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A WEEKLY PUBLICATION
DEVOTED TO BORDER HISTORY

 

 

 

 

Issued Weekly. By Subscription $2.50 per year. Entered as Second Class Matter at the N. VY. Pest Office, by STREET & SMITH, 238 William St., N. Y.
Entered according to Act of Congress tn the year 1905, tn the Office of the Librartan of Congress, Washington, TBS SS

 

ae Ree

OL ae Gite

————

 

ee 207.

NEW YORK, April 209,

1905. Price Five Cents.

 

Solving the Mystery of Robber’s Rock.

 

By the author of “BUFFALO BILL.”

 

CHAPTER 1.
BUFFALO BILL FINDS ROBBERS ROCK.
It was midday on the plains.

_ The herds of cattle had forsaken their feeding ground
and betaken themselves to the distant hills.

There was not sufficient air to stir the alfalfa grass,
which was breast high in places.
One solitary rock was visible.

It was a large rock, covering, perhaps, five hundred

“square feet, and it rose to a uniform height of some forty

feet above the grass.

Two figures were visible upon’ this desolate scene.

They were horsemen, a white man and an Indian.

The white man made a striking picture even without
the redskin, but together they were worth looking at sev-
eral times, as such a pair was seldom seen, even in the
shadow of the Rockies.

The white man was six feet tall and wore his hair flow-
ing over his shoulders.

He was fantastically dressed in khaki, a yellowish ma-
terial suitable for hot climates, and wore a broad-brimmed
hat ornamented with eagle feathers.

_ There were high, riding boots on his feet, and a bril-
liantly polished hunting belt encircled his waist.

In this belt could be seen two silver-mounted revolvers
and the handle of a knife carved in ebony.

The man was riding a milk-white horse of unusual size.

There was no mistaking either man or horse, if one :

were familiar with the history of the Western country.

The man was William F. Cody, known the world over
as Buffalo Bill, the famous scout and Indian trailer.”

The horse’s name was Charlie.

He was the same horse who was known to patrons of
the Wild West Show a few years later as Old Charlie.

The horse was famous for his intelligence, and one of
his best-known feats was to leave an audience backward,
bowing to applause the same as his master.

The Indian was a Sioux guide,

&

 
THE BUFFALO

His name was Black Feather.

‘He rede a coal-black horse, and was dressed in his na-
tive costume, short buckskin breeches, moccasins on his
feet, several strings - beads around his neck, and’ feathers
in his hair.

He rode behind Buffalo Bill, and at the present moment
was resting easily in his s sagidle.

“This must be the spot,” said the great scout, who-had
been consulting a pocket compass for several minutes.
“This is Robber’s Rock, without a doubt, Black Feather.
I had not guessed it was so near our camping place.”

Ele looked behind him as he spoke.

The low foothills in the west, from whence he had
come, lay like a rim of black upon the horizon.

To the north were solid banks of clouds that shut out

the distant peaks of the Big Horn Mountains.

The spot was more what is known as grazing land than
ptairie, but aside from the rock already mentioned there
was nothing visible but grass and sky.

It was a common cotta landscape i in the mid-Western
country.

Buffalo Bill oe his opinion of the spot in char-
acteristic language.

“This God- forsaken place looks harmless enough, but
you and I know that it is never wise to depend upon out-
side appearances, Black Feather.”
- The Indian nodded his head and grunted. It was his
way of expressing entire appreciation of his master’s sen-
timents.

Buffalo Bill leaned from his saddle and broke off a
blade of the high, rank grass.

He was looking around with his keen gaze as s if measur-
_ ing every detail “before his vision.

“T can see no tracks through the grass,’ he went on.
“Tt looks as if we were the only human beings to visit
the spot in some time, and yet I know that is not the
case.

“Only last week .a tragedy was enacted: at this rock.
My friend Col. Pepperil, of the United States Army, was
murdered near this rock, and a valuable necklace of pink
pearls was stolen from him.”

The Indian grunted again, and urged his horse a step
nearer the speaker.

“Was the brave officer alone?’ he need, in a musical
voice, and using the Indian language.

Buffalo Bill answered him in his own tongue.

“He had two guards and two detectives with him. The
latter were Pinkerton men. One of them escaped ‘by the.
skin. of his teeth,’ as we say in English. He arrived at
“ my camp, back in the hills, so nearly exhausted that he
could hardly speak, but before he died he told me the
story. 7x

“They were passing this rock from the south on their
way to the army station, just over the county line, when
they were fired upon from the high grass. Their horses
were shot under them. The lucky guard who. escaped
scalping made his way through the grass like a snake and
was not caught. He thinks the colonel and his com-
panions were wounded mortally, but that they emptied
their own weapons with deadly effect.’

“Were the murderers of Black Feather’s tribe?’ asked.
the Indian.

“T think not.
bloodthirsty as that.

There are no Sioux in this section as
They were Apaches, without doubt.
There’s a handful of them i in the mountains, but I thought

BIEL SORES:

they were merely stealing horses. It seems I am mis-
taken. The miserable fed devils have a taste for human |
prey, and costly jewels, also.” 4

‘Does the brave scout mean to hunt the red devils who
killed his friend?” asked the other. i

“To, the death!’ said Buffalo Bill, sternly. “That is
why I am here, Black Feather. I wished to view the spot
myself where the murder was comrnitted. I mean to. in-
vestigate yonder rock, and I expect you to help me.”

“Tam at Buffalo Bill’s command,” said the Indian. “No
one hates the Apache devil more than Black Feather, and
he will do his best. His bullets are hungry for-a taste of
the Apache’s blood. They will not go astray, Buffalo
Bill, once the eye of Black Feather fastens upon the
shadow of the enemy.”

“You are a brave Indian, and I shall deperfl upon you ~
to the end,” said Buffalo Bill, proudly; then he pointed
with his hand to the eastern horizon.

“Yonder comes a prairie schooner, if I am not mis-
taken,” he said, raising the field glass that was suspended
from his shoulder. hat may account for the uninhab-
ited appearance of this spot at the present minute. If this
is the headquarters of a murderous gang, they have, nq
doubt, seen the schooner, and are already ambushed on
their trail. The grass will hide them until the fatal mo-
ment. Perhaps they think the poor fellow who is guid-
tng his family to some Western haven may have more pink
pearls. in his possession, or, perhaps, it is only food that
they:are after. 1 will examine the rock, and then we
will take a look at the schooner again. If they signal for
help we will go to their assistance.’ *

He moved toward the rock as he spoke.

He had put his field glass back in its case, and from
force of habit his hand fell upon the butt of one of his
revolvers.

He advanced a few steps through the long grass, and
the Indian followed.

Suddenly there came a sharp report, and a bullet
whistled between them. “It passed Buffalo Bill on the left
and Black Feather on the right, and was near enough for
both to feel the vibration of the air upon their faces.

It appeared to, have come from the rock, which was
about a hundred yards ahead of them.»

Buffalo Bill stopped his horse and peered at the tower-
ing bowlder.. His eagle glance could detect no sign of a
living creature. There was nothing visible but the almost
perpendicular wall of rock, yet the shot had come from
that direction.

He was not the man to hesitate long when bullets were
singing about his ears.

He/-moved his horse quickly to one side and called
to the Indian to follow him.

%

“Tt’s the first time I evér knew a rock could shoot,’ he

muttered, “but I'll swear there is no one on this side of
that bowlder, and that bullet did not come from the top
nor from the grass, either.”

Black Feather had urged his horse still more to one
side, and just then. another bullet whistled by Buffalo
Bill’s ear.

It was altogether too close to inale fea feel comfort.
able.

“By thunder! he is shooting around the corner,’ > ex-
claimed the scout, as Black. re Po at SOUS
thing. - J

 

 

 
   

   

    
  
 
 
   
  
    
   
  
 
  

 

  
  
     
  
   
    
   
  
 
  
 

 

 

  

  

 

 

   

The two moved again. This time they got a little out
of range of the sharpshooter,

‘Him lying on ledge and holding gun around the end
of the rock, mebbe,” said the Indian, softly.

“That is exactly what he is doing,” said Buffalo Bill,
as he detected a thin curl of smoke coming from a deep
crevice about halfway up the eastern face of the rock.

There was no doubt but that some one was lying flat
on the narrow ledge. His body was completely hidden
and he had managed to hold his weapon around the angle
of the bowlder. Tn order to do this, he must have gotten
the direction of the horsemen first and then drawn back
and fired at random. The two shots were good ones. They
had come so near to being successful that they spoke elo-
quently of what the marksman could do under better con-
ditions.

Buffalo Bill had already drawn his own weapon.

His eyes were fixed upon the ledge of rock.

The marksman could not fire again without the scout
seeing him, as he had lost the protection offered by the
corner of the bowlder.

“Now, then, one more shot for luck !” called out Buffalo
Bil, in the language of the Apache Indian tribes. |

He had decided at once that the shooter was a red-
skin. Few white mem could have scaled that wall or
concealed themselves in such a small crevice.

He waited for an answer.

Meanwhile Black Feather had dropped for his saddle
and was creeping through the grass. He figured that
the Indian on the rock above would not dare to raise his
head, and consequently would not see him.

Buffalo Bill understood him perfectly.

He guessed, further, that Black Feather meant to scale
the rock and pounce upon the sharpshooter.

As there seemed to be no other way of capturing him,
he was forced to allow him to attempt it.

Meanwhile he was thinking what he could do to assist
his companion’s chances.

To think was to act with Buffalo Bill.

He was used to emergencies, and was never caught
napping.

Instantly he drew a small piece of pineal: from
his pocket. By tipping it various ways he finally ac-
complished what he wished.

The sun rays struck the glass and were reflected upon
the rock. In a second he had a dazzling streak of light
playing upon the ledge.

He did not allow the glass to remain quiet a second..

By flashing the light here and there over the ledge
he hoped to dazzle the sharpshooter’s eyes.

‘Black Feather reached the rock and began scaling it

slowly.

He looked like a monstrous lizard as-he flattened him-
self against the wall and drew himself up by digging his
fingers and toes into the tiny fissures ?

He had kicked off his moccasins before he began to
climb.

When he was alos at the top Buffalo Bill Pantodleeed
the glass more carefully.

As Black Feather finally gripped the ledge Buffalo Bill
raised his weapon and put his finger on the Migser.

Just then there came a yell.
It was the Apache war whoop, and was enough to stand

_a tenderfoot s hair on end, if there had been one present.

Fortunately there was none.

 

 

y
‘THE BUFFALO BILL STORIES. 3

Buffalo Bill had heard Indian war whoops before; in
fact, he had heard large bands of Indians all whooping
together.

A el they had not scared him, either.

Thus it was that the yell had hardly left the Apache’s
throat before his revolver spoke.

fu had caught a glimpse of an arm upon the ledge of
rock.

There was a hand upon the arm, and within the hand
he caught the glitter of a small hatchet-shaped weapon,
which he knew to be a tomahawk,

Crack went the weapon again as the black head rose
above the arm.

Then Black Feather uttered a yell.
triumph.

Reaching over the ledge, he seized the Apache by the
hair. There was a terrific tug, and the Indian’s body came
tumbling over the edge.

Taste ruck Black BE eather’s shoulder as it came, and
down they rolled together,

Buffalo Bill galloped over to the rock.

He helped Black Feather to his feet.

His companion was scratched and bruised, but that
was all.

In a second he recovered his breath and pounced upon
the Apache.

Raising the solitary black lock of hair that grew above
the rascal’s forehead between his fingers, he brandished
his own tomahawk threateningly.

“Never mind scalping him, he 1s dead enough already,”
said Buffalo Bill.

The Indian relinquished his hold at once, but he looked
disappointed.

“We'll ride around the rock and invite a few more bul-
lets,’ went on the scout. “‘It is the only way to get a line
on these fellows. I’m sure now that this is Robber’s
Rock, and I don’t mean to leave the spot until I know
more about it. Hello! Jumping sandhills! Look there,
Black Feather !”

He had turned his horse as he spoke, and was again
facing the east.

The prairie schooner could be seen plainly now, and it
seemed hurrying toward them.

And no wonder.

The eastern horizon was as red as blood.

Already there was a peculiar humming in the air that
told of a coming conflagration. |

Then black specks could be made out moving in all
directions.

The sight was unmistakable to one who was accustomed
to the prairies.

Buffalo Bill only needed one glance before he issued his
orders.

“The prairie is on fire and the beasts are stampeding !
Quick! To horse, Black Feather! We must leave our
robbers for a time and rescue the schooner.

“No doubt the captain of yonder mule ship has never
seen a prairie fire, and he and his family will be burned
alive if we do not save them!”

He put spurs to his horse as he spoke, and the Indian -
followed his example.

Then together they galloped toward the canvas-cov-
ered wagon that was between them and the hordes of ani-
mals that were racing, frantic with fear, across the plains.

They were riding into a sea of fire and doing it de-
liberately.

It was a yell of

atm

  

   

    
 

4 THE: BURHALDO
There was plenty of time for them to gain a small creek
over near the foothills, had they cared to do so, but this
was not Buffalo Bill’s way.

Human lives were at stake, and he was ready to fight
fire, or water, or even the devil himself to save them.
\ By the devil; he mearit Apache Indians, like the one he
had killed. ee

It was far easier fighting a fire, even in the long, dry
grass of a rainless praitie. -

As he bore down upon the schooner like a hurricane he
started singing a Western song in a rollicking manner.

 

CHAPTER Hf.
Re
THE RESCUE OF THE SCHOONER,

“Whoa! Hold on!‘ There’s something moving in the
grass!’ called Buffalo Bill to Black Feather, as he brought
his song to a sudden ending.

The two pulled up their horses instantly.

They were near enough to the prairie schooner now to
count the mules and observe a man on the front urging
the frightened beasts to their utmost.

Buffalo Bill pointed to the right as he spoke.

The whole expanse of grass had begun to wave a little
before the coming conflagration, but this was not what the
great scout meant.

_ He was pointing to a spot where the grass was Sway-
ing violently.

This swaying was continued for some distance in a
zigzag course, and resembled the trail of a ground mole in
a country garden. ay

“Snakes in the grass, I reckon,” began Buffalo Bill
again. “And human snakes, I'll bet! Get ready for
them, Black Feather.”

He cocked his weapon as he spoke.

“Me guess they are Apache snakes,” grunted the In-
dian. He half slid from the saddle as he spoke and held
his weapon low in the grass for firing.

The swaying had nearly stopped as they spoke, and the
grass appeared to resume its natural smoothness.

“They can’t. fool me! There ate Indians crawling
through that grass!” said Buffalo Bill again.

“We've got to deal with them first and the fire after.
See! There they are! Shoot low! Now, together!”

Crack! Crack! €rack! went ‘their weapons.

There were three terrific yells, and then two black heads
could be seen coming up out of the grass.

“Shoot the serpents! They were laying for the
schooner!” shouted Buffalo Bill. \

A bullet whistled by his own head as he spoke.

Bang! went their revolvers again, and this time there
were no more yells.

Neither were any more heads raised.

Buffalo Bill rode forward.
Just as he expected, he found three corpses in the grass.

Two were Apache Indians, and the third was a white man. _

The white man’sacheek was branded with a peculiar
mark. Buffalo Bill recognized it as being an arrow.

The fellow was an ex-convict from a well-known prison
in England.

There was no time to search the bodies now, although
Buffalo Bill would have been glad to have done so in the
hope of finding some clew to the robbery of the pink pearl
necklace. :

Bill called to the driver.

Bild, SVORIES.

He was obliged to go on to rescue the schooner, as a
gust of wind was bringing the smoke to him now, and
the minutes were precious.

On they went through the high grass.

If there were any more bad characters hidden in the
grass, they did not make their presence known.

Buffalo Bill.had stopped singing.

He made one remark as they forged ahead.

“Those rascals were waiting to loot the schooner, but
when they saw the fire they turned and ran for their lives.
I am glad we killed them. They could save the schooner
just as well as we can, but they did not wish to.”

A moment later he waved to the driver of the prairie
wagon and shouted to him to have courage.

A number of*wild cattle and a young bison passed
them, and there were whole droves of wild horses scat-
tering to the east and west.

But there was no time to look after these.

The wind had freshened, and was blowing toward them,
and the sea of fire was coming before it.

Pulling a match from his pocket he began setting fire
to the grass behind him.

Black Feather was doing the same.

There was a puff of flame.

As they galloped on, the blaze arose and almost caught
them.

Then the wind reached the sheet of fire and forced it
the other way.

As the second blaze roared toward ae foothills, Buffalo.
Bill, now between two solid seas of fire, reined his horse’

in almost on top of the poor mules, who had given out at
last, and were standing shivering and panting.

“Quick! Leave your wagon and run for it,’ Buffalo
“There is bare ground ahead!”

The man almost fell from his seat on the wagon.

“T have women here,” he cried. “They will be burned
to death! Help me, sir! Help me!”

“That is what we are here for,” said Buffalo Bill,
springing from his saddle.

The man tore away the canvas door, but not before a
beautiful girl of about sixteen had appeared in it.

“Please help mother, sir, she is very feeble!” she said,
in a perfectly calm voice. ‘I can run, and so can Eloise.
I beg you to save my mother.”

The young woman sprang to the ground as she spoke,
so as to allow her father an opportunity to enter the nar-
row doorway. :

The moment she touched the ground Buffalo Bill
caught her around the waist and threw her up behind
Black Feather. : ‘

“Ride for your life!” he said to the Indian.

The brave girl did not even scream.

When she saw herself in the care of a red man, she
merely turned her head and called, imploringly: “My
mother! My mother!” é

“She shall be savedy’ called Buffalo Bill after her.

At that moment the man came out of the wagon bear-
ing a frail, little woman in his arms.

Buffalo Bill lifted her to his own saddle.

The woman shrieked with fright. :

It was her first glimpse of the fire, as the others had
kept her from looking through the narrow window.
‘Where’s the other girl? Where's’ Eloise?’

Buffalo Bill, who had caught the name.

asked _

 

 

 

 

 
 

 

 

, Ride for your life!

SS
Tae BUPFEALO

A still more beautiful girl appeared in the doorway.

“You cannot save us all! Maurice and I will remain
and die together!” she said, bravely. “Hurry away with
mamma, please! There is not a minute to spare. You go,
too, papa, you are well and can run. Poor Maurice is
ill, and I shall not leave him!”

She started back into the wagon as she spoke.

“She won’t come! What shall I do?” wailed the inan,
who was~holding his frightened wife in the saddle.

. Buffalo Bill leaped into the wagon.

Without any words he seized the young girl bodily and
bore her out. Placing her in the saddle in front of her
mother, he put the rein in her hand.

“You must save your mother, miss,’ he said, sternly.
There is bare ground ahead.

“Keep on until the Indian tells you to stop, and depend
upon me to save your father and lover.”

He spoke to the horse as he finished.

In an instant Charlie was off like the wind.

The horse knew the danger’ quite as well as anyone
there, and needed no urging to fly to safety.

The heat could be felt now, so there was no further
delay.

Buffalo Bill lifted the sick man in his arms and started.

The mules oe their strength and made another
effort.

Seeing this, the man cut the harness and gave them a
chance for their lives.

They scattered in all directions.

There was not a moment to spare.

The two men plowed through the strip of high grass
between them and the broad tract of burned ground
ahead, with the flames almost scorching their backs.

They both fell exhausted finally, but they were out of
reach of the flames, which died out as soon as there was
no fuel to feed it.

Black Feather came back after them with~both horses

as soon as he had deposited the ladies in a safe place, then -

the four made their way slowly over the hot ground while
the sea of fire rolled away in the distance.

“It was a narrow escape for us all,” said Buffalo Bill,
when’ they were all together at last. “Fifty feet further
and I would have been obliged to drop this young fellow.

t was like wading through water. The grass tripped

me at every ste — : : .
re ~ been resting with the horses, and now Buffalo Bill was

“Yet you saved him and won my eternal ede
sir,’ said the prettier of the girls, sweetly. ‘Fe is my
ce and we are to be married in ’Frisco, if we ever reach
there. He was taken very ill yesterday and was help-
less to-day. We fully expected to be burned up when
we saw the conflagration.”

“You were plucky to think of staying with him,’’ said
Buffalo Bill; then he turned to the father. “How do you
happen to be risking the lives of three beautiful women
in this section, sir?’ he asked. “Don’t you know that the

39

prairie is a dangerous place, and that the foothills beyond

are infested with bandits?”

“T confess I did not know it, sir,’ said the man, who
was seated on the ground holding his: wife’s head on his
shoulder. “We are journeying this way to Denver,” he
went on. “Of course I knew the West was a bad coun-

9

‘try ; parts of it, at least, but I have nothing for bandits to

steal. I have no gold and no horses.”
“Vou have that which is far more precious, let me tell

a Oh SO

BILL STORIES. _ | 5

you, sir,
sternly.

The gentleman gasped. He was a native of a small
New England village, a man of moderate means and
worthy reputation, who was hoping to find life easier in
the fruit-raising districts Of California, but who felt that |
he could not afford to travel there over the railroad. |

“My daughters!” he stuttered. ‘Is it possible there can |
be men so vile that they would rob me of my girls?” /

Buffalo Bill smiled at his ignorance.

“The bandits who infest yon hills and mountains are
vile enough for anything, sir,’ he said. “I have lived in
the West all my life, and am familiar with ali classes. My,
chief occupation for many years has been trailing crim-
inals through the Rocky Mountains. You have heard of
me, perhaps. I am William Cody, better known as Buf-
falo Bill, the scout and Indian tamer.”

