RIES
— A\WEEKLY_ PUBLICATION _
DEVOTED TO BORDER HISTORY

Issued Weekly. By Subscription $2.50 per year: : Entered as Second Class Matter at New York Post Office by STREET & SMITH, 238 William Shey LV Ys

No. 114. - Price, Five Cents.

 

 

 

 

 

 

a
©
2
©
N
Be

OVER THE INDIANS SWEPT BUFFALO BILL AND THE TROOPERS, THEIR REVOLVERS AND RIFLES RATTLING FORTH FATAL MUSIC.

 

 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 

 

   

A WEEKLY PUBL
DEVOTED TO BORDER HISTORY

 

  

 

 

ICATION

 

 

Issued Weekly. By Subscription $2.50 per year. Entered as Second Class Matter at the N. VY. Post Office, by STREET & SMITH, 2798 William Si., Nov
Entered according to Act of Congress in the year 1903, tn the Office of the Librarian of Congress, Washington, D. C.

 

E Nos 114,

“NEW YORK, July 18, 1903.

¥

Price Five Cents.

 

 

By the author of “BUFFALO BILL.”

 

CHAPTER

THE AMBUSHED MESSENGER,

“I guess it’s toes up this time with Butterfly Billy, for
just how I can keep alive against such odds I can’t see.”

The speaker uttered the words as though death was not
staring hima in the face, and a death that would be an
awful one, too; for those who threatened him were red-
skins, in the full paint of braves on the warpath.

The one who spoke so carelessly was a youth of perhaps
eighteen, with a slender, wiry form, denoting uncommon
strength, activity and endurance, and a face bronzed from
exposure, but with every feature perfect—so perfect, in
fact, that it would be called a beautiful, rather than a
handsome face.

There was a careless look in the countenance, the eyes
dancing in their brightness, and even in a moment as seri-
ous as death the stamp of mischief was upon it, while also
there was daring to recklessness, and determination not to

be looked for in one who had not stepped across the

threshold of manhood. 7
The hair was a reddish gold in hue, curling, and worn
so long that it fell in waves below his shoulders, while
the eyebrows, lashes and eyes were extremely black.
Just the shadow of a mustache was upon his mobile
upper lip, and perhaps added a more manly look to what
would otherwise pass as the face of a very pretty girl.

The attire of the youth was striking, being a red jockey
cap, blue velvet jacket and white corduroy pants, with a
sash of yellow silk around his slender waist.

His shirt was also of silk, the broad collar turned back
over the jacket, and with a black scarf knotted, sailor
fashion, under it. m

His pants fitted close, and were stuck in the tops of a
handsome pair of boots, with small buttons up the outer
seam, to match a like row upon his pants and jacket
sleeves.

Large gold spurs, gauntlet gloves of buckskin, and two
revolvers stuck in his sash made up his outfit.

When he uttered the words that open this story he had
just alighted nimbly upon his feet, while his horse fell
dead beneath him, shot from a distant clump of timber,
which he had left the trail to ride around. -

His horse, a long-bodied bay, had dropped under a rat-
tling fire from the ambush, and at once there dashed out
of the timber half a hundred mounted Sioux.

Upon a pair of saddle-bags across the animal were the
letters in brass upon either pouch:

StS) ©) Moe.

These being interpreted meant United States Overland
Messenger. a
Grasping the saddle-bags and slinging them over his
shoulders, the young messenger drew a revolver in each

 
 

2 THE BUFFALO

hand and stood at bay over the pony of his dead horse, his
gaze upon the coming Sioux. |

His eyes * glanced weal over the prairie, to a
clump of timber half a mile distant, but he sighed as he
realized that the redskins could catch him before he could
run half the distance.

“It’s bad medicine, but Tr ve. ae to take it like a man.
I’ve got twelve shots here and I do not intend to throw. a
single one away.’

Ee smiled with reckless indifference to death, now that
he felt that it was upon him.

The Sioux, yelling like mad, and at a full run, came
toward him, widening their line as they advanced, so as to
encircle him, and, seemingly sure of their prey, for they
were half a hundred against one.

Again he looked longingly toward the timber and mut-
tered:

“If I were only there I could make it livelier for them
before I went under ; ‘but no! Uncle Sam’s Pony Ex-
press messenger hands in his chips right here Ha!
there comes help—brave, noble fellow, for he’s alone—my
God! It is a woman?”

The Sioux were almost forgotten, for his gaze was
upon a horse and rider that had suddenly darted out of
the timber upon which his longing looks had been turned.

As he had said, the rider was a woman, mounted upon
a long-limbed black steed that. came fairly flying over the
prairie directly toward him. ©

At the same time the woman was waving her hand as
though beckoning to him to come toward her. |

Without stopping to consider he caed away like ihe

wind to meet the horsewoman.

 

He knew it was a desperate chance, but it was a Gee

after all, and he took it.

If the horse was as flect as hie abpcared to be and) he
could run rapidly himself, he might meet the woman
while the redskins: were yet some hundreds of yards
away, and, though the animal would have to carry double,
yet there was a hope, and it was well to cling to it.

The youth was a fleet rufiner, seemingly’as fleet as a

deer, and warming to his work, ran rat a ‘speed that’ was -

wonderful.

The black horse, nearly cane ne size - of she, Indian :

ponies, came along at a terrific speed, and the two, the

while the arm of the woman arose and fell quickly, and
with a force that told she was laying. on the whip to urge
the struggling steed to still greater efforts.

As the young messenger darted toward her his act had
revealed her presence to the aoe and a wild a of oy

rang over the prairie.

‘They had at first mistaken her for a ‘tan, and believed :

there were others to follow and cheat them. of their prey.

But, when they realized that it was. but a woman, and —

seemingly alone, a shout of triumph burst from their lips,

and they urged their horses on the faster, for. they did not .
care for a chase i in the direction of the fort, only ten miles

away.

 

 

BILE STORIES.

CHAPTER II.
BUTTERELY BILLY.

The eyes of the woman urging her splendid horse on;
of the youth, running along at a swift pace; of the red-
skins, yelling and lashing their ponies as they came on,
were all turned upon the situation, which was a thrill-
ing one.

The space ely cen the woman nd the young runner
was measured by every eye, as well as that between the
redskins and the fleeing messenger.. .

Could he reach the horsewoman before his pursuers —
gained enough on him to bring him down with a volley of
rifle shots? was the query in each mind.

The youth turned his head as he ran, every few sec-
onds, and noted the situation. ;

Fle was speeding well, and was not fatigued, so could
hold on for some time; but it was a run between the fleet
Indian ponies and a human being. *

The messenger noted one thing as he ran, and that was,
fast as the ponies were going, the splendid black of the
woman rescuer was nearly doubling their speed.

So on all flew, until a sickening feeling came into the

_ heart of the messenger at the fate of the fair rider, did she

fall a victim to her splendid courage.
He felt a fear for her which he had not felt for him-
self, and suddenly he called out:
“Hold on where you are!
'*Do not come nearer, but wait for me!” a
She heard, yet heeded not, and the redskins at once re-

-newed their savage yells and opened fire upon the fleet-

footed fugitive. BS

‘The bullets knocked up the dirt near to ee some
struck ahead, and several flew unpleasantly close to him.

It told that the redskins were in oe though their fire
had been harmless. ©

Yet they were gaining and the woman was. nearing
them, and another ae might be fatal to both his noble
rescuer and himself. |

Ho back! Fot God's sake £0 ee or ae Yr. again
called ‘the messenger, and his voice rang out as clear and
resonant as a bugle. -

Butthe woman caniled | in a determined way, sr laid on
the lash to urge the straining black faster and faster.

-Another volley came from the redskins, and the youth

young man and tie saan at peared ecu athe rapi aly,” stumbled and half fell, but, after an instant of hesitation,

held on, though at lessened speed.
“He is wounded,’ broke from the is of the young
woman, and then came the words: |
“T must save him, and will!” ©
A few more bounds and the: messenger nad tached ee’
splendid black, which the rider had no need to halt and.

_ wheel for. flight, for the intelligent animal seemed, fo, 1 un-

derstand the situation perfectly... :
“Spring up behind me |” she Gad i
“Thank you,” and with a leap the messenger obe yed
and away darted the black with ithe words from his in--
trepid rescuer.
“Now, Blackbird, our lives depend upon you!” !
As the horse bounded away a terrific yell came from the
redskins, who, fortunately for the fugitives, had emptied’

their tiled a ‘moment before and had not had time to. cee

 

 
 

Tae BUFFALO BILL STORIES. 3

load, for Gey were not then armed with repeating
weapons.

_ But the messenger had his revolvers, no ie weapons
' on the border, and he said quickly:

“Don’t be alarmed, miss, if T hit back, for those red
devils sent a bullet into my leg.”

As he uttered the words the young Overland messenger
- opened fire with his, right-hand revolver, turning half
around and taking as good aim as was possible.

Down dropped : a pony, and a redskin fell from his sad-
dle, while a second warrior was seen to reel and clutch the
mane of his horse as though badly wounded.

“You’re a good shot, sir,” said the woman as she hastily
glanced over his shoulder to notice the result of his fire.

“Not so good as I could wish—but here comes a vol-
ley,” and he spread out his arms as though to protect her.

“Ah! your horse has gained rapidly, for their bullets
barely reached us, so we are safe and I owe you my life,
miss.’

“T am so glad that J was near to save you,” was the re-
ply, and the quiver in the voice showed that she felt what
she said.

“Pardon me, miss, but you are not Bone for the
fort,’ remarked the messenger.

“No, for the fort lies yonder ; but I came out with a
hunting party and got separated while chasing an ante-
lope.

“We were to picnic in yonder Binee and we will find
them ‘there—yes, see! they have heard the firing and are
coming,’ and at that moment a score of mounted men
came out of the timber on a run.

“Blackbird, you have saved us,” cried the woman as
she leaned forward and affectionately patted ee neck of
the splendid animal.

“Yes, with the pluck and skill of his nobles mistress to
back | him, ?« added the yang Tee oy and
quickly.

“Pardon me for deserting you now, miss, ae I want

that horse.”

He Au to thre ground and: fun ped hay away ”

toward a riderless Indian pony which had suddenly
caught his legs in the dragging stakerope and thrown

himself heavily, andere he could extricate himself. the |

young messenger had reached his side, and, bounding

upon his horse, went flying away over the prairie, seem-
ingly toward the redskins, who at sight of the party from |

the timber had come to a sudden halt, and were gathering
in a compact mass as though to fight,

The woman watched the youth whom she had rescued
from certain death with some anxiety, as though wonder-
ing at his strength and daring act.

She had drawn her horse to a halt, and was Waiting the
coming up of the party from the woods, and who now

were seen to be a score of cavalry, led by several officers
grouped together, and in front a long-haired man of

superb physique, whom I need not‘ describe, but tell my
reader that it was Le famous scout, guide and Indian -

fighter, Buffalo Bull.
He was the first to come up to the maiden, and, as he

raised his broad- brimmed sombrero in a . courtly way, he |
- the revolver cracked, and the redskin went rolling in a ©

said:
“I congratulate you, Miss Allen, upon your splendid

nerve, and you may rest asstifed that Butterfly Billy ae
never forget that he owes you his life.”

“Butterfly Billy ! was that he?” asked the maiden in a’
surprised manner.

“Yes, and the reckless fellow now needs our aid,” and
away the scout dashed on his way across the ane
toward the redskins.

 

CHAP DERI
A YOUNG MAN OF MYSTERY.

What the strange act.of the young messenger meant
by dashing back almost toward the redskins, was soon evi-_
dent to all—he was riding toward his dead horse lying
upon the prairie!

This the scout realized, as well as the fact that he must
have left something of value upon his saddle.

There were some half a dozen officers leading the cav-_
alrymen, but this was accounted for by there having been
a hunting party from the fort, and the rifle volleys fired
by the Indians had hastily collected a number of those
nearest the scene of the chase, and they had hastened in
the direction of the firing.

An officer with gray hair and beard swerved away from
the others, as they drew near the maiden, and a moment.
after drew rein by the side of her horse.

“My child, what danger you have been in, and how did
it come about ?” he asked, anxiously.

“I chased an antelope, father, and became separated
from you all, and was about to ride out upon the prairie
to see if I could find any of the party, when I beheld a
horseman whose horse fell dead from a shot from ambush,
and those redskins at once dashed out upon him.

“T saw his terrible danger, and dashed out to save him,
for I thought I could do so, and, papa, I did.”

“God bless you, Ivy, you did indeed save him ; but go, —
my child, go back to the timber and join the others, for I
must see if those redskins have other bands near to back
them in this bold move,” and with a hearty farewell, Capt.
Hart Allen, a gallant officer of the th Cavalry,
dashed on after his troopers.

The redskins had meanwhile retired sullenly, until they
discovered the sudden act of the young messenger, and
they at once rode forward with a rush to head him off.

He was, however, near his fallen horse, and urged his -
Indian pony on to its utmost speed.

The dead animal had not, in the excitement of the
chase, been considered worth going after by the Indians, ©
but the bold attempt of the messenger to reach him show ed
that he had a strong motive in doing so. :

The coming troopers also realized this, and came on at
their utmost speed, and a cheer broke from them as they -
saw the youth leap from his pony, bend over his dead
steed an instant, and then spring back again to the back of
the animal he had captured.

Then, as the messenger was about to dash away, he
checked his pony, again leaped to the ground, and his -
right hand was thrown forward, with a revolver in it..

‘One Indian, a chief, was well in advance of the Sthers,
and seeing the act of the messenger, he threw himself :
quickly down, to avoid the shot; but he was too late, for

 

heap upon the eround.

.

 
 

4 _ THE BUFFALO BILL STORIES.

The wild yell of rage that the redskins uttered was
echoed by a cheer from the troopers, as the dead-shot
youth went flying away upon his pony, which by good
chance was the fleetest one of the band. ~

As Ivy sat there awaiting their approach, her face
flushed with excitement, she looked very beautiful, al-
most grandly so, with her flashing eyes and look of fear-
lessness and triumph commingled, for the memory of her

daring rescue of the young messenger she could not ban-_

ish from her thoughts.

Her form was perfect, and she was a superb horse-
woman, so that the make-up of horse and rider was com-
plete, and all could not but look upon her with admiration
as they approached.

Ivy Allen, the daughter of the oldest captain in the regi-
ment, and in conmiand of the cavalry battalion at Fort
M——, was the-belle of the border, and justly so.

She was just nineteen, and though reared upon the
plains, had just returned to the fort to cheer her father’ s
home, for she was all he had to love, after a three years’
course at a fashionable boarding school in New York.

Before she had been two months at the fort, every

“young officer was in love with her, and her riv als even
loved her as well.

Now as they came up, the party anxiously greeted her,
and in a few words she told her story, dwelling most mod-
estly upon her part of the affair.

All could not but wonder, however, at the conduct of
the messenger, who was now leaving the field and coming
toward them, while the soldiers were going to fight his

~~ battles. ;

A moment after he dashed up, his face flushed, but his
manner devoid of excitement, and, doffing his scarlet cap,
he said, politely :

_ “May I-ask, miss, if you will deliver this official dis-
patch to the commander of Fort M , tor I have been

_ delayed too long to go by there now, though I undertook
_to do so by hard. riding.

“Please say to the commander that I took the papers
More the dead body of his courier, whom the Indians had

 

slain back at Buffalo Ford, and when I got my pouch

from my horse, forgot the papers which were in By, sad-
« dle holster, so returned for them.

“T shall not forget, miss, that I owe you my ‘hte? and
away darted the messenger upon his route, just as Buffalo
Bill, the great chief of scouts, who was on duty in that
part of the country, was seen ‘approaching at a gallop.

The scout raised sis sombrero, and said to an officer -

present:

Cant Allen sends or ders, sir, for you to return with
‘the party to the fort, and I will guide you there the nearest
~ way, as I have to return to ficht those Beeline, who. are

not the only band in the vicinity.

“Shall we start; sit, and the aes will pardon me it 1

lead at a rapid pace.’

ie: young officer satel heii a soldier to the tim-

ber to order any stragglers of the party to come on at

_ once to the fort, and told the scout to lead, and away they
darted, leaving Capt. Allen and’ his men to watch the

redskins, who were still retreating.

le Cony, jwho is that mysterious voung man flying
“away yonder 2’ v asked one of the oF pointing with a

whip to the messenger, who was rapidly dashing along in
the distance.

“A government messenger, Mrs. De La Mater.’

“One of the United States Overland messengers?”
asked Mrs. De La Mater, who was a lovely woman and
wife of the surgeon at the fort.

es, madam.”

“He has a name, I suppose?”

“Oh, yes, we iknow him as Butterfly Billy, on . account
of his very gorgeous make- Hap but what his name is on ~
the rolls I do not know.” —

“He has deserted the field very quickly,” said a young
officer gazing after him, and who was angry with the
youth on account of his having been rescued by Ivy Allen.

‘His orders are imperative, sir, and he is off his trail a
long way, way I do not know, unless he was headed by the
redskins,”

“Permit me to explain,”
when Cody resumed:

“That accounts for it, and he is trying to make up lost
time; but he does not go from fear, as he has already done
more than his share and is a hero, while I can congratu-
late you, Miss Ivy, upon being the herome; for: a pluckier
deed than yours was never done.”

“Phank you, Mr. Cody; but tell us more of this young
messenger.

LE eannot, tor nothings kriown of him other than that
he is riding a long run” upon which twelve messengers
have lost their lives, and he, though the thirteenth, took —
the work when no one else would do so.

“He is the best rider on the prairies, came from no one
knows where, is a dead shot and would fight anything
from a dozen Sioux to a grizzly; but who he is, where he
came from, is not known, so that he is a young man of
mystery to all; but there is the fort,’ and Buffalo Bill
pointed to the distant garrison which just then loomed into
View.

An hour bie mounted upon a fresh horse, and pre-

and Ivy Allen quickly did so,

_ pared for the warpath, Buffalo Bill was guiding a hundred

troopers back to the scene of Ny Allen’s ine rescue of
the young inESeenget:

CHATTER Vv.

THE “WOLVES. OF MEXICO. me

The scene changes to a bivouac of horsemen’ in the
wilds of Texas.

To an observer who was not thoroughly posted, they
might be taken for a company of rangers halted for a -
rest, but to look more closely one would see that there
were too many faces among that score of men stamped
with evil to pass as honest guardians of the peace.

Some were Americans, ‘beyond a doubt, tall, well-
formed fellows, with the garb of cowboys, while as many
more were Mexicans, Smaller 1 in statttre, dark i in face and
wicked in expression.

Then there were several cB, dbested | in the garb of
the paleface, a half-breed Comanche, or a mulatto and a

full-blooded negro.

A motley lot they were, desperate- -looking ard to the
ee and well mounted.

_ Apart from them, walking to and a his head bent

 
 

 

Ce. : THE BUFFALO BILL STORIES. | 5

downward, his hands clasped behind his back, was a man
in.an undress army uniform.

His. face was bronzed deeply, | his hair worn long, and

black as night, and his face, stern yet winning, handsome
and fearless.

_ His physique was Sipedy though ite was little over the:

average height, and he stepped with a firmness that made
his spurs jingle musically. _

Upon his head was a black Mexican sombrero richly
embroidered with silver thread, and an ay cloak was
thrown upon a bush near him.

In the background, among the mesquite trees, were a.

number of horses, and the appr at ance Be a rs that was
temporary.

‘The man who paced to and fro, apart from his men,
was ‘unmistakably the leader of this wild and: motley
crowd.

- He looked it from head to foot. -
He was dressed with a neatness one would not look for

on the border, and in his black scarf was a large star of |

_ rubies, while upon the little finger of his left hand a fine
_ diamond gleamed.

Taking from his soles: a. Hanae watch, he elanced
impatiently at the time and then muttered something that
was unheard, but which sounded very much like an oath.

Just then the sound of hoof falls fell on the ears of all,
and each man was still as death.

