A WEEKLY PUBLICATION _
DEVOTED TO BORDER HISTORY

ered as Second Class Matter at New Vork Post Office by SYREET & SMITH, 238 William St., LV. ¥.

 

 

 

‘No. Sd. . a Price, Five Cents.

lssued Weekly. By Subscription $2:50 per year.

 

 

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pom gia a ot oat te hag
iS LLS » Bi a : VIGHT .
mam TWAIN FEM Gs

 

 

veceeed

 

 

 

 

‘‘HANDS UP, NICK ROSS!’’ SAID BUFFALO BILL, STERNLY. ‘‘I WANT YOU! CROOK A FINGER, AND I’LL SEND A BULLET THROUGH YOUR HEART!”’

 
 

4

 
 

  

 

A WEEKLY PUBLICATION
DEVOTED TO BORDER HISTORY

 

 

 

Issued Weekly. BY Subscription $2.50 per year. Entered as Second Class Matter at the N. Y. Fost Office, by STREET & SMITH, 2398 William St, N.Y.
: Entered accerding to Act of Congress tn the year 1902, tn the Office of the Librarian of Congress, Washington, D. C.

 

No. 83.

NEW YORK, December 13, 1902.

Price Five Cents.

 

 

 

OR.

Captain Coolhand’s Kidnapping Plot.

 

By the author of “BUFFALO BILL.”

 

CHAPTER IL
THE SCOUT-DETECTIVE,.

“Te tnis a blutt, Buitalo, Bille”

“No, sir. —I am in deadly eartiest.’’

“T cannot believe you.”

“I stake my life upon the result.”

“Let me understand fully, for, as well as‘I know
you, as thoroughly as I trust you, and believe in your
power to do that which the bravest men shrink from,
I can but look upon what you now say as bluffing.”

“Again I repeat, sir, that I mean just what I say.”

The speakers were Buffalo Bill, chief of scouts, who

at that time was attached to no particular fort, but was

going from place to place on the border in search of
outlaws and Indians, and Loyd Winter, the superin-
tendent of a part of the Overland stagecoach line.

“With a full knowledge of the situation?” asked
Winter.

CX es, sir; just that.”

“You will undertake to find out who the spies are

danger we now have to face almost daily:

that are in the Overland Company’s service, track

down the outlaws who act upon the information their

spies give them, ferret out in fort, camps and stations

the true men from the false, elear the trail of the
>)

“1 wll do all that, sir.”

“And on what terms, Buffalo Bill?”

“T have certain terms to make, sir, in. that I am to
be trusted wholly, have full sway in camp and on trail,
and my orders are to be obeyed without question.”

“A oreed!

“But, what are your terms in the way of payment,
if you accomplish what you pledge yourself to do?”

“T am a government officer, sir, and as such draw
my pay.”

“You surely do not intend to work for nothing,
when your life any moment may be the forfeit?”

“T accept only my army pay as scout, sir; but if cir-
cumstances, to carry out certain ends, cause me to
make a demand upon you for funds, I shall do so.”

 

 
\

   

& THE BUFFALO BILL STORIES.

“And you shall promptly be supplied; but, in send-
ing to headquarters to request that you be detailed to
ine to go on this special duty, the Overland Company
expected to pay you handsomely.”

“No, sir; I accept no money outside of my legiti-
mate pay.

“The general asked me if I would volunteer for the
work which you had written to him about, and as it
came within my line of duty I did so volunteer, and
I now report to you, sir.” |

“And boldly assert that you can do what I ask?”

“lf I live, sir.”

“And it is not a bluff?’

“My game will be one of bluff, sir, in many ways,
but I mean what I say to you; the bluff is for those
Tam to hunt down.”

“Then command me at your will, Cody. Anything,
everything is yours that I can give.
ready for worl?”

“Now; sity “Phat is what Lam here for”

“Good! I have just had a letter from California,
telling me that a gentleman who struck it rich out
there, in mining, as well as marrying the daughter. of
a wealthy Mexican rancher, is coming overland in a
coach he chartered, and bringing with him his only
child, a daughter, two servants and a large amount of
treasure.”

“Te is foolish to risk it. Why does he not go by
sea?”
“The letter says that he went by sea to California,
and was so dreadfully seasick he would not go that
way again for his fortune; so we furnish him his
coach, horses and driver, and he pays big money for
the accommodations.
hour or two behind the regular coaches on their runs
he can avoid being held up on the trail, for no notice
is to be given ahead of his coming.” ;

“Perhaps he can get through, sir, and we shall have
to do our best to aid him, for on that all may depend.

“Let me know again, please, just how many there
area

“The ranchero, whose name is Lee Insley; his
daughter, whose name I do not know, but I believe she
is a young lady grown; two servants, along with their
baggage and, the letter says, a very large sum in
money.”

“And, keeping to the same coach, you are to furnish
‘hem with horses and drivers, right throught

 

When are you

He thinks that by following an’

“Yes, and riding horses, too, when they care to
take to the saddle for a rest between stations.”

“And now, sir, you have an idea that among the
people you employ are to be found spies in league with
the road agents who hold up the coaches and thus give
them notice when there is anything of value to go
through?”

‘Tam sure of it, .Butialo Billy’

“No one knows that this California ranchero and his
daughter are to go through?”

‘You are the only person I have told, and it is to
be kept secret at the other end of the line, the driver
ahead only reporting their coming in time to prepare
for them, fér they want and must have the best.”

‘Then let me ask you, sir, to put that letter under
lock and key at once, and- we will see if any one gets
the news.”

, “IT will do so, and speak of it to no one.’

“I will begin duty at once, sir, and whatever I do
here, or where I may go, or what I appear to be, just
understand that I am playing my ecards to win this

- game I have entered upon—a game of bluff, may be,

but to be played to scoop the jack pot.

“Shall this be our compact, Mr. Winter?”

“Yes, Cody; a compact of honor, duty and pard-
ship, in which I leave all to you.”

“Then the compact is signed, sealed and registered.
I am ready for duty, sir, at once,’ was the reply of
the scout-detective, for such had Buffalo Bill become
in entering upon the service he had set out to perform.

CHAPTER, IT.
AN UNSEEN FOE.

Several hours after this interview and compact with
Loyd Winter, the superintendent of the most deadly
and dangerous part of the Overland trail over which
the coaches of the company had to pass, Buffalo Bill
was riding quietly along a rugged mountain path, ap-
parently wholly indifferent to his surroundings, but in
reality keenly on the alert for anything that might
transpire.

He well comprehended that he was on a most dan-
gerous part of the trail between Outfit City, the head-
quarters camp of the Overland Company, and Death-
Trap, Canyon, the latter having long been a dead line
against the further advance of civilization into the
then unknown land.

‘The nature of the country after leaving Outfit City

 

  

 
 

 

THE BUFFALO BILL STORIES. : 3

was stich that it afforded the best of hiding places for
outlaws, renegades. and hostiles, and many a driver
had been killed, who attempted to run the gantlet of
the road agents, and his coach robbed of all he carried
of value.

It took men of iron nerve to drive these coaches, and
of late affairs had been becoming so that large prices
were paid to the man who dared handle the reins over
a trail dangerous in itself to drive, without the added
fear of being held up by road agents or greeted with
a shot from some lurking redskin.

But Buffalo Bill rode serenely along, making his
irst reconnoissance over the trail he had undertaken
to clear of human pests.

He had been given a map of the trail for nearly a
hundred miles on each side of Outfit City, and the
places of the robberies of the coaches and killing of
drivers and passengers had been marked, and was
anxious to take all in so as to thoroughly know his
ground and surroundings
He had ridden perhaps a dozen miles away from
Outfit City, and was nearing a place which had been
particularly fatal to the Overland Company, so he was
on the alert, though not Be ae to be stispicious or
apprehensive of danger, for lone travelers were often
ialted as well as the coaches.

“Halt!” was the greeting that welcomed him.

“A dozen guns have you covered, Buffalo Bill!’
“he command was in a tone that admitted of no

misunderstanding, and Buffalo Bill drew rein, remark-
ing ina drawling way:

“y- euess Td better obey, then, pard.”

He did not appear surprised; he simply accepted the
situation as a matter of course, and with the uttered
acquiescence awaited the result.

“Where are you going, Buffalo Bill?”

“Vou know me, I see?’

“Ves, better than you think I do.

“But, answer my question.”

“T am returning to Fort Faraway.”

“Where have you been?”

“To Outht. City.”

‘What for?”

“To carry dispatches that had to go through, so [ ,
made sure of taking them beyond where you might
get them.”

“What were these dispatches ?”

“T am not in command of this department.”

“But you know.”

®

i

to be allowed for the coaches over this mountain

“Tf I did I would not tell you.”
“Do you not know that they were asking for escorts
runs?

“No, for you outlaws don’t scare anybody very bad
as yor”

“Dont wer’

“NO?

“No man will drive or ride this trail without big
pay.”

“T draw only my regular pay.”

“Vou are an exception; but you are no driver or
pony rider.”

“Lam, a scouts?

“Well, as you have not been very ea on us, we
don’t bother you; but I want information now,’

“T ask no favors of you or your cutthroat gang,”
said the scout, hotly.

“Tt may come to asking but receiving none, 1f you
ever turnsyour hand against the Monte Sports of the
Overland.”

“See here, I have heard of you as a bad lot, but it has
never been my duty to be sent on your trail; if I.am
sent someday, Ill not be scared off by threats, you can
go high on that!’

“That is just it, Buffalo Bill. I believe you have
been sent to Outfit City now to help Loyd Winter cor-
ral us; but it wont go; we are on the romp and not to
be corralled by one or fifty Overland ropers-in.”

Buffalo Bill laughed lightly, and replied:

“T am an army scout, not a clearer of gallows birds.

“Come, state your business, for I wish to be on my
way?”

“Tt is to give you a warning, that if ever you take
the trail against, or raise hand against the Mounted
Sports of the Overland, your days are numbered.”

“Thanks! Are you Captain Coolhand,
imp of Pe Mounted Sports?”

laine:

“Well, you are afraid to show your face; you dare
not let me see you, or your gang; you talk to me from
ambush; is that a true sport’s style?”

the head

“That 1s all right, in this case. We wish you no
harm; but I repeat, Buffalo Bill, if you take our trail,
then it means certain death to you.

“T suspect you of intendins war against us,
give you fair warning, for the first hostile act against’
us by you sounds yout death knell.

“The Mounted Sports are in the saddle for hig
stakes, and they are on this trail to stay until their for-

and so

 
 

Sirona aaa eeian

 

SSPE Baa oe alee

& THE BUFFALO

tine is made, so do not raise hand against us if you
value your. life.

“Now go on your way!’

Twice did Buffalo Bill call to his unseen foe, but got

no response, and so rode on his way once more.

CHAPTER Ii.
THE BLACK HORSEMAN.

Buffalo Bill rode on his way considerably impressed
with his interview with his unseen foe.

There seemed something uncanny to him in the fact
that he had been under the muzzles of deadly weapons,
warned of death by the very men he had formed a com-
pact with Loyd Winter to run down, and yet had not
seen one of them.

Why had they shown him mercy, when merciless to
others? F

He frequently was known to carry large sums of
money between the fort and the Overland stations, and
yet no attempt had been made to rob him. !

He had had no demand made upon him for gold.

A very shrewd guess, if guess it was, had been
made as the reason for his going to Outfit City, and it
showed him that he must be on his guard against his
business being discovered.

The outlaw leader had simply warned him not to
take the trail of the Mounted Sports, or his death
would follow.

This had been all, and then he had been allowed to
go on his way unmolested. .

This the scout could not account for.

Riding quietly along, he began to muse to himself,
and it was evident that he was troubled by what had
occurred.

‘Being fired upon he could have understood, but the
treatment he had met with surprised him very much.

“There may have been a dozen rifles covering me,

ie he said, but I doubt it.

ODO any oe there was but one, and yet I dared
not take the risk of trying to make him show his hand,
for he might an had others near.

‘There certainly was a good hiding place for a hun-
dred men there, and on my way back I will have a look
at that spot and see what trails were left. __

‘That man’s voice I have got down fine, and will
know it when I hear it again, if it was not disguised to-
day, and I do not think it was.

 

BILL STORIES.

“Te said he was Captain Coolhand, the leader of
the Mounted Sports, and maybe he was.

“Mr. Winter thinks the gang numbers about forty,
some say even more, but no smart man would divide
spoils with so many when he could do better work
with half that number, yes, even with less, for they
don’t openly fight ; they kill from ambush, rob and run.

“Knowing the wholé country as they do, they readily
et Ge and safely seek their hiding places.

admit that it did seem bluffing in me to tell Win-
ter r would hunt down. this band of cutthroats, and
without aid, too; but it can be done, and I’m on the
trail to stay, whether I play.the open hand of Buffalo
Bill or the secret one of some one else.

“Now, I am coming to where there is another place
marked upon the map Winter gave me, as a favorite
spot for hold-ups by the Sports—ah! who have we
there ¢7
' Musing on he rode along. Buffalo Bill had kept his
eyes well ahead on the trail, and his remark had been
caused by suddenly seeing a horseman ahead of hiin.

“Why, he must think I'ma road agent, for his hands
are held above his head at mere sight of me,” muttered
the scout, and as he drew nearer to the horseman his
eyes became fixed upon him with a look of strange in-
terest.

The man who barred the way, though certainly with
no hostile intention, as he held his hands up as though
in token of surrender, was either a black. man or wore
a black mask.

He rode a jet-black horse, and there was no glimmer
of brass or silver on saddle or bridle.

He was dressed in black, from foot to sable som-

brero, and his appearance was certainly most sombre.

nor is it blacked—he’s a
muttered the scout as he drew

“Has face is not. masked,
bona fide negro,”
nearer.

He saw that the man possessed a fine physique, that
he was well mounted and armed, and yet there he sat
on his horse in token of abject surrender before the
scout got within pistol range of him.

“Some deserter from a colored regiment, who is
lost and anxious to go back and take his punishment,
after what he has experiénced since he left his fort,”
decided Buffalo Bill, and he rode on at a quicker pace,
yet wholly on his guard, for he did not know but that
there might be some plan to entrap him, in the man’s
show of surrender.

He felt that he might have comrades near, and, hay-

%,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
A Re

 

THE BUFFALO

ing just passed through a strange experience with out-
laws, the scout did not care to be caught napping
again.

As he drew near he fixed his eyes upon the face of
the Black Horseman, who, he perceived, was a negro,
pure and simple, and after a moment he muttered:

“Ll know him, now!’

“Tt is Darkie Dick, the black burglar.

“This is indeed a va aluable find !’

CPEA PEER,
DARKIE DICK, THE BLACK BURGLAR.
_ “Hello, Darkie Dick, you here on the frontier yet?”
called out Buffalo Bill, as he drew near to the negro
horseman.

“Yes, Massa Bufferler Bill, I hain’t gone yet.

““T is still here,” was the answer, and in a very melan-
choly tone.

“And are willing to go back with me to the fort, and
give up your stolen goods, I take it?”

“Massa Bill, I hain’t stole nothin’,
in’ ter go back to ther fort, nuther.”

“Why are you here in my trail, then?”

“Kin I let down my hands, sah, ‘cause they gits tired
holdin’ of ’em up?’

“Yes, for nobody told you to hold them up; but had
you not done so, and I had caught sight of you, I’d
have sent a bullet after you.

“But mind you! no monkey business with me, for

and I hain’t will-

you know I can use a revolver quickly and with deadly |

ait.

“Lordy, Massa Bill, I would hurt my old grandma
afore I would you, for I ain't forgot how you saved
me from ther redskins, sah.

“No, sah; I trusts myself now in yer power ter have
a talk wid yer, and I seen yer comin’, so waited fer
yer

“Well, what is it, Darkie Dick?
you must know.”

“T knows dat, sah, and so am dis nigger’s life.

“T tell yer, sah, I hab had a tough time since I done
left de fort.”