Pisat possible! !” exclaimed the man, rising to grasp his
hand. “I have heard of you often, sir! Thank Heaven
we have met you! I can breathe easier now, knowing
you to be a brave man and a gentleman.”

“How could you have doubted it, father?” spoke up the
girl called Eloise. “Has he not saved all our lives at. the
peril of his own?”

“It was this other gentleman who caused me to be
suspicious,’ explaingd the man, looking at Black Feather.

Buffalo Bill laughed.

_. “Of course I don’t blame you for not taking to us at
first sight, sir,’ he said, “but allow me to say that Black
Feather is a noble fellow. He has a true heart and a
brave one in his bosom. There is many a white man who
could pattern after Black Feather and be much improved
by so doing.”

“Then I am proud to know him, and so are my wife and
daughters,” said the man.

He shook hands with the Indian and so did-the others.

Even the sick man raised his head from his sweetheart’s
lap and nodded a greeting.

Then the man introduced himself as Samuel Bennett.
His daughters were Imogene and Eloise Bennett, and

You have your daughters,” said Buffalo Bill,

the young man was Maurice Taylor.

After the introductions, Buffalo Bilt began to plan for
their welfare.

Two of the mules had reached the ee ground alive.

These were taken care of by Black Feather and had

forced to turn them into saddle horses for two of the
ladies. un

“I have a camp over yonder in the foothills,” he told
them. “The fire could not go so far on account of the
belt of rocks and a creek between here and_the hills, and
once in my camp, I can make you comfortable.

“Perhaps by to-morrow the young man will be better,
then Black Feather will find some horses and I can send
you on your journey.’

“But you, Buffalo Bill, are you not going back to
civilization yourself?” asked Imogene.

Her blue eyes looked almost tearful as she asked the
question.

“Not yet, Miss Bennett.
said Buffalo Bill, politely.
He had no idea of alarming the women by telling
them of their nearness to Robber’s Rock or about his |

recent experielice.

I have work to do out here,”

ca a er aN rn et ARE a Paneth OEE ee ON Be reonechrnetiee otto esiath re

 
 

"6 a THE BUBEALO

“Dear me! what can you do in this wilderness?
there’s nothing here but burned ground and sky!”

MAnd ene rock!) broke un her sister, — [here is. a
big rock to the right of us. I saw it when we were far
away. I thought it was a bank of smoke, my eyes are
so blinded,’ began the other, then she added:

“I wish we were in its shadow, as it is very hot here.
Can we not move over there, Mr. Cody, and rest a little
longer ?”’

She looked at him eagerly as she asked the question,
and the brave scout found it hard to refuse her.

“I am afraid not,” he said, hesitatingly. “It is a long
ride to the hills, and I wish to get you there before sun-
down. We will have to be starting soon.’

“Quick! Look!” interrupted Eloise.

“There is some one walking on the top of the rock! I
can just see-a form outlined against the sky!”

“It is an Indian. I can see his blanket and feathers!”
broke in Imogene.

The others. were all straining their eyes as the spot
where they were resting was some distance from the
rock.

“T am afraid, sir, that you are deceiving us,’ said Mr.
Bennett, looking steadily at Buffalo Bill, “What would
any honest person, white man or Indian, be doing upon

Why,

that rock? J fear, sir, that we have,already fallen into
the hands of bandits, and that you are one of their
number !”

 

CHAPTER Itt
SIX MORE ROBBERS.

Mr. Bennett had hardly accused our hero of being a
bandit when. Imogene turned upon him with her blue
eyes flashing.

“For shame, papa!’ she exclaimed. “Has he not
saved our lives? We would all be dead now and our
charred bodies lying yonder with the remains of the
poor, burned mules if it had not been for these two
brave gentlemen!”

“T am sure it is. Buffalo Bill!’ added her sister. “I
have seen his picture often, and I carinot be mistaken.”

“No, indeed!” went on Imogene. “He is the hand
somest man in the world, and as I have no lover to be
he I don’t mind telling him.”

She looked at the scout archly as she spoke.
Buffalo Bill pulled off his wide sombrero at once and
made her a courtly bow.

“T am Buffalo Bill, all right, but I don’t blame your
father for doubting me. And now that you have seen
the Indian on the rock, | may as well tell you why I
am here. I did not do so before for fear of alarming
the ladies,” was his answer.

“Vou will not frighten us, sir. We are not as timid
as we look,’ said Imogene, promptly.

“T can fire a rifle or a revolver, and so can Imogene,”
said Eloise. | :

‘Mamma is nervous because sheis sick. But go on,
please, and tell us if we are really in danger.”

“Yes, go on,.(siryvand if. 1 have misjudged you, I
apologize humbly,” said Mr. Bennett.

Buffalo Bill had been examining the rock through his
glasses, and Black Feather was studying the great scout’s
face. ;

39

BILE STORIES.

“Then I will tell you briefly,” said Buffalo Bill. “A
friend of mine, Col. Pepperil, of the U. S. Army, was
passing this spot last week with two Pinkerton detectives
and two soldiers, when he was set upon by the Indians.

“It is supposed that a valuable necklace of pink pearls,
which the colonel was carrying to a superior officer at
the army post, was stolen by the murderers. One de-
tective hid in the grass and succeeded in reaching my
tent in time to tell me the story before he died. He
named the spot, and I came to investigate it. That
mass of stone yonder is called Robber’s Rock. It has
long been known as a rendezvous for criminals, but no
one has ever seen a human being in its vicinity, although
the Vigilance Committee has visited it often.

“T have been more fortunate.

“Black Feather and I killed four Indians in its vicinity
to-day, and you have.all seen another. ,

“Where this fitth fellow comes from I cannot con-
jecture. If he had been hiding in the grass he would
have been burned to death in the recent conflagration.”

He raised the glass again as he spoke, and a minute
later Black Feather pointed to three charred bodies that
he had discovered lying on the scorched ground at some
distance away.

“Those are the bodies of the three Indians which we
killed in the grass,’ explained Buffalo Bill. “The other
body lies up by the rock. 1 am sorry to see that one of
the rascals escaped us.”’

He pointed to the rock as he spoke, where the others
could still make out the form of an Indian.

“Him spying us through glass, Buffalo Bill,’ mur-
mured Black Feather. ‘‘Me only wish Robber’s Rock a
little nearer.” :

‘He looked at his weapon longingly as he spoke.

“There's no use trying to kill him while the ladies are
with us,’ said Mr. Cody. “There are not enough weapons
to go around, and, besides, we don’t know how many more
of those devils are-skulking in the crevices of the rock.
We must make for the hills, and you and I must ride
backward. Those rascals are sure to follow us. They
have seen that there are women in our party, and even
if they did not wish to avenge the deaths of their com
panions, they would follow, in the hope of getting these
young girls into their clutches.”

“Oh! “Oh! Oh!” wailed poor Mrs. Bennett, as she
heard the last.

“Don't be frightened, mother! They haven’t got us
yet! Buffalo Bill is here and he will protect us!” said
Imogene, quickly.

“And to think that I took him for a robber,”
Mr. Bennett.

‘ Buffalo Bill was looking at his weapons.

“Our guns were all destroyed,’ spoke up Eloise. “We
had three rifles and a revolver. Maurice is a splendid
shot. I do hope he willbe well soon, so he can help you,
Mr. Cody.

“I feel much stronger since we have all been saved,”
said the sick man, faintly.
heart yesterday, and the thought of seeing my sweet
heart burned up in a prairie fire exaggerated the diffi-
culty. I will be all right soon, I am sure. Let me take
one of your revolvers, “Col. Cody, When the time comes
to use it you will not find me lacking.”

Fle reached for the weapon as he ae ao Col. Cody
gave it to him,

groaned

“TI had a bad spell with my »

Se

 

 
seinen tone

 

 

 

 

 

_ “but I admire your grit.

THE BUFFALO

-

Then Black Feather offered one of his-pistols to Mr.
Bennett.

“T will take a knife,” a Imogene, as she saw there
were no more firearms: “T can cut a redskin’s throat, I
am sure, if I Wave to,”

al hope you will not have to, ” laughed Buffalo Bill,
You'd make a magnificent wife
for a Western man, Miss Imogene.’’ He handed her a
knife as he spoke.

“It’s too bad you are married,” said Eloise, with a
mischievous glance at her sister. “T am sure Imogene is
falling in love with you. JI am in love with Maurice, ‘OF,
perhaps, I might be tempted to follow her example.”

Buffalo Bill smiled at them as he knew they were only

joking.

“Don't joke, children, we are in great danger, IT am
sure,’ wailed Mrs. Bennett. -‘“Do wait until we are safe.
I don’t know where you get such spirits.”

“Oh, I expect you had lots of spirit when you were my
age, mamma!” retorted Imogene.

“We will start, now,” said Buffalo Bill, as Black
Feather brought up the two mules and two horses.
““T don’t. dare wait any longer. |

“Tt is one o’clock nove and we cannot possibly reach the
hills before seven if we keep pace with the mules.”

He lifted the sick man on to one of the slow creatures
as he spoke.

“You take the other one, please, Mr. Bennett, ” he said.
“Then I will put your wife up ‘beside you and Black
Feather and I will take care of the young ladies.”

“Are you stire you can ride alone?” asked Eloise, of
her lover. Me

“He will have to, miss,” said Buffalo Bill, quickly. “If
the Indians pursue us, as I have no doubt they will, it is
my, duty to save you two young ladies first. Bandits
will not shoot women if-they can help it. They would
rather marry them, and the Indians understand that they
must obey the white captain who is over them.”

“Do, you imagine there is a gang of robbers at yonder
rock, or only the one?’’ asked Mr. Bennett.

“That is what I do not know,” said Buffalo Bill. “I
wish I did. The rock is a mystery. So many murders
have been done here that it leads one to think that. the
rock is the headquarters of a gang, but if it is, then it
must be hollow.

“There are not crevices enough to hide any great num-
ber. ‘That is the problem I was trying to solve when the
fire started, and I rushed to your rescue. I shall pfobe
the mystery of Robber’s Rock before very long, but it is
my duty to put you out of harm’s way first.. I only hope
that the rascals yonder will let me do it.”

He gave another keen look at the rock as he spoke.

Instead‘ of one solitary figure on the bowlder there
were now half a dozen.

Black Feather had told him as much by a word whis-
pered in his native language. _ :

Buffalo Bill hurried his preparations.

He was completely mystified now.

“The rock must be hollow,” spoke up Mr. Bennett just
then.

“Look, Col, Cody! The top of the bowlder is swarming
with the miscreants.”

| Lhere ate six, | tancy,+ ad Col. Cody, promptly. “Do
you make out. any more, Black Feather?”

He handed the Indian his glass as he spoke.

. pce mig, ey a AR RIT DA A Rie fii TAR OGG ATR an

“light upon its surface, Black Feather would see it.

sary A Mire mA MTS ERT NNT STR ey Pea ee ele ee ome uo See

BILL STORIES. 7

“Six, Buffalo. Bill, ” was the answer. “Two white men
and four Apaches,”

“Then off we go, and woe to ae brute or human that
follows to do us harm,” said Buffalo Bill, savagely.

He placed Eloise on the saddle in front. of Black Feather
as he spoke, and then seated Imogene on his own saddle.

“You ladies must guide the horses, they are very
gentle,” he said, “and you, Mr. Bennett, must keep an
eye out ahead. Report anything you can see that you do
not understand.

“Black Feather and I will keep our faces. toward the
rock. if the robbers have no horses, we are safe for the
present.”

“How can they have horses?” began Imogene.

“There they go!” interrupted Black Feather, “The
rock is hollow, no doubt about it, Buffalo Bill. The top
has - opened, I think, as they have all disappeared to-
gether.”

“They may just have lain down flat,”
seizing the glass.

“The top of the rock is as smooth as Buffalo Bill's
hand,” said Black Feather, calmly. “If a bird were to
ane
sun aids -his eyesight by day and the stars by night.
There is no need of a glass to sharpen the eye of the
red man who has lived his life ‘in the shadow of the
forest.”

“I guess that is right,” said Buffalo Bill, as He said, a
word to Charlie.

Then the party started off at a moderate gait across
the blackened prairie, where only a short hour before the
grass had waved breast high and formed a hiding place
for murderous redskins.

It was a long, slow ride, but when Robber’s Rock
faded in the distance without the robbers having made
any move to follow them, the rest of the party felt re-
lieved, but Buffalo Bill was still alert and anxious.

He knew the cunning of the bandits. No doubt they
had watched with glasses and knew exactly the direction
he had taken,

When they were well out of sight he felt sure that the
order would be given to trail his party to the hills, keep-
ing far enough in the rear to let darkness overtake them.
After the sun had set he knew about what would happen.
The robbers would try to surprise him in his camp. The
men would be killed and the women taken prisoners. It
was the same old story of crime with which he was fa-
miliar. He knew: that the lives of his party depended
upon his skill, but he had saved lives before and under
more dangerous circumstances. s

He meant that the robbers should find out their mistake
if they expected to kill him easily.

When they finally reached the narrow stream known as
Crazy Woman Creek, where the fire had stopped, they.
were all nearly worn out with heat and hunger.

sit was decided not to attempt to reach the hills.

Zi belt of rocks was at hand, and, after queaclige
their thirst,/they repaired to this haven,

The sun had set no and already the shadows were
falling.

Black Feather found a shelving rock with a cave un-
derneath that would shelter the ladies, and then set about
to shoot some birds for their primitive supper.

The horses and mules. were hidden between two rocks.
at a little distance. -

said the scout,

 
 

a ee, ee

8 THE BUFFALO BILL STORIES.

Buffalo Bill was scouting around getting the lay of the
land, and the two yonne: ladies and their father looked
after the others.

Buffalo Bill returned to the cave when supper. was
ready.

He had decided that the rocks afforded no better shelter
than they had found, and, after a bite of refreshment, he
and Black Feather went to work to destroy the tracks
which they had made after crossing the creek and make a
bogus trail in another direction.

He hoped by this to mislead the robbers or force them
to decide at this point and go in two directions.

While they worked they still kept a lookout for the
robbers. As the rascals would be obliged to cross the
creek they had a little the advantage.

The victory in the battle would be in numbers. If the
robbers were strong enough to press the fray they had
everything in their hands, for only twenty-eight shots
could be fired by his party without reloading, and in the
darkness many of these might go astray.

Further, as Mr. Taylor was ill, he might give out at
any minute, and so reduce the number of their bullets.

It was a dangerous situation, and the cautious scout
considered it from every side.. When all had been thought
of he placed the men to the best advantage to'protect Mrs.
Bennett and her two beautiful daughters.

The three women huddled together in the cave, and

Mr. Bennett and Maurice Taylor guarded the entrance,
which was nothing more than a jagged hole as long as
the cave itself, which projected just enough to leave a nar-
_ row ledge above it.
* Upon this ledge Black Feather was stretched. He had
discarded his feathers and drawn a black skull cap over
his head. Twenty feet away he looked like a part of the
rock itself, as there was not so much as a quiver made by
his pliant body. x

When the others were in place Buffalo Bill moved a
little distance away to where a stunted tree and some
bushes. grew, seemingly from the edge of a bowlder.

Climbing like a cat to the surface of this rock, he knelt
upon one knee.

From behind the bushes he could see the entrance to the
cave and the occasional gleam of Mr. Bennett’s revolver.

Turning his eyes, he had a view of the narrow creek
at the point where they had crossed, and where the false
trail made by Black Feather and himself started.

Then, as the night had fallen heavily, he cocked his
weapon and waited.

The silence was broken only by the occasional hoot of
an owl or the shrill cry of a catamount in the hills behind
them.

The others may have slept, but the brave scout did not
close an eye. He heard every sound in the dense forest
behind and the howl of hyenas out on the fire-blackened
prairie as well. When he heard the short yelp of the
coyotes he knew they had smelled the odor of burning
flesh.

He could almost see them in his mind as they gathered
around the charred bodies of the mules and Indians that
had been left many miles behind them.

It was an hour past midnight when his sharp ears
caught the sound of horses’ hoofs in the distance.

He raised his head to: listen.

At that same moment there was a movement on the
ledge of rock, and Black Feather gave a peculiar whistle.

. “T hear them,” said Buffalo Bill, in a low voice. “Awake
all hands and be ready when I give the signal.

“T will let the miscreants pass the creek, then if they
divide I will take care of those who follow the false trail,

and you must attend to the others, Black Feather.”

“T understand, Buffalo Bill,” was the Indian’s answer. -

- Then there was silence again, but the trampling of
horses’ hoofs could be heard distinctly.

_A moment later six horsemen-reached the brink of the
creek and paused for a consultation.

Not knowing that the party which they were pursuing
was so near, they spoke in moderately loud tones, which
reached the ears of Buffalo Bill as he crouched behind
the bush on the edge of the rock.

“They crossed hyar, cap’n, No doubt about it,” said
one of the bandits. “They are makin’ fer ther hills, I
reck’n. If ther big feller was Bill Cody, as I’m inclined
ter believe, he’s got a dugout back in the hills. I did a
little scoutin’ in thet thar direction yesterday, and I’m
sattin I saw signs of ther famous Injun trailer.”

“Then we d ‘best be keerful,” said another voice. tlt
we're campin’ on ther trail of Buffalo Bill we've ‘got our
equal. JI reckon we'll water ther beasts afore we go any
further, an’ when we git across keep yer eyes open, all
on yer... Them thar rocks on t’other side would make
good hidin’ places fer our quarry. I reck’n, tho’, we kin
flush ’em all right, bein’ as how thar are only two. fighters
in ther crowd. Thet thar gent who was travelin’ west
in ther schooner was a parson or somethin’, and ther rest
of his family was wimmin,’

“Thar was another man, but he was sick,” said the
other voice.  ‘‘Ther big feller carried him thro’ ther grass.
Thet thar’s another proof it was Bill Cody, I'm thinkin’.

‘Thar ain’t no other man in ther West could er done thet

thar trick. ‘Taint no easy job ter run away from a
prairie fire with nuthin’ in yer arms, let alone carryin’
a six-footer.” a

“I reck’n you are right, Tod Pepper,” answered the
captain. “Keep yer eye peeled when we git into ther
rocks. Now, which way did ther scallywag go, I wonder.”

He stood on the edge of the creek as he spoke and
scanned the rocks on the opposite side.

The horses of some of the men were drinking, but,

although Buffalo Bill could make out their forms, they

were too far away to think of firing.

At last he heard a spash in the water and knew that

they were coming.

He gripped his | weapon, but did not change his position.

Just then his sharp ears caught a peculiar sound.

He raised his eyes. instinctively.

Instantly he saw what appeared to be two small balls
of fire in the stunted tree directly above his head.

It took him but a moment to know what it was.

A wild cat was crouching on a branch of the tree..

One move on his part and it would alight on his back
and bury its fangs in his neck.

He was “between the devil and the deep sea,
saying goes, and for a second the very blood in his veins
seemed to be freezing.

39

 

AGAR OLN,
THE ENCOUNTER IN THE DARK.
Meanwhile, on came the bandits.

By rolling his eyeballs Buffalo Bill made out the bee
of six men,

as the

 

 

 

 
 

 

 

THE DUPE ALO

_. He decided that there were two white men and four
Indians, just as Black Feather had said.

_ When he had taken a look at them he looked back at
the.cat. He could hean the latter, snarling now. and
Sharpening her claws in readiness for an attack, _

It was a situation that was far from pleasant, inasmuch
as his own life and those of others depended upon his
using his revolver.

The bandits halted at last.

They had discovered the false trail and appeared be- °

wildered.

Another conversation followed, which could be heard
more plainly than the other.

“What ther deuce is'ther meanin’ of this hyar?’ asked
the captain’s voice. “This looks mighty queer, Tod Pep-
per. What do you make of ther trail, anyway?”

“Td say they had turned and gone back over their own
tracks if it wasn’t thet we'd seen ’em if they had,” was
the answer. “Mebbe they've mussed up ther trail on
purpose ter throw us off ther scent. I reckon you'd bet-
ter ask Eagle Claw what he thinks of ther situation,
cap’n.’

“IT reck’n I had,” replied the captain, turning to one of
the Indians.

He spoke a few words in the Indian fone which, of
course, Buffalo Bill and Black Feather heard affd under-
stood perfectly, although it was Greek to the Bennett
family and Mr. Taylor. “What has become of our
quarry, Eagle Claw?” asked the captain. “The trail is
confused at this point. Have they gone tér ther north,
as these tracks would indicate, or is this disturbed con-

dition of the ground-due ter some trick on ther part of |

ther smart Aleck we're trailin’?”

The captain had been examining the ground with
matches as he spoke, and the whole bunch were near
enough now for Buffalo Bill to have blazed away at them,
but he was afraid to move a muscle. No one knew the
habits of wild cats better than. he.

Like most beasts, a wild cat hates to spring on an in-
animate body. ‘

Tt will sit and Bars steadily for hours at a motionless
figure.

“One movement, even of a finger, and all is up.

There is a sudden spring, so quick that the victim has
not even time to wink.

Then comes the fearful struggle.

The wild cat claws, bites, spits and snarls all at once,
apparently. The end usually means a lacerated artery,
and the victim bleeds to death, especially if he is in the
forest, where surgical assistance is not obtainable.

Buffalo Bill wished none of this, so he sat motionless
and allowed the chance to exterminate the bandit gang
_ to slip by him for the present.

A moment more and he nearly forgot the wild cat, he
was so absorbed in what the robbers were doing,

The Indian had slid from his horse at the captain’s or-
der and had laid his ear to the ground.