“Only one;. it must be he,’ muttered the leader, and
soon after a horseman darted into camp, and springing
from his saddle approached the waiting commander.

“I have been expecting you. all ae) Ross, and hope
you bring good news ?”
noe Ves aire thous tie: ee has more. people in
it than we could wish.”

“You sifted it thoroughly : ln

“Yes; I spent.a week there, and got ev ery point,”

“How did you do. it??:

ae ian, a tall, lank- looking Yankee, Jaughed, and
saic

OnE went into my old trade, bought: a lot of ponds at

2)?

San Antonio, and turned peddler, so went to each ‘ranch—

yes, and sold out, too.”
“IT am stre you lost nothing; but how many ranches
are in the settlement?”

“Just, thirty-seven within a radius of thirty miles,

square.’
“And how many men: a

“I counted, of fighting men, and boys from about eigh-

teen, ninety-two.”

“And old men and smaller a ou

“Will make a score more.’ :

ut they are scattered over thirty. miles? Pe

(Mes, sir

. And the Royal ‘Ranch, you “went there 7,
“Oh, yes, captain, and she’s as beautiful as ever.’
“Silence, sir! but who cares for her place ?”

Lt gaw there two cowboys only.” _

““And the old miner, whom-we heard fad seiled | nearer.
but. though

le. there, three ee from Royal Ranch;
his hair is aia he is not so old as one. ‘would think at a
glance.”

“You think he has the money hen is aagered to ae.

taken with him to Texas?”

had been changed into “Capt. Coyote,”

“They say there that che has a fortune in ao dust

hidden away.”

“Then we will make the dash into the settlement, and
he must be taken prisoner.’

“Certainly, captain; and they say he i is in love with the
Widow Royal.”

_“Ah! he must be taken, surely, then ; but to the cattle
and plunder ?”

‘There are plenty of cattle, which can be rounded up
quickly and driven across the Rio Grande; and, as all of
the ranchmen are well-to-do, their homes will pan out
well in plunder.”

“Good; it must pan out big for us in-this raid, Ross;
but you have done well, and are true to the appointment
at this place two weeks from your day of starting. S

“Now rest and we will start by sunset,’ and turning on
his heel, the leader walked away’ leaving the man Ross

to seek rest and food.

The conversation held between them will prove that
they were outlaws, and a terror indeed to the borderland
was “‘Capt. Wolf,” as he called himself, but which name
while his men
were known as the ‘“‘Mexican Wolves,” for their leader
had his retreat across the Rio Grande, and was only wont
to make an occasional raid into Texas, but his comings
were long remembered.

. No one who saw the handsome, almost kindly face of
Capt. Coyote would believe he deserved the name he had
won, as being even more cruel than a Comanche, out truce

* it was, for, an-outlaw, he held no mercy for honest men.

His spies had given him notice that there was a new
settler in the ranch settlement, one who had made a for-

tune.in the mines and carried it with him to his new home

in Texas.

For other reasons Capt. Coyote had long wished to
visit the settlement, and at last deciding to do so, had sent
his. spy, “Yankee Ross,” who had given up peddling for
plundering, from reasons best known to himself, to dis-

cover all that he could about the ranches and their

strength, and to meet him at a point some twenty miles
from “the homes of his intended victims.

This Yankee Ross had done, and at sunset, with: his
scouts called in, which gave him twenty-four men at his
back, Capt. Coyote started upon his raid against the
Texan settlement.

 

CHAPTER V.
“HERMITAGE RANCH.

The ranch of the “Widow Royal,” as he owner was

- known, was not a large one, but it. was. about the best

situated of any in the settlement, and pad been the first

one in that part of the country.

It had seemed strange to those who woe follow edin her
footsteps, that a woman scarcely past thirty, beautiful, and
with, means—if limited, yet.were sufficient to give her a
good living—had come into the wilds of Texas to live, ac-
companied by her only child,’a boy of. twelve, and sev-

eral negroes who had been old family servants in her for-

mer home, about which, however, she never spoke.
She had selected her future ‘dwelling place and home-

| ieiedded. it, and with the escort of cowboys who had gcc

her there, set to work to build her home.

 
\

 

&

The beautiful woman had won their hearts, and they
set to work with such good will that they erected for her

the most cosy log cabin in Texas, with outbuildings com-

plete and stockade cattle corrals, and after. receiving their
pay for their services, seemed to leave with regret.

Land had been fenced in for cultivation, flower pots
were taken from the wagons and their contents set out in
beds before the cabin, which was on a rise, sloping gently
down to the banks of a beautiful stream, and, in fact, in
less than six months the home was a model one.

The widow had retained two.of the cowboys, big-
hearted fellows they were, too, to look after the half- hun-
dred cattle and dozen horses she had purchased, and the
first season. was a paying one, and the future looked

- bright.
But other settlers came in, and though admiring’ the ~

beautiful woman, they wondered why she had come to

that far land to dwell.

There was a certain sadness in her face which told
them of a past sorrow; but no questioning could get from
her handsome son, Rayford, or the negroes, a word of the
bygone.

As for the boy, he was a splendid fellow, without know-
ing what fear was, and could soon, under the tuition of
the cowboys, lariat a mustang or steer, and ride them,
too.

Then he was continually practicing. with rifle and re-
volver, and kept the table well supplied with game.

His mother gave him his days, but for ea hours

each evening pinned him down to his studies, and proved ~

herself a thoroughly educated woman as well as a skillful
teacher.

Three years thus passed away, and Widow Royal num-
bered her cattle by the hundreds, had a fine herd of ponies,
and fine fields of grain, while her home had been made

more comfortable each year.

Rayford had become-a youth of fifteen, and was noted
for his daring hor semanship and indomitable pluck, for he
had been in several Indian battles, and once captured by

the Comanches, was for months, a prisoner, when he es- .

caped against odds few men-would have attempted.
He could follow a trail like a redskin, and his stay
among them had certainly helped him in his frontier life.
His mother had been like one crushed during his cap-
tivity, and her face was so happy after his return that it
nearly banished the es of sadness stamped upon it
years before.

And in the years of ee fe Rayford had not neg-

lected his studies, and quite an imposing little library had
he gotten up in his semi-yearly visits to town for supplies,
and to attend to his mother’s business affairs, for Widow
Royal never went far from Hermitage Ranch, as she
named her place.

Other ranches had sprung into existence for miles
around her, and among the ranchmen coming there was

one who also became a mystery among his fellows.

_ He had been mining up in Calon, it’ was said, and
had struck it rich.

- One day he had ridden into the settlement alone, made
a few inquiries, and departed; but two months after he
had returned with a fair-sized wagon train and settled

there, and soon after had ridden over to the Hermitage

Ranch.

e

6. | {THE BUFFALO BILL STORIES.

He was a man of striking appearance, and though his
hair and beard were very gray, seemed hardly—when one
examined his face closely—to be over thirty-eight.

Widow Royal was seated alone upon the little piazza
that ran across the front of her cabin when he rode up
and dismounted.

Something in the man’s form and bearing attracted
her, and after hitching his horse, as he came toward her,
she arose, turned very pale, and seemed almost unnerved. —

“Martin Mabrey! my God, can it be you?” she gasped.

“Ves, Helen, it is I, still the same in heart after sixteen
long years, though looking like an old man with my white
hair and beard; but sorrow turned that, not age, as you
know—sorrow because the one being I loved on eatth I
lost.”’

“Oh, Martin, do not speak thas to me, tor | must not

“hear it.

“Yes, you lost me, though the act was not my willing
doing, God knows; but it was done, and so let it be for-
ever.’

“No, I know all, and that you were not to ine as
for years | believed was the case.

“Tt nearly broke me down utterly when I heard that |
you had become another’s wife; but I bore it as well as I
could, and worked on, and now am a rich man.

“T tracked you here, and am now a ranchero, and shall
fit my home up for——

“No, no, Martin, my friend, my mee yes, you can
be, and gladly will I have you. near me; but more, no
more will you be, and in this you will trust me, I know, I
feel.

‘But here comes my boy, and oh, raat a fone fellow.
he is, and true as steel to me.

“He is a boy in years, not yet fifteen, but a man in
strength, in courage and experience,” and: the loving
mother turned to Rayford Royal as he came Geshing
around the house on horseback.

THe was a handsome fellow, handsome as a ‘picture, clad
in buckskin leggings, stuck in topboots, and wearing a
gray woolen shirt, while his waist was encircled by a
sash, and his head was surmounted by a gray sombrero.

He rode a wiry roan mustang, equipped with Mexican
saddle and bridle, and a large bunch of game hung on one
side, showing that he had been hunting, while a shotgun
was across his knees, and.in his belt was a pair of re-
volvers.

“He certainly looks the young border hero I have heard
that he is, and he is one to be proud of, Helen,” said Mar-
tin Mabrey, calmly, but he meant all that he said.

‘“Rayford, my son, this gentleman is Mr. Mabrey, an
old friend of my girlhood, and I know you will be fast
friends,” said the mother.

Tes. indeed, for mother’s friends are mine twice
Overs 77 7 :

“I have heard of you, Maj. Meee as having come
into this neighborhood as a ranchero, and was going over
16-callo

“Yes, I have come here to. live, and am aa to find
your mother here; but let me explain to her the title you
give me, for when T knew her I was but an army lieuten-
ant, and resigned soon after; but I was made major ofa
battalion in the mines formed for our own protection

 

 

 
 

 

THE BUFFALO

against Indians and robbers, and as several of my old men
came with me here as cowboys they still call me major.’

“Well, sir, 1 guess we will have to make you captain of
our Ranchero Rangers, which we are getting up for pro-
tection against Indians and raiders from beyond the Rio
Grande,” said the youth. ©

It was just eight months after this that Yankee Ross,
the outlaw spy, entered the settlement as a peddler, and
prepared the way for the raid of Capt. Coyote and his
wolves of the Rio Grande.

te

CHAPTER Va
THE WOLVES ON TEE TRAIL,

Into: the settlement of ranches, while the settlers tea
bered, filed the Mexican Wolves, their captain in the lead.
They. were a quarter ofa hundred in number, all well
mounted, thoroughly armed, desperate men, who would
risk life for plunder, and would kill without mercy.

They had their orders from their chief as to what they
were to do, and they rode in silence, in Indian file, at a
slow pace, having pushed their horses to a few miles back,
then halted for a rest, to go on their way to ePras terror,
death and destruction.

Ranch after ranch was passed,-for the chief was aiming
for the farther side of the settlement, where was Her-
mitage Ranch, the home of the Widow Royal, and also for
one other near there where: dwelt Maj. Martin Mabrey,
who had become, as _Rayford Royal had sug eas eap-
tain of the Ranchero Rangers. » os

The home of the W. idow. Royal at last appeared in sight,
and the band of raiders divided into five different parties,
each of whom had their orders where to strike, and were,
after their work had been done, to move: toward a given
point, where they were to rendezvous with their plunder
and the cattle and horses they were driving off.

It would be some hours’ drive from’ there to the Rio
Grande, but the force would beat back a and es-

cape, they were sure.

The plan was well arranged, and the chief believed ail
would be well.

He left his own party of ve two ed to visit, one
Hermitage Ranch, and the other the home of ee Ma-
brey, the rich miner.

These were the farthest’ away on the Ric Ghinde,
which the Wolves would visit; and if he got all he in-
tended at those two, Capt. Coyote would feel w ell ee
for his trouble and risk. ve

"As his party turned into the inclosure surrounding ‘the
Hermitage Ranch, a line of flame suddenly shot out rom
their rear, and two of the raiders fell under a fire. from
half a dozen rifles.

At the same time there came the end of cog in the
diganes from several other points, and then Capt. Coyote
knew that he had been betrayed, that his. coming was
made known, and that he must retreat for the rendezvous
as. best he could.

The fire ef those in ambush was ‘returned, ‘and thie chicd
and his-men started back at a charge, >

Then firing was heard from many points, with oe of

triumph, and behind the chief and his men came halt | ae

dozen horsenien in “hot chase.
Over prairie, meadowland, Ail, and through timbered

BILL STORIES, Fe

Tie. the fight. was kept up, an outlaw falling now and
then, or his horse being shot, the rider pees a pris-
oner, fiercely though he fought. ra

But the pursuers also suffered, and soon, after miles of
a hot race for life; but one outlaw remained in the lead.
and that one was Capt. Coyéte, while but two pursuers
were upon his path.

‘One of these was some lengths of his horse in front of
no other when Capt. Coyote turned in his saddle and

red.

The one in the rear fell dead from his: saddle, and a yell
of triumph broke from the -outlaw’s lips, which was
quickly smothered, however, as a lariat settled about his
neck and he was dragged from the saddle to. ie Ae
with a force that stunned him.
~The one in the lead had thrown his lariat an unerring
skill just as the chief had fired and killed his comrade.

In an instant the victor was afoot and had bound his
lariat round and round the fallen man.

“Well, I am a prisoner, I see,” said Capt. Coyote.

“Yes, sir, and if | am not mistaken you are Capt. Loy
ote, chief of the Wolves of the Rio,”

vi ant not he, certainly not, but a man who was. their
prisoner,’

““No, tio, for I saw you-at Clear: Cd to-night. Clee
you. halted there to rest.
'“T-saw you coming, and climbed up ina tree, sO heard
all that was said, while by the fire you built to make cofice
I beheld you distinctly.

“When you were gone I slipped Hace to ee a had
left my horse, and came on. and warned the ateces as fast
as I could.”

“You are a devil, and some day I will get even with
you, man.’

“TI doubt it; but I am no’man.”
“Who ‘are you?”
“eOnly a boy.)
“Nonsense !” a
“Tt’s true, Pm only fifteen, though rather well grown.”

UWiovare your!

“My name‘is Rayford Royal. Lama young ae
and am junior lieutenant of the Ranchero Rangers, and
you, Capt. Coyote, ate my _ prisoner, SO mount and come
along, or 1 will kill you.”

_ “Where would you.take me? asked the outlaw,
voice hardly audible, for he seemed deeply moved.

“To my home to euard until:morning, and then Maj
Mabrey and his rangers will decide as to ee sae)

“Maj. Mabrey: co a a ae

eS. i
“What j is his. first name ?”

“Martin Mabrey.”

“He has a ranch here?’

“Well, a few miles away.”

“And your ranch ?”

“Ts two miles from his—come.”

The man obeyed without a ae of objection, eed
his horse with the aid of the boy, and the latter, holding
the lariat of the chief's Dates led the. way back toward

theHermitage. : ee Oe

I?

in a

 
 

8 THE BUFFALO

CHAPTER Vil.
YANKEE ROSS IN TROUBLE.

Tt was not dawn when the young ranchero and ae pris-
Oner arrived at the Hermitage Ranch.

There was a bright light burning in the little sitting-
room, and, hearing the hoof falls, Widow Boal came out
upon the piazza.

Not a man was about the place; they had gone, even to
the negro men, outlaw hunting, and Widow Royal and
an old negress were alone.

“My party went after the chief one his band, mother,
five of them, and we killed three.
Sloan have one as a prisoner, and I-held on and captured

Capt. Coyote, and here he j is; but three of our boys were '

wiped out.”

Rayford Royal said this as he was aiding his prisoner
to dismount, and advancing to the ae steps with him
he continued :

“I clipped his claws, mother, for here j is his belt of arms,
and he is tied fast.as you see; but take his revolver, and if
he attempts Y escape just kill him, for his life don’t
count.”

“But you, my son?’ asked the anxious mother..

» “Tam going off to join the boys in rounding up the bal-
ance of the gang. ;

“Don’t be anxious, and good-by.”

He leaped into his ‘saddle once more and was off like the
wind.

Mrs. Royal called to him, bak he did not hear her, or ‘e

hearing did not heed, for there was work for him to do, -

for there were men lying dead upon the prairie where they
had fallen, and fat off came now and then the sound of

firing, faint yet loud enough to catch the boy’s ear, and he ~

wished to be where there was danger to be faced.

He had done his part well, for he had warned the set-
tlement, and thus hastily, as all had to act, enabled the
ranchmen to turn the tables. upon their foes. |

He had followed to run down his band to the bitter
end, and could render a good account of each one, for
three of the five were dead, another was held prisoner by
two cowboys, and the chief he knew was safe under his
mother’s eye.

So he had done more,than his share and away he went

to do more; but far better had. it been for him had he.

remained himself to guard the desperate outlaw chief, and

, bitterly afterward did he regret that he had not done so.

Along the. prairie trails that led from ranch to ranch
went the youth, until at length he came upon Sykes and.
Pony Sloan with their prisoner,

They had found him troublesome, 80 decided to be both-

ered with him no longer, and halting beneath a tree that

stood alone, were preparing to nan. him, thus settling the |

matter.
Such was “the “ilaatiog when Heyford Royal rode up
in the early dawn.

The man was teed upon Sine s horse, which had.

been unsaddled for the occasion, and a rope was about his
neck, while Sykes was up in the tree placing the lariat
over a limb some twenty feet from the ground.

Another lariat had been attached to the one about the

prisoner’s neck and this was to be fastened to the horn of ©
Pre saddle, oe fis horse, led. ae at the. proper -

Dick Sykes and Pony ~

and now,

BILL STORIES,

moment, would serve as the executioner by dragging

the doomed man from the back of the other horse and up

into the air. i

It was a well- -artanged plan, but the coming of Ray*
ford Royal put an end to it, for he called out:

“Ho, pards, what are you doing there?”

In the gray of early day he saw their intention, so the
question was superfluous, but he asked it and got ‘his an-
swer from Sloan.

“We is goin’ ter hang ther durned traitor, Pard Royal,
for he are ther peddler as come through here some days
ago and sold us knicknacks. ee

ea were jist a-spyin’ ’round.”

It was true, for the prisoner was none other than the

tall, gaunt, cadaverous- faced Yankee Ross.
“You are right, he is the same man,” said the boy fe

tenant of the Ranchero Rangers, and the hope that had

come into the face of Yankee Ross died away. ~
He was silent, but as pale as death,
He had begun life as an honest man, but turned from
the right trail, and now beheld troop upon him the deeds

_ of his wicked life.

“Are you ready, Pard Sylow ©” called out Pony Sloan.

“All ready to set the machinery a-goin’,” came the an-
swer from the tree.

Pony Sloan was about to lead up his horse, when’ oe
ford Royal called out, sternly :

“Hold on! This must not be!

The man stopped the horse as the lariat drew ae
about the neck of Yankee Ross.

“What does this mean, boy pard?” |

“You must not hang this man !”

?

“He are a Wolf of the Rio, a traitor, and hangin’ are

too good for him; so up-he goes!’

“Yas, he gits a start upward, though I guess ae won't
continue. on in that direction,” remarked Sykes, with a
rude laugh, as he dropped from the tree, and fo ok
ald / Sloan...

“I know that he is guilty, but you are not his judges,
and have no right to hang him, so must not do SOrg

“Tt’s no use talkin’, Pard Royal, for he has got to hang,

d9

Sloan added:
“You bet he has, for we has work (0 do, eel won't be
bothered longer ae him.

“Why, he’s knocked us both down, bound as he i iS, and
kicked Sykes, too, in the time we has had him.”

“Well, T'll take charge of him, so loosen that line Ton
‘ your. eddie. horn, Mr, Sloan’) 3 : :

“Not me, you bet, for this man hangs.”

“He<does.” |

“You seem to forget that I am your stiperior officer”
“No, we don’t.
ero Rangers, and we elected you so because you had

shown us a boy could be a man when oe to it; but this 3

ain't no Rangers’ work now.”
“Vou are mistaken, Mr. Sykes ;

ture him.
_ “He must be taken before the Rangers to-day, and they

said Sykes, in a determined way, “while Pony: -

You j is junior lieutenant o’ ther Ranch-

if ts) for t anid tHe”
settlement of danger, and I shot that man’s horse under _
him, and told you and Mr. Sloan to stay behind and cap-

 

 
La)

 

 

 

——

will decide upon his fate, so do as I tell you, for I order
ou as your lieutenant!’
“T’m darned if I do!’ exclaimed Sykes.
“Me, too,” promptly chimed in Pony Sloan.

