to Silver Thread this morning, and we
could not find Jessop, so all began to look for him, and
we found him in the cabin lock-up gagged and in irons,
while the prisoner was gone.

“As soon as he could talk he did so, and he was mad
clean through, as he told us that he had been wakened
up at his cabin by several horsemen, who said that they
had a prisoner for him to lock up.

“He went with them over to the lock-up, taking the pre-
tended prisoner along with him, and as he opéned the
door he was struck a violent blow that half stunned him, |
and then they quickly gagged and bound him, after which
they took out the prisoner and locked him within in his
place.

“Not a word was spoken, only the prisoner laughed and
said : ae

“‘Jalce,/the jail was never built that would hold a Boy

-in Black, nor the rope made that will hang one.’

corn

“Then he mounted, and the party rodé away, so father
thought it best for me to come and notify you at once.”
“T am glad that you did so, Mr. Tremain, and i
‘Don’t mister me, Captain Cody, but call me plain
Allan, pard, or Trethain.”
“All right, pard, [ll go you; but now we'll ride to Sil-
ver Thread and pick up the trail of those Boys in Black
and see where it came from and where it leads,

 

 
L

 

g

26

“Will you. go, doctor?”

“Oh, yes, for I may be needed,” and ten minutes after

the three mounted and rode rapidly away.
It was over an hour’s ride to Silver Thread, and when
they got there they found quite a crowd gathered, and

Jake had told his story over and over again until one of .

the men said:

“Say, Jake, pull the string on yourself, or you'll wear
your teeth out talking.”

The crowd laughed, but Jake was very wrathy over his

prisoner’s escape, and was glad when Judge Tremain.

called him to one side and told him to again tell the
whole story over to Captain Cody, the doctor and Allan
Tremain.

“You saw the men?’

TONS ves

“One pretended to be a prisoner?”

“Ves, he was bound, I thought, only he wasn’t, for he
was the one who hit me—see, he gave me a black eye, and
they had me gagged and tied before I could say any-
thing.”

“How many were there?”

“T counted seven men,
me.” |

. How were they mounted, dressed, and what did they
say?”

asked Cody,

including the man who done

“They rode black horses, but were not masked, though
they seemed rigged.up in a black suit.

“Only the prisoner spoke as they left, and then I was
left i in the jug while they rode off, and that’s all I know.”

‘Who brought you the prisoner?’

“The Man in Blue, just before midnight, and he told
me to keep him subject to the call of Judge Tremain, who
would try him for some crime he. had committed,

that’s all [ know, pard.”

and

Buffalo Bill made no reply, but tha anked the keeper of
the cabin known as the “Silver Thread Jail,’ and rode
way, followed by the judge and the two young men.
“Well, Cody, what move is next to be taken?” the judge
salad when the four had ridden half a mile from the fort.
. “Taam following this trail of the fugitive and his res-
cuers, Sif.’
Ah, yes, their trail,
: A as it now; but you will want more of us to go with
| you.

oe
ey

“No, judge, I will go alone, unless the two young gen-
tlemen wish to go with me, for you, sir, are not to track
criminals but to try them after we catch them.”

“Well, Cody, I obey orders always; but you certainly
will need more men, as Jake Jessop says there were seven
of them.”

‘We are not going to fight outlaws now, judge, but to
track them,

THE BUFFALO.

“fome. in Trail. End City,

BILL STORIES. :
“They are already safe from immediate -pursujt, but
mtich can be found out by the signs of a trail, aiid 1 we
will report results on our return.”
“See here, Captain Cody, you have not the most perfect
confidence in the Man in Blue?”

“I can only say, sir, that I suspect him, perhaps with-
out reason; but when I am suspicious of a man I watch
him—I am watching the Man in Blue,” and, leaving the
judge to return to his home, Buffalo Bill and his two ten-
derfoot pards continued on along the outlaws’ trail.

CHAPTER XXXII.

A CAAT NO RF EV ED EN: OE.

‘See here, pards, I. tie to you every time, and if you
have not been jong on the frontier you are learning your
lessons fast and well.