“You have only yourself to blame for it,
proved a thief to those who trusted you, broke into the
homes of the officers and robbed your best friends,
while, worse still, you killed the sentinel on guard in
making your escape.”’

“Oh, Lord! oh, Lord!’

Time is precious,

for you

BILL STORIES.

“Massa Bill, I didn’t kill no man, sah
I dict not, san’

“The man was killed, and you were gone with all the
booty you could rob the camp of, though how you
oe the force sent after you 1 cannot tell.

“But it is my duty, now; to take you back to the
fort, and the chances are, Darkie Dick, that you will
hang for your crimes.”

“Massa Bufferler Bill, hear me ae. sah!”
negro spoke with impressive earnestnes

“Well, what have you to say?”

mt put myself in your power to be tooken
back to de fort, sah, but for another purpose.

“I hain’t no born fool, if Lis black, and I tells you,
sah, dat'no man on earth does I regard more higher
dan I does yer; but I'd fight it right out now wid ver.
if you war ter say I hed ter go wid yer back
fort.

‘You've got good nerve, at least.”

“Tis in dead ’arnest, sah, and I tells you de truf.
altho
hed ter git out ter save myself, dat’s what!’

“You tells me dat I kilt de guard, sah, but I did not
do it, and I didn’t know no life w
jist told me.

“I left de fort, yas, sah; and left a name behin’ me

3

; fore de Lord,

4

and the

didn’t

to de

+

ys nel oF

“T kain’t rob nobody, dey says so, a

as tooken until you

dat is blacker dan my face, and all is ag’in me, Mass
Bill; but I tell yer, sah, dat I hed a purpose I can’t tel
—but I ho
day, and I wants you ter trust me, sah, oo ter believe
all dey says I is, and I don’t blame ’em fer it. - 7

A
|
yer in goin’—at least not now— pes ter, Some
i wants
yer to jist let me work in my own way and show yer,

de Lord’s good time, dat ef I has a black skin I hain't
got no black heart.”’

Buffalo Bill’s eyes were riveted upon the negro as
he proclaimed his innocence.

He had always liked the man, as did all at the ae
and it was a great shack to. one and all to find |
missing one morning, the sentinel dying upon his post,
yet able to say that Darkie Dick had killed him, and
that the quarters of the
en robbed, the paymaster’s

al]

then have the discovery made
officers had bes
and numerous strong boxes skillf

sate opened.
ly burglarized and
a large amount of money and valuables taken.

The whole garrison was turned ont to pursue the
negro murderer and burglar, and Buffalo Bill and hi
whole company of scouts were for days on the a
but all in vain; Darkie Dick, the colonel’s trusted body
servant, could not be found, and here, six months after;

 
 

 
   
   
  
  
  
  
  
   
 
 
     
  
  
   
   
   
  
    
  
  
  
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
    
  
  
  
     
  
    
 
  
  

 

    

6 THE BUFFALO BILL STORIES.

the scout met him waiting for him in the stage trail
and with hands up in token of apparent surrender!

But, in looking into the face of the negro, Buffalo
Bill saw there that which caused him for the frst
time -to believe that, in spite of the circumstantial evi-
dence of his guilt, he might, aftér all, be innocent.

So feeling, the scout said:

“Well, Darkie Dick, I supposed you were by this
time in a foreign land, enjoying the fruits of you
burglaries, and I never recognized you until close upon
you. |

“Then I very naturally supposed your conscience
had-driven you to surrender and take the consequences
of your crimes; but you tell me that you would fight to
the death rather than surrender, that you are no bur-
glar and murderer, and left the fort for a purpose,
while you have trusted yourself in my power for some
reason you have not yet explained.

“Now, what is it you wish, for if I did not have a be-
lief that, after all, you might be innocent, I would ar-
rest you, or have it out with you right here, for I
know well your great strength, your unerring aim and
undoubted pluck.

2

“Come, now, tell me what you have to say.”

“Massa Bill, de Lord bress you for dem words dot
says you believe I may be innercent, sah, and I tells yer
now, I intends ter prove it, on’y yer must let me work
in my Own way. _

“Now, I can’t tell yer what I is doin’, why I left de
fort, and no more dan dat I seen yer go ter Outfit City
dis mornin’ arly, and I jist waited for yer comin’
back, fer I has something ter tell you, sah, so I has,”’
and again Darkie Dick spoke impressively.

CHAPTER V.
A DOUBLE MYSTERY,

“Tam waiting to hear what you have to say, Darkie

Dick, and I tell you frankly, I do not like your having
placed yourself in my power, trusting to my honor, for
it is my duty to arrest you,’ and Buffalo Bill spoke in
a tone that showed the black horseman that he meant
just what he said.

“I see dat you don’t believe me, Massa Bill, dat you
inks I is de bad nigger dey calls me,” said Darkie
Dick, reproachtfully.

“What else am I to think, for I have only your word

”

against facts that point to your guilt.

_ I find you here now, armed to the teeth, splendidly

mounted, on the Overland trail, and appearances are
terribly against you.”

“Dey is, sah, dey is; dat’s gospil trufe: but, as I tole
you, I seen yer goit’ to Outht City, an’ I jist laid fer
yer return. ‘

“Massa Bill, I don’t want yer ter. ax me no ques-
tions, kase I hain’t gwine ter answer none of ’em, but I
wants ter tell you dat dere am a Californy gent, an’
his darter, wid a coach full o’ money, and two sarvents
a-comin’ over de Overland trail on dair way East, and
dey is ter be held up and robbed; de young ieddy is ter
be tuk prisoner until her pa pays a big lot o’ gold ter let
her go. I tells yer dis dat you may sabe ’em from it
all, for I knows you kin do it.”

“How did you learn this, Darkie Dick ?”

Cima: talkin’, san’

“You refuse to tell?”

ves, Sah.”’

“But you know these people are coming ?”’

Des, sah.

“When ?”

“Dey is expected along in de next three days, sah,
maybe 1s now not far away.”

"And the Mounted Sports of the Overland know of
their coming?”

‘Dey does, sah.”

“Then I am to look upon you as one of the outlaw
band of Mounted Sports?”

“I hain’t sayin’ what I is, Massa Bill, but yer kin jist
believe I is tellin’ der trufe, sah, when I says ef yer
don’t sabe dat gemman an’ his darter, yer'll feel sorry
Port.’

“I will try, but how am I to go about it?”

“T hain’t givin’ you no advice, Massa Bill, fer you
knows. I only tells you dey is comin’, dat dey is ter
be robbed, maybe somebody will get kilt, and you
knows what ter do, fer a escort alone wid “em would
Saye.ceun, *

“How many outlaws are in the band 2”

“Massa Bill, you is keen as a briar ter cotch dis
nigger, but I ain’t bitin’ at no bait.”

“Do you know I was halted back on the trail a few
miles ?”

“No, sah,” and the negro started.

“Well, I was, and by the Mounted Sports.”

“Did you see ’em, sah?”

ING:

“Dey didn’t pull no gun on you?”

“They had me covered.” _

  

 
 

 

“Don’t git scared, sah, for de Mounted sci ts hain’t
Born ter kill you, Massa Bill.”’
“Why not?’

“Well, sah, I ain’t replyin’ to no questions, but dey
is not, though dey will try and make you believe dey
is dead onto you.

“Dey does b'lieve dat you is layin’ fer “em now, and
will do all dey kin ter scare you off, but den you ain’t
one of de kind ter skeer bad.

as ae dey held yer up, sah, back on de trail?”

eso |

“Does yer mind tellin’ me ae it was said?”

Buffalo Bill told all, just as it had occurred. The
hegro listened attentively, and seemed to be very un-
easy, glancing up the trail anxiously.

At’ a he said: “I gotter go, Massa Bill, buth I'll
be round when you don’t know whar I is, and you
knows I is your friend, and I gwine ter make you mine
when I kin.

“I tanks yer, sah, fer not tryin’ ter take dis nigger
pris’ner, fer it would only be you die, or me; and some
day I tell yer what I ain’t able ter do now.

“Good-by, Massa Bill, and don’t fergit ter sabe dat
poor young leddy and her pa.”

The black horseman politely raised his hat as he
_spoke, and was turning away, when Buffalo Bill called
out:

“See here, Darkie Dick.”

“Yes, sah.”

“Your trust in me prevents a death struggle between
us now. I let you go; but, remember, if you are play-
ing any game on me, there will come a day of reckon-
ing between us, mark my words, for I’ll track you to
your end.”

“T hain’t goin’ ter fergit, Massa Bill,” and the negro
rode quickly away out of the trail, as if anxious to get
under cover.

Buffalo Bill watched him disappear from sight, and
then muttered :

“Now, have I done right to let him go? I hope so.
At any rate, I shall find him again, now that I know
he has not fled from the country.

“Ts he innocent or guilty of the robberies at the fort,
and of the murder of the guard?

“There is some mystery in“it all, and it is but in-
creased by his trusting me as he did, and the knowledge
he has of the coming of the Californian, which Loyd
Winter thought had been kept so secret.
go back to where | was held up, and take the

“T will

THE BUFFALO

    

BILL STORIES. a

trail there, and return to-night to Outfit City to tel!
Winter that his secret is known.

“Then I must go ahead on the trail and meet the
Californian, guiding him around all danger from the
Mounted Sports.”

}
{

CHAPTER VL
THE SCOUr SURPRISED.

|
Having decided upon his course, Buffalo Bill rode
back o td Outfit City, going in a can-
Tes 5
ter.

With it known to the Mounted Sports that the Cali-
‘along the Overland, the scout felt

over the trail towa

fornian was coming
that he must alee known to Loyd Winter th at the
secret was in the possession of the very ones from
whom they had wished to keep it.

He, Buffalo Bil, must know just when the Cali-
fornians were expected, that he might head them off,
and guide them by a long trail around the ambush of
the outlaws.

His meeting with the negro, Darkie Dick, had been
a strange one, and yet the more he thought it over the
more he felt that the fugitive colored man might not
be guilty, as every one at Fort Faraway believed him.

a wish I had time to take his trail,” he said, as he
rode along.

“But that will follow later, after I have saved the
Californian from the outlaws, and when I settle down
to the business of ferreting out the spies the Mounted
Sports have in the Overland Company’s service, for
by such means alone the secrets become known of when
gold is to be sent through, and when there are rich
passengers to rob. |

“Now, this: secret of the coming of the Californian
is known to the outlaws very soon after Winter himself
gets the news, which but proves that some spy is very
close to him, or else the party is being shadowed
along the trail.

“The Mounted Sports certainly have it down fine,
the way they are working things to commit crime;
but then they can be downed, as other bands of crooks
have been.

“Now, for a look at this spot where I was held up,
and see just how many outlaws there were.”

Halting, Buffalo Bill dismounted and hitec
horse, and on foot began the search.

He had not been long at his work before a puzzled
expression came over his face.

‘hed ‘his

  

 
 

evidently made a discovery that surprised
good half hour of cen peliie thoroughly
- rocks and timber, he said:
| was either held up by one man, or all the
o have must have been on foot, for
ly the trail of one horse.
cime I shall make them show their hand
vas ieee Coo thand, and he was alone,

' | had fired at chance, for sometimes I have
and [il spot him from the
Mis voice.

stake, but the more

 

vetting mystified and no mis

here is the more interest I take in my work.
for a rapid gallop to Outfit City. Ah! I

oach coming, and———”
for he had heard the
bend tm the trail, and he

ac it was the coach from Outfit City to Death-

Bill halted suddenly,
of wheels around a
one Canyon.
‘The driver seeme
too,

d to be pushing his horses along at
a good pace, sound of rapidly Ae
hoofs and wheels
as though the
and the

but the sound had ceased suddenly,
coach had been brought to a quick halt,
to the ears of the scout the sharp tones of
mmand, though the words he did not catch.

re came

a: VOICE 1

 

“Held up, by Jove! Vu chip in there, though the

odds are doubtless big against me.”’
As ne spoke, Buffalo Bill settled himself well in his
ile, drew a revolver in each hand, and set his horse

4

t ots
run, ie loud, clear, and commanding his
ing to imaginary comrades:

» held up. the coach! Now at

 

<

A hundred yards or more he sped over, the ee was

ea
t
swept around at full s Spe eed, and some distance ahead
on the trail he beheld the coach at a halt. :
oe the box sat i dr iver, a Hand Larry, who
waved his hat around his head as he ees

a

scouts
, when Buffalo Bill

Me Buffalo Bill and his

‘ve is all right now, pilgrims
chips in.”

‘he last words were addressed to one or more per-
sons in the coach, as the driver leaned far over and
looked down into the open door, |

 

THE | UFFALO BILL STORIES.

Another moment and Buffalo Bil dashed up and
called out:

blo, Larry, in the hands*oft the Phitstines, eh?
But where are they?”

“I. was corralled,
scared off the niggers.

“Negroes?” asked the scout in surprise.

“Weil; maybe I should hev said nigger, fer I seen
but one, though I has an idee others was around, and
he lied if ther wasn’t, fer he said he had men ter back

Buffalo Bill,

99

but your coming

him.”
“How was he dressed and mounted?”
“He was ridin’ a black horse, and he was dressed
like a undertaker, all in black,”’ : ;
“Darkie Dick, the fugitive negro,’muttered Buffalo
Bill m a low tone not meant for the driver’s ears.

“What did yer say, Buffalo Bill?’ asked Left-Hand
SO ie from the fact that he
us left hend, and jis

— the driver, anc
always used his revolver with hi
whip as well.

He was a frank-faced, fearless-looking fellow, and

   

was well known as a splendid driver, and one who
would take chances when other men would back down.
“You say that the road agent was a Os atv
Buffalo Bill Larry's question by asking one.
“THe was, ef | oes fer anyting, a great big black
nigger, dressed in see and ther only white about

him was the whites of his eves?’
“And the others?”
“Didn't see no Amore—he were enough.
“But you heard them ride an ay, as | came up?’

CNT Lane g Y
No Lf didn ie and SIS he were alone
: s Ore.

 

Cera pei RONDE eR Sdn En ame Mhiy 1 1 5 f ?
mie were agin that black rock thar. and | didn’t

see him until he calied out fer me ter halt.
“I saw he had me covered, and ]} put the brake on

quick.

Ce POL Ne ER cet ig 4 4 4 4
‘Then I seen that what I took fer a black mask were

ee pe.
black skin, and he rode toward ther coach callin’ ou
that he was out fer gold and would get it ef he had te:

‘My pilgrims inside groaned, and were that seared
they begun ter rob themselves ter hand out ther dust,
but just ther we heerd the music 0’ yer notes, and ther
nig he jist backed out o’ sight behind ther rock, keepin’

 
 

 

THE BUFFALO BILL ST JRIES. | 8

me covered with his gun, and he went tearin’ away as
though ther devil had sent fer him.

“T tell yer, Pard Bill, it’s gittin’ ter be strange times
on ‘ther Overland when niggers is tarnin’ road agents,
and I is lookin’ for a Chinee ter hold me up next time.”

Buffalo Bill laughed, but asked:

‘Who have you along, Larry?’

“Two gents and a man as may be one, but don’t look
it, though appearances is deceivin’, as yer knows.”

Buffalo Bill rode up to the side of the coach and
Ba in, with the remark:

‘Good-evening, gentlemen!”

Two of them replied politely, and their appearance
indicated that they were not men of the border.

They were dressed in corduroy hunting costume,
and had the look of young men out on their first wild
West journey.

The third man was a different looking individual,
for his clothes, boots and hat were new, and he had the
look, to an experienced eye, of a plainsman trying to
play tenderfoot.

His face was darkly bronzed, save where his beard
had lately been shaved off, as though for disguise, and
his hands were large, rough, and those of a working-
man.

“We have to thank you, sir, for saving our money,
and we carry a large sum, | may say=—if not for saving
our lives,’”’ said one of the young men.

“We are going out to Fort Faraway to visit friends
for a couple ‘of months, to have a hunt for big game,
-and we have valuable luggage along, which you have
saved for us, and we hope you will allow us to reward
you, sir,’ explained the other.

