Issued Week no B By. Subscription $2.50 ‘per y year. E; ntered a as Second Chaks Matter a New Vork Post Office by SME Yee 238 W p Wilkiam Deg Ne Ye _ No.129. ee = a /8SQ0QW TWICHK A THE REVOLVERS SPOKE, AND TWO MORE MEN WENT DOWN, DEVOTED A WEEKLY PUBLI CATION TO BORDER HISTORY issued Weekly, By Subscription $2.50 per year. Entered as, Second Class Ma’ter at the N. Y. Post Office, by STREET & SMITH, ne William St., N.Y. Entered according to Act of Congress in the year 1903, tn the Office of the Librarian of Congress, Washington, D. No. 129, NEW YORK, October 31, 1903. Price Five Cents, The Wolves of the Mountains. 6 eo By the author of “BUFFALO BILL.” CHAPTER I. IN THE MIDST OF FOES. Buffalo Bill was not feeling at all satisfied with himself, as he took his way toward the hotel and saloon of Wash Waring, in the Colorado mountain town of Advance City. Waring was his friend, but recent events had shown the scout that he might expect to find many enemies in the town. Buffalo Bill’s latest exploit had been in a sense singu- larly unfortunate, and that was, of itself, an unsatisfactory experience, accustomed as he was to having things go his way. To favor a friend, he had undertaken, during a summer vacation period which he was spending in the mountains near Advance City, to guide a wagon train through the mountains. The train held a large treasure of gold, which made it a mark for certain outlaws of the region. One of these— the leader of the outlaw band—turned out to be a per- fect double of the scout ; and, having cleverly put the scout “out of business’ for a brief season, the outlay <-ptain had personated Buffalo Bill so cleverly that he had com- pletely fooled the people of the wagon train. However, the adroit rascal had met the death that he deserved. And the wagon train, being now safe at its destination, the scout had returned to Advance City, knowing that many foes were watching him, and that many friends of the dead outlaw chief were only awaiting a favorable opportunity to avenge his death. Going into the place where the denizens of the frontier settlement were wont to spend their time drinking, smok- ing and gambling, he found everything in full blast. There were over a hundred men there, many of them the roughest border characters. To most of them he was known by sight. Standing just within the room, the scout looked keenly over the crowd gathered about the gaming tables. As he stood thus, a rough-looking man approached him, and said: “Pard, is you too stuck-up a gent to play a game o’ keerds with one who are a reg’lar tough?” The scout looked at the man intently. Be THE BUFFALO “You're one of the mountain wolves who are thirsting ‘or my blood, and I know it,” was his thought. But he only stiiled pleasantly, and answered: “T seldony play éards, and do not care to do so now.” “Buf'ler Bill, 1 challenges yer fer three games o’ keerds, and ef yer ain't a coward, yer’ll play them with me.” After a moment of thought, the reply came: “I'll play you the three gamés, no more, no less.” The man whose challenge was aceepted by- Buffalo Bil smiled wickedly at the reply he received. “T fear you have made a mistake, Pard Bill, fer do you not know him?” said a voice in the scout’s dar. It was the keeper of the saloon, Wash Waring. “Qh, yes, 1 think I do. . It is:Black Bob, is it not?” re- plied the scout, as his challenger was Cone for a table for them to play their game tipon. - “Tt is, and about the worst piece of human cussedness . in the settlement. He has not been here since he killed Will Wheatley, four months..ago, .T’ll. try, and get you out of it, for he has it in for-you,.I am sure.’ “No; I'll play the three games with him.” “T am sorry. that man means dirt, I am certain.” es “Pll play him.” — see “Then watch him, for God’s sake!” “Thanks, I will, But I wish to find out something about him. That is why I accepted his challenge,” Then the scout walked over to the ‘table which Black — 30b Kad selected. It was in a corr ther man having. already appropriated the one facing the ther way.. : ‘TE have the keerds, and te be -best two in three,’ said — lack Bob. : ‘TE play with: no man’s cards—Wering send: a ee wack of cards here.” i A “TFRat means yer believes. my ‘eoovde 4 is: serbiolecll ry ee a chatges, only a fresh pack is fair to both Hf us/ “Well, I ain’t one to. quarrel,” said Se Bob, but his face showed disappointment. “How much do you care to ‘put on. the game?” the table. es money: rs 2 ‘What do you call big m roney | re “Ts yer rich?” “T-can match the bet of any honest man ott here.” ‘Then cover that,” and*Black Bob put upon the table a: roll of bills, addirig, with an air of triumph: ee s a cool one thousand !” “So much ?” I can call you. a away on some exctise, for * er of the large Dice with an. open vindow just behind the seat which Buffalo Bill took, the. aalced the Scout, as: Waring threw an unopened pack of cards on. Bi S FORIES, ves. “Waring, om up three hundred. for me; I have tut seven with me,” said the scout. The saloon-keeper produced the amount, and the stakes were up. ‘The best two in three takes ther pile.” “Yes.” “Dare you go higher ?”’ On, slay if you wish, for I think Pard 1 Waring 9 will back me.’ “For ee you ae Mr, Cody “Then make it another thou’. : Po Titit.” The money was staked and the game began, while the crowd became interested, as seldom had Buffalo Bill been seen to play. The playing started off briskly, the mien ¢rov Run about in apparent excitement: In a little while it was seen that Black Bob was the win- d9 ;’ replied Wash Waring. -ner of the first game. “T has a cool thousan’ more to’say that I'll win two games of the three,” Black Bob now declared, confidently. “I take that additional. bet,” replied the scout, calmly. : CHAPTER H - OUTWITTING A DESPERADO. - There was no doubt that Black Bob had won the game, and fairly. This much Wash Waring admitted, and he had watched the game closely. he “You were too indifferent. Sevéral good plays slipped “by you unnoticed, and he had no chance to cheat,” he whispered as he bent ever the scout. “T was thinking of something else,” responded Buffalo Bill, Again the cards were game was begun.” Though he looked wholly indifferent, Buffalo ‘Bill played now with caution, and in silence. * = “I wish you gents w’u'd stand aside, so as I re git 2 -- breath o’ air from that window,” said Black Bob, iipa- tiently, and the crowd seneie behing the scout moved to one side. But in their interest in the game, they soon crowded be- hind the scout again, until Black Bob said, angrily: “oée here, dows jist fer fu: an’ ef any of yer gits nae range with my- bullets, he'll tarn up his toes, never fear! ‘The crowd. scattered from behind the scout with alac- tity, for Black threats. . Hardly had they done so, when, to give them a hin not shutiled, dealt, and the second gents, | has 2 way of shooting out of win- ~ Bob was known to’ be a “Man of no idle 3 ; THE BUREALO to repeat the offense, Black Bob took out a revolver and fired. “TH jist hold ae money down with a) gun, so as ter hev it handy.” Buffalo Bill made no reply. He showed no annoyance at the words or act his card partner, and smiled when the crowd broke away vue haste. A moment after, Buffalo Bill threw his inet card Hewa. with the remark: “That makes us even, so far, for : win this game.” There was a slight murmur of satisfaction from the. crowd, but an ugly glance from Black Bob silenced it. “Yas, he said, hoarsely. Interest in the game was now intense, and Black Bob’s hands had a quiver in them as he shuffled and dealt. But Buffalo Bill was as cool as an icicle. He had kept his eye on his opponent, however, and gave him no chance to deal unfairly. “Tt’s your money or mine, this game,” growled Black Bob. “Oh, yes, for that was the compact. Three games only, _ and best two in three, the winner to take the stakes.” “It'll be my money.” “The game will tell, not talk.” Black Bob dropped his hand carelessly upon his re- volver, lying upon the money. This act stampeded the crowd, who were again filling the space behind the scout, and closing the window. With a rude laugh, he said: “I sees yer remembers, and it are well yer does.” Buffalo Bill calmly marked and watched the game. Each man played with the greatest caution, for there was a big sum at stake—far more than was usual in that settlement. Several months before, Black Bob had played with a young man, and then had killed him, just why, the crowd never knew. With his revolver lying beady upon the table now, all feared there would be some trouble, hence a feeling of anxiety rested upon each one, especially Wash Waring, who had a warm friendship for Buffalo Bill, whose extra money he had in keeping tn his strong box. The third game was played amid a dead silence, a silence that was. painful, and when the last cards were thrown upon the table, a deep curse broke from the lips of Black Bob, while Buffalo Bill said, Be “T have won.’ With the es he laid his hand dy noon Black Bob’s revolver, and the money, and continued: “This is a handsome weapon you carry, pard.” The smile upon his face was in strange contrast to the scowl that added to Black Bob’s ugly looks. Ii Black BILE STORIES. a Bob had intended to play a double game, he had been thwarted by the scout’s cool and clever act. There was not a man in that crowd but felt that Black Bob had been beaten at his own game. : They were assured that he had placed his revolver upon the pile of money, not to hold it down, or to have it ready for the onlookers, should they again crowd before the win- dow, but to have it within reach should Buffalo Bill win the game. By his clever act, Buffalo Bill had doubtless saved his own life, kept his winnings, and had Black Bob at his mercy. That, at least, was Wash Waring’s belief, and many agreed with him. So quickly had the scout’s hand dropped upon the re- volver on the table, so rapidly had its muzzle pointed di- rectly at Black Bob, who realized that he had been caught in his own trap; and lost his money as well, that the des- perado could do nothing but scowl and swear. But his eyes were eagerly gazing out of the window. The way was open now, and all saw that he seemed to be looking out into the darkness as though he expected to see some one. Buffalo Bill had just thrust the money into his shirt pocket, still grasping Black Bob’s revolver with one hand, and apparently admiring the weapon, though keeping an eye upon the desperado, when suddenly one of the crowd nearest the window shouted: ‘‘Look out, Cody!” At the cry, a man stepped behind Buffalo Bill, just as a flash and report came from outside the window. With a groan and spring into the air, the man dropped dead just behind Buffalo Bill’s chair, he having evidently received the bullet intended for the scout. | “T saw the man, and his gun was leveled at you. That is why I called to you to look out, Cody!” cried the man who had uttered the warning call. Buffalo Bill had sprung to his feet, while the crowd scattered right and left, evidently expecting more shots from the darkness. Se “T’ll find him, fellers!” shouted Black Bob, and with a bound he leaped clear through the open window, leaving his revolver in the hands of the scout. For an instant none seemed to realize the cause of Black Bob’s lightning-like exit. Then Wash. Waring called out: “He has escaped, pards! He’ll not show up here again. He intended to kill you, Cody, or have his pard outside do it. A hundred to one that was his game, pards.” Buffalo Bill quickly leaped through the window, re- volver in hand, Wash ene and several others follow: ing him. “Harkey It was the scout who uttered the word. . It was so dark that at first no one could see, coming 4 THE BUFFALO out of the brilliantly lighted saloon; and, told to listen by Buffalo Bill, they did so. Distinctly to their ears came the sound of hoofs rapidly retreating out of the settlement. “There are two horses,” said Wash Waring. “Yes—Black Bob and his pard. I am sure you were right, Waring, and that he did intend to kill me, or have his pard outside do it.” , “Yes; that’s why he chose that table, and was so anx- ious to have clear space behind you from the window.” “That’s so, Wash,” cried the crowd. “You should not have taken that seat, Cody,” Wash Waring. “T should have been more cautious, 1 admit; but I did not expect to have to deal with an assassin without—only a desperado within doors. : “T wish I had followed him more quickly, and had a horse at hand to pursue; but let him go, for you can barely hear the hoof strokes now.” . “Another time you may meet him, Pard Bill,” “Yes, Wash; but now let us go in and see about that poor fellow who got the bullet intended for me.” They re-entered the saloon, and found that the crowd had resumed their games, drinking and talking, a few hav- ing gathered about the dead body of the man who had fallen at the shot fired from out in the darkness. “Poor fellow, | recognize him as an unfortunate with whom life went wrong. Have him decently buried, War- ing, at my expense; and if you can find that he had any relatives, and they are poor, send them a few hundred said Buffalo Bill, and the crowd cheered his said for me,” generosity As he was about to leave the saloon, a man suddenly confronted him, and called out, in a voice that all could hear: | “Hold on there, Buf’ler Bill!’ “Well, what is it?’ quietly asked the scout. CEE OR “1th: BELD @O ACCOUNT. “Well, sir?” man who had halted him made no reply. “You know me, Buf‘ler Bill, don’t yer? “I have seen you often, and | believe ‘they call you Quick Shot Kit.” “They does; and | is well called.” “Tell me wha yeu. wish with me.” “You kmows me, | says?” “By sight and name only, and I am not anxious to en- courage any further acquaintance.’ It was evident that the scout was becomin® impatient. “Well, we is goin’ to git better acquainted ; and right quick, too!’ again asked the scout, as he saw that the BILL STORIES. “What do you mean?” “Oh! I knows you is game. tackle, for I hates a coward.” “Well?” ‘There was no sound of voices now. All was silence in the room, as silent as the dead form that lay over on a bench under the window, through which had come the shot that had ended his life. “T wants ter say this, and that is, Black Bob may a a leetle rough in his ways, but he once risked his life to save mine, and I wants ter pay him for it.” : “Shall I lend you the money, because I won it from hing? “No. I has money ter burn.” “What then?’ . “T don’t mean to pay in gold fer a life.” _ “Pray explain what you do mean, for I have no time to throw away just now.” “Well, you has got ter hear me.” “If you are seeking a quarrel with me, #’d rather hear the sound of our revolvers than our voiees.” “That'll come in time; but I wants ter know if you said, as were jist now told me, that Black Bob had intended to kill you and save his money ?”’ “T said that he intended to have me shot in the back by an assassin, and save his-money. Is that satisfactory?” “Tt’s flat-footed, and no mistake.” “Well, talk quick, er act, for re am in a hurry.” “Tl act in time, but talk now.’ FONE rion “As Black Bob saved my life, and he ain’t here, I’ll jist say I demands an apology from yer fer that insult.” “You'll not get it, any more than he would if he were Tus chat tind | tome 3 here. “Then Tcails fer satisfaction.’ “What will vou consider satisfaction?” “A fight to the death atween ys,” was the fierce rejoin- der of Quick Shot Kit. “Tam sorry you think you have to take up for your cowardly and roveh pard, for I have no time to waste or inclination to meet every desperado who wishes to call me to account for my actions,” “Well, I does 1.” “Which means t iba “Just select your second, and let us the cool rejoinder of the scout, Then, turning to Wash Waring, who was standing con- veniently near, be added: eas ee “Will you act for me, pard ?” “Certainly, Cody, though I must tell ‘Gale Shot Kit that he is ae a great mistake in taking up the quarrel uP gt OW as Black Bob, who will not dare show his hat I’ve get to fight you?’ have it. out,” was THE BUFFALO face in this settlement again. If he does appear here again, he will have to answer to those who do not believe in assassination, no matter how rough a fair, stand-up fight may be here.” “Y doesn’t ask you for your advice, Wash Waring,” growled Quick Shot Kit. “No, but you got it all the same, and had better profit ay - “T does as I oe and if Buf’ler Bill ain’t no coward, fie'll meet me.’ “Oh, certainly ; when, where, and with whatever weap- ons you may please,” said the scout. “T lives or dies by ther revolver.” “All right; one is as good as another to me—please name your second, for Mr. Waring will serve me.” “Sam Selden is my man,” and he referred to a tall, seri- ous-faced man in miner’s garb, who said: “As you ask it, Quick Shot Kit, ll not go back on you; but Ido not like to be mixed up in any quarrels on my own account, let alone for one I hardly know.” his was a setback for Quick Shot Kit, but he said: “But I asks you to sarve me.” “Which I will do; but it’s to be a fair and square fight on your part, as I know it will be on Cody’s.” Then he walked over to where Wash Waring stood, to arrange for the deed, while all eyes were turned upon Quick Shot Kit. There were many present who not only wondered why Quick Shot Kit kad selected Sam Selden for his second, . but also why he had chosen to pick a quarrel with Buffalo Bill, a man by no means to be trifled with. He had done so for some reason, and then had asked one not of his kind to second him. “Neither Cody nor Selden are men whe trot in the same class with Black Bob, and he’s got some reason for what he does that I cannot see into,” said a sport, and he added: “T’ve got five to one in money that says Buffalo Bill kills him,if it’s a square fight.” “T takes that bet,” said a rough- looking man, who was known as Odds, the Sport, as he always offered big odds on all bets he:made. / In the meantime, Sam Selden and Wash Waring had been talking together, and all knew that the fight would be a square one. ooo hey had a agreed that the two men should stand across the saloon, their faces to the wall, armed with but one weapon each, a’ revolver. ee This weapon was to be in its belt ; and at the word the men were to turn about, draw their revolvers, and ad- vance, firing upon each other. _ CoA gold piece was tossed into the air, , and Sam Selden Bie the word. Fach second then placed his man, while the crowd BILL STORIES. 