“T can trust you, and that is saying a great deal, and
now I'll tell-you frankly that I do not like the Man in
Ble,”

So. said Buffalo Bill as the two young men rode on

with him after leaving the judge. °

“Ts it prejudice that prompts your doubt, Captain Cody,
or proof of guilt?’ asked Dr. Donohue.

“So far from its being prejudice, I should be prejudiced
in his favor, for he certainly came to.our rescue in Trail
End, and again helped Miss Vassar out of a very serious
scrape.

“He is a gentleman in appearance and outward action,
but he is, mark my words, a man to watch. -

“Mind you, I do not say that he is guilty of any crime
that drove him West, that he is an outlaw; but he has a
another in the Sunset Mining
Camp, and now he has a ranch just over beyond the range.

‘No one knows a word about his antecedents, and he

never speaks of himself or one being who. holds a claim

nD him, ct a
“He knew. me, as. you saw, and yet, as. the Man | in Blue
or. Ford Belfont, I never saw him in my life, before. the

night 1 met him in the Last Chance Lay-out at Trail End

City:
“Now, 1 may have imaged but. L ht iM saw
look pass between the Man-in Blue and the prisoner,

“Fe volunteered to take my prisoner to Silver Thread
and lock him up; was it through kindness for me, to pre-
vent my going ten miles out of my way?

“The prisoner offered me a good, large bribe, and he
had the money, to let him go, and when I did not, he
seemed very little worried about his fate.

“Now, the Man in Blue did deliver the prisoner to Jake
Jessop, and within an hour or so after he was released by
six or seven men.

“How did these men know he was a prisoner <

 

| ie

 
i

‘
vA

 

 

THE BUFFALO

“Tf they saw him captured, why did they not rescue
him from me?

“Such is the line of argument I take, and I now intend
to take the trail of the Man in Blue, see where it joins the
tracks of the prisoner’s rescuers, and then where it leads;

but, see here; this is the track of his hqrse; it is a peculiar

one, as you observe, and you will see that it goes back to
Silver Thread, along with the men who went there to take

“the man out of the lock-up.

“We will find out what it means.”

Both Dr. Donohue and Allan Jremain were consider-
ably impressed with the quiet reasoning of the-scout.

It did put a shade of suspicion upon the Man in Blue,
and they were anxious to have it explained.

They rode carefully along on the trail, catching sight
now and then of the single track of the horse ridden by
the Man in Blue, and after a ride of half a dozen miles
Buffalo Bill called them to note-that the trail turned off
up a canyon.

Here were found the traces of where half a dozen
horsemen had evidently been camping for a day or more.

“They were here all of twenty-four hours, and they
came from over the range, you see, and went back that
way.

“The trail of the Man in Blue came sirecily to this
foint, and from here the resctters started to Silver Thread
lock-up and returned this way.

“There were twelve horses, not including that of the
Man in Blue,” and Buffalo Bill went on reading the signs
in a manner that amazed the two young men and won
their admiration.

“You certainly know your business, Captain Cody, and
T/think that the Man in Blue has something to explain
that it will puzzle him to do,” Allan Tremain remarked. ~

“Yes; if he did not come here, where these men were,
and lead them back to the lock-up to rescue that prisoner,
all signs fail,” rejoined the doctor.

“Ah! some one is coming, and at a run, too—yes, there
are more than one horseman, so be ready for a fight or a
stampede,” cried Buffalo Bill, riding toward the shelter
of some timber in the canyon, and unslinging his rifle for
use, while his comrades did the same. -

Just as they reached the timber a horseman dashed into
view, riding at full speed, and behind him came others as
though in pursuit.

The one in advance was the Man in Blue.

 

CHAPTER XX XIT,
AN EXPLANATION. ©
“The Man in Blue P@ried Buffalo Bill, as he caught

sight of the hor seman, and the manner in which he rode
showed that the was flying for his life.

4

BILL STORIES. Oe Gs

“Stand by, Pa for that looks like a pursuit, as
others are coming,” cried Buffalo Bill, and they could
distinctly hear the clatter of hoofs in the canyon.

“Tf he is pursued, we have wronged the Man in Blue,”
said Allan Tremain.

“Tt looks that way—but here they come,” and Buaato
Bill rode into view and hailed the Man in Blue.

“Ho, pard, this way if you seek friends.” .

