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+    <title>
+      The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Life and Adventures of Nat Love, by Himself.
+    </title>
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+<pre>
+
+Project Gutenberg's The Life and Adventures of Nat Love, by Nat Love
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: The Life and Adventures of Nat Love
+       Better Known in the Cattle Country as "Deadwood Dick"
+
+Author: Nat Love
+
+Release Date: May 28, 2007 [EBook #21634]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK NAT LOVE ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Suzanne Shell, Janet Blenkinship and the Online
+Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net
+
+
+
+
+
+
+</pre>
+
+
+<p><br /><br /></p>
+<div class="figcenter">
+             <img   src="images/img001.jpg" width="429" height="600"
+             alt="Nat Love, Better Known as Deadwood Dick, and His Family" /><br />
+         <b>Nat Love, Better Known as Deadwood Dick, and His Family</b>
+    </div>
+
+  <h1><br /><br />The Life and Adventures</h1>
+
+  <h3>OF</h3>
+
+  <h1>NAT LOVE</h1>
+
+  <h3>BETTER KNOWN IN THE CATTLE COUNTRY AS<br />
+
+  "DEADWOOD DICK"</h3>
+
+  <h3>&mdash;BY HIMSELF&mdash;</h3>
+
+  <h4>A TRUE HISTORY OF SLAVERY DAYS, LIFE ON THE<br />
+  GREAT CATTLE RANGES AND ON THE PLAINS<br />
+  OF THE "WILD AND WOOLLY" WEST,<br />
+  BASED ON FACTS, AND PERSONAL<br />
+  EXPERIENCES OF THE AUTHOR<br /><br /></h4>
+
+
+
+<p class="center">Published: Los Angeles: Wayside Press, 1907.</p>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+  <h2><br /><br />This book is dedicated to my wife,<br /><br />
+  MRS. ALICE LOVE<br /><br /></h2>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+<h2><a name="PREFACE" id="PREFACE"></a>PREFACE</h2>
+
+
+<p>Having passed the half century mark in life's journey, and yielding to
+persistent requests of many old and valued friends of the past and
+present, I have decided to write the record of slave, cowboy and pullman
+porter will prove of interest to the reading public generally and
+particularly to those who prefer facts to fiction, (and in this case
+again facts will prove stranger than fiction). I assure my readers that
+every event chronicled in this history is based on facts, and my
+personal experiences, of more than fifty years of an unusually
+adventurous life.</p>
+
+<p>While many things contained in this record happened many years ago, they
+are as fresh in my memory as if they happened but yesterday. I have
+tried to record events simply as they are, without attempting to varnish
+over the bad spots or draw on my imagination to fill out a chapter at
+the cost of the truth. It has been my aim to record things just as they
+happened, believing they will prove of greater interest thereby; and if
+I am able to add to the interest and enjoyment of a single reader I will
+consider myself well repaid for the time and labor of preparing this
+history.</p>
+
+<p>To my playmates of my boyhood, who may chance to read this I send
+greetings and wish them well. To the few friends, who assisted myself
+and widowed mother in our early struggles, I tender my sincerest thanks,
+and hope they have prospered as they deserve. For those who proved our
+enemies, I have no word of censure. They have reaped their reward.</p>
+
+<p>To that noble but ever decreasing band of men under whose blue and
+buckskin shirts there lives a soul as great and beats a heart as true as
+ever human breast contained&mdash;to the cowboys, rangers, scouts, hunters
+and trappers and cattle-men of the "GREAT WESTERN PLAINS," I extend the
+hand of greeting acknowledging the FATHER-HOOD of GOD and the
+BROTHERHOOD of men; and to my mother's Sainted name this book is
+reverently dedicated.</p>
+
+<p class="author">THE AUTHOR.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CONTENTS" id="CONTENTS"></a>CONTENTS</h2>
+
+
+
+<div class='centered'>
+<table border="0" cellpadding="4" width="65%" cellspacing="0" summary="Contents">
+<tr><th align="center" colspan="2">CHAPTER I.</th></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="left">Slavery Days; the Old Plantation; My Early Foraging; the Stolen
+  Demijohn; My First Drunk.</td>
+<td align="right"><a href='#Page_7'><b>7</b></a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr><th align="center" colspan="2">CHAPTER II.</th></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="left">The War; the Rebels and the Yankees; I Raise a Regiment; Difficulty
+  in Finding an Enemy; Ash Cake; Freedom.</td>
+<td align="right"><a href='#Page_14'><b>14</b></a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr><th align="center" colspan="2">CHAPTER III.</th></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="left">Raising Tobacco; Our First Year of Freedom; More Privations;
+  Father Dies; "It Never Rains but It Pours;" I Become the
+  Head of the Family; I Start to Work at One Dollar and Fifty
+  Cents a Month.</td>
+<td align="right"><a href='#Page_19'><b>19</b></a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr><th align="center" colspan="2">CHAPTER IV.</th></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="left">Boyhood Sports; More Devilment; the Rock Battles; I Hunt
+  Rabbits in My Shirt Tail; My First Experience in Rough Riding;
+  a Question of Breaking the Horse or Breaking My Neck.</td>
+<td align="right"><a href='#Page_26'><b>26</b></a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr><th align="center" colspan="2">CHAPTER V.</th></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="left">Home Life; Picking Berries; the Pigs Commit Larceny; Nutting;
+  We Go to Market; My First Desire to See the World; I win a
+  Horse in a Raffle; the Last of Home.</td>
+<td align="right"><a href='#Page_33'><b>33</b></a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr><th align="center" colspan="2">CHAPTER VI.</th></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="left">The World is Before Me; I Join the Texas Cowboys; Red River
+  Dick; My First Outfit; My First Indian Fight; I Learn to
+  Use My Gun.</td>
+<td align="right"><a href='#Page_40'><b>40</b></a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr><th align="center" colspan="2">CHAPTER VII.</th></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="left">I Learn to Speak Spanish; I Am Made Chief Brand Reader; the
+  Big Round-up; the 7-Y-L Steer; Long Rides; Hunting Strays.</td>
+<td align="right"><a href='#Page_46'><b>46</b></a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr><th align="center" colspan="2">CHAPTER VIII.</th></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="left">On the Trail; a Texas Storm; Battle with the Elements; After
+  Business Comes Pleasure.</td>
+<td align="right"><a href='#Page_52'><b>52</b></a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr><th align="center" colspan="2">CHAPTER IX.</th></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="left">Enroute to Wyoming; the Indians Demand Toll; the Fight; a
+  Buffalo Stampede; Tragic Death of Cal Surcey; An Eventful
+  Trip.</td>
+<td align="right"><a href='#Page_58'><b>58</b></a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr><th align="center" colspan="2">CHAPTER X.</th></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="left">We Make a Trip to Nebraska; the "Hole in the Wall Country;"
+  a Little Shooting Scrape; Cattle on the Trail and the Way to
+  Handle Them; a Bit of Moralization.</td>
+<td align="right"><a href='#Page_66'><b>66</b></a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr><th align="center" colspan="2">CHAPTER XI.</th></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="left">A Buffalo Hunt; I Lose My Lariat and Saddle; I Order a Drink for
+  Myself and My Horse; a Close Place in Old Mexico.</td>
+<td align="right"><a href='#Page_72'><b>72</b></a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr><th align="center" colspan="2">CHAPTER XII.</th></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="left">A Big Mustang Hunt; We Tire Them Out; the Indians Capture
+  Mess Wagon and Cook; Our Bill of Fare Buffalo Meat without
+  Salt.</td>
+<td align="right"><a href='#Page_82'><b>82</b></a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr><th align="center" colspan="2">CHAPTER XIII.</th></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="left">On the Trail with Three Thousand Head of Texas Steers; Rumors
+  of Trouble with the Indians; at Deadwood, S. D.; the Roping
+  Contest; I Win the Name of "Deadwood Dick;" the Shooting
+  Match; the Custer Massacre; We View the Battlefield; Government
+  Scouts; at Home Again.</td>
+<td align="right"><a href='#Page_88'><b>88</b></a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr><th align="center" colspan="2">CHAPTER XIV.</th></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="left">Riding the Range; the Fight with Yellow Dog's Tribe; I am Captured
+  by the Indians and Adopted into the Tribe; My Escape;
+  I ride a Hundred Miles in Twelve Hours without a Saddle;
+  My Indian Pony; "Yellow Dog Chief;" the Boys Present Me
+  with a New Outfit; in the Saddle and on the Trail Again.</td>
+<td align="right"><a href='#Page_98'><b>98</b></a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr><th align="center" colspan="2">CHAPTER XV.</th></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="left">On a Trip to Dodge City, Kan.; I Rope One of Uncle Sam's
+  Cannon; Captured by the Soldiers; Bat Masterson to My
+  Rescue; Lost on the Prairie; the Buffalo Hunter Cater; My
+  Horse Gets Away and Leaves Me Alone on the Prairie; the
+  Blizzard; Frozen Stiff.</td>
+<td align="right"><a href='#Page_106'><b>106</b></a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr><th align="center" colspan="2">CHAPTER XVI.</th></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="left">The Old Haze and Elsworth Trail; Our Trip to Cheyenne;
+  Ex-Sheriff Pat F. Garret; the Death of Billy the "Kid;" the
+  Lincoln County Cattle War.</td>
+<td align="right"><a href='#Page_116'><b>116</b></a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr><th align="center" colspan="2">CHAPTER XVII.</th></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="left">Another Trip to Old Mexico; I Rope an Engine; I Fall in Love;
+  My Courtship; Death of My Sweetheart; My Promised Wife;
+  I Must Bear a Charmed Life; the Advent of Progress; the
+  Last of the Range.</td>
+<td align="right"><a href='#Page_123'><b>123</b></a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr><th align="center" colspan="2">CHAPTER XVIII.</th></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="left">The Pullman Service; Life on the Rail; My First Trip; a Slump
+  in Tips; I Become Disgusted and Quit; a Period of Husking;
+  My Next Trip on the Pullman; Tips and the People Who
+  Give Them.</td>
+<td align="right"><a href='#Page_131'><b>131</b></a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr><th align="center" colspan="2">CHAPTER XIX.</th></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="left">The Pullman Palace Sleeping Car; Long Trips on the Rail; the
+  Wreck; One Touch of Nature Makes the Whole World Kin;
+  a Few of the Railroads Over Which I Have Traveled; the
+  Invalids and the Care We Give Them.</td>
+<td align="right"><a href='#Page_137'><b>137</b></a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr><th align="center" colspan="2">CHAPTER XX.</th></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="left">The Tourist Sleeping Car; the Chair Car; the Safeguards of
+  Modern Railroading; See America, Then Let Your Chest
+  Swell with Pride that You are an American.</td>
+<td align="right"><a href='#Page_142'><b>142</b></a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr><th align="center" colspan="2">CHAPTER XXI.</th></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="left">A Few of the Railroad Men Under Whom I Have Served; George
+  M. Pullman; the Town of Pullman, Ill.; American Railroads
+  Lead the World; a Few Figures.</td>
+<td align="right"><a href='#Page_148'><b>148</b></a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr><th align="center" colspan="2">CHAPTER XXII.</th></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="left"> A Few Reminiscences of the Range: Some Men I Have Met;
+  Buffalo Bill; the James Brothers; Yellowstone Kelly; the
+  Murder of Buck Cannon by Bill Woods; the Suicide of Jack
+  Zimick.</td>
+<td align="right"><a href='#Page_155'><b>155</b></a></td>
+</tr>
+
+</table></div>
+
+
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_7" id="Page_7">[Pg 7]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_I" id="CHAPTER_I"></a>CHAPTER I.</h2>
+
+<blockquote><h4>SLAVERY DAYS. THE OLD PLANTATION. MY EARLY FORAGING. THE STOLEN
+DEMIJOHN. MY FIRST DRINK. THE CURSE OF SLAVERY.</h4></blockquote>
+
+
+<p>In an old log cabin, on my Master's plantation in Davidson County in
+Tennessee in June, 1854, I first saw the light of day. The exact date of
+my birth I never knew, because in those days no count was kept of such
+trivial matters as the birth of a slave baby. They were born and died
+and the account was balanced in the gains and losses of the Master's
+chattels, and one more or less did not matter much one way or another.
+My father and mother were owned by Robert Love, an extensive planter and
+the owner of many slaves. He was in his way and in comparison with many
+other slave owners of those days a kind and indulgent Master.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_8" id="Page_8">[Pg 8]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>My father was a sort of foreman of the slaves on the plantation, and my
+mother presided over the kitchen at the big house and my Master's table,
+and among her other duties were to milk the cows and run the loom,
+weaving clothing for the other slaves. This left her scant time to look
+after me, so I early acquired the habit of looking out for myself. The
+other members of father's family were my sister Sally, about eight years
+old, and my brother Jordan, about five. My sister Sally was supposed to
+look after me when my mother was otherwise occupied; but between my
+sister's duties of helping mother and chasing the flies from Master's
+table, I received very little looking after from any of the family,
+therefore necessity compelled me at an early age to look after myself
+and rustle my own grub. My earliest recollections are of pushing a chair
+in front of me and toddling from one to the other of my Master's family
+to get a mouthful to eat like a pet dog, and later on as I became older,
+making raids on the garden to satisfy my hunger, much to the damage of
+the young onions, watermelons, turnips, sweet potatoes, and other<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9">[Pg 9]</a></span>
+things I could find to eat. We had to use much caution during these
+raids on the garden, because we well knew what we would catch if someone
+caught us, but much practice made us experts in escaping undetected.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter">
+             <img   src="images/ld002.jpg" width="800" height="370"
+             alt="My Old Plantation Home" /><br />
+         <b>My Old Plantation Home</b>
+    </div>
+
+
+<p>One day when Master and the family went to town mother decided to make
+some wine of which she was very fond, accordingly she gathered some
+grapes and after pressing them she made some fairly good wine. This she
+placed in a demijohn, and this for better security she hid in the
+garden, as she thought unknown to anyone, but my brother, sister and
+myself had been watching the process with considerable curiosity, which
+finally reached such a pitch that there was nothing to it; we must
+sample a liquid that looked so good. So Jordan went to the hay loft from
+where a good view could be obtained all around, while myself and Sally
+busied ourselves in the vineyard. Presently Mother thinking all secure
+left the house with the demijohn and proceeded to hide it. Jordan, from
+the hay loft, noted that mother never left the garden until she returned
+to the house, empty handed, but he was unable to see the exact hiding<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10">[Pg 10]</a></span>
+place.</p>
+
+<p>It was several days later while passing through the garden that we ran
+across the lost demijohn. It did not take us long to discover that its
+contents suited our tastes. Sally and Jordan dragged it into a sweet
+corn patch, where we were safe from observation. An oyster can was
+secured to serve as a glass and the way we attacked that wine was a
+caution to the Temperance Workers. And I can assure you we enjoyed
+ourselves for a while, but for how long I am unable to tell exactly.
+Mother soon missed us but being very busy she could not look for us
+until evening, when she started out to look us up, after searching and
+calling in vain. She decided to take the dogs to help find us. With
+their aid we were soon located, lying in the sweet corn, "dead drunk,"
+while the demijohn quite empty, bottom side up, stared at mother with a
+reproachful stare, and the oyster can which had served up and took me to
+the house, and let Sally and Jordan lie in near by, bearing mute witness
+against us. Mother picked me up and took me to the house, and let Sally
+and Jordan lie in<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">[Pg 11]</a></span> the sweet corn all night, to dwell on the events.
+Immediately preceding our return to consciousness is a painful subject
+to me as it was exceedingly painful then. I was most feverish the next
+day with a head on my shoulders several sizes larger than the one I was
+used to wearing. Sally and Jordan were enjoying about the same health as
+myself, but the state of our health did not exempt us from mother's
+wrath. We all received a good sound old-fashioned thrashing. A fitting
+prelude to my first "drunk."</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter">
+             <img   src="images/ld003.jpg" width="600" height="538"
+             alt="Mother Ran the Loom" /><br />
+         <b>Mother Ran the Loom</b>
+    </div>
+
+
+<p>I suppose I acquired the taste for strong drink on this occasion;<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">[Pg 12]</a></span> be
+that as it may, the fact remains that I could out-drink any man I ever
+met in the cattle country. I could drink large quantities of the fiery
+stuff they called whiskey on the range without it affecting me in any
+way, but I have never been downright drunk since that time in the sweet
+corn patch. Our plantation was situated in the heart of the black belt
+of the south, and on the plantations all around us were thousands of
+slaves, all engaged in garnering the dollars that kept up the so-called
+aristocracy of the south, and many of the proud old families owe their
+standing and wealth to the toil and sweat of the black man's brow, where
+if they had to pay the regular rate of wages to hire laborers to
+cultivate their large estates, their wealth would not have amounted to a
+third of what it was. Wealth was created, commerce carried on, cities
+built, and the new world well started on the career that has led to its
+present greatness and standing in the world of nations. All this was
+accomplished by the sweat of the black man's brow. By black man I do not
+mean to say only the black men, but the black woman and black child all
+helped to make the proud south what it was, the boast of every white man
+and woman, with a drop of southern blood in their veins, and what did
+the black man get in return? His keep and care you say? Ye gods and
+little fishes! Is there a man living today who would be willing to do
+the work performed by the slaves of that time for the same returns, his
+care and keep? No, my friends, we did it because we were forced to do it
+by the dominant race. We had as task masters, in many instances, perfect
+devils in human form, men who<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">[Pg 13]</a></span> delighted in torturing the black human
+beings, over whom chance and the accident of birth had placed them. I
+have seen men beaten to the ground with the butts of the long whips
+carried by these brutal overseers, and for no other reason than that
+they could not raise to their shoulders a load sufficient for four men
+to carry. I have seen the long, cruel lash curl around the shoulders of
+women who refused to comply with the licentious wishes of the men who
+owned them, body and soul&mdash;did I say soul? No, they did not own their
+soul; that belonged to God alone, and many are the souls that have
+returned to him who gave them, rather than submit to the desires of
+their masters, desires to which submission was worse than death. I have
+seen the snake-like lash draw blood from the tender limbs of mere
+babies, hardly more than able to toddle, their only offense being that
+their skin was black. And young as I was my blood often boiled as I
+witnessed these cruel sights, knowing that they were allowed by the laws
+of the land in which I was born. I used to think it was not the
+country's fault, but the fault of the men who made the laws. Of all the
+curses of this fair land, the greatest curse of all was the slave
+auction block of the south, where human flesh was bought and sold.
+Husbands were torn from their wives, the baby from its mother's breast,
+and the most sacred commands of God were violated under the guise of
+modern law, or the law of the land, which for more than two hundred
+years has boasted of its freedom, and the freedom of its people.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter">
+             <img   src="images/ld004.jpg" width="600" height="455"
+             alt="My First Drunk" /><br />
+         <b>My First Drunk</b>
+    </div>
+
+<p>Some of the slaves, like us, had kind and indulgent masters. These were
+lucky indeed, as their lot was somewhat improved over their less
+fortunate brothers, but even their lot was the same as that of the horse
+or cow of the present day. They were never allowed to get anything in
+the nature of education, as smart negroes were not in much demand at
+that time, and the reason was too apparent, education meant the death of
+the institution of slavery in this country, and so the slave owners took
+good care that their slaves got none of it.</p>
+
+<p>Go and see the play of "Uncle Tom's Cabin," and you will see the black
+man's life as I saw it when a child. And Harriett Beecher Stowe, the
+black man's Saviour, well deserves the sacred shrine she holds, along
+with the great Lincoln, in the black man's heart.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">[Pg 14]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_II" id="CHAPTER_II"></a>CHAPTER II.</h2>
+
+<blockquote><h4>WAR. "THE REBELS AND YANKEES." I RAISE A REGIMENT TO FIGHT. DIFFICULTY
+IN FINDING AN ENEMY. ASH SAKE. FREEDOM.</h4></blockquote>
+
+
+<p>When I was ten years old the war broke out between the "North and the
+South." And there was little else talked about, among the slaves as well
+as the slave owners of the neighborhood. And naturally the many
+different stories we heard worked us children to a high state of
+excitement. So much so that we wanted to go to war, and fight for the
+Union, because among us slave children there was no difference of
+opinion, as to which side was right.</p>
+
+<p>The Union was "IT," and we were all "Yankees." Not being able to go to
+war as our masters did, we concluded to play war, accordingly I gathered
+all the boys of the neighborhood together, into a regiment, which it was
+my intention to divide into two parties of Rebels and Yankees, but in
+this I met an insurmountable obstacle. Not one of the boys wanted to be
+a rebel, consequently we had to look elsewhere for an enemy to give us
+battle, and serve as a vent for our growing enthusiasm. The next Sunday
+preceding the organization of our regiment, we started out over the
+surrounding country in quest of trouble, which we were not long in
+finding, as we soon ran across a nest of yellow jackets. These we
+proceeded to exterminate, in which we were successful after a short but
+destructive battle. We suffered considerably in wounded but lost none of
+our soldiers. This engagement we called the capture of fort "Hell." For
+some time thereafter we made regular raids into the surrounding country
+in quest of an enemy. We were eventually successful in our quest, as in
+quick order we ran across and captured a company of bumble bees. This we
+called the "Battle of the Wilderness." Victory over a nest of hornets we
+called the capture of "Fort Sumter." A large nest of wasps gave us
+perhaps the hardest<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">[Pg 15]</a></span> fight of our campaigning. This we ran across in the
+fields not far from home. There was an unusually large number of them,
+and as is usually the case with these insects, they proved very
+ferocious. Nothing loth, however, we attacked with cheers, only to be
+driven back time and again and finally we were compelled to make a very
+undignified retreat, at full speed in the direction of home. Not to be
+beaten, however, we secured reinforcements and more ammunition, in the
+shape of old rags, brooms and so forth, and returned to the charge, and
+although we were driven back several times we stayed until we won out,
+and the last insect lay a quivering mass on the ground. There was not
+one among us, not wounded in some manner, as for myself I had enough of
+it. My nose looked like a dutch slipper, and it was several days before
+my eyes were able to perform the duties for which they were made.
+However, the Union forces were victorious and we were happy. Our masters
+told us if the soldiers caught us, they would hang us all, which had the
+effect of keeping most of us close around home. Master had gone to join
+Lee's forces, taking with him father, who was engaged in building forts,
+which work kept him with the Confederate army until General Grant
+arrived in the country, when he was allowed to come home. From then on
+Union soldiers passed the neighborhood most every day on their way<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">[Pg 16]</a></span>
+south, to join the fighting regiments.</p>
+
+<p>We soon found out they would not hurt us and they were the wonderment
+and pride of our youthful minds. They would take everything they could
+find to eat for themselves and horses, leaving the plantation stripped
+clean of provisions and food, which entailed considerable misery and
+hardships on those left at home, especially the colored people who were
+not used to such a state of affairs, and were not accustomed to
+providing for their own wants. Finally Lee surrendered and master
+returned home. But in common with other masters of those days he did not
+tell us we were free. And instead of letting us go he made us work for
+him the same as before, but in all other respects he was kind. He moved
+our log cabin on a piece of ground on a hill owned by him, and in most
+respects things went on the same as before the war. It was<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[Pg 17]</a></span> quite a
+while after this that we found out we were free and good news, like bad
+news, sometimes travels fast. It was not long before all the slaves in
+the surrounding country were celebrating their freedom. And "Massa
+Lincoln" was the hero of us all.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter">
+             <img   src="images/ld005.jpg" width="600" height="451"
+             alt="Mother Making Ashcake" /><br />
+         <b>Mother Making Ashcake</b>
+    </div>
+
+
+
+<p>While a great many slaves rejoiced at the altered state of affairs;
+still many were content to remain as before, and work for their old
+masters in return for their keep. My father, however, decided to start
+out for himself, to that end he rented twenty acres of land, including
+that on which our cabin stood, from our late master.</p>
+
+<p>We were at this time in a most destitute condition, and father had a
+very hard time to get a start, without food or money and almost naked,
+we existed for a time on the only food procurable, bran and cracklins.
+The limited supply of provisions made the culinary duties most simple,
+much to the disgust of mother, who was one of the best cooks in the
+country, but beggars cannot be choosers, and she very cheerfully
+proceeded to make the best of what we had. She would make a great fire
+in the large fire place in the cabin. The fire when hot enough, was
+raked from the hearth and a small place cleaned away, in the center of
+this clean space, mother would lay a cabbage leaf, on which she would
+pour some batter made from bran and water or buttermilk and a little
+salt. Then on top another cabbage leaf was laid and hot coals raked over
+the whole, and in a short time it would be baked nicely. This we called
+ash cake.</p>
+
+<p>This, with occasional cracklins made up our entire bill of fare for many
+months. Father would make brooms and mats from straw and chair bottoms
+from cane and reeds, in which my brother and I would help him, after he
+had taught us how. During the week a large load was made and Friday
+night father would take the load on his shoulders and walk to town, a
+dozen miles, where he would sell them and bring seed and food home. When
+the weather would permit we worked in the field, preparing for our first
+crop.</p>
+
+<p>The twenty acres, being mostly uncultivated, had to be<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">[Pg 18]</a></span> cleared, plowed
+and thoroughly harrowed. Our first crop consisted of corn, tobacco and a
+few vegetables.</p>
+
+<p>Father would lay off the corn rows. Jordan and I would drop the corn
+while father came behind and covered the rows.</p>
+
+<p>In this manner we soon had in a considerable crop of corn and some
+vegetables for our own use. During the winter which was sometimes
+severe, during which time nothing, of course, could be done in the
+farming line, and when not otherwise engaged, we started to try and
+learn ourselves something in the educational line. Father could read a
+little, and he helped us all with our A B C's, but it is hard work
+learning to read and write without a teacher, and there was no school a
+black child could attend at that time. However, we managed to make some
+headway, then spring came and with it the routine of farm work. Father
+was a man of strong determination, not easily discouraged, and always
+pushing forward and upward, quick to learn things and slow to forget
+them, a keen observer and a loving husband and father. Had he lived this
+history would not have been written.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[Pg 19]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_III" id="CHAPTER_III"></a>CHAPTER III.</h2>
+
+<blockquote><h4>RAISING TOBACCO, OUR FIRST YEAR OF FREEDOM. MORE PRIVATIONS. FATHER
+DIES. IT NEVER RAINS&mdash;BUT IT POURS. I BECOME THE HEAD OF THE FAMILY AND
+START TO WORK AT $1.50 PER MONTH.</h4></blockquote>
+
+
+<p>As soon as the corn crop was in the ground we commenced to plant
+tobacco. Before the seed was sown, it was necessary to gather large
+piles of brush and wood and burn it to ashes on the ground to destroy
+the seeds of the weeds. The ground was then spaded and raked thoroughly,
+and the seed sown. After it had come up and got a fair start, it was
+transplanted in rows about three feet apart. When the plants become
+large enough it is necessary to pull the suckers off, also the worms off<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[Pg 20]</a></span>
+the leaves. This task fell upon Jordan and myself.</p>
+
+<p>In picking the worms off the plants it is necessary to use the greatest
+care that the plants are not damaged, but Jordan and I were afraid to
+touch the worms with our fingers, so we took sticks and knocked them
+off, also a few leaves with each worm. This fact called forth some
+rather strong language from father, who said we were doing more harm
+than good. But our aversion to the worms was so strong that we took
+several thrashings before we could bring ourselves to use our fingers
+instead of a stick. When the tobacco was ripe there would be yellow
+spots on the leaves. It was then cut, let lie for one day, then hung on
+a scaffold to be sun cured. It was allowed to remain on the scaffold for
+perhaps a week, then it was hung up in the barn to be smoked, after
+which it was made into a big bulk and a weight placed on it to press it
+out, then it was stripped, and put into hands and then it was ready for
+the market. Our crop the first year was not large and the most of it
+went to pay the rent and the following winter proved a hard one, and
+entailed considerable<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">[Pg 21]</a></span> privation and suffering among the many
+ex-slaves, who had so recently been thrown on their own resources,
+without money or clothing or food, and only those who have had the
+experience can appreciate the condition of things or rather lack of
+things, at the close of the war, and these conditions did not only
+affect the ex-slaves and colored people, but covered the entire south,
+and many former well-to-do slave owners now found themselves without a
+penny they could call their own, having been stripped of everything and
+compelled to start all over again. Surely "war is hell"&mdash;but slavery is
+worse. Early in the spring father went to work for a neighboring planter
+a couple of weeks in order to get his plows and horses again to plow his
+land. A somewhat larger crop was put in this year, but unfortunately for
+us when everything was planted father took sick and died shortly after.
+This was a stunning loss to us just at a time when we most needed a
+father and husband's help, counsel and protection. But we did not lose
+courage for long.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter">
+             <img   src="images/ld006.jpg" width="800" height="416"
+             alt="Raising Tobacco" /><br />
+         <b>Raising Tobacco</b>
+    </div>
+
+
+<p>The crop must be looked after and the coming winter provided against. My<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">[Pg 22]</a></span>
+sister Sally had been married about three years at this time and was
+with her husband and two little girls on a small farm some distance
+away, which my brother-in-law rented. That left mother, Jordan and I to
+look after things. Although I was the youngest, I was the most
+courageous, always leading in mischief, play and work. So I now took the
+leadership, and became the head of the family. Things were beginning to
+take on a more hopeful look, when my brother-in-law died, leaving my
+sister sick with two small children and in about the same circumstances
+as ourselves. Everything, indeed, looked hopeless now, as our late
+master and his brother had left the old place and gone north. So
+remembering I was the only man on the place now, though only fifteen
+years old, I said to mother and sister who were weeping bitterly, "brace
+up, and don't lose your heads. I will look after you all." I said this
+with a bravado I was far from feeling, but I could not see the use of
+weeping now there was work to be done, if we were to keep from starving
+the coming winter. We all turned in to help one another and in this<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">[Pg 23]</a></span>
+manner. The crop was gathered and we were in fairly good condition for
+the coming winter, but the work was too much for Sally who lingered
+through the winter and early in the spring we laid her beside her father
+and husband, and her two little orphans were left to us. It now became
+very apparent to me that something must be done, because the crop raised
+the year before was barely enough to last us through the winter and we
+would soon be in actual need again. We needed clothing, especially the
+little girls of my sister, and we had no money to buy seed for this
+season's crop or food to last us out. So I concluded to go to work for
+some one if I could find anything to do. With that resolve, I put on my
+best rags and to mother's inquiry as to where I was going I told her I
+did not know myself. It fairly made my heart ache to see my little
+nieces going around almost naked, bare footed, and have them always
+asking for things I was powerless to give them. I determined to go from
+place to place until I secured employment of some kind that would in a
+measure, permit me to feed, and as far as I was able, clothe mother and
+the children, now dependent on me.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter">
+             <img   src="images/ld007.jpg" width="800" height="400"
+             alt="Raising Tobacco&mdash;We Knock the Worms Off" /><br />
+         <b>Raising Tobacco&mdash;We Knock the Worms Off</b>
+    </div>
+
+
+
+<p>The fact that I was now free, gave me new born courage to face the world
+and what the future might hold in store for me. After tramping around
+the country for two days, I finally secured work with a Mr. Brooks,
+about six miles from home at one dollar and fifty cents a month.
+Notwithstanding the smallness of my prospective wages, I was happy and
+returned home in a jubilant frame of mind, to impart the news to mother.
+I was to commence the next morning. Mother said it was not much, but
+better than nothing. I told mother that I thought I could bring some
+food and clothing home for the children before the month was out. The
+little ones hearing this, were overjoyed and looked on me as a rich man
+indeed. Jordan was to remain at home and attend to what little there was
+to do, and the next day I started work for Mr. Brooks. In less than a
+week I made my first visit home, taking with me some potatoes, bacon,
+cornmeal, and some molasses, which I had rustled in various ways. I also
+had a bundle of old<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">[Pg 24]</a></span> clothing given to me by the neighbors, which mother
+could make over for the children, and to say the children were happy is
+but a mild expression.</p>
+
+<p>For the second month I received a raise of fifty cents, and the third
+month of my employment, so good did I work, that I received three
+dollars. With so many at home to provide for, my wages did not last
+long, but out of my three dollars I bought each of the children a book.
+The rest went for provisions and clothing. One day while passing the
+store of Mr. Graves, near our home I saw a checked sunbonnet and a red
+calico dress which struck my fancy as just what I wanted for mother. On
+asking the price Mr. Graves told me I could have the sunbonnet for
+twenty-five cents and the dress for four bits. That seemed to be within
+my means, and quite reasonable. I asked him to keep them for me until I
+got my wages at the end of the month. This Mr. Graves promised to do if
+I would pay him something down. I only had fifteen cents of which I paid
+five cents on the bonnet and ten cents on the dress and went on my way,
+filled with happy thoughts as the result of my bargain. I resolved to be
+very saving this month and I became very impatient for my month to end
+and was continually asking Mr. Brooks if my month was not soon over. He
+would laugh and say "yes, soon." But it seemed to me that was the
+longest month I ever knew. When at last the month was over he gave me
+fifty cents, claiming I had drawn my wages during the month. I knew that
+was not so. I also knew I had a balance coming to me and told him so.
+But he denied it and the result was that we had a fight. I hit him in
+the head with a rock and nearly killed him after which I felt better.
+Then going to Mr. Graves the storekeeper, I told him the whole trouble.
+He expressed sympathy for me and said to give him the fifty cents and
+take the bonnet and dress, and we will call it square. And you can
+imagine my feelings as I took the things home to mother, and she was
+more pleased with them than any queen with her silks and satins. There
+being plenty of work to do at home, I did not<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">[Pg 25]</a></span> again look for other
+work. The only thing that worried me was that the little ones were still
+without shoes, but on my promise to soon get them some they were
+satisfied. It was here I got my first lessons in self-dependence and
+life's struggles. I learned true usefulness and acquired the habit of
+helping others which I carried with me all through my after life and
+that trait perhaps more than any other endeared me to my companions on
+the range and all with whom I have had dealings.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">[Pg 26]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_IV" id="CHAPTER_IV"></a>CHAPTER IV.</h2>
+
+<blockquote><h4>BOYHOOD SPORTS. MORE DEVILMENT. THE ROCK BATTLES. I HUNT RABBITS IN MY
+SHIRT TAIL. MY FIRST EXPERIENCE IN ROUGH RIDING. A QUESTION OF BREAKING
+THE HORSE OR, BREAKING MY NECK.</h4></blockquote>
+
+
+<p>In those days it was more the custom, than now, to work six days and
+rest on the seventh, accordingly us boys always had our Sundays free.
+And we never lost an opportunity to put in motion some devilment to make
+the time pass in what we thought was the most pleasant way. Anything to
+have a great time. Our chief means of having fun for a while was the
+rock battles. We boys of the entire neighborhood would get together,
+then divide in equal numbers on a side, then after gathering all the
+available rocks from the landscape, we would proceed to have a pitched
+battle, throwing the rocks at each other as hard as we could, and with a
+grim intent to commit battery. As a rational consequence the bravest
+would force the weaker side to retreat. It then became a question of
+running or being rocked to death. After these battles we were all
+usually in very bad condition, having received very hard knocks on
+sundry and various parts of our anatomy, but for all that we have never
+bore malice toward each other. We were careful to keep these escapades
+from the knowledge of our elders. In this way we were quite successful
+until one time we had a boy nearly killed, then we thought the old folks
+would whip us all to death. This incident ended the rock battles. But we<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">[Pg 27]</a></span>
+soon had something else doing to furnish ourselves fun and excitement.</p>
+
+
+<div class="figcenter">
+             <img   src="images/ld008.jpg" width="600" height="396"
+             alt="I Hunt Rabbits in My Shirt Tail" /><br />
+         <b>I Hunt Rabbits in My Shirt Tail</b>
+    </div>
+
+
+
+<p>About this time we planned a rabbit hunt, after the small cotton tail
+rabbits, which were plentiful in the surrounding country. Getting all
+the boys together and securing the track hounds of the neighborhood we
+were off. It was not long before the dogs caught track of something and
+away they went<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">[Pg 28]</a></span> with all the boys behind. Now at that time it was not
+customary for us boys of the plantation to wear shoes and pants, the
+principal reason being that we did not have either shoes or pants to
+wear. So you can perhaps imagine the sight presented by a score or more
+of boys of all ages chasing behind the hounds, with our shirt tails
+flying through bushes, thorns and brambles, up hill and down hill, many
+of us bleeding like stabbed pigs, but we were too much interested to pay
+any attention to a little blood. We wanted the rabbits, and everything
+else was of secondary importance, even the calls of the younger boys who
+got tired and fell behind. Onward we went over rocks, through fields,
+over fences, until we could hear the dogs no more, then tired out we had
+to stop. I told the boys to sit down, that I thought the dogs would come<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">[Pg 29]</a></span>
+this way again. It was not long before I thought I heard something and
+told the boys to hush and have their rocks ready to kill the rabbit. It
+never occurred to me that it would be anything but a rabbit. The bay of
+the dogs came nearer, then over the fence jumped a big red fox right in
+front of me. He stopped and we looked in each others eyes. It was hard
+to tell which of us was the most surprised, however, I was the first to
+run away, and run I did. I ran like a black tailed deer. Many times I
+thought I felt him nibble at my shirt tails, and his eyes grew in my
+imagination as large as wagon wheels and Mr. Fox, himself, seemed to
+grow as big as an elephant. When at last I dropped from sheer exhaustion
+and could summon courage to look behind me, I could see nothing. It was
+then I realized I was not so game as I thought I was and the knowledge
+was not pleasant by any means. Not far from our house there was a horse
+ranch, owned by a Mr. Williams. He had two sons about my own age and I
+would often go and see them on Sundays. As I was very fond of riding
+horses most of the horses on the ranch were very wild. So one day the
+oldest boy and I made a plan to break the young colts. The only chance
+we had of doing so was on Sunday, when the family went to church, as we
+did not think Mr. Williams would approve of our plan. Mr. Williams' boy
+said he would give me ten cents for every colt I broke. That was
+perfectly<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">[Pg 30]</a></span> satisfactory to me. The money was made of shin plaster those
+days (paper). The next Sunday I started to break horses. We did not dare
+to put the bridle on them as we were afraid the boss might surprise us
+and we would not be quick enough to get it off. Our mode of procedure
+was to drive one at a time in the barn, get it in a stall, then after
+much difficulty I would manage to get on its back. Then the door was
+opened and the pole removed and the horse liberated with me on its back,
+then the fun would commence. The colt would run, jump, kick and pitch
+around the barn yard in his efforts to throw me off. But he might as
+well tried to jump out of his skin because I held on to his mane and
+stuck to him like a leech. The colt would usually keep up his bucking
+until he could buck no more, and then I would get my ten cents. Ten
+cents is a small amount of money these days, but in those days that<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">[Pg 31]</a></span>
+amount was worth more to me than ten dollars now.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter">
+             <img   src="images/ld009.jpg" width="800" height="314"
+             alt="A Case of Breaking the Horse or Breaking My Neck" /><br />
+         <b>A Case of Breaking the Horse or Breaking My Neck</b>
+    </div>
+
+
+<p>Well, we went on Sunday after Sunday and I broke about a dozen colts in
+this way, and also managed to do it without the boss discovering the
+favor I was undoubtedly doing him, in breaking all his wild horses. Only
+his boys were aware of the doings and they paid me. So I had no scruples
+about what I was doing, especially as it afforded me great fun. Finally
+the boys wanted me to break a big handsome black horse called Black
+Highwayman. Knowing the horse's uncertain temper and wild disposition
+and taking into consideration its size, I refused to break him for ten
+cents, as the fact was I was rather scared of him. After considerable
+bargaining, in which I held out for fifty cents, we finally compromised
+on twenty-five cents. But I can assure you it was more for the money
+than the fun of the thing, that I finally consented to ride him. With
+great difficulty we managed to get him in a stall as we did the others,
+but I no sooner landed on his back than he jumped in the manger with me
+hanging to his mane. Finally the door was opened and the pole removed
+and out of the barn we shot like a black cloud, around the yard we flew,
+then over the garden fence. At this juncture the track hounds became
+interested and promptly followed us. Over the fields we went, the horse
+clearing the highest fences and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">[Pg 32]</a></span> other obstacles in his way with the
+greatest ease. My seat on his back was not the most comfortable place in
+the world, but as the horse did not evince any disposition to stop and
+let me get off, I concluded to remain where I was. All the dogs of the
+neighborhood were fast joining in the race and I had quite a respectable
+following. After running about two miles we cleared a fence into a
+pasture where there was a large number of other horses and young colts,
+who promptly stampeded as we joined them, Highwayman taking the lead
+with me on his back, looking very much like a toad. And all the dogs in
+the country strung out in the rear. Naturally we formed a spectacle that
+could not fail to attract the attention of the neighbors, who soon as
+possible mounted horses and started in pursuit and vainly tried to catch
+my black mount but could get nowhere near him, while I without bridle or
+anything to control him could do nothing but let him run as all the
+other horses bunched around us and the dogs kept up a continual din. I
+simply held on and let him go. It was a question of breaking the horse
+or breaking my neck. We went over everything, through everything, until
+finally the killing pace told and Black Highwayman fell, a thoroughly
+exhausted and completely conquered and well broken horse. As for myself,
+I was none the worse for my exciting ride. But on looking for my
+twenty-five cents, I found it gone. The boys had paid me in advance, as
+I insisted, and I had tied the money up in a corner of my shirt tail and
+during my wild ride it had come untied and worked out. This was a great
+misfortune to me and for a while I was inconsolable. I asked the boys if
+they would make it right, but no, they had paid me once and they refused
+to give me another quarter. This riled me considerable and I told them
+all right, to come again when they wanted a horse broken. That settled
+us and the horse breaking. The experiences I gained in riding during
+these times, often stood me in good stead in after years during my wild
+life on the western plains. Mr. Williams of course, heard of my last
+wild ride, but instead of being angry, he seemed to see the funny side
+of it, which I could not.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter">
+             <img   src="images/ld010.jpg" width="600" height="361"
+             alt="Black Highwayman" /><br />
+         <b>Black Highwayman</b>
+    </div>
+
+
+<p>The spectators wondered how in the world I ever escaped a broken neck
+and I have often wondered how I escaped in after years from situations
+that seemed to be sure death. But escape I did and am now hale and
+hearty, without pain, with muscles like iron and able at any time to run
+a hundred yards in eleven seconds or jump a six foot fence.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">[Pg 33]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_V" id="CHAPTER_V"></a>CHAPTER V.</h2>
+
+<blockquote><h4>HOME LIFE. PICKING BERRIES. THE PIGS COMMIT LARCENY. NUTTING. WE GO TO
+MARKET. MY FIRST DESIRE TO SEE THE WORLD. I WIN A HORSE IN A RAFFLE. THE
+LAST OF HOME.</h4></blockquote>
+
+
+<p>I now settled down to the work around the farm and the problem of making
+a living for those dependent on me. The crop was all in and after
+attending to such work around home as had to be done, we found a source
+of revenue in gathering berries for market. Large quantities of black
+berries and others grew wild in the woods near by. And they always found
+a ready market. With small pails and a big basket mother and I would
+start out after the work at home was done. Reaching the woods we would
+sit under the bushes and fill the pails, then empty them into the big<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">[Pg 34]</a></span>
+basket until that was full which usually comprised our day's work.</p>
+
+<p>One day, wishing to secure a large quantity of berries for market, we
+went early in the morning and on reaching the woods we placed the big
+basket in what we thought a safe place, and after some hours of
+industrious work, the big basket was full of nice ripe blackberries. We
+then proceeded to fill our pails again which would be sufficient for the
+day. This accomplished, we prepared to start for home. But when mother
+went to take the big basket it was empty.</p>
+
+<p>The stray pigs had found them and committed larceny. Mother felt so bad
+she cried. We had put in a hard day's work for nothing. It had been our
+intention to take them to town on the morrow and buy something for
+Sunday, but now the fruit of our labor was gone and the disappointment
+was great. I looked at mother, then at the empty basket and did not know
+for which to feel most sorry. So I said, "Well, there is no use grieving
+over spilt milk. If we had not had them we could not have lost them, and
+there are plenty more of the same kind for the picking." Mother turned
+toward me,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">[Pg 35]</a></span> and said, with a look I will always remember, "My boy,
+whatever happens, you never get discouraged." I did not see the use of
+losing courage and I think the only time I weakened was when father
+died, as he could not be replaced.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter">
+             <img   src="images/ld011.jpg" width="600" height="410"
+             alt="The Pigs Commit Larceny" /><br />
+         <b>The Pigs Commit Larceny</b>
+    </div>
+
+
+<p>We went on talking and picking berries, and before we knew it the basket
+was full again and the pails. It was now night so mother took the bushel
+basket on her head and I took the pails and we were soon home. That
+night mother took my clothing, as was customary, and washed and pressed
+it so I would look nice and clean to go to market the next day. As I
+only had one outfit of clothes I had necessarily to go without them
+during the washing process, however, mother always kept me clean, at
+considerable labor on her part. The next morning, early, mother and I<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">[Pg 36]</a></span>
+started for town, five miles distant, walking along the hot, dusty road,
+each of us with a basket of berries on our heads and bunches of
+cucumbers in our hands, mother having much the larger load, but she was
+a very strong woman. As it chanced we had a lucky day and sold our stock
+of berries and cucumbers in a short time. We then bought what we needed
+and had a little money left but for all that, I was not quite satisfied.