“Thank a sir, but I accept no reward for doing
my duty. [am chief of scouts at Fort Faraway, and
have heard of your coming, for your friends have been

expecting you for weeks, if you are Messrs. Sprague
and Sanford.”

“Yes, I am Burt Sprague and this is my friend,
Maury Sanford. Your name we have not heard.”

“Then yer was thet bad scared thet yer didn’t catch
it, pards, fer I told yer we was all right, as Buffalo Bill
were on hand,” cried Left-Hand Larry.

“Buffalo Bill!”

The name broke from the lips of the young men to-
gether, while Larry answered:

_ “Yas, Buffalo Bill, called at his chr istenin’ William
F. Cody, and ther whitest-hearted man in this coun-

“He are ther best scout, Indian fighter, and all-
‘round good feller A

“Hold on, Larry, or these gentlemen will think yeu
are in my pay to sound my praises!” cried Buffalo Bill,
fairly blushing at the Ns of the driver.

“Well, I know yer,” was the answer. _

“And so do we, sir, for we have heard and
much of Buffalo Bill, and I assure you we are giad t
have been rescued by one so distinguish ed.

“In our visit out here business is combined with
pleasure; consequently we brought along with us con-
siderable money, more than we cared to lose; so we
owe much t® you, as does also this ee who told
us he had a small fortune on him.”

Buffalo Bill’s eyes turned upon the third passenger,
who seemed to be trying to shrink back out of sight
from the gnoment the scout had ridden up.

In the thanks extended to Buffalo Bill for driving off
the black horseman he had uttered no word; but now,
when appealed to by Burt Sprague, he seemed to
withdraw still further back, while he muttered:

“Ves. I have a very large sum with me—going to
invest in the mines, you know. I thank you, sir, for
saving tt; tadeed 1 dol

Then, to the surprise of all, Buffalo Bill quickly cov-
ered the man with his revolver and said, sternly:

“Hands up, Nick Ross!’

“T want you—hold! Crook a finger and I'll sent a

bullet through your heart!”

 

reac

CHAPTER VITL. 4
A COUNTER CHARGE,

Left-Hand Larry was as much surprised at the sud-
den and threatening action of Buffalo Bill toward his
third passenger as were the two young men who were
on the way to the fort.

But the driver knew enough of the scout to feel that
he was not one to act without good reason, and in-
stantly stood ready to back him up in this bold act,
for he called out:

"lt he's'a bad one, Pard Bill) Pm with yer!’

“Ts this the way you protect your passengers, sir? I
shall report you to the superintendent, for 1 am a de-
tective in his employ,” called out the man who was cov-
ered by the scout’s revolver.

“Tf you are, then Mr. Winter has got hold of a bad
man for a detettive, and does not know you as I do,”
retorted Buffaio Bill.

 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    
 

10

“Who are you?’

“A detective should know when he heard me called
Buffalo Bill.”

“Driver, I appeal to you for protection against this
highwayman.”

“You is away off ther trail, pard, for that don’t go
down. ‘Ll knows Buffalo Bill and don’t know you, and
that’s a big difference. I chips in with William every
tines

“Larry, do you remember the post trader, Nick Ross,
who was found out to be a road agent a year ago, and
just escaped hanging. by killing one of my scouts,
whom I sent as his guard to the fort?” %

“T does, and there’s money up on him.’’

alive.

“I don’t care for the reward, as I never take blood
noney, but I’ve got the man, and will take all respon-
sibility of making any mistake,

“Slip these handcuffs on him, while I keep him cov-
ered, and then search him, Larry.”

SAL ao it, William; bet your moccasins!”

“T appeal to you, gentlemen, for protection against
this outrage,’ called out the man to his fellow-pas-
sengers. :

“Pardon me, but as this gentleman is a government
officer, he doubtless knows what his duty is,’ replied
Mr. Sprague, while his friend said:

“Yes, we are sorry for you, but if innocent you
have your redress.”

“Gentlemen, as I said, 1 am responsible for my
actions. I know this man in spite of the great change
he has made in his personal appearance, to be the man
I accuse him of being—Nick Ross, a one-time trader,
who was recently an outlaw.

“There, Larry, bundle these things up and carry
them with the prisoner to the fort, telling Colonel Dun-
can that I send him in, and accuse him of being Nick
Ross, the renegade trader.”

UU doit, ard bil

“He told us that he had thousands of dollars with
him, sir, and seemed most particular to learn just

what we had, I recall now,”’, observed Maury Sanford.

ee

tis thousands do not appear to materialize, how-
ever, for that is all he had,” and Buffalo Bill pointed to
the small roll of bills and a little silver money the man
had with him, for nothing else save his weapons had
been found upon him by Larry’s close search.

Having firmly secured his prisoner, Buffalo Bull

 

“Ves, a thousand dollars for his capture, dead ‘or

 

THE BUFFALO BILL STORIES.

turned him over to the driver, bade the two young
hunters a polite good-evening, and, mounting his
horse, said:
“Keep a bright lookout, Larry, as you may be halted
again, for I happen to know that there are more out-
laws abroad than the negro who held you up.”
‘TI say, Pard Bill,” called out Larry, as Buffalo Bill

wi?

was about to ride away.

LC
veil Larry?)
“What you say kinder scares me off, for I has got

a pretty big sum of money along with me.”

“Tam sorry, for I fear you will be held up.”

, Whar is you bound now?’

ee Onutnt City.”

“Couldn’t guard us to the fort?”

“T would, Larry, but I have a very important duty
on hand just now; but I'll send several men after you
from Outfit City.”

“It would be too late, for if I am held up again it
will be within the next thirty miles, so I say fer you to
take the boodle back to Outfit City and turn it over ter
ther boss ter keep until its safer ter send it through.”

“So I will do if you wish, Larry.”

“And you will assume the responsibility of our
money and valuables also, sir?’ asked Burt Sprague, _

“If you wish, but | am one man only, and may also
be held up and robbed.”

“But the chances are in your favor rather than ours.”

“Yes, for it 1s but ten miles'to Outfit City.”

“Then we will turn over to you all we have, to be
sent through when you think it safe.”

“Hold on, all of you! and heed or not, as you please,”’
said the prisoner, earnestly.

“Well, what has you ter say?” asked Larry.

“T assert that this man is not Buffalo Bill, the scout,
whom I know well.

“Remember, he accuses me of being an outlaw, and
Nick Ross, the one-time trader; but I tell you that I
am a detective in the employ of the Overland Company

and was sent along to guard the treasure the coach '

carries and the money you two gentlemen were known
to have with you.

“That man looks very much like William Cody,
strikingly so, I admit, but he is the outlaw, Shadow
Bill, of whom you have heard often, driver, and this is
but a clever game of his to deceive you all and get the
booty, so don’t trust your money to him, I beg of you,
for you'll find it as I have said, and that I also am what
I represent myself to be.”

a a RR TC I TOT ——

REE SS

Boe

 
 

a

THE BUFFALO BILL STORIES.

CHAPTER TX
A BARRIER IN THE TRAIL.

Even Left-Hand Larry looked at the scout with sus-
picious gaze at this counter charge of the man accused
of being Nick Ross.

The charge seemed so plausible that the two young
men were impressed by it.

The man saw his advantage at once, and added,
quickly :

“See here, driver, cover that man and take him also
a prisoner into the fort, for I will take my chances of
proving that I am an Overland detective and that this
is Shadow Bill, the outlaw, who is so like Buffalo Bill,
the scout, he has often been called his double.

“Well, pard, what has you to say now?” asked
Larry, fingering his revolver nervously, and turning
upon the scout who had. heard the counter charge
against him in silence, merely smiling.

“Tf you believe the man, Left-Hand Larry, you and
your passengers had better not trust your money to
my keeping,” he said, quietly.

“That's so; but about taking you along, too, and hav-
ing you show your hand.”

“See here, driver, I have work to do, and will not
stand any nonsense on the charge of that outlaw.

“T know of this Shadow Bill. He has more than
once played some game of deviltry and put it on me;
but you should know who I am and what I am.”

“Of course, as strangers, knowing neither man, we
cannot judge; but I'll stake my money upon my knowl-
edge of human nature, and say this gentleman is the
one he represents himself to be,” Burt Sprague as-
serted, and promptly his friend said:

“As will 1.”

“Pards, I’m with you, too, for, though I had heard
“much o’ that Shadow Bill, Tl chance this bein’ ther
real article, all wool and a yard wide Buffalo Bill from
Wayback,” added Larry

The prisoner scowled a this, and said, sternly:

“Vou will regret your decision, for I’ll stake my neck
that I am right.”

“Your neck belongs to the law, as it is, and is already ©

forfeited by your crimes, Nick Ross,” said Buffalo Bill,
and all saw that the words went home; but the man re-
en)
“And you'll hang before I do, when Buffalo Bill
knows you are robbing coaches under his name.”
This shot also told, but in favor of the prisoner.

a4

But Buffalo Bill, making no reply, asked calmly:

‘\Vhat is your will, Larry, about your money?’

“Take it, Pard Bill, and if yer does turn out to be
Shadder Bill, then I gives up driving and goes on the
warpath fer scalp.”

“And we will go with you; but I have no doubt as to
this being the man of whom we have heard so much,
for if he is what the prisoner accuses him of being
then his face belies him.”

“Thank you, Mr. Sprague, for your good opinion.

“T must be off now, for within one hour it will Be
night, and I wish to reach Outfit City soon after dark.’

“Tere is my money and my valuables also, sir, for
you to care for,” and Burt Sprague handed over the
large sum he had with him, and a buckskin bag con-
taining jewelry.

“And mine, too,” and Maury Sanford also gave his
possessions to the scout.

“Here goes fer a big wad of government boodie,
and if you be Shadder Bill, and not Buffalo Bill, then.
yer has got enough ter retire from ther road agent biz,”
said Left-Hand Larry, and his face showed that he was
not wholly assured in his mind as to the identity of the
scout.

“Ves, there goes a small fortune into the hands of an

‘outlaw who has played you for fools and won his game.

“But I warned you, please remember,” said the pris-
oner.

For a moment it seemed as though the words would
cause Left-Hand Larry to recall the money he had tn-
trusted to the scout, but he saw that the two young
men meant to stand by their decision and he deterinined
to do so, too, while Buffalo Bill remarked, with some-
thing of a sneer hovering about his mouth:

“T never quarrel with a man with a rope about his
neck.”

The prisoner winced, the scout raised his broad som-
brero, and rode sileatly away, the others looking after
him without a word.

At last the prisoner said:

“There goes your money, gentlemen; but I could do
no more than I did to save it for you.”

“Tf you is right, pard, I trusts no man in the future,”
called out Larry.

“T do not think we have made any mistake—what

say you, Maury?”

“Tara content, Burt,” answered Maury Sanford, and
the two young men mounted the box with Larry, leav-

 
    
 

   

 

 

 

ie

ing the prisoner inside, and bound to the coach so that
he could not slip out when darkness came on.
“There is such a character, then, as Shadow Biil,

 

who resembles Buffalo Bill?” asked Burt Sprague as

lLarry drove on once more.

“There be, fer I has heerd 0’ his doin’s often, an’
they do say he is that like Buffalo Bill he could pass as
his twin brother, and he plays the scout, too.’’.

“I should think the scout would make it his busi-
ness to look him up.”

“He's layin’ fer him, you bet, and will catch him
some time, never fear; but I hopes that it were not
Shadder Bill that has got our boodle.”

‘So do I; but I think we are on the safe side, or hon-
esty in a face goes for nothing, and I would stake my
fortune that the man we trusted is no criminal.’’

“I feel the same way, Burt, and have no anxiety
about my money,’ added Sanford.

He had hardly spoken before an exclamation broke
from Left-Hand Larry’s lips that fairly startled them,
and both looked ahead to behold in the trail a horseman
with a revolver in each hand calmly awaiting the ap-
proach of the coach, yet distant from him a couple of
hundred feet.

CHAPTER X;
THE CHINEE ROAD AGENT.

The driver did not halt his team at- sight of the
horseman, who had ridden into the trail ahead’ of him.

He simply drew the horses from a rapid trot to a
walk, and held his reins well in hand, ready to halt at
the command of the road agent.

The two young men were surprised and Burt
Sprague said:

“He is alone, so let us open fire on him.”

“Hold on, pard! Don’t draw a weapon, for them
fellers don’t travel alone, and there is plenty more ter
back him.” '

Sprague let his revolver slip back into its holster, and
decided that the driver knew best what to do.

Larry kept on until his leaders were with a few feet,
of the horseman; then he halted, as the man covered
him with a revolver.

The spot was in a clump of heavy timber, with large
boulders scattered through it, and thickets here and
there,

It was on a ridge, and on the left beyond the horse-
man the ground went off abruptly.

THE BUFFALO BILL STORIES.

 

As it was just stunset the heavy timber made the
place gloomy, so that the horseman was not plainly
seen until the coach horses ‘halted.

Then, with a quick glance, Larry shouted :

“Oh, Lord, but it’s a heathen Chinee, or I is a liar?”

“Me Chinee, allee samee, but me killee Melican man
quickee, he no givee monee.’’

The words were distinctly uttered and threatening,
but Larry saw only a Chinaman, and he had for the
race a sitpreme contempt, so he said, with a sneer;

“I can kill, too, heathen, so show your hand.”

“Melican man foolee—big foolee! Chinaman allee
Hetitee: he not alone.”

“1 believe ther beggar is right,’ growled Larry, and
he added:
iand he does if alone.
1e can’t rob us a little bit,

‘He would not play the |
“We must go slow, for 1
and might kill.”

“We will be guided by you, driver,” Burt Sprague
remarked, just as the Chinese road agent rode toward
the coach, a revolver in each hand, but he halted as he
saw the prisoner's head thrust out of the coach, and
seemed for a moment undecided as to what to do.

But he quickly put on a bold front again, and said
as sternly as was possible in his broken English:

“Me wantee money pretty quickee.”

“Weil, you won't get it, for we haven’t got any, hav-
ing been robbed a little way back by Shadder Bill,”
informed Larry.

“Melican man tellee big lie.’’

“He’s tight, Chinaman, for Shadow Bill did get a
big haul; but, you can get me, for if they take me on
to the fort I'll be hanged before I can be proven an
honest man,’

“Allee lightee! me takee you along, allee samee!’’

“I guess you'd better not try it on, for that man is’
called out Larry, in a determined way. *

33

my prisoner,

The Chinaman gave a shrill whistle, and then sat
quietly on his horse, a sly grin upon his face.

The look and action spoke louder than words could
have done; he felt that he was master of the situation.

“Take me, Chinaman, for’ E do net ease to risk
chances of going to the fort, though I shall put in an
appearance later and show who and what I am.”

“Allee lightee; me takee you; but wantee monee
allee samee.”’

“You shall have it.’’

“Coachee got no monee 2?”

“Not a dollar! Shadow Bill got it all.”

   

 

 
    
     
      
      
     
      
      
         
     
       
      
      
      
      
   
  
   
  
  
  
    
 
   
  
 
  
   
  
  
  
     
    

 

       
     
     
     
  
 

 

eV ES EES NE 2 SRS NE ARE PEE He

  

FNo dlikee.

“And I don’t likee hevin’ to stop here chinning
with a heathen Chinee, so if you intend to take this
man, do so, and let me go on my way.

“T half believe you have got no one near to help you,
and I’ve a mind to make yer show your hand, heathen,”
said Larry.

“Me _ showee!’
whistle. Instantly a voice answered:

“All right, captain! Shall we fire?”

“No, blast you! I’m not crowdin’ yer i
called out Larry, the response from the rocks convin-

cing him that the Chinaman had help near, though in
what force he could not guess.

“Allee lightee; no killee this time,’
lestial road agent.

He called to the prisoner to get out of the coach and

and again the Chinaman gave a

quickly

’ cried the Ce-

come with him.

ct can 4 for Lam irone he ex-

and tied in as well,”
plained.