A cry broke from the lips of the Man in Blue, and he
wheeled his horse off the trail and quickly rode toward
the timber. _

As he did so he called out:

“If you are. alone turn and fly with me, for there are
half a score of those fellows chasing me.”

“I am not alone, and we will make a stand,” called back
Buffalo Bill, and as the horsemen in pursuit dashed into
sight he raised his rifle to his shoulder and pulled trigger.

The crack of the rifle seemed the first intimation that
the outlaws had of the presence of help for the fugitive
horseman they had been pursuing so hard.

As one of their horses went down, with a bullet in his
brain, the others drew rein quickly, just as Buffalo Bill
called out :

“Now, pards, catch them in their surprise ae let them
have it, for they are Boys in Black, as you see.’

The Man in ‘Blue had now reached his rescuers, and
drawn rein, but as the others raised their rifles to fire,
he called out: .

“See, I cannot help you, for I am in irons.”

The three rifles flashed together, and then, following
the example set them by the scout, Allan Tremain and
Donohue began to pump the lead at the outlaws, who at
once stampeded, leaving one of their number dead and .
another wounded on the field, while a ek: horse went
down also under their fre.

_ The outlaws did not halt when they g got out of sight
in the canyon, bit kept up their flight, as the sound of the
rapid clatter of hoofs growing fainter and fainter proved.

Then Buffalo Bill remarked, coolly:

“We have set them going, arid, Doc, there is work for
you, for we must save that fellow who 4s wounded, but
unable to rise,” and he led the way at a gallop % the scene,
the others following.

There: lay two of the splendid black horses the outlaws
rode, and the dead\form of one of the Boys in Black,
and a wounded man ‘sat on the ground further away.

“Dead! that was your shot, Mr. Cody,’* said Dallas
Donohue, placing his hand hightly ges the pulse of the
dead man.

 
 

@

a3 THE BUFFALO
~ “Now the other, doctor.’

The other outlaw had drawn the mask from his face,
as though for air, and dropped back in recumbent posi-
tion as the scout and the others approached.

, io, pard, itis you, is it? |

“Better have stayed in the lockgup and taken your
‘chances with the Vigilantes,” said Buffalo Bill, as he
recognized his prisoner of the night before.

Ves, it’s me, and I guess I’ve got my graveyard medi-
cine, so will cheat yer Vigilantes from a hangin’ pienic, if
you had any, which yer hain’t, for the Boys in Black
done for them, and scared ‘em off from‘ havin’ any more:

“But L ie dene for,”

“No, you have tog much breath to have, it limited by
a wound.

“How is it, doctor?” said the scout.

“Tt is a wound in an ugly place, but the bullet may
have glanced on a rib and if so it is not serious.

“T will find out soon,” and the doctor told the outlaw
to lie down and let him’examine the wound.

“What fer?

“Tf it hain’t serious yer ll jab a probe into my vitals
and kill me, and if it is fatal, [11 soon pass in my chips.

““TJist let me lie here and die in peace.*

“Oh, no; we will see that you are cared for,’ and, leav-
ing the doctor to examine the wound, now that he had
gotten out his case of instruments, which Buffalo Bill
had told him never to go without in that country, he
turned to the Man in Blue and said:

“Pardon me, pard, for not seeing to you before, but
it was. a case of the dead and dying first—you are in irons,
I see.” | :

The Man in Blue’s wrists were manacled, while his feet
were tied beneath his horse.

‘Yes, I am tied up, but it is far better than having a
rope about my neck, for those devils meant to hang me,’
he said.

“Indeed! how was it?”

“T delivered my prisoner at the lock-up and then started
for my ranch, and right here in this canyon ran into an
ambush.

“They caught both my horse and myself with lassos,
and resistance was useless.

“They said they had been waiting for a pard, who was
on a special duty, and, as he was long ore they were
sure he had been killed or captured.

“Without thinking of what they might at told them
that they need not wait, as their pard was safe in the Sil-
ver Thread lock-up.

“T at once saw my mistake, for they decided to go and
rescue him, and they ironed and bound me as you see,
and I had to go along with them. —

“Your being here, gentlemen, proves that you have

BERS

BILY: STORIES 2. f

‘discovered the escape of the prisoner, and were on his

trail.

