— A.WEEKLY PUBLICATION _
DEVOTED TO BORDER HISTORY

sssued Weekly. By Subscription $2.50 per year. Entered as Second Class Matter at New York Post Office by STREET & SMITH, 298 William St., NV. Ye

No. 119. Price, Five Cents.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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WITH UTTER AMAZEMENT BUFFALO BILL AND CALIFORNIA JOE GAZED UPON THE MAN WHO HAD SO OPPORTUNELY COME TO THEIR AS: ISTANCK
HE WAS A CHINESE, CLAD IN BUCKSKIN FROM TOP TO TOE.

 
 

 

 

 
 

 

    
 

A WEEKLY PUBLICATION ~ 8
DEVOTED TO BORDER HISTORY | |

a Issued Weekly. By Subscription $2.50 per year. Entered as Second Class Matter at the NV. Y. Post Office, by STREET & SMITH, 2798 William St., IV. Y.

 

 

 

    

 

 

 

Entered according to Act of Congress tn the year 1903, in the Office of the Librarzan ot Congress, Washington, D. C.

 

No. 119.

NEW YORK,. August 22, 1903.

Price Five Cents,

 

ian in

 
 

 

 

a a By the author of “BUFFALO BILL.”

 

CHAPIER 1

A DARING VOLUNTEER,

 

 

Vas A letter pinned secretly to the door of the great camp
' house was causing the utmost curiosity, as well as the
wildest excitement.
nT! Fifty men were gathered there, all heroes in buckskin.
fE) The Overland trail had stretched its devious, rugged,
nt perilous way across the continent from the Missouri River
| ‘to the Pacific, and the scene where this story opens was
a camp, or station where were assembled the men who
(Ott rode Pony Express, drove stage, and cared for the stock
he of the company which had made the venture of running a
line through unprotected territory. /

They were men who, literally, carried their lives in their
|e - hands, and risked death in many a shape in the discharge
ad of duty.

The letter which had drawn these men together before
a the door of the camp house was addressed to Luke Lang-
don, the man in charge of the Overland division which
\e ran westward from Laramie.

The information it contained was of the most startling
character. Luke Langdon’s brother, who had led certain

Pe

 

 

 

 

gold hunters into the almost unknown Big Horn Basin,
was in terrible peril and needed assistance. He had se-
cured gold; but his party, which originally numbered
thirty, was not reduced to three.

These three were weakened by disease and sickness,
and were in danger of starvation, and could not hold out
long unless help reached them.

The letter begged that provisions, clothing, blankets
and weapons should be sent, with stout bags to hold the
gold that had been collected. On the back of the letter
was a map of the route.

The pectitiar thing in the letter was that these men
wanted only one man to come to their assistance.

The dangers of the trail leading into the Big Horn
Basin were known to every man in the camp. Death at
the hands of hostile Indians, or of outlaws who would
covet the gold, awaited any man who should try to go in
there alone to carry out the wishes expressed in the
letter.

“No man dare to do it!”
“No man would be fool enough to try it
So said the men gathered about Luke Langdon, as

1?

 

  
  

   
   
 
  

 

  
    
 

   

2 THE BUFFALO

 

they read the strangely-delivered communication and
talked of the deadly trail.

“No; no one,” said Langdon, ‘unless

Hie was interrupted by a clatter of hoofs, as a rider
spurred up to the crowd; a rider who had heard the loud
statement that no man would dare to try it.

“iedare' to try in!

They turned as one man;
form of Buffalo Bill.

“The very man I was thinking of,” said Langdon; “I
was just about to speak your name. But do you know
vhat it is that you say you dare to do? I doubt it, for
you have been away from the camp.”

The great scout looked quietly over the crowd of men
who now pressed about him.

“T do not know exactly, but from a word or two I
heard as I came near I judged that human life is in peril
somewhere, and I am afways ready to take all necessary
risk to save human life.”

Then a cheer went up from the men, who, afraid to
volunteer for such a service themselves, were yet quick to
recognize the heroic qualities of this king of the border.

9)

 

and beheld the magnificent

CHAP CER Tr

ON A DEADLY MISSION.

Half a dozen militia commands had.met defeat and dis-

aster in their efforts to penetrate into the Big Horn
Ba asin. The Indians who claimed possession of it and
stood always ready to defend that claim, called it the Land
of the Evil Spirit. |

Buffalo Bill knew all. this full well, yet he began. his
preparations for his solitary trip into that stronghold of
death as calmly as if he were. preparing for some summer
picnic excursion.

He read the letter which had heen found pinned on the
door of the camp house, and examined ‘the map which
had accompanied it. _

The letter was written and the map drawn
don’s brother.

Why they had been delivered i in that mysterious manner
no one could tell.

The whole thing had a look ‘of treachery.

“T hesitate to have you attempt this thing, brave though
you are,” said Luke Langdon, as he talked the maiter
over with the scout. “This is not in the line of your
duty ; and even if it were I could not ask it of you,”

The king of scouts laughed in his: easy way.

“Don’t trouble about that, friend Langdon. You have
stood by me many a time, and your brother, who is now in
danger, has done the same. Besides, the peril- does not
seem to me to be so great as you and the men here think
it, Anyway, I shall undertake it without flinching.”

by Lang-

 

 

-can be no one else in the country,

food, will build them up in a

Bilt STORING,

Langdon referred to the map.
“To go to the point where my brother is, you will
have to branch off from the Overland, and after that
there is no trail for you to follow. I wish I could be the
one to go myself!”

“Your duty requires that you should stay right here.”

“But my brother !”

“You trust me in this matter?”

“Yes, and I thank you, Bill, for I know you can do
this work better than I could—better than any one else
could.”

“T will do my best at it,” was the earnest promise.

“While we have been talking, I have been planning it
all out,’ said Langdon, hopefully, “You will have to
take a coach to bring the men in.”

‘I had intended to do that; it is the only way.”

“Yes; and you will have the map my brother drew to
guide you, but there are mountains to go over, streams
to cross and rugged lands to go through, and so yO will
have to ey your way—make your own trail.” Qe

wT will doit, str i

“Your coach shall be the best one here; it shall go
loaded with provisions, arms and. all things you need,
while, in case of accidents, you are to: carry two extra
wheels, six horses and material and utensils for repairs
to the stage and harness, doing your own horse-shocing,
and, in fact, being your own guide, roadmaker, mechanic
and fighter,”

“Tl go in fine style, sir, es if [ don’t get back some-
body will get a good outfit.’ :

“I think the somebody will be the Indians, for there
save my brother and

his two companions.

the medicines I send, and the
few days, so you can start
back, and travel by easy stages each day.”

“How long do you think it will take me?”

“I place no limit as to the time, but should say that
you cannot possibly average over twenty miles a day, and
if you are back in three months I will consider that you

aave done well.”

Having tatked the matter over, Buffalo Bill and Luke.

“When you find them,

-Langdon went out to where the coache 2S of the Overland

were kept.

A coach was selected and put in the hands of the sta- |
tion blacksmith to go over it thoroughly, and an additional

large and small wheel were strapped ag sainst the back. in

the boot.

Extra irons for those that. might break, extra collars,
traces and other picces of harness were put into.a bag, and
blankets, provisions, saddles, bridles and weapons, with.

Plenty of ammunition, were all bundled up securely and
strapped on top, or in the: beat.

   
  
 

  

 
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 

 

  
   

 

 

 

 

 

  
 

  

 
 
 
 

 

 

 

 

   

Leather bags were also taken, in which to bring back
the gold, and the interior of the coach was fitted up as
the daring stage driver’s camp on wheels

Buffalo Bill selected four of the best horses at the sta-
tion for the wilderness drive, besides two of his trustiest
riding horses, trained to follow, and which could be used
to hitch in should one of the coach animals pe dis-
abled or lost.

“Now in my mind there is more to fear from lawless
men in the camps than from the redskins and the dan-
gers of the trail and Big Horn Basin,” said the scout.

““T must be on the watch for men who would like to
know my secret and get that gold for themselves, and there
are men in the camp, I very well understand, who are
likely to make a try for it, unless I have greatly misjudged
them.”

“T will look out for dangers of that kind here,” said
Langdon. ‘I know there are men here who would waylay

“and murder you for that-gold, and not only murder you

but my brother and those with him.”

“Yes, look out for them, that none of them follow
me; and I will watch out with all the oo and ears I
have both while I am going and coming.’

Yet, though he knew so well the peril, Buffalo Bill
was as light-hearted, apparently, when he set out from
that Overland camp as if he were wholly ignorant of the
dangers of the-way.

And if any man or men of the camp thought of follow-
ing him or of waylaying him on his return, such.thougths
defied detection, for every one crowded about the coach
o shake the scout by the hand and wish him a-safe trip
and success as he mounted to the box to drive off.

CHAPTER. III.
THE MYSTERIOUS CHINEE.

It was sunset when Buffalo Bill turned into a pretty
valley through which ran a stream of clearest water, the
ideal spot for a camp, for the grass grew luxuriantly there

- and wood was plentiful.

He had just stripped the harness from his tired horses,
and was about to stake them out, when like an apparition
a human form appeared before him, and with the stake
ropes in each hand he had no time to draw a revolver.

The first thought of Buffalo Bill, at beholding a form
rise like an apparition before him, was that he had been
fairly caught.

Recognizing the one he confronted, and, though not
knowing just what he might expect, he said in an off-
hand way:

“Ho, Yellow Jack, off your trail, aren’t you?”

“Yellow Jack know trail—he allee lightes,” was the
confident answer.

THE BUFFALO

 

len rte reer ee aaaa ea

 

    

BILL STORIES, | 3

The speaker was a. Chinese, tall, of athletic build,
dressed in the garb of his country, save ae he wore moc-
casins and a slouch hat.

If armed, the loose shirt he wore concealed his weapons.

His face was a bold one, yet sly withal, the innocent look
concealing the cunning that lurked beneath.

But it was an intelligent countenance, with more in it
than his people are wont to express,.and he was as calm
as a May moon, though found a long way from camp or
other human form save Buffalo Bill.

The latter knew the man as a Chinaman who bore the
names of the “Mysterious Heathen,” ‘‘Dr. Sly” and “Yel-
low Jack.”

Tle was a mystery in camp, having been rescued by
Buffalo Bill from a village of Indians who had long. oe

him prisoner.

The men in the camps wished to hang him as a rene- —

gade, saying that he was a willing captive of the Indians,

but Buffalo Bill had stood his friend and oe lis -

being strung up.

Soon after the Chinaman added mystery to his life by
killing a desperado who had attacked him.

The pluck and deadly aim he exhibited won him friends.

Looking about the camps in apparent idleness for some
time, he.one day surprised all by receiving a box by the
Overland, containing flatirons, soap and other articles
for a laundry. Then it was discovered that he had
been at work making tubs, tables and other things
to make himself comfortable and set up business in the
cabin of the desperado he had killed, and whose heir he
had claimed to’ be.

' No one disputed the claim, and the “Chinese laundry” of
Yellow Jack began to thrive. All the men along the line
gave him their washing to do and paid his exorbitant
prices.

But there was one ceception, for Buffalo Bill was not
his patron. :

He had sought to be, and had taken him his clothes to
wash, and they had been well done.

But when Buffalo Bill sought to pay him, Yellow Jack
refused his money; all entreaties were unavailing, and the
scout left, feeling that he could take him no more work
as he wished to pay for the saving of his life by squaring
a laundry bill.

After that there was a coldness between the pony rider
and Yellow Jack, the latter really showing an ugly feeling
toward his rescuer, which caused some of the latter’s
friends to warn him to keep an eye upon the Mysterious
Heathen. :

Another mystery about the Chinaman was his knowl-
edge of surgery and medicine, and with his laundry outfit
had come a case of surgical instruments and another of
medicines.

    
       
     
       
       
     
     
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
 
  
   
  
    
 
   
   
    
  
    
  
  
 
 
   
 
  
   
       
  

    
    
   
   
  

 
   
   
   
    
  
   
   
   
  
  
     
  
  
  
   
  
   
  
 
  
 
    
 
 

  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
 
   
    
   
  
  
      

ee OS

Nich

ip inh taeda atten arr eta na n

As he soon showed that he was skilled in surgery and
medicine, he was given the name of “Dr. Sly,” and it
was not long before the Heathen Chinee became quite an
important personage in camp, frequently going to see
wounded and sick patients a iong distance on each side of

his abiding place.
S

Yellow Jack was also a gambler, and a successful one,
and all knew that he was rapidly laying up gold through
his various callings.

But, strangest of all, when Buffalo Bill, the man who
had saved his life on two separate occasions, was taken
quite il] one day, Luke Langdon had not been able to
prevail upon Yellow Jack to go and see him, and so the
scout had teally begun to regard him as a foe indeed.

There vee rumors in camp that Yellow Jack had been
a “bad man,” that he had really gone among the Indians
and been a leader of them against the whites, that he
cheated at cards, was a Chinese magician, and would com-
mit any crime, and the result was that he had come to
be greatly feared. Some few had suggested that he be
hanged some night, and his cabin raided, but this would
not be listened to, for he was most useful to all as a laun-
dryman, and he was far more valuable as a doctor and
surgeon.

No, the Mysterious Heathen must be tolerated, as no
one could be found to supply his place.

Strong as a lion, quick as a cat, supposed to be armed,
though he never revealed a weapon, there were few of
those who did not like him, bold enough to face him in a
fight, and thus he went on in the even tenor of his way.

Such was the man whom Buffalo Bill found confront-
ing him.

Buffalo Bill regarded the Chinaman with a peculiar
look, one that seemed to penetrate his heart and brain.

Then he said in his dry way:

“You may be ‘allee lightee’ in camp, where half the men
are afraid of your shadow, believing you are allied to the
devil, but out here you are all wrong, and don’t you for-
get it.” |

“Me allee lightee here allee samee, and don’t Buffalo
Bill forgettee.

Buffalo Bill laughed in spite of the situation, and he
retorted : ;

“No, Yellow Jack, the man who takes you for a fool is
off his trail; but I want to know what you are doing here,
so far from camp?”

“Come tellee you somet’ing you wantee know.”

“Ah! What is it?”

“Buffalo Billee go after sick ’Melican man?”

yes.)

“Sick man havee gold?”

OO ik is Sard.”

“Go Big Hornee Basin?”

THE BUPEALO BILL STORIES.

 

Ves 7

“Buffalo Billee allee same alone?”
Erie j
“Brave—much brave, but no fightee five.”

“Ah! What do you mean?”

“Yellow Jack come from campee for don’t want Buf-
falo Billee to die.

“Come telle him five bad ’Melican manee going to
killee.”’

“You have come to tell me this?” °

The Chinee nodded.

“That five men are going to kill me?”

Again a nod.

“You came here on foot?”

“Allee samee.”

“To: warn me of danger?”

“Allee samee.”

“Who sent you?’

“Yellow Jackee.”’

“How did you know about these men?”

“Yellow Jackee hear talkee.”’

“Who are they?’

“Rip Rapee—Scar-Face Samee—Wild Tomee—Bony
Bob—and Scrapee,” and Yellow Jack rattled the names
off as though they were one.

“A hard lot, and all herders. Just the gang I would
have hit upon; but they were off herding cattle when I
legit,”

“Wild Tomee there; he know; tellee pard, Lankee Pete,
he going back to getee men and killee you at Indian
Spring, for you habee go that way.” u

CHAPTER TV:
THE CHINEE AND THE SPORT.

Ahern Buffalo Bill had driven away upon his fone long
and daring trail into the Big Horn Basin, Langdon, the
division agent, felt both regret and satisfaction.

He was sorry that Buffalo Bill, who had simply been
staying at the camp on an interval of one of his long
scouts, had. been the man. to take the risk. Still he felt
pleased that he had been able to answer his brother's
appeal and send rescue to him.

His confidence in Buffalo, Bill made him fi hopeful
that success would attend his desperate venture.

There was one man in camp whom Langdon particu-
larly kept his eye upon.

He was as much a mystery as was Yellow Jack, and
spent his time in the pony camps for a distance of five hun-
dred miles.

He called himself Dare Golden, but whether it was his
real name no one knew, and he seemed to like being called
“Trumps” and “Sport.”

 

 

 
 

 

 

 

Lianne aD Caamel oc atyre ete

  

Golden was a striking looking person, a combination of
gambler, plainsman, dandy and desperado.

He was tall and well formed, erect as a soldier, dressed
in gray sombrero, handsome top boots, black broadcloth
pants, velvet jacket and white silk shirt and scarf.

He wore diamonds, had long hair, a mustache that
curled up at the ends, and carried no weapons in sight, but
had been known to find them with startling suddenness
and use them with deadliest intent when it had so suited
him, for he was rather fond of his title as a “‘man-
killer.”

Plenty of money he always had, and he was a winner
in betting nine times out of ten.

From the first he had taken to Buffalo Bill, but the lat-
ter had received his advances coldly, and after a while they
were known to be foes. Such was the individual whom
Luke Langdon watched closely, after the departure of
Buffalo Bill, for somehow he feared him.

Buffalo Bill had not.been gone long from the camp
when Trumps entered the Chinaman’s laundry. He was
one of the Chinaman’s best customers.

“See here, Yellow Jack,” he said, after seeing that no
one ae was near to hear, “I want you to do something
for me,

“Alee lightee, Trumpee, lestia! answered, in his
beaming way.

Trumps lowered his voice.

“You know. every trail .in this country, for you've
roamed over it with the redskins. If you'll guide me and
some other men to a place where we can head off Buffalo
Bill on his return trip, after he has got that gold, Pll see
that you're paid big for it. You won't need to do any
more washee-washee so long as you live, old boy.”

The Chinaman's face was bland and smiling, but
there was a queer glitter in his eyes.

“Buffalo Billee hurtee vou?’ he asked, quietly.

“I want that gold; isn’t that enough?”

“You killee Buffalo Billee ?’

“That’s neither here nor there; will you guide me and
my party? That's all we want of you.”

The Chinaman shook his head in the negative.

Anger flamed in the face of the desperado.

‘Yellow Jack, you’re a fool; and as I’ve given my
scheme away to you, you fl do what I want, or down goes
your meat house!”

“He put back his hand to draw a revolver,

The Chinaman moved his foot quickly, pushing it

against some shelving.

a the Ce

Down by the side of the gambler came falling a lot
of odds and ends with a shelf; and startled; he turned to
see what the matter was.

When he looked again, in that instant his eyes were
off of him, the Chinaman had disappeared. |

He BOREAL

  

  

GILL STORIES. 5

With a savage oath, the gambler sprang toward the
curtain at the back of the shack to tear it down and re-
veal the heathen, but he halted quickly as behind him
came the words:

“Hands uppee! gun go offee quickee!’

Wheeling, he shrank back, with a cry of almost terror,
for there stood the Chinaman with a double-barrelcd shot-
gun to his shoulder.

