A WEEKLY PUBLICATION. DEVOTED TO BORDER HISTORY tssued Weekly. By Subscription $2.50 per year. Entered as Second Class Matter ar New York Post Office by SVREET & SMITH, 278 William St., NV. Y. No. 103. ee Price, Five Cents. Uy THE OVERLANS ies mii D, ir sil fae ; ll il He ti ui pe es ~ La : if 4 ae Wein) ee il I Hl ie HAN Al tC ue aes — mi ae ee 7 ( a f -L85Q00W it ie A i Hil iy ee anh i iy HT) | \ i ee Li i a Gp: Cg. f ie il il es ee i DTA RT ad Ur Perit ct FT Late ne fil iit ba BUFFALO BILL’S REVOLVER CRACKED, AND THE WEAPON OF LUTE ROSS FELL FROM HIS SHATTERED HAND. A WEEKLY PUBLICATION DEVOTED TO BORDER HISTORY Issued Weekly. By Subscription $2.50 per year. Entered as Second Class Matter at the N. V. Post Office, by STREET & SMITH, 238 ay Sti LV, ¥. Entered according to Act of Congress tn the year 1903, in the Office a the Librarian of Congress, Washington, D. C. "No. 103: NEW YORK, May 2, 1903. i 4 Price Five Cents. OR, The Mysterious Boy of the Overland. Pl A Ga a ig, ot YI be. ff wALER IN Crna, uy 4 UL ARS e : By the author of “BUFFALO BILL,” yo ne ee i CHAPTER | THE OUTLAW’ S ‘DEMAND. “Give up the boy, Mark: Morell, or your life. Take your choice!” and the speaker enforced his demand by leveling a cocked revolver at the man before him. This speaker was masked | and armed. At his back. stood four men, also masked and with revolvers drawn. Behind them, a few. paces off the trail, were ie a) dozen saddle horses. The threatened man sat on the hak of an Overiand coach, for it was in the days when railroads had not yet — crossed the continent. The man was the beau ideal of the dashing Overland driver—handsome, fearless, and resolute. He had been halted by the road agents, but instead of gold, they had demanded possession of a young passenger, a bright- - faced boy of sixteen. “This boy was put under my especial care, men, to take through in safety, or defend with my life,” the driver had said boldly, when the five road raiders had suddenly stepped out into the trail and held up the coach. “We are here for the boy, and will take him,” had been the threatening rejoinder. Pale-faced, yet unflinching, the boy. passenger had lis- tened. He was seated on the box with the driver, Mark Morell. “What do you want with the boy, men, for gold is the game you generally hunt for?’ asked Morell. “The boy is the game we are after now. We well know that you have no gold along,” returned the leader. “Yes, you know too much. I only wish I could get the ie about the neck of one of your spies.” “But you can’t. They are too smart for you, and for every boss and driver of the Overland trail. 1? “Come, boy, get down off that box! “I won’t do it,” was the plucky reply. “Good for you, my boy!” said the driver, and then he - asked quickly: “How in Heaven’s name did you cutthroats of the sad- dle know the boy was along?” ‘ “That’s none of your business, Mark Morell; but I will tell you that we know just as we do when you carry, gor, and passengers with fat purses. : 2 | o THE BUFFALO (Boy. did you. hear me oe ge to, get oT off of that box?” oY 1 heard you.) DG you intend to obey 3 Sete al re The boy, studyi ing the face of tl the « a iver, asked i in eee ais frank way: “Will they harm. you if I don’ tn “No, lad, they don’t dare kill Mark Morell, devils that they are, and devilish deeds that they have been any of. i “Then I will not obey,” “was the lad’s retort. “The road” agents laughed, ‘amused at the bold” stand taken by the brave boy. ‘How can you prevent :’’ asked the leader. “Shall we fight them, sir?” and the fearless boy once more looked into Mark Morell’s face, dropping his hand ey the revolver in his belt. ae In spite of the seriousness of the situation, et Morell siniled, but announced: Ape oS a “They ate a hard lot to heht. and “ Guenenben | us, Tad. We will trade with them.” ; “We accept no terms, Mark Morell.” See here, you: ew me, yard: ae worst enemy: will take my word.” -aVe will not igae that’ a “Lam not rich, but l’ve.got a howand: or so ae ‘up, and if you'll let the boy go through, I’ll bring the m reney to you on my next run through. 1 swear it, men!*:~ “Oh, sir, you are so kind; but I will pay yen t back, never fear, for [——” ed stopped. the Lak S: speech ee Ba md eee not choke him off Mark Morel, for we know. De ) you accept my price: Z Le ae ns ,and not-ten- nor- _twenty times. as ; oy aula we Lc e We know. what we are doing.” ie eee “Pye got-a-notion to fight you- for. Ge ‘boy,” ssavagely cried the plucky. driver, and .then the boy. called out. noe “Just say the word, sir, and I am in. it. with. you.” io - But the weapons of the five were. covering. the. dri iver, and sternly came the or der: “Give up the boy, Mark Morell, or. your life! oe: “Take your choice!” CHAPTER ae A BOY OF MYSTERY, , “It’s a crying shame, an outrage, to ene 6 this boy to your coward hands,” fiercely. spoke Mark Morell, with a look as though he were ‘fenipted, ine spite of all odds against him, to resist the demand. Lee “You're no fool, Mark Morell, so Me) : ‘wanned the leader. a ey ee . time.” BILL STORIES. Ves r am a foal to drive on she trail and have to wit- ness the misery, heartaches,-atid red Soy SS : do... “Ist so. bad ag all that?” Os er | “Bad! You know that is a. anil: way to. express nt, You are one of the red-handed band that makes gold your god, and as long as you ¢ati’ get - care aa for human life nor the suffering you cause.’ oh “That is a lurid. oe Lee fom, ee a “TItis a true one. 1 “Why, I have seen an old man iilled: o your Wond:i in. the very presence of his wife and daughter, Simply because he sent his oe around by sea, Hnitead of trusting it overland.” ae ge “TI saw: his wife and daughter robbed of their jes, : and heard curses for their fears and agony. ae “T have seen poor miners, going home with their hard. earned gold, robbed of their last dollar, and be forced to return to spend other a eae in | the: mines to get more. oe ke “You have shot down men ruthlessly ecise they sought, to defend their own: you have robbed women and children, and look at the drivers you have slain because they. have had the nerve ae) defend their passengers.” “You have escaped ‘it, it seems.’ "Yes, with half a dozen’ wounds that were intended to be fatal.. I have ‘escaped, as T do now; because I do not throw my life away when [| can do not an‘atom of OK ed by risking a a have s seen ey ae your red = wot rk to know better.” pe “Vou are wise.’ ee “Iam a fool to remain. here: but it won't be long, for my. heart may some day fun away with my head, and force _ me to do some ace that will get me murdered.” : PYou. are not a fool to” remain, “Mark Morell, for you know that you have hitherto. won a es a, our hold ups simply from yout pluck.” ae “We have spared you, but we Hae not. forgotten that you have prevented our getting hold of several fortunes, which, but for your nerve _and es we could have secured. ee ee _ “No, the Overland Coiediay ahs you very highly, and pay you well, for you‘havé been the man to take iriost desperate chances; in fact, jouare, as a driver, what Bit- fal Billis as a poy express rider, and we admire you, fer we don’t know just: sacs meh Jae to: eee oe Us. an the way: of. asurprise.’ eG ligt eS ee that ae as le ee mie, oe my way: tor - amy nosing “SE hen tnd oe a ae ae eae oo What do: you want wit him: pe Ear ea, 2 Phatus our affair.” “It is mine, too; dor he; iS: my pisedneere? es “Then he 4s-game we intend toentrap.” 9 < THE BUFFALO “THe has nothing you can get.” “There we differ with you.” Turning to the boy, who was an intensely interested lis- tener, as can be well imagined, Morell said: “Do you ON young pard, what they want with uy ihe “T do not, sir.’ “Have you got any big money about you that they have found out, for they have spies on the trail at every station, and are determined to get from you y “7 have only about fifty dollars, sir.” “Where are you going?” The youth gave a quick glance at the driver, then at the outlaws, who still covered the latter with their guns. Morell read in that glance that he did not wish to tell, and said, quickly: “It’s none of my business, lad; I just Ves to know why the coward thieves here wanted you.” “Go a little slow with your epithets, Mark Morell,” warned the leader. “I choose my language to fit the occasion and call you what you are. Robbing and murdering is your trade, but I don’t wonder you are ashamed of being told so.” “See here, this is all idle talk, and Ill no more of it. We are here to get that boy, and we take him, dead or alive, and you die, too, if you make a show to protect him longer. It is business, now!” “T’ll go with you, for I would not have you murder my brave and noble friend here on account of a mere boy. I thank you, sir, but I’m not on a row, if they do think so. Good-by, sir! and—— The plucky boy had arisen, and held out his hand to Mark Morell as he spoke; but he paused suddenly, for his eyes fell upon a horseman a hundred yards back on the trail, and, as he gazed upon what the others did not see, there came a sharp report, and one of the outlaws dropped, shot through the head. pa CHAPTER IIL. ON SECRET SERVICE. “You sent for me, Mr. Slade?” | The speaker was William F. Cody, oe a Pony Ex press rider on the Overland trail, and one who was win- ning fame in that capacity, as he also did as scout, guide, © Indian fighter, and soldier. He was on a furlough from his army duty, and had been sent for to do special work for the Pony Express on which he was formerly a rider. Handsome, of superb physique, picturesque in appear- ance in his pony rider’s costume, his long hair, sombrero, military-cut mustache and imperial, he was every inch a man, and was just what his name implied: “Buffalo Bill, the Prince of the Pony Riders.” - His runs were the longest, yet made the quickest. BILL STORIES. 3 His trails were the roughest, yet he went over them at a flying pace. . They were beset with more dangers, haunted by des- perate road agents, yet he eluded all foes where he could, but fought them to the death when he was brought to bay. Day and night he made his flying runs, and never had. the Overland lost a dollar intrusted to his keeping. He had not long come in from a run, and was over in ‘his cabin taking it easy, when a man from the station head- quarters had come to him and told him that Alf Slade, the manager. of that district of the Overland, wished to see him. ; Alf Slade was a man who had been called a desperado. Who he was or what his past had been few, if any, knew. Possessed of an education, resembling a clergyman, with his clean-shaven face, he was content apparently with the wild life he led among the wilder scenes and wilder men. He had been the man selected by the Overland Com- pany to command the worst part of the trail, and the wils- - est characters that haunted it, either for good or evil. In spite of his reserved ways, he had made himself feared, respected, and admired. His gun was ready when wanted, his aim was as deadly as the best. He read a man at sight, and would have taken a fancy to Buffalo Bill the moment he saw him, even if the scout had not been famous as the mo&t daring man on the fron- tier. But he never showed a preference. The man who did his duty soon found it out that Ali Slade was satisfied with him, as surely as did those who shirked and attempted to have his own way. Alf Slade was seated in his comfortable cabin when | Buffalo Bill reported to him, as told to do. “Sit down, Cody.” - The handsome, dashing pony rider obeyed, wondering what was coming. “T intend to lay you off for a while.” “Indeed, sir.” “TY wish you for : Special duty.” “Lam ready, sit.’ “Tt is about as dangerous a duty as I can put you on.” “Worse than pony riding, sir, on my run?” asked Buf- falo Bill, with a smile. “Well, yes.” “All right, sir? ©You geeepe eng “iodo, sir.) “Yet you do not know what it is: “T don’t care, so long as it is my duty, sir.’ : “Well said, Cody, and just what I expected of you. 599 THE BUFFALO + “But you do not seem cutious about what it is?” “T have been so much with Indians, sir, I have learned to wait without impatience.” “T believe that is so, and the Indians set a Lee ex- ample that more of us should follow. “But what I wish of you is to be a secret guard of the coaches for a while.” “Something valuable going through, sir?” - vies. wba Teady, sit.” “Mind you, I wish it supposed here that. you are off duty for a i “Yes, Sit. “Not a soul must know what you are about.” “l understand, sir.” “The men all know that you are a devoted hunter be- tween your des sovyou can be supposed to be off look- ing up game.” “But in reality aoa the coaches} ie “In one sense, yes.’ “Does that mean that I am not to go with them, sir?” “Exactly. ave ae on the coach could be held up just as well as the driver.’ al see. “T am to follow them.’ “You are, or use your own discretion as to whether you will be ahead or behind them, for you will know best, as you understand thoroughly the favorite haunts of the road a WN eS,) sire’ ‘Jhat I wish is that vou will be on hand when-needed, ' ne able to rescue a coach, should it fall into the hands > Pony Police, as these road agents call themselves.” “| will do all that it is in my power to do, Mr. Slade.” -‘T know that, Cody, andino one can ask: more.” “When'do I begin work, sir?” “To-morrow.” Bi Le i ae “But now to let. you into the secret,” said Alf Slade, in lower tone than he had before spoken in. CHAPTER AV: THE EAVESDROPPER’S FATE. As he sat talking to the, chief, Buffalo Bill saw that he cast quick glances toward one corner of the cabin. It was over toward the rear. of the cabin, and glancing | i in that. direction, the pony rider could Sec nothing to thus attract the gaze of the chief. He knew that the men never dared go ko the living : eabin of Alf Slade unless sent for, and the * pe some distance away. ae Oe sir, unless was BILL STORIES. The voice of Slade ‘also had dropped to a whisper, for some reason. ® Keen as were his ears, penetrating as were his eyes, Buffalo Bill could neither hear nor see anything to cause the great caution of his chief. After a few sentences uttered in a whisper, Alf Slade said: “T have had word from the superintendent that a valu- able express is to be sent through. “It is jewelry, papers and money belonging tO axe woman in San Francisco, and is too bulky and heavy for a pony rider to carry, so it is going through by coach.” WV es (ir “The package is well disguised, and if seen by road agents would never be suspected of possessing any value; but it is worth fifty thousand, I am informed, and the Overland Company has taken the risk, at a ee price: ” “T hope it will go through all right, sit.’ “Yes, it must. “To have it pass over my trail in safety is one reason I have taken you off pony riding duty for a a “IT thank you, Mr. Slade, for your trust in me.’ “But there is another reason for you to ae the coaches. “The'superintendent writes me that there is a boy com- ing. West about whom some mystery hangs.” i DOV Sir. | “Ves, a lad of fifteen or sixteen, who is booked through etothevend Of my lines: “Where will he stop then, sir 2” “That is just it, where will he, unless he happens to be the son of one of my stock tenders and is going to join his father.” bat must best) _ “Hardly, as the superintendent writes that he has just come on from Texas, and his way was paid through full first-class fare, and the boy given money for all extras and comforts.” “Fe can’t be a stock 'tender’s son, then.’ blarily.: | . “Then, again, the last driver’ on my run is to be in- “structed to allow the boy to leave the coach at any. point along the line he may be pleased so to do, and also to answer all his questions and give him all oS instructions he can about the country.” “A mysterious boy, surely.” ee so, Cody.” “But. can you guess why he wishes to. be on. the apace upon ‘a wild trail?” 99 “Unless what?” “He may intend to join some one pore y eke on the trail who may be waiting for him?” know? THE BUFFALO BILL STORIES. : Co oe “Who, for instance?” : “Might he not be some road agent’s kid ?”’ “Ah! I had not thought of that—but, no, my instruc- tions are that he shall be guarded from all chances of cap- ture by road agents.” | . “Then that does away with the kid of a road agent idea, Chief Slade.” : "Yes, Billy’ | “Try again for a reason.” ‘Well, I can only suggest that he may be going to some gold hunters who have penetrated this country.” “And never been heard from since?” “True, sir, not directly, though they may have struck other Pea of the line and communicated with their friends.” i That i is SO. / “7 had not thought of that.” “ “And this boy may be going through to them, with in- structions to leave the coach at a certain point, which he can find out by questioning the driver.” al oe you are on the right trail, Cody, as you gen- erally are.’ “Tt’s all guesswork, sir, but some of those parties of gold hunters may have struck it rich and in some way sent Bast for the boy.” “You are a good guesser. “But the boy will come through on the same coach with that valuable package, and your duty will be to go on this secret duty at the eastern end of my line, and guard the coach with the boy to the westward end.” VA be there on the watch, sir; but will the ‘drivers poe +) “Not a word,” and suddenly drawing’ a revolver from his belt, Alf Slade fired over into the corner of the cabin. A groan followed the shot, there was a glimmer of day- light through the corner of the Bee and rising, Alf Slade said: OST was. ati eavesdropper. “He had his ear at that hole, and 1 knew it, “But dead men tell nb tales. - ( “Now come out and see who he is, though I think I can - guess,” and the two left the cabin together, passed around ae the rear, and there day a a man, dead. CHAPTER V. THE DEBT OF A LIFE. The bullet of Alf Slade had been ey aimed. It had done the deadly work the Overland boss had in- tended it should. The man lay upon his. face as he fad fallen, and he was _ dead, ea The bullet had entered his ear, as it was pressed hard — against a little hole he had evidently cut between the logs _of the cabin for the very purpose that had cost him his life. “You know the man, Cody?” said _Alf Slade, as he turned the body over. “Oh, yes, sir, he.is your clerk.” “TI have suspected him before, and discovered that hole cut there two days ago, and a peg in it. “When I sent him to tell you to, come to my cabin he looked pleased. “T watched him, saw that he went around the cabin, the light streamed in that hole, as he removed the peg, and I knew his ear was there. “I told my story, and he heard it all; but I intended to kill him, and his tongue is silenced. “Now to let the men know, and as he has a brother here, gthere may be trouble.” ‘The boss took a large stag horn from where it hung at the headquarters cabin, and blew a number of startling, wild notes. It was the signal for the men of the Overland station, known as Slade’s Ranch, to gather, and quickly. With drivers, riders, hunters, storekeepers, stock ten- «ders and others employed, besides a number of hangers- on about such a place, there were all of a hundred men in the camps. Within a few minutes all had gathered about the head- quarters, wondering at the alarm. Of course, every man came fully See, for in that country a man would as soon go without his hat as his weapons. : . Many had heard the dull report, fired within the cabin, — and as shooting was not allowed avithin the camp, they suspected, some trouble was on hand. ‘Men, I called you together to state that I vo just. killed: Professor Jim, as you called. my clerk. “T found him listening to what I had to say to one of my pony fiders on a special duty, and I fired at the hole he had cut to put his ear to. “I fired true, for he lies behind my cabin dead. “T allow no man to pry into my affairs, and the one I catch doing so I shall kill. “I have for some time known that there was a spy in this camp, and I set to work to find him. | “I did so, and his spying is ended.” The men were silent, and just then a man “came bristly up to the spot. : “Lute, ther bess has kilt Professor fine yout brother,” called out an evil- faced man who, sorry that he had missed . seeing the eavesdropper shot, wished to see more trouble, “Killed my brother ?” shouted the man n who had i eG tered the crowd. ae | “Ves,” said a number of voices. : is Jam dead ?’* 6 “He is.’ “And who ae you say killed him? ie 1 asleed the man, seemingly not fully comprehending the situation, though he was moving the while nearer to Alf Slade. “The boss kilt him,” announced the man who was anxious for more trouble. “Ves, Lute, as I have just told the men, I But the man had been playing a part. He only wished to get near to Alf Slade to catch him _ off his-guard, a thing not a man had yet been able to do, though it had often been tried on. There had been method in his seemingly not compre- hending what had been told him. Both he and his brother, Professor Jim, were ee the | average men in intelligence, and, employed as stable boss, - Lute Ross had been anxious to step into Alf Slade’s shoes He felt that he could afford to wait, for sooner or later some man would kill Alf Slade, and he was next in. power, so would assume charge. His brother, Professor Jim, was in a position to know the inside trail, as clerk, and the two could make their places pay them well. But Alf Slade had killed his brother. It was for him to act, promptly and with decision. _ He would have the sympathy of the men in avenging his orother. img to the position he wanted and quick as a flash, level ‘a his revolver full at Alf Slade’s head. Litie Ross was known as a dead shot, anda terror when on the ae , his manner had deceived all save one. Slade had expected trouble with him, but he now had been caught off his guard. The revolver had been. drawn so. slyly, quickly, that he stood in the presence of instant death - before he had a chance to move. a “Vl avenge my brother, Alf Slade, b killing you! p» The words were uttered quickly and ee but -Alf Slade did not flinch. Another second and the finger of Cae Ree would have pulled trigger. - But, the one who had suspected him of beh was. before him; his revolver cracked, and the weapon of Lute Ross fell fore his shattered hand. - Alf Slade’s life was saved. . eo CHAPTER V1. : pe TREP CHER Y, __ There was no reply, but a moment after all saw Buffalo ' Bill standing, revolver in hand, looking at Lute Ross, _who was grasping his wounded right hand with his left. “THE BUFFALO ‘BILL STORIES. VOU. (aa sO “Who fired that Shor eee i ee se “Don’t shoot again, Bill, for you’ve got the game,’ Lute Ross, and he added: “T know when I’m beaten.” “Tt’s.a game I did not care to play; but you forced me to it, as | saw that you had your weapon drawn and in- tended to kill the chief without knowing whether he or your brother was to blame.” “I was wrong, Bill. “Chief Slade, I beg your pardon for attempting to kill you; but Jim was all I had, he was my brother, and naturally | was maddened at his death. “Poor fellow, he wronged you in some way, I fear.” “He was a traitor, Ross, and catching him in dirty work, I killed him. “Come, let Doc Norris look at your hand, for it is bleeding freely,” said Alf Slade, kindly. Doc Norris, a young surgeon, was already preparing to dress spe wounded hand, but Lute Ross said i ina a choking voice : f “Let 1 me see my dead brother; never mind me.’ “Don’t be a fool, Lute, for, he’ S dead ; I just left him, and you may bleed to death” “Come tothe creek where I can get Wars said Doc Paid Norris. - “One minute, doc,” Ross called -out: “No hard ‘feelings, Bill. “You did right to save the chief’s life, but you took big chances in that crowd, for you might have killed an epee man, and that would have made trouble for and turning to Buffalo Bill, Lute “IT knew just what I was oe Lute Ross. “I fired at your hand, and knew my bullet would go hee. Tisent: it, “You intended to kill the boss; I was determined you » should not, and that is all there is to it,’ and Buffalo Bill turned on his heel and walked off to his cabin. An hour after Alf Slade came there, and, holding out his hand, said: “T owe you my life, Cae -“Vhat was a beautiful shot, indeed. _“T shall never forget it, or you.” “I saw that he suspected what had happened when he came up. “Fle was looking everywhere for his brother, and he slipped his revolver up his sleeve, to have it ready. e “You saw this?” “Yes, sir, and his dazed manner was all assumed. “THe meant to kill you, chief.” - “Do ‘you think he knew of his brother’s a a spy! ” “Of course he’ did. “The two were in the game together, to get all they could out of it, sir, and my idea is that he simply pre- THE BURPALO ee to forgive you, ~ will be a snake in the grass.” : “T believe you are Hehe now you stiggest it to me, Bill. — VWhy, 1 nevet eg Proiescar Jim until I knew he sent Vetters ahead on the trails, and trouble quickly followed. “Then I watched him, bauer he’s dead, and I suppose I will have to kill his brother next.” “Or he will kill you, sir. “For a while, until his hand ig all right. hellplay:. fair; but then look ‘out.” CTs will, ’ “You are young, Cody, but you read men thoroughly. “Now, do you ee all that I expect of you?” Pi think se, sir, “And will start in time so as to be on. the trail close to the coach on its run through } nh “Yes, sir, and try and guard that valuable package and see just what that boy is after.” eT hat as just it. “You will have to flank this station, keep from pone seen following the coach.” 7 Losi, Sine, “You know, I intend to have the same driver run the full. leneth of my trail, for it is Mark Morell.” “The best man on the Over land, sir, and we.are good i epards): you know, to oa as, there i is no better driver or all-around man in the company's employ. ie ““T have as much faith in him as I nave that is saying a great deal. i vo Thank vou; sir, os : “But did you learn the name Mot this boy’ you say 1S coming through } em ais 7 i es down as Harry Harman, a youth of sixteen.’ “And he comes through on og same ale with the valuable package: pe ee v Or OMe ors : . a “And Mark Morell 3 is to drive the eas run?” “Yes, oe 3 -“T shall so send-word on the oat botnet: coat i in you, and “Will you please hint to Mark Morell, sir; that if he’ is held’ = to try and’ delay the road agents as che as he can.’ a gers UA OWiy sor ec aol 34 He _ —“Itowill give me more ane. for. action, sir.’ Papas so,” . “Being alone, I will ek to do ie i" Lae foinva . way fat will assure success, as I may have-big odds against me, and a long hold up will give me. a chance EEO aol: “Dovyou wish aids Cody?” Cody. was.’ -as that wound was no slight’ one.’ one of the bones was splintered.” BILL STORIES. | a PO sie? PY ouvoan pice out a couple of men, if you wish, to accompany you.” ~ “I prefer to go alone, sir. It is safer, fae one hardly knows who is a friend or foe out here,” was the answer. ts CHAP PER Vi. THE PONY: RIDER SHADOWER. Since the treachery of Professor Jim, the trusted clerk of Alf Slade, and the feeling shown by his brother, Lute — Ross, Buffalo Bill felt that he must be very careful as to who was to be allowed to hold a secret. He had read Lute Ross, he thought, correctly, that it was not so much grief over his brother’s death as disap- pointment at losing the position he had held. “If that man was not in the deal with Professor Jim, I am greatly mistaken,” was the comment of Pony 7 He then went on to argue that Lute Ross ae oder his real feelings in order that he should be able to rethain at the camps. : : A quarrel would have thrown him out, ih tdes He conta -have killed the chief, and this Buttalo Bill had se him from doing. He therefore decided to hide all idea of reverige and hatred, to play his cards skillfully. The more he talked with Alf Slade upon this sible the more the latter felt that Bill: Cody was right. “He'll apply for the clerkship, sig, for you know he | writes a good hand and is as well ediicated as oF brother “Yes, Cody, but you stopped: his work foe some time, | _ Doc oe me men4 “Do you not know, chief, fae, Lute Ross uses “one hand as well as he does the other 2” “T believe I have heard this.” J BAe Ds “He writes with both hands, and. shoots as. well with his left as with his right.” FER Sea “You recall to me what to now “remember heard.”’ as ae ! ~ “T was expecting him to draw with he left, weg i eed his right, and so was ready to clip that. also.” “Tt is fortunate for him that he did not do it.” “Well, I shall not be surprised, sir, if he sonkes to | be to go into the office to replace his brother.” a “Tf he does, it will be ptoof beyond doubt of treachery, for he would not bury the hatchet: except for harm to me. Lake Pony Bob, sir, ‘tor he. writes a good hand, an | to shave I-can vouch for him.” Th walk do | SO, speaking to ae at once; ; but wee 8 | THE BUFFALO BILL STORIES. to give Lute Ross the chance to apply ad that will make me sure of him.” — le ‘Then, with a grasp of the ded in Esreutell Alf Slade left Buffalo Bill to prepare for a trail, to start out as a shadower of the stage coach. : ‘Not wishing to be seen at any of the stations, intending to flank them.all, Buffalo Bill prepared to go well sup- plied for camping, and to take his best horse for ae riding and endurance. He also took his rapid-fire carbine and made every arrangement for hot and deadly work. This done, he went out among the cabins, to purposely let the men know that the chief had given him a leave and he intended to go on a hunt, as he always did when - he got a chance. He stopped at the cabin of oon Bob, an old pard of his, and quietly said: _ “Bob, the chief will want you, I guess, and if he wishes to take you off your rides don’t kick.” “What's up Bill?’ asked the rider, who got his name from the double reason that he was a very small man in stature, though a giant in pluck and endurance, and al- ways trode: the smallest horses in his rides. at a tell you nothing, Pony Bob, only keep your eyes open.” ) by ilkdo it, for I go on oe you say every time, Buffalo Bill. “And tight now I wish to tell you to keep your eyes open, for Lute Ross seems almost glad his brother is dead, and that you prevented him from killing the chief, in his desire to show that Alf pate did right and you also. “He is really grateful to you.” as and that means watch out for snakes in the cee ; Poel ust: son! 3 ye io Be’ on your guard, and I ha warn the chief.” “Do so, Bob, and tell him what you told me. 4». Now’l am. off tor a hunt.” ~ “That means plenty of game for the boys -» {only wish I was with you.’ F Buffalo Bill expressed the same Ha but added: _ “You can do better work here just now, Bob. “But 2 a good watch, for things are not going just right now.’ Returning to his an Buffalo Bill meented his own horse, and. with a couple of Dace animals in lead, rode out of the camps. . “Buffalo Bill must expect to kill game galore, to au 2) ae horses along,” said a stage driver, who with others ‘saw him depart. “He'll get game, you bet, fou he never alle? responded a et pa the most dangerous section of the whole trail. . snumber of places the outlaws had done red and lawless But the pony rider shadower had a motive in taking two pack horses along other than to get game. They were two animals that he had under. perfect training. , A dozen miles from the ranch Buffalo Bill went into camp for the night. CHAPTER VIII. THE MOUNTED FERRET. Buffalo Bill killed a deer before he went into camp, and so, with the provisions he had brought, had a very - substantial supper. He would have enjoyed company, but had become so accustomed to his solitary life when on the trail that no sense of loneliriess ever oppressed him. Ever anxious for His horses’ comfort, he always sought a good camping place, where water and grass were the best. In this instance he had found all these, so both master and steed greatly enjoyed the rest. Having plenty of time, he remained in camp for a late breakfast the next morning; then he made his way lei- surely to the point on the Overland trail where he in- tended to head off the coach. Not to head it off, exactly, but to lie in wait, and have a look at Monk Morell as he went Ne as vel as to see who were his passengers. _ Reaching the trail much in advance of the stage’s com- ing, he staked his horses, got out his line, and caught a good supply of fish for dinner from the brook. ‘The meal over, he took his way to a cliff around which the stage'trail ran, a quarter of a mile from his camp. Fifty yards from the cliff was a stream where the drivers always halted to water their teams. This halt « would permit the pony rider ee to carefully observe who were inthe coach. = Safely hidden in the cedars on the cliff, the Doo ae patiently waited the coming of the coach. He knew well that no attempt would be made to halt the vehicle between where he then was and the station a few miles distant, if Monk Morell held the reins. At that station the line-of Alf Slade as boss began, and if Monk Morell was to drive the whole distance, then, in- stead of changing at Slade’s Ranch, where another driver usually relieved him, he would continue on for the full run of two hundred miles. : ‘This would be to Monk a De autys but ine was: just ibe man for such a task. Where on Slade’s line te road oe wand fold up the coach Buffalo Bill had no idea. He well knew it was At a a work, and many graves dotted the trail here and there, attesting to the peril of the passage. Along this trail, too, the pony riders had been made to suffer, and once in his rapid flights had Buffalo Bill paused to lift his hat at the grave of a- dead comrade, and to wonder how long before he should — the same fate. There were spots, also, where he himself had made graves, when held up by the outlaws, and thus it was the whole trail was marked for him with sad and cruel memories. Right from that very cliff, whee he then was in ae he looked down upon the green mound which marked the last resting place of an outlaw whom he had sent across the River of Death into the great beyond. If Monk Morell drove the whole run, it was only what Buffalo Bill had ridden over a number of occasions, and the dauntless driver would no more shirk his duty than would the pony rider ferret. - He had not been long in his hiding place before his THE BUFFALO ears. caught. the heavy rumble and crashing of wheels, and soon the stage came in sight, half a mile away. Two persons were on the box. If others were inside, the watcher on the cliff could not tell. _ The drives he at once recognized as Monk Morell, the driver prince Of the Overland. The person by his side was shorter and more slender, and the face was beardless. “Tt is the DOV decided Buttalo Bill... The coach drew rein at the creek for the teams to drink, and the shadower had a good view.of those on the box. ae _“That’s a handsome boy, with a strong face. He is the sole passenger. There are oo ii the coach,’ he said to himself. BILL STORIES. 