“When we halted, some miles back in the range, |
made an-effort to escape, and, wheeling my horse, sud-
denly dashed away.

“But for you I would have been captured, for, my
hands being manacled and feet bound, I could not urge
my horse any ee and they had frankly said they in-
tended to hang me,

The scout glanced at his two dead at. the explana-~

“tion of the Man in Blue, as though to say:

it was wrong, and did him an injustice.”
CONCLUSION.

With one of the Boys in Black wounded and a prisoner
and another dead, Buffalo Bill felt that it was ‘time to
strike a hard blow against the outlaws.

“We have them on the run, boys,” he said to his com-
panions, ‘‘and the thing is to keep them on the run.”

Allan and Dr. Donohue were ready at once to go on the

‘trail of the outlaws, and a number of settlers were quickly

gathered together with the majority of the Vigilantes to
go on the trail. he

Fhe Man in Blue, who had now been cleared of Sus-
picion, was very much shaken up by his recent adventures,
and said that he preferred remaining behind rather than
going in for further adventures.

A little later Buffalo Bill led his followers on the trail
of the fleeing outlaws.

Their horses were fresh, the trail was good, and the
chase ended in the overtaking of the ae and the
wipe-out of the whole ten of them.

Such a heavy blow, together with the knowledge that
there was a man’ in Silver Thread City who was their
master, either at fighting or trailing, discouraged the
Boys in Black considerably.

Their secret hiding-place was not discovered, but it was
generally known that the band had scattered, and for
many a day the inhabitants of Silver Thread City lived
in peace and serenity.

THE END:

Next week’s issue, No. 88, will contain “Buffalo Bill
and the Man in Blue; or, the Volunteer Vigilantes of Sil-
ver; Thread City.” Of course, you are interested in
knowing the further history of the Man in Blue.

When the mystery surrounding him was finally re-
moved it meant a big surprise to everybody concerned.
Can any. of you guess who he really was? Make your
guess, and then read next week’s issue to find out who he
really was. The Volunteer. Vitilantes did some fine
work, which will be told'in next week’s issue. You will
want to read all about that, too. ae eee

 

 
(1

ST
Lc
1\€

 

‘long sought it.

 

t

 

 

Are you still dreaming, boys?

. Let us know the results,
‘Tt is a capital contest so far.
For list of prizes and conditions, see page 31.

~

 

G
The Crimson City.
(By Robert Laughlin, Poquonock Bridge, Conn.)

My dream revealed to me a distant city, its domes and
spires effulgent with a soft, rosy glow. I realized that
peace and happiness dominated there, and fascination
led me onward. But as I reached the gates the city van-
ished in a cloud of gold-tinged smoke,.and I found my-
self traversing a rocky, sand-strewn road, barren and
desolate; hills upon one side, a broad, tranquil lake upon
the other. A brilliant sun shone in the heavens.and was
mirrored with burning luster in the lake waters.

I saw an aged, white-haired man seated by the way-
side, ;

“Can you direct.me to the Crimson City?” I inquired,
addressing him.

“‘Alas,/no,” he replied. “TI myself have sought it for
many days. lI am sorely distressed. My wife and chil-
dren were taken by a single blow of Death. But I still
seek the city of red, for within its walls is Peace.”

I resumed my way, and the sun grew brighter while
the waters of the lake around its reflection assumed a
tuby hue. I overtook a maiden clad in the garb of a
fisher girl. Her face was fair, yet bore lines of woe.

"Can you direct me to the Crimson City?” I asked her.

“I know not the way myself,”’ she said, “though 1 have
i I crave the happiness that shines within
its gates, for sorrow rests heavily upon me. My sailor-
lover. went away upon the sea and never returned. My
heart is broken.”

I spoke a word of sympathy, and continued on my
journey.

Next I encountered a sad-faced woman, who led a
small child by the hand. In response to my inquiry,
she expressed her ignorance regarding the path to the
Crimson City, and also announeed her desire to enter its

gates. “My child: and myself are starving and cold,”
she wailed. “We/shall soon lie dead by the wayside.”
I divided a crust of bread with her, and once more jour-
neyed on. “The sun grew red and fierce and the lake
waters began to gyrate around its reflection.

