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diff --git a/old/64262-0.txt b/old/64262-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 37d1ab9..0000000 --- a/old/64262-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,10255 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg eBook of Buffalo Bill's Big Surprise, by Colonel -Prentiss Ingraham - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and -most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms -of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you -will have to check the laws of the country where you are located before -using this eBook. - -Title: Buffalo Bill's Big Surprise - The Biggest Stampede on Record - -Author: Colonel Prentiss Ingraham - -Release Date: January 11, 2021 [eBook #64262] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -Produced by: David Edwards, Susan Carr and the Online Distributed - Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net - -*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BUFFALO BILL'S BIG SURPRISE *** - - - - - Buffalo Bill’s Big Surprise - - OR, - - The Biggest Stampede on Record - - BY - - Colonel Prentiss Ingraham - - Author of the celebrated “Buffalo Bill” stories published in the - BORDER STORIES. For other titles see catalogue. - - - [Illustration: (Colophon)] - - - STREET & SMITH CORPORATION - PUBLISHERS - 79-89 Seventh Avenue, New York - - - - - +----------------------------------+ - | | - | Copyright, 1914 | - | By STREET & SMITH | - | ----- | - | Buffalo Bill’s Big Surprise | - | | - +----------------------------------+ - - - All rights reserved, including that of translation into foreign - languages, including the Scandinavian. - - - - - CONTENTS - - PAGE - IN APPRECIATION OF WILLIAM F. CODY 1 - I. BAD NEWS. 5 - II. THE OUTLAWS’ ALLY 11 - III. PLOTTING WITH A FOE. 15 - IV. BURSTING SHELLS. 22 - V. THE RETURN. 31 - VI. THE FORGED LETTER. 48 - VII. THE FLIGHT. 56 - VIII. IN THE INDIAN VILLAGE. 65 - IX. BUFFALO BILL’S BOLD VENTURE. 86 - X. THE RESCUER REACHES THE GOAL. 91 - XI. THE GUARD OF HONOR. 96 - XII. CORRALLED BY INDIANS. 101 - XIII. THE RIDE FOR HELP. 107 - XIV. THE BLACK TROOPERS AT BAY. 113 - XV. A VERY STRANGE FIND. 118 - XVI. THE NEGRO MESSENGER. 123 - XVII. TWO SHOTS. 129 - XVIII. THE BAD MAN OF THE BIG HORN. 137 - XIX. A DOUBLE ESCAPE. 143 - XX. BLACK SCOUTS ON THE TRAIL. 147 - XXI. TO THE RESCUE. 152 - XXII. BLACK BILL’S LONE HAND. 159 - XXIII. BLACK BILL’S PRISONER. 165 - XXIV. THE LOST VALLEY. 171 - XXV. UNSEEN FOES. 178 - XXVI. FACE TO FACE WITH ENEMIES. 185 - XXVII. A DISCOVERY. 194 - XXVIII. A LIVING TOMB. 201 - XXIX. THE RESCUE. 207 - XXX. OUT OF DEVIL’S DEN. 212 - XXXI. ANOTHER STRANGE STORY. 215 - XXXII. UNDER A CURSE. 223 - XXXIII. THE HACIENDA. 230 - XXXIV. HAUNTED. 237 - XXXV. THE SEARCH OF THE RUIN. 243 - XXXVI. THE FIRST NIGHT. 249 - XXXVII. A DEAD GHOST. 255 - XXXVIII. ON SECRET WORK. 261 - XXXIX. THE SCOUT’S RETURN. 270 - XL. THE SHOT ON THE CLIFF. 281 - XLI. THE FIGHT IN THE SLEUTHS’ CAMP. 289 - XLII. A STARTLING VISIT. 302 - XLIII. THE FAIR HERMIT. 310 - XLIV. REVEALED. 316 - - - - - IN APPRECIATION OF WILLIAM F. CODY - - (BUFFALO BILL). - - -It is now some generations since Josh Billings, Ned Buntline, and -Colonel Prentiss Ingraham, intimate friends of Colonel William F. -Cody, used to forgather in the office of Francis S. Smith, then -proprietor of the _New York Weekly_. It was a dingy little office on -Rose Street, New York, but the breath of the great outdoors stirred -there when these old-timers got together. As a result of these -conversations, Colonel Ingraham and Ned Buntline began to write of -the adventures of Buffalo Bill for Street & Smith. - -Colonel Cody was born in Scott County, Iowa, February 26, 1846. -Before he had reached his teens, his father, Isaac Cody, with his -mother and two sisters, migrated to Kansas, which at that time was -little more than a wilderness. - -When the elder Cody was killed shortly afterward in the Kansas -“Border War,” young Bill assumed the difficult rôle of family -breadwinner. During 1860, and until the outbreak of the Civil War, -Cody lived the arduous life of a pony-express rider. Cody volunteered -his services as government scout and guide and served throughout -the Civil War with Generals McNeil and A. J. Smith. He was a -distinguished member of the Seventh Kansas Cavalry. - -During the Civil War, while riding through the streets of St. Louis, -Cody rescued a frightened schoolgirl from a band of annoyers. In true -romantic style, Cody and Louisa Federci, the girl, were married March -6, 1866. - -In 1867 Cody was employed to furnish a specified amount of buffalo -meat to the construction men at work on the Kansas Pacific Railroad. -It was in this period that he received the sobriquet “Buffalo Bill.” - -In 1868 and for four years thereafter Colonel Cody served as scout -and guide in campaigns against the Sioux and Cheyenne Indians. It was -General Sheridan who conferred on Cody the honor of chief of scouts -of the command. - -After completing a period of service in the Nebraska legislature, -Cody joined the Fifth Cavalry in 1876, and was again appointed chief -of scouts. - -Colonel Cody’s fame had reached the East long before, and a great -many New Yorkers went out to see him and join in his buffalo hunts, -including such men as August Belmont, James Gordon Bennett, Anson -Stager, and J. G. Heckscher. In entertaining these visitors at Fort -McPherson, Cody was accustomed to arrange wild-West exhibitions. In -return his friends invited him to visit New York. It was upon seeing -his first play in the metropolis that Cody conceived the idea of -going into the show business. - -Assisted by Ned Buntline, novelist, and Colonel Ingraham, he started -his “Wild West” show, which later developed and expanded into “A -Congress of the Rough Riders of the World,” first presented at Omaha, -Nebraska. In time it became a familiar yearly entertainment in the -great cities of this country and Europe. Many famous personages -attended the performances, and became his warm friends, including Mr. -Gladstone, the Marquis of Lorne, King Edward, Queen Victoria, and the -Prince of Wales, now King of England. - -At the outbreak of the Sioux, in 1890 and 1891, Colonel Cody served -at the head of the Nebraska National Guard. In 1895 Cody took up the -development of Wyoming Valley by introducing irrigation. Not long -afterward he became judge advocate general of the Wyoming National -Guard. - -Colonel Cody (Buffalo Bill) died in Denver, Colorado, on January -10, 1917. His legacy to a grateful world was a large share in -the development of the West, and a multitude of achievements in -horsemanship, marksmanship, and endurance that will live for ages. -His life will continue to be a leading example of the manliness, -courage, and devotion to duty that belonged to a picturesque phase -of American life now passed, like the great patriot whose career it -typified, into the Great Beyond. - - - - - BUFFALO BILL’S BIG SURPRISE. - - - - - CHAPTER I. - - BAD NEWS. - - -It was at Fort Advance, one of the smaller frontier posts on the -Indian border, just about the hour of sunset. Buffalo Bill and -Colonel Carr, the commandant of the fort, were chatting together when -suddenly Buffalo Bill raised his hands and pointed across the plains. - -A horseman could be seen in the distance, and he was approaching at a -furious gallop. - -Buffalo Bill scanned the figure for a moment in silence. - -“It is Hugh Hardin, the oldest of my scouts,” he said, “and I am -willing to bet a few cigars that he brings news of a fresh Indian -uprising.” - -It was, indeed, Hugh Hardin, and a moment later he had pulled up his -steed before Buffalo Bill and Colonel Carr, and, after saluting his -superior officers, was making his report. - -It was to the effect that the Indians to the number of several -thousands were on the warpath, under command of Death Face and -several other of their chiefs. - -“I scouted near their camp,” said Hugh Hardin, “and I know that there -is at least one white man in their number. I saw him. He is Eagle, -a well-known outlaw. He was formerly chief of the band known as the -Renegade Red Riders, which you broke up, Buffalo Bill, not long ago.” - -“What! Eagle, the outlaw chief!” exclaimed the colonel. “I thought -you killed him, Cody?” - -“I followed him and drove him off a precipice into Rapid River--man -and horse,” said Cody; “but it looks as if he had escaped by -swimming, and joined the redskins, now that his own band is wiped -out. Are you sure that he is with the Indians?” - -“Perfectly,” said Hugh Hardin. - -“That man must be captured at all hazards,” said the colonel. “I -shall immediately order out a troop of cavalry, as well as a battery -of infantry, and send them on to oppose the Indians.” - -An hour later the detachment of cavalry and artillery, under command -of Lieutenant Worth, one of the most popular young officers in the -post, was starting for Rapid River. - -Two other commands of artillery and cavalry were dispatched -immediately afterward. - -Buffalo Bill headed the column, of course, and when, early the next -day, after a hard night ride, they were within a few miles of the -river, he advised the lieutenant to call a halt. - -“I will go forward myself on a scout,” he said, “before the Indians -discover that there is a body of soldiers in the vicinity.” - -“I suggest that you take one of the men in my troop, Sergeant -Fallon, as an assistant. He has lived with the Indians for years, -and can disguise himself perfectly as one, and speak the language -well. Besides, they say that he has powerful friends among the Sioux -chiefs. He can enter the camp in disguise, perhaps.” - -Sergeant Fallon, a tall, lean, dark-faced man, stepped forward at -the command of Lieutenant Worth, and, after a few words with Buffalo -Bill, went off to disguise himself as an Indian, a complete disguise -having been brought along with the artillery equipments by command of -Lieutenant Worth. - -“He is a mysterious man, evidently well educated,” said the -lieutenant to Buffalo Bill, “and no one knows why he entered the -army, as he is reputed to be very wealthy. He has good cause to -wish to be revenged on Eagle, the outlaw chief. Eagle captured his -daughter, Lucille Fallon, when she was on her way West, to hold her -for ransom, and it was you yourself who rescued her when you wiped -out Eagle’s band.” - -“I remember the occasion,” said the great scout; “but here comes the -man, and he looks like an Indian, indeed.” - -Sergeant Fallon’s disguise was perfect, and an hour later the scout -and he set out. - -When they reached Rapid River, Fallon decided to swim his horse -across and enter the Indian camp disguised as he was, and Buffalo -Bill, knowing from what he had seen and heard of the man that he -could thoroughly trust him, allowed him to do so. - -Buffalo Bill accompanied him as far as the river, and watched him -across. He lost his form after he had got halfway across, but waited -until he was sure that Fallon had reached the other side and found -the Indian guards. - -Hearing no outcry or shot, he muttered: - -“I guess he’s all right, but his danger is great. - -“The man grows upon me more and more, and I am sure that he has once -held a high position and been in command of men. - -“Well, if he gets back in safety, I will use my influence to get him -the commission he richly deserves.” - -So saying, the scout gazed in silence for a while over the weird, -wild scene, lit up by the moonlight into picturesque beauty, and -then, turning his horse, rode back to his camp for the night. - -The sergeant, meanwhile, had crossed the river, been met by the -guards, and then rode to the camp beyond the ridge. - -To his surprise, he found there over a hundred Indian braves, and -about a camp fire built out of sight up in a niche of the cliff stood -several forms, upon whom his eyes were at once riveted. - -Fighting Bird, an old Sioux chief, was there, and near him stood -the young chief, Death Face, while, seated upon a rock near, was -a splendid type of a redskin leader, a man of almost herculean -proportions, robed in gorgeous costume of tanned doeskin heavily -embroidered with wampum, and wearing a war bonnet of barbaric -splendor. His face was bold, rugged, crafty, intelligent, and -merciless. - -That countenance was furrowed with age, silver threads streaked -his raven locks, but he was still the mighty leader of his people, -the grand old fighter, plotter, good general, merciless foe of the -palefaces, Iron Eyes, the head chief of his tribe. - -By his side stood a fourth person. - -It was one of elegant form, handsome face, dark and sinister, fine -though it was. He was dressed in a black fatigue suit of army style, -wore buttons of ten-dollar gold pieces, diamond studs and sleeve -buttons in his negligee silk shirt, a massive watch chain, and a -large, brilliant ruby upon the little finger of his left hand, his -right being covered with a red glove. - -This man had a cigar between his lips, stood like one waiting to be -photographed, one booted foot resting upon a rock before him, and his -elbow leaning upon his knee as a rest. - -His spurs were of gold, his belt of arms showed that they were -ornamented with the same precious metal, and, altogether, he was a -most picturesque and striking figure, a man to stand in awe of. - -As the sergeant approached, old Iron Eyes arose and greeted him, -greeted him as he would one for whom he held both reverence and -affection. - -“Iron Eyes is surprised at meeting his paleface brother, the great -medicine chief, White Wolf. The Iron Eyes has with him another great -chief of the paleface race, the Eagle, his brother and ally, and here -is my son, the mighty young chief who will some day wear the war -bonnet of old Iron Eyes. - -“It gladdens my heart to again see my brother, the White Wolf. He is -welcome, and he has proven my friend.” - -Such was the welcome and the introduction of the sergeant to those -assembled about the camp fire in the little ravine among the cliffs. - - - - - CHAPTER II. - - THE OUTLAWS’ ALLY. - - -Sergeant Fallon was perfectly calm under the ordeal he was passing -through. He greeted the old chief most reverently and kindly, offered -his hand to the outlaw, for he wished to feel his grip and remember -it, and saluted the young son of Iron Eyes courteously, while he did -not by any means ignore Fighting Bird. - -But he lost no time in at once saying: - -“I am here unexpectedly to-night, for I wish to tell the great chief -that his foes are not sure that he has warriors camped here, and they -intend to send out scouts on foot to cross the river and find out. By -drawing your braves far back, putting out your camp fires, and not -one being seen, the scouts will come over and find no braves here. - -“They will report this to their chiefs, and then when another night -the force attempts to cross, the warriors of Iron Eyes will be here -to ambush them.” - -The words of the disguised sergeant were listened to in silence, but -with great interest, and old Iron Eyes said: - -“The Chief White Wolf speaks with wisdom, and my warriors shall at -once draw back to cover.” - -“Yes, it will be the very thing to do, for if the soldiers believe -that you have withdrawn your guards from the fords, they will cross, -hoping to surprise you, and dash upon an ambush and be beaten back -right here, as they should be.” - -“I would send couriers to the other bands, also, chief,” the outlaw -joined in, “to have them also fall back for the night. Would you not, -White Wolf?” - -“It would be just what I should do, sir,” answered the sergeant. - -Orders were at once given to put out the camp fires, get the ponies -and camp outfit, and retreat over the range half a mile back. - -The sergeant went along and rode with Iron Eyes, the two talking -together like old friends. - -When they had come to a halt, the outlaw stepped up to the sergeant -and asked: - -“What force is on the other side, sir?” - -“There are three commands, sir; two of considerable strength, the -other not so large.” - -“Have they any guns?” - -“All three commands have artillery, sir.” - -“And infantry?” - -“Mounted infantry, with cavalry and guns.” - -“Then Carr is in earnest?” said the outlaw. - -“Yes, sir, he seems determined.” - -“There are three men there whom I hate. I will give a reward to get -their scalps.” - -“Who are they, sir?” - -“One is Lieutenant Worth, who has been a persistent foe of my band -of Red Riders; one is Buffalo Bill, and the other is Sergeant Fallon.” - -“I know them all, sir.” - -“They have both been strong allies to wipe me out, and here I am a -fugitive to-day with no men left, and must begin life anew to gain -both gold and revenge. But I am not dead yet, and I will have both.” - -“You are right, Captain Eagle,” said the sergeant. - -“May I ask your name, my friend?” - -“My name is Louis, sir.” - -“What position do you hold under Colonel Carr?” - -“I am in the ordnance department, but hold only an inferior position.” - -“You have once dwelt among the Indians?” - -“Yes, as a fugitive from my own people, I became a renegade and was a -medicine chief. When I could do so I returned to my people, unknown, -however, to work like you, for gold and revenge. Some day I will have -both.” - -“See here, you are just the man that can aid me, and in doing so help -yourself.” - -“I am willing, if there is any money in it.” - -“There is, and big money, too, for you.” - -“I am your man, Captain Eagle,” was the earnest reply. - -The outlaw was evidently greatly excited through some thought that -had crossed his mind. He paced to and fro for a minute, his hands -clasped behind his back, his whole bearing that of one who was moved -by strong emotion. - -Again turning to the sergeant, he said, and in a perfectly calm tone: - -“You dwell at Fort Advance, of course?” - -“Yes, sir.” - -“Do you know Sergeant Fallon well?” - -“He is my most intimate friend, and I occupy his quarters.” - -“Good! Have you any love for him?” - -“I have for him, sir, the deepest hatred, as he has been my worst -enemy, and at times I have been tempted to take his life.” - -“Then you are the very man I want for an ally--what do you say?” - -“I will serve you, sir, as I can serve myself in doing so.” - - - - - CHAPTER III. - - PLOTTING WITH A FOE. - - -The outlaw leader seemed pleased with the idea of his ally’s hatred -for Sergeant Fallon, and said, when he was told that he would serve -him: - -“Well, you will have to go slow, and there is much to be done.” - -“I am ready.” - -“I’ll tell you just what my plan is, and see what you think of it.” - -“I’ll frankly tell you what I think.” - -“I believe you, for the chief speaks of you in the highest terms, in -fact loves you as a brother, and the only thing I had against you was -that, after being a renegade, you went back to your people.” - -“It was, as I said before, for a purpose.” - -“Ah, yes; but now to my plot with you.” - -“I am all attention.” - -“You, of course, know the sergeant’s daughter?” - -“I do.” - -“She is an heiress, you know?” - -“I have heard so; in fact, I know that it is the case, from the -sergeant.” - -“I had her a captive, with others, but Buffalo Bill guided Lieutenant -Worth, Sergeant Fallon, and others to my retreat and rescued the -prisoners, destroying my band and making me fly as a fugitive for -shelter with my good friend, Iron Eyes.” - -“I see.” - -“Now, I wish to get possession of Lucille Fallon, the sergeant’s -daughter.” - -“Ah!” - -“And that is what I wish you to aid me in.” - -“I can do it if any man can.” - -“My plan is for you to notify me, by a letter left at a certain spot -on the Overland trail, which I will describe to you, when I can get -possession of her. She can be called to Pioneer City through an -excuse of some kind to meet a lawyer there who will not come farther -on, and I will hold up the coach and capture her.” - -“But your men are all dead or prisoners?” - -“Yes, but I am organizing another band out of new material, men who -will serve my purpose even better than the others did.” - -“You wish to capture the girl and get a big ransom for her?” - -“That is just it, and Sergeant Fallon with her.” - -“You wish both?” - -“I do, the one for revenge, the other for gold.” - -“Well, I believe I can arrange it.” - -“You must understand the whole situation, the name of the girl’s -lawyer in New York, something of the facts of the case of her -inheritance, and just what to do. Now, when she was my captive, -I looked over her papers, and I have the name and address of the -lawyer, in fact, one of his letters, and I can forge his writing -perfectly. - -“I will write the letter to her, mail it from Pioneer City, telling -her that, writing as the lawyer, I cannot come any farther, as I am -suffering with an attack of rheumatism, and that she and her father -must come to me, the lawyer, mind you, by return coach. I will then -lie in wait on the trail and capture them.” - -“A good idea.” - -“There is another thing: You must see to it that the girl’s jewels -and money are taken along, though she must not know this. Smuggle -them on the coach in some way, for you can get possession of them, -intimate as you are at the sergeant’s home, and I will share with -you.” - -“Thank you. I know where the money and jewels are kept, and I can get -them, and will see that they go through with the sergeant and his -daughter, never fear.” - -“Is Jack Jessop, the star driver, driving now?” - -“Oh, yes.” - -“It will be his last trip, for I’ll bury him on Monument Hill. He is -too plucky a man to be in the Overland coach-driving business, and so -he goes under.” - -“It is just as well, I guess, though I rather like Jack.” - -“Well, now, we’ll go over the whole matter again, and just as soon -as you return to the fort notify me by letter what you think can be -done, or if you can think of any better plan. The place to leave the -letter is under the end of the third board of the Cañon River bridge, -where it projects over the land, as I suppose it must, though I have -not seen the new structure. At any rate, look well for a spot there, -and I’ll find it, for I’ll take to the trail soon with my new band.” - -“I’ll prepare the way for you, Captain Eagle, never fear,” was the -answer of the sergeant, and then the two went all over the same -ground again, the outlaw asking many questions about the fort and its -people, and coming to what he considered was a thorough understanding -with the man whom he little dreamed to be his foe. - -This conversation being ended, the sergeant held a powwow with his -old friend Iron Eyes, the outlaw, Death Face, and Fighting Bird being -present. - -It being then a couple of hours after midnight, Sergeant Fallon -suggested that he would make a visit to the ford to see if the enemy -had sent their scouts across, and send back word by a couple of -warriors who would accompany him, as he would then be compelled to go -on back to the command where he was expected to serve as the Indians’ -spy. - -Two young braves were, therefore, called to accompany him, and Iron -Eyes said that he had increased the force of guards at each ford by -fifty men, while several hundred more braves under Death Face would -camp at the first mountain pass on the trail, where they could give -battle to the soldiers, and be reënforced readily from the village. - -Iron Eyes himself would return to his village, and Captain Eagle was -to remain at the ford, being at liberty to go where he pleased. - -Assured by these facts, and accompanied by the two braves, the -sergeant set out upon his return. - -He left the braves on the ridge, advanced alone to the river, and -discovering, by the sign agreed upon between them, that Buffalo Bill -had been there, he went back and told the warriors to return and -report to Iron Eyes that a scout from the soldiers had been across -the river, so that they could come back into their camp again. - -Then he rode into the river to cross. - -The sergeant was greeted by Buffalo Bill as he rode out of the water, -the two friends clasping hands warmly. - -“I am glad, indeed, to see you again, sergeant, for I was becoming -very nervous about you.” - -“I was delayed, as I did not dare appear anxious to get back.” - -“I found Iron Eyes, Death Face, and the outlaw in camp when I went -over, and a number of warriors, as well, so I decided to get them -well out of the way at once, and would not delay for the time agreed -upon. - -“I found, upon my return to the ford, that you had been there and -crossed. I gave the chief a great ghost story about the soldiers, and -I had an hour’s chat with the outlaw,” and Fallon related all his -conversation with the outlaw. - -“When he holds up the coach he will not only find Sergeant Fallon in -it, but Buffalo Bill, Lieutenant Worth, and a few good scouts and -soldiers, with others following on behind, and a few more to head -off the outlaws, so that we will catch the whole outfit,” said the -sergeant. - -“The very thing to be done, sergeant; but who has the outlaw chief -for a band?” - -“That is the question, Cody.” - -“Doubtless redskins?” - -“I had that idea at first, but he spoke of going to Pioneer City, -where he had friends, and I believe he will get men there, and more -than he had before, from what he gave out in the way of hints.” - -“Then, to be sure, we will have to be well provided with men, say one -on the box with Jack Jessop, who is also to be counted when it’s a -scrimmage, and a dozen can pack away in the coach. Then a few scouts -and soldiers on the trail behind the coach, some more of my men ahead -and we’ll rope in the entire outfit, as you suggest.” - -“We’ll do it, and arrange with the lieutenant, but keep it as secret -as the grave. When the letter comes we will then be ready to go out -on the first coach, and the man who rides on the box with Jack Jessop -can wear a hat and clothes to appear to be my daughter, for she rode -all the way through on the box, you know. But here we are at camp.” - -Day had dawned, and the camp was astir, though the men were not -building any fires, but were preparing to eat a cold breakfast. - -Having washed off his paint and changed his clothes, the sergeant and -Buffalo Bill went directly to the quarters of the lieutenant. - - - - - CHAPTER IV. - - BURSTING SHELLS. - - -Before nightfall the two reserve commands had reached the fords, to -which they had been guided by the scout sent to each of them. - -They found them good camping places, water, wood, and grass in -plenty, and which could be readily defended if need be. - -There were a dozen fires built by those sent on ahead, and the -officers in command were delighted to learn that there was a chance -for a brush with the Indians, for, being ordered to the front, they -believed there would be. - -It was just before sunset that Lieutenant Worth, Buffalo Bill, and -Sergeant Fallon rode into the camp at the upper ford, and were -welcomed by the officers and men. - -“Percy, how is your gun placed?” asked Lieutenant Worth of the -officer in charge. - -“It commands the ford and the other shore, though it is not in -position to be seen.” - -“All right, run it into position as soon as Buffalo Bill shows you, -just to toss a shell or two, for he has been devoting the past day to -studying the Indian camps at two of the fords,” said the lieutenant, -with a smile, while the scout remarked: - -“Say night, rather, lieutenant, for I’ve been resting by daylight.” - -Going to a point which commanded a view of the other shore, Buffalo -Bill ran his glass over it and said: - -“Sergeant, when I reconnoitered, the camp was in those willows.” - -“Yes, that is it; and the ponies are corralled over beyond them.” - -“I’ll see if I can put a shell there,” and the officer in charge of -the guns sighted one himself, a sergeant training the other. - -“Fire!” - -The six and twelve-pounders flashed together, and shells went -shrieking across the river. - -One burst directly in the willows, the other beyond, where the -sergeant had said the horses were. - -There was a neighing of horses, several ponies dashed into view, and -it was certain that the shells had been a startling surprise to the -redskins in camp. - -“Percy, I wish one of your guns sent at once down to my camp, and -with full speed, for I shall drop a shell or two into the camp across -the river from me, and then push on down to the other camp, and have -them give the reds a surprise, though we do not know just where they -are located at the lower ford, and must guess at it. - -“Toss a few more shells over there, and then limber up and get the -gun away, whichever one you care to send.” - -Half a dozen more shells were sent flying into the Indian camp, and -then the gun was sent down to the camp of Lieutenant Worth, who, -after supper with his officer comrades there, rode away with Buffalo -Bill, the sergeant, and the three men sent there in the morning to -build fires, back to his camp. - -He found it no easy task to overtake the gun, the crew being anxious -to reach their position and throw in a few shells before word could -be sent down from the upper ford, though the firing would naturally -be heard there, the sound traveling by the river. - -The gun was dragged to the ridge, and the sergeant pointed out just -where the camp and corral of ponies were. - -“Aim it yourself, sergeant,” ordered Lieutenant Worth. - -The sergeant did so, and the shell was seen to burst right behind the -ledge. - -Wild yells followed, and, with the firing of a second shell into the -corral of ponies, it also struck home, for horses neighed wildly in -fright. - -“Give them a few more shells, sergeant, and then the gun can go to -camp, while we hold on down to the lower ford.” - -This was done, the gun retreated to camp, and Lieutenant Worth, -Buffalo Bill, and Sergeant Fallon followed on down the river trail to -the lower ford. - -It was some fifteen miles distant, and over a rough trail; but they -reached the camp soon after midnight, and found the officer in -command and his men all under arms and ready for the fray, for they -had heard the firing from the middle ford and expected to be called -upon to move at any time. - -“It is no alarm, Benedict, at least to us, though it is for the -Indians. - -“I took a fancy to let the redskins know we were across here in very -heavy force, as Sergeant Fallon had so reported to them, and got -Percy to open on them, and, borrowing one of his guns, I did the -same, and now I wish you to stir them up.” - -“With great pleasure, Lieutenant Worth,” answered Lieutenant -Benedict, who was in command. - -“Have you any idea of just where their camp and corral is?” - -“I reconnoitered with my glass just before sunset and think I found -their camp, and behind it is a meadow where I saw a pony astray.” - -“We’ll chance it.” - -Accordingly, the guns were placed in position, the spots pointed out -to the gunners, and first one, then another roar came, the shells -went shrieking on their errands, and bursting just where it was -intended they should. - -Again startled yells answered, and then half a dozen more shells went -crashing into the timber on the other side. - -“Give them a couple of shots just at dawn, Benedict, and the other -camps will do the same to show them that we have guns at each ford. - -“We will camp at the fords for a couple of days yet, and then return -by easy marches to the fort, for I do not believe a redskin will -venture across the river for a long while to come. Eh, Cody?” - -“I do not think so, either, sir, unless Eagle, the outlaw, puts them -up to some act of deviltry,” was the scout’s answer, and, after a -snack, the lieutenant and his two companions returned to their own -camp. - -The stay of the commands at the fords was continued for three days -longer, and every morning and evening what the troops called the -“sunrise and sunset guns” were fired across the river at the Indian -camps, the guns being loaded with shell. - -Since the first night of the firing not an Indian had been seen or -heard. They were either gone or in hiding farther off. - -Sergeant Fallon volunteered to go across and discover, making the -site of the three fords in the night along the trail upon the other -side, but Lieutenant Worth said that he did not care to have him take -any more chances. - -Then the sergeant said it would be well for him to cross just where -he had before, and let the Indians feel that he was still trying to -serve them, also giving them another ghost story about the troops -intending to remain for some time. - -Thus urged, the lieutenant yielded, and, rigging out in his Indian -costume once more, Sergeant Fallon rode slowly away from the fort -after supper one night. - -Lieutenant Worth and Buffalo Bill accompanied him to the river, and -then waited. - -It was bright moonlight, and the other shore could be plainly seen, -the officer and the scout watching the sergeant all the way across -and until he disappeared in the shadows of the other side. - -They waited two hours before they saw him come again into sight. He -rode into the river, came across, and joined them back in the shadows -on the ridge. - -“Have they gone, sergeant?” asked the officer. - -“No, sir, they are there, only camped well back, and with half a -dozen braves on guard at a time, while their force now numbers a -couple of hundred men at each ford.” - -“Give me the location of their camp, and we will toss a shell over -there in the morning.” - -“Pardon me, lieutenant,” said Buffalo Bill, “but that would -compromise the sergeant, as they would understand that through him -only the location could have been found out.” - -“You are right, Cody, and it would not do.” - -“You could hardly reach there as it is, sir, for they are well -protected; but, as Cody says, it might bring suspicion upon me, and I -was received in a most friendly manner.” - -“Was Iron Eyes there?” - -“No, sir; he is back at the village, and Death Face commands five -hundred warriors at the pass where they would hope to check your -advance, with the braves who would retreat from the fords, and others -who would come from the camp. - -“They have planned well, indeed, sir, and are in dread of your -advance, for they think you have two-thirds of the force from the -fort. Fighting Bird is in command at the ford here, and he is a -plucky, able chief. The shots did some damage at each ford, for half -a dozen warriors were killed opposite to us, two at the upper camp, -and one at the lower, while a score were wounded, as the shells -dropped right into their midst. Then, too, they lost a number of -ponies by the shelling.” - -“We did do some service then, at random.” - -“Yes, sir, and they will be most cautious about recrossing the river -for some time to come.” - -“I hope they will not allow us to rust in camp.” - -“No danger of that, lieutenant, for they are Indians, and they will -break out in a new spot when they think you have forced them to lie -quiet,” remarked Buffalo Bill. - -“There is one thing I did not like, lieutenant.” - -“What is that, sergeant?” - -“The outlaw chief has left the camps.” - -“Indeed?” - -“Yes, sir.” - -“When did he leave?” - -“The day after my visit, sir.” - -“Where did he go?” - -“I was told by Fighting Bird that the outlaw seemed sorry to have -trusted me, after I left, and told Iron Eyes so. Iron Eyes and Death -Face laughed at him, and he said that he had made a mistake, but -would rectify it, and soon after he left the camp. I asked where he -had gone, but Fighting Bird said he did not know; but he thought to -the village of the palefaces, meaning Pioneer City.” - -“But he would not dare to cross the fords?” - -“It seems, sir, that he knows of another ford up the river to which -no trail leads, but where there is really a good crossing, and he -went there. He wished to lead a band of warriors around that way to -attack the upper camp, but the Indians were too much afraid of the -big guns to listen to it.” - -“It’s well for us they were; but would he dare go to Pioneer City, -where he must be known?” - -“Yes, lieutenant, for you know he always wore a mask as an outlaw, -and no one saw his face.” - -“His face is not known in Pioneer City, and I never saw it that I -know of,” the scout remarked. - -“But is he masked now?” - -“No, sir.” - -“Then you saw his face?” - -“I did, sir, and I would know it again if I met his ghost in Hades,” -was the sergeant’s emphatic response, for a moment did he break out -from his accustomed quiet mien. - -“Describe him, sergeant, please.” - -“A man six feet in height, sir, herculean in strength, and with a -dark, intellectual face, cynical, stern, and very handsome, but for -its look of cruelty. He has a long dark mustache, and his hair hangs -upon his shoulders. He is a very striking-looking man, sir, and -worthy of a better calling, to judge by his appearance.” - -“Well, I hope to have a close look at him some day; but what do you -think he went to Pioneer City for?” - -“I told you, sir, of his intended letter to my daughter, and as it -seems he grew suspicious of me, my idea is that he has gone there to -plot to get her into his power at once.” - -“By the Lord Harry! but you may be right, sergeant. We will break -camp at daylight and push for the fort. Come, I’ll send couriers to -the other camps to move, also,” and the three returned at a gallop to -the camp. - - - - - CHAPTER V. - - THE RETURN. - - -When the three forces got under way they marched at a speed according -to the distance they had to travel, that all might make the same camp -the first night on the way. - -The command from the lower ford made twenty miles, and, camping -early, they were joined in the afternoon by the party under -Lieutenant Worth. - -At dark the third command, under Lieutenant Percy, came in, and -Walter Worth surveyed his little army with pride at being the -superior officer. - -When they pulled out from camp early the next morning, seeing that -the news that the outlaw had gone to Pioneer City made Sergeant -Fallon anxious, he said to him: - -“Sergeant, you and Buffalo Bill can push on ahead to the fort, for -the command cannot get in to-night without crowding the horses very -hard and riding late, and there is no necessity for either.” - -The face of the sergeant brightened at the order of the lieutenant, -and he said: - -“Thank you, sir; I shall be most happy to go on ahead.” - -“Say to Colonel Carr I will arrive with the command to-morrow, not -caring to push the cattle.” - -“Yes, sir.” - -The sergeant at once reported to Buffalo Bill what the lieutenant -had said, and the two started off at a pace more than double that at -which the troops were traveling, retarded as they were by the guns, a -couple of ambulances, and some pack mules. - -The sun was yet above the horizon when the sentinel on the watchtower -reported the coming of two horsemen by the trail leading to the -Indian country. - -The coming of the scout and Sergeant Fallon was soon reported to the -colonel. - -Their stories were told, the sergeant telling his first, and both -were listened to with the greatest attention by the colonel, who then -said: - -“Sergeant, your daring and gallant conduct shall be reported, with a -strong recommendation, added to others already sent to Washington, -for your promotion to a lieutenancy.” - -“I thank you, sir.” - -“It will be a well-won appointment, sergeant, but, as you request -it, it will be best to say as little as possible about your going -into the Indian lines, as it might reach the ears of the outlaw, who -you say left the camps after your first visit, presumably going to -Pioneer City.” - -“Yes, sir.” - -“Then he will be up to more deviltry, I fear; but, sergeant, your -daughter is not here, you know, or had you heard of her departure?” - -“My daughter not here, sir?” Sergeant Fallon’s face turned to the hue -of death. - -“Don’t be alarmed, man, for she only went by Jack Jessop’s coach this -morning to Pioneer City to see her lawyer, who wrote to her that he -was laid up there with rheumatism, and wished both of you to come on -there. - -“As she did not know you would return, she went alone; but what ails -you, sergeant?” - -“Colonel Carr, that letter was a trick of the outlaw chief to get my -child into his clutches again!” gasped the sergeant. - -The words of the sergeant fairly startled the colonel, and he looked -anxiously toward the scout and said: - -“Cody, the sergeant is too deeply moved to speak. - -“Tell me yourself what this means?” - -“It means, colonel,” answered Buffalo Bill, “that while in the Indian -lines Sergeant Fallon had a long talk with Eagle, the outlaw leader, -and became his ally in an intended capture of himself, the sergeant, -and Miss Fallon. A compact was entered into between them, as I -understood it from Sergeant Fallon, that he should inveigle himself -and Miss Fallon to take the coach to Pioneer City, and he would hold -it up and capture them. - -“The outlaw had seen Miss Fallon’s papers and letters, when she was -his captive, copied the address of her lawyer, and secreted a letter -of his so as to forge his writing and signature. - -“A letter to her was to be written from Pioneer City, pretending to -come from the lawyer and saying, as he was laid up and unable to come -to the fort, she must come to him on a most important legal matter -that he would explain.” - -“I see it all, and she has fallen into the trap, for it was to -Pioneer City that the outlaw went to carry out his infernal plot. -Sergeant, you have my deepest sympathy, and we will do all we can to -rescue your daughter, I assure you.” - -“I feel that, sir; but she is now in that man’s power, and----” - -“Colonel Carr, may I offer a suggestion?” said Buffalo Bill suddenly. - -“Out with it, Cody.” - -“The outlaw crossed the river at a point beyond the upper ford, the -Indians told the sergeant, at a secret ford known to him alone. - -“Now, I believe he carried Indians along with him, so a trail will be -left, and if he has captured Miss Lucille he will most surely take -her to the village of old Iron Eyes, for nowhere else could he carry -her in safety.” - -“Yes, Cody.” - -“If he held up the coach to-day it was on the other side of Cañon -River bridge, and it is as far for him to ride from there to his -secret crossing of the river as it is for us to go down from here, -and by hard riding we could get there first, sir; begging your -pardon, if we could start at once, push through and meet Lieutenant -Worth, we could----” - -“Cody, you have hit the nail on the head, and you and the sergeant -shall start within half an hour on your ride. - -“You, sergeant, can ride my best charger, Spur, for he needs -exercise, and Lieutenant Worth will go back with you and take what -men he deems necessary, leaving the command to Lieutenant Percy to -bring on. Say to Lieutenant Worth, sergeant, that such is my wish. - -“Let him pick his horses, and you should reach him in time to-night -to get a short rest there for yours, and be away all together at -dawn.” - -“We will, sir; and I thank you deeply for your great kindness. We -will start within half an hour, sir, but I dislike to force Scout -Cody and others on such a hard ride,” said Sergeant Fallon earnestly. - -“Oh, don’t mind me, sergeant, for I’ve had more rest of late than I -wanted,” said Buffalo Bill dryly. - -“Well, now be off, and remember, sergeant, you are to ride my horse, -Spur.” - -“Thank you, sir.” - -With wishes for their success, the colonel saw them depart hastily -for their respective quarters. - -The long ride they had had was forgotten by both men, for what did -they care for fatigue when it was to save Lucille from the power of -the hated outlaw chief? - -Buffalo Bill hastened to his quarters to change his clothing, and -order two of his best horses brought out, for the scout was noted for -the splendid animals he always had ready for use. - -One of them he intended to ride, the other to be used as a pack -animal, and he ordered a good supply of provision put in the pack -saddle, and within an hour after leaving the colonel’s quarters he -was ready for the trail. He had his supper, and just at dark rode up -to the sergeant’s quarters. - -“Time, sergeant, time!” he called. - -The colonel’s magnificent roan, Spur, was there, with the sergeant’s -saddle and bridle on, and there was a place in the pack saddle for -what the soldier wished to carry along. - -These were stowed away, and the two friends rode out of the fort side -by side, the pack horse traveling behind. - -The traps of the horsemen had been so divided up that the saddle -horses had only the weight of the riders, the pack animal carrying -the balance. - -They were gazed upon as they rode away back on the trail they had -come, the soldiers wondering at their going so soon after their -return. - -As they left the gate, the scout urged his horse into a slow canter, -the sergeant’s and the pack horse settling down to the same steady -pace. - -Thus they went on their way through the darkness, leaving mile after -mile behind them. - -“We will reach the camp by midnight, sergeant, and that will give our -horses and ourselves a good rest until dawn, and allow Lieutenant -Worth ample time to select his men.” - -“What number do you think he will take, Cody?” - -“I should say six of my men and as many soldiers, and this, with the -lieutenant and ourselves, will give us fifteen.” - -“Enough, if Lieutenant Worth picks the men.” - -“Which he will do, and yet a few more would not be amiss.” - -“Well, suggest it, for he is most reasonable.” - -“He is, indeed, and one of the bravest and most brilliant young -officers I ever knew.” - -“You are right there, and he is making his way well to the front.” - -Seeing that they were not distressing their horses, the two kept them -at a still more rapid pace, and it was just before midnight that they -dashed up to the camp. - -Lieutenant Worth was at once aroused and the situation explained to -him, and before the sergeant could deliver the colonel’s message he -cried: - -“I’ll take a score of men and go back with you, for that villain must -be run down. You know your men best, Cody, so pick out from the three -commands together here ten of your best scouts, and let them take -the finest horses, whether their own or not. You, Sergeant Fallon, -pick a corporal and ten troopers, and see that they get the very best -mounts. The quartermaster shall at once get supplies for a couple of -weeks’ stay, for we must go well prepared, and----” - -“I go, too, Lieutenant Worth, for I shall be needed,” cried Surgeon -Denmead, who was present at the interview. - -“Ah, Denmead, always the right man in the right place, and I am glad -you spoke, for I will be glad to have you along.” - -“Now, prepare all, for we must be in the saddle within the hour.” - -There was no use saying wait until dawn, for the dashing young -cavalry officer said: - -“We will go ten miles on our way and then camp, for I’ll feel then as -though we had started. If your horses are blown, Cody, you can take -others.” - -“I’ll ride another, sir, as will Sergeant Fallon, and take an extra -pack horse, too, so the three we pushed to the camp here can run -loose and thus rest.” - -“Yes, and I’ve ordered half a dozen extras driven along loose in case -of breakdowns, for there must be no delay on this ride.” - -The party who were to make the ride then had supper, and in just one -hour after the arrival of Buffalo Bill and the sergeant in camp, the -party, twenty-five all told and thirty-five horses, rode off on their -expedition to rescue Lucille Fallon. - -“Set the pace, Cody, and don’t make it too slow,” said Lieutenant -Worth, and Buffalo Bill rode to the front, the sergeant with him. - -Behind rode Lieutenant Worth and Surgeon Denmead, then the corporal -and his troopers, the pack horses and extras following, and the -scouts bringing up the rear in two detachments, under Will Palmer and -Hugh Hardin respectively. - -When ten miles had been passed over, Buffalo Bill began to look for a -camping place, when Lieutenant Worth called out: - -“The horses are all right, Cody, so give them another hour of it, and -we’ll reach a good halting place.” - -Another hour was given them, and the scout led the command to a fine -camp where water, grass, and wood were plentiful. - -They quickly staked out the animals, one scout was put on duty, with -orders to call a relief after one hour, and he to do likewise, until -four hours had passed, when breakfast would be eaten and the ride -resumed. - -The men threw themselves down upon their blankets and were soon fast -asleep. - -Feeling that all was being done that was possible for the rescue of -his daughter, Sergeant Fallon, knowing his need of rest, followed -Buffalo Bill’s example, and dropped off into a deep slumber. - -Two soldiers and two scouts were awakened by the sentinel to get -breakfast, and the others were allowed to sleep on until it was ready. - -The meal disposed of, the horses were saddled, and, mounting, away -they started on another mad ride. - -Buffalo Bill was leading the command as guide and scout, and -constantly by his side kept Sergeant Fallon, while Lieutenant Worth -and Doctor Denmead were not far in the rear. - -The halt was made at noon, but not for two hours, as a consultation -and look at the horses showed that they were not yet used up, save -two, that were left behind. - -“They will get a rest when we reach the river to-night, so push them -for all they are worth, Bill,” said the lieutenant. - -“Yes, sir; and we must reach the river while it is daylight to find -that trail, and so wait there, for he may come up in the night and go -across,” answered Buffalo Bill. - -The halt was, therefore, made at noon for an hour only, and yet the -horses were stripped and rubbed down while they fed. - -Then the party mounted again and pushed on, the scout setting even a -faster pace than before. He was determined to strike the river above -the upper ford, and from there up look for the trail coming out where -the outlaw crossed. To do this, hard riding must be made. - -Another horse dropped out during the afternoon, and a second soon -after. They were left by the trail side. - -Buffalo Bill glanced back to see if he was pushing too hard, but the -lieutenant waved him on, and the sergeant’s face brightened, as he -said, in a low tone: - -“God bless that noble young man.” - -“Oh, he’s got the nerve to push to the end,” answered Buffalo Bill, -and as he spoke, Lieutenant Worth called out: - -“Your horses can stand the strain, Bill, so you and the sergeant push -on ahead, and I’ll send what men after you I can pick out with the -best animals. The rest of us can follow, but you go on and try and -pick up the trail.” - -The splendid animals ridden by Buffalo Bill and the sergeant were yet -capable of hard work, as was also the one ridden by Lieutenant Worth, -but he felt that he had better remain with the men. - -So he picked out several of the scouts whose horses seemed less -distressed, and told them to push on with their chief. - -So on went Buffalo Bill, the sergeant and four scouts following, the -rest bringing up the rear at a slower pace. - -Buffalo Bill looked back and saw that they were dropping the command -fast enough for the good of the animals, and so held at the reserved -pace he had set. - -On, on they went, halting at a brook for a few swallows of water, -again a few mouthfuls of grass, and then on once more. - -The river at last came in sight as they descended a ridge. - -They had crossed the trail leading back from the upper ford half an -hour before. - -Riding down from the ridge, they reached the river just three miles -above the ford. Here they halted for a moment, two of the scouts’ -horses having failed them. - -The animals were all panting like hounds, and the riders relieved -them of their weight, and began to go on foot along the river bank, -the scout remarking: - -“There is certainly no crossing between us and the ford, for I have -ridden this far above it several times. - -“It is above that the secret crossing is, and the outlaw would hardly -have risked it had it been nearer to where the soldiers’ camp was.” - -“So I think,” the sergeant remarked. - -So on they went, the scout and sergeant walking rapidly and viewing -every foot of ground, while the scouts followed behind leading their -horses. - -Thus a mile had been gone over, and the face of the sergeant grew -anxious, for he saw that the sun was drawing near the horizon. - -Buffalo Bill’s face was placid, for he never relieved his thoughts, -no matter what was his distress of mind. - -On they went, limbering up their legs from long riding by rapid -walking. - -At last they came to a rise, when the scout halted. He saw that there -were two ridges running to the river, a deep ravine between them. - -Across the river he saw that there was a sand bar, and a point of -sand stretched out into the stream, the swift flow being on the side -where they stood. - -The channel here looked narrow, too, and, examining the water, it -appeared to be more shallow than above and below. - -“Sergeant, I think here is the crossing.” - -“The same thought was mine, sir.” - -“Of course, they would have to swim their horses for several hundred -yards, but by riding out upon that sand bar which is well above, they -would land, forced down by the current, about at this ravine--in -fact, if they were swept by, would not land at all.” - -“If they crossed from this side, sir?” - -“They would have to ride in yonder above at that break in the bank, -and that would bring them on the sand-bar point. I will go there -and see if they could get down to the river, while you look down in -the ravine for their trail,” and the scout started on his way, to -suddenly call out to the sergeant, who was climbing down the ravine: - -“Here is the trail coming out, and there were a score of them.” - -The sergeant, at the call of Buffalo Bill, hastened to where he -stood. He was passing around the descent to the river between the two -ridges, and had found a trail. - -Reaching the spot, the trail was there, made by all of two dozen -horses, they decided after an examination. - -“It goes straight down the ravine to the river, and was, as you said, -the landing when they rode in from the bar.” - -“Yes, sergeant. - -“We will leave the boys here and go on to that break up yonder, for -there is where I feel sure they must cross, and, if my memory serves -me right, there is no other for many a long mile above.” - -Calling to the scouts to halt there where they were, Buffalo Bill and -the sergeant pushed rapidly on to the break in the bank, nearly a -mile above. - -They reached it just as the sun touched the horizon, and a glance -showed that it was a ravine like the one below, narrow, rocky, and -steep. - -But from that point a descent into the river could rapidly be made, -and as the stream had a bend there, a swim would carry them across -for a landing on the sand bar below. - -Going around to the head of the ravine, Buffalo Bill and the sergeant -came to a halt, as though they had been shot at. - -“Too late!” said Buffalo Bill. - -“They have crossed,” said the sergeant, and his face was white. - -“Yes, not two hours ago, from the looks of the trail. - -“That man knows the secret pass through Skeleton Range, or he could -never have reached here in this time, for that cuts off all of thirty -miles in coming from the Overland Trail to the upper ford.” - -“Yes, I have followed the regular trail, long ago, but knew of no -secret pass.” - -“There is one, however, as an old trapper once led me through it. The -outlaw must have known it, to have reached here before us, riding as -we have, for, remember, it is just twenty-four hours since we left -the fort, and we have come a little over a hundred miles.” - -“Very true; we have done our duty, but in vain, for my daughter is -still in that man’s power, and has been carried on to the Indian camp -in the mountains.” - -“I fear so.” - -“What can we do now?” - -“I’ll tell you. - -“We came here on foot, so have left no trail. We will go to the lower -ravine and join the boys, then draw off for a camp, for horses and -men must rest.” - -“True.” - -“We passed a spot some distance back that will make a splendid camp, -back from the river, and where the fires cannot be seen by the -Indians, who must still be guarding the fords.” - -“Yes.” - -“Now to see if this trail was made by the same party, for I took -notice of peculiarities I can readily discover, as there were two -shod horses, and large animals, the others being ponies.” - -“That means the outlaw’s two horses and the ponies of the Indian -allies.” - -“Just that,” and the two began to examine the trail. - -“Yes, here are the tracks of the two iron-shod horses, Mr. Cody.” - -“There are more shod horses--six more, sergeant--and that means----” - -“The six horses of the stagecoach,” quickly interrupted the sergeant. - -“Just that.” - -“That tells the story, then, for the other tracks agree. It is -growing dark, so let us hurry back and make a camp for the tired men.” - -They walked rapidly back down the river bank, joined the two scouts -awaiting them, and told the sad story to them that they were too late! - -Mounting their horses, they rode back in the gathering twilight for -a mile, when they met the other two scouts, who had dropped back on -account of their horses. - -They had halted just where the scout intended to make the night camp, -and, seeing that the place was thoroughly sheltered, they began to -build fires. - -Just as the fires began to burn well, the command came in sight, and -the tired horses gained courage and hastened on. - -They were soon all there, the stragglers dropping in one by one, and -a sadness fell upon all as they heard the ill-omened words: “Too -late!” - -Lieutenant Worth listened, with stern face and flashing eyes. - -Then he said: - -“Our first duty is to care for our worn-out cattle. - -“Then we will have supper, and, afterward, hold a council of war, -Bill, and decide what must be done, for Miss Fallon shall be rescued; -yes, and that villain, Lamar, must be hanged. - -“Those two duties must and shall be done!” - - - - - CHAPTER VI. - - THE FORGED LETTER. - - -Lucille Fallon was surprised when she received a letter by mail, -posted at Pioneer City, and addressed in the well-known hand of her -lawyer. - -It was short, and merely told her that certain legal technicalities -having arisen that required her signature, and her father’s, to -papers he held, he had decided to come himself and get them, and had -reached Pioneer City, where, on account of an attack of rheumatism, -he was compelled to halt and ask the sergeant and herself to come to -him. - -Lucille expressed her surprise that any business had been so -important as to bring the lawyer out to the wild West, but she -concluded to go, and regretted the absence of her father. - -Perhaps she could do without him, and, if not, she would urge the -lawyer to return with her to the fort, where he would be well cared -for. - -There were no other passengers, and with a small satchel as her only -baggage, she mounted to the box with Jack Jessop and rolled away -from the fort. She enjoyed the bright morning and beautiful scenery -immensely, and Jack was glad to entertain his fair companion. - -The bridge was crossed over the river, and then began the pull up a -long hill. - -Suddenly, as though by magic, a score of forms arose, it appeared -from the ground. - -They came from behind trees and rocks, and they came like so many -apparitions. - -They were all dressed in buckskin, wore slouch hats and masks, while -they carried rifles in their hands and were armed with a belt of -weapons as well. - -They were all on foot, save one. - -That one was mounted on a fine horse, and came out from behind a -group of rocks. He sat his horse splendidly, wore a belt of arms, but -carried no rifle. A broad sombrero sheltered his head, his hair fell -upon his shoulders, and he was dressed in a black suit with gold-coin -buttons. His face was masked completely, and his hands were covered -with red gauntlet gloves. There was no mistaking the man, for it was -Captain Eagle, chief of the Red Hand Riders. - -“That imp of Satan, ther chief o’ ther Red Hands, by all that’s -holy!” growled Jack Jessop. - -Lucille turned pale, yet remained perfectly calm, while she said: - -“He has little to rob me of, Jack.” - -Up to the coach rode the chief, while he bent low in his saddle and -said: - -“We have the pleasure of meeting, Miss Fallon.” - -“The pleasure is all yours, sir.” - -“And, Jack, you and I have met before,” resumed the chief, paying no -attention to Lucille’s sarcastic reply to his salutation. - -“Yes, and some day we’ll meet once too often for your good, cap,” -said Jack. - -“Well, what have you aboard to interest me, other than the fair lady -on the box with you?” - -“Nothing, for I’m running light; but I was in hopes you was dead.” - -“Oh, no; I am still on deck, as you see. - -“But have you no dust from the mines on board?” - -“Not an ounce.” - -“No money?” - -“This ain’t after pay time, as you know, so no money goes East on -this run.” - -“Well, I believe you, but I shall search your old hearse, all the -same.” - -He called to his followers, and they completely surrounded the coach. -Then he began the search personally. - -“What is in these boxes in the rear boot?” - -“Weapons sent to Colonel Buck from the fort sutler; he ordered them.” - -“They are treasure. Give me your hatchet.” - -The driver passed it down, and, knocking open the boxes, the chief -said: - -“Good! repeating rifles and revolvers--just what I need; yes, and -ammunition, too, with bowie knives and belts. Ah! here are a couple -of fine saddles and bridles, too, and a roll of superb serapes. Why, -Jack, I am in luck, especially as a decoy letter I wrote got Miss -Fallon into my power, though I regret to see that her father is not -along. Miss Fallon, the letter from your lawyer I forged. It has done -its duty.” - -When the outlaw chief spoke of the letter Lucille’s face flushed, and -her eyes brightened with indignation and anger. She knew that she -was the victim of a plot, and quick as a flash she whipped out from -her belt a small revolver and threw it forward, her finger upon the -trigger. - -There was no tremor of the hand, the act was one of determined -intention to kill the man, and she would have done so then and there, -for he was caught wholly off his guard, had not Jack Jessop struck up -her hand just as she pulled trigger. - -The bullet, as it was, cut through the corner of the chief’s sombrero. - -“A close call, that! Jack Jessop, you saved my life, so I’ll not kill -you, as I intended to do; that act saved you.” - -“I didn’t do it for you, but to save her,” grunted Jack. - -“Oh, I know your intention, but the act was the same, for you saved -me from death. - -“Miss Fallon, you are as quick as a flash as a drawer, and a ready -hand with a revolver. You owe it to Jack Jessop that you do not -suffer for your intended taking of my life, for my men would have -been quickly revenged upon you. Give me that weapon, please.” - -Lucille sat, white, silent, and almost despairing. But she turned and -handed the weapon to Jack Jessop, who in turn surrendered it with his -own weapons to the chief. - -“Get off the box, Jack.” - -The man obeyed. - -“Now, Miss Fallon, do you also alight.” - -She also obeyed. - -“Jack, I shall put these irons on your ankles. You can walk with -them, for the chain is a foot long, but slowly. You will have to walk -to the next station, and you’ll hardly reach there before night. I -need your horses, so will take them, and I have pack animals along, -too, for the plunder. - -“Miss Fallon, I have a horse with sidesaddle for you, so you see -I came prepared, even to good food for you, a canvas shelter and -blankets.” - -“You intend to take me a prisoner?” said Lucille. - -“I certainly do, and hold you until I get the big ransom I shall -demand.” - -“My poor, poor father.” - -“He is fortunate in not having come with you.” - -“Jack, there is no help for it, so I’ll make the best of it,” said -Lucille, turning to the driver. - -“Tell my father what happened, and to arrange for the ransom, as he -can do, provided it is not too large, for there is a limit, you know, -and I am not of age yet, so funds cannot be readily gotten beyond -a certain sum. Tell him not to delay, for I wish my freedom, and -attempt no rescue, but pay the ransom. Good-by, Jack.” - -Lucille held out her hand. - -“You is the gamest leetle gal I ever seen,” said Jack Jessop, and the -tears came into his eyes. Turning to the outlaw, he continued: - -“Some day there’ll come a settlement for your red deeds and your -cruel treatment of this lady, and I’d show you no more mercy than I -would a snake.” - -The chief laughed, snapped the irons on Jack’s ankles, then continued -his search of the coach, taking several things of value. - -Then he called to his silent men to bring up the horses, and to strip -the team of the harness. - -They quickly did so, and a horse was led up with a lady’s saddle. - -Lucille sprang to her seat without aid, making the remark in an -indifferent tone: - -“It is lucky I wore my riding habit, fearing some accident.” - -The things from the coach, arms, and other articles, with the -harness, cushions, and rubber coverings, were soon packed on the -horses, the chief mounted, and, turning to the driver, said: - -“Good-by, Jack. I will not leave you unarmed, so here is your belt -again. My compliments to Buffalo Bill, and tell him that some day -I’ll get his scalp.” - -With a wave of the hand he rode off, leaving Jack Jessop gazing after -them, his eyes full of tears at the fate of poor Lucille, whom he was -powerless to aid. - -But Jack did not hesitate long, for he at once turned his steps down -the trail toward Pioneer City, carrying the mails, which had not been -disturbed, upon his back. He could not walk fast, ironed as he was, -and it was night when he reached the relay station, utterly exhausted. - -But he quickly had the iron chain hammered in two by the stock -tender, and, mounting a horse, the manacles still about his ankles, -he rode on to Pioneer City and reported what had happened, starting -out at once again with a harnessed team after his coach. - -The stock tender at the station he had sent off at full speed to the -fort to report the affair to Colonel Carr. - -The stock tender reached the fort after midnight, and, half an hour -after, a lieutenant with his troop and six of Buffalo Bill’s scouts -had started for Monument Hill to pick up the trail of the outlaws at -dawn, and follow it, Colonel Carr believing that he could thus aid -Lieutenant Worth and his party who were pushing on to the river to -head off the lawless band. - -Jack Jessop took his dismantled coach into Pioneer City with all -haste, and then went to a blacksmith to get his manacles removed. - -He found the town all excitement over the affair, and learned from -Colonel Buck, the stage agent there, that a stranger had come into -Pioneer City and purchased a sidesaddle and a lot of provisions and -other things, remaining but a short while and stating that he was -from the Fort Advance settlement. - -“That man was the outlaw,” said Jack Jessop. - - - - - CHAPTER VII. - - THE FLIGHT. - - -The outlaw chief placed himself by the side of Lucille as they -started away, and she said quickly: - -“There is no possible chance of my escape, so ride on ahead and I -will follow you.” - -“You do not wish me by your side?” - -“I do not.” - -“I wish to talk to you.” - -“I do not care to converse with you.” - -“But I have something of importance to say.” - -“I do not care to hear it.” - -“But you must, and the trail admits of two riding abreast now, and -will not later on, and I will not disturb you long.” - -“I have no power to enforce my wish.” - -“I shall ask the sum of just thirty thousand dollars for your ransom, -and when that is paid you shall go free.” - -“You will not get it.” - -“Why?” - -“Well, though I have property of considerable value, neither my -lawyer and guardian, nor myself, can get money on it until a certain -time, and the cash that can be got is just that which is left over -from the sum appropriated to pay certain fees, my schooling and -living.” - -“And what does that amount to?” - -“About eighteen thousand dollars.” - -“Somehow I believe you, so I will take what I can get. Twenty -thousand, then, shall be the price, for the balance can be raised. -Doubtless your father has it, and when that is paid, you shall go -free. I shall arrange all matters so as to place no difficulties in -the way, and, meanwhile, you shall be treated with every respect, and -given what comforts I can allow you.” - -There was something in the manner of the outlaw toward her that -Lucille could not understand, and that was his marked respect. - -When it grew near sunset he ordered a halt, sought a secluded spot -for his captive, had her canvas shelter put up, and placed before her -a good supper, after which he left her, with the words: - -“I shall halt here for four hours, and then it shall be six more in -the saddle, so get what rest you can.” - -Lucille enjoyed her supper, spread her blankets, and was soon fast -asleep. - -A call awakened her, and, fifteen minutes after, they were again -in the saddle, this time the chief riding ahead of her, his masked -followers coming along behind her. - -“Why do they mask still? for they are all Indians, I have -discovered,” she said to the chief. - -“You are not so sure of that.” - -“Oh, yes, I am,” was the girl’s confident reply. “I wasn’t born in -the West, but I know an Indian when I see one.” - -Another long ride through the darkness of six hours, and the chief -called a halt, two hours before dawn. - -Again Lucille was placed in a secluded spot, her shelter put up and -she was made comfortable, the chief remarking: - -“We will not move for five hours this time, so you will have another -rest, so make the best of it.” - -Again she slept soundly, and when she awoke the sun was shining -brightly. She at once realized her position, and sighed. - -But she went to a rivulet near and made her toilet, then sat down on -a rock and ate the breakfast which the chief had cooked. - -He had killed a deer, and gave her a nice steak, some bacon broiled -on the coals, a crisp hoecake, and a cup of coffee in which there was -some condensed milk and sugar he had brought from Pioneer City. - -She ate heartily, mounted her horse, and again took her place behind -the chief, who remarked quietly: - -“As you can see through masks, Miss Fallon, I told my men to take -them off.” - -“Yes, they are Indians, and a cruel-looking lot they are, though with -hearts that are not as evil as their master’s, for their training has -been to kill, torture, and rob an enemy, yours far different.” - -He bit his lip, but made no reply, and again rode to the front. - -After a short while he said: - -“Buffalo Bill and your father are up at the fords with Lieutenant -Worth, hunting Indians, as you doubtless know. Jack Jessop got in -during the night, and doubtless sent word of the holdup of the coach -both to the fort and to Pioneer City, so that the troops, if sent at -once on the trail, have now reached Monument Hill.” - -“On your trail?” - -“Yes, but a long distance behind, for we are over forty miles from -the hill, and before night I shall cross the river into the Indian -country, as I know of a secret trail over the mountain range you see -ahead of us which will cut off half a day’s hard ride, and treat you -to a view of some magnificent scenery as well.” - -“You are very thoughtful to treat me to grand scenery under such -circumstances.” - -“Well, I wish to make your captivity as pleasant to you as possible; -but I have to ride hard, as I will only feel safe when I get you -across the river.” - -“And I shall be less safe.” - -“You will be all right, for I will take you up into the village of -the old chief, Iron Eyes, and there is a good cabin there which no -Indian will live in. It was built by a renegade white man who fled -with his family to the Indians and was adopted into the tribe. -The man, his wife and the children died off, and their cabin still -remains there in good condition, furnished as they left it, for they -brought all their furniture with them in their flight.” - -“I shall appreciate being separated from the Indians at least.” - -“Oh, yes, you will be free from them, for the tepees nearest the -cabin are not occupied, but all used to store pelts, food, and the -hundred and one things an Indian snakes in. It is, in fact, the -store village, and the nearest living tepee to you is that of the -young chief, Death Face, and you can trust him, for he is of a most -chivalrous nature. - -“The other Indians will not go near you, I’ll see to that, so you -will be alone; but that will not mean that you will have a chance -to escape, as that would be impossible for a man to do, let alone a -girl.” - -Lucille made no reply, and the chief did not again break the silence -until they had climbed the mountain range by a most dangerous path. - -The outlaw halted as he neared the top of the range, having asked -Lucille not to look behind her until he told her to do so, as he did -not wish to spoil her view. - -She wheeled her horse and glanced behind her, and an exclamation of -delight burst from her lips. - -Long she gazed in perfect rapture, and forgetful of herself, as she -beheld miles of mountain, valley, and plain scenery. - -“That little grove there shall be your noonday camping place, -directly upon the summit of the mountain, so that you can see in -every direction,” said the chief. “Down on the other side, a few -hundred yards, is a plateau, a valley in the mountaintop, with a -stream running through it, and there we shall go on and halt, for -there is good grass for the horses. When you get tired of the view -come to where we are, and dinner will be ready.” - -Reaching the little grove of pines, Lucille again cried out in -admiration, for before her now was a still grander view. - -Flowing through a vast valley, was a large river. - -“Do you see yonder mountains, miles below the river?” - -“Yes.” - -“It is there that the Indian village is, and that will be the end of -our trail. - -“Just there, where you see a bald hill by the river, is where we will -cross by a ford but very few know of, for none of my Indians know of -it, and it is one no one could find, save by accident, as I did by -seeing a herd of deer take to the water and swim across. - -“Something frightened them on the other side--a pack of wolves, I -think--and they swam back again, landing at another point below. It -showed me a crossing place, and I let several of my men into the -secret and used to send couriers that way to and from my retreat to -the Indian village. As the known fords are now guarded by troops, we -will cross this way, if you are not too much alarmed.” - -“And if I am you will go to the regular ford?” - -“Oh, no; I am no fool, to run upon the soldiers.” - -“What will you do if I have not the nerve to go across?” - -“Simply go around by a ford that will give us two days’ hard travel.” - -“Never mind me, then; cross by the secret ford, for I can venture it -if you can.” - -The outlaw then rode on, leading her horse, the Indians having gone -to the camping place. - -Lucille was alone on the mountaintop, and gazed about her in rapt -admiration. - -At last she said: - -“If I had my horse and a good start, I would risk finding my way back -to the Overland Trail, for I watched all along closely, and my horse -would retrace his tracks, I believe. - -“But, no, I must accept the situation as it is, and take things as -they come. - -“The outlaw, from what he says, seems to think the fords are guarded -by a large force, so I will not undeceive him. - -“Even now my father may be within a few miles of me, and, oh! if he -only knew.” - -The girl weakened for a moment, but quickly rallied from her emotions -and continued her gaze for quite a while. Then she strolled about the -mountaintop, plucked a few wild flowers clinging among the rocks, and -next started down to the camp with the remark: - -“Ah! I get the odors of boiling bacon and coffee, for the wind blows -up from the camp. It makes me hungry, so I’ll go down to dinner.” - -Down she went, soon to come upon the trail, and she was glad to find -dinner ready, and enjoyed it. - -Mounting again, the chief said: - -“We must ride hard now, for the river will have to be behind us when -the sun sets. Are you very tired, Miss Fallon?” - -“Oh, no.” - -So on they went at a very slow pace for several miles in going down -the mountain, and then when they struck good traveling, they pushed -rapidly on, the chief not sparing the horses now. - -The sun was over an hour high when the river came into view. - -A halt was made to cool the horses off a little, then, riding down a -steep ravine to the water, the chief said: - -“I’ll take your bridle rein here, Miss Fallon. Permit me to fold this -rubber blanket around your feet and form, and you will not get in -the least wet. Let your horse have full rein and do not be alarmed.” - -“I am not in the least alarmed,” was the reply, and she permitted the -chief to fold the rubber blanket about her in such a way that she -would not get wet when her horse was back deep in swimming. - -Then the chief rode in, she followed, her horse led, and the Indians -came behind with the pack horses. - -The animals began to swim almost immediately, and the brave girl -rather enjoyed the scene than dreaded it. - -After a long swim a sand bar was reached, they landed in safety, and, -not to let the horses get cold, the chief pushed on for a couple of -miles and went into camp, with the remark: - -“We are safe now, Miss Fallon, and you can rest through the night.” - - - - - CHAPTER VIII. - - IN THE INDIAN VILLAGE. - - -What the outlaw called safety was for himself and the Indians alone, -and far from it for poor Lucille. - -He believed that the three fords were guarded still, that he might -run upon a scouting party from the soldiers’ camps at any moment, -and he did not feel at ease until he had crossed the river with his -captive. - -It was bold in him to venture so near the upper ford, believing a -party of soldiers to be there, yet he knew that the wild nature of -the country through which the river flowed above would keep him from -crossing for many a long mile, and, for Lucille’s sake alone, to his -credit be it said, he wished to cross by the unknown ford, though, -strictly speaking, it was not a ford, but a place where a horse or -man might get over by swimming. - -Lucille had escaped getting wet in crossing, and, as before, was -given a secluded camping place to herself. - -The chief made it most comfortable, as there was no hurry now, by -cutting pine boughs and building a wikiup and placing the pine straw -as a couch, with the cushions from the coach upon it. - -A little fire was built near, just to make it more homelike, the -chief said, and an extra supper was prepared for all. - -Night fell, and soon after supper the tired girl, for she was tired, -sank to sleep in a few minutes. - -She awoke once in the night, to hear an owl hooting in the trees not -far away, and a coyote yelping a short distance from camp. - -But she banished all thought with an effort of her will, and went to -sleep again, awakening only when the sun had risen. - -“I hope you rested well last night, Miss Fallon?” - -“I enjoyed a good night’s rest, thank you.” - -“A ride of a little over thirty miles, and you will be in your new -home to-night.” - -“Home! Do not desecrate the name, for it will be a prison, not a home -to me,” she said bitterly. - -“Breakfast is ready for you.” - -She ate it, her spirits returned, and once more she mounted for the -ride. - -Toward noon they began to climb the range she had seen from far -across the river, and soon after the chief halted for dinner. - -Then up the steep trail they climbed again, Lucille glancing back -from time to time to behold the scenery, and, while the sun was yet -two hours above the horizon, they came to a pass in the mountains, -where she suddenly beheld an Indian sentinel standing in the trail -ahead of them. - -“Where is the chief?” asked the outlaw in the Indian tongue, and -which was as Hebrew to Lucille. - -The Indian sentinel pointed, and soon after there came toward them -a horseman that at once riveted Lucille’s gaze. He was the Indian -chief, Death Face, and he had just come down from the village to the -pass, which his band of braves were guarding. - -The youthful warrior was resplendent in a new costume, from boots to -war bonnet, for he had on a pair of handsome cavalry boots. Sitting -his horse with conscious power, armed with the white man’s weapons of -revolvers and bowie knife, his face hideously painted, and mounted -upon an animal that was bedecked in barbaric splendor, Death Face -struck Lucille as being the most remarkable being she had ever gazed -upon. - -The chief fairly started as his eyes fell upon her, and the outlaw, -after greeting him, said: - -“Death Face, I have been on a raid into the white man’s territory, -and this lady is my captive, whom I shall sell back to her father for -a large price.” - -To the utter amazement of Lucille, the young chief replied, in -perfect English: - -“I do not believe in the theory of my people, chief, of making war -upon women and children, and I am surprised that you, as a white man, -should do so; but that is your affair, not mine. Only treat her well.” - -“That she will tell you I have done. I wish to place her in the -renegade’s cabin in your camp.” - -“You can do so.” - -The outlaw and his captive were then riding on, when he halted and -said: - -“Chief Death Face, those braves of yours whom I took with me I shall -arm with repeating rifles and revolvers. I also have a pair of fine -revolvers, a knife and a rifle for you, with a very handsome buckskin -suit sent by an officer at the fort to a friend in the East, with -slouch hat and all. - -“They will fit you, I am sure, and I wish you to accept them, as well -as several fine Mexican serapes.” - -“Thank you, Captain Eagle, I will take them.” - -“You have done well, I see, on your raid?” - -“Oh, yes.” - -“Come to my quarters in the village to-night.” - -“I will.” - -“But have you any word of the soldiers?” - -“They are still on the other side, though I did not see them.” - -“I supposed they had gone, for we had seen no camp-fire smoke for -three days.” - -“It may be a trick, so still be cautious and guard the fords, -especially now that I have a captive here for whose rescue Colonel -Carr would doubtless send his whole force.” - -With this the chief rode on, muttering to himself: - -“I must win that fellow with presents, for he will be the next chief -after Iron Eyes, and he has as much influence now. Probably he has -been educated in some school, for he speaks English like a paleface, -and acts like one, too. There is some secret about him that I cannot -fathom.” - -He had not ridden far before Lucille came up alongside of him. She -saw now about her in a valley like cañon a camp of Indians. - -They were in full war paint, and gazed savagely at her as she rode -by, yet were gloating in her capture. - -Once through the cañon, and the trail led down into a beautiful -valley in which was the village of old Iron Eyes. - -Lucille uttered a cry as the view burst upon her, for, through the -valley ran a mountain stream, upon both sides of which, for several -miles, were the tepees of the Indians, the scattered village of the -red men. - -The valley was dotted with thousands of ponies, and among the tepees -were visible many women and children. - -Warriors were riding about, youths were mounted upon bareback ponies, -others were playing games, children were bathing in the stream, and -squaws were busy getting the evening meal. - -At the base of the hills on either side was heavy timber, and above -the village towered the mountain ranges. - -“What a view for an artist!” cried Lucille. - -“Yes, it must strike you strangely, Miss Fallon.” - -“It does; but you did not answer my question?” - -“What was that?” - -“I asked you, after we came through the camp of braves, who that -young chief was?” - -“He is called Death Face, and is the next chief in power to old Iron -Eyes.” - -“He is very young?” - -“Not over twenty-two, I should say.” - -“And yet holds such power?” - -“He is a born fighter, a plotter, a soldier, and he has won his way -up, young as he is.” - -“How is it that he speaks English so well?” - -“Only a few minutes ago he told me that he was taught by a renegade -white man and his family.” - -“And also learned from him, I suppose, not to war against women and -children. He could set you a good example, chief.” - -“I follow my own inclinations, Miss Fallon.” - -“So I have discovered. But in what part of this village am I to find -refuge?” - -“Up at the head of the valley, in the cabin I spoke of.” - -“There must be a couple of thousand Indians here, at least.” - -“Double that number and more, for the village is five miles long, -has some twelve hundred tepees, and can put out a force to defend it -of two thousand warriors. Then there are several other contingent -villages in these mountains that claim Iron Eyes as chief. It would -be a sad day for any force of soldiers to invade these mountains, -Miss Fallon, unless they came several thousand strong.” - -“That was just what I was thinking,” answered Lucille. - -As they rode into the village the squaws and children rushed toward -them to see the newcomer. - -But a few words from the outlaw prevented any rudeness, for they held -no sympathy for the fair-faced captive. - -Lucille paled at sight of them, but remained calm, and rode on by -the side of the outlaw, whom she could not but now regard as her -protector. - -Up through the village they rode, the girl’s fears gradually giving -place to interest, until at the upper end of the valley, under the -shelter of a heavily-wooded ridge, the mountaintop, there were -visible a number of tepees apart from the others. - -“There is your camp, Miss Fallon. It is a deserted village--the -supply tepees, as I told you. Yonder you see your cabin, apart from -them, and there you will be safe. I shall have a half-breed squaw, -who once lived at the fort as an officer’s servant, remain there with -you and do your cooking.” - -“And be my guard also?” - -“In a measure, yes, for she will keep the Indians away from you, and -you do not need any other guard here, as you could not escape over -yonder ridge, unless you have wings. - -“The squaw speaks English and has cooked for me when I have been -here, for my own tepee is in the village. The cabin is furnished, as -I told you, after a rude fashion, and you have your own satchel with -clothing, so you will not be uncomfortable.” - -As they passed a large tepee the outlaw called out to an Indian woman -who stood there to approach them. - -She did so, and Lucille noticed that her face was lighter than those -about her, and she looked neat in her attire. - -“Yellow Bird, I wish you to get your traps and come on up to the -cabin. You are to look after this captive of mine while she is here, -and take good care of her.” - -The woman had glanced at Lucille as she came up, but that was all, -and she replied, in fair English: - -“Yellow Bird will do as the white chief bids her.” - -Then they rode on, and soon halted before the cabin, which was built -of hewn logs, with boards roughly sawed out of hewn timber serving as -roofing. There was a porch along the front, and it was certainly a -very fine cabin to find in an Indian village. - -The chief took a key from a hiding place, which he appeared to know -of, and unlocked the door. - -There were four rooms in the cabin, and Lucille saw that it was -furnished, though rudely, for the renegade had brought his -belongings with him when he had fled from his own people. - -“You will be at home here, Miss Fallon.” - -“Yes, at home!” repeated Lucille, with sarcasm, to add quickly: - -“But it is so much better than I expected, you have treated me so -much differently than I anticipated, that I thank you.” - -The moment that she was left alone by the outlaw, and she saw him and -his braves ride away, Lucille Fallon yielded to the prerogative of a -woman, and, seating herself in the cabin, burst into tears. - -“At home! Ah! if this were to be my home, I would rather that the -grave should be,” she cried bitterly. - -She had totally forgotten about the Indian woman until she heard the -gently uttered words: - -“Don’t cry, paleface.” - -She started to her feet, for she was too proud to wish any one to see -her weeping. - -Before her stood Yellow Bird, the half-breed Indian woman. She had -tidied herself up, and had a bundle under her arms. Her face was a -good one, not cruel, and she said again: - -“Don’t cry, Yellow Bird be good to you.” - -Lucille stepped forward and grasped the woman’s hand. - -“You are good, I can see that. You have lived among the palefaces, -the outlaw told me?” - -“Yes, my mother was a paleface squaw, my father a great Indian chief. -He died, and my mother went back to her people, taking me with her. -She died, and I work hard for officer’s family at fort far away. I -hear them say: ‘She only half-breed Injun; watch her.’ I feel mad, -I feel bad, and run away back to my people. But some treat me good, -one young squaw pretty, just like you, and I love her. I love you for -her. Yellow Bird be good to you.” - -The tears came into the eyes of Lucille, and, stepping close up to -the woman, she kissed her. - -It was under the impulse of her loneliness, her sorrow, her -helplessness, and the kind words spoken to her. - -The squaw started as though she had been struck a blow, for it fairly -frightened her, but she said quickly: - -“Oh, yes, Yellow Bird be heap good to little paleface.” - -Then she set about her work to clean up, just as she had done when -living in the officer’s family. She got water from a spring near, and -built a fire in the large hearth, so that the cabin soon no longer -looked forlorn. - -The outlaw had left the stage cushions there, the stores he had -bought in Pioneer City and Lucille’s satchel, and the young captive -was soon quite comfortable, and she began to feel that she had cause -to congratulate herself, after all, that matters were as they were. - -In Yellow Bird she believed she had found a friend. Yet Lucille was -not one to gush, and she decided that there was a very narrow margin -between deceit and sincerity in one’s appearance, so she wished to -know whether the Indian woman was really true or false. - -As she watched the squaw preparing supper, she asked her about Death -Face, the young chief. - -“He heap good young chief--heap like paleface. He be great chief some -day, and maybe have peace with palefaces, for he don’t like to kill -Little Paleface’s people, but big fighter in battle. Red people all -love Death Face. Iron Eyes heap cruel man, kill and scalp paleface, -hate them bad. Iron Eyes kill many.” - -Lucille glanced out of the open window and said half aloud: - -“Speak of the devil, and his imp appears. There comes Death Face now.” - -He rode up to the front of the cabin and was alone. - -Lucille walked out on the piazza and to her surprise he bowed -courteously to her and then said: - -“I hope you are comfortable here!” - -“Comfortable, yes, far more so than I anticipated being, but unhappy, -as you may know, for my people are not your people, my life not your -life, we are raised in a different atmosphere and are foes.” - -The chieftain listened to her in deepest attention, gazing fixedly at -her, and then said: - -“I like to hear you talk, for it brings back to me the voice of those -I loved, those who are gone.” - -“Whom do you mean?” - -“I mean one whom I loved as a father, another who was a mother to -me, and a sister and brother. They are all gone--dead; but I had not -forgotten them, and you bring them back to me now, so I love to look -at you, love to hear you talk. - -“Speak again, for your voice is as sweet as the murmur of the brook -in summer, as sweet as the trilling of the birds, and your face as -lovely as the mountain flowers that seem timid, just like you.” - -Lucille listened with rapt attention to the words of the strange -young chief, for he spoke with a softness of tone, a respectful look, -and with words that fell strangely from the lips of an Indian, and -were in strong contrast to the hideously painted death face with -which he had ornamented his countenance. - -As though he feared he should not talk to the captive longer, Death -Face said: - -“I will go now, but I came to see if I could help you, if I could -make you more comfortable. - -“This was my home once, and I am glad to have you here. - -“Do you see those graves under the ridge yonder?