Beadle's Half Dime Library (no. 929) (1895 05 14)
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wy little fxg) mre, but how ‘Il went one int te ry —— Chum, - = Wil = i) v, MWS WV PS iy ~ teste we a OTT (ti! tu! a! tl i! PF iP paar er at the New York, N. Y , Post Office. Copyrighted 1895, by BEADLE AND ADAMS, May 14, 18y5. } nd Class Matt Entered as Seco PUBLISHED WEEKLY BY BEADLE AND ADAMS. Price, No. 98 WILLIAM STREET, NEW YORK. 5 cents. Vol. XXXVL. . AK SaotFaR = mo, veU, ~ "eae Mj OR, THE Tenderfoot «= Wild West. : BY COL. PRENTISS INGRAHAM. CHAPTER I. THE YOUNG TRAMP. A yours of sixteen was tramping slowly along the Overland stage trail, his face turned toward the west. It was a face strangely full of character = for one of his years, bronzed as though by = long exposure, with fine features and look of \ Dipfaly, Z7 By WY) : Gey j E oy \ it tee Y Lifes ‘hg — A BUFFALO BILL ON THE TRAIL,
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* 8 Buffalo Bill’s Crack-Shot Pard. prepossessing. He was dressed in a corduroy suit, top boots and a slouch hat, had a soldier’s knapsack, rolled blankets and all strapped upon his back, carried a combination rifle and shot-gun over one shoulder and a re- volver, hatchet and knife in his belt. One glance into his face was sufficient to show that he was not “out for a lark,’ but meant “business,” and though far from any habitation, following the lonely Stage trail through a wild country full of deadliest danger, he was not one to back down in the face of difficulties, hardships and peril. “ Halt there! “We've got yer covered, and we is ther toll-takers on this trail. * Hands up!” “ The boy started at the rude and threat- ening challenge, but he saw no foe, and just where he had halted there was no shelter for him, though ahead, from where the voice had come, there was a group of rocks in which crouched his foe or foes. He was not a fool to throw away his life where odds were ail against him; so, after a quick glance behind him he said, with a light laugh: “Oh, yes; I’ll halt, and you are wel- come to all you can rob a poor boy of, for I suppose that is your game.” “ Yas, it’s our game ter hold you up and lighten ther weight yer carry, for maybe yer is givin’ us a bluff. “Come! Hands up, fer ther coach is due soon, and we wants ter settle your ig afore it comes along. Hands up, I Say!’ The boy laid his gun upon the ground and raised his hands above his head, while he called out, in the same indiffer- ent tone: * Well, what now?” *“ We'll show you,” and with the words three men appeared in sight, each one covering him with a revolver. They were hard-looking fellows, roughly dressed, bearded, and with long hair, while they were also heavily armed and the spurs on their heels indicated that they had but just dismounted. The upper part of their faces was masked, but the boy had no curiosity to see them, and quietly watched them, as one who seemed to be the leader ordered: “Leave your gun whar it is and come here among the rocks!’ ; The youth obeyed, his hands still raised above his head. ie “ Now, fellows, strip him, and be quick about it, too!” ’ But, as the men laid their hands upon the youth there came a savage yelp and a huge dog bounded over the rock full upon them, while, quick as a flash, taking advantage of the change’ in his favor, the young Overland tramp shouted, as he drew his revolver and fired full in the face of one of the road-agents: * Bravo! good dog! ‘T’ll help you!” The sudden attack of the huge and say- age dog, of whose existence they had not dreamed, and his bearing one of the men down backward, grasping at his throat, while the youth’s revolver killed the sec- ond, rendered the third man helpless with fright. } But if the road-agent had lost his nerve, _ the youtlykept his and shouted: “ Now, you up with your hands, for turn about is fair play!” r With the dead companion at his feet, the vengeful dog holding another upon his back, and a revolver pointing full in his face, the outlaw sullenly obeyed, and was disarmed with a promptness and skill that showed the youth to be an apt scholar in the ways of border warfare, if not an expert in it. frankness and manhood that was most your hold-up game?” “* Now lie flat on your face and put your hands up behind your back!” the boy di- rected. SS) “See here, young pard, them fellers made me do what I did, and I hain’t nothin’ ag’in yer, so don’t be hard on me,” whined the man. * Bah! as I tell you! tie this fellov.” The dog’s low growl showed that. he had his game all right, and, taking the lariat which was slung around the man’s neck, the youth securely bound his pris- oner, and them turned to the one he had shot. ‘““Oh, Lordy! He's dead!” was the startled boy’s exclamation. ‘I’m awful sorry, and—why, Chum, you have killed that fellow, too!—Oh! What shall I do? I'll surely be hanged for this if it becomes known.” And, while the now thoroughly alarmed youth stood gazing with white face down upon the two dead men at his feet, the Don’t play the baby act! Do Hold him, Chum, while I road-agent saw his chance; his assurance | came back to him and he said, eagerly: ‘Yas, they hangs men out here for kill- in’; and without trial, too; but I'll lend yer a hand and help yer out o’ yer bad fix ef you goes easy on me an’ keeps that brute off’n me.” ——— CHAPTER II. THE ESCAPE. The youth looked at the outlaw an in- stant, and quickly his nerve, shaken by having taken his first human life, re- turned to him and he broke out into a laugh. The man looked at him anxiously and said, with a growl: “T don’t see nothin’ funny in yer hang- in’—that I don’t!” j : “Oh, you don’t, eh? But you would think it funny if I was fool enough to ac- cept your services. I was attacked by you three cut-purses, and but for my good dog there, my body-guard, that was | lagging behind, you would have set me adrift without a dollar, a blanket, a mouthful of food; so, in protecting my- self, I am no more to blame than is Chum We simply took human life in self-defense.” { “Ther Vigilantes will say different, lit- tle pard.” . “What will they say about you and “They won't believe what you say, stranger; that’s dead sure.” * “Oh, won't they? We'll take our chances on their not being such fools as to suppose a lone boy would attempt to rob three men. “Come, I want to be on my way, 80 just help me to tie these two dead pards of yours up on that tree out of the reach of the wolves; that’s humanity. After | that we'll proceed on our way and can | reach the stage station by night, if no more hold-ups prevent.” “ Say, young feller, what is you doin’ out in this country, anyhow?—you, a little tenderfoot, all alone?” “That is my business, not yours. I don't give information to such as you on de- mand.” 1 “Don’t get huffy, boy pard, for I wanted ter say ef yer come out here ter make yer ee I kin help yer on that lay-out, b é yer rg, clin’ you? Well, I am _not stuck on the partnership—not much, I am not!” and the Jad laughed lightly at the idea. “Now yer hain’t none too rich, I take it, and my pards here has got considerable money about ’em, not ter speak of ther weeping and horses, over ther hill yon- der.” ‘little cuss! ‘he may—I means this one devil * Well?” ~ “Now I'll give up all ef £0.” A a “T’ye got all now, and you in thew gain, haven’t 1?” i The man smothered an oath and tried again. ; Ua “JT meant ter say, ef yer would go with ~ me I’d take yer inter a gold claim I has and which will pan out big money. Yes, a fortin’ for both of us!” “Why, then, were you not leading an honest life by working the rich claim instead of lying in wait to rob stage coaches? I was not your game, I well : know, only I came along first and you ‘ concluded to rob, perhaps to kill me, and then look for the big haul you had planned.” “Tt hain’t so, and I tell yer I'll make yer fortin’ if yer’ll let me go.” The man started, listened an instant, and then, as he heard a rumbling sound down the trail, cried excitedly: “or God’s sake, young feller, let me go! Let me run fer it, for they'll hang ti me if yer don’t!” “ Well, I don’t want to be the cause of your being hanged, so help me with the bodies of your comrades, as I said, and I. will—” aah He paused, looked up quickly and be- held the Overland coach dash around a curve in the trail. “ Quick, for God's sake, quick! “Gut the lariat and let me scoot fer | cover!” yy “No; you must take your chances,” was the firm reply, and the boy stepped out into the trail. \ The driver, seeing him, and divining — what had happened, drew rein at once and: called out: E: “Ho, boy tramp, has yer been held up by the Masked Miners of ther Overland?” The driver sprang from his box as he spoke, while several heads were thrust) | out of the coach windows to know what’ was the matter. a “Yes, sir; they halted me and were : going to rob me, when my dog Chum, | here, rushed to my,rescue and I took ad- vantage of his fierce attack to shoot one man and the other surrendered.” “You are as plucky as they make ’em, Just give us yer hand, and let me tell yer that Joe Jarvis, driver of — ther Overland, is yer pard fer life, fer yer saved my coach and passengers from being robbed by these very three devils— no, I begs pardon, for I takes my hat off — ~ to a dead man, let him have ah, what d his — two pards,” and the handsome driver of the Overland raised his broad sombrero ~ to the two dead bodies, but looked at the =~ living man as though he would like to | lsend him on the long trail after his cut- throat comrades. 4 art “T am glad if I served you, sir, and the passengers, but remember, it was only an accident that I did so, and I deserve no credit for it.” ro “Don’t yer, with two dead men and a prisoner, as your game? Well, I should snicker! Does you all ask what was ther matter?’ and, going to the window of the coach, Joe Jarvis continued: . “Why, ther matter is that but for this’ it) boy, for he don’t look much more, Poe have had my coach robbed and you would _ have lost all you’ve got in money, if not _ yer lives, fer when ther Mounted Mask- ers holds yer up it’s often done with a shot that kills. eo yee “T met this young feller on my run East, yesterday, and-told him he better | turn about and hunt his home, but he_ come on, tellin’ me he was on ther trail ter stick—ther plucky little cuss! | im “But I’m durned glad he did stick, fer” ‘ gt a ie i af ¥ is ‘ ; vin : " J * bs OD he cele db a ah PTR ary ee
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and them under my care? _ you say mare, < Py wal flush that he’s the chain light- int youngster fer this country.” - “But Chum it was, Joe, who saved me, re sir!” protested the boy, confused by such compliments; “and—” “Holy smoke! Boy, yer prisoner has gone!” broke in the siage driver, and all saw a horse dashing away with the pris- oner in the saddle, his hands still bound tightly behind his back, with the rest of the lariat noosed over his neck. CHAPTER III. THE DRIVER'S RECOGNITION. The prisoner had slipped away while the enthusiastic Joe Jarvis was singing the praises of the youth to the passenger's. Bound though he was, he had managed to unhitch his horse and mount him, dash- ing away at full speed with the risk of breaking his neck by a fall. But without doubt he decided that it was better that way than to have his neck broken by a rope over a tree limb. Joe drew his revolver and fired rapidly at the renegade, while he shouted: “Where is your rifle, young Quick! **Let him have it right in the back!” The youth made a spring for his rifle, but did not fire, as the prisoner was now almost out of range. “ Well, Jet him go,” he said, in his in- different way, and then added: “Chum could have caught him if I had given the word.” “Why didn’t you, then?” almost angrily demanded Joe. * Because I did not care to see the ruf- fian dragged from his horse and torn to pieces, as he surely would haye been.” “Oho! there is a tender spot in your heart along with the pluck there, eh?” re- turned the driver, admiringly. “ Well, that’s right,” he added, “for yer won't go far wrong, even out here, while feller? _. that feelin’ guides yer; yet, now I fears, | young pard, yer has turned a mighty dan- gerous sarpint loose upon yer track, and one who will show you no mercy if it ever comes his way to get even with yer for downing him and his pards ter-day. . “But, come; we'll get along, and you ride with me on ther box.” “T am not rich enough to ride, sir— have got to trayel on shank’s mare,” avowed the boy. | “Gosh darn yer, who asked yer for money, arter what yer has done for me Do yer want to make us all feel mean?’ ~“T do not accept pay for any such serv- ice I have rendered, by accident; so that's all right! Drive on, Joe, and I and Chum will take your dust, and so be under no obligations to any one,” and he patted Chum affectionately, while the big mas- , _ tiff looked up into his young master’s face as much as to say, “Of course we will, if so.” “Oh, you be blowed, youngster! I'll jest make yer ride! Lordy! I fergot clean about yer horses.” “My horses?’ “Yes; them as them two: galoots left yer ther heir to! Come, boy, we'll hev’ a look at what them stiffs pan out, and then take in their horses, for all the rake in belongs to you.” “Belongs to me?” Yes, of course! Don’t yer see, out here - findin’s is keepin’, and you found them, so all is yours, you bet, and I'll fight ther - man as says you is not entitled to every- _thing the Masked Marauders of the Over- ; land couldn’t take along with them on the’ death trail, Til sarch ‘em, and you keep “Come, tally,” and bending over the body of the. ed us a hold-up, and you can ——-- 4 . = a anal ie GT I Re aalkie a ie eae ele eee en i eS ae Cite Buffalo Bill’s Crack-Shot Pard. aiiente man the youth had shot, Joe Jarvis pulled the half-mask from his face. “ Yas, I’ve seen him afore,’’ Joe averred, and, proceeding with his search, he called out: “ Two revolvers, a bowie, a belt, a purse pretty well stocked with cash, a watch, a chain, and two rings. That’s this jack- pot. **Now to t'other one. He removed the mask, but only to stag- ger back as though he had been struck a blow, while his face turned the hue of death. “Do you know him, sir?’ quickly asked the surprised and alarmed youth, while the passengers looked on with astonish- ment. Instantly the driver recovered, and said quickly: *“No; I thought I did, but I guess—I do not know him.” The last words were slowly uttered, but the observant youth decided: “ He is lying, for he does know the dead road robber.” “Say, young pard, my leaders is gettin’ restive, so yer see fer yerself what he has got on him.” And the driver turned away. It was the man that Chum had leaped upon, and his iron jaws had crushed the life out of him when he grasped his throat. The search revealed a belt of money, a moroceo case, which the youth did not open, a watch, chain, ring, and buckskin bag of jewelry, and his weapons. “ Will you keep these things, sir, all of them, for though you say they are mine, I'll leave them in your charge.” The driver hesitated a moment, and then said, earnestly, dropping the border dia- lect in which he had thus far spoken: * Yes, I'll keep them for you, boy. It was your dog that killed him, not you.” ' © Yes, Chum killed him.” * All right; they'll be safe when you | eall for them. “Now, we'll hitch the horses, one on each side of a leader, and the bodies we'll carry on top of the coach. i “J eap give your dog a lift, too, if you | fay so,” “No; be can follow, thank you.” | The horses were found to be unusually - fine animals, and well equipped. They were unsaddled-and hitched alongside of the leaders, and with his newly-found pard by his side, Joe Jarvis drove on his way once more. But the youth, close reader of human nature that he was, was not deceived by the conduct of the driver. The lighi- ' hearted, reckless manner was gone, and Joe had assumed-an air to disguise his real feelings, while every now and then he east ‘a quick glance backward at the body of the man whose face, when unmasked, had so startled him. At last, as though anxious to forget himself, he asked: “ Little pard, what on ‘arth brought you, a kid, out to these dangerous parts alone?” “T came to see the country and to seek a fortune.” “You'll do both, for you are that kind, and yer don't look so much like a realypard c’ mine for nothin’, for you has , got grit ther saine as he has, and might | be took for his bcy brother.” “Who is it you speak of?” “ Buffalo Bill, the scout.” “Oh, do you know Buffalo Bill?” cr'ed | the youth, with sudden pleasure beam- ing in his intelligent face. ” i : CHAPTER IV. ALONE ON THE TRAIL, ~ * Does I know Buffalo Bill, young feller? “ Well, I should think I did, for if it was ‘not for him I would not be here now.” “He saved your life, then?” “TI guess he has.” “ Tell me about it, please.” “It? Why, it was a dozen times, for yer must know that he is Chief of Scouts at ther fort over ther range yonder.” “What Fort?” “Fort Vidette.” “Oh! I have a most important letter for a soldier at Fort Vidette. How far is it from here? I should deliver it as soon as possible,”’ “An hour’s ride, on ahead, we cross a trail that runs to Vidette, and it is just twenty mile from thar.” “Then I will take that trail, for I can get there early to-morrow.” “Go on with me to Mountain City, and you will find tke mail rider from ther fort come after the mail to-morrow, and it’s only thirty miles from thar.” “Thank you; I'll go the nearest way.” “Thar is fear o’ Injuns, yer know.” “Tl risk them.” “And the Mounted Maskers?”’ “You call those outlaws the Mounted Miners or Maskers?” “Yes; that’s the name they go by, for they goes mounted to their work, which is mining other people’s pockets of their gold.” “T see. “You can reach the fort in three hours on horseback from where we cross the trail.” “Tl go on foot.” “And got two horses “ They are not mine until the authorities in the city say they are mine, and clear me for killing the outlaws.” “What authorities?” “ The officials of the city.” Joe Jarvis laughed, and said: “ Officials of the city? Why, boy pard, bless yer innocent soul, ther only law out’ here is might, ther man who draws and ” 9 . .pulls trigger fust, and ther city are only a big mining camp of log or board houses or dug-outs, where ther stage trail ends. “Thar is no city, no authority but ther gun, and when I says these horses is yours, thet ther booty of ther—ther—’’ and, casting a quick glance at the bodies, he continued, in a lower tone: “Ther outlaws is yours, my word goes, every time.” : “Well, I will leave the horses and all with you until I come to Mountain City.” “When will you come?” \ “Just as soon’ as I see the soldier I spoke of, and give him the letter I have for him,” |; “ All right; I'll be thar, as I don’t go back on my run for two days.” “Now tell me of Buffalo Bill, please, sir.’”’ “You has heerd of him?” “T have read of him, and heard of him, too.” “Well, Buffalo Bill is the king out in these parts, for he’s a borderman from the sole of his foot to his sealp-lock, which ther Injuns would so like ter git, fer a fust-class prize. “He is, as I said, Chief of Scouts at Vidette, and the soldiers, from ther colo- nel down, is stuck on him, for he don't get’ scared at the sight of an Injun; gun- powder don’t fluster him; he ‘makes no mistakes in guidin’ and scoutin’, and when he’s playin’ a game he knows- when ter call yer, and holds ther cards ter win— four aces high, every whack up. | “He is feared by the redskins as an evil spirit, and the Mounted Miners is always. on the watch fer him, for they has had ] cause ter dread hearin’ his gun go off; it’s their death-warrant, sure.” “More than twenty times he has saved me from bein’ picked off my box by the Mounted Maskers lying in wait for the ~ A sy ‘ on i : ae ee VP Raye ‘ art cc e