The gun was cocked and the Chinaman’s
Pon the trigger.

“Don't shoot, Yellow Jack.”

“Yellow Jack no foolee, lovee money, wantee money.

“He allee light ¢
up Buffalo Billee.

“How much Trumpee pay?”

“Now you are talking sense, and-——

“Floldee hands uppee!” cried the Chinaman,
gambler started to lower his hands.

Up they went again with a muttered oath. ©

“How muchee money for Yellow Jack?’

che me get a big lot of boodle I'll give yee a thousand
dollars.

“How many men go?’

Veive..,

“Chinaman six; want equal share.”
“All right; I'll give it to you.”

“Swearee by ’Melican man Joss!”

esse

“Allee lightee. Yellow Jack fixee.

“Trumpee Yellow Jack pardee now.’*

“Yes,” and the gambler shook hands with the China-
man, but mentally determined that, when the gold was se-
cured, there would be mourning in Chinaland over a
dead heathen he could account for.

finger was

3?
as the

j
j

CHAP LER V.
AN UNKNOWN FRIEND.
When the Chinaman had departed, after delivering his
warning, Buffalo Bill thought over the matter carefully.
Yellow Jack had seemed honest in all that he said, and
Buffalo Bill knew that he was not three miles from the

camp of the foes at Indian Springs.

As night darkened he saddled one of his extra horses
and rode away from the camp, following the directions
which the Celestial had given him. If enemies were
trying to ambush him at Indian Springs he wanted to dis-
cover them, after which he could determine on his course
of action.

The course was marked, just as the Chinaman had in- .

dicated, and the approach to the springs was screened by
timber thickets and rocks... _
All he could do that night, however, was to locate the

euide Trumpee and his friends to holdee

 
 

      
   
  
  
 
    
   
   
 
   
   
  
  
 
  
 
 
   
  
  
 
    
 
   
  
  
   
   
  
 
   
   
   
  
    
  
  
  
      
     
   
   

   

6 THE BUFFALO

place, after which he returned to his camping spot, which
he changed, and remained in the seclusion of a gorge
until morning.

+ As. he approached the springs again early in the morn-
ing-he detected five men lying in wait. He saw, too, that
something had excited them—the approach, perhaps, of
some one for whom they were not’ looking.

Then a horseman advanced into the valley from the
pass

The sun was but a short distance above the horizon, but
its rays were falling in the valley, lighting it up with a
golden hue.

They fell upon the horseman, who had come to a halt,
and he was revealed distinctly.

He had halted to reconnoiter, for his gaze was upon
the surroundings of the springs, but all was quiet there.

He detected not the lurking foe, and, after'a moment’s
halt, rode slowly toward the springs. |

In the moment of hesitation at the mouth of the pass,
Buffalo Bill had been able to see him distinctly.

So had the five men in ambush.

They beheld a man.of about forty years of age, dressed
in buckskin, even to moccasins, and wearing a black slouch
hat with the broad brim looped up in front.

He wore a beard, had dark eyes, was over six feet in
height, and his black hair was long and wavy.

“Tt is California Joe!’ cried Buffalo Bill.

He was mounted upon a large-bodied, gaunt, but good

horse, and carried with him his entire outfit for camping,

hunting and subsistence.

He was well armed, a breech-loading rifle hanging from
his saddle horn, while another was carried slung at his
back, and in his belt were.a couple of revolvers and a long
bowie, while a third pistol was in a holster on his saddle.

A lariat, stake rope, bag of camp utensils, roll of blank-
ets and haversack of provisions gave his horse a good load
to €arry, but then California Joe walked a great deal when
on a long trail.

He was known along the Overland as a man of indom-
itable pluck, a mountain wanderer, and one who knew the
country as no one else did.

“He is going to camp, and those men will kill him, for
they want no witness of their being here, and will end him
to be ready for me—ah!” ©

As Buffalo Bill spoke a puff of smoke burst out from
behind a rock near the springs, and California Joe’s horse
dropped dead, pinioning his rider beneath him in his
fall, so sudden and wholly unexpected was his going
down.

At the same instant several other shots came from the -

thicket, and the five men sprang: from ambush and rushed
toward the fallen man.

BILE) STORIES.

But, just then, a ringing report came from the ridge,
and the leader of the five intended assassins dropped dead.

The others halted in utter amazement, and gazed wildly
about them in wonder and dread.

As they stood thus another shot was heard.

But it did not come from the ridge!

It came from the thicket on the summit of the cliff.

A second man dropped dead!

And this shot amazed Buffalo Bill as much as it did
those upon whom it had been fired.

Who had fired it?

That the three men did not wait to find out, for by two
unseen dead-shots had they been fired upon—one. on the
ridge, one from the cliff, and their intended victim was
freeing himself to also fight for his life.

In dismay they fled down toward the pass..

But as they bounded away a second: shot rang out from
the unknown marksman upon the cliff, and a third man
fell as he fled toward safety. eae?

The other two, increasing their speed at this third death
shot, ran like deer, to soon disappear in the growing
shadows of the pass, just as California Joe freed himself
from his slain horse, and arose, rifle in hand, to face his

\foes.

But they had disappeared, and he saw He tall Aue of
Buffalo Bill coming down the slope from the ridge.

“Ho, Buffalo Bill! God bless you, my boy! You
saved my scalp that time, you and your pard. Who is
Hee

“IT don’t know. The two shots came iene the cliff.
Ho! pard! show yourself,” shouted Buffalo Bill.

And California Joe also hailed, but no answer came;
no one was to be seen. a

The unknown guardian oi a life remained invisible !

CHAPTER Vil.
THE DEAD-SHOT GUARDIAN OF THE TRAIL,

Buffalo Bill had known California Joe before meeting
him as he then had under such peculiar circumstances.

He was aware that the strangest stories were going the ©

rounds of all the camps about the wilderness. tramp, of
whom no one knew much save that he was called Cali-
fornia Joe. sf

His life had been a most cheating and a ienerrous one;
he was a wild West wanderer, afraid of nothing, ing
alone, though not shunning company—a man who had
made a record as an Indian fighter, who was as cunning
and tenacious as a redskin, a perfect trailer, and knew the
country as no other white man did. ve

His remarkable escapes and wonderful deeds were the
talk of the camps; he was constantly on the go, trapping

 

 

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and hunting, he claimed, but it was generally believed that
he was gold seeking.

A dangerous man to arouse he certainly was, but he
never sought trouble, and if it was forced upon him, those
who were the instigators had cause to regret Hayne made
California Joe their foe.

Buffalo Bill always had admired him, and when Joe
had put in an appearance where the scout happened to be,

‘they had always been most friendly and as “chummy” as
real pards.

Now Buffalo Bill had come across his erratic friend

where he had expected to find no man who was not his -

foe, and the meeting had placed Joe under obligations to
him for. Saving his life.

. But ‘the other life saver who had ‘ ‘chipped in” so well

in the very nick of time—who was he?

That was what worried both men more and more as
they thought the matter over, and each one made a secret
vow to solve that mystery just as soon as possible.

The dead desperadoes were buried where \they fell.
After that California es faithful horse was also given
burial.

“Pm anxious to discover who it was fired those shot
from the cliff,” on the scout, after these things had been
done.

They. had been talking, as they worked at the burial
of the slain horse, of that mysterious friend whose assist:
ance had been so opportune. -

“Count on me in that, William,”
“ey ee keen to ascertain who ‘the man is that we owe
so much to”! vee
Then they set out oe

The trail was very rugged, as they approached the cliff,

but they continued on more slowly the rest of the distance,

Buffalo Bill looking most attentively all about him, for he
really had fears that the unknown had been killed by the

two men who had fled i in the very moment of their sup-

posed triumph.

“Thar's ther cliff whar. ther big pine’ is, Buf'ler,” ex-

plained. Joe, and’ in five. minutes. more they came to the

escarpment, from where the two shots had been fired.
Not the trace of a trail was there—nothing to show

that. any one had been in hiding among the scrub pines -

which fringed. the edge of the cliff or bluff.

But California Joe, who was searching the ground with
-.keen scrutiny, was positively -star tled bya shout from

- Buffalo Bill; -followed by the words:

 -“My-God! es
-“They-have got us foul, Joe! See them !”’
What. California Joe saw was enough to make -him

turn_pale, for, away from the springs, going at full speed,

was the,coach, a man on the top, while another followed,

THe BUPEALO

 

said California Joe.

 

  

BILL STORIES. : y

 

mounted upon Buffalo Bill’s horse and mee ak every
other horse in the outfit. : sgh ae

The pards were left alone and on foot in the Riidernece! Vs

Outwitted, circumvented, distanced: in the game of
strategy and defiance, the two wilderness: runners were,
for the moment, speechless with chagrin, and incensed at
their own want of precaution in leaving their camp un-
guarded.

A “‘tenderfoot” could not have done worse.

The two men who had escaped had doubled back to
where Buffalo Bill had left his horses and the coach, and
were now driving away with the whole outfit.

They had gathered up all the horses, tied them together
with lariats, harnessed up the two coach teams, and gath-
ered together the camp equipage; doing this while Buffalo
Bill and California Joe were burying the dead men and the
dead horse.

“We ought to have expected something of the kind,’
said the scout, in chagrin.

“But, Pard William, I thought ay were so scairt they
had run clean out of the country.”

“Yes, I thought they were pee ait frightened, my-
self; but you see they weren'’t.”’
“T sees that well enough now; the trouble is, I didn’t
see it before. Hindsight is aways Detiee than Foresoni:
as I’ve said, Pard William.”

Standing there upon the cliff, which gave them a good
view of the entire surrounding country, Buffalo Bill and
California Joe could do nothing, except blame’ themselves
for their carelessness and want of thought. They could

"not stop the coach, which was going at full speed down the
_ valley, driven by a man known as Wild Tom, while the

second man, called Rip Raps, followed with the horses.
However, as they looked, they saw something Las filled

them with amazement.

A puff of smoke shot out from a thicket by os side
of the trail.
Rip Raps threw his hands up above his head and fell

~ from. his saddle beneath the féet of the fast hurrying

horses, while out of the thicket sprang a form.

- With the speed of a deer it ran along; grasped the rein
of a big roan, from whose saddle Rip Raps had tumbled,
and in another moment had checked the whole drove ot

horses in their. flight.

Quickly they were made fast to a tree by the lead lariat,
and away bounded the man on the trail of the coach, the
slayer of Rip Raps still in the saddle. .

Another moment and the coach had disappeared ir in some
timber down the valléy; a minute after the pursuer, fol-

- lowing, also was lost to view.

The comrades on the cliff still Sond tooling at .each
other amazedly; they seemed to find no words for utter:
ance; when there came to their hearing from far down the

  
     

     
       
     
 
    
  
 
  
   
   
 
 
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
    
   
   
  
  
   
    
  
 
 
  
    
   
  
    

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all was still.

Tjoel:

“Bill!

“We are fools to stand here like frightened children,
while we are wanted yonder.”

“Right you are, Buf'ler.”

“Come!”

- With the word Buffalo Bill bounded away from the cliff.

California Joe was close at his heels,

Down the rugged slope they went at a tremendous pace.
The valley was soon reached; then the pass, and on they
ran at their best pace, rifles in their hands ready for snap-
shot or quick aim.

Neither spoke; they could waste no breath in their talk.

Their way led by the springs under the cliff, and
through the camp they had left little more than an hour
before.

The camp was cleaned of everything. The two rogues
had left nothing behind worth the stealing.

On, on the pards ran, tightening their belts and keep-
ing up the astonishing pace.

Recalling the shots from the cliff the evening before,
the two runners hoped that their unknown friend was
again at work—that the unseen shadower of their trail,
whoever he was, was doing yet more service for them.

If it was that grim guardian, then they would soon
be face to face with him and thus solve the secret of his
identity.

At last their eyes fell upon a dark Bbiaee in the trail
far ahead.

They knew it was no stone, or stump, or mound.

They suspected it was the form of one of their foes, who
must have been tumbled from ‘his horse by that first
heard shot.

The led horses were still there in the thicket, where the
unknown friend had hitched them.

Coming to the object, Buffalo Bill discovered that it

_was the fellow known in the camps as Rip Raps.

He was dead.
There were gashes upon his face, made by the hoofs of
the frightened horses as they leaped over him.

The bullet of the unknown grim guardian of the trail as

he was had done the work of instant killing, though, for he

was dead when he fell from his saddle. _

This much Buffalo Bill and California Joe saw as they
passed by the ghastly form in the trail.

A few rods farther on, just out of the trail, were the
led horses.

They: were hitched to trees, but were without saddles
or bridles—a fact of small importance.

_ Bounding up to them, each of the pursuers secured an

fife BORE ALO

      
     
       
       
     
     

valley, one, two, three shots eo. in rapid succession. Then

BILL STORIES.

longer on foot, but well mounted.

Little wonder the faces of each lighted up with satis-
faction, and that California Joe gave a wild “Whoop-la!”’
and that. Buffalo Bill responded with the Pawnee warcry:
“Oomayah—Oomayah ! in :

No other word was spoken, Pe two. plainsmen, -

mounted upon bare-backed horses, and with ‘the lariats
serving as bridles, rode swiftly along in p past of the
stagecoach.

Finally they came in sight of the coach, ‘which had Been
halted.

No one was. s upon the box, no was any one to be seen
near it.

But they beheld a dark Occ in the trail.

It was the body of Wild Tom, the man who fe been
on the box of the stage.

When they came up to him they saw’ that he had boon
slain by a bullet in the forehead.

Just beyond him was the coach, with. the horses tied
securely in a fringe of cottonwoods.

“8

- But of the man who had done all a not a trace was 4 40,

be seen. b
“Who could he have been?” Buffalo Bill ies 4
was mystified.
California Joe confessedthat he was ounsode

 

“T war so oe I didn’t see all clear, but he did look to. “i

me like an Injun.”

era As

Buffalo Bill did not believe the man was an Futian

though all he had been able to see was a human form:

running with the speed of a deer.
“T give it up,” he said, after they had called and called,
and followed this by searching about a bit.

“I surrenders, too,” California Joe added. “He’s too -

much fer me. But what’s ter be did now?”

“We'll go back to the springs, ne out horses along,
and picking up the bodies to bury.”

“Bill, 1 is superstitious about tarnin’ back.”

“T am not, but I never fight a man’s PUDEIS ions Joe;
so what do you propose?”

“Leave the coach right here, while I go back, pick up
your friend Rip Raps and the other horses, and return
while you kin git Wild Tom and the two horses we left
on the banks yonder.”

“All right, Joe; I will be ready to push right «on when
you-get back,” assured Buffalo Bill.

California Joe mounted and rode away, while Buffalo
Bill went after the horse he had ridden, took him to where
the body of Wild Tom lay and threw it across the back of
the animal. That done he returned to the coach.

He brought in the animal Joe had ridden, and all thus
being ready for a new start, he immediately set about

animal, sprang upon his back, and were away in chase, no

 

 
  

    

 
 

a SEAT ERAT ain eS

 

  

looking for some trace of the unknown guardian of his
trail.

He was rewarded, for soon hé discovered facie near

the coach in a bit of soft ground. They were fresh made,
and beyond doubt were the impress of the unknown’s feet.

But Buffalo Bill was more than ever mystified at discern- -

ing that they were moccasined footprints.
_ Could it be an Indian who was the dead-shot guardian
»4of the trail?

 

CHAPTER . VIL.
ON THE TR ATL.

ee upther search for the mysterious marksman was made
“ during the day by Buffalo Bill and his friend, California
Joe.

-It was a mere waste of time.

The next day- Buffalo Bill, accompanied now by the old
borderman, set out again, heading toward the dangerous
basin of the Big Horn. :

California Joe’s superstitions had been neice i: the
strange things which had occurred, and he was glad to
get away from the vicinity of the springs. :

Cody was also willing to be moving. They had Guid
the bodies of Wild Tom and Rip Raps, to keep them from
the coyotes, considering that a duty to humanity, and there

“was now nothing to detain them.

California, Joe acted as guide, and the scout was glad
to have him along, for he was beginning to feel the ex-
ceeding difficulty and danger of this strange trip.

That night they camped in the upper end of a canyon,
which California Joe pointed out. Here there was a little
meadow for the horses, bounded by a ledge of rocks which
for med a natural fortification.

After supper, as the two men talked over ‘their situa-
tion, Buffalo Bill said, abruptly :

“Joe, I wish to ask you where you were going when I
met you?”

“Whar was I goin’, yer axes?
Big Horn.”

ihe Basin?
“Fist so, William.”

“You may have been there before: a

“T has, several times.”

“What tor?

/ Gare, pelts, oe see ther country, knock over a Injun
or two, and

“Prospect for gold.”

“Yes; just that, Pard William.”

“Find any?”

“Thar’s lots of it thar, and other metals, too.

Well, I answers—to ther

 

1 tell-yer,

Buf'ler, it’s ther richest country I ever seen, and some day
it’s a goin’ ter be ther garding spot o’ ther West, and
don’t you fergit it!”

 

THE BUFFALO

 

  

BILL STORIES.

“Did you ever hear of any miners going there?’

“You bet I has, and they is thar yet.”

“Gold hunting ?”

“With a harp, fer the reds has made angils of ’em.’

"AL killed?”

“Yes, and more, too.”

“What do you mean?”

“Thar has been soldiers sent up thar, and they never
gits into ther Basin, or, if they does, they never comes
out—not any.

“Tt’s only a short time ago a mighty’ fine officer, Lieut.
Fred Baily, and eight men went in search of some miners
as had gone in and not been heerd from, and I war sent to
see whar him and his men was, and I found ’em,”

Dede :

“All of ’em, and I’m going now inter ther Basin alowe
ter see ef 1 kin find out ther fate of them miners,” Cali-
fornia Joe explained, and added:

“Thar was thirty ofem, and my idee is ther last one of
“em has been wiped out.”

“Well, Joe, you and I are upon the same trail,” in-
formed Buffalo Bill, when he heard just what his com-
panion was going for into the Great Basin.

“No!” in much surprise. ¢

eitis 3 fact.”

“Now, I has been.a-wonderin’ ef the Buffalo Bill I has
heerd so much of, but know’d so leetle, hed gone crazy, —
when I seen him going toward ther Big Horn Basin with —
a full rigged hearse, and fer what?” w ie,

“To find Leonard Langdon, brother of | Capt. Luke
Langdon, division agent at Larimer of the Overland
Stage and Pony Company.” : os

“He were captain of the outfit, I have heerd. .

“Yes; the leader of the expedition.”

“And does yer think he is alive?”

“He was six weeks ago.”

“What’s yer proof of that?”

“He wrote to his brother, and asked him to send hima
oa ae
_ “So you is goin’ with a hearse ?”’