--they are buried -there, those I loved, and I put white crosses above their graves, and -cut their names on them with my knife.” - -“You can read, then?” - -“Oh, yes, and write. You will find books in the cabin to read. Don’t -feel bad, for you shall not be harmed, for Death Face says so. I will -come again.” - -He wheeled his horse and rode rapidly away, leaving Lucille wondering -at her strange Indian acquaintance. - -Walking over to the graves under the ridge, Lucille saw that there -were four of them, all marked by rude wooden crosses, but it was too -dark to see the names, and she hastened back to the cabin, where -Yellow Bird had her supper ready. - -It was a tempting repast, and eaten with real relish, Lucille talking -the while to the squaw and asking her about the young chief, Death -Face. - -Yellow Bird had little more to tell her than what she had already -known, or would not tell her more. She did not say that all the -maidens in the village were in love with the young chief, but that he -seemed to care for none of them. - -The firelight was the only light they had in the cabin, and Lucille -asked the woman to bring in wood enough to burn all night. - -This Yellow Bird did, and then the captive spread some bedding, put -the serapes the chief had given her over them, and retired for the -night, bolting the doors firmly. - -Yellow Bird spread her bed in front of the fire, and the two were -soon fast asleep. - -When Lucille awoke the next morning she found Yellow Bird was getting -breakfast, and the squaw told her that the young chief had been there -early and left bear and other robes for her, dressed deerskins, and -plenty of game and fish which he had shot and caught. - -The outlaw came after breakfast and asked her how she was, and then -said: - -“There is a hammock in this house, Death Face told me, so I will -swing it on the porch for you.” - -The hammock was found, swung, and then the outlaw said: - -“I have brought you pen, ink, and paper, Miss Fallon, and I wish you -to write a letter to your father. - -“Tell him how you are treated by me, but make known that he must pay -the sum of twenty thousand dollars for your ransom. The letter will -be mailed to him at Pioneer City, and he shall send his answer by -Jack Jessop, who will be met by a man whom I will instruct to be on -hand. Your father must state in his letter if he will pay that ransom -on the next run of the coach, and send it by Jack Jessop to be given -to my representative. If my man is harmed, then I will not answer for -your safety. - -“But, if he promises to send the money by Jessop, when he is ready to -pay it, then you will be returned to him in safety, being given into -Jack Jessop’s charge the third run of the coach after your father -writes agreeing to my terms. Do you understand, Miss Fallon?” - -“Perfectly.” - -“I will write also, and you shall see my letter. Then I will see that -the letters are mailed without delay in Pioneer City.” - -“It can be done none too soon to please me.” - -“So I thought.” - -“One minute, please?” - -“Yes.” - -“You said on the way here that you would tell me a secret some day -that I am interested in.” - -“I believe I will tell you a secret,” said the man, thoughtfully, and -he sat down upon the porch. - -Lucille sat in the hammock, using it for a swing, and the strangeness -of her situation and surroundings could not but impress her. - -“I’ll tell you my secret, yes, and perhaps you will then understand -that I seek revenge as well as gold from your father. By the way, do -you think I resemble your father?” - -“In form, yes, and in face, also, save for the stamp of wickedness on -your countenance.” - -“Well, he is innocent, I am evil. But we should be alike, for we are -brothers.” - -Lucille sprang out, of the hammock and cried fiercely: - -“It is false!” - -“I tell you we are brothers, he being several years my senior,” said -the outlaw. “My first love was a young and beautiful girl, and, -though she loved me, he stole her from me.” - -“I do not believe you.” - -“Well, he married her, that is certain----” - -“My mother?” - -“Oh, no; your mother was his second wife. - -“He won my sweetheart from me, married her, and then went to Texas -to live. I heard afterward that his wife died after two years of -wedded life, but I did not know, did not care, and I was not aware of -where he was, or what doing until during the Civil War. I was taken -prisoner by the Confederates, when in my captor, the colonel of a -regiment, I recognized my brother. He knew me at a glance, and he -came to me and we had a long talk together. - -“He told me that he had not known of my love for the woman he -married, that he had never been told by her or her parents about an -engagement between her and myself, that I was away and he therefore -could not hear it from my own lips, and hence he had asked her to -be his wife. He was going to Texas to live, and the marriage was -hastened and she went with him, and only when on her dying bed had -she confessed to him that she had been engaged to me. - -“Then he had written me the truth; but his letter I never received, -and I did not believe what he told me.” - -“Yet it was the truth.” - -“How do you know?” - -“I have his first wife’s written confession, in which she told all, -and how her parents had told her not to speak of her love affair with -you, as he was rich, you were not, having squandered much of your -fortune in fast living. Her name was Dorothy Armand, and she left her -confession with her jewelry and other things that my father placed in -my mother’s keeping, and all of which she left to me.” - -“Yes, her name was Dorothy Armand, as you say; but she deceived me, -and I would not believe her dying confession, or take my brother’s -word, either, for they wronged me, and I never forgive a wrong.” - -“But my father never did you a wrong, whatever his wife did in -deceiving him as to her engagement to you,” said Lucille warmly. - -“His name is Louis Fallon Lamar, and he was a colonel in the -Confederate army, as I have said, and a Texan ranchero. He got me -exchanged, I admit, and gave me money; but that did not atone for -the past, and I hated him, for even in war he beat me, as he rose to -be a colonel of cavalry, I only a captain of infantry. - -“He had married again, he told me, and had a daughter, but I was glad -to feel that he was ruined by the war. What became of him then I -never knew until I recognized him as a soldier in the United States -army, and only a sergeant. - -“Then I remembered that I had heard that a Southerner of our name had -killed a man in the East, and had fled to escape the gallows. - -“I wrote East, got the particulars, and found that it was my brother -Louis. I have only hoped to capture him that I might send him back as -a fugitive from justice to be hanged.” - -Lucille’s eyes flashed fire, and for a moment she did not speak. Then -she said: - -“Let me ask you to look me in the eyes while I tell you what I know -about what you have told me of my father.” - -“I am listening.” - -“My father did come out of the war ruined almost. He had married -again, my mother being his second wife. He had felt keenly the -unhappy circumstances of his first marriage, in fact, it cut him to -the heart. He saved my mother’s father’s life at the risk of his -own, was wounded by the shot intended for my grandfather, who took -father to his home, where his daughter, my mother, nursed him through -a long siege of suffering. My mother loved him, and he loved her, so -they were married. - -“My father went North on business, accompanied a gentleman to his -home one night with whom he had some business. Burglars broke into -the house, and the host was shot down and robbed. Before he died he -stated under oath that it was my father who had killed him, that they -had a business deal on hand, that my father knew he had thousands of -dollars in his home, and had come into his room at night and killed -him. - -“My father had been in a distant wing of the house, had arisen at the -noise of the struggle, had gone to the aid of his friend, to come -face to face with you as you fled. You were dressed just as he was, -you had killed your man, robbed him, and were flying. Stunned by the -recognition, my father had been incapable of action, and, tottering -to a seat, had remained there until arrested as the murderer. - -“Determined not to hang for your crime, and feeling that there was no -hope for him, he sprang upon the constable who guarded him, choked -him into unconsciousness, secured the keys of his manacles, freed -himself, and fled. He wrote my mother that he was not guilty of the -crime, but circumstantial evidence was against him, his insane flight -added seeming proof, and she unfortunately believed that he had -committed the deed, and wrote to him. - -“Thus a wide gulf was between them, and he became a homeless wanderer -and fugitive. He went to dwell among the Indians, and, having been -educated as a physician, he became a medicine man in the tribe, -checked a smallpox epidemic in their midst, and became a great chief, -honored and loved by them. Discovering gold in his wanderings, he hid -it away and at last decided to make good use of it. So he left the -Indian village, carrying his gold on pack horses, and, going to a -settlement, shipped it home to my mother. - -“It was a fortune for us, and she gladly received it, for her income -was not large, and long before she had repented of her belief in my -father’s guilt, and tried in vain to find him. - -“One day, just one year ago, my mother received a letter from the -judge of the court in the city where the murder was committed -which had wrecked my father’s life. It told of the confession of a -prisoner, who had died in prison, that my father was innocent of the -crime, that it was his brother who had been the murderer--he, the -prisoner, being his ally--and that he saw the recognition of his -brother by my father, and the shock it gave him. - -“But the murderer had committed other crimes, forcing him to become -a fugitive, and so he could not be found, nor could my father, who -afterward, I learned, had entered the army on the border. My mother -was dying then, and I had to cling to her. She died, and soon after I -had my lawyer find out if Sergeant Louis Fallon was my father, and he -did so. - -“Then I wrote him that I would come to him. You know the rest, and I -know that you have wronged my father beyond all forgiveness. Yes, you -are his crime-stained brother, Loyd Lamar.” - - - - - CHAPTER IX. - - BUFFALO BILL’S BOLD VENTURE. - - -The council of war which Lieutenant Walter Worth had said he would -hold that night in the camp near the secret crossing of the river, -where it was found that the outlaw had escaped across into the Indian -country, continued until late at night, the young officer, Surgeon -Denmead, the sergeant, and Buffalo Bill being the four present. - -Talking the matter over, in the light of all the facts with which -they were acquainted, they were certain that Lucille had been -captured by the outlaw leader. - -The letter which the outlaw had told the sergeant he would write to -entrap her had been sent, and so there was no doubt but that he had -been on hand to receive his prize. - -The Indians had told the sergeant the last night he had crossed the -river that the outlaw had gone to Pioneer City by a secret ford. - -That trail had been found where it had left the river, and the trail -where it had entered the river going back had also been discovered. - -This proved that the outlaw had secured his captive and hastened with -her to the Indian camp. - -To rescue her, then, was the question, and Sergeant Fallon at once -said: - -“There is but one thing for me to do, and that is to put on my -disguise and go into the Indian village after her.” - -“Yes, sergeant, and I will go with you,” said Buffalo Bill firmly. - -“It would be madness for you to do so, Cody.” - -“Oh, no, sergeant, for I would go as an ally, not to keep you -company. I would go on foot, not mounted. - -“We can cross the river, and while you go down to the ford, I will go -over here.” - -“You can proceed by the regular trail, while I will take it afoot to -the mountains, there make for the bald peak we can see, and there you -can find me, as I will look for you. - -“Afoot, I can readily hide. I will leave no trail, and am afraid of -no redskins trapping me, for I have been within hailing distance of -their villages scores of times.” - -“Pardon me, lieutenant, but do you think Mr. Cody should make the -venture?” - -“No, sergeant, I do not.” - -“Nor do I,” said the surgeon. - -“See here, that young woman is a captive, and I tell you there should -be more than one to aid in her rescue. - -“I know Indians from ’way back, and I’ll guarantee to go to their -village and return. - -“You, in your disguise, are all right, sergeant, and you may be able -to help me escape with her, and come away yourself later. - -“We can pick out certain points in the mountains which we can -discern, where we can meet, and I feel we can accomplish your -daughter’s rescue; yes, and get hold of that outlaw by some means -also, for I’ll not be happy until his chips are called in. - -“I go, too, sergeant.” - -“Well, Cody, I see you are determined, so I yield, for I have every -confidence in your powers to give the redskins the slip, but what are -we to do?” - -“Stay right here, lieutenant, until we bring Miss Lucille back, for -we may need your support and need it bad.” - -“All right. I will do as you suggest; but you and the sergeant -arrange your plans of action between you.” - -“We will, sir, to-morrow.” - -The next morning the scout and the sergeant went up on the range and -picked out half a dozen objects on the distant mountains across the -river, and agreed to make them points of rendezvous. - -Then the sergeant said: - -“Mr. Cody, I wish to confide in you.” - -“Well, sergeant.” - -“I have a brother who was a wild young fellow, and believed that -I had treacherously cheated him out of his ladylove, when I knew -nothing about his love for her, and she became my wife. She was not -Lucille’s mother, she being the daughter of my second wife. - -“Now, my brother never forgave me, and some years after he committed -a crime of which I was accused, and it made an outcast, a fugitive of -me. - -“He married and came West, and the other night when I looked into the -face of the man known as Eagle, the outlaw, I felt sure that he was -my brother. - -“I have not seen my unfortunate brother for many years, but the face, -as I saw it by the flickering camp fire’s light, the voice, impressed -me that it was Loyd Lamar. - -“Now, if he is my brother, he knows that Lucille is my daughter, -and that is a relief to my mind. If the outlaw is my brother, and I -would almost take oath that he is, I have but one request of you, and -that is to kill him, and not capture him to be taken to the fort and -hanged.” - -“My dear sergeant, I had promised myself I would do that, on account -of his wife, and I will be that more anxious to save him from the -gallows now that he is suspected of being your brother,” was Buffalo -Bill’s reply. - -That afternoon they started upon their perilous mission, Buffalo Bill -crossing the river at the spot where the camp was and the sergeant -riding down to the upper ford, to go over after dark and continue on -by the trail to the mountains. - -But the sergeant in crossing came to grief, for there stood on the -other bank as sentinel a young brave who was striving to win a name -for himself. - -He saw in the moonlight a horse and rider crossing the ford; so, -taking aim, the redskin fired, pulling trigger just as he discovered -that it was not a paleface but an Indian. - -The sergeant felt a stinging pain in his shoulder, the blood began -to flow; he, therefore, turned back, fearing that he was seriously -wounded, and did not know why he had been fired on. - -Fortunately Surgeon Denmead was there, and at once went to work on -him, remarking after a while: - -“I have got the ball, Worth, and, with care, the wound will not be -fatal, though serious.” - - - - - CHAPTER X. - - THE RESCUER REACHES THE GOAL. - - -One afternoon, a week after Lucille’s coming to the Indian village -as a captive, and while Lucille and the chief, Death Face, who had -proved to be half white, were seated upon the little piazza looking -at the sunset, the young man on the chair, the maiden in the hammock, -there suddenly dashed around the corner of the cabin a tall form, -brandishing a revolver in each hand. He had his revolver leveled full -at the young man, as he called out sternly: - -“Up with your hands, renegade, or you die!” - -“Buffalo Bill!” cried Lucille, in suppressed tones, as though -realizing, even in her surprise, the danger of speaking that name -there. Then she quickly added: - -“For God’s sake do not kill him, for he is my friend.” - -Death Face sprang to his feet, yet made no move to draw a weapon, but -stood gazing defiantly into the face of the scout, who, at the words -of Lucille, lowered his weapons and said quickly: - -“Let me step into the cabin, for I may be seen here.” - -Quickly Lucille seized his hand and fairly dragged him into the -cabin, while she said reproachfully: - -“Oh, why did you come here, for your life will be the forfeit?” - -“I came for you, Miss Lucille, but I did not expect to find you in a -white man’s cabin, free and with company.” - -“I will explain all later, but now you must go into hiding, for if -you were discovered----” - -“Not a redskin has seen me, I assure you. I have been four days -coming from the river to this cabin, which I saw from the ridge -above, as I did you also, and this young man, who I thought must be -some renegade. - -“I crept up behind the cabin, having seen you seated on the piazza, -and, dashing around, covered him; but you say he is your friend.” - -“You are safe here, Buffalo Bill, for I cannot but call you so, and -you shall know the whole story. So sit down, for it is a long one, -and there are secrets in it which you must not breathe to any one.” - -“You have my pledge not to betray anything, Miss Lucille,” said -Buffalo Bill, and then he heard the story of her father’s strange -life, her uncle’s, and her own. - -The scout listened with an interest that was intense, and when he had -heard all, said in a low tone: - -“And I have a story to tell, too, Miss Lucille, and it is that you -need no longer dread your wicked uncle, the outlaw. I crossed the -river at the spot where you did, and that night camped not far away. -The next morning the outlaw rode full upon me: we saw each other -at the same time, but I was a little the quickest, and my bullet -pierced his brain. I had crossed the river upon a small raft the -soldiers had made for me, and so I staked his horse out, when I was -sure that he was alone, and, putting the body on the raft, poled back -to the other shore. There I found that your father, who was to have -crossed at the ford, and go with me to rescue you, had returned, -having been fired on by the Indian sentinel and slightly wounded.” - -“You mean it--slightly wounded?” cried Lucille. - -“I tell the truth, for Surgeon Denmead was in camp and extracted the -bullet. I had a talk with your father and he was doing well, but did -not wish me to risk coming. How glad I now am that I did, for I have -found you, though I have not rescued you.” - -“And my outlaw uncle?” - -“Lieutenant Worth had his soldiers bury him, for the lieutenant is -waiting on the river for your return. Just as I was leaving another -force came up which had taken your trail from Monument Hill and -followed it to the river, so both are there. - -“I recrossed the river then on the raft, waited until night, and, -mounting the horse of the outlaw, made a flank movement to reach -the camp, determined to play Captain Eagle, if I met a redskin, for -we were not unlike in size and face, and I speak the Indian tongue -fairly well, while the horse and the coat and hat I appropriated -would help me out, I knew. - -“I did not care to risk it by day, so flew by night only, reached the -ridge, reconnoitered, and here I am, Miss Lucille; and my advice is -that we get out of this at once.” - -Lucille turned to Death Face, who said: - -“Yes, we will go. I will bring ponies, too, and we will go up the -ridge trail, where Buffalo Bill’s horse is, and then, together, we -will go down to the river. If we meet any bands, Death Face, the -chief, passes unquestioned.” - -So it was decided, and, while the young man went to make his -arrangements for leaving the Indian camp forever, Lucille and Yellow -Bird prepared for their escape, Buffalo Bill keeping in hiding. - -Under the guidance of the young chief, the trail to the river was -made in perfect safety, Buffalo Bill being taken for the outlaw, -and Lucille and Yellow Bird for braves by the bands of Indians they -passed. - -No one questioned Death Face, and on he rode with his escaping party, -Lucille and Yellow Bird having their faces painted, and in their -leggings, riding in masculine fashion, while the pack horses they had -along were well loaded with things taken from the Manly cabin and the -young chief’s tepee. - -Reaching the river before dawn, the Indians left them, and Lucille -added to her costume her riding habit and felt better able to face -the soldiers on the other side. - -They crossed on the raft, which made several trips, the horses -swimming over; then, mounting, they rode on to the soldiers’ camp. - -Such a welcome as greeted them, when Buffalo Bill and the sergeant’s -daughter were recognized, cannot be described, for the soldiers -seemed to have gone wild. - -In the week that had passed since he was wounded the sergeant had -much improved. - -The meeting between father and daughter was most affecting, while -tears came into the brave man’s eyes as he grasped Buffalo Bill’s -hand and said: - -“I owe all this to you, Cody, and Lucille tells me she has told you -all.” - -Fearful of risking his daughter so near the redskins, the sergeant -said he was able to travel. The march was, therefore, begun after -the noon meal, the trail taken being the same one that Lucille had -traveled with the outlaw. - -The command was three days getting back to the fort, but when they -came in sight, and it was seen that Lucille had been rescued, again -there was a wild scene of rejoicing. - -Then, too, the sergeant had more joy added to his cup of bliss, for -the last coach through had brought him his commission, “for special -and gallant services,” as a first lieutenant in the army of the -United States. - - - - - CHAPTER XI. - - THE GUARD OF HONOR. - - -After a month’s stay at the fort, under the plea of his wound -unfitting him for service, for it was still troublesome, Lieutenant -Fallon resigned his commission, feeling that he had been vindicated -in having won it, unaided, and, with his daughter, went eastward, and -thence to Texas, to his old ranch home. - -In a short time there was a wedding at the ranch, for thither had -gone Lieutenant Walter Worth to claim his bride. Shortly after the -lieutenant’s departure, Buffalo Bill set forth upon a new mission -which promised a harvest of adventures. - -Having been appointed, for a special purpose, chief of scouts of the -Tenth United States Cavalry, a regiment of black troopers, Cody rode -off on one of his lone trails to reach the command at its frontier -post. - -He loved the adventure and danger attending this new mission, yet -sought it also for the benefit he could bring to those who dwelt upon -the advance borderland, and depended upon just such men as himself to -protect them from the redskins of the wild West. - -The noted scout had been ordered to Fort Aspen for his special duty, -as the commandant, Major Armes, had made the request that he should -be, on account of the threatened hostility of the Indians, and, also, -as Buffalo Bill was the man who knew that country better than any -other frontiersman. - -Major Armes also had been much troubled by the lawless bands of -gold hunters who had sought to invade the Indian country, risking -massacres, and keeping the redskins constantly worried over the -determination of these palefaces to get a foothold in their hunting -grounds and then force them farther toward the “Land of the Setting -Sun.” - -Many bands of lawless invaders of the beautiful country had -recklessly penetrated the mountain and valley recesses in search of -the precious yellow metal, and they had thus avoided the chain of -soldiers the government had put there to keep them out. - -One band after another had met its doom in the forbidden land, and -been wiped out utterly by the Indians, who had left not one of them -to tell the story of the massacre. - -They had taken their lives in their own hands, and, against all -warnings and efforts of the soldiers, had broken through the military -barrier and penetrated the Indian country, to meet there quick death. - -Even several emigrant trains, with women and children along, had -foolishly ventured, and Buffalo Bill had reported that the groups of -whitened bones he had found told the story of their fate. - -Though the soldiers were trying to protect their country from -invasion, the hostile Sioux were as bitter toward them as toward -those who sought to make homes there, and war, merciless and -unending, had been declared. - -“If I had Buffalo Bill, as my chief of scouts, I believe he could, -with his knowledge of the country, of these Indians, and his great -skill as a frontiersman, head off these would-be settlers and bands -of gold seekers from what they regard as a promised land, and this -done, the Sioux would be more willing to make peace with the army, -realizing that our desire was to protect them.” - -So wrote Major Armes, the commandant of Fort Aspen, to Colonel Carr, -in seeking to have the valuable services of William F. Cody as chief -of scouts. - -And the letter further said: - -“The Tenth Cavalry of colored troops also needs just such a man as -Buffalo Bill to steady them and give them perfect confidence in the -one who leads them upon deadly trails. - -“They one and all have perfect confidence in Buffalo Bill, believe -that he bears a charmed life--as I also am inclined to believe--and -they know that the Indians dread him, regard him with a certain -superstitious fear, and his influence is very great along the whole -border. - -“I, therefore, respectfully urge that he be sent to Fort Aspen, for a -while at least, if only to bring confidence to the garrison.” - -The result of Major Armes’ letter was that the next courier through -to Fort Aspen brought dispatches stating that Buffalo Bill should -come very soon, and that, spoken to upon the subject, he had said -that, instead of making up a scouting band of white scouts, he would -pick colored soldiers to be his allies. - -In other words, he would have a company of black scouts from the -Tenth Cavalry. - -Major Armes at once notified the garrison that Buffalo Bill was -coming to Fort Aspen, and what his intention was regarding the band -of black scouts. - -There was excitement at once in the garrison, and the colored -troopers were delighted that the great borderman was going to show -his confidence in them by taking his scouts from their regiment. - -“Now we’ll blow de Injuns off de farm.” - -“You better believe I speaks fer bein’ a nigger scout.” - -“Annudder nigger heah does say de same.” - -“Wonder if Massa Bill gwine ter brack hissef up so as ter look like -us?” - -“Won’t dem red niggers git up an’ lead us brack scouts arter ’em?” - -“An’ I guesses dem palefaces as wants ter go inter de Promised Lan’ -will tarn back an’ settle somewhar else.” - -Such remarks and others of a like kind ran the rounds of the colored -troopers, when they heard the good news that Buffalo Bill was -coming, and better still that he intended to pick men from their -regiment for his scouts. - -Major Armes was much pleased, and knowing about the time the scout -was expected, he ordered a negro sergeant and twenty men to take the -trail as a guard of honor and meet him a day’s ride from the fort. - -The sergeant and his picked men were as proud as peacocks at the -duty and the envy of all the rest of the regiment, who had to remain -behind. - -Had the colored troopers had their say, all would have gone to meet -the scout and Fort Aspen would have been left without a garrison. - -And so the black escort set out upon the trail to meet the noted -scout. - - - - - CHAPTER XII. - - CORRALLED BY INDIANS. - - -The sergeant in command of the escort was Mobile Buck, and he was so -enrolled. He was a fine soldier and a brave one, and had won his rank -for his good qualities. - -Sergeant Mobile Buck was vary cautious, however, and he wisely -decided that it would be better to have an advance guard of one man -to take chances of an ambush, than to have his whole force in danger, -so he kept a trooper well ahead. - -What that solitary trooper thought of his being selected for that -post of honor will never be known, as his sacrifice saved the -sergeant and his other men. - -It was when some thirty miles from the fort, and when nearing the -time for going into camp, wild yells were heard half a mile ahead, -and soon back came the colored trooper’s horse, riderless. - -This and the yells told the story, and the sergeant was quick to -take advantage of a retreat to a little hill, rocky and wooded, he -had found only a mile back. He ordered his corporal to retreat there -and go into camp, against the advice of several of his men that the -safest place to fall back on would be the fort, and in a hurry, too. - -But Sergeant Mobile Buck called to two of his men to remain with -him, and he set out to discover the trouble ahead, how many Indians -there were, and what he had better do under the circumstances. - -He soon discovered more than he cared to, for fully half a hundred -Indians were in sight, with no telling how many more were hidden near -by. - -Back he rode to the retreating place, fully convinced that the advice -offered by a few, to fall back on the fort, was wise. - -But he discovered as he came in sight of the hill, that the corporal -and his men were in trouble, for there were a number of Indians there -also, advancing to the attack. - -“That cuts off retreat,” said Sergeant Buck, and he charged for the -hill with his two companions. - -This charge checked the attack of the redskins and greatly pleased -Corporal Black, who did not belie his name, as he was as black as -charcoal. - -The corporal was only too anxious to be relieved of his command, and -have the sergeant assume responsibility. - -“We are in for it and no mistake, corporal. How many Injuns have you -seen?” said the sergeant, as he rode into the retreat. - -“Some says dere is hundreds of ’em, but I ain’t seen dat many yit, -though I has seen more’n I wants ter,” was the reply. - -“There were about fifty that ambushed Buck, maybe more, and perhaps -as many yonder, so we are cut off, I fear.” - -“Did dey kill po’ Brick?” asked the corporal. - -“I guess they did, for they are Injuns.” - -“An’ scallip him, too?” - -“I don’t know, for that wasn’t easy, as his hair was cut close.” - -“So hit was, but mine ain’t,” and the corporal felt of his hair, -which he feared was long enough to get a grip on. - -The sergeant smiled, then took in the chances of defending the hill, -being glad to see that the corporal had put the horses in as secure a -place as could be found and posted his men in fighting positions. - -The corporal might be scared, but his military training stood him in -need. - -“Grass, but no water here; yet we can hold ’em off for a while, for -some man has got to slip out to-night and go back to the fort for -help,” said the sergeant. - -All had been listening eagerly to his words; but each one looked away -at this suggestion, fearing he would be the man picked out to go. - -“Maybe Massa Bill Cody come along and sabe us,” said the corporal. - -There was a cheer at this, and it showed just what the colored -troopers thought of Buffalo Bill’s powers to help them. - -The sergeant seemed pleased, also, and he set to work to strengthen -his position, place his men where they could do the most good and -ordered them to throw up the earth about each one of them so as to -protect them. - -They were only too anxious to do this, and worked like beavers. - -“There they come--steady, men, and wait until I order you to fire!” -the sergeant said calmly. - -The Indians had now united their forces, and it was evident that they -belonged to the same band, had been watching the troopers for some -time, and had arranged to ambush them all: only the advance guard of -poor Brick, sent ahead by the sergeant, had spoiled their plan, as -they had fired on him with their arrows, believing that the others -were close upon his heels. - -Having united their two bands, a hundred in number, all came with a -rush upon the intrenched troopers, yelling like madmen, their ponies -at full speed, and sending showers of arrows before them with an -occasional shot from a rifle, where a brave was so unfortunate as to -have firearms, then not common among the redskins. - -“We’ve got ter do ’em, men, or they’ll down us,” shouted the -sergeant, and a moment after he cried: - -“Aim to kill--fire!” - -Some of the troopers may have fired at random; but more did not, -and down went ponies and riders, while the repeating rifles of the -soldiers keeping up their rattle, and deadly rattle it was, checked -the onward rush of the redskins, for they wavered, turned, and fled -for the shelter of the nearest timber. - -The colored troopers were jubilant with delight. - -Without a white officer they had beaten off the redskins, who were -five to one against them, and killed or wounded a number of braves -and ponies. - -Sergeant Mobile Buck was a hero of heroes, and he felt it, too. -Whatever his men might feel about it, he, at least, was glad he had -come. It gave the sergeant confidence, and it helped the men. - -One trooper had been killed, shot through the throat with an arrow, -and three others slightly wounded. - -But the dead man was removed out of sight, and the wounds of the -three men dressed, weapons reloaded, the position strengthened, and -supper cooked and sent around, for night was at hand. - -“I doesn’t like dem dead red Injuns lyin’ out dere,” said a trooper, -with an awe of the dead and darkness. - -“Never mind, we’ll have more of ’em soon,” said the sergeant. - -Then darkness came and the men waited, each man a sentinel, for there -was no sleep for those black defenders of the hill that night. - -All was silent and darkness, suddenly broken by the words: - -“Who commands here?” - -The voice was clear and stern, and came from a point close at hand. -Then a tall form arose from behind a group of rocks. - -“Massa Buf’ler Bill!” - -The cry came almost in a shout, and every man left his position and -rushed to where the scout stood, for he it was, in truth, who had -invaded the retreat of the corralled negro soldiers. - - - - - CHAPTER XIII. - - THE RIDE FOR HELP. - - -The darkness hid the tears of joy in the eyes of the colored -troopers, at the coming of Buffalo Bill. - -The scout had crept into the corral unseen, and he said sternly: - -“If I could get in here, redskins can--who is commander here?” - -“I am, sir, Sergeant Mobile Buck, and we were going to meet you, -Chief Cody.” - -“I am glad to meet you, Sergeant Buck; but you have only colored -troops?” - -“Yes, sir, from the Tenth Cavalry, and Major Armes told us we could -come and meet you on the trail, and mighty glad we are to see you, -sir.” - -“I saw your man ahead killed, but could not save him, for he rode -right into an ambush I was watching, and his doing so saved me. Then -I watched developments and saw you retreat here, so waited until dark -to creep in, for there are more Indians coming and you are in a bad -way.” - -“Oh, Lordy!” - -Buffalo Bill laughed. - -“You are not dead yet, boys,” he said, “and you made a good fight -when they attacked you; but you will not be attacked again until -morning, about dawn, and then by a force large enough to run you -down.” - -“Jist you take us to de fort, Massa Bill, fer you kin do it, sah,” -said one, and all held the same opinion. - -“No, you could never leave here, and I’ll have to sneak out; but my -horse and pack animal are a mile away, on the trail to the fort, and -I’ll go there for help, and it will take three or four troops to do -it, too. - -“The fort is about twenty-five miles from here, and I’ll make it in -three hours, for I’ll hide my pack animal soon as I can, and I will -be back with help in four hours more. - -“That will get us here just in time, and you keep watch for all you -are worth, strengthen your position all you can, have your rifles and -revolvers ready, and you can fight them off, if they do attack, until -we get here.” - -“Don’t yer think I better go wid yer, Massa Bill?” asked a trooper, -who preferred to take his chances with Buffalo Bill alone to -remaining with his score of comrades. - -“No, every man is wanted here.” - -“Dat’s so, an’ I wishes you was goin’ ter stay, too, sah,” and this -remark voiced the idea of all. - -“Now, sergeant, send your men back to their posts, and let them know -if they go to sleep some of them may wake up in the Indians’ happy -hunting grounds. - -“Then Sergeant Buck go with me to the end of the timber, for I wish a -word with you.” - -The troopers were sent again to their posts of duty, and the sergeant -went with Buffalo Bill to a gully, by which he intended to retreat, -for it was not guarded as horses could not go that way. - -“Sergeant, you have done well in your fight, and I appreciate your -having come to meet me. It saved me. Tell your men I want each one of -them in my band of scouts, so I have my eye upon them. You may have -to fight again, but do it to the death as I’ll get help to you as -soon as I can. Good night, and luck.” - -Buffalo Bill grasped the hand of the brave negro, who replied: - -“We’ll die game, sir, if we have to; but we depend on you, Massa -Bill, for you’re the only man who can save us, and you will, sir, I -know you will.” - -The deep voice quivered, and Buffalo Bill turned away, going rapidly -down the gully to where he had left his horses. - -He passed within a dozen feet of an Indian outpost of several braves, -heard them talking, and the smoke of their pipes reached him, while -he saw a spark of fire. - -But he went on, reached his horses, mounted and rode off at a -sweeping gallop toward the fort. - -At length he halted and muttered: - -“It is taking big chances, but I will do it. I can hide my pack horse -there and it will cut off a dozen miles, if I do risk the lives of -my horse and myself in making the leap, which is all of twenty feet.” - -He turned off the trail, just as the moon, on the wane, rose to light -his way. - -A roar came to his ears, a roar of falling water, and he soon halted -on the banks of a foaming stream. - -“My pack horse will be safe here,” said Cody, and he quickly -unsaddled the animal. - -Then he stripped his own horse of his heavy Mexican saddle, laid with -it his rifle and belt of arms, save one revolver, took off his boots, -hunting coat, and broad-brimmed sombrero, and approached the steep -banks of the river. - -It was a cliff, and all of twenty feet down to the water. A quarter -of a mile below was a fall over which the stream wildly rushed, and -across from him a hundred yards or more lay the other shore, the -banks low and sandy. - -“It will save a dozen miles, Buckskin, and we can make it--we must!” -he said, in his decided way, and he quickly made a bridle of his -stake of rope, leaped across the bare back of his splendid horse, -wheeled suddenly and rode rapidly toward the cliff. - -“Now, Buckskin, make the leap, and by it save the lives of my black -troopers!” cried Buffalo Bill, as he urged his horse directly out -upon the mad leap. - -Buckskin did not hesitate; he seemed to feel, with his master, that -only by the leap from the dizzy height could he save the lives of -human beings by cutting off a dozen miles in the trail and getting -help from the fort to them before they would be wiped out by the -Indians. - -The noble horse leaped far out from the cliff, hung in the air, it -seemed, for one precious second, and then went down swiftly into the -raging flood. - -He struck hard, sank from sight, though Buffalo Bill held his -revolver far above his head to prevent its getting wet, for those -were not the days of the present improved cartridges. - -Then the horse arose, and his rider guided him toward the other shore. - -It was a wild current, and they were swept rapidly down toward the -falls; but the horse swam with vigor, and stripped of his saddle and -trappings he was not hampered, Buffalo Bill helping him with all his -power. - -At length, the shore was reached, the hoofs touched bottom, and -Buffalo Bill dismounted to give the horse a rest. - -But only for a minute, for, remounting, he set off at a sweeping -gallop for the fort, from that point not half a dozen miles. - -“I have saved all of an hour and a half, if not more. You did it -splendidly, Buckskin,” said the scout, and coming back into the -trail, he sent the horse flying along at full speed. - -Within half an hour the light of the fort came into view, and it was -not yet midnight. - -“Ho, sentinel, let me in--I am Buffalo Bill, the scout--and sound the -alarm, for help is needed at once, or Sergeant Mobile Buck and his -men will all be wiped out!” - -This startling salute and alarm at once roused the garrison to -action, and Buffalo Bill dashed to the headquarters of Major Armes, -and reported his coming to that officer and asked for three troops of -the Tenth Cavalry to go to the rescue. - -“God bless you, Cody, you shall have them, and within ten minutes,” -cried Major Armes, and the order was given. - -Within half an hour, mounted upon a fresh horse, Buffalo Bill rode -away from the fort at the head of over a hundred black cavalrymen, to -the rescue of Sergeant Buck and his band. - -“I’ll set the pace, Captain Keyes, and those who cannot keep up can -follow. - -“We must make it within three hours, sir,” said Buffalo Bill, and -Captain Edward Keyes answered: - -“Go ahead, Cody, and we’ll be with you.” - - - - - CHAPTER XIV. - - THE BLACK TROOPERS AT BAY. - - -As Buffalo Bill knew just how urgent the demand for haste might -become, he set a pace that, though he knew many of the troopers -might not be able to keep up, yet many would do so, and these could -make the attack on the Indians, while the others would constantly be -coming up as reënforcements. - -Major Armes had also promised to send a wagon with rations, a -six-pounder gun, and a company of infantry, mounted, as a reserve, in -case the Indians should be in still larger force than Buffalo Bill -had supposed them to be. - -To the black troopers in the little hill retreat it was a sad sight -to see Buffalo Bill leave them, though they knew that by his going -alone was there a chance for their rescue. - -They knew their danger, and the warning the scout had given them, -that “if he could get into their retreat an Indian could also do so,” -had made them keep the closest watch, and not an instant did they -close their eyes. - -“If I wakes up arter a nap, I wants it ter be in this world, not de -next, so I doesn’t go ter sleep,” said a trooper, and he voiced the -sentiments of all. - -To add to their wakefulness the corporal, in going his rounds, was -seen to suddenly fall and lie motionless. - -The sergeant hastened to his side to find that an arrow had -penetrated his eye--he was dead. - -Sergeant Mobile Buck dragged the body into hiding and wisely said -nothing. He then went the rounds of the men himself, and very -cautiously, for he knew that Indians were within arrow range and -watching. - -Then the sergeant discovered how it was that the corporal had lost -his life, for the moon was rising, and he had stood with its light -behind him, his form in bold relief against its silvery face. - -“Be careful of showing yourselves with the moon behind you, for there -are Indians watching for a chance to send an arrow at you,” said -the sergeant, and he was cautious how he moved, for not only did he -desire to escape what he had warned others of, but he thought also of -the men, should he be killed or seriously wounded, and how readily -they would get into a panic with no one to govern them. - -So the hours passed, the sergeant going on his rounds every half -hour, and one time discovering a dark object out upon the open plain, -and which he was sure was not there when last he passed that way. - -“Give me your gun, Benton,” he said to the sentinel nearest the dark -object. - -The trooper obeyed, and the sergeant took a rest with the carbine -over a rock, aimed well and pulled trigger. - -A wild yell, a form springing into the air, measuring a few feet, and -a heavy fall followed. - -“You must keep better watch, Benton, for that redskin would have -plugged you in half an hour more,” said the sergeant. - -Benton was thoroughly alarmed now, and said: - -“Yas, sah, you done sabe my life, an’ I ain’t gwine ter fergit it, -nuther. You bet I’s keepin’ watch now, sergeant, I is.” - -The shot had startled the troopers, as it was answered by yells from -the Indians across in the timber. - -But the sergeant continued his round, and to each man he told of -Benton’s narrow escape, until several shots were fired at rocks -fearing they might be large groups of Indians. - -That a random shot thus fired sounded a death-knell a choking war cry -told. - -The sergeant had got the rifles of the corporal and of the other -slain trooper, and kept them ready for use when the time came. - -But he continued his rounds through the night. - -Then he ordered all to be ready, for he felt sure an attack would be -made. - -That Buffalo Bill had not got back was a cause of deepest anxiety, -but the sergeant was brave and told his men that the scout with help -was doubtless close at hand, only waiting for the Indians to attack -the retreat, and this gave them hope. - -Soon a dark mass was visible, moving out from the distant timber. The -Indians were advancing to the attack, and they were mounted. - -“Men, we’ll empty these extra guns at them first, for they’ll reach -them, and then you fire only when I give the order,” cried the -sergeant. - -The three guns rattled forth their seven shots each, and they must -have hit hard, for the redskins wavered, yelled like demons, and came -on with a rush. - -“Fire!” - -All the rifles opened fire, and the shots told, for ponies fell and -riders dropped to the ground. - -But the rush was on, the Indians were in heavy force, hundreds -against a score of black troopers, and the showers of arrows, the -maddened yells and the roar of the charging ponies, struck terror to -the hearts of the troopers. - -“Hold ’em, men, or all is lost,” shouted the sergeant, adding: - -“Revolvers now!” - -But as the rattle of revolvers began and the redskins were almost -up to the retreat, above the wild yells of the redskins arose the -piercing, thrilling notes of a bugle, followed by the ringing war cry -of Buffalo Bill, and a stern command from Captain Keyes: - -“Ride them down, men!” - -The bugle notes broke upon the ears of the redskins just in time to -deprive them of their prey, for, wheeling to one side of the retreat, -they drove on at full speed, for they knew that United States cavalry -was upon them and in large force. - -“After them, men!” shouted Buffalo Bill, and with Captain Keyes by -his side, and nearly a hundred troopers following, they rode