A moment later the redskin was snuffing among the

~~ leaves like a bloodhound. .
He caught the scent at last and emitted a ‘grunt of :

pleasure.

“Me smell horses near,” muttered the Indian.
Claw think him no good trail, cap’n. Trail just ’bout end
here. Me smell horse and burnt wood. Eagle Claw
think white folks stop here for supper and not go any
further.”’

“Eagle

; \y é
a hme tna oat yt PE A ene Pn At ng eka esate

 

Merger ST ny Sera Gee nay:

Se a Nee enero eT

BILL STORIES. 9

“That is what | thought,” said the captain, promptly.

_ ‘This trail is nuthin’ more nor less than a trick. Ha, ha!

Reckon they think we’re a lot of tenderfeet ter go campin’
on er false trail! We'll have a look at these hyar rocks
afore we go any further. Go easy, all hands, and keep
yer weapons cocked. They’ ve got a little ther best on us
in point of position, but we’re two ter one, not countin’
ther bunch from ther schooner who've lost ther shootin’.
irons in ther fire, most likely.”

They came on after this.

Buffalo Bill ground his teeth with rage.

He could have picked them off one by one if he had
dared to raise his weapon.

He had selected that hiding place for this very reason,

and now it was of no use to him,

The wild cat had him where he was as helpless as a
baby. He might just as well have been bound hand and
foot as to be sitting there with a revolver between his
fingers.

The bandits were passing him now, but they had grown
cautious.

Only two passed at first, the white man whom the
captain had called Tod Pepper and an Indian.

The Indian was not Eagle Claw.

This clever trailer remained behind in the second in-
stallment.

Buffalo Bill knew that Black Feather would be sur-
prised at his not giving the signal, but he depended upon
the Indian to use his judgment.

He could hardly believe that the brave fellow would let
the bandits come too near, in spite of the fact that the
campaign was not going according to schedule.

He was rejoiced after another minute of anxiety to
hear the crack of a weapon.

Bang! went Black Feather’s revolver.

It was followed instantly by another.

Both had come from the cave, and the Indian had let
out a yell. Then he threw up both hands and dropped
like a stone with a bullet in his vitals.

Whe other man jumped back into the shadow of’ the
rocks.

Mr. Bennett had aimed at him, but, not being used to
shooting in the dark, he had missed him,

Buffalo Bill was wondering what the robber would do
next, when he heard another shot.

Then bang, bang, bang! went three more revolvers.

He concluded that the robbers were firing at random
and with the hope of frightening some one.

He looked atthe cat again.

The creature had settled down upon the branch,
eyes were still fastened upon him.

Strange to say, the banging of firearms at short range

but his

had not changed his intention to remain and get a good

supper.

It was a surprise to Buffalo Bill to see him still there,
but he decided that he was hungry and not going to run
until he had to.

He admired his nerve while he could not appreciate his »
sentiments.

He had not time to speculate on this eed
beast, because the robbers had made another move which
demanded his attention. They had abandoned the trail
and were climbing over the rocks. One of them had

reached the very ledge upon whose apex the scout was

hiding, with the evident intention of scaling it.

Pealaes Wenga Pegg Beers NAAN IN cle pn ieee gl Sie
Ba i i SN sean a a

 
 

eeiecior eet eeeenccenncenteveeernerammensenateet preset

ne er ee ee ee

 

io oS THE BUFFALO

He had seen the stunted tree and clump of bushes at
the top, and decided that it would be a place of advantage,
just as Buffalo Bill had before him. :

‘The scout held his breath to see what would happen.

Of course the bandit was looking for human prey, and
knew nothing of the presence of the wild. cat.

. He scaled “the rock slowly.

Meanwhile the Indian, Eagle Claw, had gercvcndl
the cave from an opposite rock and drawn a bead on the
dark form that happened to belong: to Mr. Bennett.

Crack! went his revolver.

There was a cry of pain from the New’ England : man,
which was echoed by a shriek of horror from Mrs.
Bennett.

Then the shooting began in earnest.

Black Feather blazed away, and Mr. Taylor emptied his
weapon in short order.

Buffalo: Bill was growing desperate now.

He knew that there were very few bullets left in his
party. He made up his mind instantly to take a chance
with the cat, and had moved his finger to the trigger of
his weapon when the black head of an Indian appeared
over the ledge on which he was kneeling.

There was a snarl and a snapping of twigs instantly. °

He raised his weapon to fire, fully' expecting the cat
to alight upon his shoulder.

Swish !

The big body darted past him, the long tail sweeping
his face like a lash.

It alighted upon the head that had been raised above
the ledge, and instantly there was a yell of terror from
the astonished Indian.

Buffalo Bill did not lose a second.

Crack, crack! went his weapon, and both redskin and
beast rolled to the ground with bullets in their bodies:

‘Then he tore down the ledge like an avalanche.

Letting out a series of war whoops that sounded as if

the whole Apache Nation had broken loose, he began blaz- _.

ing into the crevices.

One yell answered his bier and then all was silent.

Black Feather Sprang from his hiding place and joined
his master.

» “Are the ladies hurt?” aeked Buffalo Bill.~ “I was
treed by a wild cat for ten minutes, and could not move
a trigger.”

Imogene and Eloise naswered the question somethit

“We are not hurt, Col. Cody! Papa thas a_ flesh
wound, but ] don’t think it is serious.”

“T was more scared’ than hurt, I guess,”
Bennett, sheepishly.

“Are all dead, Buffalo Bill, or may we expect another
encounter ?”

“T don’t imagine they will bother us again right away,”
said the scout, as he detected a splashing in the water.
“They have retreated for the time being. You had bet-
ter remain in the cave while Black Feather and I recon-
notter.’.

He began a sete of the rocks as he spoke:

By the aid of matches they soon found three bodies. %

They were all Indians.

The wild cat had been killed with its fangs in one of
the red men’s shoulders.

“That means that the captain and the fellow he called
Tod’ Pepper and the Indian, Eagle Claw, are missing,”

said Buffalo Bill. “These fellows are Apaches, and Eagle

said Mr.

_ be afraid of anything,”

dt argc ma ca ci NN en ee mt iat Mi

BILL STORIES.

Claw. isa Sioux: Hes a good Indian who has got into
bad company, I reckon.”

‘“How:-do you know he was.a Sioux?” asted ioe die.
quickly. “All Indians look alike to me, but I confess I
have never seen a great many.” ie

“He talked the Sioux language. Black Feather arid I
understood him perfectly,” was the answer.

ob heard some sort of gibberish, but I didn’t know what
it was,” said Eloise; then she added, “I hope you and
Black Feather were not hit, Col. Cody. em

“We're all right up to the present time,” laughed Buf-
falo Bull, who felt sure now that the bandits had retreated.

I doubt if those fellows will attack us again to-night.
There are only three of them left, and they have Had a
taste of our bullets. No doubt they figured that Black
Feather and I would do all of the shooting, and that we
had only one weapon apiece.”

“Imogene did. some of the shooting,’ said Eloise,
promptly. “She seized papa’ S weapon when he dropped
it, and blazed away with it.”

“T didn’t hit anything, though,” laughed Imogene. “TI
couldn’t see ten feet ahead of me, but I did not want them
to: think they had reduced our number.”

“I told you that you had grit. You are both brave
girls,” said Buffalo Bill, promptly.

“They: make me ashamed of myself,” said their father.

' “Why, when that bullet struck my arm I thought I was

done for. Even Mr. Taylor did better than 1, as, sick as
he is.. -He held his weapon as firm as a rock and emptied
every chamber.”

‘I did the same as ; Imogene, ” laughed the young man.
“Black Feather did:all of the killing. I only helped to
scare them.”

“The honors lie between Black Feather and the cat,
then,” said Buffalo Bill. “I only assisted the cat after
she had tackled the enemy.”

“The cat? What do you mean?” asked Imogene.
Buffalo Bill explained. ¢

“Dear me,” wailed Mrs. Besnett, who had been listen-
ing. “It seems to me we are surroundéd by terrors. First
it is bandits and Indians, and then it is wild cats.”

“But we are safe and well, all except papa, and he has
only a scratch. While Buffalo Bill is with us I shall not
said Imégene, stoutly.

The scout thanked her, but he did not feel as secure in
his own ability as she appeared to.

He knew that the robbers would not abandon their hope

of killing him now, for, knowing him‘to be Buffalo Bill,

they would be even more vindictive.

The fact that Buffalo Bill was the greatest Indian
fighter in the world was enough to make the redskins hun-
ery for his death; but he was also known as the terror of
bad men on the border, and the bandits of Robber’s Rock
had reasons of theit own for wishing him out of the way.

When they had strengthened their number they meant
to follow him up, and, as the hills were desolate where
he was camping, they had hopes of catching him. ©

No one knew their intentions better than the big scout
himself, so-it was no wonder he didnot feel overconfi-
dent at the young lady’s assertion. ~

But he did not think it wise to acquaint the ladies, with
his fears.

There had been anxiety enough for one night, so he

bade them to get some sleep as cheerfully as he could,

~ »

 
 

4

ee

 

THE, BUBRFALO

and then he and Black Feather took turns in watching
until morning. :
. The next day: ‘they fond their journey to a hills.

 

CHAPTER Vi.

hae DEN.

All this time the three bandits had not been idle.

As soon as they were a safe distance from the rocks
they stopped and held another consultation.

Velts Buffalo Bill, all right,” said the fellow called Tod
Pepper. “I saw him for just a second. He was perched
on ther top of a rock, and jest as 1 ketched a glimpse of

‘him he reached up and grabbed a wild cat by ther scruff

of ther neck an’ dropped it plunk on Big Thunder's head.

“Big Thunder was a-crawlin’ up ther rock at ther time.
Teck in he got shot later, as he ain’t showed up none.’

SP reckn it's Cody, but ’tain’t likely he dropped ther

wild cat,” began the captain.
“JT seen him do it! Reck’n my eyesight’s as good as
yourn,” retorted the other. “He yanked thet thar beast
offen a limb an’ fired it at ther Injun, jest as if it had been
a stone or somethin’. Anyhow, Big Thunder is dead, an’
so is Crow Beak and Little Bison. Thar’s only three on
us left, an’ thar’s about six in thet thar outfit, accordin’
ter my sense of hearin’ Thar was that number a-doin’
ther shootin’ or my name ain’t Tod Pepper.”

“What does Eagle Claw say?” asked the robber chit
turning to the Indian.

“Me hear four weapons after paleface yell,’ said the
Indian. “Me wing the old man that run through the
grass when the fire pass Robber’s Rock. After that,there
were four weapons that spoke. Buffalo, Bill and the
Sioux make two, and the sick paleface make three. Mebbe
white squaw shoot her father’s gun when he cry out at
Eagle Claw’s bullet.” .

“That is it! One of the women must have helped out!”
said the captain.

“She’s got grit, then,” remarked Ted Pepper.

“A good thing for an outlaw’s wife to have,” laughed
the captain. “I had hoped ter loot ther schooner, thinkin’
thar might be rum or‘firearms aboard, but I reckon now
thar’s a “bigger prize yet.

“T’ve a notion to steal the two gals an’ take ’em ter ther
den. They’d make it cheerful thar, I reckon, providin’
they've got purty faces.”

* Vaint a.bad scheme to figeer on, cap nun,” said Tod
Pepper. “But wed better reck'n on ketchin’ Bill Cody
first. Thar won’t be no chance at ther petticoats till ther
scout has been done fer.”

“You said you saw his cave back on ther hills, didn’t
yer?” asked the captain.

Tod Pepper fiodded.

“How much of a place was it, an’ what’s ther strength

of his outfit?” went on the captain.

“Thar was a two-room dugout under the hill, an’ one
man ter watch it,” said Tod. “Ther place is about nine

miles north of ther coal mine, reckon there’s a clump

of cottonwoods an’ some rocks in ther rear, but it’s cleared
gtound in the front fer nigh on two furlongs. That thar
frog pond that’s called Pig River is ter ther west allways,
an’ there’s a good trail ter Bison Foot Mine on ther south.
I reck’n thet thar’s ther way Cody come.
railroad than ther north trail, wot leads over thro’ Buck-
shot Ravine. Wot was yer thinkin’ of doin’, cap’n? Be

   

' ladies.

It’s nigher ther

Bi STORIES: It

yer plannin’ ter visit ther camp an’ have dinner with ther
champion bandit ketcher of ther Rockies?”

“T ain’t rec nin’ on no dinner,” was the answer; “but I
‘low it was my lay ter visit Cody. It’s the only. thing
left fer us now, I reckon. Let’s see, thar’s a couple of
mules in thet thar outfit yonder in the rocks, which means
ther arrival of ther bunch at ther camp will be delayed
somewhat ter-morror. We'll jest ride on ter ther den
and strengthen our number, an’ then I'll lay a plan ter
trick Cody good. He'll find some on us waitin’ fer him
when he gets ter his quarters. I don’t mean him ter
reckinize us none, yer understand, till we git in shape ter
do him up good an’ proper. Now, then, come on, ther
two of yer! I’ve got a pretty cl’ar idee what I’m goin’
ter do. We'll let ‘em sleep ter-night, ther pretty dears,
but ter-morrer they'll have ter say good-by ter ther han’-
some scout, I reck’n. I’m a talkin’ about ther two young
Savey? I’m gittin’ right in ther mood fer doin’
a little courtin’, an’ if strategy an’ figgerin’ will do it I
reck’n I'll have some amusement in thet thar line not
later’n ter-morrer evenin’.”

“Td like ter feel ther pressher of a gal’s lips agin’ my
own once more, too,’ said Tod Pepper, laughing. “And
bein’ as how-thar’s two on ’em, I stan’s with yer, cap’n.
I'll go over ter ther camp if yer say so. I reck’n [ve got
inginoorty enough ter hold my end up fer a considerable
period, an’ meanwhile you an’ ther rest of ther gang kin
git in yer fine work. Ill leave ther plannin’ ter you, cap’n.
LT reck a yer head is better than mine when it comes to
deviltry.”

“T reck’n it is!” said the captain, proudly.
king pin when it comes ter schemin’.

“Thar’s others in ther gang what kin fire a weapon jest
as straight as I kin, but when it comes ter outlinin’ a
campaign T ain’t got Ao equals. We'll hurry over ter ther
den an’ Vl set ter work. I reck’n it'll have ter be a dandy
plan if I expect ter outwit Bill Cody.”

“I expect it will,” said the other.

Then all three put spurs to their horses.

Following the creek for several miles, they finally found
an opening in the belt of rocks that suited them, and here
they recrossed the stream and headed for the hills,

They were about ten miles now from the spot where
the fight had taken place, and after a little more riding
they struck into a trail which, turning to the southwest,
led them back some distance in about the direction they
had come from.

At last they reached a desolate spot, where the rocks
were low and interspersed with heavy pine trees.
The trail had been left shortly before, but there were
evidences of human beings having been in the spot re-

cently.

Twigs were snapped here and there, and occasionally
there was an overturned stone.

It looked as.if, whoever had passed, had kicked the
stones about purposely.

They brought their horses to a standstill finally, at what
looked like the ruins of a log hut, and the captain gave a
long, shrill whistle.

It was answered immediately, but in a peculiar way.

A large flagstone that lay wpon the ground about ten
feet ahead of them suddenly rose ‘like the cover on a box.

A head came up from under the stone, and a hand was
reached out and the stone secured in its upright position.

“How d’y do, cap?” called out the owner of the head.

“T’m ther

 

 
 

Se

:
12 THE BUFFALO

~‘It’s tarnal dark comin’ out of ther light, but I hope I see
yer safe, you an’ ther rest of ther outfit.”

“We're well, what ther is left of us,” said the captain,
as he slid from his saddle. “We've lost seven pals all
told ter day, but I reck’n we'll squar’ ther account later.
Call some one ter take care of ther horses, will yer?”

The other man had come up out of the hole now, and
the captain made preparations to descend. ‘There was a
light coming up out of the hole, and there was a ladder
leading down into it. :

“T’ll put ther hosses in ther shack round behind ther
rock fer ter-night,” said the fellow who had received
them. ‘Thar ain’t no need to take ’em below till mornin’.
Wot did ther cap’n mean by sayin’ he’d lost seven on yer?”

He discovered that there were only two men beside him
just then, and promptly let out a whistle.

“We run across Bill Cody, ther scout an’ Injun fighter,”
said Tod Pepper, sullenly. “He’s got ther scalps of three
of our Injuns, I reck’n, and there’s four deaders lyin’ out
on ther prairie. Come down below as soon as yer ve fed
ther hosses an’ he’ll give yer ther story.”

Tod went down the ladder as he spoke, and Eagle Claw
followed him. ~

When the outlaw had put the tired horses in‘a little shed
that had been built behind the highest rock, and attended
to their wants, he, too, disappeared down the hole and the
flat stone fell back in its place as though it worked on
hinges.

The hole was really the shaft of an old coal mine which
had been abandoned.

_ The ladder ran down to a depth of about thirty feet.

Here there were two drifts running at right angles for
about twenty feet in each direction.

Whoever had sunk the shaft had been discouraged here,
for there had been no further attempt to work the mine,
although the walls were of solid carbon.

At the junction of the two drifts there was space for
a dozen men, but at the present’ time it held only seven.

They were playing cards, and the place was lighted by
a number of safety lamps such as are used by miners in
the coaling districts. ‘

The men rose from‘the dry prairie grass on which they
had been sitting and shook hands with the newcomers.

Then, as though it was the custom among them, sev-

eral black bottles were passed oe and their contents,

sampled.
When this was over some one asked for the news, and
the captain of the gang related the day’s experiences.
After the men had expressed their opinions of Buffalo
Bill with a great deal of profanity, a scheme was laid by

which the earth was to be ridded of the famous scout who -

was such a terror to bad men and Indians.

‘he '$ on the warpath after thet thar military gent, I
reck’n,” said one of the ruffians. “It’s probable ther gov-
ernment has asked him ter investigate ther sudden demise
of ther high muck-er-muck with ther brass buttons thet
had ther misfortune ter-stray past. Robber’s Rock last
week.”

The others roared at- this. .

“Mebbe that’s his lay,’\ said the captain, “Mebbe
they've called the roll at the army post an’ found two of
ther bluecoats missin’. They'll be missin’ fer some time,
Treck n.”

There was another roar.

“Thet thar was a-slick job,’ remarked another robber.

PILL, STORIES.
j

“We got ther jewels an’ did fer an enemy at ther same

It’s too bad we killed ther Pinkerton
sleuth. sos quick. I allus like ter give them fellers a lin-
gerin’ death, if possible. We'll have ter make up fer thet
thar error when it comes ter ther funeral ceremony of ther
two bluecoats: By ther way, I wonder how they like
their present quarters.”
The men all laughed as if this was a great joke.
“They re findin’ ‘themselves a little cramped, I reck’n,
said the captain, when he had finished chuckling.\
“They ain’t got more’n two feet of room apiece, and
there’s nuthin’ fer em to. eat but bread an’ water. How-
somever, that’s good enough fer ‘em, I reck’n. I ain’t
got no love fer ther soldier boy, ner fer any man wot
thinks he’s hyar on earth fer ther sole purpose of de-
fraudin’ me outer my livin’. I reck’n a man’s entitled ter
wot he kin get in this hyar world. Cody’s ther enemy of
all on us, an’ we've got ter git rid of him, so now git yer
heads together, all on yer, an’ plan how ter do it in a good
an’ proper manner.’
The ruffians became serious at once and began to offer
suggestions.

time, a reck’n.

39

Tt hey planned to go to Col. Cody’s camp in the hills and |

take him alive, if possible, so that they might have the
pleasure of torturing him to death later.

Then they schemed to kill the other members of his
party and steal the young girls.

By this it will be seen that they had a big undertaking
on hand, but there were ten of them in the deni, and many
more in the mountains.

The place where they intended to torture and kill Col.
Cody was not mentioned at this meeting, but the reader
will learn of it a little later.

When the plan was all mapped out the captain issued
his erders. Two of the men were to visit some of the
other bandit gangs in the mountains at sunrise and secure
ie; -enforcements.

Two more were to hurry to Buffalo Bill’s camp in oper

to be there when he arrived with his companions, and the
others were to. follew more slowly.

They meant to surround the camp, while the two-who
had gone ahead were occupying the scout’s attention by
some ruse or other.

Then there was to be a sudden attack. _

Tod Pepper and Bink Hefflon, a slick horse thief from
Tucson, were to give the signal, and the os were to
swoop down upon the camp.

The re-enforcements from the mountains were aa to be
called upon unless they were needed.

In reality, they had only been notified of the coming
event in order that they might be present at the death of
the famous scout. It was to be a celebration of high
order, and the more ruffians present the better.

The plans were completed, and at sunri¢é the first bunch
of outlaws started to carry them out.

Horses were brought from thé ruins of the log hut and
out of caves dug in the ground, and at exactly sunrise
ae were in the saddle. The others followec later.

_ Thus it was that when Buffalo Bill came in sight of his
own camp he was surprised to find the half-breed guide
whom he had left there seated on a rock in front of his
dugout talking to what appeared to be an aged couple.

‘Hello! What the deuce does this mean?’ asked the
scout, as he galloped up ahead of his party.

Hank Ellis, the guide, hurried his explanation.

 
   

 

“They're just a brace of gypsies’ frorn over ther
mount’n, colonel,’ he said. ‘They've strayed outer ther
trail, they tell me, as they was headed fer ther Bison Foot
Coal Mine, over in ther High Peak Range.