5 ranged along on each side of the room, leaving an open space between. The seconds took their starids oe between the duel- ists, facing each other. ~ “Any last words, Cody, for you know that fellow is qe and shoots to kill?” Wash Waring asked the scout. “No, thank you, Wash, for I always live prepared to go.” | “Heaven help you, old pard!” and Wash Waring went. to his post. Sam Selden had also asked Quick Shot Kit if he had any last word for any one in case he should be killed. The answer was: “Don’t be a fool, pard, for I ain’t no suicide. what I is doin’, and yer bet I ain’t goin’ under.” I knows The two men stood with their faces to the log wall of the cabin, awaiting the word from Sam Selden, The crowd was silent and expectant, and many of them were most anxious to see the duel. At last the silence was broken by Sam Selden’s voice: “You know the word, pards. Hi either man does dif- ferent—if it’s you, Cody, Vl shoot you deadg and 1f you are the one, Quick Shot Kit, Wash Waring will drop you where you stand.” | | “I know my biz,” called out Quick Shot Kit, taking from between his lips the pipe which he had carefully filled and lighted with an air of bravado, “I understand,’ answered Buffalo Bill, pleasantly. .A moment of silence; then came the words from Sam Selden’s lips: “Ready—turn—draw—fire !” Each man wheeled as though on a pivot, and the re- volvers flashed together, At the flash, Quick Shot Kit dropped upon his knees. All supposed that he was wounded, save those nearest to him, They saw that it was a dodge, for they beheld the splinters fly from the log just where his head would have’ been had he remained standing. Buftalo Bill seemed to feel that he was csdedes for he did not carry out the compact agreed upon and shoot his opponent down. The bullet from Quick. Shot Kit’s revolver had struck the heavy gold buckle of the scout’s helt squarely in the center, and imbedded itself there-—a fatal shot, indeed, had it not thus been checked. The shock caused Buffalo Bill to hides backward a couple of steps, and Quick Shot Kit fired a second time, the bullet just clipping the cheek of the scout. But the latter fired his second shot at the same instant, and downward, f for “Quick Shot Kit was still on his knees. A howl of pain and rage broke from the lips of the des- perado, as his hand dropped to his side shattered, and his revolver fell upon the floor, 6 THE BUFFALO But, with the quickness of action which had gained for him his name, he seized the weapon in his left hand and brought it to a level, just as Buffalo Bill fired a third time. Again there came a howl of fury and pain commingled, and the left hand fell shattered to his side, while Buffalo Bill called out: “J do not care for your te Ouick Shot Kit—take it!” At that instant there came a shot through the open door, and Buffalo Bill dropped to the floor his full length. In the midst of the excitement, a second shot was heard without. Then into the saloon came the tall form of an army scout, dragging a dead body after him. CHAPTER IV. TO THE HELP OF A FRIEND. The army scout who thus made his unexpected and sen- sational appearance was known as Walter Gordon. He was a close friend of Buffalo Bill, and had recently been doing courier duty. Every eye was upon him as he strode into the saloon, a revolver in one hand and the other grasping the collar of a limp form, which he dragged a few paces and then dropped upon the dirt floor. Standing erect, his handsome face grave, his piercing eyes ablaze with some emotion, that deeply roused him, he looked at Buffalo Bill, who had arisen to his feet unhurt. — Then, in a deep voice, he cried, touching with his foot the body he had dragged into the saloon: “It has been the rule of my life to deal with a cowardly assassin as I would with a mad wolf. Hence I killed this yen. I saw him, standing in the darkness in safety, pull ‘izger upon one here in the broad glare of light—one I «ognized as my friend, Buffalo Bill, and I hold myself - ponsible for my act.” A moment’s silence followed the words. Then it was ;oken by a ringing cheer that came as from one man, tell- + him that his bold act was heartily approved, if not by _ at least by the majority of those present. "You did perfectly right, Gordon, to kill that fellow. A bad one he was, as we all know. He was one of Black Bob’s boon companions,” said Wash Waring, and he added: “But we thought you had gone to the northward ?” “I started, but I met a courier with dispatches which are to go from here by the morning’s stage southward. As his horse had gone lame, I turned back to bring the papers and get him a fresh mount. a I must be off soon. “Tt was as I rode up that I saw that man date a bead upon Buffalo Bill. I had just time to draw, and we fired almost together.” Buffalo Bill sprang forward and grasped the courier’s hand warmly. BILL STORIES. The courier returned the hand clasp, and looked anx- iously at his friend. “Not hurt?” he asked. ‘Not touched,” Buffalo Bill answered. “I heard the click of the rascal’s revolver, and e OURS to the floor just in time to save my life.” Then the scout turned toward the man he had wounded. Quick Shot Kit had uttered no word of complaint thus far, but had stood with his bleeding hands held out, in a helpless and pathetic attitude. Buffalo Bill called to Wash Waring: “See to that poor fellow, Wash, for he’s suffering greatly.” Quick Shot Kit heard the words of his generous foe, and stepping forward, held out his bleeding right hand, while he said, earnestly: “Your bullet smashed it,.Pard Cody, and t’other one, too; but I offers it to you, and thanks you, too, fer not killin’ me. Don’t be afeered ter squeeze it, fer I kin stand ther pain.” | Buffalo Bill praeped the wounded hand, but not to squeeze it, only to examine the wound, and replied: » “Tt’s not as bad as I feared, Kit. Only the bone of the middle finger is broken, and I hope the other hand is no worse. Dr. Wash will soon have you all right.” “Ves, he’s as good a doctor as he is a landlord; but I said I thanked you for savin’ my life, Buf/ler Bill, and when I says thet, I means it.” “T never kill a.man if it is to be avoided, Kit; and I am glad your life is not on my hands. If I can do anything for you, tell Wash Waring, and he'll fix you all right.” “Thankee again.” “T’ll be in the tavern, Wash, when you want me.” Buffalg Bill stepped to the side of Walter Gerd and the two left the room together. Going to Buffalo Bill’s room, the courier heard the story of all that had happened; and, listening attentively, said: “You must keep your eye on Black Bob, for he.is one of the worst men in these parts.” “Why did you return to Advance City?” Butialo Bill inquired. “I met an army couriet coming on the trail to Advance City, and bearing important dispatches to be sent south on the stage that leaves here at daybreak. “His horse was very lame, and he could not reach here, so I told him I would put back, send his dispatches, and get him a good horse and some supplies. Knowing me, he gave me his leather bag, and I returned.” “And just in time to save my life!” “No: the fellow fired just a second sooner than I did; but I saw who he aimed at, and let him have a shot.” Just then Wash Waring entered the room, and said: “We. Cody, your bullet broke the bone of the middle Be finger of each hand, showing just where you aimed. I -have dressed them as well as. I could, and think they will not givé him a preat deal of trouble.” “That means that you have dréssed the wounds most skillfully, Wash; for, though you do not claim to be a _ doctor or surgeon, you certainly ate both.” Looking at the landlord, the courier, asked : “When does the stage leave for Lay south ?” “It ought to go in.the morning,’ Wash Waring an- swered. “But it cannot, for it broke den on the last trip, and must wait over a day for repairs. “Then I shall have to take those dispatches on south my- self,” said the courier. Buffalo Bill looked up quic kly. “And if you do, some one must take a horse to the courier vou left behind on the trail. 1 will do that.” “That is asking too much of you!” said Gordon. | “Not a bit of it, pard. I shall be glad to help you. I owe you a good ee a et you 7 for mea while ago, you know.” te The scout turned to Wash W: ane “And you must help us both, Wartinge. To begin with, T need a horse for that°courier.. Yott must séll me one— or. father séll one fo me oe the United states Gov- ernment.” Wash Waring iainhed, and réplied : “You shall have thé pick of the outfit, Bill.” “Well, set me out one, And name yotir price ; T must be off within the hour.” Within the time named Buffalo Bill mounted his horse, and with the animal for the courier in lead, started on his’ trail to the northw ard. CHAPTER -V. a RL Oh OND PLOTTERS. When Walt ter Gordon entered the Good Litek Saloon, _ dragging the dead man, who-had made the attempt on pard, Shadow Tom,” he said. Buffalo “Bill's life, there were. several in the room who seemed greatly excited. There were two, especially. They sat apart from the. others, and at once recognized the dead man as ee : especial pard. “Te was our pard, Madero. Tom, Ike,’ whispered one s fo the other, “Sure, Denver, ae and he’s dead: as he'll. ever. git to be,” “Vas, Ike; and thet means revenge.” “On ther man that Killed him.” “Of Bufller Bill. He was thé cause of it” Sartia,” “Shall we chip in now? “And git our tees tarned up like Suadow Tom’s is? “How, then? a we mitist make @ strike at him.” THE BUFFALO BILL STORIES. “Yer fergits thet is Buf’ler Bill.” “I don’t mind.” “T does, fer when men is dyin’ around sudden, he keeps livin’, and it we made a break now it would be our funeral ter-morrer.’ SLet’s git Jake Sone our other pard, ter help. us, fer three of us kin down even Buf’ler Bill.” “Go slow ag’in: He ain’t no ordinary man; and, though we might kill-him, thar is many here as w’u’d string us up quick; while if they didn’t, ther army men w’u’d make it too hot fer us ter live here, unless we was put on ice.” “Well, you knows; but we mustn’t let poor Shadow Tom go unavenged, as he wouldn’t rest well.in his grave and his spook would ha’nt us.” “That’s so, and I don’t intend to let him go unavenged, nor does Jake Strong, éither, fer don’t yer see he’s right thar gittin’ pointers, and he ain’t made no bad_ break, neitaer, | and the. speaker pointed to a man who was stand- dns hear Buffalo. Bul and W fash Waring. In appearance he was a . fit associate for the dead man ealled: Shadow Tom;-and the other two, Slippery Ike and -» Denver, : The four had Beeb ly boon pards. They had not let it be known, for reasons of their own, and had gone in pairs or singly when before the public eye. | They “had the same reason for wishing to put Buffalo Bill out of the way whielt had moved the other despera- does of the evening. They held him responsible for the - death of the leader of their outlaw band. Some moments after Buffalo Bill and the courier left the saloon, Jake Strong came into the place again, and, walking near t0 his two pards, gave them a sign. When they went outside, , Jake Strong was there waiting for them. ee In silence Ke led the way to some timber. “Pards, Buffalo. Bill 3 is responsible fe er the death of our “We seen it.” “Killin’ means killin’.” ye Cociar | Cae ul ‘Buffalo Bill is going ter start agin on ther trail ter- night.” “We'll sit him, then.” “He’s bought a horse from Landlord ibis and he’s goin’ ter lag him back fer ther courier.’ at OE Bee? “An’ he’s goin’ ter take along with him a valuable mail- bag, some money packages by express, and other things fer people up north, and we kin avenge poor Tom ane pit gold dust besides.” “We ear.” CNVe ll. do iti” 8 THE BUFFALO --“Then we'll git our horses and light out now Aes him on ther trail, fer thar is no time to lose.” “Right, 1 now.” oe the three ee walked briskly away. The man of the trio who had i called Take Bicone took the lead of the affair, and’it was goo ae to hiin by his other two companions. ; eo He was about the best of the three for the red ieee in hand, being the worst of the party, if there ae was a comparative degree regarding them. _ They quickly got their horses, staked out in the rear of their cabins, and each went by a separate ene to a certain point on the trail where they were to meet. Jake Strong arrived first, and, skilled in bor der craft, lighted a match, and examined the trail most attentively by its light. The other two then came, and Jake called out: “He has not gone by yet, pards.” “Good |” “Then we'll hev ter ride is it, and git oe ahead, - I has a idea.” ase den , “All right; what is it?” “Well, my idea is ter play sta Oc “How so?” “We kin light out rapid, and thet camp- a -o} thet army oF who is waiting fer him will show us eet he is.’ Yess: _ “Then T’ll go ahead alone, with one of the horses in lead, and call out to him, making believe I is Buffalo Bill.” We see. “You kin foller close arter me.” “Yes, we might be needed.” “Not much, fer when I sees him, I'll a close up and then plug him.” “Jake, you is a dandy.” ._ “Ah! you is,” were the admiring remarks of the other two. “Well, I ain’t no fool,” e “You bet you ain’t.” “But arter you kill him?’ “I call ter you.” “We'll be on hand.” “And if I looks enough of a cae ter ee him, Pi put on his uniform, and you kin hide ther horses and wait fer Buffalo Bill.” ake a . “Oh, Lordy! how fine!” . _. “When he comes, Pll let him see me, if Lis he one . to play -thet parts as, you. will if you plays it; and then Tl plug him.” is So the plot . to: murder. Bafa Bill. was sete, and the trio statted out-at rapid: gallop. upon. their. way. They were well mounted, and. kept up a rapid gallop for miles, until one of their number drew rein and said: = BILL STORIES. “We've passed it, or maybe the camp-fire has died down. while he was asleep.” ithe) “We ain’t passed no fire, I is sure. I has given my horse the rein, and ef thar had been a camp, he’d ” know’d it, and tarned right off to it.” “T believes you is right.” “We'll try it ag’in, fer thar ain't no back out in mé.’ Once more they pressed on, and a mile further ae Strong beheld the a of a light off on his left. “Thar it is, pards.” They drew to a walk now, and soon came near a camp up at the head of a little vale. The three dismounted then; one of the horses was un- saddled, and Jake Strong mounting again, with the animal in lead, rode boldly forward toward the camp-fire, The others followed at a safe distance. CHAPTER Vii. SUCCESS. The soldier courier was asleep ; yet like Napoleon, he slept with one eye open. He knew that he was in a land where death came unex- pectedly, and it was right to be on his guard. - A man who had been a plainsman before he became a soldier, he was well versed in the ways of the border. After being left alone, Walter Gordon deterniuned to settle himself for a much-needed rest, for he had ridden far and hard. His horse needed rest, also, for its injured foot. The horse was near, with foot raised. With a feeling of pity, he went to the animal, and took another look at the raised hoof. “Ah! I have found the cause of your trouble, old horse,” he said, as he drew a splinter of tough wood sticking into the hoof close to the shoe. Going to his saddle pocket, he took out a pair of pinch- ers from a number of tools for horse shoeing which he carried along with him, then found a small bottle of tur- | pentine, and a tin box of salve. In a short while he had drawn out the splinter, and filled the wound with the turpentine. Then, taking off the shoe, he placed over the hoof a piece of leather. Putting - the salve under it, and hailing on the iron shoes over the leather, he said: “There, I think you are all right now, old pard. “ The horse put his hoof down cautiously, remembering the pain he had suffered from the splinter; but, gaining confidence when he felt no hurt, he stood well upon it. 2 hen the courier bathed and tubbed the leg, and. re- marked; __“T wish I had found that splinter sooner.’ Alter having his supper, the courier eed his camp-_ THE BUFFALO _fire so that it would burn all night, watered his horse at a stream near, and staked him out upon a soft, grassy meadow to feed. Then he turned in for the night, and was soon asleep, conscious of having arranged his fire so a it could be seen only from one point. He knew that Indians seldom moved by night; and, unless on the lookout for his camp, white men would be apt to pass it by unseen. Still, he was cautious, and had looked well to the sur- roundings before wrapping his blanket about him. He was soon sound asleep, though the breaking of a twig would have awakened him. Hours had passed, when he awoke with a certain con- sciousness that all was not well. He sat up in his blanket bed, looked about him, and his eyes rested on the fire. It was burning well—a mass of glowing embers that spread a faint light all about his camp. Looking at his watch, Be saw that the hour of midnight had passed. me eon Still, over him stole at Gane of unseen danger. “T will have a look about my camp—at my horse, for I do not like this feeling that oppresses me,’ he muttered. Drawing on his cavalry boots, he arose, just as he heard hooffalls approaching. Listening, he was sure that there were two horses. “It is Buffalo Bill returning. I felt that some one was’ near,’ he said. Just then his eyes fell upon shadowy forms moving into the arc of dim firelicht. cas There were a horse and rider, and an animal follow: ing at the end of/a lariat. “It is the chief of scouts—good a Then he called out: “Ho, Pard Cody, is that you?” “Ay, ay. ae all a ?" came the answer, in’a low tone. “Yes, sir.’ ee eT -*T have your horse for you, and now we are all right.” Tro sl ‘or looked fixedly up at the speaker, now close # upon him, for tne voice did not sound familiar. As he did so, he saw the hand of the horseman rise, and in it was a revolver. _ Then came, in quick succession, one, ‘two, three shots, the flashes revealing his face and form distinctly. The soldier-courier was taken completely by surprise. Jake Strong had played his game well. He was an adept at that kind of work, and he had been successful in carrying out his plot that far, at least. The soldier held his belt of arms in his hands, just as he had taken it up from his bed. . The first shot struck him in the shoulder, ‘and he stag- : gered ‘back, trying to get a grip on a weapon. i ee vq bi BILL STORIES. 8 - The second broke arm, as he got hold of the butt of his revolver. The third pierced his Gee A groan, the dropping of his weapons, a waving of one hand wildly, and he sank down in his tracks, a dead man. » His presentiment of evil had been true. : Jake Strong could not refrain from a shout of triumph. It was but natural, and his cry of triumph echoed through the little valley... Then he called out: “Come on, pards; ther work is done.” The two men followed their leader, who expressed his triumph with a yell. | Then the three gathered ahout the fire. “We've did our work.” abane,? “Buffalo Bill next.” “Has ther Sect ee of value about his clothes?” “Weil see.” ao ‘Yes; 1 il ee ” said Jake Strong, in a way that meant that he would. “He’s got a watch; and it’s a fine ae and Jake Strong put it in his pocket. ‘Yes, and here’s some money. ll count it later, though it ain’t much.” And the roll of bills went into Jake’s pocket. “His weapons is fine ones,” said Slippery Ike, picking them up. * “Vas; we'll devide them later,” said Jake. -“Yer‘don’t say nothin’ about ther watch and money.” “Kin yer devide f watch ?” “Yer kin money.” “T kilt him, Slippery The.” “Tet me kill Buffalo Bill,” Denver pleaded. “Who'll I kill to git anything?” asked Slippery Ike. “Pards, we'll not quarrel, fer ef we does, we'll lose our game, and so far ther keerds‘is jist dealt out,” said Jake Strong, as he ae breakers ahead. i Vas. taets 80.) ‘And let me tell yer, I has seen a man hold a hand full of aces and yit lose ther game, and. re Bill ain't 110 slouch ter play ag’inst.” __ “Right you is, Jake.” “And he ain’t many miles back.” “No, he ain’t,” and the thought almost caused a panic. Quickly the three men set to work to prepare for the coming of the scout. Their horses were led away into the timber, the fire was raked together, but not so as to give too much light, and the face and form of the dead man were looked over.’ He was beardless, save for several days’ growth; his hair was short, and he was dressed in a Seek uniform, “and wore a black slouch army hat. -“Fe’s about my: size,” said Jake,< 900 25 eo 10 -THE BUFFALO “Yas.” Ge Ona (eA i ain't got no beard ter speak of, ue TN OX “T guess it means me tér put on hig uniform n and do ther é work.” “That’s what it does, You be thee one ter play sOger, Jake, and show yerself, and we'll be back i in 1 ther. shadder, and chip in our shots, too.” “All right—’cause Buffalo Bill are not easy put under ther ground,” remarked Jake Strong. The body of the soldier was then stripped of its tni- form, hat and boots. Unmindful of the red stain upon the coat, Tale Strong put the things on, though the boots: were large oe him, as he had small hands and feet. CHAPIER Vil: KILKENNY CATS. As the plotters thus made their preparations, the super- stitious feelings of one of them began to trouble him. at has heard it were bad ‘luck ter wear dead folks’. clothes,” was Slippery Ike’s stiggestion, as he watched his comrade metamorphose himself into a soldier, as far as the uniform went. “Shut up, you fool, or you'll hev ter do ther sellin’ of Buffalo Bill,” whisper ed Denver ; diately silent. Jake Strong had overheard the remarks of ee Fe intended as an aside for Denver. He shuddered in spite of himself. It appeared to make him feel painfully uncomfortable. This feeling developed into anger, and he turned upon Ike, and said : “Yer blamed fool! what did yer say thet fer?” ‘iohdas peered it.) “What if yer hed? What did yer. tell me fer ” “L. didn’t. .I told: Denver.” EM eE meant me ter hear it.” “T didn’t. "Yer fies ‘Hes it skeert yer ?” “No; I ain’t one ter skeer easy.” ee “What i is yer makin’ sich a row about, hel: an te ead “T don’t like ter be told Dis goin’ ter “hey bad luck ; ; on if I does, it means bad luck fer ‘all of us.’ Slippery Ike shivered..0" * He saw, however, that Jake Sirona was fachicned at his remark, and he was pleased.to have him so... - ° He did not like the way Jake had pocketed the and other belongings of the dead soldier. He Bence ved that. Jake intended to appropriate the lion’ s share-of the swag, and to-this -he- objected. He believed that if Jake were out of the way, he and Denver could take care of Buffalo Bill, Flence he began to be anxious to put. way. So he commenced to-plan to eet t and reduce the trio to tw6. - 42. fe). He resolved to act quickly. “Tt is unlucky ter wear dead men’s clared, speaking to Jake Strong. Strong turned angrily; upen him, saying: Take at a the he di Fabs on dake, clothes p> he se ~ intended to kill him. and Ike was imme . - knows. Ww cd BILL STORIES. “Ther more I thinks of it, ther more mad I gits. My granddaddy told me ef yer did anything thet were un- lucky, yer must do nuthin’ ter change it; and, as you jist made it bad fer me, Slippery Ike, “PH still your blamed tongtie fer yer!” He had his hand on his revolver. lippery Ike saw that Strong was ina Huitidt to-fisht. His face turnéd white, and: with. trembling hand. he tried to draw a weapon. He realized that Jake Strong His revolver hung in his belt, ana as he saw the weapon -, of Jake Strong covering him, he cried out: ‘Don't tall me, Jake!’ : The shot came with the name of the man upon his lips, - and the bullet crashed through the head of Slippery Ike. Hardly waiting to see the result of his shot, Jake Strong turned upon Denver, and cried: “Didn't I do right, pard? Fer it takes off ther spell o’ _ bad luck he put upon us!” “T thinks you did jist right, Jake.” .- The answer came very calmly, but Denver slyly let go his revolver, which he had evidently intended: to use. “I wasn’t previous enuff; I kin wait,’ thought Denver, as he saw that the quick turn upon him of Jake Strong had spoiled his little game. “Yer see, he brought.it upon himself, pard,”’ said Jake. “T heerd him.” “An’ though I hate ter kill a pard, he put a spell of bad luck on me I hed ter git off.” poe bedcd + “And thet tuk it off.” “Yas, death settles it.” And i yousae walked over to where Ike lay, all in a heap, as he sank down at the deadly shot of his pard. “We'll jist put him over here in ther timber along with ther soger,” said Denver. “You do it, fer I hates ter tech dead bodies.’’ VM de it,” and Denver dragged the body a few paces, to where the soldier lay. ; “T suesses we-better git ready fer work, Pard Jake, fer Bufialo Bill can’t be many miles off. . “No, he can’t. 1 hopes he didn’t ee thet shot !” a igen not, fer this are up a little a yer “WY as, bie we is but two now, Deny er, “Yas, it’s easier ter divide ther booty atween two,” and Dénver saw -that Jake Strong was watching him all the time. “Tt is: but we can make no mistake, for this Buffalo Billis a terror.” me has heerd so.’ “They do say he ‘his been tackled by half a dozen men, and wiped out ther Tot.” yas and thet 1 he hev got aw ay Ww 4th half a hundr ed Injuns.” “My Lord!” “"T daesn’t believe all I hears about Hi Ter co 1. But he has a record no‘other man on ‘the plains hev got,” : “So he has. a they dos say y he never pic ked a quiar ret with any man, or drawed a gun without good reason.’ “And used it when he drawed it.” THE BUFFALO “Every time. The government allers sends him ter a bad country where desperadoes | run things teo high.” “Yas, and he quiets ‘em, too.” “He does.” “And ther whole army swears by him.” “Men and officers, all of ’em, does.” “Oh, he’s a dandy, is Buffalo Bill.” “And allers escapes death, as though Providence ,ap- pinted a special g guide and cuard to look out fer hin.” ard.” “Well ?” i “If we keeps on a-tellin’ all thet Buffalo Bill hev done, an’ kin do, we'll nigh about skeer ourselves ter death about ther time he gits here.” “VOUS right, and I don’t believe half is true we hears about him.” “No more do I, and he’s only a man.’ “And bullets kill ev’ry time when sent eae? hey does. “And ours is ter “An’ no mistake.’ “Well, jist what is your idea, pard, for us ter act on?” It was evident that the two men had worked themselves into a fever of excitement by their talk of Buffalo Bill’s prowess. So, answering the question of Denver, Jake Strong said, ina whisper : “T’'ll sit here until we hears him coming. Then I[’ll show myself, as thet soger did ter me, and when he gits: close up, we'll both shoot tergether.” eVias: 9? “You be right thar in ther timber, and draw yer steady bead upon his head, while, as I'll hev ter shoot quick, I'll aim at his heart.” “And keep pumpin’ in ther lead until we knows’ Buffalo Bill is dead fer keeps.” Vas “Well, I is ready.” “Me, too.” The two men turned to take their stands, just as a shot rang out near them. go right.” CHAPTER VIII. DANGER AHEAD. Buffalo Bill rode along the trail fully aware that there might be danger ahead. After getting well away from Advance City, having left the last cabin behind him, he halted where the trail was narrow. Taking from his pocket a match, he lighted a very small bull’s-eye lantern, and turned its searching, fiery eye full down upon the trail ahead of him. Each foot of it was looked over carefully for a rod or more. “As I thought—several horsemen have passed this way. “There are fresh tracks of three horses, and they are not ahead of me an hour. “Fortunately, the old trail runs parallel with this, and not half a mile away, so I'll take that, though it is a rough one.’ He put out hig lantern, remounted, and made his way obliquely to the old trail. BILE STORIES. II : Along this he pressed, with no dread of running upon’ oes. Thus the time passed, the miles went by, and at last the scout decided to turn into the new trail once more. | He knew he could not be very far away from the sol- dier-courier’s camp. As he reached the trail, he again dismounted, lighted his little bull’s-eye lantern, and turned its glow upon the ground. “Ah! they are still ahead. I don’t exactly understand this, unless they are not after me, but are going northward. Still, why should they leave at night? Feit doing so is too suspicious to make me feel secure. I’ll hide my horses and go ahead on foot, for it will not do to risk too much just now.” He led the horses off the trail, staked them out, and was just starting ahead on foot, when, in quick succession, , three shots were heard in the distance. “Ah! that is a timely warning, indeed. It comes from the courier’s camp, too, I am sure. He doubtless opened on them, not being caught asleep. I wonder if he turned the tables upon them and got the three of them? I'll take my horses along with me, to have them near if wanted.” With this, he returned for his horses, and, going on foot, with one on each side of him as a precaution, should he run upon an ambush, he walked briskly on once more. In half a mile’s distance he came upon a view of the camp-fire. "Ces, that is it: and I have heard no further trouble there.” For some distance farther he went, and then halted, and led the horses off of the trail. He was now within a few hundred yards of the lone camp. Hitching the animals, he went forward on foot, his rifle across his arm, ready for use. He skirted along the timber on the hillside of the can- yon, and was within a hundred yards of the camp-frre, when a single shot was heard. He heard voices, also. “What under the sun is going on there in that camp, I wonder? I'll take a clearer look, and chip in, if I am needed.” Buffalo Bill had learned from his association with In- dians to creep through underbrush as noiselessly as a panther. He did so now, and soon came within a few yards of the camp-fire. He had heard talking, but could not detect what was said. Nearer and nearer he drew, until, putting out his hand, it touched a human face. The face was cold. He ran his hand over face and form, and found that the latter had been stripped of its outer clothing and boots. Then the scout fotind that there was blood on the body. His hand, in reaching out, came upon another body. This face and form were still warm. There was a wound in the forehead, This body was not undressed. “Two dead, but there are live ones near, has been killed.” The courier 12 THE BUFREALO It was very dark in the timber where the two bodies lav. the camp-fire was about fifty feet away, and the yoices heard were in low tones. The fire burned low, so gave a bright glow, rather than light, and Buffalo Bill saw two forms pass near. One of them, he could see, was in uniform. The other disappeared in the shadow of the timber to one side. The scout heard now the words: “And keep pumpin’ in ther lead until we know Buffalo Bill is dead fer keeps.” He saw the plot at a glance. The soldier-courier had been killed; the man he saw in uniform was playing a part to represent him. The face of the scout grew hard and stern. He saw two foes—there might be more; but, if there were, he would fight then and there, He would avenge his soldier friend, and catch the men in the trap they were setting for him. He was in a position where he could see the man in uniform. The other had crouched down in the timber some paces away. They little dreamed that the one whose arrival they were awaiting was so near. They were looking for him. He was determined they should find him. For a while Jake Strong kept quiet. But he soon grew impatient, and restlessly began to pace to and fro. “Better lie low, and let him think you is asleep as he comes up,” called out Denver. “Why don’t he come along, fer I is gettin’ anxious,” “Don’t know.” “T only wishes he was here.” Hardly had the wish been uttered by Jake Strong, when clear and startling came the words: “Tam here! Hands up, both of you, or die!” CHAE BR EX: BUFFALO BILL'S PRISONER. At the startling response of Buffalo Bill to the wish of ake Strong, there came the sound of a fall from over where Denver stood in the timber; while, with a fright- ened exclamation and bitter oath, the desperado in uni- form turned at bay. He fired quickly, at random, toward the spot whence the sound of Buffalo Bill’s voice had come. But, following the flash of his revolver, came anothier. It was the answering shot from Buffalo Bill, and the bullet caught the man as he was. springing toward the shelter of some timber. He fell with a heavy thud, that told the scout that his aim had been true. But where was the other man? Buffalo Bill had heard a fall, yet he knew that the man was not hurt, for no weapon had been fired. He felt that it was a trick to escape or kill him, and he ‘knew that he must be cautious. With the fall of Jake Strong, he had crouched down ' again. “Jake lay in full view of the firelight. ~ He don’t seem to he hurt, and BILL STORIES. He was not to be feared. But his partner? : Toward him the scout now directed his full attention. No sound came from the direction he knew him te bein. Noiselessiy, Buffalo Bill began to flank around to get behind and near him. In a couple of minutes he had gotten the man between him and the firelight. Then he crept n nearer. To his surprise, he saw an outstretched form. There was just light enough for him to see that the man lay en his back, his arms lying limp and motionless “Can he have fallen en his knife and killed himself, or did [I scare him to death?” With this, Buffalo Bill drew nearer, his revolver cover- ing Denver, to kill him did he attempt any trickery. "The scout had his eye still on the silent form of Jake strong. No one knew better than he that all shots are not fatal, A moment more, and the revolver of the scotit pressed against the temple of Denver. “Tve got the trump card, pard, so the game’s mine.” a here was no reply, no niovement. “Seared to death, I verily believe—no, he’s breathing. I say, pard, what's the matter?” The man moaned. ‘Laking his weapons from him, and seeing that he had - not failed on his knife, Buffalo Bill shook hint lard. Then the scout took from his pocket-a-pair of small steel linked manacles and slipped them upon the man’s wrists. Suddenly the man moved uneasily What is it? Whar am I, pard: »” “By Jove! if you were not 80 badly scared that you fainted, I'll give it up!” and Buffalo Bill broke out into a hearty laugh. in subject ter sich attacks,” growled Denver. “When you.get scared ?” “You is Buffalo Bill?” S Yeon “Where's my pard, Jake?” (Gone: “Gone? Where?” eagerly asked Denver, with a ray of hope. 3 Buffalo Bill silently pointed downward, and said: UTie is dead.” “Ah! my peor pard!” “My sympathy is for you, the living; for he is out of his misery.” “What’sther matter with me?” “Well, you are my prisoner, in the first piace | “What bere: , and then asked: “M urder and intended murder, not to speak of aaedel robbery.’ it Be, done nuthin’.’ “You did not get the chance, but you were caught in some mighty bad company, and 1 know enough to hang you.’ Denver groaned. For a moment it flashed upon him that Jake Strong did have the advantage of him—that he was really the best off. “Come, 1 have lost time enough over you and-your- THE BUFFALO gang, and I wish to see just what you have been up té6.. But, ‘first, I intend to make you pester tly safe tor future reference.” Then Buffalo Bill bound his prisoner’ ’s feet beyond all chance of escape. Once his prisoner was secure, Buffalo Bill felt no dread of further trouble then, so decided to have a better view of the situation. To do this he threw wood on the fire, then brought his prisoner into the full light, making him secure to a tree. “Well, I have seen your ugly facet in Advance City, and only to- -night, too, You and your pards planned to way- lay and killme” — v “No, I was not one of ’em. I come along, not knowing what they was goin’ ter do.” “You are as accomplished a liar as you are a scoundrel, for I happened to overhear enough of your talk to know you were as deep in the plot as any of them,” Denver was silent. Buffalo Bill turned the body of Jake Strong over, and looked at him. “T have seen him, too.” Then -he went into the timber, and returned with the body of Slippery. Ike. i “Shot in a family quarrel, eh?’ His next move was to bring the body of the soldier into the light. Tenderl ly the scout ce the body back in the timber, and covered it with one of the soldier's own blankets irom his bed. The other bodies were placed near, and also decently covered with a blanket. Then Buffalo Bill turned again to the prisoner, who was pallidfaced, wretched and silent, though he watched the scout’s every move. “Where are your horses?” No answer. “Tf vou do not answer, I'll find a way to make you, for after your red work I am not.to be trifled with!’ Denver evidently believed this, for he replied: “They is yonder i in ther timber.” The scout arose and walked away. He soon found the horses, and staked them out where. he had seen the soldier’s horse feeding when he crept up to the camp. — This done, he saw that his prisoner was all. ee then walked away to fetch his own horses. ‘They were staked out with the others, more wood was thrown upon the fire, and, looking at his watch, Buffalo Bill said: : “It is two hours yet to dawn. Ill not make an early start, under the circumstances, so we can get considerable sleep, and lant tired. If spread your blankets for you, mm but if you give me any trouble by attempting to escape, IT shall shoot you, that 1 15 all “Tl won't move,” said Denver, earnestly. The bed was spread, and the prisoner turned in; but whether to sleep or not he knew best, with the. dread of his fate in his heart and brain. Spreading his own blankets, Buffalo Bill threw himself upon them, and in an instant, it seemed, was asleep, so well trained were his senses ta obey his iron will. That his soldier friend had been murdered and lay dead near him, that two other forms cold in death were there BILL STORIES. — 13 also, that a prisoner was within his reach, and he had been forced to take human life a short hour before, did not dis- turb him, when he willed that it should not. He knew that dangers beset him; but he drove exciting memories from his mind, banished cruel memories, and went to sleep, for he felt the need of it. The prisoner heard his steady breathing but could hardly believe the man of iron was asleep. He thought that he was “playing ‘possum,’ just to see, after he had released him of the bonds about his “feet, though still leaving his wrists manacled, if the prisoner would attempt to escape. Longing to do so, Denver decided to move, to ascertain how securely the scout slept, if sleeping he was. So he moved, as though to turn in his blankets. The movement awakened Buffalo Bill, who was alert to the situation on the instant, and said, sternly: “Go slow there, pard, if you are intending to make a bolt, for you will get the worst of it.” Denver still moved, muttered something, as though half awake, and relapsed into silence. Instantly Buffalo Bill arose, wrapped his lariat around the blanketed form, carrying the ends to his own bed, and again dropped off-to sleep quickly. “That man is the very devil—it’s no go!” mused Den- ver ; and he either went to sleep then himself, or pretended to do so. There was no further disturbance of the scout’s sium- bers. The dawn came. with the coming up of the sun, to his feet, and said: “Good-morning, pard.” When the east began to grow radiant Buffalo Bill awoke, sprang CEA PER ox. BUFFALO BILL'S LETTER. The scout awoke refreshed and ready to grapple with the hard work of the day. His face was stern, as he recalled the death of the cou- rier; but he said nothing, only glancing at his prisoner, as he walked away to lead the horses to water and change ~ their grazing ground, To his surprise, he observed that courier’s pore was but a little lame. Glancing at its hoof, he saw tha the rider had had the iron shoe off and doctored the tae “T guess you'll be all right to travel,” he muttered; and then made his way back to the fire. Denver still lay silent, and Buffalo Bull said: “Say, pard, are you trying to sleep like your two parcs yonder ?” “T only wish I was asleep as they are—my last sleep.” Buffalo Bill could but feel pity for the man; and replied: ‘Well, it is a sleep we must all take some day; how soon none of us can tell. But I’m getting breakfast now, - and a good meal will soon make you ' feel all git. “Patten me {o kill, as you would a turkey.” “One must think of what life he leads, when he has the chance to choose the good from the bad.” oS “Say, you have a big heart, men say, Buffalo Bill” “Tt fits my body all right, { find. “Wall you let me go treet fata 2 14: THE BUFFALO “What ae will my death do you?” “You are not dead yet.” “But I will be when you take me to the fort.” “T do not intend to take you to the tort. ’ “Where, then?” eagerly asked the man. “T intend to send you back to ao Cie. pend mer” Ves. : “Not take me?” “No, for I must go on my way. f “T don’t understand you.’ “I brought dispatches, which this courier would have carried north, if you and your pards hadn’t killed him. I must go with them now.” “But how can you send me to Advance City ?”’ “T'll tell you how. I have no time to bury these dead bards of yours or my soldier friend, so I shall have to ask ndlord Waring to do it for me.” “As how ?”’ “Your horses all came from Advance City, so will know the way home. I will mount you on one, securing you to him ; will tie the dead bodies on the others ; make the out- fit fast together, and write a letter to Waring and send it by: you.” “T hain’t no mail rider.” “You don’t wish to carry a letter, then?” “And I hain’t going ter do it, and hang myself fer being obligin’.” Buffalo Bill smiled at the way Denver put it, but replied: “Tt is asking too much of a man to carry his own con- viction in a letter - so I will simply not ask it, but find a way to get it there by another means.’ HT her dead hain’t carryin’ nothin’.” The scout made no reply; but, having breakfast ready ae the prisoner a good meal, taking the manacles off of is wrists so that he would be comfortable. Denver ate heartily, for the scout had baked some pota- toes in the ashes, fried some ham, broiled an antelope steak, made a hoe cake, while he had also prepared a pot of excellent coffee. “You’re as good a cook as you is a shot,” said Denver. “T have had much practice in both arts,” was the reply. Breakfast over with, the dishes were washed up and . put away, and the prisoner was again manacled. Then the horses were all brought up and saddled. After this the dead bodies were wrapped in their blankets, Denver anxiously watching every movement of the scout. Taking a pencil and PER from his pocket, Buffalo Bill wrote: “To Magistrate Wash Waring, Advance City: “Sir: I desire to notify you hereby that three men left your settlement last night to. waylay me on the trail, to get the booty I was supposed to carry. “The three men are along—two dead, the other alive and a prisoner. “They surprised Ed Covey, the soldier-courier, in his camp, and killed him; and one of them—now dead—put- ting his uniform on, arranged to entrap me upon my com- ing to camp. “I was not tricked, as the accompanying outfit shows. “The prisoner will doubtless tell you what more you wold learn of the affair. BILL STORIES. He is the last one of the four of your hardest citizens ; one being Shadow Tom, who departed this life just out- side of the Good Luck Saloon early last night. “I send the body of my unfortunate ‘friend, Covey, along, asking you to bury it, as [ am pressed for time. “Please keep his horse and equipments subject to the call of the government. “The prisoner is one of vour citizens ; and having no de- sire for his company, I return him to you. “Very sincerely yours, “WiLtiam F. Copy, - “Buffalo Bill, “Chief of Scouts U. S. Army.” Such was Buffalo Bill’s letter, and Denver’s face wore a look of terror as he saw the scout writing it, while he said aloud: “This blamed writing will hang me.’ His letter finished, the scout baer and read it to Den- ver, who breathed more freely. He had suspected that Buffalo Bill had asked Wash Waring to hang him. “Thet hain’t so bad. Ef I kin git. in when thar hain’t many around, maybe they won’t hang me.’ “The magistrate will decide upon your punishment, and he is a just man.. He’ll protect you, I feel assured.” | “Maybe yes, maybe no. Them folks of Advance City is allfired fond of seeing a hangin’.” “T quite agree with you there, but I trust you will be given fair play. I have done only my duty, and I can do nothing more.” The bodies were then strapped across the backs of the horses, wrapped in their blankets as they were. The soldier was firmly tied upon his. saddle, and the scout was glad to see that his horse was not very lame. Denver was aided to mount his horse, and his feet were tied beneath the animal, his hands manacled and made fast to the saddle horn. Then Buffalo Bill carefully pinned the closely written sheet of paper upon the breast of the prisoner, who mut- tered sullenly: “lis carryin’ yer letter arter all. i. “Yes, sir; as you reniarked, the dead cannot carry it." Denver’s ‘horse was put in the lead. With their stake ropes, the other animals were tied each to the other’s tail, the one with the soldier’s body being in the rear. This done, the scout saddled his horse and pack horse, saw that the weapons of the men all hung on their saddle horns, save Denver’s, and, mounting, led the strange outfit down the little valley to the trail. “Well, pard, I go my way from here; you go youre. “I guess mine will be the longest trail.” “Not to Advance Cit ty.” “No, if I stops thar!’ Where do you expect to gor” “Further on.’ 2 “Where ?” “Up to ther limb of a tree, then rest inter ther grave- yard—from thar, God only knows.” The answer was pathetic, and Buffalo Bill felt it. But he replied: “T send you to Wash Waring, fr T can do nothing else. He will be merciful; though» your own conscience ‘tells you that you deserve little mercy.” : THE BUFFALO . The. scout started the prisoner’s horse on the trail, the others, of course, following, led as ey. were. He started een ina ne anid called ow _ They will So theré all tight,” Fis painfully stick on ther ies they Ww i ,’ éamé back the reply. aa Turning in his saddle as well as he could, after gone some distance, Detiver looked: back on the trail Hee saw the scout still seated on his horse watching him. When he next looked ba ick, the scout was not there; had started upon his irail, also. Then the full ee of his situation flashed upon Den- ver in all its horro His face a “livid, his lips ee and suddenly he ae rst forth in a wild cry: Vilelp) Botralo Bul! Help The voice rang loudly ds the trail, and the man turned his head! to see-if the scout oe and was coming. But Buffalo Bill was a mile-away and going brisk ly; and, louid as it was, the terror- er icken voice of th e Hisor faite man -did*not reach his ears. : As he grew hoarse from-calling, the man stopped his - eries and ‘said, piteously : “Fe is too far off, but I hoped he would come back to me, and I would beg him so hard to let me go. “T would be his slave if- He. only would; and I believes he would; fer he is good, and not merciless as I have been. “Now I knows if I sees it all, that 1 is goin’ to my doom. “T desarves it, | know, for I has been so ee bad; and i Lee it in me ter make a good man. “How hard my poor mother tried ter show me ther right wa ys only I Ww ‘u'dn’t mind her, and father tole me I was goin’ ter rui The man ‘eatet into tears, as the full force of his past sinful life fashed upon hini in all its bitterness. In vain he tried to halt his horse, to turn it from the trail, hoping to meet some one that would set him free. The horse held on steadily and followed, without swerv- ing, the trail to Advance City. CHAPTER xi ~PHE- WRITTEN EVIDENCE. The weird procession: ‘of a, manacled prisoner, bound to _his horse, and three other horses in lead and carrying dead bodies. strapped upon-their backs, conbaged on toward Advance City at a brisk walk. The animals seemed to feel that thee was relied ahead from their disagreeable burdens. eated on the rude piazza of his inn, Wash Waring wa _reading an Eastern paper that had come by the mornin stage. Groups of men were about, .lookinge over ieters they had received, or also reading the news, which was well over a month old. “Well, what-in thunder is. comin’ thar?” cried. a miner ; and all eyes looked in the direction that he did. They beheld the weird. procession Buffalo. ‘Bilt! had started for Advance City. As. the. horses came along, they . bad Baan seen ay a man here. and there, who,.impressed: by. the. strangeness of the sight, at once fell in behind the jast horse and fol- lowed. oe BILL STORIES. ae hi this way over a score 2 of men n had been picked up on the way'to the inn Wash Waring cast table ng paper, and stepped out to meet the ae ‘one of the men 2 halttin gs them. “It’s Denver? : “What hev happened ?” He’ S$ got tk 1er story pinned on his chest thar.” “He is wearin’ steel bracelets.” “And tied to lis horse,’ “Tothers is wuss off, fer they is dead” C “Thar has been ther dickens ter pay back whar they come from.” Such were the comments that went around the crowd, while Denver flushed and: ce by turns and: looked the vy picture of despair. : The blanketed forins strapped across the horses had their faces hidden, so wéte not known. “Well, Denver, what has happened?” said Wash War- mg, stepping to the side of his horse and reaching up to unpin the aper from his breast. “Don’t let ’erh kill me,” pleaded the man in a low tone. “Men, take those bodies off the horses and put them on the piazza. There will be plenty of burying this after- noon, yp those we already have,” said Waring. Then, before: reading the paper written him by Buffalo Bill, he “began to: unitie: the lariats that bound the pee to his horse. “Tt strikes me that you have met Buffalo Bi Il, Denve said Waring, as he saw the faces of the dead, and recog- nized the soldier, as well’ as Jake Strong and Slippery Ike. “I has met ther devil, fer thet scout are more than human, I believes,” replied the prisoner, earnestly. Placing the bodies i in a row and his prisoner by his side in the door of the inn, Wash Waring took the paper, which he had thrust into his pocket, and read it carefully over to himself, The prisoner watched him anxiously as he did so; and the men, though excited, stood about aw aiting the result ‘of the landlord’s perusal, “Well, pards, I have a letter from Buffalo Bill; and Denver heré brought it, as he could not help it, ‘I will read it to you. It is what I call a very modest story of what has been so me very plucky work on the part. of Buf- falo Bul. 2 y So saying, amid a deathlike silence, the. magistrate, for he had now assumed that réle, read Buffalo Bill's letter i in a voice that ali could hear. As he concluded. the last. words. a chorus of. voices x shouted : “Hang him!” Denver groaned in agony of spirit. Thea. Wash Waring. said: “Men, death has reaped quite a ‘heavy harvest in Ad- ance City within the past t twenty-four hours, for we have no Wo than five bodies here now awaiting burial this after- “There is no Tape to deo to ene on ‘roll bd hanging a mancuntil. we. know ful hts guilt... ee deal i upon Denyer to. tell hhis-st tory. “Hain’t yer heard it from ‘Ber alo ae 3 paket the prisoner, with tr embling voice, not ee to commit x mo THE BUFFALO himself. He had been surprised at the very mild manner in which the scout had told the story of his guilt. “He’s told enough ter hang yer; and if thar is a little more weedin’ out of sich as you is in Advance City, we'd be better off,” said a voice; and the crowd roared out: blaine liad F But Wash Waring interrupted : ‘T wish to hear his story, for I have here the written statement of Buffalo Bill.” _ “Hang him first, and try him afterward,” shouted a man; and again come the roar: “Hang him!’ _ Denver seemed to feel that his doom would be death h by hanging, even though he said nothing himself about what had happened. But Wash Waring reassured him by the remark: “Do not fear to tell your story, my man; and tell the whole truth about it, for it will be better for you. Plead guilty, as the letter of Buffalo Bill gives evidence that you are, and let us know your story. Now, prisoner, stand up.” Denver arose with an effort, and cast his eyes furtively and anxiously over the crowd. It was very evident that he was terribly afraid to die. At best he was an arrant coward. “Speak, sir.’ Denver at once began to plead for his life. “Pards,” he said, looking appealingly at the men before him, “you remember the killin’ of Shadow Tom? Well, he was the pard of Jake Strong, Slippery Ike and me. We calc’lated that Tom wouldn’t have been killed if Buf- falo Bill hadn’t been here. It seemed unlucky to us ter have him ’round. “So we set our heads together ter see if thar wasn’t a way to git rid of him. Jake said ter me and Ike ter come along and we’d jist capter Buffalo Bill, give him a big scare, slit his ears, and turn him loose, so he’ d not come ter Advance City no more. ' “We went along, and Jake said we must git a long way off from ther settlement, and be gone several days. ‘Vell, we run upon ther camp of thet soger, and he opened onto us. “Jake he shot back and kilt him, and said as how thet were ther place ter wait fer Buffalo Bill, and he put on ther soger’s uniform, as you see. “Well, Ike and me got ter thinkin’ about ther way Jake “hed Kilt ther soger, and that he might -kill Buffalo Bill, “We decided thet wouldn't do, and we'd hev a talk with him, as it would raise ther detice of a row. “Ike he spoke up; and he and Jake got inter quarrelin’, _ match, “= “Door Tke he were: Agile: hand with ther scout. ~“T was mad at him fer killin’ we soger, dnd shen poor | Tke : but didn’t hev time ter say ‘nuthin’ afore oo Buffalo Bill called out of the bushes: ED TS eands up. thar’ rr 7 e “Jake he began shootin’ thet were enough. “Jake went down, and I held my hands up quick, Then Jake said er me Pet Te wanted ter hev it out S were V willin’, and he'd pley a jene |. “Buffalo Bill he shot once, fers 4 BILL STORIES. “Then Buffalo Bill put ther irons on me, built up ther fire, spread my blankets and his, and went ter sleep. “This mornin’ he gave me a good breakfast, writ thet letter ter you, jedge, fixed up ther outfit as you seen, an’ sent me here. “Thet is ther whole tr uth, jedge and pards, so it beet _ The prisoner had spoken ‘earnestly and with an air of truth, as he told his story. “Hang him, jedge, fer bein’ caught i in bad company; - said one. “Don’t disappoint us, jedge, of ther hangin’. We hain’t had none fer weeks, and it'll git out o’ fashion,” “I say hang him!” . “Me, too! pr Then came a number of voices: “Hang him!” “Silence! I am your chosen officer of the ae I ~ will hold him until T hear the full story of Buffalo Bill, for I believe the prisoner has told the truth,” said Wash Waring. ‘CHAPTER XII. WASH WARING WINS. ‘The determined stand of Wash Waring, the (order judge, was not liked by some of the crowd, while others upheld him. There were many who felt that death was too fre- quent a visitor stalking into their midst, and that life was held too cheaply. These were the better element among the men of Ad- vance City. Then there were those who loved excitement. The more desperate it was, the more they relished it. .. These were the lawless characters of the settlement, the ones to fear. — _ They were the black sheep, guilty cheeasclvess hence anxious to find another in the same way. Looking. over the crowd, Wash Waring picked out . Feadily, from his knowledge of them all, gained by close, severe and long experience, the sheep from the. goats. He saw whom he would have to back him up, whom i. would have to fight. But he was not to be browbeaten. A man holding his position could not give in. If he weakened in the ee his prestige was gone, In a firm voice he said: ‘Men, when you elected me to be your magistrate—and ind believe the vote was a unanimous one—you decided that to be ~and before I know’d what was 5 cpr thar were a shootin’ Bry morc Was We De daw, Behe was tO be tO De ee “T have not, therefore, considered that this was a trial -by jury, but that my verdict should stand, and stand it shall, unless some of you remove me from one by a bullet. “Who will decide that, my word is not age “for I wish him to face me, and the climax be reached at oncé?” | With this the brave man stepped to the edge: 2 ‘the ‘Cpiazza-and looked .over. the crowd., Several: of the law and order’ men at once ‘allied to the ‘support of their magistrate, and one called out: © — = “The word of Judge Waring goes here. How. about it; pards ?” SEA EA EE aces THE BUFFALO There was.a wild cheer from the crowd; not a disserit- ing voice being raised. Those who had been the trouble makers cheered also. 1, thant you, gentlemen, for the confidence you now show in me.’ Again came a.cheer. | Turning to Denver, Waring continued: “Prisoner, you are to be confined in the tomb until the conng of Buffalo Bill, when you shall be tried for your life. You will be well fed and cared for. You know es- cape is impossible, and no guard over you is necessary.” Having made this statement, Waring led the prisoner to a cliff on the main street, in whieb was a large, dry Caves. Over the front of this had been bal xtendinx above and upen either side, a barrier of massive hewn logs, set with a space of three inches between them for light and air. In the center was a narrow doorway, the door being three logs, bolted together, fitting in a slide and raised and | lowered by a block and tackle of chains on the outside. There were several beds, a table and chairs inside. In such a place, the tomb, as it was called, there was no need of a guard. On a board outside was nad the names of all who had been in there, their crimes and fate. Locking Denver within, Wash Waring turned away, and going to the inn ordered breakfast sent to the prisoner. Then he took out Buffalo Bill’s letter to read it again. To his surprise he found on the back of a page a P. 5. Wash Waring read Buffalo Bill’s postscript with evi- dant surprise. It was written on the top of the other side of the sheet of paper, and we been folded 1 in, so that he had missed seeing it. It was short, to the point, and as follows: : ep. S, Te can be rubbed out, so that others cannot see it. “This man is as auily as the oe only I believe he knows a secret I wish to know, so do not let them hang him, if you can prevent, but keep him for my return. “Tf compelled to yield to the mob persuade him to give you a full confession of his life, and jot it down for me. s “B. ‘B. 2? again and again carefully. Poy find out that it was well that I took the deverniined Estand. .did. fe is secure where he is, and I will take - good care of him, “Now 1. must see to the burial of ‘the dead: That honest soldier shall not be made a parade of with: the. - toughs who are to go to their graves this’ afternoon.” With this Wash Waring went in search of.a man he | wauted, had him make a ‘single coffin, a luxury for the ~ dead in Advance City, and the remains of Edward Covey, © the soldier-courier, killed in the discharge of his duty, were placed in it, the form being coe dressed in. his uniform. Calling. some of the. ‘heater denizens of Aware City ‘to- _ gether, Wash Waring made them pallbearers. a. 4 Abe crowd. adjourned _ from. the —e & attend the - fone 5 PLL STORIGS | oy Away to the grave started the pallbearers, bearing the soldier, and quite a number fell in behind, making it a very respectable procession. The “I Pass Cemetery” was quite convenient to the town. It received too much patronage to allow of its be- ing. located far off. A five minutes’ walk brought the pro-. cession to a rudely fenced inclosure, where all of the graves looked startlingly new. Ina secluded spot “Edward Covey, Soltee U.S) A” —for such was freshly painted on his headboard—was consigned to his grave, while Wash Waring, acting as parson. now, read the funeral service from a well-worn Episcopal prayer-book. Back to the settlement went the burial party, and it was found that a large crowd had gathered to attend the other funerals. The bodies were laid.to rest with all the formalities of borderland custom, for the dwellers of the settlement al- ways were glad to show honor to the man who had died with his boots on. |Back from graveland marched the crowd, and ment fell upon Advance City ready for anything in the way of excitement. CHAPTER XIII. HARD RIDING. Buffalo Bill rode on his way as soon as he felt assured that Denver’s horse would stick faithfully to the trail and take his rider and the horses he was leading straight into Advance City. He did not hear the cries of the prisoner when he lost his nerve at thought of the death that would await him in the settlement. The scout was too far away for the voice to reach him, and besides, the rattle of the hoofs of his two horses would have prevented it had he been nearer. The pack animal followed well, keeping close up, so that the scout could devote his whole attention to watch- fulness, as he knew that the trail was a dangerous one, not only from road agents, but also from Indians. He halted at noon for rest’ and dinner, stripping his horses of their saddles and bridles as he always did, for “he never spared self in looking to the care of a dumb This, and the rest of the letter, Wash Waring ro over | beast. They were given a good place to feed, and cool, run- “ning water was at hand. The scout took only a snack at noon, preferring a sub- stantial. meal when he es in the NCHS and had the _ time to cook it. He was ferping: up a very Goad and oe pace ae a “long ridé, but no man knew: better what good horseflesh could endure with care and good treatment. The afternoon went by, and asty miles had been put - “behind the scout. He sought and found a good camping coe just as darkness fell, looked. to his horses first, hubbing them down well, and giving — a long feeding | dine where grass was plentiful. Then he built a fire in a snug. place, “coated a good ‘supper, enjoyed his pipe after a ficacty meal, and by nine occ was eS ro : fh 18 : THE BUFFALO He was on his Way again before daybreak, cand made twenty miles ere he halted for breakfast. This gave the horses an hour of rest, and when his next Halt came the scout had added thirty miles fore. “Sixty yesterday and eighty miles to-day,” fe mut- tered, a8 at dark he halted for his night camp. aN “Not so bad, indeed; bat it must be ninety to-inorrow, and nearly that each day until I reach. the fort; and that wol’t be bad.” Another good supper and six hours’ sleep, and the scout Was again ih the saddle ty felt that he had made a better ridé than the a befor He made.ovet thirty miles Beey een breakfast aad noon, atid when he stopped half an hour after dark, he said: “A cool hundred to-day, if a mile. You are reeling it off pretty well, pards, but this will be about your hardest . day's work.” So the séout continued, making from seventy to ninet Ly a day, atcording to the trail, each day, The horses were standing it well; for they had an hour atid a Half halt for breakfast and toon, and a seven hours’ _ Test at night, with good water and grass at each halting place. ; This left fourteen hours out of the twenty-four for steady going, and the average was a five-mile- -an-hour clip. The care the scout bestowed on His -horses saved them ; and in six days he reached his destination, and rede into Fort Resist just as the sunset gun was fired, and was greeted with a fousing cheer. Going straight to headquarters, he reported to Cel. Suminer, and told the story which is known to the réader. The colonel was distressed to hear of the death of the courier; but he was excéedinely glad to see Buffalo B ill, for he had important work for the great scout. 20 he said: “Pm glad you came, Cody. I need you: for I am to send otf a large fightine foréé to hit the Tndians some hard blows and teach them a lesson, and T wish you to go as scout and guide, and all the officers and men want you aso. Ot Ott teady to statt now, sit’ “Not quite so sdon, but in a iy of two you can go, and be well ahead of the command, one to pick up what information you can. “The command will number a thousand tien’—ea valry, mounted infantry, and a couple of light ¢ guns—and_ will get off in about a week, to be gore a couple of months.” ' The next afternoon, ‘mounted on a frésh horse, ray - Bill started on his long scout, the command following | fou days later, and to meet him at a civen eae sor yee wk CHAPTER XIV. QUICK WORK. ‘The work which the great scout accomplished in the next few days was prodigious, _ ¢ was full of peril, too, for: his scouting Spediions “took him almost into the heart of the villages of the. hes- tile Indians,. _ He was in camp hel the colonel found. hit, and | wa ready to make a pleasing report, _ chief told them so. _pecting sure success. BILL STORIES, “oy ell, ss ody, what news hae you for mei , the colonel asked, as he dismounted at the camp- oBTe: he “Good news, colonel.” 3 Out with it.” “The campaign which you thought | woul id be a long one, sir, will end very quickly. “And how so?” . “The Indians are havi ing a ereud per wwoew at the head village of the tribes, - aa I find that % they have called “in all their scouts.” “This means an intended raid.” ee es; sir. “When will they. st ‘ike, and where? 27 “I got the whole thing, sir, from White Hair, the eld half-breed scout, who you ‘know 4 is my friend,” “Can you trust him ?” “With my life, sir.” ‘We ll ee ; “He says that they are picking ar watriors and ponies from the villages, and are assembling at Head enter to 10vé upon your fort. “They expect to come within forty miles by on dash tie rest of the distance by night, and surprise you, for they have an idea that your force has hee en cut down toa couple of hundred, to send troops further north.” “Tt is to be after this expedition ?” “They believe. it has already been done, for a Cheyenne When I found.out who he was I knew his motive—to get revenge on the Sioux who would not let him have the old chief’s daughter. for his Wife. “He pretended he-did not caré, took another -Sioux girl, but will send the braves of aa ale into a-trap, “and ship away himself.’ “Then he may play into our hands?” “Ves, sir; as he will send the Sioux off on this raid, ex- You can ambush them in the Red Canyon. I will guide you there to-morrow night, ard then eo ahead to report-when the Sioux leave their head village, and will come to where you will entrap them.” “That is a a good idea; Cody. - wa come ?” . “AS near as Lean get at it through White Pair; sir, stad Le the force of each village, “they will rot have less than: Affeen hundred or two thousand at most.” “We can handle them with ease.’ oe és, sir; and one good defeat will aon all ‘hie raids for a longtime, and you will not have to strike at their villages separately.” ~- “You ate right ; and you have done splendid work, Cody. “It was a wise move of yours 6 come on well ahead of But how many warriors ‘the command to scout. “Tt is your style, though, to-do the right thing at. the right time. “Now have s supper with me, for you must us jist got here yourself.” “Qaly a few minutes, sir; abexd of you.”’ After. Supper the general and his officers, with Buffalo Bill, had a long consultation; and a. plan was formed for the . surprise upon. the Indians, - instead of. _ permitting them to surprise the Soldiers at the fort. Buffalo Bill | explained the exact situation at Red Cans yon, and how the Indians would doubtless camp there the first night, and could be hemmed in and badly punished. The next day the command, marching in close order, pulled out for Red Canyon, and arrived at noon, Buffalo Bill going on ahead as soon as the troops had been placed in position. Within two hours the scout was back, his herse cov- *ered with foam, showing a hard ride. He had kept clear of the trails, not wishing his tracks to be seen, and reported that the Indians were coming, and would surely halt early in Red Canyon, as there was no water for miles on beyond. He reported them as fully fifteen hundred strong; had seen their whole force crossing a plain, while he heard them singing their battle song as they rode along. ‘We will make them change their tune,” said Col. Sumner, quietly; and the:order went the rounds to put all the men on the watch. ~ If the Indians did not discover the soldiers before en- tering the canyon, the two light guns were to open on them, and be the signal for the infantry fire, followed by the charge of the cavalry, If discovered, then the whole force was to dash out and give battle. On came the redskin army, looking terrible in their war paint and equipments, and singing a war song as they rode into the Red Canyon. They had not yet put scouts out ahead, not considering it necessary, as they did not believe a white man within a — hundred miles of them. The last of the force was just entering the canyon when the two light guns opened the battle by sending shells bursting into the crowded ranks, just as hundreds of braves had dismounted to go into camp. The surprise was complete, the roar of big guns and infantry incessant, the slaughter great, even before the wild rush of the cavalry, with revolver and saber. © It became a panic-stricken mass—a stampede on horse- back and afoot, a rush for life, and the battle was won. The whole force that escaped was scattered to the four winds; the warriors from the different villages working only to get to their homes to protect them from the ter- rible paleface braves. “Cody ! we have won, and you deserve the credit,” Col. Sumner, grasping the scout’s hand warmly. “We will camp in the Red Canyon fora week, burying the dead, caring for the wounded, and sending out large scouting parties to warn the Indians that we are carrying the war to their own country. “Then we will return to the fort, and you can go back to Advance City and finish out your leave, with a month longer time if you wish.” Buffalo Bill thanked Col. Sumner, and it was just two weeks aiter his hasty return to duty, that he rode away from the fort on his way back to Advance City to finish out a leave of absence. said CHAPTER XV. GOLD FEVER, As Buffalo Bill rode along the backward trail, and drew near to Advance City, events were shaping in that lively town in a manner to fill him with eens and uneasiness, , iE he could have known of them, . THE BUFFALO BILL STORIES. Ig And in the thick of these events was a boy, who bore © the name of Mora Ellwardo. Those who read the story issued last week, “Buffalo Bill’s Double,” do not need to be told of the heroic quali- ties of Mora ‘Ellwardo. His home was in a beautiful valley called Alabama Vale, not far from Advance City, a place to which his father had recently moved. Residing so near to Advance City, he often visited the town, and was already pretty well acquainted there. The people of the camp had likewise learned that he was a boy of grit, for the story of the manner in which he had as- sisted Buffalo. Bill, and no doubt saved him from death, had been heralded far and near. While Buffalo Bill was riding along the backward trail, Mora Ellwardo, mounted on his little pony, ap- proached the mining camp of Advance City. He intended to remain in the place but a short time, for already sunset was near at hand, and he had merely come there to make some purchases. As he drew néar, however, he discovered signs i an unusual commotion. Men were riding up and down the rough, unpaved streets, shooting their revolvers hilariously into the air. These individuals had heard what they called good news, and were celebrating in their characteristic way. Others seemed. to be preparing to leave the camp with- out delay. Everywhere bustle and confusion were apparent. “Hello!” said Mora, reining in his pony, as he came to a spot which gave him full view of the principal streets, “T wonder what’s up to-night?’ Just then a gang of men came swinging by on foot, all bearing bundles and spades. “Going out to plant somebody: ?” the boy asked, face- tiously. The leader stopped and stared at him. “Say, sonny,” he called, “where you been sleepin’ for the last two hours ?”’ Mora laughed good-naturedly. “Do I look like a Rip Van Winkle?” he need “Well, you must have been sleepin’ some place, if you haven’t heard the news! Why, Broncho Pete—that’s Black Bob’s pard, you know—-come in from Crooked Creek two hours ago with the biggest bag of uae nug- gets you ever see!” Mora stared. “Found them, did he? “Found “em, you bet!” declared the man. Or did i a them? ” “Found ’ ent ‘up on Crooked Creek, The sand is crawling full of nug- gets and gold dust up there, and we're hitting the trail hard. .See us go!” Then he walked on; and his companions fell in at his side and behind him. Their faces were shining with excitement. Gold in - more than paying quantities had been discovered on Crooked Creek, so they had been told, and each man was anxious to get on the ground as soon as possible. Nothing will more quickly depopulate a Western min- ing camp than news of a rich ° “strike” which has been made at some other point. A great rush for the new “diggings” follows ‘tame diately. Men who have been doing fairly, well i in the old 20 place drop work and move to the new, hoping there to do better. Almost everybody goes, except those who are “tied down” by circumstances which force them to stay. “Won't be nobody left in this old burg by morning ane the feller thet’s in jail,” another individual called Mora, as he swung along behind the men who had a set out. As Mora touched spurs to his pony, and rode on into the town, he saw that the whole camp was literally prepar- ing to move. ‘Party after party went by him as he passed along the street. Every one was excited. Some were singing, some shouting, some auahing: many were half ‘drunk, for when the story of the “strike” came in there was much “treating” and drinking, Horsemen were still riding to and fro in the crooked passages dignified as streets, “Gh iooting their revolvers into the air or into the earth, as if they hoped thereby te in- crease the proportions of the stampede for the new gold fields. But it was only their way of expressing great joy. In front of the hotel kept hy Wash Waring, Mora dis- mounted and began to tie his.pony up to the hitching rack. As he did so a drunken miner came along. Seeing the hoy thus engaged, he whipped out a a big Colt’s revolver and fired a shot into the sand at the boy’s feet. The thing was so sudden and unexpected, not to say startling, that M ofa jumped in SURRT ING. WwW Aerenpan the man fired a second shot. “Ha, ho!” he roared, in drunken glee. “Made you hop I ke a grasshopper, didn’t t 1? eae i try that ag’in,’ “You'll try nothing ef the kind,” said a stern voice; and Wash Waring himself appeared in tiie doorway. “Move on!” he ordered, sharply, looking at the man with displeasure. Instead of obeying, the man lifted his revolver for a third shot. He was swaying drunkenly, and Mora Hil- wardo saw there was danger that the bullet from the revolver would go into his legs er body, for the weapon seemed te be pointed directly at him. He ne cried, with 3 peculiar quick emphz ASIS j at the same time releasing the rein of his pony an nd j jerking up the animal’s head. Tt was as if a bulldeg had been commanded to charge a threatening foe. ° Mora Ellwardo had trained that pony well; and its docility and obedience now saved him from injury, and perhaps sudden death, With a neigh of rage the animal darted at the drunken revolver shooter. The next moment its white teeth closed on his arm with a grip that seeméd to make the bones erack. The revolver, being cocked, was fired into the eround, as the man tumbled backward, with a howl ef pain and fear, for the pony was shaking ie. asa dog shakes a rat. With a bound the bay was at the pony’s side. “Enough!” he shouted; and laid hig hand on the pony’s head. ' But the rage oi the animal, which seemed to grew with the man’s struggles, caused it to held on until the boy struck it sharply on the muzzle with his open hand. Then the arm was dropped from between the pony’s THE BUBFALO BILL STORIES. teeth; and the man, howling with fright and pain, rolled over out of the way. Wash Waring, standing in the door of his hotel, saw all a$5 3 that of and a smile of grim, satisfaction rested on his fac foe you right, Toltec !” he called out. “And it would have served you right, if he had let the beast kill ‘you.’ The man called Toltec felt of his bruised arm as if he thought it had been broken. Then, discovering that no serious damage had been done beyond a severe bruising, his face flamed with rage. He was abott to step toward the revolver, evidently with the intention of using it on the boy or the pony. But Mora was too quick for him. With a light spring he bounded forward and caught the reyolver from the ground. In another instant it was pointed at the sky. “Bang, bang, bang!” roared the weapon, as Mora worked “the trigger; ; and the cartridges which the weapon held were exploded harmlessly into the air. “There is your pistol,” he said, tossing the empty weapon to the owner, at the same time drawing his own. “Now, you will move on; or it will be my time to do seme shooting of a kind that vou won't like. And, mind you, if vou fry any tricks, T’ : Ly more than make you dance, as you did mea while a g The man picked up fis weapon, and seemed about to consider the advisability of making an assault on the boy, © WwW hen Waring spoke up: “Better move on,-Toltec! You'll get into such deep rater that you may drown, if you stay here fooling.” ow re backing him?’ the man demanded, with a narl of interrogation. ay ell, yes; I will be, if you don’t move on.’ The light j in the eyes of the landlord was not reassur ing, and with an oath the man obeyed. “Come in,” Waring invited. And Mora Ellwardo, aiter securing his pony to the post, followed Waring into the hotel. — “A high o Id'time out there,’ said the landlord, with a frown. “This is going to be tough on meé,’ “Yes, | should judge so,’ the boy answered, looking out into the street. “Everybody is clearing out,” “And when they all go, where am I to look for custom- ers for my hotel and saloon and other business? It leaves me in the lurch.” “Unless you follow.” “T may have to follow,” said Waring, rather gloomily. ; , CHAPTER vx Mt. A BQY’S QUIEK Wie. Mora Etlwardo had never before seen a mining, camp thus pick itself up and move bodily without a moment’s yarning.” So, after a few words further with the land- ford of the Good Luck Inn, he went out into the now darkening streets. “IT must do my errands and start for home pretty quickly,” was his thought, “for even now it will take me till merning almost to get there, with a laden pony; but _ I want to take a look ‘at these wild men. Ill probably never have a chance to see their like again.” t 8 4 othr & Ze TR lew ad Moving from point to point, he watched the men as they departed or made hurried preparations to depart. All were talking of the wonderful “‘strike” on Crooked Creek. Their only thought was gold, and yet more gold. ‘They had seen the bag of shining nuggets brought into the camp by Broncho Pete, and those nuggets had been wonder fully conyincing “This "ere minin’ oe is mighty queer,’ Mora heard one fellow remarking to a comrade as they cinched ee packs on a brencho. “Now, I been all over Cr ooked reek more time’n you kin count on yer fingers an’ toes, an’ I never seen a sign of gold there. Then along comes this Broncho Pete, who is half drunk half o’ the time and whole drunk the rest of the time, and he finds gold there. lt’s mighty curious.” “Curiouser than you can think!” the other adinitted. Other men were talking in the same strain. After listening a while Mora made his way quietly back to Wash Warine’s hotel. He found the landlord there alone, gazing moodily at his bar. Usually men were lined in front of that bar four deep as soon as the shades of night fell on the camp of Ad- ance City. Now not a man was in the place, except the eet He looked up questioningly as the boy entered. “Tough luck!’ he said, voicing his thought. “Yes,”’ Mora adrnitted. Then he added: “lve been listening around outside, and Vl tell you how you can stop this s stampede.” “How?” said Waring. “Just circulate the report that the thing is a fake. Say that there is no gold on Crooked Creek, and that Broncho Pete made his stor y ae out of his own head.” “And the nuggets?’ “T don’t know about them. He had nuggets?” “Nuggets and gold dust. I saw them, and they looked mighty purty. And when he went away from here a few days ago he didn’t have enough gold in his possession to pay for a drink at this bar.” Mora was silent for a moment. “ust the same,” he asserted, out somewhere. I’ve heard the men talking. Crooked Creek has been prospected all over time and again, and no gold was ever found there.” Saying this, Mora went again into the streets, and mingled with the thinning crowds. All at once he found himself looking at a broad back which had a strangely familiar appearance. The owner of the broad back was on the edge of one of the crowds, and had beckoned to some one to approach. Mora writhed through an open space between two wrangling men, and catight a glimpse ‘of the face of the owner of “the broad back. {22 Fhe face was in the shadow, as if the man desired. to. conceal his identity. “Black. Bob !”" Mora whispered to himself. The man was Black Bob, the gambler and desperado with whom Buffalo Bill had played cards, as detailed in the opening chapters. . . Black Bob had departed hastily from Advance City, THE BUFPALO “I believe there is a lie~ BILL STORIES. Zt knowing that the place would not be healthy for him after his attempt on the life of the scout. Now he was back again, and apparently did not care to be seen and recognized. Mora stood quite still, also keeping himself in the shadow, and looked steadily at the man, whose: history as a desperado was familiar to him. He had heard also of the episode in which Buffalo Bill had figured. “Tf Buffalo Bill was here, you would be somewhere else,” was his sagacioys conclusion. Then the man to whom Black Bob had beckoned drew near, and the boy was surprised to discover that he was none other than Toltec, the drunken rascal who in wanton sport had fired at the sand under Mora’s feet, and in re- turn had got himself roughly shaken by Mora’s pony. “You ain’t goin’ to cut out?’ Black Bob said, in a low voice. Toltec looked nae Apparently he did not expect to see Black Bob there. He still exhibited traces of in- toxication—was almost reelingly drunk, in fact——but his © manner was hum ble before this man. “I thought o’ goin’,” he admitted, cautiously; thing up, chief?’ That word “chief” caught the boy “any- and stuck in his memory. “You thought of yan You mean you was goin’ !” “Yes. I got ready some time ago. Had a leetle dif- fickulty; and then I met some of the boys ;_and—well, time run by, and | ain’t got out o’ the camp yit.” “Don't gol” said Black Bob, in-a low tone, but with commanding emphasis. - “No. “That's what I say. Don't go?! “But the gold—the dust an’ the nuggets. Tf I don’t git on to the ground at Crooked Creek mighty quick, why my chances won't be good, ye see!” Black Bob dropped “his voice to a still lower LONG, =. Listening intently, it was all that the boy could do to hear what he said. “There ain't any gold on Crooked Creek |” AY as oe tape “Tst what [ say—there ain’t any gold there.” “But Broncho Pete ?” “Ts one of our gang, aint he? “Sure! But-—— “Well, I told him to start that yarn.’ Toltec’s jaw dropped in amazement and he stared al- most in disbelief at the man he had called chief. “Straight goods,” said Black Bob, still in that low tone. “T wanted to empty this town quick. So I give that gold to Broncho Pete and told him what to say.” He chuckled softly, and looked at the hurried signs of departure and the moving men in the streets. “Tt worked like a charm, Toltec. and as lively as I ever saw a camp move. There won't - be twenty men here inside of an hour.’ “S-a-y, this ain’t no joke?” Toltec demanded, hoarsely. “No. You never took me for a joker, did you? But... lin jollying this old camp all right.” “And what for?” Toltec had. been so ‘surprised that he now seemed aie “most sober. a _ "There won’t be twenty men left in an hour,” said — The camp. is moving, a) 220 ae BUFFALO Black Bob, in that low tone, “but they will all be our men, See?” Toltec was staring. “Oh, you’re a fool, Toltec! You couldn’t see through a hole in a ladder. But you stay; and tell all of our fellows that you see to stay.” “But—— Mora was already backing away to get beyond the reach of discovery and the inevitable danger which would follow, but he halted to hear the reply. “One of our best pards—Denver—is in jail, hain’t he? In jail right here—in that cussed hole that they call the Tomb, When the crowd has gone and forgot him, why well get hint out. Seer’ 3 “Yes, I see!’ Toltec stammered. “And who's our worst enemy ?” “Buffalo Bill,” Toltec answered promptly. “Right; but he hain't here. Who’s our worst enemy here ?”” “Wash Waring.” “Right again; and we’ll have fun with Wash Waring, as soon as all his friends have cut out and left him.’ Mora was now so much excited that he was trembling. Because of this, as he turned he made a slight noise, due to a lack of caution caused by his haste. Instantly Black Bob wheeled toward him, a revolver rising in the man’s big hand at the same moment. Toltec also saw the boy now, in spite of the shadows which had up to this moment concealed the youthful fig- ure from his gaze. “It’s that cussed cub whose hoss bit me,’ he whispered. “Plug him, chief.” Mora, in the dim light, saw the hammer of the big revolver rising under the presssure of Black Bob’s finger. In another moment, it seemed, the heavy bullet would crash into his body. If there was ever a time in which quick thought and quick action were necessary, it was then. Looking beyond Black Bob and Toltec—a ‘thing re- quiring a “big amount of nerve under the circumstances— Mora called « out, as if to some one who was coming from that direction: “Plug him; your gun’s out |” Then, as it seemed to the two men, another and lighter voice sounded, just at the point toward which the boy had directed his words. The thin voice exclaimed: “Sure, pard—down goes his meat house!” The effect was electrical. Both men wheeled about as if spinning on pivots. Both expected to see some one there with revolver leveled at Black Bob, They saw only the darkness, into which they stared like men turned blind. But Mora was not remaining to witness the scene further. With steps) as quick and light as those of a fawn, he was leaping backward, and a moment later was running for the corner of a house that offered shelter. “Nobody there!’ said Black Bob, as if he had seeen or. heard.a ghost. Toltec lurched in the direction from which the sound had seemed to come. BILL STORIES: As he did so, discovering for himself that no person was there, Black Bob whirled around and saw that the boy was running away. His heavy hand went up again, and the revolver eee its contents; but the bullets only splintered a log at the corner of the house behind which Mora was vanishing. _ “By the great jumpin’ cats!” said Toltec, whispering to himself. “Ii there is sech a thing as spooks, I must ’a’ heard one. Didn’t you hear a man there, chief?” He turned to Black Bob, just as the revolver cracked. “Sold! he said; but was still too much puzzled to know what had happened, or how it had happened. “’Twas one of these hyer danged show tricks that he Black Bob fumed, as he moved toward the “If I ketch him I'll shoot played on us,”’ building with ready revolver. him into ribbons for that.” “Show tricks?” said Toltec, as he followed. “Yes, you fool!” snarled Black Bob, who seeemed to forget for the time his desire to remain inconspicuous. “One of them ventrillerquist tricks. There wasn’t never any man there at all, an’ nobody spoke but him. I had the drop on him, and was in the notion to bore him; and he played that card, and won the game,” “Gee!” said Toltec, still somewhat mystified. “ ’Twas a dandy card, if. he did. Td like ter hire him to teach me how to talk in two places at the same time. But I reckon if he could show me how to be in two places at the same time, it would be better, on occasion.” CRA ER: XMUD A MAD MOB. Mora Ellwardo had saved his life by a clever ruse. THe had demonstrated for himself the truth of the state- ment that few things can be learned which may not at some time be valuable. As amusement, he had taught himself the trick of ven- triloquism. Now that knowledge had served him well. But it had required an iron nerve to do the thing, and do it with enough cleverness to fool Black Bob and his companion, As soon as he was beyond the reach of immediate danger, Mora shifted his course and headed for the Good Luck Inn, Going around to a side entrance, which he considered the safer course just then, he knocked, and after a brief delay was admitted by the landlord. “What's up?’ Waring asked, for he saw that Mora was much excited. “You heard a shot just a minute ago?” “T've been hearing shots all evening. It’s the way some men have of expressing their happiness.” “But this was different. That shot was aimed at me.’ Thereupon Mora proceeded to a brief explanation a also told what he had overheard. The information stirred Wash Waring to instant ac- tivity. He went out into the street, with the intention of spread- ing among the miners the truth concerning the alleged. discovery ‘of gold on Crooked Creek, and so checking ‘the mad stampede. He found that he was too late. The last of the men on whom he felt he could depend were ready to leave the in q ‘ y THE BUFFALO camp ; and when he tried to make them see that Broncho Pete had.simply Hed, they laughed at him, believing he was telling a yarn for the sole purpose of keeping them in Advance City. “‘Tt’s tough on you, Waring,” said one of them. “You want to keep your customers here, and I don’t blame you. But we're going. [i the thing is a lie, we'll be back to- morrow.” So they marched away. As Waring turned back toward his hotel, he was ap- proached by Mora Ellwardo. “Black Bob and a lot of his friends ate gathering in front of the jail,” he reported. “They intend to release Denver,’ said the landlord. “Have you a revolver ?”’ “A small one,’ said Mora; and. drew out a little re- volver, which Buffalo Bill had given him. Instead of going toward the prison, as Mora had an- ticipated, the landlord turned back to the hotel. From a window there the jail could be seen, and stand- ing by that window Mora and Waring saw the crowd headed by Black Bob.gathering by the jail door. The moon was rising and lighting up the streets. In a few minutes a portion of the crowd detached itself and came streaming toward the hotel. Finding the hotel door locked, and also the door of the saloon, they shouted out for Waring to throw out to them the jail key. “Come and get it!’ was the defiant answer, at first. Other men came, and began to batter on the saloon door with logs. ; Waring put his head out of the window and called down to them: - “Tf | throw the key out to you, will you go on about your business and trouble me no further?’ " “Throw out the key!’ was the demand. The landlord hesitated a moment, and then tossed the key out to them.. ea “T might as well do that, though I fancy it will do me no good. They would break in the jail door in-a little while and release Denver, anyway.” ‘No sooner were the men gone with the key than War- ing turned to his boy companion. “Mora,” he said, and he spoke earnestly, “you were never more in danger in your life than you are just now. If you can, slip out and reach your pony, which is still hitched out in front; you can probably get out of the town, unless one of the devils sees you and btings you down with a pistol bullet. But you'd better try it.” “And leave you here to face those howling devils?” the boy asked. “Ts your duty to look out for yourself.” ‘F shall stay by you!’ was the answer. - “Then come with me,” said the landlord. Outside, men were heard howling to Waring to come and unlock the jail door, claiming the key would not open it; and following this sounded heavy blows rained on wood with battering timbers. In spite of these sounds, Waring led the way with great coolness from the hotel, through the connecting doors that led into the saloon, and thence down a flight of steps. Here he caught up a kerosene lamp, which he lighted. “Vou’ve seen the building that stands a short distance BILL STORIES. % away from this?” he said, as he proceeded down the stairs into a sort of cellar. “I prepared it for some such trouble.” At the farther end of the cellar was a door. He was about to produce a key to unlock it, but stopped upen hearing a clattering of feet on the sdloon steps out- side. Ringing cheers of triumph were heard also, showing that Denver had been released. “Open the saloon, or we'll stnash down the door!” was now shotited, in the voice of Black Bob. No answer came, atid a rain of blows began to fall on the door. “They’H be in there in a minute,” said Waring, as if not at all disturbed, “but the liquor will keep therm a while. It’s time for us to be moving.” He unlocked the door set in the cellar wall and dis- closéd a datk passage, which the kerosene lamp but faintly illumined. Into this he entered, locking the door when Mora was also within. the passage. Waring stopped again to listen, and the sounds of crashing wood and breaking bottles told that the mob led by Black Bob had gained entrarice to the saloon. “T wasn’t wise,” said Wash Waring, regretfully. “I knew that sooner or later they would get into the saloon, and that was my chance. I could have drugged the liquor. They will be howling drunk in a little while. all of them. If they don’t burn the saloon and hotel it will be a, won- der. I’ve been against that crowd so long that they are willing to do anything to revenge themselves upon me.” Having passed through the passage, Mora found him- self, with the landlord, in the little building already men- tioned, which was near the saloon and hotel. Though small, it was strongly built, and in the angles, cleverly concealed from casual observation, were some holes, which Waring said were loopholes, placed there to shoot through if the building were attacked. “Below this,’ he explained further, “is another cellar, with a heavy stone floor above it, to which we can retreat if this place becomes too hot fer us.” Then, setting down the lamp on a table near the door, he proceeded to get out rifles and revolvers, and a goodly supply of ammunition. ‘We're well armed, you see!’ he said. “I’m sorry you didn’t try to get away on your pony, You may never be able to get away now.” “1 don’t see how they can get at us here,” said Mora. “Tt seems to me it would take them hours to batter down that strong outer door.”’ “There is something else they might do.” “What is it?’ “Set fire to this house and burn it. down over our heads. | feared that, when I built it; and so constructed the cellar below, which I tried to make fireproof; but I fancy it would be too hot a place to live in, if this building should be burned.’ The yells and criés in the saloon were becoming louder and louder. Stationing himself at a loophole, Mora was able to look out, without being visible to any one outside. He had a good view of the saloon and hotel, the streets. 