A mar wandered from a glade and greeted me politely.
“I know not the way to the red city,’ he said in reply
to my query. “Would that I did. I was once a king,
but my wealth and my kingdom were swept away. Alas!
alas !”

At this moment the lake began to burn and hiss. A,
dense rose-colored smoke arose close over its surface, and
drifted about me. The strains of thrilling music rang
in my ears, the smoke clouds formed themselves into
beautiful shapes, a feeling of unutterable happiness came
over me, and I realized that ]’was in the Crimson City.
I saw the aged man reunited with his dear ones, the
fisher girl with her lover, and the woman and her child
dowered with riches. I saw nothing of the polite man
or his kingdom, which, | prestune; he never recovered.

| | 2
The Dream of the Upas Tree.
(By Sam W. Lawton; Arcadia, Fla.)

One night, after burning the midnight oil reading the
adventures of Buffalo Bill, I fell,asleep and dreamed that
{ was hunting in the jungles of Africa with the famous
scout as my. companion, .

It seemed that Buffalo Bill had me along with him as
a student of his, intending to make me his successor
with pistol and rifle. Our hunting steeds were nothing
more nor less than the African ostrich, captured and
tamed by ‘my inimitable master, and they were almost as
fearless as they were swift. ve

It seemed that there was an abundance of game both
large and small, but I dreamed that there was no difficulty
whatever in killing it.. Only one time was. I in any

 

 
 

30

danger of my life, and that was when a huge and fero-
cious lion sprang toward me. If I had been on my.
guard the danger would not have been so great, but we
had been riding along for quite a distance without see-
ing any game of any kind, just long enough to make
me completely careless in regard to danger, when, with a
growl I felt.rather than saw, the great lion springing upon
me with a bound. I hardly know how I did it, but I
reined up my bird-steed, and the lion, making allowance
in his spring for the rate we were traveling, instead of
springing tlpon me, sprang upon the ostrich, and in an-
other moment the head of the bird was. crushed in the
jaws of the king of the forest. Quick as thought, my
rifle was out and in another minute bird and beast were
lying together in a heap, mingling their blood and their
brains. g

In the meantime, Buffalo Bill, paying little attention to
us, had gone on, entirely oblivious of the accident which
had befallen me; so, knowing that he would return when
he missed me, I sat down under a tree to rest.

How long I sat there I know not, for, being fatigued
from my recent encounter, I must have dropped off into
a doze, when, all at once, I felt myself lifted up into the
air, and a thousand snakes resembling the boa-constrictor,
wrapping themselves about my body and crushing the life
out of me. I tried to free myself, but found it impossible
to moye; | tried to call to my late companion, but was
unable to do so. I saw it was only the limbs of the tree
encircling me and crushing my life out of me, so, trying
time and time again, to cry out in the horrot of my posi-
tion | awoke. 7

Relating to my father this horrible dream, he told me
that there was such a tree in Africa, and it was called
the deadly Upas.

THE BUFFALO

A Funny Dream.
(By Harold Greene, Brooklyn, N. Y ’

About three nights ago I had a very peculiar dream.
I thought that I was stopping in the country. It was
about dusk and as I went for the mail I saw a dark shadow
dart among the trees, As I was passing a forest my
suspicions were aroused, and I followed in the direction

of the shadow. As I was a good runner, I quickly over-.

took the shadow. . When I was nearly upon it, I could see
that it was a man with a large bag on his back. “TI fol-
lowed it a long while and, finally, I saw the-man stop,
take otf his hat, wipe the perspiration from ‘his forehead,
then set the bundle down. As he went to remove the
bundle from his skoulder I could see it was very heavy,
for it went down with a bang. And I heard a voice from
inside yelling as it went to the ground. It seemed like
hours to me, but I waited to listen. After a while the
man said that they would have to be moving; then he
put the bundle upon his back and moved rapidly in the
direction of the railroad station. Following him closely,
I could make out that he meant business. He went to

board the train and be off as soon.as possible. I followed
him to the baggage car and I heard the bageage-master —
say that it was necessary to stay in-the-car with his bag-
_gage. He saw he was followed, and, as I jumped aboard

 

BILL STORIES. ae

the baggage-master left the room.
did not see me enter.