+I wanted mother to buy something that was not necessary, but she said,
+"My son, if we don't save a few cents now what will it be later on? We
+will have to go to the poorhouse." I said, "Dear mother if there is a
+house poorer than ours I don't want to see it." I will always remember
+the sight of mother's face as she turned to me, the tears running down
+her cheeks as she answered, "Yes, my son, you are right there are few
+houses poorer than ours now." The same year when fall came mother and I
+thought we had the bull by the horns. There were several fine groves of
+walnut, hickory nut, chestnut and shirly bark nut trees in the woods and
+I made a sleigh on which I nailed a big box. I tied a rope for a tongue
+and with a stick on the end, mother and I working as a sort of double
+team would draw through the woods among the trees gathering the
+different kinds of nuts and as the box was big, large quantities could
+be gathered in this manner. During the nut season we worked every day
+from morning to night, gathering large<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">[Pg 37]</a></span> quantities of nuts for which we
+always found a ready market. As we worked we talked of what we would buy
+with the money and making plans for the future. The nuts we sold usually
+brought us: chestnuts one dollar a bushel; walnuts fifty cents, and
+hickory nuts fifty cents a bushel. This money added to the proceeds of
+the crop netted us quite a nice sum and made our condition much better,
+but I assure you, dear readers, it took hard work from morning to night
+to make both ends meet but with the help of God we made them meet, and
+during this time we were always healthy and the knowledge that we were
+free and working for ourselves gave us courage to continue the struggle.
+It was about this time that I commenced thinking about going west.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter">
+             <img   src="images/ld012.jpg" width="600" height="398"
+             alt="We Go to Market" /><br />
+         <b>We Go to Market</b>
+    </div>
+
+
+
+<p>I wanted to see more of the world and as I began to realize there was so
+much more of the world than what I had seen, the desire to go grew on me
+from day to day. It was hard to think of leaving mother and the
+children, but freedom is sweet and I wanted to make more of the
+opportunity and my life than I could see possible around home. Besides I
+suppose, I was a little selfish as mortals are prone to be. Finally the
+desire to go out in the world grew so strong that I mentioned it to
+mother, but she did not give me much encouragement, and I don't think
+she thought I had the courage to go, and besides I had neither clothing
+or money and to tell the truth, the outlook was discouraging even to me,
+but I continued to look for an opportunity which happened in a very
+unexpected manner shortly after. One day a man by the name of Johnson
+announced that he would raffle a fine beautiful horse at fifty cents a
+chance. I heard of it at once, but had no money with which to get a
+chance. However, when there's a will there's a way, so I went to the
+barn and caught two chickens which I sold for fifty cents and at once
+got a chance. My chance won the horse. Mr. Johnson said he would give me
+fifty dollars for the horse and as I needed the money more than the
+horse I sold the horse back. Mr. Johnson at once raffled him off again
+and again I won the horse, which I again sold for fifty dollars. With
+nearly a hundred dollars I went home and told mother of what I had done
+and gave her half of the money, telling<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">[Pg 39]</a></span><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">[Pg 38]</a></span> her I would take the other
+half and go out in the world and try and better my condition. I then
+went to town and bought some underwear and other needful articles,
+intending to leave at once, but mother pleaded with me so hard to stay
+home, that I finally consented to remain one more month, but at the end
+of that time she pleaded for one more and I could not refuse her. During
+this time my uncle came to live with us and I asked him to take my place
+at home. This he consented to do gladly. Things were going on fairly
+well at home now. The farm was yielding a fair living and the children
+having grown much larger they were a source of help instead of an
+hindrance and now that my uncle and my brother Jordan were home to look
+after mother, I felt I could better leave them now, because I was not
+really needed at home. After gathering what few things I wanted to take
+with me and providing myself with some needed clothes, I bade mother and
+the old home farewell, and started out for the first time alone in a
+world I knew very little about.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">[Pg 40]</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter">
+             <img   src="images/ld013.jpg" width="600" height="430"
+             alt="I Win a Horse in a Raffle" /><br />
+         <b>I Win a Horse in a Raffle</b>
+    </div>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VI" id="CHAPTER_VI"></a>CHAPTER VI.</h2>
+
+<blockquote><h4>THE WORLD IS BEFORE ME. I JOIN THE TEXAS COWBOYS. RED RIVER DICK. MY
+FIRST OUTFIT. MY FIRST INDIAN FIGHT. I LEARN TO USE MY GUN.</h4></blockquote>
+
+
+<p>It was on the tenth day of February, 1869, that I left the old home,
+near Nashville, Tennessee. I was at that time about fifteen years old,
+and though while young in years the hard work and farm life had made me
+strong and hearty, much beyond my years, and I had full confidence in
+myself as being able to take care of myself and making my way.</p>
+
+<p>I at once struck out for Kansas of which I had heard something. And
+believing it was a good place in which to seek employment. It was in the
+west, and it was the great west I wanted to see, and so by walking and
+occasional lifts from farmers going my way and taking advantage of every
+thing that promised to assist me on my way, I eventually brought up at
+Dodge City, Kansas, which at that time was a typical frontier city, with
+a great many saloons, dance halls, and gambling houses, and very little
+of anything else. When I arrived the town was full of cow boys from the
+surrounding ranches, and from Texas and other parts of the west. As
+Kansas was a great cattle center and market, the wild cow boy, prancing
+horses of which I was very fond, and the wild life generally, all had
+their attractions for me, and I decided to try for a place with them.
+Although it seemed to me I had met with a bad outfit, at least some of
+them, going around among them I watched my chances to get to speak with
+them, as I wanted to find some one whom I thought would give me a civil
+answer to the questions I wanted to ask, but they all seemed too wild
+around town, so the next day I went out where they were in camp.</p>
+
+<p>Approaching a party who were eating their breakfast, I got to speak with
+them. They asked me to have some break<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">[Pg 41]</a></span>fast with them, which invitation
+I gladly accepted. During the meal I got a chance to ask them many
+questions. They proved to be a Texas outfit, who had just come up with a
+herd of cattle and having delivered them they were preparing to return.
+There were several colored cow boys among them, and good ones too. After
+breakfast I asked the camp boss for a job as cow boy. He asked me if I
+could ride a wild horse. I said "yes sir." He said if you can I will
+give you a job. So he spoke to one of the colored cow boys called Bronko
+Jim, and told him to go out and rope old Good Eye, saddle him and put me
+on his back. Bronko Jim gave me a few pointers and told me to look out
+for the horse was especially bad on pitching. I told Jim I was a good
+rider and not afraid of him. I thought I had rode pitching horses
+before, but from the time I mounted old Good Eye I knew I had not
+learned what pitching was. This proved the worst horse to ride I had
+ever mounted in my life, but I stayed with him and the cow boys were the
+most surprised outfit you ever saw, as they had taken me for a
+tenderfoot, pure and simple. After the horse got tired and I dismounted
+the boss said he would give me a job and pay me $30.00 per month and
+more later on. He asked what my name was and I answered Nat Love, he
+said to the boys we will call him Red River Dick. I went by this name
+for a long time.</p>
+
+<p>The boss took me to the city and got my outfit, which consisted of a new
+saddle, bridle and spurs, chaps, a pair of blankets and a fine 45 Colt
+revolver. Now that the business which brought them to Dodge City was
+concluded, preparations were made to start out for the Pan Handle
+country in Texas to the home ranch. The outfit of which I was now a
+member was called the Duval outfit, and their brand was known as the Pig
+Pen brand. I worked with this outfit for over three years. On this trip
+there were only about fifteen of us riders, all excepting myself were
+hardy, experienced men, always ready for anything that might turn up,
+but they were as jolly a set of fellows as one could find in a long
+journey. There now being nothing to keep us longer in Dodge City, we
+prepared for the return journey, and left the next day over the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">[Pg 42]</a></span> old
+Dodge and Sun City lonesome trail, on a journey which was to prove the
+most eventful of my life up to now.</p>
+
+<p>A few miles out we encountered some of the hardest hail storms I ever
+saw, causing discomfort to man and beast, but I had no notion of getting
+discouraged but I resolved to be always ready for any call that might be
+made on me, of whatever nature it might be, and those with whom I have
+lived and worked will tell you I have kept that resolve. Not far from
+Dodge City on our way home we encountered a band of the old Victoria
+tribe of Indians and had a sharp fight.</p>
+
+<p>These Indians were nearly always harrassing travelers and traders and
+the stock men of that part of the country, and were very troublesome. In
+this band we encountered there were about a hundred painted bucks all
+well mounted. When we saw the Indians they were coming after us yelling
+like demons. As we were not expecting Indians at this particular time,
+we were taken somewhat by surprise.</p>
+
+<p>We only had fifteen men in our outfit, but nothing daunted we stood our
+ground and fought the Indians to a stand. One of the boys was shot off
+his horse and killed near me. The Indians got his horse, bridle and
+saddle. During this fight we lost all but six of our horses, our entire
+packing outfit and our extra saddle horses, which the Indians stampeded,
+then rounded them up after the fight and drove them off. And as we only
+had six horses left us, we were unable to follow them, although we had
+the satisfaction of knowing we had made several good Indians out of bad
+ones.</p>
+
+<p>This was my first Indian fight and likewise the first Indians I had ever
+seen. When I saw them coming after us and heard their blood curdling
+yell, I lost all courage and thought my time had come to die. I was too
+badly scared to run, some of the boys told me to use my gun and shoot
+for all I was worth. Now I had just got my outfit and had never shot off
+a gun in my life, but their words brought me back to earth and seeing
+they were all using their guns in a way that showed they were used to
+it, I unlimbered my artillery and after the first shot I lost all fear
+and fought like a veteran.</p>
+
+<p>We soon routed the Indians and they left, taking with<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">[Pg 43]</a></span> them nearly all
+we had, and we were powerless to pursue them. We were compelled to
+finish our journey home almost on foot, as there were only six horses
+left to fourteen of us. Our friend and companion who was shot in the
+fight, we buried on the plains, wrapped in his blanket with stones piled
+over his grave. After this engagement with the Indians I seemed to lose
+all sense as to what fear was and thereafter during my whole life on the
+range I never experienced the least feeling of fear, no matter how
+trying the ordeal or how desperate my position.</p>
+
+<p>The home ranch was located on the Palo Duro river in the western part of
+the Pan Handle, Texas, which we reached in the latter part of May, it
+taking us considerably over a month to make the return journey home from
+Dodge City. I remained in the employ of the Duval outfit for three
+years, making regular trips to Dodge City every season and to many other
+places in the surrounding states with herds of horses and cattle for
+market and to be delivered to other ranch owners all over Texas, Wyoming
+and the Dakotas. By strict attention to business, born of a genuine love
+of the free and wild life of the range, and absolute fearlessness, I
+became known throughout the country as a good all around cow boy and a
+splendid hand in a stampede.</p>
+
+<p>After returning from one of our trips north with a bunch of cattle in
+the fall of 1872, I received and accepted a better position with the
+Pete Gallinger company, whose immense range was located on the Gila
+River in southern Arizona. So after drawing the balance of my pay from
+the Duval company and bidding good bye to the true and tried companions
+of the past three years, who had learned me the business and been with
+me in many a trying situation, it was with genuine regret that I left
+them for my new position, one that meant more to me in pay and
+experience. I stayed with Pete Gallinger company for several years and
+soon became one of their most trusted men, taking an important part in
+all the big round-ups and cuttings throughout western Texas, Arizona and
+other states where the company had interests to be looked after,
+sometimes riding eighty miles a day for days at a time over the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">[Pg 44]</a></span> trails
+of Texas and the surrounding country and naturally I soon became well
+known among the cowboys, rangers, scouts and guides it was my pleasure
+to meet in my wanderings over the country, in the wake of immense herds
+of the long horned Texas cattle and large bands of range horses. Many of
+these men who were my companions on the trail and in camp, have since
+become famous in story and history, and a braver, truer set of men never
+lived than these wild sons of the plains whose home was in the saddle
+and their couch, mother earth, with the sky for a covering. They were
+always ready to share their blanket and their last ration with a less
+fortunate fellow companion and always assisted each other in the many
+trying situations that were continually coming up in a cowboy's life.</p>
+
+<p>When we were not on the trail taking large herds of cattle or horses to
+market or to be delivered to other ranches we were engaged in range
+riding, moving large numbers of cattle from one grazing range to
+another, keeping them together, and hunting up strays which, despite the
+most earnest efforts of the range riders would get away from the main
+herd and wander for miles over the plains before they could be found,
+overtaken and returned to the main herd.</p>
+
+<p>Then the Indians and the white outlaws who infested the country gave us
+no end of trouble, as they lost no opportunity to cut out and run off
+the choicest part of a herd of long horns, or the best of a band of
+horses, causing the cowboys a ride of many a long mile over the dusty
+plains in pursuit, and many are the fierce engagements we had, when
+after a long chase of perhaps hundreds of miles over the ranges we
+overtook the thieves. It then became a case of "to the victor belongs
+the spoils," as there was no law respected in this wild country, except
+the law of might and the persuasive qualities of the 45 Colt pistol.</p>
+
+<p>Accordingly it became absolutely necessary for a cowboy to understand
+his gun and know how to place its contents where it would do the most
+good, therefore I in common with my other companions never lost an
+opportunity to practice with my 45 Colts and the opportunities were not
+lacking by any<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">[Pg 45]</a></span> means and so in time I became fairly proficient and able
+in most cases to hit a barn door providing the door was not too far
+away, and was steadily improving in this as I was in experience and
+knowledge of the other branches of the business which I had chosen as my
+life's work and which I had begun to like so well, because while the
+life was hard and in some ways exacting, yet it was free and wild and
+contained the elements of danger which my nature craved and which began
+to manifest itself when I was a pugnacious youngster on the old
+plantation in our rock battles and the breaking of the wild horses. I
+gloried in the danger, and the wild and free life of the plains, the new
+country I was continually traversing, and the many new scenes and
+incidents continually arising in the life of a rough rider.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">[Pg 46]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VII" id="CHAPTER_VII"></a>CHAPTER VII.</h2>
+
+<blockquote><h4>I LEARN TO SPEAK SPANISH AND AM MADE CHIEF BRAND READER. THE BIG
+ROUND-UPS. RIDING THE 7-Y-L STEER. LONG RIDES. HUNTING STRAYS.</h4></blockquote>
+
+
+<p>Having now fairly begun my life as a cowboy, I was fast learning the
+many ins and outs of the business, while my many roamings over the range
+country gave me a knowledge of it not possessed by many at that time.
+Being of a naturally observant disposition, I noticed many things to
+which others attached no significance. This quality of observance proved
+of incalculable benefit to me in many ways during my life as a range
+rider in the western country. My employment with the Pete Gallinger
+company took me all over the Pan Handle country, Texas, Arizona, and New
+Mexico with herds of horses and cattle for market and to be delivered to
+other ranch owners and large cattle breeders. Naturally I became very
+well acquainted with all the many different trails and grazing ranges
+located in the stretch of country between the north of Montana and the
+Gulf of Mexico, and between the Missouri state line and the Pacific
+ocean. This whole territory I have covered many times in the saddle,
+sometimes at the rate of eighty or one hundred miles a day. These long
+rides and much traveling over the country were of great benefit to me,
+as it enabled me to meet so many different people connected with the
+cattle business and also to learn the different trails and the lay of
+the country generally.</p>
+
+<p>Among the other things that I picked up on my wanderings, was a
+knowledge of the Spanish language, which I learned to speak like a
+native. I also became very well acquainted with the many different
+brands scattered over this stretch of country, consequently it was not
+long before the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">[Pg 47]</a></span> cattle men began to recognize my worth and the
+Gallinger company made me their chief brand reader, which duties I
+performed for several years with honor to myself and satisfaction to my
+employers. In the cattle country, all the large cattle raisers had their
+squad of brand readers whose duty it was to attend all the big round-ups
+and cuttings throughout the country, and to pick out their own brands
+and to see that the different brands were not altered or counterfeited.
+They also had to look to the branding of the young stock.</p>
+
+<p>During the big round-ups it was our duty to pick out our brand, and then
+send them home under the charge of our cowboys, likewise the newly
+branded stock. After each brand was cut out and started homeward, we had
+to stay with the round up to see that strays from the different herds
+from the surrounding country did not again get mixed up, until the
+different home ranges were reached. This work employed a large number of
+cowboys, who lived, ate and often slept in the saddle, as they covered
+many hundreds of miles in a very short space of time. This was made
+possible as every large cattleman had relays of horses sent out over the
+country where we might be expected to touch, and so we could always
+count on finding a fresh horse awaiting us at the end of a twenty-five
+or a fifty mile ride. But for us brand readers there was no rest, we
+merely changed our saddles and outfit to a fresh horse and were again on
+the go. After the general round up was over, cowboy sports and a good
+time generally was in order for those engaged in it. The interest of
+nearly all of us centered in the riding of what was known as the 7 Y-L
+steer. A big long horn wild steer, generally the worst in the herd, was
+cut out and turned loose on the open prairie. The cow boy who could rope
+and ride him would get the steer as his reward, and let me assure you
+dear reader, that it was not so easy as it sounds, as the steer
+separated from its fellows would become extremely ferocious and wild,
+and the man who attempted to rope and ride him would be in momentary
+danger of losing his life, if he relaxed in the least his vigilance and
+caution, because a wild steer is naturally ferocious. Even in cutting
+them out of the round up I have known<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">[Pg 49]</a></span><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">[Pg 48]</a></span> them to get mad and attack the
+cowboys who only saved themselves by the quickness of their horses, or
+the friendly intervention of a comrade who happened to be near to rope
+the maddened long horn, and thus divert his attention to other things.
+But in the case of the 7 Y-L steer such intervention is against the
+rules, and the cowboy who attempts to rope and ride the steer must at
+all times look out for himself. I have seen two horses and their riders
+gored to death in this sport, and I have had to shoot more than one
+steer to save myself and horse after my horse had fallen with me and
+placed himself as well as me at the maddened beast's mercy. At such
+times it takes a cool head and a steady hand as no random shot will stop
+a wild steer. The bullet must be placed in a certain spot, the center of
+the forehead, to accomplish its mission. The last time I had a horse
+fall with me in roping the 7 Y-L steer, he fell as the steer was but a
+few feet away, falling in such a way that my leg caught under the
+saddle, holding me fast. Quick as I could I gave the steer a bullet in
+the head and he stumbled and fell dead on top of my horse and me, so
+that the boys had to interfere to the extent of dragging the steer and
+horse off of my leg.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter">
+             <img   src="images/ld014.jpg" width="600" height="390"
+             alt="Riding the 7-Y-L Steer" /><br />
+         <b>Riding the 7-Y-L Steer</b>
+    </div>
+
+
+<p>The cowboy who is successful in roping the steer must then mount and
+ride him. If he does that successfully the steer becomes his personal
+property to do with as he will, only a slight reward for the risking of
+his life and the trouble of accomplishing the feat. But it is done more
+for sport's sake than anything else, and the love of showing off, a
+weakness of all cow boys more or less. But really it takes a high class
+of horsemanship to ride a long horn, to get on his back and stay there
+as he runs, jumps, pitches side ways, backwards, forward, up and down,
+then over the prairie like a streak of lightning. I have had the
+experience and I can assure you it is no child's play. More than one 7
+Y-L steer has fallen to my lot, but I had to work for it, and work hard.
+After all it was only part of the general routine of the cow boy's life,
+in which danger plays so important a part. It is seldom thought of being
+merely a matter of course, and none of us would have foregone the sport,
+had we known that sure<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">[Pg 50]</a></span> death awaited us as the result, because above
+all things, the test of a cow boy's worth is his gameness and his nerve.
+He is not supposed to know what fear means, and I assure you there are
+very few who know the meaning of that word.</p>
+
+<p>Most of my readers no doubt have heard of the great round ups and
+cuttings, connected with the cattle raiser's life. But not one in a
+hundred has any idea as to how an immense herd of wild cattle are
+handled in a big round up. My many years of experience has given me
+unusual knowledge on the subject, and you may bring any cattleman or
+boss to me, and I will guarantee to answer any question he can ask me
+about the cattle business. The first general round up occurs about the
+first of April. This round up is to run in all the near cattle belonging
+to each man, and head them toward our respective ranges. If we find any
+other brand mixed up with ours we head them toward their own range, and
+keep our own together. Every cow boy does the same and in this way every
+cattleman is enable to get his own brand together on his own range, so
+that when the next general round up occurs he will have most of his near
+cattle together on the home range. In order to get the cattle together
+in the first general round up, we would have to ride for hundreds of
+miles over the country in search of the long horn steers and old cows
+that had drifted from the home range during the winter and were now
+scattered to the four winds of heaven. As soon as they were found they
+were started off under the care of cow boys for the place agreed upon
+for the general round up, whether they belonged to us or not, while the
+rest of us continued the search. All the cow boys from the many
+different outfits working this way enabled us to soon get all the strays
+rounded up in one great herd in which the cattle of a dozen different
+owners were mixed up together. It then became our duty to cut out our
+different herds and start them homewards. Then we had to brand the young
+stock that had escaped that ordeal at the hands of the range riders. On
+finding the strays and starting them homewards, we had to keep up the
+search, because notwithstanding the fact that we had done range riding
+or line riding all winter, a large number<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">[Pg 51]</a></span> of cattle would manage to
+evade the vigilance of the cow boys and get away. These must all be
+accounted for at the great round up, as they stood for dollars and
+cents, profit and loss to the great cattle kings of the west. In going
+after these strayed and perhaps stolen cattle we boys always provided
+ourselves with everything we needed, including plenty of grub, as
+sometimes we would be gone for nearly two months and sometimes much
+longer. It was not an uncommon occurrence for us to have shooting
+trouble over our different brands. In such disputes the boys would kill
+each other if others did not interfere in time to prevent it, because in
+those days on the great cattle ranges there was no law but the law of
+might, and all disputes were settled with a forty-five Colt pistol. In
+such cases the man who was quickest on the draw and whose eye was the
+best, pretty generally got the decision. Therefore it was of the
+greatest importance that the cow boy should understand his gun, its
+capabilities and its shooting qualities. A cow boy would never carry
+anything but the very best gun obtainable, as his life depended on it
+often. After securing a good gun the cow boy had to learn how to use it,
+if he did not already know how. In doing so no trouble or expense was
+spared, and I know there were very few poor shots on the ranges over
+which we rode and they used the accomplishment to protect themselves and
+their employer's cattle from the Indian thiefs and the white desperadoes
+who infested the cattle country, and who lost no opportunity to stampede
+the herds and run off large numbers of them. Whenever this happened it
+generally resulted in a long chase and a fierce fight in which someone
+was sure to get hurt, and hurt badly. But that fact did not bother us in
+the least. It was all simply our duty and our business for which we were
+paid and paid good, and so we accepted things as they came, always ready
+for it whatever it might be, and always taking pride in our work in
+which we always tried to excel.</p>
+
+<p>Christmas, Dec. 25, 1872, is a day in my memory which time cannot blot
+out. I and a number of friends were in a place called Holbrook, Ariz. A
+dispute started over a saddle horse with the following result. Arizona
+Bob drew his forty-five Colt revolver, but before he had time to fire he
+was instantly killed by A. Jack. Then a general fight ensued in which
+five horses and three men were killed.</p>
+
+<p>It was a sad thing for me to see my friends dead in a corral on a
+Christmas morning, but I helped bury the dead and took care of the
+wounded. The names were A. Jack, Wild Horse Pete and Arizona Bill.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">[Pg 52]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VIII" id="CHAPTER_VIII"></a>CHAPTER VIII.</h2>
+
+<blockquote><h4>ON THE TRAIL. A TEXAS STORM. A CATTLE STAMPEDE. BATTLE WITH THE
+ELEMENTS. AFTER BUSINESS COMES PLEASURE.</h4></blockquote>
+
+
+<p>After the round ups and on returning from our long rides after strayed
+cattle we would have to prepare to take the trail with herds of cattle
+and horses for market and to be delivered to other large ranch owners.
+The party of cow boys to make these trips were all selected men. We
+would spend several days at the home ranch resting up and preparing our
+outfit, in which our guns, saddles, blankets and horses were given a
+thorough overhauling and placed in first class condition, as they would
+be called on to do good hard service on these trips on the trail. The
+nature of our journey would depend very much on the kind of cattle we
+were called upon to handle. Sometimes it would be all classes together;
+on other occasions the herd would consist of a certain kind, such as
+long yearlings, short yearlings, tail end and scabs. The larger demand
+however, seemed to be for straight three and four year old steers. These
+latter kind were the easiest to handle on the trail. It is no doubt
+necessary that I explain the difference between the different kinds I
+mention here. Short yearlings were those over one year old and short of
+two years, long yearlings those two years and short of three years, tail
+end and scabs mean nearly the same thing, and comprise all the very
+young stock of all classes not yet reached the dignity of yearlings.
+These latter were in demand from the cattle men, who took them to feed
+until they got their growth or to raise from, as stock cattle three or
+four years old were generally the market or beef cattle. These latter
+were by all odds the easiest to handle on the trail. Sometimes we would
+have an order for five or six hundred head of all classes of cattle,
+then again we would have to start out with fifteen hundred head of
+shipping steers, or several hundred head of horses.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">[Pg 53]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Shortly after I entered the employ of the Pete Gallinger company, and
+after the round-ups of the early season, we received an order for two
+thousand five hundred head of three year old steers to be delivered at
+Dodge City, Kansas. This was the largest herd I had up to the present
+time followed good rest at the home ranch, we strung the large herd out
+with two months provisions, and the camp wagon. After a and one hundred
+extra saddle horses and several pack horses, on the trail. Our outfit
+consisted of forty picked cow boys, along the old Chillers trail en
+route for Kansas, and we started on what proved to be an eventful
+journey. The herd behaved splendidly and gave us very little trouble
+until we crossed the Red river and struck the Old Dog and Sun City
+trail, here they became restless, and stampeded nearly every night, and
+whenever they got half a chance. This made it very hard on us cowboys,
+as it is no easy matter to ride the lines of such a large herd, let
+alone having to chase them back in line from many miles over the prairie
+where they had stampeded in their wild career. After crossing the Kansas
+line at a place known as the South Forks, while making for the head of
+the Cimarron river on the twenty-seventh of June, we experienced one of
+the hardest rain and hail storms I had ever seen, in the western
+country, the rain came down in torrents only to cease and give place to
+hail stones the size of walnuts. While the thunder and lightning was
+incessant. It was shortly after dark when the storm commenced. The
+twenty-five hundred head of cattle strung out along the trail became
+panic stricken and stampeded, and despite our utmost efforts, we were
+unable to keep them in line.</p>
+
+<p>Imagine, my dear reader, riding your horse at the top of his speed
+through torrents of rain and hail, and darkness so black that we could
+not see our horses heads, chasing an immense herd of maddened cattle
+which we could hear but could not see, except during the vivid flashes
+of lightning which furnished our only light. It was the worst night's
+ride I ever experienced. Late the next morning we had the herd rounded
+up thirty miles from where they started from the night before. On going
+back over the country to our<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">[Pg 54]</a></span> camp of the night before, we saw the great
+danger we had been in during our mad ride. There were holes, cliffs,
+gulleys and big rocks scattered all around, some of the cliffs going
+down a sheer fifty feet or more, where if we had fallen over we would
+have been dashed to pieces on the rocks below, but we never thought of
+our personal danger that night, and we did not think particularly of it
+when we saw it further than to make a few joking remarks about what
+would have happened if some one of us had gone over. One of the boys
+offered to bet that a horse and rider going over one of those cliffs
+would bring up in China, while others thought he would bring up in Utah.
+It was our duty to save the cattle, and every thing else was of
+secondary importance. We never lost a single steer during this wild
+night&mdash;something we were justly proud of. This proved the last trouble
+we were to have with the herd, and we soon reached the five mile divide,
+five miles from Dodge City without further incident, and with our herd
+intact. Here we were to hold them until turned over to their new owners.
+This accomplished, our work was done and done well for this trip. Then
+we all headed for Dodge City to have a good time, and I assure you we
+had it. It was our intention and ambition to paint the town a deep red
+color and drink up all the bad whiskey in the city. Our nearly two
+months journey over the dusty plains and ranges had made us all
+inordinately thirsty and wild, and here is where we had our turn,
+accordingly we started out to do the town in true western style, in
+which we were perfectly successful until the town had done us, and we
+were dead broke. This fact slowed us up, because being broke we could
+not get up any more steam and we had to cool down right there. We then
+started out to find our boss, but that gentleman being wise in his time
+and generation, and knowing we would soon all be broke, and would be
+wanting more money, and that he would let us have it if we asked him for
+it only to be thrown away, he made himself scarce, and he kept out of
+our sight until we cooled off. For my part I would not spend all my
+money. I would draw about fifty dollars, then I would get what things I
+wanted and then would let the other go free, but while our money lasted
+we would<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">[Pg 55]</a></span> certainly enjoy ourselves, in dancing, drinking and shooting
+up the town. It was our delight to give exhibitions of rough riding
+roping and everything else we could think of to make things go fast
+enough to suit our ideas of speed. After several days spent in this
+manner we would begin to make ready to start on the return journey home
+to Texas. We left Dodge City on the first of July and on the fifteenth
+of August we were back on the old home ranch, where we rested up a few
+days before again starting out to ride the range after the long horns
+again. As I was a brand reader I had little time to rest as my services
+were in demand from many of the large cattle kings of Texas and Arizona,
+and when ever a dispute arose over brands, I was generally sent for to
+straighten matters out. This with the numerous round ups which I had to
+attend and the many transfers of cattle throughout the pan handle
+country kept me continually on the go. When my services were not needed
+as a brand reader I rode the range along with the other cow boys. This
+kept us almost continually in the saddle, and away from the home ranch
+for days at a time; when this was the case our food consisted of biscuit
+and cakes which we made ourselves from meal which we carried with us,
+and such meat and game as we could knock over with our guns. We camped
+wherever it suited and where there was feed for our horses. A cow boy's
+first care is always after his gun and his horse, that animal often
+meaning life and liberty to the cow boy in a tight place and the cow boy
+without a horse is like a chicken without its head, completely lost. My
+faithful horse has times without number carried me out of danger and
+preserved my life. We were not destined to have much rest this season as
+shortly after we returned from the trip to Dodge City, the boss bought a
+large herd of cattle down on the Rio Grande, just over the line in
+Mexico, which we had orders for, so we had to start out and round them
+up. This was no easy matter as they were scattered over a large range of
+territory and many strays had to be rounded up and got with the main
+herd. This we finally accomplished, after a great deal of hard riding
+over the rough Rio Grande country, and both men and horses were
+completely tired out, so we went<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">[Pg 57]</a></span><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">[Pg 56]</a></span> into camp, only holding the herd
+together and getting rested up. This opportunity we improved by getting
+acquainted and fraternizing with the cow boys of one of the oldest
+cattle countries this side of the herring pond&mdash;Old Mexico. These men
+were for the most part typical greasers, but they proved to us that they
+knew a thing or two about the cattle business, and all things considered
+they were a jolly companionable sort of an outfit. From them we learned
+a few pointers and also gave them a few very much to our mutual benefit.
+We remained here a few days before starting northward with our herd, but
+these few days proved very pleasant ones to us boys who, on account of
+the monotony of the life we led always welcomed new experiences or
+events that would give us something to think and talk about while on our
+long rides behind the slow moving herd of long-horn steers, or around
+our camp fires when in camp on the plains, and it gave us especial
+pleasure to meet men of the same calling from other states over the
+west. It not only gave us pleasure, but it added to our cow knowledge,
+and of the country over which we might at any time be called on to drive
+cattle, and in such cases a knowledge of the country was most valuable
+to us. Then a cow boy's life contains many things in which he is
+continually trying to improve and excel, such as roping, shooting,
+riding and branding and many other things connected with the cattle
+business. We, in common with other trades, did not know it all, and we
+were always ready to learn anything new when we met any one who was
+capable of teaching us.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter">
+             <img   src="images/ld015.jpg" width="800" height="414"
+             alt="After Business Comes Pleasure" /><br />
+         <b>After Business Comes Pleasure</b>
+    </div>
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">[Pg 58]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_IX" id="CHAPTER_IX"></a>CHAPTER IX.</h2>
+
+<blockquote><h4>EN ROUTE TO WYOMING. THE INDIANS DEMAND TOLL. THE FIGHT. A BUFFALO
+STAMPEDE. TRAGIC DEATH OF CAL. SURCEY. AN EVENTFUL TRIP.</h4></blockquote>
+
+
+<div class="figcenter">
+             <img   src="images/ld016.jpg" width="700" height="343"
+             alt="A Buffalo Stampede&mdash;On They Came, a Maddened, Plunging
+Snorting, Bellowing Mass of Horns and Hoofs" /><br />
+         <b>A Buffalo Stampede&mdash;On They Came, a Maddened, Plunging
+Snorting, Bellowing Mass of Horns and Hoofs</b>
+    </div>
+
+<p>After getting the cattle together down on the Rio Grande and both man
+and beast had got somewhat rested up, we started the herd north. They
+were to be delivered to a man by the name of Mitchell, whose ranch was
+located along the Powder river, up in northern Wyoming. It was a long
+distance to drive cattle from Old Mexico to northern Wyoming, but to us
+it was nothing extraordinary as we were often called on to make even
+greater distances, as the railroads were not so common then as now, and
+transportation by rail was very little resorted to and except when beef
+cattle were sent to the far east, they were always transported on the
+hoof overland. Our route lay through southern Texas, Indian Territory,
+Kansas and Nebraska, to the Shoshone mountains in northern Wyoming. We
+had on this trip five hundred head of mostly four year old long horn
+steers. We did not have much trouble with them until we struck Indian
+Territory. On nearing the first Indian reservation, we were stopped by a
+large body of Indian bucks who said we could not pass through their
+country unless we gave them a steer for the privilege. Now as we were
+following the regular government trail which was a free public highway,
+it did not strike us as justifiable to pay our way, accordingly our boss
+flatly refused to give the Indians a steer, remarking that we needed all
+the cattle we had and proposed to keep them, but he would not mind
+giving them something much warmer if they interfered with us. This
+ultimatum of our boss had the effect of starting trouble right there. We
+went into camp at the edge of the Indian country. All around us was the
+tall blue grass of that region which in places was<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">[Pg 59]</a></span> higher than a horse,
+affording an ideal hiding place for the Indians. As we expected an
+attack from the Indians, the boss arranged strong watches to keep a keen
+lookout. We had no sooner finished making camp when the Indians showed
+up, and charged us with a yell or rather a series of yells, I for one
+had got well used to the blood curdling yells of the Indians and they
+did not scare us in the least. We were all ready for them and after a
+short but sharp fight the Indians withdrew and every thing became quiet,
+but us cow boys were not such guys as to be fooled by the seeming
+quietness. We knew it was only the calm before the storm, and we
+prepared ourselves accordingly, but we were all dead tired and it was
+necessary that we secure as much rest as possible, so the low watch
+turned in to rest until midnight, when they were to relieve the upper
+watch, in whose hands the safety of the camp was placed till that time.
+Every man slept with his boots on and his gun near his hand. We had been
+sleeping several hours, but it seemed to me only a few minutes when the
+danger signal was given. Immediately every man was on his feet, gun in
+hand and ready for business. The Indians had secured reinforcements and
+after dividing in two bands, one band hid in the tall grass in order to
+pick us off and shoot us as we attempted to hold our cattle, while the
+other band proceeded to stampede the herd, but fortunately there were
+enough of us to prevent the herd from stringing out on us, as we gave
+our first attention to the cattle we got them to merling. Back and
+forward, through the tall grass, the large herd charged, the Indians
+being kept too busy keeping out of their way to have much time to bother
+with us. This kept up until daylight, but long before that time we came
+to the conclusion that this was the worst herd of cattle to stampede we
+ever struck, they seemed perfectly crazy even after the last Indian had
+disappeared. We were unable to account for the strange actions of the
+cattle until daylight, when the mystery was a mystery no longer. The
+Indians in large numbers had hid in the tall grass for the purpose of
+shooting us from ambush and being on foot they were unable to get out of
+the way of the herd as it stampeded through the grass, the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">[Pg 61]</a></span><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">[Pg 60]</a></span> result was
+that scores of the painted savages were trampled under the hoofs of the
+maddened cattle, and in the early gray dawn of the approaching day we
+witnessed a horrible sight, the Indians were all cut to pieces, their
+heads, limbs, trunk and blankets all being ground up in an inseparable
+mass, as if they had been through a sausage machine. The sight was all
+the more horrible as we did not know the Indians were hidden in the
+grass during the night, but their presence there accounted for the
+strange actions of the herd during the night. We suffered no loss or
+damage except the loss of our rest, which we sorely needed as we were
+all pretty well played out. However, we thought it advisable to move our
+herd on to a more desirable and safe camping place, not that we greatly
+feared any more trouble from the Indians, not soon at any rate, but only
+to be better prepared and in better shape to put up a fight if attacked.
+The second night we camped on the open plain where the grass was not so
+high and where the camp could be better guarded. After eating our supper
+and placing the usual watch the men again turned in, expecting this time
+to get a good night's rest. It was my turn to take the first watch and
+with the other boys, who were to watch with me, we took up advantageous
+positions on the lookout. Everything soon became still, the night was
+dark and sultry. It was getting along toward midnight when all at once
+we became aware of a roaring noise in the north like thunder, slowly
+growing louder as it approached, and I said to the boys that it must be
+a buffalo stampede. We immediately gave the alarm and started for our
+herd to get them out of the way of the buffalo, but we soon found that
+despite our utmost efforts we would be unable to get them out of the
+way, so we came to the conclusion to meet them with our guns and try and
+turn the buffalo from our direction if possible, and prevent them from
+going through our herd. Accordingly all hands rode to meet the oncoming
+stampede, pouring volley after volley into the almost solid mass of
+rushing beasts, but they paid no more attention to us than they would
+have paid to a lot of boys with pea shooters. On they came, a maddened,
+plunging, snorting, bellowing mass of horns and hoofs. One of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">[Pg 63]</a></span><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">[Pg 62]</a></span> our
+companions, a young fellow by the name of Cal Surcey, who was riding a
+young horse, here began to have trouble in controlling his mount and
+before any of us could reach him his horse bolted right in front of the
+herd of buffalo and in a trice the horse and rider went down and the
+whole herd passed over them. After the herd had passed we could only
+find a few scraps of poor Cal's clothing, and the horse he had been
+riding was reduced to the size of a jack rabbit. The buffalo went
+through our herd killing five head and crippling many others, and
+scattering them all over the plain. This was the year that the great
+buffalo slaughter commenced and such stampedes were common then. It
+seemed to me that as soon as we got out of one trouble we got into
+another on this trip. But we did not get discouraged, but only wondered
+what would happen next. We did not care much for ourselves, as we were
+always ready and in most cases anxious for a brush with the Indians, or
+for the other dangers of the trail, as they only went to relieve the
+dull monotony of life behind the herd. But these cattle were entrusted
+to our care and every one represented money, good hard cash. So we did
+not relish in the least having them stampeded by the Indians or run over
+by the buffaloes. If casualties kept up at this rate, there would not be
+very many cattle to deliver in Wyoming by the time we got there. After
+the buffalo stampede we rounded up our scattered herd and went into camp
+for a couple of days' rest before proceeding on our journey north. The
+tragic death of Cal Surcey had a very depressing effect on all of us as
+he was a boy well liked by us all, and it was hard to think that we
+could not even give him a Christian burial. We left his remains trampled
+into the dust of the prairie and his fate caused even the most hardened
+of us to shudder as we contemplated it. After getting fairly rested we
+proceeded on our journey north and were soon out of the Indian
+Territory, though we often met small bands of roving bucks, but aside
+from exchanging a few shots at each other they caused us no trouble. We
+crossed Kansas and Nebraska and reached the end of our long journey
+without further incident worthy of note, and we delivered our herd only
+five head short which was<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">[Pg 64]</a></span> not bad considering the distance we had
+travelled and the events that had happened. It was a wonder that we had
+been able to get through with half of our herd or men. Consequently it
+was with genuine relief that we turned the cattle over to their new
+owners and received our receipt therefor. We remained at the Mitchell
+ranch in Wyoming several days, fraternizing with our northern brothers,
+swapping yarns and having a good time generally. On the return journey
+to Arizona we were of course, able to make better time and we returned
+more direct by way of Colorado and Utah, taking note of the cattle
+trails and the country over which we passed. In that way we secured
+valuable information of the trails and the country that stood us in good
+stead in future trips north. Arriving home at the Pete Gallinger ranch,
+in Arizona, we became the heroes of the range, and we received unstinted
+praise from our boss, but the loss of Cal Surcey was universally
+regretted.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter">
+             <img   src="images/ld017.jpg" width="800" height="392"
+             alt="Tragic Death of Cal Surcey" /><br />
+         <b>Tragic Death of Cal Surcey</b>
+    </div>
+
+
+<p>We were relieved of all duty until we got thoroughly rested up, while
+our horses had the best the ranch afforded. But at a large cattle ranch
+there is always something doing and it was not long before we were again
+in the saddle and preparing for another trip on the trail. To the cow
+boy accustomed to riding long distances, life in the saddle ceases to be
+tiresome. It is only the dull monotony of following a large herd of
+cattle on the trail day after day that tires the rider and makes him
+long for something to turn up in the way of excitement. It does not
+matter what it is just so it is excitement of some kind. This the cow
+boy finds in dare-devil riding, shooting, roping and such sports when he
+is not engaged in fighting Indians or protecting his herds from the
+organized bands of white cattle thieves that infested the cattle country
+in those days. It was about this time that I hired to Bill Montgomery
+for a time to assist in taking a band of nine hundred head of horses to
+Dodge City. The journey out was without incident, on arriving at Dodge
+City we sold the horses for a good price returning to the old ranch in
+Arizona by the way of the old lone and lonesome Dodge City trail. While
+en route home on this trail we had a sharp fight with<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">[Pg 65]</a></span> the Indians. When
+I saw them coming I shouted to my companions, "We will battle them to
+hell!" Soon we heard their yells as they charged us at full speed. We
+met them with a hot fire from our Winchesters, but as they were in such
+large numbers we saw that we could not stop them that way and it soon
+developed into a hand to hand fight. My saddle horse was shot from under
+me; at about the same time my partner James Holley was killed, shot
+through the heart. I caught Holley's horse and continued the fight until
+it became evident that the Indians were too much for us, then it became
+a question of running or being scalped. We thought it best to run as we
+did not think we could very well spare any hair at that particular time,
+any way we mostly preferred to have our hair cut in the regular way by a
+competent barber, not that the Indians would charge us too much, they
+would have probably done the job for nothing, but we didn't want to
+trouble them, and we did not grudge the price of a hair cut any way, so
+we put spurs to our horses and they soon carried us out of danger.