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<i _ coach, and that means he has saved the passengers and treasure as well, for them outlaws seems ter know just when I ¢ar- ries booty; and I'll tell yer, boy pard, I carries a rich haul for ’em to-day, had you not Kept ’em from gettin’ it,” and Joe Jarvis gave another deep sigh as he cast a quick glance back at the bodies. “Are the Mounted Miners, or Maskers, numerous, sir?’ “Nobody knows,or can find out, but it’s a corner-lot fact that they is too numerous for comfort, and once they war in force enough to whip off a guard that went with the coach, and they got their booty, too, after a red-hot fight. “Sometimes the coach is held up and only one man is seen, but yer kin bet high that the others is around; then, again, half a dozen show themselves. “ They robs the miners, ther lone cabins, and ther ranches. Ther only man they seems ter fear is Buffalo Bill, but he ean’t be a seout, guide, Injun-fighter and out- law catcher all at the same time, yer know?” “Will Buffalo Bill be at the fort?” “ Like as not; yet you is liable ter run upon him anywhar. But. ther is ter trail to Vidette, follerin’ up ther stream whar I waters my horses.” “Thank you; I will find my. right.” ‘Better ride, sonny, it’s safer.” “No; I prefer to walk until I am sure about the horses.” “One would think you had been jumped for a horse thief, you is so ’fraid of riding one of the animiles.” “No, and I don’t intend to be jumped,” laughed the youth, as he got down from the box, and, with a wave of his hand, started off up the dimly outlined trail, Chum trotting at his heels, while, calling to his passengers, Joe Jarvis said: “Yolks, thar goes a kid who has got too much sand fer one o’ his years. He’s jest the boss boy of ’em all; -you ean bet yer bottom dollar on that!” way all CHAPTER V. AN IMPORTANT DISCOVERY. “Well Chum, we are once more on the tramp together,” said the youth, taking to the trail as the coach drove on. The dog wagged his tail and trotted on ahead, ; “Ah! You feel your importance, do you, Chummie? Well, you saved me and no mistake. But I tell you I was afraid they would kill you the moment they saw you, for it’s your style to be full of fight when ugly men are around. “But you were too smart for the cut- purses, and I did not see you until you leaped from the rocks upon the outlaw you took in. “Come, don’t run off again, for T want you close*by me this time, for we are on a‘mighty dangerous trail now, I’suspect.” The dog came back and trotted along . by the side of his young master for a while, then he moved ahead a hundred yards, and kept that position for several miles, following the trail as though he knew just where it would lead. Suddenly he halted upon the summit of a ridge which they had been ascending for a full mile back. The brute crouched down and kept his eyes fixed on something ahead. “What is it, Chum?” and the youth advanced cautiously, the dog uttering a low growl. Getting behind a thicket of bushes as a cover, the youth peered over the ridge. the land sloped gently down just there ‘into a valley which was broken here and there by rocks and clumps of Lrees. He could see that the trail wound down. a Oe ee Buffalo Bill’s ESO EOS Pard. through this valley as far as his vision could reach; the range upon which he stood formed one of the sheltering sides of the vale. But something else caught his eye, and that it was which the dog had detected. He beheld three horsemen in the yal- ley. They had not come along the trail, but from over the range on the left of the valley, and as the youth watched them he saw them reach the trail. Halting, they seemed to be closely searching the ground, and then, as though satisfied, they crossed the trail and rode on toward the other range. But they did not go far, for they flanked around and rode back to the trail again just where there was a small ravine fringed with cedars, and nearby half a dozen large rocks. To the surprise of the youthful watcher of their movements they foreed their horses down into the ravine and muf- fled their heads with their blankets. Then the three moved up to the rocks, and they took position behind them, their rifles in their hands. The distance’ he was from the men was not so great but that the youth could see that they wore masks, as had those that had held him up. He also was near enough to see that the men in hiding there, with their horses hidden in the ravine, and with the trail from Fort Vidette running by within fifty feet of them, could only mean an ambush of some kind. That it was for some one coming from the fort the position of the skulkers, open to his view, but hidden from any one approaching from the opposite direc- tion, was convincing. “Tl try and block their little game!’ was the plucky boy’s decision. “Come, Chum, we must make tracks, for we may save a life!’ Shouldering his gun, and keeping below the summit of the ridge, he began to walk rapidly along, the dog seeming satisfied now to leave matters in his master’s hands, and trotting along at his heels. To follow the ridge around and come out beyond sight of the three watchers was a walk of several miles; but the youth was a good pedestrian and went along at a swinging step, every now and then halting to ereep to the summit of the ridge to see if any one was coming or any change had taken place in the position of the men in ambush. Had he perceived any one approaching he would at once have run over the ridge and warned them of their danger. At last he got to a point where he would not. be seen by the ambushed men, and, going down inito the valley, he was not long in finding the trail again. — -“ No one has passed, Chum, as far as I can see,“ he said, and then he moved on once more toward the. fort. He had gone about a mile when Chum, who was again acting as scout and guide, halted and sniffed the air. “Well, old fellow, what is it?’ asked the youth, at once on the alert, for he never disregarded a warning of the sa- gacious dog. j Chum uttered a low growl, his manner of expressing that there was something to be on guard against. “Come into the bushes, @hum, where we can hide and see who it is, for they are doubtless coming this way.” The dég obeyed and the young tramp took up a position where, securely hidden himself, he could get a view of the trail a quarter of a mile ahead. He had not been a minute concealed when a horseman rode into view, coming toward him. CHAPTER. vI™ THB WARNING. — “Though I have never seen him, stake my life on it that that man Is Buffalo Bill!” So earnestly said the boy tramp as he crouched by the side of the trail, his. huge dog close beside him, and the eyes of both riveted upon a horseman coming toward them, his mount in a canter, his rifle across his saddle, and riding with the easy grace of an expert. “IT must not seem to be in hiding, so I will show myself,” decided the lad, and he stepped out of his place of concéal- ment, Chum at his heels, while the horse- man was yet fifty yards away. Instantly the lone rider reined his horse back, and his rifle was in hands ready for action, posing as a striking and hand- some picture. Horse and rider looked like a statue for an instant—the animal a splendid crea- ture, a dark bay, and equipped with a fine saddle, bridle and trappings—his master tall, erect in the saddle, dressed in buckskin, armed with rifle and belt of smaller weapons, and wearing top boots and a light-colored broad-brimmed som- brero. The face of the rider was as clean-cut in feature as though it were carved from marble, the mustache, imperial, and long brown hair falling upon his broad should- ers, giving him a most picturesque appear- ance, while he certainly was a strikingly handsome man, yet one whose every fea- ture was bold, determined and _ intelli- gent. His look, at first indicating expectancy of danger, changed as he beheld the youth, and observed that there was noth- ing hostile in his manner, for in that wild land he knew only too well what it was to look for a foe behind every rock and tree, The youth halted in the trail, politely raised his hat and asked politely: * Are you Buffalo Bill, sir?” “Men so call me, my lad!” replied the horseman, eourteously, and he smiled as he added: “And who, may I ask, are you?” “A mere nobody, sir, only a boy, but one who considers this the proudest mo- ment of his life when he can serve Buf- falo Bill, the great scout, of whom he has read and heard so much.” “Ah! and how can you serve me, my young friend, whom I am surprised to see alone here in this wild country?’ ’ kindly queried the scout. “T am a boy tramp, sir, and I ie into trouble back on the trail, out of which the driver of the Overland coach, Joe Jarvis, helped me, “T had a letter for a soldier at the fort, and Mr. Jarvis showed me what trail to take, so, while coming along, Chum, here, my dog, gave me warning of danger ahead, and from’ the ridge some miles back, IT saw three horsemen—” “Ah! where were they?” “They crossed the trail, seeming to ex- amine it very closely; then they passed on toward yonder ridge and, turning back, rode into a ravine, but from the to of the range where I was hiding I sa them blanket the heads of their horses . and then take position on each. side of this trail behind rocks, as if to lay in wait for the coming of some one from this di- rection.” “Yes, lying in ambush for me, ‘for they found out in some way that I was to — come this trail.” coolly avowed the scout. “T did not know who they were wait- ing for, sir, but T was sure it was to kill some one, for they wore masks, like the outlaws I met back on the trail, and Miners” whom Mr. Jarvis called Mounted /
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Buffalo Bill’s Crack-Shot Pard. _ moat y wy little friend, tliat is who are, but how did you pass them?’ ‘I went on around the ridge, coming Into the trail again a mile back, and when Chum, my good dog, sir, gave me the warning growl, I went into hiding until I “Well, my boy, you will find me your friend; but have you any friend at Fort Vidette?” “I do not know a soul there, sir; but I | have a letter for a soldier in the garrison, Saw you coming, and then I recognized | you.” * But we have never met before?’ “No, sir; but I have read of you, and once saw your picture in a New York paper, so I knew I had made no mis- take.” which his mother asked me to give him in person, for she could get no answers to those she had sent him through the | mail,” “And you came on to warn of danger | whoever it was the outlaws were waiting | ror?” “Yes, sir.” “You are a brave young fellow, and if it is any satisfaction to you let me tell you that you have saved my life, for I was looking for no ambush on this trail. “Give me your hand, my noble lad, and remember that Buffalo Bill is your pard to command from this day.” “Thank you, sir; and though but a boy I am proud to be your pard.” was the earnest reply. ' The scout smiled and asked: “What is your name?’ . “‘Ned, sir,” “Ned what?” “Ned Osmond, sir.” “And your dog?” “ His name is Chum.” “Well, I feel that I have found two good pards in Ned and Chum; but what are you doing out in this wild country and alone?” After a moment's hesitation, the boy replied: “Tramping, sir.” “You belong to some of the border Settlements?” TNO), SIT: “And you have come out here alone?” “Yes, sir.” ““Where from?’ P “Boston, sir, for I am a Yankee lad,” he said, with some show of pride. “But, why did you come here, and alone?” and the scout fixed his penetrat- ing eyes full upon the handsome, daring face of the Yankee lad. oe CHAPTER VII. HIS FIRST TRAIL. Buffalo Bill asked the question as one who had a suspicion in his mind, founded upon his experience of why many a per- son had sought the Far West. _He knew that over the lives of hundreds of men hung a mystery, a shadow they cared not to have raised, and that many of them were fugitives from justice, from the gallows even, seeking to lose them- selves in the wilds of an unknown land. But here was a boy, a bright, daring- - faced lad, tramping alone through a land where only brave men dared venture. What had brought him to that region? Had there been two or more of them he would have understood it as a boyish freak, love of adventure—a runaway, in Lack». But to find a solitary youth there, well equipped and traveling along a trail of peril alone, saye for his dog, he ¢ould but suspect that there was some secret motive at the back of it, and so had | asked the question. Again the youth hesitated before he answered, and his face slightly flushed, but he met the scout’s eye fearlessly and spoke frankly: »“T have done no wrong, sir, to cause me to hide myself here. I am a sailor dad, and have been so since I was ten years old; but now T am on a cruise in the Wild West, and came alone for I had ‘ho comrades to come with me.” | “ Who is he?’ “Sergeant Arthur Arden, sir.” “T know him, and one of the best men in the army. You will find him a fine fel- low and a good friend; but now I must see about those fellows lying in wait for me,” * You can get by them the way I came, Sit; “Yes, but I don’t wish to get by them.” “ But there are three of them, sir.’ “My surprising them will make matters equal, I guess.” “Do you intend to fight them, sir?’ * “Yes, about that.” + “May I go with you?” “You are not in a hurry to get to the fort?” “No, sir; my time is my own.” “Well, just jump up behind me, and we will go back the way you came. The ridge is covered with pines just where the ravine leads back to the range, for I know it well. “We can leave my horse and your traps upon the hill and foot it to where the outlaws left their animals. Onee there we can have it out, but I warn you that it will be no child’s play, and you or I may be killed.” s “T'll take the chances, sir.” “Good for you! Come along!” and tell- ing the youth to give him his hand and put his foot on his, he showed him how to mount with ease to a seat behind him. The splendid horse at»once set off in a canter, caring nothing for his double weight, while Chum came along behind as though anxious to know what the result oft his discovery would be. Turning out of the trail where Ned Os- mond had entered it, the scout kept the same pace back to the range, which he ascended to the ridge. . Then he went along below the crest, so as not to be seen, and at last came to a spot where he drew rein with the re- | mark: “We are about opposite the head of the ravine, so will leave the horse and dog here.” “ Better take Chum, sir, for he may be useful. He is a very wise dog.” “All right, Chum goes. Leave your knapsack and extra traps here.” This was done and they slipped over the ridge into the pines, and were soon able tc see the three men still crouching be- hind the rocks, and waiting. “ All right, pards, we are coming, so ' don’t get weary,”’ said the scout, grimly, and he led the way through the scrub | growth to the head of the ravine. Getting down into this, they pushed along until they came in sight of the se- ereted horses, and halting Buffalo Bill said: “New, Ned, as you say this is your first trail, I'l) tell you my plan of action.” “Yes, sir; I'll do just as you tell me, and Buffalo Bill saw that his young pard was perfectly cool and ready for what was to come. - “You noted the position of the rocks ” the men were hiding behind, two on one : side, one on the other side of the trail?” OR; Bits “ Now, the two on this side of the trail | are close together, and they are not sixty feet from the brink of the ravine; the other man is a hundred feet distant, and , he falls to you. “Take your position some twenty feet from me; cover the man with your gun, and I will demand their surrender; but if they show fight, why then there is but one thing to do, for it is their lives or ours. “Tf they surrender, so much the better for us and the worse for them, for they will be hanged; but I think they will fight. “All ready!” * Ay, ay, sir!” and Ned spoke with the professional promptness and style of the true sailor. CHAPTER VIII. A FIGHT AGAINST ODDS. The three horses of the outlaws, fas- tened down in the ravine, and with blank- ets over their heads, seemed to be getting restive, as though their instinct told thm that something was going to happen. Chum kept close at the heels of his young master, ready to lend his aid when needed, and thus the scout, his boy pard and the dog crept into the positions they were to take. ‘ Peering over the edge of the ravine, they saw the three men were there behind the rocks, and could hear them talking to each other. Had Ned Osmond wanted proof of why they were there he got it, for one of them . called out, he the boy had his eye upon, and was to cover with his gun: “Well, I've got ther patience of an In- jun, but I’m gittin’ weary awaitin’ ter sali- vate Buf'ler Bill wi’ a blue pill.” “Yer sh'u’d hev’ got ust to waitin’, pard, for we've been waitin’ ter kill him a mighty long time,’ another answered. “Yas, but this time goes, for I knows that I got it straight, that he was going on a scout along the stage trail and was ter starf to-day, coming this way, and he'll come here, so don’t git tired, pards.”’ “ All right; I'm a stayer when thar is game ter be got.” t “Tt is about an hour before sunset, so IT hope he'll come afore dark, for he’s got / a charmed life, yer knows, and I don’t want ter take no chances.” “No, and we don’t intend ter. Fire with yer rifles, and at close range, when | I gives ther word, and then work yer re- ' volvers on him until he’s full o’ lead. We'll get him this time, never fear, an’ then we'll have it all our own way in these parts. I'll call out: ‘Halt! Hands up!’ ’ ; - Like an echo came the words from over the ravine: “Hands up!” ? Three outcries of fright and _ surprise, three men springing to their feet, and then again the words in the scout’s com- manding tones: * “Hands up, for I have you covered!” It was such a surprise to the three outlaws, to find themselves thus covered, and from the rise from whence they were expecting no foe or danger, that they were, for the moment, unnerved. But, men of their stripe and accustomed to constant peril are not long in re- covering their presence of mind and their vicious courage, and then they did two things simultaneously. This was to fire at their foe and back | quickly for shelter behind the rocks which had shielded them, but from the other direction. Buffalo Bill was not the man to re- main in shelter and fight a covered foe, and he leaped at once out of the ravine, the youth following his example. Finding that his demand was unheeded, and that the men were to fight it out, Buffalo Bill threw his rifle to his shoulder with the words: “Let them have it, boy pard!” The youth’s gun flashed almost as did