As soon as the baggage-master left the room, I saw
the nian jump for the door. , I made a quick jump for
him, and he drew a pistol, and fired two shots, but, fortu-
nately, missing me. He then dropped the bag and we be-
gan wrestling, but as he was stronger than I, he hurled
me out of the baggage-car. As I was falling I woke up.
So ended my queer dream.

A Narrow Escape from Prison.
(By Forest Landrum, Avondale, Ala.)

A few months ago I was an office boy in a large store
in Birmingham, and I had three partners. Their names
were Sam Emmerson, Frank Erkurt and Arthur Frazier.

One day they came to me and asked me how I would
like to’ get rich. I was anxious to find out what they
meant. ?

They said they had a mint out of town.
we could make lots of money. a

_We had a twenty-five cent piece press, and a fifty-cent
piece press. .

We thought we had it so nobody could find it, but
we were mistaken, for, one day, five policemen came in on
us all at once. I was so scared I could not move, but
Sam Emmerson and Frank Erkurt- had pistols, and out
came both of them and killed three policemen. The
other two were going to take us to jail, but I don’t re-
member any more, so I guess all this was a dream, for,
next morning, the other boys were at work and they
say they don’t know anything of it.

They said

Tortured by Indians,
(By Clarence Hand, Plainfield, N. J.)

While camping this summer I had a dream that is
worth relating. I dreamed that I was captured by In-
dians, who, in the middle of the night, had made a raid
on our camp. I was knocked senseless in the fight, was
strapped on a horse and taken far into the forest. When
the Indians reached their village, they put me into a tent
for a short time; then I was taken out and tied to a tree:
A great fire was built around me, which soon ate through
my clothes and began to burn my flesh. As the fire ate
into my legs I awoke and found that I had taken a walk
in my sleep an& had stepped into the camp-fire.

 

 

color, bottle Spirit Gum to atick them on. Box of Burnt Cork to blacken
up, Im.Rubber Mouth, big teeth, secret & apparatus for performing
the great vanishing half-dollar trick:Thisbig offer _—
is to get your address to send my large ills. cat’g of & avi
plays, wigs,tricks & agts. latest novelties. Mention paper a
you saw this in and I will else put in a Reavy GOLD plate finger & .
Bing FREE, send size. Address Chas.Marshall, Mfr..Lockport,N.Y. ‘SSe=as!

WANTED:
Copies of Good News Weekly, No. 137

the above-mentioned

Be ho tae

 

UE ¢ $ 1 worth of Tricks & Make-ups,sent postpaid for 25 centsstampe or
¥ silver. A nice Moustache or full Beard, Irish or Side Whiskers,ary
4
se

 
  

 

_ Any boy who has a copy of the
number should comminicate at once with
STEWART, Box 192; New York City.

_As it was dark he-

 

 

PS

 

 
 

Ls

ee

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OU all know what a success the last contest was. We propose to make this _
even bigger. LOOK AT THIS SPLENDID PRIZE OFFER

 

 

 

 

 

including an EASTMAN BROWNIE CAMERA and a complete outfit for taking,
developing and printing Photographs

 

 

 

 

GET INTO THIS CONTEST
whether you were in the last-or not. All you have to do is to remember any

Curious Dream. you have ever had, write it in five hundred words, or less, and

send it with the accompanying coupon, properly filled out, to

BUFFALO

 

BILL WEEKLY, Care of STREET & SMITH.
238 WILLIAM STREET, NEW YORK CITY

 

 

THE PRIZES WE OFFER THIS TIM

are about ihe FINEST EVER GIVEN in a contest of this kind. The cameras

   

 

 

are beauties—simple in operation. and
COUPON |

hold cartridges with fil hf
Buffalo Bill Dream Contest, No. 4g | hold cartridges with film enough for six

. exposures without reloading. A. car-
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with each camera.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 

 

 

 

 

BILL

(MARGE SIZE.)

   

 

Containing the Only Stories Authorized by Hon. WILLIAM F. CODY (Buffalo Bill”).