+Nearly every one of us were wounded in this fight but Holley was the
+only man killed on our side though a few of the Indians were made better
+as the result of it. We heard afterwards that Holley was scalped and his
+body filled with arrows by the red devils. This was only one of the many
+similar fights we were constantly having with the Indians and the cattle
+thieves of that part of the country. They were so common that it was not
+considered worth mentioning except when we lost a man, as on this
+occasion. This was the only trouble we had on this trip of any
+importance and we soon arrived at the Montgomery ranch in Texas where
+after a few days rest with the boys, resting up, I made tracks in the
+direction of my own crib in Arizona.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">[Pg 66]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_X" id="CHAPTER_X"></a>CHAPTER X.</h2>
+
+<blockquote><h4>WE MAKE A TRIP TO NEBRASKA. THE HOLE IN THE WALL COUNTRY. A LITTLE
+SHOOTING SCRAPE. CATTLE ON THE TRAIL AND THE WAY TO HANDLE THEM. A BIT
+OF MORALIZATION.</h4></blockquote>
+
+
+<p>The ranch boss's voice rang out sharply, but kindly as he entered our
+quarters where we were engaged in all sorts of occupations, some of the
+boys playing cards, others smoking and swapping stories, while those
+more industrious were diligently engaged in cleaning their forty-fives.
+I glanced up from my long barreled rifle I was just putting the
+finishing touches to, wondering what was up now. The boss informed us
+that we were to take another herd of cattle north, away up in the
+northwestern part of Nebraska, and that all of us who were on the last
+trip had been selected for the duty again this trip. This announcement
+was met with exclamations of approval from the boys who had now got
+thoroughly rested up and were anxious for regular duty again. Since our
+return from Wyoming we had not been doing much, but taking it easy with
+occasional range riding and were becoming rusty in consequence. We were
+to start on our second journey north this season as soon as possible, so
+we lost no time in getting ready. We were to take the same size herd as
+before. It did not take us long to round the herd up and the second day
+from the time we received the order we were off. Our route was different
+this time, starting from the home ranch in Arizona we went by way of New
+Mexico, Colorado and into Nebraska, by way of the Platte river, which we
+crossed near where the forks of the North and South Platte unite. It was
+now late in the season and we had to hurry in order to get through in
+good weather, therefore we put the cattle to the limit of their
+traveling powers. Beef cattle, that is, four year old long horns differ
+greatly from other cattle in their travel. The first day after being put
+out on the trail they will travel<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">[Pg 67]</a></span> twenty-five miles without any trouble
+then as the pace begins to tell on them they fall back to fifteen or
+twenty miles a day, and there also seems to be an understanding among
+the cattle themselves that each must take a turn at leading the herd,
+those that start in the lead in the morning will be away back in the
+center of the herd at noon, and those that started in the center are now
+leading. This they keep up until all have had their turn at leading and
+as a rule if they are not scared by something they will stay pretty well
+bunched. We allowed the herd to graze and rest during the night, only
+traveling during the day, as a herd of cattle should never be moved off
+their grazing ground until the dew is off the grass because their feet
+are made soft by the wet grass and if they are moved onto the hard trail
+while in that condition sore heels are sure to result, and a steer with
+sore heels cannot travel and will have to be left behind on the trail or
+the herd held until those affected have recovered. Our saddle horses
+travel several times the distance that a herd of cattle does on the
+trail, as it is necessary to ride from one end of the herd to the other
+to keep them in line and headed in the right direction. This work is
+hard on the horses but that is always provided for by having a small
+herd of horses along under the charge of a horse rustler as we called
+him and any of the boys could change his tired horse for a fresh one at
+any time he chose, but he would have no one to help him make the change.
+He would have to rope, throw, saddle and bridle the horse himself
+without any assistance whatever from his companions, and this was no
+easy matter as most of the horses were wild Texas mustangs and had never
+had the saddle on more than once or twice and so as often happened the
+cow boy would be led a hard life before he finally made the change of
+mounts. On such occasions he always received the unwelcome and unasked
+advice of the other boys, but as most of the boys were expert at that
+business there was slight chance for railing and chaff. But if for any
+reason he should get the laugh from his companions he always took it in
+the same spirit in which it was given, only waiting his chance to get
+even, and such a chance was not long in coming. This particular herd
+acted very well and gave us no trouble to speak of. Our<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">[Pg 69]</a></span><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">[Pg 68]</a></span> route lay over
+the old Hays' and Elsworth trail, one of the best known cattle trails in
+the west, then by way of Olga, Nebraska, at that time a very small and
+also a very tough place. It was a rendezvous of the tough element and
+the bad men of the cow country. There were a large number of cow boys
+there from the surrounding ranges and the place looked very enticing to
+our tired and thirsty crowd, but we had our herd to look after and
+deliver so we could not stop, but pushed on north crossing the Platte
+river, then up the trail that led by the hole in the wall country, near
+which place we went into camp. Then as now this hole in the wall country
+was the refuge of the train robbers, cattle thieves and bandits of the
+western country, and when we arrived the place was unusually full of
+them, and it was not long before trouble was brewing between our men and
+the natives which culminated in one of our men shooting and killing one
+of the bad men of the hole. Fearing more trouble and not being in the
+best possible shape to meet it, burdened as we were with five hundred
+head of cattle we broke camp at once and proceeded on our journey north.
+We arrived at the ranch where our herd were to be delivered without
+further incident and with all our cattle intact and after turning the
+herd over to their new owners and spending several days in getting
+acquainted with our northern neighbors, the Nebraska cowboys whom we
+found hot numbers and a jolly all round crowd of cattle men, we left for
+Arizona on the return journey by way of Wyoming, Colorado and New
+Mexico, arriving home in good shape late in the fall without further
+incident, and were soon engaged in range riding over our own ranges
+again, and getting everything in shape for the winter, but we had to be
+out on the range off and on all winter. Then in the spring came the
+usual round ups, cuttings and brandings, during which time all our men
+were needed at the home ranch. I had long since developed into a first
+class cow boy and besides being chief brand reader in Arizona and the
+pan handle country. My expertness in riding, roping and in the general
+routine of the cow boy's life, including my wide knowledge of the
+surrounding country, gained in many long trips with herds of cattle and
+horses,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">[Pg 70]</a></span> made my services in great demand and my wages increased
+accordingly. To see me now you would not recognize the bronze hardened
+dare devil cow boy, the slave boy who a few years ago hunted rabbits in
+his shirt tail on the old plantation in Tennessee, or the tenderfoot who
+shrank shaking all over at the sight of a band of painted Indians. I had
+long since felt the hot sting of the leaden bullet as it plowed its way
+through some portion of my anatomy. Likewise I had lost all sense of
+fear, and while I was not the wild blood thirsty savage and all around
+bad man many writers have pictured me in their romances, yet I was wild,
+reckless and free, afraid of nothing, that is nothing that I ever saw,
+with a wide knowledge of the cattle country and the cattle business and
+of my guns with which I was getting better acquainted with every day,
+and not above taking my whiskey straight or returning bullet for bullet
+in a scrimmage. I always had been reckless, as evidenced by my riding of
+Black Highwayman on the old home plantation and I never lost courage or
+my nerve under the most trying circumstances, always cool, observant and
+ready for what might turn up, made me liked and respected by my
+employers and those of the cattle kings of the western country it was my
+good fortune to meet and know. On our own ranch, among my own companions
+my position was as high as a king, enjoying the trust and confidence of
+my employers and the homage of the men many of whom were indebted to me
+on occasions when my long rope or ever ready forty-five colt pistol had
+saved them from serious injury or death. But I thought nothing of those
+things then, my only ambition was to learn the business and excel in all
+things connected with the cow boy's life that I was leading and for
+which I had genuine liking. Mounted on my favorite horse, my long
+horsehide lariat near my hand, and my trusty guns in my belt and the
+broad plains stretching away for miles and miles, every foot of which I
+was familiar with, I felt I could defy the world. What man with the fire
+of life and youth and health in his veins could not rejoice in such a
+life? The fall and winter of 1874 passed on the Arizona ranch without
+any unusual occurrence, the cattle wintered well and prospects were
+bright for the com<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">[Pg 71]</a></span>ing year. In the early spring we again began
+preparing for the big round up, the brandings and the cuttings. There
+had been hundreds of calves and colts added to the vast herds, these all
+had to be cut out and branded, while all the cattle that had strayed
+during the winter had to be rounded up and accounted for. This work kept
+us in the saddle the greater part of the time. Sometimes we would be
+absent for days and weeks at a time on the trail of a bunch of strayed
+cattle. On these trips we often encountered big herds of buffalo and
+these supplied us with meat, and such meat! A buffalo steak fresh from a
+still quivering buffalo broiled over coals is a dish fit for the Gods.
+Coming back from one of these trips after strays early in 1875 we were
+notified to get ready to take a herd of five hundred head of horses up
+in South Dakota, the trip was a long one but horses can travel much
+faster than cattle and on the whole are much easier to handle. On the
+trails we were all happy at the prospect of the trip and were not long
+in getting ready and getting the horses started out on the trail, we
+took them by way of New Mexico, Colorado and Nebraska. They gave us very
+little trouble on the way up, and we reached our destination and
+delivered them without incident worthy of note, returning by way of
+Wyoming, Colorado and New Mexico. On starting out on the return journey
+we came down Pold creek and stopped at the old log saloon to get a
+drink, that being the first place where we could get any whiskey. Here
+in moving around among the large number of cow boys and tough
+characters, generally, another fuss was started between our men and some
+cattle rustlers resulting in some shooting, but fortunately without
+serious consequences. As we were not looking for trouble, and not
+wishing to kill any one we left at once for home. It was our policy to
+always avoid trouble if possible while on these trips, but to always
+defend ourselves and our rights against all comers, be they white men or
+Indians and then it would look bad for us to have to report the loss of
+a man or so in a saloon fight when we were sent out to attend to
+business, for that reason we did not stop to give an exhibition of our
+fighting qualities, although we were very anxious to have matters out
+with them. We arrived home safely with all well and in time to assist in
+the round ups and the other ranch work in which we were needed.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter">
+             <img   src="images/ld018.jpg" width="650" height="450"
+             alt="A Little Scrap&mdash;Hole-in-the-Wall Country" /><br />
+         <b>A Little Scrap&mdash;Hole-in-the-Wall Country</b>
+    </div>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">[Pg 72]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XI" id="CHAPTER_XI"></a>CHAPTER XI.</h2>
+
+<blockquote><h4>A BUFFALO HUNT. I LOSE MY LARIAT AND SADDLE. I ORDER A DRINK FOR MYSELF
+AND MY HORSE. A CLOSE PLACE IN OLD MEXICO.</h4></blockquote>
+
+
+<p>When there was not much doing around the ranch, we boys would get up a
+buffalo hunt. Buffaloes were plentiful in those days and one did not
+have to ride far before striking a herd. Going out on the open plain we
+were not long in sighting a herd, peacefully grazing on the luxuriant
+grass, and it would have been an easy task to shoot them but that was
+not our idea of sport. In the first place it was too easy. Then to shoot
+them would rob the hunt of all element of danger and excitement, for
+that reason we prepared to rope them and then dispatch them with the
+knife or revolver. As soon as the herd caught sight of us they promptly
+proceeded to stampede and were off like the wind. We all had pretty good
+mounts and we started in pursuit. It is a grand sight to see a large
+herd of several thousand buffalo on a stampede, all running with their
+heads down and their tongues hanging out like a yard of red flannel,
+snorting and bellowing they crowd along, shaking the ground for yards
+around. We soon reached the rear of the herd and began operations. I had
+roped and dispatched several, when my attention was attracted by a
+magnificent bull buffalo, which I made up my mind to get, running free
+behind the herd. My buffalo soon came within range and my rope settled
+squarely over his horns and my horse braced himself for the strain but
+the bull proved too much for us. My horse was knocked down, the saddle
+snatched from under me and off my horse's back and my neck nearly broken
+as I struck the hardest spot in that part of Texas After I got through
+counting the stars not to mention the moons that I could see quite
+plainly, I jumped to my feet and after assuring myself that I was all
+there I looked for my horse, he was close by just getting up while in
+the distance and fast<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">[Pg 73]</a></span> growing more distant each moment was my favorite
+saddle flying in the breeze, hanging to the head of the infuriated
+buffalo.</p>
+
+<p>Now I did not think I could very well lose that saddle so I sprang on my
+horse's bare back and started in pursuit. My horse could run like a deer
+and his hard fall did not seem to affect him much, so it did not take us
+long to overtake the plunging herd. Running my horse close up by the
+side of the thief who stole my saddle, I placed the muzzle of my
+forty-five close against his side and right there I took charge of Mr.
+Buffalo and my outfit.</p>
+
+<p>It was no trouble to get all the buffalo meat we wanted in those days,
+all that was necessary was to ride out on the prairie and knock them
+over with a bullet, a feat that any cow boy can accomplish without
+useless waste of ammunition, and a running buffalo furnishes perhaps the
+best kind of a moving target for practice shooting. And the man that can
+drop his buffalo at two hundred yards the first shot can hit pretty much
+anything he shoots at.</p>
+
+<p>I never missed anything I shot at within this distance and many a time
+when I thought the distance of an object was too great, the boys have
+encouraged me by saying, shoot, you never miss, and as much to my
+surprise as theirs, my old stand by placed the bullet where I aimed.</p>
+
+<p>I early in my career recognized the fact that a cow boy must know how to
+use his guns, and therefore I never lost an opportunity to improve my
+shooting abilities, until I was able to hit anything within range of my
+forty-five or my winchester. This ability has times without number
+proved of incalculable value to me, when in tight places. It has often
+saved the life of myself and companions and so by constant practice I
+soon became known as the best shot in the Arizona and pan handle
+country.</p>
+
+<p>After the buffalo hunt we were sent down in Old Mexico to get a herd of
+horses, that our boss had bought from the Mexicans in the southwestern
+part of Old Mexico. We made the journey out all right without special
+incident, but after we had got the horses out on the trail, headed north
+I was pos<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">[Pg 75]</a></span><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">[Pg 74]</a></span>sessed with a desire to show off and I thought surprise the
+staid old greasers on whom we of the northern cattle country looked with
+contempt. So accordingly I left the boys to continue with the herd,
+while I made for the nearest saloon, which happened to be located in one
+of the low mud houses of that country, with a wide door and clay floor.
+As the door was standing open, and looked so inviting I did not want to
+go to the trouble of dismounting so urging my horse forward, I rode in
+the saloon, first however, scattering with a few random shots the
+respectable sized crowd of dirty Mexicans hanging around as I was in no
+humor to pay for the drinks for such a motley gathering. Riding up to
+the bar, I ordered keller for myself and a generous measure of pulky for
+my horse, both popular Mexican drinks.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter">
+             <img   src="images/ld019.jpg" width="800" height="449"
+             alt="I Lose My Lariat and Saddle&mdash;I Hit the Hardest Spot in
+that Part of Texas" /><br />
+         <b>I Lose My Lariat and Saddle&mdash;I Hit the Hardest Spot in
+that Part of Texas</b>
+    </div>
+
+
+
+<p>The fat wobbling greaser who was behind the bar looked scared, but he
+proceeded to serve us with as much grace as he could command. My
+forty-five colt which I proceeded to reload, acting as a persuader.
+Hearing a commotion outside I realized that I was surrounded. The crowd
+of Mexican bums had not appreciated my kindly greeting as I rode up and
+it seems did not take kindly to being scattered by bullets. And not
+realizing that I could have killed them all, just as easy as I scattered
+them, and seeing there was but two of us&mdash;I and my horse&mdash;they had
+summoned sufficient courage to come back and seek revenge. There was a
+good sized crowd of them, every one with some kind of shooting iron, and
+I saw at once that they meant business. I hated to have to hurt some of
+them but I could see I would have to or be taken myself, and perhaps
+strung up to ornament a telegraph pole. This pleasant experience I had
+no especial wish to try, so putting spurs to my horse I dashed out of
+the saloon, then knocking a man over with every bullet from my Colts I
+cut for the open country, followed by several volleys from the angry
+Mexicans' pop guns.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter">
+             <img   src="images/ld020.jpg" width="800" height="371"
+             alt="I Take Charge of My Buffalo and Outfit" /><br />
+         <b>I Take Charge of My Buffalo and Outfit</b>
+    </div>
+
+
+<p>The only harm their bullets did, however, was to wound my horse in the
+hip, not seriously, however, and he carried me quickly out of range. I
+expected to be pursued, however, as I had no doubt I had done for some
+of those whom I knocked<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">[Pg 77]</a></span><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">[Pg 76]</a></span> over, so made straight for the Rio Grande
+river riding day and night until I sighted that welcome stream and on
+the other side I knew I was safe. Crossing the Rio Grande and entering
+Texas at the Eagle pass, I rode straight to the old home ranch where I
+stayed resting up until the boys got the horses out of Mexico into
+Texas, then I joined them and assisted in driving the horses into the
+ranch. I congratulated myself that I escaped so easily and with such
+little damage. It was certainly a close place but I have been in even
+closer places numbers of times and always managed to escape. Either
+through trick, the fleetness of my horse or my shooting and sometimes
+through all combined. At this time I was known all over the cattle
+country as "Red River Dick," the name given to me by the boss of the
+Duval outfit, when I first joined the cow boys at Dodge City, Kansas.</p>
+
+<p>And many of the cattle kings of the west as well as the Indians and
+scores of bad men all over the western country have at some time or
+other had good reason to remember the name of "Red River Dick."</p>
+
+<p>This was in 1875. It was not till the next year that I won the name of
+"Deadwood Dick," a name I made even better known than "Red River Dick."
+And a name I was proud to carry and defend, if necessary, with my life.
+This season we made several trips North. The horses we brought up from
+Texas now had to be driven to old man Keith's in Nebraska, on the North
+Platte river. On this trip we had no trouble to speak of. Several bands
+of Indians showed up at different times but a shot or so from one of the
+boys would send them scurrying off at full speed, without stopping to
+sample further our fighting abilities.</p>
+
+<p>This was in some ways disappointing to us as we were spoiling for a
+fight or excitement of some kind. However, nothing turned up, so after
+delivering the horses to their new owners, we made tracks for home
+again. It was the same round of duties, season after season, but all our
+trips on the trail were not by any means alike, we were continually
+visiting new country and new scenes, traveling over trails new to us,
+but old in history. Many of these old trails are now famous in history.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter">
+             <img   src="images/ld021.jpg" width="800" height="456"
+             alt="I Order a Drink for Myself and Horse" /><br />
+         <b>I Order a Drink for Myself and Horse</b>
+    </div>
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">[Pg 79]</a></span><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">[Pg 78]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Each trip gave us new experiences, and traveling so much as we were,
+there were few outfits in the cattle country that knew the trails and
+the country as we did. And we were continually adding to this knowledge
+and experience. After returning from old man Keith's in Nebraska we had
+to take the trail again with a herd of cattle for the Spencer brothers,
+whose ranch was located just north of the Red Light about sixty-five
+miles north of the bad lands in South Dakota. This was one of the
+largest cattle ranches in the West.</p>
+
+<p>Their brand was known as the R Box Circle Brand. There we remained for
+some time, adding to our knowledge of the cattle business such things as
+can only be learned at a large cattle ranch. On our way home we passed
+through Laramie, Wyoming. As fate would have it, we arrived at Laramie
+City on July 4, 1875, just as the notorious Jack Watkins escaped from
+the Albany county jail, and the excitement in the town was at fever
+heat. Jack Watkins, who was probably the most desperate criminal that
+was ever placed behind prison bars, had been arrested and placed in
+close confinement, as the officers of the western states had long tried
+to effect his capture. And they did not want to take any chances of
+losing him, now they had him, but for all their caution he had escaped,
+shooting Deputy Sheriff Lawrence in the leg, crippling him for life.</p>
+
+<p>Ex-Conductor Brophy was at that time sheriff. The officers noting our
+arrival at such time, at once ordered us out of the city, as they
+suspected we knew something about the outbreak. We protested our
+innocence of any knowledge of the trouble. But appearances were against
+us, so we had to leave, going direct to Cheyenne, Wyoming. Here we
+disposed of a small band of horses our boss had along, and which we did
+not wish to take back home with us. They were sold to the Swarn Brothers
+at a good price.</p>
+
+<p>We remained in Cheyenne until the 18th of July, when we left for Texas,
+arriving at the old Pali Dora range ranch on the 10th of August. We had
+no more than got rested up before we were again called out on active
+duty. The many large cattle owners of the panhandle country had got
+to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">[Pg 81]</a></span><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">[Pg 80]</a></span>gether and come to the conclusion that the wild mustang horses,
+large bands of which were running wild over the Arizona and Texas
+plains, would make good cattle horses, and to that end a plan of
+campaign was arranged, whereby they could be captured, and broken in and
+put to some use, instead of causing damage to the range, as at present.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter">
+             <img   src="images/ld022.jpg" width="650" height="398"
+             alt="A Close Place in Old Mexico&mdash;Knocking a Man Over With
+Every Bullet from My Colt's I Cut for the Open Country" /><br />
+         <b>A Close Place in Old Mexico&mdash;Knocking a Man Over With
+Every Bullet from My Colt's I Cut for the Open Country</b>
+    </div>
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">[Pg 82]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XII" id="CHAPTER_XII"></a>CHAPTER XII.</h2>
+
+<blockquote><h4>THE BIG WILD MUSTANG HUNT. WE TIRE THEM OUT. THE INDIANS CAPTURE OUR
+MESS WAGON AND COOK. OUR BILL OF FARE BUFFALO MEAT WITHOUT SALT.</h4></blockquote>
+
+
+<p>It was a bright clear morning in September as we were all gathered at
+the old home ranch, prepared to start on the great mustang hunt. There
+was one of the best men from each of the big cattle ranges in the
+panhandle and Arizona country, making twenty of the best range riders
+ever assembled together for a single purpose, while we were mounted on
+the best and fastest horses the Texas and Arizona cattle country could
+produce, while a horse rustler had left four days before with twenty
+more equally as good horses, giving each of us two horses apiece. We
+carried with us four days' rations, consisting of dried beef, crackers,
+potatoes, coffee&mdash;we had no sugar. The mess wagon well stocked with
+provisions for a two months' trip had also left four days before for a
+place in the wild horse district, where we knew the mustangs were to be
+found.</p>
+
+<p>Many of the cattle men of Texas and Arizona were present to see us off,
+and the boss gave us a little talk on what was expected of us, and said,
+among other things, we were twenty of the best and gamest cow boys who
+ever roamed the western plains, and that he knew we would make good on
+hearing these words&mdash;we one and all resolved to do our best.</p>
+
+<p>And swinging into the saddle we emptied our guns as a parting salutation
+and started on a dead run across the plains towards the scene of our
+duty. After a hard ride of ten days we sighted a band of about
+seventy-five mustangs. We at once proceeded to run them down. It was
+decided that twenty of us should surround the herd in a large circle,
+ten or fifteen miles across, which would leave a space of sev<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">[Pg 83]</a></span>eral miles
+between each rider, but not of a greater distance than he could easily
+cover when he saw the band coming his way or heard our signals.</p>
+
+<p>The horse rustler was to keep the extra horses at a place where they
+would be safe and at the same time handy to the riders. Our plans
+completed, each rider made preparations to start for his station. But
+here another difficulty arose. We had not yet seen anything of our cook
+and mess wagon. It had not arrived at the place agreed upon, although it
+had had ample time to do so. Our provisions which we carried were quite
+low, so after waiting as long as we could, and the mess wagon failing to
+show up, we decided to start the hunt and take our chances on grub from
+what we could knock over with our guns.</p>
+
+<p>Accordingly the boys all started out for their several stations. After
+waiting a reasonable length of time to give them an opportunity to reach
+their positions, we made for the herd, which as near as we could judge
+contained about seventy-five of the prettiest horses it was ever my
+pleasure to see. The magnificent stallion who happened to be on guard
+had no sooner seen us than he gave the danger signal to the herd, who
+were off like the wind, led by a beautiful snow white stallion. To get
+them going was our only duty at present, and we well knew the importance
+of saving our saddle horses for the more serious work before us.
+Therefore we only walked our horses, or went on a dog trot, keeping a
+sharp lookout for the herd's return.</p>
+
+<p>The band of wild horses would run ten or fifteen miles across the
+prairie, where they would catch sight of the other boys, then off they
+would go in another direction, only to repeat the performance, as they
+struck the other side of the circle. In this way they would make from
+fifty to sixty miles to our ten, and we were slowly working them down.
+We kept them going this way day and night, not giving them a moment's
+rest or time to eat. After keeping them on the go this way for ten days
+we were able to get within a mile of them and could see some of the
+stallions taking turns at leading the herd, while other stallions would
+be in the rear fighting them<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">[Pg 85]</a></span><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">[Pg 84]</a></span> on. In a few days more we were near
+enough to begin shooting the stallions out of the herd. Then we could
+handle them a great deal better. At this time our want of grub began to
+tell on us. Our cook and mess wagon had not showed up, so we had long
+since given them up as lost. We believed they had been captured by the
+Indians and future events proved we were right.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter">
+             <img   src="images/ld023.jpg" width="650" height="441"
+             alt="The Big Wild Mustang Hunt&mdash;We Were Roping and Riding Them
+in Fox Canyon" /><br />
+         <b>The Big Wild Mustang Hunt&mdash;We Were Roping and Riding Them
+in Fox Canyon</b>
+    </div>
+
+
+<p>Our only food consisted of buffalo meat of which we were able to secure
+plenty, but buffalo meat for breakfast, dinner and supper every day
+without bread or salt is not the most palatable bill of fare, especially
+when it is all we had day after day, without any prospect of a change
+until we got home. But we were game and resolved to stay with our work
+until it was finished, especially as we only had twenty men and everyone
+was badly needed in the work ahead of us, so we did not think we could
+spare a man to return home after grub. So we swallowed our buffalo meat
+day after day and kept the horses moving.</p>
+
+<p>They were now pretty well worked down, and we proceeded to work them
+toward a place where we could begin to rope them. There were now only a
+few stallions left in the herd as we had shot nearly all of them, and
+the others were too tired to cause us any trouble. We had now been out
+of grub over three weeks except buffalo meat and such other game as we
+could bring down with our guns. Our fears that the cook and mess wagon
+had been captured by the Indians proved well founded, as we about this
+time met an outfit who had seen the place where the cook was killed.
+They said the surroundings indicated that quite a large band had
+surprised the cook and driver, but that they had put up a brave fight as
+evidenced by the large number of empty rifle and revolver shells
+scattered around. Our first impulse after hearing this was to start in
+pursuit of the red skins and get revenge, but calmer judgment showed
+that such a course would be useless, because the Indians had a couple of
+weeks start of us and we did not know what tribe had committed the
+offense as there were so many Indians in that part of the country and in
+the Indian territory, and besides our horses<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">[Pg 86]</a></span> were in no shape to chase
+Indians, so much to our regret our comrades had to go unrevenged at
+least for the present, but we all swore to make the Indians pay dearly,
+especially the guilty ones, if it were possible to discover who they
+were. We continued to work the mustangs back and forth, and in thirty
+days from the time we started out we had about sixty head hemmed up in
+Yellow Fox Canyon and were roping and riding them. They were not hard to
+handle as they were so poor some of them could hardly walk. This was not
+to be wondered at, as we had kept them on the go for the past thirty
+days, never once giving them a moment's rest day or night, and in that
+time they had very little to eat and no sleep. After roping and riding
+them all we got them together and headed for home.</p>
+
+<p>Arriving at the ranch the mustangs were allowed to eat all they wanted
+and were roped and ridden until they were fairly well broken, when they
+were turned out with the other ranch horses. They proved good saddle
+horses, but as soon as they were turned out with the ranch horses they
+would start for their old feeding grounds, leading the other horses with
+them. We found it impossible to thoroughly domesticate them, so for that
+reason we gave them up as a bad proposition, and did not attempt to
+capture any more, though at that time thousands of wild mustangs were on
+the plains of Texas, Arizona, Wyoming and in fact all over the West.
+They were large, fine and as pretty a lot of horses as one could wish to
+see. They were seldom molested, though once in a while the Indians would
+make a campaign against them and capture a few, but not often, as they
+were so hard to capture. It was not worth the trouble, as it was almost
+impossible to approach them nearer than two miles, and there was always
+some stallions on the lookout while the others grazed over the plains,
+so it was out of the question to surprise them. At the first sign of
+danger the stallion sentinel would give his shrill neigh of warning and
+the herd were off like the wind.</p>
+
+<p>We received unstinted praise from our employers for bringing to a
+successful conclusion the errand on which we were sent under such trying
+circumstances. But now that we<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87">[Pg 87]</a></span> were where grub was plentiful we looked
+on our experience as nothing to make a fuss over.</p>
+
+<p>But we deeply regretted the loss of our cook and mess wagon, and we
+resolved that if we ever found the guilty parties to make it rather warm
+for them. This we never did, neither did we ever hear more of the fate
+of the cook. Our work, so far as trips on the trail were concerned, was
+over for this season, and we could count on a long rest until spring, as
+aside from range riding and feeding there was nothing doing around the
+home ranch. But sometimes the range riding kept us on the go pretty
+lively, especially during and after a big storm, which sometimes
+scattered the cattle all over the surrounding country, and it would take
+some lively riding to get them all together again. Then the Indians and
+the white cattle thieves would make raids on our herds, running them off
+in great numbers and stampeding the balance of the herd.</p>
+
+<p>This generally resulted in us chasing them sometimes for miles over the
+prairies, and we generally were successful in recovering our cattle and
+punishing the cattle thieves in a manner that they did not soon forget.
+But then again sometimes they would stampede the herd in the night, and
+under the cover of darkness and the excitement would manage to make off
+with some of the best horses or the choicest cattle, and by the time we
+missed them the thieves would have such a start that it was impossible
+to overtake them, but if they were overtaken, vengeance was swift and
+sure.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88">[Pg 88]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIII" id="CHAPTER_XIII"></a>CHAPTER XIII.</h2>
+
+<blockquote><h4>ON THE TRAIL WITH THREE THOUSAND HEAD OF TEXAS STEERS. RUMORS OF TROUBLE
+WITH THE INDIANS AT DEADWOOD. THE ROPING CONTEST. I WIN THE NAME OF
+DEADWOOD DICK. THE SHOOTING MATCH. THE CUSTER MASSACRE. THE VIEW OF THE
+BATTLE FIELD. GOVERNMENT SCOUTS. AT HOME AGAIN.</h4></blockquote>
+
+
+<p>In the spring of 1876 orders were received at the home ranch for three
+thousand head of three-year-old steers to be delivered near Deadwood,
+South Dakota. This being one of the largest orders we had ever received
+at one time, every man around the ranch was placed on his mettle to
+execute the order in record time.</p>
+
+<p>Cow boys mounted on swift horses were dispatched to the farthest limits
+of the ranch with orders to round up and run in all the three-year-olds
+on the place, and it was not long before the ranch corrals began to fill
+up with the long horns as they were driven by the several parties of cow
+boys; as fast as they came in we would cut out, under the bosses' orders
+such cattle as were to make up our herd.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter">
+             <img   src="images/ld024.jpg" width="800" height="439"
+             alt="The Roping Contests at Deadwood, S. D." /><br />
+         <b>The Roping Contests at Deadwood, S. D.</b>
+    </div>
+
+
+
+<p>In the course of three days we had our herd ready for the trail and we
+made our preparations to start on our long journey north. Our route lay
+through New Mexico, Colorado and Wyoming, and as we had heard rumors
+that the Indians were on the war path and were kicking up something of a
+rumpus in Wyoming, Indian Territory and Kansas, we expected trouble
+before we again had the pleasure of sitting around our fire at the home
+ranch. Quite a large party was selected for this trip owing to the size
+of the herd and the possibility of trouble on the trail from the
+Indians. We, as usual, were all well armed and had as mounts the best
+horses our ranch produced, and in taking the trail we<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91">[Pg 91]</a></span><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90">[Pg 90]</a></span><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89">[Pg 89]</a></span> were perfectly
+confident that we could take care of our herd and ourselves through
+anything we were liable to meet. We had not been on the trail long
+before we met other outfits who told us that General Custer was out
+after the Indians and that a big fight was expected when the Seventh U.
+S. Cavalry, General Custer's command, met the Crow tribe and other
+Indians under the leadership of Sitting Bull, Rain-in-the-Face, Old
+Chief Joseph, and other chiefs of lesser prominence, who had for a long
+time been terrorizing the settlers of that section and defying the
+Government.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter">
+             <img   src="images/ld025.jpg" width="800" height="425"
+             alt="I Rope, Throw, Saddle, Bridle and Mount My Mustang in
+Nine Minutes" /><br />
+         <b>I Rope, Throw, Saddle, Bridle and Mount My Mustang in
+Nine Minutes</b>
+    </div>
+
+
+<p>As we proceeded on our journey it became evident to us that we were only
+a short distance behind the soldiers. When finally the Indians and
+soldiers met in the memorable battle or rather massacre in the Little
+Big Horn Basin on the Little Big Horn River in northern Wyoming, we were
+only two days behind them, or within 60 miles, but we did not know that
+at the time or we would have gone to Custer's assistance. We did not
+know of the fight or the outcome until several days after it was over.
+It was freely claimed at the time by cattle men who were in a position
+to know and with whom I talked that if Reno had gone to Custer's aid as
+he promised to do, Custer would not have lost his entire command and his
+life.</p>
+
+<p>It was claimed Reno did not obey his orders, however that may be, it was
+one of the most bloody massacres in the history of this country. We went
+on our way to Deadwood with our herd, where we arrived on the 3rd of
+July, 1876, eight days after the Custer massacre took place.</p>
+
+<p>The Custer Battle was June 25, '76, the battle commenced on Sunday
+afternoon and lasted about two hours. That was the last of General
+Custer and his Seventh Cavalry. How I know this so well is because we
+had orders from one of the Government scouts to go in camp, that if we
+went any farther North we were liable to be captured by the Indians.</p>
+
+<p>We arrived in Deadwood in good condition without having had any trouble
+with the Indians on the way up. We turned our cattle over to their new
+owners at once, then proceeded to take in the town. The next morning,
+July 4th, the gamblers and mining men made up a purse of $200 for a
+roping contest between the cow boys that were then in town, and as it
+was a holiday nearly all the cow boys for miles around were assembled
+there that day. It did not take long to arrange the details for the
+contest and contestants, six of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">[Pg 93]</a></span><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92">[Pg 92]</a></span> them being colored cow boys, including
+myself. Our trail boss was chosen to pick out the mustangs from a herd
+of wild horses just off the range, and he picked out twelve of the most
+wild and vicious horses that he could find.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter">
+             <img   src="images/ld026.jpg" width="800" height="460"
+             alt="My First Indian Fight" /><br />
+         <b>My First Indian Fight</b>
+    </div>
+
+
+<p>The conditions of the contest were that each of us who were mounted was
+to rope, throw, tie, bridle and saddle and mount the particular horse
+picked for us in the shortest time possible. The man accomplishing the
+feat in the quickest time to be declared the winner.</p>
+
+<p>It seems to me that the horse chosen for me was the most vicious of the
+lot. Everything being in readiness, the "45" cracked and we all sprang
+forward together, each of us making for our particular mustang.</p>
+
+<p>I roped, threw, tied, bridled, saddled and mounted my mustang in exactly
+nine minutes from the crack of the gun. The time of the next nearest
+competitor was twelve minutes and thirty seconds. This gave me the
+record and championship of the West, which I held up to the time I quit
+the business in 1890, and my record has never been beaten. It is worthy
+of passing remark that I never had a horse pitch with me so much as that
+mustang, but I never stopped sticking my spurs in him and using my quirt
+on his flanks until I proved his master. Right there the assembled crowd
+named me Deadwood Dick and proclaimed me champion roper of the western
+cattle country.</p>
+
+<p>The roping contest over, a dispute arose over the shooting question with
+the result that a contest was arranged for the afternoon, as there
+happened to be some of the best shots with rifle and revolver in the
+West present that day. Among them were Stormy Jim, who claimed the
+championship; Powder Horn Bill, who had the reputation of never missing
+what he shot at; also White Head, a half breed, who generally hit what
+he shot at, and many other men who knew how to handle a rifle or
+45-colt.</p>
+
+<p>The range was measured off 100 and 250 yards for the rifle and 150 for
+the Colt 45. At this distance a bulls eye about the size of an apple was
+put up. Each man was to have 14 shots at each range with the rifle and
+12 shots with the Colts 45.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95">[Pg 95]</a></span><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94">[Pg 94]</a></span> I placed every one of my 14 shots with the
+rifle in the bulls eye with ease, all shots being made from the hip; but
+with the 45 Colts I missed it twice, only placing 10 shots in the small
+circle, Stormy Jim being my nearest competitor, only placing 8 bullets
+in the bulls eye clear, the rest being quite close, while with the 45 he
+placed 5 bullets in the charmed circle. This gave me the championship of
+rifle and revolver shooting as well as the roping contest, and for that
+day I was the hero of Deadwood, and the purse of $200 which I had won on
+the roping contest went toward keeping things moving, and they did move
+as only a large crowd of cattle men can move things. This lasted for
+several days when most of the cattle men had to return to their
+respective ranches, as it was the busy season, accordingly our outfit
+began to make preparations to return to Arizona.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter">
+             <img   src="images/ld027.jpg" width="650" height="438"
+             alt="Indian Fight in Yellow Horse Canyon" /><br />
+         <b>Indian Fight in Yellow Horse Canyon</b>
+    </div>
+
+
+<p>In the meantime news had reached us of the Custer massacre, and the
+indignation and sorrow was universal, as General Custer was personally
+known to a large number of the cattle men of the West. But we could do
+nothing now, as the Indians were out in such strong force. There was
+nothing to do but let Uncle Sam revenge the loss of the General and his
+brave command, but it is safe to say not one of us would have hesitated
+a moment in taking the trail in pursuit of the blood thirsty red skins
+had the opportunity offered.</p>
+
+
+<div class="figcenter">
+             <img   src="images/ld028.jpg" width="800" height="449"
+             alt="Crippled But Not Conquered&mdash;The Fight with Yellow Dog's
+Tribe" /><br />
+         <b>Crippled But Not Conquered&mdash;The Fight with Yellow Dog's
+Tribe</b>
+    </div>
+
+
+<p>Everything now being in readiness with us we took the trail homeward
+bound, and left Deadwood in a blaze of glory. On our way home we visited
+the Custer battle field in the Little Big Horn Basin.</p>
+
+<p>There was ample evidence of the desperate and bloody fight that had
+taken place a few days before. We arrived home in Arizona in a short
+time without further incident, except that on the way back we met and
+talked with many of the famous Government scouts of that region, among
+them Buffalo Bill (William F. Cody), Yellow Stone Kelley, and many
+others of that day, some of whom are now living, while others lost their
+lives in the line of duty, and a finer<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97">[Pg 97]</a></span><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96">[Pg 96]</a></span> or braver body of men never
+lived than these scouts of the West. It was my pleasure to meet Buffalo
+Bill often in the early 70s, and he was as fine a man as one could wish
+to meet, kind, generous, true and brave.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter">
+             <img   src="images/img029.jpg" width="419" height="600"
+             alt="The Roping Contest at Deadwood, S. D." /><br />
+         <b>The Roping Contest at Deadwood, S. D.</b>
+    </div>
+
+<p>Buffalo Bill got his name from the fact that in the early days he was
+engaged in hunting buffalo for their hides and furnishing U. P. Railroad
+graders with meat, hence the name Buffalo Bill. Buffalo Bill,
+Yellowstone Kelley, with many others were at this time serving under
+Gen. C. C. Miles.</p>
+
+<p>The name of Deadwood Dick was given to me by the people of Deadwood,
+South Dakota, July 4, 1876, after I had proven myself worthy to carry
+it, and after I had defeated all comers in riding, roping, and shooting,
+and I have always carried the name with honor since that time.</p>
+
+<p>We arrived at the home ranch again on our return from the trip to
+Deadwood about the middle of September, it taking us a little over two
+months to make the return journey, as we stopped in Cheyenne for several
+days and at other places, where we always found a hearty welcome,
+especially so on this trip, as the news had preceded us, and I received
+enough attention to have given me the big head, but my head had
+constantly refused to get enlarged again ever since the time I sampled
+the demijohn in the sweet corn patch at home.</p>
+
+<p>Arriving at home, we received a send off from our boss and our comrades
+of the home ranch, every man of whom on hearing the news turned loose
+his voice and his artillery in a grand demonstration in my honor.</p>
+
+<p>But they said it was no surprise to them, as they had long known of my
+ability with the rope, rifle and 45 Colt, but just the same it was
+gratifying to know I had defeated the best men of the West, and brought
+the record home to the home ranch in Arizona. After a good rest we
+proceeded to ride the range again, getting our herds in good condition
+for the winter now at hand.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98">[Pg 98]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIV" id="CHAPTER_XIV"></a>CHAPTER XIV.</h2>
+
+<blockquote><h4>RIDING THE RANGE. THE FIGHT WITH YELLOW DOG'S TRIBE. I AM CAPTURED AND
+ADOPTED BY THE INDIANS. MY ESCAPE. I RIDE A HUNDRED MILES IN TWELVE
+HOURS WITHOUT A SADDLE. MY INDIAN PONY. "YELLOW DOG CHIEF." THE BOYS
+PRESENT ME WITH A NEW OUTFIT. IN THE SADDLE AND ON THE TRAIL AGAIN.</h4></blockquote>
+
+
+<p>It was a bright, clear fall day, October 4, 1876, that quite a large
+number of us boys started out over the range hunting strays which had
+been lost for some time. We had scattered over the range and I was
+riding along alone when all at once I heard the well known Indian war
+whoop and noticed not far away a large party of Indians making straight
+for me. They were all well mounted and they were in full war paint,
+which showed me that they were on the war path, and as I was alone and
+had no wish to be scalped by them I decided to run for it. So I headed
+for Yellow Horse Canyon and gave my horse the rein, but as I had
+considerable objection to being chased by a lot of painted savages
+without some remonstrance, I turned in my saddle every once in a while
+and gave them a shot by way of greeting, and I had the satisfaction of
+seeing a painted brave tumble from his horse and go rolling in the dust
+every time my rifle spoke, and the Indians were by no means idle all
+this time, as their bullets were singing around me rather lively, one of
+them passing through my thigh, but it did not amount to much. Reaching
+Yellow Horse Canyon, I had about decided to stop and make a stand when
+one of their bullets caught me in the leg, passing clear through it and
+then through my horse, killing him. Quickly falling behind him I used
+his dead body for a breast work and stood the Indians off for a long
+time, as my aim was<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99">[Pg 99]</a></span> so deadly and they had lost so many that they were
+careful to keep out of range.</p>
+
+<p>But finally my ammunition gave out, and the Indians were quick to find
+this out, and they at once closed in on me, but I was by no means
+subdued, wounded as I was and almost out of my head, and I fought with
+my empty gun until finally overpowered. When I came to my senses I was
+in the Indians' camp.</p>
+
+<p>My wounds had been dressed with some kind of herbs, the wound in my
+breast just over the heart was covered thickly with herbs and bound up.