hot on -the heels of the flying redskins. - -It was a complete surprise, of the kind that causes a stampede, and -the Indians only sought to escape their pursuers until they reached a -place where they could rally and ambush their foes. - -But Captain Keyes was too good a soldier to be caught in a trap, with -tired-out horses and men, and he called a halt when his command drew -near a heavily timbered hill. - -“Halt here, men, and let them think this is all the force, while -Cody, you go back, meet the other men and flank yonder ridge with -them, ordering a courier to go to the reserve and fetch them, with -the gun, to your aid with all speed.” - -It was almost daylight now, and the tired men rested where they -were in line of battle, while Buffalo Bill rode back, checking the -troopers still coming up and ordering them to keep out of sight -in the timber, while he went to the retreat of those who had been -rescued in the nick of time. - - - - - CHAPTER XV. - - A VERY STRANGE FIND. - - -“The goo’ Lor’ bress you, Massa Bill!” came a cry in chorus from a -dozen men, as the scout approached the retreat. - -Sergeant Mobile Buck came out to meet Buffalo Bill, and wrung his -hand hard, while he said: - -“You did it, sir--you saved us, and just in time, for my men were -giving way. - -“I lost five killed, sir, and half a dozen wounded, though only two -seriously. - -“It will do the men good, sir, this fight, and they’ll follow you, -Mr. Cody, to the devil!” - -“And I want you and every man of them for my squadron of scouts, -sergeant, as I will need yourself, a corporal, and twenty-four men. - -“Now look to your wounded and then bury your dead, for I’ll have -breakfast sent to you from the main camp over in the timber yonder, -where they are now cooking for Captain Keyes and his men, who will -remain where they are until I can flank yonder hill, for we have as -many more men in reserve and a gun.” - -“That’s good, sir, and Mr. Injun will get it bad, won’t he?” said the -delighted sergeant, while Buffalo Bill rode through the retreat and -called out: - -“You had it hot and deadly here, I see, boys, but you fought like -wild cats, all of you, and I am proud of my black scouts, for I want -you all.” - -A cheer answered the words of the scout, and he rode rapidly back -into the timber, where the stragglers had come up with the pack -animals, a camp had been formed, and breakfast was being prepared. - -Sending a white scout on his trail of the night before to bring his -pack horse, saddle and bridle from where he had left them on the -river bank, Buffalo Bill hastily had breakfast with a half a hundred -troopers, and led them by a flank movement to get in the rear of the -Indians on the ridge. He had long before sent a courier to tell the -reserve force, the troopers with their gun, to branch off at a trail, -which would head him off at a point where they could reach the rear -of the redskins. - -All went just as he had hoped it would, the reserve met the command -under Buffalo Bill, and by hard riding, were after the Indians, -halted on the ridge and watching Captain Keyes in the valley in their -front, feeling that he was afraid to attack them, were surprised by a -shell bursting in their midst on the hill. - -It fairly dazed them with surprise and dread, and only when shell -after shell began to crash among them, and Captain Keyes mounted his -men for a rush on the ridge, did they break in a wild stampede. - -These, too, saw that they were between two fires, Captain Keyes -and the force of Buffalo Bill with the gun, and there was but one -way to escape, and that was to desert their ponies and take to the -deep cañons leading into the mountains where a horse could not find -footing. - -It was hard for an Indian to do, to leave his pony, but it was a -question of life and death, and they fled on foot, thus making it a -glorious victory for the palefaces. - -Sending a courier to have his pack animal and a fresh horse brought -him, Buffalo Bill went on the trail of the redskins, to see if they -continued their flight, or halted to try and make an effort to regain -their horses when night came, and Captain Keyes came up with his men -to go into camp with the entire force. - -It was nearly midnight when Buffalo Bill, on foot, returned to the -camp. - -“They’ve got enough for the present, sir, and are all on the jump for -their village; but I will go out mounted at dawn and alone, keeping -on their trail for a day, at least, until sure what they will do,” he -said to Captain Keyes. - -“And shall I camp here, Cody, or return to the fort?” asked the -captain. - -“Better rest here until day after to-morrow, sir, and then return by -slow march toward the fort, so I can overtake you, if they meet other -bands and return, for there may be more of them. - -“If I see nothing suspicious, sir, please say to Major Armes that I -will return to the fort within two or three days.” - -“All right, Cody, and I hear you are going to have a squadron of -negro scouts?” - -“Yes, sir, for it will give the colored troops confidence, and I -believe I can make good scouts of them, while the Indians are as -scared of the black soldiers as the latter are of them--they don’t -just understand their being black and call them ‘Heap Black Paleface -Braves.’” - -“Not a bad name, either, if they will only prove braves; but the -Indians are experts in giving names. - -“Now get what rest you can, for you need it, and I know of no man who -could do what you have.” - -Ten minutes after Buffalo Bill was fast asleep; but at dawn he woke -up, and his pack horse and a fresh riding animal having come up, he -had breakfast, mounted, and rode away on his lone trail. - -That day every sign pointed to the fact that the Indians had been -so badly beaten that though they had met a couple of bands of their -comrades, they did not turn back, but went on to their villages -together. - -It was toward evening of his second day’s trail, as he came to a good -camping place, that Buffalo Bill decided to halt for the night, when -he was startled by hearing a human voice calling to him, and the -words spoken in a low tone. - -Out of a thicket staggered a tall, gaunt form, with black face, -haggard, and showing deep lines of suffering, while his clothing was -in rags, his feet wrapped in deerskins, a foxskin cap upon his head, -a tattered blanket, and a rifle, revolver, and knife his weapons. - - - - - CHAPTER XVI. - - THE NEGRO MESSENGER. - - -“Well, my poor fellow, who and what are you?” asked Buffalo Bill, as -he dismounted and stood before the vagabond negro. - -“I’s mighty near starved ter death, an’ I’d died soon ef I hadn’t had -you find me, boss,” was the answer. “I seen you comin’, and I lay low -and was goin’ ter let you pass me by, sah, only I seen yer face, and -know’d yer were a good man. - -“If you had been an Injun, sah, or one ob dem bad white men I seen in -dis country, I’d ’a’ jist pulled my gun on yer and got yer horse an’ -rashuns ter eat, fer de Good Book do say dat preservin’ o’ one’s life -am de bestest law o’ natur’, sah.” - -“So you would have chanced killing me?” - -“Yas, sah, and it w’u’d hev been a big chance, too, as I has got but -one load in my gun an’ one in my revolver.” - -“Well, I am glad you didn’t take the chances; but I would have found -you, anyhow, as I intended to camp right here for the night.” - -“Den I is sabed, sah, I is sabed, fer I gits somet’in to eat, an’ -sabin’ me, sah, means a heap, fer dere is lives dependin’ dis werry -minit upon dis nigger.” - -“Where---- But you must be fed first, and then you can tell me. Sit -there, and I’ll soon have a fire, and cook supper.” - -“Boss, I is mos’ so weak I has got ter let you do de work, an’ you -see, sah, I is wounded, too.” - -“Poor fellow!” Buffalo Rill glanced at a bullet wound in the negro’s -side. - -Hastily the scout set to work, pitched his camp in a secluded spot on -the bank of a little stream, and, taking from his pack saddle a pair -of extra blankets, he spread them on the ground and told the negro to -lie down. - -He quickly gathered some wood, built a fire among some rocks, and, -after staking out the horses, started to prepare a venison steak, -bacon, hoecake, and coffee for supper. - -The negro would have eaten ravenously, so nearly starved was he, only -the scout made him go slow, and did not give him half what he craved. - -“I’ll give you some more after a while; but now I’ll build a shelter -for you, as I think you’ll have to rest here for a few days, at -least.” - -The shelter was built and made comfortable, and then the scout cut -off from the swollen, blistered, and bruised feet the deerskin -covering that served as shoes, took a liniment from his pack, and, -after having the man stand in the water for some time, put it upon -them, after which he dressed the wound in his side, which, though -painful, was not serious. - -“Who gave you this?” - -“A bad white man, sah, who pretended ter be my friend, but arter he -heerd my story, he shot me, an’ he meant ter kill me, only I got one -in on him, sah. - -“Then I heerd a man call out, an’ voices talking, so I lit out, -thinkin’ they must be his frien’s, an’ I come rapid, sah, thinkin’ I -c’u’d reach the fort afore I died.” - -Buffalo Bill was now convinced that the negro had a secret of -importance to tell, so he gave him another steak, some hoecake, and a -cup of coffee, and watched him eat it with the look of a half-starved -animal. - -“I am mighty glad I met you, my man. What is your name?” - -“Black Bill, dey calls me, sah.” - -“All right, that is one bond between us, for my name is Bill. Did you -ever hear of Buffalo Bill?” - -“Is I hear ob him, sah? Indeed I has, an’ dere ain’t nobody livin’ -dat ain’t.” - -“Well, I am Buffalo Bill.” - -The look on the negro’s face at this information fairly startled the -scout. - -“You is de very man I’s lookin’ fer,” exclaimed the negro finally, -after he had recovered from his surprise. “Yas, sah, I knows you is -Massa Buf’ler Bill, I does, as he tole me jist how ye looked.” - -“Who did?” - -“De gemman who sent me ter find yer, sah.” - -“Who was it?” - -“Massa John Hill, sah.” - -“Ah! My old friend, John Hill?” - -“Dat’s him, sah.” - -“I thought he went East.” - -“He did went dere, sah, but he come back.” - -“Where is he?” - -“Whar de debble c’u’dn’t fin’ him, sah, fer he do be los’.” - -“Lost! Where?” - -“In de Big Horn country, sah, whar I left him an’ t’others. Dere’s a -heap ob ’em, Massa Buf’ler Bill, men, wimmens, an’ chil’en.” - -“When did they go there?” - -“Months ago, sah. Yer see, sah, I ust ter b’long ter Doctor Miner, a -gent from de Souf, who hed los’ his fortin by de war; but I didn’t -leab him, sah, an’ we was comin’ West ter hunt gold, when we come -across a outfit of folks as was also gold huntin’, fer Massa John -Hill hed met ’em an’ tole ’em he know’d whar ter git it. - -“So, sah, we all comed along an’ he guided us inter de Big Horn -country, an’ we go down inter a valley an’ make home dere. - -“But dere was bad men in dat outfit, and four ob ’em one night tuk -blastin’ powder we fotch along an’ blow up rocks ter stop de only -path down a cañon we hed leadin’ inter or out ob dat valley. - -“It were beautiful when we got dere, but dere were no way ob gittin’ -out, sah, fer it were all around wid mount’in cliffs, an’ mount’in -sheep c’u’dn’t git out. - -“Yer see, all de gold we hed dug was done by day an’ left up in de -cañon, de men goin’ home to de valley at night. - -“Dat’s why dem four bad men got dat powder an’ blow up dat cañon, an’ -we c’u’dn’t git out.” - -“Yet, you did.” - -“I has been a sailorman, sah, an’ I don’t git dizzy, an’ I said as -how I’d climb dem cliffs, an’ I did, by buildin’ ladders wid poles I -cut, choppin’ down a tree here an’ dere, an’ arter weeks of work I -got out, an’ den I fetch up my weepin an’ some grub, an’ Massa John -Hill he told me ter go ter Fort Fettermore an’ fine you, an’ tell you -he sent fer yer ter come an’ save dere lives; but ter tell no one -else but you, an’ when you come wid your scouts, you was ter bring -ropes in plenty, so as ter git ’em out of dat lonesome valley.” - -“And those four men?” - -“Dey overdid it, sah, fer dey didn’t git a horse, mule, or waggin out -ob de valley fust, an’ dey hed ter hoof it wid dere gold, or de gold -we all hed got, an’ carry it, an’ I guesses it were mighty slow work. - -“I guesses, sah, dey set off de blow-up business afore dey was ready, -fer all de pervisions were in de valley, sabe what was kept in de -cabin on de cliffs fer de men’s dinner.” - -“How long have you been on the trail, Bill?” - -“’Bout a month, sah, fer I hed to reckon as how ter go, an’ got los’, -so my grub gin out, my ammunition, too, an’ I has hed a terribul -time, sah, so I had.” - -“You look it; but you met white men on the way?” - -“One, sah an’ heerd others. Dey was gold hunters, sah.” - -“Not the four men who left the valley?” - -“No, sah, dat one I seen wasn’t.” - -“This is a strange story you tell me, Black Bill, but I believe you.” - -“Praise de Lor’, sah, fer now you kin sabe ’em all.” - -“I will try,” said Buffalo Bill firmly. - - - - - CHAPTER XVII. - - TWO SHOTS. - - -Black Bill would have talked all night had the scout allowed him to -do so; but Cody checked him again, dressed his wound and feet, and -gave him a little more to eat, after which he made him go to sleep. - -The scout looked to the comfort of his horses, and then, wrapping his -blankets about him, lay down to rest. - -At dawn, Buffalo Bill arose, built a fire, cooked a substantial -breakfast, having caught several fine fish from the stream, and then -he awoke the negro, who was still sleeping soundly. - -Black Bill was then allowed to eat all he wished, and the scout gave -him a change of his clothing to put on, and looked after his injuries. - -“Now, Black Bill, you are not fit even to ride, but you soon will -be. This is a good camp for you, and you will be comfortable. I will -leave you my pack horse, make you comfortable, give you plenty of -food and ammunition for your weapons, and I’ll kill a deer before I -go. Then you can fish and take it easy.” - -“Whar is you goin’, Massa Buf’ler Bill?” - -“To Fort Aspen, with all speed, for I shall get there a number of -negro scouts I want with me, the ropes John Hill says we will need, -pack horses well laden with provisions, and I’ll be back here in four -days.” - -“Yas, sah.” - -“Now, I do not think you will see any Indians here, for they have -skipped for their villages, and this camp is on no trail. If you -should, you must mount my pack horse and get away, for I will leave -my compass, and you must keep directly west.” - -“Yas, sah.” - -“It might be that the white men may be trailing you; but, if so, you -must make your escape, and be on the watch for any danger.” - -“Yas, sah, I kin do pretty well ter take keer o’ myself.” - -“I don’t doubt it. In four days you will be well enough to ride, and -we’ll start for that valley you have told me of, and get those people -out of their trouble.” - -Half an hour after, Buffalo Bill, having made his black comrade -thoroughly comfortable, mounted his horse and departed on his trail -to the fort. - -Black Bill looked after him wistfully as long as he was in sight, -but, looking back, the scout saw him wave a farewell, and muttered: - -“I am sorry to leave him, yet I must do so, as I can do nothing else, -for he could not stand the ride to the fort and back, and lives -depend on quick work, if I am not mistaken.” - -And the scout put his horse at a swift and steady pace. - -But he had not ridden many miles when suddenly he saw an Indian bound -from the ground and spring to the shelter of a tree, his bow and -arrows in hand. - -It was a long shot, and the scout had to fire quickly, and did so. It -seemed as though there was a double report; but the redskin fell, and -no others were visible. - -Cody knew that he had killed the Indian, and rode toward him, -dismounted, and bent over the body, when suddenly a human form -confronted him and a voice said: - -“Pard, I guesses I’ll take the scalp o’ this Injun, an’ as I holds -ther drop on you, ye’d better be kinder discreetlike.” - -Buffalo Bill was certainly caught off his guard by the appearance of -the stranger upon the scene where he least expected to see a human -being, unless a stray Indian. - -Yet it was a white man, and certainly an odd-looking one. He was -dressed in rudely tanned buckskin from head to foot, for he wore a -cap of that material, ornamented with the tail of a fox for a tassel. -He was a man of large size, muscular build, and looked hard as a pine -knot, while his hair was long, unkempt, and iron-gray, and his beard -short and grizzly, half hiding a face by no means prepossessing in -the features that were visible. - -The stranger was armed with an old rifle, a muzzle-loader, a revolver -of rather ancient manufacture, a couple of single-barrel pistols, -and a large bowie knife, while at his back hung a long bow and two -quivers of arrows. - -The eyes that gazed upon Buffalo Bill with a triumphant leer were -vicious, small, and glittering with hate, that seemed their natural -expression. - -He held his revolver upon Buffalo Bill to cover his heart, and seemed -to feel that he was wholly master of the situation. - -“Well, who in thunder are you, you old sinner?” demanded Buffalo -Bill, seemingly not in the slightest degree taken aback by the sudden -appearance of one that seemed to be a foe. - -“I are ther Bad Man o’ ther Big Horn,” was the cool reply. - -“The what?” and Bill smiled. - -“Ther Bad Man o’ ther Big Horn.” - -“You don’t mean it?” - -“I do.” - -“Well, you do look as if you could get away with a big horn.” - -“Look a-hyur, stranger pard, is yer pokin’ fun at me?” angrily asked -the man. - -“No, you are pokin’ that old gun at me,” was the cool response. - -“Who is you, anyhow?” asked the man, struck with the superb bearing -and handsome, fearless face of the scout. - -“Sitting Bull,” answered Bill, most innocently. - -“Do yer take me fer a fool?” - -“Like as not you are one of the renegades said to belong to his -tribe,” was the bold remark of the scout. - -“No, but I are friendly with ther Injuns.” - -“That means you dare not live among your own race, for you look as -though you might have been a white man once.” - -The basilisk eyes of the stranger fairly blazed at this, and his brow -grew dark with rage, while he answered quickly: - -“Ef I are, yer’ll never live ter tell thet yer seen me.” - -“I’ll stake that I do. Come, put up your money, or make no threats.” - -“Waal, you is a bold one, and I’d like ter know yer handle.” - -“The boys in camp call me Buffalo Bill.” - -Instantly the man’s face changed again, growing livid with passion, -while he hissed forth: - -“You is Bill Cody, is you?” - -“When I am at home, that is my name,” was the reply, and Bill -continued: “Now tell me your name, for the more I see of your face -the more I feel we have met before.” - -“We have.” - -“What deviltry were you in when I saw you last, old man?” - -“I’ll tell yer jist what I were doing then: It were a long time ago, -and you was a mere boy then, and you was guide fer a train I went ter -rob one night, and----” - -“You are Ginger Sam, by Jove!” cried Buffalo Bill, recalling the -man’s face, after nearly twenty years. - -“Yep.” - -“I remember you now, you miserable old sinner, and how you and your -gang hired as teamsters to the train and intended to massacre all -hands one night and get the booty.” - -“Thet’s so; but you overheard two o’ ther boys talkin’, and ther’ -were hangin’ done by ther train people, and I’d hev gone ther same -way if I hadn’ lit out. Yer thwarted me then, Bill Cody, and I’ve -heerd o’ yer doin’ big things o’ late on these hyur borders, an’ I -intend ter cut yer days short.” - -“And I have heard how you played your old tricks of deviltry until -you could not live in a border settlement, and here is where you came -to hide your ugly head, was it?” - -“Yas, and it’s better than hangin’.” - -“You are a bad citizen, Ginger Sam,” said Bill Cody, with a light -laugh, although the man still kept him covered with his revolver. - -“I’m a citizen thet shall take in Buf’ler Bill, fer ye’ve no business -in these hyur parts, and, hevin’ comed hyur, I’ll see that yer -remain, fer I’m ther Bad Man o’ ther Big Horn, I told yer.” - -“Do you see that dead Indian lying there?” asked Bill. - -“I do.” - -“Well, you had better spend your time burying him than in killing me, -for it will be more profitable business.” - -The outlaw was astounded at the cool nerve displayed by Buffalo Bill -in his danger, and could not understand his light, bantering tone. He -meant to kill Cody, there was no doubt; but as a cat will play with a -mouse to torture it, he wished to make Buffalo Bill suffer terror and -despair, so he delayed firing the fatal shot, feeling that he had the -scout wholly at his mercy. - -“I kilt that Injun.” - -“Why, I shot him myself!” said Buffalo Bill. “What a liar you are!” - -“I tell yer I was jist leavin’ ther timber when I seen thet Injun, -hevin’ got sight o’ me, I s’pose. So I cracks away, an’ I seen -him flop over an’ then lie still; but I lays close, fer I thought -t’others mou’t be near, an’ then I seen you come out o’ thet timber -from this p’int. - -“I flanked yer, and I’ve been lookin’ at yer, an’ now yer says you -kilt ther red.” - -“And I tell you the truth, and I can prove it.” - -“How kin you?” - -“Where did you aim to hit him?” - -“In the heart.” - -“Well, look and see if there are two bullet wounds in his body, for I -heard your shot, I remember now, and have no doubt but that you fired -at him; but he was dying when you did so. Look for the two wounds.” - -The man stooped to do so, and, with the bound of a panther, Buffalo -Bill was upon him. - - - - - CHAPTER XVIII. - - THE BAD MAN OF THE BIG HORN. - - -Thrown off his guard by the manner of the scout and by his interest -in searching for the second wound in the body of the Indian, Ginger -Sam went right into the trap which was set for him, and did just what -Buffalo Bill had been endeavoring he should do. - -Quick as lightning in his movements, Buffalo Bill had sprung forward -and seized the hand that held the revolver, before the outlaw could -come to an upright position, and at the same time he presented one of -his own weapons full in the face of his foe, while he said, in the -coolest manner possible: - -“If you wish to keep in good health, Ginger Sam, you’ll do as I tell -you!” - -The outlaw was livid with rage, and seemed to feel that his last day -on earth had come. - -“Do yer intend ter kill me?” - -“I do not know what I shall do with you in the end, but at present I -intend to disarm you. Drop old Daniel Boone’s rifle you hold in your -hand there.” - -“It mout break it.” - -“I guess not, for it’s too old a settler to be hurt by a little -tumble. Drop it, I say!” - -“It mout go off an’ shoot yer from ther concussion.” - -“My revolver will go off and shoot you from the muzzle, if you don’t -obey!” - -“Down she goes.” - -The outlaw dropped it in such a way, at the same time giving it a -kick, that showed he would like to have it explode in the fall and -kill his captor. - -But it did not, and, kicking it one side, Bill commanded: - -“Now, unbuckle your belt and let it fall!” - -“Now, thet would be dangerous.” - -“Do as I tell you, and be careful not to let your hand touch those -blunderbusses you carry, or you won’t know what killed you.” - -The man uttered an oath, but obeyed, and the belt of arms fell to the -ground. - -“Now step this way.” - -Bill drew him a few steps away from his rifle and belt, and then, -with a sudden violent wrench of the wrist, tore the revolver from the -outlaw’s hand, and pitched it over with the other weapons. - -“Now, Bad Man of the Big Horn, I was born tired, and don’t like work, -so take your knife and set to work to build a house under this tree,” -said Buffalo Bill. - -“A house?” asked the surprised man. - -“Yes.” - -“What kind of a house?” - -“One that will fit a dead man.” - -“Yer mean a grave?” asked the outlaw, in a tone of horror. - -“I do.” - -“Yer don’t mean ter kill me, and fust make me dig my own grave?” - -“No, you are not worth burying; but I wish to bury that Injun, there, -and being lazy, as I told you, I want you to dig his grave.” - -The outlaw seemed to feel relieved in knowing that he was not the one -to occupy the grave, and he at once set to work, and with his knife -began to throw out the earth quite rapidly. - -Buffalo Bill sat near, coolly watching him, and keeping him covered -with his revolver, and noticing the rapid work of the outlaw, he said: - -“I guess you were sexton for some graveyard, Ginger Sam, before you -took to thieving?” - -“Thet are jist what I were, Bill Cody,” replied the man, stopping in -his work. - -“And you took to robbing by night the people you buried by day, and -got caught at it, I guess, so had to dig for the West?” - -“Waal, you hits things pretty squar’, Bill Cody, fer they did plant a -leddy in my yard one day, thet were durned fool enough ter leave it -in her will thet she were ter be buried in her di’mints an’ t’other -jew’lry. - -“I know’d ther kin folks w’u’d dig her up some night, ef I didn’t, so -I did, an’ them as was comin’ ter do it seen me, an’ I jist hed ter -light out from them parts.” - -“Well, you look the ghoul you are: but go on with your work, for -life’s too short to listen to your sins, old man!” - -The ex-sexton resumed his work, with a sigh, and soon had an opening -which brought from the scout the remark: - -“No Injun could wish for more than that, Ginger Sam, and you are the -boss gravedigger of the Big Horn, whatever your other sins may be. -Now wrap that Injun in his blanket and lay him in it.” - -“Won’t yer scalp him?” - -“No. Come, delay no further, but bury that man, for I wish to be on -my way,” said Buffalo Bill. - -“Whar goin’?” - -“You’ll know all in good time.” - -The man muttered an oath, but obeyed orders, and when the redskin had -been buried, Buffalo Bill bound Ginger Sam securely with one end of -his lariat, and forced the man to go on his way in the lead. - -After gaining a point where the trail led across a river, Buffalo -Bill said: - -“Cross over, Ginger!” - -“What do yer want ter cross fer?” was the surly response. - -“I have my reasons, so wade in.” - -“No; I don’t keen ter git wet.” - -“Very well, take the back trail for the grave you dug; it will hold -two,” said Bill indifferently. - -The outlaw shuddered, and replied quickly: - -“I’ll cross the river.” - -“Right are you, Sammy, my boy.” - -Into the water they went, and, once on the other shore, where a -number of trails divided, Buffalo Bill selected the one that would -lead him to the fort. - -“Thet trail only goes up into ther hills,” said the outlaw nervously. - -“It is into the hills I wish to go.” - -“Ther’ ain’t nothin’ up thar yer want.” - -“There’s where you are off your base, Ginger, for there is.” - -“What do yer want?” - -“I desire that you shall take the quickest trail to the fort.” - -“I’ll die fust,” was the savage reply. - -“You had better do as I ask, for I am not one to palaver.” - -“I’ll not go a step.” - -“Then I’ll lead you there,” was the quiet reply. - -The outlaw saw that Buffalo Bill was in earnest, and his thoughts -flashed like lightning through his brain. - -His gaze falling upon the lariat end, held loosely in the hand of -Buffalo Bill, his eyes suddenly gleamed with inborn resolve, and he -said resignedly: - -“Waal, pard, as I don’t know thet I kin kick agin’ yer, I’ll do as -you say.” - -“Right, Sammy! Now, move on!” - -The outlaw obeyed, taking the trail once more with nimble step. - -As it wound along the edge of a ravine, through the bed of which -dashed a stream, the outlaw suddenly sprang over the precipice into -the depths below. - -Buffalo Bill caught hard at the end of the lariat, as it tightened, -but could not hold on, and the end slipped through his hand, and a -plunge following told him that his captive had fallen into the waters -below. - - - - - CHAPTER XIX. - - A DOUBLE ESCAPE. - - -Hardly had the splash of the descending form reached Cody’s ears, -when he was on foot and peering over the precipice. He saw that the -water was swift-running and deep, and that the stream wound out of -sight a few rods below by turning a rocky point. Instantly he decided -upon his course, and cast aside his arms and outer clothing. At once -he took the leap. - -It was thirty feet down to the water, but he struck feet foremost, -and without injury. - -In the meantime, a perfect swimmer, Ginger Sam knew just what was -before him, although his arms were bound behind his back. - -Keeping under water until he had rounded the point, which the current -and his own efforts soon enabled him to do, he then rose to the -surface and began to make for the shore. - -It was hard work, with only his feet to aid his efforts, and, -retarded as he was by his clothing and the lariat, but he made it -at last, and under the shelter of the overhanging hill had just sat -down to rest, smiling grimly at his escape, when round the point shot -Buffalo Bill, swimming with tremendous strokes. - -The hunted man uttered a cry of alarm, and, springing to his feet, -darted away at great speed. - -But the scout had always been noted for his fleetness on foot, and he -bounded along at a pace that overhauled the outlaw, who was hampered, -too, by his bound arms and the dragging lariat. - -Seeing that Buffalo Bill was gaining upon him, he finally came to a -halt, and sang out lustily: - -“Don’t shoot me!” - -“I have nothing to shoot you with, but I’ve a notion to drown you,” -answered Bill Cody, as he laid no light hand upon the other’s -shoulder. - -“Don’t do it, Bill, for ’twan’t no fault o’ mine. Yer see, my foot -slipped when I turned round ter speak ter you, an’ when I found -myself free, I concluded I’d try an’ stay so.” - -“As a scientific liar, Sam, you are ’way up; but, come, no funny -business, but go!” - -There was nothing for the outlaw to do but to obey, and he did that -promptly, taking a route that soon brought them to where the faithful -horse was standing guard most patiently in the spot where his master -had left him. - -“Now, I am due at the fort, for I have important work on hand and do -not wish to be delayed, so I will tie you to a tree here until my -return, or I’ll take you to your cabin, for I am sure you have a camp -near. Which shall it be?” - -“I’d be eaten up by b’ar an’ sich ef yer tied me to a tree.” - -“So I fear, and that would keep you from being hanged, so where is -your cabin?” - -“I got a den.” - -“Then lead to it, and quick.” - -The man saw that the scout was in earnest, so said: - -“We has got ter climb and leave yer boss here, so untie my han’s, fer -we goes up thet cliff.” - -“I’ll do it, and if you attempt to run, look out for a shot.” - -“I’m inter it now, so I won’t kick.” - -Buffalo Bill then untied the man’s hands, told him to stand on the -cliff until he hitched his horse, and, as he turned to do so, quick -as a flash the man made the leap again. - -Buffalo Bill sprang to the cliff, but did not follow him. - -“I have not the time to lose, and I won’t shoot him when he comes -into view,” he muttered. - -Soon the man appeared, smiling boldly, and apparently believing -Buffalo Bill was in pursuit. - -But with his arms free, he felt the chances were that he could get -away, as the scout was not armed. - -“I’ll not shoot you this time, though I could do so--we’ll meet -again,” shouted the scout. - -But the outlaw had at once dove deep, when he saw the scout on the -cliff, rifle in hand. - -Then Buffalo Bill mounted his horse, after hiding Ginger Sam’s -weapons, and rode rapidly away, for already had he lost too much -time. He pushed his horse hard, as he felt he could do so, with the -animal to get rest at the fort, and, making but short halts, he kept -on through the night, to strike at dawn the camp of Captain Keyes, -who had taken up the trail for the fort, going by easy marches with -his wounded soldiers and Indians. - - - - - CHAPTER XX. - - BLACK SCOUTS ON THE TRAIL. - - -After a hearty breakfast, Buffalo Bill confided to Captain Keyes his -experience, for he wished to keep the story of finding the negro, -Black Bill, a secret from all save the commanding officer. - -“Now, captain, I wish to pick my men and go at once on the trail, -for, from what that negro tells me, I fear those people are in a bad -way. - -“I know they have no right in the Big Horn country, but they are -there, in great danger, and there are women and children to be -rescued. - -“Now, I have every confidence in Sergeant Mobile Buck, and I wish a -corporal who is an equally good man for the work ahead. - -“Then I feel I can trust the men with Buck in his corral, and I wish -twenty-six all told, so, if you will pick out the balance to make up -the number, I know I will have just the band I can rely on. - -“Then, too, sir, I wish to take all the tools you may have along, -every lariat, stake line, and rope in the outfit, plenty of -provisions on pack animals, and the cannon powder, as I may need it -for blasting, from what Black Bill tells me. - -“Now, Captain Keyes, if you will fit me out at once with the men and -things I need, it will be a great favor, and we’ll be on the return -trail within a couple of hours.” - -“I’ll do it, Cody, for what you tell me about these people interests -me greatly. - -“I know just the men to send with you, and all we have in the outfit -which you can use is at your disposal,” said Captain Keyes. - -Sergeant Buck was at once called, and Buffalo Bill told him he wished -him, a corporal, and twenty-four men to take the trail with him, -Captain Keyes adding: - -“Yes, and we are to pick the men, sergeant, for Chief Cody will only -take colored soldiers, and they are to be his scouts.” - -“I’m mighty glad, sir, and I know we can get good men, sir,” was the -answer. - -A corporal was first selected, and though he was the hue of ink, -he rejoiced in the nickname of Milk White, being generally called -“Corporal Milk.” - -With his aid, and he was a splendid soldier, strong as a giant, and -an all-round good man, the twenty-four colored scouts were selected, -the entire squad of Sergeant Buck’s original escort being taken -along, save the wounded, for all wished to go with “Massa Buf’ler -Bill.” - -The scout took along extra rifles for all, carried on the pack -animals, every horse was picked for speed and endurance, a large -supply of provisions was taken, with every rope and lariat in the -command, and a big supply of ammunition and cannon powder. - -Within two hours, as Buffalo Bill had said, the band of black scouts -mounted and rode away from the command, all wondering what the reason -might be for the strange expedition. - -Buffalo Bill rode at the head, the sergeant following with fourteen -men, and then came the corporal with his ten men as a guard to the -pack animals and a reserve force. - -Buffalo Bill felt proud of his black scouts, and determined to -push rapidly on to the lone camp of Black Bill, where a halt for a -couple of days’ rest was to be made, and to enable the wounded and -half-starved negro to recuperate. - -Buffalo Bill also intended to take this time to mount his own pack -animal, which would be fresh, and try and strike the trail of Ginger -Sam, who would not be expecting him back from the fort for some days. - -He had by no means given up hope of capturing that gallows bird. - -So Buffalo Bill pushed rapidly on with his scouts, and halted only -when it was near sunset, for dinner and supper combined, and the men -turned in for sleep until after midnight. - -Then a start was made, and early that afternoon the camp of Black -Bill was reached. - -To the sergeant and corporal the scout had told of his coming upon -the starving and wounded negro; but to the men the surprise was very -great, upon coming across the lone camp. - -Black Bill greeted the chief of scouts with a shout, saying that he -was getting well fast, and he knew he would be ready for the trail at -once, if need be. - -“No, take a couple of days more, for I do not wish you to move until -really able to do so.” - -The chief of scouts did not remain long in camp, but started, mounted -on his pack animal, to go to the place where he had left Ginger Sam -and try to pick up his trail. He was confident that the man had a -cabin somewhere near there, as he had known the cliff trail so well, -and by leaping from it into the stream he could make a landing and -escape. - -The scout felt sure that Ginger Sam was in that country looking for -gold, and doubtless allied with the Indians, while again he might -have another comrade with him. He was determined to know and capture -the outlaw if he could, to kill him if he had to do so. - -He reached the place where the man had landed from the stream, and, -to one of his great scouting skill, he readily trailed the tracks of -the large and heavy boots, soaked as they had been with water. - -It soon became a hard trail to follow, but after a mile it led into a -cañon, and there the scout beheld a small, rude cabin. - -The door was closed, and the scout slipped up cautiously, to find it -tied on the outside. It was empty, but it was evident that Ginger Sam -had been there, for he had changed his wet boots for others. - -The ashes in the fireplace were cold, and Buffalo Bill seemed to -grasp the situation, for he said: - -“He came here and left without weapons; he has gone, and where but to -the Indian village to get more. - -“That will take him a week or longer, so I will visit him upon our -return, for he doubtless has a gold find near here, so that keeps him -alone in these wilds, for alone he certainly is. - -“He may have struck it rich, and so will I when I find him, as there -are old scores to settle with that man.” - -Then, fastening the door as he found it and returning to where he had -left his horse, for he had followed the trail on foot, Buffalo Bill -started for the camp of his black scouts. - -The negro courier from the penned-up settlers of the valley had made -himself solid with one and all of the black scouts, who did all they -could to hasten the recovery of his strength. He had recuperated -wonderfully, and was so anxious to start upon the trail of rescue -that Buffalo Bill decided to make a start the next afternoon and -travel by half-day trails until Black Bill was able to stand what the -others could. - -So the next day the chief and his scouts started upon the trail of -rescue. - - - - - CHAPTER XXI. - - TO THE RESCUE. - - -Feeling that he was on a trail of rescue, Black Bill rallied so fast -that he began to scout on ahead, and one day as Buffalo Bill came -near to where the negro lay full length upon the ground, he had -reached the summit of a range and was gazing over at something he had -discovered on the other side. - -Creeping up to the side of the negro, Buffalo Bill peered over -cautiously, and he, too, lay low, and motioned to the coming scouts -to come quietly and see the discovery that Black Bill had made. - -“Massa Bill, jist look a-yonder, sah, and see what I found,” said the -negro. - -“You can have them, Black Bill, for I don’t want them,” answered -Buffalo Bill, as he looked in the direction the negro pointed. - -The discovery was an Indian village. There it was in the valley, a -hundred tepees, at least, and with a large herd of ponies feeding -near. It did not look like a permanent village, and the experienced -eye of Buffalo Bill now told him that it was not. It was an Indian -village upon the march, and apparently halting there in the valley -for rest and game for a few days. - -One by one, the black scouts came up and dropped down at full length -by the side of their chief to peer over the range. - -They had expected some important discovery, but they saw more than -they cared to see. - -Not a word was spoken other than a low ejaculation of surprise or a -whistle at the startling discovery. - -Every eye was upon Cody, every ear waiting to catch his words. But -he had taken his field glass from its case and was already surveying -the river, the valley, the Indian village through it. What he was -thinking his face did not reveal. - -“Ain’t yer goin’ ter skeer ’em, Massa Buf’ler Bill?” asked the guide. - -“You mean by playing ghosts, Bill?” - -“Yes, sah.” - -“There’s safety in numbers, and I don’t think they would scare so -much as we would wish them to.” - -“Jist try it, sah.” - -“We will try it when a plan I have fails, when we have to do so.” - -“Yes, sah.” - -“Night is not very far off, none of the Indians will be coming up -here at this hour, and we can follow down the range until we get -opposite to where their ponies are. - -“From there we can see where the guards are, and how many if, indeed, -they have any watching their ponies. - -“Then as soon as it is dark we can go down into the valley, mount -some of the best ponies and stampede the whole herd.” - -The scouts all gave a chuckle of delight. - -“We can dash away with them, and keep pushing them along. - -“Of course, as you know, some of the braves will have ponies near -their tepees, and will follow, but they won’t see us, and, if there -are many of them, we can push on ahead of the herd, if the pace -becomes too hot. - -“In this way we can get by these redskins without being seen. - -“The Indians will not know what stampeded their ponies, and we will -leave them to find out the best way they can.” - -This plan of Buffalo Bill met with the approval of each man, though -Black Bill seemed to regret not being able to get a chance to “skeer -dem red Injuns silly,” as he expressed it. - -Down the range, out of sight of the Indian camp, went the scouts, -until Buffalo Bill halted at a spot just above where the herd of -ponies were feeding. - -Finding a hiding place, the chief swept the valley with his glass, -and soon discovered that there were only a couple of youths in charge -of the herd, and they were seated upon their ponies in the shadow of -the trees along the river bank. - -“There are boys in charge, pards, but soon after night braves will -come to relieve them, we may be sure, so we will be ready to move the -moment the shadows deepen in the valley. - -“Three of you go to the farther end of the herd and mount, and we -will go to the end near the village, so when you start they’ll follow -under our driving. - -“You take the lead, corporal, and keep the ponies going at full speed -when they get started.” - -The men understood the plan, and in half an hour it was dark. - -Of course, supper was not to be thought of then, and, while Corporal -Milk led the way to the lower end of the herd, Buffalo Bill and those -with him rounded up the ponies feeding nearest to the Indian village. - -Good ponies were caught without trouble, the scouts mounted, and, -with their lariats for bridles, began to urge the herd forward. - -The men lay low on the backs of the ponies, so as not to be seen, -and, as the corporal and those with him dashed off on the leaders, -the other scouts pushing the herd upon them, the two startled Indian -boys could just get out of the way as the stampeded animals went -flying down the valley. - -What stampeded them those two boys could not tell, but their shrill -cries gave the alarm, as well as did the thunder of hundreds of hoofs. - -There were braves in the village who had ponies near their tepees, -and as soon as they could they dashed off in pursuit. - -But the stampeded ponies had over a mile the start before the -warriors could get away, and that meant a long, hard chase unless the -ponies stopped of their own free will. - -There were not over a score of braves who had ponies near by, and, as -they came upon the two boys, the latter had a strange story to tell, -of the whole herd raising their heads as one animal, uttering wild -snorts, and going off as though possessed of evil spirits. - -On down the valley swept the herd, and, as mile after mile was gone -over, the slow ponies and used-up ones began to lag behind. - -But Corporal Milk and his men led the way, and Buffalo Bill and those -with him kept the pace a hot one, forcing the ponies that could run -and endure the strain close on the heels of the leaders. - -Behind them they knew the warriors were coming with all the speed -they could to try and head off the herd. - -But a stern chase is a long one always, especially when the leaders -have a start of over a mile, and several hours thus passed before at -last the shadowy outlines of the pursuers could be seen. - -“We must push to the lead now, pards, at all hazards. - -“We have to desert our ponies, and, fortunately, we have the timber -along the river to hide us,” said Buffalo Bill. - -The ponies they rode then were pushed the harder, and they began to -pass animal after animal. The center of the herd was reached, then -they forged nearer and nearer to the front, the ponies they passed -halting as they went by them, and thus checking the more rapid -pursuit of the braves in chase. - -At last Buffalo Bill saw Corporal Milk’s tall form ahead, and the -next moment the scouts were all bunched together. - -“Off to the right, here. All lie low on your own horses now, and no -one speak aloud, for there are a score of braves pursuing,” said -Buffalo Bill. - -The word was passed in a low tone from one to the other, the scouts -wheeled to the right, the shadow of the timber along the river was -reached, and each man slipped from the back of the animal he rode, -pulled off the lariat bridle from his pony, and bounded into the -shelter of the trees. - -Lashed with the lariats to urge them on, the group of ponies just -deserted, though fagged out, ran on down the valley, and suddenly in -chase swept half a dozen braves. - -“They had gained well on us, but they’ll soon head those ponies off -and return up the valley,” said Buffalo Bill. - -“It was a successful stampede,” remarked the corporal. - -“Yes; now to push along for a few miles, as soon as those braves go -back.” - -This the braves were not long in doing, going back at a canter and -driving the ponies so recently deserted by riders before them, yet -with no thought of the reason of the wild stampede. - - - - - CHAPTER XXII. - - BLACK BILL’S LONE HAND. - - -After going a couple of miles the black scouts returned to Sergeant -Buck and his men, and they all pushed on once more, flanking the -Indian village. - -They came to a small stream running down from the mountains, and this -the chief followed up until it was seen to come out of a cañon. - -Here was a good camping place, so a fire was built in a crevice of -the rocks, supper was gotten, and the scouts turned in for the night, -well tired out after their hard day’s work. - -Up with the light, they were determined to press on before having -breakfast, and fortunate for them it was, as they had not gone half -a mile, and were