“T gave em some luncheon, bein’ as how they was hun-

gry. Thar ain't nuthin’ wrong, I hope.”

He looked at Buffalo Bill anxiously. -

“There’s nothing wrong if they are really gypsies,” said
Col. Cody, “but you are easily deceived, you know, Hank,
in spite of your experience. Black Feather and I have
had a hard trip and, as you see, I have brought ladies to
the camp. I don’t want to take any chances. ‘There are
too many rascals in this section for. that.”

He took a keen look at the old man and-woman as he
spoke.

They appeared to be harmless enough.

Both were bent in figure, and the woman walked with
a heavy stick,

Their clothes were ragged and their faces were dirty.

Both of them carried baskets, in which were a few
berries.

They had neve away a short distance and seated
themselves upon another rock, and the old woman had
drawn a greasy pack of cards from her pocket.

Hank Ellis looked a little disturbed as he took Charlie’s
bridle.

~ Buffalo Bill kept watching the old couple as he helped

the others to dismount.

“Who are they?’ asked Mrs: Bennett he minute she
saw them.

“Tam going to find out directly,” said Buffalo Bill, in a
low voice; then he said to Black Feather: “Keep your eye
on them until I have made my guests comfortable. If
you see anything suspicious draw a bead on them without
ceremony. I’ve had trouble enough for a while, and-if
there is treachery here we must use heroic measures.”

“I can’t believe they are rogues,’ began Hank, as he
took charge of the horses and mules, “They was s’prised
ter see ther camp an’ warn’t a-comin’ nigh it at fust.

“Then ther old dame come up an’ said she was hungry.
They’re a fortune-tellin’ pair, she says, an’ they've been
a-livin’ on berries.

They jest swallered some jack rabbit hull that I had
stewed fer dinner.” >

“Does that mean that there is nothing to eat in the
dugout?” asked Col. Cody.

No, indeed, sir! .Thar’s more rabbit, an’ thar’s birds
an’ venison an’ coffee. You'll find plenty, colonel; I ex-
pected yer every minute.”

“Then well go in and have a bite, as we are all fam-
ished,” said Buffalo Bill, as ‘he stood at the door of the
dugout and motioned for his guests to enter.

The old couple were still sitting on the rock a few
rods from the door, and had been ‘staring open-mouthed
at the ladies of Buffalo Bill’s party.

Now they turned their gaze on the great scout himself

and their mouths fairly gaped in apparent astonishment.

“That dirt is too thick to be genuine,” muttered Buffalo
Bill, as he scanned the two old faces, one of which was

shaded by an old straw hat and the other by a sunbonnet.

“T’ve been taken in by gypsies before. However, while

Black Feather is watching them I will eat my luncheon.

A a. can't go the gait | am going on an empty stomach.”
te followed his cuests into the dugout, and Hank Ellis

came after.
He had tethered the horses where they could nibble the a

THE BUPFALO

Bibl STORIES.

grass, and now busied himself by spreading the viands
he had meationed before his master.

While they were partaking of the food they discussed
the night’s experiences, and Buffalo Bill had almost for-
gotten the gypsies when the report of Black Feather’s
gun brought him rapidly to his senses.

He had\just time to spring from his seat and close and
bolt the door when crack, crack, crack! went’ a trio of
revolvers,

 

CHAT Hi V1.
TRAPPED IN THE DUGOUT.
“Move into the back room, ladies, if you please,” said
Buffalo Bill, as he barred the one small window. “There

is trouble outside, and I have myself to thank for it. i
should have investigated those two old creatures at once.’
“You don’t mean ’ began Mr. Bennett,

Buffalo Bill had his ear to the heavy door.

“They were disguised outlaws, without a doubt,”
the scout, disgustedly.

“T was suspicious of them from the first, but 1 was
too hungry to be cautioys. There they come! We are
being surrounded by bandits. Get your weapons ready,
gentlemen. We must defend the ladies! I expect it is
some of that same gang that we were fighting with last
night. I felt pretty sure we had not seen the last of
them,” oe

Tle cocked his-own weapon as he spoke.

The three ladies had hurried into the second room of
the dugout, which was really a deep hole in a hill, with
a thick wall of stone dividing it from the front room, and
no window whatever. Mr. Bennett and Mr. Taylor each
drew a weapon, and Hank Ellis stationed himself beside
his master. us

“You see, Hank, your gypsies were not gypsies at ail, v
said Buffalo Bill, sternly. “They are bandits in disguise.
It we are ail killed it ®ill be because of your stupidity.
You should have drawn a bead on them at once and then
gone through them. No doubt they both have arsenals
stored undef those rags. They've signaled their. pals
now; I can hear more horses coming. Q

“Black Feather must be dead,”
voice. “I’m a fool, all right, but I always was easy. I
thought they was poor gypsies, and I felt sorry for them.

“Here they come! And they’ve got us penned in like
Tats ina tran

“It’s lucky the dugout is built so solid,’ muttered Buf-
falo Bill.

“They can’t pierce these Walle with bullets, and there’s
no way for the rascals to get at the ladies.

_“They’ll have to either batter down the door or starve
us out.. They’ll try the former, probably. It is not the
nature of the outlaw to wait long for anything, and be-
sides, they are after the ladies. They wont take any
chances of starving them, I reckon.”

He put his ear.to the door again as he spoke,

 

said

After the first volley of firearms there had been silence’

outside until the sound of horses’ hoofs could be detected.
There was no doubt in his mind but what the dugout was
surrounded by horsemen, who were awaiting a hunzan
target before wasting any more bullets.

“They'll wait some time,’ growled Buffalo Bill. “It’s

the rest of the gang that we failed to kill in the night, I
expect, and they’ve added to their numbers.

That looks

Pier Arma Aceon ok Ah ss eas noruiA pnecmrminer tebe teioeme an

Sa ase Ne te ao fe NB eek we Dy RT ALDOL B  peh 4od ch ges Addl shel ato

avd Hank, in a choking ~

 

eb

      
   

 

Seb piensa =

arenes sae Sie

 

 
  

  

 

as if there was a big gang in this section. I wonder if
their headquarters is Robber's Rock. If that is the case
.the rock must be hollow.”

“Hark! whispered Hank Ellis, who had crept close to
the window.

Buffalo Bill listened intently.

‘They have dismounted and are coming on foot to in-
spect ther dugout,’ went on Hank. “I reck’n ther slide
will give yer ‘ther range, colonel; but go easy, for God's
sake, and don’t let ther rascals see yer.”’

Buffalo Bill had moved to one side as he spoke and was
tugging at a small piece of wood that fitted tightly be-
tween the logs that formed the front of the dugout.

He stood a little to one side as he worked, and at last
the wood yielded and came out, leaving a narrow slit not
more than one inch wide and three long Between the logs.

He waited a minute, but nothing happened.

“They didn’t see it! Wl! venture to look,’ muttered
Buffalo Bill.

He put his eye to the crack for the fraction of a minute.

“I can see four of the rascals,’ he said, promptly..

“They are Hank’s two gypsies, who have discarded their
rags and are holding their guns with the muzzles this
way, and there are two men on horseback.”

“Are they armed also?” asked Mr. Taylor.

“To the teeth,’ was the answer.

Then Buffalo Bill laughed grimly.

“ Bhey think they have me bagged for fair, but I'll fool
them, the sinners! Just hand me a rifle, Hank, and be
quick about it!” :

Hank Ellis snatched down a Winchester from a couple
of hooks in the ceiling of the dugout and handed it to him.

Buffalo Bill glanced at the weapon.

“By the eternals! The gun has been unloaded!’ he
exclaimed.

“Were those two bogus gypsies in the dugout, Hank?”

“The old woman looked inter this hyar room while I
was quizzin’ her pard, said Hank, humbly. “I didn’t see
her come in none. \

“Well, she came in, all right, and, what’s more, she
found time to empty the rifle. It’s lucky I’ve got plenty
of ammunition with me.”

He loaded the gun while he talked.

A moment later he peered through the slit again.

“Do be careful, Buffalo Bill!’ warned Mr. Taylor.
“One of the rascals may take a notion to shoot through
that hole.”

“They cant see it ten feet away. I cut it that way my-
self on purpose. I did not expect to have to use it, but
my experience in the West has taught me to be cautious.
My forethought in this instance may save all our lives.
Now, if those two rascals will only stand still a second.’

He put the muzzle of the gun to the slit between the
logs as he spoke.

Then, crack, crack! went the weapon.

Buffalo Bill drew it out quickly and took another look.

“They’ve got their pay for fooling you, Hank,” he said.

“I dropped them both, and the two on horseback have

skedaddled.”’

They all listened after that, and Buffalo Bill fitted the
piece of wood back in its place for fear the robbers might
come nearer for a close inspection.

“They” Il all move around to the rear now and talk it

over, * he said. ‘‘They see I’m not to be taken easily.” ;

“Suppose they should set fire to the dugout,” said Mr.
Taylor.

  

THE BUFFALO.

    

Bink STORIES:

“We won’t borrow trouble; besides, the place is mostly
of sand. It is dug deep in the hill, and the only part that
will burn is the roof of this room and the front wall,
We'd just move into the back room if anything of that
sort happens. The partition is of stone, built like a wall,
and the door is of stone also. It took three men over a
month to build this place, but, as I expected to spend some
time in°this section, I ordered the place to be well con-
structed.”

He removed the piece of wood again as he talked and
peered through the opening.

There was no one in sight.

- Just then Hank signaled to him from the window.

Removing his eye, Buffalo Bill put his ear to the aper-
ture.

He was rewarded by hearing voices directly under the
opening.

“Thet thar shot come from about hyar,”

of the outlaws say. “I saw a curl of smoke between the
logs at this hyar pint. Thar’s an openin’ somewhere, an’
ther rat kin draw er bead on us if we're fools enough ter
git In range.”

"Wed better keep ter ther rear, then, pard) There's
no knowin’ how many portholes thar are to this hyar
craft. I wouldn’t wonder, now, if he’d a fitted ther dug-
out up ter stand er siege of this hyar sort. ’Tain’t like
Buffalo Bill ter overlook nuthin’ He’s er foxy cuss, an’
as slick as they make ’em.”

“We've got him trapped, tho’! If wuss come to wuss
we'll fire ther dugout an’. flush our quarry. We kin
shoot down ther men as fast as they come out an’ spare
ther women.’

They moved away as they Shae both hugging the wall
of the dugout.

“T’m glad I know your plans,’ muttered Buffalo Bill,
as he put the piece of wood back again. ‘‘There’s no use
of my staying here if they are not coming in range. I'll
just try another ruse, and if I succeed it will reduce their
number still more. Just let me come into the back room
a4 minute, ladies!”

He stepped into the inner room, where Eloise and Imo-
gene were trying to soothe their mother.

Then he called to Hank to come and open the venti-
lator.

The ladies all looked up.

In the roof over their heads there was a flat stone set
in the timber.

As Hank removed it with both hands Buffalo Bill ex-
plained its presence.

“You see, the dugout gets full of smoke when we cook
in here on rainy days,” he said; “so 1 dug a hole in the
sand overhead and set in a piece of stovepipe. The hole
can’t be seen, as there’s a lot of’ rubbish over it, and when
I don't need the ventilator I keep the stone in place.

“There’s no fire in the stove now, so there'll be no
smoke, and | mean to use the stovepipe to trick the fel-
lows.”

He pulled down the length of stovepipe as he spoke and
clapped his soft hat over it.

Then he began to work the pipe, with the hat on it, up
through the hole.

When it was almost up to the surface he gave Hank an
order. |

“Take hold here and work the pipe up until the hat
can be seen from the outside. Those rascals have sharp

he heard one

 

=

 

 
 

 

 

  

 

‘her-eyes flashing.

eyes; they will see the bushes moving, and all hands will
blaze away at the hat. Meanwhile, Mr. Bennett will open:
the door ‘and let me out.
back if I am alive.

“Tf I don’t come back he must shut the door and bar if.
Be sire that you count seven shots, though, before you
shut the door, sir. My life may depend upon your keep-
ing your wits about you.’

“Then you had better let me be doortender,” spoke up
Imogene, promptly. “Tam cooler than papa, and my ear
is quicker. , I will close the door after you are in, Buffalo
Bill, and papa must bolt it.” ee

She came into the outer room as she spoke.

Buffalo Bill looked from one to the other.

The girl’s face was perfectly fearless, while that of her
father was already gray with anxiety.

9

“Al right, my’ dear ; my life-is im your hands,” said
Buffalo Bill, gayly. a
~ “Tl save you, sir, or know the reason ee ’ said Imo-

gene, promptly.

Hank Ellis gave a sonal just then.

The stovepipe with the hat on it had leached the outlet
above.

Crack! went a gun, and Hank signaled that he had felt
the ping of the bullet against the rusty iron.

The pipe had not been up far enough to be knocked
over, but there was reason to think it would be sent flying
by the next bullet.

Buffalo Bill opened the door and Imogene took hold
of the heavy latch with both hands.

There was no one in sight.

Buffalo Bill was afraid that one of the robbers might
be upon the roof, although he had not heard’ anyone
above him, so he hugged the wall or the dugout closely
as he glided to the corner.

Then, before Imogene could wink, he began discharg-
ing his weapon.

Bang, bang, bang! went the rifle.

What avueetcd to be a volley of shots followed.

“Quick! Close the door!” yelled Mr. Bennett. “They
have killed him sure. and they’ll be in here in a minute!”

He sprang toward the door as he spoke.

The brave girl grasped it with both hands.

“Wait a second, father!” she began.

“TI tell you he is dead, and the rascals will’ enter!” -

screamed the man, who was almost beside himself with
fear.

“Wait, wait! I cannot lock him out!” cried the girl.

“Then I will! Stand aside!” bawled the man.

“For shame, father!’ cried Eloise, springing to her
sister’s side. “TE you were brave men you would go to
his rescue. You shall not close the door until I know
whether Buffalo Bill is really dead.”

“You will have us all murdered, then,”
father.

Mr. Taylor had moved to the door while Eloise was
talking. He felt ashamed of himself, and had cocked. his
weapon and was now looking around in front of the
dugout.

“T don't see him! He must be dead!” he said.

“Go and find him and be sure!” ordered Eloise, with
“T will never marry you if you are a
coward! Go, or I will go myself!”

She snatched the revolver from her father’s ‘hand as
she spoke.

wailed her

Ne,

 

THE BUFFALO

TH empty as wee) and run

  

BILL STORIES. A we

At that second Hank Ellis bounded past them and out
of the ddor |

Eloise waited for nothing more.

~ With a scornful glance at her lover she dashed after
the guide, with Imogen ye at her heels

hen Maurice Taylor followed. |

He was: not a coward exactly, nor was Mr. Bennett,

but both were what would be called “rattled” in the face
of such a thrilling danger. Zt

The girls were already out of sight a the corer
of the dugout.

When Pavlor reached then they were both bending
over the form of Buffalo Bill, which lay onthe ground |
about twenty feet from the log structure.

There was a bullet wound in his shoulder, which was
bleeding profusely.

There were two other bodies in sight.

Both lay facing Buffalo Bill, and each» had: a finger
pressed hard upon the trigger of a business-like- looking
revolver. There was no sign of Black Feather, the faith-
ful Indian.

 

CHAPTER. V E>
THE SECOND PLOT TO’ KILL CODY.

When Bennett finally ventured out of the dugout he
met Mr. Taylor and Hank Ellis bringing Buffalo. Bill in.

The scout was limp and pale, and looked very much
like a dead man.

The girls were close behind, but both were peering
about for more bandits, and Eloise was holding the re-
volver very firmly.

Hank deposited Col. Cody on Be Hoot of the dugout
and examined his wound.

It was a deep flesh wound, but not at all serious.

The scout had fainted from loss of blood.

After Hank had bound up the wound and gave him
some whisky he recovered rapidly.

' Mr. Bennett had closed and bolted the door and was
looking about as sheepish as it was possible for a man to
look.

"You two young ladies can look after him now, I
reck’n,” said the guide, when he saw Col. Cody open his
eyes. “I’m goin’ outside ter look fer Black Feather.”

He unbarred the door again and went out.

He came five minutes later with the Indian leaning on
his arm.

That was enough to restore the scout to consciousness.

He sat up at once and stared at the Indian.

“Me fool ’em robbers,”’ said the Indian, in a weak voice.
“Me feel bullet in my leg and drop flat on my face. Me
never move again, and robber t’ink me sure a dead one.
When everybody: shoot together me crawl into. the rocks.
The great scout is alive, and me very thankful.”

He looked at Buffalo Bill affectionately as he spoke.

It was hard to say which was most pleased at the
safety of the other.

Vinete are tour dead men outside, an’ their hosses are
on ther hill yonder,” said Hank. “One of ther rascals
has got away. He is heading for the North Pass. He’s
got enough of it, I reck’h.’

“Have you searched the rocks thoroughly } ?” asked Buf-
falo Bill.

“There were five in all,” spoke up Black Feather. “Two
were Hank’s gypsies. They gave the signal and the

  
 

Raise ks

Vas up

up, Buffalo Bill.

16 THE BUFFALO

others came.
ist mm leg.

“Then they are all accounted for,* said Buffalo Bill.
“Tt is too bad I didn’t make a clean sweep of it. I never
pulled a trigger faster in my life, but that rascal was on
iis horse, and he put spurs to it just: as I got a bead on
hi us companion.’

“Do you suppose he will bring more bandits to finish
asked Eloise. “If he does he'll find that we are
she added. “I am just getting my spunk
I feel as if I could go on fighting ban-

It was then me pull the trigger and git bul.

still on deck,”

dits forever.”

“IT hope you won’t have to,
turned to Hank Ellis.

“Did you look at the horses?” he asked.

“They have not been touched, ‘They broke their tethers
during the shooting, but they are both within hearing.’

“Go and get them,” said Buffalo Bill.

Hank went at once..

“Now, Mr. Taylor, I want you and Mr. Bennett to get
over your scare right away. ‘There is no time for weak-
ness of any sort, Black Feather and I are wounded, and
I am going to send’ Hank for assistance, so you see I
depend upon you to protect the ladies.”

“Ll do my best;’ said Taylor, promptly. “I’m over
my scare now. Eloise called me a coward just now, and
I guess she was right. Ill show her that I can be brave
if | try. Go ahead with your orders, colonel, and 1 will
obey them.

Eloise looked radiant at this, and even Mr. Bennett
brightened up a little.

“Now, Hank,” continued the scout, when the guide
came in, “you must mount Charlie and ride to the Bison
Foot Mine. You know the place. It’s nine miles from
here, and Woodchuck Pass will take you almost to it.
They have a telegraph station there, and you must send
this message to Capt. Evans, at the Sand Hill Army
Station.”

He drewa pencil and paper from Ai pocket as he spoke
and succeeded in scrawling a message witli his well arm.

“That will bring the captain and some of the soldiers
here within twenty-four hours, and it is up to us to hold
the fort until they arrive. To begin the campaign, see
that the guns are all loaded, Mr. Taylor. I must look at
Black Feather’s wound. When I have bandaged that I
will be ready to help you.”

Hank had taken the message and gone before his mas-
ter finished. The brave fellow felt conscience-stricken ,
at having been taken in by the outlaws, and was glad to
risk his life on this dangerous errand if by so doing he
could save the others from the result of his stupidity.

Aiter he had gone the others settled down to patient
waiting and watching, and the rest of the day passed with
out anything happening.

But this did not mean that the bandits had forsaken

” said Col. Cody. Then he

their revenge, as they called it.

On the contrary, Long Andy, the robber who had es-
caped Buffalo Bill’s bullets, rode directly in the direction
from which his pals were coming, and when he met them,
as he did five miles from the dugout, he exhorted them
to special effort in the matter of catching Col. Cody.

When he had related what had happened the outlaws,
now nine in number, stopped their horses under a clump
of trees and talked the matter over.

“Cody’s got ter be got rid of,’ said the biggest man

BILE SlORTES.

among them. “He’s a menace to biz an’ a nuisance every
way.

“He’s got ter be took alive so’s we kin have ther pleas-
ure of witnessin’ his death struggles,” said another.

“Now’s ther time ter do it, pards,’ urged Long Andy.
He’ s killed enough of our number ter make us hate him,
an’ we've got him caged in ther dugout with a couple of
tenderfeet, a fool guide an’ three wimmin.’

“Be yer sure he warnt killed?’ asked one of the men.
oer said yer saw him fall at ther tail end of thet thar
fracas.”

“T saw him fall, all right, but I reck’n Jack only winged
him. He moved after he fell. I had emptied my weapon
at ther stovepipe with ther hat on it, as I was tellin’ yer,
so thar wasn’t no use to tarry none.

“He’s in ther dugout all right, an’ he’s crippled, as sure
as shootin’.”

“Then I move we scout around a bit and call on some
more of our pals. Cuffy ther Tarrier is workin’ ther
Woodchuck Pass, bein’ as how he’s heerd thar’s a mule
team due on thet thar route sometime about sunset, an’
thar’s no one likes ter see an enemy a-squirmin’ in their
death throe as much as Cuffy. We'll jest corral ther
gang an swoop down an’ fire ther dugout. Then, after
disposin’ of them as we don’t want, we'll take Bill an’ ther
two gals on ter Robber’s Rock an’ do ther torturin’. Ther
rock ain’t told no tales yet, an’ it’s covered a good many
secrets, so I reck’n ther rock’s as good a place as any.”