+My nose had been nearly cut off, also one of my fingers had been nearly
+cut off. These wounds I received when I was fighting my captors with my
+empty gun. What caused them to spare my life I cannot tell, but it was I
+think partly because I had proved, myself a brave man, and all savages
+admire a brave man and when they captured a man whose fighting powers
+were out of the ordinary they generally kept him if possible as he was
+needed in the tribe.</p>
+
+<p>Then again Yellow Dog's tribe was composed largely of half breeds, and
+there was a large percentage of colored blood in the tribe, and as I was
+a colored man they wanted to keep me, as they thought I was too good a
+man to die. Be that as it may, they dressed my wounds and gave me plenty
+to eat, but the only grub they had was buffalo meat which they cooked
+over a fire of buffalo chips, but of this I had all I wanted to eat. For
+the first two days after my capture they kept me tied hand and foot. At
+the end of that time they untied my feet, but kept my hands tied for a
+couple of days longer, when I was given my freedom, but was always
+closely watched by members of the tribe. Three days after my capture my
+ears were pierced and I was adopted into the tribe. The operation of
+piercing my ears was quite painful, in the method used, as they had a
+small bone secured from a deer's leg, a small thin bone, rounded at the
+end and as sharp as a needle. This they used to make the holes, then
+strings made from the tendons of a deer were inserted in place of
+thread, of which the Indians had none. Then horn<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101">[Pg 101]</a></span><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100">[Pg 100]</a></span> ear rings were placed
+in my ears and the same kind of salve made from herbs which they placed
+on my wounds was placed on my ears and they soon healed.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter">
+             <img   src="images/ld030.jpg" width="650" height="485"
+             alt="I am Adopted by Yellow Dog's Tribe&mdash;The War Dance" /><br />
+         <b>I am Adopted by Yellow Dog's Tribe&mdash;The War Dance</b>
+    </div>
+
+
+
+<p>The bullet holes in my leg and breast also healed in a surprisingly
+short time. That was good salve all right. As soon as I was well enough
+I took part in the Indian dances. One kind or another was in progress
+all the time. The war dance and the medicine dance seemed the most
+popular. When in the war dance the savages danced around me in a circle,
+making gestures, chanting, with every now and then a blood curdling
+yell, always keeping time to a sort of music provided by stretching
+buffalo skins tightly over a hoop.</p>
+
+<p>When I was well enough I joined the dances, and I think I soon made a
+good dancer. The medicine dance varies from the war dance only that in
+the medicine dance the Indians danced around a boiling pot, the pot
+being filled with roots and water and they dance around it while it
+boils. The medicine dance occurs about daylight.</p>
+
+<p>I very soon learned their ways and to understand them, though our
+conversation was mostly carried on by means of signs. They soon gave me
+to understand that I was to marry the chief's daughter, promising me 100
+ponies to do so, and she was literally thrown in my arms; as for the
+lady she seemed perfectly willing if not anxious to become my bride. She
+was a beautiful woman, or rather girl; in fact all the squaws of this
+tribe were good looking, out of the ordinary, but I had other notions
+just then and did not want to get married under such circumstances, but
+for prudence sake I seemed to enter into their plans, but at the same
+time keeping a sharp lookout for a chance to escape. I noted where the
+Indians kept their horses at night, even picking out the handsome and
+fleet Indian pony which I meant to use should opportunity occur, and I
+seemed to fall in with the Indians' plans and seemed to them so
+contented that they gave me more and more freedom and relaxed the strict
+watch they had kept on me, and finally in about thirty days from the
+time of my capture my opportunity arrived.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102">[Pg 102]</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter">
+             <img   src="images/ld031.jpg" width="650" height="479"
+             alt="My Escape&mdash;I Ride a Hundred Miles in Twelve Hours Without
+a Saddle" /><br />
+         <b>My Escape&mdash;I Ride a Hundred Miles in Twelve Hours Without
+a Saddle</b>
+    </div>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103">[Pg 103]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>My wounds were now nearly well, and gave me no trouble. It was a dark,
+cloudy night, and the Indians, grown careless in their fancied security,
+had relaxed their watchfulness. After they had all thrown themselves on
+the ground and the quiet of the camp proclaimed them all asleep I got up
+and crawling on my hands and knees, using the greatest caution for fear
+of making a noise, I crawled about 250 yards to where the horses were
+picketed, and going to the Indian pony I had already picked out I
+slipped the skin thong in his mouth which the Indians use for a bridle,
+one which I had secured and carried in my shirt for some time for this
+particular purpose, then springing to his back I made for the open
+prairie in the direction of the home ranch in Texas, one hundred miles
+away. All that night I rode as fast as my horse could carry me and the
+next morning, twelve hours after I left the Indians camp I was safe on
+the home ranch again. And my joy was without bounds, and such a
+reception as I received from the boys. They said they were just one day
+late, and if it hadn't been for a fight they had with some of the same
+tribe, they would have been to my relief. As it was they did not expect
+to ever see me again alive. But that they know that if the Indians did
+not kill me, and gave me only half a chance I would get away from them,
+but now that I was safe home again, nothing mattered much and nothing
+was too good for me.</p>
+
+<p>It was a mystery to them how I managed to escape death with such wounds
+as I had received, the marks of which I will carry to my grave and it is
+as much a mystery to me as the bullet that struck me in the breast just
+over the heart passed clear through, coming out my back just below the
+shoulder: Likewise the bullet in my leg passed clear through, then
+through my horse, killing him.</p>
+
+<p>Those Indians are certainly wonderful doctors, and then I am naturally
+tough as I carry the marks of fourteen bullet wounds on different part
+of my body, most any one of which would be sufficient to kill an
+ordinary man, but I am not even crippled. It seems to me that if ever a
+man bore a charm I am the man, as I have had five horses shot from under
+me and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104">[Pg 104]</a></span> killed, have fought Indians and Mexicans in all sorts of
+situations, and have been in more tight places than I can number. Yet I
+have always managed to escape with only the mark of a bullet or knife as
+a reminder. The fight with the Yellow Dog's tribe is probably the
+closest call I ever had, and as close a call as I ever want.</p>
+
+<p>The fleet Indian pony which carried me to safety on that memorable
+hundred mile ride, I kept for about five years. I named him "The Yellow
+Dog Chief." And he lived on the best the ranch afforded, until his death
+which occurred in 1881, never having anything to do except an occasional
+race, as he could run like a deer. I thought too much of him to use him
+on the trail and he was the especial pet of every one on the home ranch,
+and for miles around.</p>
+
+<p>I heard afterwards that the Indians persued me that night for quite a
+distance, but I had too much the start and besides I had the fastest
+horse the Indians owned. I have never since met any of my captors of
+that time. As they knew better than to venture in our neighborhood
+again. My wound healed nicely, thanks to the good attention the Indians
+gave me. My captors took everything of value I had on me when captured.
+My rifle which I especially prized for old associations sake; also my
+forty fives, saddle and bridle, in fact my whole outfit leaving me only
+the few clothes I had on at the time.</p>
+
+<p>My comrades did not propose to let this bother me long, however, because
+they all chipped in and bought me a new outfit, including the best rifle
+and revolvers that could be secured, and I had my pick of the ranch
+horses for another mount. During my short stay with the Indians I
+learned a great deal about them, their ways of living, sports, dances,
+and mode of warfare which proved of great benefit to me in after years.
+The oblong shields they carried were made from tanned buffalo skins and
+so tough were they made that an arrow would not pierce them although I
+have seen them shoot an arrow clean through a buffalo. Neither will a
+bullet pierce them unless the ball hits the shield square on, otherwise
+it glances off.</p>
+
+<p>All of them were exceedingly expert with the bow and ar<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_105" id="Page_105">[Pg 105]</a></span>row, and they
+are proud of their skill and are always practicing in an effort to excel
+each other. This rivalry extends even to the children who are seldom
+without their bows and arrows.</p>
+
+<p>They named me Buffalo Papoose, and we managed to make our wants known by
+means of signs. As I was not with them a sufficient length of time to
+learn their language, I learned from them that I had killed five of
+their number and wounded three while they were chasing me and in the
+subsequent fight with my empty gun. The wounded men were hit in many
+places, but they were brought around all right, the same as I was. After
+my escape and after I arrived home it was some time before I was again
+called to active duty, as the boys would not hear of me doing anything
+resembling work, until I was thoroughly well and rested up. But I soon
+began to long for my saddle and the range.</p>
+
+<p>And when orders were received at the ranch for 2000 head of cattle, to
+be delivered at Dodge City, Kansas, I insisted on taking the trail
+again. It was not with any sense of pride or in bravado that I recount
+here the fate of the men who have fallen at my hand.</p>
+
+<p>It is a terrible thing to kill a man no matter what the cause. But as I
+am writing a true history of my life, I cannot leave these facts out.
+But every man who died at my hands was either seeking my life or died in
+open warfare, when it was a case of killing of being killed.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106">[Pg 106]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XV" id="CHAPTER_XV"></a>CHAPTER XV.</h2>
+
+<blockquote><h4>ON A TRIP TO DODGE CITY, KAN. I ROPE ONE OF UNCLE SAM'S CANNON. CAPTURED
+BY THE SOLDIERS. BAT MASTERSON TO MY RESCUE. LOST ON THE PRAIRIE. THE
+BUFFALO HUNTER CATER. MY HORSE GETS AWAY AND LEAVES ME ALONE ON THE
+PRAIRIE. THE BLIZZARD. FROZEN STIFF.</h4></blockquote>
+
+
+<p>In the spring of 1877, now fully recovered from the effects of the very
+serious wounds I had received at the hands of the Indians and feeling my
+old self again, I joined the boys in their first trip of the season,
+with a herd of cattle for Dodge City. The trip was uneventful until we
+reached our destination. This was the first time I had been in Dodge
+City since I had won the name of "DEADWOOD DICK", and many of the boys,
+who knew me when I first joined the cow boys there in 1869, were there
+to greet me now. After our herd had been delivered to their new owners,
+we started out to properly celebrate the event, and for a space of
+several days we kept the old town on the jump.</p>
+
+<p>And so when we finally started for home all of us had more or less of
+the bad whiskey of Dodge City under our belts and were feeling rather
+spirited and ready for anything.</p>
+
+<p>I probably had more of the bad whiskey of Dodge City than any one and
+was in consequence feeling very reckless, but we had about exhausted our
+resources of amusement in the town, and so were looking for trouble on
+the trail home.</p>
+
+<p>On our way back to Texas, our way led past old Fort Dodge. Seeing the
+soldiers and the cannon in the fort, a bright idea struck me, but a fool
+one just the same. It was no less than a desire to rope one of the
+cannons. It seemed to me that it would be a good thing to rope a cannon
+and take it back to Texas with us to fight Indians with.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_107" id="Page_107">[Pg 107]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>The bad whiskey which I carried under my belt was responsible for the
+fool idea, and gave me the nerve to attempt to execute the idea. Getting
+my lariat rope ready I rode to a position just opposite the gate of the
+fort, which was standing open. Before the gate paced a sentry with his
+gun on his shoulder and his white gloves showing up clean and white
+against the dusty grey surroundings. I waited until the sentry had
+passed the gate, then putting spurs to my horse I dashed straight for
+and through the gate into the yard. The surprised sentry called halt,
+but I paid no attention to him. Making for the cannon at full speed my
+rope left my hand and settled square over the cannon, then turning and
+putting spurs to my horse I tried to drag the cannon after me, but
+strain as he might my horse was unable to budge it an inch. In the
+meantime the surprised sentry at the gate had given the alarm and now I
+heard the bugle sound, boots and saddles, and glancing around I saw the
+soldiers mounting to come after me, and finding I could not move the
+cannon, I rode close up to it and got my lariat off then made for the
+gate again at full speed. The guard jumped in front of me with his gun
+up, calling halt, but I went by him like a shot, expecting to hear the
+crack of his musket, but for some reason he failed to fire on me, and I
+made for the open prairie with the cavalry in hot pursuit.</p>
+
+<p>My horse could run like a wild deer, but he was no match for the big,
+strong, fresh horses of the soldiers and they soon had me. Relieving me
+of my arms they placed me in the guard house where the commanding
+officer came to see me. He asked me who I was and what I was after at
+the fort. I told him and then he asked me if I knew anyone in the city.
+I told him I knew Bat Masterson. He ordered two guards to take me to the
+city to see Masterson. As soon as Masterson saw me he asked me what the
+trouble was, and before I could answer, the guards told him I rode into
+the fort and roped one of the cannons and tried to pull it out. Bat
+asked me what I wanted with a cannon and what I intended doing with it.
+I told him I wanted to take it back to Texas with me to fight the
+Indians with; then they all laughed. Then Bat told them<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_109" id="Page_109">[Pg 109]</a></span><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108">[Pg 108]</a></span> that I was all
+right, the only trouble being that I had too much bad whiskey under my
+shirt. They said I would have to set the drinks for the house. They came
+to $15.00, and when I started to pay for them, Bat said for me to keep
+my money that he would pay for them himself, which he did. Bat said that
+I was the only cowboy that he liked, and that his brother Jim also
+thought very much of me. I was then let go and I joined the boys and we
+continued on our way home, where we arrived safely on the 1st of June,
+1877.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter">
+             <img   src="images/ld032.jpg" width="800" height="389"
+             alt="I Rope One of Uncle Sam's Cannon&mdash;Fort Dodge, Kan." /><br />
+         <b>I Rope One of Uncle Sam's Cannon&mdash;Fort Dodge, Kan.</b>
+    </div>
+
+
+<p>We at once began preparing for the coming big round up. As usual this
+kept us very busy during the months of July and August, and as we
+received no more orders for cattle this season, we did not have to take
+the trail again, but after the round up was over, we were kept busy in
+range riding, and the general all around work of the big cattle ranch.
+We had at this time on the ranch upwards of 30,000 head of cattle, our
+own cattle, not to mention the cattle belonging to the many other
+interests without the Pan Handle country, and as all these immense herds
+used the range of the country, in common as there was no fences to
+divide the ranches, consequently the cattle belonging to the different
+herds often got mixed up and large numbers of them strayed.</p>
+
+<p>At the round ups it was our duty to cut out and brand the young calves,
+take a census of our stock, and then after the round up was over we
+would start out to look for possible strays. Over the range we would
+ride through canyons and gorges, and every place where it was possible
+for cattle to stray, as it was important to get them with the main herd
+before winter set in, as if left out in small bunches there was danger
+of them perishing in the frequent hard storms of the winter. While range
+riding or hunting for strays, we always carried with us on our saddle
+the branding irons of our respective ranches, and whenever we ran across
+a calf that had not been branded we had to rope the calf, tie it, then a
+fire was made of buffalo chips, the only fuel besides grass to be found
+on the prairie.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter">
+             <img   src="images/ld033.jpg" width="800" height="366"
+             alt="I am Captured by the Soldiers" /><br />
+         <b>I am Captured by the Soldiers</b>
+    </div>
+
+
+<p>The irons were heated and the calf was branded with the brand of the
+finder, no matter who it personally belonged to.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111">[Pg 111]</a></span><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110">[Pg 110]</a></span> It now became the
+property of the finder. The lost cattle were then driven to the main
+herd. After they were once gotten together it was our duty to keep them
+together during the winter and early spring. It was while out hunting
+strays that I got lost, the first and only time I was ever lost in my
+life, and for four days I had an experience that few men ever went
+through and lived, as it was a close pull for me.</p>
+
+<p>I had been out for several days looking for lost cattle and becoming
+separated from the other boys and being in a part of the country
+unfamiliar to me. It was stormy when I started out from the home ranch
+and when I had ridden about a hundred miles from home it began to storm
+in earnest, rain, hail, sleet, and the clouds seemed to touch the earth
+and gather in their inpenetrable embrace every thing thereon. For a long
+time I rode on in the direction of home, but as I could not see fifty
+yards ahead it was a case of going it blind. After riding for many weary
+hours through the storm I came across a little log cabin on the Palidore
+river. I rode up to within one hundred yards of it where I was motioned
+to stop by an old long haired man who stepped out of the cabin door with
+a long buffalo gun on his arm. It was with this he had motioned me to
+stop.</p>
+
+<p>I promptly pulled up and raised my hat, which, according to the custom
+of the cowboy country, gave him to understand I was a cowboy from the
+western cow ranges. He then motioned me to come on. Riding up to the
+cabin he asked me to dismount and we shook hands.</p>
+
+<p>He said, when I saw you coming I said to myself that must be a lost
+cowboy from some of the western cow ranges. I told him I was lost all
+right, and I told him who I was and where from. Again we shook hands, he
+saying as we did so, that we were friends until we met again, and he
+hoped forever. He then told me to picket out my horse and come in and
+have some supper, which very welcome invitation I accepted.</p>
+
+<p>His cabin was constructed of rough hewn logs, somewhat after the fashion
+of a Spanish block house. One part of it was constructed under ground, a
+sort of dug out, while the upper<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_112" id="Page_112">[Pg 112]</a></span> portion of the cabin proper was
+provided with many loop holes, commanding every direction.</p>
+
+<p>He later told me these loop holes had stood him in handy many a time
+when he had been attacked by Indians, in their efforts to capture him.
+On entering his cabin I was amazed to see the walls covered with all
+kinds of skins, horns, and antlers. Buffalo skins in great numbers
+covered the floor and bed, while the walls were completely hidden behind
+the skins of every animal of that region, including large number of
+rattle snakes skins and many of their rattles.</p>
+
+<p>His bed, which was in one corner of the dug out, was of skins, and to
+me, weary from my long ride through the storm, seemed to be the most
+comfortable place on the globe just then. He soon set before me a
+bounteous supper, consisting of buffalo meat and corn dodgers, and
+seldom before have I enjoyed a meal as I did that one. During supper he
+told me many of his experiences in the western country. His name was
+Cater, and he was one of the oldest buffalo hunters in that part of
+Texas, having hunted and trapped over the wild country ever since the
+early thirties, and during that time he had many a thrilling adventure
+with Indians and wild animals.</p>
+
+<p>I stayed with him that night and slept soundly on a comfortable bed he
+made for me. The next morning he gave me a good breakfast and I prepared
+to take my departure as the storm had somewhat moderated, and I was
+anxious to get home, as the boys knowing I was out would be looking for
+me if I did not show up in a reasonable time.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter">
+             <img   src="images/img034.jpg" width="415" height="600"
+             alt="In My Fighting Clothes" /><br />
+         <b>In My Fighting Clothes</b>
+    </div>
+
+
+
+<p>My kind host told me to go directly northwest and I would strike the
+Calones flats, a place with which I was perfectly familiar. He said it
+was about 75 miles from his place. Once there I would have no difficulty
+in finding my way home. Cater put me up a good lunch to last me on my
+way, and with many expressions of gratitude to him, I left him with his
+skins and comfortable, though solitary life. All that day and part of
+the night I rode in the direction he told me, until about 11 o'clock
+when I became so tired I decided to go into camp and give my tired horse
+a rest and a chance to eat. Accordingly I dismounted and removed the
+saddle and bridle from my horse<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_113" id="Page_113">[Pg 113]</a></span> I hobbled him and turned him loose to
+graze on the luxuriant grass, while I, tired out, laid down with my head
+on my saddle fully dressed as I was, not even removing my belt
+containing my 45 pistol from my waist, laying my Winchester close by.
+The rain had ceased to fall, but it was still cloudy and threatening. It
+was my intention to rest a few hours then continue on my way; and as I
+could not see the stars on account of the clouds and as it was important
+that I keep my direction northwest in order to strike the Flats, I had
+carefully taken my direction before sundown, and now on moving my saddle
+I placed it on the ground pointing in the direction I was going when I
+stopped so that it would enable me to keep my direction when I again
+started out. I had been laying there for some time and my horse was
+quietly grazing about 20 yards off, when I suddenly heard something
+squeal. It sounded like a woman's voice. It frightened my horse and he
+ran for me. I jumped to my feet with my Winchester in my hand. This
+caused my horse to rear and wheel and I heard his hobbles break with a
+sharp snap. Then I heard the sound of his galloping feet going across
+the Pan Handle plains until the sound was lost in the distance. Then I
+slowly began to realize that I was left alone on the plains on foot, how
+many miles from home I did not know. Remembering I had my guns all
+right, it was my impulse to go in pursuit of my horse as I thought I
+could eventually catch him after he had got over his scare, but when I
+thought of my 40 pound saddle, and I did not want to leave that, so
+saying to myself that is the second saddle I ever owned, the other
+having been taken by the Indians when I was captured, and this saddle
+was part of the outfit presented to me by the boys, and so tired and as
+hungry as a hawk, I shouldered my saddle and started out in the
+direction I was going when I went into camp, saying to myself as I did
+so, if my horse could pack me and my outfit day and night I can at least
+pack my outfit. Keeping my direction as well as I could I started out
+over the prairie through the dark, walking all that night and all the
+next day without anything to eat or drink until just about sundown and
+when I had begun to think I would have to spend another night on the
+prairie without<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114">[Pg 114]</a></span> food or drink, when I emerged from a little draw on to
+a raise on the prairie, then looking over on to a small flat I saw a
+large herd of buffalo. These were the first I had seen since I became
+lost and the sight of them put renewed life and hope in me as I was then
+nearly famished, and when I saw them I knew I had something to eat.</p>
+
+<p>Off to one side about 20 yards from the main herd and about 150 yards
+from me was a young calf. Placing my Winchester to my shoulder I glanced
+along the shining barrel, but my hands shook so much I lowered it again,
+not that I was afraid of missing it as I knew I was a dead shot at that
+distance, but my weakness caused by my long enforced fast and my great
+thirst made my eyes dim and my hands shake in a way they had never done
+before, so waiting a few moments I again placed the gun to my shoulder
+and this time it spoke and the calf dropped where it had stood. Picking
+up my outfit I went down to where my supper was laying. I took out my
+jack knife and commenced on one of his hind quarters. I began to skin
+and eat to my hearts content, but I was so very thirsty. I had heard of
+people drinking blood to quench their thirst and that gave me an idea,
+so cutting the calf's throat with my knife I eagerly drank the fresh
+warm blood.</p>
+
+<p>It tasted very much like warm sweet milk. It quenched my thirst and made
+me feel strong, when I had eaten all I could, I cut off two large chunks
+of the meat and tied them to my saddle, then again shouldering the whole
+thing I started on my way feeling almost as satisfied as if I had my
+horse with me. I was lost two days, and two nights, after my horse left
+me and all that time I kept walking packing my 40 pounds saddle and my
+Winchester and two cattle pistols.</p>
+
+<p>On the second night about daylight the weather became more threatening
+and I saw in the distance a long column which looked like smoke. It
+seemed to be coming towards me at the rate of a mile a minute. It did
+not take it long to reach me, and when it did I struggled on for a few
+yards but it was no use, tired as I was from packing my heavy outfit for
+more than 48 hours and my long tramp, I had not the strength to fight
+against the storm so I had to come alone. When I again<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_115" id="Page_115">[Pg 115]</a></span> came to myself I
+was covered up head and foot in the snow, in the camp of some of my
+comrades from the ranch.</p>
+
+<p>It seemed from what I was told afterwards that the boys knowing I was
+out in the storm and failing to show up, they had started out to look
+for me, they had gone in camp during the storm and when the blizzard had
+passed they noticed an object out on the prairie in the snow, with one
+hand frozen, clenched around my Winchester and the other around the horn
+of my saddle, and they had hard work to get my hands loose, they picked
+me up and placed me on one of the horses and took me to camp where they
+stripped me of my clothes and wrapped me up in the snow, all the skin
+came off my nose and mouth and my hands and feet had been so badly
+frozen that the nails all came off. After I had got thawed out in the
+mess wagon and took me home in 15 days I was again in the saddle ready
+for business but I will never forget those few days I was lost and the
+marks of that storm I will carry with me always.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_116" id="Page_116">[Pg 116]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XVI" id="CHAPTER_XVI"></a>CHAPTER XIV.</h2>
+
+<blockquote><h4>THE OLD HAZE AND ELSWORTH TRAIL. OUR TRIP TO CHEYENNE. EX-SHERIFF PAT A.
+GARRET. THE DEATH OF "BILLY THE KID". THE LINCOLN COUNTY CATTLE WAR.</h4></blockquote>
+
+
+<p>Early the next spring 1878 we went on a short trip to Junction City,
+Kan., with a small herd of horses for Hokin and Herst. We started out
+from the home ranch early in April, stringing the herd out along the old
+Haze and Elsworth trail. Everything went well until we were several days
+out and we had went in camp for the night. The herd had been rounded up
+and were grazing in the open prairie under the usual watch. And all the
+cowboys except the first watch had turned in for a good night's rest,
+when it began to storm finally developing into a genuine old fashioned
+Texas storm, with the usual result that the herd stampeded.</p>
+
+<p>The watch at once gave the alarm and we awoke to find everything in
+confusion. It was a very dark night and under such circumstances it is
+hard to control a herd of horses in a stampede. In a few moments every
+man was in the saddle, as we always kept our saddle horses picketed out,
+so they could not join the other horses. And it was our custom when on
+the trail with a herd of horses on going into camp to leave our saddle
+horses, saddled and bridled, merely loosing the cinches of the saddles
+though sometimes we removed the bridles, to enable them to graze better.
+So when the alarm was given in this instance, it did not take us long to
+get in the saddle and after the horses who were now going across the
+prairie as only frightened horses can go in a stampede.</p>
+
+<p>The storm continued with more or less fury all night and it was late the
+next day before we got the herd rounded up and under any sort of
+control. The next morning we found that one of the boys, Frank Smith,
+had lost his horse and outfit during the night. While chasing the horses
+over the prairie,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_117" id="Page_117">[Pg 117]</a></span> his horse stepped in a prairie dog's hole and fell.
+Throwing his rider and snatching the rope out of Smith's hand, the horse
+made off over the prairie carrying with him bridle, saddle and outfit,
+and we never saw or heard of him again. After getting our breakfast, we
+continued north, and all went well with us until we struck the Wakeeny
+river, near Junction City, when in fording the stream. It was high water
+and we were forced to swim our horses across. All went well with the
+herd and the boys were following when one of them came near being
+drowned, and was only saved by my quick rope.</p>
+
+<p>I had entered the river and my horse was swimming easily, when on
+glancing around I saw one of the boys, Loyd Hoedin by name, go under the
+water. Both man and horse completely disappeared. They soon came up only
+to disappear again. I saw at once something was wrong so when they came
+up the second time I threw my rope. It fell near Hoedin, who had the
+presence of mind to grasp it, and hold on while I snaked both man and
+horse out to safety. After reaching Junction City and turning the herd
+over to their new owners we started out to have the usual good time.
+This lasted for several days during which time we cleaned up pretty near
+all the money there was in the Junction with our horses in a six hundred
+yard race, between ourselves and cow boys from different outfits who
+happened to be in the city.</p>
+
+<p>Our horses without exception proved the fastest runners, accordingly we
+pocketed considerable coin, and in consequence we were feeling first
+rate when we struck the trail homeward bound. We arrived at the home
+ranch all right in June. This was the last trip we were called to make
+this season, and our time for the remainder of the year was taken up
+with the general routine work of the large cattle ranch.</p>
+
+<p>Late the next season we took the trail en route to Cheyenne, Wyoming,
+with two thousand head of fine Texas steers for the Swan Brothers, 20
+miles northwest of Cheyenne. Nothing of unusual importance happened on
+this trip aside from the regular incidents pertaining to driving such a
+large herd of cattle on the trail. We had a few stampedes and lost a
+few<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_118" id="Page_118">[Pg 118]</a></span> cattle, arriving in Cheyenne we had a royal good time for a few
+days as usual before starting home. On arriving at the home ranch again
+we found considerable excitement, owing to the war between the cattle
+men and cattle rustlers and every man was needed at home and few there
+were who did not take part in one way or another in the most bitter and
+furious cattle war of history and I being one of the leading cowboys of
+the West, necessarily took an active part in the dispute and many were
+the sharp clashes between the waring factions that I witnessed and
+fought in and was wounded many times in these engagements. For years the
+cattle rustlers had been invading the large cattle ranges belonging to
+the large cattle kings of the West and running off and branding large
+numbers of choice cattle and horses, this led to many a sharp fight
+between the cowboys and the rustlers, but of late these thieves had
+become so bold and the losses of the cattle men had become so great that
+the latter determined to put a stop to it, and so open war was declared.</p>
+
+<p>On one side was the large ranchmen and cattle men and on the other the
+Indians, half breeds, Mexicans and white outlaws that made the cattle
+country their rendezvous. The cattle men had now organized with the
+given determination of either killing or running out of the country for
+good these thieves, who had caused them so much loss. And during the war
+many of them cashed in and the others for the most part left for
+pastures new, having been virtually whipped out of the country. It was a
+desperate and bloody war while it lasted.</p>
+
+<p>But it was satisfactory to the cattle men who could now rest easier in
+the security of their herds and their grazing grounds. It was at this
+time that I saw considerable of William H. Bonney alias "Billie the
+kid", the most noted desperado and all around bad man the world has
+known.</p>
+
+<p>The first time I met Billie the Kid was in Antonshico, New Mexico, in a
+saloon, when he asked me to drink with him, that was in 1877. Later he
+hired to Pete Galligan, the man in whose employ I was. Galligan hired
+the Kid to drive his buck board between the White Oaks, the nearest
+town, and Galligan's ranch with provisions for the boys, and the Kid
+told me<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_119" id="Page_119">[Pg 119]</a></span> himself that one these trips he would drive the team, on a dead
+run, the whole distance of 30 miles to the Oaks in order to get there
+quick so he would have more time to stay around town before it was time
+to start back, then when he would arrive home the team was nearly dead
+from exhaustion. He remained in the employ of Galligan for about eleven
+months, then he was hired by John Chisholm to rustle cattle for him.
+Chisholm agreed to pay the Kid so much per head for all the cattle the
+Kid rustled. When the time came for a settlement, Chisholm failed to
+settle right or to the Kid's satisfaction, then the Kid told Chisholm he
+would give him one day to make up his mind to settle right, but before
+the Kid could see Chisholm again, Chisholm left the country going east
+where his brother was. The Kid then swore vengeance, and said he would
+take his revenge out of Chisholm's men, and he at once began killing all
+the employ of John Chisholm. He would ride up to a bunch of cowboys and
+enquire if they worked for Chisholm. If they replied in the affirmative,
+he would shoot them dead on the spot, and few men were quicker with a 45
+or a deadly shot than "Billie the Kid". The next time I met the Kid was
+in Holbrook, Arizona, just after a big round up. The Kid, Buck Cannon,
+and Billie Woods were together. I was on my way to Silver City, New
+Mexico, in the fall of 1880 when I met them, and as they were going
+there also, we rode on together The "Kid" showed me the little log cabin
+where he said he was born. I went in the cabin with him, and he showed
+me how it was arranged when he lived there, showing me where the bed sat
+and the stove and table. He then pointed out the old postoffice which he
+said he had been in lots of times.</p>
+
+<p>He told me he was born and raised in Silver City, New Mexico, which is
+near the Moggocilion Mountains, and at that time the Kid was badly
+wanted by the sheriffs of several counties for numerous murders
+committed by him mostly of John Chisholm's men in Texas and New Mexico.</p>
+
+<p>The Kid bid me good bye. He said he was going to the mountains as he
+knew them well, and once there he was all right as he could stand off a
+regiment of soldiers. The three of them departed together. I never saw
+him again until the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_120" id="Page_120">[Pg 120]</a></span> spring of 1881. I was in the city of Elmorgo, New
+Mexico, and saw him the morning he was forced to flee to the mountains
+to escape arrest. We could see him up there behind the rocks. He was
+well armed having with him two Winchesters and two 45 Colts revolvers
+and plenty of ammunition, and although the officers wanted him badly, no
+one dared go up after him as it was certain death to come with range of
+the Kid's guns. Later on he escaped and the next time I saw him was in
+Antonshico, New Mexico. It was in June, and we had come up from Colonas
+after some saddle horses, and I met and talked with him.</p>
+
+<p>The next time I saw him he was laying dead at Pete Maxwell's ranch in
+Lincoln county, New Mexico, having been killed by Pat A. Garret at that
+time sheriff of Lincoln county, New Mexico. We arrived in Lincoln county
+the very night he was killed at Pete Maxwell's ranch and went into camp
+a short distance from Maxwell's, and we saw the Kid a short time after
+he had been killed. The Kid had been arrested by Pat Garret and his
+posse a short time before at Stinking Springs, New Mexico, along with
+Tom Pickett, Billy Wilson and Dave Rudebough, after arresting these men
+which was only effected after a hard fight and after the Kid's
+ammunition had given out. Garret took the men heavily ironed to Los
+Vegas. When it became known that Billy the Kid had been captured a mob
+formed for the purpose of lynching him. But Garret placed his prisoners
+in a box car over which himself and deputies stood guard until the train
+pulled out which was nearly two hours. During that time the mob was
+furious to get at the men, but they well knew the temper of Sheriff
+Garret so they kept their distance.</p>
+
+<p>The men were tried and convicted. The Kid and Rudbough were sentenced to
+be hanged. Rudbough for having killed a jailer at Los Vegas in 1880. The
+judge on passing sentence on the Kid, said you are sentenced to be
+hanged by the neck until you are dead-dead-dead. The Kid laughed in the
+judge's face saying, and you can go to Hell, Hell, Hell. After the Kid
+had been sentenced he was placed in jail at Los Vegas, ironed hand and
+foot, and under heavy guard, but<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_121" id="Page_121">[Pg 121]</a></span> never lost confidence and was always
+looking for a chance to escape. When the day of his execution was not
+much more than a week off, the Kid saw his chance, while eating his
+supper both handcuffs had been fastened to one wrist so the Kid could
+better feed himself. He was only guarded by one deputy named Bell. The
+other deputy, Ollinger, had gone to supper across the street from the
+jail. Bell turned his head for a moment and the Kid noticing the
+movement quick as a flash brought the handcuffs down on Bell's head,
+stunning him. The Kid then snatched Bell's revolver, he shot the deputy
+through the body. Bell staggered to the steps down which he fell and
+into the yard below where he died. Ollinger hearing the shot rushed
+across the street. As he entered the jail yard he looked up and saw the
+Kid at a window. As he did so the Kid shot Ollinger dead with a shot gun
+which was loaded with buck shot. The Kid then broke the gun across the
+window sill, then going to the room where the weapons were kept the Kid
+picked out what guns he wanted and broke the balance. Then he made the
+first person he met break the irons from his legs and bring him a horse.
+The Kid then took four revolvers and two Winchester rifles and rode
+away. Sheriff Garret was at White Oaks at the time and as soon he as
+heard of the escape he hurried home and organized a posse to recapture
+the Kid, but the Kid was at liberty two months before he was finally
+rounded up and killed at Pete Maxwell's ranch. At the time the Kid
+escaped at Los Vegas myself and a party of our boys had our horses at
+Menderhall and Hunter's livery stable, just a few doors from the jail
+and I was standing on the street talking to a friend when the Kid rode
+by. From Los Vegas he went to the borders of Lincoln county where his
+ever ready revolver was always in evidence. Shortly after his escape he
+shot and killed William Mathews and a companion whom he met on the
+prairie without apparent cause, and several other murders were
+attributed to him before he was finally located at Maxwell's ranch and
+killed by Sheriff Garret.</p>
+
+<p>The Kid was only 22 years of age when his wild career was ended by the
+bullet from the sheriff's gun and it is safe to assert he had at lease
+one murder to the credit of every year<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_122" id="Page_122">[Pg 122]</a></span> of his life. He was killed by
+Sheriff Garret in a room of one of the old houses at Fort Sumner, known
+at that time as Maxwell's ranch, July 12, 1881, about two months after
+his escape from the Lincoln county jail, and Sheriff Pat A. Garret, one
+of the nervest men of that country of nervy men and the only man who
+ever pursued the Kid and lived to tell the tale, is at present at the
+head of the Customs Service at El Paso, Texas, and to meet him and note
+his pleasant smile and kindly disposition, one would not believe him the
+man who sent Billie the Kid to his last account. But behind the pleasant
+twinkle in his eye and the warm hand clasp there is a head as cool and a
+nerve as steady as ever held a 45.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123">[Pg 123]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XVII" id="CHAPTER_XVII"></a>CHAPTER XVII.</h2>
+
+<blockquote><h4>ANOTHER TRIP TO OLD MEXICO. I ROPE AN ENGINE. I FALL IN LOVE. MY
+COURTSHIP. DEATH OF MY SWEETHEART. MY PROMISED WIFE. I MUST BEAR A
+CHARMED LIFE. THE ADVENT OF PROGRESS. THE LAST OF THE RANGE.</h4></blockquote>
+
+
+<p>On one of these memorable trips after cattle, and with cattle on the
+trail, one that I will most likely remember, the longest was a trip to
+Old Mexico after a herd of horses. It was on this trip that I fell in
+love, the first time in my life. During my wild career on the western
+plains I had met many handsome women, and they often made much of me,
+but somehow I had never experienced the feeling called love, until I met
+my charming sweetheart in Old Mexico. I had perhaps been too much
+absorbed in the wild life of the plains, in the horses, and cattle which
+made up my world, to have the time or inclination to seek or enjoy the
+company of the gentler sex. But now that I had met my fate, I suppose I
+became as silly about it as any tenderfoot from the east could possibly
+be, as evidence of how badly I was hit. While on the trail with the herd
+our route lay along a narrow gauge railroad, and I was feeling up in the
+air caused no doubt partly from the effects of love and partly from the
+effects of Mexican whiskey, a generous measure I had under my belt,
+however I was feeling fine, so when the little engine came puffing along
+in the distance I said to the boys I have roped nearly everything that
+could be roped, so now I am going to rope the engine. They tried to
+persuade me not to make the attempt, but I was in no mood to listen to
+reason or anything else, so when the engine came along I put my spurs to
+my horse and when near enough I let fly my lariat. The rope settled
+gracefully around the smoke stack, and as usual my trained horse set
+himself back for the shock, but the engine set both myself and my horse
+in the ditch, and might have continued to set us in places had<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_125" id="Page_125">[Pg 125]</a></span><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_124" id="Page_124">[Pg 124]</a></span> not
+something given way, as it was the rope parted, but the boys said
+afterwards that they thought they would have to send for a wrecking
+train to clean the track or rather the ditch.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter">
+             <img   src="images/ld035.jpg" width="800" height="450"
+             alt="I Rope a Narrow Gauge Engine, my Lariat Settled
+Gracefully Around the Smokestack and my Trained Horse Set Himself for
+the Shock, but the Engine Set Both Myself and my Horse in the Ditch" /><br />
+         <b>I Rope a Narrow Gauge Engine, my Lariat Settled
+Gracefully Around the Smokestack and my Trained Horse Set Himself for
+the Shock, but the Engine Set Both Myself and my Horse in the Ditch</b>
+    </div>
+
+
+<p>Roping a live engine is by long odds worse than roping wild Buffalo on
+the plains or Uncle Sam's cannon at the forts. This incident cleared the
+atmosphere somewhat, but my love was as strong as ever and I thanked my
+lucky start she did not see me as they dragged me out of the ditch.</p>
+
+<p>I first saw my sweetheart as we were driving the herd along the dusty
+road, passing a small adobe house near the city of Old Mexico. I saw a
+handsome young Spanish girl standing in the yard and I suppose I fell in
+love with her at first sight, anyway I pretended to be very thirsty and
+rode up and asked her for a drink. She gave it to me and I exchanged a
+few words with her before joining the boys and the herds.</p>
+
+<p>After that I saw her quite often during my stay in Old Mexico before we
+again returned home. One day shortly before I was to leave for the North
+I went to see her and overheard a conversation between her and her
+mother, in which her mother said to her: "My daughter will you leave
+your mother for to go with the wild cowboy?" And she answered no mother
+I will not leave you to go with any wild cowboy. On hearing this I bid
+her goodbye and a long farewell, as I told her I did not expect to ever
+see her again. Then leaping to the back of my faithful horse I rode like
+mad across the Mexican plains, until I had somewhat cooled down, but it
+was a hard blow to me, as I truly loved her. After that I joined the
+boys and returned up the trail with them. Six or seven months later we
+were again in Old Mexico with a herd of cattle and went in camp some
+distance out from the city, and as soon as she heard our outfit had
+returned she rode out to the camp and after looking around and not
+seeing me, she said to the camp boss, "Where is the wild cowboy that was
+here with you last time? Did he not come up the trail with you". The
+boss told her I had come up the trail but that I had not been seen since
+crossing the last mountains as of course he knew whom she meant as my
+little love affair was pretty<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_127" id="Page_127">[Pg 127]</a></span><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_126" id="Page_126">[Pg 126]</a></span> generally known among the boys. When the
+boss told her that I had not been seen since they had crossed the last
+mountains, she hung her head and looked completely heart broken. I was
+lying in the mess wagon at the time an interested spectator of all that
+took place, and seeing her looking so downhearted I could hardly
+restrain myself from jumping out of the wagon and taking her in my arms.