 

| CHAPTER Vil
LIKE A DEATH-KNEBL.

Rayford Royal was not to be bullied, boy though he
was, and in spite of having to face two men.

He knew that the outlaw prisoner richly deserved death,
even more than the others did, for he had been the one,
in the guise of a,peddler, to accept kindnesses from the
various settlers, and then lead his evil comrades upon
them in the night.

But he was determined that the two Rangers, who
were cowboys on one of the ranches near the es,
should nét deliberately hang the man. ~

“You defy my orders, do you, Mr. Sloan on Mr.
Sykes?” speaking calmly and politely, for he was not
rude and would not as a boy address a man double his
years without the title of mister at least.

“T say we hang this man, and now,” was the sullen re-
sponse of Sykes.

“And I agrees with yer, pard,” responded Pony Sloan.

“And [tell you that if you attempt to do so I will shoot
you dead where you stand. I mean it, so go ahead if you
dare me!” cried the boy, and, quick as a flash, a revolver
in each hand covered the two men.

Both Sloan and Sykes were taken aback.

They were caught fairly, and trapped, for they ee
into the muzzles of the revolvers they well knew. were
deadly in aim held by the hands they were.

But would the Oy dare carry out his threat, they won-

dered.

Sykes meant to see, for he ae not believe that he would.
So he said:

“This is bluster, boy, and you are dealing with: men,

“Up. with them muzzles, or this neighborhood will be

too hot for you before many days.”

ou, have heard my. order and my threat, so talenne
that man.’ .

“We won't.”

“Then attempt to hang him and I kill the man “who
makes the first step to do so.

“He won’t dare do it ho so lead up your horse, and
do it quick.”

Thus did Sykes shift the danger upon Pony Sloan, and
the latter, with less discretion than his comrade, obeyed by
suddenly striking his horse and ae him to spring for-
ward.

Instantly from the lips BG the prisoner “broke a fright-
ened shriek, which was choked off as. the horse dragged
him up into the air.

Buta shot followed instantly upon ne smothered ery,
and Pony Sloan dropped dead in his tracks.

Then came another shot in quick succession, and the
lariat suspending Yankee Ross was cut by a bullet from
the boy’s revolver, which then covered the heart of Sykes

_ before that worthy could. realize how it all happened, so
rapidly had it all occurred.
“Hands up, sir, unless you wish 1 te to pull trigger the

third time!”

_

THE BUFFALO BILL STORIES. __ | 9

“Up they go, boy, and with them the remark that you
beats ‘em all,” and Sykes pues the situation oe re-

_ markably good grace.

“All right, Mr. Sykes; I. wish no quarrel with you, so.
T’ll take your belt of arms and let you go.’

With this the boy leaped from his horse, for he had re-
mained mounted the while, and unbuckling the belt of the
man, hung it upon his saddle-horn.

Then he stepped to the side of Pony Sloan and took his
weapons away, a ose in his hand having been in-~

tended for use.

“He’s dead,” said Sykes, laconically.

“Yes, and Lam sorry, so sorry I had to kill him.

“Now help me with the prisoner.’

Yankee Ross had fallen all in a heap when the unerring ©
shot from Royal’s pistol cut the lariat, and he lay like one
devoid of life. Q

“TI fear his neck is broken,” said the boy, as he bent over
him.

It certainly appeared to be the case, and Rayford added: —

“Mr. Sykes, mount your horse and go to the Carter.

Ranch for a wagon.

oe

will wait here, and see if the man revives.’
Sykes was really glad to: get away, and he ae

- toward his horse, while the boy took the animal belonging ~

to the dead Sloan and led it to a bush near by to:hitch
him.

A cry from Sykes, who had just started away, caused
him to turn quickly, and just in time to see the supposed
dead prisoner dash away upon his horse.

The boy’s rifle and the belts of arms belonging to Sykes
and Pony Sloan hung on the saddle-horn, but he drew a
revolver and opened fire,

But the man had the start, and the shots missed their
aim.

“Quick, your horse!” he cried to Sykes.
“Tt is useless, for your horse is the fleetest in the settle-

ment, you know.”

“True, it is useless,’ and leaving Sykes with the dead
body of his comrade, the youth mounted the man’s horse,

and said he would Send a wagon over from the nearest

ranch. :
This he did, and as he took the trail toward the west, he

‘came upon wounded rancheros strolling back homeward.

From them he learned that the sora bands of raiders

had met and retreated in force, thus greatly strengthening

themselves, but that they had been hotly pursued by a

party of Rangers, led by Maj. Mabrey.

As they were many miles away, and Royal was mounted
upon Sykes’ sorry pony, at least for a long ride, he decided
to return home, get a fresh mount, and fit out for a week’s
trail, after which he would ‘follow on after the Rangers.

This he did, and the sun was an eee high eee he :
rode up to the cabin.

To his surprise not a soul greeted him, and he had a ”

dread in his heart that some evil had happened. -

“T was wrong to leave that desperate man here, with

only my dear mother to guard him,” he said to himself,
as he bounded into the house.

Neither his mother nor the outlaw chief could he find,
and he was about to depart, to look up some of the negro

But she was not there, and i in haste and alarm he went ee
from room to room. pe

 
 

10 ga BUFFALO

servants, when a eyes fell upon: a letter ale upon He
table.

it was. sealed, and he recognized at once his mother’s
writing.

“She got frightened a ae he prisoner over to
some ranch near,” he muttered, as he tore open the letter.

But the first lines that his eyes fell upon caused him
to turn white-faced and stand in a quiver.

Then, with a groan he sank into a chair, and buried his
face in his hands, for like unto a death- knell some deep
blow had fallen upon ‘him, and it was the letter from his
‘mother that made the wound doubly hard to bear, coming
as it did from the one whom he loved best in the world, :

 

CHAPTER IX,
FROM A MOCIIER’S HAND.

The letter which Rayford Royal read, and which had
been left by his mother where le must find it upon Hae ee
turn, was as follows:

es eis FPripay NIGHT. .

“My Own Lovep Son: Only a mother’s heart can feel
the pain that mine does now, for I have to give sorrow to
you and to your young life, now so full ot promise for the
future. —

“I write hastily, for within a few minutes I must go
from you, and I leave it to oe to explain my going as you
deem best.

“You left in my keeping, to oad as a prisoner, a ‘man
whom you know only as Capt. Coyote, the chief of the

outlaw band known as the Wolves of Mexico, from their

heinous crimes against their fellow beings.

“But I know him by another name, as another person
from what he is known here.

“Knowing him thus, | would not see him die, hanged.
for his crimes, and so I allowed him to escape ; yes, and in
his deing so I go with him. |

“I ean explain nothing, I can tell you nothing more, |

only that 1 go, yet with the hope to some day see you
again, some day. claim you as the dear, noble son you have
ever been to me.

Ud Bo fora pur pose I ae explain, hut it is meant for
good, not evil.

“1 take-two of the fleetest horses in the stable A a
few things with me, and the rest, all I have, the ranch,
cattle, and all | leave to you.

“To one person tell the truth and show this letter, and
that one is Maj: Mabrey:

“LT would have him ee that Igo a my own non eeae
or, knowing his nature, I am aware that he would never

cease to hunt { for me, as you would do, ay son, if . did not.

utterly forbid it,

“To others, let them believe ‘that i in escaping Capt Coy--

ote carried me with him as a captive.
noid As) all that 1 cad say now,, and had th time, my

heart is too full of aching sorrow to ay! Ore) for 1 must

leave you, the- idol of my life..

“T only wish now that I had told y you a my pest lifes

but I put off doing so until you were older, and now it is
too late.

BILL. STORIES:

“My son, my idol, I bid-you farewell, perhaps a last ¢ one,

but God grant it be not so.
“Your ever devoted -
Lay “Motuer.”

Was it any wonder that, after ree this missive, the

_ boy was almost crushed, that sorrow fell upon him with a

blow that stunned his senses.

His beautiful mother had been his idol Peden all his
life, and he had performed deeds of valor for her sake, as
other youths do to win the admiration of their sweet-
hearts.

She had gone, perhaps forever, and yet she had gone
willingly.

What could it mean? ‘Unable to solve the riddle, he
determined to at least act to protect her. —

The people should believe that Capt. Coyote had man-
aged to escape and had carried Widow Royal with him as
a hostage.

Of course there would be a search for her, but ae result
he feared he already knew. _

The old negress left with his mother, when he | eave the
outlaw chief into her keeping, had gone to bed at her mis-
tress’ command, so knew nothing.

The widow’s riding-habit, a few clothes, some jewelry
she had prized, and two of the best horses on the ranch,
she had taken with her.

Armed with these facts, after taking a cup st hot coffee,

for he could not eat anything, Raymond Royal mounted
his own best horse, and, ready for a long stay away, if
necessary, rode over to Maj. Mabrey’s ranch. -

‘There was no one there but the servants, and so he con-

tinued on in.the trail taken by the retreating outlaws and.

their pursuers.

Some one had already eather ed up the dead and carried
the wounded to their homes, but after a ride of a dozen
miles he saw a group of horsemen in some timber.

Tt was late in the aiternoon now, and they had halted
there as tora canip..

As he rode up he was cheered by the half hundred men

present, for they were the dwellers in the settlement.
Sykes was there, and had told what had occurred in

the squad under the boy’s command, and afterward the af-
fair of the killing of Pony Sloan and escape of Yankee

Ross.

Some of the Rangers shook their heads at the manner —
“of Sloan’s taking off, but others deémed the youth right in
what he had done, and Sykes: chimed i in with thein, either
from some sinister motive or a sense of feeling guilty at

having done wrong.

Certainly, but for the youth the Wolves would have.

raided the settlement, and forewarned, ‘the Rangers had —

held the w inning hand.

Nearly half, of the outlaw band had been killed, or cap-

tured, and though the Rangers had also lost some of their.

number, their families had not suffered, their homes had
not been burned; nor had their cattle been driven off.

The outlaws had retreated across. the Rio Grande, and
the Rangers, upon their return, had: halted in the timber
to bury the dead, for a sharp combat had taken oe oo
before dawn. #

| They were alae inet, ee wien, a rode
fd they saw by his white, haggard face that something
had happened to him.

ap,

 

 
 

 

THE BUPBALO. BILL STORIES. ee II

“Where is Maj. Mabrey ?” ic asked, quickly, looking
over the group for him.

~“FHaven’t you seen him, Roy?” asked one. ~

SONOS >) :

“Ts he not at home?”

“No, for I just came from there.”

“Well, he led us as far as this timber, and since we
charged in upon the outlaws, none of us have seen him.

“He is not dead, or his body would have been here, and
we. supposed he had been hurt and gone back.”

“No, he is somewhere in this direction ; but are all the
Rangers Here as”

“Yes, all that turned out for the fight, for the rest re-
mained to defend their ranches, you know.”

“Then I haye a statement to make, and I will do so
now,” and in a few words he told of the killing of Pony
Sloan, adding: “Such are the facts, and I, of course, sub-
mit my acts to you to decide upon..

“But now I have something else to tell you, and which
-cuts me to the heart.

“I captured Capt. Coyote and took him home with me.

“He was, as I believed, securely bound, and as there was
no one-else, and I was anxious to come on after you all, I
left my mother to guard him, and when I returned this
morning, he had gone.”

“Escaped ?” came in a chorus of voices,

“Ves, and would that were all, for he carried my poor
mother away with him a captive, I suppose as a hostage
for his own life,’ and the boy’s voice quivered in spite of
his manly efforts at self-control.

A deathlike silence fell upon all at this, and every eye
was upon the youth, with deepest sympathy, and the face
of each man ‘showed that a fearful retribution must be
visited upon the outlaw chief for his dastardly act.

He had escaped, and, after all, had struck a hard blow
in carrying off the beautiful mistress of Hermitage
Ranch.

Then, too, Yankee Ross, another man whom the Ran-
gers most wanted, had also made his escape, and all re-
gretted that Ray Royal, as he was most generally called,
had interfered in the hanging of the man, though. of
course he had done but his duty in doing so, and there
was a law among the Ranchero Rangers that gave su-
preme power to their officers. —

Another cloud was upon them also in the mysterious
disappearance of their loved leader, Maj. Mabrey, for
the major had become a very popular man with all.

Was he dead, or a prisoner?

This the Rangers made up their mind to find out, and
they called a council at once, the result of which was that
they divided into three separate parties, one to return
and see if the major was still in the settlement, another to
search for the trail of Capt. Coyote, and the third to follow
on the track of the fugitive outlaws and await at the river
the coming of the others with reinforcements.

With the party that held on after the fugitives went
Ray es |

 

~ CHAPTER X.
ON A LONG TRAIL,

The Raricheré Rangers were in deadly earnest when
sy started upon the trails of the outlaw band.
. They had escaped the plundering of their homes, but

the two per ons most loved in the scattered settler com-
munity had been taken from their midst, for it was found °
that Maj. Mabrey had also gone, as nowhere could he be
found.

His disappearance had been a mystery, for he had led
the charge into the timber, and had not been seen since,
but in the darkness he had doubtless rushed right into the
midst of the outlaws and been captured.

If he had been killed his body would have been found
where it fell, for the raiders céftainly could have no
motive in carrying it away.

To the Rio Grande, then, the Rangers went, three-
score strong, for the trail of Capt. Coyote had been
taken up from Hermitage Ranch, ae with him were
the tracks of a second horse.

Either way the chief had gone to escape sewed a
perfect knowledge on his part of the country, or he had
some one with him who could guide him away from

danger on his retreat.

Ray Royal felt that he might tell who had led the
way, if he would, for his mother knew the country
thoroughly, having ridden over every foot of it often and
often with him.

But he sighed and said nothing.

The trail of the chief emerged into that of his men
at the river, so that beyond the boundary line marked by
the Rio. Grande was the place to look for the captives
and so reap. revenge upon the raiders. :

Camping upon the American shore, in a secluded hid-

- ing place, the lieutenant of the Rangers, who had come

in command, sent several spies across the river to look
up the retreat of the raiders.

Among them went Ray Royal, and he became separ-
ated from the ae and it was weeks before he re- ,
turned.

The boy ea picked up Spanish from Mexican cow-.
boys/so managed to get along very well; but he, like
the others, returned with no news to tell.

The raiders had scattered, going no one knew where,
and the Rangers were forced to give up the chase, for
they dared not invade Mexico as an armed force. —

Reports were made to the alcaldes in the border
towns of what had occurred, and rewards were offered
in Mexico and stuck up at the fords, offering a thousand
dollars for any information regarding the captives, or that

- would lead to the capture of Capt. Coyote.

But no answers came, and the Rangers disbanded and
returned to their homes.

Upon the major’s ranch was a faithful cowboy into
whose hands fell the care of all, and Ray Royal devoted —
himself to the care of his home for a few months.

Then, one morning, he rode away from the ranch,
leaving it in charge of a trusted cattleman, who had
managed for his mother oe he grew old oe to
take charge.

With a pack horse eet iatled, and fits own oni
well equipped, the youth quietly rode away from the
home he had loved so weil, without a farewell to any
one other than the faithful ones at the Hermitage.

He had with him a good sum of money, and when
he would return he did not know, for he had: started
upon a trail that he meant to oe to Bae end, - it
ne it eee ee

 
 

ese THE BUFFALO BILL STORIES

That trail was to find his,mother, and to go that he
must seek Capt. Coyote, the outlaw chief.

Since the raid upon the settlement six months before
not one of the Wolves of Mexico had been seen, and

not at instance had been known of their coming into

Texas and committing depredations.

‘Had they been broken up wholly, or were they lying
in hiding awaiting to make another attack?

In the months that had passed since his paotier s fate-
ful letter to him, the youth had devoted himself to the
study of Spanish, and with the knowledge he already
had of it he soon came to understand and speak it flu-
ently.

His first move was in the direction of the Rio Grande,
and crossing the river he slowly, assy and untiringly
began his long trail.

Weeks glided into months, and ponte made one, two
years, and still the ruthless Be trailer was on the
trail.

It- had led him far into. Mexia. then Horthwand into.

New Mexico, up into California, and eastward toward
the Rocky Mountains, until he found himself one day,

nearly three ae alter pain his home, in Salt Lake,

City.
His funds had given out long elore but te was “wont

to stop here and there until he could earn more and then:
push on his way once more, follaw: ing the seemingly’.

endless trail.

He had every now and then caught a glimmer of hope,
for he had heard of a man anSwering the description of
Capt. Coyote being seen in various places, and it was
said that several times a beautiful woman had. been seen

in his company, one with a sad face that seemed to tell
of deepest grief.

Then, too, he had heard ‘of men. he had ; seen. a tau

by the name of Mabrey, and the qe On answered
to that of Maj, Mabrey.

Royal had written to the manager. of the Herninee)

and after a long time had a letter telling him no news
had come of his mother, nor had Maj. Mabrey returned,
or been heard of, and so the youth pressed on as before,
longing, Vere 7 success.

 

CHAPTER XI.
DRIVER BOB'S FAIR PASSENGER.

‘Who is the lady in black, Nick?”

“Durned ef I knows, Bob, fur he ain’t tied thet

black veil off her face or said a w ‘ord since she tu’k ry
hearse back at Wagram Station.

“Luke brought her in his hearse, and he jist sailed on
with me.’
f “Waal, I’m sorry thar is petticoats aboard, for I has got
some 0’ ther yaller, as yer knows, and thar imay be a hold
up on ther road, and then it’s. ‘shriekin’ an’ pea,
faintin’ an’ all ‘that ! ee .

The speakers were two drivers of the Over land, and.

where one had just driven into a stage station, the other

was ready to go on his way as soon as the passengers |

had dinner, for there were three along.
One of ee was a fine-looking man of forty, who ap-

peared like one in good circumstances, and as though

he might be traveling for pleasure,

Another was a rough-looking man in miner dress, and
he had the look of a person who had long lived in the —
mines.

The third was a woman, dressed i in black, and with. ae
heavy veil over her face.

The drivers along the Ov erland had taken the idea
that she was mourning for some loved lost one.

At the table in the ‘little station the lady half raised -
her veil, and, whatever her grief might be, it did not
affect. her appetite.

Taking Bob Burt’s coach, she sank back on the rear
seat, and seemed to settle herself for a nap, while .the
well-to-do looking gentleman took a seat by her side.

The miner made himself comfortable on the front
seat, and Bob Burt was about to mount to his box when
Nick Rawlings approached, and said in a low tone:

“Bob, keep your eyes open, for Stable Jim told me there
was a man on horseback here, who got dinner, and seemed
in no hurry to go until I drove in.

“Then he saw the passengers get out, and, mounting his
horse, rode down your trail, and Benny, the stock ten-

der, was coming along the trail a mile away, and says _

the fellow was a-going for all he could git out of his

“horse, so it looks bad.”
“It don’t look good, Nick, but we has got ter take ther

risks, so here goes.’
And Bob Burt swung himself up to his box, ed ‘the.

reins and called to the oe who stood at the heads

of the leaders:
‘et tem hustle!” ie
Away went the coach, swaying with the uneven 1 trail,
and the horses sped along at a very quick gait. i
Bob Burt was proud of his team, and the people con-
nected with the Overland were proud of him, for no better _
and more daring driver was there on the road. . |
The coach rolled along swiftly, for Bob’s horses were

“good ones, and the gentleman having given up all hope

of drawing the lady passenger into conversation, settled —

himself for a nap.

How long he slept he did not ‘know ; but he was awake
ened by the command in a loud voice:

“Halt, Bob. Burt, and hands up!”

he coach was bounding swiftly along, in spite of its
being in a dangerous part of the trail, for a precipice was

dangerously near on one side.

The command came from a man in the trail see
and behind him stood two others with revolvers ready,
and that as many more were in the rear Bob Burt knew.~

But he also knew that the spot had been chosen as the

best place to halt the coach, for it was the custom to drive

at a walk along there, and he was aware that he took
big chances in going along at the slapping pace that he
had urged his horsés into when nearing the fatal spot,
for murder and robbery had several times been perpe-
trated there before.