“It’s ther best place,” said one of the others. “With
one man on guard on top thar can’t no one come near it,
and s’posin’ thar is some darin’ galoot a-campin’ on thet
thar trail. Ther roek ain’t nuthin’ but a rock, on ther out-
side, pardners.”

“Robber’s Rock’s ther place,” said the big fellow, de-
cidedly. “Now, git along, all on yer, an’ tell ther others.
I dott mean ter have no fizzle outer this hyar attack.
One such fiasco on ther part of our pals is enough. They
desarved bein’ shot ter let one man an’ an old stovepipe
kill four outer five, I rec’n.” :

The bandits scattered at once.

Two of them went south, and the others north and west.

The two who went south were soon on the Woodchuck
Pass, over which Hank Ellis had ridden only a short time
before on his way to the telegraph station.

Hank had a good start, so the robbers did not overtake
him.

Just before he reached the coal mine he met a mule
team on the way to the nearest station on the Union Pa-
cific Railroad. The team was in charge of three men,
and was going out empty, to all appearances.

Hank halted the drivers and had a word with them.

“It’s lucky yer ain’t got nuthin’ ter steal,” he began.

The drivers looked interested.

“What do yer mean, Hank Ellis?’ asked one of the
men, who had recognized the guide.

Hank related the pena that Buffalo Bill had just
gone through.

The big scout had visited the mining settlement only
the week ‘before, and as the men knew of Col. Pepperil’s
death they were greatly interested.

“T reckon Robber’s Rock is a bad place,” said one of
them, “and I’m mightily glad we don’t have to pass it.”

“That’s so, Bob Snyder,” said another of the drivers. —

“We ain’t hankerin’ to meet no robbers to-day, be we?”
“Ther bandits would find pretty dry pickin’ on thet

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THE BUFFALO BILL STORIES. | Y

thar cart,” said Hank, pointing to. the empty vehicle.
“You're a-goin’ ter ther station fer provisions, ain’t yer?”

~“T reck’n we are,” said Bob Snyder, with a wink at his
companions. “We ain’t got no vallybles aboard ter
speak. of. 72 :

“I can’t see nuthin’ in yer cart but er tool chest,” said
Hank, again. “I reck’n ther gang wots er layin’ fer Buf-
falo Bill won’t disturb yer none. They're a-lookin’ fer
big game. :

“I reck’n they mean ter finish ther colonel, an’ it’s a-
worryin’ me considerable. I’m hopin’ ter git some one at
ther mine ter go back with me an’ not wait fer ther
soldiers.” hake

“Yer don’t reck’n thar are any bandits’ along Wood-
chuck Pass now, do yer?’’ asked one of the men, uneasily.

“IT ain't seen none,’ said Hank. “An’ I don’t reck’n

“there'll be any,’ he added, “so long’s thar’s nuthin’ ter

rob. If yer was loaded with nuggets, now, it would be
different.”

The men looked at each other again.

Then the fellow called Bob Snyder spoke out.

' “Tain’t no harm tellin’ Hank, bein’ as how we kin trust
him,” he said. “Thet thar tool chest, as-yer call it, is full
er quartz specitmens goin’ east to be examined.”

“Yer don’t mean it!’ exclaimed Hank:

The ‘others nodded, and Snyder continued:

“A couple of fellers in ther mine found ther stuff in
ther hills when they was perspectin’ last month, an’ thar’s
suspicions of gold an’ silver both, they tell me.

“We're a-takin’s it to the railroad, an’ thet thar’s why
we're so anxious ter locate thet thar gang o’ road agents.

“We wouldn’t like ter lose ther stuff, nor run afoul of
no bullets, nuther.’’

“Not but what we're fixed to put up a good fight,” said
one of the others, pulling out a brace of pistols.

“Yer'd best be keerful; thet’s all I’ve got ter say,” said

Hank. “I don’t know how many thar is in ther gang,

_ but if thar’s enough on ’em they might divide forces—

that is, if they’ve heerd of ther specimens bein’ shipped.”

“T don’t reck’n they have,’ said Bob Snyder, “but we’ll
keep an eye out, after all.

“We'd best be movin’ now, or them fellers from ther
Plum’ Squar’ Coal Mine will git our beans an’ codfish.”
_ They moved as they spoke, and Hank Ellis hurried on
to the settlement.

Here he hunted up the operator and sent Buffalo Bill’s
telegram. |

Then he began a search of the mining camp to find
men who were willing to leave their work and go to
Buffalo Bill’s assistance. It was evening before he was
ready to return to the camp in the hills.

He had fed and rested Charlie, and a little after sunset
he started, with two companions, for the nine-mile ride
across the coal fields. i

The two men who accompanied him were both brave

te

fellows who had always admired Buffalo Bill, and were

only too glad to go to the scout’s assistance.

They hurried their horses over the lonely road, and did
very little talking, but the weapons in their belts showed
that they were ready for business. 2

They were almost at the point where the pass turned
to the south to go to the railroad-and the trail turned-to
the north to go to Buffalo Bill’s camp, when Hank, who
was riding ahead, suddenly reined up his mount.

“Ginger an’ blazes!” he exclaimed.

RD 5 nae 7
wa VA he ame sting fn ia iy nr Rs pS A Rak a ag pe Shc cas whe genan iaeomes nl inane a pea Ate p

U

“Ther measely cayotes have camped on ther trail of ther
mule team an’ stole ther specimens!” .

The others understood at once.

They all hurried their horses ahead.

In the middle of the pass was the empty wagon. /

A little further on lay the bodies of the three drivers

each with empty belts and minus their pistols.

~The mules had vanished. They were probably wan-
dering about on the hills, as their services were no’ longer
wanted to drag the wagon. :

The three men looked a little further for the box of
specimens, but could find no trace of it.

Then, as there was nothing to be done, they put spurs
to their horses and galloped ahead.

Tt was bright moonlight now, and they could see for
miles on every side.

Away to the north and west stretched the dark moun-
tain range, while to the south and east the country pre-
sented a boundless strip of level country.

They used their ears as well as their eyes as they hur-
ried on. Panthers and wild cats were screaming in the
hills and hyenas were howling on the plains, but there
were no sounds that indicated the presence of human
beings.

Suddenly Hank Ellis uttered a cry and pointed to the
northwest. The others looked instantly.

All could see the faint streak of red light above the
stunted trees and bushes.

There was a fire in the hills.

Hank Ellis dashed madly ahead and called back over his
shoulder :

“Hurry! ‘Hurry! The rascals have fired the dugout!
Buffalo Bill will be burned alive, ter say nuthin’ of ther
wimmin !”’

CHAPTER Vidi.
BUFFALO BILLS CLEVER TRICK.

But Buffalo Bill was not being burned alive, as Hank
Ellis thought. .

The clever scout was not to be trapped so easily.

Just about sundown he had decided that the robbers
would probably be back during the night, and had thought
of a way to outwit them.

It was a desperate move that he had in mind, but he
was used to desperate measures.

Besides, it was the only way by which he could hope to
save the ladies.

He talked it over with Black Feather, and then the two
wounded ‘men set about to work out the scheme.

They began by requesting the three ladies to enter the
back room of the dugout.

Here it was explained to.them they were to be locked
in for the present. :

Buffalo Bill warned them not to pass under the stove-
pipe hole, nor attempt to look up out of it, no matter how
great their anxiety. ,

Then he fastened the big, flat stone, which served as a
door, in its place.

This rendered the room absolutely fireproof, and as
Black Feather had moved all of the provisions in there,
also, they would find it a safe haven for a day or two, if it
was necessary for them to remain prisoners that long.

Then Buffalo Bill closed and locked the other door of
the dugout from the outside, and directed the men to fol
lew him.

‘ 9 i ¢ y y
I ron KO Ata ts ek dy els ak DN sen ehh inh ice hn rg co eG leat Ea

 
 

 

 

 
 
 

18

 

Just back of the dugout the hill was covered with cot-
tenwood trees, and there were numerous good-sized rocks
scattered about. | The scout selected two of these rocks
and placed a man behind each. They were where they
could’ command a view of the trail that led to the dugout,
-and where they could not help pone if any person was
approaching.

Then he and Black Feather stationed themselves among
the trees, climbing into the low branches, and depending
upon the foliage as well as the darkness to hide them.

They were ‘all armed with revolvers and Buffalo Bilf
carried the rifle, as well.

His shoulder pained him greatly, but there was not an
expression of weakness in his face, and Black Feather
limped around with the stoic gravity for which all In-
dians are famous.

The other men were so thoroughly ashamed of them-
selves by now that they were almost anxious for the
bandits to return, so they could make up for their previ-
ous lack of courage.

The girls felt badly at being shut up like “rats in a
trap,” as they called it, and would much rather have been
outside fighting, but Buffalo Bill would not hear of it.

Fie meant that the three ladies should be protected from
the bandits, and was willing to sacrifice his own life to
this end, if need be.

He cautioned the men not to fire until he gave the

signal. He felt sure that the bandits would return much
increased in number, and he did not wish any bullets
wasted.

His plan was to wait until the men came near the dug-
out and then all fire at once. To go to popping at them
singly would only mean that their hiding places would
be discovered and some of his party would be murdered.

A signal was agreed on, and the men went to their
posts. ~

Ii the robbers did not pass the rocks and so come within
range of their weapons, there would not be much chance
for them, but Buffalo Bill felt sure that they would. :

Ele ficured that the robbers would think he was badly
wounded, or, perhaps, dead, in the dugout, and that there
was no one guarding the ladies but Hank Ellis and the
two tenderfeet, as, of course, they did not calculate on
- Black Feather being alive when they saw him fall like a
stone, with one of their own bullets in his body.

They did not have long to wait.

The moon was just showing over the distant mountains
when the sound of stealthy hoofbeats could be heard
coming along the trail from the northerly direction.

The robbers advanced cautiously.

Before they had reached the rocks behind i Taylor
and Mr. Bennett were hidden they divided forces.

Buffalo Bill peered through the trees and counted them
in the moonlight.

‘There were ten in all.

Five of them remained where they had stopped, while

the other five made a detour of the rocks and around the
dugout to the grove of trees in which he and Black
Feather were hiding.
Buffalo Bill held his breath while this was going on.
He was afraid the robbers would stumble upon Taylor

and Mr. Bennett, and that a free fight would follow, or

that his own men would forget to wait for the signal
and fire upon the bandits as soon as they came within
range of their weapons. eS

 

THE BURPALO BEE SLORIES:

     

But neither of these things happened.

The five robbers guided their horses around the rocks
and up the little hill in which the dugout was located,
and when they reached the trees, they. dismounted. :

They were near enough now for Buffalo Bill to hear
their voices, and while they appeared to be watching for a
signal of some sort they indulged in a little conversation.

““T reck’n we've got him this time,” said one. “‘Cody’s
crippled, all right, and he’s-in ther dugout. Them two
tenderfeet won't help him much, I reck’ mM, so we'lleet a
look at ther famous Injun trailer at short range afore

nany minutes.’

“He may be dead,
Long Andy.

“T saw him fall, so he’s got a bullet in his carcass. It’s
lucky ther Injun is done fer, but thars Hank Ellis ter
reck’n with, afore we git-ther scout. Hank’s a brave
feller, an’ knows how ter handle a shootin’ iron.”

“Waal, thet thar makes only one ter ten,” said the
other. “We'll do fer Hank when ther dugout begins ter
burn. *Tain’t likely none on ’em will stay in thar long
after ther logs on top git ter cracklin’ 7?

‘How’s ther cap’n goin’ ter fire ther dugout?” asked
another voice. “He esse go near it in front. He'll
ity an end. | reck’ ee

“He’s goin’ ter creep over ther hill right through these
hyar trees and drop a torch down thet thar stovepipe
hole,” said the first speaker. “That'll set ’em ter jumpin’™
inside, I reck’n. Ther torch is made of rags and soaked
with kerosene, an’ thar’s a handful of | funpowder tied in
ther middle of it.”

“Ha! ha! That will give ’em a skeer, particklarly ther
wimmin,” said ue Andy. “T hope ‘twon't injure ther
dears none.’

Pita singe their petticoats a little, I reckn,” said the
other. “Hello! Hyar comes ther cap’n, now. He’s a-
crawlin’ on all fours, what’s thet thar for, pardners ?”

“Hanged if I know,” said Long Andy, and just then
there came a signal. F

A low whistle, given three times in swift succession,
was followed by the apparently distant cry of a panther.

Buffalo Bill eupped his rifle and leaned forward in the
LEE,

At that minute he saw something dart from behind a
tree.

_ It looked like’an vets at first, bak in the nla, of

” said the fellow mentioned before as

an eye he knew it was the captain. -
The man held a torch in his hand that was just be-
ginning to flicker. . “

He was almost to the pile_of rubbish which concealed..,
the stovepipe hole when Buffalo Bill gave his own signal.

Then he drew a bead on the torch and pulled the trigger
Of his rifles,

Bang! went the’ gun, and an explosion followed.

There was a blaze of fire, and he could see the outlaw
drop the torch and stagger forward.

Then crack! crack! crack! went a couple of revolvers.

Black Feather dropped from the tree at that minute,
and after that the weapons of the outlaws cracked merrily,
and the racket sounded like a volley of 4rtillery.

In the commotion another blaze shot. up.

One of the outlaws had succeeded in throwing a part-
of the blazing rags upon the roof, and the dry ee logs
had taken fire and were already crackling.

“Buffalo Bill did not move from the tree.

  
   

 

 

 
 

 

 

 
 

THE BUFFALO

The fire lighted the whole place now-so that he could
see to aim distinctly, and knowing that his wound would
prevent his fighting, or even running, he decided to re-
main where he would be most useful.

Black Feather had advanced almost to the blazing roof,
and then dropped on one knee and was banging away.

As the hammer of his weapon fell it would be answered
by a cry of pain.

He killed three of the outlaws, and then a bullet from

Long Andy’s weapon pierced his own heart and killed him ‘

instantly.

Then Buffalo Bill fired.

He took aim carefully. —

Crack! went the rifle, and there was another yell of
mortal anguish. oe
Then came a shout from one of the outlaws who had
stumbled upon Taylor.

“T've got him! I’ve got Cody!” he bawled.

Buffalo Bill put his finger on the trigger of his weapon
and waited.

“Are yer sure he’s ther scout?” bawled one of the out-
laws.

“He’s ther scout, all right. He’s got black hair an’
eyes an stands six feet, 1 reckin, | @ome ani help, me;
somebody, he’s fightin’ like a tiger !!’’

_ “Hang on ter him, if it’s Cody,” called another voice.
“We don’t want ter kill ther scout yet.

“Jest take his weapon and tie him up, Jack. Ther dug-
out’s er blazin’ good, | reck’n we'll flush ther rest of ther
cayotes in er minute.”

“Git er move on an’ help me, if yer want him tied, Jeff
Hanks!” yelled the other, who appeared to be struggling
desperately. “°’Tain’t so easy ter disarm him as yer
might imagine.” ~ :

The fellow got help, apparently, and Taylor was bound
hand and foot.

Buffalo Bill could not see the poor chap, but he could
hear him cursing the outlaws like a good one, and it oc-
curred to him instantly that Taylor was making believe
that he was Cody, in the hope of misleading the fighters.

The scout took the hint at once and pulled off his big
hat. Then, as the outlaws were all in front of the dugout
now, he dropped from the tree and crawled on all fours
toward the body of the captain.

The blaze was between him and the ruffians, so he suc-
ceeded in robbing the dead of his hat and a set of false
whiskers without being seen, then he rose slowly to his
feet,

The men had discovered Mr. Taylor, now, and while
part of them stood with their weapons leveled on the

* door of the dugout, the rest began searching among the

rocks like so many bloodhounds. .
“I reck’n Hank Ellis is ther only one left in ther dug-
out,’ bawled Long Andy’s voice. “Now, where's ther
other tenderfoot, pards? If thet thar is Cody, thar’s
one more ter be dealt with. Ain’t nobody located no
bullets a-comin’ from no other direction?”
“T reck’n I kin locate one,’’ called out Buffalo Bill, imi-
tating the captain’s voice, but talking as though he was
in great pain. oe ee
The men all peered through and around the blaze until
they saw what appeared to be their captain half kneeling
upon the ground.
“Thar don't none of yer seem ter_be very considerate
,of yer cap’n when he’s got er bullet in his back. I was

 

BILL STORIES.

19

shot from behind, and by a measly Injun. I’ve killed
ther rascal, all right, and here he goes into. his funeral
pyre! Now, git er move on somebody and look behind

- these hyar trees.

“Thar ain’t none of yer thought of doin’ as I told yer!”

He raised the body of the outlaw captain in his arms
as he spoke and hurled it, by main strength, into the fire.
It was a big tax on his strength, and the wound in his
shoulder started bleeding afresh. ~

Crack! crack! crack! went the powder that the fellow
had hanging from his belt in a hunting horn, and bits of
burning wood flew in every direction, followed, a second
later, by fragments of the outlaw’s charred body.

The men had been surprised at first, but when they saw
the act they did not hesitate. Besides, the figure that
they could see through the blaze resembled the captain,
and the voice was perfect.

They were surprised and pleased to find that he was
alive, and not one of them even guessed that the scout was
tricking them at that minute.

“We've got Bill, all right, cap’n,”’ yelled Long Andy,
as he dodged a burning ember. “And we’ve got one of
ther tenderfoot gents. Now, if you’ve-done fer an Injun.,
I guess that thar’s all thar is ter do. 1 reck’n thet thar -
Injun was the other tenderfoot. We killed ther Injun
to-day, but thar warn’t nuthin’ ter hinder ther tenderfoot
from a borryin’ his feathers.” a

“Thar was only four on ’em all told, cap’n,” called an-
other outlaw. “We've got two, and you've got one, so
thar’s one in ther dugout. *Tain’t no matter who it is, he
can't git out without our seein’ him, an’ he’s got ter make
er break purty soon, fer the roof’s a-fallin’,”

Buffalo Bill did not say anything more just then, as he
saw that the men were satisfied, but as the roof of the
dugout fell in with a crash that sent the blaze roaring
heavenward, he darted behind a rock, where he saw one
of the outlaw’s horses. ‘

Fortunately for him, it happened to be the animal be-
longing to the dead captain, and a fine, mettled stallion.

He looked back at the outlaws, who had withdrawn a
little on account of the heat, but who were staring in
amazement now at the. ruins of the dugout.

“They can’t make out why some one don’t crawl opt
of that bonfire,’’ he muttered, between his teeth. “Poor
girls! It’s hot in their hiding place, I reck’n, but the wall
is thick, and the sand banks on three sides of the dugout
will save them.”

He rested in his saddle and reloaded his weapon.

“Thar ain’t no one in thar!” yelled one of the men
just then.

“Whar be yer, capn? I tell yer we've got ’em all out
hyar! Ef thar was a soul inside, he’s roasted to a turn,
by this time.”

“Yer forgit ther dugout has two rooms,” called another
voice. “eo

“What shall we do, cap’n? Shall we scatter ther logs
and pull down ther stone wall? Ther gals are inside, I
feck nan (so is Hank Ellis.”

“Hold on, pals!” answered Buffalo Bill, whose sharp
ears had just caught the sound of horses’ feet galloping up

3

fee itail Told ona. jitty! Phere's. help. comin’ ‘ter
Cody, I reck’n. I hear horses comin’ from ther south
trail. Wed better take our prisoners and git in shape fer

a tussle. Mount, ther hullon yer, an’ look to yer weapons!
If yer make out more'n two horses, we'd better run fer it.

  
 

  

 

 

 

 

‘

Thar ain’t no use fightin’ if we've got ther scout, bein’ as
how thar ain’t more’n five of us at ther present minute.”
He turned the stallion’s head as he spoke, and the men
caught a glimpse of him.
When they saw him already in the saddle, there was
a rush for the horses.

A minute later they were ready to start. Long Andy

_ had tied Taylor on one of the extra horses and Mr. Ben-

nett on the other.

“Thar’s three horses or more, cap *n,” called another of
the bandits. “An’ I reck’n you're right in sayin’ we
ain’t no match fer a fresh outfit, seein’ thar’s five on us left
and two on us is wounded.”

He held up a limp arm as he spoke.

Buffalo Bill had been trying to make out the horses

39

- hoofs as the man spoke, and was now pretty sure that it

was his own horse Charlie who was approaching.

If this was the case, he knew Hank would be on its
back.

Further, if there were extra horses there would be
extra riders, and who would they be except friends who
had come to his assistance?

Instantly he decided how to act.

“Head fer ther rock,” he bawled.. “We've got ther
Scot, am thet fiarms  cnouen fer ther present, Uhar’s
help comin’ from ther Bison Foot Mine, an’ we'll be out-
numbered.

“It’s a sheriff's posse, VIl gamble, or some of the
Vigilance Committee!”

The men needed nothing further, but turned their
horses’ heads toward the north and galloped away.

They did not even preserve the ordinary courtesy of al-
lowing the captain to precede them,

The mention of a sheriff's posse was quite enough, but
the thought of the Vigilance Committee on their heels

‘ was an added incentive for hurrying.

When they were a short distance ahead of him, Buffalo
Bill turned the stallion’s head.

He looked back once over his shoulder to see if the men
noticed it, and finding that not one of them had glanced
back, he tore off the false whiskers and urged the stallion
in the opposite direction. -

‘n less than a minute he came upon Hank Ellis and the.
two miners,

“Draw your weapons and be ready, Harile! "he yelled,
as the stallion wheeled. “I’m running away from five
outlaws who have killed Black Feather and made off with
Taylor and Bennett!”