+After a time she slowly raised her head and looked long and wistfully up
+the trail. Then turning to the camp boss again she said, "Camp boss tell
+me truly if Nat Love works with you and did he come on this trip with
+you". The boss answered her as before that I had not been seen since
+crossing the last mountains, which was true as I had been riding in the
+mess wagon. On hearing the boss' answer she took it as final and started
+to ride away.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter">
+             <img   src="images/ld036.jpg" width="800" height="405"
+             alt="The First Glimpse of My Spanish Sweetheart" /><br />
+         <b>The First Glimpse of My Spanish Sweetheart</b>
+    </div>
+
+
+<p>I thought it high time to make my presence known, as with the sight of
+her, all my old love returned, and I forgot every thing except that I
+loved her. So I jumped out of the wagon exclaiming here I am, and in a
+minute we were locked in each others arms and I believe I kissed her
+before all the boys, but I didn't care, she was mine now. We became
+engaged and were to be married in the fall and were to make our home in
+the city of Mexico, but in the spring she took sick and died. Her death
+broke me all up and after I buried her I became very wild and reckless,
+not caring what happened to me and when you saw me in the saddle you saw
+me at home, and while I saw many women since I could never care for any
+as I did for her. And I vainly tried to forget her and my sorrow in the
+wild life of the plains and every danger I could find courting death in
+fights with Indians and Mexicans and dare devil riding on the range, but
+it seemed to me that I bore a charmed life. Horses were shot from under
+me, men were killed around me, but always I escaped with a trifling
+wound at the worst. As time passed I began to recover from my
+disappointment and to take my old interest in the work of the ranch, and
+as my reputation had spread over the country I did not lack work, but
+was kept on the go all the time, first with one large cattle owner, then
+with another. Most of my working being in the round ups and brandings,
+brand reading, and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_129" id="Page_129">[Pg 129]</a></span><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_128" id="Page_128">[Pg 128]</a></span> with large herds on the trail, as during my long
+experience in the cattle country I had traveled every known trail, and
+over immense stretches of country where there was no sign of a trail,
+nothing but the wide expanse of prairie; bare except for the buffalo
+grass, with here and there a lone tree or a giant cactus standing as a
+lone sentinel in the wildest of long stretches of grazing land rolling
+away in billows of hill and gully, like the waves of the ocean. Likewise
+I could read, identify and place every brand or mark placed on a horse
+or steer between the Gulf of Mexico and the borders of Canada, on the
+North and from Missouri to California. Over this stretch of country I
+have often traveled with herds of horses or cattle or in searching for
+strays or hunting the noble buffalo on his own native feeding grounds.
+The great buffalo slaughter commenced in the west in 1874, and in 1877
+they had become so scarce that it was a rare occasion when you came
+across a herd containing more than fifty animals where before you could
+find thousands in a herd. Many things were responsible for the
+slaughter, but the principal reason that they had now become so scarce
+was that in 1875 and 1876 the Indians started to kill them in large
+numbers for their skins. Thousands were killed by them, skinned and the
+carcasses left as food for the wolves and vultures of the prairie. Many
+were killed by the white hunters to furnish meat for the railroad
+graders and the troups at the frontier forts.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter">
+             <img   src="images/ld037.jpg" width="800" height="371"
+             alt="Does the Wild Cow Boy Work With You?" /><br />
+         <b>"Does the Wild Cow Boy Work With You?"</b>
+    </div>
+
+
+<p>While the big cattle ranches were always kept well supplied with buffalo
+meat, on the stock of my rifle is one hundred and twenty-six notches,
+each one representing a fine buffalo that has fallen to my own hand,
+while some I have killed with the knife and 45 colts, I forgot to cut a
+notch for. Buffalo hunting, a sport for kings, thy time has passed.
+Where once they roamed by the thousands now rises the chimney and the
+spire, while across their once peaceful path now thunders the iron
+horse, awakening the echoes far and near with bell and whistle, where
+once could only be heard the sharp crack of the rifle or the long
+doleful yelp of the coyote. At the present time the only buffalo to be
+found are in the private parks of a few men who are preserving them for
+pleasure or profit.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_130" id="Page_130">[Pg 130]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>With the march of progress came the railroad and no longer were we
+called upon to follow the long horned steers or mustangs on the trail,
+while the immense cattle ranges, stretching away in the distance as far
+as the eye could see, now began to be dotted with cities and towns and
+the cattle industry which once held a monopoly in the west, now had to
+give way to the industry of the farm and the mill. To us wild cowboys of
+the range, used to the wild and unrestricted life of the boundless
+plains, the new order of things did not appeal, and many of us became
+disgusted and quit the wild life for the pursuits of our more civilized
+brother. I was among that number and in 1890 I bid farewell to the life
+which I had followed for over twenty years.</p>
+
+<p>It was with genuine regret that I left the long horn Texas cattle and
+the wild mustangs of the range, but the life had in a great measure lost
+its attractions and so I decided to quit it and try something else for a
+while. During my life so far I had no chance to secure an education,
+except the education of the plains and the cattle business. In this I
+recognize no superior being. Gifted with a splendid memory and quick
+observation I learned and remembered things that others passed by and
+forgot, and I have yet to meet the man who can give me instruction in
+the phases of a life in which I spent so long. After quitting the cowboy
+life I struck out for Denver. Here I met and married the present Mrs.
+Love, my second love. We were married August 22, 1889, and she is with
+me now a true and faithful partner, and says she is not one bit jealous
+of my first love, who lies buried in the city of Old Mexico.</p>
+
+<p>One year later, in 1890, I accepted a position in the Pullman service on
+the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad, running between Denver and Salida,
+Colorado. The Pullman service was then in its infancy, so to speak, as
+there was as much difference between the Pullman sleeping cars of those
+days and the present as there is between the ox team and the
+automobile.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter">
+             <img   src="images/img038.jpg" width="378" height="600"
+             alt="My First Experience as a Pullman Porter" /><br />
+         <b>My First Experience as a Pullman Porter</b>
+    </div>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_131" id="Page_131">[Pg 131]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XVIII" id="CHAPTER_XVIII"></a>CHAPTER XVIII.</h2>
+
+<blockquote><h4>THE PULLMAN SERVICE. LIFE ON THE RAIL. MY FIRST TRIP. A SLUMP IN TIPS. I
+BECOME DISGUSTED AND QUIT. A PERIOD OF HUSKING. MY NEXT TRIP ON THE
+PULLMAN. TIPS AND THE PEOPLE WHO GIVE THEM.</h4></blockquote>
+
+
+<p>After my marriage in Denver, I rented a small cottage which I
+comfortably furnished and we, Mrs. Love and myself, started to
+housekeeping in a modest way. Then I began to look around for a job, but
+to a man who was used to the excitement and continual action of the
+range and the cattle ranches, the civilized and quiet life of the city
+is apt to prove stale and uninteresting. It was that way with me, and
+after passing up several jobs offered to me I thought I would try
+railroading for awhile, probably for the same reason that prompted me to
+leave home twenty years before; I still wanted to see the world. With
+that idea in mind, I went to the Pullman offices in Denver, and after
+making some inquiries I was directed to the office of Superintendent
+Rummels who was at that time superintendent of the Pullman service.</p>
+
+<p>A Mr. Wright was his assistant. I found Superintendent Rummels in his
+office, and I asked him if he wanted to hire any more porters. He asked
+me if I had ever worked for the Pullman company. I told him no that I
+had been a cowboy ever since I was 16 years old. He then asked me if I
+had money enough to buy my pullman uniform. I asked him how much it
+would cost and he said $22.00. I told him yes, I had the price. He asked
+me if I knew any one in Denver. I told him yes and gave him the name of
+Mr. Sprangler who had my money in his bank. Supt. Rummels told me to get
+a letter from Mr. Sprangler and he would put me on. So I went and got
+the letter and with it the money to pay for my uniform, after having my
+measure taken and sending for my suit. I borrowed a uniform from one of
+the other porters and the sec<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_132" id="Page_132">[Pg 132]</a></span>ond day after I called on the
+superintendent I was sent on the run between Denver and Salida. One of
+the old men put me on to my duties and showed me how to make up my car
+and the general run of things.</p>
+
+<p>On my first trip I found a kind friend in the Pullman conductor, a Mr.
+Keely, who helped me in many ways and I suppose I made many blunders as
+the difference between a Pullman car and the back of a Texas mustang is
+very great. However I managed to get around among the passengers in my
+car, and attend to their needs in some sort of a way.</p>
+
+<p>My first trouble commenced when I succeeded in getting the shoes of
+passengers which had been given to me to polish, badly mixed up. The
+shoes of a portly red faced man whose berth was in the forward end of
+the car, I placed by the berth of a tall and slim western yankee at the
+other end of the car, while a number 7 and a number 9 shoe were placed
+decorously by the berth of a sour spinster from New York. This naturally
+caused a good sized rumpus the next morning. And sundry blessings were
+heaped on the head of yours truly. Nearly all the passengers were mad
+and the tips were conspicuous by their absence. That made me mad and
+thoroughly disgusted with the job. On returning to Denver I again called
+on Superintendent Rummels and told him that I had enough of the Pullman
+service, and would rather go back to the cattle and the range.
+Superintendent Rummels tried to persuade me to stay with it saying I had
+done all right, and would improve with experience but I was thoroughly
+disgusted and wanted no more of it, so I turned in my keys, got my
+uniform and walked out. So again I was without a job.</p>
+
+<p>After going around Denver for several days, it struck me that there was
+money to be made selling fruit, vegetables, honey and chickens around
+the town. Accordingly I purchased a horse and wagon and an assorted
+stock and started out on my new vocation. This proved profitable from
+the start and I made good money which caused me to stay with it for
+nearly a year, when my natural restfulness caused me to become
+discontented and to yearn for more excitement and something a little
+faster so I disposed of my stock, horse and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_133" id="Page_133">[Pg 133]</a></span> wagon, and started out to
+look for something else to do, but that something else was about as hard
+to find as the proverbial needle in the straw stack, at that particular
+time. Whether it was fate or the talk of the other porters whom I met I
+finally concluded to give the Pullman service another try. Accordingly I
+called on Mr. J. M. Smith who was now district superintendent of the
+Pullman service and asked him for a job. He asked me if I had been in
+the company's service before and I told him yes. He asked me how long
+and I told him one trip, and I told him why I quit, and that the tips
+were too slow for me. He asked me if I thought it was any better now,
+and I said I did not know whether it was any better or not but that I
+thought I could do better.</p>
+
+<p>He told me the whole secret of success was in pleasing all my
+passengers. I told him I thought it was all right about pleasing two or
+three passengers but when it came to pleasing a whole car full of
+passengers, that was another matter. He said to try anyway. He than
+assigned me to a car running on the narrow gauge line between Denver and
+Alamosa, Creed and Durango. This was the real beginning of my Pullman
+service.</p>
+
+<p>I ran on the Colorado roads under Superintendent Smith for a number of
+years and always found him courteous and obliging, always ready and
+willing to help us with advice and counsel, but what proved a mystery to
+me for a long time was how the superintendent managed to find out things
+that happened on my car when he was not present. Sometimes when I went
+to report or met him he would question me about things that happened on
+my run, such as pleasing the passengers and other things, which I did
+not suppose he knew a thing about and inquiries among the other trainmen
+only deepened the mystery.</p>
+
+<p>I would ask the Pullman conductor if he told the superintendent such and
+such a thing and he would say no. Then I would ask him how the
+superintendent knew about them as he was not on the train. He would say
+he did not know. This kept up until finally I made up my mind that if
+there ever was a clairvoyant the superintendent certainly was one.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_134" id="Page_134">[Pg 134]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>The fact that he was able to find out things that happened hundreds of
+miles away without any one telling him, kept me worked up for a long
+time until I finally tumbled to the special agents who are employed to
+travel as common passengers and report how things are going to the
+superintendent. That explained the whole mystery, but it did not in any
+way make me move easy in my mind, because if a special agent was along
+one trip, there was no reason to think that one was not along every
+trip. At least I made up my mind there was, and governed myself
+accordingly, but the increased attention given to my passengers as a
+result caused an increase in the tips, that came my way. With the
+increase in my earnings and the experience I was gaining I came to have
+a liking for the service, which is in no wise diminished at this time. I
+soon learned the knack of pleasing the greater number of my passengers,
+and this reported to the superintendent by the special agents raised me
+in the official's favor with the result that I was given more extensive
+and more profitable runs and soon became one of the most popular porters
+in Colorado. This brought with it increased responsibilities as well as
+increased profits and favors enjoyed.</p>
+
+<p>When I started to work it was for $15.00 per month this has been
+increased from time to time until at present owing to my long service
+and having gained a thorough knowledge of my business, I am often made
+porter in charge. This position pays me as high as $40.00 per month. The
+difference between a porter and a porter in charge is that a porter
+generally has a car over which a Pullman conductor presides, which the
+porter in charge owing to his long service and his knowledge of the
+business is placed in full charge of a car, making the services of a
+Pullman conductor unnecessary. A porter in the employ of the Pullman
+company for ten years and giving good service for that time receives
+from the company two suits of clothes per year, and other privileges not
+enjoyed by the beginner.</p>
+
+<p>A porter just beginning in the service has to purchase his own uniform,
+the cost of which is never less than $20.00 for the summer suit or
+$22.00 for the winter suit. After five years<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_135" id="Page_135">[Pg 135]</a></span> of good service a porter
+is entitled to wear one white stripe on his coat sleeve to which one is
+added for every succeeding five years of good service. Naturally the
+porter that understands his business and gives his whole attention to
+the passengers in his car and to his work, will make more money than the
+porter who has not the patience to try and please his passengers. I have
+had porters complain to me about the small amount they were able to earn
+in the service and on questioning them I found it was wholly because
+they did not think it necessary to try and make friends of the people in
+their car. I early recognized the fact that if I expected to succeed in
+the Pullman service I must make all the friends I could on my runs, and
+the cases are very rare where I have failed to receive a tip of some
+kind from my passengers, although as it happens sometimes I have people
+in my car who are not very well blessed with this world's goods, and who
+can ill afford to spend money in tips. To such people I always give the
+same attention and care, as if I was sure to receive a $10 tip, and they
+rarely failed to give me a kind thank you, on leaving my car. In the
+course of our duties we naturally meet all manner of people, the
+business man out for business or pleasure, the drummers who nearly
+always give us a tip; the wife going to join her sick husband or the
+husband hurrying home to the bedside of his sick child; the invalid in
+search of health, or the family going home to attend the funeral of a
+loved one; the young man going to be married, and the young couple on
+their honeymoon; the capitalist, the miner, the sportsman and the vast
+army of people that go to make up the traveling public, who like the
+sands of the desert are forever shifting around from place to place, and
+with whom we porters are brought in closer contact perhaps than any one
+else on their travels. We must necessarily be good judges of human
+nature to be able to please the majority of the people who travel under
+our care. We nearly always receive a tip from those who ride with us for
+any distance. The size of the tip often depends on the mode of the
+passenger giving it. Even those who ride with us only a short distance
+often give us a tip of more generous proportions than will the man who
+has ridden with us<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_136" id="Page_136">[Pg 136]</a></span> several thousands of miles. The superintendent
+himself when he rides in our car, we are sure to receive from him 25
+cents or 50 cents for a day or a day's ride.</p>
+
+<p>The smallest tip I have received from a passenger during my service was
+2 cents. This amount I received from a rather cranky individual, who
+when I went to brush him off handed me two copper cents and followed
+them up with the remark that some of us porters needed calling down and
+some needed knocking down. My opinion if what he needed caused me to
+smile, wherein he wanted to know what I was smiling at. Needless to say
+I did not feel like wasting any more breath on him so I bundled his
+boxes and satchel out on the platform and left him to follow at his
+leisure.</p>
+
+<p>The largest tips I ever received from a single traveler was $25.00 given
+me by one of the Rothschilds whom I brought from Chicago to Frisco, but
+this has been largely surpassed several times in car tips or trips. The
+Knights Templar one of whose cars I had charge of between Denver and
+Boston made, up a purse of $150.00 and presented it to me with the
+compliments of the passengers in recognition of the good service I had
+rendered them. While in charge of the private car of General Manager
+Fisher in a trip through California and Mexico, Mr. Fisher made up a
+purse of $75.00 for me, in recognition of my attentions to the members
+of his party. But the man who gave me 5 cents received as much attention
+from me as the man who gives me $5.00. It is perhaps all he can afford
+and the manner in which he gives it often makes up for the smallness of
+the tip.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_137" id="Page_137">[Pg 137]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIX" id="CHAPTER_XIX"></a>CHAPTER XIX.</h2>
+
+<blockquote><h4>THE PULLMAN SLEEPING CAR. LONG TRIPS ON THE RAIL. THE WRECK. ONE TOUCH
+OF NATURE MAKES THE WHOLE WORLD KIN. A FEW OF THE RAILROADS OVER WHICH I
+HAVE TRAVELED. THE INVALID AND THE CARE WE GIVE THEM.</h4></blockquote>
+
+
+<p>The modern Pullman sleeping car is a veritable palace on wheels
+furnished in the best materials, without regard to expense, comfort,
+convenience and the safety of the passengers being the main object. To
+say that the builders of the Pullman cars have succeeded in attaining
+this object is but a mild expression. Fine carpets cover the floors, the
+seats and chairs are upholstered in the best and softest of material,
+while every convenience is provided for the use of the lucky mortal who
+is called across the continent on business or pleasure, and whose
+pleasure it is to travel and sleep in the Pullman sleeping car of the
+present day. The traveler of today when he has to go from Chicago to San
+Francisco, simply throws a few things in a grip, is driven to the Union
+terminal station in Chicago, where he secures a through ticket and a
+sleeping car berth. At the car steps he is met by the Pullman porter who
+relieves him of his grip and assists him on the train if necessary. From
+that time until four days later when he arrives in San Francisco, he has
+no more care. If he wishes to write letters there is a handy writing
+tablet with stationery and everything needful. He can write his letters
+and hand them to the porter to mail and continue his perusal of the
+morning paper. If he gets hungry he has but to step in the dining car,
+where he will find viands fit for a king. If he wants a shave or a
+haircut, the barber is in the next car. If he wants to view the scenery
+en route, the observation car is but a few steps away. When he gets
+sleepy and wishes to retire he presses the electric button<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_138" id="Page_138">[Pg 138]</a></span> at his elbow
+and the porter will do the rest, but if he prefers to lay in his
+luxurious bed and read, he has but to turn on the electric light at his
+bedside and he can read as long as he pleases, and when he arrives at
+San Francisco he will be cleanly shaven, nicely brushed, with his shoes
+freshly shined, and on the outside of a good breakfast, ready to tackle
+at once the business or the pleasure that brought him across the
+continent. Or, if the traveler prefers, he may swing aboard the
+magnificently equipped and royally appointed Los Angeles Limited, one of
+the finest through trains that this mundane sphere can boast. Catch this
+train in Chicago, which you may do any day in the year, and it will
+carry you with safety, speed and comfort over the fertile farms, meadows
+and plains; through the City of the Saints on the second day; then
+around the Great Dead Sea of America, over the sage brush plains and
+grazing ranges of southern Nevada, and into the Land of Sunshine and
+Flowers and the City of the Angels on the third day after leaving your
+home in Chicago.</p>
+
+<p>What a contrast to the mode of travel our grandfathers were forced to
+adopt, a decade ago, when the old ox team and the prairie schooner
+wended its slow way over the mountains and plains, over trails in every
+turn of which lurked danger and death. "Verily the sun do move." During
+my service with the Pullman company I have traveled from the Atlantic to
+the Pacific and from the Gulf of Mexico to the borders of Canada, over
+nearly all the many different lines of railroad that makes the map of
+North America look like a spider had been crawling over it in search of
+a fly. I have visited all the principal cities and towns where the sound
+of the bell and the whistle is heard, and I have in a great measure
+satisfied my desire to see the country. Among the great lines of railway
+over which I have traveled are the Union Pacific, whose overland
+limited, the Atlantic Express and the Portland-Chicago Special, are the
+acme of quick, safe and comfortable travel. The overland limited is
+electric lighted, steam heated and contains every known luxury and
+convenience of travel. The Denver and Rio Grande Railroad is noted the
+world over<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_139" id="Page_139">[Pg 139]</a></span> for its quick time, fine scenery, comfort and safety. The
+Southern Pacific, the Baltimore &amp; Ohio Southwestern, the Missouri
+Pacific between St. Louis and all points east all electric lighted
+trains with observation, parlor, cafe dining cars and Pullman sleeping
+cars; the Chicago &amp; Northwestern, whose through train service to Chicago
+and the East from San Francisco, Los Angeles, Portland, Salt Lake, Ogden
+and Denver is not excelled in any land; the Illinois Central Railroad,
+whose eight track entrance to Chicago from the south along the lake
+front is one of the triumphs of Yankee railroading, and whose train
+service is elegant in the extreme. The Pennsylvania lines which will
+take you from Chicago to New York in eighteen hours and make you feel
+thoroughly comfortable while doing it. The Louisville and Nashville
+Railroad, whose lines reach every town and hamlet in the solid South.
+The Nickel Plate road, the direct line from Chicago to New York, Boston
+and all points east, all trains of the Nickel Plate road arrive and
+depart from the new LaSalle Street station, one of the finest railroad
+stations in the country. The Santa Fe, from whose trains you can view
+some of the finest scenery in the Rocky Mountains, including the Grand
+Canyon of Arizona, a mile deep, thirteen miles wide, two hundred and
+seventeen miles long and painted like a flower. The Lehigh Valley
+Railroad to Chicago, New York and Philadelphia, from whose car windows
+one may view the world-famous Niagara Falls. The Colorado &amp; Southern,
+the Colorado road over which travel is one continuous delight. The San
+Pedro, Los Angeles and Salt Lake Railroad, one of the youngest but by no
+means the least of railroads, the road that lies as straight as the crow
+flies, linking together the City of the "Saints" and the City of the
+"Angels." The snow-capped Rocky Mountains and the sun-kissed shores of
+the Pacific Ocean, the dead sea and the live sea; the railroad that
+makes it possible to have a sleigh ride with your second wife in the
+City of the "Saints" on Sunday and pick flowers and eat oranges with
+your first wife in the City of the "Angels" on Tuesday. Over this line I
+am running at present, and while it has only been in operation a short
+time,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_140" id="Page_140">[Pg 140]</a></span> yet the time and service equals and in some cases surpasses the
+time and service of the great Trunk Lines of the east. We often make
+ninety miles an hour over the standard gauge roadbed, that equals any in
+this country. The cars are all new, the engines are the latest
+up-to-date kind. The cars are built for comfort and convenience, the
+trains are all electric lighted, steam heated and have every modern
+convenience for the safety and comfort of the passengers. This road, in
+common with some of the eastern roads employs chair car porters in
+addition to the Pullman porters. On all trains from Salt Lake to Los
+Angeles there are three or four Pullman porters and one chair car
+porter.</p>
+
+<p>All trains have dining cars, which are in reality magnificent dining
+rooms, where three times a day the dainties of the season are prepared
+by a competent chef to satisfy the most discriminating inner man. The
+furnishings of these cars, the fine linen, the artistic glass, china and
+silverware, are guaranteed to make you enjoy your meal, even if you have
+got dyspepsia. Besides the dining car and the Pullman sleeping cars,
+there is attached to all overland trains on the Salt Lake route, a
+through tourist sleeper, which differs from the Pullman sleeper only in
+a slight difference in the furnishings. The service is the same, but the
+cost of a berth in them between Salt Lake and Los Angeles is just
+one-half that of the standard sleeper. I have never run on a road where
+better service, more courteous treatment or better time was made than on
+the S. P., L. A. &amp; S. L. Railroad.</p>
+
+<p>In these latter years, when progress is the watchword of the railroads
+in common with the other industries of the country, no expense or pains
+are spared by the railroad people to add to the comfort, enjoyments,
+safety and convenience of the traveling public, until now it is about as
+safe to travel as it is to stay at home, and not much if any more
+expensive. But in spite of all safeguards adopted by the railroads a
+wreck occurs once in a while the same as accidents occur at home.</p>
+
+<p>The first wreck I was in the train struck a split switch with the result
+that the cars turned over and piled up in a<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_141" id="Page_141">[Pg 141]</a></span> ditch. That happened in
+Colorado. We were forced to crawl out through the windows, like a
+prairie dog out of his hole. No one was killed but the passengers were
+all pretty well shaken up and somewhat scared. As soon as the cars got
+comfortably piled up and the passengers were able to speak they all
+commenced yelling for the porter. But at that particular moment the
+porter was busy rubbing his shins and assuring himself there was nothing
+to be scared about. The passengers at such times are apt to forget that
+the porter is as scared as they are, and has forgotten all about tips
+and such commonplace matters as that, but after he gets his wits about
+him he loses no time in looking after his flock, and rendering
+assistance to such of his passengers as need it, and most of them do
+need assistance of some kind if for no other reason than to be assured
+that they are not hurt. The Pullman porter of today must be a very
+versatile sort of a person, he must have plenty of patience, be a good
+judge of human nature, quick, kind and observant. Many are the times a
+gouty and crusty passenger has traveled in my car, who was in such a bad
+humor that it was next to impossible to please him, yet before he had
+ridden a hundred miles with me, I had him in good humor and laughing
+with the rest of the passengers. "Laugh and the whole world laughs with
+you."</p>
+
+<p>It is by no means an uncommon thing for us porters to be called upon to
+turn nurse for sick or invalid passengers in our car, and often have I
+watched by the bedside of a sick passenger, feeding him, giving him
+medicine, bathing him and in fact becoming for the time being a hospital
+nurse, and many are the blessings I have received from my sick
+passengers, both men and women, whose pain I have eased, and their last
+moments on earth I have cheered. And this, dear reader, we do in the
+name of humanity and not in the name of tips.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_142" id="Page_142">[Pg 142]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XX" id="CHAPTER_XX"></a>CHAPTER XX.</h2>
+
+<blockquote><h4>THE TOURIST SLEEPING CAR. THE CHAIR CAR. THE SAFEGUARDS OF MODERN
+RAILROADING. SEE AMERICA, THEN LET YOUR CHEST SWELL WITH PRIDE THAT YOU
+ARE AN AMERICAN.</h4></blockquote>
+
+
+<p>The Pullman tourist sleeping car, which you can find on all through
+trains of the different railroads throughout the United States, are to
+the traveler of moderate means what the Pullman car is to the
+millionaire traveler. They are designed for the comfort and convenience
+of the traveling public to whom the expenditure of a dollar more or less
+is a matter of moment, and who cannot afford or do not care for the
+small extra show and tinsel of the Pullman sleeping car, but whose only
+desire is to make their journey pleasant, comfortable and safe. This
+they can do as well in the tourist as in the standard sleeping car.</p>
+
+<p>There is a difference in price that will amount to a tidy sum in a long
+trip across the continent, but that fact does not always appeal to the
+traveling public, as I have had the poorest of passengers in the palace
+car and at other times a millionaire and his family would be my
+passengers in the tourist cars. It seems to me a matter of fact and one
+which my long experience seems to verify, that the American traveler
+does not care so much about his comfort as his ability to get there, as
+the average American traveler is always in a hurry and in nine cases out
+of ten, he is thinking more about the speed of the train than he is
+about his immediate surroundings or the price he had paid for his
+ticket. The railroads, knowing this, have made and are continually
+making every effort to add to the speed and safety of their trains, but
+traveling long distances is a tiresome matter at the best and for that
+reason the railroads are continually making improvements with a view to
+add to the comfort, convenience and pleasure of the traveler, and in a
+journey such as one from<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_143" id="Page_143">[Pg 143]</a></span> Chicago to Los Angeles, for instance, there is
+no time to stop for meals and such trivial matters as a shave, as time
+is money lost to most of the passengers and to the railroad company
+also. For that reason the sleeping car is provided that you may sleep
+with as much comfort as if you were in your own home, the dining car is
+provided to furnish you a good meal on the fly and at a price that all
+can afford. The library and drawing room cars are provided, where you
+can make yourself as comfortable as you can in your own house. The
+porter will get your morning paper, furnish you with writing materials
+or your morning high ball, and look after you like a hen after her
+brood.</p>
+
+<p>But on all railroads there are rules governing the passengers as well as
+the employees, the same as there are in all lines of business. A
+passenger may not, for instance, smoke in the body of the Pullman car,
+but must retire to the drawing room or his stateroom. As an instance in
+point, I had J. J. Corbett for a passenger in my car between Ogden and
+Chicago, a gentleman who was at that time in the height of his career
+and naturally thought he owned the earth or a large part of it, at any
+rate he came in the sleeper from the dining car, lit a cigar, propped
+his feet upon the opposite seat and prepared for a comfortable smoke.
+But it was against the rules to smoke in that part of the car, so I
+approached him and politely requested him not to smoke in that part of
+the car. He regarded me a few moments and with a sneer said, "So you are
+Mr. Pullman, are you?" I told him I was not Mr. Pullman, but I was in
+charge of one of Mr. Pullman's cars, and for that reason I was a
+representative of Mr. Pullman, and that it was strictly against the
+rules to smoke in that part of the car, and that if he wished to smoke
+he would have to go to the drawing room. He went, but the sleeping car
+conductor, who had watched the incident, told me I had better look out
+or Corbett would have my scalp. I told the conductor I was not scared
+and that if Corbett hadn't gotten out I would have thrown him out, all
+of which I meant, but the conductor shook his head and said to look out.
+Sure enough the matter was reported to the superintendent, but<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_144" id="Page_144">[Pg 144]</a></span> that
+official on hearing the facts in the matter said I had done perfectly
+right, and what I was paid to do.</p>
+
+<p>It is necessary that all passengers as well as all employees shall
+observe the rules of the company, for the benefit, safety and enjoyment
+of all the passengers and employees alike.</p>
+
+<p>All the railroad men I have met from the president down have all proved
+themselves jolly good fellows, kind, considerate and always ready to
+render assistance and service to those in need, but at the same time
+they are strict about the rules and discipline. Thoroughly understanding
+their business themselves, they insist on the beginner obeying
+instructions and the laws of the road, because on that depends the lives
+of hundreds of people, and the value of thousands of dollars worth of
+property, and for the same reason they are expending thousands of
+dollars annually in new appliances, inventions and equipment, that will
+add to the saving of time or insure the safety of the traveler. Among
+the new inventions adopted by the modern railroads are the "Block"
+System, which makes collisions between two trains approaching each other
+on the same track almost an impossibility if the engineer is awake and
+attentive to business. Under this system when the trains approach a
+certain distance of each other a bell is rung in the cab of each
+locomotive simultaneously, and will continue to ring until the danger is
+over. This with the powerful electric headlights now used, with which
+the roadbed is lit up for a distance of five miles, makes a head-on
+collision almost impossible, while the air brakes, heavy rails, solid
+roadbed, doing away with the sharp curves and heavy grades, all add to
+the safety of the passengers and the saving of many miles in travel and
+many precious moments. It has always seemed strange to me that so many
+Americans rush off to Europe and foreign countries every year in search
+of health and pleasure, or to climb the Alps in Switzerland, and to view
+the scenery of the old world, when our own North America, the new world,
+offers so many better opportunities to study Dame Nature in all her
+phases, and I always say to the traveling American, "See America." How
+many of you have done so? Only those who have seen this grand<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_145" id="Page_145">[Pg 145]</a></span> country
+of ours can justly appreciate the grandeur of our mountains and rivers,
+valley and plain, canyon and gorge, lakes and springs, cities and towns,
+the grand evidences of God's handiwork scattered all over this fair land
+over which waves the stars and stripes. Go to New York and view the tall
+buildings, the Brooklyn bridge, the subway, study the works of art to be
+found there, both in statuary and painting, ponder on the vast volume of
+commerce carried on with the outside world. Note the many different
+styles of architecture displayed in the palace of the millionaire and
+the house of the humble tradesman, view the magnificent Hudson river and
+the country homes along its grassy, tree-lined shores, note the ships
+from every clime riding at anchor in the East river. Then speculate on
+the changes that have been wrought in the course of the short time since
+Manhattan Island was purchased from the Indians by Pete Minuts for a few
+blankets and beads amounting in value to $24.00. Then board the
+Pennsylvania Limited, whose trains are the acme of modern railroading
+and go to Washington, the nation's capital city. Walk along Pennsylvania
+avenue and note its beauty. Visit the capitol and let your chest swell
+out with pride that you are an American. Visit the tomb of General Grant
+and the thousand and one magnificent statues scattered throughout the
+city. Visit Annapolis and West Point, where the leaders of the nation's
+navy and army are trained. Walk over the battlefields of Fredricksburg,
+Gettysburg and Lexington, and let your mind speculate on the events that
+made modern history.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter">
+             <img   src="images/img039.jpg" width="406" height="600"
+             alt="This is Where I Shine. Now I am Out for the Money" /><br />
+         <b>This is Where I Shine. Now I am Out for the Money</b>
+    </div>
+
+<p>Note the majestic Potomac and the Washington monument. Take a short trip
+north and see the great Niagara Falls, listen to what they tell you in
+their mighty roaring voice. Go to Pittsburg where the great steel works
+are located, and see how the steel pen and the steel cannon are made. Go
+to Chicago, that western hive of commerce. See the Great Lakes, or
+better still take a cruise on them. Note the great lumber industry of
+Michigan, and the traffic of the lakes. Go to Kansas City and Omaha and
+see the transformation of the Texas steer into the corned beef you ate
+at your<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_146" id="Page_146">[Pg 146]</a></span> last picnic, or was it chipped beef? See the immense stock
+yards with their thousands of cattle, hogs and sheep, and think of the
+thousands of people that they feed. Cross the Missouri river and enter
+on the plains of the great and recently unknown west. Think of the
+pioneer who in 1849 traversed these once barren stretches of prairie,
+walking beside his slow-moving ox team, seeking the promised land,
+breaking a trail for the generations that were to come after him as you
+are coming now in a Pullman car. Think of the dangers that beset him on
+every hand, then wonder at the nerve he had, then again let your chest
+swell with pride that you are an American, sprung from the same stock
+that men were composed of in those days. Note the grandeur of the Rocky
+Mountains as they rise from the plains, their peaks snow-capped,
+glistening in clear blue sky, breathe the pure essence of life, drink of
+the crystal streams twinkling down their sides, then scorn the wine made
+by man. Listen to the salute of the bells and the whistles as the trains
+approach and pass that strange monument of nature's handiwork, the Mount
+of the Holy Cross.</p>
+
+<p>Go to the Yellowstone National Park and revel in the wonders thereof,
+walk in the garden of the Gods and listen to the voice of the Giant
+Geyser as it sends forth its torrents of boiling water. Bathe in the
+life-giving springs and mud baths. Note the fantastic forms of the rocks
+and trees, carved by the hand of nature, then go to Colorado Springs and
+climb Pikes Peak and behold the world stretch out before you in valley,
+mountain and plain. Visit the mines of Leadville and Cripple Creek, the
+store houses of a part of the nation's wealth. Visit Denver and see the
+strides made in the improvement of the west in a short time. Board the
+Denver &amp; Rio Grande train and note the magnificent scenery of mountain,
+canyons, gorges and the beautiful mountain lakes and streams, note the
+Grand Canyon of the Colorado, the royal gorge. Now note the great white
+expanse of the great Salt Lake, as it lies glistening in the rays of the
+setting sun, and think of the stories you have heard of it until the
+conductor brings you back to earth with the cry of "Ogden."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_147" id="Page_147">[Pg 147]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Note this bustling railroad center in the heart of the Rocky mountains,
+and acknowledge our country's greatness. Visit Salt Lake City, the "City
+of Zion," the Canaan of the new world. See the beautiful city nestling
+within the protection of the Warsatch and Oquirrh range of mountains.
+Walk its wide tree-lined streets, visit the tabernacle and hear the
+sweet strains of the world's greatest organs. See the Mormon temple.
+Visit Saltair and sport in the waves of the briny sea. Board the San
+Pedro, Los Angeles and Salt Lake westbound train and cross the end of
+this same lake, one of nature's wonders.</p>
+
+<p>Cross the desert of Nevada, which was only a short time ago a desert
+waste, on and on until you smell the orange blossoms of sunny
+California, and the train emerges from the mountains and brings into
+view the grand Pacific Ocean. See the big trees of California, the seals
+and the scenery of the Yosemite valley. Visit the orange groves and the
+vineyards, and partake of the orange and the grape. Visit Catalina
+Island in the Pacific Ocean, and try a couple of hours fishing in its
+waters. Then take the Southern Pacific and return to New York by way of
+Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, New Orleans, Florida and other southern
+states. Then again let your chest swell with pride that you are an
+American.</p>
+
+<p>I think you will agree with me that this grand country of ours is the
+peer of any in the world, and that volumes cannot begin to tell of the
+wonders of it. Then after taking such a trip you will say with me, "See
+America." I have seen a large part of America, and am still seeing it,
+but the life of a hundred years would be all too short to see our
+country. America, I love thee, Sweet land of Liberty, home of the brave
+and the free.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_148" id="Page_148">[Pg 148]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXI" id="CHAPTER_XXI"></a>CHAPTER XXI.</h2>
+
+<blockquote><h4>A FEW OF THE RAILROAD MEN UNDER WHOM I HAVE SERVED. GEORGE M. PULLMAN.
+THE TOWN OF PULLMAN, ILL. AMERICAN RAILROADS LEAD THE WORLD. A FEW
+FIGURES.</h4></blockquote>
+
+
+<p>Among the large number of railroad men I have served under and worked
+with during the fifteen years I have been on the road it gives me
+pleasure to recall the names of a few with whom I was more intimately
+acquainted and to whom I am indebted for many favors given and
+courtesies extended, and the pleasant duty devolves on me to mention the
+always courteous, obliging and most competent head of the Pullman
+department in Denver, Mr. Runnells, and his assistant, Mr. Wright, who
+sent me out on my first run in 1890. Next comes the well known name of
+District Superintendent J. M. Smith, who one year later sent me out on
+the run that marked the beginning of my Pullman service. To Mr. Smith
+more than to any other railroad man I am indebted for advice, counsel
+and countless favors shown me while I was in the service in the
+department over which he presided so long. I always found him courteous
+and obliging and never too busy to listen or to give a kind word of
+advice or counsel to all who approached him on company business or on
+the private affairs of the employees of the road. I had charge of a car
+for several years in his territory and many a time I have had him for a
+passenger and at such times he seemed more like an old friend than he
+did like the superintendent of the Pullman service.</p>
+
+<p>I next transferred to the Ogden division. Here I met and came to know
+very well Superintendent Baker and his assistant, Johnnie Searce, and to
+these two gentlemen I am also indebted for many favors shown me, as they
+tried in every way possible to make my employment pleasant and
+profitable while I was in their territory. I was sent out on<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_149" id="Page_149">[Pg 149]</a></span> runs that
+covered the greater portions of the United States, and while on some of
+my longer runs I often started from and returned to stations in
+different districts under different superintendents, but I always looked
+on Ogden as my home station and Superintendent Baker as my chief until
+another superintendent was given charge of the district and I
+transferred to Salt Lake and started to run on Senator Clark's new road,
+the S. P., L. A. &amp; S. L. road, between Salt Lake and Los Angeles, under
+the superintendency of Mr. Twining and his assistant, Mr. Cotten, and
+these gentlemen also during the time I have been with them have shown me
+every favor and consideration, which goes far towards making my work a
+pleasure. In this connection also I mention the names of Jim Donohue,
+traveling engineer; W. H. Smith, trainmaster, and P. Randoff Morris and
+Jos. Jones, special agents, all jolly railroad men from A to Izard.</p>
+
+<p>During my fifteen years' service I have met and served under many
+different superintendents and to mention the names of them all, would
+require a separate volume, but I will always hold them in kindly
+remembrance as they all have without exception been kindness itself to
+me.</p>
+
+<p>Another old friend I have recently met on the steel road is William H.
+Blood, at present one of the popular conductors on the San Pedro, Los
+Angeles &amp; Salt Lake Railroad. In the early seventies "Billy" was one of
+the best cowboys ranging over the western cattle country. He was with me
+on many of the old trails and in many a tight place, and like myself he
+always came out right side up with care and none the worse for wear.</p>
+
+<p>E. W. Gillett, at present general passenger agent of the Salt Lake road,
+and one of the best known and most popular railroad men of the west, is
+another friend of the old days it is my pleasure to meet often now. I
+first met him under the following circumstances. I think it was in the
+year 1874 along in the fall, I had been up the trail with some cattle
+and was returning through Wyoming en route to Arizona. I had been riding
+hard all day and as it began to get dark I sighted a small station on
+the main line of the Union Pacific,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_150" id="Page_150">[Pg 150]</a></span> and I concluded to give it a
+passing call out of curiosity. As I drew near I noticed several
+rough-looking customers hanging around in a suspicious manner, and I at
+once concluded that they were robbers there for the purpose of holding
+up the station. Events immediately following proved that I was right.
+They had not noticed me and they proceeded to hold up the agent in true
+western style, but that they had caught a tartar was evidenced by the
+rattle of the agent's artillery. Of course it was out of the question
+for me to miss such fun, so not waiting for an invitation I lost no time
+in getting my own forty-fives in active operation, and in less time than
+it takes to tell it what was left of those greasers were making tracks
+for the nearest state line, while a red-headed youngster with a smoking
+45 in his fist was shaking hands with me and trying to say something
+about my saving his life. I took a shine to him at once on account of
+his pluck and our friendship thus begun has lasted through the years
+until now time and fate have thrown us both together on the same line of
+railroad.</p>
+
+<p>The railroad men as a class are the most jovial set of men one could
+find in any profession, well educated, broad minded, and always
+considerate of others and at the same time they know their business
+thoroughly, as they have to serve many years as apprentices, so to
+speak, in railroading, before they are given places of trust and
+responsibility, and the man who has reached the position of president or
+general manager of a railroad system, has learned pretty much all there
+is to be learned about the iron horse and the steel road, and they use
+that knowledge in providing for the safety and comfort of the millions
+of lives that are annually intrusted to their keeping.</p>
+
+<p>The general manager is responsible not only for the lives of the
+traveling public, but of the army or railroad employees under him and he
+is supposed to know everything, and must always be prepared to do the
+right thing in the right place at the right time, and as in many cases
+life and death depend on it, he must know how.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter">
+             <img   src="images/img040.jpg" width="421" height="600"
+             alt="The Close of My Railroad Career" /><br />
+         <b>The Close of My Railroad Career</b>
+    </div>
+
+
+
+<p>A college education does not make a railroad manager,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_151" id="Page_151">[Pg 151]</a></span> although it may
+help to do so. He in a great measure gets his education in the school of
+experience, and in some cases it is a hard school, and the most exacting
+of all schools, but at the same time it is a school in which one can
+learn anything under the sun, and learn it well, and in these days of
+the twentieth century's activity and progress, it is the man who knows
+how to do things that makes the world move. And after boiling everything
+down there is left in the pot two undisputable facts. They are that the
+railroad men cause the world to move by knowing how to do things, the
+other is that the railroad men move the people who live in the world,
+thus they move things all around. And they are continually on the move
+themselves, which goes to prove that they are different from many other
+people inasmuch as they practice what they preach. And from these men of
+all classes from the president down I have received courtesies and the
+kindest of consideration, and these pleasant associations are pleasant
+memories to me and will always remain so.</p>
+
+<p>It was my pleasure to meet and to chat with George M. Pullman, the
+father of the sleeping car, several times, and I found him to be a fine
+man, broad-minded in every sense of the word, always approachable and
+with always a kind word for every one of the large army of his employees
+that he met on his travels, and he always tried to meet them all. It was
+also my pleasure to meet his two boys who are veritable chips of the old
+block.</p>
+
+<p>One of the legends connected with the western mining history is that
+early in the 60s George M. Pullman was a poor prospector and had secured
+a lease on a piece of mining ground in Colorado, and that he formed the
+idea of the sleeping car from the tiers of bunks in the miners' lodging
+house, "bunk houses" they are called. However that may be Mr. Pullman
+has been the recipient of many a blessing from the weary traveler, and
+the idea, whatever it was, that led him to invent the sleeping car that
+has proved such a comfort to the traveler of today, deserves to go down
+in history as the greatest idea that ever came from the place where
+ideas come from.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_152" id="Page_152">[Pg 152]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>It has been my pleasure to visit all the large shops of the Pullman
+company, including the town of Pullman, Ill., which is a good-sized
+city, named after Mr. Pullman, and was owned by him principally, and the
+large number of men employed in his shops there. The town contains fine
+churches and public buildings, a splendid library and reading rooms and
+amusement halls. And while I was there I failed to see a single saloon.