But Bob Burt had decided to go Airoveh at a quick
trot, and if halted to try and push on, and if not he knew

his own nerve and team, so feared no evil consequences. _

The moment the command to halt came Bob was ready,
and he gave a yell that startled his team, and which they

“knew well, for they, bounded forward at a run in spite of ss
the nature of the g

round.

Those who had held : up the coach were certainly taken oF

 

 

 

 
 

 

 

THE BUFFALO BILL STORIES. — 13

by surprise, for they spr ang aside as the six horses came

with a rush toward them.
But only for an instant, for from the rear came shots
which recalled them, and they opened rapidly.

A horse was wounded, an exclamation from within

the coach told that some one had been hit there, and yet
Bob Burt did not stop.

He had determined to push through; he yelled again
and again at his team, bent his body low, held his reins
well in hand, and pushed on to run down the road agents.

But a command rang out from the side of the hill:

“Put on your brakes, Bob Burt, or you are a dead
man!”

Bob Burt did not heed, and a shot rang out just as
the driver behind had run the gantlet.

The bullet hit him in the right arm, and it _ helpless
to his side.

To drive on that perilous road was madness, impossible,
in fact, and as it was it seemed that death must be the
end of all in the coach, and but for the fact that the dar-
ing driver knew his team, and they knew him, ruin would
have followed.

A crooning cry to the team, and the brake put gently
on, with a draw on the reins with his left hand brought
the stage to a quick halt; and just in time, for only with
two strong hands, an iron nerve and skill could the trail
ahead have been passed, for it there peer a descent, zig-
zag, into the canyon below.

“T’ve a mind to kill you, Bob Burt, bal as you bear my
mark, I will let you off this time; only know in future
better than to run when I say halt.”

The speaker spoke from a rock on the side of the trail
where he stood, and his two companions stepped to the

heads of the leaders, while the others came es the trail

in the rear ot the coaeh:

“You've got a gent, a miner, lady, and dust aboard, ©

Bob Burt, and two of your passengers have money, while
your treasure box in the boot is a fortune in itself,

“T need all, so wish no delay.”

The man spoke in a tone that showed he meant what
he said, and he certainly seemed well posted upon the
coach and its contents.

“Waal, I yields, you infernal road thief, as I has ter,’
growled the plucky driver.

“But I don’t!”
‘With the startling words three shots rang out in such

rapid succession from the coach that it was not as many
seconds between the first and last one. an

And, they were well aimed, too, for the leader went
down in his tracks, a dead man ere his body struck the
ground, one of his comrades fell mortally wounded, and
the lee of the third was broken at the knee.

And it was the woman who had fired the shots.

A woman who had dared resist when men sat cowed.

Then quickly came the words:

“Are either of you able to drive, for the man on the box
is hard hit?”

ne confess that I am not,” the gentleman Bat ie

“T never druv a critter in my life,” responded the
miner.

“Then I will do it,’ and with an. agility that was te
markable the female passenger swung herself from the

coach to the box, to the utter amazement of Bob Burt.

_ water,'is 1 .
“No, miss ; thar’ s a brook down the vall ey eae and oC

_ One glance backward shoWwed that the three road
agents had halted and taken cover at the shots which had
brought down their chief.

But they would not remain “quiet all knew, and the
woman said:

“Give me your reins, sir.”

“But—

“Don’t be time,” and she grasped the ribbons from
Bob Burt’s hand and urged the horses on while she said:

"eu detame sit'there!? |)

Bob yielded, but mentally decided that he had es-
caped the fire of the road agents to be dashed to death
in the strange coach.

 

CHAP PER Xl
BOB BURT'S LADY PASSENGER.

At the first start of the coach to move on the road
agents in the rear saw that the ae of their beet ‘was
probable.

Their chief had fallen, and two other comrades were
down and might die, but that would simply give them the
larger share i they knew well what treasure the coach :
carried.

Some one in the coach had shown his ‘claws, who. they
did not know, but the driver was wounded, so could not
drive out of a walk, and there were but two passengers
in the coach to fear, for they did not count the woman,
and one of these they regarded as’a “‘tenderfoot,” so would
only have to dread the driver, who vey believed had been
the one to show fight. |

So they opened fire: on the retreating coach, at the same

time running after it with all spted.

Grasping the reins in one hand, the woman turned and
quickly fired. 2
Down went an a in a heap, rolling in agony, and

‘without a glance: at her work, she urged on the horses.

Vou shooted to kill before to-day, miss, or I is a
liar,” said Bob Burt, with admiration.
in es, | have had to be so unfortunately placed," Was >>

the reply.

“And you handles the ribbons like one who has grit be
skill.” :

“T have driven before,” was the quiet reply, and the
foot went hard on the brake as the stage swung around
a dangerous curve.

The feat was a perilous one in the extreme, but ex:
ecuted with strength, skill and nerve, which brought
forth from Bob Burt, who had drawn a long breath eo
relict:

“I don’t want ter be cur’us,
who is yer?”

A laugh answered his words, and then the question
was eluded with the remark:

miss, but fer God's cake

‘We have nothing more to feat from the road agents ?”’ : .

“Not onless they comes along on horseback.”’

“I guess they not” do that; but it is not far to
ite iS

fine water it are.’

“We will halt there, then, and T will dress your wound,
for I have had some practice with wounds.”

“You is a daisy, miss, and 21] be glad ter chev yer

 
      
   

    

handle .ther wound, fer ge me awful and are ugly
lookin’, I guesses.’

The coach soon after draw up ata swiitly- -flowing
stream, and the woman swung herself from the box,
Bob Burt slowly following. -

The miner and the other passenger ag got out, and
the latter said, pleasantly:

“We men were put to shame, miss, by the acts of a
woman.

UNOW are’ a herone indeed, and saved the Overland
Company a large sum in money, and it shall be remem-
bered, for I am Mr. Carter Curtis, the inspector.

“For myself, also, permit me to thank you.’

“I sings ther.same tune, miss, and ef yer wants it, Ill
share my pile even with yer, and it are considerable, and
all right aboard ther huss here,” the miner remarked.

“T thank you both, but I did not act for pay, only be-
cause I couldn't let those fellows have it all their own
way.

But now let us see to this ae man, so help
me, please.”

The coach bucket was filled with water, and the in-
spector had some handkerchiefs along which served well
for bandages, and the woman set to work examining the
wound.

The bullet had cree the bone above the elbow, making
an ugly wound, and had flattened there.

But it was extracted by the woman with some diffi-
ae and the wound was dressed with a skill that caused

Curtis to remark:
You are a good surgeon, miss.’

“I have had considerable experience with wounde!
was the modest reply, and then, as Bob Burt said he was
able to ride on the box, they soon started on their way,
the woman holding the reins, and driving with a skill that
brought forth from the admiring driver the remark:

“If you was in search of a job, miss, you c’ud git one
as Overland driver, for ue is better, than most we has
got.

“T admires you, miss, I Hee I ae and I wants
ter sarve yer in some way, ef yer : ony say how I kin
do it.”

“T may tell you some Hane Me. Burt, for | am here for
a purpose, and | know you can a me; a Madey talk it
over some other time.”

“You bet we will, miss, whenever yer says so.’

“Now tell me who those road on are a halted

3)

us.
“They ain’t been on hs run for months, miss! but
they belong to a band known as the ‘Mounted Miners,’
as they mine horseback with the revolver and bowie for
pick and shovel.
_ “Their chief wasn’t. thar aa for it were his lieu-
tenant you dropped with your first shot, and he were a bad
one, but not half as bad as Yankee Kit, the cap’n.”
“Vainkee Kit, you call him?”
PLY as. miss, and I guesses it’s a name that fits him,
for he are a Yankee from Bostown he said, and he come
on the Overland two years ago with a kit full o’ goods
which he peddled to the folks.”
“Ah! two years ago, and he was a peddler i Ren

*

“14 ey THE BUFFALO BILL STORIES.

“He were, and he jist arnt ther trails by going over

 
 
 

em ag’in and ag ‘in, and one day quit peddlin’ an tarned
ter a road agent.’ Sealer

“You have seen him then ?”

“Too often fer my own good, miss, fer he hev nae: me
up half a dozen times.”

“What kind of a looking man is he?”

“A tall, slab-sided Yankee, with long legs and arms,
and.as strong as a mule, while he shoots fer dead center
too and is a bad hand with the knife.”

“Thank you for your information, Mr. Burt, and some
time, as I said, I may ask your aid.”

“You'll git it ef yer draws on sight fer all I has got. :

?Vouw are Kind, fT know, but I hope not to have to
draw upon your purse.’

“Tt’s yourn, «miss, if yer does ; but whar did yer l’arn ter
shoot ?”

Hin exdso (0

“Ah! they does draw and shoot thar to ther queen’s
taste; but I tell yer thet yer has made Inspector Curtis
yer friend, for we is takin’ through on this run over forty
thousand of ther comp’ny’s money, and ther miner told me
he hed half as much more.

“The inspector are a prime man 0’ ' business, but he are
a Quaker, they say, and don’t fight, and ‘besides, he, nor
none of us but you, thought it were wu th while fightin’
’em, but we was mistaken. j

“Does yer go far East, miss?”

“Perhaps to Omaha; but yonder is the station, is it
oor ?? and the woman pointed to a group of cabins far
away in the distance.

‘‘That’s the lay-out, miss, and I leaves you there; but
there’s pretty good accommodation at Widow Dooley’s
shanty, if you wish to lay over a day or two.”

“Does the inspector stop over ! Ws

PYes miss, 100 aay Or so.)

“T ghall do the same,” was a ee of the ce pas--
senger.

 

~ CHAPTER XAT,
THE OVERLAND MESSENGER, —

Widow Dooley kept the tavern at the station where

Bob Burt was to remain over, and a good table and clean

rooms she was noted for.

The station boasted some twenty shanty houses,. and
perhaps a couple of hundred souls, and was an Important
post of the Overland Company, for from there three dit-
ferent branch lines led.

The surgeon of the division dwelt there also, and there
were offices of the company with perhaps twenty em-
ployers in the place.

_ As the inspector got out of the coach he said quickly
to the lady passenger:

“IT remain over a couple of days here, miss, and shall
be glad to act as your escort if YOU care to stop over
for a rest.”

“I intend doing so, thank you, sir,” was the reply, a
when she followed Widow Dooley to her room, she
found it to be the best in the house, owing to a word to
the widow from the inspector and Bob Burt.

The driver was :soon in the hands. of the company’s sur-
geon, who reported the wound an ugly one, but not dan-
Ser aMe from the present outlook; and he furthermore

 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
 
 
 
   
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 

 
  

  
 
 
 

1 had hee most silly dressed and bandaged
by the lady passenger.
After a most tempting ‘supper, the passenger, who

Aad given her name as Miss Ford, returned to her room,
and asked to see the inspector, Mr. Curtis.

She was already a heroine in the settlement, and her

| praises were being sung in the barrooms, and her health
drunk over and over again.

When the inspector entered the room, Miss Ford gave

him a chair, and said:

“You were kind, enough, sir, to ie me to- Mone that

it was your earnest wish to serve me.’

“And so it is, Miss Ford.”
“You also said that if I was in need, and you asked it

“gracefully, that the company would be willing to pay a
handsome sum for my saving the treasure.’

“Tt is true, I assure you, and you have but to signify
your willingness to accept the reward, and I
~ “You misunderstand me, sir, for I ‘will take no pecuni-
ary reward; but I will tell you that I am poor, about to
the end of my pocketbook, and Iam on the lookout for
work, and wish you could give it to me.’

“T Ienow of no work here that a lady could do, Miss
Ford; but we will make a place for ee. in the office at

 

Oona. u

“T wish a position as a detective.” :
“Ah! we. have detectives on our lines, of course, but

a lady could never do the work they are called to do,
which is to watch our men, spot road agents, guard treas-~.
wre coaches and such duties.”

“Mr: Curtis; I have. a confession to. make, and it is
that I have deceived you,’
‘Teceived me, Miss: Ford?” and Carter Curtis raised
his eyes in surprise.
_o! Yes, Jor 1b am. not a woman!”
“The deuce you say?” and the inspector sprang to his
LC s
seventeen, a Texan and a
cee a trail, Ont may

Sir Vv te d not See: you, but they
led me to this part. ot the country, and I have reason to

believe that those I seek are Deets Omaha and the

Rocky Mountains.
“One of them is Yankee Kit, th eer of the Mounted
Miners, as the outlaw road agents are called.
“With him in my power I can find the others, I believe.
“Now I have been on the trail. for nearly three years,
from Texas to Mexico, into New Mexico, California, the
various mines of the far Wess and am now, as said,
about broke. ac
““— want a place on ‘your line as lieutenant or pony
tider, of manager, something that 1 can earn a living at

and still keep on my trail, while, 1f I could fill the place of

a detective on the Overland, I would be glad to do so.’
UM My dear fellow, yow are the very man tT want, and in
fact nex: ‘been in™ Search ot. Sue nave seen your grit
tried. - ‘ Y

he a Pexua you are es a rider, and you can do

double duty asa special government messenger, and at

he same time be special detective for our line.

THE BUFFALO BILL STORIES.

vides a month, but your rides will be lons ones.

Phe pay fromthe government will be a couple of:

   

 

hundred a month, and you may not have half a dozen

Your pay as our special detective w''l be three hun-
dred a month and the cee furnishes you horses and
outfit.

“When will you begin wore

~“At.once, for I can go on to Omaha as Miss Ford, and
then return as Ray Ford, an Overland messenger; but
permit me to say that 1 bought this feminine outfit and
fitted inyself into it to escape some one who was shadow-
ing me, why | do not know; but 1 was dogged, so meta-
morphosed myself into a woman.”

“And a good one you make too; but you upset me com-
pletely when I saw a supposed woman use a revolver
as you did and drive the coach over ten miles of road
which but two other drivers besides Bob Burt dare at-
tempt.”

“In knocking about I have learned a little of every-
thing, Mr. Curtis,” was the modest reply.

‘And learned it well; but keep your secret and con-
sider yourself engaged. Do not even tell Bob Burt, and
go to Omaha to-morrow...

“Go to my home, and I will give you a letter to my
wife, and, though you enter the house as Miss Ford, you.
must leave your petticoats there and come out as an
Overland rider.”

“Y thank you, Mr. Curtis. I am very g grateful for your
kindness, and I will do my duty by you.’

“T know that: ; but will you not accept the reward justly
your due for saving the treasure?’

“No, sir, I cannot do that; and, besides, did I care to
draw upon my own resources in Texas, I could get funds;
but my pay in your service will more than support me
handsomely, and I do not see how I shall need more.

“Am I to report to you in Omaha for orders?”

“T will myself introduce you to the manager there, who
will give you instructions, and should you need diseuises
in your detective work, your playing the part of a woman
so well shows that you can also play other parts when
necessary.

“But my sex would crop ‘out when there was a chance
for a fight, ” said the youth, with a laugh.

All being arranged between them, ‘the next day the
young man, still wearing’ his feminine discuise, went on
to Omaha, started off by a cheer from all who had ee
ered at the station to see her depart. —

Ten days after there was a United States messenger
upon the Overland trail, whose gorgeous attire at once
won for him the name of ey ne

CHAPTER XIV. ~
BUFFALO. BILL AND BUTTERFLY BILLY.

The famous scout, Butfalo Bill, was about the most
popular man at Fort M-

He was chief of scouts, ad had under his command
twenty as daring men and skillful trailers as could be
found upon the border. °

His men all acknowledged his superior skill and his.
ability to command, and admired his many deeds of valor
that had made him a hero of heroes, so there was to ) frie~
tion inthe company of* Scouts.

 

 

  

 
     
 

 

 

 

oe THE BUFFALO BILL STORIES.

He was the companion of officers, a afl. liked him,
while he was a favorite with their wives and daughters.

The soldiers looked upon him as a phenomenal man,
and not a word was ever said against the handsome scout,
while men who had commanded armies would yield to
his judgment and follow under his guidance without hesi-
tation.

One day, when Cody was seated in his private quarters

 

at Fort M , there approached him an orderly, accom-
panied by a horseman.
The latter was a young man, who has been already

_ described, for it was none other than Butterfly Billy.

“The colonel sent me to conduct this gentleman to you,
sir, as he has a letter for you,” said the orderly, and he
retired as Buffalo Bill arose and turned toward his visitor.

VYou are Mr. Cody, sir?”

ain.

cL brought dispatches to the fort, sir, and et this
letter to you.”

Buffalo Bill had been struck with the appearance of
the dandy-looking courier, and at once read the letter.

It was as follows:

Overt ane Co’s ee
“Marcu 17th, 18—.

“My Dear Copy: The bearer of this is Butterfly Billy,
who has been made a special detective in our service, and
is as well U. S. Government Messenger.

“He can be trusted to the end of the lariat, and would
«zht a buzz saw in motion, so freeze to him for any little
secret service work that may come in your way, only do
oot let it be known that he is a detective officer.

: “Yours to command,
“OLIVER BARDEN,

“P. S.—Butterfly Billy is working up the capture of
‘ankee Kit and his Mounted Miners.

“Should he need to lay over at any time, give him one
3: your scouts to send in with dispatches he may have,
aiid if he needs aid, I have told him to call upon. you.

“Nours again, . Q.'B,;
‘Supt. O. Co. Secret Service Men.’

“Well, Mr. Butterfly. Billy, I am happy to meet. you,
for you bring a strong letter from my friend Barden, and
he is not a man to throw away words.

“Have dinner with me, won’t you?”
“Thank you, yes, Mr. Cody, for I have a little time
yet, and I wish to get some information from you.’

“Certainly,” and “calling his negro cook, Buffalo Bill

told him to set. out the best the outfit afforded, and then

turning to Butterfly Billy, continued :
“Now, Sir, open fire at your target.”/
“You being the target, from all I have heard of Bae

falo Bill, 1 guess you can stand it without flinching,” the |

youth responded, pleasantly. oy
“I don’t know, Master Butterfly Billy, for somehow I
nave a way for dodging bullets, as I do not get often hit.
“Have you been long on the Overland, for I only heard

a month ago that there was a ‘butterfly-lookin’ feller on

horseback, seen flyin’ along ther trails, night and day,
ridin’ like the devil, while he wasn a afeerd o’ Injun,
tozly or road agent 7
_t was a station-keeper who. told Men 2.
‘have a two on in the. play of the company,

 

-pard, ay Bill, was a month after, syhens Heer

Mr, Cody, and it was a whim of ee to Bet mysel up
in butterfly rig.”

“It’s a daisy rig, too, ond oe ae a Saeed
ball; but have you “had much experience in border life?”
“Considerable, from Texas and Mexico to California,
and thence here; but let me tell you that I am following

a trail of my own, for my personal satisfaction, and [

have tracked one of the parties’to this Overland trail, and
if I can capture him alive, I can find others whom I seek. -

“That one is Yankee Kit, the captain of the Mounted
Miners, and I would like to know from you if I can get
any information as to his retreats, and all other dots roe
can give me about him?”

“Well, I judge you know your Bice: but that same
man Yankee Kit is about as sli ippery an eel as I ever”
saw, and a desperate and dangerous foe to attack.

“He has no regular retreat, so it is hard to surprise -
him, and he has from twelve to twenty men, as the occa-
sion may require to use force, while sometimes he strikes
on four different trails at the same hour, and he seldom
fails to bring down his game.

“There is a reward of five thousand dollars on his head,
and you may be sure there are many anxious to earn it.

“Particularly cruel has he been to Pony Riders and
couriers, and you will have a hard time to avoid him,
and he appears in the most unexpected places at hours
one would not expect him.

“Then you have the redskins to look after, and truly,

Butterfly Billy, your position is not an enviable one,’
“T have weighed all that, its chances for and against, Po

and only death can take me off the trail I follow.”