9 Night had fallen, and his halt for supper gave his horses a good rest. _ The meal and rest over, he saddled up, and took his position to follow once more. ; He saw the.coach go by, heard the voice of the boy. passenger talking to the driver, and the voice of the latter in reply told him that Monk was still on the box; so he had not changed at Slade’s Ranch, and was going to run the coach clear. through. That Morell had been told by Alf Slade that Buffalo Bill was shadowing him the latter felt confident, and he was sure that the driver knew of the value of the package he carried, as also that the boy was » be particularly guarded. When the coach had gone by Buffalo Bill went for his horses and was again following. The road agents, or “Pony Police,” as they liked to be known, might attack the coach in the night; but they usually preferred daylight for their work, when they could see the better to rob or discover who was along. | On through the night, at a slow pace, went the coach, _ stopping at the relay stations, and as steadily followed the He heard the driver and the boy Pilene together, de- cided that Morell had “taken to” his young passenger, and having seen the coach go by within thirty feet of him, he rapidly made his retreat to his camp, mounted, : and soon was in rapid pursuit to keep up within hearing distance, ‘but no nearer. CHAPTER IX. TROUBLE BREWING... av the proper pace Buffalo Bill kept on oun, half a mile behind the coach, flanking the relay stations, every fifteen to twenty miles apart, where the coaches and pony riders changed horses, for he did not care to Ae seen 1 BY j “the stock tenders there. . Drawing near the main station, Slade’s Ranch, Buffalo ‘Bill made a wide detour, rode rapidly, came out some miles beyond, and halted for supper. pony rider ferret, avoiding, as before, each station. At daybreak he came to where the trail crossed a stream, and beyond was an open plain for a dozen miles. Here he halted, for on that plain he knew the coach was Safe. The horses were staked out to feed and rest, and the pony rider cooked for himself a good breakfast. A rest of an hour and a half; ‘then he mounted and went on after the coach, as soon‘as che saw it enter the hills beyond the plain. - It was rapid riding, but he at length heard the rumble of the wheels, so knew the coach was still safe. Forty miles more and the end of “Slade’s Line’ would be reached, and there Monk Morell’s duty. ended, as well as the work of the pony rider as shadower. There another division boss than Slade would be re- sponsible for ‘the valuable package’ and the boy passenger. But, was the boy Dee to ao beyond ae run 1 of Monk Morell? : “That coach will be held up before it Oe: the ‘ad “of Monk Morell’s run. “If they know about the package and the Abe the ae law Pony, Police mean to get both together. “IT know you are feeling the pull on you, good horses, but we may be wanted soon, so must keep close at hand,” and with this the rider drew, a little nearer to the coach. More miles were cast behind, and the shadower kept just within the sound of the wheels; he did not care to be too close. “There is a aay Ae on oe a fold up, a where Driver Rigly was killed, and the outlaws have a good % Lo. : catch the rumble of wheels. - : The spot which the pony foe ead as one. that ie been fatal to Driver Rigly, who had attempted | to esist a hold up,. was just, ahead, and Buffalo Bill became eo anxious. i a a pe ceny he buliea: i he Gerd a yoice ahead! “They are there, fd the trouble has come! Now, brave Morell, I am with you!” With this the shadower turned to his pack horses, un- tied the lead lines, and said: _ come a-rushing, for when I want you, I'll want you bad.” The faithful and well-trained animals remained just. where he placed them, while he rode on ahead, to where he knew Monk Morell was in trouble. | CHAPTER X. “THE PONY. RIDER'S SUPERB WORK, he place selected by the Outlaw Police was a good one for their work. Phey were in position when the coach drove up, but were not seen until the leader of the party of five stepped | out and halted the driver by a rifle leveled at his head, _ What followed has been related in our opening chapter —how the daring. driver prince of the Overland boldly defied the outlaws, and yet, in the end, had to yield, to 2 But there was one near at hand whom, the Outlaw Po- Tice little expected, Buffalo Bill had advanced to a pine thicket, in hich i, he was securely sheltered. He had ridden up to a large | bowlder, over which he peered, and, rifle'in hand, he sat ith his saddle watching events as they happened. oe Just too far off to catch M11 that was said, he was yet- near. enough to’learn that the mysterious = oe | was the. bone of contention, He had even caught the words of ie joa a the Out ‘le Pony Police, that he knew the coach carried no gold. ‘on that run, but the boy was their game, and ue they would have. sae “Monk Morell is having a hard time ‘of it, cae one of those fools may fire on him, so I guess it’s time for me to chip in,” reasoned Buffalo ‘Bill. ' There were five of the, outlaws, and others might be “within call- eg a But, the pony rider was not to count odds. must be saved, and now was time:to act. Out from the covert Buffalo Bill an inte full soi ee The bay _THE BUFFALO chance for escape, as well as to defend their rettfeat, 80% T would not be surprised if Monk was halted there, so I must be prepared,’ and Buffalo Bill was doubly alert to » “Now remain right here until you hear my call; then ive up his my sterious boy passenger, or lose his life, ox hand. ‘BILL STORIES. from the trail, but the ee -were foe busy with their lawless work to notice him, his finger touched trigger, the report followed, and the outlaw at whom he aiméd dropped dead. At the shot came a cry of alarm, and the outlaws: sprang: for cover, but the’ leader shouted : “Move, and you aré a dead man, Monk Morell! ie “Tm not going. Don’t have to, now the pony boys ‘have chipped in,” was the cool reply, while the brave boy passenger: waved his hat around his Acad and gave a cheer i Raising his rifle, his keen eye glanced alone the sights, : “Stand firm men! It is only pe Rider Bill Cody on | his run. We can down him!” shouted the chief. | But, as he spoke, “Pony Rider Bill Cody” gave a_yell and shquted: «= | “Come, pards! Overland !” There was no mistaking the sound, for corainty hoofs Now for them, pony riders of the "were heard dashing up the stony trail. The outlaws knew that at times the pony riders’ patrol: were driven to turning out against them. When they did they never showed. mercy. he patrol must now be guarding the coach, to protect it from the: ; Pony Police. (ee They heard the hoof: strokes coming nearer, as if sev- eral of the patrol were at Cody’s call. They dared not wait Jonger, and yet the bold outlaw leader, as he sprang upon ‘his horse, leveled his revolver ~ at the boy passenger and commanded : “Get down, boy, and come with. ime, or J will kill you! Hi “T won't do it!” iu et The leader raised. his eae bie o lo Bill was i ' Charging at a tun now, and a bullet from his carbine tore through the outlaw’s arm, knocking the weapon from his grasp. Ce were e surely. following ae ae pony el Whe outlaws were gone, yet were calling to their leader to follow, and he wheeled to do’ so. As he wheeled -he eiesped a second revolver | in’ bis lett, trigger, and the weapon fell from the ouelee chief’s left hand as it had from his right. The boy’s bullet had cut esces te bandit s aime “T didn’t wish to a him,” he a to i amazed: Mor ell, and added: “T have my reasons,’ ee ee _ Away sped the Hida leader’s Taree, unchecked i. the reins, as the rider’s arms hung by ‘his'sideso ) os. At that juncture; Buffalo Bill dashed { up, and coming along the trail were his ae i horses, Monk Morell, now on: anid dal to fire, bat ere he could do so, the boy had leveled his revolver, pulled- CHAPTER XI. THE MASK~ REMOVED. “Catch those horses, Monk, while I give those fellows a scare,” cried Buffalo Bill, as he dashed up to the .coach. “All right, Glorious Bill Cody, but take no big | called out Morell, as the pony rider sped on. Suddenly they heard his rifle crack, then another shot and another, followed by shouts of command in different voices. 5 : : “Why, the outlaws are coming back! them!” cried the boy passenger. “No; they are on the jump as fast as they can go, little pard. That is Buffalo Bill playing it on them, and Ill bet they think a dozen crack shots are after them.” oy Butalo Billy” fae the youth. in surprise. CO-esS. 39 “Where is he?” “That was Buffalo Bill who saved you from capture.” “That splendid-looking young man: Ge “Just sol” “T have read of him ee I was a eae chap.” “That is the very man.’ Let us fight site beeat life in Kansas as an . Indian fighter at ten — years of age.” oN and has been making a name for hintself | ever since.’ Ob, how clad [ am! famous borderman.” = “Well, you have seen him, and he'll be Des soon, when I never expected to see that os OU can talk to him.” “He saved me.’ ‘He certainly did, for those scoundrels were determined he have you. . Will you tell me why ?” “Well, some day:I may tell ay now.’ “You know, ves be “T can guess.” Monk Morell was wondering more and more about his strange passenger, and ae more deeply interested in him.’ “I wish to thank Battal Bill for all he did for me,’ and the driver thought that the boy shuddered at some thought that flashed through his mind. “Say, young pard, where did you learn to. shoot?” sud- denly asked Morey * “In Texas, sir.’ “You handle a revolver like an expert.” “I’ve had considerable practice, sir. I was born ahd reared on a ranch, in a wild country, and you know we have some rough and tough men in Texas, too.” “T will not cy the fact” answered the driver, 7) ing. Then he leaped ‘corti she box aa ei dhe two pace _ horses, that had already halted by the coach. ‘THE BUFFALO -Ranch, and is supposed to be off on leave. to know you,’ BILL STORIES. , ii “Hitch Aas lad, oe I ate a look under this dut- law’s mask.” The boy obeyed, and He came and stood by Morell’s side. Monk had taken the mask from the dead outlaw’s face, upon which he was ‘gazing with amazement. “Do you know him, sir?” “Indeed I do! He is an extra pony rider at Slade’s He isa great friend of the man the chief shot, and who was known as Professor Jim.” “Yes, I heard the chief tell you about it.” ¢ “Well, it will be a surprise to Buffalo Bill, I can tell you, to know that Pony Rider Allen Long has become an ' outlaw. “I tell you, boy, the gteed for gold in men makes it lifficult to know who to trust out here, 39 TN es, str. it does, Monk Morell gazed at him and said +: “You seem to know.” nad a “T do, sir,” was the quiet realy “e iu a a A moment after the sound of hoofs’ was eae. and Morell hastily covered up the face of the déad outlaw, just as Buffalo Bill rode up, calling out | as he threw him- self from his saddle: “They have gone for good, Monk, but as there were only five of them, I am sure the larger ta of the ow are on ahead, to hold you up.” | “I believe you, Pard Cody; but yh wish to intfoduce to you my boy pard, Harry Harmon, who has read of you and wishes to thank you, for your service to him, for those fellows were determined to have him.” : “Indeed, I do wish to thank you, sir, and I am ae ’ said the youth, earnestly. _ The pony rider shook the boy’s hand warmly, as he said : “I was co on the fa tos save you from, capture, and I am glad to have done so; but, did ye not break the left arm of that outlaw leader: e “il “Yes, sir, you knocked his revolver. dat ae his right hand, so I followed suit, playing for the left bower.” The pony rider and the driver smiled at the ve the - boy put it, the former remarking: “You'll get along, boy pard, either i in the Wild West or Tame East. “Now, Monk, to take a look at that man and see who he is.’ “T know; but you cannot guess.” Buffalo Bill strode rapidly to the body, removed the mask, and fairly shouted: “My pard, Allen Long!” returned the boy, so a than O12 CHAPTER (Xi THE PONY RIDER'S RUSE. s They had been good friends in. the pony rider’s camp,. Buffalo Bill and Allen. Long, yet the man he had killed now was proven to be one of the Outlaw: Police! ‘The revelation was a severe shock. “Monk, we were good friends, Allen Long and I, and once he saved my life, and that made him my pard. Now I have taken his. I only wish that I had aimed at some other one of the band!” “It is best as it is, Bill, for you might have yet trusted him to your sorrow. “He was a great friend of Professor Jim’s, also.” “Yes, and this shows why. You saw the chief, of course ?”’ “Oh, yes, and knew you were somewhere near; but I. did not believe you would dare attack such odds.” “Well, you see, | have my two well-trained horses here to help me out.” ‘ hes but. 1 Hay thought you had other pony riders Meat, > “The Pony Police made a dead set, Bill, to get this boy.” Maes he know why ?” Yes; but does not..care to tell’ “Well, Monk, you know that you have a high- value package along?” Lido.” “But the Pony Police do not poe ita. “Nary suspect. It is ina rough bundle,” and the de pointed to an old carpetbag on the top of the coach. “It contains some miners’ tools and a few old things, and has a tag on it addressed to a man in the mines.” “But the valuables ?” ‘Are in the false bottom of the old Pag: woman’s idea, Bill, but a mighty good one.’ “It was that,” and then, glancing at the boy, ihe was closely examining the pony rider’s horses, with the eye of a keen judge of horseflesh, Buffalo: Bill said: “Now, Monk, I have an idea.” — “Name it, William, the Gallant!’ “There were five oe here 7? “Yes, just that many.” “That was not their real leader who led ee here.” “Who then?’ “An under officer.” Melle? “The band numbers, as you know, about fifteen.” “True; more than a baker’s dozen.” Tt was’ a: “They knew of this boy’s Gore and that they want | him bad you have good evidence.” ' “That is Testament truth.” Ley have, ae divided their force in ‘three { tye THE BUFFALO there. off. 3) BILL STORIES. gangs, or two, at least. How does that strike ‘you, ' Monk 2’ ’ “T believe you are right, Cody.’ “The boy is supposed to léave you somewhere on “your run?” “So Chief Slade told me.” “You have only about thirty miles farther, so his leay- ing point is within that distance? ie “Just so, William.” “Then, what’s down in the outlaw programme? Why, I bet you will be held up again within the next twenty miles !”’ “Good reasoning, Bill, I think so, too.” “You will carry along the body of Allen?” “Yes, to the end of my run, to be buried there, unless the outlaws*wish to ee me of him, ae Pll raise no ob- jection to that same.’ ti Vit they hold you up, they sill take the boy, and if their _ chief, Goldgrip, is there—and he will be, I am sure—why, that carpetbag will be explored very quickly, for he is up to all dodges of that kind.” “He is, indeed.” le “Now, my idea is to take the boy and the carpetbag | with me, leave the trail, flank the road agents, and make for the end of the run, to peel there,” : “A good idea, Bill, we “Well?” “Suppose the boy wishes to leave, as it is said he is booked to do, before getting to the end of my run?” “He can leave me as well as he can leave you, and I will know ee about this strange move on his part.” “You are right, and it will be well to find out.” 4 “Yes, for there is some mystery in a boy’s being set down alone on an Overland trail, as I understand it is _his intention to be.” “There is, indeed, but he is as close-mouthed as a clam - about himself, though a ee bright and entertaining boy on all other subjects.” He “Well, I'll not delay you, but arrange the pack ‘caddle so that he can ride on it with comfort, and your hard- looking old carpetbag can go on the other horse.’ “All right, Pard Bill. You come from Chief Slade, and I will-do just as you wish; but, let me tell you that / the: boy got a letter at eG S Ranch. Hi “Did her That is news.’ : “Ves, it came from the westward, on the coach I met The chief handed it to him as we were driving "Did he tell you anything about it?” + “Not a word. He quietly read it, then put it in his | pocket, ee no comunent.” Pptrange.: Seon “Oh, he is a ee one, is that boy.” ‘Did you ask him about it?” “I hinted, but he ao pretended he didn’t understand what I was driving at.” “Monk, we must solve the mystery about that boy. “Yes, if only to satisfy our curiosity,’ replied Morell. The new plan was told to the boy, then standing some distance away, purposely, so as not to interfere with the conference. He was quite willing to go with Buffalo Bill, so his luggage was packed upon one of the horses, with the valuable carpetbag; he mounted the other, and the dead outlaw having been put in the coach, with fare- wells to Monk Morell, the pony rider and his mysterious young companion mounted and rode away. ob) CHAPTER XIII, AS WAS PROPHESIED. Monk Morell drove on his way meditating upon all that had occurred. He could but feel that Buffalo Bill had acted right in taking the youth and the big-value package along with him, for he felt morally certain that the coach would be held up again, as Cody had reasoned. ; “Captain Goldgrip,” as the leader of the Outlaw Pony Police was called, never did things by halves. A stage had been known to run the gantlet of no less than two different detachments of the outlaw band; yet, in the end, to fall into Goldgrip’s own grip. , But Monk. Morell went right ahead, as if his trail was a clear and perfectly safe one—his thoughts turning to his mysterious passenger rather than to the hold up which was in store, not many miles ahead, a any one can get out of him his secret, Buffalo Bill -can,”? mused the driver. i Buffalo Bill had chased ne oe outlaws down a ‘canyon that would necessitate a long ride for the squad .- to get’around in front again, and so inform others of © what had happened, Monk Morell therefore determined to drive so rapidly as to head them off. On he went at double the schedule time, and when he reached the first telay the stock tender was urged to hurry the fresh team up, explaining that he might be followed. — by road agents with whom he had had a brush. The tender did hurry, and then began to look out for the outlaws in pursuit of the coach. ~ oy UNDO, half a dozen miles beyond this relay Morell came a to a valley. It was more of a basin, and surrounded by mountains, through .which there were numerous passes. Into the valley and out of it, through two of these passes, the stage trail ran, while a number of other trails crossed the basin, with ingress and egress by way of the other breaks in the range encircling the depression. Be cing rejoinder. THE BUFFALO BILL STORIES... 13 Morell halted his horses for water at a small stream - in the middle of the valley, and, as was his wont, gazed about him upon the beautiful and impressive scenery— “The Mighty Hills that God bespoke.” He had just started his team on their way out of the stream when he:saw-halfiia dozen horsemen ride into the frail anead.a? Glancing behind, he beheld four. other horsemen fol- lowing. : “Buffalo Bill was Bae That is Goldgrip himself and the rest of his band. I am in for it now. But it was an inspiration in Pard Bill to take the boy and that bag.” Monk betrayed no excitement, and drove along to meet the deadly foes of the Overland trail, _ As he drew near he saw there were five of the horse- men.. One was in advance of the. others, and all had halted across the trail. , A glance in the rear disclosed the four behind him, come at a canter. “. “How are you, Captain Gane: ?’ and Morell dren a rein before he got the order to halt. All the horsemen were masked. They were. well mounted, on the hardy mountain ponies of that coun- try, which had the endurance of noe and could climb like mountain sheep. The men were dressed in a kind of uniform, to carry ‘ out their idea of Pony Police. The leader held a revolver in his hand, while: Bach of his men had their rifles ready. “It is for me to ask how. you are, Monk Morell, for I a : fatten on the gold I get from you, and you languish on the small pay of an Overland stage driver,’ said the... leader. “Yes, and 1 would ree starve as an honest man than ‘live in luxury as a thief and murderer.” “Oh, that is only a difference of. tastes, Monte. You were born honest, as | was; but our paths in life led us. - on different trails, and circumstances did the rest by us.” “There is no needof a man: pee a thief or worse. unless he wishes to become an outcast.” “An opinion only. But, I did not halt you to: Be -- a sermon to us, or call us bad names.’ “Well, what do you wish, Goldgrip?” et want a boy passenger you carry, and a bag of ole ables, or, in their stead, I want your life” was the mena- BCE ALP ER Oe THE” PONY POLICE “AT. WORK, ‘lon Morell did not flinch ‘under this menace ;. he : | simply. smiled as he retorted: “Well, you will have to take my life, Goldgrip, for i have not got the ee you are after.” 4 ta : THE BUFFALO The masked leader started at this announcement,.at the. same time making a threatening: gocture _ his revolver. His men had now all advanced, and Morell was sur- rounded at the odds of nine to one. “What do you mean?” demanded Colasny, savagely. “Mean? Why, just what I say.” “Have you no passengers in that coach?’ _ The outlaw chief evidently feared a surprise, as had been the case only too often for his own comfort. “Only one, Goldgrip.” “The boy, you mean?” CNG; aman “Tt’s a lic. You had a boy as passenger when ee gan your run. Where is he?’ “Oh, he’s grown to be a man now, Goldgrip,” was the | pene answer of the ea driver. “Tust look in and see,’ he suggested. © The chief now was still more fearful of a trap, and said: “Men, cover him with your rifles, and if I am fired on riddle him with bullets.” : : “Yes, sir,” from every man, with rifle ready. But, Monk did not weaken. He again suggested: _“Take a look into the hearse, Goldgrip, for hearse it is.” “One minute. Were you halted back on the trail?” “Certainly 1 was! That was your programme and it was carried out. Just as you ordered, five of your gang of cutthroats held me up.” “They got the boy?” . “Not much they didn’t!” and Monk gave a quizzical wink with one eye. | “You started on your run with the boy?” “Ves, and a jolly young chap he was.” “Did he get off ?”. asked the outlaw, betraying further surprise, if not alarm. | : ““Well, he was taken off.” "By my mens’ “Not much by your men!” “Who then?” “By the Pony Riders’ Patrol - “Ha! What does this mean?” “Mean? Why that they were too sharp for you, Goldgrip. That’s what!” “It is a Bel. The Pony Riders’ Patrol were not out on this trail. a BS | a You ‘dow know everything, Goldgrip, though your spies do keep you pretty well posted, I admit.” " “What do you know, Monk Morell ?” “Just what I told you.” «That the Pony es Patrol are out and took your boy passenger ?”’ _ “Yes, and that was aot all’ BILL STORIES. ~ “What else?” “You had not posted your five fellow-cutthroats about a bag of valuables, fearing they might skip off with it.” oA 2? “But the patrol knew about it, and took it back with the boy.” “Where did they take them ?” “Chief Slade sent for the boy and the bag.” “Have you proof of this?” Goldgrip almost mouye the question, in his excitement and anger. , “Yes, proof enough to.convince any coroner’s jury. Just look into the coach, ee Lr? “What is there ?”’ “Look and see.” “What is there, I asked you? I’ll stand no trifling, though I do not wish to kill a brave man, as I know you to be, Monk Morell.” “A dead man is there. See for yourself.” Still Goldgrip hesitated. “Who is he?’ he demanded. “One of your men whom we knew at Slade’s Ranch as — Allen Long, and had never ered of being of your © kind.” “My God!” and the outlaw leader spurred up along-— side of the coach and peered into the window. He beheld the body of the dead outlaw lying back upon the rear seat. pe he leaned in, and tore the mask from the dead ‘man’s face. — “You have told the truth, Morell. It is Allen Done my . He paused, but Monk finished the sentence for him : “Your spy at Slade’s Ranch ?” “He was not one of my men, but I knew him well,” the chief declared, as though fearing to say more. “He was with your men and masked, . “Who killed him ?” “The Pony Patrol when they found your ae at herr dirty work.” “No one else?” oe other man was wounded, the one who acted as leader.” “Was he seriously hurt?” asked the chief, excitedly. “T don’t know: He ran too fast for me to find out, for your men always run when they have to face the Pony Patrol.” “Bah! ,?? “T’ll wager those with you fone will skip as" soon as they see the pony riders come in sight.” Morell spoke in a tone that all might hear, and the anxious looks cast back on the trail showed that the out. laws were by no means desirous of meeting the pony Jaw Pony Police spoke in deadly earnest ; ~ eame through. on this, run; 1 want, dca oe him.” Hite Oy OL. “with, me, and both. are. safe, so. why. bother me. longer? ~siders-when the latter went on. the. ae ‘as’ a times they were forced to. do,.to.hit back when. the. road agents Deane too poe in their attacks, CHAPTER. ay. THE OUTLAW. cS REPORT. ht Seer ‘here,’ Monk Morell, oy tae the. Miter: a he Out “Tl know a boy “Well?” coolly said the driver.” “T also know that a package worth a. . large s ‘Suit. alo, | Came ee Seger oN est oo Uae eee Ne boy Dea the porkage! shonld He ons ws coach! “They are not, as I’ve told you.” “T can see that the boy is. not; but the package | | wil search for 7 es “the. ‘boy. or the AW hich: father. have pee fe “The ae a. oe times over,’ would a ocr ue) | Goldgrip, ex- | oo “Well, he has escaped. YOUs andthe booty, too,” " ‘We'll see about that,’ he said,- menacingly. “Well, take your look after the. package, for. I wish to . You can have that dead a. om yours, ‘gratis, for I-get, nothing for hauling dead men,” “Carry him to the end of your run. i them ae him there.” os 2 Ts that the way you et ‘your dee > Dead, he.is. mouse tome.) | i “Well, make your search. quick, as: the: Pony. Patrol may be along at.any moment.” “Did they. go. back when they took the e@ “boy. and the booty, if they did take. ae the. ‘outlaw. asked. ‘Don’t you fool yourself about what. the Pony ‘Patrol did or, did-not do? Iam giving you. fair warning now, Goldgrip.” ' “You do not scare me, Monk Morell,”, was. the retort; Dut,.it .was observable that Goldgrip. and his.men. were anxious as to the whereabouts of the supposed _ Pony Patrol. ee here!. 7 have, neither ce package nor, he bor Let me go on my way.” The outlaw proceeded to search the coach, va found nothing | saye the mail. and. some. miner's, traps. going _ through. v ake oe was nothing ool. ‘value a or “outside ‘of ‘the tae eee a that ce “too.” ‘THE BUFFALO BILL STORIES. the stage camps at the end of Slade’s Line. 15 ed to his horses, ‘and drove, on, The fan oe. ca eee outlaws ‘watching him in silence. Hardly had the coach disappeared _ when. ae was heard the rapid clatter ‘of hoofs coming’ along the trail. Look. out, , men!” alte ‘Pony ‘Patrol are coming ! warned ‘Goldgrip. ne But, as only three horses. dashed into vent the Outlaw Police stood. their ‘ground. | “Our_own men iv cried Coe, and a moment aiter, - up galloped three horsemen, whose faces were masked. Their ponies showed hard riding, and « one of the ne ee called out: ee Goldgrip,. v we rode hard to get here ahead ‘Ol the coach; oh Well? “We held it up, sir, ae the i was aboard; oat at falo Bill came MD) shot Allen Long, and wounded Officer Burt, and- ee “You all oe to your el “We Hnongnt the Pony aa ate “How many were they © . “Only Buffalo Bill, sir, , and- “Did five men run. from one man ?” “You know he killed Long, Sir, roneed Officer ae and we thought there were more.’ “But he was alone?” “Ves, sir; that we found out afterward.” oe i “But, it was Buffalo Bill, sir!” Pe Well, that does make some difference, for I stippose he made you Behe he ey a | dozen pony ridets with hin.” was upon us in foree, PR nh etide did. that; and he pur sued 1 us, but. we saw hat he was alone.” “Why did you not go back, then, and fight ian “We were scattered, sir, in flight, and only got to- gether half an hour after... My horse ran into’ a canyon that I could not get out of, and I saw Buffalo Bill take the boy and some baggage, and go off with At, while the coach drove on.’ _ Did -he have other horses. with ae P “No, sir; he started as though to come out on Cre Overland trail, but fanking it.’ 7 By Heaven, that is what he has Nene? ‘ _“T rode with all speed to find Officer Burt, sir, and he sent us three on to you, while he went to the retreat, for he was wounded in both arms,. sir, once > by. Buffalo Bill and ine second time by that boy.” pr “eyes, ate ‘Men, we must catch Buffalo Bill before he gets ‘0 He will tide 16 slow, doubtless, and we must not let him escape us,” and Goldgrip dashed away with his men directly on the trail. Half an hour after Monk Morell was surprised to see them coming up ata run behind him. ; cree nmntmenenatens CHAPTER XVI. CORRALLED. “The game is lost!’ cried Morell, as he saw the reap- _ pearance of the outlaws. A second glance revealed three more riders than when they halted him. “T understand; the others came up and told which way the boy and the booty went. “So Goldgrip is riding to catch Buffalo ‘Bill before he - reaches the end of the run. “But, they expect the Pony Patrol is out in force, so. they will go slow, though I do feel anxious for Bill. ” Up dashed Goldgrip, and called out: | ey “Some day, Morell, I'll have to kil you.” “What for 2” “You didn’t say that that wild devil Banato Bill did- that bit of neat work alone.” “Did he?” “You know he did.” “Going to head him off?’ “Yes, of cotrse.’” “You won't do it.” “Why won’t we: 2 | ce “You cannot, «He's to ctevess for you and your ¢ gang.’ “Oh, we'll see about that!” and the leader followed on after his men, who had not paused as Hoe passed the | coach. “Now I do fear,” mused Monk Morell, “that Buffalo Bill will not expect this and so get caught. r ait crowd the teams and see how it comes out. “tf the boy and the booty had stayed with this coach. they would have been taken, and Bill a done his best, if he loses them.” The team was kept at a> cad ‘pace, nntit at last the — cabins of the next stage and poy camp came in n sight, ms located in a valley. . i - Tt was the end of Alf Slade’s run. Up dashed the coach, ahead of: time, for he had more _ ; o ‘than made up the time ‘of his hold ups. _ ‘The station men were surprised to hear his stage. horn, ~ and gathered quickly, to learn the cause of his arriving, so e much ahead of time. “Well, Monk, anything gone wrong ?” deed Gail Gor | don, chief of the next division of road. Taking the boss aside, Monk Morell ae ae “Is Buffalo Bill here: Pr “No, indeed! It is not his run? _ “T know that, boss; but, he is ee duty and on: a » special 5 service. Vl tell you ‘about it? This Monk Morell did, Gordon listening attentively, and asking questions here and there. “Did you come upon the road agents after they passed you on the trail, Monk?” “No, for they had De from 5 es to head Buf. falo Bill oft somewhere.” THE BUFFALO BILL STORIES, “They'll not find him easy game; but, I will mount a couple of dozen men and. gO out to help him.” “V’m with you, boss.” “But, man, you have driven the double run!” “That? s nothing for me. Count on me when Buffalo Bill needs help!” Gail Gordon gave the orders or a score of men to ari, mount their best horses, and be ready for a hard ride. Then he read Alf Slade’s leer to him, and Said “I do hope we have not lost both the boy and the “package. It will be too bad, but both you and Cody have done all in your power to save them.’ “Bill is not captured yet, or I’m mistaken, Boss. Gor- _ don,” intimated Morell. ae sincerely hope not; he’s a hard one to corral. the boys are ready, so we'll be of? The boss and Monk mounted; the men, a dashing lot of fellows, fell.in behind with a cheer. Gordon then explained: “We are going to find the Outlaw Pony Police, ‘boys— But i - to help save Buffalo Bill from them!’ Leaving the Overland trail, Boss Gordon (ook the di- tection most likely to meet Buffalo Bill, and had ridden several miles when Monk Morell called out: “l hear firing!’ All listened attentively, and firing at a distance was distinetly heard. “They’ve got Cody corralled!’’ cried Monk, and the whole party put their horses at full speed for the rescue. About a mile away they came upon Buffalo Bill at bay! By his sideywas the mysterious boy passenger! Two of théir horses were dead, but they held a posi- tion at a bend of the trail, where it rounded a cliff, so - could hold the place until the outlaws flanked it, and this would take an hour or more. _ “You mount my .horse, take this bag, and your Iug- - gage, and follow this trail into Gordon’s camp, ten miles _ from here. I will hold this position until you are a couple of miles away, and then I can escape on foot easily.”? Buffalo Bill had just given this order to the brave boy, when up dashed Monk Morell and the others, and. the Outlaw Pony Police started in full flight for their. lives. Buffalo Bill had again saved the ee and the cele CHAPTER SVL na CLOSE CALE: Buffalo’ Bill had anticipated just what had i hapeeee He had felt assured Morell would be held up by the main _ force of the outlaws, and that, when it was discovered the “boy and the booty had escaped them, Captain Goldgrip — would endeavor to head them off before they oe _Gordon’s station. Consequently, he determined to make no ade detour than was necessary, and by hard riding. hoped to get to the end of the run before the outlaws could head him off. As he rode along with the sale boy he became: oe and more interested in Aim. (4. #3 He knew that the youth had some ‘secret which he. . would not or could not reveal. — ht: seemed ‘so strange for a lad to be booked. through : on the Overland merely to a certain point, and. ‘then to. leave the stage at his own will. = Why, too, were the outlaws anxious to catch this youngster? What was he to them? “How had tay, been made aware of his coming? | ‘Buffalo Bill could understand that when value- pe ages were reported as coming through, the fact would be found out by spies; but he ‘did not * understand why the : coming of this boy had been reported and the great anxiety of the Outlaw Pony Police to capture him. . Wishing to learn more, as he rode along with the lad by his side, he said: “You are a NexdiL. | believe! oF Yes, sire “What did you do there 2” - “Lived ona ranch, studied under a tutor, hunted game, Indians, and Mexican raiders, sir.’ “Then you know something of wild life: co - “Yes, sir, a good deal for a boy of my years.” “Are your parents in Texas’ “My mother is: “Then your father. is dead oo “T don’t eg Sita. \ “Phis is a long way. for you to. come, alone: e “I don’t mind it, sir.’ : i “You are not going on through ?” NOY Sit 2) | “Where are you going to stop: ae ‘el: don t know, Sit VHave you come oot here for a pleasure Eo) a (ENO. Str: “Going | to ey and. get work ?” ENO. Ste “Will you remain long? ce “T don’t know, sir.” “Have you any friends out here t 2 “I don’t know, sir.’ . _ Buffalo Bill gave up in despair. ue ‘He knew the boy would tell no more, aa so ot “I do not care to’pry into your affairs, young nace but it is rather remarkable to see a lad ‘of your. years oy come out to this wild region alone, and nothing be known “about him, so I have asked more questions than I should, but I assure you it has been from interest, _tather than curiosity. ‘ “T wish to say, however, ae a you need’ a. friend out - here, come to me, and a will be your pard.” 47 “7 thank you, sir,’ ” and, the boy held out his hand, adding slowly : cag “Perhaps some day I may take you at your word.” |» — “Do so, and you will-find I mean what say.” way, mile after mile. — - Presently. Buffalo Bill alicd, foeeed. aad Sots those woods. It. must be oe outlaws; ne to: oe us off, so we must ride for, it.” Ten minutes later - Buffato Bill saw Golden: And his” men come out in the trail a mile behind. them.