_ Buffalo Bill laughed, and answered: ‘
“I am going with the coach, Jos, to oe him and his
two comrades out of the Basin.”

“You means three of the party ain’t dead ?”’

ne were alive six weeks ago when the letter was
written.”

“Why didn’t Leonard come out with the man as brought
word ?”
“That is just it, Joe, and I want to talk to you about
thats?" ui

“Waal, I’m ready.” oe ‘

Then Buffalo Bill told California- Joe (fully concern-
ing the letter which had been found posted upon the doar

  
    

  
  

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

10 oe oT BUFFALO

of the camp house, and of the events which had followed,
so far as the old borderman was not acquainted with
them.

“Well, William, my bee yer has done well so far, an’
yer will git through, while | offers myself as yer comrade,
if yer has faith that I can help yer in this mighty resky
piece of business,” he a when the scout had told his
story.

“That is just what I was going to ask you, Joe, and I'll
share my profit with you,” said Cody.

“I ain’t arter pay, William, fer that don’t count whar I
kin sarve a pard like you.

“I kinder thought thet ther last one o’ them thirty
miners were dead; but ther letter proves thet three was
livin’ and humanity, demands thet we find ’em.

“And, as I opines about sich men they must be out o’
provisions and in a bad way, so we'll push along jest as
hasty as the hosses kin toddle.

“But, I say, William, I can’t onderstand jest who c’u’d
hev tuk thet letter to Cap’n Luke Langdon. Maybe he are
ther one as is guardin’ your trail now, Bufler! What
say ?”

“Ah! that may be so; it’s a good suggestion!” admitted

Bill.

“But I am more than glad, Joe, that you are to be with
me,’ he added, fervently:
“So is 1, Wilham, an’ I wouldn’t like it ter be other-
: > 3
wise.
66 i shee ae H yi : s
I were huntin’ ter. find out about them same miners,
and I guesses now we'll git ter ther end o’ this trail safe
2 f 1 2 1. Bi ; 3
an’ sound. Only, who as ther feller shadderin’ us, and
thet we don’t know? Is he leadin’ us on for some
deep game of his own, or is he a friend through thick
and thin!”

“T give it up,” was the reply of Buffalo Bill. “We'll
only know when we find out.”

“Jest that!’ soberly assented ‘Joe.

The two pards spread their blankets beneath a group
of scrub pine growing upon the edge, where they could

see any one approaching artd: thus ouard their camp.

But they did not expect: further Soa there,and the
night passed without any disturbance
The horses were well rested in the morning, and, after

breakfast, the two pards started again upon the danger-

ous unbroken trail.

‘The loose horses were tied, head and head, and were al-
lowed to follow the coach, while California Joe divided his
time between riding on in advance and picking’ the trail
or following to see that all was-right and safe in ‘the
Pear, 2: ;

Before leaving camp Joe had looked over Buffalo Bill’s:
map, and the directions furnished by Miner Leonard
Langdon, and decided that the course indicated was the
trail the miners had taken on their way into the Basin.

.“T know about where the spot is that this trail ends,
Butler, and 1f I remember, as I think I does, it’s in a.
big canyon, with cliffs all around, and it’s up thar on the

Clift these miners will be, watchin” fer yer.

“Yer see, he says ter make yer noon camp jist whar
ther trail ends, and ter remain right thar until one of ‘em
put in an appearance, which same they'll do, if you is
alone, in a couple o’ days.” .

 

BILL STORIES.

“Which will give them time to discover, from their
lookout, if I really am alone, unless I fool them.”

“As you kin, by leavin’ me and three extra horses back
a good distance on ther trail.”

“Yes; just that.”

“Well, we'll push ahead right: peert and see aie thar.

is ter tarn up at ther end of “ther trail.”

So it was that the comrades pushed ahead and so con-
tinued, steadily, ‘with no interruptions.

As California Joe would go on ahead from time to tirge
and pick a way for the coach, Buffalo Bill was:enabled to
drive at a better pace, and when noon came he had made
a fair morning’s journey of it, considering the nature of
the trail he had to drive over.

Here and there they saw traces of where the miners had
camped, in going to the Bie Horn Basin, for trees were
cut down and logs. half burned, showing that the coach

- was following the trail mapped out by Leonard Langdon.

CHAPTER VIII.
AN ARROW’S FLIGHT.

Buffalo Bill was driving his coach through a narrow ~

canyon. California Joe tad ridden to the front to look
out for danger, when he was startled by a whirring sound,

Then an Indian arrow came down 1 in the trail Gust be-
fore him.

It stuck quivering in the ground not thirty feet away,
and instead of riding toward it, California Joe spurred to

a place of safety under an overhanging cliff,

Buffalo Bill witnessed Joe’s act, and knew at once that
something was wrong, so drove quickly forward to his
comrade’s support.

But California Joe raised his hand to signal to him to
halt where he was, and he drew rein at once.

He then beheld Joe go forward boldly, no longer seek-
ing the shelter of the cliffs, and, dismounting from his
horse, saw him pick up the arrow. ©

That done, his comrade beckoned to him to come on.

Quickly Buffalo Bill did ‘so, and, holding up me arrow,
Joe said:

“Thi is scart me, Buf'ler, when I heerd it a’comin’, but
seein’ thet it jwere not intended to be dangersome, I jist
picked it up,’

“Yes, and it has a slip of paper wrapped close around it,
Joe. It is a signal, no doubt.” ;

“That’s jest what it is, pard; so see what it is, and
whose correspondin’ with us away out here.”

As he spoke California 1 handed over the arrow to

Buffalo Bill.

Buffalo Bill looked at the arrow and said, quietly :

‘Sioux,’

“Yes, jest that.”

“Now for ther paper.”

About the slender shaft was tightly rolled a piecé of ©

paper, fully six inches long, and tied thereon with human
hair at each end.

“Indian, from the hair, Joe.”

Nes, test whet 1b vey

“It was well tied on.”

“First class; knew his business

Unrolling the paper it Sees to be a piece of white
ees upon which was drawn the map of a trail!’

vs

  
     
     
  
  
  
  
   
   
 
  
  
   
   
  
   
    
   
    
  
  
   
  
  
    
   
  
   
   
  
    
 
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
     

   

 

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THE BUFFALO

“Ah! it is our trail!”

“Sure it is; but, pard, thar’s changes.”

“Yes, here is a change right here, marked ‘cut off six
miles.’

“Then they appear all along to the Basin, these cut
offs, saving from two to ten miles each—yes, over a hun-
dred miles in all, I see, from the trail we are following
and made by Leonard Langdon.”

“Who drawed it, Bill?”

“Our unknown guardian, Joe.”

“Sure it is; for who else could it be?” /

“The map begins here at this canyon, as you see, and
tracing our trail with these dotted cut offs it marks camps
for both noon and night.”

“So I sees, William !’

“This assigns us about. the distance per day we can
travel. It is drawn with real skill, while what is writ-
ten, as you see, has been printed with a pencil. The more
the mystery, Joe! So I ask again—who can be our
guardian ?”

“Dunno, fer a fact. Couldn’t guess fer a old hat’s
wu th.” ;

“Fe certainly is a friend.”

“Ves, but wish he’d show up all the same,” and the
old ranger seemed in a serious mood. ~

“Why?” asked Buffalo Bill.

“Well, it makes me feel shivery, this kind o’ work 1
can’t understand nor see.”

“We saw him.”

“Yes, got a graveyard glimpse of him.”

“You don’t think it is a ghost’s work do you, Joe?” and
Buffalo Bill dJaughed. ,

“Waal, ther is folks as believes in sperrits, and thet
same am I; but I ain’t heerd thet they git aroynd by
day, though nothin’ that happens in this wild country kin
surprise me, now.”

Buffalo Bill laughed, then read aloud from the paper
that had been wrapped around the arrow:

“Push on to camps marked.
“Those you seek to aid cannot last much longer.
“Your greatest danger will be upon your return.” |

“Well, Joe, what do you think of, that?”

“It’s plain talk, fer a dead sure fact, William !”

“Yes, and we must obey it.”

“Sart i. Surety’ .

“You believe in trusting our mysterious friend, then?”

“Yes, for he has proved a trusty pard, be he flesh or
sperrit.” :

“And he doubtless has his eye upon us now.”

. With instinctive caution California Joe started as though
to unmask trouble, but laughed with Buffalo Bill when he
realized what he was doing.

“Well, Joe, we will push on again, for it would be use-
less to attempt to find our guardian, as, not being birds,
we cannot scale those cliffs, and to go around and hunt
for his trail would be loss of precious time, even if we
found the man, which probably we would not do.”

Buffalo Bill*again studied the strange communication,

“Joe, my friend?” inquiringly. ¢

“Yes, Buf’ler; what is it?”

“The man who is now our guardian is the one who

BILL STORIES. It

put that map and letter upon Chief Langdon’s cabin
door.”

“You are about right thar, Buf‘ler; that same is my
opine.”

“But why did he not reveal himself to Langdon ?”

“Why don’t he reveal himself to us, Bill, now that
thar’s no need of any more secrecy ?”

“That is another mystery, Joe.”

 

CHAPTER AX.
SURROUNDED BY INDIANS.

Both Buffalo Bill and Joe were impressed by the com-
ing to them of the mysterious message from q more mys-
terious unknown source.

They went on their way with even more watchfulness
than before, in spite of the statement that their greatest
danger would be upon their return.

After consultation they decided that they would follow
the direction of the trail-trace which they had received in
such a strange manner.

They would try the first “cut-off;” if that proved all
right they would take the others in succession.

The first “cut-off did prove satisfactory, and compar-
ing it with the direct trail, they saw that it had saved
them the distance marked on the paper.

Their night camp was made where it was indicated on
the map, and though he had been over the trail several
times, California Joe frankly confessed that he did not
know that the distance could be thus shortened, and had
never been to the camping ground where they then were.

It had been a question, as they progressed, where
they would find water for their night camps, but the paper
trail-trace had lines and signs to show just where there
were streams and springs, one day’s travel being specially
marked:

« “Fill casks and canteens at this camp—no water until
next night’s camp. Take wood also.”

“Well, he downs me in knowin’ this country and no

mistake,” was California Joe’s comment as they found
’ the trail panning out just as the new map said, and Buf-

falo Bill began to see how his horses and himself would

have suffered had he stuck to the trail which the miners ~

evidently had taken on their way into the Basin.

Thus a week passed away upon the rugged stretch, and
many a long mile had been put between the two un-
daunted men: and the station on the Overland.

So far they had not seen an Indian, yet they traveled
by day and watched by night as if they well knew that
they were liable to be set upon any time by the redskins.

Their grim guardian they had not heard from since the
arrow message in the narrow canyon; had he turned back
there, or was he still shadowing them?

These questions Buffalo Bill and California Joe asked
each, other at each camping place.

The wear and tear of the long trail upon the horses
began to tell, pushed as they now were, for the daily travel
cut out for them by the new map showed forced marches
to reach the miners in time.

The animals took turns in being hitched to the coach,
and Buffalo Bill was glad that the capture of the five
horses of the party under Wild Tom had been made, as it

   

 

        
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12 THE BUFFALO

would have been more than those he had originally started
with could stand. |

‘Thar’s a pretty valley, Bill, but as it’s on one of ther
cut-offs I never seen it. afore,” said California Joe one
day, as they passed over a ridge into a beautiful valley
shut in on all sides by mountains.

“It is, indeed, a beautiful valley, Joe, and what a place
for settlers, did they dare come here!” and lost in admira-
tion at the loveliness of the scene, Buffalo Bill’s eyes
closely scanned the landscape far and near; but suddenly
he drew rein, with a cry to California Joe, and the warning
words:

“See! we are completely surrounded by Indians!’

One sweeping glance was sufficient to show California
Joe mounted redskins ahead, behind and on all sides, rid-
ing out of the timber to surround them.

“Buffalo Bill, we is scalped! But some Injuns dies
afore I say quits,” was the significant rejoinder of Cali-
fornia Joe.

There seemed. not an atom of hope for the two men,
Buffalo Bill and California Joe.

It looked like a fight to the bitter end and sure death
to follow.

The valley was a beautiful one, too serene in its love-
liness to be marred by bitter strife.

Buffalo Bill had drawn rein the moment he had seen
the danger.

_ At first it appeared as though his eyes were deceiving
him, for could it be possible that he beheld a hundred
mounted warriors riding in line slowly out of the timber
three-quarters of a mile ahead?

His eyes swept to the right, and half a mile away. he
beheld another band of redskins.

To the left a third party of red horsemen came into
view.

To the rear there were yet more of them.

Nearly half a thousand of mounted foes were in sight,
ahead, to the right and left, and in their rear !.

From three-quarters to half a mile distant they were,
advancing, their ponies moving at a slow walk.

They evidently were sure of their prey.

No wonder California Joe had averred that they were
“already scalped!” .

And Buffalo Bill, though he realized how hopeless was
their position, would likewise make a stand until death
palsied his hands.

There would be wailing in the Indian village over
nany braves slain.

He and California Joe would make names that would
go down in legend in the Indian tribes, never to”be for-
gotten.

And the story of their fight for life against such odds

would be told, some day, by the Indians who were there,

and their comrades and friends would know just how they
died and call them heroes. a

Buffalo Bill glanced into the face of California Joe, to
read there the same thoughts, the same determination,
that were in his own. !

They were entering the fatal Big Horn Basin, fatal to
so many palefaces before them!

The place where Buffalo Bill had halted was a fortunte
one for them, for a considerable mass or group of bowlders
was just there, with stunted pines growing about them.

 

BILE: SIORIES.

Instantly he drove his team right into the center of

this natural fortress.

In that retreat they were fairly well concealed, as were

also the horses that California Joe followed in with.
All were made fast around the coach.

They would form a breastwork of horseflesh as they

were shot down.

There were plenty of rifles and small guns in the coach.
These were quickly taken out and made ready for use.
They were already loaded.

There were bowlders before and behind—all around, in
openings, however, through which the attack was sure to
come and the two friends were each to guard one.

Bags, rolls of blankets, cushions and all else available

were so arranged as to protect, them as well as possible.

They had no hope of any more than a temporary suc-
cess, at best. All that there seemed possible to the two
dauntless men was to strike a blow never to be forgotten
by their implacable foe—to make their own scalps at the
belt of some chief count for one hundred braves, who
never again would take the warpath.

“I see Crows, Cheyennes and Blackfeet, Joe; and there
is their great head chief, Wa-sha-kie, if I am not mistaken,
for I have seen him twice before.”

“You are right, Pard William; it’s Wa-sha-kie! Oh,
but this is going to be a fight, Buf'ler—jest a death
roster.”’

“Yes, a blind man could see that, Joe.’

“Is you ready to fight to the death, Pard William ?”

“I am; and you, Joe?” ,

“Jest the same. Shake on it!” os

The two true-as-steel comrades grasped hands.

It was the death pledge of two as brave souls as ever
wore human guise.

No quavering was in their flashing eyes.

No trembling of their high-strung nerves. Thus they
stood, silent, a full minute, as if in solemn commune with
their own death thoughts.

Buffalo Bill was the first to break the silence.

“See!” he said, scanning the slowly-moving line of the
red host. “See, Joe; they are breaking file and are be-
ginning to stretch out, to surround us in a great circle.”

“Yes, pard, that’s jest what they reckon doing. It’s
Injun tactics, every time,” answered the old man of the
hills, carefully scanning the redskins’ movement.

“Let them surround,” added the'scout. “It will help us
to select our targets— a red breast for each shot. - I shall
take Wa-sha-kie, for I found him badly hurt once; I
gave him my horse, fixed up his leg, filled his grub bag for
him and let him go, although he was then on the war-
path after my scalp, and might have taken it, had not his
pony slipped down a cliff with him and was killed, hurting
the chief badly, as I have said.”

“Well, he'll prize your scalp ther more fer it, Bill, and
mune, too, fer the same reason, as I onst helped him out of
a scrape when he come ter ther camps fer a powwow.

“Ther fellers was goin’ tet scalp him and send him
back, him and ther four chiefs, without their ha’r, but I
put in my chin-music and said as how they hed come thar
in trust fer a council o’ war, an’ so I’d kill ther man thet
laid hands on ’em, and I stood guard right thar and then
ontil they rode away, with thar scalps still on,

 

 

    

 

eg ign

rival proLLED

 

 

 
 

 

 

 

 

   
 

 

THE BUBRFALO

“But now we is in for it, Pard William, and our scalps
will look tip-top in .Wa- sha-kie’s tepee.”’

“Well, Joe, there will be some Indians who will not
see them there,” was the grim response.

The movements of the Indians were certainly impos-
ing, to say the least of them.

They had appeared like red specters coming out of the
timbet on four sides of the coach; they had moved with
their ponies in a very slow walk, tat as they moved nearer
they began gradually to stretch out their lines upon each
side until they finally met, in a great circle, which com-
pletely encompassed the position ‘taken by the two pards,
the line being fully a quarter of a mile from the bowlder
fort.

When this circle was completed, all came to a halt and
the horsemen stood not over ten feet apart.

Up and down the inequalities of the ground, across
meadow, over hills and through timber the line extended,
visible everywhere to Buffalo Bill and California Joe.

Right ahead in their trail down the valley was a group
of braves inside the circle.

In their midst was the head chief, Wa-sha-kie, whom
Buttalo Bill had recognized.

About him were others also wearing the eagle-feather
war-bonnets of chiefs.

It was a distinguished gathering.

They were in council, and in no hurry, so they were
sure of their prey.

They saw to them a strange sight—a stagecoach enter-

-ing the unknown land of the Big Horn Basin, at’least a

land unknown to the palefaces, save the few who had gone
there to meet their doom.

There seemed something uncanny in the daring deed
to the Indians, and this it was that prompted them to go
slow—to make the surround and ee decide what further
steps to take.

And while they halted Buffalo Bill and California Joe
watched and waited for the blow that was to come.

CHAPTER :X,
THE BLACK MEDICINE’ MAN.

The nearest. Indian was just about a quarter of a mile
away, and Buffalo’ Bill knew that his heavy long-range
rifles would readily kill at that distance.

All the weapons were ready, as we have noted, for
rapid firing.

“We will take the chief and his group of chiefs first,
Jog, and can get in a dozen or so long-range shots; then
we ll open with the other guns as fast as we can fir &, and
end up with our revolvers, and I think we can make a
good record,” was Buffalo Bill’s explanation and order to
his comrade.

“Tis sart’in of it; but see! suthin’ has gone wrong with
em!’

Something was the matter, ior a movement was appar-
ent along the whole circle.

Buffalo Bill, quickly scanning the encircling circle, said:
“There is trouble, Joe.” ‘
“Yas, a Injun riding along the line and blanketed.”

“Yes, he has his head arid all covered with a black
blanket, and you know what that means?”

 

 

BILL STORIES. 13

vit means a warnin’ from a medicine man thet they is

goin’ wrong.”