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6 Buffalo Bill’s rifle, for Ned Osmond in- tended to take no chances with a man rattling bullets at him as fast as he could pull trigger and which sung viciously about his head. . Down dropped the man he aimed at, while a quick glance toward the other two showed that Buffalo Bill had brought down his:man. The other had darted out of sight behind the largest of the group of rocks. “You killed your man, boy pard, but we've got the third’one to corral, so look out for him while I walk around the rock, as we do when hunting a panther.” “ All right, sir; .I am ready, for I have my rifle again loaded,”’ announced Ned. With this he stood.ready, while Buffalo Bill, rifle in hand, started to walk in ‘a circle around the rock, from which he was distant about a hundred and fifty feet. As he moved off he called out: “You had better surrender, pard, for Wwe intend. to down you if you don’t.” No answer came and Buffalo Bill con- tinued his circling around, his rifle ready to cover the man the moment he caught sight of him, while his boy pard stood over by thé ravine, also on the alert for a shot when the scout forced the outlaw to pass around the rock to his side. But the man did not show up, though Buffalo Bill was nearly half around the rock. “Don’t you see him yet, boy pard?” called out the scout. “No, sir; he must have crawled into some hole—there he is!’’ and the youth's voice rang as he suddenly descried the outlaw hundreds of yards away and run- ning like a deer for the range of hills a little over a mile distant. CHAPTER IX. A RACE FOR LIFE. About the large rock behind which the outlaw had taken refuge were a few stunted pines, some bushes and smaller stones, with a water-wash a, foot jin depth. The scout saw at a glance that the out- law, knowing his comrades had fallen, and feeling that it was a desperate chance with him, had thrown himself into the yash and quickly crawled away from the large rock. Keeping the pines and bushes in a posi- tion to shield him, he had crept fully two hundred yards before -he had to break shelter. Then, with the eyes of the scout and Ned Osmund upon the rocks, he had not been seen by them until the boy from his position saw him first all of three hun- dred yards away. “ll catch him!’ shouted the seout. “ Bring their horses!” Then, placing his rifle upon the ground, “Buffalo Bill tightened his belt and was away with a speed that Ned Osmond thought only a horse or deer could make. But he did not tarry, and, running down into the ravine, he quickly tore the blan- kets off of the heads of the horses, un- hitched them and, leading them up the steep path to the plain, leaped upon the back of one and, grasping the reins of the other two, led them. He well knew that he had taken nearly five minutes to unhitch the horses and get started, but he was surprised at the distance the outlaw and the scout were already away from him. The former had covered over half the distance to the hills; where he would surely find shelter to turn at bay on the scout if he still pursued him. He still clung to his rifle, too, the youth could see. But Buffalo Bill had cut down the lead of the outlaw fully one-half, and would, Buffalo Bill’s Crack-Shot Pard., without doubt, gain on him far more in the rest of the run. The outlaw was straining every nerve, still running at his deer-like speed, though he cast quick glances behind him every few rods. The scout was running along with ap- parent ease, and making better time, for he was surely gaining. Ned Osmond pressed his horses hard, but with two to lead, and one a hanger- back, he saw that he was not gaining on the two men. Suddenly the boy uttered an exclamation as he saw the outlaw halt, turn, drop on one knee and aim his rifle full at Buffalo Bill. It was a moment of intense suspense to Ned Osmond as he saw the act of the outlaw and waited for him to fire. He saw, too, that Buffalo Bill did not halt nor seek to elude the shot, but kept rushing upon him. Then came the puff of smoke, the re- port, a glance to see the result of his fire, and the outlaw dashed the rifle to the ground and sped on again with renewed speed. He had not killed Buffalo Bill, as he had hoped, but the momentary halt gave him a breathing spell, and no longer carrying the weight of the rifle, he ran with greater speed than ever before. Seeing this, Ned urged the horses on the faster, at length determining to let go the led ones and dash on alone to either pursue the outlaw himself, or give the animal to Buffalo Bill on which to do so. He, however, saw that Buffalo Bill was not being left behind by the fugitive, for he had not only increased his speed, but was gaining on the outlaw. He could not refrain from a shout at sight of this, and decided to stick to the horses, so urged the three on as fast as they could go. The horses, however, were not gaining an inch upon the fleet fugitive and his pursuer, Certainly, Ned thought, he had never believed men could run like deer. He had, however, come across two who were most fleet of foot, and he watched the race with the greatest interest. The outlaw had now covered two- thirds of the distance to the range. He seemed shaping his course for a point where there were ragged rocks and a thick growth of underbrush. Could he reach there, armed with his revolver, he would be protected and could doubtless kill the scout as he came up. Nearer and nearer he drew to the haven of rufuge, and more and more Buffalo Bill gained upon him. A glance behind seemed to convince the fugitive that the seout ‘would catch him, or at least press him too closely for action when he reached shelter to prevent his taking full advantage of it. So, in sheer desperation, he held his hand back behind him and emptied the six shots of his revolver with what aim he could get. But the scout, still pressed on, and the empty revolver was thrown down and a greater effort made to run away from his tireless pursuer. CHAPTER X. THE BOSS BOY. Again did Ned Osmond hold his breath with suspense as the shots. were fired, and again he shouted as the scout still held on. But suddenly he uttered an exclamation of surprise and alarm. The scout was no longer gaining, and ran with a limp. Instantly the boy dropped his and was away. He saw with a quick glance that & fugitive had to round the head of a wa- ter-wash, and he at once rode to cut him off, instead of riding directly on to where the scout had now halted and sat down upon the plain, apparently wounded. “He shall not escape,” said Ned Os- mond, through his shut teeth, and he urged his horse to his utmost speed. Fortunately the animal was the best of the lot and very fast, and, willing to go, he went along at a pace that rapidly lessened the distance between the fugitive and himself, The outlaw saw the turn affairs had taken. Buffalo Bill, more or less seriously wounded, was out of the chase, and he had a new foe to deal with. The new foe was mounted, and, more, was gaining rapidly. The detour he had had to make threw him back a couple of hundred yards, and there was no doubt but that his pursuer would overtake him. The new foe was only a boy. The outlaw had seen this in the fight at the ravine. But he. had stood up and faced the music and he had brought down one of his outlaw comrades, too. The fugitive still had a revolver, though he had thrown one away and his rifle. As the boy was mounted, and upon his own horse, the outlaw decided to make a bold play to come out victor. So he decided to run more slowly, get a breathing spell, turn suddenly and bring down the boy, and then, gaining his horse, mount and ride back for the rifles of his comrades and have Buffalo Bill at his mercy. The man could not refrain from a shout. at his anticipated triumph, and glanced back over his shoulder. To his horror the boy was not coming directly on, but had gone off at an ob- lique, as though to pass ard get between him and, the hills. Had he divined his intention regarding him It would seem so, Then he glanced toward the scout. To his alarm Buffalo Bill was not lying upon the plain wounded, but was up and coming on once more. But the outlaw saw that he came with a limp. He, however carried his revolver in his: hand, as though expecting the tale would soon be tolh& Having flanked the outlaw, gotten well between him and the hills, Ned Osmond began to ride back slowly toward him, also holding his revolver in his hand. The fugitive had already halted, when within a few hundred yards of refuge, and now stood at bay. The youth was about a hundred yards: distant and between him and safety. Buffalo Bill was coming on with a limp, revolver in hand, and several hun- dred yards distant. “Tf you don’t give up I'll kill your’ called out the boy in a yoice which was. heard by Buffalo Bill. The outlaw dropped upon one knee, rested his left elbow upon his left knee, and thus with his hand supported his re- volver, for he was panting like a hound. from his long run, and, taking aim fired: The shot passed near Ned Osmond’s ear, and he returned it, his bullet -cutting so closely to the outlaw that he quickly threw his hands above his head and’ cried: “lye had enough!” “Throw down your revolver then!” The man did so. pe ty pel
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B mat the only weapon you have “"Cept my bowie.” “Throw that down.” The outlaw obeyed. Then Ned rode up, still covering the man with his revolver, and, dismounting, took up his weapons. To the, saddle hung a lariat, and this the boy threw over the outlaw’s head, or- dered him to lower his hands, and then, walking around him half a dozen times, pinioned his arms to his side just as Buf- falo Bill came up. “We've got him, sir!” he called out in a glad tone as the scout appeared. “You've got him, you mean, young pard, and let me say right here that you are the Boss Boy I ever struck the trail of in all my life.” *“He’s too durned fresh,’ growled the outlaw. “Maybe so for you, though he’s salted you away for future reference waen I could do no more to run you down.” , “Vil leave him with you, sir, waile I zo back and see about Chum, for I d> not know why he did not follow me- if ue bad we would have soon caught him.” “Let us first see who this fellow is,” and Buffalo Bill unmasked the prisoner as he uttered the words. CHAPTER XI. CHUM’'S PRISONER. The face of the prisoner, revealed as Buffalo Bill tore his mask off, was an evil one, but to the scout unknown, “T thought I would recognize you, but am mistaken; perhaps I may be more for- tunate with your two pards over yonder on the trail, and who forced us to kill them by not surrendering,” said Buffalo Bill. “Better die by bullet than by rope,” growled the man. . “Tam glad you realize your situation, to which your crimes have brought you.” ein only wish I had killed yer, Buffalo i Weis “You doubtless jhave a_ grievance against me, as you are an outlaw, and you did your best to kill me, surely.” “Did he not wound you, sir?” “Not exactly, see! That gave a shock that deadened my leg for a while and ut me out of the chase,” and Buffalo ill held up his foot, showing where the bullet of the outlaw had struck him upon the buckle of his spur, denting it in badly and becoming imbedded there. “It was a close call to shattering my foot, and at first I thought it had gone through, but it struck me hard enough to “numb and bruise my foot. “That was from his revolver, and this was his well-aimed rifle shot, and it pre- Ye bee his dog, and, ' vented me from bringing him down, as I left my rifle and dropped one revolver - from my belt just after starting, and would not stop for it. See?” ' The scout showed that the rifle bullet had struck the hammer of his revolver as it was in his belt, breaking it and glanc- - \ing off. -“Durn yer, suthin’ seems allers ter per- +. teet “yer. “Ther men says yer has a charmed life, _ and I believe yer has.” i No, just good luck; but you say that your dog is missing, boy pard?” y “Yes, sir; I cannot understand it. _ (“Then ride the horse back at once and see What is the matter, and I will follow with the prisoner, picking up those horses yonder, that have gotten tangled in their rein is.”? The youth seemed most anxious about leaping into the saddle, rode away, going back over the trail of the race to pick up the prisoner's revolver, r i b rife and the weapons dropped by the scout, He found the empty rifle and revolver where the outlaw had thrown them after firing, and catching the two horses, tied them to a small bush for the scout. Further on he found the revolver where Buffalo Bill had dropped it from his belt. Soon after he approached the scene of the fight and he gave a shout of joy as he beheld Chunt. safe and on duty. The dog was seated by the side of the outlaw at whom the youth had fired, and who, though wounded, was not seriously So. He had, however, fallen at the fire, and “played possum,” hoping for a chance to escape. That he would have escaped there was no doubt, had it not been for Chum. But Chum realized the situation at a glance, and just as the youth started on horseback after the fugitive and the scout, Chum knew that it was his “inning” then, but as he was preparing to show the scout that, fast as he was on foot, his four legs could discount him, and the outlaw would never reach the range, a sudden movement of the supposed dead man caught his éa- nine eye. The outlaw had been too anxious, his curiosity had gotten the better of him, and in raising up to see jf all was clear for him to skip, he had been seen by the dog. Chum was a dog with a great mind, and with a glance at the scout, the fugitive and the youth, he seemed to realize that his duty was to remain behind. So he rushed back at the wounded out- law, who quickly dropped again on his baek and once more played the “possum Rot. Every time he moved to try and reach his revolver, lying a few feet away, Chum growled warningly, and revealed a set of teeth that were as dangerous as a shark’s. Then the man played the coaxing game.’ “Pretty dog! good dog! nice dog!” Now Chum had vanity on some ace- counts, his speed, strength, watchfulness and teeth, but he knew perfectly well that he was not a pretty dog, or a nice dog. He was about the size of a flour barrel, had a head that was a cross between a: bulldog and a buffalo, possessed long, sin- ewy legs, and his color was ‘an ugly roan. Chum did not object to being called | ‘preity names, but the moment the outlaw made a move he growled and displayed | his teeth. Finding that coaxing did no good, the outlaw took to bullying and swearing. . But Chum was not impressed by either. He simply paid no heed to anything sive a movement toward that revolver, which he fully understood the use of... Thus, when he returned, Ned Osmond found the dog quietly keeping watch over the outlaw, and he looked up in a way that said very plainly: *T blocked his little game.”’ Dismounting and hitching the horse, Ned approached the man, who was again play- ing possum, and having removed the re- yolver from beyond his reach, said: “So TI didn’t kill you, eh? “Well, I'm glad of it, for I do not like taking human life even when it is neces- Sary to do so. “Buffalo Bill is coming, so he'll look to your wounds.” _ CHAPTER XI. THE DUMB SENTINEL. Chum received a caress from the youth, and words of praise, which he seemed to fully appreciate. As the man had two wounds, from the bullets the gun of Ned Osmond had been uffalo Bill’s Crack-Shot Pard. eal ees —sa loaded with, the youth did not bind him, but, taking his mask from his face, said: “T guess Buffalo Bill will recognize you—he’s coming now, and he’s got your race-horse pard with him.” Boy, if you'll let me take that horse and eseape, I'll give you the belt of money I’ve got about me.” * 1 wish to make money, but not that way. “Are you badly wounded?” “T’ve got this wound on my head and another here in my shoulder—ain’t they bad enough, so let me go.” “Ask the scout.’ “That hangs me,’’ groaned the man as Buffalo Bill came in sight. When the scout heard of Chum’s hold- ing the other outlaw prisoner he said: “ Like boy, like dog—so I’ve got you at last, Pete Bender? “TI told you that some day I would get my grip on you, for, sly as you were, I knew you were crooked; but it’s not through any act of mine that you are caught, for this brave boy saved me from your bullets, and thus enabled me to cor- ral you.” The scout had recognized the wounded outlaw as a miner he had frequently seen in Mountain City, and who was a well-known desperado, “Well, I ain't dead yet, Buffalo Bill, and maybe I'll git you yet, and ydu bet I won't forget that boy, and the fellows will mark him for ther grave.” “All right, he doesn’t scare worth a cent at your threats, but let.me see if you are much hurt, for I will do what I can for you.” © The scout examined the wounds, glanced toward the sun, which was near the horizon, and said: ja “We'll have to go into camp for the night, and we'll go to the spring up on | the range yonder, where there is good grass and wood also. “Come, boy pard, we'll put that dead body on one horse, the two prisoners on another, and we'll mount the third, for it is nearly a mile to the camping place.” This arrangement was made, and, arrivy- ing at the spring, Ned Osmond found that it was in a tiny valley in the range, and that the grass grew luxuriously there, while there was wood in plenty also. He had camped by himself along the trail, but was interested in watching how Buffalo Bill went about it. The scout’s horse and Ned's traps had been picked up on the way, and the ani- mals were first watered and staked’ out in a good feeding place, the saddles and bridles all being arranged for quick use if need be. As the scout still limped with his foot, Ned Osmond gathered the wood and built a fire, and the blankets of the outlaws were then spread on one side, those of Buffalo Bill and the youth on the éther, Chum also having his bed, a rubber on one side and bear skin on the other, Which his master faithfully carried for his use. Taking a small medicine case ‘from his saddle, Buffalo Bill dressed the wounds of Chum’s prisoner, and then bound his own foot up in a bandage saturated with arnica, Ned Osmond meanwhile preparing supper, Which he did like an experienced cook, drawing upon his own, the scout’s: and the outlaws’ supplies for the meal. The outlaws were given a good supper, and then with their hands and feet bound, were told to turn in for the ight, their comrade’s form, cold and till, lying a short distance away, coy- ered with a blanket. 7p Chum enjoyed his meal and séemed to take most kindly to Buffalo Bill, who fed him, and then told him: % - aaron eT
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4 Buffalo Bill’s Crack-Shot Pard. = “Keep your eye on those prisoners to- , night, Chum.” { he dog at omce went to his bed, near the prisoners, but, like the great Napol- eon, slept with one eye open, for the slightest move of one of them caused him to show that he was not sleeping so soundly that they could take any liber- ties with them. ‘*‘Now, boy pard,” said Buffalo Bill, lighting his pipe, ** 1 have got to go on my way to-morrow, for I am doing a little scouting work that cannot be put off. * But we will bury the dead man in the morning, have breakfast, and I want you to take the prisoners on to the fort, for i there is a horse for each one of you, and remember, the animals and the booty the men here are yours, by the laws of this country. Re “T will write a note, introducing you } to Colonel Benham, whom you will find a good man and a firm friend. * You will also find there the sergeant, Arthur Arden, whom you have a letter for. * Will you undertake the risk of carry- ing the prisoners in?” “Oh, yes, sir; we can do it.” “ But I am not going, you know.” “No, sir; I meant Chum.” * Ah! your side pard—you bet you can do it—stick to the trail and it will lead you to the fort.” Ned Osmond then told Buffalo Bill of the affair early in the day with the other three outlaws and the escape of one, and after quite a long talk together the two pards turned in for the night, to be awakened later by a warning bark from Chum. Fong" ie SY, gl we ba Sates 2 = — a — CHAPTER XIII. A VERY CLOSE CALL. When the outlaw who was captured by Ned Osmond took advantage of the com- ing of the coach to cleverly make his es- ape as he did, he showed that he knew his full danger should he be carried on into Mountain City by Joe Jarvis. There were many wild spirits in Mount- ain City, but there were honest men and true, who were ever ready to punish crime when in their power to do so. Those, too, no matter what motive had brought them west, who had claims in the mountains were most willing also to join in the fight against those who sought to despoil them of their property. So, with a Mounted Miner brought a | prisoner into their midst, it was more than likely he would be quickly tried by public | on = > A Re | ) | opinion against outlawry, the sentence would follow, and the execution of it not delayed but very few minutes. All this the man who stood there bound, while Joe Jarvis was talking to his pas- sengers, fully understood, and he took his chances of escape. Fortunately for him, his feet had not been bound, though his arms had been tied fast behind his back. 5 He saw the interest of the driver and. his boy captor, noted that Chum _ was seemingly taken up with what Joe Jarvis was saying, and he quickly walked away, his heart in his mouth. He reached the nearest horse, unfast- ened the rein from over a limb with his teeth, and by a dexterous movement put i his foot in the stirrup, and mounted. é Then he started the horse off at a run, and was the next moment discovered, and received the shots from the revolver of Joe Jarvis unhurt, as he was out of ' range, ; His hopes beat high when he found that he had actually gotten away, and he gave a commingled yell of defiance and delight. , Then he kept up his rapid run, fearing that he might be pursued on one of the other horses, until he was sure that he had not been. Allowing his horse to come down to a walk, he soon after halted him and began to consider his situation. It was a bad one. Try as he might, he could not release’ his hands, so that had to be given up. If he had a retreat, it was too far away to reach readily, and the man at last seemed to almost regret his escape. The horse, too, took