- began... iced. as ae, Buffalo Bill’s horses, ‘the t two pack an- c imals began. to drop back. ee: * a THE BUFFALO - _, were happy. ' Harman, the The outlaws a vent of oo Bee oe thot chase an BILL ‘STORIES. ae 17 His own holes could have distanced the pursuers, ‘but _ he remained with the others. _ A volley from the Outlaw Police killed the horse ridden by the boy. © Instantly he leaped upon the other, id Buffalo Bill .. secured the valuable carpetbag. Soon after another me ee down the other pack horse. “Mount behind me, my hor! Now we will run for it,” ,and, with the boy and the value- “package, Buffalo Bill dashed ahead. But, the weight and the pace were too much, even for his splendid horse, and at the bend in the trail, halfway up the ridge, the pony rider turned at bay. P Ie'was then he arranged for the flight of the boy on his horse, carrying the booty, while “he held the road agents in check, to insure the lad’s escape. Of course, he took big chances of Scaping himself, but that was his. way. Just then the ery of Monk Morell was heard, aad the Overland men came on the run to the rescue. The boy and the value-package had not been captured on Alf Slade’s division ; so as Bill and Monk Morell Po CHAPTER XVIIL A WARNING DEFIED. The outlaws’ chase of Buffalo Bill was s quickly t turned into a flight for life on their part. Gail Gordon sent his men -in pursuit, and a hot, run- ning fight - was the result, in which Buffalo Bill and Harry “Mysterious Kid,” as Monk Morell called ‘ him,. also joined. : The result was that a couple as the outlaws were dropped from their saddles, and their bodies were carried _ | back to the station, as ‘night was Foruing on. and that - would-put an end to the pursuit. Upon the arrival.of the par ty, at Gordon’: S. camp, it was found that the stage which went out on the arrival of the one from the eastaard had. started on time, so that - Harry Harman, who. said that he was going still farther westward, had. to waitin the camps until “the next de-. parture, which would not be for three days. The bag of valuables would also have to ‘go ¢ on the same _ coach, but Gail Gordon. expected, no farther onset either e to it.or to the youth.. Mont. ‘Morell was to start on his retire ‘the next after-): noon,’ when the westward coach tame in, and Buffalo ~ , Bill was to accompany him, as. it was now known in “| Gordon’s - camp that he had been the ‘special detail to The pony rider said no more, and they pushed ¢ on. n their! guard the coach coming in. Harry Harman clung close to the pony rider and i _. driver tntil the time of their departure, and bade them I hear horses crossing the stream over. under in good-by with. regret: “T won't forget what you told me; Mr. Cody?) he oo “Don’t! I wall be ready if ever you need my aid,’ eres “plied Buffalo Bill. “1 wish to ask you, sir, a question.” . “Certainty.” “Do you know the Pink Cliffs?” “Ves, very well.” “Where are they 2” ae he added: Overland trail, under Baa. ' dark varie “THE BUFFALO) ie ‘ ‘Tapcaty miles westward of this station,” |. “What are they?” “A ridge of stone cliffs, ‘pink | in een? ae aS “Noone there?” x “No, indeed ; but the first relay out of here i is. five malless : this side. ee ye ce fi “Ts there’ a canyon ee ra “Yes; it breaks into the Pink Cliffs wha tieiy center.” Vou seem to know them well, sir.’ _ “IT rede Pony Express on the.run.from here westward 4 before I did on Alf Slade’s present division, and the out- laws kept me flanking the trail all the time. But, little _ -pard, what do you know about the Pink Chita y |. oe was the evasive reply, and Qe “T had heard of them, Sti) “T thought they were on Ali Slade’s line.” |. _ “They were once, for he then had the whole line ; but, it was too much for one division.” — - Buffalo Bill wished to question the lad further, but | Harry®turned away to bid Monk Morell good- by, as the driver was mounting his box. Buffalo Bill sprang upon the box with Monk, left his well-trained horse to follow, and, with a wave of good-by to the youth, the driver and pony rider were off on their return east. At the spot where the first -hold up had occurred the coach arrived at sunset, and Morell drew rein, for, right in the center of the trail, was a rude gallows! Upon this was stuck a slip of paper, and, dismounting from the coach, Buffalo Bill called out: “T isten to this, Monk! ie “Hire away!’ cleverly sketched, were a skull and crossbones, and be- neath a gr ave, the headboard of which bore the words: ae “In Memory. eo Hote se ee + “BUFFALO. BILE sCODY,. “Pony Rider of the Over land: Trail. “Hanged by the Pony Police, r Then followed, Buffalo Bill reading it aloud: ea : “WARNING! p “Ts on sauncd eh, " uty or nted the Free’ Loxe of ne Ovell land from ‘getting that for which they Aare, sacrific ced honor and risked He ee “By order of THR: PONY POL ICE, ay i Trail. BS ahah ee proper -as a card to a funeral.” a “They I have’ Botton: it up in gt Z # "so. catch them io trap,” fos Wes: wn drivers and pony riders that they might catch it ; “but, : they are: impatient. of any Uperer ener, to say too much.” rather, ee a Cody.” BILL STORIES. oes aon t Loe very Sade seacen a “No. . But they mean business, Monk, ae es - “Business if they can Be you—yes.” That is suet it” “What are you going to do?” ae “T shall leave the gallows standing, ae eon ae Warning as a souvenir; but it is polite. to answer a com- munication, so I will do so. Taking a pencil and a leaf irom his. scratch | book, Buf- alo Bill wrote : PR a ear of “The warning af fe Pony Police He and considered. I shall not be dtiven off the’ Overland. trail. « 5 OW. B. CODY—BUFFALO. BULL: . o Pony Rider, Overland Trail, ae Tins Aen stuck Oren) the gallows, the coach rolled on. its way . CHAPTER: i a CAPTURED. ue. on the box with Monk Morell; his horse oe ing close behind the coach, Buffalo Bill’s eyes and ears were on the alert for any danger that might bar the trail Pes to Slade’s Ranch. \ “It. was a pity, Monk, that Gail Gordon did not get in the rear of the outlaws, w hen they had me covralled: and the pony rider observed. mo “Yes, but we were so fearful you might go under that It was a warning, written in red ink, and above it, very : we pushed right ahead. To save you was the first thing. - But, they got a setback, at least, and their warning to you shows how mad they are’ = Yes, they are in no good. nto at the loss oF the _ “By striking somewhere on Corton’ Suiiet ae I put the boss on his guard, and warned the EOL. did not: ‘care “No, but we. did our work all ri; cht on s tade’s Ss. line, Of, ‘ouch, Moni. and ath you on, aye m your share of the honor.” 1odest, Bill, in asserting your own “Vou ate always” | ie but, tell me, have yan discovered any ything ‘more about: that boy?) ge Only that he knows how. to. ee ims secret, cvaliareeer , it is, and is a youth who has séen a great deal, oe he oe don’ t scare a little bit.” “He is a remarkable boy. 1 was in» hopes tha at he oo tell you more about himself.” Only that he was reared on a ranch in Tes | OW aoe tae mother now is, and that he did not know whether hts father was dead. or alive. hoy and the booty, and 1 only hope they vn not still “thy to get both.” ’ ot ae “He asked me about the Pink Clits. ey sever ey) aoe questions which showed he had heard something about this part of the country... My idea is that it. in vat the’ oe he imtends to leave the trail’ = “Well, Gail: Gordon will know: Foal he even aes ward! fond. his camp, and send word. to: Clue Slade, so we shall hear.” ‘THE BUFFALO “Doubtless; and I only hope we will not hear of his capture,” replied Buffalo Bill. : ‘ Thus the two friends talked on through the night, and in good time the coach rolled up to the cabin quarters at Slade’s Ranch. Alf greeted them in his usual way, but was surprised to see Buffalo Bill come back upon the coach. He was not long in learning the whole story, however, told by both the pony rider and Morell, and was glad to feel that the youth and the value-package had arrived at Gail Gordon’s camp in safety. ts “That frees us, and I hope Gordon will meet with the same good luck. “7 ve “But, then, he has not Buffalo Bill and Monk Morell to help him out, and I must tell you both how I appreciate ~ the valuable services you have rendered.” “Boss Gordon has got good men, Mr. Slade, but they do not like to take advice from your people, as I saw when I gave them a hint that the Outlaw Police, I thought, had not given up their purpose of capturing the boy and the booty,” Buffalo Bill remarked. Going to their quarters, the pony rider and the driver both turned in to take the rest they so much needed. For some reason which he kept to himself, Alf Slade did not send Buffalo Bill out in his next turn as pony rider, retaining him at his quarters. tee Lute Ross was recovering from his wound, and Doc Norris told Buffalo Bill that the bullet had not broken the bones, merely splintering one. le The man had urged Slade to let him take his dead brother’s place as clerk, but the boss had declined, saying there was little to be done, and Pony Bob would help im whetiever aid was required. 720 a. Alf Slade had noted that Lute was greatly disappointed, for he had said that he would work for nothing, so badly man who had befriended him. ae Gee But the division master was firm, and he smiled grimly at the look of intense disappointment: plainly betrayed by Ross. i oe ae “Now you'll find out, sir, just who the spies were,” Cody had said to him. SRO hae “Yes, Professor Jim was one, I now know well, and his did he feel that his brother had been treacherous to the brother was his ally. “I am watching Lute Ross closely, and as soon as I can put my hand upon him I will do so,” declared Slade, with decision. F a ae “Don’t délay too long, sir, for he is waiting to kill you only until he can arrange to step into your shoes: I feel assured of that, sir,’ and Buffalo Bill turned toward a horseman who just then came dashing up at full speed, “It is a special pony rider from Gordon’s, camp, sir,” he called out. — Bhs ere i Oey _ The pony rider drew rein, leaped from his saddle, and handed Alf Slade a letter. Ok so Fa ake Opening it, he glanced quickly over the contents, and asked ic:c3.. eo ee “Do you know what this note says, my man?” ».. “Boss. Gordon. told me to push through at lightning speed, sir, and get here before Buffalo Bill went. east- ward on his ride, for this is his day. .He wants him to _ see what can be done to get back the boy and the value- — © BILL STORIES. 19 package, for they are gone. answered the pony rider. Turning to Buffalo Bill, Alf Slade said: “The Outlaw Police got both the boy and the bag of valuables, Cody. a _. They were captured near Pink Cliffs, and Gordon wishes me to send you to him at once.” oe “Iam ready, sir, or will be in ten m prompt reply. — That’s about all I know, sir,” inutes,’ was the CHAPTER XK. THE DRIVER'S REPORT. | Buffalo Bill and Alf Slade were closeted together for half an hour after the arrival of the pony rider special from Gordon’s camp. Ss The letter to Slade stated that Driver Benson’s coach, carrying the mysterious youth and the value-package, had been held up by Goldgrip and half a dozen of his Pony Police right at the canyon entrance to the Pink Clits. .# The boy had been taken, and the carpetbag of valuables also. Driver Benson had ‘been wounded, and the out- laws, supposing him to be dead, had left him lying by his coach; but Benson had crawled up to his box and driven back to the camp, reporting what had happened. _ Gail Gordon had then made the request that Alf Slade would send Buffalo’ Bill to him, as he believed, if the out- laws could be tracked, Cody was the ofie to do it. “Now, Bill, I don’t tell you. to go, for we are not re- sponsible, as it was Gordon's line that the robbery was done upon, and the kidnaping of the boy also. “But if you wish to go and help them out, I am willing, for I believe you are the only man who can be of service, and more, if you can recover the boy and the booty, it will be a great thing for the Overland Company, and you will not be forgotten.” . ° “I rather like the idea of trying to track those fellows down, so will go, sir, at once.” “Fit yourself out well, and start when you please. “I will not write Gordon, but your going will satisfy him, and you can tell him how I feel about his mis- fortune.” ee See Sh wall sin a Se ao “But as these fellows got the boy, after all we did to. ~ prevent, I am determined to turn the tables upon them, if it can be done. ni ; “There is no time limit to my stay, I. hope, sir.” None...) oe Oa “Take your own time, and you are your own master.” In company with the pony’rider messenger, Buffalo Bill started for Gordon’s camp, arriving there just twenty hours after the hold up of Driver Benson’s coach. He was warmly welcomed by Gail Gordon, who said: | “Buffalo Bill, I should have taken your advice. “I did not, and you know the result, so I humble my pride by asking you to do what you can for me to re- cover that bag of valuables and the boy.” ee “T will, Mr. Gordon. ae “But is Benson much hurt?’ ae “He has two woutids, one in the side and another in the head... -. “Both looked fatal to the outlaws, but Bertson played ‘possum on them, and so escaped with his life.” Ae oe (| (HE BUNEALO the can talk?” “Oh, yes. a) “Twill go and see him.” Driver Benson was fund in his cabin, Cwbunded: but not as seriously as he had feared. “Say, pard, if it will not worry you, I would like to hear | what you have to tell about your hold up.’ “T'll tell you just what happened, Pard Bill, and I thought of you when they bounced me, and how you had told me I’d better let the boy and the money go through on horseback and flank the trail.” ‘““They struck you at the Pink Cliffs?” “Ves, the boy was talking with me, as we drove alone, when all of a sudden came a cry to. halt. “JT didn’t see any one, so took the chances of bolting by, but then came a half dozen shots, and I fell off the box. “The boy grasped the reins, for I was playing ’ possum as I lay on the ground, fearing they would shoot me again, and what they had given me hurt, I can tell you.’ ‘Did the boy check the team : ? Vee: “He put the brake on, reined up, and called out to | know what was wanted.” “He was plucky.” “You bet he was. “They don’t make no pluckier kids.” “And thea?” “Out rode Goldgrip and half a dozen of his Pony Po- lice, called to the boy to come down off the box, all cover- ing him with their rifles.” “He obeyed ?”’ “There was nothing else for bine to one. Pard Bill. “They had a led horse for him, and the leader searched the coach and got that bag of deviltry they call go and off they went, leaving me lying in the trail.” ~ “They believed you dead: ee “Vou bet they did, and I helped them to. think so, tae I was doing mighty little Pe while a were | there.’ “They: appeared in a hurry § o “Indeed, yes. BILL STORIES. “T have not done so; but that boy was talking about the Pink Cliffs, and asking all kinds of questions about them, and I was the only one fired at, or the boy would have been hit, too. “It looks strange, Pard Bill.” “Very,” was the response of Buffalo Bill, and he was evidently puzzled. CHAPTER XXL. ASTRAY ViB EDO R. “I prefer to go alone, sir, and take my own way, and _ time, so if | am gone longer than you think I should, do not be anxious, for I] am going to run down that gang.’ So said Buffalo Bill to Gail Gordon, and so the next stage back to Slade’s Ranch carried a letter to Chiet Slade, telling the full situation and just what he, Pony Rider Cody, intended to do, “Do just as you please, Cody, for I will not ere was Gail Gordon’s response. It was night when Buffalo Bill left the camp, and he was supposed to start on his return to Slade’s Ranch. Instead, he rode a mile on the trail, then found a pony rider waiting for him with a pack animal most liberally supplied with provisions and a camp outfit. Securing the horse, Buffalo Bill took a trail to the left, flanking the camps, and held on for several hours, when he went into camp. He was up at da had breakfast, and, mounting, rode directly to the canyon at the Pink Cliffs. The scene of the hold up was looked over carefully, and then the tracks of the outlaws’ horses leading from there. _ Buffalo Bill counted the tracks of eight horses. “Benson said that Goldgrip had six men with him, and there was a led horse for the boy, so that accounts for They seemed to fear s Pony Riders’ Patrol coming ie ~ upon them.” “Which way did they go! er “Up the Pink Cliffs Canyon, and ata ranle 17 “Were they masked ?” “All of them.” ee “Well, Pard Benson, I will see what can be done, though it looks like a gone boy and booty.” “You bet, and, Pard Bill, let me say right here, ee boy, looked as ey it was just what he wanted, AO, De captured.” = LOS yor mean it?” asked Buffalo Bill, in surprise. a do.’ BSE eS thee K “Why 503 p?. eae ; “Well, he seemed anxious to go. “Remember, he mouent I was dead.” AV ag.” DP taay 7 ' “And he just got oe that box, mounted the-led horse, and rode off with the chief same as if he wanted to go.” E fYou surprise me, et ee do not speak of ee to any one, \ ® the eight tracks,” said Buffalo Bill. Through the Pink Cliffs Canyon the trail led, and the pony rider saw that Goldgrip had been riding rapidly. _ After several miles the canyon entered a large valley, and here every track but two went in a separate way: They branched off in every direction. Staking out his pack horse, Buffalo Bill rode his other animal, and followed: the tracks leading to the right, They were of two horses, the oy trail that had more - than the tracks of one horse. “Goldgrip and the boy account for them,” muttered : Buffalo Bill. mi He followed them several miles, and lost them where they entered a stream. Back to the starting point he went, and Hen took the Pest track. This one also he followed to the stream. Then two others.were followed, and night was at hand. - Camping for the night, he was up at “dawn, and once more began to follow the trails. It was evening when he had followed the tage one to where it also entered the stream, but did not reappear, the same as the others. Again he camped until the next day, and then started down the stream. He went many miles, but no tracks had coine out on _ that side. ea Crossing, he went back up the bank and: reached Me point opposite his camp of the night before, and just at sunset. patient as an Indian, as determined as death. With the dawn he followed up the stream.. i Again he camped. He was as untiring as a. hound. as) ' For miles he went, and at last came to where the be was stony, and no trail would have been visible there. Back on the other side he went. But no track of where the outlaws had ae the water could be found. The pony rider knew that they had left it at the stony soil, and as there was a valley there, covered with lava, no track could be seen, The outlaws had most surely covered up their: trail. But not discouraged, Buffalo Bill went into camp for the night. a: When he awoke in the morning, he was surprised to find a strange horse feeding near “his two. At once he went toward the animal. os The bridle reins were broken off close to the. bit, the stake rope was dragging, and the end was worn off, show- ing that it had dragged many a mile. The horse allowed himself to be caught without diffi- culty, and when he had taken off the saddle, Buffalo Bill began to muse. “That is an old and. well-used saddle. a Texas saddle and bridle, and Heke are of Texan make. “The blanket beneath the saddle is an old ees Serape, / ‘Where is the rider, I wonders. “T will see if the Horse can find him.” gave the animal the rein. toward the mountains. “Ho, as..that: so? “You live up that way, do you? . “Well, I'll let you go, for perhaps if you cannot tall you can. tell some. secret by your actions. “Tl follow your lead, good horse.’ | .. And all through the day Bufialo Bill asedh the stray ; Horse to ee free rein, to act as guide. “CHAPTER XXII. ES TOR OAUN SG By Gee TS When night came on Buffalo Bill found a good camp-. ingyplace (| The stray horse led him to it. There were signs there that others had ao the same place to camp, and not very long before. The ashes of their camp-fire were yet fresh, and there were tracks about of five unshod horses. . The horse guide was also unshod, and his hoofs had” surely made one of the tracks about the camp. |: 5 were they, the pony rider wondered. He was sure that. they were not outlaws, THE BUFFALO BILL STORIES. “It does not belong to an outlaw, for they do not use After having his breakfast, Buffalo: Bill put his own. _ saddle and bridle upon the stray horse, and, Taper: a THe started off without hesitation, went along at a” brisk walk, and, reaching the bead of the valley, turned : Who were those that had camped there. and where | No tracks had been revealed that day in the fae soil traveled over, but the horse had gone on Hee AUREL and as though he hada definite destination in view. He would. doubtless travel in the same way pen tie ; morrow. But it was a dangerous country to go into, Buna Bill well knew. ‘There was no. camp or co emient in hae direction that. he had ever heard of, and Indians were the only ones the pony rider expected to come upon, unless the horse led. him to some place where white men dwelt. Could it be that some of the missing parties that had : invaded that country and never been heard of did dwell there 2 Then where was the oe of that stray ae Had he gone to the Overland trail, caught a coach, and turned the ‘animal loose? ‘There cwere. others with him, for there were the Packs of five unshod horses about. “T will give the horse his way, come what will,” said Buffalo Bill, He staked out the horses, built a Bie. and turned in. Nothing disturbed his slumbers until dawn, when a_ deer came curiously up to camp, and furnished the pony tider with some good steaks. ~ Again mounting the stray horse, as before, Buffalo Bill gave him his rein, and away he went at the same swinging walk. ' The pony rider’ was in a. quandary. But he would see the matter through Tle had lost the trail of the outlaws, and what had be- “come of the’ boy one wag ae -package he could only SOUESS 0 Fate ‘seemed to have led him to take that way, and he. would go to the‘end of the trail. The country grew wild in the extreme as he advanced, but the horse never swérved, and kept on as though he knew just where he was going. Toward noon Buffalo Bill entered the mountains, ee horse turned up a valley, and half an hour after, to the | surprise of the pony rider, a cabin appeared in sight, Buffalo Bill halted and ¢ eazed about him. He was in a beautiful valley, near its head, and there was the cabin, half a mile from him... “It stood at the head of the valley, upon a ‘tise. Riding on, and prepared to meet friend or foe, Buffalo, Bil advanced to the cabin. ~The doors and shutters were closed. Ott Aas a strangely comfortable place to. find in that | wild land. Built of hewn logs, ye abn was one of two oF rooms, and had.a shed piazza running across the front. Boarding had been Split out of logs, in place of being, : : sawed, and altogether the cabin was as good a one as Slade’ s Ranch could boast of having, | a The horse stopped before the door, and Buffalo Bill. called out : “Hello!” _ But he called i ihe yain. No answer was returned. , ooo he knocked at the door. There was no response. THE BUFFALO 22 One fact impressed him, and that was a number of coyotes hovering about the place. The door did not yield to his push. It was bolted within. With some difficulty one of the seen: shutters was re- moved. It was an outer one, fo afl inner one still blocked the ~ view. This was forced in, and the pony rider started back at the overwhelming odor that greeted him, “The owner of this cabin in dead,” he cried, and he sprang into the window he had opened and quickly un- bolting the door, threw it open. The light streamed in and revealed a strange and startling sight. Two men lay dead upon the floor, clasped in each other’s arms, and each held a knife in his right hand, that was buried to the hilt in the body of the other. They were bearded, long-haired, rough-looking men, clad in worn miners’ garb, and they had evidently been dead for days. The bolted cabin showed that they had killed each other. ‘The cause was upon a table in the cabin, while an open trap in the floor revealed that it had been a fight for gold. Upon the table, upon the floor, and in the open trap — was gold scattered about in quantities, just as it had been mined. CHAPTER XXIIL THE MYSTERIOUS CABIN. Buffalo Bill was astounded at what he beheld. He quickly went outside into the fresh air, and there . stood musing. ' The horse had led him upon a fearful secret. But there was yet much te discover. Here was a cabin of gold miners. Two of them lay dead, with closed doors, and had killed each other. There were certainly others that had fo there and. gone, for that stray horse had been ridden from the cabin by some one. The mystery was to be solved. But first, the dead were to be buried. Picks and shovels were found, and a grave was soon dug not far off. The two bodies, grasped in a death clutch, could not be torn apart, so they were rolled in a blanket, and thus buried. The door and windows were left wide open, a large fire built in each room of the cabin, to thoroughly air it, and Buffalo Bill slept out of doors. . _ There was fine grazing for the horses nearby, a stream ran near the cabin, and there was every evidence of com- fort, and that the eaters had been there for several years. Investigating the cabin and surroundings the next morning, Buffalo Bill found indications that at least five men had dwelt there. This was evident in many ways, and the trap in the floor of the cabin revealed five separate bags of gold, in- particles of smallest size to nuggets the ‘size of a pigeon. ~€88. BILL STORIES. The miners had evidently been engaged in placer min- ing, though some little had been dug, as it showed. Calculating the amount, Buffalo Bill concluded that there must be a gol fortune for one man, but small ones, if divided among five men. “This has caused the trouble, I guess. “One or two men wanted it all.” - Provisions were at a low ebb, and this caused Buffalo © Bill to believe that the men ee had ete to the Overland trail had started after supplies. From finding the strange horse as he had, Buffalo Bill came to the conclusion that the men who had left the -cabin had come to grief. “TE all did not fall by the wayside, they will come back here without fail, so here I shall remain on watch. “These two dead men evidently meant to skip off with the gold, or one did, they quarrele d, and killed each other. “That is the way I read the signs here,” said the pony rider. “Whoever left here, if not dead, will return, so my duty is plain, though I do not like giving up the trail I started out upon. “Now I think of it, I believe that the boy is in some way connected with this outfit, “The trail led straight to the Pink Cliffs Canyon. “That is where he was interested, certainly, and where, I was sure, he meant to leave the coach. “Three men are missing from this cabin, as I make it ” out, and they must have gone there to meet the boy. “Tt seems so to me, the more I think it over. “But the outlaws were there, and they got the boy. “Could they have met the men from here, had a pert - with them, and killed them? “That stray horse would indicate that they aid “Tf so, will not the outlaws come on the hunt for this cabin, to get the gold? Tf they know of it, by meeting the miners, a is my belief that they will. “Yes, come who may, I shall remain here and see what turns up. zk shall keep ay lonely vigil and take the conse- quences.” Thus deciding, Buffalo Bill determined to make him- self at home. ‘There was a small corral where the fotsce contd be kept at night, and here he decided to place them, letting them feed by day. The nights were cool, so he took possession of the cabin. But, outside of this, he knew that it would be a good fort, in case of attack; i in fact, he called it ‘Fort Death.” His own provisions he knew would last him for a month, and he had no fear of starving to death, and there were enough found in the cabin to supply him for two weeks more. This caused him to feel that the two dead men had had no fear of starving to death, as some one had doubtless gone after provisions before the winter set in, it being. then September. All things considered, Buffalo Bill decided to remain. The cabin was comfortable, some one had manufactured several easy-chairs, a hammock made of rope hung out on the piazza, and there were old mage and books found on a shelf to entertain him jgiees TH a BUFF ALO He tad foand a spyelies | in-the able ah spent a ereat — daar of his time in surveying the valley through it. \ any rider’s lone re began. CHAPTER CRI ‘A QUEER CUSTOMER. Days passed away, and the lone vigil still continued. Buffalo Bill found time hung heavy upon his hands, yet he still had abiding faith in the return of some one to the lone cabin. — At times he thought i would bury the gold and re- ' turn, for he felt anxious about the fate of Har ry Harman, and to see if the Pony Police could not be tracked to their doom... One day, on the last day of the third week of his stay, he was seated on the little piazza, spyglass in hand, when his eyes suddenly fell upon a visitor approaching. Leveling his spyglass, he saw that’ it was a man in black, mounted upon a white horse. As he drew nearer, to his surprise he discovered that the horseman was certainly out of place in that country. _ He would not have been surprised to see such a horse- * man in the country in the East, but out in the Wild West, i certainly looked out of place. The horse was a splendid animal, and was well bridled i ad saddled, but not with the equipments seen on the & border. The man was dressed in black from head to foot, wore a white cravat, and his coat had-a clerical cut, while his head was “covered with a white: stovepipe hat, encircled by a wide band of crepe... The clothes, hat and shoes” were all much worn, and to add to his’ strange epee the man wore black gloves, If he was armed. he. did: not reveal. ne fact, and his _ face was not one to wit with one who made the study of f mankind a busi : i: Rising as the que rlooking individual came up to the | cabin, Buffalo Billscried, as he suddenly recalled his face: j “By Heaven, but you are the Dead Shot Parson!” e . The man had the sleek mien of one who made it a trade | to deceive; but at the recognition of him by Buffalo Bill, S his face turned pale, the smooth: smile faded, and he. dropped his reins, and his hand went toward his hip. “Hold on, parson, or Pll send you climbing the golden B @6 stairs. ina second!” and the pony rider had” the man cov- | eredin a second. | “Why, you are my old friend, Buffalo Bill.” D bakevour hand off of your hip! me bee 1S “oft, 39 ; 7 " Clasp your rede in ‘front of you, now.’ Ott ie. done é “But, ard Pony Rides we are friends. be | “This no such thing, for T could never tolerate you, as” ing gotten rid of you.’ | So, no; le? aod “What are you doing heres a am doing my duty; as a 2 saver a souls, and——” “Ouit that cant. mus . here do you live: * Game was plentiful, wood close at hand, and so. the you know, and | have cong ratulated ibe camps upon hav- BILL STORIES. ae bere oes ae calle Me ae . “See here, parson, I don’t trust you a ittle he and as you have walked into me trap, I shall hold yon ‘Hands up ls. The man hesitated, then saw that the pony rider was. not to be trifled with, and raised his hands above his head. Taking his lariat off of the floor where it lay, Buffalo Bill threw the noosé over the upraised arms, drew it taut, and soon had the man firmly secured. “You will repent this, Buifalo Bill.” “Tl take all chances. “I always felt that you were a fraud, and when you left the pony camps thought we had got rid of you cheap, though you did steal all the money the boys had. ie tracked you then, but a rain saved you, for the boys — intended to hang you. “Now, don’t pretend piety to me, for you are as great a scamp as lives, and simply wear the garb of a parson to serve the few the better,” He had tied his prisoner to one of the posts upholding » the shed, and then began to search him. The man resisted this savagely, but Buffalé Bill’s giant | strength conquered, and he soon had piled up on the ‘floor er a belt with three revolvers, a bowie knife, lariat, belt of gold, leather case containing papers, and numerous other things, several of which the pony rider gazed at curi- ously, one in particular, for it was a black mask. Upon the saddle were a roll of blankets, bag of pro- visions, and another containing a small coffee pot, frying pan, tin cup, and plate, and knife and fork. Hanging to the pommel of the saddle was a rifle, and -altogther the man was well supplied for an outing of days. He wore beetle ae of clothes Beneath his clerical garb, and when Buffalo Bill:saw it he gave a loud whistle, the man turning still more livid in fae In the top, of the high hat was a closely folded slouch, and when the pony rider had finished his search, he said, with a grim smile: “You are a quéer customer, parson; but where I sus- pected you before, | know you now, as—one of the Pony Poltces’ ie CHAPTER XXV. YHA SECRET KNOWN. Buffalo Bill seemed more than satisfied with his cap- ture, He had known the man as an itinerant parson in the camps. He was wont to roam from camp \ camp, and, with a wonderful flow of language, a superb voice, and a genial manner, he won his way with the boys, Dressed in clerical earb, wearing a high hat and with a smooth-shaven face, “he looked the preacher, if he was not ene in reality. But Buffalo Bill had never liked him, and was:wont to | say if he was not then a rascal he was a reformed one. Once he had proposed a match with the parson, and - the result was that the latter beat all the men in camp with revolver and rifle, save Buffalo Bill, who tied him. _ “That man learned the use of weapons as soon as he, learned to pray,” the pony rider said. Hh) 24 The “Dead Shot Parson’ was the name given the man after his success in the shooting match. Buffalo Bill also saw that he was as strong as a giant, and rode a horse like a cowboy. What his name was no one knew. He was simply called “Parson.” But one morning the parson was missing, and then the boys began to miss their money and their valuables. ‘Two of the best horses went with the parson, the stage office was broken into and robbed of some money, the supply store had been raided, and the man had left well Paes for flight and trouble. He had watched his chance, too, and started just when a storm was threatening, so his tracks were soon de- stroyed. But what had brought the parson to the lone cabin was what Buffalo Bill wished to know. Was he one of the dwellers there returning home? With him from the pony ranch Buffalo Bill had brought several pairs of steel manacles. These he soon put on the wrists and ankles of the pris- _ oner, and passing his lariat through them, confined him to a chair. “Now, parson, we'll get better acquainted, for I will nm over your outfit here,” and the pony rider sat down to make a search of the articles found on the prisoner. The buckskin belt of gold contained hundreds in twenty-dollar gold coins, and rings, earrings, breastpins, and studs with diamonds in them. _ There were valuable watches, bracelets, and. other jew- - led me here. - elry, and Buffalo Bill said: | “This is a perfect pawnshop you carry—ah! here is a ring or two I recognize as having belonged to some of the ices. The man said nothing, but looked daggers at his cap- tor, while he wore an anxious expression as well. ‘Opening a leather case, there was found thousands of dollars in paper money and a bundle of papers. One paper and several letters the scout gazed at with, deepest interest. One was a map, neatly drawn, and beneath it was writ- ten a number of lines of instructions: “By Jove, but this is a find, Parson. Olt 4s-a map of the Overland trail between Slade’s Ranch and Gordon’s Camp, and a place marked on it with the words: “ ‘Leave the coach here unless you find a letter for you at Slade’s Ranch giving you instructions to go on to Pink Cliffs Canyon, and in that case remain there in the camp- ing place marked until my arrival.’ _ ‘Parson, you got this from the Mysterious Boy of the Overland, whom you kidnaped from Benson’s coach, for I believe you are none other than oigeriD the chief of the outlaw Pony Police.” “It is a lie!” shouted the prisoner. “Your denial is proof that I am right. “Yes, your figure and all, with the mask and the uni- form under your clerical garb, convinces me that oe are Goldgrip. “You kidnaped that boy, as ieee papers prove, for here is a letter addressed to him 2 a es post office, and another to Slade’s Ranch. “I shall read them.” THE BUFFALO BILL STORIES. This Buffalo Bill did, and then he said: “T see it all now. “Tt is as clear as noonday. “The man who came here was a gold hunter. “He lived in Texas, and left there on account of Rava cial difficulties that led him into a quarrel in which he killed a man who had ruined him. “His wife and son remained upon the ranch, ‘aad they . were allowed to do as best they could. “All sympathized with the fugitive, and the witness of the affray, when dying, confessed that the rancher had | acted only in self-defense. “So he was written to to return home by his faithful wife, but the letters never reached him, as. you have them here. “He wrote to his son to come here and join him, keep- ing all secret, as he might be followed, and sent him a map of the Overland trail, and two stations, and noe to leave it. “A second letter to the boy, addressed to Slad st tion, told him to leave the coach at Pink Cliffs Canyon. “This map and letters to the boy you have here, so took fr om him. “The letter said that the boy should return home with money to pay all debts. “Now I understand the mystery about that boy, and Ee nee that you, getting some of the letters, planned to cap- friends. “T was on your trail, and hunting for the boa and Fate “Iam in great luck so far; but I ask you where a Texan is and where is that boy ?” o “I don’t know,” was the sullen response, CHAPTER XXVI. A SURPRISE, Butialo Bill heard the denial of the prisoner vee per fect calmness. PAL tight: you must suffer the consequences of ‘not knowing, Parson.” “T can tell you nothing.” “See here, Golderip, 1 know that you kidnaped ¢ that boy, for I have seen Benson.” vile is dead.” e “Fe is not, for you only wounded him, and he drove the coach back to Gordon’s. i) “You also got that bag of valuables, and it and the boy must be produced, or their fate known.” “Vl give up both for my freedom and to keep the valu ables and money Iihaver a TNO: Fe betr ay the band of Pony Police also.” “No. “You don't value my life more than alle” “Yes “Why ee ij : You are Goldgrip.” aan Oty: _, You are, for your uniform shows it, as I killed one ~ your men and saw his.” Beh ture that boy, find this cabin, and rob the Texan and his — THE BUFFALO 'Vll do as 1 say for my lite.” “No, I make no terms with’ you.” “Then you'll never get the boy. Q “Vil find him or his grave.’ “You'll never get that bag of booty” tel amay not; but. 17) hane you" <: “And the Pony Police will continue their lawless deeds and drive you from the trail, or kill you, for my death will not affect them.” “I don’t believe that, for I know you are Goldgrip. _ “As for killing me; that I will risk. “But you came here, guided by that map, for Winer Harman made it, so the boy could find it should he miss him at the Overland trail. “You expected to find some -one here, so ae the preacher act. “You found me. “T shall make no terms with you, and I’ i tell you now that I believe Miner Harman and others went to meet the boy, met you and your gang, and were either killed by you or captured. “I shall hide the gold here, start with you at dawn to- morrow for camp, and then lead the Pony Riders’ Patrol on the hunt for your gang, and to find out the fate of the boy and his father. “One of the horses of those miners escaped, and I found him, so he led-me here. ‘s “T ican find the fate of the others, never fear, so don’t trouble yourself to lie any more, and spend your time in preparing to die, for the boys will hang you.’ _ “Say, Buffalo Bill, if you will let me go, with the money T have, I will tell you all.” “Twill not,” was the decided response. : "Determined to keep his prisoner secure, yet make him as comfortable as he could, Buffalo Bill brought him into the cabin. When he returned outside his eyes fell upon a form ap- @ © proaching the cabin. Walking, and with a rifle over his shoulder, a pack on SS his back, the pedestrian came slowly along. Seizing his spyglass, Buffalo Bill leveled it, and at - once started to meet the visitor, calling out excitedly : “That mysterious boy, as I live !” .“Why, you are Buffalo Bill,” said the boy. “Yes, Harry Harman, I am, and more I am out on your trail, for I heard of your capture and——” - “And kept your promise to ae me.’ ae Nes, ; ee “But how did you a here . ns ‘Wi allced. » ; fvou look 70,” and Buffalo Bill gazed with pity upon the haggard face of the boy. “The Pony Police got me, as you know, and I pla yed I wasn’t sorry, for I wished to gain their confidence, and - escaped. iy “That Satan’s own, Captain Goldgrip, took me with him.” “And the carers ce “He took that also, and buried it, and I know. Whee for he didn’t seem to think I would live long, so let me ‘see him. plant it. | ee 4 i Nes f | BILL STORIES. Los “Then he took me to his retreat, robbed me of all I had with me, and in that way learned the way here. “When he got to his retreat Goldgrip found that his men had met three miners, those who were coming to _ meet me, and one of whom was my poor father. “They had killed two of them, but one escaped, and Heaven only knows whether it was my father or not, but he was wounded, and the chances are he will die, or per- ish from starvation. — “After some time in camp, I managed to make my es- cape, and to get off with my blankets and the weapons of the man I killed, and who was guarding me. “My father had told me where to go to camp, and some provisions were cached there, and I had studied the map — and instructions until I knew all by heart. ‘So there I went, got my supplies, and-started on foot for this cabin, where I felt I would find some one. “And here I find you?” “Yes, and I have my story to tell, Harry.” And Buffalo Bill told all, from his starting upon the trail from the Gail Gordon’s Camp, finding the stray horse that guided him to the cabin, and how the pretended parson had arrived, and whom he was sure was Goldgrip. “I can tell, sir, mighty quick. “But you surprise me about those two men, and I. ae pose they were fighting for the gold Te “Yes, that was it, one perhaps being h to protect it. ISS “But did you leave Goldgrip i in camp?” “Yes, and I suppose he put his whole gang on the search for me, and, not knowing I had supplies, thogelt I had perished of hunger and cold.” Be “You look half starved, so come, and I’ll get ee ie . “The food wasn’t very good, for it had gotten wet in the cache, and I do feel tired, for I am not used to walk- ing, and it is a long, hard tramp. “But if 1 only knew thy father’s fate, I would be con-” tent.” “ce “We will find out,” and Buffalo Bill led the way to the cabin, “Here, Goldgrip, is your boy captive come to see you.” “Great God!” Tt was all the man could say. “It is Goldgrip, Mr. Cody,” said the boy,’ CHAPTER XXVIL THE ASSASSIN. | With the atrival of Harry Harman at the cabin, Buffalo Bill changed his mind about leaving the next day. He spent several days there for the boy to hee ae | after his severe tramp. 26. THE BUFFALO aie prisoner fretted and fumed, but i did) no nan, their long trail back. The gold was all safely packed on one of the pack sad- dies, and such things in the cabin as ihe our wished to take were also strapped on. te One of the saddles found there was given to Harry Corata. who was to ride the stray horse that had been Buffalo Bill’s guide, and the prisoner was to ride his own. All being ready, the start was made, the prisoner se-_ : shot, how he had made his escape, but. that the horse had . broken away from him, leaving him afoot. cured to his saddle, and Buffalo Bill led the way ata slow pace, for the pack horses were well laden. ; As by branching off he could reach Alf Slade’ s Ranch — by going very little farther than to Gail Gordon’s, Buffalo Bill headed for that point, timing himself so as to arrive in the night, as he did. Then he put the prisoner quietly into his cabin, with all his traps, left the boy there to watch him, and went over = to Alf Slade’s quarters. As he neared the cabin he saw a man standing at one — side of the door. A moment more another appeared from the direction of the stage office. As he did so the one in the shadow raised his arm, but the trigger of the revolver he held was not pulled; Buffalo Bill was too quick for him, and the arm dropped, the oe - shattered by the pony rider’s bullet. Another moment and the w ould-be assassin was in Buf- - falo Bill’s grip, while Alf Slade rushed forward and said: “He meant to kill me, and you saved me—ha! you are ~ Buttalo Bill!’ : The assassin was Lute Ross, and he was quickly sent under guard to the care of Doc Norris, while Alf Slade . and Buffalo Bill went to the latter’s cabin. - Half an hour after the alarm was sounded, and thr _ crowd instantly collected, for they had just been hangin, Ross. ib expected it,” said’ Slade, ‘and then he explained that the men belonging to the Pony Riders’ Patrol were to’ ‘mount at once, and follow Buffalo. Bill’s lead; and were — to go prepared for a ten day’s trail. Soon after Buffalo Bill with Harry Harman % his side,. rode away in the darkness. at their back, prepared for ay emergency. “CHAPTER XXVIIL. CONCLUSION. The Pony Riders’ Patrol rendered a oe account of themselves, for. they returned to Slade’s Ranch within a week, after a raid upon the retreat of the Pony Police, a owner, A dozen pony riders were BILL STORIES. They. had. several prisoners with Gems cout: account and the pony rider and the youth quietly prepared fon for half a dozen more as dead, che yee nee captured booty and many fine horses. aS : _ What was best of all, there was Sana in las Henry Harman, the Texan miner, who had been captured. by two outlaws, as he was wandering about the country trying to make his way to one of the Overland stations. The meeting of the father and his’ nS boy nes not be ‘dwelt. upon. The former told how his He companions “ied been He had made his way to the cache camp, but found all gone and so had been trying to reach Gail Gordon’s Ww ick captured and taken to the outlaw’s retreat. His four fellow-miners he knew absolldiely nothing about, not even their names, for those who had gone into the mining country with him, had returned long before. He had discovered the mine, the others had come to his cabin and been welcome, but claimed their share. As they were now dead, Henry Harman was the sole He at once ined Buffalo Bill to share with him, but : ‘this the latter firmly refused to permit, and. guided all back to Slade’s Ranch. There the pony riders and others, in spite of Alf Slade’s protest, made short work of Goldgrip and his fellow-pris- oners, and thus ended the career of the Outlaw Pony Po- lice, through Buffalo Bills good work. _ Harry Harman and his father soon after tonte Monk: - Morell’s stage eastward for their home in. Texas, and in later years Buffalo Bill visited the Lone Star State, and there became the guest of Harman’s Ranch, and received ‘a welcome he could never for get. THE_ENI | - Next week’ s issue, No. to4, will contain’ “Buffalo Bil in Disguise - or, The Boy Boomer at Danger. Divide.” There. is a character in this story you are bound to be’ puzzled over. William F rederick is his name, and there is amy stery connected with him you will be elad to solve. The Midnight Miners, a mysterious crowd of Mormon ae at the thought of whose deeds many old fron- tiersmen shudder to this very day, will also be descritcd Then there is Billy Braso, the Boy Boor. young but swift—a regular young tornado. There is also a description of a terrible fig the champion fist fighter ot the West and. am Look out for all this in next week’s issuc. LS le ~ so I shut the door and sat down again. sata minute before | heard another rap. door again, but there was nothing there. think that there was a mystery connected with this house. These first warm spring days lead to dreaming. eae In the spring a young man’s fancy leads to all sorts of adventures. Take advantage of it, and let us know what you are dreaming about, Don’t you want to see your dream published? | ‘Then, write us. x Besides, you may win a prize. For full particulars of contest, see page 31, ‘The Hand in the Box. - (By Max Zimmerman, Holyoke, Mass.) I was traveling in Europe when I came to a small place in Russia. In this place, or village, lived a doctor whose name was Kirchner. Some people thought he was crazy. So I thought I would visit him and see what he looked like. So one day I started to go to his house. The house in which he lived was very large. It had a tower and it was out of the village. At last I reached there and went to the door. I rapped and he came to the door. I,told him I would like to talk to him about different things. So he let me in, and we went into a room which was -full of different things. There he sat down and began to ask me questions, which I answered. - At last he asked me if I would like to work for him. I thought a while and said I would if he would teach me; also. Ee said “Yes.” i _ When night came he showed me my room and while [ was walking up I felt something seize me, but when I ~ looked around I saw nothing, so I went up and went to Sleep. 5 ¢ _ The next night I was reading when I heard a knock at the door. I went and opened it, but saw nothing there, But I had hardly I went to the I began to So I began to search, and at last I found a little box. I Spened it and there I found a hand of a woman, and it wad a bracelet on. I felt the hand and it was warm, so I Ve at it back again and went to my room and went to bed. The next morning I got up and kept at my work q till night. I stayed up late and thought of going to sleep. gold and some pay dirt. I got up from my chair, when all at once I felt a hand seize me and force me to the wall.. It began choking me till I could not breathe, but all at once the hand was gone and I went to the box again and found it was in the same place as before. I was more than.mad. I took the hand, went down to Kirchner and told him if he would not get rid of the hand I would kill him. He took the hand and put some kind of liquid on it, and the hand was there no more. It burned into ashes. I quickly packed up my things and went away, for I didn’t want to stay with such a man. Just as I reached us village | woke up. That’s the queerest dream I ever nad. yok Fight With Robbees. (By Chester H. Kelly, Medicine ‘Bow, Wyo.) I had a very funny dream last night. I thought I was out in Montana with my father. We were hunting for pay dirt and gold. I thought we found two mines of We fetched our provisions with us and some to sell to some of the miners around there. The first night we were there I thought I had been up half of the night selling them goods. But at three o’clock I went to bed and six or eight of the fellows came for goods, but I refused them, saying that I would open up at five o’clock, and then sell them what they wanted. 7 But they would not have it that way. They wanted their goods then. Well, 1 went back to bed and the fel- lows broke our tent down and stole our stuff. We had to run for our lives. me ae fas) Ne all a lie. ex i: while. @ 28 We ran about five miles to get out of their sight, but they fired eight or ten times at us and wounded me in the arm and father in his tight leg, but we finally got away to a village. We bought two, tifles and four re- volvers and went back to the ‘place. We found two fellows there digging the dirt. _ We went to the mouth of the mine and father said, What are you doing down there: ‘One of the fellows said, ‘ ‘We are digging.” Just then I yelled out and said, ‘Well, dig out of there!’ They came up with their revo Ivers in their hands, but found they were covered with weapons. Then they said, “We were digging the dirt for the men that owned the place, who abandoned it this morning.’ But I said, “That is a lie. We did not abandon it.” _... I said, “Because we wouldn’t get up and séll some men » .- some, provisions they broke in our tent and stole them all, and I believe you were some of then.” They said “No, pard, we were not with them;” but I said they were, and they declared up and down that they had not been. with them. So finally they went away. ‘They had gone down to the village and stayed there for about an hour. when I saw six or seven men coming up the road. them had rifles. I called papa up and we got our arms and stood wait- ‘ing for them. Unere were two big rocks right by our - Cave, Or mine, rather, and we stood back of he When _the men came up they fired six times up in the air-with | their rifles. Then we opened fire upon ee and killed iar of them and took two of them prisoners. We learned a good deal from these two fellows. They told us the two men had come down to town and told a big, long yarn about us. All i We soon decided ak to do. With these. fe men. . were going to take them out from. (Comp a little ways and hang them. ‘ Next mor ning | found Ae this. was s nothing ae 2 ea. Findiag a Fortune. . (By M ilton McCormick, ‘Muncie, ‘Ind.) a Heeaiied that. I had been at a friend’ s, spending the evening, and was returning home. On my way [had fo pass through a strip of woods along the banks of a » stream, ° The tight was awtully dark, so “darle that I-could « mot see my hand before me. I was running, wanting to. vget home as quickly as possible. Lool sing around, I spied a small opening in the other side. [ went over to it; aiid, creeping into it, I crept for a little distance, and all at once | came to an apartment lighted by a dozen candies, Looking around, I’saw itt the apartment three iron chests, | all rusty and. looking as if they had been there a long. oe Wi Going over to one of them I raised the lid, and . _to.my amazement, found it full of gold. _~_ others, I saw they. also contained the glittering metal, Lia . wanted. to get it home, but. could not. carry. a be ence. ie thought of a plan. a a: al at: THE BUFFALO. minutes later with a lantern and out horse and wagon, -and I awoke to find that it was my brother who had then started on my journey, when I was suddenly stopped, I just went out to get some water, | We told them that it was. smothering. We : ‘in a while they wotild peep in the room and Say, + shake was at imy face. T had passed about half. i) BA ‘the distance through the woods, when; all at once, I stum- ( pléd and fell down, down, down, and, striking ab: Mast ita) “found myself in an old well. one o'clock. .,, covered my friend.and me with revolvers, so L dace fot go to the drawer for my revolver. Looking imethe | 6. 