“Oh, you've got nerve and Tl stick to you, only I wish
you to see the situation as it is.’ :
' “And more, let me say that there is a man you have
to look out for even more desperate and dangerous than
is Yankee Kit.”

“Who is that, sir ?”’
“A deserter from the post here.

“His name is Sol Soule, and he is a Canadian- French-” ecu

tp ee aoe

man, six feet four in height and a desperado at ttcrt:
“Ee stole several thousand dollars from his comrades _
one night and deserted, and has the assurance to hang —
on the “trails about here and hold up all whom he meets, —
“T have had my scouts and a whole company of cavalry
on his trail at once and never could take him, while he ©
has killed one of my men, two soldiers and half a dozen
miners that we know of.”
“T have heard of him and been told to look out for hit.

“He dresses in full uniform as a general, I believe. a oe
“He does, for he stole a uniform belonging to Ge
Hancock, which just fits his large and splendid & form, anid

wears it in utter defiance.

“You know there is a reward on his head, too;
would take a squad of men to better him if br OSTEO
bay; he is a splendid rider, a dead shot, a supe:h <worc ve .
man and rides a pOee that has not its superi> (OF: ths
border.” :

“T would like to have ae horse, for I have ve Mess
for good horses,” replied Butterfly Billy, and as dinner
was ready he sat down to it with a host and then went
on his way.

The next ime that Butialo Bill met ue young detective

   
  
  

 

 

iN
jh

 

   

 
 
   
   

    

jen

  

 

    

—_—

 
 

rescued from the Indians by Ivy Allen, and in the mean-
time his fame as a wild rider was spreading along the
‘e-entite Overland trail. > aoe

 

CHAPTER. XV.
' THE AMBUSH.

The gallant rescue of the young government messenger
by Ivy Allen was soon known all over the fort, and praises

__ and congratulations poured in upon her from commandant

down to the private soldier. ,
_ There was not one in the garrison who did not love
her for her sweet self, and all united in proving their ap-

 preciation of the gallant act, worthy of any young officer
‘seeking to win promotion.

It also made quite a hero of the messenger, who excited

_ considerable curiosity as to who and what the handsome

and daring rider was, for his manners had been so courtly,
his words so well chosen, that all were certain he was no
ordinary person. :

_ ‘The troopers who had gone to the scene quickly re-
lieved Capt. Allen and his party, who were simply in
hunting attire, and they returned to the fort, while the
others pressed on after the redskins.

The Indians retreated slowly, and being joined by an-
other force that doubled their number, Buffalo Bill ad-
vised that they be followed very cautiously, as he was sure
other bands were abroad, who were yet kept out of sight.

.---Phe redskins moved back across the Overland trail

into their country, the force under Capt. Louis Rosafy
following, and endeavoring to catch them in an open

field, where he could charge upon them.

_ But they knew his intention and were too. cunning for
fae. s i ee

The second day of the pursuit, when the soldiers halted
for rest and dinner, a horseman suddenly dashed into

oS ytheir-camp,

It was: Butterfly Billy, and he had already ridden to
the station ‘whither he was going, and was on his run
back again. — eek

He was mounted upon a splendid horse, which he kept
at the station, instead of the Indian pony he had captured,
and the animal showed the effects of a very hard ride.

He dashed tip to where Capt: Rosafy sat with his offi-
cers, taking their dinner, and said quickly: _

“I am on my run east, sir, under orders, but swerved

irom my course to watch a force of Indians I saw ten
miles from here.

“They tave been joined by others, double their num-
ber, and’an ambush is prepared for you in the Rock Can-

- yon, which you may ki\ow of.” a

“* “Iethank you, sir, and I expect my guide back soon,

and shall tell him what you’ report.
-now,” said Capt.’ Rosafy.

| Just then the scout rode up, and after greeting the
young messenger warmly, presented him to Capt. Rosafy

and the other officers and heard his story.

“I half feared they were up to some mischief, but did
‘think they would halt at Rock Canyon, but further
where they would get reinforcements from their vil-
ut then, as you say they have been joined by an-
and, it accounts for the ambush at the canyon, and

 

   

_ ‘THE BUFFALO BILL STORIES.

Ah here comes Cody’

 
 

which, but for you, Butterfly Billy, we would have ridden

into, for we expected to pursue them that far and halt.’

Butterfly Billy was warmly thanked for his informa-
tion, and then joined the party at dinner, after which he.
started on his way, which, as it led on the trail which

~ Buffalo Bill meant to follow for a mile or two, they rode

along together.

_ It had been decided that half the force should go on
toward Rock Canyon slowly, while the other, following
Buffalo Bill and riding rapidly, would flank Rock Canyon,
and just when their comrades were nearly entering the

‘ambush would charge the redskins from the rear.

Thus surprised the redskins would be caught between
two fires and their utter defeat must follow, for they did
not have more than treble the force of Capt. Rosafy, and
the troopers of the gallant —th always considered them-
selves a match for five times their number in a square
fight. >

“You hav’n’t heard anything of Sol Soule, the Giant
General, as they call him, along the line, have you?” asked
Buffalo Bill, as he halted at his turning off place to wait
for the troopers to come up with him.

“Oh, yes, he has been doing a number of bold things
lately, and I am on the lookout for him, as he pinned a
notice upon a tree on the trailside, that he had heard I
was anxious to meet him, and intended to have my scalp.”

“T hope he won't get it; but, by the way, you were
wounded the. other day?’ -

“No, only struck by a spent ball which benumbed my
leg for a while, and made but a slight wound.

“But I must be off, so luck to you, Mr. Cody,” and
away went the messenger at breakneck speed, while Cody
awaited the coming of the troopers, and led them on a
trail to flank the Rock Canyon, and knowing the country
perfectly, as he did, he meant to give the redskins a sur-
prise they would long remember.

As the Pony Rider had reported, the Indians had been

joined by another large band near Rock Canyon, and at
once formed an ambush with them there.
_ The others moved on in the direction from whence they
had come until their scouts reported the soldiers coming,
when they once more fell-back over their own trail, and in
haste, as though they supposed the soldiers had given up
the pursuit. , : Roe os

The pursuers were well scattered, to disguise theif.
fewer numbers, and those in advance began a scattering °
fire with the rear guard of the redskins.

The ridge which Rock Canyon ‘cut in twain came in
sight at an hour before sunset, and the redskins were seen
to halt there, as though to stand and fight, and then
hastily push on once more. 7 .

The ridge was heavily wooded, and, penetrating .the
valley into which the canyon widened beyond, were other
canyons. oy : po

But the redskins retreated in plain view up the valley,
until the troopers were almost up to the canyon.

Then suddenly a loud volley rang out, and the retreat- ‘
ing redskins were seen to be thrown into wild disorder,
which was increased by a second volley from the hillside
of the valley, and the charging out upon them of the force
which Buffalo Bill had led into position. ae

-Over them swept the troopers, their revolvers rattling
forth fatal music, and the stampede and defeat were com-
   

as

  

y plete, pie the suds party fad been so surprised

that they revealed themselves, and, after a hot fire from
the force under Capt. Rosafy, they broke in confusion.

Then the captain charged, and when the sun set that
night the redskins were scattered and flying, and the sol-
diers masters of the field, with the foe severely punished,
for a score of Indians lay dead in the valley, and the
ponies of the party in ambush at the Aanyon had all been
captured, ©

“But for Butterfly Billy it would have been a - dif-
ferent scene here to-night, captain,” said Buffalo Bill.

“Yes, we would have been cut up terribly, but for the |

brave fellow ; and you, Cody, have made our victory
complete, and T'shall so speak of you in my report.”

“Thank you, Capt. Rosafy, but don’t forget to give that
splendid boy full credit for all that we owe him, for had
we gone into that ambush, as we would assuredly have
done but for him, we would have lost over half our men,
and we would have been the fugitives, and Buffalo Bill
spoke warmly. —

Capt. Louis Rosafy seemed to feel that the scout placed
so much stress upon what the young messenger had done,
and he said in response:

“Butterfly Billy shall have full praise, Cody, for 4
know that we owe much to him. _

“As it is, we return victors to the fort, and ae ot
say I owe it to you and to the Pony Rider. |

“But you think the redskins will not rally ?”

“No, sir, they are started for home at a double-quick,
and they will keep it up, and, besides, half of them are
dismounted, and a Sioux, like a Comanche, is of little
use on foot.” . ‘

The next morning the troopers. started upon their re-
turn march to the fort, and were welcomed with cheers
by the garrison, who had ae heard, 2 a courier sent
: in ahead, of the victory. :

CHAPTER, XVI.
E Y PN Gr N EWHASE TE:

Rumors of the deeds, of the. “Giant General,” as. Sol
Soule, the deserter, was called, were flying from one end
of the line’'to the other, for he had been sharing the hon-
ors of being.a road agent with the Mounted Miners.
w# Each stage that) rolled. into the stations carried. stories
f of his red deeds, for not only. had he alone and single-
handed held up ‘a coach full of passengers. and., robbed
them, but he had shot two of the. PONY. Riders cerrying
valuable packages. 3.

All who had become interested. in ae young govern
inent messenger were anxious regarding his safety, and
a paves) was to be made of the colonel commanding Fort
M-—— to allow a company of soldiers, to scout the trails
for a week. or two to cy ‘off the much dreaded “Giant
General.”

Those. who had. been (cee A ‘the cdesperado- shied
that he was dressed in the full uniform of a general, wore
sword. and belt, and was. mounted ‘upon a superb jet- -black
horse, while he was so ready with his revolvers that he
seldom gave an order-more than once, enforcing it, if
repeated a second time, by. sending a bullet, nearly graz-
ing the, head of. his, vgn, asa seas that he was not

yf : trifled with. ae

 

  

THE BUFF ALO BILL s i rORIES.

One day the Pony Rider was ane say a ong the

‘trail, on his run. westward, when he came to a ris “that

he knew would give him a view for several miles ahead.

He knew that it was along this stretch of road that
the Giant General had lately been seen, and some impulse
checked him as he was nearly to the top of the tise, and
he came to a sudden halt. «

Dismounting, he crept up to the ridge, and gazed cau-
tiously over. ©

He saw no one in ‘sight, ae taking He Reldetase fon
his saddle he leveled it, and began to gaze cay over
the trail ahead.

Nal? :

The expréssion burst from his lips in a
that he had made an important discover: .

“Tam glad I-did not ride over, for hx
and that’s my man without a doubt.”

He continued to gaze for some time longer ee ae the
glass, and then resumed aloud:

. “Now, to see if he cannot be beaten at his own game,
for I am in no hurry when that man is my game. _

“Ah! he is right under that cliff, and is in hiding among
those serub trees.

escent do. 7

So saying he returned to his horse, and, mounting, rode
back a short distance on the trail until he came fo a
place where he could turn off.

Going along through the timber far ceveray nitiles he
began to head in toward the trail until he came to. a low
ridge, x.

Here he halted, and, hitching his horse, went Aes on
foot, climbing to the top of the ridge and making his

way with the greatest of caution.

It was the tidge that ended on the cliff under which
he had seen’ the man who had caused him to change his”
course.

“At his saddle- horn i carrie!

took. with him,. going very
cliff.
, Mottunately. for him there was
oderwood upon it, and ne reaches
and peered over.
There, within fift,
+ He was, standiny. |
hid him-=from any «
which the messenge: 4
Not. far from: him wa: ais norse, unhitched and crop- |
ping grass while he awaited ‘he will of his master.
A more magnificent animal pee mentally con-'
fessed he had never. séen, a
He was not so large. as ard
would. be to.carry so large a manjas w.
‘serter ; but his shape was eee oe BPs
were readily, seen in:his build. - eer
He was black as jet; and was caparisoucu, WILLE a HEIL
tary saddle, the housings. bearing the rank of ageneral, _
‘The man’s appearance was also striking, for he was .
dressed in the full uniform of a general, even to the sash.
His belt had two revolvers in’ it, and a heavy saber
hung to. the straps; while a repeating-rifle was swung
his ‘saddle- horn, and. with revolvers ‘ine a holes
either-side the saddle- hern. |. ie
The man stood crest his eold- striped pants s

 

ary VY wut VL

he edge lay. flat down

  

oi bin, stood the Ginn General
. uded in the trail which
hing, fromthe: direction
ve come.

 
   

 

 

   

  
  
  
     
     

 
 

 

THE BUFFALO

cavalry boots, on which he wore massive spurs, and an
‘army hat was encircled by a gold cord and shaded by. a
black plume that-fell upon his broad shoulders.

Outlaw. though he was, Sol Soule had an immense deal
of vanity.

Taking off his hat he glanced cannoudy over the ridge
and scanned the mile or more of the trail which his posi-
tion commanded.

But he looked at his watch, showed no faapatiece and
was content to bide his time it seemed for whatever he
was waiting.

“He’s waiting for me,’
he added, laconically :

lan behind time, if I was on a run, but I'll get there
all the same.’

Slowly to and fro paced the Giant General, and as he

turned on his heel under the cliff he was not over thirty
feet from: Butterfly Billy, who had begun to prepare for
work, for he had come to the cliff with a settled purpose
in view, and that was to capture the Giant General if in
his power to do so.

DP inced Butterfly Bul, and

 

CHAPTER XVIL.
BUWTTERELY “BILLY {DRIES EIS HAND.

Seeing that the Giant General was fully engrossed in
his own meditations, Butterfly set to work to carry out
his little plan, which he hoped would pan out to his satis-
faction.

Fastening one end of his lariat to a tree, he took the
loop of the other end and coiled it over one hand; then
he placed a revolver on the edge of the cliff and _peeped
, over carefully.

The Giant General was still. pacing to and fro, and, as
he turned on his heel under the cliff, the coil, held in both
hands was dexterously dropped over him by Butterfly
Billy, who, giving it a sudden jerk, as it encircled his_

legs, threw the large man to the ground with a force .

that half-stunned him.

‘Then Butterfly Billy showed his quickness of movement
and nerve, for, grasping his revolver in one hand, and
with his two gloves as a shield for the other, to prevent
the rope from burning it, he slid down the lariat with
the agility of a sailor, and, ere the Giant General could
rise, had his revolver, cocked and finger on trigger, leveled
in his face.

“Just move and you die, eeneral! ly Butterfly Billy said,
in a determined voice, which there was no misunder-
standing. —

The man had fallen heavily, and his breath had not only
been knocked out of him, but his head had hit the rocky
ground with a force that dazed him, and. also cut a gash
over his temple.

The lariat had dropped, as Butterfly Billy had planned
jt should, about his ankles, and the coil had been drawn
taut so as to jerk his legs from under him.

The lariat the youth still held, and, drawing on it hard,
the man was unable to rise, and he was wholly at.the
mercy of the youth and he realized it.

“Unbuckle your belt, general, and if you meve either
hand near a revolver in doing so, I shall kill you.”

Without a word the man obeyed, and then came the
cress |

BILL STORIES. 1D

“Roll over, general, clear of that belt of arms—come,
Hee t mind soiling your clothes, for yo8 won t need them
ong.

“Quick! for I am getting nervous, and any trembling
finger may pull trigger.”

Then in a hoarse voice, like the growl of a bear, came
a muttered oath and the man obeyed.

“Now, general, raise your hands as though you were
going to say your prayers.” |
_ “Do you intend to kill me?”

“Not unless you force me to do so; but obey.”

“You will kill me then?”

“Had I wished to, I would have shot you from the cliff,
instead of catching you in my lariat.

“Hold up your hands, general.”

An evil light flashed in the man’s eyes, and he was
ready for a spring; but the messenger saw it and said,
Stermiv

“Tf you attempt any game I will kill you.

“Do as I order you, or I will knock you senseless: with
a blow of my revolver and then have things all my own
way.

“Do you hear ?””

The man did hear and held up his hands.

The youth went behind him and said, simply:

“Clasp them over your’ head.”

Another savage oath broke from the lips of Sol Soule
and yet he obeyed.

Then, quicker than a thought could flash. through the
brain, Butterfly Billy clasped a pair of steel handcuffs
upon his wrists.

A. how! of rage and a fearful oath fellowed, and in his
fury the man made an effort to rise; but the lariat was
drawn taut and Butterfly Billy had him at a ee.
by raising his feet from the ground. .

“Tt is no use, general, for you are my game.”

_ Curse you, and I was lying in wait for you.”

“T know it, so you ought not to get so angry with me
because I turned the tables upon you.’
“You are a young devil.”

“And you are an old one; but don’t let us call each
other harsh names, for it is not gentlemanly.

“IT will ask you to slip one foot out of this coil, and
then mount your horse.”

“Where are you g going with me?”

“To Fort M—— :

_ “They will hang 1 me.

“Tyon’t you deserve it?”

“That is note of your business; but take me to the
station nearest here.”

“Why ee

ol ae my reasons.’

“And I have mine fe wishing to take you i Fort
M

 

“You. wish to see me hanged.”

“No, for I have no time to throw away in sight-seeing,
and, besides, hanging a man is no new spectacle for me.
ier am going to make you a present to Buffalo Bill.”

On, Lord!”
“You know the gentleman, then?”
“He is a fiend when aroused.”
“He is just, and he owes you a singe for having
killed several of his scouts.”

 
 

20 THE BUFFALO BILL STORIES.

“Well, Iam not hanged yet.” —

“No, and there’s many a slip ‘twixt the cup and the lip,
it is said.”

“T do not despair.” |

“You are right, keep up your pluck; but come, mount
your horse.”

“I cannot with these irons on.”

“Well, Pll give you a boost with your sword point—

shall 1?”

The man put his foot in the stirrup and mounted:

readily.

Then passing the lariat under the horse, Butterfly Billy
bound the other leg fast, and then made the animal secure
to a tree) an

“Tl not keep you waiting long, general,’ he said, and
up the lariat he climbed to the cliff and unfastening the
other end from the tree dropped it over.

hen he went at a swinging run back along the ridge
until he came to his horse, and, mounting, rode rapidly
around to the spot where he had left the prisoner.

It was evident that he had used every endeavor to

escape, for the noble black was very much excited when
Butterfly Billy returned; but the effort had been wholly
fruitless. i

“Now, General, when I have made your horse fast to
my saddle-horn we will be off.”
“Where?” :

“To Fort M——., as I told you.”

“Say, young man, are you poor?”

“Well, [am not rich, as you may judge from my riding

Pony Express.’

Welk loam riche: , ra

“Do you intend to make me your heir?’

 

“T will give you half of what I possess if you will set

me free...
"Gant dou”

“No one will know of my capture and release, and you -

can make a handsome stm out of it.”
“About. how much, general?”

“Well, I have some ten thousand in money, and as.

rach more in jewelry,”

“Ail of which you stole’.

“Don’t be a fool. and look a gift horse in the mouth,
but say the word and the money is yours.”

*No, sir, I prefer you to the cash.” aaa

“I will pledge myself not to molest you in your. rides2”.

“I ask favor from no man, so must take the chances,
Peneral. a: | as 4
"Yow refuse 7?
eS
“Vl give you every dollar I have.”
“It won't go, general.”
will give you every dollar of it.”
‘I prefer you.”
The man’s face paled more than it had thus far, and he
bit his lip nervously, and seemed lost in painful reverie.
But Butterfly was ready to start, and, mounting his
horse, rode slowly back upon the trail he had come, the

splendid black following close upon the heels of his own
fine horse, and apparently surprised to find his terrible —

master not master of the situation.

‘I'll confess that I have more money than I said, and

CHAPTER XVUIL
A STRANGE GIFT.

The troopers under Capt. Louis Rosafy were welcomed
back warmly by their comrades, and congratulated upon
their defeat of the redskins.

Col. Russell Carter, the commandant, had a special
order read at parade the day following the return of the
victors, complimenting the gallant captain and his men,
and making special mention of the valuable services ren-
dered by Butterfly Billy and Buffalo Bill.

The same night a reception was given the officers of
the command, and a supper was laid for the men, an act
to show the appreciation of their comrades.