in the and, with a jerk, dragged the reins out from between the rider’s teeth; but with- out hands the reins were useless, and the of their band who would quics them. li s.atalo Bill called Ned to come aw® from the firelight, and then the two™ wiited until suddenly the form of a horse ~ came imto view. He was riderless and his reins had been dragging, but had been stepped upon ' and broken off close up to the bit. Chum seemed anxious to dart away in the darkness, but Ned recalled him, though he barked once or twice savagely. situation, | ends dragged upon the ground, as they were not fastened together. Taking advantage of his rider, the ani- mal royed along, cropping grass where he pleased. If urged into a canter, he went as far as suited him, and then went to feeding again. The outlaw's face was wet with sweat, his mouth was dry from profanity, his heart beat with dread, and his hands were inflamed and swollen from tugging at his bonds. Thus the afternoon passed away and night came on. It was a night of horror \to the outlaw, for he did not know where the stubborn brute would take him. : He had roamed abouf until he could not tell just where the horse was taking him, and he was fearful that he would in the end take him to Mountain City. Should he take him to some camp, he might tell a story of how the Mounted Miners had caught him, tied him, placed a mask upon him, and let the horse carry him away. It might be believed, while at Mountain City Joe Jarvis would have already made known the whole truth. So the horse roamed on through the darkness with his wretched prisoner. Suddenly the animal pricked up his ears, uttered a low neigh, and moved more briskly on. The outlaw rider at once saw the cause. The glimmer of a firelight was up the ' little valley before him. Was he'p at hand? {t was a camp, but who was in it? Nearer and, nearer drew the horse to the camp, and then to the ears of the out- | law rider came the bark of a dog. The next moment, in the firelight glare, the outlaw beheld Chum. It was the same huge dog he had seen before, so it must be the camp of the boy tramp, while, catching sight of the horses staked out, he supposed there were men with the youth, and that they were look- ing for him. rd The thought made him almost despair, and then nerved him to still struggle for life, so he slipped from the saddle, fell, rolled over, struggled to his feet, and ran down the valley with great speed, only anxious to place all the distance he could between himself and his hated foes. Twice he heard the bark of the dog, and supposed he was tracking him; but he rushed on, and at last fell down, utterly tired out, when he found that he was not being pursued, as he had feared, by Chum, whose fatal grip upon his comrade on the stage trail he but too well remem- bered. \ CHAPTER XIV. ON SEPARATE TRAILS. Buffalo Bill and Ned Osmond were on the alert at once, when alarmed by the bark of Chum, The two outlaws were also awakened and prayed lustily ‘that it might be some | | | | “It must be the horse of the man who escaped from me,” said Ned Osmond, as he and the scout stood by the side of the animal. “Tt doubtless is. “T will find out,” and the scout called to the prisoners: ‘Here is the horse of one of your men who escaped from my boy pard here to- day.” “It's Wild Jack’s horse, that’s a fact, but he wasn’t no prisoner to no boy,” said one of the men, sitting up on his blankets and looking at the horse. “Wild Jack, eh?’ “Why, he’s the lieutenant of the Mounted Miners, I’ve heard,’ Buffalo Bill said. The men made no reply, for they felt that they had better remain silent. “Tt settles, boy pard, that you were right; but the rider is not here.” “He may have gotten off, or been thrown, as his hands were tied behind him. “ Doubtless knocked off by the limb of a tree; but we can do nothing to-night, of the horse and follow it, for IT would not wish the man to be hurt and unable to aid himself.” . “Nor I, sir; not that.” “The saddle seems to be still warm, as though not long deserted. : “What do you’ think of letting Chum take the trail?” “T fear Chum would harm him, sir, be- fore wé could get there. i “All right, we'll leave it until morn- ing,’ and Buffalo Bill unsaddled and staked the horse out with the others. Telling Ned to stay in camp, he then made a short scout down the valley, but soon returned and once more retired, the youth remarking: / “Chum seems to be greatly troubled about something.” - Again they sought sleep, Chum, as be- fore, being the sentinel, but this time he sat up and watched for a long time, 2s though conscious that he knew a secret , which he could not make known, for his keen scent told him of the presence of the rider near as well as the horse. It was just dawn when Buffalo Bill aroused the little camp. Ned sprang to his feet quickly and ready for work, while the two prisoners awoke to a dreary sense of what was be- fore them. Chum at once forgot all about him, hay- ing turned oyer to his\ master the guar- dianship of the camp as soon as he was awake, while fe put in some solid licks of slumber, with both eyes shut now. Coffee was soon boiling, bacon frying, a hoe-eake baking in the ashes, and all ready for breakfast. The outlaws ate with little relish and cast scowling looks at the scout and Ned for seeming to enjoy their breakfast. When all was ready to move the out-. laws were placed upon their horses, their feet tied beneath the girths and their hands to the horn of their saddles. “T think it best that you take the dead outlaw in with you, boy pard, as you have an extra horse now,” said Buffalo ‘Bill, and he firmly strapped the body and in the morning I will take the trail 9 5 ag to. 2
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mie of the animal that had come Puring the night. “He then fastened the three led horses together by a long lariat, one end of which he looped over Ned's saddle horn, and said: “Here is the note to Colonel Benham, and you can go right back to the trail where we left it last evening. “Stick to it and it will take you to the fort, which you ought to reach early in the afternoon. “IT will take the trail of this horse and see if I ean find his rider. “If you stay at the fort any time, and I hope you will, I will find you there, but if not I will meet you in Mountain City, *Good-by, and luck to you.” Ned Osmond grasped the scout’s hand warmly, and, mounting his horse, rode away, leading the horses carrying bis prisoners and the dead body. Chum took up his position in the rear, as though to keep an eye upon the pro- cession. As he rode away and gained the trail to the fort, just where the scene of con- flict had been the day before, Ned Os- mond glanced back and saw Buffalo Bill far up the trail, following at a canter the trail of the fugitive horse that had oe their slumbers the night be- ore. CHAPTER ‘XV.. A TRYING ORDEAL. When Ned Osmond was fairly on the trail, and out of call from Buffalo Bill, his troubles began. He had found the place where he had halted the scout and warned him of his danger, and the man whom Buffalo Bill had called Pete Bender said: “T see whar he turned off ther trail and I guesses it were here you give him ther word.” ~S “Yes, I warned him here.” “Wal, yer played it smart for a boy, but I guess yer is a little clever.” “T’m nobody’s fool.” “Like as not; but I heard yer say yer come out here lookin’ fer dust.” “What is that?” “To git gold.” “Yes, I hope to make my fortune.” “We kin help you.” “T don’t just see how as you cannot now help yourselves.” “Wal, now, that’s so, as fai as helpin’ ourselves is concerned; but we kin help you.” “In what way?” “You is a tenderfoot, hain’t yer, out here?” “Tf you mean a greenhorn, yes; for I know little of this country, though I did spend a year on a Mexican ranch, when I was wrecked on the coast of Mexico, so learned something of the life.” “You has been a sailor?” “Yes, I follow the sea.” “TJ wishes ter ther Lord yer had kept follerin’ it.” “Why?” / “Wal, we hain’t jest happy by yer comin’ out here; but say, young feller, with no hard feelin’s toward yer, we kin help yer if you says ther word.” ““How so?” “Tf yer takes us to the fort they'll hang us.”’ / “That's too bad—for you.” “Now you knows we wants ter save our necks, and is willin’ ter pay ter git it “ Yes.”’ “You kin jist let us give yer ther go- Dy, say we slipped our hands loose and pounced yer, and we'll pay yer big ney.” ‘tk? . “ What,do you call big money? “ We'll give yer all ther scout took’from Bafnlo B ill’s Crack-Shot Pard. 9 us, and which you has tied up there on yer saddle.” “ Buffalo Bill says that is mine, any- how.” “ Wal, we'll do better, for if yer goes with us we'll make yer rich, ‘fore ther Lord, we will.” Ned Osmond laughed and said: “See here, you need build no hopes of escape, for I am not such‘a fool as to go with you anywhere to be bought off, and more, if 1 make money I'll do it in a square way, not by selling out to you.” “Yer don’t want ter see us die, does yer?” whined the man. “No, I will be sorry to see that; but I don’t wish to see any one else die through your going free, and Buffalo Bill and Joe Jarvis have told me what the Mounted Miners have been guilty of, and you belong to that band of outlaws.” “Tt hain’t so.’ “ Buffalo Bill says you do.” “Durn Buffalo Bill!” “Does yer intend ter let us give yer ther slip?” “Not for gold nor precious stones,” said Ned, with decision. “Wal, anaybe after all we won't hang, and then you'll regret the day you refused us.” **Deed you will,” chimed in the other. As Ned had refused their entreaties they began to play all kinds of dodges | to in some way entrap him. One pretended to be taken suddenly ill, but Ned glanced at him, felt sure that he was playing possum and said to the other, who begged him to untie his comrade’s hands and let the blood cireu- late. . “If he dies he will be in luck, for he'll escape hanging.” The man recovered soon after, and then they wished to halt and cook something to eat. But Ned Osmond held steadily on his way, unheeding their plans to get him to free them. Suddenly Chum. went to the front, savagely. “What is it, good dog,” and halting, Ned went ahead and glanced over the rise. ; f What he beheld was by no means a pleasant sight, for #level-piece of prairie was before him, several miles across, and £ quarter of a mile. away, coming along the trail toward them, was a band of Indians. There were nine of them, and they were mounted. In five minutes they would come over ‘the rise and be where he then was. It was Ned Osmond’s first sight of hos- tile Indians, though he had seen groups of the noble redmen at_the little frontier places he had passed in the last ten days. He had read much of the Indians, both his tramp with Chum it was the redskin he had feared. But though he had also read and heard of outlaws infesting’ the trail he poor youth. But his first experience and what they would do with him, was with the out- laws. , Now he was to face the redskins, and at a number of nine to one, for what could he expect of the outlaws in the way of aid, he felt. It was a most trying ordeal, especially for a tenderfoot youth, and for a mo- ment he did not know what to do, and felt like hastily severing the bonds of the two prisoners and asking their ad- vice and aid. | | i j ' | : CHAPTER XVI. A BOY AT BAY. Just as Ned Osmond was tempted to set his prisoners free, it flashed through his mind that Buffalo Bill had told him the night before that, as the road-agents made war upon their own race, they were con- sequently friendly with the Indians, to whom they gave presents in return for their protection. If driven too hard by the scouts and sol- diers, the road-agents would seek refuge in the Indiap country. It would never do, therefore, to have them give him advice and aid, decided Ned. Chum was in a. tremor of excitement, and seemed for once to have lost his grip, and to rely wholly upon his master. His tail had dropped from the exalted position in which he was wont to carry it, and he looked up into Ned’s face as though to say: “Don't ask me to tackle ’em, for they are too rich for my blood. “They are Injuns!” The two outlaws quickly surmised that something was wrong, and Pete Bender ealled out: “What is it, young feller * Indians,” coolly replied Ned, though he did not feel as he spoke. “Tnjuns! “ How many?” “Only about a dozen.” “Well, that’s enough to setthk you, for Injuns is our trump keerd, young feller, and now just set us free quick, and we'll tell them you is a pard of ours and all will be well.” ; “I’m seared, yes, but not so badly as to do that.” “ Well, we don't care, so have your way, for yer can’t run, yer can’t fight, and when they has yer in their grip you'll be glad enough ter beg us ter save yer.” “Just wait until I do,” and gaining re o | newed confidence by the words of the out- halted upon a rise ahead, and growled | i i | j | law, Ned determined to act. The redskins. did not suspect his pres- ence there, and were yet nearly a fourth of a mile away, for but a minute or two had passed since he had first seen them. He glanced around him. He saw no place of refuge near, but remembered that /a few hundred yards back he had seen a little hill of rocks, the top of which was covered with a_ thick undergrowth of dwarf pines. y Instantly he leaped into his saddle and started at a gallop for the little hill. As he crossed the stream, he let the horses drink, while, leaning over, he filled his own and the outlaws’ canteens with water. Hardly had he reached the hill and gone into the pines,/when he saw the redskins come over the rise. They halted quickly at sight of the fresh trail, and earnestly talked among history and fiction, and when alone on themselves, as Ned plainly saw. He discovered that they did not dash | immediately forward and attack him, that : ' ' they were dismounting and examining the trail while they were looking through the had not believed they would trouble a scattered timber. It gave him a respite, and he took ad- vantage of it. The rifles of the three outlaws were upon his own horse, as were also their belts of arms and their ammunition. — But the weapons were not loaded, and | he quickly set to work to load them.. The horses he tied back in the pines, there being some large rocks there. ; * Hain’t yer goin’ ter let us git down?” asked Bender. - No.” he “Yer better make tarms, with us now, — for when them Injuns comes we'll tell ’em __emrainy e x ied wen re ee ee eee
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10 | Buffalo Bill’s Crack-Shot Pard. you has us prisoners, and there is but one, so ter come on and take yer." “Tf aither of you call out to those red- skins, I swear to you it will be the last word you ever utter. *The Indians may come and kill me, but they'll find you dead!” said Ned Os- mond, in a tone that showed he meant just what he said. The men seemed crestfallen at this, for they had seen enough of the boy to know he would keep his word, so one said: “Come, give up that you is cornered, and we has ther game, and we'll call it quits.” “Yes, throw down yer keerds and we'll act squar.”’ “When I give up it will be when I know that I am whipped. “I don’t know it yet, never fought Indians, I Jearn.” **Oh, Lord! let ther devil take that kid, for he’s too fly for earth, too good for Heaven!” said Pete Bender, in a tone of supplication, and in spite of his situation Ned laughed as the other added: “ And let his dog go with him.” The top of the hill was not over thirty feet in diameter, and the dwarf pines and rocks completely concealed the horses and their riders from every point. The approach to the hill was open, with no shelter to protect a foe, and Ned took in these advantages in his favor at a glance. He also knew that the Indians saw the trails of four horses and must suppose there were that many white men to fight, and he had heard bordermen were never afraid of redskins unless there were big odds against them. As he had his own combined rifle and shotgun, and the rifles of the dead and two living outlaws, with their revolvers, Save one ‘Buffalo Bill had taken in place of his weapon broken by Pete Bender’s bullet, the Yankee lad made up his mind to try and fight them back, deciding, in a last extremity, to try and make his escape by dashing out of cover on the best horse of the lot, leaving the outlaws behind him, and with Chum following him, and if I have guess I can CHAPTER XVII. NED'S BOLD VENTURE. “There are not enough of them to sur- round this place, so I cannot break through if I have to, and maybe I can cut . the nine down some.” So said Ned Osmond as he made up his mind how he would retreat if he had to do so, and he got his horse all ready for the flight, though hoping that he would not have to desert his prisoners. ' Seeing the Indians now. approaching Alowly on the trail, he felt that they were very cautious although they must see that there were the tracks of but four horses. This gave Ned courage, and more when it flashed upon him that there was also the trail of Buffalo Bill's horse, left the day before, so they might think they had five men to fight. Turning to the outlaws, as the Indians ‘fialted upon discovering where their foe had taken refuge, Ned Osmond said: “Remember, if you call out above a _whisper, I'll turn my gun upon both of you, mind you—not one, but both of you— for then I'll not have you to worry me, at least,’ and as the Indians began to slow- ly separate to surround the hill, he raised - Pete Bender’s rifle to fire his first shot at. a redskin. In aie of their own situation, the two pe could not but admire the pluck erve of the boy. |. Mis ‘ate was pale and Me ‘but his. the sume most cleverly, eyes were s bright, his look fearless, and he was determined to stand at bay without flinching. Ned Osmond was one to take advantage of anything that arose in his favor. His training at sea had taught him the value of coolness, to act quickly and well, and not to let himself become excited. He saw the Indians felt ‘they were in range, and was determined that his first shot would tell. So he placed the rifle in rest on the limb of a pine, took careful aim, while Pete Bender said: “Yer is a durned fool ter fire on ’em, for if yer hits one by accident, they’ll make it hot fer you when they gits yer.” The remark did not disturb him in the least, and he replied: “It’s catching before hanging, I’ve heard; but look at the fellow with feath- ers enough on him for a bird, and see if I hit him by accident.” “Durn that boy!’ growled Bender, and the rifle flashed as he spoke, The Indians all started at the shot. They were now sure where their foes were, and, what was more, the first blow at them had been a telling one, for their chief, “with feathers enough on him for a bird,’’ fell from his horse, dead. But Ned Osmond had been told to strike while the iron was hot, and, quick as a flash, he picked up the other rifles and fired, his own double-barrel gun giving the impression that there were five men, as there were that many shots. Nor were they all thrown away, for a second redskin fell from his saddle, and a pony was killed, while, from the actions of a third brave, he appeared to be wounded, The effect upon the Indians was at once noticeable, for they ‘seized their dead comrades and retreafed with all. haste to a clump of timber beyond range, there to hold a council. Ned Osmond was elated at his suecess thus far, but he was no Indian fighter. Had he been, he would not have left his stronghold, but remained under cover, trusting to beat the redskins back again, and knowing that they would not, with their small force, dare remain long so near the fort, almost within hearing of the rifles. But he had seen the outlaw on the stage trail slip away, and Pete Bender had done so he decided to do the same while the Indians were busy with their next plan of attack, He did not doubt his being able to get away by himself, but he wished to take his prisoners. So he said quickly: “IT am going to hustle out of this, for we can get well away before they see us.’ “Yer don’t expect us ter help yer, does yer, sonny ?” “T expect to kill you if you don’t,” was the quick retort. “You've got spurs, your horses are well rested, and can run fast. *T will see that you keep up with me, for if you don’t I'll drop your horse and let Chun worry ‘you for a while. “You know what to expect, so come.” Ned leaped into his saddle, having un- tied the horses so as to have them not , to be led. had reloaded the guns and hung fhem to his saddle horn. “Chum will see that you do not run away, for he'll catch your horse by the nose and hold him if you attempt it.” With this Ned rode to the front, lead- ing the horse earrying the dead body, but which he had tied a blanket over to hide what it really was. The Indians did not suspect a retreat, | and so he passed down the hill, whieh sey, sa (hah i ‘@ ON yee, kept them from seeing him, throw timber, and had made a cireuit around most to the trail to the fort, when thes wild yells of the redskins told that they — were discovered. “Now, come on, and remember what I told you!” cried the boy, earnestly, and he urged his horse into a run, the other ani- mals keeping pace with him, CHAPTER XVIII. ie IN THE MOMENT OF NEED. ‘ , a Ned Osmond glanced back as he got | his horses into a run and the Indians were oe id in full chase, and muttered grimly: BRS: “Tve got ovér three hundred yards te start, and there is the fort trail to follow.’’ a Looking back again he saw that there v were but six redskins following, but they were urging their horses to their utmost and gaining. Try as he might, threaten as he would, he could not make the two outlaws do anything to urge their horses, though Ben- der said: ‘We is doing the best we kin, pard.” “You are not, and they are gaining upon us. “Tf I have to leave you they will find you dead!” At this threat they did bring their spurs in against the flanks of their horses, and this added a little to the speed. But the horse carrying the dead body . hung back, and though Chum nibbled at ia his heels to hurry him it did no good. Ned could have let the led horse go, but. ‘his pride was aroused to take all into the fort if he could. For himself he did not fear, for he real- ized that he could get away at any time ee Gea by deserting the rest of the outfit and mete.‘ Chum would follow him, , on He knew that it must be over a dozen ac! miles to the fort,.and he did not know ce how near the redskins dared, venture. ; Nor did he know the of the. ground he had to go over. The trail was well marked, and he had no difficulty in following it, while he saw by the tracks that the Indians had come that way. He had nearly crossed the little prairie and he saw beyond a wooded ridge. Realizing that he had made a mistake in leaving the good position he had, he “it was looking well ahead to try and find a : good retreat to stand and fight again, for he saw that the redskins would catch him within another mile’s run. He believed, too, that the Indians real- ized that he was carrying two prisoners, and, the blanket having: ‘blown off, they he saw that.one horse was bearing a corpse. . himself, he must — em, an ey woul harmed by the redskins, " ates heat’ = nature