“Yes, Joe, and his coming is creating a sensation.

“See! He is mounted upon a black horse, and his black
blanket completely hides him-——head and form.”

“Yes, he’s got suthin’ ter say and you bet it’s in our
favor, W illiam. He would’nt interefere, at this stage o’
ther game ef it wasn't fer good cause.’

a hope. it is in our favor, for we certainly need friends
just now.’

The horseman upon whom the eyes of the two men were
riveted had ridden out from a growth of timber through
which the coach had come.

He was mounted upon a black pony, which, it could be
seen even at that distance, had a very long mane and
sweeping tail.

The rider sat with bowed body in the saddle, his head

and shoulders completely covered by a large black blanket.

This, as Buffalo Bill and California Toe, knew, was a
secret sign among the Indians to mean a warning to halt
on the trail they were pursuing.

And the Indians had so taken it, for all were at a stand-
still and every eye was upon the somber black form riding
in a slow walk toward the chief, Wa-sha-kie.

The two pards saw the group of chiefs open as he drew
near, leaving their great leader alone.

Up to him rode the blanketed horseman, halting just in
front of him.

Buffalo Bill had his fieldglass to his eye and said:

“Now we'll see the result of the warning, Joe.”
“Yes, pretty soon.’

They beheld the arms of the muffled form rise above
his head and move in a peculiar manner.

“He is asking by signals if the chief will hear his warn-
ig.

“What does the chief answer, Pard Buf'ler?”’

“He signifies that he will, for the muffled form has
thrown off his blanket, which means Good Medicine.”

“Then I hopes he preaches him inter lettin’ us alone.’

“So do I, and not turning us back, either.”

“What’s he doin’ now, pard?”

Buffalo Bill still held his glasses to his eyes and an-
swered:

“The chief is listening to what he has to say, and is evi-
dently impressed, for he shows no sign of anger or im-
patience.”’

“Ts ther medicine in warpaint, William ?”

“He is painted black only.”

To all appearances the Indians were quite as much in-

terested in the coming of the black medicine man as the |

white men could possibly be.

Every eye in the Indian band was upon that black horse
and its muffled rider.

They had not seen them until coming up in the rear of
the circle they had been quickly given space to ride
through.

All the redskins knew that a warning was to be given.

They could not recognize the one who meant to warn
them, but they were sure that it was one of their famous
medicine men.

No medicine man but'‘a great chief would thus dare to
appear before them with a warning, unless he was ready

    

i)

  
 
 

14 THE BUPPALO. BILL STORIES:

to take the consequences; failure would bring utter loss of
position, if not of life.

So they beheld him ride along their line with a sense
of awe,

All were silent, and all eyes followed him as he made his
way directly toward the great chief, Wa-sha-kie.

‘They beheld him raise his arms beneath the sable blanket
and wave them, as though urging the warriors back.

At last he drew near to Wa-sha-kie, who sat with his
chiefs about him now, they having come to know what the
sable visitor meant.

Wa-sha-kie’s eyes were upon the man in black, and
when he halted in front of the chief he said:

“Let the medicine chief uncover his head and speak.”

“The medicine chief will speak words of wisdom.

“He has come to warn the great chief, Wa-sha-kie, that
he is on the trail that will bring death to his braves.”’

With this the sable blanket was dropped back across the
horse and the one beneath it was revealed.

He was naked to the waist, and from there a skirt of
feathers hung nearly to his knees.

His face, body and legs were painted jet black, save in
front there was a red heart pierced with arrows.

Around his head his long black hair was bound in a
braid, and about his neck were necklaces of grizzly
bear claws, denoting his rank as a chief of high standing.

Bands of beaten gold were upon his wrists and ankles,
and his feet were bare, but the black paint covered all the
flesh visible.

“It is the Yellow Hand that speaks,” said Wa-sha-kie in
a tone half of assent, half inquiry.

“Yes, | am the Yellow Hand,” was the answer, in the
Indian tongue.

“He has come from among the palefaces.”

“He has come from among the palefaces to warn the
great chief, Wa-sha-kie, not to strike.”

“Does Wa-sha-kie fear the wheel tepee and the pale-
faces that guard it if there are many?’

“The great chief knows no fear, and there are but two
palefaces who guard the wheel tepee.”’

“But two?”

“The-Yellow Hand has spoken.”

“What have my braves to fear, then?”

“The Chief Washa-kie will lose a few. braves, but he
will then triumph and get two scalps, a few weapons, the
tepee on wheels and some horses.”

“Then why does the Yellow Hand warn me of danger ?”’

“The Yellow Hand had a dream.

“A warrior from the Happy Hunting Grounds came
down to him—and said that he must tell the Chief Wa-
sha-kie not to strike at the heart of his friends, even
though they were palefaces.”

“The Chief Wa-sha-kie has no paleface friends,”

“Has the chief forgotten that his pony fell with him’

one day when he was on the warpath and hurt him badly?

“Has he forgotten that the white Long-Hair, Pa-e-
hasko, found him and treated him as a brother, fed him,
dressed his wounds for him, gave him his horse and sent
him on his way?” :

“The Chief Wa-sha-kie remembers.”

“He found one paleface brother—the Pa-e-hasko, the
Buffalo Bill.”

“Yes, and has Wa-sha-kie forgotten how he and four

 

sage room ay

rcs pea ae crane er _ een sits ace anal Osc hada r
SE SY 2 REESE, SN Ce tia perpen ae pariatir

of his braves went to the fort to hold council and the bad
palefaces were going to choke them to death with ropes,
and would have done so had not the Lone White Hunter
saved him—and the chiefs with him, and guarded them to
safety ?”

“Wa-sha-kie remembers.”

“He has two white brothers.

“Those two white brothers of Wa-sha-kie are on the
wheel tepee.  -

“They are going to the big valley of the Wonderland to

find paleface braves who are there sick and alone and with-’

out food.
“They have brought the wheel tepee to take them away

‘and cure their sickness.

“They do not wish to fight Wa-sha-kie and his braves;
they mean no harm and are only going for their sick
friends.

“Will the great Chief Wa-sha-kie forget his two white
brothers now and kill them?

“The scout from the Happy Hunting Grounds came to
Yellow Hand in a dream and told him all, told him to
warn the great Chief Wa-sha-kie and his braves.”

“The Yellow Hand talks straight. Wa-sha-kie has two
white brothers—they are there in the wheel tepee.

“He will not harm them. Let my young men come.”

The head chief led the way and his braves all followed,
without protest or anger.

The mysterious Yellow Hand had triumphed.

The two pards kept their position and watched with
greatest interest the unexpected movements of the In-

_dians. The chief led the way, the again muffled form of

the medicine man riding by his side.

As the chief rode away first one brave from the right
would follow, then one from the left, falling in behind
each other, until they became a long line of horsemen,
nearly a mile in length, riding single file, at a slow walk.

Over the distant hill at the end of the valley passed
the chief, and the line winding behind him carried out
California Joe’s remark thoroughly :

“Ef thet ain’t a spotted snake then I never seén one,
and jist as treacherous and deadly.”

“Yes, Joe; it certainly looks like a huge moccasin,
crawling away to cover. But they are going our way,
you notice.”

“Yes, right up the valley, which is our trail, Buf’ler;
we can’t take any other now.”

“I don’t like that a little bit, Joe.’

“Nor 1, William; not a bit.’

The two comrades in peril continued to watch the In-

' dian column until. the last red horseman filed out of sight,

and as the last one disappeared Buffalo Bil! hastily
mounted Joe’s horse, which was already saddled, and
rode away, to spy upon the retreating column.

Joe immediately began preparations to follow with the
coach and led horses when he should get the signal from
his comrade. '

Buffalo Bill did not ride away upon the trait of the In-

7

dians, but kept well away from it.
He had seen a high point gt the end of the valley, which

- he could ascend, and from which to command a view of

the country beyond the valley—this point, or hilltop, being
over a mile from the spot of their enforced halt.
California Joe watched his pard as he rode away.at a

 

   

    
   
   
 
   
   
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
    
   
  
   
  
   
   
 
 
 
  
   
  
  
   
   
 

 

 

 

         
       
           
     
 

 
  
  
 

 

Sa

es

ae

bee BUFFALO

canter and clearly saw him reach the foot of the lookout,
dismount and ascend the steep on foot.

Cody had been right in his conjecture, the hill did com-
mand a grand view of the country beyond. __

It was at the end of the valley, and the Indians in their

retreat had passed along to the farther side over a ridge.

Reaching the hilltop, Buffalo Bill sought a clump of
bushes, and thus shielded from possible discovery he
pushed through until he could obtain a view of the country
and determine just where his foes were. :

He discovered, to his joy, that the long line had filed to
the right after leaving the valley, and were still crawling,
snakelike, on way of retreat or withdrawal.

Raising his glass to his eyes, he distinctly discerned the
head chief, the others, and the long line of following
braves, but failed to perceive the muffled form of the medi-
cine man.

The way the Tidians were heading was toward a large
village which Buffalo Bill had learned was in a range of
mountains which he saw far away in the distance.

Had the reds really been scared off. by the medicine
man and were they on their way to the village?

It certainly appeared so, and yet, that seemed unac-
countable that a great war-party should be so con-
trolled by a medicine. man.

Running his glass slowly back along the line, Buffalo
Bill suddenly discovered the blanketed horseman.

His face was turned toward the rear of the Indian
column, and his horse was at.a halt.

The Indians, still in single file, were passing slowly
past him, and as they did so he waved his arms to and
fro.

Again he was muffled in his black blanket, bia his
waving arms beneath it had a weird look.

The -braves gazed at him as they rode by, but it
seemed: that all passed in utter silence.

Av aes them closely, Buffalo Bill beheld the last
brave ride by the muffled horseman and disappear over a
farther ridge.

Then he saw the blanketed horseman ride slowly down

_ toward the center of the valley where the coach must pass,

for there lay the only possible trail for the big vehicle.

CHAPTER? Xl:
A LETTER FROM THE MEDICINE MAN.

Determining to first signal to California Joe to come
on, and then return to watch the man in black, as he.
now called him, Buffalo Bill went back out of the thicket

“until he came in view of the distant coach.

His glass showed that California Joe had the horses all
in lead behind the coach, and was then seated upon the
box, reins in hand, watching the spot from whence the
signal was to be given.

Taking his red silk handkerchief, Cody waved it three
times slowly around his head, for. that was the sign
agreed upon for California Joe to leave his position and

. follow the valley trail.

He had nearly two miles to drive to reach the spot
ee the red man in black must strike the trail in the
valley below.

To reach the.same spot Buffalo Bill would have little
over a mile to travel.

 

BILL STORIES. as

The signal was seen and answered, and California Joe
at once drove out of the stone fort retreat, which half an
hour before the two pards were sure would be the scene of
their. death, and once clear of the bowlder group, the
brave. wood pilot headed the horses down the valley.

Seeing this; Buffalo Bill returned through the thicket
to his former point of observation.

There was the Indian horseman, and he still was riding
toward the trail.

His black blanket, however, no longer enveloped his
form, but now hung across the back of his horse.

Watching him keenly, Buffalo Bill beheld him dis-
mount and stretch his lariat full length across the narrow

valley. This done, the man of mystery then remained

leaning against his saddle for seyeral minute:
which "he Walked to the center of the lariat, and petted
to be fastening something to it.

As he stepped away, the glass revealed a small white
spot.

VAG Indian who writes! That is certainly a letter, and
it is for me,” inferred the attentive watcher, and with
this he sprang through the thicket and gave a shout or
whoop which he knew the red man in black must hear.

The shout was heard, but the effect was startling.

With a leap, the man was in his saddle, and like the
wind, his black horse went flying away on the trail the
Indians had taken, while the surprised and provo ked Buf-
falo Bill muttered:

“Now what does that mean? Is he my guardian of the
trail? Why does he flee?’ Who and what is he?”

Returning to his horse, he mounted, rode around the
hill and at a gallop went down the valley to where the
lariat had been stretched.

There is was across the trail, and in its center, about
where the coach would be expected to pass on the un-
beaten trail, was a one of paper actually pinned on with
a pin.

That this was a surprise to the lone driver may well
be. surmised, but he quickly unfastened the paper from
the lariat, and opening it, to his yet greater surprise saw
that it contained a dozen lines of writing, in a bold hand,
and evidently was the work of an educated person.

There was no address, no signature to the message, and
what was written was as follows :

       

“The Indians will make no other attack, unless a few
young braves seek to do so.

“Hasten on, or you may be too late.

“Returning, watch the trail well ahead, guard your
camp at night, for your own people will prove your “fall,
tempted by the gold you will be expected to bring out of

. the Basin.”

This was all.

With this warning, showing great friendship, why had
the blanketed horseman fled at “sight of him?

Buffalo Bill was more mystified than ever.

What strange influence did he hold over the old chief,
Wa-sha-kie, to drive him from his prey, as he certainly
had done?

Thrusting the paper into his pocket, with a sigh of re-
lief at its contents, Buffalo Bill turned to ride back to
his comrade.

He found California Joe coming along at as brisk a

   

 

     

   
 

THE BUFFALO

pace as the rough way permitted and almost as he started
the coach came into view.

So Buffalo Bill waited for him, and as the old wilder-
ness ranger came up he called out:

“What's up, Bui’ler ?”

“tye got a letter,”

7A. letter? Well, Vikesw’art

“Right here on the trail.”

“T don’t see no post office, I

“You see that lariat?’

“Yas, I sees it, and it means suthin’ stretched across
ther trail. Is it a hold up fer us? Is that yer letter?”

“No, it held a real ink and paper letter for me.”

“Don’t say! Anything in that P, O. fer me?”

“Yes, as much for you as for me.”

“Read it, pard; give me the news.”

Buffalo Bill did so, and California Joe then said:

“The red man in black writ it, you thinks?”

“Yes; no one else,” Joe.’

“Waal, he talks dead-sure sense.
be hes

“An Indian who writes.”
~.““They is scarce as feathers ona horse.”

“Now and then you find one who has learned some-
thing from the whites.”

“Phat’s so, and if palefaces keep the’r eyes open they
kin learn suthin’ from Injuns.”
“Indeed they can, Joseph!
we had not learned much from the redskins.

who do you think he was?”

‘Not knowin’, can’t articulate, Bill.”

“T think I know.”

“Does yer ?”

ON Bee

“Jist shout.”

“We have been mysteriously guarded along our trail
by some one.”

“And it ain’t Providence.”

“It is the one who saved you at the pass, who has be-
fore warned us, who kept the Indians from scalping us
but an hour ago, and who is still shadowing us like a
flying oufpost and grim guard.”

“Ther Injun who writes us letters ?

“Yes—that same, Joe!”

“Bill, who in the name of wonder is he?”

eave) i up.

“Well, whoever he may be, I am his friend.”

“The same here, William. Stand by the feller that
stands by you. It’s a good motto, and I allus tries ter
live up to it.”

Whar did you git it?”
Pard Bill

But, William, who

We would not be here if
But, Joe,

Is he that same ?”

COA ER eh.
PERTIDS OF TEE NIG ay.

As it was utterly impossible to solve the mystery that
had been presented to them, the only thing to do, appar-
ently, was to proceed on their journey and trust to the
same good fortune which had stood by them this far.
They had a feeling of deep gratitude because of their
salvation from the threatening “Indians, and for that rea-
son they were almost light-hearted, as they prepared to
push ahead in the dangerous Big Horn Basin.

What peril might lie in wait for them there they could

BILL STORIES.

not know. But they were well armed, and Pee were
brave men. And, too, recent strange events gave them
a feeling that their grim guard, whoever he might be,
would turn up in the nick of time to warn them if peril
threatened.

So, with the coach and the horses, they advanced as
before, keeping a close lookout for enemies, red or white,

They saw nothing throughout the remainder of the
day to occasion them uneasiness; but in camp that night
they made the unpleasant discovery that foes were prowl-
ing about.

Buffalo Bill made the discovery during his watch in
the latter part of the night.

Knowing the Indian character as they did, both Bacto
Bill and Cal ifornia Joe felt assured that, where the masses
of the band under Wa-sha-kie would obey their chief, it
would be just like a few of the hotheads among the young
bucks to slip away from the main force and come back
upon their trail.

It was this band of hotheads,
pards had to fear.

When he saw that all was prepared about the camp,
save running the horses into a close corral, which could
be quickly done, Buffalo Bill started off on a scout, to
try and discover ‘where their foes were and in what force,
if ‘they, indeed, were around.

He proceeded with the greaest caution, reconnoitering
every foot ahead, before he, passed over it, and always
on the alert for the slightest sound or object.

A coyote skulking away in front of him caused him to
feel that the way was clear in that direction, but it was
just there he knew the Indians would be if anywhere.

So he continued on after the coyote to suddenly hear
a yelp.

Instantly he halted.

“That was a yelp of pain—ah!”

As he spoke the coyote came flying by him, whining
with pain as he ran!
“He ran against an Indian arrow. They are on that
ridge, and I alt flank, a decided Buffalo Bill, now on
his keenest scent.

This he did after a long while, coming up in the rear of
the ridge.

He was not long in discovering a lot of Indian ponies,
feeding in a little ‘valley ; and lying flat upon the ground
he crawled nearer and nearer to them.

That they would tell the story of number he ‘lon for
there would be a pony for each ‘brave, and he would thus
get at the exact number of redskins they would have to
ficht.

But the wary scout knew that the ponies had not been
left unguarded, and so. he must. go with extreme caution.

If the ponies were tethered there, their guards were
near, but their riders were over on the ridge, while sev-
eral of their scouts undoubtedly were then out reconnoiter-
ing his camp.

That the Indians would not attack by night Buffalo
Bill well knew, but at dawn they would be ready for a
rush.

Therefore, first he must find out their numbers.

Nearer and nearer he crept to the feeding ponies, and
at last reached them.

He crawled about among them, and began to count,

large or small, the two

 

 
  

  

   
    
   
    
 
    
   
   
  
  
 
  

   
 

    
 

 
   
  
 
  
 
 
 
    

 

i

  

 

THE BUFFALO

“Forty-one,” he muttered.
enough. Now back to camp.”

He glided along in the same cautious way until sud-
denly he saw a dark object right in his path lying upon
the ground.

He knew that it was one of the redskin guards.

He hoped that the buck was asleep and was most anx-
ious not to awaken him; but the guard was not asleep, for
the Indian called to him in a sleepy tone, and he an-
swered. “

His answer was to gain time, to lull suspicion until he
could get nearer.

The daring scout knew that-his life hung by a thread.

Mhat he did must be done with quickness and unfaltering
nerve.

Answering a muffled tone,

“Not so. bad: but. bad

in the Indian tongue, he

crew a few steps nearer and then as himself down

upon the half-awake redskin.