The reception was given by Capt. Allen, and thither
had gathered all the beauty and gallantry of the fort. —

And amid the beauties, and there were many of them,
no one could equal Ivy Allen, and those who had not be-
fore quite lost their hearts had to yield when they saw
her, ‘while her old lovers were more deeply smitten than
ever.

In the midst of the gayety an orderly entered with a
message for Buffalo Bill, to the effect. that he was
wanted at the stockade gate by the officer of the day.

The scout hastily left, with word to Col. Carter that

_ he would immediately report if it proved to be a matter of

importance he was wanted for.
Arriving at the gate he found there Capt. Frank Fer-

_ guson, the officer of the day, with the sergeant of the

guard and his squad, who had been called out hastily.

In the background were others whom the scout could
not clearly see in the darkness.

“Cody, I sent for you, as a rather strange gift has
just been left with the sentinel on duty at the main gate
to be given to you,” said. Capt. Ferguson.

“Indeed, sir? And who has presented me with a gift ?”
“Sentinel, tell your story,” and Capt. Ferguson turned
to the soldier who had just been relieved of duty.

He was one of our Irish-American soldiers, and, with.
a salute and broad accent, said:

» “Yis, sur, I will be afther doing that same.

- “Yis, sur, Misther Buffalo Bill, 1 was afther halting

two horsemen coming straight toward me from the

Daraeen. |. ear Tea
“But divil a bit of a countersign had they; but one dis-

mounted, and, coming foreninst me, said, says he:

|“ “My. fri’nd, | have here a present for my particular
friind, Misther Cody, and. want yez ter give thet same
to him with the complimints of Butterfly Billy, .

"Tell Misther Buffalo Bill thet I was after kapin’ ther

gint’s horse, but give him thet man and ther reward on

his head.’ ;
“With that, sur, he jist led ther other man’s horse

nearer, told him to dismount, and said, says ‘he?

_ “ ‘Sentinil, here is my present, so call the corporal of

the guard and have him take the gint in charge”

_ “Then, sur, with thet he l’aves ther man there forninst

me, while he l’apes into his saddle, and, leading the other

horse, rode away off on ther pararer, while I called for

ther corporal of the guard, he called the sergint, and he

was afther calling the officer of the day, who was afther

calling yer blessid silf, and thet is all 1 knows about it, —

sur.”

~~

 
 

THE BUFFALO BILL STORIES. Ue 21

“And my oe where is he?” asked Buffalo Bill, who
had listened attentively-to the story of the sentinel.

“THe is there, ‘Sur, and you know him well, as does Capt.
Ferguson, sur.’

Sfie is tieht, Cody, tee there is your present, and a
valuable one, too,’ and Capt. Ferguson pointed to the
group under the tree.

The sergeant was there and the relief guard, and in
their midst was a man upon whom every eye was now
turned.

“Sol Soule !”
by the sight.

“Yes, I am Sol Soule, Cody, and it seems that you
are to have the right of say as to how and when I shall
die, for. that young devil brought me to you, as the sen-
tinel says.

The words were spoken with no show of excitement or

cried the scout, his calm manner broken

emotion—coolly as the soldier had always been known

to speak.

Six months before he left the fort after a murder and
robbery, and had deserted. ~

Then he was attired in the uniform of a pr ivate soldier,
being color-bearer of his battalion.

Now he rettirned, his hands in irons, *his a lashed.

together, so as to give him simply walking space, and
dressed in a general’s uniform. —

He returned branded as outlaw, murderer, robber and
road agent, yet he was as cool as an icicle.

All knew him there, and all gazed upon him.

WO you mean, Soule that ey Ne captured
you! Pp?

“You see ‘that if am in irons, and in the fort, and cer-
tainly did not come here of my dwn accord.”

Mes hardly believe it possible ‘for you to. have been taken
by a boy.”

“The man. who. picks that young devil. up. for a boy

makes a great mistake, for there’s more man and erie in.
him than there is in my “big: oy and that is Saying a.

great deal.
“T tell you he is Satan’s own kid.”
Buffalo Bill laughed and replied:
“How was it that he roped you in, Soule, for | thought

you were about as hard a man to corral as was at large, |

with the brand of outlaw upon him.”

“That is it, he did rope me in, for I was lying in wait .

on the trail for him and was too ‘careless.

“He saw me, took in my position, flanked me, lane
dropping his lariat over my head from a cliff, jerked my
feet from under me, and gave me a fall. Down the lariat
he came, revolver in hand, and here Iam.” ~

“Well, Capt. Soule; you met your match, that is certain,

in Butterfly Billy, and he simply has done what he told

me he would—capture you.

“Capt. Ferguson, | will leave the prisoner in your

hands, sir, and I will report to Col. Carter of his capture.”
“Do so, Cody, and if it does not please. every man,

woman and child in this fort, Iam greatly mistaken.
“Sergeant, bring’ your, prisoner to the guard-house,”

and the outlaw was marched off, while Buffalo Bill reese:
turned to headquarters, and; seeking an interview with ©

Col. Carter, told him what had occurred, and before half

an hour had passed the news of the capture of ua nt
Ca oe sentenced to be hanged on ees ee

General’ was known all over the -fort:

f

&

~ so Fewill: go to Fort M

CHAPTER XIX,
IN THE FACE OF DEATH. |

That the capture of the terror of the trails, Sol Soule,

by Butterfly Billy, made the latter far more of a hero than

ever, goes without saying.
His name was upon every lip the next day, arid many

congratulations to Ivy Allen were renewed, at her having

rescued so splendid a fellow as the young man was voted
to be.

It was generally believed that Buffalo Bill knew more
of the young rider than he would admit, and yet when
closely questioned, he had little to say regarding him,
other than that he was a mystery to all along the line.

Col. Russell Carter sent in a report of the Giant Gen-
eral’s capture, and spoke in the highest praise of his
young captor, recommending him as most worthy of a.
lieutenancy in the army, and expressing the hope that a _
request wotld be made to the President to. appoint him”

‘ SUCH,

The news went along the trails, and wherever Butterfly
Billy was seen he was an object, of intense admiration
and curiosity.

His old friend Bob Burt was again on the road, driving
over the same run he had been in when he met Butterfly
Billy, and he was ready to fight any man who dared

-assert that the youth was not the best man of his inches |

on the border.

Mr. Carter Curtis also was delighted at haying given
the young Texan the appointment that he had, and could
have told of much other valuable service rendered by
Butterfly Billy as a detective, had he cared to have the
youth known as such.

One day the inspector received a note from Butterfly
Billy, which ran thus:

ay will lay ae for a Sees or ten days as I believe ib oe
by so doing I can gain important information that may
aid me in placing Yankee Kit and his Mounted Miners,
who have been, as you know, particularly bold of late.-
“The Giant General(is to be hanged within a few days,
, and there address me if aught

 

important comes up.
“With respect, hee
a0 RIDER N UMBER Tureen,”

Two days after writing this letter, Butterfly Billy a :

peared. at Fort M——.

The sentinel reported his coming, a Buffalo Bill met
him at the gate, and warmly greeted him.
“Glad to see you, Pard Billy, for I have had no chance
to thank you for your present of the Giant General, and
let me congratulate you, upon your remarkably clever

work—lI never knew of better.”

“Thank you, Mr, Cody, but | got tie call on him: ana

~so it was easy enough; but I have come to spend some
days at the fort.”

“Then you are my guest, so come and make yourself

at home.

“You have come to the execution, I suppose ?”
“No, for 1 do not care to see more death and misery
in the ‘world than my duty compels me to witness.”
“T agree with you; but you know that Sol Soule is

 
22

- “Yes, so Bob Burt told me, and I am anxious to ak
an interview with him before the day set for him to die,
as I think I can get some valuable information from him,
about which I will tell you some time—but es

The youth suddenly made a spring and lighted. into his

 

saddle, for he had been walking along with Buffalo Bill

as they talked together, his horse, the splendid black he
had taken from the Giant General, as the outlaw was now
generally called, soe obediently as a G08 at his
master’s heels.

What had caused his sudden move was at seeing a . herd
of wild steers suddenly break through a rail fence and go
charging across the parade- ground with heads tossing,
-and bellowing with mad joy at their escape from the
corral.

Upon the parade ground was but one person, a young
girl, seated upon a camp-stool and sketching the pretty
quarters of Col. Carter, something over a hundred yards
away.

The cattle were being driven to corral for the night,
from the prairie, and seeing the lane bars half down, had
wheeled suddenly into the parade ground.

They were rushing directly across-the grounds toward
the young girl, and ere she could reach a-place of
safety would have been upon her. _

The situation was taken in at a glance by the young
messenger. .

A bound to the fence near could take Buffalo Bill out
_ of the way of the stragglers of the herd, aad he had sup-
sosed that Butterfly had mounted to save his horse, for
his face was not toward the parade ground.

But in an instant he saw all, and his heart seemed to
cease to beat at the sight.

Like the wind the noble black flew along, right across
the path of the maddened steers.

Would he make the desperate ride that a hundred pairs
_ of eyes now saw was his yo and the young a

ouly hope ?

If his horse stumbled and fell, he and his rider were
doomed, and no other power could save the girl from a
like death.

All was horror and excitement, and eed brave men
gazed and awaited the result, while women dropped upon
their knees, weak, terror-stricken and praying.

And the girl?

She had ae to fly, saw how idle it was, and, facing
the danger, had dropped upon her knees and lifted her
face in prayer, while her hands were clasped upon her.
bosom.

She saw the black horse -and rider, beheld the latter

wheel the animal some thirty feet ahead of the wild...

herd, coming with thundering feet, loud bellowing and
lightning speed toward her.

‘Then he drove the spurs ale and came toward her
straight as an arrow, and as swift.

_ Stand, up:

The words came in a command, and the voice rang out
clear and piercing, so that all heard above the noise of
the herd.

The young girl arose quickly, swayed as dhoueh from
weakness and about to fall, and a cry of horror went. up
from mad lips; a groan. of - anguish | broke from the
stern mouth, oF a mai in father | |

 

THE BUFFALO BILL STORIES.

But she did not fall, and the next instant the Waeeihe
cent black, that appeared as though about to speed by,
was dragged back upon his haunches, his rider bent from
his saddle, his right arm encircled the girl’s waist. But-

terfly Billy sank the spurs deep into the flanks, and the

animal bounded on to safety, just as the nearest of. the
herd were within ten feet of him. :
Ten seconds more and it would have been too late.
It was an appallingly\close call from death.

 

CHAPTER x.
i : A HERO.

The cheer that went up from the officers, soldiers and
all who witnessed the splendid rescue, ended in a scream
of joy, for Mattie Carter, the colonel’s lovely little daugh-
ter of fifteen, was beloved by all the garrison.

An only child, she was the idol of her father’s heart,
and with staring eyes, set teeth and hands clasped in
agony, he had seen all, unable to move, to lend any aid,
and could only watch, wait and see.

When the gallant rescuer sped on to the quarters of
Capt. Allen, and placed pretty’ Mattie on the piazza in
safety, the colonel, from his point of observation, reeled
like aman overcome with wine, and would have fallen had
not Capt. Rosafy given him a helping hand.

The brave colonel, who had led his men to death on
many a field, was as weak as a woman in the Face of
ce to his child.

Wheeling his horse, Butterfly Billy sped away Bee

the herd, and helped ‘the cowboys round them up and

drive them back to the corral, after which he rode to the
quarters of Buffalo Bill. :

“Well, Billy, you are on deck every time, and you did
what few men dare attempt or could do, and did it well.

“You did a great deed this day, my gallant pony rider.”

“Who. is she, Mr. Cody, for I deserted as soon as I set
her down upon the piazza of Capt. Allen’s house, I guess
it was, for I saw Miss Allen there?’

“Ves, it was Capt. Allen’s quarters where you left
her; but the young lady you so bravely saved is Miss
Mattie Carter, the commandant’s only child, anda. ae
beauty.

“Youve won the colonel, ‘Butterfly, oe if you want
the fort, he’ll have it fenced + in for you to-morrow.” -

“Well, I don’t want the fort, Mr. Cody, but I am glad
to have saved Miss Carter My! but isn’t she
pretty?”

“Dead gone in five minutes by the chaplain’ s clock; but
I guess Miss Mattie will have something. to say to you
Ah! you are honored, for the colonel is coming to see
you.’

A moment later Col. Carter walked up to the scout’s
quarters, which were isolated from those of the others i in
the garrison.

His face was still white, almost the hue of a. corpse, but
he had regained his nerve, and walked with a He quick
Stepie
He had been told Who it was that had rescued ng child,
and that the youth ‘was the guest of Buffalo’ Bill. =

He recalled that the messenger had brought him a let-
ter once from pe aa of the OS os be

 

 

 

 
 

oe | : THE BUPEAIC) Bill STORIES. ; 23

had heard much of the doings a te brave boy, so he
would not lose'a minute in looking him up.

“Pardon me, young gentleman, but 1 wish to renew
my acquaintance with you by saying that a father’s heart
dictates my words to you, and God knows my gratitude

for my child’s life is _ deeper than I can find words to ©

express.

“But for you, my brave young Fiead my See
my only child, would now be dead, her fair form and
face trampled out of all human semblance.

“It was bravely, nobly done, and at the risk of your
own life; so accept my hand, Master Butterfly Billy, for
by such name alone do I know you; accept my hand as
that of your truest friend.”

The voice of the strong man quivered, and his fierce
eyes, like an eagle’s, were dimmed with tears. _

_ “You make too much of my little exploit, Col. Carter,
for to a man used to cattle the feat was not so deserving
of praise.”

YOu are s modest, sir; but let me beg you and Cody to
‘dine with me to-day, and you will meet my child, who
wishes to express her gratitude, and only captain and
Miss Allen, whom you know, and Capt. Rosafy. |

“T shall expect you to bring him, Cody, and you know

I dine at six-thirty sharp.”

“T will see that we get there on time, colonel, and I
have been congratulating my young pard upon his very
daring rescue.

“Permit me to offer my congratulations to you, sir.’

“T thank you for myself, and Mattie, and. a.
we will expect you after parade,” and wringing the hand
of the young messenger, Col. Carter turned and retraced
his steps.

From that minute sae began to doce to SCedy s quar-
oe to offer their congratulations, and Butterfly Billy
found himself more of a hero than he cared to be.

At the hour of parade he went out upon the ground
with Buffalo Bill, arrayed in his gayest costume and
looking very handsome in it, too.

His face flushed as he heard a special | order read out
by the adjutant, complimenting him for his rescue, and
he slipped off after parade with the scout to the colonel’s
quarters, followed by a cheer from the companies as they
marched off the parade ground:  ~ oe

“Tsay, Billy, how am I to introduce you eree to-day ;
for Butterfly Billy is not just the name for polite so-
ciety, you know,” said the scout as they neared the
colonel’s quarters. ot
“Buffalo Bill goes, don’ t it?”

“Ah, yes, they all call me by that name.’

“Then Butterfly Billy goes, too, I guess, and what’s
in a name after all?”

“Not much, I admit; but I thought you would like to
be known by the name Hou are put dowa on the. Over land
Company’ S payroll. aoe

“True, it 1s Ray So of Texas, Mr. Cody,’ and as
the youth spoke they reached the quarters and were wel-

comed by Ivy ch who. after. aloes the young mes-.

senger said:

“Tt is hardly necessary ‘oe me to present you te Miss
Mattie Carter, Master Butterfly Billy, after your intr,
duction to her this afternoon.”

The pretty girl had come forward and now grasped the
hand of Butterfly Billy in both her own.

She spoke no word, but her quivering lips showed what
was in her heart, and she felt more than language could
make known.

Lo Bill saw the situation, a came to the rescue
with

“Miss Mattie, your i me into service as a riding

- teacher, but tees is one who can far excel me, I assure

you, and I advise you to get him to give you the benefit
of what he knows about horsemanship.”

“Tt would fill volumes, from what.] have seen,” said
Ivy Allen, and now at her ease, Mattie Carter replied:

“Yes, indeed, I will be only too glad to have a eu
lessons in riding, if Mister—Mister—Mis me
‘“I.am entered on the Overland Company’s books. as.
Ray Ford, Miss Carter,’ said Butterfly oily, with a
smile.

“Well, Mr. Ray Ford, I like your name, but I like
Butterfly Billy better, and it just suits you, and I haye
a nickname, too, which the soldiers have christened me,
and you must call me ‘by it, too.” ;

“May I ask what it is, for I am a stranger in the fort.”

“ ‘Blue Eyes,’ But’ here comes papa and his guests,”
and Col. Carter entered the room, accompanied by Capts,
Allen and Rosafy, and Butterfly Billy’s face burned under
the compliments bestowed upon him by the officers, for all
had witnessed his splendid rescue of the lovely girl from
the fearful fate that threatened her. .

 

 

CTA oe
IN IRONS

- To every one in the garrison of Fort M——, Butterfly
Billy found himself a hero.

He did not court notoriety, and he rather regretted that
he was made so much of; but then he knew that he really
did deserve the praise bestowed upon ‘him, and must ac-
re the situation.

Butterfly Billy had come to Fort M with a settled
purpose in view, and that was to see the Giant General.

He had expected to remain but a couple of days, but
somehow the surroundings and the pretty eyes of Mattie |
Carter held him bound to the place, and he had enjoyed.
a horseback ride which Ivy Allen had proposed, Capt.’
Louis Rosafy being her escort, which left the government
messenger to the tender mercies of the lovely girl he had
saved from death. °

With Butterfly Billy and Capt. Rosafy as escorts, there
was no fear of a gallop upon the prairie, and so a cavalry
escort was not sent along for protection.

The ride was most enjoyable, and the splendid horse-
manship of the young Texan was much adinired by the

 

ladies and Capt. Rosaty. ©

While dashing swiftly along Ivy Allen droped her
whip, and Butterfly Billy, who was following with Mat-
tie Carter, swooped from his saddle«and picked it a

without checking the speed of his horse.

A bird on the wing was brought down with a shot fone

his revolver while his horse was at a gallop, and without —

trying to “show off,” the young rider showed that he was
indeed a most formidable foe.

 
 

24 | |) THE BUFFALO BIEL STORIES.

Several times did Ivy Allen, Capt. Rosafy and Mattie
Carter try to draw him out about his past; but he grace-
fully eluded all questioning, and simply referred to him-
self as a wild Texas boy, following the life he did from a
spirit of adventure.

Yet they saw he was educated, had seen much of life,
and the mystery hanging over him was only deepened in
their minds.

Upon the return from the ride, Butterfly Billy said to
Buttalo Bill: |

“Will you get permission from the commandant for
me to see the Giant General, please?”

“Certainly ; but you had better ask him yourself.”

“T fear he would feel he had no right to refuse me, and
might grant it when against his wish to do so.”

“Well, he is very strict about the prisoner, but as you
were his captor,/and wish to see him for a purpose, he
will not refuse you, I feel certain.”

“Well, I will go and ask him,” and the messenger went
over to headquarters, found the coloned in his office, and
made his request, adding :

“Let me say to you, Col. Carter, in extenuation for my
request, that I am in the secret service, and hope to find
out something of importance from this man.”

“Ah! I half suspected, from what was said in the

superintendent’s letter about you, that you were a secret:

agent ; but of course you do not wish this known.”
“Under no circumstances, sir.” .
“Very well; I will give you an order to be admitted

at will, for you may find the prisoner in a different humo

at one time from what he might be at another.”
“That is true, sir,’? and armed with his order to admit

him to see the doomed man, Butterfly Billy left the

colonel’s quarters, and sought the isolated cabin
the Giant General was under guard.

It was a strong cabin of logs, hidden away in a clump
of trees, and although in double irons, a guard constantly
paced to and fro in front of the door, which was kept

where

locked, the air and light entering through a small window

covered with iron~bars.

“Sentinel, I have an order that permits me to visit the
prisoner, if you please,” said Butterfly Billy, returning
the officer’s salute which the soldier gave him. ae

“Certainly, sir,’ and taking the key from his belt, he
unlocked the door and called out: 1

“A gentleman to see you, prisoner.”