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\ ay } v vt 4 ’ * ie him here, when he went off in t’other _ direction this morning?” SS OE ATT ot aS agence, Buffalo Bill’s Crack-Shot Pard. Miances were that he could not | RP save himself, for the redskins were | ming on rapidly and steadily gaining. | Haying seen just what the brave boy was, they did not believe he would harm them when he could not carry them with him, and his words bore them out in this, | for, ag an arrow wounded him in the arm, he said: “T am sorry I have to give you up, and I don’t know what Buffalo Bill will say. “The redskins are your friends, I hear, so if they kill you I can't help it. **Come, Chum, we will have to get out of bad company.” But even as Ned Osmond spoke there came a puff of smoke from over the ridge, a shot, and an Indian dropped dead from his pony. ‘ Another shot, and a pony went down, while suddenly there sprang into sight the tall, magnificent form of Buffalo Bill, rifle | in hand, and he called out: “Rally behind me, boy pard! ‘“*We will give them all they want!” | Then loud and defiant rang the terrible | war-cry of the scout, and he stood at bay, - while Ned Osmond drew rein just over the ridge, halted the horses of the outlaws, and, leaving Chum to guard them, seized a rifle and ran to the side of Buffalo Bill. “Tt’s all over, boy pard, for see, they are making tracks with sueh haste they have left their dead comrade on _ the prairie,” and Buffalo Bill pointed to the redskins flying back as fast as they had come. “Am I off the trail, sir, or have you flanked around?’ asked Ned, in wonder , and delight at seeing the scout there. ; “T have flanked around, following the trail of that horse, and it now leads across the track here and toward our camp of last night, so I will still keep on it, while you push for the fort again.” ' **T will, sir.” | | “So you were jumped by redskins, were you? “T did not expect that so near the fort.” | "Ned told how Chum had discovered them, and what had followed. “Neyer leave a stronghold, boy pard, | at a venture. “But you have done splendidly, and, as © you said, could have saved yourself and , Chum. “The boldness of those redskins so near - the fort shows that they are a scouting | party from a large band, so tell the colo- nel I will keep my eye on them and it will be well to send some scouts and a troop of cavalry out here at once. “Now push on for the fort with your prisoners, and I tell you again that you are the boss of them all for a boy. “Tuck to you,” and Buffalo Bill mount- ed his horse, and as he rode by the outlaws | said: } “ He’s a dandy, Pete Bender, isn’t he?” “Durn him!” growled - Bender, and, mounting, Ned Osmond again pressed on toward the fort, once more leading the three horses, while Chum again held his tail aloft with pride. CHAPTER XIX. HOW NBD GOT THERE. That the hopes of the outlaws had taken a great tumble goes without say-— ing, and the flush on their faces changed to pallor again when they saw Buffalo Bill so unexpectedly come to the rescue. “That durned Buffalo Bill are like a thumb, allers on hand,” growled Pete Bender to his companion as they rode on once more, their horses in a slow trot. “T’d rather hey’ ther smallpox than see him,” the other replied. “Now, who in thunder expected to see « It was a surprise to me, too, only it struck us differently,” put in Ned. “Boy, shet. up—this hain’t your fun- eral,” “No, Pete, it’s yours,’’ was the retort, and it brought a savage oath from both men, “You learned to swear by note, didn’t you?” asked Ned, quietly. The men again swore, and Ned added: “Don’t, for you shock Chum—he was raised by a preacher and don’t like pro- fanity—do you, old dog?” Whether Chum was trained or not, or preferred to hear himself bark to the outlaw’s swear, I cannot tell, but he in- stantly turned and began to bark sav- agely at the two men. Then silence followed immediately after Pete Bender had uttered his favor- ite anathema: ‘““Durn thet dog!’ Ned laughed and Chum ceased his bark- ing, while the two outlaws continued on with brooding silence for a mile or more. At last Bender asked: “Say, young feller, what is you goin’ ter charge ag’in’ us?’ “Tam going to tell just what happened and let the eolonel decide. “T am what you call a tenderfoot out here, so I leave you to others.” “You hain’t no proof ag’in’ us, fer we Was campin’ and you and Buffalo Bill comed and attacked us, killin’ our pard, here.” “Yes, and I attacked those Indians for the same reason—they were foes.” “But we wasn’t.” ‘You wore masks just as the three men did who stopped me on the stage trail, and they were outlaws, and Buf- falo Bill says you belong to the same band, so I suppose you will have to prove that you do not,” The two outlaws then made another dead set at Ned, to bribe him to go with them and not take them to the fort. . They swore, they would enrich him if he did, thatie could hold one a prisoner in hiding until the other went for the gold they would give him. It was no use. Ned Osmond was not to be tempted, and remarked, in his laconic way of speaking: “T’ve got a pretty good start already with the tao horses the stage driver took in to Mountain City for me, and the booty he got from the men, with these four horses added, and what plunder you | have—why, I’m rich, and I don’t want the eart’ ” Again the men savore in chorus and then lapsed into silence. The horses having been rested, Ned started them into a can- ter. : It was in the middle of the afternoon that, upon going over a rise, the fort suddenly burst into view. : Situated upon a bluff overhanging the river, above which it rose a hundred feet, the approach to it wag a gentle slope, with prairie stretching far and wide | around it. . Upon these prairies were seen hun- | dreds of cattle and horses, guarded by mounted men. The flag floated above the fort, which, as Ned Osmond approached it, he could | see was a very substantial affair, a heavy | stockade of logs enclosing some dozen | ” = -aeres of the hilltop, which was well tim- | bered. A deep ditch had been dug around the outside of the wall, the earth having been carted within and placed against. the | stockade, forming a footpath for the . soldiers, breast high, and where they | could stand and fight if need be. / There were three bridges across the ditch, all of which could be raised and means,” and Colonel Benbam hastily first lowered by block and tackle, and one of which led into the main entrance of the fort, the other two into the horse and cattle corral. The officers’ quarters, the barracks, headquarters, a park of artillery, soldiers on duty and seores of the denizens of the fort going to and fro gave Ned Osmond a grand idea of a frontier post as he rode up to the main entrance and was chal- lenged. by the sentinel. He simply said that he wanted to see Colonel Benham, that he came from Buffalo Bill, and that was enough. The corporal of the guard was ealled, then the officer of the day, and Ned Os- mond found himself within a frontier post. The eyes of many were upon him as he rode along, leading the horses with his prisoners and the dead body, while Ghum trotted close by his stirrup, seeming to feel himself of less importance amid such surroundings, for his tail had drooped. considerably, “Well, I got there,’ muttered Ned, with pardonable triumph in his tone at his accomplishment, for, to use a slang phrase, “he got there with both feet.” CHAPTER XX. THE SCOUT’S LETTER. The officer of the day, a stern-faced ecaptainy gazed at Ned Osmond and his. “outfit”? with considerable interest, though he asked ho more questions than to know what he should do with the young vis- itor. Colonel Benham's cabin home was a comfortable one, so situated that he could see from the board piazza ‘along the front and sides over the stockade upon miles of landscape. The colonel was a tall man, with erect carriage, and every inch the soldier in appearance, . ; He was a man with a record, from the days of cadet life at West Point, his ser- vices in the Civil War down to his renown. as an Indian fighter in command of the far advanced post of Fort Vidette. With nearly a thousand human beings under his command—artillery, cavalry, infantry and scouts—he had a fighting force that were thoroughly disciplined, knew their leader and were ever ready to do their duty. To Ned's surprise he saw ladies and chil- dren also in the fort. | “Well, Captain Baldwin, you have a little Buffalo Bill there, I see,’ said the colonel, pleasantly, to the officer of the day as he approached with Ned, who had given his horses to a soldier to hold. Certainly the youth was a small edi- tion of Buffalo Bill in appearance, being _ much his style in face and form. “T can only tell you, sir, that he wishes to see you, and he comes with a strange outfit,” responded Captain Baldwin, while: he added: » \ “He does look like Cody, indeed.” “T bear a letter from Buffalo Bill to you, sir, if I have the honor of address- ing Colonel Benham,” and Ned took off his hat, and ‘his Courteous address at | once won the admiration of the colonel, as it had already of Captain Frank Bald- win. ; “Well, young sir, I am glad to see you, not only because you come from my val-. ued Chief of Scouts, but on your own acs. count, I take it,” and Colonel Benham. held out his hand. Ned was pleased with his reception,. and quickly handed over the penciled — note of Buffalo Bill. “Sit down while I read it—be seated, captain, until we know what it all ip & 4p" a5
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; os are Indians about, he fears, ————— The note was as follows: “In camp—Thursday night. “Colonel Hugh Benham: * Sir—While on the trail this morning I came upon the bearer of this, Ned Os- mond, who comes West on business of his own, and who has a letter to a sol- dier. “But for the meeting with young Os- mond I would have ridden into an am- bush, for three of the Mounted Miners had placed a trap for me, having in some way learned of my going by this trail. “Phe youth asked to return and show me the place of ambush and aid me, and he did so, his dog, Chum, accompanying us. “We gained the rear of the outlaws, and as they refused to obey my command to surrender, we fired upon them. “The third man, for two fell, managed to escape, and I gave chase on foot, call- ing to the youth to follow with the out- laws’ horses. “He did so, and as a shot from the man I pursued had broken the hammer of my revolver, and another shot struck my spur, laming me, the outlaw would have escaped but for my young pard, who headed him off and held him up. “Going back to see why ‘his dog had not followed, he found him guarding one of the outlaws who had only been wounded, and but for Chum would have escaped. “ We went into camp here for the night, and toward morning were aroused by ‘the dog, and a riderless horse appeared, and the youth will tell you about him and his previous adventure of the day on the Overland trail. “IT shall follow the trail of the rider- less horse, and then continue on to attend to the duty that called me from the fort. “About my young pard I know noth- ing more’ than I have told you, sir, but perhaps he may make known to you more regarding himself, but for real grit and nerve I haye never seen his equal of his years, and his dog is a fit companion for his young master. “T send the body of the slain outlaw, and the prisoners in charge of the youth. “T have the honor to be, sir, | : “Yours obediently, Ws he COM, “Chief of Scouts.” “Well, my young friend, I am doubly glad to welcome you, after reading Chief Cody’s letter, and I congratulate you upon your good services rendered; but tell me about the other adventure the scout refers to.” | Ned did so in his modest way and both the colonel and captain listened with the deepest attention and interest, and again gratulated him, and the colonel was about to order the two outlaws brought ‘before him when Ned said: “T have another report still to make, sir, and Mr. Cody told me that he thought it well for you to send a troop of cavalry and some scouts out on the trail, as there in large force,” and Ned told of his fight with the redskins, his flight and rescue by Buffalo Bill just as he and Chum were about to, desert the outlaw prisoners. CHAPTER XXI. ; A MYSTERY. -Tf Colonel Benham and Captain Frank Baldwin had been surprised at what the youth had done, from what the scout’s letter had told them, they were far more go when they heard of his having been,held up by outlaws on the’ Overland, and the result, following upon which came the story of his Indian fight, flight and escape, 7 ee hea Sue os ae A NET noe SA pene Buffalo Bill’s Crack-Shot Pard. craft, Master Osmond?’ asked the colonel. “TI do not 4&now any, sir, other than what common-sense prompted me to do. s | ors tenderfoot, sir,” replied Ned, with a smile. “A tenderfvot, eh? “Do you mean to say you are not a border boy ?”’ “Tam not, sir, for I am a sailor.” “A sation es - “And this is your first border expe- rience ?”’ “Except that I was a Mexican yvaquero on a ranch, sir, when I was wrecked on the coast of Mexico two years ago; but it is different there from what it is here, though I learned to ride and shoot, and to throw a lasso pretty well.” ** And how did you come West *On foot, sir, from where the railroad ends, “fT was a youth smiled. * Your home is where?” “T have no home now, sir,” and there was a pathetic cadence in the tone and words of the youth that touched both Col- onel Benham and Captain Baldwin. “Where was your home?” ‘“‘T am a Yankee. boy, sir,’ the smile. , “TI do not wish to pry into, your life, my young friend, and ask, not from idle curiosity, but from interest in you, for you, a boy in years, come alone to the fort, haying been attacked by outlaws and slain one; you see others setting a trap for some one, and you flank,them and save my Chief of Scouts, and then go into a fight as his ally like an old veteran. “Next, you have a brush with Indians, kill one or more, and escape with your prisoners from them, bringing them safely to the fort. “This heroism in a man, in one of my officers or crack scouts, would interest me deeply in them, and I wish to know why you have come here and what I can do to serve you, for I will do all in my power for you, my brave lad.’’’ After a moment of hesitation, Ned Os- ‘mond said: “T thank you, sir, for your kindness and interest in me, and I appreciate it. ‘But there is nothing that you can do, sinh “You are too young to enter the army.” Yous sir.” “May I ask what you intend to do?” “T am a poor boy, sir, and intend to rove about the West, hoping to make my fortune.” ¥ Why not remain at the fort, for you write fairly well, I guess?” ‘Oh, yes, sir, I have studied hard.” “T could give you a.clerkship here.” “Thank you, sir, but I do not care to remain here, for I am going to Mountain City, and if I do not do well, or am not successful in my. intentions, I shall re- turn and ask Buffalo Bill to take me with him and teach me to be a scout,” “ Beforehand I promise you he will be only too glad to have you, and you would make a’name for yourself, I am sure. “But had you no motive in coming to the fort, ofher than to guard those outlaw prisoners ?” “ Yes, sir,” “T met in the East a lady who knew of my coming to this part of the West, and she told me she had a son who was a soldier at Fort Vidette and asked me to deliver to him a letter, as all she had written the past year seemed to have mis- carried, for she received no answers. 9 . tramp, sir,’ and again the , and again “J told her I would deliver the letter, and I was on my way to the fort when I met Mr. Cody.” “ Who is the soldier?” “The letter is addressed to Pris thur Arden, but Mr. Cody says that ies sergeant.” ee. — “Yes; and one of the best men in my ~~ > command, “Do you know anything about Sergeant Arden?” ‘*Nothing, sir, I may say, more than having met his mother.” *T'll send the letter to him at once.” “Please pardon me, sir, but I promised his mother I would deliver it only to him personally.” * Certainly.” “Captain Baldwin will send a soldier with you to the sergeants’ quarters, and then return and be my guest, Master Os- mond, as long as you remain at the fort.” “Oh, thank you, sir; but I’m nothing more than a tramp, and could not think of such a thing.” The colonel looked a trifle annoyed, and Cuptain Baldwitt hastened to say: **T will find him pleasant quarters with the sutler, sir. In fact, Sergeant Arden has a cabin to himself, since Macey died, and will doubtless wish him for his guest.” * All right; see that he is comfortable, captain, and the horses and their belong- ings are his property, you know. ** Also see that the dead outlaw is buried and the prisoners put in confinement. “When you are settled, my young friend, come and see me this evening, for I wish to have a talk with you.’ ‘Yes, sir,’ and with a courteous salute Ned walked away, with Captain Baldwin, while the colonel muttered: ; “That boy is a mystery I canno fathom.” CHAPTER XXII. SERGEANT ARDEN. So much was Captain Frank Baldwin pleased and impressed with the young self-confessed tramp, that he decided to go with him himself to Sergeant Arden’s quarters and see that he had comfortable accommodations during the time he way in the fort. He gave orders for the disposal of the outlaw’s body, and the prisoners, and sent the horses to the stables to be well cared for, and as the property of Ned Osmond, while he said: “Those are all fine animals, my boy, and should you wish to dispose of any of them, I will be glad to buy one, and can find you purchasers for the others, too, and their outfits.” ; “Thank you, sir; I will be glad to seY three of them, keeping one for my own use, and I have two more in Mountain City, so I will be quite rich, and in future I will be a tramp on horseback,” and Ned laughed and added: “T don’t just know how Chum will take my riding.” * Who is Chum?” wlth “My dog, sir; that is his name.” “ Ah! he looks as vicious as a grizzly.” “He is, sir, to those I don’t like, but likes my friends.” “T’m your friend, please mention it to him,” said the captain, with a glance at Chun. Ned laughed, and ealled his dog. “Chum, this is Captain Baldwin, who is good enough to say he is my friend, so you must treat him with marked respect.” Chum wagged his tail, seemingly pleased at the introduction, and then licked the eaptain’s hand, “(Cood! I hope he has a good memory, Ned; but where did you get him?” ‘Some men were going to shoot him in Chicago, and I took his part, and treated the gang to a drink all round to let him off, and he seemed to understand that T had saved his life, and has stuck to me | ever since. Fy ah)