He had grasped the situation, saw how ee Indian was
lying. and ‘his steel-like grip was upon his throat ere ite
could utter a ery of alarm.

The redskin was a wiry, poweriul fellow, and Buffalo
Bill felt that the struggle would be a long and hard one,
the ponies would be alarmed, the other guards would run
to the scene and all would be lost.

There was but one thing to do, and he must do it at
once—must kill his foe.

Hardly had his hand grasped the dusky throat: when
his good right hand drove his knife deep into the heart
of the Indian.

Instantly the bronze arins relaxed; the dread work was
done.

Buffalo Bill lay a moment in silent meditation, his dead
foe by his side.

The Indian was lying upon his blanket,
slayer was glad to discover, for it told him that any
stains, any signs of the struggle would not be seen on the
soil; so he quickly decided upon his course. .

He did not wish his midnight scout known to the In-
dians, or that he had killed a young brave, for that would
show that the white man had struck the first blow, and
the reds would thus urge the excuse of having only
avenged their comrade’s death.

He decided to take the body with him back to camp.
Having discovered the force of the Indians, their position
and | killed one of their guard, he felt that he hed seen and
done quite enough.

So he wrapped the blanket close about the dead form,
and shouldering the body, he glided quietly away in the
deep darkness.

He might be discovered; that risk he had to take; bit
the fates . were with him, for no guard or red scout. was
encountered. :

It was not-until he had flanked the ridge and saw the
glimmer of his camp-fire that he drew a sigh of relief.

To approach the camp as he had left it, he knew
might be to happen upon an Indian scout. It was a heavy
and ghastly burden he carried, but he would stand the
strain and make a wide detour.

This he did, and at last reached camp.

Placing the body down near the camp-fire;~he de-
cided to corral the horses so as to be prepared for the
rush, when it carne.

   

which’ his.

 
 
 

a : Ba ON BRR) S * x 5 acai
Pa eg Ta a Ses sae) Ga ESAT RISTO AY AS a elmer ney et RRR mt a a Le me LS ethos anes eR

BILL STORIES, 17

California Joe heard him, but that did not disturb his
slumbers, well knowing that Buffalo Bill would call him if
he was wanted.

Making a circuit of the camp, when everything was in
readiness, he found all quiet.

The Indians evidently | lay beyond the ridge, waiting for
the dawn.

Having considered all things attentively, Buffalo Bill
decided to call up California Joe and tell him the situa-
tion.

30 [de was aroused, and said at once ;

“Well, let ’erm know we is onter ° em, -Bill,”

With this, just as the gray of dawn was replacing
the blackness of night, Buffalo Bill and California Joe
uttered their warcry of defiance together.

The redskins, they knew, were at that moment creeping
toward the camp, and the start they got at being dis-
covered amused old Joe, who muttered:

mihet seared em, Pard) William,
growth!’

But, though the reds were startled, they quickly de-
cided not to give up their prey. Discovered though they
were, they would rush upon the little camp.

But they decided also not to make the charge on foot.

Then an answering shout of defiance was heard, and
in chorus.

“Thar’s plenty of ’em,”’ muttered Joe.

“About forty, counting from their ponies.”

“We'll make ther number less ef they charge, and I
believes they intends ter.”

“Ves s Listen.

A loud, clear voice was heard, calling out in the Indian

outen a year’s

tongue, for the ponies to be brought up.

“The chief is calling for the ponies, Joe, so they will
eharge on horseback.”

“All right; jist as good.”

An answer came from over the ridge, and the ponies
were being moved forward, for the “muffled sound of
their hoofs the two pards distinctly heard.

Then there was heard one loud, ringing warcry, and
after it perfect silence!

Next came a second voice, in the Indian language. It
rane like a- trumpet, and the two comrades caught the
name of Wa-sha-kie, and distinctly heard the c@mmand
for the band to at once get to their village with all speed.

Strange the effect!

Like phantoms the braves glided away in the dark-
ness, while the increasing gray of dawn revealed them,
soon after, filing off over the ridge, their backs turned
upon the little camp.

“i bey has pone, Bubler”

“Yes, turned tail and vanished!”

“And no fight.?

“Not.a snot fred.

“Nor anybody hurt.”

“There, lies a redskin yonder, Joe.”

“I forgetted him. But, I say, Pard Cody, what does
you make of it?”

“They were called off.’

“Yes, but who called ’em.

bet chier.

“Wa-sha-kie ?”

“No; he went with the six hundred.”

39
 

 

‘THE BUFFALO

“Who, then, done the command?”

“I think is was the medicine man again.”

“Ah! the red man in black?”

“Just so, Joseph!”

“Whar is he then?—right near?”

“That we do not know.”

“W’u'd like to ask him to breakfast.”

“Yes, and while you get breakfast I’ll jump on a horse
and take a scout around, now it is getting light.”

“Thet’s ther right thing ter do, now, William.”

Buffalo Bill was soon mounted and rode off toward
the ridge.

He gained the height by a flank movement, and as he
reached the top had an extensive view of the country be-
yond,

There, in the distance, he saw the party of braves—not
stretched out in single file as was customary, but gathered
in a group and riding at a canter.

They were headed toward their village and that they
were excited at their discomfiture was evident.

Intent in looking at his retreating foes, whom he saw
numbered forty, as near as he could count, Buffalo Bill
did not at first discern a solitary horseman behind them
on the trail.

His horse was at a standstill, and the rider’s bark was
turned toward the watching man on the ridge, for he was,
apparently, studying the movements of the retreating
redskins.

Tie was near enough for Buffalo Bill to recognize the
mysterious medicine man, whose influence had saved him
the day before.

He was yet painted black, ia had his sable blanket
falling from his shoulders.

Upon his head he wore the eagle-feather war-bonnet of
a head chief, the tail of it falling upon the back of his
black pony.

Buffalo Bill at once decided upon his course. He
would make another attempt to speak with this rene-
gade personage who had so wonderfully befriended him
thus far upon his trail, be he redskin or white renegade.

The band of Indians were nearing a rise over which
they must soon disappear.

When they did so Cody decided to ride forward and
have a talk with the red man in black.

Watching the Indians, Cody saw the last one disappear
from view, and noted that they had glanced behind ere
doing so, to discover the black chief still observing them,
then he glided from his place of lookout, to where he had
left his horse, mounted and rode over the ridge.

The black chief still stood as Cody had last seen him,
gazing toward the spot where the young hot-headed
braves had disappeared.

Instinctively he must have felt the presence of Buffalo
Bill, as it was soft ground and there was. no sound of
hooffalls, for he turned quickly and looked behind him.

Instantly his horse bounded forward, as though the
spurs had been driven deep into its flanks, and the red
man in black sped after the vanished braves.

Buffalo Bill called ou: in the Indian tongue:

“Let my red brother wait to hear the words I have to
say to him !”

‘The address seemed to quicken his speed, and soon after

he, too, disappeared at the very spot where the band nau
passed from sight.

BILL STORIES.

Disappointed and -more mystified than ever, Buffalo
Bill unwillingly turned and rode back toward camp.

He could have brought the Indian’s pony down with a
shot—could have overtaken him, mounted as he. was on
a very swift horse; but he realized that the strange man,
whoever he was, did not wish to speak to him, and so
he determined not to urge his presence on him. ‘

Thus far he had proven a true friend, and Cody knew
that he might still need the secret and watchful guardian-
ship of the strange protector, for thefe were dangers

yet to confront Whee might demand all their skill, cour-
age ald endurance to master. '

CHAPTER AIT:

IN THE BIG HORN, BASIN.

California Joe listened with deepest interest to
Buffalo Bill had to report of what he had seen.

“He’s a strange critter, William!’

YY es, more than strange | he is a wonder.”

“Better not press him fer a interduction if he
want ter git better acquainted.”

“No, [ll let him make the advances in future.’

“Phet is, ef we ever see him ag’in.”

“T believe we will, for I do not think he has begun so
well as our guardian, to desert us from this time on.”

“Can't tell; we’ll have to chance it on that.’

Joe had everything ready for the start; so, mounting
the box, Buffalo Bill drove on, pursuing the trail or
course which the strange guide had directed.

The morning passed without incident, and a camp for
an hour was made at noon.

Then it was to be a long drive to the allotted night en-
campment, and Buffalo Bill kept his team at a steady
pace.

California Joe shot a fine deer, and some other game,
and so they were well provisioned with fresh meats.

The country began to change, as they progressed; the
scenery growing more and more grand.

There were lofty mountain ranges, woodland if abun-
dance, fertile valleys, and the grass and wild flowers grew
in luxuriance everywhere.

_ “What an ideal land for homes, Joe,” called out: Buf-
falo Bill, lost in admiration at the beautiful scenery.

“T hes thought thet before, when I come into this Big
Horn Basim “Butler, it’s Gone land and no mistake,
and it’s'God’s own private climate they has here, Pard
William,” the old explorer averred, in deep earnestness.”

The scene that burst upon them was a surprise to Buf-
falo Bil, accustomed as he was to beholding the wonders
of nature in the land of marvels—the heart of the Rockies.

He gave a glance about and then looked at Joe.

The Jatter knew just what was coming, for he had been
to that very spot before.

It was the Vallev of the Sulphur Springs.

Volumes of heavily impregnated waters flowed from
the spring, above which arose ea dense vapor of a green-
ish hue.

Upon rocks, earth, trees and all had settled and crystal -
lized the same greenish. hue, while the whole air was
charged with the pungent sulphurous odors.

At first it, was oppressive, then that feline passed

 

 
THE BUFFALO

away, and men and horses seemed eager to quench their
thirst in the waters.

Adown the valley ran the green-tinted streams,
pure as purest crystal.
~The animals cropped at the deeply emerald- tinted grass
which grew luxuriantly there, with evident relish ne the
taste or flavor of the nutritious food.

The almost jaded teams were soon unharnessed and
staked out, while the heavy coach was sandwiched be-
tween, rocks, so as to form a good fort if attacked.

A fire was built, blankets spread, and venison steaks,
broiled birds and other things furnished a good supper
for the hungered men.

- Game was seen in plenty, edo about, drawn to
the stream by dumb instinct of what was good for them.

Bear,-elk, antelope, mountain sheep and other game
in abundance were to be had for the crack of a rifle.

as

But neither Buffalo Bill nor his old comrade shot to.

wantonly slay. They killed only when they needed food.

So they ate their good supper and enjoyed it, after
which they sat down to their pipes as the darkness gath-
ered about them.

In the morning Buffalo Bill mounted the box of the
coach and drove on alone, leaving California Joe to follow
later.

Strategy and the exercise of caution and judgment
had to be used now to rescue those they had come to
succor, if indeed the men were still alive.

The letter to: Luke Langdon, left so mysteriously on
the door of the camp house of the Overland station, kad
said that only one man must come into the Basin of the
Big Horn to do this work of rescue.

Hence, if they observed that the scout was accompanied,
he might after all fail to accomplish his mission.

Thinking the thing all over, Buffalo Bill had come to
the conclusion that the reason they wanted but one man
to come was their fear of treachery if more came... The
cupidity of the rescuing party might be excited by the
sight of the golden treasure, and instead of rescuers the
men who came might change into murderers. With a
good many men on the wild border human life was a
light thing when it was balanced against gold dust.

As Buffalo Bill drew nearer and nearer to the end of
the long trail so beset with peril, he had to acknowledge
to a feeling of nervousness creeping over him—not the
feeling-er dread of personal danger, but the apprehension
that those he had come to save were dead—that he had
arrived too late.

And if death had erin them, ‘was not his’ mis-
sion, therefore, a fruitless one? for would not the hiding
place of their gold be a dead secret?

The scene where Buffalo Bill drew rein was a pretty
one.

It was jast the spot to appoint as a rendezvous for so
strange a meeting.

He had driven “through a canyon into a beautiful valley,
which was a couple of miles in length, and half a mile in
width.

- < Upon-each side were cliffs, the summits fringed with a
thicket of: pines and other trees.

In the center of the valley was a small ‘eke. deep and
clear, and about it were scattering trees.

The scene had been well drawn upon the map, and the
halting place was where five trees stood in a row close to

-dared to bury the dead brave, ee.

BILL SIlORIES. 19
the margin of the lake, and looking as though they had
been set out by thé hand of man.

The grass grew all about, and firewood could be ob-
tained by going over near the cliffs.

It was a charming camping ground, but a dangerous
one as well, for it was so open, and from the cliffs on
either side rifles could have so readily thrown a bullet that
it almost invited attack.

But it was just the spot for the coach, as ‘it a to be
well reconnoitered by the suspicious men. .

From the cliffs on either side every movement in the
little camp could be seen.

With a glass it would not take long for a person on the
watch to see if any one was concealed in the coach.

Buffalo Bill halted his teams, and, still seated upon. his
box, gazed fixedly at the surroundings.

He took in all with an experienced eye, then he dis-
mounted, unhitched his teams, placed his: harness whére
it could be quickly recovered, and staked out his horses.

His next move was to go over toward the cliffs, on
the right, and gather a large armful of wood, with which
he cooked his noonday meal, hoping the smoke would
also tell of his presence there, should the watchers not
have seen him enter the valley.

After dinner he smoked his pipe leisurely.

Still no one appeared. Not a sound was heard; noth-
ing was seen to indicate that an Indian was anywhéte
within fifty miles of the spot.

His next move was to open the coach door.

Then he rolled up the curtains, revealing that there was
no one within.

Upon the top, stretched between bales of blankets,

was the body of t&e dead Indian.

He would keep him there until night, and then his
burying place would be within the bosom of the lake.

Not a spot as he came along had he seen where he
should some of the
young bucks follow, they would have quickly unearthed
the hidden grave of their dead comrade. |

From either cliff.it could be plainly seen that no one was
then about the coach, save the. driver, unless they were
concealed in the luggage, but to prove that such was not
the case Buffalo Bill took everything out of the vehicle,
as though to repack it.

Slowly he did the work, and he left the things out on
the ground for some time.
sill no one appeared; no signal -was. made from either
cli

Night at last drew near. ‘The luggage was placed in
the coach, the horses watered and staked in fresh grazing
ground, the fire rebuilt and supper prepared.

Buffalo Bill ate his meal,.and when it was dark, he
glided away on the back trail.

He dared not go mounted for fear he was being watched
to do that very thing—to go back to a pard who was
waiting.

A few miles back on the trail he caught the glimpse
of a fire off to one side.

Proceeding on to it, he was hailed by California Joe.

“You were on the watch, joer

“You bet. Anything to tell, Pard William ?”

“T found the spot all right, went into CNP; but have
not seen a sign.’

“They won't show up jist yet. 1 opines that I had

 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

20 Lik BUEE ALO

better stay here until ter-morrer night and then come
fer yer camp.”

“Yes; it would be better.”

“T’ll ride thar arter dark, fer ef they don’t show up by
sunset, they hain’t goin’ ter.”

ney

“They'll be dead and jist can’t come in, yer see.”

“Then we must search for them at once.”

“For ther horses and ther gold, yes. Ther. bodies it
won’t be hard to find.” .

“Well, Pll go back to my camp, but it’s too open to
please me.”

“That’s what they wanted it fer—ter see you and not
be seen. Maybe they’ll show up to-morrow.”

“Well, we will wait that long; but remember our grim
guardian said we were to hurry on or we would be too
tate.”’

“Ves; but give ‘em until sunset ter-morrer would be
my way.” COs

Buffalo Bill left California Joe in his lone camp and re-
turned to the rendezvous.

All was as he had left it, and he quietly spread his
blankets under one of the trees and turned in for the
night.

The morning dawned, and nothing save the howling
of coyotes had disturbed the night’s repose.

But a couple of hours after he had turned in Buffalo
Bill awoke “‘by appointment with himself,’ as he ex-
pressed it.

He went to a blanket already prepared, and then climb-
ing to the top of the coach, took from it the body of the
dead Indian. a

It was already enveloped in a blanket, but laying it
upon the other, Buffalo Bill went from spot to spot, gath-
ing stones on the shore of the lake. These stones he
placed in a row on each side of the body. .

Then he folded the blanket over and carefully sewed
it, with a harness needle, from top to foot.

Throwing off his nether garments, he led up one of his
horses, and with a powerful effort raised the heavy bur-
den, of body and rocks, and placed it across the animal’s
back, ne | ?

Upon this he then sprang, and rode into the lake,

When the horse began to just lose his footing from. the
depth of the water, the body was toppled over and in-
stantly sank from sight in the depths of the lake.

“A strange burial that, even for an Indian; but I guess
he'll rest as well as though he were under the ground, with
a horse-tail for a headpiece,’ muttered the scout.

Riding back to the shore, Buffalo Bill put the horse
out again and returned to his blankets, his thoughts still
upon the dead redskin.

But he was too well accustomed to such scenes to long
be awake, and quickly was asleep, to rest undisturbed
until dawn, though the disappointed coyotes, losing their
anticipated feast, made night hideous with their howls of
discontent.

- The morning dawned bright and beautiful. The fall of
the year was not far distant, and all Nature was at its
best.

Cooking his breakfast, Buffalo Bill ate it leisurely,
still glancing about for some sign of life that would show
him that those he had risked so much to rescue still
lived.

BILL STORIES.

But no sign appeared. Slowly the day dragged away
until dinner time. rH

After the meal Buffalo Bill took his rifle and went off
in search of game.

It was not long before he brought down a mountain
sheep, young and tender, and then several grouse.

Returning to camp, he threw his fishing line into the
pellucid waters and quickly caught a mess of deep-water
trout for supper and breakfast.

‘T will have a feast for old Joe to-night,’ he muttered,

-as he began to prepare his game.

But Buffalo Bill was greatly worried at receiving no
sign from the miners.

Until the sun went down beyond the cliffs across the
lake Buffalo Bill kept watch, and a look of sadness stole
over his fine face as the darkness began to creep around
him and not a sound, or a sight, or a signal from the lost
miners.

. He threw some wood upon the fire, got all ready to
cook supper, and then slipped out of camp to go after
California Joe.

He found his old comrade waiting for him beyond the
entrance to the valley.

“Well, Buf-ler ?”

“Lym ater: vou,’ Joe.”

“No sign ot em?’

“Nothing whatever.”

“Dead, 1 guesses,’

“It looks that way, or else that they are too used up to :

leave their camp.”
‘May. be that.”
“T’ve got a good supper for us ready to be cooked at
“camp.” ,

“Good. I didn't eat none, preferrin’ ter wait.”

“Well, you follow me into camp. I'll take a couple
of your horses, and you come on with the others and stake
them out. "

“Keep out of the firelicht until I get. supper, when
we'll put out the blaze and eat, for the miners may ap-
pear even up to the last minute.”

“That’s so, and I goes by ,your say.”