Butterfly Billy stepped into the cabin, and the guard,
obeying orders, locked the door behind him. |

There was a cot bed near the window, a chair, and: a
table, and upon the former the prisoner lay at full length.

He arose as Butterfly Billy entered, and said in his low,
deep tones :

VAI) itis you, 4s ite || ge

“Yes, Mr. Soule, I came to have a talk: with you.”

“Well, sit down, while [ll continue my reclining posi--
tion, for it is easier for me with these accursed irons on

39
°

me Pui S
ae and you are ironed hands and feet, I see.’””
“Oh, yes, they’ll fear me until I am cut down from

the gallows, and the doctors say I am dead, and I guess

they’ll have to swear to it. - ay
_l am to be hanged in irons, you know ?”
“No; is it as bad as that?” o

) Kite

“Tt is, unless you care to use your influence, and you’ve
got a great deal after your gallant rescue of the colonel’s
daughter, and have my sentence changed to being shot.”

“That I could not do, for the colonel conferred a favor
in allowing me to visit you, as he keeps away all visitors.”

“Yes; and why have you come?”

“To, have a talk with-you.”

“Upon what subject.”

“You remember I asked you about Yankee Kit when

_ “we were-on the way to the fort?”

“IL remember.” oe
“You said that you knew nothing about him, and yet
it is said that you joined his band when you left the fort,

' but had a quarrel with Yankee Kit because he would not
yield the position of captain to you, and so deserted and
went on your own hook.”

“How did you learn this ?”

“I saw a wounded Mounted Miner at one of the sta-
tions, and he told me. ‘

“He had been shot in an attack. on a coach, and was
brought to the station, and died there.”

“Well, he told the truth, for I did have a row with
Kit and found it more profitable to work the trails alone;
but now I am sorry [left the Mounted Miners, as I guess
I’ve got to hang.”

“I can see no way out of it.”

“Nor can I, for you see how I am ironed, a guard is out-
side. I have not a friend in the world, and more, I have
just five days of life before me, for this is Sunday, and
Friday is hang day,” and the outlaw laughed in a reck-
less way that would have grated upon less strong nerves
than Butterfly Billy had.

 

CHAPTER XXII. :
AN OUTLAW S SHOR ET soe

For some minutes after the Giant General’s reckless
laugh, neither he nor Butterfly. Billy spoke, and both
seemed lost in meditation. _ ; ee
- At last the youth said: :

“See here, general, you have got to die, and your life
has been such a sinful one that you should do some good

to atone. a

“Now I am aware that you know all about Yankee
Kit and the retreat of the Mounted Miners, and I wish
you to do one good act and tell me where to find them.”
_ “You ask this, you who brought me to the gallows?”

-“It was simply a case in which I saved my life by
capturing you, general.” ae a

“Yes, I meant to kill you, for I heard that you were
going through with a large sum of money on you.”

“Yes, | had thirty thousand dollars of the company’s
money with me on that run, so if you had killed me you
would have made a fortune by it; but fortune favored
me that day.” ae a LORS

“Yes, curse you; but why are you so anxious about

“I wish to find him, that fs. all.”

“He may find you some day.” aay.

“Well, he has the chance, for he doubtless. knows my
trails.’ C, Tee ee A
“Has he harmed you ?”

“No, but-one whom he can tell me of has.

 

 
 

 

 

THE BUFFALO

“Ah! who is that?”

“Never mind, but Yankee Kit must oy oe he is.’

“Maybe it’s Kit’s pard ?”

“What is his name?”

“T do not know, for he is unknown; but he is the spy
on the coaches and miners’ trains, and posts Kit, and he
does the red work and robbery with his Mounted Miners.”

-“T see, and you know nothing about this man?”

“Well, maybe I do. not.”

“And maybe you do, you mean?”

“Now look here, Butterfly Billy, you ‘want informa-
tion from me, and I a to know what it is worth to

out 2? 5 : i
¢ “What can Von tell me?”
_“Just what you wish to know.”

“How do you know that : ee

“Well, let me guess.”

“Go ahead, general,”

“You wish to get Yankee Kit in your power, so that
you can force him to tell you some secret you are on the
etrail or’

POoreect..

“Now, would you let him free to: dear what he can tell
you, say, if you roped him'in as you did me?”

“T would give him his life for the secret, yes.”

“Well, suppose I can tell your”

“What?” and Butterfly Billy sprang to his feet, his face
white, his form ee

“T mean what I say.”

“You can me what I would know from Yankee
Kit?

HY 6S".

“What do you they what can you tell me?”

“T can tell you of the man you seek, and My

“His name!” peremptorily said the youth.

“TI know him only as Capt. Wolf.”

“Ah! and what do you know of him?”

“Ts it a woman you seek?”

Again Butterfly Billy seemed decay moved, and said:

“Yes; is there a woman with this man, Wolf ?”

“Ves: 5

“For God’s sake tell me all you know.”

“Now, young man, we are on trading terms.”

“I do not understand.”

“You are awful bright at all other times.”

“It is not that I do not wish to understand. e

“Well, FM make it clear’

Do soy

“T am to hang Friday.”

“Ves. 39 s

“You want knowledge that I possess.”

“From what I have heard you say, i belicve you do
know what I would find out.”

 

“Well, I can tell you of Wolf, of ee Kit, the

woman in the case and all that, and let me say just here
that you. resemble the lady in question enough to be her
son.’ a

Butterfly Billy winced, but.said:

“Well, what have you to propose **

“That you buy my secret.” :
“Name your price.”
“Tt is a large one.’
“What does a man in your position need wiht money 2”

BILL STORIES,

 

“T said nothing about money.”

“What then ?”

“T want my pardon,”

“It is impossible.”

“Then my lips are sealed.” e

“Tell me what you want.”

UNVen, 1 wish you to aid me to escape.”

“) cannot.”

“You can, for you had a bunch of keys when you. cap-
tured me, which would open any lock, and they will fit
these I have on.”

“T cannot do it?”

“Have you the keys?”

“Oh, yes, I-carry a supply of irons and keys in my

saddle pocket.”

“Well, release me, let me settle with the sentinel to-
el and Dll take the chances of getting out of the
ort

“Do this and ‘ will tell you all I know.”

Butterfly Billy was deeply moved, and for a moment
paced to and fro.

The prisoner watched him coolly and said:

“Tf you have any interest in the woman, or any pity
for her, you would do well to close the bargain with me.”

“T will go to Col. Carter and tell him what you can in-
form me of, and ask him to give you a respite.

“Then I will see if your information is correct, and if
so, I will return and aid your escape.”

“Col. Carter has no power over my life now, so could
not grant a respite.

“That will not do, oe Billy.”

“What can I do: :

“T have told you.”

Again the youth was silent for a minute, and then said,
suddenly :

“See lore oo Sol Soule, I will set you free on condi-
tions.”

“Name them?

_ “That I will unlock your irons for you to-morrow.
morning, and do no more, for you know the fort better
than I do, and can get out of the grounds.

“But you-dre not to harm the sentinel, but call him to
the cabin, disarm him, as with your great strength you
can do, for you can pretend to be ill and get him to come
to your side here.

“Then you can go your way; but remember, if you have
told me a falsehood, in any particular, I will make it my
life's duty to recapture you and have you hanged.’

“It is a bargain,” was the quick reply of the prisoner.

 

\

CHAPTER XXUT.
THE DESERTER’ S PLEDGE.

“Remember, general,” began Butterfly Billy, who had
called the outlaw general since the day he captured him.

“Remember, the sentinel on duty is not to be harmed,
and you are to make your escape as best you can, but
without taking life, after you are free from this cabin.”

“T understand.” —

“Now tell me what you know that I ous know.”

“T am no fool, youngster.”
| “What do you mean?” ~

a

 
 

{
[
|
{

26 ee THE BUFFALO BILL STORIES.

“T will meet you two days from now, on the spot where
you captured me, and tell you all that I know.”

“T will never see you once you are free.”
- “See here, I will surely be grateful to you for saving
my neck, so would wish to do all in my power for you.”

“T will give you my solemn pledge, outlaw’s though it
be, to meet you and tell you just how to find Capt. Wolf
and Yankee Kit.”

“You can lie in ambush for me, if you wish.”

“True, but I do not wish it; I do not care to harm one
whom I owe my life to.”

“Well, 1 decline.”

“Then I will hang, and my lips are sealed, for I will
talk on no other terms.’

Butterfly Billy seemed 1? feel that the man meant just
what he said.

To release him he Bae would be wrong; but he be-

lieved that through this man he could learn that which
would bring his long trail to an end.

He*believed that upon the knowledge possessed by the
outlaw, far more than his own personal happiness was
concerned; and perhaps a life was at stake in comparison
to which the hanging of he ie agents armounicd to
nothing.

He had captured him, and he cae set se free, and
then, if he deceived him, he would bring upon ‘him the
fate he was now expected to save him from.

No one would suspect him of ever aiding the prison-
er’s escape, and his secret, he could keep.

“See here, general,” he said, after a while.

‘ii I set you free, you are, let me again tell you, to
pledge yourself to tell me all that I would know.

“Your are not to harm the guard, or to take life in
making your escape.

“You are to pledge yourself to leave this part of the
country forever, and the second day from this to meet me
at the lone pine in the prairie, a few miles from where :
captured you.

- “7 will be there at noon, ond we both can see Hee one or
the other is coming alone. to the spot.

“With arms in my possession I have no more fear of
you than I suppose you have of me.

Ay ae do you ae your tee oe

VO Poe vow it?”

“Vas. 32. a

“Well, you see your hat and belt of arms are here in
the cabin with you, and you can secure a horse in: the
troopers’ stables which are near.

“To-night bids fair to be stormy, and you can ride out,
with your cloak on, without suspicion, after the mid-
night watch is set. ;

“Vou will take the chances?”

“Every time.”

“Then 1. will return in an Hee with my skeleton keys
and unlock your irons, and will get the countersign, too;

but let me again warn you, that if you deceive me, I will
track you to ‘the gallows.”

Oe understand, and you need have no se

OA vient find with this the young oe left
the cabin, “returned the sentinel’ $s salute and went to Buf-

falo Bill’s Garters.
: “Mr. Gon I think I shall ride to Upland, Station this

it

afternoon, and see if there is any word for me; but I will
return to-night, so I can get the countersign, I cress,

“Certainly, I will give it to you—it is ‘Musket’; but did
you see the prisoner 2”

“Ves, but he would not tell me his secret, $a) ain to:
try him again.”

Soon after he saw the dhinele on duty re he
made his way to the cabin where the prisoner was, and
showed his pass to the man on guard.

“Certainly, sir, pass in,’ was the polite salutation of
the sentinel, and entering ‘the cabin the young messenger
took a seat neat his prisoner.

“Here is a key that will fit your irons—see !”

The key did fit the irons upon both ankle manacles and
handcuffs, and the prisoner was satisfied.

“The countersign for to-night is ‘Musket,’ and there
are some scouts to start oF to- night, and I predict rain by
sunset.

“Remember, the lohe oe at noon, day: after to-mor-
row,” and the youth wheeled on his heel and left the cabin.

Half an hour after he was on his way to the station
on the Overland, dashing along at a rattling pace, mounted
upon one of Buffalo Bill’s horaes, for he eae to. save
the black as much as he could.

' As he had predicted, the rain came at sane but But-
terfly Billy was thoroughly prepared for bad weather, as
he had his waterproof coat, leggings and oa and s sO kept
perfectly dry.

He reached the station, and cot there just as Bob Burt
drove up there with a coach full of passengers.

“So, Billy, my pard, glad to see you; but a ae
thunder is yer doin’ heur??  -

"Oh, Iam on leave, Mr. Burt, fora few days, so passed
them at Fort M——, and ran up here to see if ee ‘were

any dispatches for me.’

SL see, bit the Giant General is ter be ce a ae
week.”

yes, on eniday..:

«Will yer remain?” ae

“T hardly think so, but how are all along the line?2 0°
=<“Prime, and Gelited to death with you. ‘Why, In-
spector Curtis set a heap of store by you, and yer is pop’-
lar with all; but good-by, Billy,” and good- -hearted, brave
Bob Burt was off with his oe load ue what he Ralee
“pilgrims.’

ae Billy found a letter foe himself fon Inspector
Curtis, telling him that all was going well along the line,
and to take another week off if he wished. c

‘There were also more important letters for the fort,
and taking them he set off upon his return.

The rain poured down in torrents, but. he held on his
way through the darkness, and: reaching the fort was
loudly challenged by the sentinel. ce

It was some two hours after midnight, had: the lights
flashing i in the fort showed him that there was some cause
of excitement to haye people up at so late an hour. :

He advanced wat eae the: countersign.

Masket

“Not. right—stand! Corporal of the guard! y cried the
SEN eles Way S CO ee ae oe

That worthy soon nese: ne ihe youth told who
ie was ; but the sergeant had to be sent forward, then he

 
 

 

 

@.
THE BUFFALO

was conducted before the officer of the day, who said that
it was all right, adding: _
_ “The trouble is, Butterfly Billy, that we need the
countersign, as we had considerable excitement here to-
night, as just after midnight your prisoner escaped.”
“My prisoner ?”
“The Giant General.”
“Ts it possible?”
“Yes, he had been playing ‘possum on us, for he had a

key all the while to open his irons with, and he made his

escape, boldly taking a horse from the stable, and, rid-
ing up to the gate, called to the sentinel to open it, and
let him pass out.

“The sentinel must have recognized him, for he called
the corporal of the guard, when the oe shot him down
and dashed out.”

“Killed him !”” gasped Butterfly Billy.

“No, but the wound is a very serious one.”

“And he escaped ?” 2

“Yes, but Buffalo Bill, his scotits, and a company of
cavalry are in pursuit, and there is a hope that he may
be captured.’ *

With the morning Buffalo Bill and the soldiers re-
turned, and they. all had the same story. to tell, to the
effect that they could not find the fugitive prisoner, and
that the rain had washed away his trail until it was im-
oe to track him.

: CHAPTER XXIV.
AT THE LONE-PINE.

i was just noon when Butterfly Billy. rode across the
prairie to where,a solitary pine stood with no other tree
within miles of it.

Leaving the fringe of cottonwoods that oes a
stream at the base of a ridge, the youth headed for the
lone pine, which the guides were wont to call the Senti-
nel Ttee.

As he approached it he saw that there. was no horseman
in sight, that he was the first one to reach the rendezvous.

Then the féar came over him that the Giant General
would not come, and his heart stood still at the thought.

At last he drew near the tree, and as he did so ee a
trail leading toward it.

The tracks were made iS iron- hod hoofs,, and. were
fresh.

Springing to the ground he examined the trail and said
almost instantly:

eihe eeneral has been here, for there are the hoof-
marks of his black horse; but why is he not here now,
and whither has he gone, ‘Tl wonder ?”

He spurred rapidly on to the tree, and as he drew rein
near it his eyes caught sight of something very like a
placard stuck upon the trunk.

Dismounting, he staked his horse out, and going to the
_ tree found a folded paper stuck there with a wooden peg.

It was addressed in lead pencil to.

“BUTTERFLY BILLy,
ey “Government Pony. Rider:

 

The paper had been torn from a notebook, aoe written
upon it in a bold hand was the following: :

 “Frrenp BuTTERFLY BILiy: I owe you my Mie so can
address you as friend.

BILE SFORIES. 27

“You see that I have kept my appointment, for I am
here by the Sentinel Pine, writing you these few lines,
though I am several hours ahead of the time set for our
meeting ; but then time is life to me just now, and you will
pardon my writing what I cannot now remain to tell you.

“You seek Yankee Kit, to try and find him, and force
him under penalty of death to tell you where is to be
found Capt. Wolf, who has wronged you by kidnaping
your mother from her home.

“Now, Yankee Kit might tell you all you would know,
but, you having saved me from death, I will tell you that
Yankee Kit has changed his field of operations, having
gone with Capt. Wolf back to the old Texan-scenes of
their former marauding, and your mother, whom you
seek, died of a broken heart a year ago, and now slumbers
peacefully i in her grave in the Rocky Mountains.

“Should you care to visit.the grave, follow the old
Sioux trail to Castle Rock, and in the valley at its base,
almost beneath its shadow, stands a pas tree, at the foot
of which your mother is buried.”

The head of thé young messenger was bent, and tested
in his hand&and his whole form shook with emotion. —

With an effort he regained his self-control, and again
began to read the outlaw’s; communication.

“Between you and me, there will be little use in trying
to track Capt. Wolf, as he will retire from the field soon
and live on the fruits of his plundering, and Yankee Kit
will doubtless go into an honest business with the pro-
ceeds of his robberies. .

“As for your humble servant, I expect to desert the
trail, after the very close acquaintance I had with the
hangman, and dodge death by becoming an honest man
in a land where the Giant General is not known.

“And, my yomne pard, let me suggest to you to give up
your wild life of pony messenger, for sooner or later’ an
Indian arrow or outlaw’s bullet will usher you into the
great beyond.

“You are young, and your deeds have won you a chance
to go to West Point, so get a cadetship there and come out
a full-fledged lieutenant in a few years.

“As I am leaving the trail, I will present you my Wiley
did black, and some day you will find him left at one of
the stations for you, with your name on the bridle.

“Accept him from me as a souvenir of my appreciation
of your great nerve and the life which I owe to you.
“Wishing you every success, believe me, Butterfly Billy,

“Your grateful pard,
“Tue GIANT GENERAL.”

As He finished the letter Butterfly Billy’s face was stern
and determined.

His heart was full of sorrow, for could it ‘Be that his
dearly idolized and beautiful mother was really dead ?”
At last, after a long time spent in thought, he said
aloud: —

~“T must follow this man’s trail, for I may be able a

track him and learn more.

“Then I will seek the grave near Castle Rock and see
if it is really my mother who is buried there, for my heart
will tell me yes, and the hue of her beautiful hatte 4.

So saying he put the outlaw’s letter in his pocket, and
mounting his horse, rode away on the trail left by the

black steed of the Giant ciel

 
 

28 oti BUFFALO

“He Tiled it until eran to the banks of a stream
that came winding out of a mountain range; but there it
-was lost, and he camped until morning.

Again he began the search, but, splendid taller phat he

was, “the giant general had covered up his tracks too thor-
oughly to be followed, and after an all day’s hunt for it he
gave it up.

Going to the nearest station he wrote a letter to the
-compahy’s manager at Omaha, and sent it through by Bob
Burt, who was to give it to the next driver, and so on have
it go. torits destination.

In this letter he explained that he shed a longer leave
and would take it, hoping that it would be allowed.

Then, preparing himself for a long, hard ride, taking
one of his own horses at the station as a pack animal.
Butterfly Billy started away on his trip to the To
to, visit the lone grave near Castle Rock.

 

“CHAPTER XXV._
EEE, GUARDIAN OF A GRAVE:

It was.some ten gaye after the departure of Butterfly
Billy from Fort M that a man sat upon the summit of

 

a gigantic pile of rocks that jutted out from a ridge of

‘hills overlooking a lonely valley.

The one who sat on the top of the rocks seemed to be
wholly unmindful of his position of danger, for a false
step would dash him to death over a hundred feet below.

The man was of fine physique, and his hair and. beard,
both worn long, were snow-white.

A earbine was by his side, and a revolver age es in

his belt, and these seemed to complete the make-up of
the man’s outfit. -

The face was.a noble One, vet stamped with deepest |.
Cie suffering, and the eyes seemed to. be mamicen and. to pos-_.:

sess an expression of deepest anxiety.,
Presently out of the distant timber’ rode.a. Wotan
He came: on directly toward the pile of rocks, which

_ could be seen miles away from the Indian trail, running .

afar off on the prairie beyond the timber. motte.

Straight on toward the rocks came the horseman, and.

as he drew nearer the man sitting there left his point of
lookout, where a rise hid him from view. for a. minute, and
hastily descended to the valley below.