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. his pa Buffalo Bill’s Crack-Shot Pard. Pm dozen fights on Chum’s ae- P; but somehow we come out all fu the end.” : 1 should think so,” said the captain, ~ and he added: y ' “But here are Sergeant Arden’s quar- ters.”’ It was a pleasant little cabin, apart from the others, and seated in front of it was a handsome young soldier, who had the appearance of a commissioned, rather than a non-commissioned officer. ; Seeing the captain approaching, he laid aside a book he was reading and stood at an “attention.” “ Sergeant Arden, this young gentleman is Master Ned Osmond, a hero, the colo- nel justly calls him, and he bears a letter to you. ‘He is a Yankee boy, and may remain some time in the fort, so if you can en- tertain him I shall be glad.” “JT am glad to meet Master Osmond, Captain Baldwin, and will entertain him with pleasure, for I am alone here, and have pleasant quarters,” and the hand- some sergeant held out his hand and warmly welcomed his young guest, whose knapsack and other belongings a soldier just then brought up, while Ned asked: “Does that mean my Chum also, Ser- geant Arden?” “Yes, indeed, for I love dogs.” “Then I leave you in good company, Ned. “Go to see the colonel this evening, and drop in on me before you go away,” and Captain Baldwin, returning the sergeant’s salute, walked off in the discharge of his duties. “Now, Master Osmond, you look as though you had had a hard time, so come jn and brush up so you will feel better, and then we can discuss what business you have with me.” Rae “Thank you; I will accept your invita- tion, and while I am getting presentable you can read this letter—it was given me py your mother to deliver to you person- ally. Are you ill, sergeant?’ and Ned sprang toward the soldier, who turned deathly pale and dropped heavily into a chair, “My mother, did you say?” he asked, hoarsely. ‘Vea, sit.’ ae “Boy, my mother is dead—she died in Europe over a year ago.” “You are mistaken, sergeant. Your mother is not dead, for I saw her not two months ago, and she asked me to give this letter to you personally, as she could get no word from you, though she had often written.” “There is some trickery here,’”’ said Ser- geant Arden, and he took the letter, glanced at the address, and added: “Yes, that is my mother’s hand—God bless you, boy,” and the voice of the strong man quivered as he uttered the Naren went into the cabin and took from ck some clean clothing, and set to - work with soap and water to make him- lt ess like a tramp. spot gig doveet. at the door to rest after his long run, while the sergeant sat down upon the bench, his mother’s letter in his and.’ f ote looked at it as he might if it was the miniature of a loved one, and for some time did not appear to have courage enough to open it. It was addressed to 3 “Private Arthur Arden, } ae * “Fort Vidette. “ Kindness of a trusted friend.” f . The name of his company and regiment was not given. “Yes, it is my dear mother’s writing, | | a a ot and she is not dead, for that boy would not deceive me. I will read it.” He broke the seal with the look of one who was about to dissolve a mystery. CHAPTER XXII. THE BOY TRAMP’S PLEDGE. When Ned Osmond came out of the cabin he looked like a different boy. He had cast off his travel-worn clothing for a new suit of corduroy pants, which were stuck in the tops of a pair. of well- polished boots, while he had put on a neg- lige shirt and gray jacket. His belt of arms he had _ discarded while in the fort, and, looking refreshed by his bath and change, the sergeant at once noted the improvement and said: “You are a different looking fellow, now, Osmond, and are strikingly like Buffa- lo Bill—a pocket edition of him, I might say; but, sit down and let us have a talk together until supper, for I have no duties until to-night at twelve. I have something particular to talk to you about.” Ned Osmond liked the young sergeant at sight; hé had found Joe Jarvis a clever fellow, and been instantly won by Buffalo Bill, admired Colonel Benham and Captain Baldwin, and, in fact, con- eluded that the far frontier might have its drawbacks, but it was certainly peo- pled by persons to tie to. He sat down on the bench by the ser- geant, who, still holding the letter in his hand, said, by way of opening the con- versation: “This letter is from any mother.” VF es,: ire. : “Where did you get it?’ “Your mother gave it to me.” “When did you see her?’ “Two months ago.” “Where was she then?” “Near Detroit.” * She lives there, then?’ : “Yes, sir. Do you not know where she is, sir?’ * Yes, now, according to this letter; but I wish to know all about her that you can tell me. Do you know the contents of this letter?” “No, sir; but I can guess that you are told a secret in it.’ “See here, Osmond, you come to me a stranger, and yet you bear an important, a most important letter to me from my mother whom I have mourned as dead for some time. “This letter tells me ‘that she lives, yet is dead to the world, and I wish you to frankly tell me what you know of my mother now—in fact, all that you can, and then you shall hear my story.” “T do not seek your confidence, Ser- geant Arden, I simply did my duty in bringing that letter to you.” “But I wish you to hear what I have to say, and then you may be able to tell me more. “ Now, when did you meet my mother “T am a tramp, -sir, you know, for when I left the sea I determined to go West, and not being rich I went on foot in good weather and through the country. “T did not have my dog, then, for it was before I reached Chicago. “T was tramping along one afternoon before reaching Detroit, Michigan, when a terrible storm rose, and I was wonder- ing if I dared go to a large residence and ask for shelter, when I saw a young girl crouching by the roadside. “She was talking to herself; her hair was down her back; she was barefoot and had a doll in her arms. i “Tat once\'saw that she was mad, and supposing she had escaped from the large building, I spoke to her, and after some time got her to return with me, . 919 | | 2 AN AE Te FR pe OR Nl ent Ss Spe lar ey 12 “The place was a private asylum, and she was one of the patients—an heiress, poor thing, but without any mind. “The physician in charge seemed most delighted to recover her, and as the storm was about to break, urged me to spend the night and wished to reward me, for he offered me a hundred dollars, which I of course refused. “T did remain all night, though, and I sat in the physician’s office, talking with him, he wondering why I, a boy tramp, refused the reward he urged upon me. “T told him I was going West, out to this part of the country, and I heard an exclamation and saw a-.lady in the ad- joining room. “She was tall, slender, and had white hair, yet her face was youthful and even beautiful. “She saw me looking at her, shook her head and put her finger to her lips, the physician not having noticed her pres- ence. “J was given a comfortable room, a good breakfast in the morning and went to the office to thank the doctor for my entertainment. “He was not there, having been called to one of the wards; but the lady I had seen the night before was there, and coming quickly up to me, she said: “‘T am held here against my will, for they say I am crazy, but I am not. “‘T heard you say you were going out to the Indian country, and my son is there, a private in the —th Cavalry, sta- tioned now, I believe, at Fort Vidette. “‘T have written and written in vain to him, for I get no answer, so I implore you, for the love of God, to give him this. letter. ““Give it to him only; let it pass through no other hands, and you will have the reward of knowing you have done a good deed, if you do not find a re- ward more substantial some day. -Don’t fail me, I implore you,’ she urged of me. “T could do nothing but promise her and she quickly disappeared, just after which the doctor came in. “He tried again to force money upon me, saying the patient I had -brought back was worth thousands to him a year, and as I still refused he had a man drive me on to Detroit. “TI have kept my pledge, sir, to your mother, and delivered you the letter.” “You have, indeed; but did you learn nothing about her?” “JT asked the. man who drove me to Detroit about a number of the patients I saw there, for the doctor showed me over the place, | “Your mother did not strike me as be- ing insane, hut the man told me she was, and had been put there by her husband, who was very rich. “That is all I can tell you, sir.” “It is enough; now you shall hear my story,” said the sergeant, in a stern, de- termined way. CHAPTER XXIV, THE SERGEANT’S STORY. “You saw my mother, my friend, and you would hardly expect to find her son in the ranks of the army, without some cause for his being there, you would think, which he had brought upon himself.” So the sergeant began his story, and he found in Ned Osmond an attentive listener. The sergeant had been deeply moved by the letter from his mother, and what Ned had told him of her, but he now very caimly began to tell his story to the youth, © seeming anxious that he should know all. “T tell you what I do, boy pard, in ab- solute confidence, and I know you will so receive it.” ;
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14 Buffalo Bill’s Crack-Shot Pard. pat, ——— “T will, sir, but I do not seek your con- fidence.” “T know that, yet I wish you to be fully informed. ‘Now, I entered the army as a private nearly three years ago, and under the name I now bear, Arthur Arden. “Tt is my name, but not all of it, for my full name is Arthur Arden Holt, but the name my mother bears is that of Mrs. Alexander Elwell.” “Yes, so the man who drove me called her.” “My father, Judge Arthur Holt,’ was a very rich man, and our home was in Mary- land. “JT was an only son, and I was sent to the Naval Academy, but was, with sev- eral other midshipmen, suspended for breaking the laws, though I was not guilty, but could not clear myself without implicating a classmate, so I took the blame and resigned. “My father then sent me to Germany to finish my education, and among the other American students there was one whom I had known in boyhood, and whom IT never liked. “* He constantly sought trouble with me, and the result was that a duel followed, in which I wounded him seriously. “J left the university, and he was brought back to America, where he died, some months after, of the wound I had given him. “My father had supplied me liberally with money, so I went to the East and entered the service of the Khedive of Egypt, and my father had been dead nearly a year before I learned of the fact. “ Believing that I had inherited a large fortune, I wrote my mother that I was going to resign and come home as soon as I heard from her. “Tt was six months before I heard from her, and then she told me that I had better remain where I was, that my father’s for- tune was so mortgaged it was worthless, but that his partner, Alexander Elwell, was trying to save her something from the qreck, but his son, whom I had wounded in the duel, was dead, and he would never forgive me for killing him, and vowed he would send me to prison if I ever came to America, ‘Tt was a bitter letter to read, but it was all true, as I believed, and the next I heard from home was that my mother had married Alex. Elwell, my father’s partner. “T grew homesick, and desired to re- turn to America, and with what money I had saved from my pay, I did so. “ But I was afraid Elwell would keep his threat, so I went to California, then drift- ed into Mexico, and next enlisted in the army at a Texas fort. “JT could hear nothing from home, 80 at last boldly wrote my mother to the old address, and the letter came back to me bearing the written announcement on the back that my mother was dead. “Then I settled down to try and win promotion in the army from the ranks, and I have gotten to be a sergeant, when now you come with this letter from my mother.” “Tt is remarkable, and there must be some trickery at the bottom of it,” said Ned Osmond, deeply interested in the young sergeant. , ‘ “Yes, there has been most diabolical trickery throughout, for my mother’s let- ter you shall see. “She is no more crazy than you are, and Alex, Elwell told her,a pack of lies about my father’s fortune, she says, for it was clear of debt, but all tied up with El- well’s affairs. “She says that the will left him full “Tn that way he covered up his tracks, and as there was a codicil to the will, my mother says, disinheriting me for killing Alex. Elwell’s son in the duel in Germany, I need expect nothing, while a second codicil urged that my mother, after one year’s mourning, marry Elwell. “This she did, and then she began to realize that her husband had*deceived her, that the will was a forgery, that my father had left a large fortune, had never disin- herited me, nor urged her to marry El- well. “Fearing my mother, for the discovery had made her very ill, Elwell had taken her to a private asylum near Detroit and had her inearcerated there. ‘““Now, Ned, you have my story, and there is my mother’s letter for you to read, so tell me what you think of it.” Ned Osmond read the letter, and then said, bluntly: “T think Elwell ought to be called down, for he is a black-hearted villain.” “Yes, and I will call him down, as you say, though now I can do nothing, for I am working hard to stand the examina- tion for promotion from the ranks, whieh a number of us are striving for. “Tf I get it, I am a free man, and can act; but for the present my hands are tied, though in some way I must communicate with my poor mother, telling her to cheer up and have patience. But come, supper is ready,” and the sergeant led the way to the mess hall, Chum going along also by special invitation. CHAPTER XXY. ON THE TRAMP AGAIN. Ned heartily enjoyed his supper with the sergeant, and he was introduced to a number of the non-commissioned officers present. Sergeant Arden was a very popular man, and his young guest was warmly wel- comed, while the rumor had already gone about that Ned had proved himself a hero, killing an outlaw and capturing two others. The truth of his adventures was not known, but enough was told to make a hero of him. The youth did not forget to go to head- quarters in the evening to see the colonel. He found the colonel in the midst of the family circle, but the orderly said that he had orders to show him right in, so, blush- ing at his position, Ned obeyed. The colonel greeted him most cordially, presented him to his wife, daughter, and several others that were present, and said: *T wanted you to see how we live out here among the redskins, Osmond, and IL trust you will be willing to remain at the fort, so that we can make a soldier or a scout out of you after a while.” “T thank you, sir, and I know I would enjoy the life; but I have a eertain duty to myself to perform, so I cannot remain, and tomorrow will start for Mountain City,” replied Ned, who was as easy in his manners as though he had been ac- customed to just such society all his life. “So soon you must go—why, we have a grand parade to-morrow afternoon, SO I insist that you remain to see that.” “JT will, sir, with pleasure,’ was the answer, and Ned turned to talk with Mrs. Benham, who bad become greatly inter- ested in the youth, and said: “T agree with the colonel that you should be ealled Little Buffalo Bill, for my daughter so named you, having seen you arrive this morning, and you are strik- ingly like the great scout in looks, bearing and even in mannerisms.” “T should consider it a great honor, madam, to be called Little Buffalo Bill, control, and I know that my father did | for the Chief of Scouts has been my ideal trust him most implicitly. |of a man ever since I could read, and, when I was a sailor boy I Wo= reading pirate stories at any “YE could get hold of a novel written OxttS falo Bill.” ~ “Yes, Cody is our hero at the fort here, and deservedly so; but is not that your comrade on your long tramp?” and Mrs. Benham pointed to Chum, who just then appeared in the door, haying passed the sentry, who had no desire to challenge his right to enter headquarters. “Pardon him, madam, but he is looking for me. “IT will take him away.” But Mrs. Benham said Chum must re- main, and Anita, her daughter, a pretty girl of thirteen, who had named Ned Lit- tle Buffalo Bill, called the dog in and he went right up to her. All admired the splendid dog and his love of his young master, and he got a pias all round, and only left when Ned did. . “That boy is an unfathomable mystery to me,’ said the colonel, when Ned had left, and one and all agreed that the young tramp was a gentleman in disguise, a hero, and knew how to keep his own coun- sel. The next day Ned and Chum were in- terested spectators of the grand parade. The whole force was out, and as Ned stood by Mrs. Benham and Anita, admir- ing Sergeant Arden’s splendid appear- ance as a soldier in full-dress cavalry uni- form, the adjutant suddenly called “At- tention,” and an officer and platoon of soldiers marched up to the boy, and, to his surprise, he was conducted to the front of the command. Then, to his intense surprise and embar- rassment, a “special order’ was read, stating his acts of heroism, and compli- menting him for his valuable services ren- dered. Ned could only raise his hat in saluta- tion, and seek to hide himself from sight in the crowd, but in this he was unsuc- eessful, for Colonel Benham presented him to a score of officers and as many ladies and young people, until he was glad to get away, and he said to Sergeant Arden: “If L were to stay here they’d make a fool of me. * Why, I hav’n’t done anything to brag out here; but if they could have seen me some black night of storm at sea away up aloft in the rigging of a large ship, they might have thought I was tak- ing big chances against death; but they are all very kind, sergeant, and I- thank them.” That night Ned went to bid the colonel and his family good-by, dropped in upon Captain Baldwin for a few minutes, and having disposed of three of the four horses at a good figure, he considered himself quite rich. His story of the attack and capture of the outlaws had been written down, and when he had turned over their effects to the colonel, they had been returned to him as his property. The next morning early, mounted upon the best of the four horses, which he had kept for himself, with a good saddle and bridle, a belt of arms, rifle, lasso, roll of blankets and bag of provisions, he rode out of the fort, Chum trotting by his side, and was followed by a ringing cheer by the soldiers gathered at the stockade gate to see him off, Sergeant Arden being the last one to grasp his hand, for he was sergeant of the guard that day. “Well, we are again on ‘the tramp, Chum,” said Ned, as he rode along on the trail to Mountain City. Chum wagged his tail in response, and yet gave a longing look back at the fort, where he had certainly had as good a time as his young master.