'Half an hour later Buffalo Bill and California Joe sat.

in the semi-darkness enjoying a good supper.
They had their pipes afterward, and talked matters
over, and then went to their blankets. Ms
Buffalo Bill had more than filled his part of the con-
tract; he had waited the fullest time; no miners had ap-
peared, and upon the morrow the search for them would
begin. Ee mt

 

he

CHa, TER ALV.
A STRABGRH DISCOVERY.

Whether it was their late and hearty supper, or the
howling of the coyotes that drove sleep away, it is cer-
tain that the two pards were very restless during the
night.

They had laid down to rest, apart from each other, fully
a hundred feet, not wishing, should any miner come to
the camp, for him to see more than the one expected
person. a4

Up to the last they both hoped even against hope that
some one of the sought-for men would appear,

   

 

    
   
  
   
 
  
  
  
 

    
 
   

    

  
  
   
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
  

   
  
  
   
 

 

  
  
 

THE BURR AUO

During the:night the coyotes, sniffing about camp, had
uttered a startled yelp and scattered in fear.

Buffalo Bill sat up and was at once on the alert.

After a long wait, nothing to disturb him occurred

further, so he lay down again.

California Joe had also been aroused from his half-
awake condition by the scattering coyotes, but, supposing
that it was his pard who had frightened them, he tried
to sleep cce more.

At last the morning dawned, neither Buffalo Bill or
Joe having enjoyed their night of restless slumber.

When dawn was growing brighter, they arose from
their blankets. a»

“I guess it’s no use fer me ter hide longer, Pard Bill.”

“No, Joe. Come right out and we'll get-to work. You
yet breakfast and I'll see to the horses.”

“All right; but I'll jist dip up a bucket o’ water a leetle
spell away frum whar you buried ther red, in ther drink.

“It may be thet Injun down beneath them calm waters,
but I didn’t rest at all well last night.”

Sworn and 17

“Yas, I seen yer up, lookin’ around, but I were sleepy
jist then and didn’t call to yer.”

“Yes, I did sit up once, for the coyotes scampered off
one time, scared at something, I could not tell what.”

“IT seen ’em, and I seen you arterward when yer went
scoutin’ round the camp.”

“You saw me, Joe, scouting around last night?” asked
Buffalo Bill, quickly.

“Yes; in course.” :

“Joe, I did not leave my blankets after I laid down,
though I did sit up for a while when I heard the coyotes.” ’

“Pard Bll, does you walk in. your sleep?”

“Not to my knowledge, Joe.”

“IT tell. you J seen yer.”

“You.were dreaming.”’

“No, I wasn’t; nary a dream.

“Then I was.walking in my sleep.”

“Bull?

hives, [OO

“Maybe it wasn’t you.”

“Where did you see any one?”

“Right yonder by the fire.”

“Tell. me just what you saw, or dreamed, Joe.’

“T saw a form coming from:right whar you slept, and
it went over by the fire and stooped down; then I seen it
kinder fade away, for I were drowsy jist then.”

“You did not see me, Joe, for I did not leave my
blankets; to that I can swear.’

“Then it were the dead Injun prowlin’ ’round.”

“Not he, for he’s at the bottom of the lake, anchored
for keeps.”

“T mean his ghost.”

“TI don’t believe in ghosts, Joe.
at the fire ?”

“About thar.’

“Let-us go and look for a trail.”

It was now light enough ta begin to see objects fairly
well, and the two men walked quickly over to the fires,
a few live coals being still visible. :

“See there, Joe!’ and Cody pointed to something near
the fire—an arrow sticking in the ground!

More, it was stuck through the handle of the coffee
pot, so it would not miss being found.

But you say he halted

 

   

  

DiLL. STORIES.

2a

_ As Buffalo Bill had spoken to Joe, and pointed out the

arrow, he stepped quickly forward, and tearing the arrow

from the ground he took from around it a slip of paper.
Unfolding it he read:

LOO! tate }

“They are dead, those you came to. rescue.

“Follow the map and directions below and you will dis-
cover the proof of what I say.

“There is no need to hide California Joe’s presence
longer, so work together.”

“Why, Joe, he knows you!”

“He knows you and he knows me. He knows why yer
come, and now he tells yer thet we is too late. He says
ter go on and foller his map and git proof.”

“And we will proceed to business at once.” __

“You bet, pard; business it is now; but thet was him I
seen, and he are ther fu’st man ever come inter camp and
‘I not know it, and ther same with you.”

“Yes, he is a cunning one—a feather-foot who makes
no noise and leaves no trail,”

“True fer you, Bill, and I be with yer; but ther doin’s
o’ thet man makes me believe more and more in ghosts.”

Buffalo Bill laughed, and putting the map in his pocket,
he went off and changed the grazing ground of the horses,
after leading them to the lake to water.

Joe had built a fire and had breakfast on when his
pard came back.

Breakfast over, they harnessed up, got all ready, and,
mounting the box once more, Buffalo Bill drove away
trom the camp, Joe following with the led horses.

Guided by the directions and the map, he passed on
out of the valley into another one, heavily timbered, and _
after several miles came to a stream.

The map trail led across this, though it was rough
driving beyond, and it seemed that they were to be
brought to a halt up against a high cliff.

But a few rods on they beheld a narrow canyon open-
ing before them, and entering this, several hundred yards

from where it began, they came suddenly upon a little

cabin standing in the midst of a small pine thicket.

The cabin was small, built of pine logs; it certainly was
a most secure hiding place.

The door was closed with a wooden latch, and after
knocking and receiving no answer, Buffalo Bill entered.

“We are too late, Joe,” he said, pointing to three dead
bodies that lay in the little cabin.

For some moments did Buffalo Bill and California Joe
stand gazing upon the scene they had so suddenly come
upon.

There was the little cabin, fifteen by ten feet, built of
logs and chinked in by clay.

A fire place was in one end, also a rude table of hewn
logs, benches and a cupboard; in the other end were
half a dozen bunks, with bear robes and tattered
blankets.

In the cupboard was a most painfully scant supply of
provisions, while an elk, lately slain and dressed, hung up
in a tree outside.

Firewood was piled up outside, but, altogether, the
place was most forlorn.

On a rack were a number of rifles, shotguns and re-
volvers, doubtless the weapons of the dead band that

 

  
 

 

THE BUFFALO

22

had started with high hope of finding fortunes in the
Big Horn Basin.

The two rescuers, seeing that the men were dead, sur-
veyed the cabin and surroundings. They beheld in the

canyon the s¢attered bones of half a dozen horses, and.

the saddles and bridies hung up on the side of the cabin.

There were the bones, also, of game which the men
had slain, and a perfect troop of coyotes dashed out of
the canyon, all going one way, showing that there was
no exit farther up.

A few cooking utensils were there, and a well-worn
path to the spring and down the canyon.

Down the latter, a few rods, were fotir graves, where
rested the bodies of the party who had sought that lone
hiding place when their horses broke down and they
could go no farther.

Up against the cabin were picks, shovels and spades,
the tools of the men, and all well worn from use, while
within on the wall-pegs were saws and hatchets.

Having seen all that there was about the dreary spot,
Buffalo Bill and California Joe turned their eyes upon
the dead lying there within the cabin.

Two of them were in their bunks anid had been dead
twenty-four hours or more.

The third man lay upon the floor of the cabin. He

seemed to have arisen from a bench and then had fallen.
Had he been surprised and arisen to give battle?
was what both Bill and Joe decided.

The three men were wretchedly clothed. They wore
skin moccasins, ragged pants and shirts, while their hats |
were made of coyote skins.

That

Each wore a knife in his belt, but their revolvers were
useless for the want of ammunition, save the one weapon
held in the grip of the dead man lying upon the dirt floor.

That weapon was loaded, save two barrels, and an-
other revolver in his belt had every charge in it.

This seemed ‘strange; but strangest of all was the dis-
covery made by Buffalo Bill.

The two men in the bunks seemed to have died a
natural death, while the one prostrate on the floor had a
bullet wound in the center of his forehead!

The blood had thickened about it, but a stream had
stained the floor, and the man showed, to the experienced
eyes of Buffalo Bill and California Joe that he had not
been dead as long as the others by hours.

“Well, Joe, what do you make of it all?”

“Them two died natural and this one was kilt.”

Sure. 3)

“Fe didn’t kill hisself.”

“That is certain to me as to you, though some others
might think he gave up all hope and took his own life.”

“"Twasn’t so.”

“No, for he had some provisions left and the elk out

there. His weapons are loaded, and he knew help had
been sent for.

“Then there is no powder burn on his face.

“The shot was not fired by his own hand, even by ac-
cident.”

“That are certain, and jest as sart’in that some one
killed him.”

“That some one opened the door, surprised him, he fired
two shots, and see, there they are in the logs, and he fell
dead.”

“And the one who kilt him got the gold, I opines.”

BIEL SLORIES:

“TI don’t know about that. But see! There are some
papers which he must have been looking over when
killed.”

That the bodies aa be first looked to, both felt;
afterward they could go over the papers and learn the
whole sad story—the only source of information, now
that the lips of those they came to save were forever
sealed and silent.

Whatever the mystery before, it was but incréased by
the finding of the dead.

The two pards had half feared that; but they had not
expected to find one of the three miners slain, and by
some mysterious foe.

Had it been an Indian’s deed, he would have scalped
his victim and then have burned the cabin with the dead
ii), 1b,

No; the murder—for such it evidently was—must have
been the work of a white man.

The man who lay upon the floor with the bullet wound
in his forehead was first prepared for burial.

He was a large, strong man, with long, coarse hair, and
full beard, unkempt and uncared for, and a face that
really had the look of one who would commit any crime.
The two pards looked upon it with not a show of sym-
pathy, or seeming to feel the least regret.

The fellow had a seal ring upon his finger, with an
anchor cut into the stone, and the initials D. D. were
pricked into the arm with India ink, one on each side of
an anchor.

This, the two decided, was a proof of his having been
a sailor at some time of his life.

Nothing was found upon his body—not a ‘slip of paper
even to give a clew to his identity.

The form was wrapped in a blanket and laid on one
side of the cabin to await burial; Buffalo Bill taking off —
the seal ring as possibly a means of identification some
day.

The other two bodies were then taken from their
bunks.

One was a man of thirty, whose face betokened grit and
determination. His hair and beard also, were long and
uncared for, and nothing was found upon the body by
which he could be identified.

He, too, was wrapped in a blanket and placed by the
side of the other.

The third was.a person of different character and
quality from the others; a glance revealed that much. .

The moment that Buffalo Bill looked into the face he
said : ,, this is Leonard Langdon, the brother of Capt.
Luke

‘Fe looks it, Pard William,’ assented old Joe.

His hair and beard were long, but they had been well
cared for. He was poorly dressed, but what he wore was
tidy

Buffalo Bill, finding a ring upon his left small finger,
drew it off.

Then ‘he cut off a lock of the dead miner’s long hair
and put it with the ring.

The hands, though browned and hardened, were small
and shapely.

About his. waist was a buckskin belt, broad and: heavy.

This was unbuckled and removed. It was found to ~
contain gold coin and paper money, amounting to a —
couple of thousand dollars.

Sn

 

 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     

   
 

There was, also, in the belt several trinkets—all of
which Buffalo Bill put carefully away.

The dead wore an undershirt of buckskin, which, it was
found, had two inside pockets.

From one of these Buffalo Bill took a leather wallet
containing stained and timeworn papers; from the other
pocket were’ lifted some legal papers and a deed, with an
_ official envelope addressed to:

 

~“Leonarp Lanecpon, Eso.,
OT ae ORR ILOTEL,
“BROADWAY,
“New York City.”

The postmark and date on this were strangely legibile.

Within the envelope were several other documents, one
of which proved to be a will of recent date, for it bore the
heading:

“Bic Horn Basin.”

The date was but five months before.

“It is Leonard Langdon’s will, signed and witnessed
by three names—those of his comrades,” decided Buffalo
Bill.

“Ves, plenty of papers, Bill, and I hopes they may pan
out well for your friend, ther cap’n,” remarked California
JOR.

“Well, I hope so, too, Joe. If aman makes a will, he
must have something to leave, and I notice he makes the
captain his heir, though to what, [ have not yet read.”

With saw and hatchet a rude coffin was made, and the
body of Leonard Langdon was placed in it, the other two
men being wrapped in blankets.

Two graves were dug, one apart from the other and
larger, and into the latter the two comrades of Langdon
were placed,

The smaller grave was for anand Langdon’s remains,
and upon a tree at its head Buffalo Bill cut his name and
the date of their arrival at the cabin, while Joe filled in
the dirt and shaped the mounds.

It was then nightfall, and, quite tired out from their
hard work, the two comrades had their supper and lay

down to rest, spreading their blankets in the canyon
below, where their horses were, so that no one could ap-
proach the cabin without arousing them.

They had little to say to each other and were soon fast
asleep.

Early dawn found them up and at work. Joe cooked
their breakfast, after making the fire, while Buffalo Bill
took care of the horses.

The meal over, Buffalo Bill said:

“Now, Joe, we can take our time to search the cabin
and canyon thoroughly; but, first, let us look over those
papers, for they may give us a clew to where the miners
cached their gold. I-would greatly regret not to be able
to take that back to Capt. Langdon.”

“Yes, we must find it ef it is a possible thing.
ther papers will put us ther trail.”

“I hope so, so come to the cabin.”

They proceeded to the cabin and first began on the pa-
pers which had been found om the table in “the cabin, and
which were being looked over, beyond a doubt, by the
last of the trio of miners when he was shot.

Why they had not been robbed by the man who fired the

- Maybe

  

THE BUFFALO BILL STORIES.

 

a5

fatal bullet neither Buffalo Bill nor California Joe could
understand.

The very first one scanned was a list of names.

“These are the men who formed the expedition, and
their places of residence is given, and how they died,
and where.

“Yes, the only three not marked ‘Dead’ are those we
found here, but that same dread word can be written after
their names now.

“Why, see here, Joe! Here is the very amount of
gold each one had, written after every name, and Leonard
Langdon had by far more than any of the others.

“He was the captain, too, and from the sums here
given—that is, taking the weight of the gold each man
possessed as his share, and estimating the value in coin,
as this statement does, it shows that Daniel Darley had
a small fortune, though he really was assigned the least
of ail.”

“That’s ther feller as was shot, fer none others had ther
name begin with two D’s.”

“A very good guess. He had D. D. in his ring and also
pricked into his arm, so he was Daniel Darley, Joe.”

“Sure; the fellow with the ugly mug was him.”

“And his gold pile is estimated at fifteen thousand, the
lowest of all, while the sums opposite the other names
range from eighteen to thirty-five thousand, Leonard
Langdon having sixty-five thousand to his credit.

“Why, Joe, that was a big find for them, too big to
be left here for somebody else to appropriate. We must
find the cache without fail, for a number of people, their
kindred, can be made happy by it—but, see here,” and
Buffalo. Bill continued, after reading further :

“Why, this paper is signed by the men in full, and gives
the gold ‘of each one who dies to the ones who survive, so
that, had the three men come through all right they would
have been very rich.”

_ “And who is their heir now ?”
ruptly.

Buffalo Bill did not answer.
paper with much care.

‘See here,” he said, pointing to the writing.
Then he read:

asked California Joe, ab-

He was examining the

“Dead. Shot as a mutineer by decision of band.”
“Killed by’ ‘Indians. i

There were eight names inscribed killed by Indians.
Then followed:

“Fell from cliff and was killed.”
“Attacked Capt. Langdon and was shot by him,”
» Wied ot fever.”

Thus had two lost their lives.
After no less than seven names was written:

“Cause of death unknown—supposed to have been
killed by Indians.”

Opposite several names stood the record:
“Died from poison.”

Thus was the fate of each man accounted for in that
record.

“Pard Cody, I has got a mean way of thinking of some
folks,”
 

   

Sapa Fa don NSS sping sa a

 

 

 

 

24

Well joer

“Thar is a number that died from poison ?” .

Gee Joe, tive...

“Thar is three fell from cliffs?’

Sieg. ’s

“That makes eight.”

it does,”

“How many came of death unknown?”

Pe VenG

“That foots up fifteen.”

“Yes.”

“Two died of fever.”

SMiag

“That makes seventeen.”

T Very trues.

“One was executed.”

“One was shot by Capt. Langdon, and that makes nine-
teen.”

Nellie,

“And seven kilt by Indians makes twenty-six.”

“Very true.”

“One got crushed by, rock falling from a cliff.”

“Twenty-seven, Joe.”

“And three we found here.” ,

“Made up the thirty.” ¢

“Yes; but what do you make out of that?”

“T makes out that too many died by poison, too many
fell from cliffs, too many died without nobody knowin’
how it happened, and one from a rock falling on him.”

“I don’t just see the trail you are following, Joo”

“No, yer is too.go to suspect yer fellermen of deviltry ;
but I says, says i. thet thet paper, drawed up as it are,
was a premium on murder; and more, it tempted one or
more men ter hall ther other fellers.”

Bat, Jae

“Now, I ain’t done yet. One of the party all wanted
shot, and he were shot, and | opines he war caught in
some deviltry.

“Then another tried ter kill Cap’n Langdon, but got
kilt.”

N67”

“Some died-o’ fever, and maybe they did, so they passed
in their chips ©. K., but ther others, say 1, were dealt with
foul.

“it were easy ter throw a pard from a cliff, ter drop a
rock on another pard’s head, ter poison more of ’em, ter
shoot more of ’em from ambush and let it be thought In-
juns did it, and thus get rid of a lot, while, let me tell
you right here, and no man will see it more plainer than
you kin, knowin’ redskins as you does, thet not one oO’
them men was kilt by a Injun.”

“What do you mean, Joe, for I confess I am away off.”

“T mean if Injuns had kilt one, they’d hev kilt all. It
means that murder has been done here fer gold!’

 

 

CHAPTER XV.

THE TRAP IN THE CANYON.

Buffalo Bill began to look over the other papers, and at

last found a map upon which a bottle of ink appeared. to.-

have been overturned, either by accident or purposely.

THE BURHALO BILL STORIES,

The result was.that the drawing was blotted out, ex-
cept in one place where the words were made out:

“Gold cached here.” :

Below on the map some directions had also been de-
stroyed by the ink, but the following was finally made out:

“One hundred paces from the pine, on map marked

- ‘starting point,’ turn due east and step off sixty paces, and

39

 

you come to the opening in the rocks where the gold

The ink blot here destroyed the rest of the directions.
As no other papers were found to throw further light

upon the tragic affair, Buffalo Bill and California Joe

proceeded to make a thorough search of the cabin.
Their desire was to find out how long it had been used
by the miners, and they decided, from all signs by which
they could judge, that it had been occupied the winter
before—the three men found there dead and those who

slept in the graves outside, having been the ones to comé

there.

But another discovery was made, and one of consider-

able value.
In Leonard Langdon’s bunk was found a pair of ieothee

saddlebags, which “contained half a dozen buckskin bags -
filled with bits of gold, anywhere from the size of a pea-

to pieces that weighed two ounces or more.