The Chinaman gave another whistle, then rode up
to the coach door, and, drawing a knife, cut the lariat
that bound the prisoner.

‘Wantee key,” he said, laconically.

“T ain't got it, for Buffalo Bill took it with him.”

“Buffalo Billee? Where Buffalo Billee?’ and the
Chinaman gave an anxious lool . about him in the gath-
ering gloom.

“It wasn’t
but I don’t believe he took the key,”
averred.

“Then ask him, for here he comes!” cried Left-
‘Hand Larry, and, as he spoke all heard the rapid clat-
ter of hoofs.

As quick as a flash the prisoner, his hands still man-

cled, made a bound out of the coach and disappeared
in the thicket, while the Chinaman wheeled his horse
and spurred into the timber with equal suddenness.

Larry called out: “Hold on, Chinaman, and I'll in-

Buffalo Bill, but Shadow Bill, Chinaman;
the prisoner

terdoose yer!’

 

CHAPTER Ad.
Tee 1 Ra A
“Well, of all things I ever seen, this beats
Chinee road agent on the Overland!
“T don’t quite grasp it, but it were a fact, fer you
seen him, gents, with yer own eyes.”
So’ said Left-Hand Larry as the Chinaman disap-

em-——a

   

THE BUFFALO BILL STORIES.

Sa Aas eae OS

 

13

peared in the gloom of the timber, as the prisoner had
done.

“It was a chine beyond doubt,” remarked Burt
Sprague, while Maury Sanford answered: “Yes, but
who have we to meet now?”

That was the question that was worrying Larry, for
he heard the hooffalls of quite a number of horses,
coming at a rapid canter along the trail.

It could not be Buffalo Bill, unless he had returned
with an escort for the coach; or had sent one after it.

Waiting anxiously the coming of the horsemen,
Larry did not start his team again, and a moment aiter

saw them sweep around the bend in the gathering twi-

light.
“Hol Larry, 1s that your,
Halt)? cried: a. comin Sakon voice, and a cavalry

officer, a Lieutenant Keyes, from et Faraway, drew
rein by the coach, while his men halted at his order.

“Oh, Lieutenant Keyes! It’s you, is it, sir, and glad
am I to see you, for we've had a rough time of it this
afternoon,” announced Larry.

“So | heard from Buffalo Bill, whom I met, and also
that you had some guests of the colonel rie you, and
whom we have been expecting.

“T am Lieutenant Keyes, gentlemen, and I believe
you are Messrs. Sprague and Sanford?’

The two young hunters responded oe to the
handsome cavalry officer, while Larry called ou

“Tt would be like lookin’ for a needle in a he
Feutenant, but before you came up a lot o’ road agints
had us foul, an’ ther rapa were a heathen Chinee, as
I am a wicked sinner.”

“Ah! and our coming frightened them off}

“Ves csin,

“Which way did they go?”

“Over ther ridge, sir.’

“Tt would be useless to follow in the darkness, but

599

how many were in the band?’
“We only saw ther Chinee, capt’in.”
“A real Chinaman, hearty, a leader of road agents?”
fNGag Iori $eir ai aot:
“T have heard of such a man, yet hardly believed the
story.
“Tt is true, sir, nevertheless,’ Burt Sprague said.
“And he fled at hearing our approach?”
oN ee, Sit,”
“Well, from what Buffalo Bill
rob you of much, as he gave me all you imtrusted to
him to carry on to the fort, and I suppose I had bet-

told me, he couic, not
 

   

  

id

ter keep it in my possession, as there might be such a
thing as your being held up again, for I cannot remain
as your guard, as I must hasten on to the fort now.”

“Yes, sir, please retain our valuables and money,”
Burt Sprague said, while Larry remarked:

“You bet I wouldn’t want to carry it on this run,
lieutenant, for there’s a hoodoo on me ter-
thinkin’.”’

“I will carry ali safely through, and your prisoner,
too, whom Cody told me about, for I have a led
horse. Where is he?’’—meaning the prisoner.

“Gone!”

“Where 2?

“Ther Chinaman helped him off, though he’s
Buffalo Bill’s irons on him, and I has ther key.’’

“That is too bad, for the fellow is a gallows bird.”

“TI only wish I had come up with you sooner.

“But Pll carry your treasure safely through, and I'll
acquaint the colonel, gentlemen, of your coming, so he
will be awaiting you.

q >
day, Tm

got

“Good-evening, and permit me to hope that you will
have no further delay and trouble on your way.”

With this the lieutenant was away at a canter, fol-
lowed by his escort of half a dozen troopers.

“A dashing young officer that,” said Burt Sprague,
as Larry once more drove on his way.

“Ther ain’t no better than he is, pards, fer I hev
known Lieutenant Ed Keyes well and jist what he hev
done.

“He'd fight old Nick with spurs on, he would, and

he’s a gent frum Wayback; but I guess we kin git

through now without no more trouble, fer thet China-
man went off as though he'd keep ther pace up all
night. ie

“And the prisoner, driver?’

“Ah! I fergot about him.

“Maybe ther Chinee were thet scared he fergot him,
too, and ag’in maybe he hed a spare horse fer him; but
whatsoever goes, I has got ther key to his irons,” and
Larry chuckled over the thought, and drove on through
the darkness with a skill that was the admiration of
lus two passengers.

ry

thus, mile after mile was put behind the coach, a
coupie of relay stations had been passed and the horses
changed, and Larry had just remarked that they were
beyond all danger, when, with startling suddenness, out ”
of the darkness ahead came the command:

“Halt that coach!”

   

THE BUFFALO BILL STORIE

 

Se

CHAPTER Mit
THE MYSTERIOUS CAPTURE.

1

“This coach is halted, darn yer,” and Left-Hand
Larry spoke in very i] humor, for his prophecy had
been very quickly proven untrue, that they were in no

further danger of being held up
“This is really growing monotonous,” Sprague re-
marked, while Sanford rejoined: “So long as they

SS aD):

don’t halt us with bullets I can stand it.
Having drawn rein, as commanded, Larry sat await-
ine developments.
He had not long to wait, for a horseman rode out
of the gloom and ap Seas the coach.
“It ain’t ther Chinee ag’in,’’ muttered Larry
“Nor the black road agent,” added Burt oo
“By rights it oughter be an Injun this time,” growled
Larry, and then he called out:
“Now, who is yer and what does yer want?”
“I am Captain Coolhand of the Mounted Sports—
you may have heard of me?”
“I have, and too often, with nothin’ in yer favor.”
“You should not complain, Larry, for I have given
he your life scores of times.”
“Thankee for nuthin’.”

“Well, what have you along that is valuable,
Larry ?”

“Seein’ as yer cutthroats has held me up twice afore,

nothin’.”’

“Who has held you up?”

“A nigger and a Chinee road agent, so I were lookin’
fer you ter turn out a Injun.”

“Not so bad as that, Larry. ‘But what did they
ceri

| otha,”

“You had a rich freight along, though, as I happen
to know?”

66 . °
Yas, I had, only did yer see an officer and his men
pass a while ago?”

“Yes, but I get only ace and lead from soldiers,
and it’s gold I want.’

“Well, yer won’t git it this time.”
“Why not?”

“The soldiers took it fer safe keepin’.”
“Ts this true?”
rit be.”

“Well, you have two passengers with you that I

wish.”

“What for ?”

ies

ISS

ng Re

 
Seta eee ae

tee eee

‘

 

   

 

Ee aa ea TT

“T have taken a fancy to capture them,”

“Ver better change yer fancy, unless yer want ev-
ery man in ther fort on top of yer.”

The road agent captain laughed, and then replied:

“T take all chances, Larry, as you know, and I in-
tend to relieve you of your prisoners—hold, there,
gentlemen, for you are covered by a dozen rifles—
stand ready, men!”

The warning was given at the sudden act of both
Sprague and Sanford to resist, and the command was
issued to men in hiding, for an answer came in a deep
voice;

“All ready, sir.”

“Hold, pards, don’t throw yer lives away, fer he is
jist playin’ a bold hand ter make yer show yer gold.”

“We have none, so he is foiled,” Maury Sanford re-
marked.

“We want you; your gold we will finger later,”
replied the road agent.

“Does yer mean ter kidnap these gents?’ asked
Larry. .

oS eee

"What: fer?’

“T have reasons I cannot make known, but they go
with me.”

Larry quickly grasped the hand of Burt Sprague,
and the act certainly saved the life of Captain Cool-
hand, for in a second more the young hunter would

‘have sent a bullet through his heart.

“Ton’t be a fool, fer God’s sake,” cried Larry, ex-
citedly.

“Must we submit to capture with weapons in our
hands to defend ourselves?”

“T am with you, Burt, if you say fight,” cried San-
ford.

“Gentlemen, as Larry said, don’t be fools, for the
odds are ten to dne against you.

“An order from me would kill the three of you, and
had you killed me your lives would have instantly
ended.

“But, Larry, | owe you my life, for that was a close
call for me, as I was caught off my guard.

“T shall not forget it,’ but whether he meant his
close call or that Larry had saved his life was not quite
clear to those who heard his words. —

“Yer did have a close call, and it should teach you a
lesson, so let me go on now, for, with ther nigger,
Chinee, and yerself holdin’ me up I am away behind
on my fun.

   

THE BUFFALO BILL STORIES. | 15

“Come, git out o’ ther way and let me start my
team, as we has nothin’ fer yer ter git.”

“Hold on, for I differ with you, as your two pas-
sengers are booty enough for me.

“Come, gentlemen, you must go with me.”

The two young men seemed still half inclined to re-
sist, but a low warning from Larry urged them not to
do'so rash an act: and he added :

“I is sorry, gents, but yer has ter go.

“T’l] soon report it, and it won’t be long afore you is
free.

‘Better go and save trouble.”

“We will be guided by you, driver, for you know
best; but it seems cowardly to thus submit,” Burt
Sprague said. ; |

“Tt is not, but rather common sense.”

“Dismount from that box, gentlemen, one at a
time.”’

‘They did so, and a moment after the road agent
captain called out sternly :

“Drive on, Larry, and tell Colonel Duncan that I
have his guests in my keeping.”

“Vas, and you'll be the colonel’s guest, afore long,
or I doesn’t know ther man,” answered Larry, and,
with a good-by to his two passengers, whom he had
come to like and admire, he drove on his way once
more.

At first he let his horses jog along, but after a short
distance he started them into a brisk pace, determined
to bear the news of their capture as quickly as possible
to the fort.

Drawing down to a watk, as he came to a bit of
ragged traveling, he heard the rapid clatter of hoots
behind him and at once he came toa halt, with the
remark :

“What, ag’in?’

A moment after a horseman came into view through
the darkness, and suddenly drawing rein as he reached
the coach, Left-Hand Larry called out quickly:

“Buffalo Bill!

“Héoray fer you, pard, fer yer is ther very man I
wants ter see.”

CAP LER ATL
THE MEETING ON THE TRAIL.
- When Buffalo Bill rode on his way toward Outtit
City, after leaving the coach, he was considerably puz-
zled at what had been told him by Larry, of his having
been held up by a black road agent.
 

 

“Tt could be none other than Darkie Dick, that is cer-
tain, so the claim he made to being innocent must be
false, though I really did trust in him.

“At any rate he gave me warning that the road
agents knew of the coming of the Californians, and in-
tended to rob them.

“But that must not be done, so rl oo coe to
Outfit City and tell Mr. Winter just what I have found

out, and then I must ride for it to head off that extra

coach and its treasure.”

So mused Buffalo Bill as he rode along at a can-
ter on the trail to Outfit City, keeping up the pace un-
til his keen ears suddenly caught the sound of approach-
ing hoofs.

Instantly he wheeled off the trail and sought shelter
behind a large boulder, for he knew not who he was
to meet.

And he stood ready, rifle in hand, to fight if he had
to. :

“Cavalry,” he suddenly muttered, as he caught
sight of a party of horsemen coming into view some
distance down the trail, and he rode out of his hiding
place. :

It was the party of Lieutenant Keyes, and the young
officer greeted the scout most cordially as they met,
the latter remarking:

“T’m awful glad to meet you, Lieutenant Keyes, for
I am carrying more money than one man is entitled to,
and I wish to place the responsibility of its safety upon
you.”

“All right, Cody, my shoulders are broad, and I am
ae to stagger under all the money you can heap

” answered the lieutenant, who listened to the scout’s
ee of how he had come in possession of the money,
and learned that the coach, with the two young men
and the man Buffalo Bill had made a prisoner was not

many miles on ahead.

“TI overtake it by night, Cody, never fear, but what
shall I report to the colonel for you?”

“Nothing, thank you, for he knows, what JT am
doing,” was the answer, and so they parted, ‘going
their ee ways.

It was growing dark when Buffalo Bill once more
drew rein, for again he heard hooffalls approaching.

Going into hiding and with a keen watch ahead, he.

saw another party of horsemen approaching.

CAN ax

Why, it is the boss,” he cried, and riding out from

his. place of concealment, he called out:

“Ho, Captain Winter, I am glad to meet you.”

1s THE BUFFALO BILL STORIES.

“Why, Cody, this is lucky, for I have news for you.
Come aside wie me,” and Loyd Winter left the es-
cort of four pony riders awaiting in the trail, while he

led the scout apart from them and said, eagerly:

“I missed a letter sent through to me, for it went on
to Good Luck Camp by mistake, and was at once sent
back to me by the agent, a special pony rider bring-
ing it.” :

“T hope it has hee done much harm, sir, by the de-
lay in reaching you.”

“No, for finding you as I do, there is time to act.

“You see, I started at once to see if I could find you,
and if not to serve as an escort myself.”

“For what, sir?’

“The Californians!”

| Abt” .

~“You have heard of them, then?”

“Yes, it was the letter from the agent at Death-

Trap that was delayed.

“He wrote me that the California coach would leave

_Death-Trap a couple of hours behind the regular, and

that would bring it to Fort Faraway at midnight, for
the regular coach is due at Outfit City at breakfast
in the morning.”

[es Sit,”

“Now, by hard riding you can head off the extra,
for it reaches the trail you intended to guide it by
around the regular beat between Faraway and Outfit
City, thus flanking the part of the way most to be
dreaded.”

“Yes, sir, I can head it off in time, or even turn it

back to take the other trail if it has passed where it ,

branches off.”

“Good!”

“Then it is safe; but had I not met you I intended to
go on and escort it through, though you know the com-
pany does not allow that; but I intended to make an

exception in this case, Hees being a young lady along,
and so much treasure at stake.”

“It would be but right to do so, sir; but I hope I
can flank the Mounted Sports all right.”

“I sincerely hope so; but were you returning to Out-
at City 2”

S sir, I was going back to have a talk with
you.’

“That must mean that you have made some discoy-

ery Of importance, as your intention was to push on
and meet the Californians.”

   

   
     
   
   
   
  
  
     
   
  
  
 
   
  
   
  
 
  
  
   
 
 
  
  
  
 
   
   
 
 
      
 
    
  
   

 

 

eee

ee
     

 

 

   

“T made several discoveries, all important, I think,
Captain Winter”

Has with them, Cody, and let me in if I can help
you.”

“First, sir, I was held up myself by the Mounted
Sports, as I believed, but a search on my return re-
vealed that Captain Coolhand clearly did the work
alone. I was completely taken in,” and Buffalo Bill
smiled, while the boss said:

“With a rifle covering his heart, Cody, a man is not
to be blamed for obeying orders.”

CHAPTER XIV.
UNLOOKED-EFOR FORS.

“That is a very kind way of looking at it on your
part, Captain Winter, but I confess I supposed there
was more than one rifle leveled at me, or 1 would have

been tempted to play a trump card also; in other words,
to have taken chances!’ Buffalo Bill said in answer to
the response of the boss.

“T know your nature, Bill, and am well aware that
you must think the odds ts against you to submit.

“But tell me of the affair.”