just nearing the mouth of the cañon they had camped -in, when Buffalo Bill, who was well in the advance, was seen to come -to a sudden stop. - -The scouts halted, also. They saw their chief step cautiously back -into a thicket, then move to the right and there stand gazing at what -had attracted his attention and halted him so suddenly. - -After a moment he motioned them to approach. - -They did so, and, gaining a point of observation, beheld, not a -quarter of a mile distant, a band of half a hundred Indians just -going into camp. They had picketed their ponies, and were gathering -wood with the intention of having breakfast there. - -“Those fellows are on a rapid march, and evidently belong to the -village up the river, and are going home. - -“I judge they have come from across the Big Horn, and have struck the -trail of their village and now have halted for rest and food. - -“Pards, we cannot get out of this cañon until they have passed on, -for we can’t scale those cliffs, not being birds, and you know this -stream tumbles over a precipice at the head of this trap. - -“Corporal, you remain here with me, and we’ll see what we can -discover more about that band, while the rest of you return up the -cañon and take it easy.” - -Buffalo Bill and Corporal Milk then remained in hiding, watching the -redskins, while the remainder of the band returned up the cañon, -which at its entrance was a quarter of a mile in width, but narrowed -to a few feet at its end, and there the creek tumbled over a cliff -into a waterfall. - -The Indians, the scouts saw, were some threescore in number, and -their ponies stood with heads lowered as though they had been very -hard ridden. - -Several fires had been built, and the smell of broiling venison -floated up the cañon, while the redskins could be seen gathered about -the fire, eating heartily. - -There was a thicket near that hid half of their camping place, but -Buffalo Bill quickly ran his field glass over the band, and at last -said: - -“Those redskins have been up to some deviltry, I am certain. - -“They have no plunder or scalps, but they have not been on a hunt, or -they would have their game with them. - -“Then, too, there is so much game in this country they would not have -to go after it.” - -“They’ve been on a war trail near some of the forts, sir, and look as -though they had been worsted in a fight,” said the corporal. - -“Yes, that is about it. Doubtless they have been in the neighborhood -of Fetterman, as they came up the right bank of the Big Horn.” - -“Do you observe any wounded among them, sir?” - -“Yes, now I am looking for wounded I see a number who appear to have -been used rather severely in a fight. I see that they appear in -no hurry now, having crossed the Big Horn and struck the trail of -their village; but their arrival there will cause wailing instead of -rejoicing---- Holy smoke! Look there!” - -Buffalo Bill pointed toward the other side of the cañon, where, -quietly walking out upon the plain, was no less a personage than -the giant negro, Black Bill. He had come out of the cañon, and was -walking deliberately down toward the Indian camp, the latter not yet -having discovered him. - -“Blast that darky! He will ruin us!” cried Corporal Milk, as he -looked toward the spot where Buffalo Bill had pointed and discovered -Black Bill going deliberately toward the Indian camp. - -“He will be killed if we don’t save him. Run, corporal, and call the -boys!” cried Buffalo Bill. - -He was about to obey, when the sergeant came running up, and not far -behind him were the other scouts. - -“Do you see that nigger, chief?” - -“Yes.” - -“He’s mad, or a traitor. He was there with us up the cañon, and said -he could scare the reds to death. Then he got up and walked away, and -soon after we discovered that he had gone toward the other side of -the cañon. We followed, and you see what he has done!” - -“Yes; perhaps he has got us into a hole from which there is no -escape. Stand ready, men, to see what the outcome will be.” - -The men were all ready for a fight or a race, as it might turn out -for them. - -Every eye was upon the negro, who was now too far off to recall. He -was walking calmly along, straight toward the Indian camp, and they, -strange to say, had not yet discovered him. - -They were still broiling venison steak on the end of sticks and -eating it in a way that showed their hunger by no means satiated. - -Feeling secure where they were, confident that they would not be -pursued that far into their country, and not knowing that their -village could not be over half a day’s journey ahead of them, they -were taking matters coolly, to recover from the strain they had -evidently been under for some time. - -Still the giant negro guide walked on, while the scouts could only -stand ready for action, watch him, and wait for the finale. He -appeared not in the least disturbed as he moved toward the Indian -camp. - -But suddenly there was heard a wild, almost unearthly cry. - -It was of terror and ferocity commingled, and it was echoed by half a -hundred throats, while it brought every brave to his feet. - -There was one glance of wild eyes toward the negro, gigantic in form, -black as ink, and gliding rather than seeming to walk toward them, -and with yells of fright they sprang for their ponies. - -There was not a moment of hesitation, and their cries told the story -of their stampede and terror, for loud was heard in their own tongue: - -“The black spirit! The evil spirit of the Big Horn!” - -Leaping upon their ponies, here and there two braves upon the back of -one horse, leaving their camp outfits, saddles and all, they started -off as fast as they could mount. - -They could be seen lashing their ponies furiously, and looking back -in terror, and were all soon spread out as they sped up the valley. - -Then Black Bill was seen by the amazed and watching scouts to start -in a run after them. - -This added to their flight and terror, and the blows falling upon the -worn-out ponies could be distinctly heard by the wondering scouts. - -The scouts could hardly restrain from a cheer, but Buffalo Bill said: - -“Remember, boys, we are scouts of silence on this trail.” - -Not an Indian was now visible, the last one having turned a bend in -the valley that shut them out of sight. - -The negro, however, still kept on after them. - -Then he, too, turned the bend and disappeared. - -Still Buffalo Bill gave no order to move. - -For some time they waited, but Black Bill did not reappear. - -The Indian camp remained as they had left it. - -If there was a badly wounded redskin there he was not visible. - -The fires still burned, and several Indian ponies were grazing near, -but no human being could be seen. - -At last an exclamation came from several of the scouts together. - -The guide was returning down the valley, but was yet a mile away. - - - - - CHAPTER XXIII. - - BLACK BILL’S PRISONER. - - -As Black Bill came on down the valley, the scouts wished to go out to -meet him, to greet him with a cheer. - -But this Buffalo Bill would not allow. - -“We do not yet know who may have been left in the camp, pards.” - -Upon second thought, this was considered the wisest plan, and they -kept in their place of concealment and waited. - -Down the valley in silence walked the guide, and at last reached -the camp. He disappeared behind the little thicket of pines, then -reappeared, and, walking to a grazing pony, slung his lariat. - -The animal was cleanly caught and led back to the thicket. - -Then some minutes passed away, and once more the negro reappeared. -He was leading the pony, and upon the animal, supported by several -saddles and blankets and tied there with lariats, was an Indian brave. - -That he was badly wounded the scouts could see at that distance. The -head of the pony was checked up, so that he could not feed, and then -he was led to the trail and started up the valley on the trail of the -Indian village and the braves who had stampeded. - -Until the pony disappeared from sight around the bend the giant negro -stood watching him. Then he turned back to the deserted camp and -disappeared in the thicket. - -Still Buffalo Bill did not allow the scouts to show themselves. - -After another long wait, the negro reappeared, and, looking toward -the cañon, he beckoned several times. “Now, pards, we’ll go.” - -With this, Buffalo Bill led the way, and they walked rapidly toward -the Indian camp, Black Bill having returned to the thicket. - -When Buffalo Bill and his men reached the camp, they beheld a strange -scene. - -The redskins had deserted everything. But that was not all, for they -had left the badly wounded Indian Black Bill had sent off, and two -dead comrades, the latter having evidently just died of their wounds. -And they had left still more, for, lying in the pine thicket was a -prisoner. - -It was a white man. He was securely bound, painfully so, and, as -the scouts rode up, they saw Black Bill kneeling by his side and -unfastening the thongs that were about his hands and feet, which were -much swollen. - -A glad cry broke from the lips of Buffalo Bill as he advanced toward -the prisoner. - -It was Don Miller, a gold hunter the scout knew well. - -“Ah, Miller, I am glad indeed to see you, and I have found it hard to -believe you dead,” said the chief, “as I heard you were.” - -“Only half dead, Cody; but you have saved me.” - -“And glad we are to do so.” - -“All the rest were killed--I am the last of my band of hunters.” - -“Yes, and the man I would have risked much to save, for I have not -forgotten what I owe you, Miller. Scouts, this is my friend, a -gold-boomer captain, Don Miller.” - -The men pressed about him and grasped his swollen hands, which Black -Bill had released. - -Turning to the negro guide, Buffalo Bill said: - -“Well, Bill, you have kept your word and frightened the redskins into -fits, so I know now surely that there is virtue in what you have -asserted about black spirits being a terror to the Indians of this -Big Horn country.” - -“Yes, sah, dey runs like de debbil when dey sees a nigger. I done -tell dis gemman here so. But, Massa Bill, we must git out of here -right quick, for dem Injuns will come right back after dere prisoner -in a short time.” - -This was decided upon at once, and preparations to start were begun. - -“Yer see, sah, we must not disturb de camp ’ceptin’ de gemman and de -gold, and as I hab sent off dat wounded Injun he’ll tell ’em about me. - -“I didn’t open my mouth to him, was still as death, but jist took him -up, put him on a pony, and tied him on all right. Then I started him -off. He think I am de black evil speeret of de Big Horn, and when dey -come back dey’ll find I has let de prisoner go, and what I hab done -wid de gold dey won’t care.” - -“Black Bill, you have got a very level head. It is just what we will -do. Come, boys! We must carry Mr. Miller and the gold, too.” - -“I’ll divide the gold, pards, for saving me as you did,” said Don -Miller. - -“If you can find a man in my band who would touch a dollar’s worth -of it for a service to you I wouldn’t have him with me five minutes -after I knew it,” said Buffalo Bill, somewhat hotly, and the men -joined heartily in their chief’s opinion. - -A quarter of an hour after their arrival in camp the scouts started -off, with Buffalo Bill in the lead. - -The Indian camp was left just as it was found, with the exception of -the gold and the rescued prisoner. - -The gold boomer’s horse and the ponies were left grazing near the -dead redskins, where they had been placed by their comrades, and -there was nothing to reveal that other than the supposed “evil -spirit,” a black ghost, had been there. - -The superstitious dread of the Indians all knew would allow them to -believe that the evil spirit had been angry with them for taking the -paleface. - -The scouts turned toward the base of the mountains and went along the -range. - -Mile after mile they held on until a stream was come to, flowing out -of a cañon, a march of fully a dozen miles had been made, and in a -secure spot Buffalo Bill encamped his men. - -Then the swollen limbs of the rescued prisoner were bathed, arnica -put on them, and a good meal cooked for all to enjoy, for Buffalo -Bill saw that a bend in the range would completely hide the smoke -from the Indians up the valley. - -It was a good place, too, where the gold could be hidden, for Don -Miller proudly said there was not a man in the party but whom he -would trust with the secret. - -If the people of the valley were found, the retreat would be up the -Big Horn to that point, at least, whether they were making for Fort -Aspen or Fort Fetterman, and the gold could be taken up and carried -along or a special expedition made for it. - -So the gold, in bright, glittering particles, from the size of a -pinhead to an acorn, and nuggets as large as a hen’s egg, were packed -more closely and hidden in a crevice in the cliff overhanging the -cañon. - -The march was not resumed that day, for Buffalo Bill wished to see -whether the Indians did follow, and, if so, that was a splendid place -for a stand, if as “black spirits” the scouts could not frighten them -off, and had consequently a fight on their hands. - -The next morning, as not an Indian had been seen, the party took up -the march. - -Don Miller expressed himself as feeling much better, and said that he -would be all right soon. - -On his account it was slow traveling, but Buffalo Bill felt that he -owed his life to the gold-boomer captain, and could not do too much -for him, and the men had the same feeling toward him for what he had -done for their chief. - -Thus another day passed, and Buffalo Bill knew that they had got well -up toward the Big Horn Mountains, and if the people of the valley -lived they could not be so very far from where the camp then was. - - - - - CHAPTER XXIV. - - THE LOST VALLEY. - - -Still another day and another went by, and each night brought the -scouts farther and farther into a most beautiful country, yet one -that thus far had been most fatal to all palefaces venturing there, -lured to risk life and untold hardships and suffering in search of -the yellow dross that buys men so readily, body and soul. - -Buffalo Bill once owed his life to Don Miller when he was a scout, -and liked the man; but he had given up scouting, and had gone to -lawless gold hunting in the Big Horn, and the report had come that -his whole party had been massacred; but Cody was only glad that his -friend had escaped. - -Noon the next day brought them to a perfect garden spot in the Big -Horn Mountains. The springs were as clear as crystal and as cold as -ice, the trees grand, and the little valleys most inviting for a camp. - -Black Bill boldly asserted that the Indians would never come there, -that they believed these mountains the abode of the evil spirits. - -Buffalo Bill knew, in spite of Miller’s protestations and nerve, -that Don was not yet well, but good food, rest, and bathing in these -springs would help him; so he decided to go regularly into camp -there. - -They need have no dread of Indians there, and they had left no trail -to be followed easily. - -They would halt there, for the men needed the rest, and he and Black -Bill would take short searches to try and find the Lost Valley and -its mysterious people. - -Several times in the last day the giant negro had halted and regarded -his surroundings in a fixed way. He seemed to be trying to recall -some feature in the landscape as though he had seen it before. - -It had been two months and more since he was there before, if he had -passed that way in his wanderings, and then the trees were bright -green, in midsummer. - -Now they were changing to autumn tints, and, as is well known, this -changed the whole aspect of the country. - -The springs the negro had not seen, though there were people from the -Lost Valley who had been there. - -“Black Bill has been near here before, I feel certain, Sergeant Buck, -and our plan is to scout about the mountains until we strike some -locality familiar to him.” - -“Yes, chief, that is just it, sir.” - -“We can all have a rest, and Miller is really not well yet.” - -“No, sir, and it is not any wonder, when you think them red devils -had his hands tied behind him during all their retreat, and his legs -so tightly bound that the flesh was cut into.” - -“Yes; but he will rally quickly here and soon will be well. - -“He is a brave and noble-hearted man, if he did break the law by -invading this country as a gold boomer.” - -“He is all you say of him, chief, and the boys are very much attached -to him, sir. - -“Then, too, sir, he’s another strong arm and brave heart, if we get -into trouble, which I now believe we will not, as Black Bill seems to -be a terror the redskins won’t face,” said Sergeant Buck. - -“But will you pick the camp?” - -“Yes.” - -The spot selected was all that could be wished. - -Wikiups were built as a shelter, for the cold nights were coming -on, and the men made themselves most comfortable right near a large -spring. - -Leaves furnished good mattresses to spread blankets upon, the -provisions were plentiful, and very little use had been made of the -ammunition, save to kill game. - -As there was no game near the spring, it was decided to send several -scouts on a hunt the next day to get deer, and in the streams the -fish were plentiful. - -The scouts had realized the virtue of being blacked up in that -country, and Don Miller had transferred himself also, in appearance -at least, to a negro. - -Without a guard, the scouts lay down to sleep, and nothing disturbed -their slumbers. - -The next morning Corporal Milk took a party hunting up the valley -with him, and Buffalo Bill and Black Bill began their real search for -the Lost Valley. - -The hunters were gone all day, and when they returned to the camp at -sunset they carried very heavy loads of game of various kinds. - -But the scouts who remained in the camp could give no reply as to -what had become of Buffalo Bill and the negro. - -They had not put in an appearance, and it was certainly thought that -they should have done so. - -“Was it any one else than the chief, I would be anxious,” said -Sergeant Buck hopefully; but all could see that he was anxious, even -though it was the chief. - -Buffalo Bill had said that they would be back before night. He had -not returned. It had been his intention, they knew, to go out each -day with the negro, and in a different direction, to try and come -upon some scene Black Bill would recognize. - -If he did not do so from that camp, they would move to another, and -in that time Don Miller would be as well as any of them, and they -would see what discovery could be made. - -But here, the very first day of the search, the chief of the scouts -and the giant negro did not return. What could it mean? - -Buffalo Bill was not the man to get lost anywhere. He could find -his way in the darkness right through an unknown country. It was a -talent with him--an instinct--and his men never feared for him, save -from an ambush from an enemy, or treachery. - -There were several of the scouts who still doubted the black guide. -They could not feel the faith in him which their chief did. In spite -of the seeming honesty of the negro, they doubted him. He was an -object of mystery to them--a man to dread. - -They could not believe that he had started alone to find aid, to look -up Buffalo Bill, and yet could not find his way back to the point -whence he had started. It looked strange to them. Now he had gone off -alone with the chief of scouts, and they had not returned. This to -some looked like treachery. - -The scouts awaited supper for some time, and then ate it, as the -chief and the negro did not return. - -The meal was, however, not enjoyed by any one. - -Bedtime came, and yet what could be done? No one could go out at -night to look for the missing chief and the negro. - -If nothing had happened, then Buffalo Bill would find the way to the -camp in a mountain storm. - -All knew that the scout did not go without his blanket, a haversack -of food, and was prepared to spend the night anywhere he might be -overtaken. - -A search of the traps of the negro showed that he had gone also -prepared for a stay, if necessary. - -At last the scouts decided to retire and put the best face on the -nonreturn of the chief by saying that they had doubtless gone so far, -made some discovery, and to carry out their intention had decided to -camp where they were for the night, to be on the spot early in the -morning, rather than return to camp. - -“We will start on the hunt, pards, if they are not here to -breakfast,” said Sergeant Buck. - -Dawn came, but the chief and the negro had not returned. - -One of those who appeared to be most anxious about the chief was Don -Miller. He wanted to go on the search. - -“We will all go, and divide in twos, and if we cannot find their -trail we will go the way we think they must have gone. - -“You take care of the camp, Mr. Miller, and each one of us, as he -gives up the search, will come in; only I do not wish any man to give -up until he is certain that he cannot find the chief, and must get -back here by night. - -“Yes, I want every man back here in camp by night. - -“You will see where we are located, and no man need get lost. - -“Come right back to camp if any discovery is made; and, I tell you, -boys, we must find the chief. - -“If he has been treacherously dealt with, as I see some of you -believe, then we know who did it, and we must find him. - -“Now, pards, let us be off!” said Sergeant Buck. - -Such was the sergeant’s speech to his comrades, and they all started -on their search. - -And in the lone camp, Don Miller remained by himself, watching them -as they disappeared on different trails, and musing to himself in a -very determined way: - -“Buffalo Bill must be found, dead or alive; and, if dead, he shall be -avenged!” - - - - - CHAPTER XXV. - - UNSEEN FOES. - - -When Buffalo Bill and the guide left the camp together, the chief -went down the valley leading from the Big Horn Mountains, where the -camp had been located, hoping to pass some scene that the negro would -recall at sight. - -Could he do this, Buffalo Bill felt little doubt but that they could -in that way find the Lost Valley, for the scout had perfect faith -that the negro was sincere in all that he had said, and that it was -not the creation of mind diseased. - -Brave as he was, good plainsman, also, it would be readily understood -by Buffalo Bill how the negro failed to find a given locality when he -had been guided thither by some one else, and had simply left there -to endeavor to find his way to a place where he could get word of -him, the chief of scouts, who was to be secretly urged to come to the -rescue of people in distress. - -Why some one else--the guide of the party, for instance--had not been -sent on this mission Buffalo Bill had been unable to find out from -Black Bill. - -Starting out alone with Black Bill, and having arrived, as it were, -almost upon the scene to which the negro had wished to bring him, -Buffalo Bill thought that, perhaps, he would tell him more than he -thus far had done, and to encourage him to do so he had said: - -“Well, you think we are near the Lost Valley?” - -“Sure, sah; very sartin.” - -“What do you tell by?” - -“Well, sah, dere is trees, and mountains, and valleys dat looks -familiarlike, though I can’t jist place ’em; but I is sartin I has -seen ’em before.” - -“Did you ever go far from the valley?” - -“Not very, sah; but I hunted ’round, maybe ten and a dozen miles -away.” - -“Suppose you find some spot that you recall thoroughly, will you go -right to the valley?” - -“Well, Massa Bill, I’ll go as near as I kin, and then let you decide -what is ter be done.” - -“All right; keep your eyes open, and see if you can find any place -you remember to have seen before.” - -“Yes, sah; I’m a-lookin’ hard, sah.” - -They went on together for some miles, and the valley they were -following opened into a larger one. - -As they came out into the larger valley, the guide halted suddenly, -rubbed his eyes, looked about him, and said earnestly: - -“Massa Buf’ler Bill, I knows whar I is.” - -“What do you recognize about this valley?” - -“If I is right, sah, you see dem cliffs ’way yonder?” - -“Yes.” - -“Dem is over de cañon where dey used ter git gold.” - -The negro started off in a way that told the scout that he was in -earnest, that he had certainly got his bearings from some familiar -scene before him. He kept up a rapid pace, Buffalo Bill keeping close -by his side. - -The cliffs loomed up nearer and nearer, and at last the scout and the -negro were almost under their shadow. - -“You see dat break yonder in de cliffs?” - -“Yes.” - -“It is a cañon, sah. It runs back from where you see de open place, -and dere big springs yonder dat flow down the cañon, and dere whar -dey found de gold.” - -The negro went forward alone, and began to climb up the steep rocks -to the break in the cliff. Watching him, Buffalo Bill saw him peep -cautiously over, as though he expected to see an enemy beyond. - -A moment he remained thus, and then came a distant report of a rifle -that echoed and reëchoed among the cliffs, and Buffalo Bill saw the -negro sink down upon his face as though dead. - -Buffalo Bill was fairly startled at what he beheld. He had not -thought of danger there to himself or to the negro. The shot had come -so unexpectedly that, for a moment, he did not know where to look for -an enemy. - -It appeared to have ended the life of the guide, for he had fallen -in a heap and lay motionless, like a dead man. - -But the scout was not one to hesitate long when action was needed, -or to allow a crime to go unpunished when he could bring the -perpetrators to book. - -Thoughts went like lightning through his mind. He thought of the -people of Lost Valley that the negro had risked so much to rescue. -Could they have killed their rescuer? - -How far was the Lost Valley from where he then was? - -Of course, it must be those from the valley who had fired on the -black giant. But who they were he must know, and where they were, as -well as why that murderous shot had been sent at a rescuer. - -Bounding forward while these thoughts were raging through his brain, -the scout reached a large rock at the base of the cliff. - -As he did so, a man sprang in view through the break of the cliff, -and within a few feet of the form of the negro. He was a large man, -heavily bearded, long-haired, and he held a rifle in his hand. - -With a wave of his hand to some one unseen, he called out: - -“Come, Tom; for I told you I was right. It’s ther giant nigger of the -valley.” - -Buffalo Bill heard the voice answer afar off, but did not catch what -was said; yet he heard the reply of the man in full view of him, for -he replied to the other: - -“Yes, dead as ther devil. I chipped him atween ther eyes. Come along.” - -The scout remained behind the bowlder. He could afford to wait; for -he knew that another enemy was near, and would soon be in sight. The -one in sight had fired on the negro, knowing who he was, and being -anxious to kill him. He had spoken, too, of the valley; so he must -know where that was. - -His words told Buffalo Bill that Black Bill was dead, and, in the -very moment of his success in bringing him to the rescue of people -who, if these two were a specimen of them, did not deserve rescue. - -“I think I’ve got the best of this,” muttered Buffalo Bill, and, -slinging his rifle at his back, he drew a revolver in each hand. - -“Ho, Rocks, yer got him,” Buffalo Bill heard, for he dared not look -toward the speaker for fear of being seen. - -“It’s ther nigger, ain’t it?” asked the man who had fired the shot. - -“Sure.” - -“How’d he get out?” - -“Who knows; fer I thought he’d given up tryin’ long ago.” - -“He didn’t, though, if he’s here.” - -“No, he didn’t; but there can’t be any more of ’em out.” - -“You bet ther ain’t, and they won’t be no more; so we’ve got it our -way, sure.” - -“We has, ef our two pards come back all right.” - -“They’ll git here, fer gold will fetch ’em, you bet.” - -“Then we’ll be rich for our nat’ral lives.” - -“We will; and hev something ter leave after death. - -“We played to win, and we got ther game; only I don’t like this -nigger gettin’ out.” - -“Me nuther.” - -“More might be gettin’ out now.” - -“Not ef they’re comin’ ther way he did; fer thar ain’t many men kin -do it that I’m acquainted with.” - -“Nor me; but I wish our two pards would git back with the horses, for -it’s after time some weeks, and provisions is running low.” - -“Yes, and gold won’t buy food in this country.” - -“No; all we has got won’t git us a meal if we was starving.” - -“That’s so; but suppose we keep a eye on ther valley, for if we see -more of ’em gittin’ out, it means death ter us, if we don’t fust kill -them.” - -“It does; but we’ll do ther killin’, as has just been done in this -case of ther nigger; but let’s drag him down inter ther soft ground, -go through his pockets, and see what he’s wuth to us outside of the -killin’, and then he kin be left for coyotes ter chaw on, fer it’s -too much like work ter plant him.” - -With this, the two men took hold of the negro, and their oaths -revealed to Buffalo Bill that they were dragging him along down the -steep hillside, and found it no easy task. - -Nearer and nearer they came, and the scout moved to the side of the -rock nearest to which they must pass. - -A moment more and they came within ten feet of him, and would have -come full upon him, when suddenly they were confronted by a tall -form, and heard the words: - -“Hands up, both of you!” - - - - - CHAPTER XXVI. - - FACE TO FACE WITH ENEMIES. - - -The sudden appearance of the chief of the black scouts before them, -appearing like an apparition to the two men, who had no thought of -danger near, caused them to cry out in mingled terror and utter -surprise. - -The form of the negro, which they were half bearing, half dragging -along, was dropped with a suddenness that was by no mean showing a -proper respect for the dead. - -The two men stood for an instant like statues, and before them -towered the tall, athletic form of Buffalo Bill. He held a revolver -in each hand, and was ten feet from them. - -“Hands up, I said!” - -The men had not heeded the first command, perhaps from utter -helplessness, in their amazement. Now they did heed, and quickly. - -Buffalo Bill stepped forward toward the one nearest him, unbuckled -his belt, thus disarming him of his knife and revolvers, and then -drew the strap of his rifle over his head. - -“Now, your turn, sir!” - -The man did not move. - -“Step here, quick, or I’ll reach you with a bullet!” - -The scout saw that the men had discovered that they were two to one, -and were plotting resistance. But the hint of reaching for him with -a bullet brought the man quickly to within the length of the scout’s -arm. He, too, was disarmed of his belt and weapons and his rifle. - -“Now, I wish to tie you, and if I see the first show of funny -business, you will hand in your chips.” - -The men made no resistance, but they were glancing toward each other -furtively, and certainly were plotting to escape. - -“Lie flat on your faces, both of you, and put your hands behind your -backs!” came the order. - -“I’ll tie ’em, Massa Buf’ler Bill.” - -The words fairly startled the scout, with all his iron nerve. It was -as though a dead man was speaking to him. - -The two men uttered a yell of fright, and, for a moment, seemed about -to risk bullets in the face of superstitious fear. - -Had it been nighttime, the added dread that darkness brings to the -superstitious would have sent them away on the jump. - -“Why, Black Bill, I thought that you were dead, and, thank Heaven, it -is not so!” said Buffalo Bill earnestly. - -“No, massa; it was a close call, for dat bullet done cut my head, and -I guess will kill me yet. - -“I is awful dizzy in my head like, but I kin tie dese gemmens, all -right.” - -With this, the negro passed his hand across his head, took his lariat -from over his shoulder, and began to tie the two men, Buffalo Bill -keeping them covered with his revolver, and aiding in binding them -securely. - -“The one lariat will do for them both, and keep them tied -together--there, now we have them; but you cannot stand up?” - -“It don’t seem as though I could, sir,” said the black, who kept -sitting on the ground. - -“I’ll see to your wound right off.” - -With this, the scout placed the weapons on the ground, wheeled the -prisoners face to face, and bound them thus with his own lariat. - -“Now, Black Bill,” and he began to examine the wound. - -It was in the center of the forehead; but, having been fired upward, -the bullet had glanced on the frontal bone, cut along under the scalp -for several inches, and then made its way out, leaving a long gash, -not serious, though the shock of the blow had felled the black and -rendered him unconscious for some minutes. - -Bathing the wound with water from his canteen, and binding it up with -a bandage moistened with arnica, the scout said: - -“You are all right now, and the dizzy feeling will soon wear off.” - -“It don’ hurt, sah; but it do feel like a mule hed kicked me.” - -“Rest is what you want, and we’ll go to the camp of these two men, -for it cannot be far away.” - -The men had stood watching the every movement of the scout, and -talking in whispers to each other. - -“We ain’t got no camp,” said one. - -“See here, men, you sought to kill this negro pard of mine, and that -he escaped death is a marvel. I heard all that you said, and I know -that you have a camp here, for you came from the camp of those who -settled in this basin.” - -“That’s so, Massa Bill, fer I knows ’em both, one being named Tom -Vail and t’other they calls Rocks. Dey had two pards, and we all -thought dey got kilt de day of de ’arthquake. I knows ’em, sah; but -why dey want ter kill me I doesn’t know, fer I never did ’em no harm, -and den I thought dey was dead, and felt sorry for ’em, but dere must -be two more of ’em, sah, so look out, Massa Bill.” - -“Yes, there are two more of them, though they are not here just now, -but are due. I know a little about these fellows myself, for they -gave themselves away when they thought they had killed you. Come, -lead the way to your camp, or I’ll find a way to make you, and which -you will not like.” - -The scout had unwound his lariat, so that they could walk side by -side, and the two men saw that there was no nonsense to be put up -with on their part, so one said: - -“We has a leetle camp down the valley, if yer wants ter go there.” - -“Lead the way. Black Bill, I’ll help you,” and, supporting the negro -with his arm, Buffalo Bill followed on behind the two men, as they -shuffled along down the valley, the weapons of each man being hung -about their necks so that they would have to carry them. - -The two prisoners walked slowly, partly because their legs were tied -so as to prevent rapid traveling, and also because they did not wish -to go. They were livid with rage and fear, with hate and anxiety, -for they did not know what would be their fate, while they saw their -hopes dashed to earth in a second of time. - -Down the valley they went for a mile, perhaps, the walk seeming to -benefit the negro, and, at last, they turned into a small cañon in -which grew a grove of pines, and at the head of which was a spring. - -“De cañon whar de people hunt fer gold not far from here, Massa -Bill,” said the negro, and then he added: - -“I jist guesses dat’s what dese men is here for, while t’others is in -ther Lost Valley, for something had been de matter, sartin.” - -The camp now came into view, a stoutly built log cabin, with door and -shutters of hewn timber, and a shed along the front. - -It was near the spring, was sheltered by the overhanging cliffs and -the pines, and, winter or summer, was a safe and comfortable retreat. - -“De people built de cabin, Massa Bill; put it up fer dere provisions, -which dey kept here, ter keep from going back to de valley, sah, -every night, and dey only all went on Sundays.” - -“So you did find your camp, eh?” said Buffalo Bill to the two men, -and he made them fast to a tree, back to back. - -Then he spread the negro’s blanket for him upon the pine straw, and -said: - -“Now, you lie down there, while I reconnoiter this camp, which is a -very snug affair, I see.” - -The two prisoners muttered oaths, the black lay down at full length, -and Buffalo Bill threw open the door of the cabin and the shutters, -which gave light within. - -It was a large cabin, and there were a number of bunks in it along -the rear wall. - -There were shelves, too, with provisions, and a table, cooking -utensils, weapons, and picks, shovels, axes, and hatchets. - -A haunch of venison hung under the shed outside, with bacon, hams, -and dried fish, showing that the men were still well supplied with -provisions. - -In a plot of ground back of the cabin there were potatoes, cabbages, -and turnips growing, and places to store them away for the winter. - -“You fellows have had the best, I see, and I am going to know about -you before I am done with you,” said Buffalo Bill. - -Then he added that he would cook dinner for all hands, and draw on -the cabin’s larder for his supplies. - -A fire was smoldering outside of the cabin, and this was replenished, -and soon a dinner of roast potatoes, bacon, venison, hoecake, and -coffee was prepared. - -Black Bill was asleep; but woke at the scout’s call, saying that he -felt much better, save for a headache. - -“It is well it is no worse. Now, see what a good dinner we have; or, -I may say, supper, for it is getting late. I guess we’ll camp here -to-night and return to our camp to-morrow; or I will go and bring the -boys here, for you must keep quiet for a few days.” - -“What is you doing here in the Big Horn country, anyhow?” said Rocks, -as Buffalo Bill untied the hands of the prisoners for them to eat -their dinner. - -“That is just what I came here to ask you, and, as a government -officer, I have the call.” - -“The nigger calls you Buffalo Bill.” - -“Yes.” - -“Is you him?” - -“Yes.” - -“I has heerd of yer,” said Rocks, watching the scout with interest. - -“So has I,” Tom Vail added. - -“You may hear of me before I leave this country of the Big Horn.” - -“Did ther nigger bring you here?” - -“About that.” - -“What for?” - -Buffalo Bill was willing to be questioned. He might find out what -Black Bill had so far not made known to him. So he answered: - -“You know this country belongs to the Indians, and the government -wishes to protect them in it, and will not send troops here, unless -compelled to do so to punish murdering redskins. - -“You men, and others like you, are aware that the Big Horn is rich -with gold finds, care nothing for the government’s pledges to the -Indians, and invade the mountains and valleys as gold boomers. - -“This keeps the Indians restless, revengeful, and hostile, causing -them to kill bands of whites where found, raid settlements away from -their lands, and thus force the military to punish them severely for -what you gold boomers have driven them to do. - -“You are, therefore, lawbreakers, and become murderers, for you kill -the Indians, and they in turn kill the gold boomers and many innocent -whites as well. - -“Now, I know that there is a settlement here, and, though they may -have done no harm to the Indians, they are still lawbreakers, and -must leave the country.” - -“You’ll have a lively time getting ther people of ther Lost Valley -out of this country, Buffalo Bill.” - -“It may be; but they must go,” was the determined rejoinder of the -chief of scouts. - - - - - CHAPTER XXVII. - - A DISCOVERY. - - -Buffalo Bill would have liked to have returned to his own camp that -night, but he saw that Black Bill was still somewhat dazed by the -wound in his head, and he did not just know how it would turn out. - -The scout had known similar wounds prove fatal when least expected, -and if the negro was left to guard the two prisoners he might lapse -into unconsciousness, and there be a possibility of the men getting -free. - -Then, too, he knew what had been said by the two men of the pards -they were expecting. - -They were overdue and might never come; and again, if they did happen -to come that very night it would mean sure death to Black Bill, -should he be left there alone. - -So the scout decided to remain, and, after the meal was over, he -secured the prisoners, left the negro in charge, and started out on a -search. He was not long in finding a trail leading into a wild cañon, -through which flowed a stream, like a river in wet weather, but at -other times dry. - -Going down this, the scout saw that he had struck the gold beds of -the people of the Lost Valley. - -It was a case of placer mining, the wash from the mountains of the -particles of gold, and yet the pick and shovel had been brought into -use also in the bed of the cañon. - -“They have gotten considerable gold out of here, that is certain, and -these men have been steadily at work, I see; but where are the people -of the Lost Valley, for only these two murderous scamps seem to be -anywhere about.” - -So musing, Buffalo Bill went on through the cañon, came out into -a large valley, and, climbing to the top of a lofty cliff, looked -about, glass in hand. - -It was nearly sunset; and the rays of light were cast far down the -valley, and the eyes of the scout fell upon moving objects there. - -At once he turned his glass upon them. - -“They are horsemen!” he cried, “and they are coming this way.” - -A moment after he continued: - -“There are two of them, but they are leading five horses. By Jove! I -believe they are the pards of these two murderers, just returning. -How lucky I did not return to my camp! - -“Yes, they must be their two comrades; and, if these men are -murderers, they can be no better that are coming. - -“They are all of half a dozen miles away, and it will be an hour and -a half before they can reach the cabin, and darkness will be in -soon. I’ll go and prepare for them.” - -The scout took another long look at the far-distant horsemen, then -descended from the cliff, walked rapidly back through the gold cañon, -and reached the cabin just as dusk fell. - -“Men, I am sorry to have to gag you and make you more secure, but I -am determined to be upon the safe side. Are you well enough, Bill, to -help me?” - -“Oh, yes, sah.” - -“Then get two sticks, put a piece of blanket over the head of each, -and have it so you can tie it back of their heads. - -“I will tie these men in their bunks, when they have been gagged and -they will give us no trouble or anxiety.” - -“It will kill us,” shouted Rocks. - -“Oh, no; you don’t die so easily.” - -The two men, bound as they were, sought to resist, but they soon -found that they were as children in the hands of the scout, and they -were placed in their bunks, made fast there, and the gags put in -their mouths so that they could utter no sound. - -To test this the scout gave each one a severe pinch, to make them cry -out, but a low groan was all that they could utter. - -“You see, I discovered some visitors coming, and who I am sure are -the pards of these two men coming for them; so we wish no outcries -of alarm, for I shall capture them also.” - -The two men could hear, if they could not talk, and they writhed and -moaned at what they heard. - -“You, Black Bill, hide in the pines, rifle in hand, and be ready to -drop those men if they attempt to run away.” - -“Yes, sah, I’ll do it.” - -“Hide a short distance off in the pines. Are you ready?” - -“Yes, sah.” - -“All right. I’ll wait in the cabin to welcome them.” - -The negro shouldered his rifle and walked to a place of hiding, with -the scout by his side. - -Then Buffalo Bill returned to the cabin and closed the door, to wait -the arrival of the visitors. - -That the chief of scouts had made no mistake in his surmise as to who -the two horsemen were was proven by the sound of hoofs coming up the -cañon. - -The guide saw by the moonlight two men, with five led horses, two -carrying packs, pass by him. He heard one say: - -“I’ll be sartin afore I make a break, for we don’t know what has -happened in ther three months we has been away.” - -“All right; I’ll wait here,” was the answer. - -The first speaker then rode on alone to the cabin and called out: - -“Ho, pards, kin yer give a couple of friends lodgin’ fer ther night?” - -The two prisoners writhed in agony of spirit, but Buffalo Bill, -imitating the voice of Rocks, and having learned the names of the two -men, called out: - -“Hooray! Is that you, Jim Sims and Alex Sands?” - -“It are. Any one with you?” - -“Yes; two pards is here. Wait until I open the door, and you bet we -is glad ter see yer, fer Tom is laid up jist now and feelin’ mighty -bad.” - -“Hoop-la! Come on, Alex!” cried Jim Sims in a joyful tone. - -“They are here, and all’s O.K., with the goose hanging high.” - -The tone was exultant, and Jim Sims leaped from his horse, stepped to -the door, and was suddenly seized by the throat with a grip of iron, -hurled to the dirt floor and heard the words: - -“Utter a sound of warning to your pard and you are a dead man!” - -The man was silent with fright, and, in an instant, the lariat of -Buffalo Bill had been passed round and round his arms, pinioning them -to his body, while his weapons had been removed. - -“Come in, Alex, and see poor Tom,” said Buffalo Bill, and the other -man, having dismounted, stepped into the cabin, to be felled his full -length by a stunning blow dealt him by Buffalo Bill full in the face. - -“Ho, Black Bill!” called out the scout, and the negro sprang into the -cabin at the call, having followed the last man closely. - -The latter found himself bound before he recovered from the scout’s -stunning blow full in the face, but he gasped: - -“Who is yer, cuss yer?” - -“A government officer on the track of gold boomers, four of whom we -have just roped in, for there lie your pards Tom and Rocks, in as bad -way as you are.” - -“Is this one all secure?” - -“You bet he is, Massa Buf’ler Bill.” - -“Buffalo Bill! That means we hang, Jim!” cried Alex Sands, in bitter -tones. - -“So you are Buffalo Bill, is yer?” asked Jim Sims. - -“Yes; anything else I can do for you?” The scout naturally felt -elated over his successful capture without firing a shot or having -taken a life. - -“No, cuss yer, yer hev done too much.” - -“We’ll take the gags out of the fellows’ mouths now, as we have these -two secure,” and, going over to the bunks, the two gags were removed, -water was handed the men, and the four were at liberty to talk -together, as soon as all four were secured in bunks for the night. - -Then Buffalo Bill and the negro went to care for the horses, and a -good grass plot was found down the cañon, where the