The guide had his pe out in a second, and so did

his friends:

Then the four drew up in the trail and waited a minute.

“They're a lot of cowards,” said Buffalo Bill, finally.
“They thought I was their captain, and they must have
missed me by this time. No doubt they think I’ve fallen
from my horse, as they believe I have a bullet in my back,
and they won’t risk their own lives to come back and look
forme. We'll let them go, and we will follow later. Our
work at present is to rescue the ladies.”

: so

vi

 

CHAPTER TX.

BUFFALO BILL’S SECOND VISIT TO THE ROCK.

The bandits galloped ahead for several minutes before
they discovered that the man whom they supposed to be
their captain had deserted them.

THE BURFALO BILL STORIES.

Taylor.

“into dor

 

Then they pulled up their mounts.

The men who had been leading the horses of ‘the pris-
oners swung them into the center of the group and the

others clustered around them.

‘‘Whar’s ther captain?’ asked Long Andy. :

“He was right behind. 1 reck’n he was worse hurt than
we thought. He’s had a fall, most likely, and we’d orter
go back after him.”

“Tf he’d. fallén from the saddle,. ther stallion would
have ketched up with us by this time,” said Jeff Hanks.
“?Tain’t like ther beast ter bolt an’ go ther t’other way,
unless he’s told ter do it.

“T reck’n thet thar wa’n’t ther cap’n at all, an’ we've
been took in, pards. He’s gone back ter meet ther
sheriff, and thet thar ain’t nowise like ther cap’n.”’

“Then who was ther sinner?’ asked another of the
group.

“Tt was Buffalo Bill, if you want to know,” spoke up
“The scout has tricked you in great shape. You
thought I was Cody, and I’m only a tenderfoot, who never
saw a bunch of rascals like yourselves before in my life.”

vis thet. than ther; trata: asked Long Andy, as he
leaned nearer the speaker. =

“It’s the truth, and you are a measly pack of cowards
to fight a couple of tenderfeet,’ said Taylor, bravely.
“Why don’t you kill Col. Cody, if that is what you started
Instead of fighting the scout, you are only
capturing a couple of travelers and burning three inno-
cent women. You ought to be ashamed of yourselves,
you miserable scoundrels!”

“T reck’n ther tenderfoot has got it right,” said Jeff -

Hanks, promptly. “We've bagged ther wrong bird, but
what are we goin’ to do about it? I reck’n Cody is wait-
ing back thar with er sheriff’s posse, so ‘tain’t no use
goin’ back, pardners.”

“We'll go on ter ther rock, an’ talk it over, ‘tain’t no
use goin’ back,” said one of the men, who had a bullet in
his shoulder. “TI can’t fight none, an’ I reck’n thar’s oth-
ers hyar wot’s disabled.”

“We'd be drivillin’ ideots ter go back now. Wed bet-
ter go ter headquarters an’ rest up a bit, an’ take ther
two tenderfeet with us. I reck’n Cody won't let ‘em stay
with us long without comin’ ter thar rescue, an’ thet thar’s
wot we want. —

~“Once git Buffalo Bill in ther shadow of ther rock, an’
ther rest will be easy,’ said the other.

~“Treck’n Jim, hyar, has hit ther nail on ther head with
thet thar suggestion,’ said Long Andy. “We'll make
fer ther rock, and Eagle Claw will take charge of ther
prisoners’ horses. Git er move on, all on yer!
no time ter lose.
takes him ter rescue ther wimmin. So thet thar was ther
cap’n’s ney that was flung into ther bonfire!” _

“Yes, an’ ‘twas Cody that flung it, yer kin gamble,”
said Jeft Hanks. “I reck’n thar never was another man
like Buffalo Bill. Ther way he imertated ther cap’n’s
voice wasn’t far short of wonderful.”

They started their horses as he spoke, and Eagle Claw
took the two extra bridles.

The Indian kept looking back over his shoulder, but

as they made their way toward Robber’s Rock, there -

was not a suspicion of their being followed.

Buffalo Bill was far too busy with other matters to
chase the bandits immediately.

“ay

\

 

See

Thar’s.
Cody won’t tarry no longer than it.

He and Hank had started right away to kick the bla,

 

i
ep napa ag tw nn ei cet
p

b

    

      
  
   
   
 
  
   
  
   
   
  
    
  
   
    
    
  
 
 
 
   
   
  
 
 
   
  
   
  
  
   
  
  
 
   
   
    
    
 

 

me
e

 
   
  
    
   
 

eed

   

 
 

Ay
i

K
4

ing logs out into the clearing and among the rocks, in
order to get at the stone door of the dugout.

The dividing wall was pretty hot by the time they
came to it, so they lost no time in prying away the flat
stone that served as a door.

A scream from Imogene was heard as the scout ray
affected an entrance.

The place was as hot as an oven, and Mrs. Bennett
had fainted, while Eloise was carried out gasping and
choking.

The three revived rapidly-after they reached the air, but
it is doubtful if they would have been able to.endure the
heat in their prison for ten minutes longer.

While Buffalo Bill and Hank worked, the two miners
had been busy. One of them patrolled the trail, listening
for a return of the bandits, while the other looked after

the burning logs, so that they would not set fire to the
~ cottonwoods and underbrush, in the rear of the dugout.

Just as soon as the fire was under control, and the
ladies well enough to travel, the’ four men consulted on
the next question to be considered, which was, “What
should be done to protect the ladies 2

Hank bound up the scout’s shoulder while the consulta-
tion was going on, so when Buffalo Bill was again in the
saddle with Imogene behind him, he felt fairly comfort-
‘able. : z

Welle have ter take ’ em ter ther nearest shelter, an,
that’s a perspector’s shack a mile ter ther eastward. I
reck’n,” said one of the men.

“Will they be perfectly safe there? You know we must
leave them and go after our friends,” said Buffalo Bull.

He had already told the ladies of the fate of the other

_ two, so there were noe remarks made now as he ooo

the situation.

“Bob French“an’ Nick Allen will take care of | em, all
right,” was the answer. “I know~‘em both, an’ they're as
good as gold. It’s ther only place’ I know on this side of
ther settlement.”

“Then we will take them. there,~ said Col. Cody,
promptly, “and after a little rest we will follow the rob-
bers.
and as that spot is very interesting to me, I don't care
how soon I visit it.”

They started over the hills and arrived at the shack a

half hour later.

The two prospectors, Bob French and Nick Allen, were ~

somewhat surprised when they appeared, but their- ouide,
a half-breed Indian, recognized Hank Ellis at once, so
they gave Col. Cody and his party a cordial reception.

7 Phe fadies can rest in the shack,” said Bob French.

“The night is so hot we'll enjoy lying under the pine

trees, and you and your friends shall have. the hammocks.”

“And we won’t be afraid of being molested, either,”
laughed Nick Allen. “We are used to the catamounts
and panthers, but we were a little scared of robbers, but
now that Buffalo Bill is here, we'll sleep as soundly as
infants.”

“T may not be such a terror to robbers as you think,”
said Col. Cody, good-naturedly.
trick them occasionally, but my day will come. I don’t
anticipate any trouble from them nee to-night, how-
ever. =

“Tf they come, we will be ready for them,” said Bob,
fingering a musket. “There’s nothing to steal in the
shack, inasmuch as we haven't been lucky enough to find

AA i aati ta ned gee ans Col oral ig os a

THE BUFFALO

They have gone to Robber’s Rock, without a doubt,

_ will care for the ladies until our return, and,

“Ll may be. able: to.

   

   

BILL STORIES. | 21

any nuggets, but'if they think we have, and come Swoop-
ing around, they’ll have the hottest reception they ever
encountered. yi

The guide had tethered the horses and was now hang-
ing four hammocks under the trees, and when the ladies
had entered the shack, Bob French invited Buffalo Bill
and his three companions to 6ccupy them.

“Black Fox, here, will stand guard for the rest of the
night,” he explained, pointing to the half-breed. “He’s
heen sleeping ‘all day, so he’s*as fresh as a daisy. Make °
yourselves entirely easy, everybody. There won’t be any-
one come within a mile of this spot without Black Fox

hearing them.”

“Then I will rest for a while, as I need a badly,” said
the scout.

Then he added:

. “I never felt worse in my life thar I did when I saw my
faithful Indian friend, Black Feather, fall to- -night. He
was shot through the heart, poor fellow, but I am thank-
ful he did not suffer. It is strange how losing a friend »
will take the str ength out of aman. I have felt as weak

as a rag ever since it happened.”

“You haven't shown much weakness, I fancy,” said
Nick Allen. “If you scared off the bandits and saved
your own life, and that of the three ladies, you did pretty
well.

“We'll go with you to-morrow, colonel, and help you
rescue your friends, that is, if the robbers haven’t mur-
dered them before we get there.”>

“T hardly think they will; at least, not right away,” was
the answer. “I overheard a lot of talk about torturing me
to death when they got me, and when men of that de-
scription get a notion into their heads, they find it hard
to give it up.

“They'll be scouting around trying to locate me before
morning, but I’m not going to let that worry me now.

“Your man is trustworthy, I can see that at a glance.
At sunrise I'll be ready to, give the rascals another glimpse

of me. My only anxiety is to protect the ladies.”
“We will leave them in the care of Black Fox,” said
French, quickly. “‘I would trust him with my life. He

if we do
not put in an appearance, he will escort them to the near-
est settlement,”

“Then ‘I’ will sleep soundly,”
stretched himself in a hammock. ‘

Hank Ellis declined a hammock and lay down upon a
mat of aromatic pine needles, under a protecting tree, and
Bob French followed his example.

Soon they were all sleeping, but the half-breed never
closed his eyes, but sat. as motionless as a statue, wih a
rifle between his fingers.

At daybreak the guide rose and prepared some freak
fast.

By the time the three ladies had made their ora
the six men were in their saddles.

The ladies had passed a sleepless night, and Mrs. Ben-
nett was very ill, but Imogene and Eloise were as brave as
ever.

They watched Buffalo Bill ride away with brimming

eyes, for they knew that the fate of their father was in
his hands, and Eloise trusted to him also to save her
lover.

The six horsemen headed directly toward Robber’ s

said the scout, as he

“ee

 
   
   
 

    

 
  
 
 
  
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 

    
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
  
  
  
   
 
  
 
   
 
  
  
  
   
  
  
   
    
  
  
  
 
 

 

 

 

22 THE, BUFFALO as S LORTES.

Rock, and just at sunset they saw it looming up in the
distance on the now barren plain.

They crossed the creek, and then slowed up a little, so
that the shadows might deepen before they came too
near the mysterious spot, and Col. Cody kept his glass
to his eyes so as to catch the first glimpse of a lookout,
if there should be one, on the summit of the bowlder.

The men had rested themselves and their horses fre-
quently during the day, so they were all in good con-
dition.

The stallion that Buffalo Bill was riding was.a beauti-
ful beast, and, as he felt sure it had been stolen by the
outlaws, he felt no comptunctions about keeping it in his
possession, but he petted Charlie now and then, so that
the faithful white horse should not feel slighted.

Long before they were within rifle range of the rock,
Buffalo Bill sighted the lookout..

He made out the solitary figure of an Indiag on the
rock, and then the party began to move more cautiously.

Dividing their forces equally, they moved widely apart, —

<9 as to come upon the tock from almost opposite direc-
tions.

They hoped by this to so confuse the lookout that he.

would call more men to his assistance, and give them a
chance thereby to ascertain the strength of the énemy.

The ruse appeared to be successful “when a second man
appeared upon the rock>

Then, much to their disappointment, both men - dis- >

appeared like a flash. \If the rock had opened and swal-
lowed them they could not have dropped out of sight any
more quickly.

The six men urged their horses forward.

_ So far they had only been able to view the southern
and western aspects of the rock, but, when they finally
reached the bowlder, they made a careful circuit and ex-
amined every inch of it.

Much to their surprise, nét a:gun was fired.

If there was anyone hiding in any of the crevices he
was not taking advantage of his position to pick off any
of their number. The men halted in a bunch finally, and
while they kept their ears and eyes open, they discussed
the situation.

“The rock is hollow; there’ s no doubt about it in my
mind,” said one of the men from the coal mine. “Those
fellows did not come down on either of ther sides that we
were coverin’, and ther east and north sides are as near
straight up an’ doyn as any pine in ther hills yonder.”

“Lrexpect one of us has got ter scale ther rock,” said
Hank Ellis, van’ I reck'n I’m ther one ter do it, on this
hyar occasion.” — Gey \

He glanced up the almost perpendicular side as he
spoke. Then he suddenly uttered an exclamation and
pointed to something.

“There’s ther secret, colonel,” he said, quickly. “Thar’s
a lariat with knots in it hangin’ jest above your head. 1
reck’n ther rascals use thet thar fer a rope ladder. They
kin reach it by standin’ on each other’s shoulders. an’
when they’re on top. o’ ther rock, they jest ketch hold an’
come down so far an’ then, drop. It’s as easy as anything,
once yer see inter it.”

“Then the opening is not on the top,” said Col. Cody,

quickly.

“Tl go up, anyhow, and see,
ing up in his stirrups.

ake ce one. foot on his. saddle and ee eave a little

” said Hank, straighten-

spring. In a second he had hold of the lariat and was
climbing up nimbly.

When he had inspected the surface of the rock he came
back to the edge.

“Dhar 6a fever four in ther rock,” he called to those
below. “It’s made out er human bones, I reck’n. Ther

- straight bone looks as if it had been taken from ther upper

part ‘of a big man’s arm, an’ ther other two lines in ther
figger are made outer ther two small arm bones what
go from ther wrist to ther elbow. What do yer reck’n
thet thar means, colonel? It’s some sign or other, “but
I’m sorter green in this hyar sign language.”

“We all are,’ began Bob French, when Col. Cody in-
terrupted.

ts it set in any ee stone, ee the figure four,
I mean.’

Hank replied in the affirmative.

“Then cock your revolver and rap four times on the
stone with your boot heel, and see what happens.”

As Buffalo Bill spoke he moved back from the rock and
cocked his own weapon.

Hank did as he was told.

The men heard the rapping distinctly, and Buffalo Bill —
could see the guide; as he stood about the center of the
bowlder.

Then something happened that surprised them all, ex-

. ceedingly.

Hank’s arms flew up in the’air and he appeared to lose
his balance.

Then came a rumbling, grating sound, and the guide
disappeared completely.

He went down feet first into what appeared to be a
solid rock, with his pistol still in his hand and yelling
like an Indian.

CHAPTER X.
BUPFALO. BILL TRAPPED:

“That settles it. The rock is hollow!” said Buffalo
Bill, at once, ~ .

Then he urged his horse nearer and began to inspect
the ground around the rock carefully.

The grass had all been burned away, leaving the
scorched surface unprotected, and, near the spot where

the lariat was hanging, the eround gave a dull sound to
the horse’s hoofs.

Buffalo Bill sprang from the saddle and inspected it
carefully.

“Hello! Here’s the door to an underground passage-
way or I'm greatly mistaken,” he called eut.

“There’s been a hole here at some time, but now it is
covered over with timber and a lot of sand dumped on
it, There’s no question in my mind but there’s a tunnel
under. or around the rock, and the place has been used
as a door at some time. What I can't understand is that
opening on top, and I’m going up to see what I can make
Ot it.”

“You'd better let me go, colonel, 3 spoke up Bob
French. “My life isn't half as valuable as yours is, and,
besides, 1 want the experience. Ill go easy when I'm up
and try to escape Hank’s fate, if possible:”

‘Very well,” said Buffalo Bill, “but 1 will come at
once if you need me. I admit my shoulder don’t “feel
much. like climbing, but 11 come if there is anything =
there that needs my attention.”

4

   

na halt it sniegr naa in ech either Neat Te)
   
   

Bob French had caught the lariat as he spoke, and was
on the top of me bowlder after a minute of pee climb-
ing.

Hie came to the edge after he had iicpecied the rock
carefully.

“Tt’s just as Hank said,” he called down. “There’s a
flat stone that appears to be fitted into the top of the rock,
and there’s a figure four in human bones sort of inlaid, as
they call it. It looks to me as if about a third of this
Bowlder was artificial. It was shaped like a horseshoe
at first, and some one has gone to the trouble to build up
the other third. Just go around to the other side and take
a look at it, colonel.”

“I will, if you will keep a bead on _ that tapeose up
there,” said Buffalo Bill. ©

Then he left one of the miners to guard the suspicious
spot in the ground, while he walked around the bowlder.
He felt of the stone at intervals as he went.

Just as French had said, the original Tock was shaped
like a narrow horseshoe.

When he came to the side where the Holton should be,
he found that a number of large rocks had been piled upon
each other, completely joining the two ends of the horse-
shoe.

He guessed at once that a space had i. left in the
middle, and it was down this chutelike aperture that Hank
Ellis had fallen.

He called to Bob at once, and warned him not to step
on the stone having the magic figure.

“You can bet I won't,” French called back, without
taking his eyes off of the three bones.

It was so dark now that the men could not make much
more out of the rock, so they began to plan how to go to
Hank’s rescue, and yet make their appearance among the
robbers in the tunnel below without giving undue warn-
ing.

It looked like a dificult problem.

They did not care about going down as Hank had gone,
but for a long time there seemed to be no choice left
them.

Then Buffalo Bill made a suggestion.

“Suppose we try to dig up those timbers,” he said.
“French can stay on top and see that no one-comes up the
chute. It may be that this opening has been discarded
and may lead to a part of the tunnel that is not occupied
by the robbers.”

“They ll hear us, and shoot up through the hole as

quick *as we have pulled off the first log,” said Allen.

“French must draw their attention by pounding on
the rock,” said Buffalo Dil So long as he doesn’t step
on the trapdoor he'll be’ safe, I fancy.”

He called to French, and told him to Tap at intervals on.

different parts of the ‘rock.

“Don’t rap on the stone with the figure: four on it,
though,” he warned. “We don’t want to lose you. lf

we've got,to/go down in that chute, we'll all go together
later.”

“All right,” said French, and hon he rapped on the
tock with the heel-of his riding boot.

-He kept doing this at intervals while the men, were
working. When they had torn up the first: log they a
stood to one pide: of the hole and waited.

   

THE BURBAILO BILT STORIES.

 

p23

 

Nothing happened, and alter a minute they tore off an-
other. i
Then Buffalo Bill dropped to his knees and peeea
down into the opening.
It was as black as ink, but there was a sort of pit below
that appeared to be half full of water.

“That settles it! They have abandoned this end of
their tunnel,” he said, promptly. “There’s a spring below
that the rascals struck in digging. The tunnel turns to
the right about ‘ten feet from this@hole. By Jove! I
know what it is now, it’s the tunnel that was dug by a
gang of prospectors several yeats ago, who thought the
Crazy Woman Creek was full of gold. I rémember those
fools perfectly. I can’t understand why I didn’t think
of it before. They dug: this place to bury the gold in,

aintil they could take it to the railroad. The rock must

have been selected by this gang of robbers on account of
the tunnel, and they have made a safe place for their loot
by that trapdoor up yonder.”

He was making preparations to descend as he spoke.

“They must have taken some time to move all of those
rocks,” said Allert.

“It was ten years ago that the tunnel was dug, and
those chaps brought machinery with them from the
East,” “a@hswered Buffalo Bill; “That accounts for there
not being any rocks in sight except this one. These ras-
cals must have dragged the plains for miles; then, with
a windlass, and cron) and a small engine they built their
fortification. -

“There was no one out here to interfere with their
work, and there are plenty of mules to do their carting. .
The job wasn’t a hard one, when you come to think of
it. I’ve seen more elaborate workmanship than this
much further from civilization.”

He slid down into the water as he spoke, and felt its
depth carefully.

“It’s a spring, just as I thought, and it’s only knee
deep. ii IT go on and see what’ s ahead, and come back in
a minute.”

The others waited, and after a Short time he splashed.
back to the entrance.

“The partition ahead is of timber, and the water gets
shallow as you near it. I reckon.the ‘ground soaks up the
most of it, and there may be some other drainage. I
can’t hear a sound, so I expect the rascals are pretty well
under the rock, or, perhaps, the tunnel bears away to the
north. Come down, the whole lot of you, and we'll force
the timbers. We're after the bandits, so we must stop. at
nothing.”

He moved back again in the hole, and the men dropped
in one by one, leavins Bob French still on the rock Ree,
ing up his rapping at intervals.

Siena the men reached the timbers they found that the
space would not permit of them all getting their shoul-
ders against it, so they tried it two by two, and at last it
yielded.

‘There was a soft splash and a rush of ate as it fell,
and the men cocked their weapons in the dark hole, which
did not even allow them to stand erect, and waited to see
if anything happened. A full minute passed without
their hearing anything but the low gurgling of the
water.

Then they discovered that the tunnel had widened
somewhat and the ground had become soft and marshy.

 
 

       

. “More springs,” whispered Buffalo Bill to the others,
‘‘Thosé prospectors had their labor for their pains, I
reckon. I see another partition ahead, and there's a light
beyond, if I am not mistaken.”

He pressed forward again, feeling his way carefully
and touching the damp walls of the tunnel every now and
then with his fingers. “

The men were close behind him.

Suddenly a lump of wet sand fell from evenedd and
knocked Allen’s reWolver out of his fingers.

The weapon was discharged as it fell.

The report filled their ears like thunder, and the powder
choked them, but that was not the worst.

The bullet plowed its way through the flesh of Allen’s
ler, and he let out a howl of pain and sank down on the
wet bottom of the tunnel.