“There is little to tell, sir, save that I was ted. told
that a dozen rifles covered me, and warned that I was
known to be here to hunt down the Mounted Sports, so
must give up my intention or take the consequences.

“Te spoke of the band as the Mounted “Sharps,
rather than Sports, as they are generally called, repeat-
ing his warning to me and then ordering me to ride on.

“T called to him several times, but no answer was
given, so I did ride on, to soon after come under an-
other adventure.

“Ah! another hold-up!’

“Not exactly, though it was a voluntary surrender
on the part of the horseman I saw on the trail.

“Vou have heard of the negro at Faraway who was

said to have robbed the paymaster, entered the quarters

of the officers, took money and valuables, and then
made his escape, killing the sentinel in doing so, and
could not even be trailed ?”

“Ves he was called Darkie Dick, the black burglar.”

“That is the man, sir.”

“T wish to tell you just what occurred, only I must
swear you to perfect secrecy, as I allowed him to go
free for a purpose.

“He gave a setback to my trust in him by later hold-

THE BUFFALO BILL STORIES.

 

id

ing up Left-Hand Larry’s coach, but for all that, I am
glad I allowed him to go free, for what he did tell me.”

“Why, Larry had a small fortune along with him,”
excitedly said Loyd Winter.

“All safe, sir, for I happened along pee the coach
was robbed, and to get where he did, the black burglar
must have gone by some secret trail from where I met
him,” and Buffalo Bill told the story of his meeting
with the negro, and how he had told him that the
Mounted Sharps knew of the coming of the Cali-
fornians.

Loyd Winter, called by courtesy “captain,” looked
considerably troubled at what he hence: and said:

“Tt goes to prove, Cody, that my suspicion is right,
that spies are very close to me and to the other agents
of the company to get the information the outlaws do
of what is going over the trail; but you have said you
would solve the mystery, and find out the culprits, and

I feel much relieved for the future.”

“T feel that they can be unearthed, sir; but I have ©
something else to tell you.

“Did you see Lieutenant Keyes when he passed
through Outfit City?”

“Ves, he had an early supper with me, intending to
push right on to the fort.”

“Well, he has the money Larry carried, and also
what the two young men had, for I turned it over to
him, and, as he goes over the trail, he will be on hand
to protect the coach.”

“That is fortunate, indeed.”

“On my way back I took a look for tracks at the spot
where I was held up, and found there only the trail of
one horse, and that showed me that Captain Coolhand
was alone, or his men, if he had any, were on foot.

“T decided to ride back to Outfit City and acquaint
you with all that had happened, and then push on
again over the trail, which I will do now with all
has ste, as 1 am anxious to head off the California coach,
now that you know it is coming, and at what time.”

“Ves, that is all there is to do, Cody; but how is
your horse?’

“Fave you a good one that I can role nce with, as
mine has been pushed a little hard.”

“Get what you wish at the relay station, for I will
write you an order to that a as some of the oC
tenders may not yes you.’

“Thank you, sit.”

The order was written, and after a few words more,

Captain Winter turned and started back to Outfit
®
 

 

 

18 THE BUFFALO BILL STORIES.

City, while Buffalo Bill put his horse in a canter and
went back over the trail to meet the California coach
and save it from the outlaws, whom he now knew
would be on the watch for its coming, and be prepared
to hold it up.

Unerringly he kept the trail, and mile aiter mile was
cast behind him. a

Coming to a stage relay station, he called up the
stocktender, showed his order from-the boss, and was
given a fresh mount, and a fine animal it was, too.

In a sweeping gallop he went on his way then, with
no thought of being again disturbed,.as the coach havy-
ing passed some time before, he saw tio reason for the
outlaws to be lying in wait, and it really gave him a
start to hear the loud command:

baal b

“Hands up or take the consequences!”

Realizing how much depended upon him did he ex-

“pect to save the California coach, Buffalo Bill upon

sudden impulse, decided to risk running the gantlet of
whatever danger threatened him, —

CHAPTER OV,
THE COURTEOUS OUTLAW.

Buffalo Bill was too well accustomed to sudden dan-
gers to be caught off his guard, and at the very first
words of the threatening command to halt, he made
up his mind to risk a dash in the fading light, as it
was about the hour of sunset, and try to push through.

Were he captured, he well knew that the California
coach would come along the trail unchecked, and run
into that very ambush of outlaws.

The regular coach, too, ahead of the extra some
couple of hours, would also be held up, and that would
mean robbery perhaps to the driver or some of his pas-
sengers. : ,

Buffalo Bill, therefore, realized all that depended
upon him, and, dropping upon one side of his horse,
opposite from whence the voice had come, and whip-
ping out his revolver and firing at random, he drove
his spurs into his horse and dashed forward.

Buffalo Bill saw flashes mingling with those of his
revolver, he heard shots and the whistle of bullets, felt
his horse give a mighty bound, and then go down ina
heap, rolling over him.

Then he felt all was a blank and blackness before
him..

But the sensation of unconsciousness could not have

&

  

been but
to drag hin
horse, realizing <
hurt.

But’ suddendy he beheld a form bending over him,
and a revolver’s col a ee touched ‘his forehead,
while he heard the stern words:

“Resist, and you are a dead man!”

His revolver had fallen from his hand, and, realizing
that he was at the mercy of the speaker, he said:

“You win the game, pard, and I pass.”

“Who are you?”

“My pards call me Buffalo Bill.”’

aL

The name was evidently a surprise to the man.

He really appeared startled.

“Buffalo Bill, the scout,” he said, in a low tone.

es

“Where were you going?”

Ube the fort,”

“Where are you from just now?”

“Outfit City.”

“What was your errand there?”

“That's my business, not yours.”

“Why did you try to run the gantlet of my men?’

“I’ve often run a worse gantlet.”

“You risked your life.”

ra orben doy”

“Your horse is dead.”

“Had he not fallen, I’d have gotten through.”

“Are you hurt?”

“None to speak of,”

“I have no personal quarrel with you, Buffalo Bill,
so will allow you to go your way.”

“Thanks.”’

“Now tell me who you are that is patroling this
Overland trail and firing upon a, government officer.”

“Tam one of the band who call themselves Mounted

Sharps, Sports, or whatever other name you care to
give them.’

momentary to him, for he attempted to rise,
aself from beneath the weight of his dead
as he did so that he was not seriously

“I thought so, but why do you allow me to go free
for I certainly have a quarrel w by you, and might not
be so merciful did I catch you.”

“That is my business.”

ana weld

‘And where are youramen P77

“Within twenty feet of you.”

“Many of them?”

“Too many even for the great Buffalo Bill to resist.”

  
 
  
  
  
  
   
   
  
  
  
  
  
   
   
   
  
  
  
  
     
 
  
  
  
  
   
 
   
   
  
 
   
 
 
    
  
   
    

 

 

 

  
 

 

THE BUFFALO

“Introduce me.”

The outlaw saw that the scout believed he was alone,
and was meditating some bold game to spring upon
him, so he said quickly:

“T have given you your freedom for reasons I can-
not explain.

“Had I known who you were I would not have or-
dered my men to fire upon you.

“As they did, I am glad they did you no other harm
than killing your horse. :

“Now, take your saddle and bridle off your horse and
go while you can.”

“Vou are so good to me, I am emboldened to ask the
loan of a horse.

“Vou couldn’t oblige me, could you, for Dll return
him?”

“Vou are about as cool a man as I ever met, Buf-
falo Bill.”

“How do I compare with Captain Coolhand?”

“Not at all, for you are an honest man, he accursed
with crime.”

“Thanks again.

“But about the loan of a horse?”

“Get one at the next stage relay station.”

“Tt is twenty miles from here.”

“Not much of a walk to such a man as you are.

“Now go while you can.”

“Then there is a string attached to my going, eh?”

“The men now with me are my espetial band; but
others will soon be here, led by Captain Coolhand, and
he may be less lenient than I, while his men certainly
will, regarding you as their particular foe.”

“T think I had better go,” said the scout, dryly, and
he added:

“T thank you, certainly, for the favor shown me.

“May I ask your name?”

“No; I ama mere nobody; but go.”

The scout was again struck by the reply, but quickly
drew his saddle and bridle from his dead horse, felt
around for his pistol, picked it up, and said:

“Some day we may become better acquainted.

“Good-night.”’

The outlaw still covered him with his revolver,
muttered a good-night, and saw him walk away in

the darkness.

 
  

BILL STORIES.
CHAPTER XVI,

GEL LN GAC MO UUN TE.

“Well, I am not the one to hoof it twenty miles
when there is a chance to get a horse, and so much
depending just now on my making good time.

“That outlaw was a gentleman, in his way, and did
not even borrow my spare change, and it doesn’t seem
just right to rob him ofa horse; but then he shot
mine, and it will simply be an exchange and no ques-
tions asked.

(Vil dey it on at.any. rate.”

So mused Buffalo Bill, as he halted in the trail a
few hundred yards from where he had so nearly lost
his life.

He had his saddle, bridle, and traps on his back,
and, having decided to take the risk of getting a mount
from the outlaws, he placed them down by the side of
the road, marked the place well in his mind, and then
disappeared in the timber on the left.

His intention was to find out just where the outlaws
had their horses, while lying in ambush, and to cut
an animal out if he could.

He also wished to discover how many outlaws there
were at that point.

His nameless captor, a mere “‘nobody,” as he had
said himself, had told him that Captain Coolhand
was expected along soon with other men.

This, then, must be the place where the California
coach was to be held up.

If so, it would be hours before the regular coach
would be along, and it; too, carried a treasure. Buffalo
Bill decided to have the driver, whom he knew well,
to intrust it to him, to carry around the point of danger
by the secret trail he intended to lead the California
coach.

By doing this the mounted sharps would get noth-
ing by holding up the regular coach, while they would
wait in vain for the coming of the Californians, who
would, guided by the scout, give them the slip.

_ But the first thing to do was to get a mount.

Pushing his way through the timber, as noiselessly
as an Indian, and as unerringly, to come up in the rear
of the outlaws’ place of ambush, by a wide flank move-
ment Buffalo Bill approached the trail, and halted when
he knew he could not be more than several hundred
yards from it.

He had come to an open spot in the timber, where

   
  

 

 

 

there was a bit of meadowland, and beyond the land
rose toward the ridge along which ran the stage trail.
Listening attentively, Buffalo Bill heard sounds
ahead of him.
Crouching down, he kept silent for a few minutes.
Then he muttered: “Their horses are in the open,
between me and the hill.
“If there is no guard over them, I will be all right.
“If they are guarded, I must have an animal, any-
how,”

Having come to this bold resolve, Buffalo Bill

scouted around in the edge of the timber until he
came to the base of the slope.

There he beheld the horses staked out to feed.

Creeping as near as he dared, without being more

ertain of his ground, he was enabled to see that there
were eight or ten animals at least,

“It was lucky I made no break when the idea took
possession of me that that fellow was all alone.

“I kept myself out of trouble that time—perhaps
out Of the grave.

“Now, I wonder if there is a
horses.

“There is one animal a little apart from the others,
and [ll see if I can reach him, and what he is like, for
i must have the best.”

_ Creeping up to the horse he found him staked out
by a short rope, and a dark object on the ground near
showed where his saddle and bridle lay.

The animal slightly started at his approach, but a
low word soothed him, and as he greeted the horse
affectionately he muttered :

“This one is good enough for me,

“PU take him.

“I do not think there is a guard here, and I could
stampede the whole corral.

“But I won't.

“Tl just let them think this horse got his rope pin
up and strayed off.”

So saying, the scout drew up the pin, and, allow-
ing it to drag through"the grass, led the horse toward
the timber.

The horses all looked up as their comrade was seen
moving off, and one.gave a low whinny as though to
ask the reason,

But Buffalo Bill held his hand hard on the nostrils
of his captive and allowed no answering neigh.

Soon the shelter of the timber was reached, and,
going slowly and as noiselessly as possible, he led
the horse out into the trail at the point where he had
left his saddle and bridle.

They were still there, and quickly the scout saddled
up and mounted.

“A little behind time, but still on the trail,’ he mut-
tered in a grim tone as he settled himself firmly in the

guard over those

 

  
  
   
  
 
   
    
   
  
   
   
   
       
   
     
   
   
  
  
   
 
    
   
  
    
   
     
   
  
   
   
     
  
   
  
  
 
 
 

ay : THE BUFFALO BILL STORIES.

saddle and started his horse at a canter as soon as he

felt that he was out of earshot of the ambushed out-
laws,

CHAPTER XIE
LARRY TELLS HIS STORY.

Buffalo bill felt highly elated over his success in
securing a mount.

And the animal was a good one—a horse to be
proud of. .

He was easy-gaited, willing, full of spirit, and went
along as though he was possessed of great endurance.

The scout quite forgot his hard fall, stunning shock,
and the few bruises and cut or two he had received
when his horse went down dead under him.

Several times as he rode along in a swinging gallop
he congratulated himself upon not having made the
mistake that the outlaw who had held him up was all
alone.

“Iam lucky as usual,” he muttered.

fis desire was to overtake the coach of Left-Hand
Larry and hoped to soon after meet the regular on its
way to Outfit City.

this, he had been told by Captain Winter, was
driven by Nebraska Ned, a man whom he well knew,
and who had been pony rider and scout before he took
to driving stage.

Captain Winter had also told him that the California
coach would doubtless have Lige Lumley on the box
for the run from Death-Trap Canyon to Outfit City,
and this driver the scout also knew well, so anticipated
no trquble in having him obey his orders to follow
him ‘off of the stage trail,

The relay station, which Buffalo Bill had feared he
would have to, walk to, was reached in good time, but,
as his horse seemed perfectly fresh and improved
steadily on acquaintance, he determined to make no
change, but to stick to him.

So he passed the station with
himself known.

His horse kept up the same untiring pace, and he
was dashing swiftly along, when in an open space at
the top of a rise he saw the coach ahead of him.

“T have either ridden faster than I thought, or Larry ,
has had a mishap, for I did not expect to overtake him
for some miles yet,” said the scout.

Another moment he drew rein by the side of the

out halting or making

coach as Left-Hand Larry called out to him that he

“was the very man he wanted to see.”
“Well, Larry, here |

wrong?”

Yes, everything,”

"Where are the two gentlemen passengers ?”

Gone,”

PATE

“And the prisoner 2?”

“Also gone.”

am; but has anything gone

 

 

99

   
 

 

 

ncn EH A

“Then you have been again held up?’ said the scout,
anxiously.

“Pard Bill, it is wuss than that.’

“Have they been killed?”

“No, but the road agents has got ’em,’

“ALL threes’

‘Sia

‘Where was this, Larry?”

‘Back from here a mile.

“Strange they did not hold you up, pard.”

“A mile back 2”

eae

“By a group of boulders,
yond ?”

“That's their place.”

“T heard a sound in the timber as I came by, but
supposed it was a pack of coyotes or deer frightened

ae 1y coming.
‘They was two-legged coyotes,
kind af ‘em.

‘Tell me just what happened, Larry, for it distresses
me to learn that these two young men have been cap-
tured, as the colonel will feel it greatly, for they were
his guests, you know.”

‘It. couldn't be hel a Pard Bill.

“It was Captain Coolhand himself did the work, and
yer know it don’t do to trifle with him, so as he said
he wanted them young tenderfeet I chipped in my ad-
vice for them ter go along, though they was game
and wanted ter fight it out.

‘“T know’d what thet meant, so 1 says no, and Cap'n
Coolhand he just took ‘em with him.”

‘‘And released the prisoner Nick Ross?”

"Now bet be didn't.

“Did he escape from you?”

‘‘Pard Bill, yer heard me say thet I ‘spect next time
it would be a ‘Chinaman, arter ther nigger had held me
up! Pp? :

with heavy timber be-

Bill, and the worst

oe eSay

“Well, it were a Chinaman,” and Larry uttered the
words in a way that showed he well knew the sur-
prise he was springing upon the scout.

“Do you mean that you were held up by a China-
man road agent, Larry?’

“Thet’s what I mean.”