4 to warn them of the coming robbers, ee mile, BILL STORIES. | Crawling out of the wel iP ran Home, returning. some _ and a sack. I carried the gold in the sack and dumped it into the wagon. When all of it was piled in I could not as myself any longer, and I let out a ‘“Hurrah!” as loud s I could, and started to get into the wagon. Just as I ar my foot on the step something hit me in the face slapped me to wake me up. Imagine my disappointment to awake and find that it was all a dream. A Bottomless Pit, (By Joseph Preston, Manor, Pa.) I went to bed and fell asleep and began to dream, as usual, [ dreamed that I was coming along a dreary- looking road and I thought that I heard something in among the bushes. I stopped and listened a while and and out of the woods came a man. I looked at him for’a while, and then I began to run away, and he. started after me: ' I looked over my shoulder to see if he was coming, and my foot tripped on something, and I fell. Then I be- gan to sink into what seemed to be an endless pit. I tried to catch hold of something, but could not. So down I went. I awoke to find that it was: all a dream. Satan and His Imps. (By Willie Naxon, Carnegie, Pa.). One time I dreamed I was ina hotel. I thought it was on’ fire. I could hear the people crying out, the firemen working. I was in bed: 1 could not move. «f° was Oh, horrors! I could not get my breath. [ thought old Satan was running up and. down the stairs, clapping his hands and saying, “Oh, ho! Dying, are a Good, good, good! Hal ha! ha!” There were a lot of little imps with him. Every once “Good! good! good!” and jab me with their forks. Then they would all yell, “Good! good! good!” Then a snake came out of the blaze. He crawled tip over my feet. Up, up he went. He said, “Good! good! good!” I could not get out of bed. Oh, what horror! J] “could not move, and a He was just going to Hoe ‘me ke n iE ae an awful yell and woke up. eh fy : : STEEL PM A Night of Peril. (By Henry Baruch, New York City. yi i Last night, as it was. very cold, I could not sleep until Then I dreamed that I was out West, where at every three miles was a station. I dreamed that in the one in which I was employed came four burglars, one They hite! rear 1 ORG horse and saddled others. At last they went 2 So.1 telephoned to the railroad dence _.We then grasped our revolvers, saddled the horses, two in number, and rode off and wv “When we came in sight of the fugitive % a a as & tom of the hill the road turned sharply to the right. -as I reached the bend in the road I jumped. easy matter for me to whip the frog. THE BUFFALO - fired and I fired, but was unsuccessful. My friend killed one man. upon trees and left there. Th ie As the, result, we were taken prisoners, hung another man shot at me, but hit the rope and I feil to the ground. I woke up and found that I had fallen out of bed. This was “‘a night of peril” and a true dream. That Horrid Buffalo. (By Clarence Hauslen, Rhinelander, Wis.) One night I took a journey to dreamland. I dreamed that I had received a new gun and I was going to go to a small Western boomtown and shoot buffaloes. I and my companion—I can’t remember his name— were going along on the plain. My companion shot and wounded a big bull. Then the bull came on a run for us and we started to run, but the wounded animal soon had us within reach. I was behind my companion and the bull reached me first. He raised his horns and gave me a bunt that sent me rolling along the ground. Just then I awoke and found myself under the bed with a big bump on my head, which I must have received from the animal. I don’t know what hit me. An Adventure With a Runaway. (By Fred Caventer, Coudersport, Pa.) It was in midwinter one night when I went to bed. 1 soon fell asleep and dreamed that it was the month of July in the summer and that I was out buggy riding. I , was ona steep hill, when the horse was scared at a piece of © white paper which blew across the road. At the bot- Be- Tf the horse The horse started on a run down the hill. low the road there was a river running. could not be stopped before we reached the turn in the road I would be drowned. The horse plunged on and Just as I jumped I awoke to find myself in the middle of the floor. A Duel With the King of Frogs. (By E. R. Ray, Evansville, Ind.) Reading of a duel, I dropped to sleep and dreamed that | was a tadpole, playing in.a pond, and was so proud of my long tail, that [ made fun of the frog king, which was a very dangerous thing to do. I swam from one end of the pool to the other, flipping my tail into every frog's nose | would meet. This made the frog king very angry, and he challenged me to a ce duel. I ‘was so scared at this that I hid under, but was very much encouraged when a young tadpole swam up to ~ me and said, as I was the challenged party, I hada right to the choice of weapons. He advised me to use sticks six inches long, for as frogs always fought with their mouths open, it would be an He told me that when the word was given, for me to run the stick down the frog’s neck and pierce his heart. | = T sent a messenger to the king of frogs accepting his challenge, and informed him as to the weapons. ‘Next day, at sunrise, we met in the middle of the pool, BILL STORIES. 29 where all the frogs and tadpoles were assembled. I was there with my seconds, and had been waiting some min- utes, when a mighty croaking from the frogs ttrned my attention down the’ pool, where the king of frogs was approaching with his seconds. . My seconds and those of the king held a consultation, -and when all was ready we took our places, and in about three seconds, which seemed to me a year, I had dis- patched the king of frogs. The frogs set up such a wailing and moaning at see- ing their admired and beloved leader vanquished by such an insignificant thing as a tadpole, that I became very much frightened and awoke with such a queer feeling that I actually felt myself to see if I really was a tadpole. A Fearful Dream. : (By John Koenes, Kenosha, Wis.) I am a great dreamer, and one night, after reading about murders, I retired. | was not asleep long when I began to dream. I dreamed that while walking a certain street I was seized, bound hand and foot, and a gag put into my mouth. I was taken to an unused house wliich was very hot. It was heated by a large furnace in the cellar. They took me to the door of this furnace after removing the gag. I was to be thrown into the furnace. I let out a yell and awoke and found the room full of smoke. 1 was carried out of the house by my father. I never wish to experience a dream like this again. A Pleasant Dream. (By John Murphy, Elmira, N. Y:) 7” One night I was feeling very tired, so I went to bed very early and I soon went to sleep. That night I dreamed that I was in a dark room, when all at once I’ heard the most beautiful singing that I had ever heard. I lit a candle and looked all around the room and couldn’t see anything but a little hole in the floor. ‘All at once a lot of little men came up from the hole, They sang, and then a little lady, all dressed in white, came up, and they all bowed before her. I at once thought it was their queen. Then two little men brought a piece of wood into the room and placed it on the floor. She waved a wand over it and it became a table, with a lot of eatables on it. Then they brought a lot of pebbles, and she waved her wand over them and they were changed to small chairs. . When they got through eating they sang a song and the queen passed through them and went into the hole, Then I woke up. wasn't airaid. 7 a A Hair-Raising Dream. a Bc (By F. C. Crissey, Windsor, Mo.) ce Recently, having worked hard all day, 1 went to bed very tired indeed. Iwas tunable to go to sleep for a long while, but finally fell into a troubled slumber. I dreamed that 1 was on a hunting trip and was in a hurry to reach my hunting grounds, and cut through a pasture, which held several very vicious bulls. 1 was congratulating It was a nice dream that I had, sol : 30 mysele that I had passed through the worst part of ihe pasture, when I heard an awiul bellowing, and saw two of the fiercest bulls charging me at full speed. I dropped my gun and ran for all | was worth and climbed the rail - fence ahead of one of them. I thought myself safe there, but it seemed to me that one of the bulls tossed several rails aside in a rotten portion of the fence and caused the = remaining rails to fall aside. They seemed to literally have blood in their eyes and came at me without hesitation. I did my best to escape, but could not keep out of their way. They overtook me and knocked me down and gored me. You may be sure that terrible goring awakened me. . 1 was fairly in a cold sweat and thanked my lucky stars that it was a dream only. I don’t wish for a repetition ot that terrible dream in the near future. . va My Snake Dream. (By Marion McClung, Hamilton, Ohio.) Y dreamed one night that I was out in South. Dakota on a deer hunt. I took my repeating carbine, and started out for a.ramble. While I was walking along I came to a cliff.” I got safely down, when I saw.a nest of rattle- snakes. They seemed very friendly toward me, but all at once some road agents jumped out at me, and would have made me prisoner had not the snakes kept them off. I started on again, with the snakes following me. at once a grizzly bear jumped out at me, and killed the snakes, and would have jumped toward me had I not ~ Then I woke up. I dreamed erabbed him by the throat. this on February 21, 1903. A. Dream of Wolves ee (By..A. W. Ellis, Livingston, Mont.) ' February 2d I returned from fishing. I didn’t have any luck, but was tired, and, after’ eating my supper, t retiréd, and this is the dream. hunting, and while walking about in search of game, my attention was suddenly attracted by a loud howl. ’ It was the howl of a pack.. of.wolves...L..soon began. climb. tree, and I had just settled myselt astride of a limb of tt tree when the-pack surrounded «the bottom -of:it! echoed dismally through the woods. and the others were fighting over him. T slipped from the tree and had startea to run away, when. one of the others: saw me and he soon overtook me. me, when I awoke. I was Bled it was 's only a pare ean. h Sad Déeani. ex (By William T. Conway, Philadelphia, Pa.) I saw a special. delivery ‘letter-carrier running at a fast gait from the post office, so he could deliver his important ~ letters. He saw.a trolley. car approaching. Not thinking, mail being .scattered. all over the. Street... brought many people to the scene, and ‘the motorman fell ‘to the: platform of the car from the shock. There was a cop on the corner and he saw the accident and lost no TE BUFFALO BILL STORIES. - not gone far when I heard a terrible roar. All I dreamed. I was. out. PH y eh were gaunt and hungry-looking creatures, and their: howls ~~ T had just shot one,” _ He sprang iipon ~ eo in ringing es ce ambulance and it took both men to the hospital. The next morning, when I read the paper, ‘I saw where a letter-carrier was killed by a car. He answered the same description as the man I dreamed of. - He-was one of the best in Station R. This seems very strange, but it’s true. An Awful Dream. (By George Hoeger, Philadelphia, Pa.) After coming home from a theatre one night I felt very tired and went to bed, soon fell asleep and had an awful dream, which I am about to-relate.. . I dreamed that my father and I were in India, hunting ce tigers. My father had shot ohne and was taking the skin off it. He told me to take my gun with me. I had ~ ‘Turnine, 1 . beheld a tiger flying toward me. Before I could raise a hand’ to defend myself the tiger was upon me. He planted’ one of his forefeet upon my breast, which hurt me very much. I gave a couple of cries for help. I -was just upon the point of fainting, when I heard the cracls of a rifle and the tiger rolled over dead. And it was all | knew. When I came to I found that it was an awiul dream. A Czrtous Dream.: (By *Frank Garrison, Bowling Green, Ky.) : “Help! Murder! Help!” My cries brought Butfalo Bill to the rescue. Two mesked men had entered my room and were just getting ready to stab me when hurried footsteps were heard run- ning along the hall. The two men jumped out of the win- dow and got away just as Colonel coy entered the room. He saw. they had not done any harm, so he told me to dress. When I got dressed we started on the trail. We were anes and had a sharp fight before we killed them. We then turned Indian and scalped them. The troops at eatlie fort had heard of this fight and sent out a comipany i scouts on horseback to find us. ted some Indians around us. Cody and myself gath- “We had a’ ‘fight a the scouts, when. the Indians suddenly turned traitors and bound. us hand and foot, and were burning. us.at the stake when-I woke up and found I had. put my feet.in the fire. “LETTER: FROM A PRIZE WINN ER. F sn FRANCISCO, Cal. February 27, 1903. Des Sir: With very much surprise I have received _ what proved to be one of your first prizes—the camera. I never in the world thought I would be lucky enough tO” get one at-all, end you can: meine my ees ime Te- ceiving one ‘of the first. T-am very much obliged to you. Pie camera is very Mice, indeed, and takes fine pictures. he ran in front-of the ear. and was: mangled to death, his. phe: accident, --Only lately I have received - it, and. being - very bua I never, had a chance to, write to you. _ Thanking you for the very nice prize, and for 4 your kind. ness, [ will say good-by. Remaining, yours truly, R. Vio, "4, | leSeegoegosteczoeze! | it with the accompanying coupon, prop- . Consisting of an A-1 NATIONAL LEAGUE BASE- BALL, a SPALDING LANCEWOOD BAT of the finest quality, and a SPALDING LEAGUE MITT? If You De, Read the Directions Below and Get Into ‘This Contest. TEN BOYS WILL EACH RECEIVE A BALL, BAT AND MITT ae Baseballs are the Spalding Official ee Ball ca ae ively by the National League and by all the college teams. Each ball is. wrapped i in foil and put in a separate box and sealed AL lise in! accordance with the regulations of the National League. @ i a) The Bats are A-1 League Bats. They are the best in the i market, made of the very finest timber of the latest model, and : carefully seasoned for two years. @ OP @ a DP Pe oe oO Q- ‘The Mitts are made-of extra quality asbestos huck, extremely tough a ¢ id durable; well-padded ; lace back; re- infor ced at. thamb with double [} Tow. of stitching on heel pad and a laced. thumb. The very. finest made. a | tl You need one of these Outfits. The Ten Boys who send in: ‘the Best | Stories. in’ this New Contest will gach: receive. a. “Bat, Mitt and Ball. Name. yee ea nae ee sauweds -stvssenme Ally you er to a is to Dremember any “Curious Dream you ever had, write it : ‘in five hundred words, or less, atid send he aa See ee City ot PO ieee Go asaya Se een iy - erly filled. out, to BUFFALO BILL | WEEKLY, care of Street & Smith,» COUPON ‘Title of Story. saenie = 12253 William: Street, ‘New York: City. | THE ONLY STORIES AUTHORIZE! CONTAINING ) by HON. WILLIAM F. CODY (Bu 5 SS 4 7o—Buftalo Bill’s Secret-Camp; or, Trailing the Cloven Hoofs. 71—Buffalo Bill’s Sweepstake; or, Hunting the Paradise Gold Mine. 72—Buffalo Bill and the Black Heart Desperado; or, The Wipe-Out at Last Chance, 73—Buffalo Bill’s Death Charm; or, The Lady in Velvet. 74—Buffalo Bill’s Desperate Strategy; or, The Mystery of the Cliff. 75—-Buffalo Bill and the Black Mask: or, The Raffle of Death. 76—Buffalo Bill’s Road Agent Round-Up 7 Or father Pete's Revenge 77—-Buffalo Bill and the Renegade Queen; or, Deadly Hand’s Strange Duel. 78—Buffalo Bill’s Buckskin Band; or, Forcing the Redskins to the Wall. 79—Buffalo Bill’s Decoy Boys; or, The Death Rivals of the Big Horn. 80—Buffalo Bill’s Sure Shots; or, Buck Dawson’s Big Draw. 8i—Buffalo Bill’s Texan Team; or, The Dog Detective. : 82—Buffalo Bills Water Trail; or, Foiling the Mexican Bandit. 83—Buffalo Bill’s Hard Night’s Work; or, Captain Coolhand’s Kidnaping Plot. 84—Buffalo Bill and the Scout Miner; or, The Mounted Sharps of the Overland, 85—Buffalo Bill’s Single-Handed Game; or, Nipping Outlawry in the Bud. 86—Buffalo Bill and the Lost Miners; or, Hemmed in by Redskins. 87—Buffalo Bill’s Tenderfoot Pards; or, The Boys in Black. 68—Buffalo Biil and the Man in Blue; or, The Volunteer Vigilantes of Silver Thread City. ° 89—Buffalo Bill and the Outcasts of Vellow Dust City; or, Fighting for Life in the Blizzard. 9o—Buffalo Bill’s Crippled Crew; or, Sunflower Sam of Shasta. ~ gi—Buffalo Bill and the Boy Scout; or, The Tenderfoot Tramper of the Overland. 92—Buffalo Bill’s Young Double; or, A Yankee Boy in the Wild West. 93—Buffalo Bill and the Silent Slayers; or, The Arizona Crack Shot. 94—Buffalo Bill’s Water-Gauntlet; or, The Mystery-Man’s Talisman. 95—Buffalo Bill's Gallant Stand; or, The Indian’s Last Victory. 96-—Buffalo_ Bill and the Black Mustane: or, Dick Dearborn’s Death Ride. 97—Buffalo Bill’s Tough Tussle; or, The Mystery of the Renegade Hermit. 98—Buffalo Bill’s Rush-Ride; or, Sure-Shot, the High- Flyer. 99—Buffalo Bill and the haute Soldier; or, Little Sure-Shot’s Lone Trail. 100—Buffalo Bill’s Leap for Life; or, The White Death of Beaver Wash. 101—Buffalo Bill and the Dead-Shot Rangers; or, The Prairie Outlaw at Bay. 102—Buffalo Bill in Dead Man’s Swamp; or, Trailing the Red Man Hunters. All of the above numbers always on hand. ff you cannot at ee them fou your newsdealer, five cents a copy will bring them to you by mail, postpaid. STREET & SMITH, Publishers, 238 yen) Street, a York. Fei 5 : ne That's what a man says when he feels rather : doubtful about, the truth of a. story he has heard. Ee means that. he has had experience and cant be fooled E NO BOY IN THIS COUNTRY CAN SAY THAT IN REGARD TO THE CONTAINING STORIES OF — +, The Great Missouri Outlaw f IT HAS PROVED ITSELF THE BEST WEEKLY OF ITS KIND IN THE WORLD. tae. _W. B. Lawson, who writes the stories of the life of a the great outlaw, is probably the only man in America to- > day who is acquainted with the inside history of Jesse % James and his band. ree | , fF ; country has” et * Jesse James was one of the most remarkable :men this ever produced—a Missourian from sombrero to spur, aud the Jesse James Weekly is the only publication giving a true portrayal of his real nature. Do You Wanta Pair of Boxing Gloves ?| Read the Jesse James Weekly and find out how you can get a pair free of charge. 4 Bs Copies of the Jesse James Weekly may be purchased fer Se. fromall bercdoalers or from e STREET & SMITH, 238 William Street, New York] oe