He then walked rapidly. for a hundred yards, until he

came to a mountain pine with overhanging branches,

Beneath this tree there was a grave, and at its head a .
small sapling, with smooth ee into which was cut most Le

skillfully: oy tMovans

: 4. RROKEN-HBARTED WOM RN
| October: roth, 13—. es

Against the tree was a rustic seat, and the space about
it was well worn, showing that the Dove man had made |.

many a pilgrimage there. .

Over under the shelter of the rocks was a fee eabin” :

: rudely built, and with a chimney of rocks.

_It was ie home of the white-haired man, who seemed —
to have constituted himself guardian of. the. lonely ‘grave.

beneath the pine tree.
Standing py the grave, with his carbine at ready, he

ti

&

BILL STORIES. ee

looked like one who was at bay, while his eyes were fixed
upon the hilltop, over which the coming horseman must
soon appear. .

Patiently he waited, until at last the head and shoulders
of the man came. in sight, and next he rode into se view
and came to a- halt.

His eyes first fell upon the pile of rocks, and seemed to
be searching their rugged face earnestly, and then they
roved up the valley, and rested upon the pine above the
lonely grave.

Then for the ace time he Pica the man there, and
‘quick as a flash he, too, was ready for action.

But neither raised their Wap ens, to fire, but sed at
bay taking in the situation.

Then the horseman rode. forward slowly, © directly

toward the guardian of the grave.

He had sotten within "a “hundred yards, when loud
came the command:

“Halt ! go your way and come not to. this. saried spot,
for. no man’s foot shall desecrate the ground above this
grave.”

My God! it is Maj. Martin Mabrey | ' came in hoarse
tones from the lips of the horseman, and then he called
nout loudly =.)

“Maj. Mabrey, Hs hy Ray Royal! ie

“Do you not know me?” (

_ “Who calls Martin Mabrey ?” cried the man, eagerly,

“I, Ray Royal, your boy pard, as you called mey

Tt j is a lie, for he was killed by the Wolves of Mexico,
one night years ago in Texas.”

ENO, I was not killed, but you were captured, and my
poor mother was—was kidnaped, and for three veato
‘have been on your trail.

_ “Do you not know me now?” —

~The youth: had dismounted and advanced with up-
raised hands toward the man, who had a gun still ready
and sternly stood his guard.

Up to the man he walked, and then, down was ‘thrown
the carbine, and the. white- haired guardian of the lonely
‘grave sprang forward and drew the youth to his, heart,

- while he said in quivering tones:

“Yes, yes, you are Ray, my boy wa, and God bless
you.’
Both were too much moyed for some time to utter a

word, and then Maj. Mabrey said:
a “My poor boy, do you know who lies in ‘that ‘Btaver
“Yes; my mother.”
erat you know ; but who told you? oo

“It is a long story, Maj. Mabrey, for to tell you all I
must. go back to the night when thes WV. pe of the Rio
Grande’: attacked. our séttlement.
“But Tet me say now that I gave up home ‘and all to
find’ you and my mother.”

“You have found us both, for she lies in that grave, in
boy, and I stand before you!”
The youth: took his” cap from his head and knelt « on one
knee by. the side of the grave, while his heart overflowed
with grief

He had come to the end of his long trail, and it. had
ended in a grave,

‘The: man stood, gazing oe upon, 1 him, a ioe of in-
tense sympathy in his face for the quivering youth.

 
 

Lik BUFFALO BILL STORIES.

At last Butterfly Billy arose, a grasping the hand of
the major, asked in a subdued tone:

“How did it happen?

“Tell me of her and yourself, my good friend.”

“Tt is a long story, too, Ray, but I will tell you of it.

“Let us go to my cabin yonder, where I have lived for
nearly a year now, the guardian of this grave.”

The young pony rider unsaddled his horse and staked.
him and the pack animal out to feed.

Then he and Maj. Mabrey sat down before the little
cabin and the lone dweller then said:

“Ray, the night of that raid I charged into the timber,
and my men were not close upon me, and I was in the
midst of the outlaws before I knew it.

“One | killed, but a blow upon my head stunned me,
and | found myself a prisotrer.

+ They retreated into Mexico, and the next day their
chief came, the famous Capt. Coyote.

“Nor was he alone, for he had your mother with him
asa prisoner.

“Then I knew that in the long. ago he, too, had loved
your mother, and had sworn to win her, and I, too, had
made the same oath, for she was dearer to me than all
else in the world, and I believed that she loved me.

“But I was poor, and 1 went away to win a fortune, and
some time after it came to me like a deathblow that she
had married your father, who was a rich man. ~

“One day I had a letter from her, and it was written
_ upon the eve of her marriage.

“She told me that she loved me, a that her parents
pressed her to wed a man with money, and bade me good-
by forever.

“I made my fortune, dug it out of the mines, and hear-
ing that your father was dead, sought to find your mother.

“At last I did so, and I found her in the Texan settle-
ment you and I so dearly love, and : had hoped one day
to make her my wife.

_ “But to this man Capt. Coyote.

“He was in love with your mother, went to the bad, and
forced her to leave her home with him that fateful night
to become his wife, under the threat that if she did not,
he would hunt vou down and give you over to the Co.
- manches to torture to death.

“Tn her love for you, in her dire alarm for such an ap-
palling fate to come upon you, she fled with the man,

who became her cruel master, and, after flying from place
to place with his band, murdering and robbing as he went,

dragging her with him through all, and I also as his pris-
-oner, he came to the Overland trail to carry on his
crimes. 4 4

“The man he made leader of fe band in 1 the field was
one Yankee Kit, known in Texas as Yankee Ross, and he,
Capt. Coyote, play ed the gentleman in a frontier town
and posted his lieutenant who to rob, and when.

“One day I had a talk with one of the men, and as he
was one who had once known me in the mines, and I] had
served there, he told me he would aid me to escape,
and more, when I asked about your mother, he said she
had died when we were in camp in the valley near Castle

~- Rock, and had been buried there by Coyote.

“Tt was a joy to me to know that she was free from her
‘sorrows, and, aided to escape by this man, 1 sought Castle

Overland’ trails,

boyhood.

#9

Rock, this spot, and here I have dwelt ever since, eo I
could not bear to leave this ground, so sacred to me.

“Yankee Kit had reported that he had killed you, so I
did not write, and some day intended returning to the old
home in Texas.

“Now, you know all, my son, all that I can tell you, and
I would gladly hear your story.”

Rayford Royal, the pony rider, then told of his wan-
dering’s, and at last how he had come upon the knowledge
of his mother’s grave, and where she was buried.

“Yes, that Giant General, I heard the outlaws say, was
a schoolboy pard of Yankee Kit, and he sought to become
chief of the Mounted Miners, but unable to persuade Kit
to yield the command to him, went alone on the road, but
kept up his friendship with the band.”

For some time longer the two talked together, and then
the fire was lighted, supper was cooked, and they turned
in for the night, each glad at the strange meeting that had
come about. :

But before they went to sleep, they had decided to re-
turn to their old homes in Texas.

Ten days after the little cabin in the valley was de-
serted, and with the miner mounted upon Ray’s pack
horse, the two set out along the Overland, and the pony
rider ee his position, and started on his way south-
ward.

A halt was made at Fort M to see Buffalo Bill, and
to report that the Mounted Miners had retired from the
and then the two continued on their
way to the Lone Star State.

As a rise of the prairie was shutting out Fort M——
from view the pony rider said in a low tone:

“Ride on, a good friend, and I will overtake you
soon.

“T wish. to healt here for a minute.”

Maj. Mabrey rode slowly on, while ee Billy
halted and turned his face toward the ae fort, and
gazed long and earnestly at it.

Then he mused aloud:

“It is now farewell, nwect Mattie Carter, but ‘one of
these days I will seek you out and make you oS nie,
for you have won my heart.

“What is between me and that time, who. can tell: but
I mean it—that one day you will be my wife.”

And Butterfly Billy kept his word.

 

THE END.

Next week’s issue, No. 115, will coutars | Buffalo Bill
and the White Buffalo: or, The Black Horse Rider.”
This is a ‘companion story to the one you have just read,
boys, and you must read it to know the further history of
Butterfly Billy. . If we were to tell you what Ray Royal's
present position in society is you would be surprised. He
has gone through as many adventures as any man in
America save Buffalo Bill, his friend, and a is still in the
prime of life.

Next week’s story will contain a further account of his
‘It is a stirring narrative, written by a man who
is well acquainted with both Buffalo Bill and his younger

' friend, Ray Royal, and it will be a poor sort of a boy

indeed who'can read it without his heart beating faster at

the be of the can deeds contained | An it,

 
 

 

The new contest has started in with a rush.

Get to work, boys, and make it the best of all.

These warm days are splendid for dreaming.

Be sure and send us the result.

The prizes are well worth winning.

For full particulars, see page 32.

The list of prize winners in the last contest will be fund on page 3f.

 

My Unlucky Dream.

1 By. T. H. Garrett, Pennsboro, W. Va.)

One day I hired with a captain of a steamboat and went
to firing. I made my run all right and all at once I began
to dream. I thought that I had got caught in the dynamo
engine, got my leg broke, and that I was ‘carried on
down the river to the Marine Hospital. There I had my

leg set, and when I come to myself I found out that it was

hohad

Iam

true. I had.been out of my head several. hours. .
good care taken of me and was there three weeks.
now at home hobbling on crutches.

A Bear Hunt.
(By Albert-D. Kimberlin, ‘Hoopeston, Ii)

One night I went-to bed very early and lay awake a.

good while. After a while I fell asleep, and I dreamed
that I and three other companions were out bear hunting.
My companions were Henty Williams, Charley Stewart
and Harold Hatpt. All four of us had rifles and I had a
revolver. We tramped all through the woods till noon,
and then sat down to eat our dinner, which we had
brought with us.

After we were through ene ‘our dinner we shoul
dered our rifles and started through the woods again.
We tramped about two hours before we saw any sign of
bear) Then Henry saw a bear’s track in the snow. We
followed it for about a mile and’ found the: bear: He
was eating his dinner. When we saw the bear we all
ran, and the bear san after us. Our hair stood on end as
we saw he was chasing us. We ran with all our might

about half a mile and we came to a farmhouse on the

a

logs.

to catch up with us,

edge of the woods. We ran into this house and found it

-was empty, so we tried to shut the door, but: we were too

late. The bear hit the door with his huge paw and
knocked it down.
and ran again with all our might.
away from: the bear.
built a big roaring fire and sat down to eat our supper.
We ate our supper and laydown on the ground to
sleep, but it was a long time before any of us could sleep,
we were so badly scared. We never thought of shooting
the bear. After a little while we fell asleep and slept like
We never woke up till morning. Then we got up,
gathered some more wood and built. a fire and ate our
breakfast. After we
guns and again started through the woods and tramped
about five miles before we saw a bear.
ting up against a big stump. He started after us, and we
fired and. ‘missed him. Then we ran. The bear ran. hard
I hadn’t run very far when I stum-
bled over a root of a tree. The bear got hold of me and

After a while we got

squeezed me hard. Just then I woke oe and es amy

mother hugging me.

 

A. Perilous Rdaenrure:
(By Theodore Schneueer, Norwalk, Ohio.)

I had been skating all day and was very tired when |
arrived at home. As a matter ot course I ese. to dream
as soon as’ 1 struck the bed.

I dreamed that I had promised a boy friend of mine,
Jim Gill by name, to skate to Huron with him. T he ice
was about two feet thick and as smooth as “glass. We
started at five o’clock in the morning; but, I am sorry to

fi

We boys jumped out of the windows

We got an armful of wood and

had,eaten our breakfast we. got-our,.

The bear was sit- |

 
 

THE BUFFALO

say, never reached Huron. We had gone probably five or
six miles when we came to a place where the ice was
quite thin,
crack. Presently, without warning, I felt myself plunge
into ice-cold water. I cried: for Jim, but he did not come.
Just as I was going down the last time I awoke and,

after I had got my eyes wide open, found that my brother

had thrown some water on me.

 

Wolves and Snakes.
» (By Samuel Canfield, Winnipauk, Conn.)

One night I was walking along in the woods, when I
heard a startling noise behind me. They were gray

wolves. Then I started to run and I fell into a deep
gutter, where there were a great many, snakes. They
were all hissing and sticking their tongues out at me.
‘Then ne were crawling all over me. The next instant I
awoke. I found I had fallen out of the bed.

A Dream of Wolves.
(By Robert Dolese, Chicago, Ill.)

One night I was reading a story of wolves till about
twelve o'clock. When I went to bed that night I dreamed
that I was going through a wood in winter and was cross-
ing a large pond. Suddenly | heard a cry, and looking
back, I saw a pack of wolves chasing me. 1 happened to
have my skates with me and I put them on. I skated as
fast as | could, but the wolves were gaining on me. They
almost had me, when I suddenly slacked up and. they
tried to do so, but slipped, and I had a chance to get
away. But finally they got on their feet again and started
after me. I slipped and they all went on top of me.

This time they had me sure. Just as they were about
to eat me I awoke and found myself on the floor, with a
bump on my head. This is a true dream.

 

Crossing the Ccean.
(By Perey Woods, Hamilton, Canada.)

One night after | came in from play, about ten o’clock,
I was very tired and went right to bed and it was not long
before I’ was asleep. I had an awful dream. I dreamed
I was crossing the ocean and was leaning over the railing
of the boat, when I got dizzy and fell into the water and
went down. But just then I felt myself being dragged
through the water, and in a little while I came to the sur-
face. A devilfish had me by the leg, and I could see five
sailors coming to my rescue, They were shooting har-
poons at it. Just then one of the sailors fired and the
fish let go of me, and [ felt myself going down, when sud-
denly, I struck bottom and woke up to find myself rolling
on the floor. This ended a true dream.

The Sensation of a Ledge.
(By Hawthorne Howland, Pawtucket, R, I.)

By the big gas lamp, one night last March, I sat deeply ©

interested in a particularly exciting Buffalo Bill Weekly.
The last page I read that night stuck in my mind when
I went to bed, for the great scout had done a ticklish,

We did not mind. this, for it did not even ©

ce STORIES. 3t

wejoraus deed. Later, when I closed my wearied eyes,

the scout’s great act remained stamped in my mind.

-- The scene of my dreamland adventure opened with find-
ing myself on a natrow ledge, overlooking a deep canyon.
The avrful depths made me giddy, and I hugged the wall
of rock beside me close... The sky was a dark gray, and
cast a dusky gloom about, adding to the dismal horror of
the situation. I groped slowly along the ledge, which

grew narrower at every step, and soon was only about a

foot wide. With careful step I managed to cover about
ten. feet. more. What compelled me to go forward I do
not know, but now I could go no further. I dared not
turn around for fear of losing my balance. I was faint,
my legs unsteady; [ tried in vain to regain) a little strength,
I thrust one foot forwatd, which, to my consternation,
went into space. The wild terror 1 was seized with then
is beyond description, Chills ran all over me, I stood
for a moment motionless, and then had just about col-
lapsed, when I felt strong arms and hands tightly grasped
about my waist.

I awoke suddenly and looked at the one holding me,
It seemed to be Buffalo Bill, but that face soon faded
into the familiar visage of my father.

I often, between shudders, laugh at the disturbance I
had made that night, when my father found me walking in
my sleep.

M Dream in Haying Time.
' (By Ralph Windmiller, Pleasant Hill, Ill.)

One day I had been dragging hay shocks all day, and
when I came in that night I was very tired, so I went
to bed early, and after going to bed [began to dream. I
dreamed that 1 was dragging hay shoeks and I thought
that I was coming in with a shock, so I began to cluck
at the horse, 1 dreamed that I fell off it, and in a little
while I woke up and was ying on the floor. I had fallen
out of bed.

 

 

PRIZE 0% INNERS.

 

Below will be found the list be. prize winners in the last
contest.

We congratulate them most heartily.

There are many others, also, whose efforts deserve this
warmest praise, and we want to thank all for the interest
taken and the ability displayed. :

The following TEN Boys have won a FINE BASEBALL
OUTFIT, consisting of BAT, BALL AND MITT:

F. J. Scardino, Houston, Texas.

Ned Holmes, Lexington, Neb.

E. R. Ray, Evansville, Ind.

Eric Hl. Palmer, Brooklyn, Dy
William Thomas Nelson, Pittsburg, Pa,
i Fairehild, Auburn, Noy:

W. C, Kean, Woburn, Mass.

E. Klingel, Marion, Ohio.

Hawthorne Howland, Pawtucket, R. I.
Joseph Smith, Meridian, Miss... 4

 
 

 

 

 

If you do, you want a Football. This seems early in
the year to speak about the great fall sport,
but you may be glad you saw this
when next October comes.

 

 

Bi - 4 5 ACEH S
ete ot 23 otitis bares Lay i> ef © cen

RECQULATION STANDARD RUGRY
FOOTBALIS OF THE FINEST GRADE
MADE Bi A Gs ePAL DING & Co:

If you want one enter the new Dream Contest. Everybody
has a chance and the prize is well worth striving for. thot

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Che Thirty Boys who send in the Best Stories in
this New Contest will each receive a Rugby Football

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

HOW TO ENTEL na =
THE CONTEST GsieRrC OUP O Nez

 

 

 

 

 

 

All you have to do is to remem- oe me Dh co

ber any Curious Dream you ever Buitalo Bill Dr call Contest No. 4,
had, write it in five hundred —

words, or less; and send it, with
the accompanying coupon, prop-
erly filled out; to Se aes

INEIIC Be) WS Ae eee hada falas Sis

eeeeeve eoeoe eee ee

INOS Roh Street. .... ;

eeecoerece eecreeceoe

 

 

 

City or Town se

BUFFALO SILL WEEKLY, 7
Soe COBAIN TER CO) egy fines serene cea eee man

State

ws ee eee eee cere ener eee sooo ease @cereceneaeonecee

 

B
STREET @ SMITH,
238 VVYilliam Street, aan eee een

NEW YOR iti

HiItle OF StO0y.. os ee

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 

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RE TRL at tA,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OF WESTERN ADVENTURE

 

 

SPP NID? We RO INONINE NON NERA NE OOP NA NS NONAOMENA 8 ONLY PPP
32 Large Sized Pages.
Clear Type.

Handsome Colored Covers.

 

adventure? The DIAMOND DICK, JR., WEEKLY con-
tains some of the best tales of this kind ever published.
They deal with the wonderful deeds of Diamond Dick and his
brave and clever son Bertie. Every mining camp is the centre
of attraction for a lot of card sharpers and confidence men who
make a practice of robbing the hard-working miner of the scant
living he is able to wrest from the earth. Diamond Dick and
Bertie make it their business to route these undesirable visitors
out of every camp they strike. The adventures they have in
doing this are extremely interesting, and in many instances
based upon fact. Each tale bears with it the odorous breath of
the plains. Do not fail to read them.
De you want to win a fine Kodak and Complete Developing
Outfit? If so, get a copy of Diamonp Dick, JR., and read
about the great competition now open.

Week boy is not charmed with a rattling tale of Western

 

350.—Diamond Dick’s Makeshift; or, The New
Boss at Hold-Over.

351.—Diamond Dick’s Golden Spike; or, Buck-
ing the Track Layers.

352.—Diamond Dick’s Schedule; or, The First
Train to Dangerfield.

353.—Diamond Dick’s Wild West; or, A Fait
Field and No Favor.

354.—Diamond Dick’s Double Bill; or, A Hot
Turn Between Acts.

355.—Diamond Dick’s Farewell Performance; or,

A Warm Go For the Gate Money.

 

 

 

 

Send a two-cent stamp fora colored covered catalogue of all our five-cent publications. The
above is a list of the latest numbers published in the DIAMOND DICK, Jr.. WEEKLY.

Current and preceding issues may be purchased at FIVE CENTS “per copy from all news:
dealers, or will be sent, postpaid, upon receipt of price, by the publishers.

STREET & SIMITH, 238 William St., New York