‘And he it was who released the prisoner?”

“His coming did, fer ther prisoner released himself.

“Tl tell yer jist how it all happened.”

And he told the scout the whole story.

CHAPTER XViii
WHAT BUFFALO BILL HEARD.

It was with the deepest interest that Buffalo Bill
listened to the driver’s story of his adventure with the
Chinese road agent.

He did net ack a single question until Larry had
ended his recital; and then ke said:

  

THE BUFFALO BILL STORIES.

   

oi

“Well, Larry, this has been a run you will not soon
forget.”

V vou Bet Lowon t.

“Lieutenant Keyes put the Chinaman to flight ; a

“In great shape.

“The heathen was game enough until the soldiers
came, and then he went off like the devil were chasin’
him close.”

‘And the lieutenant carried the money on to the
fort?

(68, | pave?

“The Chinaman got nothing?”

"Only a scare.”

“Are you sure it was a Chinaman?’

“Fle were from way ,back

“Tle wasn’t playin’ no game of heathen, and ef he
had a trump keerd up his sleeve ther lieutenant didn’t
give him a chance ter play it.”

“And Nick Ross went with him?’

“Ti that prisoner were Nick Ross he did.

“That is, he lighted out quick on foot, while the
Chinaman scooted on top o’ his horse, and I were in
hopes he'd tumble off, only he didn’t.”

“And the prisoner still had his irons on?’

"Ves, fer £ had ther Key yer ‘gave me.”

“Well, I am sorry he escaped, but we may get a
grip on him again some day.”

“Maybe.”

“T am surprised that you have been held up by both
a negro and a Chinese road agent, and Captain Cool-
hand as well, and regret exceedingly ot the two
young men were captured. «

“So does I; but ther money is safe.”

“Tt wish that they were.

“But Coolhand’s motive in kidnaping them is to get
ransom, Of course.”

ist so.

“Now, I have to push on, Larry, so will leave you
to come along at your ease, for ‘they can't rob you
now.’

“Not much.

“They can’t git blood out of a turnip, I has heerd,
but I owes it to you, Pard Bill, thet they didn’t git
ther money they came fer.”

“That is all safe.”

“Does yer not make out thet them mounted sports
qas got more information than is right they should
have of what the company carries over ther Overland,
unless there do be spies in its service ter give secrets
away?”

“Sh— Larry, do not suggest such a thing to any
one, for if there are spies, and they know they. are

suspected, there will be no catching them.”

“That’s so, and Ill keep dark, Pard Bill,”

“You ought to meet Nebraska Ned’s coach within
“the next hour, should you not?”
“Yes, pard, but I’m behind ter-night, and won’t
 

 

 

23 THE BUFFALO BILL STORIES.

reach ther fort before daybreak, so report my coming
please, ef I ain’t kilt on ther way.”

VA night, Warry.”

“Good- night, and I hope you will have no more
trouble.

“T hope so.

“Good-night, Pard Bill.”

Buffalo Bill again rode on at a canter, while Larry
followed more. leisurely, feeling much better now that
he had told his story to the scout, and he knew of the
escape of his prisoner and the capture of his pas-
sengers.

Continuing on-his way, Buffalo Bill’s thoughts were
busy.

He was reviewing the incidents of the afternoon and
night.

‘Leaving Outfit City at noon, he had first been held
up by Captain Coolhand himself, then had met the
Black Burglar under most remark able circumstances,
had next come upon the coach, received the large
amount of money it carried, in turn had given it into
the keeping of Lieutenant Keyes, and then had fol-
lowed his meeting with Loyd Winter, learned the
tidings of the Californi aia coach being on the trail near,
and returning to its rescue had had his horse shot,
been made a prisoner by a road agent, released, then
secured for himself a mount on one of the outlaws’
horses, and, overtaking Larry’s coach, news had been
told him that he oreatly regretted, in. the capture of
the two young men and the escape ‘of the prisoner.

“Well, this has been a checkered trail and no mis-
take, since I left Outfit City and tock upon myself the
duty of running down the mounted sports, an under-
taking that Loyd. Winter appeared to think so impos-
sible, hy at he looked upon my promise to do so as a
mere bluff.

“But I will show him yet that I am not bluffing, but
in ay earnest from start to finish.

Now I must soon meet the regular coach, and be-
fore I come to the extra: that follows, it will have
pas ssed the trail by which I intend to guide it around

the Overland to Outfit City; but I can turn it back,

and be well on my way along the valley trail when
dawn comes—ah! I hear the rumble of the coach
wheels now, and it has stopped!

By Jupiter’ s ghost! it 1s held up, for I hen voices
and Buffalo Bill, ew rein and listened.

‘CHAPTER Xi

BUFFALO BILL’S BLUFF.

Listening attentively for a moment, Buffalo Bill took
in the situation in the trail ahead of him with the
quickness of one who was trained to think and act on
the impulse of the moment.

It was starlight, yet there was scattering timber
alon® the trail which cast shadows here and there.

Attuned to hear the slightest sound, the scout had
heard the rumble of the coach wheels, he. the silence
that followed a halt, voices, and he knew that in that
lone place is could mean but one thing.

It was a hold-up of the coach by road agents.

Knowing that the California extra was coming
through, as they did, the outlaws seemed to have
patroled many miles a the trail, determined that it
should not escape them.

Nearly all the way from Outfit City to Death-Trap
Canyon the trail ran through a country that was a ee:
fect paradise for outlawry, for men could so readily
escape, either mounted or on foot.

Lhe fort was some ten miles off the regular trail,
but the coaches went out of their way, when occasion
demanded, to visit .

But its very location, and the fact that the soldiers
had all they could do to guard the country ea
from ho a redskins, rendered the outlaws bolder

Then, too, they were supposed to be in large fore
their numbe ers being ie anvwhere from tw enty to
forty re and being splendidly mounted, thoroughly
arined, led by a lev er, daring leader, knowing every
deer a and mountain facies as they did, they could
put at defiance any force sent after them that was less
than a couple of hundred men.

Of course, the commandant of the-fert did all in his
power to protect the Overland trail, to guard against
the coaches and pony riders being held up by the out-
Jaws; but to patrol the trails for hundreds of miles
would he ive demanded a regiment or more, and then
it could not have been successfully done.

Peeling that the mounted sports were stretched all

along the trail, Buffalo Bill reasoned that those who
had now held.up Nebraska Ned’s coach were neces-
sarily few in number, and so he-determined to alone

take the chances of driving them off from their ¢ game,
gathered his reins well in hand, drew a re-
j

volver and called out suddenly:
“Forward men!
“The outlaws have halted the coach!”
The deep tones of the scout echoed through the
timber, and then came the command:
Lieutenant, throw flankers out and corral them.
“We will keep to the trail?”
As he uttered the last words Buffalo Bill

  

  
 

So He oe

began to

advance rapidly up the trail, rattling his canteen
agains ee revolver, and making all the noise he could
to impress the outlaws with the idea that he had con-

ae fo
Several times he issued orders to imaginary foes,

and yet when he came within 5 sight of the coach, hal bed
in the tr ail, there was but one to give battle to what-
ever foes ie might have to encounter.

; iy to face all odds, and reined up
alonesic ide the coach prepared for a death struge
Flo, Nebraska. Ned, is that you 2

Dies ee Tr

   

eee eet

Ar
  

ing

S

AVE

rap

 

“Tt’s me.

“And I’m that tickled a m almost a fallin’ off my
fe it’s you, Buffalo Bill?’ answered Ne-
braska Ned,

“Yes, Ned, and you were held up?

“You bet I was.

“Yer come with the

“But whar is they?’

Whoa

“The soldiers.”

“In my mind.”

“Does you mean they didn’t come?”

Vee s, | am alone.”

“And you made all that racket a coming ?”
“My horse and 1,”

“Why, yer scared ther road agents crazy.

“They went off at the first sound of yer voice, and
they went in a hurry, too.”

ul am glad of it.

“But how many were There.

“T seem but one,"

“Mounted, of course?’

“Yes, and, Pard Bill, I has got to tell you that the
one I saw was a nigger.”

“Ae pesra cr

“Yes, or he were a white man blac
then he had the talk of a nigger.”

“What did he say?”

“First he halted me, and then he told me he’d make
a pepper box of the old coach if there was a show of
resistance.

“T told him there was only me and a lady along, and
he’d get neither lead, steel nor gold.

“But he said he knew that there was plenty of gold
along, and he'd take care as to who gave out the lead
and steel.

“Just then your voice sounded out as clear as Ga-
briel’s trumpet at Judgment Day, and he made him-
self scarce so sudden I hardly seen him go.”

“Well, Ned, I am glad you came through all right;
but have you any riches along?”

“T have, sir,’”’ said a voice strangely soft and musical,
and a face looked out of the coach window.

‘ soldiers just in time to save us.

j
’

kened up; but

CHAPTER XX.
A FAIR PASSENGER.

The voice and the words uttered at once turned the
attention of Buffalo Bill upon the speaker.

Ever as courteotis as a cavalier, he doffed his som-
brero, and riding up to the side of the coach, oy upon
his horse with uncovered head, while he said:

“Tam sorry, miss, that you have met with an alarm.
“Are you traveling alone, may I ask?
OY Beery,

“But I do not mind the alarm, as long

my money.”

as | saved

  

 

THE BUFFALO BILL STORIES. 23

“Yes, thatis fortunate.’

“And to you I am grateful for it, as your daring
tush to the rescue, though alone, for I heard your con-
versation with the driver, was what saved. us.”

“I was coming along the trail, heard Nebraska Ned
halted, so it was my duty to help him out.”

“And you nobly did so, sir, and if you bear the name
by which the driver called you, I can understand your
brave act, as | have heard much of Buffalo Bill, the
famous scout.”

Buffalo Bill bowed low at the compliment, but ‘was
silent.

The voice of the passenger was very winning, and
he decided that she must be a young girl, and lovely.

Some officer's daughter, he decided, and yet he
could not place her, so asked:

“May I inquire if you are from the fort, and I fail
to recognize you ?”

a G\ine alent

But she did not say who she was or where from,
so the scout asked:

“Then we have not met before, miss?’

“Never, though I trust we may meet again, when
I can more befittingly. thank you for all you 1 have done
forme.’

‘“Tlave you much money with you?”

The reply fairly startled the scout, and Nebraska
Ned as well, the latter giving a whistle.

“Yes, sir; I have fifty thousand dollars in bills, and
diamonds and’ other jewels of equally that value.”

“Then I must say, miss, you have taken desperate
chances in bringing such a fortune over this trail.”

“It could not be avoided, sir.

“But do you think the coach is likely to be held up
again : oe

“Tl am sure that it will.”

“Qh, what shall I. dor’

aE dg not care to alarm you, miss, but the west-
bound, coming some miles back, has been held up
three times to-night, and more, two gentlemen, on
their way to visit Colonel Duncan at the fort, were
taken prisoners by the outlaws.

“Your coach is likely to be held up a number’ of
times, as there is a special reason for the action of the

outlaws just now.’

The passenger listened in silence, as also did Ne-
braska Ned, and then she said:

_ May I ask a great favor of you, sir: ie

‘““Any service | can render, miss, it will be my pleas-
ure, I assure you, to do.”’

‘Thank you.”

“What is it I can serve you in, miss?”

_ “Will you take into your keeping the money and
valuables I have, and hold them until I can send for
them, sir

“This 18 a large fortune to trust to any one’s keep-

ing, miss.’
 

 

 

 

 

 

tee a

 

24 THE BUFFALO

660 ° ° ia it Bat. 39

i trust it to you, sir, with perfect confidence.

“Can you not await the coming up of Left-Hand
Larry’s coach, miss, and go back in it to the fort 2”

“No, for I must continue on my way.”

“Then you are not from the fort, so must be from
Death-Trap Canyon?’

“No, I am simply passing through the country.”

“Then you have been most fortunate to have gotten
this far in safety with your fortune.” |

“Having done so, I do not care to lose all.”

“It would be best for you to return and await until
you can get an escort. ’

“At least until another run, for just now, as I said,
the mounted sports are more active than usual.”

“T cannot return, sir.

Cl mist coon?)

“Then I will do as you wish, and take the money
and valuables to the fort, turning them over to the
paymaster, awaiting your. order.”

“Thank you, oh, thank you, sir!”

“But let me tell you that there is risk in my doing
so, as I may also be held up.” f

“T shall take all chances, sir, holding you blameless
if you are robbed.

“But I*have such confidence in the power of Buf-
falo Bill to elude all traps set for him, I feel assured
that my riches will be safe.”

“Thank you for your good opinion,
“But may I ask your name?”

"it does not matter, as you never. heard it before.”

“But your order will have to come for this. money
and the jewels.”

The girl was silent for a moment, and then said, as
she drew a ring from her finger.

“Here, Mr. Buffalo Bill, wear this, and when the
order comes for the money and jewels, it will be ac-
companied by the counterpart of the ring I now give
VO UG

‘The scout took the ting, and, finding that it was
too small for his finger, replied:

“I will keep the ring, miss, and will give up the
treasure when I receive its counterpart.”

CHAPTER OoONT)
BUFFALO, BILL’ STRIKES if RicH.”

When the scout took the ring, he could not, of
course, see it in the darkness, and he made no effort
to do so, simply putting it away for safe keeping.

The lady passenger had turned to her traps in the

coach, and from them she took a package of what ap-
peared to be well-filled envelopes.
Then she drew out/a roll of buckskin neatly bound
up. ;
Placing these two packages in a small satchel, she
said:

“Here are my riches.

 

BILL STORIES.

“Can you make the satchel fast to your saddle in
some way, sir?’

“i will make it fast to myself, miss.

“I might be so hard pressed by a foe I’ would have
to desert my horse.

“See, I will swing the satchel to my belt.” .

“And will you take the packages without knowing
their contents?”

“You have told me.
“But you have not seen them.”

$orTs +9

There is no need to do so.

a9

: 1) ee i)
“Suppose I were deceiving you?
Cha ys)

LLOW

AT py Sig pune tat v ”
“Not giving you to keep what I said there was?

 

but Pll trust you as to that, miss.’

You are very kind.

“I see no reason to doubt you.”

Sall Lowi tbe content without you seeing what
nackages contain.”

assure you there is no need to.’

ut I shall insist,

. Mr. Nebraska Ned, will you give me the benefit
of your lantern, for I wish you to see also.”

mpg
at
bed
~ Oo

U/

st

ieee

Jeewed

4

=e

=

joe:

he

be

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were
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cn

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b

oS

The driver brought the stage lantern, the young girl
opened the satchel, unfolded the package of envelopes
and revealed that each one contained new crisp bank
bills, some of large denomination.
hen she opened the buckskin roll, and a quantity
xe rere disclosed, with some rare old jewelry

  

gems glittered in the lantern light until Ne-

Ska Ned said: :

“Why, they just dazzles my eyes.

“You can see, sir, that I told you the truth.”

“T never doubted it for an instant, miss.”

Buffalo Bill tried hard, as Nebraska Ned also did,

to get a glance at the fair passenger’s face by the light
L

ce 7 eh de a alts
HA tantern)

9)

 

 

But, either intentionally or through accident, she
kept in the shadow, and they were not able to see her.
“Now, sir, I intrust my riches to your keeping, and
I no longer fear a hold-up by road agents, for I have
very little of value left, and only a small sum of money.

“T certainly thank you for your great kindness, sir.”

“And I certainly appreciate your great trust in me,
miss, a stranger.”

“You are not a stranger.”

“Indeed!”

"You are Buffalo Bill?’

There was a world of meaning in the manner in
which she uttered’ the words, and the scout raised his
hat and bowed low, making no reply.

“Now, sir, good-night; for I can see that you are
anxious to go on your way,” and she extended a small,
gloved hand.

“Iam anxious to go on, as I have an important work
on hand.