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RPAPTER XXYVI, UGHT IN THE TOILS. 2 <9 no difficulty in following the il to Mountain City, as it was a dis- Rinct one. He had his noon-day meal with Chum, and toward evening was approaching the camps, when he saw several miners at a cabin on his right, and just where several trails diverged. As he rode up to them to ask which trail he was to take to reach Mountain ae City, one of the men called out: Be “ Pards, that is Den: Dunlop's horse.” 4 ch “So it is,” cried several yoices together, i and instantly Ned’s bridle rein was seized a and he was told to dismount, which he did, with a word to quiet Chum, who was showing fight. Mer) “Say, young feller, you is ridin’ Den ms: Dunlop's borse, and he was found dying iis to-day on the trail, his hands tied be- iioa® hind his back, and looking awful, so you ae is the one as has did it, and you is yy durned young, fer that kind. 0’ work,” oie said one of the men, and, as he spoke, pale others began to gather, coming along * ae the different trails from the camps, on Be | their way to Mountain City, a couple of Ce miles distant. “Kill the durned dog!” eried one, as Chum began to show his teeth. aan “No, I wants a good dog—lasso him,” Be " cried the man who seemed to be the } | deader, and in an instant Chum was ap caught in the toils of. several lariats. xi Ned started to protect him, but he was RL covered by half a dozen revolvers, and ns i ba he was forced to see Chum choked down, a a collar and chain put on him, and be made fast to a tree, where he found him- self when he recovered from his choking. story of how he got the horse, that the 4 ~~ man found bound and dying was doubt- i less the outlaw who had escaped. aa: “He calls Den Dunlop an outlaw, 7 pards!”” shouted the men, who laughed _.) .» derisively, while one said: are 0 “It's to cover up his own crime.” Co Ra ““He’s a boy horse thief.’ a “ He killed poor Den.” gles “Yes, tied him to die in the mountains, and then dle his horse.” Ri ““Pard e is a young 0 outlaw.” , “One of the Mounted Miners, I'll bet money on it!” ra So the eries went the rounds until . Ned said, angrily: “You are a pack of lying sharks, all of you.” *Pards, /we must string him up!” This suggestion seemed to meet general approval, and as quick as a flash Ned was seized, his hands bound behind him, a lasso noose thrown over his head, and he saw death staring him in the face, for the ‘men were in deadly earnest. | Poor Chum lay upon the ground, tied to the tree and just beginning to recover 3)" from the severe choking he had ‘been yg ‘There were now over a seore of rough- looking, bearded men about the cabin, and a few of them urged that the boy -. should have a trial, have a chance to - - prove that he was not guilty. the man who had escaped, and the horse, fiad found afterward, and who had een captured by Buffalo Bill. The men laughed at his saying Den “Dunlop was an outlaw, and after a short conversation together, they decided that the was guilty of outlawry and also of stealing a horse, and must hang for his _erimes, for that was border justice. Ned had not flinched thus far, but oe to hang him, he said, earnestly: But he had confessed to having bound ie eee In the mean time Ned had told his | had belonged to one of the three outlaws yoy Pilea ‘Buffalo Bill's Crack-Shot Pard. ‘Men, I have done no wrong, and Joe Jarvis, the Overland driver and Buffalo Bill can prove what I say. *“T am but a boy in years, and don’t wish to die, to be hanged, so don’t kill me, I beg of you.” “ Begging don’t go here, young feller,” said the leader, and though half a dozen of the crowd now pleaded for him, he con- tinued: “Throw the end of the lariat over yon- der limb and tie it to the horn of his saddle, and let the horse haul him up.” This was done, Ned Osmond saying: ““T begged you once to spare me, but I will not do it again, so do your worst.” “Now lead the horse up gently, pard,” called out the leader to the man who was holding Ned’s horse by the bridle. But, as the horse took the first step, there came the report of a rifle; the ani- mal dropped dead, and Buffalo Bill came dashing upon the scene, a revolver in each hand, while he shouted: “Who dares lay hand on that boy to harm. him dies like a dog!” CHAPTER XXVIII. P SAVED BY A SHOT. The coming of Buffalo Bill so unex- pectedly upon the scene created a sensa- tion, for every miner there knew him, and more knew just what he would do, in his fierce anger. The leader tried to explain that Ned had a stolen horse, an animal that be- longed to one of their comrades, Den Dunlop, but that another pard had been riding for a few weeks past. They told how Den Dunlop had been found dying, that morning—was then ly- ing dead in their cabin—that his hands ‘were tied behind him when they discov- ered him, and he could not speak. Buffalo Bill strode into the cabin, took a glance at the body, and as he came out, threw the lariat off of the neck of Ned, and said: , “Boy pard, go in and see if that is your man who escaped.” Ned did so, and when he returned said that it was the man. “There comes the coach! Go and head it off and tell Joe Jarvis to come here,” commanded the seout of one of the men. The order was obeyed and in silence the crowd awaited the coming of the driver, for his trail ran near the cabin. He soon drove up, Ned being still hand- bound: Buffalo Bill ordered the leader | of the plot against Ned to tell his story. He did so, but was less confident now that he had the seout to deal with. “Joe, look at the body in the cabin and say where you saw the man last and under what circumstances.” Joe Jarvis did so, and his words con- firmed Ned’s story. “ Now,men,you see that you were going to hang this innocent boy, and for your pard, whom you know now to have been one of the Mounted. Miners, if you did not know it before, and I thalf believe that some of you did. “Jim Sykes, you are lucky that I di not kill you instead of the horse, for came near doing so, changing my inten- tion merely for fear that the horse might in his fright drag the boy into the air. “This young fellow is my boy pard, and as long as he chooses to remain in this country I am his protector.” “Me too, boy pard, and with Buffalo Bill I says hands off of him, men, and you knows I means what I says,” cried Toe Jarvis. Then Buffalo Bill resumed: “If you don’t get hanged yourselves, _ when he felt assured that the men meant | men, for harboring an outlaw, you will ‘ be in luck. Mi - he wictg “Joe, you are starting on your run Bast, and I’ am going to the fort. Take the youth with you and bring him back again, so he won't be alone in Mountain City.” “Vl do it, so git up on the box with me, boy pard,” ordered Joe, and Ned, with a grasp of Buffalo Bill's hand—for he was too much moved to speak—climbed up to a seat by the Overland driver. The scout stripped the saddle and bri- dle from the dead horse and threw them up on the coach with the remark: “T'll unfasten ‘Chum. and give \him a, ride with you, too.” This he did, and Joe Jaryis drove With the remark: “If they crowds you, Bill, just sound your war-cry and we'll come back.” “ All right, but I have no fear of cow- ards who would hang a_ boy,” re- plied Buffalo Bill, and, mounting his} horse, he rode away amid a dead silence, in the crowd. away CONCLUSION. Ned Osmond greatly enjoyed his drive ‘with Joe Jarvis, recovered entirely, seemed also to like the ride, ‘finding that it was better than. chasing behind the coach. On the way -the driver had much to tell his young pard about Buffalo Bill, Ned seeming never to tire of hearing of the great scout. He also made known to Joe the story of his adventures after leaving him, his meeting Buffalo Bill, his brush with the other three outlaws, his affair with the redskins, and how he had been received at the fort and given the name of Little Buffalo Bill. Then he told how the gang at the cabin had seized him, and that but for .the scout they would have hanged him, ad- ding: “But they won’t scare me out of this country, for I came to stay, at least until I‘had aecomplished a certain mission. “You, Joe, have proven my good friend, and I don’t mind telling you, as a se- cret, that I came here to find one who had wronged me and mine. I know he is somewhere upon the frontier, and some day I will find -him, though it may take me a year or more.” Then Joe Jarvis also told Ned a secret, and that was that he had recognized, in the outlaw that Chum had sprung upon and killed, his own brother—one who had gone to the bad early in life, and whom he had not heard of for years, and so was shocked to find him an outlaw. Ned went on to the end of Joe Jarvis’s run with him, and then back again, having an adventure upon his return which can- not be told here. Arriving .in Mountain City, he made that his headquarters, and went off on _ long trails often with Buffalo Bill. In time he found the one he sought, and his mission was thus fulfilled, but he still clung to the Wild West, and became known far and wide along the frontier as Little Buffalo Bill. It was through Ned, also, that the Ser- geant got a letter to his mother, and the whole plot of her wicked husband, Elwell, was disclosed. When the examination for promotion was held Arthur Arden won the first place, got the commission of a second lieuten- ant, and was successful in bringing Alex- ander Elwell to justice, and in securing his own rightful inheritance, while, of . -course, his mother was taken from the asylum, and all through her meeting with Ned Osmond, the Boy Tramp, who had well earned the, to him, proud title of Lit- tle Buffalo Bill. THE PND. 15 and Chum, that had’
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goer ‘699 Simp BY EDWARD L. WHTEELER. Deadwood Dick Novela. 1 Deadwood Dick, the Prince of the Road. 20 Deadwood Dick’s Deflance; or, Double Daggers. a5 oe ae a = paeeelses or, BuffaJ» Ben eadwoo ck in « Castle. 42 Deadwood Dick’s Bonanza; or, The Phantom Miner. 49 Deadwood Dick in Danger; or, Omana Oll. 5&7 Deadwood Dick’s Eagles; or, The Pards of Flood Bar, 78 Deadwood Dick on Deck; or. Calamity 4 ine, the Heroine FA 4 povarees Beene teat pee or, Corduroy Charlie. eadwoo ckin Leadville. re J pe po — af ere ~ The Double Cross Sign. eadwoo ek as Detective. 129 Deadwood Dick’s Double; or, The Gorgon’s Gulch Ghost. 188 Deadwood Dick’s Home Base; or, Blonde Bill. 149 Deadwoed Dick’s Big Strike; or, A Game of Gold. 156 Deadwood Dick of Deadwood: or, The Picked Party, 195 Deadwoed Dick’s Dreamy or, The Rivals of the Road, 201 Deadwood Dick’s Ward; or, The Black Hill’s Jezebel. +t ong hee | pee ae | 4 OF “ eneagpewels Advebture. eadwoo ck’s Dea cal. 221 Deadwood Dick’s Death-Plant. 282 Gold-Duat Dick, A Rotmance of Roughs and Toughs, r++ pene eone arene Sd ca” fae Spirit of Swamp Lake. eadwoo ¢ck’sa Deuth TraJjl. 809 Deadweod Dick’« Deal; or, The Gold Brick of Oregon. $21 Deadwood Dick’s Dozen; or, The Fakir of Phantom Flats 847 Deadwood Dick’s DPucate; or, Days in the Diggings. prs Dendweed Biek Sextenced 5 or, The Terrible Vendetta. endwoe ck’a Claim. 405 Deadwood Pick in Dead City. 410 Deadwood Dick’s Dinwonde. 421 Deadwood Dick in New York; or, A “ Cute Case,” 480 Deadwood Dick’s Dust; or, The Chained Hand. 435 peaewoes Piet 5 ors - Crimson Crescent Sign. endwoo ek r.” eflance. 45% Deadwood Dick, Jrvs Full Hand, 459 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’a, Big Round-Up. 465 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’«, Racket at Claim 10, 471 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’a, Corral; or, Bozeman Bill. Zhi Sendvest Dik: oF, ta Besaeeek. eady ck, Jr., in Deadwood, 491 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Compact. 496 Deadwood Dick. Jr.’s, Inheritance, 600 Deadwood Dick, Jrs Diggingsa. 508 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Deliverance, 515 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s Protegee. 522 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’«, Three. 529 Vendwood Dick, Jr.’a, Danger Ducks, 5684 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Death Hunt. 589 DPeadwood Dick, Jr., in Texas. 544 Deadwood Dick, Jr., the Wild West Vidocg 549 Deadweooa Dick, Jr., on Mia Mettle. 554 Dendweod Dick, Jr., In Gotham, 561 Deadwood Dick, Jr., tn Boaton. 7 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Philadelphia. 2 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Chieago. 578 Deadwood Dick. Jr., Afloat. 5842 Deadwood Dick. Jr.. in Denver. 690 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’«, Decree. ese pesewoes ann one in pocinohub's Pasta, eadwoo ck, Jr., at Coney Island. 606 Deadwood Dick, Sr.se, Leadville Lay. 612 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Detroit. 618 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Cincinnatl. 624 Deadwood Dick. Jr., in Nevada. 680 Deadwood Pick, Jr., in No Man’s Land, 686 Deadwood Dick, Jr., After the Queer. 642 Deadwood Dick Jr.. In Buffalo. Se2 Sree tae pret. dra, Chase Across the Continent $60 Deadwood Dek? Sr nh oe ae hy ee aaa 666 Deadwood Dick, Jr., Back in the Mines. 672 Deadwood Dick, Jr., tn Durango; or, “ Gathered In.” $3 any baler -<seig ares | ap cada Found « Fortune, ‘eanadwo cK, Tr. aAZzZie. 690 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’«. Dollars. 695 Deadwood Dick. Jr., at Danger Divide, 700 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’«, Drop. 704 Deadwood Dick, Jr., at Jack-Pot. 710 Deadwood Dick Jr., in San Francisco, 716 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Still Hunt. 722 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’«, Dominoes, 728 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’«, Disgulac, 784 Deadwood Dick. Jr.’s, Double DeaL 740 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’«, Deathwatch. 747 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’«, Doublet. 752 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Deathblow. 758 Deadwood Dick, dr.’s, Desperate Strait, T64 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Lone Hand, 770 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’«, Detcat. 776 Dendwood Dick, Jr.’«, Resurrection. 782 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Dark Daya, TST Deadwood Dick Jr., Defied. 