Instantly there was a creaking, rasping Sead. and the
partition in front of them disappeared, as if by magic.

At the same time a flood of light was turned into the
tunnel.

Buffalo Bill had his revolver ready for immediate*ac-
tion, but he stared ahead without seeing a soul.

Instead of that, there was only a broad, well-lighted
aperture in the tunnel, and a glare of light over his “body
and that of his companions.

He called softly to the others to lie down flat, ‘and then
drew himself up against the wall and stood perfectly mo-
tionless.

Fortunately the noise in the tunnel was-not recognized
by the bandits as the report of a gun, and they were at
loss to know what had happened.

The men in the tunnel heard their voices distinctly as
they talked it over, in spite of the fact that DO a man of
them was visible.

1 What do yer recka ip was): Jett 1’ aad a voice that
Buffalo Bill recognized as belonging to Long Andy.

“I reck’n ther first dam has given way,
swer. “Ther water has undermined it, I reck’n. ‘Tain’t
no wonder, bein’ as how ther spring has been a-workin’
Peter accomplish thet thar very thing fer nigh on ten
years.’

“Tt sounded like more’n that,’ said the other, ‘I
heerd a roar like thunder, an’ then thar was a yell.”

“Mebbe a gopher’s burrowed around till he’s fell inter
ther tunnel,” said Jeff again. “He'd holler some, I reck’n,
or mebbe it’s jest ther echo. “Taint likely thar’s no one
in ther tunnel. It would take a purty plucky individual
ter risk his neck in thet thar hole. Ther watér would
skeer him, in ther fust place. He’d know thar was quick-
sand in ther tunnel, an’ keep out of it, I reck’n.”’

Be yer site thar’s quicksand in ther tunnel?” asked
Long Andy.

““T’ve heerd so—I never went in to see,” said the other.
“Ther cap’n went through thet thar way oncet, an’ he said
thet was enough, an’ had ther place closed up. Ther rope
ladder will do fer me. S’posin’ we go an’ spring ther
trap agin, an’ see what we ketch. Thar’s somebody
knockin’ on ther rock, an’ ther sooner we git them all in
our clutches, ther better.”

“T hope Cody falls in next,’ said the other, with a
chuckle. ‘He’s outside, all right, an’ thet thar’s what
makes me suspicious. It would take more’n a two-foot
puddle an’ a quicksand ter stop ther scout. Til jest put
Eagle Claw on guard at this hyar hole, an’ then I'll tend
to ther rappin’.”

There was a sound, as if the speaker was moving away

THE BUEEALO BIE STORIES.

was the an- .

      

fromm the opening, and then the other bandit called after
him :.

“Yer don’t reck'n it was ther bluecoats kickin’ up thet
thar rumpus, do yerr > Yer know they’ re in ther next
section of this hyar underground palace.”

“IT don’t reck’n it was nuthin’, unless it was Bil
Cody,” was the answer. VCE jest watch ther hole till
Eagle Claw comes, an’ don’t git inter ther light none,
either. When | spring ther trap once more it take an-
other look.

“T reck’n a couple of shots fired inter ther tunnel wall
clear ther way fer a thorough inspection.”

He moved away as he spoke, and Buffalo Bill bent a
little and whispered to his companions.

“Did youehear? ‘Bhey've got two soldiers prisoners
down here besides Hank Ellis and the other two members
of my party. Don’t wait for the Indian, but dash ahead.
Blaze away with your weapons, but don’t hit each other.
Give me your arm, Allen, till I steady you a little.”

“Tm all right,’ murmured Allen. “I’m sorry I yelled!”

“Now, then! Rush him!” whispered Buffalo Bill.

dhe men made a.dasi: ior the entrance.)

Crack !

A bullet came singing through the tunnel and struck
Buffalo Bill’s polished metal belt. It glanced off harm-
lessly, and then the men fired a volley.

They reached the second\ opening without another
bullet coming their way, and with their own weapons

aining lead as fast as they could pull the trigger.

When Buffalo Bill scrambled into the light he was re-
loading his revolver and had a cartridge between his
teeth. In his excitement he closed his lips on it and for-
got all about it for a minute.

He had found himself in a strange place.

It looked like a vault about fifteen feet square, and
was lighted by lanterns.

Not : a person was to be seen.

Even the fellow who had been guarding the tunnel had
vanished.

The six men ee pell-mell into the vault with their
weapons ready, and found no sign of a human target.

They stared in amazement.

Then a voice from somewhere that they all knew to be
Long Andy’s said, coolly:

“You are all covered, gentlemen, so yer had better
throw up your hands and drop your weapons. Bill Cody,
you kin say good-by ter Injun trailin’ forever. We've
got yer whar we want yer fer onct, an’ yer wouldn’t eit
out of this hyar trap, not if yer was twice as brave Flat
had double yer number with yer,’

Buffalo Bill had glanced around while the bantlit was
speaking.

In a second he saw that there was no use to delay.

A dozen rifle barrels were protruding from between the
stones of a sort of inside wall, and both himself and his
friends were doubly covered.

Tle’ put Up his hands instantly but with a very bad

, grace.

The others followed his example.

Then the Indian, Eagle Claw, came from behind the
rocks and ‘relieved ee of their weapons.

A roar from the bandits followed this performance.

~ Thet thar is our trick, I reck’n, Buffalo Bill,’ bawled
Long Andy. “We’ve skeerd yer out er yer boots by a
lot of thuzzles stuck in a wall! Ha! ha! Thar ain't |
nuthin’ behind ’em, seein’ as how yer reduced our number

 
   

eres ee

Cv.

wh

 

    
   
 
  
 

A

 

 

a a TS vs

ence nee ee ee

considerable last evenin’, but I reck’n that five armed men
is all we need: ter squar’ our account with four that ain’t
got nd weapons!”

ow

CHAPTER] XI:
BUFFALO BILL'S LAST BULLET.

The rest 6f the bandits had scrambled out froma behind
the extra wall, now, and each was holding an ugly looking
revolver.

Buffalo Bill said nothing.

With the cartridge in his mouth he could not talk very
easily, and something seemed to tell him to hold on to the
bullet.

_ The other men followed his example, and made no com-
ments, but they watched with scowling faces while the
Indians emptied their weapons and hunting belts, and
flung them into a corner. a

“T reckon we've got ’em all but one,” a Long Andy,
who seemed to be the head of everything. “Thar’s a
lubber on ther rock that we’ve got ter corral, but thet
thar is easy.

“Well jest look after what we’ve got hyar fust, and
tend ter him later.”

“Wot yer goin’ ter do with ’em ter start with, Andy?”
asked the fellow called Jeff. ‘This hyar hole is too small
fer all on us, I reck’n, Howd it do ter put er couple
on ‘em in ther dungeon fer ther present? We've got ter
block up ther tunnel ag’in, an’ ketch ther feller on ther
rock, an’ it leaves us short-handed when thar’s four ter be
looked after.” .

“Thet thar’s a good suggestion, Jeff,” said Andy.
“You an Eagle Claw kin go out ther way these gents
came in. I reck’n yer kin git er bead on ther scallywag
on ther rock, as he won’t be expectin’ yer, an’ will most
likely take yer fer a brace of his friends. When yer come
back an’ tell me ther galoot is dead, an’ ther openin’ ter

ther tunnel is plugged up, ther festivities will begin. Thar

ain't no hurry, as yer’say. We've got things in our own
hands an’ kin take our time. We'll enjoy seein’ Buffalo
Bill on his last gasp too well ter think of chokin’ him off

~ sudden.”

“Then Squint Eye an’ me will throw ther trio inside,”
said Jett “Flanks, promptly. “I reck n three ‘1s all ther

dungeon will hold, bein’ as how thar’s five in it oe. ;

We kin let ‘em all out when ther festivities begin.”

He lowered the weapon with which he had been coy-
ering Allen, as he spoke, and moved to one side of the
vault.

Another of the bandits put up his gun and joined him. »

This left the four unarmed men covered by three

“weapons, but this was enough to keep them from moving.

‘The two outlaws took hold of what appeared to be
the largest stone in the inside wall. .

  

~ Mebbe he'll beg fer mercy.

he’s restin’ in ther woods.

 

THE BUFFALO BILL STORIES. - 25

It rolled out easily, and instantly two men dressed in
blue uniforms almost fell out of the aperture.

Buffalo Bill saw at a glance that the men were sol-
diers. They looked as pale as death, and he knew that
they were starving. Almost before they were out of their
prison the fellow called Jeff caught them by the shoulders
and forced them back.

Then came an order from roe Any,

“Git in thar, yer hounds, an’ be quick about it. Cody
kin stay outside, bein’ as how he’s ther guest of honor.”

He leveled a revolver at Allen’s head as he spoke, and
Eagle Claw and one of the others drew a bead on the two
miners.

The men were obliged to oBey.

They all glanced at Buffalo Bill, as though fey ex-
pected him to help them, but the great scout looked dis-
consolate enough as he leaned helplessly against the wall,
minus his faithful weapon. When the stone was rolled

back in place, Buffalo Bill was alone in the vault with five

bandits.
They taunted him with jeers and curses to their hearts’
content, but for reasons of his own the scout was still

silent.

“I reck’n he is bashful,” laughed Long Andy at last.

“Or else he’s too skeered ter talk,” chuckled Jeff.

“Mebbe: he’s savin’ his strength, knowin’ as how he'll
need it,” said one of the others. “‘I reck’n when we begin
ter show him wot’s in store fer him, he'll talk fast enough.
’Twouldn’t s’prise me ter hear him whimper like a baby.
Ha! ha! Wouldn’t thet thar
be rich, patds? It would be worth more’n ther price of
thet thar pink pearl necklace ter hear Bill Cody a-pleadin’
fer bis life!” :

“He wouldn’t git it if he did,” said Long Andy. “He's
ther worst enemy an outlaw has gag, an’ I reck’n he
won’t git no mercy from them as he ain’t shown none.”

“It’s too bad Cuffy ain’t hyar,
not spoken before.

He made the fifth man of the bandits, and was known
as the Panther.

“Cuffy’ll git hyar afore Bill breathes his last, I reck’n.
Thet thar is why I’m a-watchin’ ther signals on ther
rock so close,” said Long Andy. “Cuffy was ter hold up
ther mule team in Woodchuck Pass last night, and he’d
orter been hyar long afore this. “Tain’t nowise unlikely
His horses warn’t ther best,
an’ they'd been overworked some lately.”

“Mebbe he’s had troubles of his own,” said Jeff. “He
was lookin’ fer gold specimens that was bein’ shipped to
ther railroad, an’ I reck’n ther team was purty well
guarded.”

“Cuffy looked out for thet thar.
men with him,” said Long Andy.

99

said the man who had

‘He had two good

“Then he’s likely ter fetch up at ther rock any minute,”

     
      
   

 

  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
  
    
    
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 

 

 

 

   

 

 

said Jeff, an’ he'll add ter ther ceremonies, bein’ as how —

he’s er cracker-jack at plannin’ er funeral.”

“You an’ Eagle Claw had better git er move~on, an’
do fer ther feller outside,’ said Long Andy, who still
held his revolver leveled at Col. Cody. “After you’ve
shot ther sinner, yer kin seal up ther tunnel from ther out-
side an’ come up\ther reg’lar way, providin’ ther lariat
ain't been tampered with. When I hyar ther signal I’ll
move ther trap easy. “Tain’t likely ther rat up above
knows ther signal none.
didn’t give it proper, so we let him down solid. He’s got
a few broken bones where he landed on ther bottom, but
he’ll just about live ter die with his pal, hyar, I reck’n.”

-The others laughed, and then Jeff and Eagle Claw
went out through the tunnel.

The fellow called the Panther set a couple more lanterns
at the entrance so they could see their way, and Jeff took
a small safety lamp with him,

This left only three‘bandits in the vault to watch Buffalo’

Bill.

The scout had not used his tongue, but he had been
using his eyes diligently.

He had decided that the vault was a little to the north
of the rock, and it was entered from two directions. |

One entrance was through the tunnel, the way he had
come, and the other was through an opening, which he
saw in the double wall at the opposite end of the subter-
ranean cellar.

This second opening, he peured, led under the rock.

He had heard a sound from that direction twice, that
he took to be Bob French rapping on the rock.

It was a dull sound, like that which is made by pound-

ing on the roof of a stone vault or cavern.

The hollow in the rock must be a few feet from that
hole, and the chute was probably about four feet long
from the top to bottom.

He could guess, by Long Andy’ S talk, that the apd

above could be opened in two ways—rapidly, when a false,

alarm was given, so that the unfortunate man above would
be. precipitated violently; or slowly, so that a welcome
visitor might descend in safety, presumably by the same
kind of a rope ladder that was in use on the outside of

‘the bowlder.

It was a clever, contrivance, whatever it was.
As Buffalo Bill thought it over, he nearly croaned

aloud to think of poor Hank, who was in that dungeon

in the wall, with eight others crowded against him.

But he was absolutely helpless.

Long Andy kept the muzzle of a revolver ae at ue

head, and there was nothing in reach of his hand but two
or three empty cartridge beits. ;

Half a dozen’ empty looking revolvers lay in- one cor:
ner, but he was afraid to make’a move to go'any nearer to
them. |

a Lata ls sac eee ler ra

THE BUFFALO BILL. STORIES:

Ther fust feller give it, but he |

After Jeff and Eagle Claw had disappeared in the tun-
nel, the remaining bandits had a drink together.

They passed black bottles freely between thetnselves,
and. while Long Andy drank, the Panther kept a bead

on Buffalo Bill, so he was not uncovered by a weapon at

any minute. Sy

When the rascals thought it was time for Jeff and Eagle
Claw to come back, they began to grow impatient.

“It’s time they give ther signal,’ said Long Andy,
irritably. “Thar ain’t no reason why they should be so
long. All they had ter do was cover two sides of ther
rock an’ pepper that feller that’s on top, an’ then put back
ther timbers.”

‘“°Tain’t possible there is quicksand in ther tunnel, an’
thet they are stuck in it?” asked the Panther.

“You'd better go an’ see! ~Tain’t nowise likely if ther
others.come thro’ safe, tho’,” said Long Andy, promptly.

The Panther took a lantern and started for the tunnel.

This left Long Andy and the fellow called Squint Eye
to guard Buffalo Bill. «

The two of them sat down on the see with their
weapons cocked, and Long Andy tried again, by taunts,
to make the scout say something.

“Tope yer feel at home, Buffalo Bill,” he began. “Jest
cirkerlate around, if yer want ter. Yer ain’t got long ter
live, an’ we want ter see yer happy. How do yer think
yer would like ter breathe yer last a-lyin’ on yer back
with my heel on yer neck, or hangin’ head fust from ther
chute in yonder ?”’

Buffalo Bill did not reply, except by looking calmly into
the fellow’s face, but he took advantage of the remark to
slnft his position.

“T reck’n as he’s a sort of king in ther scoutin’ bizness,
we'd best let him die with his boots on,” said Squint Eye,
jokingly. ‘“He’d orter be treated fine, pard, seein’ he’s
ther most famous scout aS outlaw fighter in ther coun-
ty ,

“Thet thar ain’t a bad ‘idee, Squint Eye,” hata the other.

“We'll jest fix him right, an’ set hifm.on a throne, I
reck’n. het thar throne biz may help out, bein’ as IT
calktlate on buildin’ a fire under him. S’pose you roll
a rock out fer him ter sit on, an’ put a few sprigs of
prairie grass around it. Thar’s some in ther dungeon, if
it ain't all been eat up by ther bluecoats.” :

“T’ll roll. out ther rock, but ther grass can wait till
thar’s more on us,” said the other, as he pushed a stone
about as-high as a chair out from a corner of the cellar.

“Thar’s yer throne, Cody. Reck’n yer’ll agree we're
showin’ yer ther courtesy that’s due yer,” jeered Long
Andy. “T’ll give yer a gunn a minute, when theg6thers
come back. ’Tain’t clear ter me wot’s er keepin’ ther
sinners. -Ther Panther ain’t come back, nuner now wot
ther deuce kin be ther matter?” -

He was beginning to look concerned, and his ae
shared in his anxiety.

  
 

     
   

They took two or three drinks more apiece, and then
sat for another ten minutes and waited.

When Buffalo Bill saw that they really meant for him
to sit on the stone, he seated himself and folded his arms
coolly. :

In the silence that followed he listened intently,

Something was going on in the dungeon, he could not
tell what.

He decided, after a minute, that ic friends were push- .

ing on the stone that acted as a door, and once he felt
sure that the rock moved slightly.
The bandits appeared to pay no attention.

They were listening to other sounds, and after another

minute, Buffalo Bill gave his attention to these sounds,
also. :

Something was evidently géing on outside.

The bandits looked uneasy, and Squint Eye finally knelt
dogvn and put his ear to the floor of the cellar.

At that moment four decided raps could be heard above.

Squint Eye jumped to his feet with a joyful exclama-
tion. :

“Tt’s ther boys at last! They’ve killed ther galoot and
want ter come down, I reck’n.- Shall I move ther lever or
will yer do it yerself, Andy? «It was ther cap’n’s privilege
when he was hyar, so I reck’n it’s yourn now, if yer want
ter se ir

“Tl spring ther trap,’ said Long Andy, rising. “It’s
ther boys, all right. “I don’t reck’n we'll wait fer Cuffy
none, bein’ as I’m tired, an’ want ther festivities over.”

“T’m tired, too,’”’ was the answer, as Squint Eye cocked
his weapon and leveled it at Buffalo Bill.

9

“Tl watch yer“nan while yer are lettin’ ther boys down,
Andy, an’ then we'll hurry matters a little.”

Long Andy rose as he spoke and started toward the
second opening.

As he passed the pile of empty revolvers he bent and —

picked up the scout’s own weapon.

“Hold yer pop, Bill, if it'll make yer feel bétter,” he

said, as he snapped the trigger seven times, to be sure it

was empty.

spoke.
Buffalo Bill cote it and foered: it carelessly.

The signal had sounded again, but instead of opening :

the trap, Long — called back to Squint Eye through
the opening :

“Thar’s somethin’ wrong erbout that thar signal, pard,
it strikes me.. Ther raps ain’t so sharp as they’d orter
be. I reck’n it must be*ther boys, though; it can’t be no
One else:

“Tt’s Jeff, all right

I’d risk it, Andy,’’ was the reply.

“Thar’s plenty of time ter Hus 7em on ther way down
if they don't look ter suit yer.”

“That thar’s so!
called back: Andy.

Pe

I'll chance it, an’ turn ther lever!

   

THE -BUPEALO

He tossed the weapon to the scout as he

   

Diid SLORIES, e . 27,
Buffalo Bill heard.a dull, grating sound, as if a stick .
of timber was being rubbed between the stones.

‘At the same instant there was a noise in the dungeon,
and the stone that guarded the door-started to roll outt-
ward 3

Squint Eye jumped to his feet and looked over his

‘ shoulder.

In a flash the cartridge was aiope from Buffalo Bill’s
mouth and into the chamber of his revolver.

Just as six men came tumbling out of the dungeon all ,
in a heap, he fired his last bullet at the heart of the bandit
before him.

- Then, without waiting to see the fellow fall, he forced
the second aperture.

As Long Andy bounded back, he hurled the heavy re
volver at his head.

Then he sprang after the weapon and struck the fellow
a blow in the face that sounded like the fall of a sledge
hammer.

Long Andy dropped like a stone.

Then Buffalo Bill issued an order.

“Block up. the entrance to the tunnel, quick, Allen!
Don’t let those fellows get back! I want to see who is
coming down the chute! There’s one weapon for some
one in that dead rascal’s hands and another in his belt.
Til use these two of Long Andy’s for the present.”

He snatched the weapons from the outlaw’s belt as he
spoke, and then leaped through the entrance.

Just above his head was a man coming down hand
over hand, on a knotted lariat.

“Speak quick!” ordered the scout.
to Bill Cody, or an enemy?”’

“Hold on, colonel! I’m Bob French!’ was the an
swer as quick as the newcomer could speak; then he
added:

“TIL explain as soon as this spider act is over!”

He dropped from the lariat as he spoke, and Buffalo -
Bill caught him by the shoulder, so that he touched the
ground easily.

“Now, then, what is there for me to ce ?” he asked, as
he landed. “I’ve come down, to fight, so hurry and tell
me!” .

“Are you a friend

 

CHAPTER Xif.
FINDING THE PINK PEARE NECKLACE.

Buffalo Bill explained what had happened as the two
made their way in to the vault.

The two miners were already doing what they, could
for Hank Ellis, who had several ribs broken and a leg
crushed in two places, and the other four men who had
been in the dungeon were trying to assist each other.
~ All that could be done for any of them was to give
them some liquor and bandage Hank’s broken bones with
handkerchiefs, but even this was welcome, as they had
been badly cramped and nearly suffocated.

  
 

 

2 8 ‘ : : @

Buffalo Bill turned in and did what he could,-and Bob
French helped Allen, whose wounds had been trifling, to
set up the partition that blocked the tunnel and roll a
big stone against it for the presént.

Then French told his story.

He ‘said that as soon as he missed his friends he lay
down on the rock. He kept on rapping at intervals, and
when he finally heard some one moving around the rock,
he put his hat onthe end of his rifle and raised it slowly«

The result showed his good judgment.

The gun was promptly knocked one of his hands by a
bullet.

After that his fears grew greater for the safety of his
friends. He was anxious to join them, but dreaded to
give the signal, for two reasons.