   

 

    
 
 
   
  
  
 
   
      
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
  
   
     
    
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
  
   
    
   
  
 
  
 
    
  
  
  
   
    
  
  
  

Cos
 

   

  

THI

“Good-night, and good fortune atte
“(Good-night, Nebraska Ned.’
‘Jest one ‘minute, Patd Bill:
“Welt:

“What yer has said scares me, and I intends
make yer banker for what I has got, too.”

“Then you carry a rich freight, eh ”

‘I carries two bags putty heavy with dust, that they
give me at Death-Trap Canyon, to put through; but
they'd rather have it go slow than not git there, and
so | turns it over to you, Pard Bull, to keep until it’s
sate. fo Garry 1

“Vil hide it away, somewhere.

“You can pick it up on another run, Ned.’

“That's what I wants,’ was the answer.

The bags were hanced out. from their hiding places,
and tying ‘them together Buffalo Bill hung them across
his saddle.

Then he again said good-night; expressed a wish
that the coach would go through all right, and rode
away.

The coach rolled on, and looking
Bill muttered:

“Now, that was the
carry over tris. trail,

“And I’ve got the whole outfit.

“Tt would have been a great game for my counter-
part, Shadow Bill. to ee played Buffalo Bili and got-
ten possession of the i — lot.

‘What a bonanza he would
is in order now for some

bat
tS

nd you, miss.

ter

r

{

back at it, Buffalo

chest load 1 ever saw a coach

 

ent ae knows

ice to hide this gold dust,
some to cart y.
read, fer there 1s

then we nave got

eh a tat
iN GW I KNOW ine
and Tal put it t
“Come, old horse, \v
Ais SURAT ence she geass Aa
another Lae to hide this ¢
ad the Califor nia coach.

Vit sour Sta
VELY. Pic

 
 
 
   

CH APT Re SO
Cogan eh FG ek ON

4 pane NT CANS CARIN
A MVSTERY OF LONE SAMS) CARIN.

‘alo Bill did not ride very far,
Ned’s coach, before he turned

He seemed to know just what he was about, and to
' with the country, f

Tor even
hesitate as to what course

oe
s he did not:
pur ui Stes
A Ter riding a couple of hundred yards off the Over-
ail he halted, dismounted, hitched his horse, and
swinging the two stout gold bags over his shoulder
continued on his way afoot.

He had not gone very far before he came to a mas-

sive group of. rocks.

be os

 

ae

BUFFALO BILL STORIES.

 

25

They were scattered about and piled up in all kinds
of shapes.

Among them he disappeared, to reappear within a
few minutes and without the gold bags.

Then he rapidly retraced his way to his horse,
mounted and rode on his way once more.

Mile after mile he left behind him, Kote his
horse at a swift and steady pace, until at last he drew
“down to a walk and muttered:

“The California coach is more than two hours be-
hind Nebraska Ned, that is certain.”

But he continued on until he came to the last relay
station before the trail to Fort Faraway branched off
from the Overland.

The a was not asleep, for he had given
Nebraska Ned his relay team, and was awaiting the
coming of tae Hand Larry.

“Ho, Lone Sam, you are awake, I see,” called out
the scout as the stocktender came out of his cabin as
he heard hoofs.

“Oh, yes; I’m on deck; but it’s you, is it, Pard Buf
falo Bill?’ .

Mesa:

“I thought it was Leit-Hand Larry's coach, for he’s
behind to-night!

“Have you seen him?”

os “YES, he will not be along for an hour yet.”

Got into trouble?”

“Ves, he was held up and some of his passengers

© taken.’

eT at was bad.”

“Did you see Lieutenant Keyes pass fr”

“Long ago, pard.

TES) at “the fort by th

“And Nebraska Ned 2”

Ves.”

“Didn’t you meet him?”

“TI did, ten miles t back.
who was that pretty girl?’
passenger, but I di d not see whee
Id, pretty Or Gely

is time.’

You saw her then?”
“Pard Bill, do you know who she is?’
"do non”
_ Well, is stra
“Why so?”
“She came to this cabin on horseback.”
oe de
“So she did.
oie was night, and I was inside getting supper, as
Nebraska Ned generally has a bite with me, when I
beard horses dash up.
“T thought it was soon for Ned, and as Lieutenant
Keyes had shortly before passed, I went out to see if
he had come back.”

nge about her.”
 

 

 

    
  
 
 
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  
 
   
  

 

 

   
  
   
 
 
 

   

2S | THE BUFFALO BILL STORIES,

“Well?”

“Going out of the bright light into the darkness, I
couldn’t see well at first, but heard a man’s voice and
then hoofs going off.

“I was just going to call out to ask who it was
when suddenly there appea red before me a woman,”

MAR:

“There she was, right where the firelight from the
door fell upon her, and she had a small satchel in her
hand, a cloak thrown across her arm, and a revolver
in a holster at her belt.

“She was dressed in a dark riding habit, and had
on a slouch hat with a large black plume, and I tell
you she was a beauty.”

“Who was she?”

“T don’t know.”

“Where did she come from?”

“T don’t know.”

“Where is she?” °

“She went with Nebraska Ned in his coach east-
ward.”

“It was the lady I saw with him.”

OY es,

“And you know nothing about her?”

“Not a thing.’

“Strange.”

SG 1618.7"

“Did you not ask her any questions?”

“I thought she was the wife or daughter of some
officer at the fort, though I didn’t recognize her as any
one I’d’seen before, and I tell you, Pard Bill, with all
the pretty ladies at the fort there is not one to com-

pare with her in beauty.”

“Didn't you ask her who she was?”

“She asked me if. she was in time to head off Ne-
braska Ned’s coach from the fort, and I told her he
would soon be along, and asked her into the cabin.

“She said she preferred to remain outside, said I
must not mind her, but go on with my cooking, or J
would burn my supper, and I did so, while there she
sat until Ned came along.”

“And so went with him?”

ies”)

“Was he expecting her to meet him there?”

INO

“Strange,” and Buffalo Bill was certainly puzzled.

 

CHAPTER | XXII,
THE SCOUT IN A QUANDARY.

After a moment of thought and beyond doubt
&reatly puzzled by what Lone Sam had told him of
the mysterious lady passenger, Buffalo Bill asked:

“Did Nebraska Ned know nothing, about her ?”

“Not a word, as far as I could find out.”

“Did you not ask him?’

“That’s just it, I couldn’t.”

 

“He did not get his supper, then?”

“Oh, yes.

But the lady came and stood in the door while he
ate, and we had not a chance for a word.”

“It would seem as though she did not wish you
to talk together ?”

“So it looked.”

“Did Ned not make the run to the fort to-night ?”’

Yes.”

“I remember now that he told me he did. but you
know he does not always do so.”

‘No, not unless he finds the signal at the turn-off
Calling him in.”

 

vel. just where that lady came from I cannot
rIIECS 0h ] ES TUES a,

BUCS. UIeS i 3

what, Pard Bill?

‘She came from some of the ranches nearly a hun-
dred miles north of here.”

“She could come from nowhere else, for had she
been at the fort Ned would have picked her up there,”

“She is not from the fort, Sam.”

“Then she comes from one of the ranches.”

PL wat. ie i

“You say some one came with her.”

“Yes.

“Tl heard a man’s voice, but he rode off before T
saw him.”

“And left her here?”

 

“Yes.”
“And she knew about Nebraska Ned’s coach ?”
“Ves +>

“And she took out a well-filled purse and paid him
for her passage.”

“To what point?’

te Outht City?

“Then something must be known of her there.”’

“The boss will doubtless knew.”

“Yes,”

“But she is a mystery, Sam.

“But have you seen or heard of any road agents on
the trail?”

“Not one.”

“No one passing along on horseback ?”

“Not for days.”

“No extras going over the run?”

“None.”

“Nor any reported ?”

oN 77

It was evident that Lone Sam, the stocktender, had
not been told anything about the coming of the Cali-
fornia coach.

If it came, all he would have to do would be to
give the driver of it a team of fresh horses.
- But it was then time that the California coach
should be along; in fact, if not following further be-

hind the regular than reported, it was already over-
due.

  

 
 

 

Se SOLE CENTRE. NEE Sa Sei gonna enor Lone eat CaO

THE BUFFALO BILL STORIES.

But Buffalo Bill was willing to halt there for a short
rest, aS the extra coach must have fresh horses, espe-
cially as by the trail he would guide it there would
be no relay before reaching Outfit City.

It would be a long drive around, but the trail was
fairly good, there was no hurry, and time was nothing

if the California coach flanked the road agents in
n fety
SATeEy.

the scout wanted a fresh mount himself, and not
having had anything to eat since leaving Outfit City,
he decided to have supper at Lone Sam’s cabin and not
have to halt to cook his own meal on the road.

He was anxious to get the California coach as far
away from danger by dawn as he could.

lf the mounted sports found the coach did not come,
they would wait for some hours to give it time, and
then go to look it up.

‘Then they would see the trail where it had branched
off, and knowing the country as they did, they would

hat it would reach Outfit City, with the start it
had, before they could overtake it, while, to head it
off the way it had taken they would have to go right
through the headquarters camp and meet it.

With a few hours’ start then, by brisk driving, Buf-
falo Bill felt that he could lead the Californians sai
into OutSt City, and from there on it could be out
of danger of the mounted Sports.

eae

4

So he had lis supper, got a fresh horse, and a good
one, and then began to grow anxious as the coach did
not appear.

At last he decided to ride on ahd meet it.

He was anxious to find out what the matter was, and
so bidding Lone Sam good-night, but saying nothing
of the extra coach, he mounted his horse and rode
on his way.

In a few miles he came to where the trail turned off,
where he intended to guide the coach.

This was at a meeting place of two trails, and the
scout, on arriving there and looking over the ground,
decided that the California coach had not reached there
yet. ue
After scouting around carefully in all directions But-
falo Bill found a hiding place behind a pile of rocks
and sheltered by overhanging bushes and scrub trees,
where he and his horse could be entirely concealed
from any one passing either way on either" of the
trails.

“Here Til wait,’ said Buffalo Bill, “till the Cali-
fornia coach comesig sight, and ’then 2 scout: it
the rest of the way.”

He did not have to wait long, for within half an
hour he heard a clattering of horses hoofs on the trail,
and the lights of the coach shone through the darkness.

The driver pulled his horses back on their haunches
when Buffalo Bill appeared out of the darkness ‘and
was considerably relieved to find out who it was who
confronted him.

   
 

SESE EL SE ee SOR ee IN hh SD TSS EER A PNT

 

ea

To the astonishment of the scout the coach was
eupty, but the driver soon explained a portion at least,
of the mysterious adventures oi the night to the scout.

Mr. Insley, the Californian who had hired the spe-
cial coach, had taken sick at a point some distance back
on the roadand was so ill that he had been unable to
continue the journey.

His daughter, Lola Insley, who had been brought
up on a ranch and who was a daring rider and a sure
shot had volunteered to go ahead herself with the
money and jewels and carry them to Outfit City.

Her father had at first objected, but had finally con-
sented, trusting that her experience of ranch life and
daring would carry her through. - Besides he had been
afraid to keep a large sum of money with him in an
unprotected line in a frontier town.

in order to still further puzzle the outlaws she had
not gone on the coach which had been hired specially
by her father, but had gone ahead on the regular coach.

It was she whom Buffalo Bill had met on Nebraska
Ned's coach. She had left the California coach some
distance behind, mounted on horseback and boarded the
regular coach at the cabin of Lone Sam, as Lone Sam
had explained to Buffalo Bill himself. And it was
her jewels and money that Buffalo Bill had received
aud now had in his charge.

‘Vell,’ exclaimed Buffalo Bill after the whole story
became ciear to his mind, “that settles my work for
this night; all I have to do now is to get these jewels
to a piace of satety and then to get out an expedition
aiter these outlaws. ;

“The young lady is in safety by this time, and I
can answer for the money and jewels myself, so it
seems that Captain Coolhand has been foiled.”

Buffalo Bill did get after the outlaws a little later,
and cleaned out the band, rescuing the young men
whom they had captured.

When he got back to the fort, however, he heard
news that startled him. In next week’s issue a full
account of his further adventures with Captain Cool-
hand’s queer band—one of whom was a negro and
another a Chinaman—will be told.

ye

THE END.

Next week’s issue, No. 84, will contain “Buffalo |
Bill and the Scout Miner; or, The Mounted Sharps
of the Overland.”

How Buffalo Bill saved the Giant Miner, a strange
frontier character, from the horrors of an insane asy-
lum, will be told in this issue.

The outlaws, under Captain Coolhand, did finally
succeed in capturing that brave girl, Lola Insley, as
well as her father. ‘They got no monty, however, as

Buffalo Bill, as has been shown in the previous story,

took care of that. The great scout, single handed,
started after the mounted Sharps and finally wiped
out the band.

  
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

eg

No contest has ever excited so much enthusiasm as this,
The letters are simply pouring in,

We are proud of our boys,
The prizes are splendid.

Let every one write,

For full particulars, see page

 

My Long Dream.

(By Raymond Lynch, Pueblo, Col.)

I had read a book of Buffalo Bill—“Fighting the
Prairie Pirates”—and went to bed, when I dreamed I was
a scout and was following some Indians, when a score
of men galloped up behind me. ° They said to halt, but
I tried to make my horse go, but it wouldn’t. Then [ got
off and tried to run, and I could not do it. <A big fellow
come up and grabbed me and put me on the back of the
captain’s horse. He took me to an Indian camp, where
he gave me to an Indian chief. He told an Indian squaw
she could have me or he would burn me up.

She took me and gave me a buckskin shirt and pants.
She got tired of me after a while and told me she would
give me to the chief on the next day. But just then a
troop of soldiers tried to surprise the ‘Indians, but
couldn’t do it. The Indians broke camp and moved away
in the mountains. . The chief gave me a bow and arrow
for a present. I fitted an arrow in the bow and let it
loose. It went in a tree and killed an Indian. The In-
dians got after me and said in six days they would burn
me to death. They set me to work in a field with a hoe,
and I slung it away and sat down. The Indians got mad
at this and hit me with clubs. They teased me so much
that I hit one with a club. They then put me in a guard-
house with another boy. We got in a fight with our
fists and the Indians thought it so funny they took us
outside to fight. I gave the boy a black eye and I never
got hurt. They let me go hunting with them one day
and I shot a bear and wounded it. It came after me
and I couldn’t run, and only for an Indian I would have
been torn up. He shot it, and gave me the fur, I kept
the fur so if I got free I could sell it. They locked me
up again with the boy. He told me he was captured
while herding cattle. I told him how I had been captured,

nnd he said T was brave to try to run from the white ren-

 

egades ; that they would send a bullet through me. He
was a boy with a brown face that was tanned with sun-
shine. His clothes were like mine, and he said his father
was rich and his mother was good to him. About two
days after this the whites made another assault on the
Indians, which put them to flight. It was then that I was
set free. When I got home, my father and mother had
thought I was dead, and 1 was welcomed by a large
crowd. It was the longest dream I ever had,

 

An Aerial Voyage.
(By Harold A. Laven, Dayton, Ohio.)

Moored at her dock and ready for her aérial voyage
was a large silk balloon swaying and straining to be off.
An excited crowd had gathered to see the ascension, and
I was among them, eager and ready for anything and
everything. When all was ready, the aéronaut stepped
out, and, after addressing the crowd, invited me, much
to my surprise, to accompany him.’ For a moment only,
I hesitated ; then, with my heart in my mouth, stepped into
the basket. The order was given to cast off, and away
we shot, the earth dropping rapidly from us, and in less
than a moment everything was but a mere speck in the
distance.

We raced along at increasing speed until t]
seemed to haze passing beneath us. I now began to en-
joy the novelty of the ride. On and on we flew, passing
over an ever-changing landscape, until darkness fell and
shut out our view; but still we bored on into the darkness.