+It seems such places are tabooed there. The shops are the finest in this
+country, containing all the modern machinery of the finest kind and the
+men employed there are all past masters of their trades. Here are built
+all the finest sleeping cars and many of the finest special cars and
+railway cars seen on the railroads of this country. In addition there is
+also a very large amount of repairing done. As soon as anything goes
+wrong with a Pullman car it is at once sent into the shops for repair,
+and soon comes out in apple pie order. You may see the Pullman cars all
+over this country where there is a steel road, and other countries have
+their eyes on the mof late, and in the near future it will be possible
+to sleep in a Pullman car whether you are traveling in England, France,
+Sweden or China. They are a good thing and are sure to be pushed or
+rather pulled along.</p>
+
+<p>In 1893 I went to Mr. Pullman and told him I was thinking of getting the
+porters of the Pullman Car Company to club together and contribute fifty
+cents per month apiece for the purpose of investing the proceeds in
+land, in view of eventually owning what we would call "The Porters'
+Home." Mr. Pullman told me he thought that a good idea, and said if we
+succeeded in buying one thousand acres of land, he would erect us a
+building on it, and signed a statement to that effect.</p>
+
+<p>I then went to work and communicated with all the divisions of the
+Pullman Company, presenting this proposition to the porters of these
+different districts, but only succeeded in getting about twenty-five
+subscribers, the rest of them refusing to go into such a proposition,
+some of them saying all I wanted was to get the money and make away with
+it. Inasmuch as this amount was to be sent to the main Pullman<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_153" id="Page_153">[Pg 153]</a></span> office
+in Chicago and I was to be there each month to see this money deposited.
+Others refused to go into it upon the ground that they were liable to be
+discharged from the Pullman service at any time, and many other various
+excuses were offered. There were many of the Pullman conductors,
+however, who promised to contribute from one to five dollars toward this
+enterprise when we were ready to purchase the land.</p>
+
+<p>My object was to have a Home and Hospital, with adjoining farming land,
+for the benefit of old and disabled porters who were not able to perform
+their duties as Pullman car porters. Had this been accomplished at that
+time, we would by now have had a large farm and a house and hospital
+connected therewith, and all the porters who are now unable to work
+would have had a good home and be cared for the rest of their lives. I
+hope to live long enough to yet see this plan become a reality.</p>
+
+<p>At present the American railway leads the world. In no other country
+does the traveler find so much comfort, so many conveniences, so much
+pleasure, safety and speed as does the dweller in this robust young
+country belonging to our Uncle Samuel. At the present time there are in
+the United States upwards of two hundred and sixty thousand miles of
+railroad open and in operation, not to mention several thousand miles
+now building and projected. This immense mileage is divided between over
+one thousand different roads, while in 1851 there were only 149
+different railroads with a total mileage of 9000 miles. The railroads
+today have a capital back of them amounting to over $14,000,000,000, and
+they pay their employees wages that foot up over $7,000,000 annually,
+while their earnings amount to the tidy sum of $2,500,000,000 in the
+same length of time. They carry somewhat more than 800,000,000
+passengers every twelve months, and 2,200,000,000 tons of freight. These
+figures do not include the several million tons of trunks, sachels,
+grips, hat boxes and carpet bags that the average traveler considers it
+necessary to load him or herself down with on starting on a journey of
+any distance, and which comes in such large quantities sometimes as to
+make life a burden for us porters.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_154" id="Page_154">[Pg 154]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Read these figures again, dear reader, they are a conservative estimate
+of the business transacted by the railroads of this fair land of ours.
+You can count a million, can you count a billion? Immense, isn't it? It
+seems to show that the people of this country are great travelers,
+forever on the move, yet they tell us this is a country of homes and
+that the average American loves his home and home life above all things.
+These figures seem to show there are a few people who havn't any home or
+if they have they are looking for one they like better, which, like the
+will of the wisp, evades them always, but they continue to shift around,
+always hopeful, never satisfied, and they will continue to shift around
+until Gabriel blows on his little tin horn.</p>
+
+<p>But this class of people make but a small percentage of the traveling
+public. Business in this latter day of strife and competition makes long
+journeys necessary, and as the business of the world grows apace and the
+countries of the earth crowd closer together in the struggle for the
+almighty dollar, there will be need of more railroads to make the globe
+smaller and to cut off the hours and minutes of precious time that means
+money to the man of today. And as a man makes and saves money so will he
+spend it for the pleasure of himself and family, and as he must travel
+to find pleasure there must be railroads to carry him, and hence these
+figures I write now will look insignificant beside the magnificent total
+that will be put before the reader of that day, because if they increase
+in the next century as they have in the past, walking will be out of
+fashion and every body will ride and I hope sleep in a Pullman sleeping
+car.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter">
+             <img   src="images/img041.jpg" width="600" height="423"
+             alt="With Wm. Blood, My Old Cowboy Friend, and Other Friends
+at the Close of My Railroad Career" /><br />
+         <b>With Wm. Blood, My Old Cowboy Friend, and Other Friends
+at the Close of My Railroad Career</b>
+    </div>
+
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_155" id="Page_155">[Pg 155]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXII" id="CHAPTER_XXII"></a>CHAPTER XXII.</h2>
+
+<blockquote><h4>A FEW REMINISCENCES OF THE RANGE. SOME MEN I HAVE MET. BUFFALO BILL. THE
+JAMES BROTHERS. YELLOWSTONE KELLEY. THE MURDER OF BUCK CANNON BY BILL
+WOODS. THE SUICIDE OF JACK ZIMICK.</h4></blockquote>
+
+
+<p>It has now been many years since I quit the range, and as my mind
+wanders back over those years as it often does, memories both pleasant
+and sad pass in review and it is but fitting that I record a few of them
+as a final to the history of my life which has been so full of action,
+which is but natural as the men of those days were men of action. They
+had to be, and probably their actions were not all good, that I freely
+admit, but while that is so, it is equally so that their actions were
+not all bad, far from it. And in the history of the frontier there is
+recorded countless heroic deeds performed, deeds and actions that
+required an iron nerve, self denial in all that these words imply, the
+sacrificing of one life to save the life of a stranger or a friend.
+Deeds that stamped the men of the western plains as men worthy to be
+called men, and while not many of them would shine particularly in the
+polite society of today or among the 400 of Gotham, yet they did shine
+big and bright in the positions and at a time when men lived and died
+for a principle, and in the line of duty. A man who went to the far west
+or who claimed it as his home in the early days found there a life far
+different from that led by the dude of Fifth Avenue. There a man's work
+was to be done, and a man's life to be lived, and when death was to be
+met, he met it like a man. It was among such men and surroundings that I
+spent so many years of my life and there I met men some of whom are
+famous now, while others never lived long enough to reach the pinnacle
+of fame, but their memory is held no less sacred by the men who knew
+them well.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_156" id="Page_156">[Pg 156]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Some men I met in the cattle country are now known to the world as the
+baddest of bad men, yet I have seen these men perform deeds of valor,
+self sacrifice and kindness that would cause the deeds recorded as
+performed by gentlemen in "ye olden time when knighthood was in flower"
+to look insignificant in comparison, and yet these men lay no claim to
+the title of gentlemen. They were just plain men.</p>
+
+<p>It was my pleasure to meet often during the early seventies the man who
+is now famous in the old world and the new world, Buffalo Bill (William
+F. Cody), cowboy, ranger, hunter, scout and showman, a man who carried
+his life in his hands day and night in the wild country where duty
+called, and has often bluffed the grim reaper Death to a standstill, and
+is living now, hale, hearty and famous.</p>
+
+<p>Others who are equally famous but in another way are the James brothers,
+Jesse and Frank. I met them often in the old days on the range, and
+became very well acquainted with them and many others of their band.
+Their names are recorded in history as the most famous robbers of the
+new world, but to us cowboys of the cattle country who knew them well,
+they were true men, brave, kind, generous and considerate, and while
+they were robbers and bandits, yet what they took from the rich they
+gave to the poor. The James brothers band stole thousands of dollars;
+yet Jesse was a poor man when he fell a victim to the bullet of a
+cowardly, traitorous assassin, and Frank James is a poor man today. What
+then did they do with the thousands they stole? The answer is simple,
+they gave it away to those who were in need. That is why they had so
+many friends and the officers of the law found it so hard to capture
+them.</p>
+
+<p>And if they were robbers, by what name are we to call some of the great
+trusts, corporations and brokers, who have for years been robbing the
+people of this country, some of them, I am glad to say, are now behind
+prison bars, still others are even now piling up the dollars that they
+have been and are still stealing from the American people, and who on
+account of these same dollars are looked up to, respected and are
+honored members of society, and the only difference be<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_157" id="Page_157">[Pg 157]</a></span>tween them and
+the James brothers is that the James brothers stole from the rich and
+gave to the poor, while these respected members of society steal from
+the poor to make the rich richer, and which of them think you reader,
+will get the benefit of the judgment when the final day arrives and all
+men appear before the great white throne in final judgment?</p>
+
+<p>Jessie James was a true man, a loving son and husband, true to his word,
+true to his principles and true to his comrads and his friends. I had
+the pleasure of meeting Frank James quite recently on the road while he
+was en route to the coast with his theatrical company and enjoyed a
+pleasant chat with him. He knew me and recalled many incidents of the
+old days and happenings in "no man's land."</p>
+
+<p>Quite a different sort of man was Yellowstone Kelley government scout,
+hunter and trapper. He was one of the men who helped to make frontier
+history and open up the pathless wilds to the march of civilization. He
+was in the employ of the government as a scout and guide when I first
+met him, and thereafter during our many wanderings over the country, I
+with my cattle, he with Uncle Sam's soldiers or on a lone scout, we
+often bumped up against each other, and these meetings are among my
+treasured memories. He was a man who knew the country better than he
+knew his own mother, absolutely fearless, kind and generous to a fault.
+He was the sort of a man that once you meet, him you could never forget
+him, and us boys who knew him well considered him the chief of all the
+government scouts of that day. I also had the pleasure of meeting Kit
+Carson in Arizona and nearly all the government scouts, hunters and
+trappers of the western country, and they can all be described in one
+sentence, they were men whom it was a pleasure and an honor to know.</p>
+
+<p>"Billie the Kid" was another sort of a man and there has never been
+another man like him and I don't think there ever will be again. Writers
+claim that he was a man all bad. This I doubt as I knew him well and I
+have known him to do deeds of kindness. He had many traits that go to
+make a good man, but fate and circumstances were against the kid,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_158" id="Page_158">[Pg 158]</a></span> yet I
+know he always remembered a kindness done him and he never forgave an
+enemy. I have rode by his side many a long mile, and it is hard to
+believe he was as bad as he is pictured to be, but the facts are against
+him, and when his career was ended by the bullet from Sheriff Garrett's
+colt, the world was better off, likewise were some men who stood in
+mortal fear of the kid, and I suppose they had good reason to be afraid
+as the kid always kept his word.</p>
+
+<p>During my employment with the Duval outfit and Pete Gallingan I often
+made trips on the trail with herds of cattle and horses belonging to
+other ranch owners, and on these trips many incidents occurred, amusing
+and sad. The following incident happened in the fall of 1878, when I
+went up the trail with the half circle box brand outfit, belonging to
+Arthur Gorman and company.</p>
+
+<p>We had a small herd of horses to take to Dodge City, where we arrived
+after an uneventful trip, and after disposing of the horses we started
+out to do the town as usual. But in this we met an unexpected snag. Our
+bookkeeper, Jack Zimick, got into a poker game and lost all the money he
+had to pay the cowboys off with, which amounted to about two thousand
+dollars, and also about the same amount of the boss' money. The boys had
+about one and a half years' wages coming to them, and consequently they
+were in a rather bad humor when they heard this bit of news. They at
+once got after Zimick so hard that he took me and went to Kinsely, Kas.,
+where Mr. Gorman was. Arriving there he went to the Smith saloon to get
+a room, as Smith ran a rooming house over his saloon, and it was the
+custom for all the cattle men to make it their headquarters when in the
+city. Here he met Mr. Gorman, and we were sitting around the room and
+Zimick had only told Mr. Gorman a few things, when all of a sudden
+Zimick drew his 45 colt revolver remarking as he did so, "Here is the
+last of Jack Zimick." He placed the gun to his head and before we could
+reach him he pulled the trigger, and his brains were scattered all over
+the room.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_159" id="Page_159">[Pg 159]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>They arrested Mr. Gorman and myself and held up for a short time until
+things could be explained. Mr. Gorman was very much overcome by the act,
+as Jack was one of his best men, and had been with him a long time. Mr.
+Gorman had the body sent to Zimick's friends in Boston, and he
+personally paid off all the boys, taking the money out of his own pocket
+to do so, but when the boys heard of Jack's rash deed they said they
+would rather have lost every dollar they had, rather than have had Jack
+kill himself, as he was a favorite among all the cowboys, especially so
+among those in Mr. Gorman's employ. Zimick had been in the employ of
+Gorman and company for over ten years and he was Mr. Gorman's right hand
+man, and this was the first time he ever went wrong. Jack did not have
+the nerve to face his comrades again, and so I suppose he concluded that
+his colt 45 was the only friend he had to help him out of it.</p>
+
+<p>In May 1882, I was in Durango, Colorado, and chanced to be in a saloon
+on Main street where a lot of us boys were together, among them being
+Buck Cannon and Bill Woods. The drinks had been circulating around
+pretty freely when Cannon and Woods got into a dispute over Cannon's
+niece, to whom Woods had been paying attention, much against that young
+lady's wish. After some hot words between the men, Woods drew his 45
+colt revolver, remarking as he did so, "I will kill you," and in raising
+it his finger must have slipped, as his gun went off and the bullet hit
+a glass of beer in the hand of a man who was in the act of raising it to
+his lips, scattering the broken glass all over the room, then passing
+through the ceiling of the saloon. In an instant Woods threw three
+bullets into Cannon, remarking as he did so, "I will kill you, for your
+niece is my heart's delight and I will die for her." Buck Cannon's dying
+words were, "Boys, don't let a good man die with his boots on."</p>
+
+<p>Along in the spring of 1879 we sent to Dodge City, Kansas, with a herd
+of cattle for the market and after they were disposed of, we boys turned
+our attention to the search of amusement. Some of the boys made for the
+nearest saloon and card table, but I heard there was to be a dance at
+Bill<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_160" id="Page_160">[Pg 160]</a></span> Smith's dance hall and in company with some of the other boys
+decided to attend. There was always quite a large number of cowboys in
+Dodge City at this time of the year, so we were not surprised to find
+the dance hall crowded on our arrival there. Smith's place occupied a
+large, low frame building down by the railroad tracks on the south. We
+found many old acquaintances there, among them being Kiowa Bill, a
+colored cattle man and ranch owner of Kansas, whose ranch was on Kiowa
+creek. I had met him several times but this was the first time I had
+seen him in a couple of years, but as he was dancing with a young lady I
+could not get to speak with him at once. So I looked up a wall flower
+and proceeded to enjoy myself. We had not been dancing long when I
+became aware of a commotion over near the bar, and all eyes were turned
+in that direction. I soon ascertained the cause of the commotion to be a
+dispute between Kiowa Bill and Bill Smith, the proprietor of the place,
+who was behind the bar. Kiowa Bill, after finishing the dance with his
+fair partner, took her to the bar to treat her. Smith, who was tending
+bar refused to serve her saying she had enough already. Kiowa Bill told
+Smith he (Kiowa Bill) was paying for what she wanted to drink and that
+he wanted her to get what she wanted. Smith said no, she could not have
+anything more to drink as she had too much already. At this Kiowa Bill
+reached over the bar and struck Smith over the head with a whiskey
+bottle, partly stunning him, but he recovered in an instant and grabbed
+his 45 Colt, Kiowa Bill doing the same and both guns spoke as one. Smith
+fell dead behind the bar with a bullet through his heart. Kiowa Bill
+rolled against the bar and slowly sank to the floor and was dead when we
+reached him.</p>
+
+<p>The next day they were hauled to the cemetery, laying side by side in
+the same wagon, and were buried side by side in the same grave. Kiowa
+Bill had made his will a short time before and it was found on his body
+when he was killed.</p>
+
+<p>I had known Kiowa Bill for several years and was present at a shooting
+scrape he had two years before, down in Texas, near the Arizona line. At
+one of the big round ups there, in 1877, myself and quite a crowd of the
+other boys were in<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_161" id="Page_161">[Pg 161]</a></span> camp eating our dinner when Kiowa Bill rode up. He
+had been looking after his own cattle as he owned over two thousand head
+himself. One of the boys in our party who did not like Bill, there being
+a feud between them for sometime, on noticing Bill approaching,
+remarked, "If that fellow comes here I will rope him." True to his word
+as Bill rode up, the cowboy threw his lariat. Kiowa Bill, seeing the
+movement, threw the rope off at the same time springing down on the
+opposite side of his horse.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter">
+             <img   src="images/img042.jpg" width="412" height="600"
+             alt="With the General Securities Company" /><br />
+         <b>With the General Securities Company</b>
+    </div>
+
+
+<p>The cowboy, enraged at his failure to rope Bill, shouted, "I will fight
+you from the point of a jack knife, to the point of a 45," at the same
+time reaching for his 45 which was in the holster on his saddle, which
+was lying on the ground a short distance away. At that Kiowa Bill fired,
+striking the cowboy in the neck, breaking it. Bill then sprang in the
+saddle and put spurs to his horse in an effort to get away.</p>
+
+<p>Several of the cowboys commenced shooting after Bill who returned the
+fire. One of the cowboys, squatting down and holding his 45 with both
+hands, in an effort to get a better aim on Bill, received a bullet in
+the leg from Bill's revolver that knocked him over backwards, and caused
+him to turn a couple of somersaults. Bill got away and went to New York.
+He was later arrested in St. Louis and brought back. At his trial he
+went free as it was shown that he killed the cowboy in self-defense. And
+his appearance at the dance was the first time I had seen him since the
+scrape in Texas.</p>
+
+<p>Kiowa Bill was of a peaceful disposition and always refrained from
+bothering with others, but if others bothered with him they were liable
+to get killed as Kiowa Bill allowed no one to monkey with him. Such was
+life on the western ranges when I rode them, and such were my comrades
+and surroundings; humor and tragedy. In the midst of life we were in
+death, but above all shown the universal manhood. The wild and free
+life. The boundless plains. The countless thousands of long horn steers,
+the wild fleet footed mustangs. The buffalo and other game, the Indians,
+the delight of living, and the fights against death that caused every
+nerve to tingle, and the every day communion with men, whose minds were<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_162" id="Page_162">[Pg 162]</a></span>
+as broad as the plains they roamed, and whose creed was every man for
+himself and every friend for each other, and with each other till the
+end.</p>
+
+<p>Another friend of the old times is Chas. R. Campbell, superintendent of
+the Kelso mines. Chats with these good whole-souled people of the cattle
+range bring back reminiscences of the past that would fill volumes but
+space and time in these days of hustle and bustle are but dreams and the
+world is full of them now.</p>
+
+<p>I am at the present time connected with the General Securities Company
+in Los Angeles. Mr. A. A. C. Ames is president; Mr. James O. Butler,
+vice-president; Mr. Jacob E. Meyer, secretary, and Mr. Geo. W. Bishop,
+treasurer. These gentlemen are always extremely kind to me and the
+appreciation I feel for the kindnesses shown me will be fully rewarded.</p>
+
+<p>As I stop to ponder over the days of old so full of adventure and
+excitement, health and happiness, love and sorrow, isn't it a wonder
+that some of us are alive to tell the tale. One moment we are rejoicing
+that we are alive; the next we are so near the jaws of death that it
+seems it would be almost a miracle that our lives be saved.</p>
+
+<p>Life today on the cattle range is almost another epoch. Laws have been
+enacted in New Mexico and Arizona which forbid all the old-time sports
+and the cowboy is almost a being of the past. But, I, Nat Love, now in
+my 54th year, hale hearty and happy, will ever cherish a fond and loving
+feeling for the old days on the range, its exciting adventures, good
+horses, good and bad men, long venturesome rides, Indian fights and last
+but foremost the friends I have made and friends I have gained.</p>
+
+<h4>FINIS</h4>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_163" id="Page_163">[Pg 163]</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="trans-note">Transcriber's note: The image source for this ebook was a modern facsimile
+edition.
+      </div>
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+<pre>
+
+
+
+
+
+End of Project Gutenberg's The Life and Adventures of Nat Love, by Nat Love
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+</body>
+</html>
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+Project Gutenberg's The Life and Adventures of Nat Love, by Nat Love
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: The Life and Adventures of Nat Love
+       Better Known in the Cattle Country as "Deadwood Dick"
+
+Author: Nat Love
+
+Release Date: May 28, 2007 [EBook #21634]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK NAT LOVE ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Suzanne Shell, Janet Blenkinship and the Online
+Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+  The Life and Adventures
+
+  OF
+
+  NAT LOVE
+
+  BETTER KNOWN IN THE CATTLE COUNTRY AS
+
+  "DEADWOOD DICK"
+
+  --BY HIMSELF--
+
+  A TRUE HISTORY OF SLAVERY DAYS, LIFE ON THE
+  GREAT CATTLE RANGES AND ON THE PLAINS
+  OF THE "WILD AND WOOLLY" WEST,
+  BASED ON FACTS, AND PERSONAL
+  EXPERIENCES
+  OF THE AUTHOR
+
+
+  Published: Los Angeles: Wayside Press, 1907.
+
+
+
+  [Illustration: Nat Love, Better Known as Deadwood Dick, and His Family]
+
+
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+       This book is dedicated to my wife,
+                 MRS. ALICE LOVE
+
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+PREFACE
+
+
+Having passed the half century mark in life's journey, and yielding to
+persistent requests of many old and valued friends of the past and
+present, I have decided to write the record of slave, cowboy and pullman
+porter will prove of interest to the reading public generally and
+particularly to those who prefer facts to fiction, (and in this case
+again facts will prove stranger than fiction). I assure my readers that
+every event chronicled in this history is based on facts, and my
+personal experiences, of more than fifty years of an unusually
+adventurous life.
+
+While many things contained in this record happened many years ago, they
+are as fresh in my memory as if they happened but yesterday. I have
+tried to record events simply as they are, without attempting to varnish
+over the bad spots or draw on my imagination to fill out a chapter at
+the cost of the truth. It has been my aim to record things just as they
+happened, believing they will prove of greater interest thereby; and if
+I am able to add to the interest and enjoyment of a single reader I will
+consider myself well repaid for the time and labor of preparing this
+history.
+
+To my playmates of my boyhood, who may chance to read this I send
+greetings and wish them well. To the few friends, who assisted myself
+and widowed mother in our early struggles, I tender my sincerest thanks,
+and hope they have prospered as they deserve. For those who proved our
+enemies, I have no word of censure. They have reaped their reward.
+
+To that noble but ever decreasing band of men under whose blue and
+buckskin shirts there lives a soul as great and beats a heart as true as
+ever human breast contained--to the cowboys, rangers, scouts, hunters
+and trappers and cattle-men of the "GREAT WESTERN PLAINS," I extend the
+hand of greeting acknowledging the FATHER-HOOD of GOD and the
+BROTHERHOOD of men; and to my mother's Sainted name this book is
+reverently dedicated.
+
+                                                      THE AUTHOR.
+
+
+
+
+  CONTENTS
+
+
+  CHAPTER I.
+
+  Slavery Days; the Old Plantation; My Early Foraging; the Stolen
+  Demijohn; My First Drunk.                                            7
+
+
+  CHAPTER II.
+
+  The War; the Rebels and the Yankees; I Raise a Regiment; Difficulty
+  in Finding an Enemy; Ash Cake; Freedom.                             14
+
+
+  CHAPTER III.
+
+  Raising Tobacco; Our First Year of Freedom; More Privations;
+  Father Dies; "It Never Rains but It Pours;" I Become the
+  Head of the Family; I Start to Work at One Dollar and Fifty
+  Cents a Month.                                                      19
+
+
+  CHAPTER IV.
+
+  Boyhood Sports; More Devilment; the Rock Battles; I Hunt
+  Rabbits in My Shirt Tail; My First Experience in Rough Riding;
+  a Question of Breaking the Horse or Breaking My Neck.               29
+
+
+  CHAPTER V.
+
+  Home Life; Picking Berries; the Pigs Commit Larceny; Nutting;
+  We Go to Market; My First Desire to See the World; I win a
+  Horse in a Raffle; the Last of Home.                                36
+
+
+  CHAPTER VI.
+
+  The World is Before Me; I Join the Texas Cowboys; Red River
+  Dick; My First Outfit; My First Indian Fight; I Learn to
+  Use My Gun.                                                         40
+
+
+  CHAPTER VII.
+
+  I Learn to Speak Spanish; I Am Made Chief Brand Reader; the
+  Big Round-up; the 7-Y-L Steer; Long Rides; Hunting Strays.          46
+
+
+  CHAPTER VIII.
+
+  On the Trail; a Texas Storm; Battle with the Elements; After
+  Business Comes Pleasure.                                            52
+
+
+  CHAPTER IX.
+
+  Enroute to Wyoming; the Indians Demand Toll; the Fight; a
+  Buffalo Stampede; Tragic Death of Cal Surcey; An Eventful
+  Trip.                                                               58
+
+
+  CHAPTER X.
+
+  We Make a Trip to Nebraska; the "Hole in the Wall Country;"
+  a Little Shooting Scrape; Cattle on the Trail and the Way to
+  Handle Them; a Bit of Moralization.                                 66
+
+
+  CHAPTER XI
+
+  A Buffalo Hunt; I Lose My Lariat and Saddle; I Order a Drink for
+  Myself and My Horse; a Close Place in Old Mexico.                   72
+
+
+  CHAPTER XII.
+
+  A Big Mustang Hunt; We Tire Them Out; the Indians Capture
+  Mess Wagon and Cook; Our Bill of Fare Buffalo Meat without
+  Salt.                                                               82
+
+
+  CHAPTER XIII
+
+  On the Trail with Three Thousand Head of Texas Steers; Rumors
+  of Trouble with the Indians; at Deadwood, S. D.; the Roping
+  Contest; I Win the Name of "Deadwood Dick;" the Shooting
+  Match; the Custer Massacre; We View the Battlefield; Government
+  Scouts; at Home Again.                                              88
+
+
+  CHAPTER XIV.
+
+  Riding the Range; the Fight with Yellow Dog's Tribe; I am Captured
+  by the Indians and Adopted into the Tribe; My Escape;
+  I ride a Hundred Miles in Twelve Hours without a Saddle;
+  My Indian Pony; "Yellow Dog Chief;" the Boys Present Me
+  with a New Outfit; in the Saddle and on the Trail Again.            98
+
+
+  CHAPTER XV.
+
+  On a Trip to Dodge City, Kan.; I Rope One of Uncle Sam's
+  Cannon; Captured by the Soldiers; Bat Masterson to My
+  Rescue; Lost on the Prairie; the Buffalo Hunter Cater; My
+  Horse Gets Away and Leaves Me Alone on the Prairie; the
+  Blizzard; Frozen Stiff.                                            106
+
+
+  CHAPTER XVI.
+
+  The Old Haze and Elsworth Trail; Our Trip to Cheyenne;
+  Ex-Sheriff Pat F. Garret; the Death of Billy the "Kid;" the
+  Lincoln County Cattle War.                                         116
+
+
+  CHAPTER XVII.
+
+  Another Trip to Old Mexico; I Rope an Engine; I Fall in Love;
+  My Courtship; Death of My Sweetheart; My Promised Wife;
+  I Must Bear a Charmed Life; the Advent of Progress; the
+  Last of the Range.                                                 123
+
+
+  CHAPTER XVIII.
+
+  The Pullman Service; Life on the Rail; My First Trip; a Slump
+  in Tips; I Become Disgusted and Quit; a Period of Husking;
+  My Next Trip on the Pullman; Tips and the People Who
+  Give Them.                                                         131
+
+
+  CHAPTER XIX.
+
+  The Pullman Palace Sleeping Car; Long Trips on the Rail; the
+  Wreck; One Touch of Nature Makes the Whole World Kin;
+  a Few of the Railroads Over Which I Have Traveled; the
+  Invalids and the Care We Give Them.                                137
+
+
+  CHAPTER XX.
+
+  The Tourist Sleeping Car; the Chair Car; the Safeguards of
+  Modern Railroading; See America, Then Let Your Chest
+  Swell with Pride that You are an American.                         142
+
+
+  CHAPTER XXI.
+
+  A Few of the Railroad Men Under Whom I Have Served; George
+  M. Pullman; the Town of Pullman, Ill.; American Railroads
+  Lead the World; a Few Figures.                                     148
+
+
+  CHAPTER XXII.
+
+  A Few Reminiscences of the Range: Some Men I Have Met;
+  Buffalo Bill; the James Brothers; Yellowstone Kelly; the
+  Murder of Buck Cannon by Bill Woods; the Suicide of Jack
+  Zimick.                                                            155
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+SLAVERY DAYS. THE OLD PLANTATION. MY EARLY FORAGING. THE STOLEN
+DEMIJOHN. MY FIRST DRINK. THE CURSE OF SLAVERY.
+
+
+In an old log cabin, on my Master's plantation in Davidson County in
+Tennessee in June, 1854, I first saw the light of day. The exact date of
+my birth I never knew, because in those days no count was kept of such
+trivial matters as the birth of a slave baby. They were born and died
+and the account was balanced in the gains and losses of the Master's
+chattels, and one more or less did not matter much one way or another.
+My father and mother were owned by Robert Love, an extensive planter and
+the owner of many slaves. He was in his way and in comparison with many
+other slave owners of those days a kind and indulgent Master.
+
+My father was a sort of foreman of the slaves on the plantation, and my
+mother presided over the kitchen at the big house and my Master's table,
+and among her other duties were to milk the cows and run the loom,
+weaving clothing for the other slaves. This left her scant time to look
+after me, so I early acquired the habit of looking out for myself. The
+other members of father's family were my sister Sally, about eight years
+old, and my brother Jordan, about five. My sister Sally was supposed to
+look after me when my mother was otherwise occupied; but between my
+sister's duties of helping mother and chasing the flies from Master's
+table, I received very little looking after from any of the family,
+therefore necessity compelled me at an early age to look after myself
+and rustle my own grub. My earliest recollections are of pushing a chair
+in front of me and toddling from one to the other of my Master's family
+to get a mouthful to eat like a pet dog, and later on as I became older,
+making raids on the garden to satisfy my hunger, much to the damage of
+the young onions, watermelons, turnips, sweet potatoes, and other
+things I could find to eat. We had to use much caution during these
+raids on the garden, because we well knew what we would catch if someone
+caught us, but much practice made us experts in escaping undetected.
+
+[Illustration: My Old Plantation Home]
+
+One day when Master and the family went to town mother decided to make
+some wine of which she was very fond, accordingly she gathered some
+grapes and after pressing them she made some fairly good wine. This she
+placed in a demijohn, and this for better security she hid in the
+garden, as she thought unknown to anyone, but my brother, sister and
+myself had been watching the process with considerable curiosity, which
+finally reached such a pitch that there was nothing to it; we must
+sample a liquid that looked so good. So Jordan went to the hay loft from
+where a good view could be obtained all around, while myself and Sally
+busied ourselves in the vineyard. Presently Mother thinking all secure
+left the house with the demijohn and proceeded to hide it. Jordan, from
+the hay loft, noted that mother never left the garden until she returned
+to the house, empty handed, but he was unable to see the exact hiding
+place.
+
+It was several days later while passing through the garden that we ran
+across the lost demijohn. It did not take us long to discover that its
+contents suited our tastes. Sally and Jordan dragged it into a sweet
+corn patch, where we were safe from observation. An oyster can was
+secured to serve as a glass and the way we attacked that wine was a
+caution to the Temperance Workers. And I can assure you we enjoyed
+ourselves for a while, but for how long I am unable to tell exactly.
+Mother soon missed us but being very busy she could not look for us
+until evening, when she started out to look us up, after searching and
+calling in vain. She decided to take the dogs to help find us. With
+their aid we were soon located, lying in the sweet corn, "dead drunk,"
+while the demijohn quite empty, bottom side up, stared at mother with a
+reproachful stare, and the oyster can which had served up and took me to
+the house, and let Sally and Jordan lie in near by, bearing mute witness
+against us. Mother picked me up and took me to the house, and let Sally
+and Jordan lie in the sweet corn all night, to dwell on the events.
+Immediately preceding our return to consciousness is a painful subject
+to me as it was exceedingly painful then. I was most feverish the next
+day with a head on my shoulders several sizes larger than the one I was
+used to wearing. Sally and Jordan were enjoying about the same health as
+myself, but the state of our health did not exempt us from mother's
+wrath. We all received a good sound old-fashioned thrashing. A fitting
+prelude to my first "drunk."
+
+[Illustration: Mother Ran the Loom]
+
+I suppose I acquired the taste for strong drink on this occasion; be
+that as it may, the fact remains that I could out-drink any man I ever
+met in the cattle country. I could drink large quantities of the fiery
+stuff they called whiskey on the range without it affecting me in any
+way, but I have never been downright drunk since that time in the sweet
+corn patch. Our plantation was situated in the heart of the black belt
+of the south, and on the plantations all around us were thousands of
+slaves, all engaged in garnering the dollars that kept up the so-called
+aristocracy of the south, and many of the proud old families owe their
+standing and wealth to the toil and sweat of the black man's brow, where
+if they had to pay the regular rate of wages to hire laborers to
+cultivate their large estates, their wealth would not have amounted to a
+third of what it was. Wealth was created, commerce carried on, cities
+built, and the new world well started on the career that has led to its
+present greatness and standing in the world of nations. All this was
+accomplished by the sweat of the black man's brow. By black man I do not
+mean to say only the black men, but the black woman and black child all
+helped to make the proud south what it was, the boast of every white man
+and woman, with a drop of southern blood in their veins, and what did
+the black man get in return? His keep and care you say? Ye gods and
+little fishes! Is there a man living today who would be willing to do
+the work performed by the slaves of that time for the same returns, his
+care and keep? No, my friends, we did it because we were forced to do it
+by the dominant race. We had as task masters, in many instances, perfect
+devils in human form, men who delighted in torturing the black human
+beings, over whom chance and the accident of birth had placed them. I
+have seen men beaten to the ground with the butts of the long whips
+carried by these brutal overseers, and for no other reason than that
+they could not raise to their shoulders a load sufficient for four men
+to carry. I have seen the long, cruel lash curl around the shoulders of
+women who refused to comply with the licentious wishes of the men who
+owned them, body and soul--did I say soul? No, they did not own their
+soul; that belonged to God alone, and many are the souls that have
+returned to him who gave them, rather than submit to the desires of
+their masters, desires to which submission was worse than death. I have
+seen the snake-like lash draw blood from the tender limbs of mere
+babies, hardly more than able to toddle, their only offense being that
+their skin was black. And young as I was my blood often boiled as I
+witnessed these cruel sights, knowing that they were allowed by the laws
+of the land in which I was born. I used to think it was not the
+country's fault, but the fault of the men who made the laws. Of all the
+curses of this fair land, the greatest curse of all was the slave
+auction block of the south, where human flesh was bought and sold.
+Husbands were torn from their wives, the baby from its mother's breast,
+and the most sacred commands of God were violated under the guise of
+modern law, or the law of the land, which for more than two hundred
+years has boasted of its freedom, and the freedom of its people.
+
+[Illustration: My First Drunk]
+
+Some of the slaves, like us, had kind and indulgent masters. These were
+lucky indeed, as their lot was somewhat improved over their less
+fortunate brothers, but even their lot was the same as that of the horse
+or cow of the present day. They were never allowed to get anything in
+the nature of education, as smart negroes were not in much demand at
+that time, and the reason was too apparent, education meant the death of
+the institution of slavery in this country, and so the slave owners took
+good care that their slaves got none of it.
+
+Go and see the play of "Uncle Tom's Cabin," and you will see the black
+man's life as I saw it when a child. And Harriett Beecher Stowe, the
+black man's Saviour, well deserves the sacred shrine she holds, along
+with the great Lincoln, in the black man's heart.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+WAR. "THE REBELS AND YANKEES." I RAISE A REGIMENT TO FIGHT. DIFFICULTY
+IN FINDING AN ENEMY. ASH SAKE. FREEDOM.
+
+
+When I was ten years old the war broke out between the "North and the
+South." And there was little else talked about, among the slaves as well
+as the slave owners of the neighborhood. And naturally the many
+different stories we heard worked us children to a high state of
+excitement. So much so that we wanted to go to war, and fight for the
+Union, because among us slave children there was no difference of
+opinion, as to which side was right.
+
+The Union was "IT," and we were all "Yankees." Not being able to go to
+war as our masters did, we concluded to play war, accordingly I gathered
+all the boys of the neighborhood together, into a regiment, which it was
+my intention to divide into two parties of Rebels and Yankees, but in
+this I met an insurmountable obstacle. Not one of the boys wanted to be
+a rebel, consequently we had to look elsewhere for an enemy to give us
+battle, and serve as a vent for our growing enthusiasm. The next Sunday
+preceding the organization of our regiment, we started out over the
+surrounding country in quest of trouble, which we were not long in
+finding, as we soon ran across a nest of yellow jackets. These we
+proceeded to exterminate, in which we were successful after a short but
+destructive battle. We suffered considerably in wounded but lost none of
+our soldiers. This engagement we called the capture of fort "Hell." For
+some time thereafter we made regular raids into the surrounding country
+in quest of an enemy. We were eventually successful in our quest, as in
+quick order we ran across and captured a company of bumble bees. This we
+called the "Battle of the Wilderness." Victory over a nest of hornets we
+called the capture of "Fort Sumter." A large nest of wasps gave us
+perhaps the hardest fight of our campaigning. This we ran across in the
+fields not far from home. There was an unusually large number of them,
+and as is usually the case with these insects, they proved very
+ferocious. Nothing loth, however, we attacked with cheers, only to be
+driven back time and again and finally we were compelled to make a very
+undignified retreat, at full speed in the direction of home. Not to be
+beaten, however, we secured reinforcements and more ammunition, in the
+shape of old rags, brooms and so forth, and returned to the charge, and
+although we were driven back several times we stayed until we won out,
+and the last insect lay a quivering mass on the ground. There was not
+one among us, not wounded in some manner, as for myself I had enough of
+it. My nose looked like a dutch slipper, and it was several days before
+my eyes were able to perform the duties for which they were made.
+However, the Union forces were victorious and we were happy. Our masters
+told us if the soldiers caught us, they would hang us all, which had the
+effect of keeping most of us close around home. Master had gone to join
+Lee's forces, taking with him father, who was engaged in building forts,
+which work kept him with the Confederate army until General Grant
+arrived in the country, when he was allowed to come home. From then on
+Union soldiers passed the neighborhood most every day on their way
+south, to join the fighting regiments.
+
+We soon found out they would not hurt us and they were the wonderment
+and pride of our youthful minds. They would take everything they could
+find to eat for themselves and horses, leaving the plantation stripped
+clean of provisions and food, which entailed considerable misery and
+hardships on those left at home, especially the colored people who were
+not used to such a state of affairs, and were not accustomed to
+providing for their own wants. Finally Lee surrendered and master
+returned home. But in common with other masters of those days he did not
+tell us we were free. And instead of letting us go he made us work for
+him the same as before, but in all other respects he was kind. He moved
+our log cabin on a piece of ground on a hill owned by him, and in most
+respects things went on the same as before the war. It was quite a
+while after this that we found out we were free and good news, like bad
+news, sometimes travels fast. It was not long before all the slaves in
+the surrounding country were celebrating their freedom. And "Massa
+Lincoln" was the hero of us all.
+
+[Illustration: Mother Making Ashcake]
+
+While a great many slaves rejoiced at the altered state of affairs;
+still many were content to remain as before, and work for their old
+masters in return for their keep. My father, however, decided to start
+out for himself, to that end he rented twenty acres of land, including
+that on which our cabin stood, from our late master.
+
+We were at this time in a most destitute condition, and father had a
+very hard time to get a start, without food or money and almost naked,
+we existed for a time on the only food procurable, bran and cracklins.
+The limited supply of provisions made the culinary duties most simple,
+much to the disgust of mother, who was one of the best cooks in the
+country, but beggars cannot be choosers, and she very cheerfully
+proceeded to make the best of what we had. She would make a great fire
+in the large fire place in the cabin. The fire when hot enough, was
+raked from the hearth and a small place cleaned away, in the center of
+this clean space, mother would lay a cabbage leaf, on which she would
+pour some batter made from bran and water or buttermilk and a little
+salt. Then on top another cabbage leaf was laid and hot coals raked over
+the whole, and in a short time it would be baked nicely. This we called
+ash cake.
+
+This, with occasional cracklins made up our entire bill of fare for many
+months. Father would make brooms and mats from straw and chair bottoms
+from cane and reeds, in which my brother and I would help him, after he
+had taught us how. During the week a large load was made and Friday
+night father would take the load on his shoulders and walk to town, a
+dozen miles, where he would sell them and bring seed and food home. When
+the weather would permit we worked in the field, preparing for our first
+crop.
+
+The twenty acres, being mostly uncultivated, had to be cleared, plowed
+and thoroughly harrowed. Our first crop consisted of corn, tobacco and a
+few vegetables.
+
+Father would lay off the corn rows. Jordan and I would drop the corn
+while father came behind and covered the rows.
+
+In this manner we soon had in a considerable crop of corn and some
+vegetables for our own use. During the winter which was sometimes
+severe, during which time nothing, of course, could be done in the
+farming line, and when not otherwise engaged, we started to try and
+learn ourselves something in the educational line. Father could read a
+little, and he helped us all with our A B C's, but it is hard work
+learning to read and write without a teacher, and there was no school a
+black child could attend at that time. However, we managed to make some
+headway, then spring came and with it the routine of farm work. Father
+was a man of strong determination, not easily discouraged, and always
+pushing forward and upward, quick to learn things and slow to forget
+them, a keen observer and a loving husband and father. Had he lived this
+history would not have been written.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+RAISING TOBACCO, OUR FIRST YEAR OF FREEDOM. MORE PRIVATIONS. FATHER
+DIES. IT NEVER RAINS--BUT IT POURS. I BECOME THE HEAD OF THE FAMILY AND
+START TO WORK AT $1.50 PER MONTH.
+
+
+As soon as the corn crop was in the ground we commenced to plant
+tobacco. Before the seed was sown, it was necessary to gather large
+piles of brush and wood and burn it to ashes on the ground to destroy
+the seeds of the weeds. The ground was then spaded and raked thoroughly,
+and the seed sown. After it had come up and got a fair start, it was
+transplanted in rows about three feet apart. When the plants become
+large enough it is necessary to pull the suckers off, also the worms off
+the leaves. This task fell upon Jordan and myself.