Upon the bags were the names of the three men found
dead in the cabin, two belonging to each man.
all told, was fully ten thousand dollars.

This appeared to prove that the chief bulk of the treas-
ure had been hidden away, while the amount found in the

bunk was being carried along by the miners for their use|

until they could return with a force and rescue the bal-
ance, which they had cached

In addition, they found a bottle which had contained
morphine. ©

“That settles it, in my mind. The man who brought

this morphine into camp poisoned his comrades.”

Further search disclosed.a medicine case bearing the.

name of “Dr. Daniel Darley.” And this seemed to show
that this Dr. Darley was the murderer.

The next morning the two friends set out to find, df pos-
sible, and hidden gold, following the directions given on
the ink-stained map.

Nightfall found them returning completed baffled.

Another surprise awaited them.

Pinned to the door with a wooden peg was a slip of
paper, evidently placed for them by their grim guardian

of the trail. ‘

It advised them to make no further delay looking for
the treasure, whose location the map-so poorly indicated, *

but to start at once for the distant Overland camp. Tt
contained also a warning, saying that five men, led by
Trumps, the Sport, would be foutid lying in wait-for them
on their return trip.

“They will expect you to return by the trail you came,
and will try to ambush and kill you,” said the letter;
“but if you will follow the Langdon map you may be
able to avoid them.”

After a thorough’ discussion of the situation, Buffalo.

Bill and California Joe decided that it would be the part

 

The value, i

 

    
     
     
    
      
       
       
       
     
   
  
  
  
    
  
 
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
          
     
    
   
  

whic
ting
tera

Calif
        

' of wisdom to follow this advice; so the return journey
1) was begun without delay.
The resctie stagecoach was again driven by Buffalo
Bill, California Joe following with the horses in lead.
Tf proceeded well on its way back toward the Overland

frail.

  

c=

   
   
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
  

 

 

 

   
   
   
 

“i One morning, soon after leaving camp, a lariat was
ft ‘ found stretched across the trail, and upon it was a slip of
; a fF A halt was made, and Buffalo Bill announced:
» _ “Another letter, Joe, from our guardian. Trouble
ahead, I guess.”
The paper gave this information:
ae “Ahead, a dozen miles, in a long, narrow canyon, the
cliffs on either side high and heavily timbered.
od “Tn that canyon you will find the gambler and his men
me ambushed, so play some ruse upon them, as you cannot
ve ) flank them, for it is the only pass through the range.
ie “Vou will not be halted by a command, but by ‘bullets,
aan so it would be well to reconnoiter ahead on foot, find
where your foes are, and surprise them.
oye “Just where in the long pass they. will wait, I cannot
ee tell.”
her
495 The two pards halted long enough to prepare a trap
ae for their foes.
P When the coach entered the deep canyon the horses
cad were at a slow walk. The reins hung loosely from the
tHe hands of a dummy that looked like Buffalo Bill sitting on
4 the box.
2464 Suddenly, with no warning voice to prepare one for
the what would follow, there rattled forth five shots from
use. behind a bowlder which was on one side of the pass; the
bal- form of the driver gave a start and fell back on the top
of the coach, motionless.
ined _ The horses, startled by the shots, came to a quick halt,
the leaders half turning in fright.
ight “Catch those leaders, quick!” shouted a voice, and out
from behind the bowlder ene the tall form of oe
the. the Overland Sport!
how He was followed by four others
: But, just as he appeared, two rifles flashed from within
pos- the coach, and the gambler and one of his men fell dead
n on in their tracks.
Then wide open flew the coach doors and out leaped
» Buffalo Bill and California Joe, revolvers in hand, to give
i battle to the other three men, who, though stattl ed by the
ip of © fall of their leader and one other of their party, had pres-
rdian. » ence of mind enough to leap for shelter behind the bowl-
| der, thus putting themselves in a good position and hold-
x forte i) ing a great advantage over Cody nad his comrade.
sated a "The two pards saw this, and knew that it was a fight to
). It m @6the death, with the chances against them, but they took
d by " refuge behind the horses just as they were fired upon
them @ and ‘the two leaders fell dead.
& But as the three foes uttered a shout of triumph theré
© came a shot from their rear, farther along the canyon.
came, | That shot dropped one of the three in his tracks,
etter ; which so frightened his two companions that, forget-
ay be ting the danger in their front, they sprang from their shel-
ter and found themselves confronted by Buffalo Bill and
affalo- California Joe!

 

€ part

THE BUFFALO

 

 

BILL STORIES. 26

Several shots were fired in rapid succession, and two
men went down—the last of the gambler’s party.

The pass.was cleared of foes, just as a form bounded
into view, revolver in hand.

He*had come to aid Buffalo Bill arid his pard, but
started back when he saw that they needed no aid. He
would have retreated, but for an earnest call to halt.

 

CHAPTER XVI.
YELLOW JACK’S DOUBLE.

With a look of utter amazement, Buffalo Bill and Cali-
fornia Joe gazed upon the one whose shot in the rear of
their foes had killed one, and turned the tide of battle in
their favor.

They saw that he had rushed in to help them, but only
to find that they had ended the fight.

The one they saw was a large man, clad in buckskin
from moccasins to skullcap.

He was armed with revolvers and knife in his belt,
and a rifle swung at his back.

But, he was a Chinee!

“By the gods of war, it is Yellow Jack, the mysterious
Chinée!” cried Cody, in amazement and delight. “Yes,
Feck, you have beenour friend—the grim guardian of our
trail! What do I not owe to you!”

With this Buffalo Bill stepped forward and held out
his hand.

The Chinaman grasped it, but said in perfect English,
and without any accent whatever :

“T am a Chinee, yes, Mr. Cody, but you are mistaken,
for l.am not Yellow Jack.”

“Not Yellow Jack?”

“No, sit. 7

“Do you expect me not to believe my eyes? As much
as you Chinamen look alike, I know you too well, Jack,
my Chinee pard, and the good service you did me when
you came after me on the trail and warned me of danger.”

“J did do that, Mr. Cody, but still I am not Yellow

ack.”

“Who. are you, then?”

“T am Yellow Hand, once a medicine chief among the
Indians—the Chinaman you, as you believed, rescued from
them.

“But I was not their captive, for I held great power
among them, and went among them of my own will to
study “the virtues of the plants, herbs and roots they use
in treating their sick.

“You, as you believed, rescued me, and I let it be so;
but I had not yet finished my work among them, and so
I played a Chinee trick upon you and others.

“JT have a brother, Mr. Cody, a twin brother, the one
you know as Yellow Jack.

“We came to this country as young men, to seek our.
fortune, for our father, once a man of wealth in China,
had lost his money.

“We learned English under an American teacher,
I studied medicine, as also did my brother.

“When you took me to the camps, I sent for my brother
to come there.

“He did so, and I returned among the Indians to get
all my books written of my discoveries of plants and
herbs, and to learn a litte more. |

and

    
  
  
   

 

     
       
    
     
     
     
 
  
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
  
 

 

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26

 

“My brother you know all about. He owes you his
life more than once; but of me you only know “what I
have now explained to you.

“My brother told me of your daring rescue a and
urged me to help: you.

“T was secretly visiting him there, in the camps, and
so long as we did not appear together we were not known
as two, for I was often taken for him.

“He told me of the plots against you, and we deter-_
mined to save you, for we knew you were going to your
death.

“Tt was I who came to your camp dian I returned and
heard what else my brother had to: tell.

“T. discovered all, and I was able to help C alifornia
Joe when he was fired upon,

“My horse is as fleet.as the wind and as enduring as
iron, and so I was near you on your whole trail.

“Tt was ‘Yellow Hand, the chief, who saved you from
Wa-sha-kie, and again from the, young bucks who fol-
lowed you, for they dared not disobey me, even when one
of their number was missing, and they felt sure that you
had killed him.

“Tl have followed your trail back here, and am glad to
have warned you of danger in this pass.

“Had I not believed that you needed me, I would not
have shown myself. But the secret is out now.”

The story was modestly and Simply told, and both

Buffalo Bill and California Joe grasped a hand of the
Chinaman, and expressed their deep gratitude for all
that he had done. ;
Then Joe asked:
“But, Pard Chinaman, what I wants ter know is who

killed Doc Dan Darley, ther last o’ ther gold hunters?”

“T did! I knew that whole country like a book.
“IT had hunted it over after medicine plants, and I
knew that the miners were there.

‘When I last saw them they were at the cabin, but ©

three of them, and I was sure that one of them was a
traitor.

“T told Capt. Langdon to watch him, but he did not
doubt him, it seemed, and fell a victim to his poison, for

there is no doubt but that he dosed him with morphine.

“The captain sent his map and letter by me, and. Darley

expected to kill you, Mr. Cody, as the one who came to
the rescue, and then to work his way out of the Basin, or

wait until I came again and have me guide him.
‘We were too late. I went to the cabin to find Darley
alone, and the two dead men also in the cabin.
“He was mad with joy at his success, for when I en-
tered the cabin, for he had not heard my call or. knock,
he sprang to his feet and opened fire upon me.
“T returned the shot and killed him, after which I went
to tell you where to find the last cabin.”
“And the gold?”
“Did you not find the map to direct you how to find
where it was hidden?”

 

THE BURPALO BILL SVORIES.

“Yes, but so defaced by ink that it was useless.”
“Then the gold is lost, for no one living: knows its

mine place,” was. the decided response.

“T believe you are right, for we two could not find Vig
“But we did get some gold for the brother of Capt.

-Langdon, and some papers that may prove of value.”

“T hope so, for he is a noble man, and should be some-
thing else than an agent of the Overland out in this wild
land. :

“As for myself, I found gold enough, while among the

‘Indians, to make my brother and myself independent for

life, here in America, for we are Americans, Mr. Cody,
‘and. shall live here; goirig to the East to find a home, for,
through my brother, my gold dust has been sent there
already.’

Buffalo Bill, placing the body a one of on ‘men upon
the top-of the coach, drove into the Overland camps late
next afternoon and said, as he drew rein, and the division
agent and others pressed forward to welcome him:

“I am safely back again, Capt. Langdon. There lies
aman you may know, while there are more, in a like con-
dition, inside the coach.”

It was a positive shock to the men in the camps to recog:
nize in the five dead bodies brought in by Buffalo Bill,
Dare Golden, the Sport of the Overland, and four other

- men whom all knew well.

Luke Langdon heard the truth of the long trail, and

then just how his brother had died.

He was given the gold and the papers: Gant Lang-
don’s first duty was to pay over to the daring rescuer the
one thousand in gold he had promised him, and would
have given more, but Buffalo Bill refused to take more
than the sum agreed upon.

With Yellow Jack, Buffalo Bill had quite a long talk,
and he found that “Pidgin English” was all put on.’

Soon after Yellow Jack went East; then Capt. Lang-
don departed.

Buffalo Bill left for Fort Laramie, where he was needed
as a scout.

California Joe returned to the wandering life he loved.
He would have been contented with no other. -

THE END.

Next week’s issue, No..120, will contain “Buffalo Bill's
Discovery; or, The Mystery of the Gold Treasure.” In
this capital story Buffalo Bill is assisted in his work of fer-
reting out the mystery of a gold treasure by a boy pard,
who shows himself to be not only bright and capable, but

as clever in his way and as courageous also as the great’

scout himself. A lone hermit of the mountains also ap?
pears in the story, and who this lone hermit is and what
he does every reader of the “Buffalo Bill Stories’ will
want to know.

 

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Hath Queen Mab been with you?

 

She is the ruler of dreams, you know.

She paints upon your eyelids the visions of your slumbers.
If you have had a visit from her, let us know what she revealed to you.
For full particulars of the contest, see page 3}.

 

A Hortible Dream.
(By W. J. Carlon, Carleton Place, Ont.)

One day I went to the park to catch some fish. Having
caught about twenty pike, I rowed the boat to shore, and

went home feeling very hungry and sleepy. After eating

a hearty supper, I went to bed; and dreamed a horrible
dream, as follows: I was ona hill, which was surrounded
by black snakes. They were all crawling up to get at
me. I tried to run, but could not, because they had sur-
rounded me. Some of them crawled up on me, and
twisted themselves around my neck, and they were so
heavy that I toppled over the hill and fell down, down,
and at last struck against a flagpole. The snakes had
fallen off by my fall, but were beginning to close in on
me again. Some were climbing up the pole. I shook the
pole, and they fell off. Just at that moment the pole
broke, and I went headfirst in among the snakes. I
could feel their stings on my head. Just then I awoke to
find I had crawled out of bed, fallen downstairs, and
climbed up on the coal stove. I must have béen shaking
the top of the coal stove when I thought the pole broke,
for it gave way and I went crashing backward against the
corner of the sewing machine, and cut a deep gash in the
back of my head. My father was coming down the stairs
with the lamp and a revolver in his hand. He told me
next morning he thought there were robbers in the house,
and had prepared himselé&:.for them. I nursed a sore

“head for about a month aiter my dream.

 

A Night Adventure.
(By Charles B. Hulse, Philadelphia, Pa.)

I would like to tell you of a dream I had recently. I
had been traveling with a doctor, and he had told me

were staying.

some tales, and here is the dream: I dreamed I was a
doctor and was in my easy-chair, when I heard a loud
ring at the front door bell. My servant opened it, and
a man came in. He was very much excited and all out
of breath. Ina few seconds he said: “Doctor, for pity’s
sake come with me. It’s a case of life and death. A
young lady has stabbed herself, and is bleeding to death.
If you. save her, I will give you $500. Come quickly,”
and he rushed toward me as if to drag me with him. I
picked up my instruments and hurried after him. In a
few minutes more we arrived at the hotel where they
On the lounge, in a well-furnished room,
lay a most,beautiful woman, with an ugly wound just
above the left breast. On the carpet, covered with blood,
lay her weapon, a short Persian stiletto, the handle of

which was richly set with diamonds, and the handle was

ivory, and all blood stained. I was too late. Her life
blood was oozing away. She opened her eyes when we
entered the room. “Charlie,” she said, “I am dying. I
have often told you I would love you till death. Kiss me,
Charlie,” then she sank back exhausted, and death claimed
its victim. The young man stood gazing at the lifeless
form. I could see his reason giving away, but I was spell-
bound by his strange look. “At last I said: “‘Sir, the
young lady is dead.”

“Dead! dead! did you say she was dead?” he asked,
with a strange look in his eyes.

“Ves, you have killed her!” shouted the maniac, for
such he was. — p

“Yes, you have murdered her, and I will avenge her.
Ho, ho! it will be fine sport.” a

Before I could prevent him, he picked up the dagger
and yelled: i

“JT will kill you with her dagger, and stab you in the
same spot. Ho! it will be fine sport to see you groan and
struggle as she did. Ha, ha!”

  
  

 

 

 

 

 

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28 THE BUFFALO

Then he sprang toward me. I was placed in a very
dangerous situation. 1 scarcely knew how to act. The
madman tried to close with me, but, fortunately, I eluded
his grasp, and thinking it better to act in the dark, I threw
the lamp from the table in the firegrate. Then he gave a
loud shout, and I heard him lock the door and draw the
key out, and soon heard him muttering: “TI will kill him.
Ha, ha! It will be fine sport to see him die.”

What was I to do? I knew he had more strength than I,
as insane people do, and I could not risk a struggle. I
must try something. It would soon be daylight, and he
could see me. I felt for some weapon with which to
defend myself, and, as luck would have it, found a heavy
poker in the corner where I stood. Presently I heard
the man searching for me. I raised the poker when he
got near me. It descended, and the maniac Jay stunned
on the floor. Just then I woke up and found I had hit
my brother, and that it was all a dream, but 1 don’t want
any more,

Inspiration.
(By Eugene M. Dwyer, Albany, N. Y.)

Some time ago | dreamed I was inspired to go to a
certain house on Orange Street, and under the stoop [

would find a box of money. When I thought every one’

had retired, I started for the place, and seemed to be
walking on air, my heart and step, were so light with the
delightful prospect before me. Arriving at the house,
I commenced operations at once by removing the bricks
to the number of half a dozen and digging in the sand
with a knife which I had brought for the purpose. When
lo! I beheld my prize. It was a tin box,.the size of a
sardine box, and tied with a strong twine. .With trembling
hands I picked up the box, and my first impulse was to
open it and see its contents, but fearful lest some one
would happen. along and discover me, I hastened home
without satisfying. my curiosity. The distance never
seemed so long as it did that night. However, I arrived
there at last and entered stealthily. In breathless anxiety
I opened my box. Oh, joy! I very nearly swooned at
the sight. All kinds of coins, geld and silver, were there,
but their value was unknown to me. I went to bed and

took the box with me, but I could not sleep, my excite-

ment was.so great. Next morning I went to.a coin
purchaser, who informed me of their value. I knew at
once that my fortune was made, and resolved to travel.
I returned home at once, packed my. trunks, and bade
good-by to my friends and got on board a steamer, and

_I thought I was being tossed to and fro by a violent sea

storm, when a dreadful wave threw me from nny. berth,
and I awoke to find myself lying on the: floor at home
and—-bankrupt.

The Forest Fire. :
(By Bessie Manear, Chiefton, W. Va:)

“Fire! fire!” the cry rang out on the cool night air. T
arose and. went to the window and looked across ‘the river,

only to behold the great forest on fire. My two brothers

were hunting in the same forest, when all at once they
came running down to the river, jumped:-in the boat, and

‘ rowed -across in great haste, but as they reached the -

 

 

  

BILE STORIES.

shore on this side, they heard a shout on the opposite
shore, and looking over, they saw a boy of perhaps six-
teen years of age standing close'to the water’s edge. The
fire was close tohim. My youngest brother went over and
brought him safely across. My dream changed, and again
I was in the midst of a great fire, but this time it was a
block of houses in a great city.

I thought our house had not caught yet, but the fire
was drawing nearer us all the time. The fire department
was all out and working their best. They had given up
trying to save the houses, and were throwing streams of
water on the houses near by to keep the fire from spread-
ing, but they did not do much good, for the fire had
caught in our house. Our furniture was all out, and we
had all run out in the yard but my little sister. I rushed
up the steps to the cradle, where she was sleeping sweetly,
and catching her in my arms, started to make my escape,
when all at once I beheld an angel who presented me

with a pair of wings. Fastening them on, I flew down.

the stairs and laid sister in mother’s arms. As I did so,

my wings disappeared, and oh! how the crowd cheered, |

and called me the fire hero. They caught me in their
arms and carried me all over town. Cheer after cheer

arose on the night air. They wanted to make me their.

fire captain, but as I was a girl I declined their offer.
Then, all of a sudden, I was awakened by my mother,
who told me to be quiet and not to be screaming like an
Indian. So all my dream of being a hero came to an
end. I would not go through such an experience again
for the name of being a hero. So I was glad it was only
a dream.