792 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Double Device, 797 Deadwood Dick, Jr’.s, Desperate Venture, 802 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’«, Diamond Dice, 807 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’«, Royal Flush, 812 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’a, Head-off, 816 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’«, Rival. 822 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Boom, 828 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Scoop. $84 Deatlwood Dick, Jr.’+, Proxy. 840 Deadwood Dick, dr.’s, Clutch. 845 Deadwood Dick, Jdr.’s, High Horse, 852 Deadwood Dick Jr., at Devil’s Gulch, 858 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Neath-Hole Hustle.) 868 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s Bombshell. 870 Deadwood Dick, Jr., In Mexico. S76 Deadwood Dick, Jr’s, Decoy Duck. 882 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Silver Pocket. 891 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’«, Dead-Sure Game, 898 Deadwood Dick, Jr’«, Double Drive. 904 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’«, Trade-Mark. 910 Deadwood Dick, Jr., at Tip-Top. 916 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s Double-Decker. BY LIEUT. A. K. SIMS. 589 Tom-Cat and Pard; or, The Dead Set at Silver City. 622 Tom-Cat’s Triad; or, The Affuir at Tombstone. 681 Tom Cat’s Terrible Task; or, The Cowboy Detective. 688 Tom-Cat’s Triumphs or, Black Dan’s Great Combine. 546 Captain Cactus, the Chaparral Cock; or, Josh’s Ten Strike 568 The Dandy of Dodge; or, Rustling for Millions, 576 The Silver Sport; or, Josh Peppermint’s Jubilee. 688 Saffron Sol, the Man With « Shadow 601 Happy Hana, the Dutch Vidocg; or, Hot Timesat Round-Up 611 Bil ha Barnacle, the Detective Hercules. G46 Cowboy Gid, the Cattle-Range Detective. 657 Warbling William the Mountain Mountebank, 665 Jolly Jeremiahy the Plains Detective. 676 Stenal Sam, the Lockout Scout. 689 Billy, the Gypsy Spy: or, The Mystery of Two Lives, le Sis, the Broncho Buster; or, For Big Stakes. 712 The Mesmertat Sport: or, The Mystified Detective, 788 Toltec Tom, the Mad Prospector. 745 Kansas Jim, the Cross-Cut Detective. 761 Marmaduke, the Mustanger Detective. 778 The Rustler of Rolling Stone, 785 Lone Hand Jee, the Committee of One, 801 Kent Kirby, the Hich-Kicker from Killbuck, S82 The ctor Detective fn Texas, 872 Two Showmen Detectives in Colorado. BEADLE’S*H ALF-DIME*] IBRARi. 8 Published Every Tuesday. Each Issue Complete and Sold at the Uniform Price of Five Cents, by all Newsdé?- ome ~~ iy ny Other Novels by E. L. Wheeler. 80 Rosebud Rob; or, Nugget Ned, the Knight. 84 Rosebud Kob on Hand; or, Idy!, the Girl Miner. 88 Rosebud Rob's Reappearance; or, Photograph Phil. 121 Rosebud KReob’s Challenge; or, Cinnamon Chip. 277 Denver Doll, the Detective Queen; or, The Yankee’s Surround 281 Denver Doll's Victory; or, Skul! and Crossbones. 255 Denver Doll’s Decoy ¢ or. Little Bill’s Bonansa. 296 Denver Doll’« Drift; or. The Road Queen. 868 Yreka dim, the Gold-Gatherers or, The Life Lottery. 872 Yreka gim’s Prize; or, The Wolves of Wake-Up. ? 885 Yreka Jim’s ener or, The Rivals of Red Nose. 889 Yreka Jim’s New Kole; or, Bicycle Ben. 894 Yreka Jim of Yuba Dam. 209 Fritz, the Bound-Boy Detective: or, Dot Leetle Game, 218 Fritz to the Front; or, The Ventriloquist Hunter 244 Sierra Sam, the Frontier Ferret; or, A Sister’s Devotion, 248 Slerra Sams Secret; or, The Bloody Footprints, 255 Sierra Sam’s Pard; or, The Angel ot Big Vista, 2558 Sterra Saim’s Sevens or, The Stolen Bride. 884 Kangaree Kit; or, The Mysterious Miner. 9 Kangaroo Kit’s Racket; or, The Pride of Played-Out, 89 Death-Face, Detective; or, Life in New York. 69 The Boy Detecttve; or, Gold Rifle, the Sharpehooter, 96 Watch-Fye, the Detective; or, Arabs and Angels, 117 Gilt-Edged Dick, the ast Detective 145 Captain Ferret, the New York Detective. 164 New York Nell, the Boy-Girl Detective. 226 The Arab Detective ¢ or, Snoozer, the Boy Sharp, 201 Turk the Boy Ferret. 825 Kelley, Hickey & ©o,, the Detectives of Philadelphia, 848 Manhattan Mike, the Bowery Detective. 400 Wrinkles, the Night-Watch Detective. 416 High Mat Harry, the Base Ball Detective, 426 Sam Slabaldea. the Beggar-Boy Detective. 484 Jim Beak and Pal, Private Detectives. 26 Cloven Hoof, the Buffalo Demon. or, The Border Vultures, 82 Bob Woolf; or, The Girl Dead-Shot 45 Old Avalanche; or, Wild Edna, the Girl Brigand. 58 Jim Bludsve, Jr., the Boy Phenix. Buckhorn Bill; or, The Red Rifle Team 92 Canada Chet; or, Old Anaconda in Sitting Bul)’s Camp. 118 Jaek Hoyle the Young Speculator. 125 Bonanza Bill, Miner; or, Madam Mystery, the Forger, 188 Boas Bob the King of Bootblacks, 141 Solid Sam, the Boy Road-Agent; or, The Branded Brows, 177 Nobby Nick of Nevada; or, The Sierras Scamps. 181 Wild Frank the Buckskin Bravo; or, Lady Lily’s Love. 286 Apollo Bill, the Trail Tornado; or, Rowdy Kate. 240 Cyclone Kit, the Young Gladiator; or, The Locked Valley. 278 Jumbe Joe, the Boy Patrol: or, The Rival Heirs, 299 A No. 1, the Dashing Toll-Taker. 808 ’Liza Jane, the Girl Miner; or, the Iron-Nerved Sport. B80 Little Quick-Shoty; or, The Dead Face of Daggersville. 858 First-Class Fred, the Gent from, Gopher. 878 Nabob Ned; or, The Secret of Slab City. 882 Cool Kit, the King of Kids; or, A Villain’s Vengeance, 488 Santa Fe Sal, the Slasher; or, A Son’s Vengeance. 456 Sealakin Sam, the Sparkler, or The Tribunal of Ten, 918 Kit Keith, t ¢ Revenue Spotter. BY J, ©. COWDRICK, 490 Brondway Billy, the Bootblack Bravo. 614 Broadway Billy’« Boodle; or, Clearing a Strange Case 586 Broadway Billy’s _* Difikiity.” 657 Broadway Billy’« Peath Racket. 579 Broadway Billy’s Surprise Party. 605 Broadway Billy; or, The Boy Detective’s Big Inning. 628 Broadway Billy's Dead Acts or, The League of Seven 669 Broadway Billy Abroad; or, The Bootblack in Frisco. 675 Broadway Billy’« Best; or, Beating San Francieco's Finest. 687 Broadway Billy tn Clover. 696 Broadway Billy itn: Texas; or, The River Rustlers, 708 Broadway Billy’s Brand, 711 Broadway Billy at Santa Fe; or, The Clever Deal. 720 Broadway Billy’s Full Wand: or, The Gamin Detective. 785 Brondway Billy’s Business, 788 Broadway Billy’« Curious Case, 758 Broadway Billy in Denver. 762 Broadway Billy’s Bargain; or, The Three Detective. 769 Broadway Billy, the Retriever Detective, 775 Broadway Billy’« Shadow Chase, 788 Broadway Billy’« Beagles; or, The Trio’s Quest. 786 Broadway Billy’s Team; or, The Combine’s Big Pull. 790 Broadway Billy’s Brigade; or, The Dead Alive. 796 Broadway Billy’s Queer Bequest, 800 Broadway Billy Batled, 805 Broadway Billy’s Signal Scoop. 810 Broadway Billy’s Wipe Out. S15 Broadway Billy’s Bank Racket. 821 Broadway Billy’s Bluff. 826 Broadway Billy Among Jersey Thugs. 888 Broadway Billy’«a Raid. 889 Broadway Billy’s Big Boom, 844 Broadway Billy’s Big Bulge. 849 Broadway Billy's $100,000 Snap. 856 Broadway Billy’s Blind; or, The Bootblack Stowaway. 862 Broadway Billy in London. 868 Broadway Billy Shadows London Slums. 874 Broadway Billy’s French Game. 880 Broadway Billy aud the Bomb-Throwers. 918 The Trump Doek-Boy. 912 Train Boy Trist’s Hot Hustle, 906 Satety Sam, the Cyele Sport. 900 Jumping Jack's Jubilee. S87 Battery Bob, the Dock Detective. 860 Silver-Mask, the Man of Mystery; or, The Golden Keys. 869 Shasta, the Gold King} or, For Seven Years Dead, 420 The Detective’s Aperentieet or, A Boy Without a Name, 424 Cibuia Jonny or, Red-Hot Times at Ante Bar, 489 Sandy Sam, the Street Scout. 467 Disco Dan, the Daisy Dude. 506 Redlight Ralph. the Prince of the Road. 524 The Engineer Detectives or, Redlight Ralph’s Resolve 648 Mart, the Night Exprese Detective. 571 Air-Line Luke the Young Engineer; or, The Double Case 592 The Boy Pinkerton; or, Running the Rascals Out. ++ 4 Fighting Harr the Chief of Chatned Cyclone, 640 Bareback Beth, the Centaur of the Circle. 647 Tyrewrlter Tilly, the Merchant’s Ward. 659 Moonlight Morgan the “ Pizenest ’’ Man of Ante Bar, S94 Arizona Dick's i ipe-Out. BY WILLIAM R. EYSTER. 190 Dandy Darke; or, The Tigers of High Pine. 210 Faro Frank: or, Dandy Darke’s Go-Down Pards 818 The Hustler Rogue-Catcher. S88 Poker Pete’s Double Dodge, 851 The Tie-To Sport ; or, High Hustling at Sinners’ Flat. 888 Monte Saul, the Sport. 901 Diamond Dave, the Gilt-Edge Shooter, 919 Crack-Shot Datsy’« Drop, BY HAROLD PAYNE, 848 Dan, the River Sport; or, Foiling the Frisco Sharp, 892 Rowery Ben In Chinatown, 911 Bowery Bob, the East-side Detective, BY BUFFALO BILL (lon, Wm. F. Cody). 8 Kansas King; or, The Red Right Hand. 19 The Phantom Spy t or, The Pilot of the Prarie, 55 Deadly-Eye, the Unknown Scout, or, The Banded Brotherhood 68 Border Robin Hood; or, The Prairie Rover. 158 Faney Frank of Colorado; or, The Trapper’s Trust. oe ort BY COLONEL PRENTISS INGRAHAM, 914 New York Nat’s Three of a Kind. 908 New York Nat’s Double, 902 New York Nat’s In Colorado. 896 New York Nat In Gold Nugget Camp. S8Y New York Nat’s Deadly Deal, S83 New York Nat's Crook-Chase, S77 New York Nat’s Trump Card. STi New York Nut and the Grave Ghouls, 865 New York Nat's Masked Mascot. 859 New York Nat. the Gamin Detective. 858 Dick Doom’s Kidnapper Knock-Out. S47 Dick Doow’s Ten Strike. 842 Dick Deom’s Flush Hand, 772 Dick Doem’s Death-Grip; or, The Detective by Destiny, ZT Dick Doom’s Destiny; or, The River Blackleg’s Terror, 84 Dick Doom; or, The Sharps and Sharks of New York, 788 Dick Doom in Boston; or, A Man of Many Maske, 798 Dick Doom tn Chicago. 798 Dick Doom In the Wild Weat. 808 Dick Doom’s Clean Sweep; or, Five Links in a Clue. 808 Dick Doom’s Death Clue, S18 Dick Doom’s Dinmond Deal, 819 Dick Doom’s« Girl Mascot. 829 Dick Doom’s Shadow Hunt. S85 Dick Doom’s Big Heul. 749 Dashing Charlie: or, The Kentucky Tenderfoot’s First Trali. 756 Dashing Charlie’« Destiny; or, The Renegade’s Captive. 760 Dashing Charlie’« Pawnee Pard. 766 Dashing Charlie, the Rescuer, 497 Buck Taylor, King of the Cowboys. 787 Buck Taylor, the Comanche’s Captive. 748 Buck Taylor’s Boya; or, The Red Rider: ot the Rio Grande, 560 Pawnee BIll, the Prairie Shadower,. 718 Pawnee Bill; or, Carl, the Mad Cowboy. 719 Pawnee Bill's Pledge; or, The Cowboy's Doom. 725 Pawnee Bill; or, Daring Dick. 692 Redfern’s Curtous Case: o, The Rival Sharps. 69% Kedtern at Devils Ranehy or, The Sharp from Texas. 702 Redfern’s High Hand; or, Blue Jacket. 707 Redfern’s Last Trail; or, The Red Sombrero Rangers. 668 Red Ralph’« Ruse; or, The Buccaneer Miashipman, 674 Red Ralph’s Bold Game; or, The V izard Sailor. 679 Red Ralph, the Shadower; or, The Freebooter’s Legacy, 644 Butterfly Billy’s Disguise. 650 Butterfly Billy, the Pony Express Rider. 656 Butterfly Biliy’s Man Hunt. 662 Ibutterfly Billy’s Bonanza. 565 Kent Kingdon; or, The Owls of the Overland. 570 Kent Kingdon’s Shadower }; or, the Card Queen, 575 Kent Kingdon’s Duel; (r, The Surgeon Scout, 586 Kent Kingdon’s Doom; or, The Buckskin Avenger. 545 Lafitte Run Downy; or, The Buccaneers of Barrataria, 550 Lafitte’s Legacy; or. The Avenging Son. 555 Lafitte’s Confession: or, The Creole Corsair, And Fifty Others. BY JO PIEROE, 89T Rob o’ the Bowery} or, The Prince of Mulberry Street, 415 The Vagabond Detective; or, Bowery Bob’s Boom. 452 Motapur Bob, the Street-Boy Detective. 460 The Lawyer’s Shadow; or Luke's Legacy. 472 Jaunty Joe, the Young Horse-King. 494 Surly Sim, the Young Ferryman Detective. 504 Five Pointa Phil, the Pavement Prince. 509 Jack Jaggers, the Butcher Boy Detective. 516 Tartar Tim; or, Five Points Phil’s Menagerie. 526 North River Nat, the Pier Detective. 588 Wreatling Rex, the Pride ofthe Sixth Ward. 541 Jeff Flicker, the Stable Boy Detective. 551 Nick Nettle, the Boy Shadow; or, The Old Well Mystery, 559 Harlem Jack, the Office Boy Detective. 569 Brooklyn Ben, the On-His-Own-Hook Detective, 577 Pavement Pete the Secret Sifter. 588 Jack-o’-Lantern, the Under-Sea Prospector. GOR Wide-Awake Bert, the Street-Steerer. 614 Whistling Jacob, the Detective’s Aid, 628 Buck Bumblebee, the Harlem Hummer, 689 Sunrise Saul, the Express-Train Ferret. 4 649 Gamin Bob, the Bowery Badger; or, Scoopimgpa Slippery Set, 658 Sky-Rocket Rob, the Life-Saver. as 688 Saltpeter Sol, the New York Navigator 5] 694 Spicy Jim, the Only One of His Kind 706 Tom Thistle, the Rond-House Detective. 717 Mosquito Jack, the Hustler Gamin. 26 Dennis Duff the Brown Sport’s Kid. 44 Dick of the Docka, the Night-W atch. 65 Flipper Flynn, the Street Patrol. 71 Foxy Fred’s Odd Pard; or, The Keener’s Huge Hustle, TRL Caat-Off Cale, the Scapegoat Detective. 824 Rowery Billy, the Bunco Bouncer, S87 The Big Four of the Bowery, 846 Buck; the New York Sharper. 850 The Grand Street Arab. 855 The West Broadway Gamin, 860 The Boat-Club Mascot; or, Dan Decker’s Double Deal 864 The Union Square Baggage Boy. S78 The Street Arab’s Bund. 886 The Five Points Lodging Nouse Janitor, 890 Ace High, the Tromp Card Botective, 895 Fitth Avenue Fred, the Valet Detective. 899 Basement Bert, the Bov Cobbler Detective. 908 Billy Blue-Blazes, the Dodger of the Docks. 907 Reddy Rusher, Bell-Boy 4-11-44. 915 Flip Flasher, Ferret, of [East Broadway. LATEST AND NEW ISSUES. 920 New York Nat Trapped; or, The Texan Tenderfoot Crook-Tracker, By Coi. P. Ingraham 921 The Boy from Denver; or, Fighting the Tonghs of Dend- set. By T.C. Harbaugh. 922 Sol Sharpe, Detective; or, Hayseed Ramsey’s Double Find. By Kdward L. Wheeler. 928 Gold-Dust Dan's Snap-Shot; or: The Deadwood Specu- lator’s Blind, By John W. Osbon, 924 Big Boots Bob, the Fire-Laddte; or, The Dandy De- tective’s Double-up., By J. C. Cowarick. 925 The Young Cowboy Captain; or, Rounding-up the Greasers. By T, J, Flanagun. © 926 New York Nat and the Traitor Ferret; or, ‘he Girl Mascot’s Best Score. By Col, Prentiss Ingraham. 927 Kid Bandy’s Brigade in Arizona; or, Black Vulcan’s Redwood Terrors, By Ol] Coomes. 928 Deadwood Dick, Jr., at_Dollarville ; or; The Irish- mau’s Sweepstakes. By E. L. Wheeler, 929. Buffalo Bill’s Crack-shot Pard; or, The Tendorfoot in. the Wild West. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 980 Kustler Ralph, the Boy Spotter; or, Jigver’s Grand Bulge. Py J.C. Cowdrick. 981 The Sport in Velvet; or, Billy Bird’s Big Boom. By Wm. R. Eyater. 982 New York Nat’s Drop. By Col. P. Ingraham. 088 The Two ‘Midshipmen; or, The Corsair-Chaser’s First Cruise. By T.. J. Flanagan. A New lesue Every Tuesday. The Half-Dime Library ‘s for sale by all newsdealers, five gents por copy, or sent by mail on receipt of six cents each. 7 BEADLE AND ADAMA, Publishers, 98 William Street, New York,