+
+In picking the worms off the plants it is necessary to use the greatest
+care that the plants are not damaged, but Jordan and I were afraid to
+touch the worms with our fingers, so we took sticks and knocked them
+off, also a few leaves with each worm. This fact called forth some
+rather strong language from father, who said we were doing more harm
+than good. But our aversion to the worms was so strong that we took
+several thrashings before we could bring ourselves to use our fingers
+instead of a stick. When the tobacco was ripe there would be yellow
+spots on the leaves. It was then cut, let lie for one day, then hung on
+a scaffold to be sun cured. It was allowed to remain on the scaffold for
+perhaps a week, then it was hung up in the barn to be smoked, after
+which it was made into a big bulk and a weight placed on it to press it
+out, then it was stripped, and put into hands and then it was ready for
+the market. Our crop the first year was not large and the most of it
+went to pay the rent and the following winter proved a hard one, and
+entailed considerable privation and suffering among the many
+ex-slaves, who had so recently been thrown on their own resources,
+without money or clothing or food, and only those who have had the
+experience can appreciate the condition of things or rather lack of
+things, at the close of the war, and these conditions did not only
+affect the ex-slaves and colored people, but covered the entire south,
+and many former well-to-do slave owners now found themselves without a
+penny they could call their own, having been stripped of everything and
+compelled to start all over again. Surely "war is hell"--but slavery is
+worse. Early in the spring father went to work for a neighboring planter
+a couple of weeks in order to get his plows and horses again to plow his
+land. A somewhat larger crop was put in this year, but unfortunately for
+us when everything was planted father took sick and died shortly after.
+This was a stunning loss to us just at a time when we most needed a
+father and husband's help, counsel and protection. But we did not lose
+courage for long.
+
+[Illustration: Raising Tobacco]
+
+The crop must be looked after and the coming winter provided against. My
+sister Sally had been married about three years at this time and was
+with her husband and two little girls on a small farm some distance
+away, which my brother-in-law rented. That left mother, Jordan and I to
+look after things. Although I was the youngest, I was the most
+courageous, always leading in mischief, play and work. So I now took the
+leadership, and became the head of the family. Things were beginning to
+take on a more hopeful look, when my brother-in-law died, leaving my
+sister sick with two small children and in about the same circumstances
+as ourselves. Everything, indeed, looked hopeless now, as our late
+master and his brother had left the old place and gone north. So
+remembering I was the only man on the place now, though only fifteen
+years old, I said to mother and sister who were weeping bitterly, "brace
+up, and don't lose your heads. I will look after you all." I said this
+with a bravado I was far from feeling, but I could not see the use of
+weeping now there was work to be done, if we were to keep from starving
+the coming winter. We all turned in to help one another and in this
+manner. The crop was gathered and we were in fairly good condition for
+the coming winter, but the work was too much for Sally who lingered
+through the winter and early in the spring we laid her beside her father
+and husband, and her two little orphans were left to us. It now became
+very apparent to me that something must be done, because the crop raised
+the year before was barely enough to last us through the winter and we
+would soon be in actual need again. We needed clothing, especially the
+little girls of my sister, and we had no money to buy seed for this
+season's crop or food to last us out. So I concluded to go to work for
+some one if I could find anything to do. With that resolve, I put on my
+best rags and to mother's inquiry as to where I was going I told her I
+did not know myself. It fairly made my heart ache to see my little
+nieces going around almost naked, bare footed, and have them always
+asking for things I was powerless to give them. I determined to go from
+place to place until I secured employment of some kind that would in a
+measure, permit me to feed, and as far as I was able, clothe mother and
+the children, now dependent on me.
+
+[Illustration: Raising Tobacco--We Knock the Worms Off]
+
+The fact that I was now free, gave me new born courage to face the world
+and what the future might hold in store for me. After tramping around
+the country for two days, I finally secured work with a Mr. Brooks,
+about six miles from home at one dollar and fifty cents a month.
+Notwithstanding the smallness of my prospective wages, I was happy and
+returned home in a jubilant frame of mind, to impart the news to mother.
+I was to commence the next morning. Mother said it was not much, but
+better than nothing. I told mother that I thought I could bring some
+food and clothing home for the children before the month was out. The
+little ones hearing this, were overjoyed and looked on me as a rich man
+indeed. Jordan was to remain at home and attend to what little there was
+to do, and the next day I started work for Mr. Brooks. In less than a
+week I made my first visit home, taking with me some potatoes, bacon,
+cornmeal, and some molasses, which I had rustled in various ways. I also
+had a bundle of old clothing given to me by the neighbors, which mother
+could make over for the children, and to say the children were happy is
+but a mild expression.
+
+For the second month I received a raise of fifty cents, and the third
+month of my employment, so good did I work, that I received three
+dollars. With so many at home to provide for, my wages did not last
+long, but out of my three dollars I bought each of the children a book.
+The rest went for provisions and clothing. One day while passing the
+store of Mr. Graves, near our home I saw a checked sunbonnet and a red
+calico dress which struck my fancy as just what I wanted for mother. On
+asking the price Mr. Graves told me I could have the sunbonnet for
+twenty-five cents and the dress for four bits. That seemed to be within
+my means, and quite reasonable. I asked him to keep them for me until I
+got my wages at the end of the month. This Mr. Graves promised to do if
+I would pay him something down. I only had fifteen cents of which I paid
+five cents on the bonnet and ten cents on the dress and went on my way,
+filled with happy thoughts as the result of my bargain. I resolved to be
+very saving this month and I became very impatient for my month to end
+and was continually asking Mr. Brooks if my month was not soon over. He
+would laugh and say "yes, soon." But it seemed to me that was the
+longest month I ever knew. When at last the month was over he gave me
+fifty cents, claiming I had drawn my wages during the month. I knew that
+was not so. I also knew I had a balance coming to me and told him so.
+But he denied it and the result was that we had a fight. I hit him in
+the head with a rock and nearly killed him after which I felt better.
+Then going to Mr. Graves the storekeeper, I told him the whole trouble.
+He expressed sympathy for me and said to give him the fifty cents and
+take the bonnet and dress, and we will call it square. And you can
+imagine my feelings as I took the things home to mother, and she was
+more pleased with them than any queen with her silks and satins. There
+being plenty of work to do at home, I did not again look for other
+work. The only thing that worried me was that the little ones were still
+without shoes, but on my promise to soon get them some they were
+satisfied. It was here I got my first lessons in self-dependence and
+life's struggles. I learned true usefulness and acquired the habit of
+helping others which I carried with me all through my after life and
+that trait perhaps more than any other endeared me to my companions on
+the range and all with whom I have had dealings.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+BOYHOOD SPORTS. MORE DEVILMENT. THE ROCK BATTLES. I HUNT RABBITS IN MY
+SHIRT TAIL. MY FIRST EXPERIENCE IN ROUGH RIDING. A QUESTION OF BREAKING
+THE HORSE OR, BREAKING MY NECK.
+
+
+In those days it was more the custom, than now, to work six days and
+rest on the seventh, accordingly us boys always had our Sundays free.
+And we never lost an opportunity to put in motion some devilment to make
+the time pass in what we thought was the most pleasant way. Anything to
+have a great time. Our chief means of having fun for a while was the
+rock battles. We boys of the entire neighborhood would get together,
+then divide in equal numbers on a side, then after gathering all the
+available rocks from the landscape, we would proceed to have a pitched
+battle, throwing the rocks at each other as hard as we could, and with a
+grim intent to commit battery. As a rational consequence the bravest
+would force the weaker side to retreat. It then became a question of
+running or being rocked to death. After these battles we were all
+usually in very bad condition, having received very hard knocks on
+sundry and various parts of our anatomy, but for all that we have never
+bore malice toward each other. We were careful to keep these escapades
+from the knowledge of our elders. In this way we were quite successful
+until one time we had a boy nearly killed, then we thought the old folks
+would whip us all to death. This incident ended the rock battles. But we
+soon had something else doing to furnish ourselves fun and excitement.
+
+[Illustration: I Hunt Rabbits in My Shirt Tail]
+
+About this time we planned a rabbit hunt, after the small cotton tail
+rabbits, which were plentiful in the surrounding country. Getting all
+the boys together and securing the track hounds of the neighborhood we
+were off. It was not long before the dogs caught track of something and
+away they went with all the boys behind. Now at that time it was not
+customary for us boys of the plantation to wear shoes and pants, the
+principal reason being that we did not have either shoes or pants to
+wear. So you can perhaps imagine the sight presented by a score or more
+of boys of all ages chasing behind the hounds, with our shirt tails
+flying through bushes, thorns and brambles, up hill and down hill, many
+of us bleeding like stabbed pigs, but we were too much interested to pay
+any attention to a little blood. We wanted the rabbits, and everything
+else was of secondary importance, even the calls of the younger boys who
+got tired and fell behind. Onward we went over rocks, through fields,
+over fences, until we could hear the dogs no more, then tired out we had
+to stop. I told the boys to sit down, that I thought the dogs would come
+this way again. It was not long before I thought I heard something and
+told the boys to hush and have their rocks ready to kill the rabbit. It
+never occurred to me that it would be anything but a rabbit. The bay of
+the dogs came nearer, then over the fence jumped a big red fox right in
+front of me. He stopped and we looked in each others eyes. It was hard
+to tell which of us was the most surprised, however, I was the first to
+run away, and run I did. I ran like a black tailed deer. Many times I
+thought I felt him nibble at my shirt tails, and his eyes grew in my
+imagination as large as wagon wheels and Mr. Fox, himself, seemed to
+grow as big as an elephant. When at last I dropped from sheer exhaustion
+and could summon courage to look behind me, I could see nothing. It was
+then I realized I was not so game as I thought I was and the knowledge
+was not pleasant by any means. Not far from our house there was a horse
+ranch, owned by a Mr. Williams. He had two sons about my own age and I
+would often go and see them on Sundays. As I was very fond of riding
+horses most of the horses on the ranch were very wild. So one day the
+oldest boy and I made a plan to break the young colts. The only chance
+we had of doing so was on Sunday, when the family went to church, as we
+did not think Mr. Williams would approve of our plan. Mr. Williams' boy
+said he would give me ten cents for every colt I broke. That was
+perfectly satisfactory to me. The money was made of shin plaster those
+days (paper). The next Sunday I started to break horses. We did not dare
+to put the bridle on them as we were afraid the boss might surprise us
+and we would not be quick enough to get it off. Our mode of procedure
+was to drive one at a time in the barn, get it in a stall, then after
+much difficulty I would manage to get on its back. Then the door was
+opened and the pole removed and the horse liberated with me on its back,
+then the fun would commence. The colt would run, jump, kick and pitch
+around the barn yard in his efforts to throw me off. But he might as
+well tried to jump out of his skin because I held on to his mane and
+stuck to him like a leech. The colt would usually keep up his bucking
+until he could buck no more, and then I would get my ten cents. Ten
+cents is a small amount of money these days, but in those days that
+amount was worth more to me than ten dollars now.
+
+[Illustration: A Case of Breaking the Horse or Breaking My Neck]
+
+Well, we went on Sunday after Sunday and I broke about a dozen colts in
+this way, and also managed to do it without the boss discovering the
+favor I was undoubtedly doing him, in breaking all his wild horses. Only
+his boys were aware of the doings and they paid me. So I had no scruples
+about what I was doing, especially as it afforded me great fun. Finally
+the boys wanted me to break a big handsome black horse called Black
+Highwayman. Knowing the horse's uncertain temper and wild disposition
+and taking into consideration its size, I refused to break him for ten
+cents, as the fact was I was rather scared of him. After considerable
+bargaining, in which I held out for fifty cents, we finally compromised
+on twenty-five cents. But I can assure you it was more for the money
+than the fun of the thing, that I finally consented to ride him. With
+great difficulty we managed to get him in a stall as we did the others,
+but I no sooner landed on his back than he jumped in the manger with me
+hanging to his mane. Finally the door was opened and the pole removed
+and out of the barn we shot like a black cloud, around the yard we flew,
+then over the garden fence. At this juncture the track hounds became
+interested and promptly followed us. Over the fields we went, the horse
+clearing the highest fences and other obstacles in his way with the
+greatest ease. My seat on his back was not the most comfortable place in
+the world, but as the horse did not evince any disposition to stop and
+let me get off, I concluded to remain where I was. All the dogs of the
+neighborhood were fast joining in the race and I had quite a respectable
+following. After running about two miles we cleared a fence into a
+pasture where there was a large number of other horses and young colts,
+who promptly stampeded as we joined them, Highwayman taking the lead
+with me on his back, looking very much like a toad. And all the dogs in
+the country strung out in the rear. Naturally we formed a spectacle that
+could not fail to attract the attention of the neighbors, who soon as
+possible mounted horses and started in pursuit and vainly tried to catch
+my black mount but could get nowhere near him, while I without bridle or
+anything to control him could do nothing but let him run as all the
+other horses bunched around us and the dogs kept up a continual din. I
+simply held on and let him go. It was a question of breaking the horse
+or breaking my neck. We went over everything, through everything, until
+finally the killing pace told and Black Highwayman fell, a thoroughly
+exhausted and completely conquered and well broken horse. As for myself,
+I was none the worse for my exciting ride. But on looking for my
+twenty-five cents, I found it gone. The boys had paid me in advance, as
+I insisted, and I had tied the money up in a corner of my shirt tail and
+during my wild ride it had come untied and worked out. This was a great
+misfortune to me and for a while I was inconsolable. I asked the boys if
+they would make it right, but no, they had paid me once and they refused
+to give me another quarter. This riled me considerable and I told them
+all right, to come again when they wanted a horse broken. That settled
+us and the horse breaking. The experiences I gained in riding during
+these times, often stood me in good stead in after years during my wild
+life on the western plains. Mr. Williams of course, heard of my last
+wild ride, but instead of being angry, he seemed to see the funny side
+of it, which I could not.
+
+[Illustration: Black Highwayman]
+
+The spectators wondered how in the world I ever escaped a broken neck
+and I have often wondered how I escaped in after years from situations
+that seemed to be sure death. But escape I did and am now hale and
+hearty, without pain, with muscles like iron and able at any time to run
+a hundred yards in eleven seconds or jump a six foot fence.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+HOME LIFE. PICKING BERRIES. THE PIGS COMMIT LARCENY. NUTTING. WE GO TO
+MARKET. MY FIRST DESIRE TO SEE THE WORLD. I WIN A HORSE IN A RAFFLE. THE
+LAST OF HOME.
+
+
+I now settled down to the work around the farm and the problem of making
+a living for those dependent on me. The crop was all in and after
+attending to such work around home as had to be done, we found a source
+of revenue in gathering berries for market. Large quantities of black
+berries and others grew wild in the woods near by. And they always found
+a ready market. With small pails and a big basket mother and I would
+start out after the work at home was done. Reaching the woods we would
+sit under the bushes and fill the pails, then empty them into the big
+basket until that was full which usually comprised our day's work.
+
+One day, wishing to secure a large quantity of berries for market, we
+went early in the morning and on reaching the woods we placed the big
+basket in what we thought a safe place, and after some hours of
+industrious work, the big basket was full of nice ripe blackberries. We
+then proceeded to fill our pails again which would be sufficient for the
+day. This accomplished, we prepared to start for home. But when mother
+went to take the big basket it was empty.
+
+The stray pigs had found them and committed larceny. Mother felt so bad
+she cried. We had put in a hard day's work for nothing. It had been our
+intention to take them to town on the morrow and buy something for
+Sunday, but now the fruit of our labor was gone and the disappointment
+was great. I looked at mother, then at the empty basket and did not know
+for which to feel most sorry. So I said, "Well, there is no use grieving
+over spilt milk. If we had not had them we could not have lost them, and
+there are plenty more of the same kind for the picking." Mother turned
+toward me, and said, with a look I will always remember, "My boy,
+whatever happens, you never get discouraged." I did not see the use of
+losing courage and I think the only time I weakened was when father
+died, as he could not be replaced.
+
+[Illustration: The Pigs Commit Larceny]
+
+We went on talking and picking berries, and before we knew it the basket
+was full again and the pails. It was now night so mother took the bushel
+basket on her head and I took the pails and we were soon home. That
+night mother took my clothing, as was customary, and washed and pressed
+it so I would look nice and clean to go to market the next day. As I
+only had one outfit of clothes I had necessarily to go without them
+during the washing process, however, mother always kept me clean, at
+considerable labor on her part. The next morning, early, mother and I
+started for town, five miles distant, walking along the hot, dusty road,
+each of us with a basket of berries on our heads and bunches of
+cucumbers in our hands, mother having much the larger load, but she was
+a very strong woman. As it chanced we had a lucky day and sold our stock
+of berries and cucumbers in a short time. We then bought what we needed
+and had a little money left but for all that, I was not quite satisfied.
+I wanted mother to buy something that was not necessary, but she said,
+"My son, if we don't save a few cents now what will it be later on? We
+will have to go to the poorhouse." I said, "Dear mother if there is a
+house poorer than ours I don't want to see it." I will always remember
+the sight of mother's face as she turned to me, the tears running down
+her cheeks as she answered, "Yes, my son, you are right there are few
+houses poorer than ours now." The same year when fall came mother and I
+thought we had the bull by the horns. There were several fine groves of
+walnut, hickory nut, chestnut and shirly bark nut trees in the woods and
+I made a sleigh on which I nailed a big box. I tied a rope for a tongue
+and with a stick on the end, mother and I working as a sort of double
+team would draw through the woods among the trees gathering the
+different kinds of nuts and as the box was big, large quantities could
+be gathered in this manner. During the nut season we worked every day
+from morning to night, gathering large quantities of nuts for which we
+always found a ready market. As we worked we talked of what we would buy
+with the money and making plans for the future. The nuts we sold usually
+brought us: chestnuts one dollar a bushel; walnuts fifty cents, and
+hickory nuts fifty cents a bushel. This money added to the proceeds of
+the crop netted us quite a nice sum and made our condition much better,
+but I assure you, dear readers, it took hard work from morning to night
+to make both ends meet but with the help of God we made them meet, and
+during this time we were always healthy and the knowledge that we were
+free and working for ourselves gave us courage to continue the struggle.
+It was about this time that I commenced thinking about going west.
+
+[Illustration: We Go to Market]
+
+[Illustration: I Win a Horse in a Raffle]
+
+I wanted to see more of the world and as I began to realize there was so
+much more of the world than what I had seen, the desire to go grew on me
+from day to day. It was hard to think of leaving mother and the
+children, but freedom is sweet and I wanted to make more of the
+opportunity and my life than I could see possible around home. Besides I
+suppose, I was a little selfish as mortals are prone to be. Finally the
+desire to go out in the world grew so strong that I mentioned it to
+mother, but she did not give me much encouragement, and I don't think
+she thought I had the courage to go, and besides I had neither clothing
+or money and to tell the truth, the outlook was discouraging even to me,
+but I continued to look for an opportunity which happened in a very
+unexpected manner shortly after. One day a man by the name of Johnson
+announced that he would raffle a fine beautiful horse at fifty cents a
+chance. I heard of it at once, but had no money with which to get a
+chance. However, when there's a will there's a way, so I went to the
+barn and caught two chickens which I sold for fifty cents and at once
+got a chance. My chance won the horse. Mr. Johnson said he would give me
+fifty dollars for the horse and as I needed the money more than the
+horse I sold the horse back. Mr. Johnson at once raffled him off again
+and again I won the horse, which I again sold for fifty dollars. With
+nearly a hundred dollars I went home and told mother of what I had done
+and gave her half of the money, telling her I would take the other
+half and go out in the world and try and better my condition. I then
+went to town and bought some underwear and other needful articles,
+intending to leave at once, but mother pleaded with me so hard to stay
+home, that I finally consented to remain one more month, but at the end
+of that time she pleaded for one more and I could not refuse her. During
+this time my uncle came to live with us and I asked him to take my place
+at home. This he consented to do gladly. Things were going on fairly
+well at home now. The farm was yielding a fair living and the children
+having grown much larger they were a source of help instead of an
+hindrance and now that my uncle and my brother Jordan were home to look
+after mother, I felt I could better leave them now, because I was not
+really needed at home. After gathering what few things I wanted to take
+with me and providing myself with some needed clothes, I bade mother and
+the old home farewell, and started out for the first time alone in a
+world I knew very little about.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+THE WORLD IS BEFORE ME. I JOIN THE TEXAS COWBOYS. RED RIVER DICK. MY
+FIRST OUTFIT. MY FIRST INDIAN FIGHT. I LEARN TO USE MY GUN.
+
+
+It was on the tenth day of February, 1869, that I left the old home,
+near Nashville, Tennessee. I was at that time about fifteen years old,
+and though while young in years the hard work and farm life had made me
+strong and hearty, much beyond my years, and I had full confidence in
+myself as being able to take care of myself and making my way.
+
+I at once struck out for Kansas of which I had heard something. And
+believing it was a good place in which to seek employment. It was in the
+west, and it was the great west I wanted to see, and so by walking and
+occasional lifts from farmers going my way and taking advantage of every
+thing that promised to assist me on my way, I eventually brought up at
+Dodge City, Kansas, which at that time was a typical frontier city, with
+a great many saloons, dance halls, and gambling houses, and very little
+of anything else. When I arrived the town was full of cow boys from the
+surrounding ranches, and from Texas and other parts of the west. As
+Kansas was a great cattle center and market, the wild cow boy, prancing
+horses of which I was very fond, and the wild life generally, all had
+their attractions for me, and I decided to try for a place with them.
+Although it seemed to me I had met with a bad outfit, at least some of
+them, going around among them I watched my chances to get to speak with
+them, as I wanted to find some one whom I thought would give me a civil
+answer to the questions I wanted to ask, but they all seemed too wild
+around town, so the next day I went out where they were in camp.
+
+Approaching a party who were eating their breakfast, I got to speak with
+them. They asked me to have some breakfast with them, which invitation
+I gladly accepted. During the meal I got a chance to ask them many
+questions. They proved to be a Texas outfit, who had just come up with a
+herd of cattle and having delivered them they were preparing to return.
+There were several colored cow boys among them, and good ones too. After
+breakfast I asked the camp boss for a job as cow boy. He asked me if I
+could ride a wild horse. I said "yes sir." He said if you can I will
+give you a job. So he spoke to one of the colored cow boys called Bronko
+Jim, and told him to go out and rope old Good Eye, saddle him and put me
+on his back. Bronko Jim gave me a few pointers and told me to look out
+for the horse was especially bad on pitching. I told Jim I was a good
+rider and not afraid of him. I thought I had rode pitching horses
+before, but from the time I mounted old Good Eye I knew I had not
+learned what pitching was. This proved the worst horse to ride I had
+ever mounted in my life, but I stayed with him and the cow boys were the
+most surprised outfit you ever saw, as they had taken me for a
+tenderfoot, pure and simple. After the horse got tired and I dismounted
+the boss said he would give me a job and pay me $30.00 per month and
+more later on. He asked what my name was and I answered Nat Love, he
+said to the boys we will call him Red River Dick. I went by this name
+for a long time.
+
+The boss took me to the city and got my outfit, which consisted of a new
+saddle, bridle and spurs, chaps, a pair of blankets and a fine 45 Colt
+revolver. Now that the business which brought them to Dodge City was
+concluded, preparations were made to start out for the Pan Handle
+country in Texas to the home ranch. The outfit of which I was now a
+member was called the Duval outfit, and their brand was known as the Pig
+Pen brand. I worked with this outfit for over three years. On this trip
+there were only about fifteen of us riders, all excepting myself were
+hardy, experienced men, always ready for anything that might turn up,
+but they were as jolly a set of fellows as one could find in a long
+journey. There now being nothing to keep us longer in Dodge City, we
+prepared for the return journey, and left the next day over the old
+Dodge and Sun City lonesome trail, on a journey which was to prove the
+most eventful of my life up to now.
+
+A few miles out we encountered some of the hardest hail storms I ever
+saw, causing discomfort to man and beast, but I had no notion of getting
+discouraged but I resolved to be always ready for any call that might be
+made on me, of whatever nature it might be, and those with whom I have
+lived and worked will tell you I have kept that resolve. Not far from
+Dodge City on our way home we encountered a band of the old Victoria
+tribe of Indians and had a sharp fight.
+
+These Indians were nearly always harrassing travelers and traders and
+the stock men of that part of the country, and were very troublesome. In
+this band we encountered there were about a hundred painted bucks all
+well mounted. When we saw the Indians they were coming after us yelling
+like demons. As we were not expecting Indians at this particular time,
+we were taken somewhat by surprise.
+
+We only had fifteen men in our outfit, but nothing daunted we stood our
+ground and fought the Indians to a stand. One of the boys was shot off
+his horse and killed near me. The Indians got his horse, bridle and
+saddle. During this fight we lost all but six of our horses, our entire
+packing outfit and our extra saddle horses, which the Indians stampeded,
+then rounded them up after the fight and drove them off. And as we only
+had six horses left us, we were unable to follow them, although we had
+the satisfaction of knowing we had made several good Indians out of bad
+ones.
+
+This was my first Indian fight and likewise the first Indians I had ever
+seen. When I saw them coming after us and heard their blood curdling
+yell, I lost all courage and thought my time had come to die. I was too
+badly scared to run, some of the boys told me to use my gun and shoot
+for all I was worth. Now I had just got my outfit and had never shot off
+a gun in my life, but their words brought me back to earth and seeing
+they were all using their guns in a way that showed they were used to
+it, I unlimbered my artillery and after the first shot I lost all fear
+and fought like a veteran.
+
+We soon routed the Indians and they left, taking with them nearly all
+we had, and we were powerless to pursue them. We were compelled to
+finish our journey home almost on foot, as there were only six horses
+left to fourteen of us. Our friend and companion who was shot in the
+fight, we buried on the plains, wrapped in his blanket with stones piled
+over his grave. After this engagement with the Indians I seemed to lose
+all sense as to what fear was and thereafter during my whole life on the
+range I never experienced the least feeling of fear, no matter how
+trying the ordeal or how desperate my position.
+
+The home ranch was located on the Palo Duro river in the western part of
+the Pan Handle, Texas, which we reached in the latter part of May, it
+taking us considerably over a month to make the return journey home from
+Dodge City. I remained in the employ of the Duval outfit for three
+years, making regular trips to Dodge City every season and to many other
+places in the surrounding states with herds of horses and cattle for
+market and to be delivered to other ranch owners all over Texas, Wyoming
+and the Dakotas. By strict attention to business, born of a genuine love
+of the free and wild life of the range, and absolute fearlessness, I
+became known throughout the country as a good all around cow boy and a
+splendid hand in a stampede.
+
+After returning from one of our trips north with a bunch of cattle in
+the fall of 1872, I received and accepted a better position with the
+Pete Gallinger company, whose immense range was located on the Gila
+River in southern Arizona. So after drawing the balance of my pay from
+the Duval company and bidding good bye to the true and tried companions
+of the past three years, who had learned me the business and been with
+me in many a trying situation, it was with genuine regret that I left
+them for my new position, one that meant more to me in pay and
+experience. I stayed with Pete Gallinger company for several years and
+soon became one of their most trusted men, taking an important part in
+all the big round-ups and cuttings throughout western Texas, Arizona and
+other states where the company had interests to be looked after,
+sometimes riding eighty miles a day for days at a time over the trails
+of Texas and the surrounding country and naturally I soon became well
+known among the cowboys, rangers, scouts and guides it was my pleasure
+to meet in my wanderings over the country, in the wake of immense herds
+of the long horned Texas cattle and large bands of range horses. Many of
+these men who were my companions on the trail and in camp, have since
+become famous in story and history, and a braver, truer set of men never
+lived than these wild sons of the plains whose home was in the saddle
+and their couch, mother earth, with the sky for a covering. They were
+always ready to share their blanket and their last ration with a less
+fortunate fellow companion and always assisted each other in the many
+trying situations that were continually coming up in a cowboy's life.
+
+When we were not on the trail taking large herds of cattle or horses to
+market or to be delivered to other ranches we were engaged in range
+riding, moving large numbers of cattle from one grazing range to
+another, keeping them together, and hunting up strays which, despite the
+most earnest efforts of the range riders would get away from the main
+herd and wander for miles over the plains before they could be found,
+overtaken and returned to the main herd.
+
+Then the Indians and the white outlaws who infested the country gave us
+no end of trouble, as they lost no opportunity to cut out and run off
+the choicest part of a herd of long horns, or the best of a band of
+horses, causing the cowboys a ride of many a long mile over the dusty
+plains in pursuit, and many are the fierce engagements we had, when
+after a long chase of perhaps hundreds of miles over the ranges we
+overtook the thieves. It then became a case of "to the victor belongs
+the spoils," as there was no law respected in this wild country, except
+the law of might and the persuasive qualities of the 45 Colt pistol.
+
+Accordingly it became absolutely necessary for a cowboy to understand
+his gun and know how to place its contents where it would do the most
+good, therefore I in common with my other companions never lost an
+opportunity to practice with my 45 Colts and the opportunities were not
+lacking by any means and so in time I became fairly proficient and able
+in most cases to hit a barn door providing the door was not too far
+away, and was steadily improving in this as I was in experience and
+knowledge of the other branches of the business which I had chosen as my
+life's work and which I had begun to like so well, because while the
+life was hard and in some ways exacting, yet it was free and wild and
+contained the elements of danger which my nature craved and which began
+to manifest itself when I was a pugnacious youngster on the old
+plantation in our rock battles and the breaking of the wild horses. I
+gloried in the danger, and the wild and free life of the plains, the new
+country I was continually traversing, and the many new scenes and
+incidents continually arising in the life of a rough rider.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+I LEARN TO SPEAK SPANISH AND AM MADE CHIEF BRAND READER. THE BIG
+ROUND-UPS. RIDING THE 7-Y-L STEER. LONG RIDES. HUNTING STRAYS.
+
+
+Having now fairly begun my life as a cowboy, I was fast learning the
+many ins and outs of the business, while my many roamings over the range
+country gave me a knowledge of it not possessed by many at that time.
+Being of a naturally observant disposition, I noticed many things to
+which others attached no significance. This quality of observance proved
+of incalculable benefit to me in many ways during my life as a range
+rider in the western country. My employment with the Pete Gallinger
+company took me all over the Pan Handle country, Texas, Arizona, and New
+Mexico with herds of horses and cattle for market and to be delivered to
+other ranch owners and large cattle breeders. Naturally I became very
+well acquainted with all the many different trails and grazing ranges
+located in the stretch of country between the north of Montana and the
+Gulf of Mexico, and between the Missouri state line and the Pacific
+ocean. This whole territory I have covered many times in the saddle,
+sometimes at the rate of eighty or one hundred miles a day. These long
+rides and much traveling over the country were of great benefit to me,
+as it enabled me to meet so many different people connected with the
+cattle business and also to learn the different trails and the lay of
+the country generally.
+
+Among the other things that I picked up on my wanderings, was a
+knowledge of the Spanish language, which I learned to speak like a
+native. I also became very well acquainted with the many different
+brands scattered over this stretch of country, consequently it was not
+long before the cattle men began to recognize my worth and the
+Gallinger company made me their chief brand reader, which duties I
+performed for several years with honor to myself and satisfaction to my
+employers. In the cattle country, all the large cattle raisers had their
+squad of brand readers whose duty it was to attend all the big round-ups
+and cuttings throughout the country, and to pick out their own brands
+and to see that the different brands were not altered or counterfeited.
+They also had to look to the branding of the young stock.
+
+During the big round-ups it was our duty to pick out our brand, and then
+send them home under the charge of our cowboys, likewise the newly
+branded stock. After each brand was cut out and started homeward, we had
+to stay with the round up to see that strays from the different herds
+from the surrounding country did not again get mixed up, until the
+different home ranges were reached. This work employed a large number of
+cowboys, who lived, ate and often slept in the saddle, as they covered
+many hundreds of miles in a very short space of time. This was made
+possible as every large cattleman had relays of horses sent out over the
+country where we might be expected to touch, and so we could always
+count on finding a fresh horse awaiting us at the end of a twenty-five
+or a fifty mile ride. But for us brand readers there was no rest, we
+merely changed our saddles and outfit to a fresh horse and were again on
+the go. After the general round up was over, cowboy sports and a good
+time generally was in order for those engaged in it. The interest of
+nearly all of us centered in the riding of what was known as the 7 Y-L
+steer. A big long horn wild steer, generally the worst in the herd, was
+cut out and turned loose on the open prairie. The cow boy who could rope
+and ride him would get the steer as his reward, and let me assure you
+dear reader, that it was not so easy as it sounds, as the steer
+separated from its fellows would become extremely ferocious and wild,
+and the man who attempted to rope and ride him would be in momentary
+danger of losing his life, if he relaxed in the least his vigilance and
+caution, because a wild steer is naturally ferocious. Even in cutting
+them out of the round up I have known them to get mad and attack the
+cowboys who only saved themselves by the quickness of their horses, or
+the friendly intervention of a comrade who happened to be near to rope
+the maddened long horn, and thus divert his attention to other things.
+But in the case of the 7 Y-L steer such intervention is against the
+rules, and the cowboy who attempts to rope and ride the steer must at
+all times look out for himself. I have seen two horses and their riders
+gored to death in this sport, and I have had to shoot more than one
+steer to save myself and horse after my horse had fallen with me and
+placed himself as well as me at the maddened beast's mercy. At such
+times it takes a cool head and a steady hand as no random shot will stop
+a wild steer. The bullet must be placed in a certain spot, the center of
+the forehead, to accomplish its mission. The last time I had a horse
+fall with me in roping the 7 Y-L steer, he fell as the steer was but a
+few feet away, falling in such a way that my leg caught under the
+saddle, holding me fast. Quick as I could I gave the steer a bullet in
+the head and he stumbled and fell dead on top of my horse and me, so
+that the boys had to interfere to the extent of dragging the steer and
+horse off of my leg.
+
+[Illustration: Riding the 7-Y-L Steer]
+
+The cowboy who is successful in roping the steer must then mount and
+ride him. If he does that successfully the steer becomes his personal
+property to do with as he will, only a slight reward for the risking of
+his life and the trouble of accomplishing the feat. But it is done more
+for sport's sake than anything else, and the love of showing off, a
+weakness of all cow boys more or less. But really it takes a high class
+of horsemanship to ride a long horn, to get on his back and stay there
+as he runs, jumps, pitches side ways, backwards, forward, up and down,
+then over the prairie like a streak of lightning. I have had the
+experience and I can assure you it is no child's play. More than one 7
+Y-L steer has fallen to my lot, but I had to work for it, and work hard.
+After all it was only part of the general routine of the cow boy's life,
+in which danger plays so important a part. It is seldom thought of being
+merely a matter of course, and none of us would have foregone the sport,
+had we known that sure death awaited us as the result, because above
+all things, the test of a cow boy's worth is his gameness and his nerve.
+He is not supposed to know what fear means, and I assure you there are
+very few who know the meaning of that word.
+
+Most of my readers no doubt have heard of the great round ups and
+cuttings, connected with the cattle raiser's life. But not one in a
+hundred has any idea as to how an immense herd of wild cattle are
+handled in a big round up. My many years of experience has given me
+unusual knowledge on the subject, and you may bring any cattleman or
+boss to me, and I will guarantee to answer any question he can ask me
+about the cattle business. The first general round up occurs about the
+first of April. This round up is to run in all the near cattle belonging
+to each man, and head them toward our respective ranges. If we find any
+other brand mixed up with ours we head them toward their own range, and
+keep our own together. Every cow boy does the same and in this way every
+cattleman is enable to get his own brand together on his own range, so
+that when the next general round up occurs he will have most of his near
+cattle together on the home range. In order to get the cattle together
+in the first general round up, we would have to ride for hundreds of
+miles over the country in search of the long horn steers and old cows
+that had drifted from the home range during the winter and were now
+scattered to the four winds of heaven. As soon as they were found they
+were started off under the care of cow boys for the place agreed upon
+for the general round up, whether they belonged to us or not, while the
+rest of us continued the search. All the cow boys from the many
+different outfits working this way enabled us to soon get all the strays
+rounded up in one great herd in which the cattle of a dozen different
+owners were mixed up together. It then became our duty to cut out our
+different herds and start them homewards. Then we had to brand the young
+stock that had escaped that ordeal at the hands of the range riders. On
+finding the strays and starting them homewards, we had to keep up the
+search, because notwithstanding the fact that we had done range riding
+or line riding all winter, a large number of cattle would manage to
+evade the vigilance of the cow boys and get away. These must all be
+accounted for at the great round up, as they stood for dollars and
+cents, profit and loss to the great cattle kings of the west. In going
+after these strayed and perhaps stolen cattle we boys always provided
+ourselves with everything we needed, including plenty of grub, as
+sometimes we would be gone for nearly two months and sometimes much
+longer. It was not an uncommon occurrence for us to have shooting
+trouble over our different brands. In such disputes the boys would kill
+each other if others did not interfere in time to prevent it, because in
+those days on the great cattle ranges there was no law but the law of
+might, and all disputes were settled with a forty-five Colt pistol. In
+such cases the man who was quickest on the draw and whose eye was the
+best, pretty generally got the decision. Therefore it was of the
+greatest importance that the cow boy should understand his gun, its
+capabilities and its shooting qualities. A cow boy would never carry
+anything but the very best gun obtainable, as his life depended on it
+often. After securing a good gun the cow boy had to learn how to use it,
+if he did not already know how. In doing so no trouble or expense was
+spared, and I know there were very few poor shots on the ranges over
+which we rode and they used the accomplishment to protect themselves and
+their employer's cattle from the Indian thiefs and the white desperadoes
+who infested the cattle country, and who lost no opportunity to stampede
+the herds and run off large numbers of them. Whenever this happened it
+generally resulted in a long chase and a fierce fight in which someone
+was sure to get hurt, and hurt badly. But that fact did not bother us in
+the least. It was all simply our duty and our business for which we were
+paid and paid good, and so we accepted things as they came, always ready
+for it whatever it might be, and always taking pride in our work in
+which we always tried to excel.
+
+Christmas, Dec. 25, 1872, is a day in my memory which time cannot blot
+out. I and a number of friends were in a place called Holbrook, Ariz. A
+dispute started over a saddle horse with the following result. Arizona
+Bob drew his forty-five Colt revolver, but before he had time to fire he
+was instantly killed by A. Jack. Then a general fight ensued in which
+five horses and three men were killed.
+
+It was a sad thing for me to see my friends dead in a corral on a
+Christmas morning, but I helped bury the dead and took care of the
+wounded. The names were A. Jack, Wild Horse Pete and Arizona Bill.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+ON THE TRAIL. A TEXAS STORM. A CATTLE STAMPEDE. BATTLE WITH THE
+ELEMENTS. AFTER BUSINESS COMES PLEASURE.
+
+
+After the round ups and on returning from our long rides after strayed
+cattle we would have to prepare to take the trail with herds of cattle
+and horses for market and to be delivered to other large ranch owners.
+The party of cow boys to make these trips were all selected men. We
+would spend several days at the home ranch resting up and preparing our
+outfit, in which our guns, saddles, blankets and horses were given a
+thorough overhauling and placed in first class condition, as they would
+be called on to do good hard service on these trips on the trail. The
+nature of our journey would depend very much on the kind of cattle we
+were called upon to handle. Sometimes it would be all classes together;
+on other occasions the herd would consist of a certain kind, such as
+long yearlings, short yearlings, tail end and scabs. The larger demand
+however, seemed to be for straight three and four year old steers. These
+latter kind were the easiest to handle on the trail. It is no doubt
+necessary that I explain the difference between the different kinds I
+mention here. Short yearlings were those over one year old and short of
+two years, long yearlings those two years and short of three years, tail
+end and scabs mean nearly the same thing, and comprise all the very
+young stock of all classes not yet reached the dignity of yearlings.
+These latter were in demand from the cattle men, who took them to feed
+until they got their growth or to raise from, as stock cattle three or
+four years old were generally the market or beef cattle. These latter
+were by all odds the easiest to handle on the trail. Sometimes we would
+have an order for five or six hundred head of all classes of cattle,
+then again we would have to start out with fifteen hundred head of
+shipping steers, or several hundred head of horses.
+
+Shortly after I entered the employ of the Pete Gallinger company, and
+after the round-ups of the early season, we received an order for two
+thousand five hundred head of three year old steers to be delivered at
+Dodge City, Kansas. This was the largest herd I had up to the present
+time followed good rest at the home ranch, we strung the large herd out
+with two months provisions, and the camp wagon. After a and one hundred
+extra saddle horses and several pack horses, on the trail. Our outfit
+consisted of forty picked cow boys, along the old Chillers trail en
+route for Kansas, and we started on what proved to be an eventful
+journey. The herd behaved splendidly and gave us very little trouble
+until we crossed the Red river and struck the Old Dog and Sun City
+trail, here they became restless, and stampeded nearly every night, and
+whenever they got half a chance. This made it very hard on us cowboys,
+as it is no easy matter to ride the lines of such a large herd, let
+alone having to chase them back in line from many miles over the prairie
+where they had stampeded in their wild career. After crossing the Kansas
+line at a place known as the South Forks, while making for the head of
+the Cimarron river on the twenty-seventh of June, we experienced one of
+the hardest rain and hail storms I had ever seen, in the western
+country, the rain came down in torrents only to cease and give place to
+hail stones the size of walnuts. While the thunder and lightning was
+incessant. It was shortly after dark when the storm commenced. The
+twenty-five hundred head of cattle strung out along the trail became
+panic stricken and stampeded, and despite our utmost efforts, we were
+unable to keep them in line.
+
+Imagine, my dear reader, riding your horse at the top of his speed
+through torrents of rain and hail, and darkness so black that we could
+not see our horses heads, chasing an immense herd of maddened cattle
+which we could hear but could not see, except during the vivid flashes
+of lightning which furnished our only light. It was the worst night's
+ride I ever experienced. Late the next morning we had the herd rounded
+up thirty miles from where they started from the night before. On going
+back over the country to our camp of the night before, we saw the great
+danger we had been in during our mad ride. There were holes, cliffs,
+gulleys and big rocks scattered all around, some of the cliffs going
+down a sheer fifty feet or more, where if we had fallen over we would
+have been dashed to pieces on the rocks below, but we never thought of
+our personal danger that night, and we did not think particularly of it
+when we saw it further than to make a few joking remarks about what
+would have happened if some one of us had gone over. One of the boys
+offered to bet that a horse and rider going over one of those cliffs
+would bring up in China, while others thought he would bring up in Utah.
+It was our duty to save the cattle, and every thing else was of
+secondary importance. We never lost a single steer during this wild
+night--something we were justly proud of. This proved the last trouble
+we were to have with the herd, and we soon reached the five mile divide,
+five miles from Dodge City without further incident, and with our herd
+intact. Here we were to hold them until turned over to their new owners.