The Magician’s Palace,
(By H, Fisher, Hagersville, Ont.)

I retired to my bed early one dull December evening.
Being very tired, I fell asleep almost as soon as my head
touched the pillow, During the night I dreamed. this
wonderful dream: -[ was away in some far-distant coun-
try. It was moonlight, and | was walking through a
great forest. All at once the earth opened up in front
of me, and I found myself before a flight. of beautiful
marble steps. [ paused, not knowing whether to de-
‘scend or not. But the next moment a beautiful fairy ap-
peared in front of me, holding in her hand a golden wand,
which sparkled and glistened in the bright. moonlight.
She. was clothed in pure white, and jewels of every de-
scription flashed from her beautiful raiment.. In a low
voice she told me to follow her. .She led me down the
steps, at the bottom of which was a long corridor. A
huge lion was curled up at the foot of the steps, but it
did not appear to notice us, and we passed on.,

Soon we came to a large iron door. The fairy tapped
it three times with her wand, and immediately it flew
cpen. We entered... The fairy then locked the door with
a little golden key. At first 1 was dazzled with the ex-
treme brightness of the room, and for a few moments |
could see nothing. But as my eye gradually became ac-
customed to the surroundings, I beheld a magnificent
sight. We were in a large room. Everything around us
was of’ the brightest gold—tables, chairs, couches, every-
thing. I paused, spellbound at the gorgeous display in
front of me. -The fairy opened a drawer in one of the

  

    
     
      
       
   
   
   
    
       
    
     
       
         
      
       
        
       
       
           
    
     
      
 
       
    
      
    
    
   
  
   
    
  
 
   
 
    
   
  
   
  
  
     
       
        

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- most beautiful gems.

golden tables and brought forth a. bag filled with the

me to keep. A faint sound of distant music. reached
my ear. Gradually it came nearer and nearer, growing
more and more distinct, until at last 1 could hear plainly
what I thought the sweetest music [I had ever heard in my
life. It sounded as if the very angels from heaven were
the musicians. Suddenly the fairy vanished, and I was
left alone.

Pretty soon a mist gathered over the room—it seemed
to arise out of the very floor itself, and completely shut
out the scene before my eyes. The mist cleared away. I
looked again at the room. And lo! it was no longer the
beautiful golden room! A great transformation had
taken place. Now | was in a dungeon. The walls were
bare, and it was very dark. Presently, an old man, whose
beard reached down to the ground, approached me, and
said that I was in the castle of a very wicked magician,
wid would surely kill me before. night. This old man

‘took the bag of jewels out of my hand, and told me that

they belonged to the lion, who would devour me if he
saw them in my possession.

Just then I heard the loud roar of the lion.

I awoke with a start, only to find myself in a dream, the
loud roar of the lion being nothing but the noise from
the fast midnight express, which was tearing madly past
the station.

That Fearful Monster.
(By J. E. Manion, Glendale, Pa.)

As I was traveling through a lonely part of the coun-
try, walking by turns on a pike road, then on a railroad,
I came to a’bridge, a large ee bridge, about half a
mile long.

I started to cross the bridge, not thinking of the least
danger.
bling sound. At first I thought nothing of this, but af-
terward I wondered what would bring “such a sound as
this to this place if it was not a locomotive.

I turned around to see a monster come down the bridge
as'though it had wings. I felt horrified, and did not
know what to do. It was coming at a fearful trate, but |
could not move. :

When just about to strike me down, a curious thing |
. “happened.

A rail must have been loose, for the engine, puffing and
snorting, plunged headlong down, down into the awful
abyss, which the bridge went over. Just as I was watch-
ing it plunge down, 7 awoke, to find myself in a cold
sweat.

[I was much scared, and do not wish to have such a
dream again.

A Miserable Dream.
(By J. J. Scharf, New York City.)

One day I was reading a book of the road agents’
last hold up, in which I was greatly, interested.. I went
to sleep with the“story in my mind. . 1 dreamed that my

_ father called to me to hurry up and dress myself, because’
he was going away to the West.

I was very glad to

go, and was soon ready... We took the train and were

THe BUrPAL

These she handed to me, and told

‘When about halfway across /it, [ heard a rum--

  

BILD) STORIES. 29

 

off in about ten minutes. We were riding about half an
hour when suddenly about fhiity men sprang out of the
bushes,

One killed the engineer, ike another strangled the
fireman. The rest went to plunder and rob the passengers.
One came over to my father and asked him to give up
his watch, which my father refused. He tried to take
it himself, when I landed him a blow between the eyes
and he went down like a log.

Two others ran to his assistance, while one shot at
me. | felt a sharp pain in the head. I threw up my
hands and cried: “J am shot, father.” JI awoke to find
that the pain was caused by my head coming in contact
with the wall, and my brother got up in the morning with
a black and blue eye.

A Story of Out West.
(By Benjamin Laskin, Philadelphia, Pa.)

Une night, as I was up late reading Buffalo Bill’s
stories, I felt tired, and went to bed. J dreamed I and my
two brothers started out West. “Let us all go out West,
and we will try our fortune out there,” said my older
brother. “Let us go out to the Black Hills, and try our
fortune there, many people have made their fortune there,’
said my brother, next to the oldest one. “We will all go
out West, and maybe we will be as brave as Buffalo Bill,”
said Uo Ad right, we will all go out West, the three of
us,” said my older brother. ‘

So we all started out, We had to wade almost the
whole way, for we had to go up a shallow stream. I had
‘rubber boots on, but my brothers were in their bare feet.
We waded all night, except resting once in a while. We
waded till morning, when we came to a farmhouse.

We asked for something to eat.

They said’ we were welcome to'a breakfast. Then we
started out again wading. We waded till noon, then we
ate what we were given at the farmhouse.

Then we started wading again,

We waded again till night came on, ‘and darkness set-
tled over all.

Then we came to a barn. Seeing nobody inside, we
entered, thinking we would sleep over night.

As soon as we had closed our eyes, two women came
down and asked us what we wanted. We did not an-
swer. So one of them went in and got a whip. I tried to
take the whip away from her, but she started to scream.

A man came out with a sword in one hand, and a pistol
in the other, and was gcing to cut us down. We started
to run, only to find ourselves confronted by a score of
men with leveled rifles. Their masks were red.

The leader called out: “Surrender or die.’ Two men
came over and were tying our hands behind our backs,
while the rest were questioning the men. All at once,
before anybody knew what had happened, except I and
my three brothers, we hurled aside the men that were tying

- We started to run. We all ran in different direc-
oe so excited were we. 1 ran, and. ran I knew not
where. The next thing I knew I was shooting down-
ward. I fell down, it ‘eeemied to me, hundreds of reek:
Then I was sinking in quicksand.

J yelled for my brothers to come and help me, as I did
wrong. It brought the masked men to the spot. They

   
   

 

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; pulled me out and tied me to a tree.

fo THE BUFFALO

“Now you can: die
of hunger for trying mean tricks on us,” said the, leader.

As my brother was running along, he thought~of the
red lining under his coat. He tore a piece off and made
a red mask, and joined the company of masked men, they
not knowing he was not one of them.

With good luck, the leader chose my brother to stand
guatd over me. “Keep good guard over him,” said the
leader, as they went away. “All right,’’ said my brother.
After they had gone, my brother took out his knife and
cut my bonds. ‘Come, now,” said my brother, “we must
get away from here.”
running we met our other brother, and we all started
out together. The next thing I knew I felt a bump on
my head, and found myself under the bed.

Therefore my dream is ended.

My Dream of Home.
(By J. Ferguson, Chicago, Ill.)

Tam apt to dream nearly every night. And this dream
of mine is one I had about four years ago. I was in
England at the time, and worked out in the country, and
lived about five miles from the town where I belonged.
It happened on a Thursday night, when I went to bed,
that I dreamed | was at home and saw my mother fall
down a big flight of stairs. I rushed down the stairway,

and there: I saw her huddled in a heap, quite still. I~

called for her to:speak to me. But she did not answer,
and I thought then she must have broken her neck, which
put me in a terrible fright, but | was very thankful when
I woke up, and found it was only a dream. Then, the
Satufday night following, 1 went home to see my folks,
and was surprised to learn my mother was sick, which
made me think of that awful dream. There was quite
a big family of us, and my sisters and. brothers were
sitttag around the fire, it being a cold night, and a cousin
of mine was upstairs looking after my mother. I started
to tell my sisters and-brothers about my dream,-and-I no
sooner got the dream told, than we heard a terrible crash,
something similar to the crash I heard in my. dream.
Then they all stood staring at one another with faces
ashen white, and then we could hear my cousin calling
my mother’s name: “Aunt Jane,’ she repeated three
times, but I heard no answer. By this time I had eon-
trolled myself, and rushed upstairs as quickly as I could,
expecting to see my, dream realized, and found it was my
cousin who had fallen downstairs, and was calling my
mother for help. She was none the worse, Save a slight
cut. on the forehead: My cousin was not used to the
stairs, and atempted to come down without a light, and
had missed her footing.

Saved in the Nick of Time.
(By Carl E. Wood, Lanesboro, Pa.)

One day I had been hunting, and it was late when
I returned. I sat down to wait for supper, when I fell
asleep.

I dreamed that I was going along a dark road ay
suddenly. I_.was . ordered “to hold up,my. hands, which
I did. I was bound and gagged. Then they took me
to a cave, where they searched me and took away my

So we started to run. As we were ©

   

   

BILE. STORIES.

 
    

money. Then two of the men grabbed hold of me and
were going to throw me over a high precipice: when a
dozen rifles cracked and there was a battle. After a
few minutes a man came and released me from my
gag and bonds. I asked to whom 1 owed my. life. He
promptly answered: “Buffalo Bill.’ He and his com-
panions then turned and rode away. I awoke and found
I had been talking in my sleep.

My Curious Dream,
(By Frank Poynton, Washington, D. C.)

Not long ago, having gone to bed very late, I dreamed
this curious story. 1 thought I had gone to Norfolk, Va.,
to.spend a few. weeks. One day I hired a boat and went
out for a sail on Chesapeake Bay. Having sailed out as
far as Cape Henry, I thought I would sail down the coast
a little farther. While passing an inboynd ship, I*was
hailed and told to look out for squalls: I turned my.
head and saw. coming, at the speed of a race horse, a very
black cloud. I turned the boat around and tacked for Nor-
folk, but 1 was. too late. The wind and waves caught
me and [shot forward from the shore like a rocket. My
sail was torn to ribbons and the mast breken off, as if it
were a straw. All night the wind blew, carrying me
farther and farther from shore. Expecting every min-

ute to be swamped, I thought my time had come. To-

ward morning the wind and waves subsided, and the
sea was smooth as a mill pond. I rigged up a mast out
of an oar, and a sail of my coat and shirt, » Then I turned
the boat. around and made for the far-distant shore. All
day I drifted, and toward evening, being very tired and
hungry, I went to sleep. How long I was asleep I do
not know, but I awoke on feeling the boat rocking. I
had just.put my head above the gunwale when some-
thing caught me around the waist. It felt like red-hot
iron. I looked around and saw that J was in the arms
of a monster devil fish, wha had one of his long arms
around my waist. 5

I got my knife out of my pocket and tried to cut the ©
arm away from my body. This seemed to make him mad,
for he beat the water with his long arms and caught ©
me around the neck with another arm, I could not get °
my .breath.. 1 fought for breath. I kicked with my feet
and I hit with my hands, but it was of no‘use, I gave up
and shut my eyes, waiting for death. Just thén I woke up
and found myself on the floor with the planket wrapped
around my neck.

A Hunting Dream, ~
_ (By D. M. Nicol, East Grand Forks, Minn:) —

I went to bed one night and was soon fast asleep.

I dreamed that my friend and I were out hunting. We
both had good horses. | They had been out eating grass.
After a while we saw. a.rabbit, and after a good chase we >
landed him., We set to work to clean him, so. that* he
would not spoil..; After.a while we got on our-horses
and started for home. We were hunting on an Indian

reservation and there was a cruel band ‘of Indians near
where, we were camping... When we were going home.an.
‘old Indian sprang out from ambush and was just going ~
to kill me, and I awoke. ‘

 

 

 
 

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orig
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This

Contest
Ends |
October

First,
42035

 

238 William Street,

 
     
 
    

[f you do, you want a Football.
the year to speak about the great fall sport,
but you may be glad you saw this
when next October comes.

This seems early in

 

 

 

REGULATION STANDARD RUCGERY
FOOTBALLS OF TUE FINEST GRADE

MADE BY (Aun Ge sPAT DIN Gk Co,

 

 

If you want one enter the new ean oh Contest. Everybody
has a chance and the prize is well worth striving for. :: :: :

 

 

Ghe Thirty Boys who send in the Best Stories in
this New Contest will each receive a Rugby Football

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

HOW TO ENTER

THE CONTEST GutenC OUP ON =ze@

 

 

 

 

 

All you have to do is to remem-
ber any Curious Dream you ever
had, write it in five hundred
words, or less, and send it, with

Buffalo Bill Dream Contest No. 4.

 

 

 

 

the accompanying coupon, Le {
ey filled out, to os WO Ge as MEEEE ly ea aah ;
City or Town........... eh Gs ee eis le Sere eialale s prs
BUFFALO BILL WEEKLY,  ]) | cy
ee | CARE OR Gece TATE ee a BS ay Ore tee aria wae PS ae a
STREET @ SMITH, Title OF SOL) boo ids cee wy Nina pe GAR UO ean

 

 

 

 

 

  

 
  

  

  

  

 

  

   
 

 

    

 

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Containing the Most Thrilling Adventures of the Celebrated
Government Scout “BUFFALO BILL” (Hon. William F. Cody).

 

 

 

 

 

86—Buffalo Bill and the Lost Miners; or, Hemmed in by Redskins.
87—Buffalo Bill’s Tenderfoot Pards; or, The Boys in Black. —
88-—Buffalo Bill and the Man in Blue; or, The Volunteer Vigilantes of Silver Thread City.
89—Buffalo Bill and the Outcasts of Yellow Dust City; or, Fighting for Life in the Blizzard.
9o—Buffalo Bill’s Crippled Crew; or, Sunflower 5am of Shasta.
gi—Butfalo Bill and the Boy Scout; or, The Tenderfoot ‘lramper of the Overland.
92—Buffalo Bill's Young Double; or, A Yankee Boy in the Wild West.
93——Buffalo Bill and the Silent Slayers; or, The Arizona Crack Shot.
94—Buffalo Bill’s Water-Gauntlet; or, The Mystery-Man’s Talisman.
95—Buffalo Bill’s Gallant Stand; or, The Indian’s Last Victory.
96—Buffalo Bill and the Black Mustang; or, Dick Dearborn’s Death Ride.
97—Buffalo Bill’s Tough Tussle; or, The Mystery of the Renegade Hermit.
98—Buffalo Bill’s Rush-Ride; or, Sure-Shot, the High-Flyer.
99—Buffalo Bill and the Phantom Soldier; or, Little Sure-Shot’s Lone rau.
100—Buffalo Bill’s Leap for Life; or, The White Death of Beaver Wash.
to1—Buffalo Bill and the Dead-Shot Rangers; or, The Prairie Outlaw at Bay.
102—-Buffalo Bill in Dead Man’s Swamp; or, Trailing the Red Man Hunters.
103—-Buffalo Bill’s Pony Patrol; or, The Mysterious Boy of the Overland.
104—-Buffalo Bill in Disguise; or, The’ Boy Boomer at Danger Divide.
105—Buffalo Bill’s Ordeal of Fire; or, The Siege of Longhurst Ranch.
106—Buffalo Bill on a Renegade’s Trail; or, The White Queen of the Mandans.
107——Buffalo Bill’s Balloon Trip; or, Foiling the Apaches. ;
108—Buffalo Bill’s Drop; or, Dead Shot Ned, the Kansas Kid.
109—Buffalo Bills Lasso-Throwers; or, Shadow Sam’s Short Stop. .
110—Buffalo Bill’s Relentless Trail; or, The Unknown Slayer of the Black Cavalry.
111—-Buffalo Bill and Silent Sam; or, The Woman of the Iron Hand.
112—Buffalo Bill’s Raid on the Midnighters; or, Following a Specter Guide.
113—Buffalo Bill at Beacon Rock; or, Drawing Lots with Death.
114—Buftalo Bill and the Wolves of Mexico.
115—Buffalo Bill and the White Buffalo; or, The Black Horse Rider.
116—Buffalo Bill and the Prairie Hercules; or, The Spectre Soldier of the Overland.
117—-Buffalo Bill and the Doomed Thirteen; or, Out on the Silver Trail.
118—Buffalo Bill’s Ride for Life; or, A Hard-Won Victory. ~
119——Buffalo Bill’s Grim Guard; or, The Chinaman in Buckskin.
120—Buffalo Bill’s Discovery; or, The Mystery of the Gold Treasure

SS
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ee

All of the above numbers always on hand. If you cannot get them from your newsdealer, five
cents a copy will bring them to you by mail, postpaid.

STREET & SMITH, Publishers, 238 William Street, ‘New York.

Lilie Site

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 

 
 

 

 

 

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SST

 

 

 

 

 

of Fascinating Detective Stories

32 Large Sized Pages : Handsome
Clear Type : é Colored Covers

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

M\HERE is a subtle charm about a really good detective story which makes the reader feel that he is intimately
concerned in the incidents related. No detective stories published can compare, in this respect, with those
published in the Nick Carter Library. The many hair-breadth escapes and thrilling adventures, experienced

by Nick Carter, the hero of the tales, make the stories of exceptional interest. His assistants, Chick and Patsy,

are both intelligent young fellows, well fitted to aid this King of Detectives to run down desperate criminals.

Boys, you ought to take this publication every week and read about the many remarkable happenings that befall

Nick, while in the pursuit of his vocation, There is also a competition now running in the columns of this paper

in which the 50 winners are awarded many fine books for boys. Send atwo-cent stamp for a colored cover catalogue

of all our five-cent publications. The following is a list of the latest issues of the Nick Carter Weekly:

333. Nick Carter and the Red 335. Nick Carter’s False Clew; 337. Nick Carter’s Death Photo ;
Masks ; or, The Mystery of or, Playing the Dupe for ~ or. Revealed by a Camera.
Cab 21. : Big Game. é Saad ihe Wh

334. Nick Carter's Crooked 336. Nick Carter’s Drag Net; 398. Nick Carter and the Will
Trail; or, The Plot for the or, Forcing the Hands of -Forgers ; or, Playing for a
Glassford Millions. the Secret Six. Fortune.

Current and preceding issues may be purchased at five cents per copy from all
newsdealers, or will be sent, postpaid, upon receipt of price, by the publishers.

STREET: @ SMITH, 238 William St., New York