43 and of 24 THE BUFFALO As he thus looked out, the rear door of the saloon—the one opening toward the little building which was now his refuge—was thrown open, giving him a view into the saloon. Black Bob, «Denver, and others, were carousing and shouting as if they were madmen. Wash W aring saw his choicest liquors and wines dis- appearing down the throats of these men, whom he de- tested and hated, yet he was powerless to do anything. As they satisfied their desire for the fiery kinds of bey- erages and the fumes of the liquor began to affect them, the men in the saloon began to smash the furniture, as well as the bottles and glasses. One man took an ax and began to hew at the billiard table. This so enraged Waring that he could scarcely keep from shooting the man down. The noise now coming from the saloon was like that of bedlam. While it was at its height, Mora saw some kegs dragged out into the floor. “Good God!” said Waring, “they’re playing with fire now, sure! That’s gunpowder. No doubt they think it is wine, or beer, or sometking of the kind.” ‘The heads of the kegs were staved in with the axe. Then one of the kegs was kicked over, and the gun- powder was thus scattered upon the floor. Other kegs were dragged out and their heads caved in with the demolishing ax. These kegs also held gun- pe and blasting ‘powder, which Waring had kept to sell to miners and hunters. While looking at these angry and destructive antics, Mora was startled by something which touched his hand. The object felt soft, furry and warm. “Gee!” he whispered, looking down. Waring laughed. “It’s only a cat,” he said. _ The cat rubbed up against the boy and tried to nestle in his arms. “Your cat?’ he asked. “Yes. 1 keep it for a mouser. I forgot that it was in here. I put it in-here last night to catch a rat that has been troubling me.” Mora took the animal in his arms, and it began to purr _ contentedly. It seemed strange to witness the undisturbed attitude of that cat, when such a whirlwind and tempest of wrath and angry passions were raging just a few yards away. CHAPTER XVIII. FIRE AND GUNPOWDER. The sounds coming from the saloon and the hotel soon told Mora and Wash Waring that the mad mob was hunt- ing for the landlord. The members of the mob expressed their murderous desires with loud outcries, as they made the search. In a few moments noises came, showing that the passage leading from the cellar had been discovered and that the door was being dealt pa heavy blows. It did not take the drink-mudd led men long to reach the conclusion that the object of their wrath was secreted in the little building. Bibl: STORIES. When this thought came to them they streamed ae of the back doorway of the saloon. ; is “Hello, in there!’ Black Bob shouted: Neither Mora nor Waring replied. “Untie your tongue, or we'll beat the door down and come in there and untie it for you!’ was the threat. Still there was no answer. “Bring on the logs!” Black Bob bellowed, in a rage. Denver and some other men appeared in the saloon door, bearing the log with which the saloon had been forced. At a staggering run they came with it toward the little building Ch it sounded, as it was driven heavily against the stout timbers Bang! roared the revolver of Wash Waring, as he now for the first time opened on his foes, letting them know that he was not only within the building, but that he was undismayed and full of fight. Crack! went the little revolver of Mora ‘Ellwardo, who felt that Waring’s shot was a command for him to join in the battle thus begun. Wash Waring had not fired at random. Denver was well in. range from the loophole at which the landlord stood, and against Denver he directed his bullet. “You coward, doublefaced liar and murderer, I wanted to save you for Buffalo Bill; but down you go!” he had hissed, as he pulled trigger. Denver dropped like a lump of lead into the arms of the man just behind him; and another man clapped a hand to his shoulder, showing that Bae se s shot had also taken €itect. The log was dropped; and with almost comical haste every fellow jumped for the shelter of the saloon door, leaving the body of Denver lying on the ground. “Now we're in for it!’ said Waring. “But I had to fire that shot. I couldn’t hold it oe longer.” “We'd have been in for it, anyway.” “Yes; this only hurries the thing a little.” Mora observed that the attack on the door and the re- volver shots had scared the cat. She had bounded away with back and tail bristling, and now crouched in a far corner of the room, where her eyes shone with a greenish light. A great noise came from within the saloon, as men there talked and threatened; but no one appeared in the doorway, and apparently no immediate attempt was to be made to get Denver’s body. Mora and the landlord stood at their) respective loop- holes with weapons in readiness. By degrees the noise and confusion within the saloon abated. Voices. were heard, as. if certain men..were making speeches or debating weighty matters. ra AA THE BUFFALO Then, as if a plan of action had been agreed upon, men came neat to the saloon door and windows and began to fire their revolvers into the walls of the little house. “Shoot !’’ said Waring, who scorned the bullets thus apparently thrown away. ‘‘You’ll need sone bigger than revolver bullets to go through here.” ' At the same time, being a cautious man, he warned Mora to keep well back from his loophole, lest a pallet should come through it and strike him. While this shooting was going on, there came, without premonitory warning, a crashing sound from the rear of the little house. It was as if some one had hastily thrown down a bundle of brushwood. The noise of running feet was also heard. With an exclamation of anger, Wash Waring hurried to a loophole on that side. “Fooled!” he exclaimed, in a tone of chagrin. Then Mora saw him lift his pistol ae take a. Hs at some one through the loophole. A rain of shots pattered against the house as a reply; and to these was added another sort of sound—a crack- ling sound that hinted of fire. Mora would have gone over to that side of the building himself, but that a sense of duty held him at his post. Wash Waring’s words now acquainted him with what had occurred. “They stole a march on me, and it’s my fault, to an extent. They have piled brushwood up against this side of the house, thrown oil over it, and set it on fire.” It is not pleasant to contemplate the thought of being roasted alive, and a little thrill that was almost fear came to Mora Ellwardo. “Will—will the house burn?” he ne “That's to be tested.” A heavy thump came now from the other side—the side where Mora was stationed; and, looking out, the boy saw that another gang of men were trying to hammer in the door. Through his: he Mora took a ao at them; but they had shielded themselves behind a heavy wagon loaded with timbers, under cover of which they had ap- proached the door. - From behind this barricade Ne swung a log : as a bat- tering ram, and so heavy were their blows that it appeared — that the door could not long resist the strain. “On the other side of the house the fire was raging already like a furnace. - Waring had stationed himself tier in a hope of being able to pick off some of the men who had started or might be expected to feed the fire. ; But not once had his revolver sounded. BILL STORIES. ; : 25 Again Mora fired; this time with such good effect that one of the men behind the wagon barricade threw up his arms and toppled to the ground. “His way of yelping showed that your teeth took hold that time,” was the landlord’s grim comment. Then Mora saw the wagon being drawn back slowly toward the: saloon, and the sight made him believe that his effective shot had discouraged the attacking party. He was mistaken. The men under the leadership of Black Bob were naturally men of courage for the most part, and the whiskey they had swallowed and were still swallowing added to their bravery. So, though the wagon, drawn by long ropes, disap- peared for a time around the corner of the saloon, it did not remain there; and: when it came again it came in a more terrible manner than before; for this time it was transformed into a blazing bonfire. Behind and on the other side of this moving bonfire, men ran, swaying the log; and with the log began to batter again at the door. | They had filled themselves up again with fiery liquor, and were reckless. They were howling, also, like fiends. With a fire on each side of the little building, with revolver bullets raining against its walls, and with a bat- tering ram smashing at the door, it began to seem that the hours of the boy and his fellow prisoner were surely num- bered. Mora fired again and again, without being able to take much effective aim. Some of his shots, he felt sure, took ecect, producing wounds. But no men fell on his side of the house, and the yells that followed his shots appeared to indicate that the small damage he was able to inflict was just enough to make the drink-crazed men more reckless and deter- mined. The moon had risen still higher in the sky, so that the street, the buildings and the men were outlined with great clearness. It was a strange scene—the peaceful moonlight flood- ing everything, and beneath it those maddened men, the smoke and the flame, and the cou ius crackle of re- volvers. Within the little building itself, close to Mora’s hand, was the kerosene lamp, which gave light to what would otherwise have been a gloomy interior. Bang, smash! sounded the heavy timber against the door. It was like the boom of cannon sounding in the midst of sputtering musketry. Bang, crash! it came again. Once it came again; and this time there was a terrific snapping of timbers and breaking bolts; and a hole was seen to open in the door. eo. THE BUFFALO Through thig hole came the end of tlie log which the men were wielding. The log was drawn back with a wild chieér. The batterers at the door were stire of siiécess. They would either drive the occtipants of the building 6ut, to be shot down as they appeared, or they would roast them within the house. There seemed no possible chance of escape. But just then a strange and wholly unforescén thing occtirred. The cat, which had been frightened terribly by the noise and the smell of fire, made a. scampering dash for the hole which the battering fog opened in the door. In its wild dash, it knocked oyer the kerosene lami ip. The lamp was of aa. ss, and was broken by the fall. More than that, the kerosene was spattered on the floor and a quantity of it on the cat) and this kerosene was instantly ignited by the flaming wick: of the broken lamp. ane oe of the cat through the hole in the door was followed by cries of fright and excitement outside. No more startled men ever lived than those log wielders, when they beheld that flaming apparition ; appear in the hole in the door. And their astonishment ahd fright was not decreased when the flying toreh which the cat had been traiisformed into gave a squawl of pain and terror. It was a hair-raising screech which came from the throat of the cat. Mora, standing by his loopliolé, startled by the thought that theré was ow a fire within the bu ilding as well as withOtit; saw the buriting cat sive one wild and howling jaimp for the saloon deo, which stood open. What followed imi hediately aiter that he hardly knew himself. Thé Sensation was as if the earth had blown tt he: ad off. Thérée was a terrific and blinding flash, a roar as if a dozen cannons had opened out all at once, or & dozen thuriderbolts had been let loose fronr the same time. skieS at the To Mora it seeiied that the floor of the little house rising up and the roof coming down upen him. was Fe was conscious of being hutléd from his feet and sént Crashing throtigh the air: after which came for a little period the blaiikéss 6f ingensihil lity. The btrhing eat fad fusted into thé Saloon and right across the floor over which the gunpowder and powder from the broken kées had Béeén scattered. The result was an explosion that toré the saloon to pieces, wrecked the adjoining hotel and the building in which Mora and W: arine had taken tefugse, and killed or faiméd rioté than half Of the men wie ackaaw ledged the leadership of Black Bob. Siart BILL STORIES. CHAPTER XIX, CONCLUSION. On coming to his senses, Mora Ellwardo bee came aware that 5 ya was lying by him. It require’ a moment or two for the boy to collect his scattered faculties and recall just what had occurred. But everything came back with startling and fear- inspiring distinctness when he saw the fire burning within the room. By the light of this fire, he obsefved that the form lying near him was that of Wash Waring. Mora felt sore in every muscle; nevertheless, inspired by that sieht arid stirred by the knowledge that if he re- mained where he was both he and Waring would soon be roasted in the burning hotise, hé climbed to his feet. ole Waring !” he said, stooping over the landlord and shaking him by the shoulders. There was a cut across Warine’s face, where he had been thrown by the explosion against the log walls. As Mora shook the linip form, life seemed to be eiveni 1 4 Consciotisness returiied to the landlord. He opened his eyes, and seeing Mora benditts over Le he tried to sit tp. The boy lént all the assistance he could, and Watine got upon his feet. One arm hung at his side, evidently broken. Waring was dazed, and showed it as he stared about the small room. | er: what “Everything has been blown up!’ Mora éxplaitted. “The cat did it. When you put her in here she was primed for bigger rats than you ever thought of. She caught Black Bob and his whole gang a eiress.” Seeing that the landlord was still dazed, and realizing that time was precious, Mora hastéied to the loéphole at which he had been standing when the explosion took place, and looked out on the strange scéne. : Before him was the wrecked and burning saloon, atid in front Of it were a number of britised and powder-black- enéd bodies. 9 Some distance beyond, in one of the stréets, a number of men were running. They were all that were léft of the Wolves of the Mountains. But Black Bob, who séemed to beaf a charmed life, was still ee them, and his leadership was recogtizéd. Mora’s determination was taken inStantly, “We must get out of this while we éan,” Waring, as ke réturned to the landlord’s side. he said to “What—what shall we do?” said W ating, who was still muddled by the bléws he had recéived and BY: the pain of his brokén arm. - that one of the’ men must be a newcomer. ~ was mounted and seemed to have ridden. aoe te was THE BUPERALO “Get out of this house the first thing, before those fellows pull their courage together and come back to look for us. Probably they think now that we’re dead, but they'll want to know for sure by and. by.” Then taking Wash Waring by the hand, Mora led the way to the hole which had been battered in the door, and the two were soon outside. ‘The explosion had scattered and put on the fire that had been burning against the little house on that side; so that it was not difficult to find a passage there. Hurrying around the wrecked saloon and hotel, Mora expected to behold the mangled remains of his pony. But it was not there, dead or alive. “Some of the scamps has taken it away—took away before the explosion. Well, I must thank him for that, even if I never see the pony again.” Waring was showing such signs of weakness that ok saw they could not go far. : Seeing this, and also discovering that a few of the outlaws were turning back, having in a measure recovered from their fright, Mora led the way into a little belt of timber which grew in a ravine at one side af the camp. “T can’t go any farther,” said Waring. “If I try it I shall drop in a dead faint.” « “Just till we get down into the ravine,” Mora urged; _ and, thus saying, he assisted the landlord all he could, and so helped him down. There Mora was treated to a delightful surprise. One of the band of rascals, thinking no doubt to make a personal prize of the pony, had led it to a point well within the trees, and had tied it there. And there it stood, still tied as the outlaw had left it, in spite of the heavy explosion and all else that had occurred. Mora, having doubled his coat fog a pillow for the land- lord, and assisted him as he lay down on it, was thinking of making an examination of the pony, when he heard - yoices on the trail that led along the brink of the wooded ravine. Climbing quickly up to a level with the trail, he lay low on the ground and listened. “Black Bob and some others, Then he made out the words: 39 was his caoueht “Buffalo Bill—right along this trail—be ee wan: hour or two—kill him.” ' Such were some of the words and Sees) ihdeR ~ reached the boy. Lifting himself a little higher, Mer was able to see This man directing his talk to Black Bob. Continuing to listen, Mora gathered. that ne ae was BILL STORIES, ay even then approaching Advance City, and would arrive there in an hour or so. The man who was telling this had evidently seen him, and by taking a short cut had arrived ahead of the scout, who was apparently proceed- ing slowly. | Mixed in with the man’s story, were oaths and threats from Black Bob and his followers. Though fate had gone against them that night, the scoundrels were not subdued. They still hated Buffalo Bill with an undying hatred. Many of their number he had sent to prison, and their leader he had some time be- fore sent to death. Black Bob was now their leader, and he had sworn a great oath to kill the scout. And this oath self-interest made him anxious to keep. He felt that if he did not put the great scout out of the way, his own life or liberty would sooner or later pay the cost of the failure. ' What Mora heard almost frightened him. His fear was not personal, however, but was for Buffalo Bull. The men were resolved to end the life of Buffalo Bill that night. As soon as the outlaws had passed on, the boy crept back to the spot where he had left Wash Waring. “How are you feeling?” he asked. “Better. I don’t feel so badly when I can lie down. It was trying to walk that knocked me out.” “T wish I could do something for you,” said the boy. “Could I do anything for your arm?” “The only thing to do is to get help to me, or get me to some place where I can get help.” “Could Buffalo Bill help you?” — “Gould her’ The tone showed how much confidence Wash Waring had in Buffalo Bill. “Fe could help me all right,” he added, slowly and regretfully, “if he was only here.” “TI think I can bring him to you.” Wash Waring turned his head slowly and stared at the boy. “Your head hasn't. Bet over the effect of that explosion, Tseet. “Oh, yes, my head is all right.” Then, in a few words, he told the landlord what he had just heard. © “So, you” see, [. was right in saying I believe 1 can bring Buffalo Bill to you. 2 “Gol” urged Waring. - Good God, it “Warn him! would be awful if they should kil him, after all that has happened. . a a ae x : * Be a ee Within ten minutes after this talk with Wash Waring, Mora Ellwardo had led his pony to the trail above the ced AO. tones,. ravine, and, mounted on the pony’s back, was proceeding eautiously in the direction from which Buffalo Bill was expected to appear. He had made Waring as comfortable as possible there in the ravine, and had left with him a loaded revolver, with which he knew the landlord could make a stout fight if a fight became inevitable. THE BUFFALO But Mora was trusting that Wash Waring’s place of — concealment would not be discovered; and, all things con- sidered, it did not seem likely that it would be. Probably the man who had placed the pony there had been killed by the explosion. And, anyway, the ravine was as dark as a pocket, where Waring lay, and would be so until morning. | : As. soon as he was at a safe distance irom the town, Mora spurred the little pony into a gallop. Behind him the flames of the wrecked and burning © saloon and hotel sent a fiery light against the night sky. “Buffalo Bill will see that, and will know that seme- thing is wrong!” was the boy’s thought. “And. perhaps he heard the sound of that explosion. i must have been loud enough to reach a great distance.’ Tworor three miles out Mora was brought to a sudden. halt by the click of a rifle lock, and the loud command to halt. : The coenimand came in the voice of Buffalo Bill. Mora halted gladly, when’ he heard that voice; and, calling out his name, he rode forward and made the scout acquainted with the nature of his mission, and also told - him in hurried words all that had oe ecurred in Advance © City that night. Ce ‘How. tjany men were with Black Bob?” asked. \ “Five—making six al BI ack Bop. “They will wait for me at the turn of the trait, where the canvon is. It is the best place for them. “So, Mora, my brave little friend d, if you w ill drop back a - tle dis- tance, I will ride straight on, and we will have some fn.” the scout Mora dropped behind, but not far. When the scout approached the point where he knew “nat the outlaws would be lying in wait, he dismounted, and, taking some cloth from the pockets of his saddle, he muffiied the peols of his ye until ape could make no sound. ee iG EU ae Then, with a cocked revolver in’ each “hand, ‘he’ rode. on into the trap that was ay waiting bee “But he rode ‘prepared. 1 ane warning ‘of his comme. The outiaws, vith Black trail, like a Pow lot. Carrion: crows. nea e BILL STORIES. of Buffalo Bill would be heralded by the trampling of the feet of his horse. Buffalo Bill beheld the figures thus outlined; and their first intimation that he was near came in the shape of two revolver shots, that explodetl so closely together that they seemed but one. Two men pitched forward. One of them was Black Bob. Twice again the revolvers spoke, and two more men went down. ! One of the others, in his terror, leaped blindly over the canyon wall and went down to death. The other rushed blindly back along the trail, and Slic- ceeded in getting away in the darkness. But even this rascal. fell in a fight with a gambling adversary not a month later. x Kee cee oe xk * .So ended the band of os known as the Moun- tain Wolves. Buffalo Bill found Wash Waring in cee ravine, being ied to the place by plucky Mora Ellwardo; and the scout, through his familiarity with surgical matters, was able to set Wash Waring’s arm and make him otherwise as comfortable as a surgeon could have done. Then he carried Waring to one of the houses in the camp, and there placed him on a bed, after which he waited on him as carefully as a trained nurse could have done. The next day the men who had been lured to Crooked Creek by the lies told by Broncho’ Pete began to come back to Advance City. oe Others came from eo to day, as the truth of the man- ner in which they had been deceived dawned on them ; and within two weeks all were back, and Wash Wari ing’s business affairs were beginning to take shape again, under the directions of Buffalo Bull, who was anxious to do what he could for his old and true friend, And Mora Ellwardor nae Fie was from that time forward the hero of Advance ; City ba Bob, —. sitting by the ‘and the Black Trailers; of, , plicable. waDhey were talking: and..were all. Meaware. that any one was a hey rested secure in the belief that the coming THE END, Next week's issue, Na. 130, ne contain “Buffalo Bill White Coyote, the Renegade Chel” and which are not cleared up until the story is near its Two myste ries, which will puzzle the reader, ...... conclusion, make this an interesting and exciting tale. Who.is the White Coyote? The reappearance of Boyd ‘Bernard, after he had been killed and-buried, seems inex- How is it to be accounted for? Besides these two mysteries, the story has many other features of in- terest, ug - oe oe a OGSONWTAINING THE MOST UNIQUE AND FASCINATING TALES OF WESTERN RCMANCE 333—Diamond 334—Diamond 335—Diamond 3236—Diamond 337—Diamond Dick’s Blind Trail; or, Foes in Ambush. Dick’s Run of Luck; or, The Young Sport's Waiting Game. Dick’s Wonder Mine; or, The Ghost Driver of Dismal Trail. Dick’s Devil Express; or, Running the Midnight Mail. Dick Buried Alive; or, Record Time Down Wolf Mountain, 338—Diamond Dick’s Triangle Duel; or, Corralling the Cattle Crooks. 239—Diamond 340—Diamond 341-——Diamond 342—Diamond 343-——Diamond 344——-Diamond 345—Diamond 346—Diamond - 347——Diamond 348—Diamond 349—Diamond 350—Diamond 351—Diamond 252 iamond 25 3—Diamond 354—-]iamond 356--Diamond 357--Diamond 358—Diamond 359—-Diamond Dick’s Race for Gold; or, The Lost Treasure Box. Dick Missing; or, The Veteran’s Unknown Pard. Dick's Trip East; or, Turning the Tables on the City Sharps. Dick’s Summer Resort; or, High Old Times at the Sea Shore. Dick’s ‘‘Give-and-Take’”’; or, Caught in the Undertow. Dick’s “White Ghost”; or, Run Down by Auto. Dick at the Cireus; or, An Old Friend in a New Game. Dick at Coney Island; or, A Warm Proposition Played to a Finish. Dick’s Skiplap Pard; or, The Cheerful Waif’s Big Winning. Dick’s Stand-Off; or, The Shotgun Messenger’s Last Tp. Dick at Fort Piegan; or, Calling an Army Bluff. Dick’s Makeshift; or, The New Boss at Hold-Over, Dieck’s Golden Spike; or, Bueking the Track Layers. Dick’s Schedule; or, The First Train to Dangerfield. Dick’s Wild West; or, A Fair Field and No Faver. Dick’s ~Double-Bill; of, f Hot Turn Between Acts. 355--Diamond Dick's Farewell Performance: er, A Warm Go for the Gate Money. Diek’s Dago Dupes; or, The Bow ery Boy and the “Has-Been.” Diek’s Phantom Hand; or, The Mystery of the “Fly-by-night.” Dick’s World-Beater; or, The Race for the Hurricane Handicap. — Dick’s Boy Pards; or, The Boarding House Puzzle. 360——-Diamond Dick and the Sate Craceera: or, Two-Spot's Level Best. 361—Diamond - 3262—Diamond 36 3-—-Diamond Dick’s Last Call: or, Run Down on the Ferry. Dick’s Four-Hands- Round ; or, A Game of Keeps in the Catskills, | Dick’s Line-Up; or, The Young Sport's Banner Play. 364——Diamond Dick’s Web-Foot Pard; or, Queer Work on the Hurricane Deck. 365-—Diamond Dick’ s Run to Denver; or, Old Sixty’s Last Mix-Up. 366—Diamond Dick Among the Pueblos; or, A Bold Play for a Big Stake. 367-—Diamond | “All of the above numbers always on hand, cents. a copy will bring them to you by mail, postpaid. Dick's Dark Chase; or, Captured by Flash-Light. It you “eanpol get them from ‘pour newsdealer, § five STREET & SMITH, eae leher 238 William Street, New York. hag Kye Contains Stories of YOUNG BROADBRIM, the Poe Boy Detective, and OLD BROADBKIM, the Great Quaker. 28—Old Broadbrim Playing a Master Stroke; or, The Mystery at Pier No. 4: 29—Old Broadbrim Foiling a Fiend; or, Game from Start to: Finish. 30—Old Broadbrim on a Hot Chase; or, The Bicycle Highwayman of Coney Island. _ 31—Old Broadbrim Setting a Smart Trap; or, Marked with a Double Cross. 32—-Old Broadbrim Into the Heart of Australia ; or, A Strange Bargain.and Its Conse- quences. : 33—Old Broadbrim Doomed by an invisible Hand; or, The Victims of the Vial of ‘Death. 34—Old Broadbrim in the Jaws of a Tigress; or, F i¢hting Against Fearful Odds. 35—Old Broadbrim Trumping the Trick; or, The Strange Disappearance from a Wagner Car. 36—Old Breadbrim In and Out of the Toils; er, The Pursuit of Red McMahon and His Gang). 37—Old Broadbrim in the Eleventh Hour; er, The Mystery of the Headless Man. 38 _Old Broadbrim Following Up a Golden Clew; or, The Extraordinary Happenings at Babbington Manor. 39—Old Broadbrim Dealing the Death Cards; or, The Doom of the Scarlet Stranglers. 40—Old Broadbrim Balking a Deep-Laid Plot: or, Geraldine Joslyn’s Remarkable Double, 41—-Old Broadbrim Tracking the Dead; or, The Hidden Batter y of Doom. ik Broadbrim Always on Hand; or, The Target of an Infamous Band. 43—Old Broadbrim in a Fight for Millions; or, ine Daring Impersonation at Stonelow — Grange. 44—Old Broadbrim at Close Quarters; or, The Pabsle of the Blue Silk Cord. 45--Old Broadbrim Under Crime’s Thumb; or, In The Confines of the Dread Circle. 46—Old Broadbrim Leagued with. Nick Carter; or, The Biggest Case of Their Lives. 47—Old Broadbrim’s Clew from the Dead; or, Two Famous Detectives on the Same Case. _ 48—Old Broadbrim in a Deep Sea Struggle: of, A Helping Hand from Nick oe 49—Old Broadbrim on the Wrong Case; or, Revenge After Two Years. | so—Old Broadbrim in the Dark; or, Throwing Light en a Tangled Mystery. 51—Old Broadbrim on the’ Stage: ot, How the Ouaker Foiled a Female Fiend. -52—-Young Broadbrim, the Boy Detective; or, The Old Quaker’s Youthiul Ally. 53—-Young Broadbrim in Kansas City: or, What Was Found in the Flood. 54—Young Broadbrim on an Aérial Trail: or, The Terrible Ordeal of Fire. ss—Young Broadbrim & Company; or, Solving the Mysteries of Rockwood. 56—Young Broadbrim Triumphant; or, The Girl Cracksman. 57--Young Broadbrim Fighting an Unknown. Power; or, A Scientific Murderer. 58—Young Broadbrim on-a Weird Case; or, The Mystery of the Phantom Voices. s9— Young Broadbrim on a Long Trail; or, Peney: ice Shanghaied. : AI a the above GAIDEEE nee on hand. Tf) you ‘ candoe get them hon your newsdealer, five cents a copy — will bring them to you by mail, postpaid, — STREET & SMIT H, ‘Publishers, 238 William Street, New York. STREET SOE rE IIT a eee ae ae eae En = en Containing the ‘Most Thrilling Adventures of the Celebrated alam a “BUFFALO BILL” ec tiiaten William F. Cody). coe : = ema jeosBeduny Bill’s Gattant Stand: or, ae Indian’s Last Victory. 96—Buffalo Bill and the Black Mustang; or, Dick Dearborn’s Death Bile, 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. 9o9—Buffalo Bill and the Phantom Soldier; or, Little Sure-Shot’s Lone Trail. 100—Buffalo Bill’s Leap for Life; or, The White Death of Beaver Wash. ‘to1—Buffalo Bill and the Dead-Shoet Rangers; or, The Prairie Outlaw at Bay. 102—Buffalo Bill in Dead Man’s Swamp; or, Trailing the Red Man Hunters. 103—Bufifalo Bill’s Pony Patrol; er, The Mysterious Boy of the Overland. 104-—Buffalo Bill in Disgttise; or, The: Boy Boomer at Danger Divide. - 105—-Buffalo Bill’s Ordeal of Five; or, The Siege of Longhurst Ranch. 3o6-—Buffalo Bill on a Renegade’s Trail; or, The White Queen of the Mandans, 107-—Buffalo Bill’s Balloon rt or, Foiling the Apaches. :08—Buffalo Bill’s Dros; or, Dead Shot Ned, the Kansas. Rie. 109——Buffalo Bill’s i espetheowert: or, Shadow Sam’s Short Stop. : 110—-Buffalo Bill’s Relentless Trail; or, The Unknown Slayer of the Black Cavalry. Le 111=-Buffalo Bill and Silent Sam; or, The Woman of the Tron Hard, Hl 112—Buffalo Bill’s Raid on the Midnighters; or, Following a Specter Guide. 113-—Buffalo Bill at Beacon Rock: or, Drawing Lots with Death. : +. %14—Buffalo Bill and the Wolves of Mexico. | “11s-Buffalo Bill and the White Buffalo; or, The Black Horse Rider. ~ ? | -116—Buffalo Bill and the Prairie Hercules; or, The Spectre Soldier of the Overtand, | 117-——Buffalo- Bill and the Doomed Thirteen; or, Out on the Silver Trail, . : 118—Buffalo 'Bil’s Ride for Life; ot, 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 _ 121—Buffalo Bills Clean-Up; or, Routing the Rascals of Gold Dust City. 122—-Buffalo Bill’s Pards of thé Plains; or, The Dread Shot Fotr. — 123—Buffalo Bill’s Helping Hand; or, The Secret of Kid Glove Kate. 124——Buffalo Bill's Boy Pard; or, ‘Captain Hyena and His Red Angels, ne 125 Buffalo Bill’s Sacrifice; or, Waneta, the Indian Queen. : 126—Buffalo Bill’s Red Trail: or, The Unmasking of Captain Hyena. foe 127—Buffalo ‘Bill’s Death-Deal; or, The Wandering Jew of the West. ee 128—Buffalo Bill’s Double; or, The False Guide. a Eh a ne at ane ee a was tae! o the Mountains, “AL ‘of the above numbers always on hand, ‘if you cannot get them from your newsdealer, five” te “cents a copy will ‘bring’ them to you by mail, postpaid. S ip RI REBL & SMITH, Publishers, 238. William, Street, New Yorks. . § bh lee LARGEST CIRCULATION IN AMERICA. TIP. TOP WEEKLY The ideal publication for the American youth, Contains stories of the adventures of Frank merriwell, the famous Yale athlete, and Dick, ‘his younger brother, who is the pride of Fardale Academy. There are competitions con- tinually running in its columns, whereby the successful teams may win complete outfits, in- cluding uniforms. The following is a list of the latest numbers; 383. Dick Merriwel! Surprised; or, Cap’a Wiley’s Wiad Jammers. 384. Prank Merriweill’s Quick Mieve; or, Cooliag Off Cap'n Wiley. 385. Dick Merriwell’s Red Friend; or, Old Joe Crowfoot to the Front, 386. Frank Merriwell’s Nomads; or, Cap'n Wilev’s Ciever Work. 387. Dick Merriweli’s Distrust; or, Meeting the Masked Champions. 388. Frank Danis Grand *Fiaish ; or, The Iadependent Champions of America. A Different Complete Story Every Week. BRAVE AND BOLD This line is sure to please every boy who likes variety. The stories are long, and detail the adventures of an entirely new set cf characters each week. The auth*rs are the best known, and have made excellent repita- tions by their highly interesting and original stories. Boys, if you want a treat, get this library - every week. The following is a list of the latest numbers: 33. Upright and Honest; or, Harry Hale’s Struggle to Success, Henry Harrison Haines 34. Two Young Inventors; or, The Treasure of Three Pine Mountais. By Bennett 35. The Life of the Scheol; or, Out for Fun and Fortune. By Author of “Bicvcle Bays of Blueville.°*? 36. Tom Hamlin, Mesmerist; or, The Boy With the Iron Will, By Matt Royal 37. The Puzzle of Panther’s Rum; or, Leon Gale’s Triumph. By Frank Earle 38. A Girl Crusoe; or, The Wouder of the Isle of Gnomes. By Cornelius Shea’ ‘More Reading Matter Than Any Five-Cent Detective Library Published. Young Broadbrim. Weekly Young Broadbrim is the shrewdest and most clever boy detective that ever lived. His marvelous strengthand wonder- ful nerve enables him to pene- trate where most men would fear to go. ; All the tales of his advencures are absolutely new, ° i The following is a list of the catest numbers written espec- jally for this line: 62. Young pe the Boy Detective; or, The Old Quaker’s Faithfu Vs $3. Young Broadbrim in Kansas Citv; or, What Was Found in the Flood 54. Young Broadbrim on an Aerial Trail; or, The Terrible Ordeal of Fire 65. Young eee and Company; or, Solving the Mysteries of Rocke wood, Kn 56. Young Broadbrim Triumchant; or, The Gir! Cracksman. 57. Young Pipe res Fighting aa Unknown Power; or, A Scientific urderer. Greatest Detective Alive. Nick Carter Weekly No detective stories published can compare with those pub- lished in this library. Vick Carter has had “innumerable thrilling adventures in which he was assisted by Chick and Patsy, two fine, geibliweat young fel- lows. Boys, you ought to buy this publication every week and tead about Nick's wonderful escapes and captures The tollowing is a list of the latest numbers: oF eee 346. Nick Carter On and Off the Scent; or, The Mysterious Tragedy at Herald Square. 347. Nick Carteron a Parisian Trail; or, The Death Trap ofthe ‘‘Silencers’’ 348. Nick Carter’s Battie Against Odds ; or, The Mystery of the Detroit Pawnbroker. 349. Nick Carter on His Metal. or, The Trapping of Coal Kate. 350. Nick Carer’s Life Chase; or, The Sitet From: Ambush. 351. Nick Carter's Chain of Guilt; or, The Robbery of Express No. 5. STORIES OF THE FAR WEST. ‘Diamond Dick Weekly These are stories about the ertie. Every boy will be more than satisfied with these tales, because they are drawn true to life, and are extremely interest- ing. Diamond Dick is a dead shot, and never allows a des- perado to get he drop on him. The following is a list of thé a 4 latest numbers: 359 Diamond Dick's Boy Pards; or, The Boarding House Puzzle. 360. Dianioud Dick and the Safe Crackers ; or, Two Spot’s Level Best. 361, Diamond Gick’s Last Call; or, Run Down on the Ferry. 362. Tern a Four Hand’s Round; or, A Game of Keeps in the atskifls, ; 363. Diamond Dick's Line Up; er, The Young Sport’s Banner Play. 364. pend Dick Ss Web Foot Pard; or, Queer Work oa the Hurricane : eck, TALES OF FRONTIER ADVENTURE. Every boy ought to read the adventures of Buffalo Bill, as _ detailed in this litrary. They are full of lively advent- ure, and just the kind that thrills the heart of every true boy. The following is a list of the latest numbers: 12). Buffalo Bill's Discovery; or, The Mystery of the Gold Treasure. 121. Buffalo Bill’s Clean-Up; or, Routing the Rascals of Yellaw Dust City. 122. Buffalo Biil’s Pards of the Plains; or. The Dead Shot Four. 123. Buffalo Bill’s: Helping Hand; or, The Secret of Kid Glove Kate. 121. Buffalo Bill's Boy Pard ; or, Captain Hyena and His Red Angels. 125. Buffalo Bill’s Sacrifice; or, Waneta, the Indian Queea. Re Diamond Diek and his son, Buffalo Bil Stories | | | sis aaah a i i (} 4 } Largest Circulation of Any 5:Cent Library Published TIP TOP WEEKLY The Ideal Publication for the American Youth FIVE CENTS 32 Large Sized Pages, : Clear Type, Handsome Colored Covers The boy of to-day does not care to spend his money for stories that are neither interesting nor instructive. He wan's a good, attractive tale, filled brimful of exciting adventures. We know of no stories that so correctly answer this de- scription as our Tip Top WEEKLY. These stories detail the many fascinating adventures of Frank Merriwell and his younger brother, Dick. Both are all-around athletes in every sense, and the many exciting situations in which they are placed, while in competition on the base and football fields, and the running track, will make ever#*boy want to know more of these two sturdy lads. These tales have been written especially in the interest of every American lad, and are truly characteristic of the boys who read them. There are competitions continually running in the columns of this paper, whereby successful teams may win complete outfits, including uniforms. We -advise every boy to buy at least one copy and read it.. He will be convinced that there is none to equal Tip Top. Send a 2-cent stamp for a colored cover catalogue of all our 5-cent libraries. The following is a list of the latest titles that have made their appearance in this popular weekly : 371.—Dick Merriwell’s Combination ; or, Playing the Game For Every Point. 372.Frank Merriwell Marked; _ or, The- Mystery of Black Touch. 373.—Dick Merriwell’s Firmness; or, A Steady Hand and a Sure Heart. 374.—Frank Merriwell’s Gold Train; or, His Great Victory in Mexico. 375.—Dick Merriwell’s Mission; or, | From Fardale to West. 376.*-Frank Merriwell’s Battle Royal; or, Up Against the Wizards, Current and preceding issues may be obtained from ail newsdealers, _or will be sent, postpaid, upon receipt of price, by the publishers Street © Smith, 238 William St., New York