He was afraid of being shot, for one; and the other was
the fear of being precipitated into trouble, or, perhaps, im-
mediate death, by the springing of the same trap that had
caught Hank Ellis. :

When he heard°some one trawling up the rock a little
later, he lay perfectly still and allowed the outlaw to pass
within a foot of him in the darkness. |

He waited until the fellow gave the signal on the rock
that held the figure four.

Then, in a second, he dropped the hammer of his
weapon. 7 oe ‘

The outlaw toppled and fell to one side, and, as the
stone moved back slowly and disclosed the hole, he crept
on all fours to the edge and felt around for a ladder of
some sort. |

When his fingers touched the lariat he started to de-
scend, with the results already mentioned in the last
chapter.

“So that means that two of the fellows are still alive,”
said Buffalo Bill, who had examined the two outlaws
who lay on the floor of the vault, and seen that they were
‘both dead. ”

“Yes, and there may be more coming,’ said French. “TI
heard men shouting on the plain, and I could hear horses
coming in this direction.”

“Tt’s probably: Cuffy, ther feller that el up ther mule
team on Woodchuck Pass last night,’ said Hank Ellis,
faintly.

“That is who it is, without doubt. They were waiting
for him before, they tortured me to death,” said Buffalo
Bill, with a grim smile. Well, they'll have a sweet time
getting at us, 1 fancy. We hold the fort now, and the
man that gives that signal will get a big surprise. [ll

yank that lever so quick that he won’t ow what struck’

him. They don’t dream that the tables are turned down.
here, and we are in possession. They'll expect the cap;
-tain to méve the trap, so they won’t be suspicious, and we'll
catch one of them at least. We may not be lucky enough
to bag the two of them.”

“We've got to get out of this place, or these two eae: S

   

THE BUEFALO

ae 5 lca ee EA CRN EAT Son ey ey

BILE STORIES.

men will die of starvation,’ spoke up Mr.-Bennett, for
the first time. ‘““Taylor and I have not hada mouthful
to eat since we were put in that hole, and the soldiers
have had nothing but stale bread and water for over a
week, they tell me.”

“How does it happen that you all got down here with-

’ out any broken bones?” asked Buffalo Bill, suddenly.

~It was Taylor who answered.

“The rascals told us the secret of the trap when they got
us on the top of the rock, and that saved us a fall. They
took us up one by one and gave the signal. When the

, trap was opened from the inside they showed us the
Of course they did not expect us to leave the

lariat.
place alive.”

“Was Col. Pepperil ese i on Buffalo Bill, of one
of the soldiers.

The boy in blue nodded.

“And where is the pearl necklace?” asked Cody. @

The soldier pointed to a crevice in the wall.

Buffalo Bill went over to it and drew out an iron box.

The key was in the lock.

He opened the box and discovered the necklace, to-
gether with the colonel’s watch and ring, and a bag of
gold coins. | .

There were a few more trinkets in the box, but noth-
ing half so valuable as the handsome necklace.

Meanwhile the sick men had revived somewhat and
the others had secured their empty weapons.

One of the soldiers pointed to another crevice where
ammunition was kept, and in a very few minutes every
man among them. felt like himself again as he caressed a
loaded revolver. .

Then they began to make preparation for leaving the
spot. ~

As there were two bandits still alive this was a risky
piece of business, but for the sake of the unfortunate ones
it had to be attempted.

Just as they about decided to make the return trip

through the tunnel, in the hope that the outlaws had not —

yet replaced the timbers, a voice was heard calling from

the top of the rock, and Buffalo Bill remembered that he ~

had left the trap above open.

Without moving from his safe position he fo the
shout.

Then he heard another voice that sounded familiar, and_

a second later he recognized it as belonging to his friend

Capt. Evans, of the Sand Hill Army Station, who had

come in answet.to his telegram.

The scout gave a shout of joy, which was echoed by the
men when he explained the situation. x

Then he yelled up at the captain.

It took only a few sentences to explain matters=to ‘the -

gentleman.
He told Col. Cody that the bandits had been shot in

es

©

 

  

 
 

    
 
 
 

   
  
   
   
   
   
  
  

a
 

   

   
     

self-defense, by his orders, and that his men had already
discovered the opening to the tunnel.

He promised to have the entrance clear for them and
well lighted by the time the scout and his friends were
ready to use it.

The rest was easily accomplished.

The detachment of soldiers who escorted the captain
made short work of the timbers, and were ready with a
helping hand when the miners and Bob French assisted
the injured men through the mud and water,

There was no attempt made to explore the tunnel or

vault again that night, as even Cody was worn out with
the evening’s excitement.

If it had not been for that last bullet, both himself and
his friends would have been dead before the soldiers ar-
rived, or, at least, beyond their aid, as the trap would
not have been open had there been an eutlaw left to
close it.

The whole party repaired to the hills as soon as possible,
and it was while they were marching slowly across the
plain that Col. Cody recovered his faithful horse Charlie.

The rest of the animals had vanished, but Charlie had
not been mounted, it seemed, but had only broken his
tether and kept out of reach until he heard his master’s
voice in the distance, and came galloping after him. :

As the nearest habitation was the shack built by French
and Allen, the whole party rode that way, and reached
the place early the next morning.

There was a general rejoicing when the ladies saw Mr.
Bennett. and Taylor still alive, and they even wept a little
over the safe return of Col. Cody and Hank Ellis.

They had been well taken care of by Black Fox, and
now showed their appreciation by bestowing their own
care upon the wounded guide and the soldiers.

After a hut of pine boughs had been built‘ for the

wounded, and the whole party made comfortable, Capt.
Evans told his story. He had hurried to Bison Foot
Mine after he received the telegram, and here he was $ di-
rected to Buffalo Bill’s dugout in the hills.

A sheriff’s posse was already out in search of the rob-
bers who held up the mule team, and running across
them at the ruins of Buffalo Bill’s dugout, where lay the
bodies of five white men and an Indian, they had con-
sulted, and Capt. Evans and his detachment followed the
trail made by the bandits straight to the rock.

The sheriff followed the tracks made, by Buffalo Bill’s
_ party, and when he reached the shack, was put in pos-

session of the facts by Black Fox, and continued his search
for Cuffy in another direction,

Capt. Evans ea ied that Black Feather’s body had

wf i et

TEE BURRALO

 

cll tps ANGLES mene,

 

BEEIo STORIES. 29
been buried by the sheriff, who recognized the red man
at once as Col. Cody’s companion,

This was a relief to the scout, who was really fond of
the brave Indian.

Two days later Hank Ellis was taken to the mining
settlement by the two soldiers, who had recovered, and
the two prospectors and their guide pulled up stakes, and,
together with the miners, escorted the Bennett family and
Taylor to the railroad to continue their journey.

The ladies thanked Col. Cody profusely for os he had —
done, and said good-by reluctantly.

Fle was a hero in their eyes, and with little wonder.

A month later he received a letter from Imogene ae
ing him of their safe arrival in "Frisco, and>of her sistet
marriage to Taylor. ‘

She stated in her letter that they owed their lives <0
him several times over.

The day the ladies said good-by, Capt. Evans, with his
soldiers and Col. Cody, visited the rock again.

They found fresh hoofprints and traces of new arrivals
since they were there before, and decided that the fellow
Cuffy had reached the spot in time to find it given over to
the enemy. The bodies of the dead bandits had been re-
moved and the tunnel entrance was wide open.

Nothing was to be found in the rocks but a heavy, oak
tool chest, which was recognized later by Hank Ellis as
the one he had seen in the mule wagon,\and which was
said to hold quartz specimens.

Buffalo Bill had the pleasure of placing the pink pear!
necklace in the hands. of its owner at the army station,
where he also related the manner in which Col. Pepperil’s
death had been avenged, always speaking of his own
deeds in a most modest manner.

Then the great scout turned his attention to other mat-
ters, and was soon deep in another of his thrilling experi-
ences which will be chronicled fully in the next issue of
this library, —

THE END,

Next week’s issue, No. 208, will be “Buffalo Bill’s
Deadliest, Peril; or, The Pursuit of Black Barnett, the
Outlaw,” a story of the plotting of the Secret Brother-
hood of the Platte, some of whose doings were told in a
previous number. The method of luring wealthy busi-
ness men into their clutches, on the pretense of showing
them fine commercial properties and then holding them
in ransom, was so much in vogue that Buffalo Bill took a
hand. How he went after the Brotherhood, captured
Black Barnett and broke up the practice is well told in the
next number. Wild Bill and Old Nick Wharton re-
appear.

ssa ehatacliren Ach fib lilll batt
p juvhoie Cy eee:
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
  
  
   
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
 
   
  
 
  
 
    

 

 

Containing the Most t Thrilling Aventures of the (alebrated
Government Scout “BUFFALO BILL” (Hon. William F. Cody)

    

 

 

 

 

161—Buffalo Bill’s Blockhouse; or, Old Nick
_ Wharton’s Strategy.

162—Buffalo Bill’s Canyon Cache; or, The
Beauty from Butte.

163—Buffalo Bill and the Great Sunstone; or,
The Trick that Trapped the Duke of
the Dagger. .

164—-Buffalo Bill’s Wildest Ride; or, The Mon-
ster Serpent of the Bad Lands’ Lake.

165—Buffalo Bill and the Greengoods’ Cabal; or,
The Woman with the Manacled Arm.

166—Buffalo Bill’s Lightning Shot; or, The Red
Gulch Rescue.

167—-Buffalo Bill’s Bandit Friend; or, The Mys-
tery of the Black Riders.

168—Buffalo Bill at Bay; or, The Claim Jumper
of Silver Gulch.

169—Buffalo Bill’s Dark Drive; or, Manton, the
Mountain Mystery.

170—Buffalo Bill’s Fair, Square Deal;. or, The
Duke of the Dagger’s Dead Lock.

171—Buffalo Bill’s Bold Brigade; or, Injun Joe’s
Burrow.

172—-Buffalo Bill on a Hunt for Gold; or, The
Lost Mine of the Cimarrons.

173—Buffalo Bill’s Ride for Life; or, Fighting
the Border Cattle Thieves.

174—Buffalo Bill's Double; or, The Mephisto of
the Prairie.

475—Buffalo Bill and the Claim Jumpers; or,
The Mystery of Hellgate Mine. |

176—Buffalo Bill’s Strategy; or, The Queen of
the Crater Cave.

. ¥77—Buffalo Bill in Morenci; or, The Cat of the

Copper Crag.
178—Buffalo Bill’s Dead Drop; or, The Ghost-
Scout of Colorado.

179—Buffalo Bill’s Texan Hazard; or, The War
Trail of the Apaches.

180—Buffalo Bill’s. Blindfold Duel; or, The.

Death Feud in Arizona.

181—Buffalo Bill’s Mexican Feud; or, The Ban-
dits of Sonora.

182—Buffalo Bill’s Still Hunt; or, The Masked
Men of Santa Fé.

 

183—Buffalo Bill's Fiercest Fight; or, The Cap-
tive of the Apaches. .

184—Buffalo Bill’s Navajo Ally; or, ae War
with the Cave Dwellers.

Lo eo Bill’s Best Shot; or, Svine Uncle
Sam’s Troopers.

186—Buffalo Bill’s Girl Pard; or, The Mystery
of the Blindfold Club. ~

187—Buffalo Bill’s Eagle Eye; or, The Battle of
the Staked Plains.

188—Buffalo Bill's Arizona Alliance; or, Nav-
ajos Against Apaches.

189—Buffalo Bill’s Mexican Adventure ; or, The
White Indians of Yucatan.

190—Buffalo Bill After the Bandits; or, Chasing
the Wyoming Bank Robbers.

191—Buffalo Bill’s Red Trailer ; or, The Hole-in-
the-Wall Outlaws of Wyoming.

i92—Buffalo Bill in the Hole-in-the-Wall;
Fighting the Wyoming Bank Roe

193—Buftalo Bill and the Bandit in Armor; or,
The Mysterious Horseman of the Moun-
tains.

194—Buffalo Bill and the Masked Mystery; or,
The Wild Riders of the Wilderness.

195—Buffalo Bill in the Valley of Death; or, The
Masked Brotherhood.

196—Buffalo Bill in the Land of Fire; or, Nick
Nomad, the Mountain Wanderer.

197——Buffalo Bill in the Den of Snakes; or, The

_ Search for a Ton of Gold.

198—Buffalo Bill’s Nebraskan Quest; or, The
Secret Brotherhood of the Platte.

199—Buffalo Bill and the Hounds of the Hills;~
or, The Traitor Trooper.

200-—Buffalo Bill’s Young Partner; or, The oe

- law Queen’s Cipher Message.

gol Bufalo Bill’s Great Search; or, Begone
Bad Birds in Wyoming.

202—Buffalo Bill and the Boy in Blue; or, The
Ghost Dancers of the Bad Lands.

203—Buffalo Bills Long Chase; or, Nervy
Frank’s Leap for Life.

204—Butffalo Bill’s Mine Mystery; or, Conquer-
ing the Brotherhood of the Crimson
Cross.

 

 

 

All of the above numbers always on hand. lf you cammot get them from your
pewsdealer, five cents per copy will bring them to you by mail, postpait,

STREET & SMITH, Publishers, 238 William Street, NEW YORK:

 

 

 

 

 

 
 
   
   
  
  

 

- eg Ta a a

SE IT ace CRETE TS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4—Ted Strong’s Stratagem; of; Saving a Boy’s
Honor.
5——led Strong’s Ride for Life ; or, Caught in the
Circlen. =
6—Ted Strong on the Trail; or, The Cattle Men
of Salt Licks.
7—Ted Strong in Montana; or, Trouble at the
Blackfoot Agency.
8—Ted Strong’s Nerve; or, Wild West Sport at
Black Mountain.
g—Ted Strong’s Rival; or, The Cowboys of
_ Sunset Ranch.
to—Ted Strong’s Peril; or, Saved by a Girl.
1i—Ted Strong’s Gold Mine; or, The Duel at
Rocky Ford.
12—Ted Strong’s. Lawsuit; or, Right Against
Might.
13—Ted Suen s Railway Trip; or, An Unsolved
Mystery.
14—Ted Strong’s Migsion ; or, Taming a Tender-
foot.

18—Ted Strong’s Might; or, The Cross Against

-.. the Sword.
16—Ted Strong’s Puzzle; or, The Golden Mesa.
'77-Ted Strong in the Chaparral: or, The Hunt
i : at Las Animas.
18—Ted_ Strong’s Forethought ; or, King of the
. Mesa.

19—Ted Strong in the Land of Little Rain ; OF, .

Bud Morgan’s Vengeance.

- 20—Ted Strong’s Water Sign; or, In Shoshone

. Land.
zi—Ted Strong's. Steadiness; or, The Cattle
Rustlers of Ceriso.
22—Ted Strong’s Land Boom; or, The Rush for
a. Homestead, ...=.:
23—Ted. Strong’s Indian. Trap: or, Matching
Craft with Craft..

24——Ted Strong’s Signal; or, Racing with Death.
25—Ted Strong’s Stamp Mill; orf The yyomae

2 4n Black:

26—Ted Strong’s Recruit; or, A Hidden. Foe.

27—Ted Strong’s Discovery ; or, The Rival
‘Miners. MS

_ 28—Ted Strong’s Chase; or, The Young Rough
Riders on. the Frail.

29—Ted Strong’s Enemy; or, An Uninvited
Guest.

™,

 

_ 30—Ted Strong’s Triumph; or, The End of the

Contest.
31—Ted Strong in Nebraska; or, The Trail to
_. Fremont.
32—Ted Strong in Kansas City; or,’The Last. of
the Herd.

33—The Rough Riders in Missouri; or, In the
Hands of His Enemy,
34—The Young Rough Riders in St. Louis; or,
The League of the Camorra.
35—The Young Rough Riders in Indiana; or,
The Vengeance of the Camorra.

36—The Young Rough Riders in Chicago; or,

Bud Morgan’s Day Off.

37-—The Young Rough Riders in Kansas; Of, .

The Trail of the Outlaw..,
ge ne Young Rough Riders in the Rockies; or,
Fighting in Mid Air.

39—The Young. Rough Rider’s Foray; or, The

Mad Horse of Raven Hill.
40—The Young Rough Rider’s Fight to the
~ Death; or, The Mad Hermit of Bear’s
Hole. .

: dt— le Young Rough Rider’s Indian Trail; or,

_ Okanaga, the Cheyenne.
42—The Young Rough Rider’s Double; or, Un-
masking a Sham.
43—The Young Rough Rider’s Vendetta; or, The
House of the Sorceress.

44—Ted Strong in Old Mexico; or, The Haunted

Hacienda.
4s—The Young Rough Rider in California ; Or,
The Owls of San Pablo.

. 46—The Young Rough Rider’s Silver Mine; or,

The Texas Giant.

- 47—The Young Rough Rider’s. Wildest Ride; of,

Cleaning Out a Whole Town...
48—The Young Rough Rider’s Girl Guide; or,
The Maid of the Mountains.

- 49—The Young Rough Rider’s Handicap; or,

Fighting the Mormon Kidnapers.

: so—The Young Rough Rider’s Daring Climb;

or, The Treasure of Copper Crag.
51—The Young Rough Rider’s Bitterest Foe; or,
The Challenge of Capt. Nemo.
52—The Young Rough Rider’s Great Play; or,
The Mad Ally of a Villain.

| 53—The Young Rough Rider Trapped; or, A

Villain’s Desperate Play.

 

 

 

 

aud of the above numbers always om hand. if you eannot get them fram § your
newsdealer, five cents per copy will bring them to you by mail, postpaid.

 

 

 

| STREET & SMITH, Publishers, 238 William Street, NEW YORK

 

 

 

    

    
 

 

 

   

 

 

  

THE BEST DETECTIVE STORIES IN THE WORLD

 

 

383—Kidnaped in Broad Daylight; or, Nick
Carter on His: Own Trail.

384—The Little Giant’s Double; or, The World’s
Two Strongest Men.

385—The Secret Order of Associated Crooks;
or, The Confederated Criminal Trust.

386—When Aces Were Trumps; or, A Hard
Game to Play.

387—-The Gambler’s Last Hand; or, The Little
Giant Wins Out.

388—The Murder at Linden Fells; or, The Mys-
tery of the Cadillac Needle.

389—Mercedes Danton’s Double; or, A Plot for
Many Millions.

390—The Millionaire’s Nemesis; or, Paul
Roger's Oath of Vengeance.
391—A Princess of the Underworld; or, The

Mysterious Burglary at Lakeview.

392—A Queen of Her Kind; or, A Beautiful

. Woman's Nerve.

393—-Isabel Benton’s Trump Card; or, Desperate
Play, to: Win.) ¢

394—-A Princess of Hades; or, The Reappear-
ance of Dazaar, the Fiend.

395—A Compact with Dazaar; or, The Devil
Worshiper’s Den.

396—In the Shadow of Dazaar; or, At the Mercy

' of Vampires.

397—The Crime of a Money-King; or, The Bat-

tle of the Magnates.

398—The Terrible Cane of Ailtions : or, Track

ing Down the Plotters.

399—A Dead Man’s Power; or, The Mystery of
a Telephone Number.

400—The Secrets of an Old House;
Crime of Washington Heights.

401—The House with the Open Door; or, The
Double Crime of Madison Avenue.

or, The

~ 402—The Society of Assassination; or, The De-

tective’s Double Disguise.
403—The Brotherhood of the Crossed Swords;
or, The Little Giant’s Mighty Task.
404—The Trail of the Vampire; or, The Mys-
terious Crimes of Prospect Park.
405—The Demons of the Night; or, The Terrors
of the Idol’s Cavern.

 

   

406—The ae of the Vampire; or, pamagelers
of the Deep Sear...

407—-A Bank President’s Plot;
lains of a Stripe.

408—The Master Criminal; or, With the Devil
in His Bye.

409—The Carruthers Puzzle; or, Nick Carter’s
Best Disguise.

or, Three wae

410—Inez, the Mysterious; or, The Master Crim-

inal’s Mascot.

411—The Criminal Queen’s Oath; or, The Dif-
ference Between Two.

412—The Point of a Dagger; or, The Criminal

: Queen’ s Madness.

413—Doctor Quartz, the Second; or, The Great
Freight Car Mystery.

414—Doctor Quartz, the Second, at Bay; or, A
Man of Iron Nerve.

415—The Great Hotel Murders;

: Quartz’s Quick Move.

416—Zanoni, the Woman Wizard; or, The Ward
of Doctor Quartz.

417—The Woman Wizard’s Hate; or, A Danger-
ous Foe.

418—The Prison Demon; or, The Ghost of Dr.
Quartz.

419—Nick Carter and the Hangman’s Noose; Or,
Dr. Quartz on Earth “Again,

420—Dr. Quartz’s Last Play; or, A Hand with a
Royal Flush.

421—Zanoni, the Transfigured; or, Nick Cin
ters Phantom Mascot.

422—By Command of the Czar; or, Nick Car-
ters Boldest Defiance.

423—The Conspiracy of an Empire; or, Nick Car-
ter’s Bravest Act.

424—A Queen of Vengeance; or, Nick Carter’s
Beautiful Nemesis.

425—Daring Dan, the Human Mystery; or, Nick
Carter's Smoothest Foe.

426—Dan Derrington’s Double; or, Nick Carter’s
Terrible Test. ;

427—-The Great Gold Swindle; or, The Little.
Giant’s Masterpiece.

428—An East River Mystery; or, Nick Carter’ s
Daring Leap.

or, Doctor

 

 

 

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4f you cannot get them from your

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