58—Buffalo Bill’s Mysterious Trail; or, Tracking a Hidden Foe.
59—Buffalo Bill and the Masked Hussar; or, Fighting the Prairie Pirates.
60—Buffalo Bill’?s Blind; or, Running the Death Gauntlet. .
Gi —Buffalo Bill and the Masked Driver: or. The Fatal Run Toe Death
Canvon.
62—Buffalo Bill’s Still Hint: or, Fighting the Robber of the Ranges.
63—Buffalo Bill and the Red Riders; or, The Mad Driver of the Overlands,
64—Buffalo Bill’s Dead-Shot Pard; or, The Will-o’-the-Wisp of the Trails.
65—Buffalo Bill’s Run-Down; or, The Red-Hand Renegade’s Death.
66—Buffalo Bill’s Red Trail; or, A Race for Ranson.
67—Bufialo Bill’s Best Bower; or, Calling the Turn on Death Notch Dick.
68—Buffalo Bill and the Gold Ghouls; or, Defying Death at Elephant Rock.
69—Buffalo Bills Spy Shadower; or, The Hermit of Grand Canyon.
70—Buffalo Bill’s Secret Camp; or, Trailing the Cloven Hoofs. |
71—Buffalo Bill’s Sweepstake; or, Hunting the Paradise Gold Mine.
72—Buffalo Bill and the Black Heart Poo: or, The Wipe-Out at Last
| Chance. |
73—Buffalo Bill's Death Charm: or, The Lady in Velvet.
74—Buffalo Bill’s Desperate Strategy; or, The Mystery of the Cliff.
75—Bufialo Bill and the Black Mask; or, The Rafile of Death.
76—Bufialo Bill’s Road Agent Round-Up; or, Panther Pete’s Revenge.
77—Buffalo Bill and the Renegade Queen; or, Deadly Hand’s Strange Duel.
78—Buffalo Bill’s Buckskin Bands; or, Forcing the Redskins to the Wall.
~9—Buifalo Bill’s Decoy Boys; or, The Death Rivals of the Big Horn.
80—Buffalo Bill’s Sure Shots; or, Buck Dawson’s Big Draw.
81—Bufialo Bill’s Texan Team; or, The Dog Detective.
82—Buifalo Bill?s Water Trail; or, Foil ng the Mexican Bandit.
23—Buffalo Bill’s Hard Sight’s Work; or, Captain Coolhand’s Kidnapping Plot.
84 —-But:a.o Bill and the Scout Miner; or, The Mounted Sharps of the Overland,
84—Buffalo Bill’s Single-Handed Game; or, Nipping Outlawry in the Bud.
s6—Buffalo Bill and the Lost Miners; or, Hemmed in by Redskins.

Back numbers. always on hand. If you cannot get them from your newsdealer, five cents a copY

will bring them to you, by mail, postpaid.

STREET & SMITH, Publishers,

238 WILLIAM S’T., NEW YORK CITy.

 

of

 

 

 

-
 
 

{ee can be no question about |
the advantage of being able to
box well. When called upon to defend
yourself you are always: ready and
the manly art of boxing if practiced
as set forth in the pages of the book
entitled “The Art of Boxing and Self
Defense” will bring the muscles into

play and transform a weak man into

 

a noble specimen of his race.

 

 

 

By PROF. DONOVAN

 

 

 

The only authentic work on Boxing now on the market.

s DIATIOND
ele R ES THE CONTENTS AND ILLUSTRATIONS WILL Casa
HAND BOOK HAND BOOK

INTEREST THE MOST INDIFFERENT PERSON.
No. 9 , : No. 9

Peis profusely illustrated with 37 elegant half-

tone cuts, showing the different positions and
blows. The originals of these illustrations are
such noted pugilists as James Jeffries, Robert
Fitzsimmons, James J. Corbett, Terry McGovern,

 

 

Young Corbett, and all the heavy and light-weight’
fighters who have ever held the championship of
their class.

- The book is printed on good paper, clear, sharp
type and bound in- attractive illuminated cover.

PRICE 10 CENTS

ALL NEWSDEALERS

If sent by mail, 5 cents additional for postage.

: c 1 PUBLISHERS =
“Cys HT
ol STREE1 wv SMI] NEW YOR xk | YOUNG CORBETT GETS IN A STRAIG

LEFT ON McGOVERN’S STOMACH.