animals were -staked out. - -The two packsaddles were well filled with supplies, and two of the -other horses had bridles and saddles on them for the use of the men -who were to ride them back to civilization when the gold boomers -returned with their riches. - -From the conversation of the four, Buffalo Bill soon gleamed that -the two had had a hard time of it going through on foot, but had -reached Helena at last, and, after a long rest, had bought horses -and supplies, and, watching their chance, had started back again -for the Big Horn Basin for their pards, and cheered by the riches -they would become possessors of and going to bring back with them to -civilization. - -The firelight showed Buffalo Bill that the two men had hard faces, -about on a par with his first two prisoners, and he knew that it -would not do to leave them alone, bound as they were, with Black -Bill, until the negro felt wholly himself again, and so he said: - -“Now, we will turn in, Black Bill, and get a good night’s rest, and -to-morrow I’ll go after the boys and bring them over here, for this -seems to be about the end of our trail.” - - - - - CHAPTER XXVIII. - - A LIVING TOMB. - - -When morning dawned, the scout and the giant black were on their feet. - -The latter said that he was all right, only his head was sore and -felt twice as heavy as usual. - -The prisoners were taken out of the bunks in the cabin and tied to -trees near the outside fire, where breakfast was put on by the negro, -while the scout went to lead the horses to water and to change them -to a fresh grazing ground. - -This was accomplished by the time the guide had breakfast done, and, -as the chief came up, he found the prisoners talking earnestly with -the black, who called out: - -“Massa Bill, what you think dese bad gemmens want me to do just now?” - -“Kill me, I suppose, and set them free.” - -“Lordy, Massa Bill, you read minds same as you does a book.” - -“It does not require much mind-reading to know that they offered you -big money to turn against me.” - -“That’s just what they did do, sah; offer to give me half de gold dey -have got ter set ’em free and let ’em kill you.” - -“They didn’t know you, Black Bill. But I don’t blame them, for -killing is their trade, and they naturally wish to go free. Come, -men, and we’ll have breakfast,” said the scout, with no show of -resentment toward his prisoners. - -The meal over with, Buffalo Bill decided to start at once for the -scout’s camp, leaving Black Bill to guard the four prisoners, who -were greatly cast down at their failure to bribe the negro to allow -them to go free, and which they could only do by putting the chief -out of the way. - -They had, indeed, offered him half the gold that they had, and said -he could accompany them on their way. - -That the guide would prove false to him Buffalo Bill did not for a -moment believe, and he called him aside and said: - -“Last night I would not leave you alone, with those fellows, black -pard, for I was not just sure how that head of yours would pan out -after that wound, and feared they might best you. But now you are all -right, and I will go to our camp after the boys. - -“You keep your eyes upon these men, for they are as tricky as snakes, -and bound as they are, they are four, you one, and they may find some -way of getting the best of you should you be off your guard for a -moment.” - -So saying, he shouldered his rifle, and started off for the scout’s -camp. He had not gone very far before he saw two men approaching. At -a glance he recognized Sergeant Buck and a soldier. - -They saw him about the same time, and gave a shout of joy. - -“We are after you, chief, for, as you did not put in an appearance -last night we got anxious about you.” - -“Where’s the black giant?” called out Sergeant Buck. - -“Safe, but by a miracle only, for he got a wound that was a very -close call.” - -“Fell on the rocks, sir, I suppose?” - -“No, he was shot.” - -Then Buffalo Bill told of the discovery so far made, and the capture -of the gold boomers, and learning that the scouts were scattered in -search of him, he said: - -“You return, sergeant, and bring the outfit here, for I will have -some one down the valley to meet you. If the boys do not come in -until night, come to-morrow, and Ben will go with me now, and see if -we cannot make further discoveries.” - -Sergeant Buck at once set off on the return trail, and Buffalo Bill -and Ben went back down the valley. - -As the break in the cliff was reached Buffalo Bill led the way up the -steep hillside, and the two continued on through the narrow pass. - -Buffalo Bill had an idea that he would make some discovery by going -through that pass that severed the range. - -As they drew near the farther end, they could see through the opening -that a large valley lay far below them, a thousand or more feet. - -The pass had narrowed to less than a hundred feet, and arose in solid -walls of rock far above them. - -When within a short distance of the end, Buffalo Bill halted suddenly -and cried: - -“See there, Ben!” - -“This end of the pass has been blasted out with powder.” - -“That is just what it was, Ben, and--we have found it--see? The Lost -Valley lies before us!” - -The chief of scouts, since his meeting with the black giant, almost -used up by starvation and wounds, had had his mind set on the -penned-up settlers in the Lost Valley. He had given his pledge to the -negro to answer the call upon him for aid, to go with him on what -to other men would have seemed an aimless trail. He had pushed on -against all dangers, all obstacles, and his intention was to triumph. - -There before him was the Lost Valley. - -It was no wonder that a triumphant smile hovered about the mouth of -Buffalo Bill and his dark eyes glowed with joy. He had come to the -end of the long and perilous trail. - -Where they stood, beneath their feet, and all around them, the rocks -were blackened with powder. There had been a heavy blast there, as -they could see. And that blast of powder had shattered the cliff, and -hurled a small mountain of rock down into the valley far below. - -It had broken off the edge of the cliff right at the end of the pass -most abruptly. - -Right beneath their feet the cliff broke off and went downward almost -like an artificial wall for a thousand feet or more. - -The two scouts advanced to the edge and their eyes became riveted in -wonder at what they beheld. - -Below them was a valley, or, rather, a basin, for it was surrounded -on every side by towering cliffs. No break could be seen anywhere, no -cañon pushing into the surrounding wall of rock. - -It was not a valley surrounded by mountain ranges, but a valley -completely encircled by cliffs rising one thousand feet. - -But that was not all, for right in its center was a large lake, with -wooded shores. - -Around the lake, in the timber, were scattered a score of cabins. A -herd of cattle, horses, and mules were there, too. A group of wagons -were in one place. Men, women, and children were also visible. - -The crowing of a rooster was heard down in the valley, and a flock of -sheep was feeding right beneath the cliff on which the scouts were -standing. - -For a long time Buffalo Bill gazed through his field glass at the -strange sight, and then without a word handed it to Scout Ben. - -He, too, looked long and attentively, and when he removed the glasses -from his eyes Buffalo Bill said: - -“How to get down there is the question.” - -“There must be some way, sah.” - -“I can discover no break anywhere in the walls. We must start those -people out pretty soon, for it will be slow traveling with a wagon -train, and we must not be caught on the way. Come, we will go after -Black Bill.” - - - - - CHAPTER XXIX. - - THE RESCUE. - - -Black Bill, revolver in hand, lay on the pine straw, guarding his -prisoners, who were tied to trees in front of him. - -Neither the negro nor his prisoners heard the scout approaching, but -the latter heard Rocks saying: - -“See here, nigger, don’t you be fool enough to think all four of us -is goin’ ter hang, and that one of us won’t git away, and that we -will kill you sure as the sun shines if you don’t let us go. - -“That fool, Buffalo Bill, has gone off trustin’ you, and our horses -ain’t far away, so we can all pack some provisions on, load up with -gold, and be far away afore he comes back. - -“As you say you are all on foot, ther scouts kin never catch us, and -you’ll git gold enough to last you all your days as a rich man.” - -“I’d ruther be a poor honest man than a rich one what had betrayed -the gemman I owes my life to more than one time. - -“You gemmen is as bad as you kin be, and I’m onter your whole game -now, though them in the valley don’t know it. - -“When dey does, your necks won’t be worth nothin’, I is a-thinkin’, -gemmens.” - -“Good for you, black pard.” - -The negro sprang to his feet, and was face to face with Buffalo Bill -and Ben. The four prisoners scowled and muttered curses. - -“Well, Black Bill, we have found your valley.” - -“Done found it, Massa Bill?” - -“Yes, we went through the break in the cliff where you so nearly lost -your life yesterday. - -“I have sent to our camp after the boys; but it must have been a very -hard and dangerous task, from what I have seen of the descent, to get -that train down into that sunken valley, a very Devil’s Den I would -call it.” - -“De pass led through and down de side of de cliff, sah. It were -mighty dangerous fer wagons, sah, but all right for de people ter -walk. - -“Saturday nights dey all went down in de valley ober Sunday. - -“One Saturday, Massa Bill, all went but four men--here dey is, right -here now. - -“Dey had been working on de cliff road, blastin’ it out wid powder, -for we brought our wagons along, with plenty of powder, sah. - -“Just at sunset dere came what we all thought was a ’arthquake or -volcano, and de whole front of de cliff fell into de valley. Dere was -rocks and fire and smoke go way up inter de air, and three people in -de valley was kilt dead. - -“When dey all got deir senses de next day, Sunday, dey came to de -conclusion dat de four men, dese very gemmens here, hab let de powder -git on fire and blew up de cliff and dem, too. - -“But I now know dat dese gemmens blowed up dat cliff on purposse, -sah, dat dey might git all de gold what was found in de cañon and -keep it. But, Massa Bill, dem poor people in de valley was same as in -jail, for dey couldn’t git out.” - -“These four men did prepare that powder mine to blow off the edge of -that cliff and keep those people in the valley, which you call lost, -and they were a lost people as well.” - -Standing on the very edge of the precipice, Buffalo Bill began to -watch the cliffsides with his glass. - -“Try and make them see you, Bill,” said the scout. - -The negro fired his rifle, and gave a loud halloo. - -Many faces were upturned at once, women and children were seen -running here and there, and a wild cheer arose as the negro was -recognized. - -The scene was a startling one, for the people in the valley were wild -with joy. - -Writing with a pencil upon several pages of his notebook, Buffalo -Bill put them in his handkerchief, wrapped it around a large stone, -and tossed it down into the valley. There was a wild rush for it at -once. - -“I told them that we were here, planning to get them out of their -valley. - -“That I had noticed that the winding trail along the face of the -cliff had been blocked up where the rocks had fallen below, and also -that it would readily be reached by lariats from here, and we would -find a way to rescue them.” - -“You’ll do it, Massa Bill, and I kin see now, sah, dat a few lariats -tied together will reach de old trail yonder.” - -“We can blast the rocks out that fell and choked up the trail, and we -can bring that whole outfit out of that valley, though it may take us -a week, perhaps longer, to do so. - -“I will write them what to do.” - -Another note was written and thrown down as before. - -Captain John Hill himself picked it up, and his voice reached those -on the cliff: - -“God bless you, Buffalo Bill.” - -“If you will spare us some powder, we can blast this end clear.” - -“There is another pass farther along, which you can blast out down to -the trail.” - -“Good!” - -“We will begin work to-morrow, for all my men will be here then,” was -shouted back in the clear tones of Buffalo Bill, and a great cheer -told him he had been heard, and hope filled every heart. - -Within one week the scouts slept in the valley, and the next morning -all hands went to work repairing wagons, harness, and shoeing the -horses and mules, while preparations were made by the women for -leaving the place, which had so long been to them a living tomb. - -Just two weeks after the arrival of the scouts, the march was begun. - -One wagon at a time was taken up the ledge trail; the women and -children followed, then the extra horses, and next the cattle, sheep, -and all that could be carried along. - - - - - CHAPTER XXX. - - OUT OF DEVIL’S DEN. - - -The march from the Devil’s Den, as Buffalo Bill called the sunken -valley, was a long one and slow, with wagons, stock and all on the -move, for chasms had to be bridged. Ten miles a day was a fair rate -of travel at first. - -Buffalo Bill led the way by the spot where Don Miller’s gold had been -buried, and this was recovered. - -In fairly good time Fort Aspen was reached. - -When nearing the fort, Buffalo Bill appointed Don Miller as guide to -the wagon train, and, with his black scouts, he started on a secret -expedition. - -The chief of scouts had a certain object in view, and he wished each -one of his men to share the honor with him, if the expedition proved -to be the success he hoped it would. - -Of course, Black Bill also went along, for he had become the very -shadow of Buffalo Bill, and was the hero of the whole band of black -scouts. - -The object of Buffalo Bill was to capture Ginger Sam, whom he felt -sure he would find at his cabin in winter quarters. - -At night the cabin was reached and quietly surrounded, and at -daylight, when the cabin door was opened by Ginger Sam, he looked -squarely into the muzzle of Buffalo Bill’s revolver. - -Up went his hands and he said: - -“Waal, you wins ther game.” - -“I will, when I play my last card, Ginger Sam.” - -“What are that?” - -“A rope,” was the significant reply. - -“You don’t intend ter hang me?” - -“Yes, with four more of your kind I found in the Big Horn and whom -Major Armes will make short work of, as he will you, and that will -about clear this country of such cattle as you. I knew you were bad -as they make ’em, but I have a friend who knows you to be a renegade -and the secret instigator of half the Indian deviltry done here. I -refer to Don Miller, whom the Indians captured, and understanding -Sioux well, he asked about you, as he thought you might get them not -to kill him, for once he had saved your life. But get your traps -ready, for after breakfast we start for the fort.” - -The next afternoon Buffalo Bill, his black scouts, and his prisoner -reached Fort Aspen, and the welcome the garrison gave them, and also -the rescued settlers, for they had arrived the day before, was enough -to repay the men all the hardships they had endured. - -“Another one to hang, Cody?” - -“Well, he’s a little late, for the other four were hanged this -morning; but it is never too late to do a good act, and there has -been a price on that man’s head for a long time. - -“Yes, the four wretches who proved such traitors to the settlers, I -had tried at once, and they were quickly sentenced, and to-morrow -this man’s life shall end, for white outlaws must expect no mercy -here. - -“But, Cody, let me thank you for your splendid services in behalf of -Fort Aspen and its garrison, and believe me, a full report of what -you have done shall go to headquarters without delay.” - - - - - CHAPTER XXXI. - - ANOTHER STRANGE STORY. - - -About a week later, Cody returned to Fort Advance one night from -a lone expedition, just as all the garrison were looking upon him -as dead, believing that he had at last met the doom so many had -predicted he would, and wondering why he had not long before done so. - -“Corporal of the guard! Cody is returning,” repeated the sentinel, as -he recognized a horseman coming at a lope over the plain. - -And such a cheer as went up at the words of the sentinel was seldom -heard, for that Buffalo Bill had discounted all predictions and again -proved his title to “bearing a charmed life,” was a joy to one and -all in the fort. - -He looked worn and haggard, and his horse was gaunt and weary, as -they passed in through the stockade; but the greeting was a grand one. - -Even Colonel Carr had begun to regard the scout as dead, for many -anxious days had passed since he had left the post on his recent -mission. - -Straight to headquarters he rode, dismounted, turned his horse loose -to go to the stable, and was met by Colonel Carr on the piazza, so -glad was that officer to welcome the great scout back again. - -“Come in, Cody, and I feel as though I was welcoming you back almost -from the grave.” - -“Not so bad as that, colonel, though I have been on a long trail, and -a strange one, sir.” - -“I do not doubt it--you show it in your face, and I was sorry that I -allowed you to go on the search.” - -“And I am glad that I went, sir, for I found the secret valley, and -I discovered enough to know that the inhabitants need looking after. -But I have a new plan to submit to you, sir. I’ve found a mystery -that must be uncovered.” - -“Well, tell me about your trip.” - -“I went on the trail, after leaving Fort Aspen, which a Mexican who -died there told me to take, and it led me into a country seldom -traveled, down in the land of an old deserted fort, Rosal. - -“I struck the Rosal range and found there a large lake in a most -beautiful valley, situated by itself, for all approaches to it are -desert lands, beyond which no one would suspect to find a garden spot -of beauty.” - -“Yes, I have heard only indirectly of such a country there, but not -that it was settled.” - -“Well, it is settled, as you shall hear: - -“The valley is beautiful, fertile, the surroundings well timbered, -grass abundant, and there is a large, deep lake of clear and icy -water. - -“I was surprised, I can tell you, sir, when I saw it, and yet my -suspicions were only beginning with the first view from the range -summit. - -“But first, sir, two days ago I ran upon an adventure and a strange -one. - -“As I began to enter the unknown and beautiful lake land, I came -unexpectedly upon what had been once the home, doubtless, of some old -Spanish or Mexican don; but it was in ruins, almost, and seemed to -have been long deserted. - -“Halting to gaze at it, I was startled to hear voices, the first I -had heard for days, and in English. - -“There was a shot, a cry in a woman’s voice, oaths in Mexican, and I -knew that some one was in trouble, so I rode to the rescue. - -“It didn’t last long, for I saw a man in Mexican uniform lying on the -ground, a young girl near him, their horses close by, and they had -been held up by several outlaws. - -“One I dropped, the others skipped, and I found I had rescued a -Mexican officer and the young girl, who, while on a ride had been -attacked by road agents, who had not expected help near. - -“A glancing shot on the head had stunned the officer, knocking him -from his saddle. - -“As the men dashed off and escaped me, for I didn’t press them close, -I admit, there being more than I wanted, one called out: ‘I’ll -remember you for this, Buffalo Bill.’” - -“This showed that he knew you.” - -“Yes, sir.” - -“But go on with your strange story.” - -“In a few words, sir, the officer had revived, and from the young -girl I learned that she lived some distance away, and the outlaws had -sought to force from her some secret, what I did not know, and, as I -felt that the villains believed I had help near, and finding out that -I had not would return, I urged a quick movement to a place of safety. - -“The girl and the officer quickly mounted, the latter still half -dazed from his wound, and I told them I would remain behind to check -pursuit and then follow upon their trail. - -“I did remain for a while, then left, but I stuck to the trail I had -been traveling, thinking that they might think there was a crowd if I -followed the girl and the officer. - -“As I rode along I suddenly spied a glittering object on the ground, -and picking it up I was surprised to find that it was a bracelet -studded with gems. I will show it to you later, for I have it. - -“Feeling sure that the lady had dropped it, I retraced my steps and -picked up their trail, only to lose it, and I am certain that they -covered up their tracks to throw me off the track. - -“Search as I might, I could not pick up the trail of the officer and -the girl, so I gave it up at last and went on to the valley, to halt -at a fine ranch I came upon and there ask hospitality. - -“But to tell you first of this strange valley and its people. - -“The settlement numbers a thousand people, is an adobe village, and -the dwellers there are Mexicans, with a mixture of Americans and -Indians. - -“From Silver Lake’s settlement the ranches branch out in the valley, -and there are some fine haciendas among them, the rancheros being -rich in cattle and horses, and a mixture of Americans and Mexicans of -the better class.” - -“You surprise me, Cody, and interest me greatly,” said Colonel Carr. - -“I was greatly surprised and interested myself, sir, during the two -days and nights I was in the valley. - -“All seems peaceful there, too, and yet upon that valley rests -a cruel curse, for it is under a ban of outlawry that is most -mysterious, and the more terrible because the actors are unseen, -unknown, and therefore secret foes. - -“Upon this strange community hangs my mission of duty that I ask to -go upon.” - -“Well?” - -“I was struck with the beauty of the valley, the apparent wealth -of the rancheros, and where I stopped was the home of an American, -who was half Mexican, for he had had a Texan for his father, who -had married a lady of Mexico. He received me with the greatest -hospitality, and we became so friendly that he told me that night, as -we sat together, of the ban upon the fair valley. - -“I questioned him closely, for I wished to know all that I could -discover, and he made known, though with considerable dread at doing -so, that the curse upon the community was from the deeds of a secret -foe or rather foes. Who that foe was no one could tell, and yet he -was most in evidence at every ranch in the valley, upon which he -levied tribute or blood money, I may say, and got it.” - -“But how did he do this?” - -“By a placard stuck on the gate of a ranch house, or hacienda, -demanding a certain sum to be placed in a designated spot on a day or -night named, under the penalty, if refused, of a death in the family.” - -“This must be looked to, Cody.” - -“That is just what I am after, colonel.” - -“But why do not the rancheros have the nerve to put this unseen -robber to the test?” - -“They have, sir, and to their bitter cost.” - -“He has carried out his threats, then?” - -“He has, sir, promptly and without mercy, and that is why they no -longer refuse the demands upon them.” - -“I can hardly wonder at it, when an unseen foe strikes at those they -love.” - -“He does more, sir, for he has taken from each home a hostage, -keeping them comfortably, as they are allowed to write home, but -holding them against refusal of his demands, and threatens to thus -keep them until he gains the purpose for which he is striving, a -certain amount of money, I take it, sir.” - -“There is no doubt of it, and it is a novel way of gaining his ends; -but still I believe he can be checkmated.” - -“I feel confident of it, sir, and for that reason I wish your -permission to go to that valley and solve that mystery, hunt down -that unseen and unknown foe. - -“You know that Scout Texas Jack brought with him a dozen Texans as -scouts, and they are all saddle sharps, superb lassoists, dead shots, -speak Spanish more or less fluently, and are utterly fearless.” - -“They are all that you say, Cody.” - -“Now, colonel, I wish to take Texas Jack and his Texans and go to -that valley and take possession of a deserted hacienda I saw there -and turn ranchero, buying cattle and horses, and establishing myself -there for the one purpose of discovering the daring leader who thus -threatens, robs, and persecutes these people, and I am sure, sir, -that I can unearth a mystery that will fully compensate for our -time.” - -“Cody, you can go, and take the men you ask for. You have been there, -understand the situation, and know what you are doing, so I leave all -to you.” - -“Now, colonel, as the owner of this bracelet dodged me, beyond all -doubt, I have it to return to her and will do so. Here it is, sir.” - -“Why, it is worth a small fortune, Cody,” said the colonel, gazing -earnestly at the handsome bracelet. - - - - - CHAPTER XXXII. - - UNDER A CURSE. - - -Buffalo Bill went on to tell how hard he had tried to find the owner -of the bracelet, and what he considered proof that she and the -wounded Mexican officer had covered up their tracks. - -“I gave that deserted ranch a close call, sir,” resumed the scout, -“for I was interested in it, and it was really a grand old ruin, -avoided, as I found out later, by all, and feared, for it is known as -the Haunted Hacienda, and the believers in ghosts all are sure that -it is the haunt of evil spirits. - -“I took it all in and made up my mind that it would be valuable for -me to haunt when I returned to the valley with the force I was going -to ask you to let me have, and which you have kindly given me. - -“I rode on up the valley to the settlement of Silver Lake City -without meeting a soul. - -“That city, as they call it, is beautifully situated, and is composed -of adobe houses, the people seeming to have very little to do. Some -mine in the mountains, others of the men are cowboys on the ranches -down the valley, there are several stores, saloons, and a blacksmith -shop or two, with an old mission chapel and a priest. There is a -halfway inn there, and if the landlord is not a villain, then his -looks belie him. - -“I told him I was looking for a ranch, and he told me there was none -for sale. - -“I asked him about the deserted hacienda, and he said that no one -would live there, as it was haunted by evil spirits, and he either -believed it, or could lie with as straight a face as I ever saw. - -“He said the place belonged to some one in Mexico, who had inherited -it; that every one who had last lived there had died overnight, from -what cause no one knew, for there were no signs of violence upon -them, but all were found dead in the morning, as also every horse, -cow, sheep, and dog in the walled-in place.” - -“This is a remarkable story, Cody.” - -“Yes, but he told it as the truth, and there stands the deserted -hacienda, with the graves, thirty-three in number, in one corner of -the grounds. - -“I asked the landlord as much as I dared, to try and find out who the -maiden and the Mexican officer were. From what I could learn from -him, if the one I rescued was the one he had in mind, the young lady -is known as Suelo, the Recluse. She is the daughter of a Mexican -nobleman, I heard, but lives alone at her hacienda, which is a fine -one, with only her servants and a score of Mexican cattlemen, and all -appear to worship her. - -“But no one in the valley knows much about her, the landlord said, -and who the Mexican officer was he did not know. - -“I did not tell him I had rescued them, but merely said I had met -them, and her beauty and his fine looks and uniform impressed me. - -“I called upon the priest, but he was absent, and so I determined to -bring the bracelet on with me, and when I go back I shall look up the -owner, and then, sir, I shall take the deserted hacienda as my ranch.” - -“Well, Cody, you are the best judge of just what to do; but I assure -you I will not only be anxious about you, but will watch the result -with great interest. If you need aid I will give you letters to the -nearest posts, so you will be able to call on them for what men you -may wish.” - -“Thank you, sir. My idea was to stop at the government corrals on -my way down--for you know they send the cattle southward to feed in -winter--and borrow a lot of steers and horses to drive to my ranch -and care for, thus carrying out the idea that I had gone to the -valley to settle and make it my home. - -“I shall tell the priest that I will pay rent when the owner demands -it, and thus keep my taking possession of the deserted ranch from -appearing a lawless act.” - -“It would be a good idea. Come to me when you are ready to start, -and I will give you all letters necessary to have you carry out your -plans,” said the commandant, and Buffalo Bill departed, to prepare -for his latest mission. - -All the garrison at the fort wondered what was going on when they saw -Buffalo Bill ride away from the post at the head of fourteen of the -best scouts, most daring Indian fighters, and wildest riders on the -frontier. - -Men and horses had been picked for a purpose, it could be plainly -seen. They had extra animals along, and half a dozen pack mules, well -loaded with a camp outfit, provisions, and ammunition. - -Those that saw them waiting for the start beheld Texas Jack, the -noted ranger scout from the Lone Star State, and next in rank to -Buffalo Bill at the post. - -“Where are you going, Jack?” asked an officer of cavalry, passing the -squad of wild riders. - -“Don’t know, sir. Got orders to get ready for a long trail, and am -prepared for a fight, foot race, or siege, sir.” - -“I have not heard of any news that causes Colonel Carr to send out -Cody and his picked saddle sharps,” continued the officer. - -“Nor have I, sir.” - -“Have none of the men an idea?” - -“Not one, sir, and we are waiting for Cody, now, for he has gone to -the colonel for last orders.” - -As Texas Jack spoke, Buffalo Bill appeared, coming from the -colonel’s quarters. He was splendidly mounted and armed. - -“Which way, Cody?” asked the major of the post. - -“Southward on a scout, major,” was Buffalo Bill’s reply, and, -saluting, he rode to the head of the line, and gave the order to -march. - -The scouts obeyed, following in two files, Texas Jack at the head of -one, Winfield leading the other, while two men brought up the rear, -to keep the pack-mules closed up. - -That the band of wild riders were curious about their going, was -certain; but not a hint came from their chief, and not a man dared to -question him. - -The start had been made after dinner, and after a ride of twenty-five -miles a halt was made for the night. - -The next day forty miles were placed behind them, and the scouts knew -that the chief had started upon a long journey. - -So it went on for day after day, from forty to fifty miles being -made, the cattle being well cared for, with long noonday halts, until -the chief of scouts bore toward the right, into a land that was -unknown to his followers. - -“We will leave Santa Fe well to our left,” said Texas Jack to -Winfield one day. - -“Yes, but why does not the chief give us a hint of where we are -going?” - -“He will, in good time.” - -“Oh, yes; but it is an important trail, I feel sure, and connected -with his trip southward which he has just returned from.” - -“No doubt it is; but the government cattle corrals must be in this -course.” - -“Yes, and I believe we are going after cattle; but to-morrow will -tell, as the corrals and grazing grounds are on the headwaters of the -San Juan, and that is the way we are pointed now, and we must reach -there before two more camps.” - -The same style of conversation and guesswork the other scouts -indulged in, and still the chief said nothing as to their -destination, and all decided that it was to the corrals to drive back -cattle. - -But that night, when they went into camp, Buffalo Bill said, after -all had had supper: - -“Pards, I have had nothing to say as to our mission, as there was -little to tell you. But, as we strike the government corrals at noon -to-morrow, I wish to say that we are to get there a large herd of -cattle, and a band of a hundred or more horses.” - -“Yes, we supposed that was what we were going for, chief,” said Texas -Jack. - -Buffalo Bill smiled, and replied: - -“Colonel Carr thought it best for me not to tell you my purpose until -we neared the corrals, and then, if any of you wished to back out, -you could remain there, and I could find other men in your places; -but I think I picked those men who will stand by me.” - -“Just try us!” cried Texas Jack, and the other men all cried out in -the same vein. - -“Now, though we are going to get cattle and horses, we drive them -south instead of north, and I tell you plainly that we are going to -a pleasant valley where I am to turn ranchero, and you are to be my -cattlemen. - -“That I do this for other motives than posing as a ranchero, you may -all be certain, and that there will be hot work ahead of us I feel -very confident. - -“Does any man wish to remain at the corrals?” - -The response to this question of Buffalo Bill was so earnest that he -knew he had nothing to fear from any one of his riders. - - - - - CHAPTER XXXIII. - - THE HACIENDA. - - -After an uneventful journey, Buffalo Bill rode up to the little inn -where he had before halted, and was greeted by the same Mexican -landlord, whom he had not particularly fancied. - -Speaking English well, the landlord recognized the handsome scout, -and said in a way that was meant to be hospitable, but which was full -of curiosity: - -“Ah, señor, you again come this way--is your stay to be short, as -before?” - -“On the contrary, Señor Riel, I am here to stay.” - -“Ah, señor! you like the Silver Lake Valley, then?” - -“Very much.” - -“You are a gambler, perhaps, señor, or you have no business?” - -“Oh, no, I am a ranchero, and have come to settle down the valley, -near the lake.” - -“You amaze me, señor, for there is no ranch to sell there.” - -“There is one unoccupied, and may be for sale. I shall take -possession of it, herd my cattle in the surrounding country, and, -when the owner appears, will pay him what is just. Now, tell me, -Señor Riel, if the padre is at home---- Oh, I see him there now,” and -Buffalo Bill walked rapidly away to where a small, dark-faced man -was standing, dressed as a Mexican priest. - -“The Padre Juan, I believe?” he asked politely. - -“Yes, my son, but I know you not.” - -“No; I am an American, and once passing through this valley, decided -to find a home here. I called upon you, but you were away from home, -and I have just arrived to settle here.” - -“How can I serve you, señor?” - -“I have some miles away my cattle and horses, and my destination is -the old deserted hacienda down the valley on the lake. I would ask -you if you can place me in communication with the owner?” - -“I cannot, my son, for the one who fell heir to that truly accursed -place is a stranger, and was never here. It is a blot upon the -valley, and will be a home of ill omen should you dwell there, which -Heaven forbid.” - -“I thank you, padre, but my men and cattle are near, and to-morrow -night I will take possession of the ill-omened place, as you call it, -with the pledge to you to pay what is right for its use. As we are -all men, we need but little household furniture, and that I can buy -at your stores here in Silver Lake City.” - -“But, my son, let me tell you that this whole valley is under a -curse, and if you remain here, especially within that dreary hacienda -with its record of death, you but become another upon whom suffering -must fall.” - -“I will take all chances, padre, and as the deserted hacienda is to -be my home, let me say that I will be happy to entertain you there -whenever you pass that way.” - -“Thank you, señor, thank you, but only in case duty called me would I -cross the threshold of that house, for it is haunted by the crudest -of memories, if not worse. I wish you well, señor, but I have warned -you--it was my duty.” - -Returning to the landlord of the little adobe tavern, Buffalo Bill -told him that he wished to make some purchases, and to get a wagon to -take them to the deserted hacienda. - -“You will go there, then, señor?” - -“Oh, yes.” - -“You do not heed the warnings, then?” - -“I am not superstitious, and so warnings of imaginary evils have no -dread for me; but, if warned of a real danger, I heed, as I flatter -myself that I am no fool.” - -The landlord shook his head; and then said he would furnish the means -of transportation for what the señor cared to purchase, and he would -take him to the best places at which to buy them. - -The purchases were soon made, loaded in a wagon, and started upon the -way for the hacienda, the scout, after having dinner at the tavern, -starting on after the men, for they were already well on their way -to the new home of Buffalo Bill in the mysterious valley. - -The wagon was soon overtaken, and afterward the herd, and Buffalo -Bill said: - -“We now camp, pards, and to-morrow early we go into our home.” - -The night halt was made, an early start followed the next morning, -and before noon the cattle were halted upon the rich meadowland on -either side the lake, several scouts left to guard them, while the -rest rode on after their chief, who had gone on ahead to the hacienda. - -“If that is not an owl’s roost I’m mistaken,” said one. - -“It may be an outlaws’ retreat.” - -“The place may be haunted.” - -Some laughed, some did not, others looked grave, and said nothing. -The superstitions of a few had been aroused. - -But into the walled-in plaza rode the scouts, followed by the wagon, -and there stood Buffalo Bill, but his left sleeve was stained with -blood, his face had a bruise upon it, and he had the appearance of -one who had been in a terrible struggle. - -“Boys,” he said calmly, “make yourselves at home, for I am master -here.” - -Telling Texas Jack where to halt the cattle and horses, to have a -guard of several men over them, and then come on with the others and -the wagon and animals. - -The chief of scouts had cantered on alone to the hacienda. - -As he approached it, he saw that all appeared there as he had left it -a month before. - -To him it looked as though no one had visited the place, and he saw -not even a skulking coyote. This put him on his guard, for he knew -that when he had visited the place first many coyotes had run out. -Now, having found none about, he at once concluded that some one -had been there within the last few minutes. So he was on his guard. -Leaving his horse in the grounds, he entered the hacienda. - -It was a large structure, one story in height, built of adobe, and in -the center was a square towerlike structure, with a top that looked -very much as though the whole space within the walls, several acres -in area, could be swept by even revolvers in the hands of persons -stationed there on the tower roof. In the rear was a lofty cliff. It -commanded, too, a wide range with rifles, and that it was intended -for a stronghold there was no doubt in the scout’s mind. - -There were about thirty rooms in the building, some furnished with -chairs and bedsteads, but of all else the place had been swept clean. - -Selecting the rooms that were to be their quarters, and being glad -to see that the place within the walls would readily hold all their -horses and cattle in an emergency when the entrance was repaired, -Buffalo Bill was passing out through a long and dimly lighted -corridor, when he beheld before him what appeared to be two diamonds -glittering in the half darkness. - -But he was not deceived, he had seen just such balls of fire often -before in his eventful life, and he was as quick as a flash in -dropping his hand upon a weapon in his belt. - -It was his knife, and he had just time to draw it and raise the -point, when, with a savage growl there sprang upon him a huge -mountain lion. - -The weight of the animal hurled Buffalo Bill backward, and he fell -against the rough wall with considerable force, bruising his face -badly, while he also felt the teeth of the mad animal buried in his -arm. - -But he had got his knife on guard, and the long, sharp blade had cut -into the heart of the lion, the force of the spring driving it to the -hilt. - -Half dazed by the fall against the wall and the blow of the huge body -against him, Buffalo Bill yet recognized that he must cut, and once -more he drove his knife deep into the shaggy hide. - -But to his joy he recognized that there was no need of his doing -more, for the animal upon him was a dead weight, the first knife -thrust had entered his heart, and the teeth that had been driven into -the scout’s arm had not been closed upon it, for the mountain lion -had sprung to a quick and sudden death, the keen blade catching, by -an accident, just in the right spot to kill. - -Throwing off the weight, Buffalo Bill arose to his feet. - -Was it from the concussion that he had received that made strange -figures appear before his eyes, or did he really behold a ghostly -form, clad in white, at the end of the long, dark corridor, one arm -pointing straight outward, the other down at the ground. - -“I’ll tackle you, too, for ghosts are more to my liking than mountain -lions,” said Buffalo Bill grimly, and he rubbed his eyes to see that -they were not deceiving him, and, drawing his revolver now he rushed -forward to grapple with this new foe. - -But then, as he felt that it was no vision of the brain, but in -reality a ghostly looking form, not fifty feet from him, he halted -and called out in a voice that echoed through the corridor: - -“Hands up, there, or I’ll fire and kill you!” - -But the order was not obeyed, the form still standing mute and -motionless, and pointing as before. - -Instantly came a red flash from the scout’s revolver, and a sharp -report rang through the hacienda. - - - - - CHAPTER XXXIV. - - HAUNTED. - - -Buffalo Bill at once moved rapidly toward the spot where he had seen -the white form. Twice he fired his revolver as he approached to light -up the scene. But he saw nothing. - -The rear of the corridor had no egress, only a window some eight feet -from the floor. Upon either side were doors, full a dozen feet from -the end of the corridor, but one of these was closed too securely to -open, and the other was the one he had entered the long hall from and -led into the rooms he had selected for himself and comrades to dwell -in. - -Not a particle of superstition had the scout, but here was a mystery -he could not solve. - -How had the mountain lion got into that corridor? He had not entered -by the door, for that was closed and locked on the other side. He -could not have come through the window, even had he been able to leap -that high, for it was closed. The other door was locked or bound on -the other side, but to have come through that way it could only have -been done with the aid of a human being. All the doors, save the one -the scout had entered by, were closed. How, then, could the mountain -lion have got into the corridor without human help, and who was the -white-robed form at whom he fired? - -Lighting match after match, Buffalo Bill looked about him. He could -discover nothing to show how the lion and the white form had entered. - -There lay the lion dead. The spectral visitant was gone. And yet he -had aimed to kill, and Cody knew that he was not one to miss. - -Going out of the door through which he had entered, the scout closed -it behind him, and, leaving the building, walked out into the bright -sunlight. - -His sleeve was wet with blood, and he was feeling weak and a little -shaky. - -But just as he was going to the brook to bathe his wounds, Texas -Jack, Winfield, and eight of the men came at a canter into the plaza. - -They saw that there had been a death struggle, and he did not keep -them waiting long to know what it was. - -“I have had a fight with a mountain lion I found in the hacienda, -Jack, and killed him, fortunately, before he did me much harm. Get my -medicine case from my saddle, and you, Stevens, see just how badly he -bit my arm, for you are the surgeon of the outfit.” - -“Yes, chief,” answered Stevens, who had gone to Texas to practice -medicine, but had devoted himself to scouting instead. - -The chief’s wounds were soon shown, and the marks of the teeth of the -animal were seen below and above. - -“It is not nearly as bad as I would expect from the teeth of a -mountain lion,” said Stevens, whom his comrades called “Doc.” - -“He must have been small,” said Winfield. - -“No, he was large enough. I have him in the hacienda; but that is not -all I found, boys.” - -“I see that your face is bruised and head cut,” Doc Stevens said. -“What was it, chief?” - -“A ghost.” - -Some of the men looked startled at this announcement, while others -laughed. - -“Well, boys, I saw a human form, clad in white, and, as it did not -obey my order to hands up, I fired. But I could find nothing when I -looked for the dead body.” - -The words of the chief created an impression, for all knew that he -was not in a joking humor. - -“The truth is, pards,” Cody went on to say, “we are not wanted in -this valley, and I will tell you why. I had no idea that there was -such a settlement as this in this valley, and I wish to know if you -had ever heard of it?” - -“I have been through here, before, ten years ago, and it surprised -me then, chief, but I have met no one else who knew that there was a -settlement here. Then its people were Mexicans, Indians, negroes, and -a few Americans.” - -The one who spoke was Lone Star Sam, a handsome, dashing fellow, -reserved, courteous, whom his comrades regarded as a man with a past -that had left its impress upon him, for he never spoke of it. - -“What did you find out about it, Sam?” - -“Very little, sir.” - -“What brought you here?” - -“I was in search of one I was anxious to find, and, hearing of this -settlement from a Mexican officer, I came here to see if my man was -here.” - -“Was he?” - -“He was not.” - -“Did you stay long at that time?” - -“About a month, chief.” - -Then Buffalo Bill told his story, and let the scouts understand what -discovery he had made, and what Señor Otega, the ranchero down the -valley, had made known to him, though he did not say where he had got -the information. - -“Now, boys, we are here to find out where these secret outlaws are. -They are doubtless leagued for gold alone, but revenge may play a -part in their actions also. That they have a retreat is assured by -their keeping their captives as hostages. Where this retreat is we -must find out. Who they are we must know, and when we have set our -trap we must spring it in a way that will leave escape for none. A -dozen there may be, perhaps more, to work so well and successfully. - -“The landlord--Riel is his name--I do not trust, so beware of him; -yes, and every one else, even the Padre Juan in Silver Lake, as he, -too, may be a wolf in the garb of a sheep, though I think not. Trust -no one, but keep your eyes and ears open, and be prepared at any time -to fight for your lives. - -“I am, remember, an American ranchero, and you are my cattlemen. We -are here to stay, you can tell the inquisitive, and secretly we are -here to ferret out the mysteries of this valley. - -“The curse that rests upon it is a mystery, the secret band of -robbers and kidnapers is another, my having met that Mexican officer -and maiden is a third, while the masked man and his four unmasked -followers is a fourth mystery. Then there is this deserted and -haunted hacienda, and let me warn you that it has begun its underhand -work already, for human hands led that mountain lion in where I found -him, and the white-robed form I fired at was no apparition, and you -are all too sensible to believe that such a thing could be. - -“Now come up and see our quarters, and get the packs off the mules -and unload the wagon, for I wish to get lanterns, and, first of all, -make a thorough search of the old place. Where are the two wagon -drivers?” - -“Back with the men I left with the herd, for nothing would induce -them to come any nearer to this hacienda, so one of the boys brought -the wagon on, and when it is unloaded, will drive it back and let -them skip, for they wish to be well on their way before night -overtakes them, and swear they would not have come a step had the -landlord told them where they were to take their load.” - -Buffalo Bill laughed at the fears of the two Mexicans who had come -with the wagon, and Texas Jack went on to say: - -“And, chief, those two fellows vowed that there was not a man in the -valley you could get to come to this hacienda, day or night.” - -“All right. We don’t want any to come. But we are men, and here we -remain until I accomplish what I came for.” - - - - - CHAPTER XXXV. - - THE SEARCH OF THE RUIN. - - -The corridor of the hacienda was first entered through the wing the -chief of scouts had selected for occupation, and it was seen that -all, save the door through which he had made his entrance and exit, -was securely fastened. - -Whoever it had been the chief had fired at, could only have entered -by that single door, as far as could be seen. - -The rear window was opened then, and showed that it had been closed -for a long time. So did the wide front doors, which filled almost the -other end of the corridor. But the other doors, save that one through -which Buffalo Bill had entered, showed plainly that they had not been -opened for a long while. - -That door the chief himself had opened from within the wing, and -yet the lion had been found in the corridor, as also had the white -apparition, whatever it was. - -“Well, if a mountain lion could get in here, a ghost ought to. The -lion was certainly not a specter brute, as I have proof,” said the -chief, with a grim smile. “We will now look over the rest of the -building.” - -And they did so, going into each wing, the chapel, and the basement -in the solid rock beneath it, the second story, and up to the tower. - -This done, and finding nothing more than that it had been the haunt -of owls and bats, the party blew out their lanterns and returned to -the wing where their comrades had been hard at work. - -With water from the stream, and brooms, they had cleaned up the rooms -well, a fire had been built in the large open chimney, the tables got -out, chairs set around, the cooking utensils put in the fireplace, -the bedding placed in the sleeping rooms, and in little more than -three hours the hacienda, in that wing at least, presented a very -comfortable appearance. - -Then the wagon was returned to the two waiting Mexicans, and the -broken-down plaza entrance was repaired, as it was decided best, for -a few nights at least, to drive the horses and cattle into the walled -grounds about the hacienda, so that they would begin to understand -that it was home. - -Just before sunset the stock was driven up, and the gateway having -been finished, so as to make it strong again, it was closed for the -night, and the scouts went to get supper. - -Two guards were appointed for the night, one in the hacienda, one at -the entrance to the grounds, and Buffalo Bill selected men whom he -knew were not of a superstitious turn of mind, remarking to Texas -Jack: - -“If we put on a man who was looking for ghosts, this is the very -place to find them, and he would be alarming us constantly with -challenges of apparitions, so I just put on men who have no fear of -the dead.” - -“You are right, for though there is not a man in the band who would -not fight big odds if he knew he was facing men, several of the -boys would skip at the sight of anything in this ruin they did not -understand. I am sorry that you told them the ghost story.” - -“No, it was best, for if this hacienda is the haunt of outlaws as I -believe it has been, it will be by springing the supernatural upon -us, that they will endeavor to frighten us away.” - -“Yes, that is so, and from that standpoint it was best; but the -cleverness of that apparition act shows that they have some means of -getting in and out that we are not on to yet, chief.” - -“Well, it won’t be long before we are, if the men are not stampeded -by a supposed ghost,” was Buffalo Bill’s answer. - -In the band of brave men congregated in the hacienda that night, -about half of them had a superstitious dread of the old deserted -mission ranch. - -Buffalo Bill saw just how these men felt, and he read the faces of -those who had no dread. So he said, as all were seated in the ranch -waiting to retire: - -“Remember, pards, I believe that efforts will be made to drive us out -of here to-night. Not by direct force, for, with our numbers, they -will not attempt any attack. - -“But this hacienda is very old. Strange deeds have been done here, -crimes committed, and most mysterious happenings have occurred. - -“Now, there is no such thing, as all of you know, as spooks and -ghosts, for the dead never come back to earth in spirit form. But, -relying upon the fears of many that believe in spooks, wicked men -play the ghost act to frighten all away from this place for a purpose -of their own. - -“My idea is that this place has been the abode of outlaws, and -our coming here thwarts their game to keep hidden. As they dare -not attack us openly, they will play the specter game and try and -stampede us. - -“But that will not go with you, and as an extra precaution to-night -I will keep four men on duty instead of two. Two of you can be -together: a couple in the hacienda, the others about the grounds. - -“But, remember, neither of the guards must move into the domains of -the others, for my orders are to shoot everything on two legs you see -prowling about, be it ghost or man. - -“Now, Jack, you go on duty with three men until midnight, and I will -relieve you then with three more.” - -This plain talk quieted the foolish dread of those who had been -feeling anxious as to what might happen, and Texas Jack went on duty -with three men whom he called to follow him, being careful to select -two of the three whom he knew had an uncanny fear of the place. - -One of them he left on guard at the hacienda with a comrade who had -no fear of ghosts, and the other he took out in the grounds with him, -though showing no sign that he suspected either. - -The horses were huddled together in one corner of the walled-in -plaza, and the cattle were in another, all quiet and apparently -wondering why they were penned up. - -As the guards left the hacienda the others turned in for the night, -and were soon fast asleep, Buffalo Bill setting the good example by -dropping off instantly into a deep slumber. - -Soon after the guards had gone on duty, the horses began to grow -uneasy, just why Texas Jack could not understand. As they still -continued their restlessness, he told the man who was with him to -stand guard at the gateway while he went among the restive animals. - -But the man preferred to go with him, and he said no more. - -The two quieted the horses, to find that the cattle also were getting -restive, and, cowboy fashion, Texas Jack began to sing to them, for, -as he muttered to himself: - -“If they stampeded they may break out, and about half the nags will -go with them.” - -The cattle also became quieted under the weird chanting of the Texan, -and then the horses once more became restive. - -“Say, Pinto Paul, you stay about the horses while I soothe the -split-hoofs with the melody of my voice, which can lull them to -rest,” said the Texan, in a light vein. - -“Jack, give me an order to tackle the mate of that mountain lion the -chief killed, or to brace up against a couple of outlaws, and I’ll do -it, but don’t expect me to play a lone hand, for I don’t intend to do -it.” - -“You are surely not scared, Paul?” - -“I tell you that this is no place for living men when the dead are -prowling about.” - -Texas Jack saw that Pinto Paul was in deadly earnest, and he said no -more, merely remarking: - -“Well, Paul, if you think I am a foil to the ghosts we’ll stay -together, and we’ll keep by the gate, so as to head the cattle if -they make a break for it, and I’ll keep up my song.” - - - - - CHAPTER XXXVI. - - THE FIRST NIGHT. - - -The plaintive song of the Texan did have a soothing effect upon both -cattle and horses. - -Thus the time passed away out in the grounds, while in the hacienda -when all became quiet it seems that the spooks began to get in their -work also. - -The first the guards heard was a low moan which sounded like a man in -suffering, but just where it came from the two guards could not tell. - -The superstitious one of the two was for rousing the men at once, but -his comrade said: - -“What for? We see no one, and it is merely a trick to frighten us, -for the chief is right; this is an outlaws’ haunt.” - -When there joined in with the moaning the sound of a woman weeping, -Mustang Frank began to show real fright, but Lone Star Sam calmed -him, and the two listened to the strange sounds. As though a man’s -moaning and woman’s weeping were not enough, there joined as a treble -the sound of a child crying like one in pain. - -“Let’s arouse the chief.” - -“No, Frank, it is nearly midnight, and he’ll be on hand then. -Besides, we cannot shoot, mind. This place is haunted by men whose -interest it is to frighten us away; but we won’t scare a little bit, -Frank.” - -“Speak for yourself, pard, for I’m about scared silly this blessed -minute.” - -Lone Star laughed. - -“Listen!” he said. “I thought we would have more of it, for hear that -dog join in the quartet, only I don’t like the music--ah! here comes -the chief.” - -Buffalo Bill just then came out into the corridor. - -“Well, pards, we are having a serenade, I hear. But it is time for -you to turn in, just twelve, and I’ll watch here, while Haskell -stands by the outer door; but remain on duty until I return from -seeing Texas Jack.” - -“Do you mean any one can sleep, chief, with this going on?” - -“Yes, Frank. We were not born in the woods to be scared by an owl,” -was the answer, and Buffalo Bill left the corridor and met Winfield, -and the other two men who were to go on guard. - -They were Haskell and Broncho Rawlings, and both of them were very -nervous, for they had heard the weird sounds echoing through the -hacienda. - -“Winfield, you and the others come with me to where Texas Jack and -Pinto Paul are on duty, and we will see if they have been disturbed -by these outlaws playing ghosts.” - -On they walked and found Texas Jack having as much trouble to soothe -Pinto Paul as he had to keep the cattle quiet. - -“Anything wrong, Jack?” - -“The cattle and horses are very restless, and Paul thinks ghosts are -about, but we have seen nothing, though we have heard the howling of -a dog and hooting of an owl.” - -“Well, Jack, I will relieve you and Pinto Paul, and Broncho Rawlings -will stand guard over the cattle while I take the gate. You, -Winfield, return to the hacienda and relieve Sam, taking Haskell with -you.” - -This was done, Broncho Rawlings taking his stand among the cattle, -and at once beginning to sing as Texas Jack and Pinto Paul had done, -for they were, indeed, restless. - -Winfield and Haskell returned to the hacienda, accompanied by Texas -Jack and Pinto Paul, who muttered: - -“I suppose it will be out of the frying pan into the fire in the old -ghost nest.” - -The men were all awake now, yet not up. But Texas Jack showed no -dread, simply remarking that a ghost would be made of those in -reality who were playing the spook act, and he turned in. - -Pinto Paul, meanwhile, stirred up the fire for light, not heat, and -sat by it, merely remarking: - -“Now, I’m not sleepy a little bit, pards.” - -Winfield meanwhile had placed Haskell on guard at the outer door of -the hacienda, while he went in to relieve Lone Star Sam and Frank. - -These came into the large sleeping room, and while Lone Star calmly -went to bed, Mustang Frank joined Pinto Paul at the fire, remarking: - -“I’m with you, pard, for I always was scared of a danger I couldn’t -see.” - -“Me, too.” - -“This old rookery is a graveyard from ’way back, and, you bet, ghosts -are on the prowl this night, for they’ve invited no company, and -don’t keep a hotel for men in the flesh, such as we are. Just listen -to that music, will you?” - -Weird sounds rang through the hacienda. - -When Buffalo Bill had gone into the corridor he had intended to -relieve Lone Star and Mustang Frank. But when he visited the spot -where Texas Jack was on guard he thought that the entrance to the -ranch was the best place for him, after he had heard the Texan’s -report. He knew if the cattle and horses were restless some one was -causing them to be so by prowling about among them, and in some way -exciting them. - -If that “some one” could only stampede the whole lot, causing them to -break through the gateway, then he and his scouts would be in a bad -way indeed. - -It was true that the gateway had been repaired, but not as well as -was intended, for timber would have to be cut and hauled there to -make it secure, and a rush of steers would break down the barrier -that was there. - -That any other demonstration would be made in the hacienda than the -weird sounds already heard, Buffalo Bill did not believe, so he -decided that he would keep his stand at the gate and let Rawlings -guard the cattle, singing to them to quiet them. - -The moment the others had walked away, Buffalo Bill had quickly -crouched down in the shadow of the wall, just at the entrance. He -heard no sound save the impatient tramping of the horses, the singing -of Broncho Rawlings, and an anxious lowing of a frightened steer. - -An hour passed, and he saw that the horses were becoming more -restless. - -A moment after his keen eyes detected a white object running along -the wall. It came from the corner where the horses were. - -Keeping his position, Buffalo Bill watched the white object as he -could distinctly see it. - -The song of Broncho Rawlings was still kept up, and the cattle, too, -became restive in spite of the lulling notes of the melody. - -“Broncho soothes them, but if I attempted to sing to them I’d -stampede the whole outfit, yes, scouts and all,” said Buffalo Bill, -with a full realization that music was not one of his accomplishments. - -The chief of scouts was upon the opposite side, crouching in the -shadow of the massive adobe column on either side of the entrance. - -The white figure came straight toward him, and had Pinto Paul been -where Buffalo Bill was, he would have stampeded with alacrity. - -The white figure did not seem to be able to see well, for the scout -had not been discovered yet. - -Halting at the entrance, not twenty feet from Buffalo Bill, the -“ghost” showed what its intention was. It intended to break down the -barrier, and thus leave an open way for the cattle to stampede. - -But the entrance had been better closed than the midnight prowler in -white thought, as it had some difficulty in its attempt. - -Just then there came from the hacienda, rising far above the singing -of Broncho Rawlings and all other sounds, wild and piercing shrieks. - -The ghost seemed determined to break down the barrier as he heard the -sound, but was suddenly startled by the stern command: - -“Hands up, there, or I’ll fire!” - -A cry broke from the white-robed form, and, with a bound, he was off, -when sharp, loud, and deadly came the report of a revolver. - -Just as Buffalo Bill pulled the trigger it seemed as though the white -form fell heavily, and then Buffalo Bill’s voice was heard: - -“Turn out, all, to quiet the cattle.” - - - - - CHAPTER XXXVII. - - A DEAD GHOST. - - -Out of the hacienda came Texas Jack and the others, while, springing -before the entrance, Buffalo Bill called out soothingly to the -cattle, the other scouts doing the same as they came out. - -There was a moment of suspense, but then the herd calmed down, as all -the scouts, thoroughly trained cattlemen, began to sing to them. - -Then Texas Jack went to the aid of Buffalo Bill, calling out as he -advanced: - -“Winfield stands guard with several men in the hacienda, and I came -to see who fired that shot, chief.” - -“I did. There is a dead ghost lying yonder, and I hope it will end -this fool dread of spooks,” was Buffalo Bill’s reply. - -Seeing that the cattle were being quieted by the scouts, Texas Jack -walked toward the white object lying thirty feet away, at the foot of -the high wall. - -“Well, Jack, it’s a flesh ghost, isn’t it?” called out Buffalo Bill, -as he saw his pard bend over it. - -“It is, sir, and I’ll call several of the men to guard the gate while -we carry it up to the hacienda to have a look at it.” - -“Do so.” - -Several men at once came at the call, among them Pinto Paul. - -“There’s the ghost, Pinto Paul; at least, he is more ghost now than -he was a short while ago,” said Texas Jack. - -“What is it?” he asked, in an awed way. - -“A dead man, now, who was playing ghost a while since. He did not -know that I was on duty at the gate there, for he heard Broncho -Rawlings singing, and supposed he was alone on watch. - -“As the ghost was trying to take down the barrier, to let the cattle -out, I held him up, but, as he did not heed, I fired on him. I did -not fire to kill, but to wing him, but just as I pulled trigger he -fell into a hole I remember is there, and caught the bullet in a -vital spot. But it shows that spirits can be killed, Pinto.” - -The scout made no reply, for he was beginning to see that if the -hacienda was haunted it must be by flesh and blood of ghostly forms. - -“I’ll give you a hand, Jack,” said Buffalo Bill. - -But the Texan dragged the white form out of the gully into which he -had fallen, and shouldered it without an effort. - -As he moved off toward the hacienda Buffalo Bill joined him, calling -out to the scouts to keep the cattle quiet, while he went to -investigate the ghost in the glare of the light. - -Arriving at the hacienda, Texas Jack deposited his load before the -fire, and lighted a couple of lanterns, while Buffalo Bill walked to -the corridor where Winfield was on guard. - -“Well, Winfield, how goes it?” - -“All quiet, now, sir; but that shrieking was a bloodcurdler, even to -me, and I feared it would stampede some of the boys along with the -cattle.” - -“No, we headed them off. But keep your ears open for the slightest -sounds, now, though I do not believe we will have any more -disturbances. The ghost is laid, I think.” - -So saying, Buffalo Bill returned to the large room. - -The fire had been brightened up, and, with the light of several -lanterns, the room was very light. - -Texas Jack had laid the form upon the floor before the fire, and, -with a couple of the men who had come in, was standing looking at it. -It was clad in a white garment, made to resemble a shroud, and the -head was also wrapped around, though two holes had been made for the -eyes to peer through. On each side, near the belt, there were two -slits, through which the arms could be thrust. - -The white covering was taken from the form by Buffalo Bill and Texas -Jack, and a dark, foreign face was exposed. - -“It is a Mexican,” said Texas Jack. - -“Yes, and he came to kill, if need be.” - -Buffalo Bill pointed to the belt of arms the man wore. He was attired -half in Mexican, half in frontier garb, and his face was an evil -one. Also, about his waist was a buckskin belt that contained several -hundred dollars in gold. - -“Well, Jack, we need not report the killing of this man, at least -just yet. We will wait and see if we hear of it, and, if so, the man -who makes it known we will spot. I trust, now, the boys will not fear -ghosts any more.” - -“I hope not, chief.” - -“Send each one of them here to have a look for himself, and they will -know that I was right when I said an effort would be made to scare us -away from here. - -“As we did not scare, they will try some other plan to get rid of us; -but, one thing is certain, that these men have some way of entering -and leaving the hacienda we do not know of, but must find out. - -“You see there is not a sound now, for they know that one of their -spirits has come to grief.” - -Texas Jack went out after the men, and they all took a look at the -“ghost,” made their comments, saw where the bullet of the chief had -struck him in the head, and then the body was put in a vacant room, a -guard placed in the grounds, at the gate, and the rest of the scouts -returned to their blankets, Pinto Paul remarking: - -“Well, I take no more stock in ghosts, though I don’t just love this -old owl’s nest.” - -The night passed away without much sleep for a few of the scouts. -There was not another sound heard in the hacienda, and the horses -and cattle quieted down. This proved to the men that they had been -frightened by the white-robed form going about among them. - -The body of the dead Mexican was buried in the walled inclosure, -while Winfield prepared breakfast and put things to rights. - -After the meal was over, he and six of the scouts took the cattle to -graze, while Texas Jack and the others started upon a thorough search -of the old mission ranch. They were anxious to find out just where -their disturbers of the night before had hidden, or, if concealed in -the place, how they had got into it, and made their exit. - -Having posted men here and there on the watch, one in the tower, -one upstairs, one in the grounds, and seen the others start in the -search, Buffalo Bill put on his best rig and rode away, his men -wondering where, and why he had dressed up. He rode his best horse, -carried a rifle slung to his saddle, and seemed prepared to meet -friend or foe. - -That he carried no provisions along, after saying that he would not -return until night, was also a surprise to the scouts, who knew that -their chief was not one to miss a meal except on compulsion. - -Down the valley rode the scout, and, following the lake shore its -length, he turned, after going half a score miles, in a trail leading -to the left toward the mountain range on the eastward. - -Up among the foothills he saw a fine hacienda which he knew was the -place where he had spent the night in passing through the valley a -month before. - -Toward this he wended his way, for he wished to talk with Señor Otega. - -The señor it was who had told him of the secret band of robbers in -the valley, of the curse that rested upon the people, and this had -influenced him in coming there to solve the mystery, to hunt down the -outlaws. - - - - - CHAPTER XXXVIII. - - ON SECRET WORK. - - -Buffalo Bill did not care to trust even Señor Otega with any secrets, -for he knew not who he could place confidence in; but, having now -come to the valley, being on the spot, he might find out from the -señor some information that might be of value to him. - -He wished to see just who the maiden he had rescued was, who the band -of outlaws might be, when Señor Otego had said that not one of the -secret foes of the people in the valley had ever been seen. - -Then who was the officer in the Mexican uniform, and why was he in -the valley thus attired, why the victim of these men? - -It was to get at the bottom facts, as well as he could, that Buffalo -Bill had started upon his visit to Señor Otega. - -As he neared the ranch he saw the cattle and horses feeding near, the -cowboys, five in number, guarding them and gazing curiously at him, -and to these he nodded as he rode near, and said pleasantly: - -“Good morning, pards.” - -They returned his salute in silence, and were evidently surprised at -seeing a stranger. - -Going on up to the hacienda he saw Señor Otega just about to mount -his horse, but discovering him, he turned toward him, and said: - -“Why, señor, you in our valley again? You are welcome, I assure you.” - -Buffalo Bill responded to the questions, and then said: - -“But my coming prevents you from going on a ride, I fear?” - -“No, for I can go another time, as there is no great hurry. I was -merely intending to ride over to see the stranger who had taken -possession of the old mission ranch and urge that he give up such a -thought, for I deem it my duty to advise him.” - -“Thanks, señor. Do you know who he is?” - -“An American of wealth, I believe, who came here with his people, -cattle, horses, and all.” - -“Permit me to say, señor, that I am the one. I took possession -yesterday.” - -“You surprise me.” - -“And it is a surprise to me that you should know it so soon.” - -“I learned it last night, from my men. But, señor, I am the more -distressed, now, as I learn you are the man, for I like you, and to -go to that terrible place is but to go to your doom.” - -“Not so bad as that, I hope, Señor Otega. The fact is, I fell in love -with your beautiful valley, and, anxious to find a home, I decided to -settle here, and the old hacienda was the only place I could get. So -I came here from the northward, bringing my cattle, horses, outfit, -and cowboys with me, and I assure you we shall be most comfortable. -You see, I took an early opportunity to call upon you.” - -But Señor Otega seemed to be lost in thought, and said, in an -absent-minded way: - -“Come in, come in! Why did you come to this valley, señor?” - -“To settle here, at least for a while.” - -“You have your people with you?” - -“Yes, all of them, and real men, too.” - -“I am glad. But why did you seek a home beneath that doomed roof?” - -“Do you remember telling me the curse that rested upon this valley? -You told me that your daughter had been taken from you by an unseen -foe.” - -“Yes.” - -“Has she been restored to you?” - -“Alas, no! She is still a prisoner. Only yesterday I paid the tax of -one thousand pesos put upon me.” - -“It is an outrage.” - -“It is the seventh I have paid, señor, and I believe there are to be -five more, if not still more, before she is returned to us.” - -“And other families pay this same tax?” - -“Yes, señor.” - -“It is infamous.” - -“But they do not all pay the same sum, señor, for the taxgatherer -knows well the circumstances of each of his victims, and collects -accordingly. He does not put upon any one a sum that cannot be paid, -for when I pay a thousand, a poor man pays a hundred, and one pays -five thousand pesos, señor.” - -“Who is that?” - -“A young girl, the Señorita Suelo Sada, known as The Fair Hermit.” - -“Ah! who did you say she was?” - -“One left a large fortune by a kinsman, who owned the ranch where -she lives, and she came here to dwell, but receives no visitors, has -no friendships, and lives such a life of utter seclusion we call her -here in the valley the hermitess, the beautiful recluse, and other -such names.” - -“Who of her family are with her?” - -“Not one.” - -“Does she dwell all alone?” - -“All alone, señor, save her servants and cattlemen, of whom there are -quite a number, but they, too, hold themselves aloof from all others, -and the stockmen are known as the hermit cowboys.” - -“Then how can these secret taxgatherers, as we may call them, make a -demand upon the Señorita Sada for so large a sum, as they cannot have -any of her loved ones, señor?” - -“Ah, but they have. She is betrothed to a Mexican officer, I hear, -and he came here on a visit to her, was seized on his way home, and -is now held a prisoner by these men whom no one knows. I learn the -demand is made upon her regularly for five thousand pesos, and she -pays it.” - -“Is the officer a man of any prominence?” - -“He is a captain of lanceros, señor, in the Mexican army.” - -“It is strange that his government has taken no steps to release him.” - -“There is a threat to put him to death if such an attempt is made.” - -Buffalo Bill did not tell about his rescue of the fair hermit and the -officer. - -“Do you know his name, señor?” - -“It is said to be Del Sol.” - -“You know the padre in Silver Lake City.” - -“Oh, yes, Padre Juan.” - -“Can he do nothing to help you?” - -“He is under a ban also--a threat--if he does.” - -“And the landlord of the inn? The Señor Riel?” - -“Señor Cody, I do not like that man, I do not trust him, though he, -too, is under the ban, as his son, an only child, is a prisoner. -Still, I have a dread of him.” - -“Well, Señor Otega, the secret foe can only capture me or one of my -men, to get a ransom, and we’ll watch that they do not. - -“I did not come here to pay ransom to robbers; but I came here to -settle, and I like our home, haunted though it may be. - -“I told you that I intended to help you, and I am here to do so; but, -remember, not a word of that to any one, for it might thwart my plan.” - -“I will be silent, señor, for something tells me you are here for -good, to be relied on. I was going over to the old mission ranch to -warn whoever had settled there to leave, for I did not know it was -you. Are you sure that nothing disturbed you last night?” - -“We heard sounds, the cattle were restless, but no harm befell us, -señor, and we’ll take chances, for that is what we are here for.” - -“How many men have you, señor.” - -“I thought it best to bring at least half a dozen,” was Buffalo -Bill’s evasive reply, for he did not wish his force to be known, even -to Señor Otega. He had not allowed the two Mexicans who drove the -wagon from Silver Lake City to see more than six men beside himself, -keeping the others off beyond the cattle. - -“It will be best to have just double the number they think I have,” -was the chief of scouts’ way of thinking. - -Buffalo Bill remained to dinner at the hospitable ranch, and the -señora, a sad-faced, lovely woman, gave him a warm greeting, for she -had been pleased with his frank and genial manner upon his last visit -to their home. - -Late in the afternoon the scout started upon his return, the señor -accompanying him a few miles on the trail. - -Learning that he had just moved in, the Señora Otega insisted that -she be allowed to add to his comfort, and when he was ready to go -he found a pack horse ready for him to carry along, and it had been -loaded with grapes, vegetables, preserves, and a large quantity of -choice provisions, which the good lady insisted that he must accept -from her. - -“Just turn the pack horse loose to-night, and he will come home and -give you no further trouble,” said the señor. - -The scout was touched by the señora’s kindness, and as he rode away -with her husband, he said: - -“You told your wife, then, that I was here to help you?” - -“Not a word, señor; but I told her when you left a month ago that -you were Buffalo Bill, the great military scout, and had promised to -be our friend; and, with a woman’s quick intuition where her love -is interested, she feels sure that you have come to save our poor -daughter.” - -“Yes, I saw that she was trying to read me, and I appreciate her kind -gifts to make me comfortable. We will enjoy her bounty greatly.” - -As they reached the lake shore the sun was touching the horizon, and -the señor halted. - -“I will turn back here, Señor Cody, for my wife will be anxious. You -see, we have lately received quite a handsome legacy, and if it were -known, then our secret foes would capture me or my wife and demand a -much larger ransom.” - -“Then return home at once, and I regret that you came thus far with -me.” - -“You have the most dangerous trail to travel, Señor Cody, and a long -ten miles.” - -“I am used to dangerous trails, señor, but if I thought danger might -beset you I would return with you.” - -“Not unless you remain all night, señor.” - -“I could not do that. The ghosts in the old hacienda might put my men -to flight.” - -The sun had now sunk behind the western range of mountains, and the -lake valley was already darkening under the fall of night. - -“That man is all right, for he told me of a legacy lately received. -I came here prepared to doubt every one, but I’ll set him down as a -square man,” muttered Buffalo Bill, as he rode along the lake shore, -under the shelter of the fringe of timber, beneath which led the -trail up the valley. - -Señor Otega had turned his horse toward home, and set out at a rapid -canter. - -Reaching a belt of timber, the animal was walking along at his ease, -the night having set in, when, without a warning, there settled over -the señor’s head a coil of rope, and he found his arms pinioned to -his side, while he heard the words in Spanish: - -“Resist, Señor Otega, and you are a dead man. I have men here to -master you.” - -Señor Otega thought first of his wife, and he groaned in agony of -spirit. - -“What does this outrage upon me mean, for you call me by name, and -hence know me?” - -“It means that you are a prisoner, and the Señora Otega will be taxed -to keep you alive,” was the reply. - -Señor Otega now, to his chagrin, saw that he had been lassoed by -one man, and he had seized his bridle rein and stood by him, with a -revolver leveled at his head. - -But there came a flash, a report, and the kidnaper sank in his tracks -by the side of the señor’s horse. - - - - - CHAPTER XXXIX. - - THE SCOUT’S RETURN. - - -At first thought Señor Otega had believed that he had been the one -shot at, and as his horse set a good example of flight, he determined -to encourage him in it, believing there were other outlaws about. - -But ere the horse had made half a dozen bounds, a voice called out: - -“Ho, señor, I fired that shot!” - -Señor Otega recognized the voice at once. It had a ring in it that -once heard could not be forgotten. So he wheeled his horse, and rode -back to find the one who had rescued him standing by the side of the -fallen outlaw. - -“Señor Cody!” - -“Yes; I had a dread that your coming with me as far as you did might -get you into trouble, so I turned back to dog your steps, unseen by -you, and see you enter your ranch in safety.” - -“How glad am I that you did, señor!” - -“I was not very far behind you, nearer you than I thought, for you -must have slackened your speed, and I distinctly heard the voice of -your captor. - -“I instantly sprang from my saddle, and, advancing on foot, realized -that you had been captured, and I saw one man, but took the chances -of there being more. - -“As he was an outlaw, I thought it best to put him out of the way.” - -“God bless you,” was all the ranchero could at first say. - -But he soon conquered his emotion and told just what his captor had -said to him. - -Buffalo Bill listened attentively, and then said abruptly: - -“This man was sent to kidnap you?” - -“Yes.” - -“Is he alone?” - -“Yes.” - -“His being there shows that he saw you leave your home, was watching -your return, shadowing you in fact.” - -“No doubt of it, señor.” - -“Well, I wish you to be guided by me in this matter.” - -“I will.” - -“Say nothing, even to your wife, of this attack on you to-night. I -mean that no one must know of this attack on you, señor.” - -“But why, Señor Cody?” - -“This man was sent to do this work. If he does not return to report, -they will not know what has become of him, for I shall strap his body -upon his horse, which must be near, take the animal to the lake, -lead him in, and thence along the shore in the water to a spot near -my ranch. - -“I will search the body for any telling articles there may be on it, -and will hide away his saddle and bridle.” - -“But the horse, señor?” - -“I will give him into the keeping of my men for a day, and after they -have branded him and disguised him, his own master, if alive, would -not know him, and one of them will ride him, so he will not go back -to his home, at least, not just now.” - -“You know what you are about, Señor Cody?” - -“I hope so. Now we will find that horse, mount his master on him, and -I’ll lead him back through the timber, not in the trail.” - -“And your horse, señor?” - -“Is trained, señor, and will keep always in the trail as I start him -until we reach the lake shore, and there I will mount him.” - -“What will this dead man’s comrades think?” - -“In my opinion they will track him, find his trail leading here, then -back to the lake, where they will lose it. - -“They will see that your horse was halted here, remained for some -time, and the tracks will reveal that two men were here, their -comrade and you. They will take my footprints for yours, so you must -not dismount. - -“But when I have removed the body, you must move your horse about -all over the spot, to mark out all traces of where it lay, for the -ground is soft, I notice, beneath my feet. Then you go on homeward, -and continue to gallop until you get there.” - -“But that will not explain that dead man’s absence?” - -“Yes, for they will believe that, being alone, when he captured you, -why you simply bribed him to let you go.” - -Going into the timber, Buffalo Bill was not long in finding the horse -of the outlaw, and the body of the dead kidnaper was tied across the -saddle with his own lariat, and then the animal and that of Señor -Otega were moved all about, until every trace of where the man had -fallen had been destroyed. - -Bidding the señor good night, and promising to pay him another visit -in good time, Buffalo Bill walked back to his own horse and the pack -animal, turned toward the old ranch, threw the rein of the other over -the saddle horn, and started them off at a walk. - -Then he returned to the kidnaper’s horse, and led him through the -timber, and then back over the two miles to the lake shore. There he -overtook his horse and the pack animal, and they were taken into the -lake, but at different points. - -Along the beach, ankle deep in the lake, they continued their way, -over the miles that lay between the point where they had entered the -water and the old Mission Ranch. - -At last the scout left the lake at a place where his trail led direct -to the hacienda. He saw the glimmer of a light there, and he knew -that it must be at the gate, and placed as a beacon to guide him -home. Not a horse or a steer did he see, and he felt that they had -all been driven into the grounds again for safety. - -As he neared the gate, the cheery voice of Texas Jack called out: - -“Is that you, chief?” - -“Yes, Jack.” - -“We were getting anxious about you, and not one of the men has -retired.” - -“What, more ghosts?” - -“Not the shadow of one, but the men wished to remain up to see if you -came in all right.” - -“Oh, yes, I am all right. But I have a pack animal loaded with good -things, for I have been off on a visit, and, Jack, I have another -horse here, with his dead master upon him. - -“Now, walls have ears, they say, and for fear the old hacienda may -have some secret closets where foes are watching, I do not wish the -men to breathe a word of this dead man. - -“First, he must be searched, then buried to-night in the grave with -the other one, and his horse must be disguised.” - -“I understand, chief.” - -“In the morning drive the cattle and horses over my trail to the -lake.” - -“Yes, chief.” - -Feeling that he could leave all to Texas Jack, Buffalo Bill -dismounted and entered the walled-in grounds, discovering that the -men had during the day made a barrier that nothing could break -through. Then he went on to the hacienda, for he was both tired and -hungry. - -The men welcomed their chief in a way that showed how glad they were -to see him back, and that they felt a most warm regard for him. - -But he said nothing of his adventure other than to tell them to go -out and see Texas Jack. - -Buffalo Bill had no desire to say anything in the hacienda that other -ears than those his words were intended for should hear. He was very -suspicious about the old structure, for, though it seemed one could -discover if there were secret closets about it, he very well knew -that such had not been found out, and they were certainly there. - -This was proven by the mountain lion in the corridor, the sounds of -moaning and weeping, and the howling of a dog the night before. Those -sounds could only have been made by persons in concealment. - -The scouts had discussed the matter among themselves when out of -the place, and off from it, for the chief had warned them about -talking when in the hacienda, and, where they could understand that -men could have uttered the moans and other sounds, they could not -comprehend just how the weeping of a woman and the voice of a child -could have been heard. - -“Pards, those ghosts must enter here by way of the cliff up yonder, -so to-night we’ll put a strong guard there to head them off,” said -Buffalo Bill. - -And so it was planned for the next night. - -Going out to Texas Jack, they saw the dead body, and it was quietly -buried; then they took the horse in hand, and soon had him cleverly -metamorphosed. - -The saddle and bridle were taken into the hacienda and hidden, and -all were told that they must utter not a word within the house that -they did not wish to be known as there might be eavesdroppers whom -they did not wish to know their plans. - -This all attended to, Texas Jack went up to the hacienda to report, -and that also he had what had been taken from the dead man put away -for inspection on the morrow. - -There was a guard of four men that night, two in the hacienda, two in -the grounds. - -Soon after midnight Buffalo Bill was awakened by low groans. Where -they came from he could not tell. He arose in the darkness, and tried -to trace the sound to its source. But in vain. - -Lone Star was on guard in the corridor, but he, too, knew not whence -they came. - -Then followed the sound of weeping in a woman’s voice, as upon the -night before. - -“Go, Sam, and see if there is any disturbance among the cattle. I -will keep watch until you return,” said Buffalo Bill. - -Lone Star left, and the chief took his stand just in the middle of -the corridor, and listened attentively. - -As he listened, there was heard the wailing of a child, as though in -pain. And the moans, the weeping, and the wailing continued. - -“It all comes from the center of this hacienda, either from overhead -or from underneath, which I cannot tell,” mused the scout. - -Suddenly there rang out the wild, piercing shriek of the night before. - -For a moment Buffalo Bill was startled, so close to him did it seem. - -The men were all awakened by it, and upon their feet in an instant. - -There was an alarm sounded, but just then Lone Star Sam returned, and -reported the horses and cattle quiet. - -“Yes, and the same game must be played here to quiet these ghosts,” -said Buffalo Bill. - -Lone Star had heard the shriek, for it had even reached the men on -guard at the gate. He said every scout was up and ready for business. - -“This must not be,” said Buffalo Bill. “They must pay no attention -to any sounds they hear, and then we will master the situation.” - -This order was given secretly to each one of the men, and they -returned to their beds, though some did not care to sleep, as that -unearthly shriek still echoed in their ears. - -The morning dawned, and then Buffalo Bill gave orders to each man -to retire the next night early, and to pay no attention to moans, -groans, weeping, wailing or shrieks. - -“We will disappoint them, pards. And more, only one man need stand -guard to-night in the hacienda, and one at the gate. - -“If there is cause for alarm, a pistol shot will be the signal to -bring up to the spot where we are needed, but remember, nothing less -than seeing a ghost to-night counts, for hearing them is nothing.” - -These orders were given away from the hacienda, where no one could -hear, if concealed within the walls. - -The men to guard the cattle left early with the herd and the horses, -and the trail of Buffalo Bill’s horse and the led animals was blotted -out to the lake. - -One of the men even rode the horse of the dead kidnaper out on duty. - -His heavy tail had been thinned out more than half, as also had his -bushy mane, while two brands had been put upon him that looked old. -This was done by folding a cloth, saturating it in water, placing -it upon the side of the animal, and then holding the red-hot brand -against it until the hair was scalded off, but the flesh not burned. - -This gave it an old look, and the horse certainly would not be known -by the man who had owned him. - -Just at midnight a low moaning was heard. As the wind had come up, -and was whistling about the old hacienda, it made the moaning seem -more dismal than ever. Then deep groans were heard. - -A few scouts moved uneasily at this, but no one rose, no one spoke. - -The weeping of a woman followed, without causing any disturbance -among the sleepers, if any one was really asleep. Next was heard the -plaintive wailing of a child. - -Still no one stirred. A few minutes after there was a perfect chorus -of these melancholy sounds, and still the scouts lay quiet. - -Suddenly, without warning, the same unearthly, terrible shriek which -had before brought all the scouts to their feet echoed through the -old hacienda. - -To say that some of the scouts started would be but the truth. But -all had their orders from Buffalo Bill, and not a man moved. The -shriek had caused hardly any more disturbance than had the moans, -weeping, and wailing. - -But, as though angry at having remained unnoticed, the shrieker sent -forth peal after peal, until Buffalo Bill called out: - -“Oh, quit that racket, ghost, and go back to your grave; for we can’t -help you.” - -The scouts laughed, and in a moment the sounds ceased altogether. - -Nothing more disturbed the night’s rest, and the morning dawned with -the secret sleuths the victors. - -Buffalo Bill rose early, and while breakfast was being got ready he -went out and scaled the cliff. - -“Pards, to-night some of us will camp out upon that cliff,” he said -upon his return. - - - - - CHAPTER XL. - - THE SHOT ON THE CLIFF. - - -The secret sleuths