I tried to keep awake, but drowsiness at last got the
best of me and I sank into a deep sleep, from which I
awoke to find the sun shining and the air intensely cold,
On looking out of the wicker car | Saw a sight that
thrilled me. There was ice, mountains of it, piled up in
all its frigid grandeur. For some minutes I stood gaz-

1e earth

    
 
  
 
   
    
   

 

ot

   
  
~ ht

ing at this scene rapidly fading past beneath, when I
thought of home. My heart sank. I pictured myself
frozen to death on the bleak tops of those icy mountains,
or starved to death in that land, cold and dreary.

Vhile musing thus, | grasped a dangling rope, acci-
dentally pulling the air-valve open, and out rushed the
gas, letting the balloon descend. Upon seeing what I
had done, I gave up all hope and closed my eyes to wait,
as down, down, down, nearer and nearer we sank to de-
struction on the ice. My whole life came before me in
that brief time and the most awful thoughts filled my
brain when, crash!

I awoke to find myself on the floor and my mother
standing there laughing. She said she was about to call
me when I rolled out onto the floor and saved her the
trouble.

Adventure With Wild Animals.
(By Al. G. Basch, New York City.)

I have had many a curious dream, but one I shall never
forget. I dreamed I was walking along an unknown
country. When I reached the top of a little hill I saw the
dust rising and looking like a whirlwind. I could occa-
sionally see ‘dark objects moving in the mist, and, as I
was very curious, I advanced to the objects, and, to my
surprise, I saw a large panther fighting with his natural-
born enemy, the grizzly bear. The ground was red with
the blood of the beast, and the keen nose of wolves
brought them to the battle. They soon surrounded the
combatants and myself.

I did not know what to do, but luckily for me I had my
pistol with me—for I had had it fixed during the day. I
emptied its contents and brought down five of the wolves,
for I took steady aim. The greedy animals gathered
around their dead companions and began to devour them.
I now saw my chance, so | took out my pocketknife and
ran it into the back of the panther. Another vigorous
thrust and the panther was stone dead. Then the bear
saw what 1 had done for him, and he allowed me to mount
him and we were soon out of the reach of the wolves.
When I awoke I had a stick in my hand and was sitting
on my dog’s back.

een een

Hallucinations of a Tired Brain,
(By E. A. Field, Bath, Me.)

Once upon a time, before IT was as wise as | am now,
I was arrested for telling big stories. Of course, there
was truth in them, for who could make up such big lies
as those? It would take more than one head, and I am
not such a monstrosity as that. Well; I was locked up
for a month, but I told stories just the same and it helped
to pass the time away, while I could not be about any
other business. One day a lovely lady came in to see me,
and she wanted to change the light in the room, so she
stood up in the window and pulled different colored cur-
tains up and down for a while, and then she talked to
me so kindly. I will never forget her. After a while
a gentleman came in. I had heard about him and often
thought I would like to see him, but I did not care to see
him there. Well, the next morning, before I awoke. in

my narrow bed, which, by the way, was close by an open

   

   

THE BUFFALO BILL STORIES. 2D

window, I dreamed the heavens were the most beautiful
colors ever imagined, and they were opened for an angel
host to descend to earth. Their faces were shining radi-
antly and they reached out their hands to me and opened
their mouths to speak all together, and they told me my
troubles were at an end: for they would ever be near to
guard and defend me. And so I rejoiced, and started
toward them with open arms and quickened pulse, for
they were very beautiful; when suddenly they turned their
backs upon me and the heavens again received them, but
not as they came, for they came as lovely women and they
departed like men in clerical dress. Then the beautiful
colors faded and the heavens were black and threat-
ening, but the spirits of the angels remained with me, and -
although I was surrounded by evil creatures who thireat-
ened to murder me if I-did not do the awful deeds that
they were planning, those angel spirits were ever about
me to protect me from all harm. Well, to make a long
story of a wonderful dream short, we will pass on. The
lovely lady who called on me with the kind old gentleman
were friends to me and they were the’means of having ©
those large stories investigated, and they attracted so
much attention that the governor of the State wrote to
me about it (and I highly prize his autograph). Such a
matter is noticed and remembered by the angels, and it
turned about that those who would not allow me to tell my
stories, Wished they had left me to my liberty. This is
not the end of the dream, and if you are interested, send

word to the governor and I will endeavor to give you a

continuation of the affair.
Moral—Always listen with patience to other people’s
stories when they do not harm you.

A Terrible Fall.
(By James H. Huso, Grand Rapids, Mich.)

I ran out to the barn and jumped on the young mustang
my father got out on the plains a week before. 1 started
him out on the prairie, riding like the wind. I had my
Winchester .22 repeating rifle and two Colt revolvers.
I passed Bear creek and stopped to give hima drink. He
shied at something and I fell, hitting my head against a
tock, and was insensible. When I came to I could not
move, and felt something cold creeping over me, I saw it
was a stake, and a big one; it drew back to strike when
I suddenly came to, drew, and fired twice, but missed, I
felt him squeeze me and we rolled over and over on the
rocks. I knew there was a deep ravine near, and strug-
gled for life, for I knew it would kill me if I went over.
I could not help it. I gave a ery of help and over we
went; down, down, when, all at once, we struck, but it
did not kill me, for this is only a dream and 1 had fallen
on the floor.

“A Double Dream.”
(By D. S. Burkholder, New Philadelphia, Ohio.)

About the first part of January I dreamed that in the
cellar of our residence there was a large stone water-
trough with an opening in one end that ran under the
ground, and heard several people say that some years be-
fore a man had buried himself therein, and would rise on

the 15th day of March,
 
  

 

 

  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  

 

 

   
  
  
  
  
   
  
   
  
 
   
  
   
   
   
   
  
  
   
  
   
  
   
 
   
   
  
  
 
 
 
  
  
   
  
   
  
   
  
  
  
   
 
    
   
  

 

 

 

30

I thought nothing more of the dream until some time
later. While working at another place, I dreamed that I
was at home, and, in company with my sister and another
lady, was standing near the outside entrance of the cellar,
when suddenly the latch on the doon began to rattle. My
sister told me to go and see who was in the cellar. So,
striking a match, as the cellar was dark, I was about
to descend when I noticed a man had already come out
and was standing on the porch nearby; he was dressed
in stone-gray clothing, and his face and hands were of the
same hue. By this time I thought myself in the cellar
hiding behind some barrels, but could plainly and dis-
tinctly hear the man say: ‘“The crops are so much
lighter than they were forty-nine years ago; the flowers
are so much lighter than they were forty-nine years ago,”
repeating this time and again. I then heard a splashing
in the water, and, looking in that direction, beheld a small
child playing therein, and, fearing the man might harm
it upon his return, | brought it to my place of hiding.
The man then returned, entered the hole in the trough
feet foremost, and disappeared.

Upon awakening in the morning, I went to the calendar
to look up the dates, and behold—it was the 15th day of
March. Many of my friends to whom I related my
strange dream thought it a prediction. of some kind
byt nothing has come of it as yet.

9

My Dangerous Trip.
(By Hymen Jacobs, Chicago, III.)

As I always do the banking and collecting of money for
my brother, the night after I carried a large sum of money
I dreamt a curious dream. Here is the dream: While
going home one night with a large sum of money I
saw a man following me. Something in his face and
movements made me suspicious, for I clutched the money
in my pocket and resolved to die before he would get it.
I was almost running and was near. home when he
clutched me by the collar, threw me on the ground and
began searching. I screamed, and awoke, and was very
glad to know that it was only a dream.

 

“A Blow for Independence.”
(By Harry Curlette, New York City.) .
It was in the latter part of the month of June, 1776.
I left the house in which I lived and proceeded to walk
leisurely along, when I came to Faneuil Hall, while up the
street could be seen an automobile containing five people,
each having a hammer and a saw. Behind them could

‘be seen another automobile containing a pile of decora-

tions. They stopped in front of the hall.

I followed them stealthily, and curious to know what
they were doing, I went to the rear of the building and
opened the door and entered. After looking around, I
was startled to see a large serpent, fifty feet long and
having thirteen heads. The serpent crawled toward me
and I tried to open the door, but it refused to open.

I stood at bay, and drew my sword (it was a war relic),
and struck the serpent. The only harm I did was to
break my sword over its back. As I struck, the serpent
seemed to hiss: “Who are you that strikes a blow for in-
dependence? Don’t you know you are hitting the thirteen

THE BUFFALO BILL STORIES.

 

colonies of America?
traitor.”

-I listened to the hissing of the serpent, and fear over-
took me, for I did not wish to die yet; and, acting on the
impulse of the moment, I seizéd a battle-ax which was
hanging on the wall near the picture of Admiral Dewey,
and swung it around my head. The ax flew off the
handle and hit the electric arc light on the other side of
the room. I next hit the handle against the door and—I
found myself lying on the floor instead of if the bed.
The clock struck four, and I went to the little closet in the
corner of the room to see if the sword was really broken.
I found it whole, and it was a great relief to me. But I

You shall die the death Ob 8

was very glad to know it was only a dream, for the ter-

rible serpent frightened me.

 

My Nightmare.
(By Francis Little, Gallipolis, Ohio.)

I had just returned from the barn, after a hard day’s
work. I sat down to the table, and after eating a hearty
meal, satisfied my appetite by adding two large pieces of
mince pie to it. After reading the paper, I went to bed,
and dreamed the dream I am about to relate.

I was waiking in the woods with my new ‘Win-
chester’ on my shoulder. As I was about to enter a
thicket, [ heard a low growl, and, looking up, I saw a
large bear apparently watching me. I raised my rifle
and took aim at his head; but, as I was nervous, the bul-
let hit the bear in the jaw. The enraged beast made at
me, and as there was a deep ravine behind me and a high
cliff at my left side, and the bear in front, I had no way
of escape. The brute was making steadily at me, and,
raising my rifle, I began puncturing his hide with leaden
missiles.

To my astonishment, the bullets seemed not to take
effect. After discharging my gun, I drew imy knife, and
prepared to have a hand-to-hand fight with him. The
bear caught me in his jaws just as I plunged the knife up
to the handle in his breast. With a deep, savage growl,
he brought his forepaws together with a death-grip, and
hugged me until 1 could not get my breath. All this time
he had been standing erect, but now he began to heave
to and fro, and all at once he fell over on his side, and to-
gether we rolled down the cliff toward the deep ravine.
I was on top of the bear part of the time, and then, the
bear was on top of me. On we rolled until we got to the
brink of the precipice, and ever we went, down, down—
I could feel the air whistling past me.
and a dull thud, I alighted at the bottom, with the bear
on top of me; his weight seemed to surpass anything.
Just then I awoke, to find myself on the floor with my
nose bleeding freely and a large cut over my eve. ln
stead of the bear on top of me, ’twas the pillow which
I had pulled down in my strugeles.

I had a hard time at school next day, as all the boys
wanted to know who hit me in the nose. I am sure I
want no more such exciting nightmares.

 

 

 

7 Bie eUlyer. A ice Meustache er full Beard Irivh or Bide Whiskers,any
ae o Pa dolor, bevile Spirit Gun to stick thems ex.Box of Burat Cork te blacker
NG Si) up, Isa.Rubber Month, big toote, searct & apparatus fer performing

ae #8 $1 worth of Tricks & Nake-ups,sont pestpald for 2k eonta srataps ae
ah
seu" i the great vamizhing half-dellar wick.This big efer :

     
 
 

f into got year addram to sand xa7 larga ills. eat’g of
ox ploys.wigs,tiehs & eis. latest neveltles. Meation pepers

a san this in and I will alee put ina Hoary GOLD plata Sere
Ring FRET cena nize, Address Chas. Mavseali, Mfr, ,Logkyort, N.Y.

 

 

 

 

 

With sharp pains

  
 
  

 

      

 
   

 

 

 

 

 

 

OU all know what a success the last contest was. We propose to make this
PRIZE OFFER

 

even bigger. LOQK AT THIS SPLENDID

  

 

including an EASTMAN BROWNIE CAMERA and a complete outfit for taking,
developing and printing photographs

 

 

 

CET 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. a

BILL WEEKLY, Care of STREET & SMITH :
238 WILLIAM STREET, NEW YORK CITY aan

   

 

 

 

 

   

THE PRIZES WE OFFER THIS TIME
are about the FINEST EVER met in aeanider of this kind. The cameras

are beauties—simple in operation and\

 

 

 

 

 

COUPON hold cartridges with film-enough for six
ali st exposures without reloading, Acar
gs tridge and a complete outfit, together
Gly or Town, cssesnnesosessesde ee oer le ate | with a book of instructions as to how
Be re Cs ae to take aad develop photogr aphs go
Title of Story.. ea eT Ba with each camera.

 

 

 

 

  

 

 
 

 

 

 

 

 

   
 

 

  

  
  
 
 
  
  
 
   
     

QARGE SIZE.)

 

Containing the Only Stories Authorized by Hon. WILLIAM F. CODY (‘‘Buffalo Bill”), -

55—Buffalo Bil’s Bonanza; or, The Clan of the Silver Circle.

56—Bufifaio Bill's Mascot; or The Mystery of Death Valley.

57—Buftia'o Bill and the Surgeon Scout; or, The Brave Dumb Messenger.

58—Buifalo Bill's Mysterious Trail; or, Tracking a Hidden Foe.

59—Bufialo Bill and the Masked Hussar; or, Fighting the Prairie Pirates,

60—Buffalo Bill’s Blind; or, Running the Death Gauntlet.

$1—Buifalo Bill and the Masked Driver: or. The Fatal Run Through Death
| Canyon.

62—Buffalo Bill’s Still Hunt; 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 Bil?’s Run-Down; or, The Red-Hand Kenegade’s Death.

66—Bufialo Bill’s Red Traii; or, A Race for Ranson.

67—Buffalo 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 Bill's Spy Shadower; or, The Hermit of Grand Canyon,

70—Buftalo Bill's Secret Camp; or, Trailing the Cloven Hoofs.

71—Buffalo Bill's Sweepstake; or, Hunting the Paradise Gold Mine.

72—Buffaio Bill and the Black Heart Desperado; or, The Wipe-Out at Last

Chance.

73—Buffalo Bills Death Charm; or, The Lady in Velvet.

74—Buffalo Bill's Desperate Strategy; or, The Mystery of the Cliff,

75—Buffalo Bill and the Black Mask; or, The Rafile of Death.

7S—Bufilato Bill's Road Agent Round-Up; or, Panther Pete’s Kevenge.

77—Buffalo Bill and the Renegade Queen; or, Deadly Hand’s Strange Duel,

78—Buffalo Bills Buckskin Band: or, Forcing the Redskins to the Wall.

79—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—Buffalo Bill’s Texan Team; or, The Dog Detective.

82—Bulfalo bilil’s Water Trail; or, Foil ng the Mexican Bandit.

83—Buffalo Bills Nard Night’s Work; or, Castain Coolhind’s Kidnapping Plot,

Back numbers always on hand. If you cannot get them from your newsdealer, five cents a copy
will being them to you, by mail, postpaid,

STREET & SMITH, Publishers,

233 YVILLIAM ST... NEW YORK OIrry.

 

 

  

 

|

 

  

 

 

 

 
 
 

 

ae 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 mah into

 

a noble specimen of. his race.

 

 

 

 

 

 

§

Sei

By PROF. DONOVAN

 

 

 

The only authentic work on Boxing now on the market.

J : DIATIOND

Ne THE CONTENTS AND ILLUSTRATIONS WILL oe

HAND BOOK ae HAND BOOK
——— INTEREST THE MOST INDIFFERENT PERSON, —-
INO. .

enor

T is profusely illustrated with

 

 

 

fone cuts, showing

blows. The. originals
such noted pugilists

Fitzsimmons, James J.

2 D

 

A
Young Corbett, and all the heavy and lisht-weigcht
oO of cod)
fighters who have ever held the championship of

their class.
The book is printed on goo

Q

type and bound jin attractiv

PRICE 10 CENTS

ALL, NEWSDEALERS

 

 

If sent by mail, 3 cents additional for postage.

STREET & Sh | ee YOUNG CORBETT GETS IN A STRAIGHT.
N ao es : im LEFT ON McGOVERN’S STOMACH.