all seemed particularly pleased with their chief -and themselves, when they felt that they had not been turned out of -their beds by the carrying on of the “ghosts” during the night. - -Those who had been most superstitious took heart also, and began to -feel that the “dead folks” were not so much to be dreaded, after all. - -The guard at the entrance had reported that the cattle had shown no -restlessness, and he had neither seen nor heard anything to alarm -him, save the wild shrieks up at the hacienda. - -Buffalo Bill had picked out four men to accompany him to the cliff, -when night came, to remain there on watch. - -A guard was also to be stationed in the tower, one at the gate and -another at the entrance of the living wing. - -In case of an alarm five more scouts were to hasten over the wall, -and, led by Lone Star, who knew the way, go to the help of those upon -the cliff. - -Buffalo Bill had selected to accompany him Texas Jack, Kit Kingdon, -Rio Grande Dick, and Blue Jacket Bob, all of them splendid fellows in -a close fight. - -And all were to take their rifles along. - -They were to carry their blankets as well, so that all could sleep -except one who watched. - -Quietly they slipped out of the gate, after dark, and, Buffalo Bill -leading the way, they went around the wall to the cliff and began the -steep climb by the aid of the trees. - -It was no easy task by day, and doubly dangerous in the darkness. - -But the climb was made in safety, and when the plateau was reached -the five men formed a line, and, spreading their blankets upon the -ground, lay down to watch. - -Buffalo Bill had taken the center position, and he told his men that -they could go to sleep, as he would remain on guard and call them if -he had any grounds for alarm. - -The men were thus stretched right across the plateau from one -cliffside to another, and about a hundred yards apart, just over the -ranch. - -But though each man spread his blanket, he did not go to sleep. - -All were too anxious to make some discovery that would enable them to -entrap the outlaws. - -If there was an alarm, they were to rally toward their chief, and if -their foes proved too numerous they were to give a signal for help -from the hacienda, and then retreat toward the cliff overlooking it. - -Midnight came and passed without any sound, and then Texas Jack, who -held the end position on the right, beheld a form in white coming -from the cliff that looked down from the range over the plateau, and -which rose several feet above it. He was instantly on the alert, and -expecting that the one he saw was not alone, he dared not yet give -the alarm. - -Nearer and nearer drew the form in white, gliding quickly along, -until suddenly Texas Jack called out sharply: - -“Halt! Hands up!” - -There was a startled cry, a quick shot at random toward Texas Jack, -and the white form was off like a deer toward the cliff. - -Seeing that he must get away, Texas Jack raised his rifle and fired -as the shadowy form was disappearing in the darkness. - -Instantly all was excitement on the plateau, the scouts rallying -quickly toward Texas Jack, who had darted forward in pursuit, calling -to his comrades to follow. - -Buffalo Bill was the first to reach his side, and he was bending over -a man lying upon the ground and groaning with pain. - -“Stay and see what you can get out of him, Jack. Blue Jacket, run to -the cliff and give the alarm for Lone Star Sam and his party to come -in. Dick, light those lanterns and have them ready, but under cover, -and then all of you follow me.” - -With these orders Buffalo Bill moved rapidly on toward the cliff, and -as quickly as possible his men followed, two of them with lanterns. - -Buffalo Bill reached the cliff of the range rising above the spur, -and as the others came they stretched out along its base. - -Blue Jacket Bob called out to say that Lone Star Sam and the others -were coming, and in a quarter of an hour they were on hand, and half -a dozen lanterns were following like fireflies along the wall of rock -which towered above the plateau. - -But not another soul was seen, nothing was found, and the whole cliff -seemed to be nowhere scalable. - -But the scouts kept up their search until the dawn, determined to see -then if there was any discovery that could be made. - -Stevens, the surgeon, had been called to the wounded man, and as -Buffalo Bill went to where he lay, just as day broke, he found -the scout doctor seated by his side, Texas Jack having left the -unfortunate fellow to his care. - -“Well, doc, how is he?” - -“Perfectly conscious, sir, but he will utter no word.” - -“His pallid face shows that death is not far off.” - -“Yes, sir; I have told him that he must die, that he can live but -an hour or more, and that I could do nothing for him, though I have -tried. But the wound is mortal.” Stevens showed where the bullet had -torn its way. - -Buffalo Bill knelt by the side of the dying man, who was beyond doubt -an American, for his hair was light in hue, and his eyes dark blue. -He was dressed in buckskin leggings, a blue woolen shirt, moccasins, -and a slouch hat, but, in strange contrast, about him was wrapped a -large white robe, intended to be white, though much soiled. He had -had on a belt of arms, but it had been removed by Texas Jack to make -him more comfortable. - -The man’s blue eyes rested upon Buffalo Bill with a strange -expression in them. - -“My poor fellow, I am sorry I can do nothing for you,” said Buffalo -Bill kindly. - -The man shook his head. - -“Can you not talk?” - -“Yes.” The word was distinctly uttered. - -“Will you not tell me if I can serve you in some way?” - -Again the wounded man shook his head. - -“Why were you playing ghost, for you thus brought your death upon -yourself?” - -No reply. - -“Have you no kindred, no friends to whom you wish to send a last -word?” - -“I will leave no word.” - -“But would it not be best?” - -“No.” - -“If you wish your friends to know of your death, upon my word I will -not tell them what you are.” - -“Let me die in silence.” - -“Doc, can you not give him something to relieve his sufferings?” - -“He refused it--he will soon be beyond suffering.” - -Just then Texas Jack approached, and as he did so Buffalo Bill said: - -“Texas Jack, the poor fellow is dying, but will utter no word to -commit himself or betray his comrades.” - -The blue eyes of the dying man rested upon the face of Texas Jack in -an earnest way: - -“Jack Omohundro, I know you. We were boys together in far-away -Virginia. And your hand has ended my career. So be it, for I might -have met a worse death---- Ah! I see that you know me now, but do not -betray me here, nor to the people at home, who believe me dead years -ago. Give me your hand, Jack.” - -Into the bright eyes of the Texan, who had witnessed many a death -scene, came tears that rolled down his bronzed cheeks, as he grasped -the hand, while he said softly: - -“Yes, Ned, I know you, my boyhood friend. We never dreamed of this in -those old days. I will not betray you.” - -The Texan’s form quivered with emotion, and a smile swept over the -face of the dying man. - -Buffalo Bill’s fine face grew stern as death, but it was to force -back the flood of feeling that rushed upon him, and Doc Stevens -hastily drew his sleeve across his eyes. - -“Jack, I will atone all I can for my evil past, I will tell you that -which will let me die easy in mind, for it will save many from sorrow -and suffering, yes, and some lives, too--listen to me while I can -talk.” - -The scouts walked away, but the dying man recalled Buffalo Bill, who -had removed his broad sombrero, as Texas Jack’s fell from his bowed -head. - -Bold, fearless, reckless fellows that they were, the scouts all saw -that their chief was respecting a death scene, even though it was an -outlaw that was dying. They beheld the attitude of their lieutenant, -Texas Jack, saw that his hand clasped that of the dying man, and they -bared their heads in compassion, for they knew that there was some -link that bound the two together. - -Later came the last words of the dying man: - -“Jack, old friend, good-by.” - -All heard the words, saw the smile, and then beheld the ashen hue -deepen on the face of the dying man, as the end came. - -Texas Jack folded the hands upon the breast, and wrapped the white -shroudlike robe about the form. - -“He was my boyhood friend, pards, and as he asked me to keep his -secret it will die with me,” said the Texan. And to his dying day -Texas Jack never made known the identity of the outlaw. - -After the body of the dead outlaw had been decently buried down in -the ranch graveyard, Texas Jack motioned to the chief of scouts, and -the two walked apart together. - -“You heard his strange story?” - -“Yes, Jack.” - -“And who the leader of these secret foes is?” - -“Yes, he is known as El Diabolo, the Cowboy King, is feared by -everybody, and is the chief of cowboys on the ranch of the girl -hermit.” - -“And you will act upon the information he gave us, Bill?” - -“Of course, but not too hastily, as I wish to make a clean sweep of -all the guilty ones, and have none of the innocent suffer.” - -“You are wise in that; but if you could trust your friend, Señor -Otega, he might help greatly.” - -“Yes, but I’ll know just who to trust before I make a move. I shall -make a visit to Silver Lake City and see how matters are there, -for I wish to see the priest, and also have a talk with Riel, the -innkeeper. In fact, I expect to go on a still hunt and be much away, -so you take full control here, and at the right time we will act and -make no mistake.” - - - - - CHAPTER XLI. - - THE FIGHT IN THE SLEUTHS’ CAMP. - - -Several days passed away, and Buffalo Bill was absent from the camp, -for, acting under his orders, Texas Jack had encamped his men outside -of the hacienda and away from its immediate surroundings. - -The chief of scouts was what the men called “playing a little game,” -in this, for it could give those who haunted the hacienda the idea -that the scout sleuths were afraid to stay there any longer. - -The truth was that Buffalo Bill was on a still hunt of detective -work, and each one of his men was aiding him all in his power. - -The scout had not been gone a day from the camp before visitors began -to drop in there, a thing that had never happened while they were at -the hacienda. - -Just how it happened Texas Jack and his men did not know, or if they -did they kept it to themselves; but trouble came, and at night, when -the scouts were away from the camp. - -Blue Jacket Bob and Rio Grande Dick were the two men left in camp, -and following the arrival of three strangers came a fatal fight. - -To the surprise of Blue Jacket Bob, two of the cowboy visitors were -from the ranch of Señor Otega, and the other was from the hacienda -of the fair hermit, and known to belong to the band who served the -cowboy king, the Señorita Suelo’s chief of cowboys. - -Perhaps they had expected to find only one guard at the cowboy camp -and rob it; but the two men they found there had proven more than a -match for them. - -When Buffalo Bill returned to camp he found Texas Jack and the men, -save two, off on scouting duty; but of those two one was dead, Rio -Grande Dick, and Blue Jack Bob was wounded. - -With Buffalo Bill came Señor Otega. - -Doc Stevens had joined his chief back on the trail, fortunately as it -proved, and as the three rode into camp there stood Blue Jacket Bob -in the moonlight, and he called out: - -“Doc, I have a wound in my arm for you to dress, and it needs it, for -I could not go to look you up, being all alone in camp.” - -“Why, where is Rio Grande Dick?” - -“I am sorry to say, sir, that he is dead.” - -“Dead! How was it, Bob?” - -But Buffalo Bill could see that Blue Jacket Bob was suffering, and he -insisted that he should not make a report until his wound had been -tended. - -This was now done by Doc Stevens, who said: - -“It is not dangerous, but he has lost considerable blood. Here is the -bullet--give him a drink, please.” - -The bullet had been extracted from the shoulder, a drink of brandy -was given the wounded man, and as soon as he was made comfortable he -said: - -“There lies poor Dick over there, chief.” - -“How was it, Bob?” - -“You see that man lying yonder?” - -“Yes.” - -“He was one of the cowboy king’s men.” - -“Yes, I remember him, and next in authority to him,” said Señor Otega. - -“I guess he was; there is his horse hitched where he left him. He -came to our camp with two men. One said to us that they had brought -a friend of theirs over who wanted to know us, and he had some fine -liquor and cigars, and wished us to join him. I said that we did not -drink, but would smoke with them, and asked them to be seated. - -“We all sat down here, and were talking when he called out suddenly: -‘Now!’ - -“The three men, with that, at once drew their revolvers and turned -them on us. - -“But, though we were taken by surprise, we are quick on the draw, and -our revolvers were going off with theirs, and for a second or so it -was lively here. - -“We all sprang to cover of the timber, of course, and so we had it. - -“I don’t think it lasted half a minute, and then I found I was the -only one standing up, and I was wounded. - -“I walked over to where those three traitors lay, but they were dead. -I then went to poor Dick. He was gasping, but murmured something -about a plot to kill us. Then he grasped my hand, and the poor boy -was gone.” - -As he spoke, Bob brushed tears from his eyes, and there were others -who felt the drops trickle down their bronzed cheeks as they thought -of their dead comrade. - -The scouts had listened with rapt attention to Blue Jacket Bob’s -story, and Buffalo Bill said: - -“Bob, you have done nobly, old fellow, and there is proof lying -before us of your plucky fight against odds. Now, señor, what is your -opinion of the treachery of your men to-night?” - -“They came to rob this camp, señor, and failed, though they had one -of the fair hermit’s cattlemen as an ally.” - -“What a pity that they all got killed, that we cannot entrap one -alive, or wound and capture one!” - -“It is, indeed, a pity, Señor Cody. But you recall that I told you -the secret foes had spies on every ranch, or were suspected of -having?” - -“Yes, Señor Otega.” - -“Well, these two were the spies, doubtless, on my ranch.” - -“I see.” - -“And the other man was a comrade of theirs, and hence a spy on the -ranch of the fair hermit.” - -“I guess you are right.” - -“Now, what is to be done with these bodies, for poor Dick we will -take with us for burial at the ranch?” - -“It would be best if you ride over with me and report the affair to -the alcalde.” - -“Who is he?” - -“The landlord, the Señor Riel.” - -“All right,” and to Texas Jack, who just rode up: - -“Jack, you and three others be within call if I need you, for I may -have to shoot the alcalde,” said Buffalo Bill, to the surprise of -Señor Otega, who cried: - -“Oh, señor!” - -“If ever there was a scamp, Señor Otega, that landlord is one, and I -shall stand no nonsense with him.” - -“All right, sir, and you’ll find us within call,” said Jack. - -With this, Buffalo Bill and the Señor Otega mounted their horses and -rode away from the camp. Texas Jack, Lone Star Sam, and Mustang Frank -following soon after. - -The landlord was found in the Fandango Hall, at Silver Lake City, but -he was called into his office by Señor Otega, who said at once: - -“Señor Alcalde, we have an unfortunate affair to report to you.” - -“The Señor Cody I suppose has killed some one?” - -The look the man got from the scout made him wince, but the words -were calmly uttered: - -“You must not jump at conclusions, sir, or I might be tempted to -punish impertinence. I am here to report to you that two of our men -were left to guard camp, while the rest were away. We returned to -find that one of our men had been killed, the other wounded, and the -three men who had gone there to rob the camp were lying dead, having -been shot by our comrade, Blue Jacket Bob.” - -“This is bad, very bad.” - -“The three men were those whom we had reason to believe friends, for -two were Señor Otega’s cowboys, and the other was a cattleman of the -band of the cowboy king, and he it was who arranged the robbery, -which ended in the loss of their lives.” - -“This is bad, very bad. I must demand the man who did this killing, -and while the Señor Otega goes to fetch him I will hold you as -hostage, Señor Cody.” - -“You shall neither take Blue Jacket Bob, nor will you keep me here. I -have reported the facts, and it is a pretty state of affairs when we -cannot protect our camp and our lives. If you wish a trial, name the -day and we will be here.” - -“And I will guarantee on bond, Señor Alcalde, for the appearance of -the accused man,” said Señor Otega. - -“I must have a guarantee from them also.” - -Buffalo Bill laughed and replied: - -“You doubt my word, and I have reason to doubt you, and, in fact, do. -No, I’ll pledge my word, and remember, the Señor Otega here shall -give no bond for us, and we will be here on the day you set for -trial.” - -“I wish a guarantee.” - -“See here, Landlord Riel, you shall have one. With your own people -you would consider this justifiable killing of three robbers and -murderers. We are here in this valley as are others, and you shall -not make us an exception.” - -“But I must punish murder,” said the landlord, all in a tremor. - -“There was no murder, save the killing of my poor comrade by those -men who were murderers and robbers. Blue Jacket Bob acted in -self-defense, and I’ll tell you to your face, if you dare to attempt -to hold me a prisoner, or arrest my comrade, I’ll make known to these -people the confession of one of those three men, and a dying man does -not lie. - -“I alone know that confession, Landlord Alcalde, or whatever you -choose to call yourself, and I will make it known, and leave it for -you to prove that dying lips lied. - -“Do you grasp my meaning as I intend you shall, Señor Riel?” - -Señor Otega stood amazed at the bold words of Buffalo Bill. He knew -perfectly well that there had been no dying confession; he was -surprised and startled at the daring shown by the scout, and flinging -into the face of a man whom every one in the valley feared, a charge -of guilt, as it were. He glared at the alcalde, expecting a terrible -outbreak. - -Instead, he saw that his face was livid, that his lips were drawn -back from his white teeth like a snarling dog, and that they were -clicking together with a nervous chill. - -“Señor Otega retire a moment, please, for I wish to ask our friend -here of this man’s confession.” - -The voice of the alcalde was hardly audible. - -A glance at Buffalo Bill, and the Señor Otega saw a sign for him to -go. - -“I will soon join you, señor, as the alcalde will not detain me -long,” said the scout pleasantly. - -When the door closed behind Otega, the alcalde said in a low tone: - -“Who made this confession you speak of?” - -“I do not know the name of the man of the cowboy king’s band,” was -the evasive reply. - -“Ah! it was he?” - -“Shall I tell you that the confession appeared like that of a man who -sought to destroy you, alcalde; but where there is smoke you will -always find fire, and were I to speak there are plenty to listen, -though I myself might not believe that you can be guilty. - -“Suppose we square this matter by your giving me a discharge for my -comrade; in other words, that he acted in self-defense, and you bury -the three bodies at your expense.” - -“Yes, yes, señor, that will do, for I have no desire to prosecute -you or your comrades. You are strangers in our valley, and I will -give you the paper asked, and in return your lips are sealed about -the confession of that dying man. As you said, it was the malignant -confession on the eve of death, to ruin me, for we had had some -trouble several times, and there is not a word of truth in it.” - -“I did not tell you what he had said.” - -“No, no.” The alcalde looked most anxious. - -“Just write out the paper for my pard, please--his name is Robert -Mead, nicknamed Blue Jacket Bob.” - -“I see.” The alcalde hastily filled in a discharge and handed it to -the scout, saying as he did so: “Now, there is no charge, you know.” - -“Thanks, señor.” - -“Now, what did that wicked man have to say about me?” - -“Well, I heard enough to know you were in some way allied to these -secret foes of the valley, and kept by fear of death of making known -all that you are aware of.” - -“Nonsense, señor, utter nonsense! Still, it is best not to let it be -known that I had such a charge against me, and you are not to speak -of it, you know.” - -“Not one word I ever heard from that dying man against you, señor, -shall ever pass my lips, at least as long as you don’t forget.” - -“Then that will be all right. I will call in the Señor Otega, and you -are to have a glass of wine with me.” - -“Thanks, but I do not often drink; the Señor Otega never does, and -you must excuse us. But you will send over after the bodies, for we -shall leave camp to-night.” - -“Yes, I will return with you, with two of my men, and take them in -charge.” - -Señor Otega was again surprised when the alcalde and the scout came -out together, and as Texas Jack saw them approaching he and his -comrades hastened back to camp. - -The alcalde had two men and a wagon to follow him, and the bodies of -the three robbers were taken back into the settlement, where there -was already plenty more work for the landlord in his magisterial -capacity, there having been a riot in the Fandango Hall, and half a -score of men lay around dead, while many more were wounded. - -“Those three dead from our camp will fit in with the ones slain at -the fandango,” said Señor Otega, as he rode with Buffalo Bill as they -started on their homeward trail just before dawn. - -“Oh, yes, the alcalde will fix things up all right, and I have Blue -Jacket Bob’s acquittal paper here,” replied Buffalo Bill. - -“And, señor, how did you manage it?” - -“Easy enough.” - -“Well, you played the boldest game I ever saw, and you are the first -one who ever frightened Alcalde Riel, I assure you. Why, not one of -those men made a confession.” - -“No, but if he thought they did, and he was guilty, it was just as -well as though they had.” - -“Yes, just as well.” Señor Otega was lost in admiration at the bold -deed of Buffalo Bill in bringing the alcalde to terms. - -Back to his ranch went Señor Otega, while Buffalo Bill and his -men returned on the trail that would take them by the way of the -temporary camp where poor Rio Grande Dick had lost his life. - -The chief of scouts found that his orders to get ready to return to -the haunted hacienda had been carried out, and all were in readiness -for the move. - -Rio Grande Dick had been given decent burial, and the men felt that -their chief had been doing some splendid secret-service work during -his short absence from them. - -“Pards, I have found out enough to convince the most skeptical of -you, that is the most ardent believer in ghosts, that every spook -we will have to deal with can be brought down with a bullet,” said -Buffalo Bill. - -“I have gleaned certain information that fastens the crimes in this -valley upon a man, yes, men whom no one suspects; but what we do now -will bring the guilty to the end of their rope. - -“Though you did not know it, there was one of our band left alone and -in hiding in the haunted hacienda, and what he discovered proved that -we are on the right track.” - -Though Buffalo Bill did not even hint as much, the men were sure that -their chief had been that lone watcher in the ruins of the fatal -ranch. - -Continuing in his easy way, Buffalo Bill said: - -“Now, men, we return to that old spook nest next, and we stay there -until we lay the ghosts, mark my words. - -“All I ask is for each man to give me his full support, and we’ll -soon strike the end of our trail.” - -The answer was a cheer, and the march was taken up for the fatal -ranch. - -If there was one of the scouts who longer felt dread of the ruin, -that is, a superstitious dread, he did not show it. - -The place was again occupied, and after a talk with the men, before -they reached the hacienda, it was agreed by one and all that not a -word should be uttered there that would in any way give their plans -away. - -That night a move would be made by Buffalo Bill which should lay the -foundation for the laying of the spooks, and all were on the eager -watch for what was to come. - - - - - CHAPTER XLII. - - A STARTLING VISIT. - - -Night came and Buffalo Bill was on guard at the gate with Winfield. - -The cattle and horses had not been driven in, as the scouts had -returned home, and there were enough for four for night duty and -four for day duty, with the others to look to the duties about the -hacienda, and be ready for any service they might be called upon to -do. - -As Buffalo Bill had signified his intention of going on an expedition -the next day, he carried his blankets down to the entrance to sleep -there, and have Texas Jack call him. - -Jack awoke the chief just at dawn, asking: - -“Now, what does it mean, chief?” - -“I am going to make a call--in fact, a couple of them, for I shall -dine with Señor Otega, and from there go on to the hacienda of the -fair hermit.” - -“Do you mean it, chief?” - -“Certainly.” - -“Don’t go there.” - -“Is it the fair hermit you distrust, or her cowboys?” - -“It is the king of the cowboys I have no faith in, and his men will -do as he tells them, as my dying friend said.” - -“I do not doubt that.” - -“He is bitter over our coming here, as all of them are, and he will -seek to do you harm in some way, I am sure.” - -“My dear Jack, that is just why I want you and the boys along.” - -“Ah!” - -“You are to follow my trail, you know, and, stopping at the Otega -ranch later in the afternoon, some time after my departure from -there, he will give you a couple of men to accompany you, guiding you -to the hacienda of the fair hermit. - -“You can then go as near as you dare, meet me upon my departure, and -on the return, instead of having one man to waylay, as they will -expect, they will find half a dozen, and I will not fall into the -trap.” - -“I see.” - -“I do not know that they would kill me, I rather think they would -not; but just now I wish to take no chances--wish to keep out of -trouble--as I am playing a little secret game myself, which you will -all be let into as soon as I make a discovery or two I hope to. - -“Now, follow in a couple of hours, and when you reach the Otega ranch -go there alone, leaving the men in hiding.” - -With this Buffalo Bill rode along the trail, now well known to him, -leading to the home of Señor Otega. He was watchful as he rode -along, as he deemed it necessary that he should be. - -It was within half an hour of dinner time when he reached the Otega -ranch, and he was received by the señor and his lovely wife most -cordially. - -“You are going to be our guest for several days, I hope?” - -“Thank you, no, for I must go on my way this afternoon.” - -“I am sorry; but we will soon have dinner.” - -Señora Otega left the room to see to it, when the señor remarked: - -“Now, which way, señor, for I am sorry to see you alone on a trail?” - -“I have company, sir, but they are not visible.” - -“Good!” - -“My friend, Texas Jack, will be here this afternoon, and will you -give him a couple of men whom you feel that you can really trust as -guides?” - -“I can give him a dozen men, Señor Cody, but candidly, and with shame -I say it, I know of but one man on my ranch whom I would fully trust. -The fact is, I do not know in whom to place confidence. They may be -all faithful, and yet one may not be so, and that one might be the -person I select for you.” - -“That is very true.” - -“But one man I am sure of, Palma, my cowboy chief, and he will go -with you where you please.” - -“Thanks, señor, he will do, and if you will allow him to go with -Texas Jack I will feel obliged.” - -“But you, señor?” - -“I am going to make a visit, señor, to the hacienda of the fair -recluse.” - -“Oh, señor!” - -“Yes, and I wish you to give me full directions for reaching there.” - -“I will, yet---- I do not wish to see you go there.” - -“Why not?” - -“The cowboy king.” - -“Is not the Señorita Suelo a protection upon her own ranch?” - -“Yes, but----” - -“Well?” - -“She will not see you.” - -“I will make the trial at least.” - -“But why go there?” - -“I have a special desire to see her.” - -“In your mysterious but seemingly sure way you are working for an -end, señor, and I say Heaven speed you.” - -“When I come back from my visit to the hacienda of the Señorita -Suelo, I will get your cowboy chief to come to the Mission Ranch for -a visit of several days, and he will guide us around to the other -side of that range, for up there is the retreat of the secret foes.” - -“I believe you are right. But I also will go, for you, a stranger, -must not run all the risk in working for us here in this valley, who -have suffered at the hands of the secret foes. I will accompany you, -señor, and you may need my aid, as well as that of Palma.” - -“I shall be only too happy to have you go, señor, for I shall go -there for work, deadly work.” - -Buffalo Bill rode away from the home of Señor Otega half an hour -after he had enjoyed one of the señora’s most substantial dinners. - -The ranchero was sorry to see him go, yet he was beginning to feel -that all the scout understood he would accomplish. He had given him -full directions for reaching the hacienda of the fair recluse. - -It was situated down the valley from him, at the foot of the lake, -and just half a score of miles from the Otega ranch. - -As he drew near it, after a brisk ride, Buffalo Bill was glad to -discover that there were innumerable hiding places for Texas Jack -and his men, and their approach could not be seen by any one in the -hacienda. - -Some of the cowboys herding cattle gazed at the scout with interest -as he rode along, but he seemed neither to avoid nor care to meet -them. - -One, however, rode in such a way as to cross his trail, and he said, -as he drew near: - -“Going to the hacienda, señor?” - -“Yes.” - -“The cowboy king is not there.” - -“I wish to see the Señorita Suelo.” - -“She receives no strangers, señor.” - -“I shall at least try to see her.” - -“It will be useless.” - -“Has she not cattle and horses for sale?” - -“Yes, señor, but the cowboy chief attends to that.” - -“In his absence who does?” - -“You will have to come again, señor.” - -“I will ride on, however, and request to see the señorita.” - -“It will only be refused.” - -“Very well, I can then turn back. But when will the cowboy king -return?” - -“To-night, señor.” - -Thanking the man, Buffalo Bill rode on, and soon approached the heavy -gate of the hacienda. - -A man stood within, looking through a small window, and said, -somewhat rudely: - -“The señorita entertains no strangers beneath her roof.” - -“I have not asked it, my man. But you will go and say to the señorita -that the Señor Cody desires to see her for a few minutes.” - -“I’ll go, señor, but she will not see you.” - -He returned within ten minutes and said: - -“The señorita regrets to decline to see the señor, and that she is -not able to offer him hospitality beneath her roof.” - -Buffalo Bill smiled, and, taking from his pocket a notebook, he tore -out a leaf and wrote upon it: - -“‘If taken from the wrist the charm is broken.’ The Señor Cody begs -to restore the charm.” - -“Hand this to the señorita, my man.” - -A silver dollar slipped into the hand prevented any reply, as the man -had upon his lips a refusal to bear the message. But he walked off, -and Buffalo Bill waited with no show of anxiety as to the result. - -This time the gatekeeper was gone for a much longer time than before, -and when he returned there was a puzzled look upon his face, as he -said: - -“I’ll allow you to enter, señor, for the señorita will see you?” - -“I felt that she would see me,” was the quiet reply of Buffalo Bill. - -“She has done so, but----” - -“But what?” asked Buffalo Bill, looking the evidently greatly -surprised gatekeeper straight in the eye. - -“The señor is doubtless an old friend of the señorita?” - -This was ventured as though the man was cautiously feeling his way. - -“I may and may not be a friend.” - -The man halted at this and said: - -“Well, I am very sure of one thing, señor.” - -“It matters nothing to me what you think; do as you were told to -do--lead me to the presence of the señorita.” - -The man had a dogged look and manner. He appeared as though he meant -not to obey the bidding; but there was that in the look of the scout -which commanded obedience. - -And so he moved on once more. - - - - - CHAPTER XLIII. - - THE FAIR HERMIT. - - -“Visitors are not allowed here, and, were the cowboy king at home, -he would not have admitted you,” said the man to Cody, as though -determined to make another effort to talk. - -“My visit is to the Señorita Suelo, not to her servant, the cowboy -chief,” was the stern reply. - -The gateman winced, for the cowboy king evidently was all powerful in -that hacienda. - -The gateman did not lead the visitor into the hacienda, but, halting -at the flower-garden gate, said: - -“The señor will find the señorita in yonder arbor.” - -“She does not intend to have any eavesdroppers, that is certain,” -muttered the scout to himself. - -A short walk brought him to the arbor, a perfect bower of beauty amid -the flowers that were upon all sides. - -The señorita arose from a hammock, a book in her hand, as the caller -approached. - -“Señor, be seated,” she said, and she appeared embarrassed. - -“Señorita, I have no right, perhaps, to intrude myself upon you, -knowing the unwritten law of your house that no stranger must enter, -but I have done so to return to you a trinket that belongs to -you--one I picked up upon the scene when last we met.” - -As Buffalo Bill spoke, he held out the bracelet he had found upon the -spot where he had rescued the Mexican officer and the maiden from the -outlaws. - -The face of the fair Mexican flushed and paled in turn, and, stepping -forward, she said earnestly: - -“Señor, can you ever forgive me for my treatment of you that day, -leaving you, as we did, after your saving the señor captain from -certain death, and rescuing me from the power of cruel foes? - -“Yes, the bracelet must have been torn from my wrist unnoticed by my -captors in the struggle. - -“You read what is written within it, señor, so the charm is broken. -I will never wear it again; no, never! For what is there graven has -come true--the charm is broken.” - -She turned her head, and for a moment was silent, when Buffalo Bill -spoke: - -“I am sorry you no longer have faith in the charm; but I am glad to -have returned it to you.” - -“Señor, I am glad you have done so, for it has given me the chance to -meet you to tell you how I appreciate all you did that day. Why we -left you so unceremoniously I cannot tell, for my lips are sealed.” - -“And who were those foes of yours, señorita?” - -“I do not know.” - -“And the señor captain--did he recover from the cruel treatment they -gave him?” - -“Yes, señor.” - -“Señorita, I have a request to make.” - -“I will grant it.” - -“The favor I would ask is that when I come again to see you, you will -see me.” - -“I have promised; but you must not come when the cowboy king is here, -señor.” - -Buffalo Bill’s face did not change a muscle at this remarkable -request of the fair recluse. - -The girl looked at him somewhat anxiously, while he answered -graciously: - -“It shall be as you wish, señorita. I will now bid you adios and -thank you for having received me.” - -“Then thanks are due to you, señor, and I wish you would tell me if -in any way I can serve you.” - -“By allowing me to call again, as you have promised, if I deem it -best to come.” - -“You have my promise.” - -“And may I again ask if you have any idea of who the men were who -attacked you that day?” - -“I have not.” - -“Were they not the secret foes?” - -“No, señor.” - -“I did not know but that they might be,” said Buffalo Bill, in a -peculiar way. - -“No, señor, they were not of that band. Their masked leader was a -foe to--to--the señor captain, and to me. I know; but, just who he -is I am not aware. He wanted gold, and revenge, as well, it seemed, -but he thwarted his purpose as far as getting money was concerned, -for, but for your coming, as you so bravely did, he would have killed -the señor captain, and from me he would have obtained nothing. The -outlaws were strangers in the valley, señor, save their chief, and -just who he was I do not know, as I have stated.” - -“Perhaps when I call again, señorita, I may be able to inform you as -to his identity.” - -“Ah! can you?” - -“I may,” was the cautious reply, and, declining the offer of -refreshments, the scout took his leave, the señorita offering her -hand as she bade him farewell. - -“Señor, this valley is full of dangerous characters, and one knows -not whom to trust. You are going alone upon a dangerous trail, and I -warn you that you may be halted and held up, as they say here. This -will protect you from robbery, perhaps from death. Wear it!” and she -took from the silk scarf about her neck a pin of unique design and -fastened it upon the lapel of Buffalo Bill’s jacket. - -“Señorita, I will keep it as a souvenir of you; it will doubtless be -a charm to protect me. I thank you.” - -Again bidding the beautiful girl good-by, Buffalo Bill left the -garden, crossed the plaza to where his horse awaited him, and rode -toward the gate. - -There stood the keeper, who now saluted him with marked respect, -again saying: - -“You are the first stranger, señor, who ever gained entrance to this -hacienda.” - -As Buffalo Bill rode along he was not forgetful of being in great -danger, and he was surprised when he did not see the ranch cowboys -he had seen when he was on his way to visit the fair hermit. He -was riding quietly along when he saw a horseman approaching, a -splendid-looking man, well mounted, and with silver-mounted Mexican -saddle and bridle. - -Buffalo Bill knew him at once from what he had heard of the cowboy -king. - -Both saluted and halted, the cowboy king saying: - -“Off your trail, señor?” - -“No, for I have been to the hacienda.” - -“And why?” - -“That I consider none of your business.” - -“I shall make it my affair, Señor Cody, and you are covered by my -men,” responded the cowboy king. - -It was true, for four men were peering over a rock with rifles -leveled at the scout, who said: - -“So it seems; but do you not respect this badge?” and he pointed to -the pin Suelo had given him. - -“Not this time, for you are too dangerous a man to be at large. I -know you, Buffalo Bill.” - -“And I know you, now, for you were a deserter from the army, and -later became a finished cutthroat; but I thought you were dead, -Dallas Mowbray.” - -“No, I left the northern country several years ago, as it became -too hot for me, and came back to the Southwest, for I am really a -Mexican, you know, and was once an officer of the Mexican army, but -was exiled for certain acts. You see, I don’t mind telling you, as I -regard you as good as dead.” - -“Thanks; but while there is life, there is hope.” - -“So I have found out; but I’ll fix you now--ho, men, come here!” - -The four men came, their rifles still loaded; but as they neared the -scout there were several shots heard--then one. - -The first came from some thick timber close at hand, and the four men -with rifles dropped dead. - -The single shot was from Buffalo Bill’s revolver, who was quick to -take advantage of the volley in his favor. He had sent a bullet -through the heart of the cowboy king. - -The next moment Texas Jack, four of his pards, with Señor Otega and -his cowboy chief, Palma, came into view. - -“You were just in time, Jack, and I thank you all. - -“Find the horses of those four men, strap the bodies in the saddles, -and we’ll take them to our ranch to-night, and to-morrow there will -be two visits for us to make, and in full force, for I can see the -beginning of the end of our trail.” - -“As I also can, chief,” answered Texas Jack. - - - - - CHAPTER XLIV. - - REVEALED. - - -Again did Buffalo Bill pay a visit to the hacienda of the fair -hermit. It was the day following his meeting with the cowboy king. - -Again he was received, and in the garden, as before, while the -señorita said: - -“You have come sooner than I expected, señor; but it is well, as the -cowboy king is not here.” - -“Why do you fear that man?” - -“Ah! I cannot tell.” - -“What is he to you?” - -“Do not ask me.” - -“Do you love him?” - -“No!” - -“I am glad, for I can tell you that you need no longer fear him.” - -“What do you mean?” she gasped. - -“Señorita, I have read your secret, for that man was the Mexican -officer I saved with you from those men that day nearly two months -ago.” - -“You recognize him, then?” - -“Yes, and as a vile cutthroat who joined our army, robbed the -paymaster, deserted, and became a fugitive and an outlaw, at last, -as we believed, being killed, but, instead, coming here. Did you not -know him as all that was bad?” - -“Señor, I was deceived by him, for I believed him an officer of the -Mexican army. I was left this place, and he urged me to marry him -secretly, and I did so, then coming here to live, and obeying him -blindly. At times he came here, I believing he was on duty when he -was away. - -“It was when he was here that you rescued us, and from men I now -think were not outlaws, but those who suspected him of certain deeds -and determined to kill him. Perhaps they were my own cowboys, who -sought to kill him, not wishing a master over them. - -“Of late, I have had reason to doubt him, and I meant to know the -truth, even if he killed me, as he has often threatened to do.” - -“Have no fear now, for he is dead.” - -“No, no, it cannot be, for he bears a charmed life.” - -“It has ended--the charm is broken, as was the case when you lost -your bracelet.” - -“Which he gave to me; but do you know that he is dead?” - -“I killed him, Señorita Suelo Sada,” calmly said Buffalo Bill. - -“You?” - -“Yes, I made you a widow, I am glad to say, for that man was the -leader of the secret foes of this valley, the one who has put the -curse upon it which all have dreaded.” - -“God bless you, señor, for those words. You have freed me from worse -than death. But only lately did I suspect that he was really bad at -heart, and the words I got came to me by a secret letter, and I was -told to closely watch his movements and I would discover the truth. - -“My servants here are innocent, all in the hacienda, but I believe -all the cowboys are guilty, and were members of his band.” - -“I know that they were; but let me tell you that they are all -prisoners now, for I led my men to their retreat last night, on the -cliffs, back of my ranch, and through a secret entrance into the old -hacienda, surprised their hidden camp. - -“They had there a score of prisoners, men, women, and children, held -for ransom, and I learned the story from dying lips, and enough more -to enable us, under Señor Otega and his chief of cowboys, to find the -secret entrance to the cliffs. - -“We set free all who were there, killed the five guards over them, -and to-day rounded up and captured your cowboys, seven in number, who -shared the ransoms paid with their chief. - -“You were not guilty, I know, Señorita Suelo Moro, for such is your -name as Dallas Moro’s wife; but you will be so thought by many in -this valley, and my advice is that you at once leave here and seek a -home elsewhere, where no cloud hangs over your life, and Señor Otega -will see to your property here.” - -“Señor Cody, again I say, ‘God bless you,’ and from my heart I thank -you more than words can tell. I have an ample fortune of my own, -independent of this accursed ranch, where I have known only sorrow; -but what I have done he forced me to do. To Señor Otega I leave this -ranch, cattle and all, for him to dispose of, and pay back to those -who have paid ransom, every dollar they have been cheated out of. - -“Señor, with my few faithful servants I will leave here at sunset, -and into your hands will I give the paper by which Señor Otega can -act for me.” - -From his heart Buffalo Bill pitied the beautiful and unhappy -woman, and he was glad, a few hours after, to see her and her few -faithful servants depart from the hacienda forever, while Señor -Otega willingly accepted the duty, to carry out the mission she had -intrusted to him, through Cody. - -As quickly as Buffalo Bill and his secret sleuths had entered the -mysterious valley, they departed from it, carrying with them their -horses and cattle, and their prisoners also, to deliver over to the -commandant of the fort nearest the scene, who held control of that -part of the country. - -Among the prisoners was Riel, the innkeeper, who, next to the -cowboy king, was the guilty one in the many crimes committed in the -beautiful valley. - -It is needless to say that quick punishment was visited upon all the -prisoners, and Buffalo Bill and his sleuths of the saddle gained -great praise for their splendid services rendered, and Colonel Carr -sent a special report to headquarters about the great chief of -scouts’ brilliant achievement. - -As to the beautiful valley, it is as peaceful to-day as a Quaker -village, and the fair hermit of the hacienda is forgotten, for she -was never heard of again by those who dwelt in the Silver Lake -settlement, while the haunted ranch remains but a ruin, surrounded by -its graves. - - - THE END. - - No. 104 of the BUFFALO BILL BORDER STORIES, entitled “Buffalo - Bill’s Barricade,” is a rattling good story of Indian warfare among - the red men themselves, helped out by the great scout, who as - usual, is on the side of those who are fighting for the right. - - - - - A REQUEST - - -Conditions due to the war have made it very difficult for us to keep -in print all of the books listed in our catalogues. We still have -about fifteen hundred different titles that we are in a position to -supply. These represent the best books in our line. We could not -afford, in the circumstances, to reprint any of the less popular -works. - -We aim to keep in stock the works of such authors as Bertha Clay, -Charles Garvice, May Agnes Fleming, Nicholas Carter, Mary J. Holmes, -Mrs. Harriet Lewis, Horatio Alger, and the other famous authors who -are represented in our line by ten or more titles. Therefore, if your -dealer cannot supply you with exactly the book you want, you are -almost sure to find in his stock another title by the same author, -which you have not read. - -It short, we are asking you to take what your dealer can supply, -rather than to insist upon just what you want. 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