+This accomplished, our work was done and done well for this trip. Then
+we all headed for Dodge City to have a good time, and I assure you we
+had it. It was our intention and ambition to paint the town a deep red
+color and drink up all the bad whiskey in the city. Our nearly two
+months journey over the dusty plains and ranges had made us all
+inordinately thirsty and wild, and here is where we had our turn,
+accordingly we started out to do the town in true western style, in
+which we were perfectly successful until the town had done us, and we
+were dead broke. This fact slowed us up, because being broke we could
+not get up any more steam and we had to cool down right there. We then
+started out to find our boss, but that gentleman being wise in his time
+and generation, and knowing we would soon all be broke, and would be
+wanting more money, and that he would let us have it if we asked him for
+it only to be thrown away, he made himself scarce, and he kept out of
+our sight until we cooled off. For my part I would not spend all my
+money. I would draw about fifty dollars, then I would get what things I
+wanted and then would let the other go free, but while our money lasted
+we would certainly enjoy ourselves, in dancing, drinking and shooting
+up the town. It was our delight to give exhibitions of rough riding
+roping and everything else we could think of to make things go fast
+enough to suit our ideas of speed. After several days spent in this
+manner we would begin to make ready to start on the return journey home
+to Texas. We left Dodge City on the first of July and on the fifteenth
+of August we were back on the old home ranch, where we rested up a few
+days before again starting out to ride the range after the long horns
+again. As I was a brand reader I had little time to rest as my services
+were in demand from many of the large cattle kings of Texas and Arizona,
+and when ever a dispute arose over brands, I was generally sent for to
+straighten matters out. This with the numerous round ups which I had to
+attend and the many transfers of cattle throughout the pan handle
+country kept me continually on the go. When my services were not needed
+as a brand reader I rode the range along with the other cow boys. This
+kept us almost continually in the saddle, and away from the home ranch
+for days at a time; when this was the case our food consisted of biscuit
+and cakes which we made ourselves from meal which we carried with us,
+and such meat and game as we could knock over with our guns. We camped
+wherever it suited and where there was feed for our horses. A cow boy's
+first care is always after his gun and his horse, that animal often
+meaning life and liberty to the cow boy in a tight place and the cow boy
+without a horse is like a chicken without its head, completely lost. My
+faithful horse has times without number carried me out of danger and
+preserved my life. We were not destined to have much rest this season as
+shortly after we returned from the trip to Dodge City, the boss bought a
+large herd of cattle down on the Rio Grande, just over the line in
+Mexico, which we had orders for, so we had to start out and round them
+up. This was no easy matter as they were scattered over a large range of
+territory and many strays had to be rounded up and got with the main
+herd. This we finally accomplished, after a great deal of hard riding
+over the rough Rio Grande country, and both men and horses were
+completely tired out, so we went into camp, only holding the herd
+together and getting rested up. This opportunity we improved by getting
+acquainted and fraternizing with the cow boys of one of the oldest
+cattle countries this side of the herring pond--Old Mexico. These men
+were for the most part typical greasers, but they proved to us that they
+knew a thing or two about the cattle business, and all things considered
+they were a jolly companionable sort of an outfit. From them we learned
+a few pointers and also gave them a few very much to our mutual benefit.
+We remained here a few days before starting northward with our herd, but
+these few days proved very pleasant ones to us boys who, on account of
+the monotony of the life we led always welcomed new experiences or
+events that would give us something to think and talk about while on our
+long rides behind the slow moving herd of long-horn steers, or around
+our camp fires when in camp on the plains, and it gave us especial
+pleasure to meet men of the same calling from other states over the
+west. It not only gave us pleasure, but it added to our cow knowledge,
+and of the country over which we might at any time be called on to drive
+cattle, and in such cases a knowledge of the country was most valuable
+to us. Then a cow boy's life contains many things in which he is
+continually trying to improve and excel, such as roping, shooting,
+riding and branding and many other things connected with the cattle
+business. We, in common with other trades, did not know it all, and we
+were always ready to learn anything new when we met any one who was
+capable of teaching us.
+
+[Illustration: After Business Comes Pleasure]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+EN ROUTE TO WYOMING. THE INDIANS DEMAND TOLL. THE FIGHT. A BUFFALO
+STAMPEDE. TRAGIC DEATH OF CAL. SURCEY. AN EVENTFUL TRIP.
+
+
+[Illustration: A Buffalo Stampede--On They Came, a Maddened, Plunging
+Snorting, Bellowing Mass of Horns and Hoofs]
+
+After getting the cattle together down on the Rio Grande and both man
+and beast had got somewhat rested up, we started the herd north. They
+were to be delivered to a man by the name of Mitchell, whose ranch was
+located along the Powder river, up in northern Wyoming. It was a long
+distance to drive cattle from Old Mexico to northern Wyoming, but to us
+it was nothing extraordinary as we were often called on to make even
+greater distances, as the railroads were not so common then as now, and
+transportation by rail was very little resorted to and except when beef
+cattle were sent to the far east, they were always transported on the
+hoof overland. Our route lay through southern Texas, Indian Territory,
+Kansas and Nebraska, to the Shoshone mountains in northern Wyoming. We
+had on this trip five hundred head of mostly four year old long horn
+steers. We did not have much trouble with them until we struck Indian
+Territory. On nearing the first Indian reservation, we were stopped by a
+large body of Indian bucks who said we could not pass through their
+country unless we gave them a steer for the privilege. Now as we were
+following the regular government trail which was a free public highway,
+it did not strike us as justifiable to pay our way, accordingly our boss
+flatly refused to give the Indians a steer, remarking that we needed all
+the cattle we had and proposed to keep them, but he would not mind
+giving them something much warmer if they interfered with us. This
+ultimatum of our boss had the effect of starting trouble right there. We
+went into camp at the edge of the Indian country. All around us was the
+tall blue grass of that region which in places was higher than a horse,
+affording an ideal hiding place for the Indians. As we expected an
+attack from the Indians, the boss arranged strong watches to keep a keen
+lookout. We had no sooner finished making camp when the Indians showed
+up, and charged us with a yell or rather a series of yells, I for one
+had got well used to the blood curdling yells of the Indians and they
+did not scare us in the least. We were all ready for them and after a
+short but sharp fight the Indians withdrew and every thing became quiet,
+but us cow boys were not such guys as to be fooled by the seeming
+quietness. We knew it was only the calm before the storm, and we
+prepared ourselves accordingly, but we were all dead tired and it was
+necessary that we secure as much rest as possible, so the low watch
+turned in to rest until midnight, when they were to relieve the upper
+watch, in whose hands the safety of the camp was placed till that time.
+Every man slept with his boots on and his gun near his hand. We had been
+sleeping several hours, but it seemed to me only a few minutes when the
+danger signal was given. Immediately every man was on his feet, gun in
+hand and ready for business. The Indians had secured reinforcements and
+after dividing in two bands, one band hid in the tall grass in order to
+pick us off and shoot us as we attempted to hold our cattle, while the
+other band proceeded to stampede the herd, but fortunately there were
+enough of us to prevent the herd from stringing out on us, as we gave
+our first attention to the cattle we got them to merling. Back and
+forward, through the tall grass, the large herd charged, the Indians
+being kept too busy keeping out of their way to have much time to bother
+with us. This kept up until daylight, but long before that time we came
+to the conclusion that this was the worst herd of cattle to stampede we
+ever struck, they seemed perfectly crazy even after the last Indian had
+disappeared. We were unable to account for the strange actions of the
+cattle until daylight, when the mystery was a mystery no longer. The
+Indians in large numbers had hid in the tall grass for the purpose of
+shooting us from ambush and being on foot they were unable to get out of
+the way of the herd as it stampeded through the grass, the result was
+that scores of the painted savages were trampled under the hoofs of the
+maddened cattle, and in the early gray dawn of the approaching day we
+witnessed a horrible sight, the Indians were all cut to pieces, their
+heads, limbs, trunk and blankets all being ground up in an inseparable
+mass, as if they had been through a sausage machine. The sight was all
+the more horrible as we did not know the Indians were hidden in the
+grass during the night, but their presence there accounted for the
+strange actions of the herd during the night. We suffered no loss or
+damage except the loss of our rest, which we sorely needed as we were
+all pretty well played out. However, we thought it advisable to move our
+herd on to a more desirable and safe camping place, not that we greatly
+feared any more trouble from the Indians, not soon at any rate, but only
+to be better prepared and in better shape to put up a fight if attacked.
+The second night we camped on the open plain where the grass was not so
+high and where the camp could be better guarded. After eating our supper
+and placing the usual watch the men again turned in, expecting this time
+to get a good night's rest. It was my turn to take the first watch and
+with the other boys, who were to watch with me, we took up advantageous
+positions on the lookout. Everything soon became still, the night was
+dark and sultry. It was getting along toward midnight when all at once
+we became aware of a roaring noise in the north like thunder, slowly
+growing louder as it approached, and I said to the boys that it must be
+a buffalo stampede. We immediately gave the alarm and started for our
+herd to get them out of the way of the buffalo, but we soon found that
+despite our utmost efforts we would be unable to get them out of the
+way, so we came to the conclusion to meet them with our guns and try and
+turn the buffalo from our direction if possible, and prevent them from
+going through our herd. Accordingly all hands rode to meet the oncoming
+stampede, pouring volley after volley into the almost solid mass of
+rushing beasts, but they paid no more attention to us than they would
+have paid to a lot of boys with pea shooters. On they came, a maddened,
+plunging, snorting, bellowing mass of horns and hoofs. One of our
+companions, a young fellow by the name of Cal Surcey, who was riding a
+young horse, here began to have trouble in controlling his mount and
+before any of us could reach him his horse bolted right in front of the
+herd of buffalo and in a trice the horse and rider went down and the
+whole herd passed over them. After the herd had passed we could only
+find a few scraps of poor Cal's clothing, and the horse he had been
+riding was reduced to the size of a jack rabbit. The buffalo went
+through our herd killing five head and crippling many others, and
+scattering them all over the plain. This was the year that the great
+buffalo slaughter commenced and such stampedes were common then. It
+seemed to me that as soon as we got out of one trouble we got into
+another on this trip. But we did not get discouraged, but only wondered
+what would happen next. We did not care much for ourselves, as we were
+always ready and in most cases anxious for a brush with the Indians, or
+for the other dangers of the trail, as they only went to relieve the
+dull monotony of life behind the herd. But these cattle were entrusted
+to our care and every one represented money, good hard cash. So we did
+not relish in the least having them stampeded by the Indians or run over
+by the buffaloes. If casualties kept up at this rate, there would not be
+very many cattle to deliver in Wyoming by the time we got there. After
+the buffalo stampede we rounded up our scattered herd and went into camp
+for a couple of days' rest before proceeding on our journey north. The
+tragic death of Cal Surcey had a very depressing effect on all of us as
+he was a boy well liked by us all, and it was hard to think that we
+could not even give him a Christian burial. We left his remains trampled
+into the dust of the prairie and his fate caused even the most hardened
+of us to shudder as we contemplated it. After getting fairly rested we
+proceeded on our journey north and were soon out of the Indian
+Territory, though we often met small bands of roving bucks, but aside
+from exchanging a few shots at each other they caused us no trouble. We
+crossed Kansas and Nebraska and reached the end of our long journey
+without further incident worthy of note, and we delivered our herd only
+five head short which was not bad considering the distance we had
+travelled and the events that had happened. It was a wonder that we had
+been able to get through with half of our herd or men. Consequently it
+was with genuine relief that we turned the cattle over to their new
+owners and received our receipt therefor. We remained at the Mitchell
+ranch in Wyoming several days, fraternizing with our northern brothers,
+swapping yarns and having a good time generally. On the return journey
+to Arizona we were of course, able to make better time and we returned
+more direct by way of Colorado and Utah, taking note of the cattle
+trails and the country over which we passed. In that way we secured
+valuable information of the trails and the country that stood us in good
+stead in future trips north. Arriving home at the Pete Gallinger ranch,
+in Arizona, we became the heroes of the range, and we received unstinted
+praise from our boss, but the loss of Cal Surcey was universally
+regretted.
+
+[Illustration: Tragic Death of Cal Surcey]
+
+We were relieved of all duty until we got thoroughly rested up, while
+our horses had the best the ranch afforded. But at a large cattle ranch
+there is always something doing and it was not long before we were again
+in the saddle and preparing for another trip on the trail. To the cow
+boy accustomed to riding long distances, life in the saddle ceases to be
+tiresome. It is only the dull monotony of following a large herd of
+cattle on the trail day after day that tires the rider and makes him
+long for something to turn up in the way of excitement. It does not
+matter what it is just so it is excitement of some kind. This the cow
+boy finds in dare-devil riding, shooting, roping and such sports when he
+is not engaged in fighting Indians or protecting his herds from the
+organized bands of white cattle thieves that infested the cattle country
+in those days. It was about this time that I hired to Bill Montgomery
+for a time to assist in taking a band of nine hundred head of horses to
+Dodge City. The journey out was without incident, on arriving at Dodge
+City we sold the horses for a good price returning to the old ranch in
+Arizona by the way of the old lone and lonesome Dodge City trail. While
+en route home on this trail we had a sharp fight with the Indians. When
+I saw them coming I shouted to my companions, "We will battle them to
+hell!" Soon we heard their yells as they charged us at full speed. We
+met them with a hot fire from our Winchesters, but as they were in such
+large numbers we saw that we could not stop them that way and it soon
+developed into a hand to hand fight. My saddle horse was shot from under
+me; at about the same time my partner James Holley was killed, shot
+through the heart. I caught Holley's horse and continued the fight until
+it became evident that the Indians were too much for us, then it became
+a question of running or being scalped. We thought it best to run as we
+did not think we could very well spare any hair at that particular time,
+any way we mostly preferred to have our hair cut in the regular way by a
+competent barber, not that the Indians would charge us too much, they
+would have probably done the job for nothing, but we didn't want to
+trouble them, and we did not grudge the price of a hair cut any way, so
+we put spurs to our horses and they soon carried us out of danger.
+Nearly every one of us were wounded in this fight but Holley was the
+only man killed on our side though a few of the Indians were made better
+as the result of it. We heard afterwards that Holley was scalped and his
+body filled with arrows by the red devils. This was only one of the many
+similar fights we were constantly having with the Indians and the cattle
+thieves of that part of the country. They were so common that it was not
+considered worth mentioning except when we lost a man, as on this
+occasion. This was the only trouble we had on this trip of any
+importance and we soon arrived at the Montgomery ranch in Texas where
+after a few days rest with the boys, resting up, I made tracks in the
+direction of my own crib in Arizona.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+WE MAKE A TRIP TO NEBRASKA. THE HOLE IN THE WALL COUNTRY. A LITTLE
+SHOOTING SCRAPE. CATTLE ON THE TRAIL AND THE WAY TO HANDLE THEM. A BIT
+OF MORALIZATION.
+
+
+The ranch boss's voice rang out sharply, but kindly as he entered our
+quarters where we were engaged in all sorts of occupations, some of the
+boys playing cards, others smoking and swapping stories, while those
+more industrious were diligently engaged in cleaning their forty-fives.
+I glanced up from my long barreled rifle I was just putting the
+finishing touches to, wondering what was up now. The boss informed us
+that we were to take another herd of cattle north, away up in the
+northwestern part of Nebraska, and that all of us who were on the last
+trip had been selected for the duty again this trip. This announcement
+was met with exclamations of approval from the boys who had now got
+thoroughly rested up and were anxious for regular duty again. Since our
+return from Wyoming we had not been doing much, but taking it easy with
+occasional range riding and were becoming rusty in consequence. We were
+to start on our second journey north this season as soon as possible, so
+we lost no time in getting ready. We were to take the same size herd as
+before. It did not take us long to round the herd up and the second day
+from the time we received the order we were off. Our route was different
+this time, starting from the home ranch in Arizona we went by way of New
+Mexico, Colorado and into Nebraska, by way of the Platte river, which we
+crossed near where the forks of the North and South Platte unite. It was
+now late in the season and we had to hurry in order to get through in
+good weather, therefore we put the cattle to the limit of their
+traveling powers. Beef cattle, that is, four year old long horns differ
+greatly from other cattle in their travel. The first day after being put
+out on the trail they will travel twenty-five miles without any trouble
+then as the pace begins to tell on them they fall back to fifteen or
+twenty miles a day, and there also seems to be an understanding among
+the cattle themselves that each must take a turn at leading the herd,
+those that start in the lead in the morning will be away back in the
+center of the herd at noon, and those that started in the center are now
+leading. This they keep up until all have had their turn at leading and
+as a rule if they are not scared by something they will stay pretty well
+bunched. We allowed the herd to graze and rest during the night, only
+traveling during the day, as a herd of cattle should never be moved off
+their grazing ground until the dew is off the grass because their feet
+are made soft by the wet grass and if they are moved onto the hard trail
+while in that condition sore heels are sure to result, and a steer with
+sore heels cannot travel and will have to be left behind on the trail or
+the herd held until those affected have recovered. Our saddle horses
+travel several times the distance that a herd of cattle does on the
+trail, as it is necessary to ride from one end of the herd to the other
+to keep them in line and headed in the right direction. This work is
+hard on the horses but that is always provided for by having a small
+herd of horses along under the charge of a horse rustler as we called
+him and any of the boys could change his tired horse for a fresh one at
+any time he chose, but he would have no one to help him make the change.
+He would have to rope, throw, saddle and bridle the horse himself
+without any assistance whatever from his companions, and this was no
+easy matter as most of the horses were wild Texas mustangs and had never
+had the saddle on more than once or twice and so as often happened the
+cow boy would be led a hard life before he finally made the change of
+mounts. On such occasions he always received the unwelcome and unasked
+advice of the other boys, but as most of the boys were expert at that
+business there was slight chance for railing and chaff. But if for any
+reason he should get the laugh from his companions he always took it in
+the same spirit in which it was given, only waiting his chance to get
+even, and such a chance was not long in coming. This particular herd
+acted very well and gave us no trouble to speak of. Our route lay over
+the old Hays' and Elsworth trail, one of the best known cattle trails in
+the west, then by way of Olga, Nebraska, at that time a very small and
+also a very tough place. It was a rendezvous of the tough element and
+the bad men of the cow country. There were a large number of cow boys
+there from the surrounding ranges and the place looked very enticing to
+our tired and thirsty crowd, but we had our herd to look after and
+deliver so we could not stop, but pushed on north crossing the Platte
+river, then up the trail that led by the hole in the wall country, near
+which place we went into camp. Then as now this hole in the wall country
+was the refuge of the train robbers, cattle thieves and bandits of the
+western country, and when we arrived the place was unusually full of
+them, and it was not long before trouble was brewing between our men and
+the natives which culminated in one of our men shooting and killing one
+of the bad men of the hole. Fearing more trouble and not being in the
+best possible shape to meet it, burdened as we were with five hundred
+head of cattle we broke camp at once and proceeded on our journey north.
+We arrived at the ranch where our herd were to be delivered without
+further incident and with all our cattle intact and after turning the
+herd over to their new owners and spending several days in getting
+acquainted with our northern neighbors, the Nebraska cowboys whom we
+found hot numbers and a jolly all round crowd of cattle men, we left for
+Arizona on the return journey by way of Wyoming, Colorado and New
+Mexico, arriving home in good shape late in the fall without further
+incident, and were soon engaged in range riding over our own ranges
+again, and getting everything in shape for the winter, but we had to be
+out on the range off and on all winter. Then in the spring came the
+usual round ups, cuttings and brandings, during which time all our men
+were needed at the home ranch. I had long since developed into a first
+class cow boy and besides being chief brand reader in Arizona and the
+pan handle country. My expertness in riding, roping and in the general
+routine of the cow boy's life, including my wide knowledge of the
+surrounding country, gained in many long trips with herds of cattle and
+horses, made my services in great demand and my wages increased
+accordingly. To see me now you would not recognize the bronze hardened
+dare devil cow boy, the slave boy who a few years ago hunted rabbits in
+his shirt tail on the old plantation in Tennessee, or the tenderfoot who
+shrank shaking all over at the sight of a band of painted Indians. I had
+long since felt the hot sting of the leaden bullet as it plowed its way
+through some portion of my anatomy. Likewise I had lost all sense of
+fear, and while I was not the wild blood thirsty savage and all around
+bad man many writers have pictured me in their romances, yet I was wild,
+reckless and free, afraid of nothing, that is nothing that I ever saw,
+with a wide knowledge of the cattle country and the cattle business and
+of my guns with which I was getting better acquainted with every day,
+and not above taking my whiskey straight or returning bullet for bullet
+in a scrimmage. I always had been reckless, as evidenced by my riding of
+Black Highwayman on the old home plantation and I never lost courage or
+my nerve under the most trying circumstances, always cool, observant and
+ready for what might turn up, made me liked and respected by my
+employers and those of the cattle kings of the western country it was my
+good fortune to meet and know. On our own ranch, among my own companions
+my position was as high as a king, enjoying the trust and confidence of
+my employers and the homage of the men many of whom were indebted to me
+on occasions when my long rope or ever ready forty-five colt pistol had
+saved them from serious injury or death. But I thought nothing of those
+things then, my only ambition was to learn the business and excel in all
+things connected with the cow boy's life that I was leading and for
+which I had genuine liking. Mounted on my favorite horse, my long
+horsehide lariat near my hand, and my trusty guns in my belt and the
+broad plains stretching away for miles and miles, every foot of which I
+was familiar with, I felt I could defy the world. What man with the fire
+of life and youth and health in his veins could not rejoice in such a
+life? The fall and winter of 1874 passed on the Arizona ranch without
+any unusual occurrence, the cattle wintered well and prospects were
+bright for the coming year. In the early spring we again began
+preparing for the big round up, the brandings and the cuttings. There
+had been hundreds of calves and colts added to the vast herds, these all
+had to be cut out and branded, while all the cattle that had strayed
+during the winter had to be rounded up and accounted for. This work kept
+us in the saddle the greater part of the time. Sometimes we would be
+absent for days and weeks at a time on the trail of a bunch of strayed
+cattle. On these trips we often encountered big herds of buffalo and
+these supplied us with meat, and such meat! A buffalo steak fresh from a
+still quivering buffalo broiled over coals is a dish fit for the Gods.
+Coming back from one of these trips after strays early in 1875 we were
+notified to get ready to take a herd of five hundred head of horses up
+in South Dakota, the trip was a long one but horses can travel much
+faster than cattle and on the whole are much easier to handle. On the
+trails we were all happy at the prospect of the trip and were not long
+in getting ready and getting the horses started out on the trail, we
+took them by way of New Mexico, Colorado and Nebraska. They gave us very
+little trouble on the way up, and we reached our destination and
+delivered them without incident worthy of note, returning by way of
+Wyoming, Colorado and New Mexico. On starting out on the return journey
+we came down Pold creek and stopped at the old log saloon to get a
+drink, that being the first place where we could get any whiskey. Here
+in moving around among the large number of cow boys and tough
+characters, generally, another fuss was started between our men and some
+cattle rustlers resulting in some shooting, but fortunately without
+serious consequences. As we were not looking for trouble, and not
+wishing to kill any one we left at once for home. It was our policy to
+always avoid trouble if possible while on these trips, but to always
+defend ourselves and our rights against all comers, be they white men or
+Indians and then it would look bad for us to have to report the loss of
+a man or so in a saloon fight when we were sent out to attend to
+business, for that reason we did not stop to give an exhibition of our
+fighting qualities, although we were very anxious to have matters out
+with them. We arrived home safely with all well and in time to assist in
+the round ups and the other ranch work in which we were needed.
+
+[Illustration: A Little Scrap--Hole-in-the-Wall Country]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+
+A BUFFALO HUNT. I LOSE MY LARIAT AND SADDLE. I ORDER A DRINK FOR MYSELF
+AND MY HORSE. A CLOSE PLACE IN OLD MEXICO.
+
+
+When there was not much doing around the ranch, we boys would get up a
+buffalo hunt. Buffaloes were plentiful in those days and one did not
+have to ride far before striking a herd. Going out on the open plain we
+were not long in sighting a herd, peacefully grazing on the luxuriant
+grass, and it would have been an easy task to shoot them but that was
+not our idea of sport. In the first place it was too easy. Then to shoot
+them would rob the hunt of all element of danger and excitement, for
+that reason we prepared to rope them and then dispatch them with the
+knife or revolver. As soon as the herd caught sight of us they promptly
+proceeded to stampede and were off like the wind. We all had pretty good
+mounts and we started in pursuit. It is a grand sight to see a large
+herd of several thousand buffalo on a stampede, all running with their
+heads down and their tongues hanging out like a yard of red flannel,
+snorting and bellowing they crowd along, shaking the ground for yards
+around. We soon reached the rear of the herd and began operations. I had
+roped and dispatched several, when my attention was attracted by a
+magnificent bull buffalo, which I made up my mind to get, running free
+behind the herd. My buffalo soon came within range and my rope settled
+squarely over his horns and my horse braced himself for the strain but
+the bull proved too much for us. My horse was knocked down, the saddle
+snatched from under me and off my horse's back and my neck nearly broken
+as I struck the hardest spot in that part of Texas After I got through
+counting the stars not to mention the moons that I could see quite
+plainly, I jumped to my feet and after assuring myself that I was all
+there I looked for my horse, he was close by just getting up while in
+the distance and fast growing more distant each moment was my favorite
+saddle flying in the breeze, hanging to the head of the infuriated
+buffalo.
+
+Now I did not think I could very well lose that saddle so I sprang on my
+horse's bare back and started in pursuit. My horse could run like a deer
+and his hard fall did not seem to affect him much, so it did not take us
+long to overtake the plunging herd. Running my horse close up by the
+side of the thief who stole my saddle, I placed the muzzle of my
+forty-five close against his side and right there I took charge of Mr.
+Buffalo and my outfit.
+
+It was no trouble to get all the buffalo meat we wanted in those days,
+all that was necessary was to ride out on the prairie and knock them
+over with a bullet, a feat that any cow boy can accomplish without
+useless waste of ammunition, and a running buffalo furnishes perhaps the
+best kind of a moving target for practice shooting. And the man that can
+drop his buffalo at two hundred yards the first shot can hit pretty much
+anything he shoots at.
+
+I never missed anything I shot at within this distance and many a time
+when I thought the distance of an object was too great, the boys have
+encouraged me by saying, shoot, you never miss, and as much to my
+surprise as theirs, my old stand by placed the bullet where I aimed.
+
+I early in my career recognized the fact that a cow boy must know how to
+use his guns, and therefore I never lost an opportunity to improve my
+shooting abilities, until I was able to hit anything within range of my
+forty-five or my winchester. This ability has times without number
+proved of incalculable value to me, when in tight places. It has often
+saved the life of myself and companions and so by constant practice I
+soon became known as the best shot in the Arizona and pan handle
+country.
+
+After the buffalo hunt we were sent down in Old Mexico to get a herd of
+horses, that our boss had bought from the Mexicans in the southwestern
+part of Old Mexico. We made the journey out all right without special
+incident, but after we had got the horses out on the trail, headed north
+I was possessed with a desire to show off and I thought surprise the
+staid old greasers on whom we of the northern cattle country looked with
+contempt. So accordingly I left the boys to continue with the herd,
+while I made for the nearest saloon, which happened to be located in one
+of the low mud houses of that country, with a wide door and clay floor.
+As the door was standing open, and looked so inviting I did not want to
+go to the trouble of dismounting so urging my horse forward, I rode in
+the saloon, first however, scattering with a few random shots the
+respectable sized crowd of dirty Mexicans hanging around as I was in no
+humor to pay for the drinks for such a motley gathering. Riding up to
+the bar, I ordered keller for myself and a generous measure of pulky for
+my horse, both popular Mexican drinks.
+
+[Illustration: I Lose My Lariat and Saddle--I Hit the Hardest Spot in
+that Part of Texas]
+
+The fat wobbling greaser who was behind the bar looked scared, but he
+proceeded to serve us with as much grace as he could command. My
+forty-five colt which I proceeded to reload, acting as a persuader.
+Hearing a commotion outside I realized that I was surrounded. The crowd
+of Mexican bums had not appreciated my kindly greeting as I rode up and
+it seems did not take kindly to being scattered by bullets. And not
+realizing that I could have killed them all, just as easy as I scattered
+them, and seeing there was but two of us--I and my horse--they had
+summoned sufficient courage to come back and seek revenge. There was a
+good sized crowd of them, every one with some kind of shooting iron, and
+I saw at once that they meant business. I hated to have to hurt some of
+them but I could see I would have to or be taken myself, and perhaps
+strung up to ornament a telegraph pole. This pleasant experience I had
+no especial wish to try, so putting spurs to my horse I dashed out of
+the saloon, then knocking a man over with every bullet from my Colts I
+cut for the open country, followed by several volleys from the angry
+Mexicans' pop guns.
+
+[Illustration: I Take Charge of My Buffalo and Outfit]
+
+The only harm their bullets did, however, was to wound my horse in the
+hip, not seriously, however, and he carried me quickly out of range. I
+expected to be pursued, however, as I had no doubt I had done for some
+of those whom I knocked over, so made straight for the Rio Grande
+river riding day and night until I sighted that welcome stream and on
+the other side I knew I was safe. Crossing the Rio Grande and entering
+Texas at the Eagle pass, I rode straight to the old home ranch where I
+stayed resting up until the boys got the horses out of Mexico into
+Texas, then I joined them and assisted in driving the horses into the
+ranch. I congratulated myself that I escaped so easily and with such
+little damage. It was certainly a close place but I have been in even
+closer places numbers of times and always managed to escape. Either
+through trick, the fleetness of my horse or my shooting and sometimes
+through all combined. At this time I was known all over the cattle
+country as "Red River Dick," the name given to me by the boss of the
+Duval outfit, when I first joined the cow boys at Dodge City, Kansas.
+
+And many of the cattle kings of the west as well as the Indians and
+scores of bad men all over the western country have at some time or
+other had good reason to remember the name of "Red River Dick."
+
+This was in 1875. It was not till the next year that I won the name of
+"Deadwood Dick," a name I made even better known than "Red River Dick."
+And a name I was proud to carry and defend, if necessary, with my life.
+This season we made several trips North. The horses we brought up from
+Texas now had to be driven to old man Keith's in Nebraska, on the North
+Platte river. On this trip we had no trouble to speak of. Several bands
+of Indians showed up at different times but a shot or so from one of the
+boys would send them scurrying off at full speed, without stopping to
+sample further our fighting abilities.
+
+This was in some ways disappointing to us as we were spoiling for a
+fight or excitement of some kind. However, nothing turned up, so after
+delivering the horses to their new owners, we made tracks for home
+again. It was the same round of duties, season after season, but all our
+trips on the trail were not by any means alike, we were continually
+visiting new country and new scenes, traveling over trails new to us,
+but old in history. Many of these old trails are now famous in history.
+
+[Illustration: I Order a Drink for Myself and Horse]
+
+Each trip gave us new experiences, and traveling so much as we were,
+there were few outfits in the cattle country that knew the trails and
+the country as we did. And we were continually adding to this knowledge
+and experience. After returning from old man Keith's in Nebraska we had
+to take the trail again with a herd of cattle for the Spencer brothers,
+whose ranch was located just north of the Red Light about sixty-five
+miles north of the bad lands in South Dakota. This was one of the
+largest cattle ranches in the West.
+
+Their brand was known as the R Box Circle Brand. There we remained for
+some time, adding to our knowledge of the cattle business such things as
+can only be learned at a large cattle ranch. On our way home we passed
+through Laramie, Wyoming. As fate would have it, we arrived at Laramie
+City on July 4, 1875, just as the notorious Jack Watkins escaped from
+the Albany county jail, and the excitement in the town was at fever
+heat. Jack Watkins, who was probably the most desperate criminal that
+was ever placed behind prison bars, had been arrested and placed in
+close confinement, as the officers of the western states had long tried
+to effect his capture. And they did not want to take any chances of
+losing him, now they had him, but for all their caution he had escaped,
+shooting Deputy Sheriff Lawrence in the leg, crippling him for life.
+
+Ex-Conductor Brophy was at that time sheriff. The officers noting our
+arrival at such time, at once ordered us out of the city, as they
+suspected we knew something about the outbreak. We protested our
+innocence of any knowledge of the trouble. But appearances were against
+us, so we had to leave, going direct to Cheyenne, Wyoming. Here we
+disposed of a small band of horses our boss had along, and which we did
+not wish to take back home with us. They were sold to the Swarn Brothers
+at a good price.
+
+We remained in Cheyenne until the 18th of July, when we left for Texas,
+arriving at the old Pali Dora range ranch on the 10th of August. We had
+no more than got rested up before we were again called out on active
+duty. The many large cattle owners of the panhandle country had got
+together and come to the conclusion that the wild mustang horses,
+large bands of which were running wild over the Arizona and Texas
+plains, would make good cattle horses, and to that end a plan of
+campaign was arranged, whereby they could be captured, and broken in and
+put to some use, instead of causing damage to the range, as at present.
+
+[Illustration: A Close Place in Old Mexico--Knocking a Man Over With
+Every Bullet from My Colt's I Cut for the Open Country]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII.
+
+THE BIG WILD MUSTANG HUNT. WE TIRE THEM OUT. THE INDIANS CAPTURE OUR
+MESS WAGON AND COOK. OUR BILL OF FARE BUFFALO MEAT WITHOUT SALT.
+
+
+It was a bright clear morning in September as we were all gathered at
+the old home ranch, prepared to start on the great mustang hunt. There
+was one of the best men from each of the big cattle ranges in the
+panhandle and Arizona country, making twenty of the best range riders
+ever assembled together for a single purpose, while we were mounted on
+the best and fastest horses the Texas and Arizona cattle country could
+produce, while a horse rustler had left four days before with twenty
+more equally as good horses, giving each of us two horses apiece. We
+carried with us four days' rations, consisting of dried beef, crackers,
+potatoes, coffee--we had no sugar. The mess wagon well stocked with
+provisions for a two months' trip had also left four days before for a
+place in the wild horse district, where we knew the mustangs were to be
+found.
+
+Many of the cattle men of Texas and Arizona were present to see us off,
+and the boss gave us a little talk on what was expected of us, and said,
+among other things, we were twenty of the best and gamest cow boys who
+ever roamed the western plains, and that he knew we would make good on
+hearing these words--we one and all resolved to do our best.
+
+And swinging into the saddle we emptied our guns as a parting salutation
+and started on a dead run across the plains towards the scene of our
+duty. After a hard ride of ten days we sighted a band of about
+seventy-five mustangs. We at once proceeded to run them down. It was
+decided that twenty of us should surround the herd in a large circle,
+ten or fifteen miles across, which would leave a space of several miles
+between each rider, but not of a greater distance than he could easily
+cover when he saw the band coming his way or heard our signals.
+
+The horse rustler was to keep the extra horses at a place where they
+would be safe and at the same time handy to the riders. Our plans
+completed, each rider made preparations to start for his station. But
+here another difficulty arose. We had not yet seen anything of our cook
+and mess wagon. It had not arrived at the place agreed upon, although it
+had had ample time to do so. Our provisions which we carried were quite
+low, so after waiting as long as we could, and the mess wagon failing to
+show up, we decided to start the hunt and take our chances on grub from
+what we could knock over with our guns.
+
+Accordingly the boys all started out for their several stations. After
+waiting a reasonable length of time to give them an opportunity to reach
+their positions, we made for the herd, which as near as we could judge
+contained about seventy-five of the prettiest horses it was ever my
+pleasure to see. The magnificent stallion who happened to be on guard
+had no sooner seen us than he gave the danger signal to the herd, who
+were off like the wind, led by a beautiful snow white stallion. To get
+them going was our only duty at present, and we well knew the importance
+of saving our saddle horses for the more serious work before us.
+Therefore we only walked our horses, or went on a dog trot, keeping a
+sharp lookout for the herd's return.
+
+The band of wild horses would run ten or fifteen miles across the
+prairie, where they would catch sight of the other boys, then off they
+would go in another direction, only to repeat the performance, as they
+struck the other side of the circle. In this way they would make from
+fifty to sixty miles to our ten, and we were slowly working them down.
+We kept them going this way day and night, not giving them a moment's
+rest or time to eat. After keeping them on the go this way for ten days
+we were able to get within a mile of them and could see some of the
+stallions taking turns at leading the herd, while other stallions would
+be in the rear fighting them on. In a few days more we were near
+enough to begin shooting the stallions out of the herd. Then we could
+handle them a great deal better. At this time our want of grub began to
+tell on us. Our cook and mess wagon had not showed up, so we had long
+since given them up as lost. We believed they had been captured by the
+Indians and future events proved we were right.
+
+[Illustration: The Big Wild Mustang Hunt--We Were Roping and Riding Them
+in Fox Canyon]
+
+Our only food consisted of buffalo meat of which we were able to secure
+plenty, but buffalo meat for breakfast, dinner and supper every day
+without bread or salt is not the most palatable bill of fare, especially
+when it is all we had day after day, without any prospect of a change
+until we got home. But we were game and resolved to stay with our work
+until it was finished, especially as we only had twenty men and everyone
+was badly needed in the work ahead of us, so we did not think we could
+spare a man to return home after grub. So we swallowed our buffalo meat
+day after day and kept the horses moving.
+
+They were now pretty well worked down, and we proceeded to work them
+toward a place where we could begin to rope them. There were now only a
+few stallions left in the herd as we had shot nearly all of them, and
+the others were too tired to cause us any trouble. We had now been out
+of grub over three weeks except buffalo meat and such other game as we
+could bring down with our guns. Our fears that the cook and mess wagon
+had been captured by the Indians proved well founded, as we about this
+time met an outfit who had seen the place where the cook was killed.
+They said the surroundings indicated that quite a large band had
+surprised the cook and driver, but that they had put up a brave fight as
+evidenced by the large number of empty rifle and revolver shells
+scattered around. Our first impulse after hearing this was to start in
+pursuit of the red skins and get revenge, but calmer judgment showed
+that such a course would be useless, because the Indians had a couple of
+weeks start of us and we did not know what tribe had committed the
+offense as there were so many Indians in that part of the country and in
+the Indian territory, and besides our horses were in no shape to chase
+Indians, so much to our regret our comrades had to go unrevenged at
+least for the present, but we all swore to make the Indians pay dearly,
+especially the guilty ones, if it were possible to discover who they
+were. We continued to work the mustangs back and forth, and in thirty
+days from the time we started out we had about sixty head hemmed up in
+Yellow Fox Canyon and were roping and riding them. They were not hard to
+handle as they were so poor some of them could hardly walk. This was not
+to be wondered at, as we had kept them on the go for the past thirty
+days, never once giving them a moment's rest day or night, and in that
+time they had very little to eat and no sleep. After roping and riding
+them all we got them together and headed for home.
+
+Arriving at the ranch the mustangs were allowed to eat all they wanted
+and were roped and ridden until they were fairly well broken, when they
+were turned out with the other ranch horses. They proved good saddle
+horses, but as soon as they were turned out with the ranch horses they
+would start for their old feeding grounds, leading the other horses with
+them. We found it impossible to thoroughly domesticate them, so for that
+reason we gave them up as a bad proposition, and did not attempt to
+capture any more, though at that time thousands of wild mustangs were on
+the plains of Texas, Arizona, Wyoming and in fact all over the West.
+They were large, fine and as pretty a lot of horses as one could wish to
+see. They were seldom molested, though once in a while the Indians would
+make a campaign against them and capture a few, but not often, as they
+were so hard to capture. It was not worth the trouble, as it was almost
+impossible to approach them nearer than two miles, and there was always
+some stallions on the lookout while the others grazed over the plains,
+so it was out of the question to surprise them. At the first sign of
+danger the stallion sentinel would give his shrill neigh of warning and
+the herd were off like the wind.
+
+We received unstinted praise from our employers for bringing to a
+successful conclusion the errand on which we were sent under such trying
+circumstances. But now that we were where grub was plentiful we looked
+on our experience as nothing to make a fuss over.
+
+But we deeply regretted the loss of our cook and mess wagon, and we
+resolved that if we ever found the guilty parties to make it rather warm
+for them. This we never did, neither did we ever hear more of the fate
+of the cook. Our work, so far as trips on the trail were concerned, was
+over for this season, and we could count on a long rest until spring, as
+aside from range riding and feeding there was nothing doing around the
+home ranch. But sometimes the range riding kept us on the go pretty
+lively, especially during and after a big storm, which sometimes
+scattered the cattle all over the surrounding country, and it would take
+some lively riding to get them all together again. Then the Indians and
+the white cattle thieves would make raids on our herds, running them off
+in great numbers and stampeding the balance of the herd.
+
+This generally resulted in us chasing them sometimes for miles over the
+prairies, and we generally were successful in recovering our cattle and
+punishing the cattle thieves in a manner that they did not soon forget.
+But then again sometimes they would stampede the herd in the night, and
+under the cover of darkness and the excitement would manage to make off
+with some of the best horses or the choicest cattle, and by the time we
+missed them the thieves would have such a start that it was impossible
+to overtake them, but if they were overtaken, vengeance was swift and
+sure.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII.
+
+ON THE TRAIL WITH THREE THOUSAND HEAD OF TEXAS STEERS. RUMORS OF TROUBLE
+WITH THE INDIANS AT DEADWOOD. THE ROPING CONTEST. I WIN THE NAME OF
+DEADWOOD DICK. THE SHOOTING MATCH. THE CUSTER MASSACRE. THE VIEW OF THE
+BATTLE FIELD. GOVERNMENT SCOUTS. AT HOME AGAIN.
+
+
+In the spring of 1876 orders were received at the home ranch for three
+thousand head of three-year-old steers to be delivered near Deadwood,
+South Dakota. This being one of the largest orders we had ever received
+at one time, every man around the ranch was placed on his mettle to
+execute the order in record time.
+
+Cow boys mounted on swift horses were dispatched to the farthest limits
+of the ranch with orders to round up and run in all the three-year-olds
+on the place, and it was not long before the ranch corrals began to fill
+up with the long horns as they were driven by the several parties of cow
+boys; as fast as they came in we would cut out, under the bosses' orders
+such cattle as were to make up our herd.
+
+[Illustration: The Roping Contests at Deadwood, S. D.]
+
+In the course of three days we had our herd ready for the trail and we
+made our preparations to start on our long journey north. Our route lay
+through New Mexico, Colorado and Wyoming, and as we had heard rumors
+that the Indians were on the war path and were kicking up something of a
+rumpus in Wyoming, Indian Territory and Kansas, we expected trouble
+before we again had the pleasure of sitting around our fire at the home
+ranch. Quite a large party was selected for this trip owing to the size
+of the herd and the possibility of trouble on the trail from the
+Indians. We, as usual, were all well armed and had as mounts the best
+horses our ranch produced, and in taking the trail we were perfectly
+confident that we could take care of our herd and ourselves through
+anything we were liable to meet. We had not been on the trail long
+before we met other outfits who told us that General Custer was out
+after the Indians and that a big fight was expected when the Seventh U.
+S. Cavalry, General Custer's command, met the Crow tribe and other
+Indians under the leadership of Sitting Bull, Rain-in-the-Face, Old
+Chief Joseph, and other chiefs of lesser prominence, who had for a long
+time been terrorizing the settlers of that section and defying the
+Government.
+
+[Illustration: I Rope, Throw, Saddle, Bridle and Mount My Mustang in
+Nine Minutes]
+
+As we proceeded on our journey it became evident to us that we were only
+a short distance behind the soldiers. When finally the Indians and
+soldiers met in the memorable battle or rather massacre in the Little
+Big Horn Basin on the Little Big Horn River in northern Wyoming, we were
+only two days behind them, or within 60 miles, but we did not know that
+at the time or we would have gone to Custer's assistance. We did not
+know of the fight or the outcome until several days after it was over.
+It was freely claimed at the time by cattle men who were in a position
+to know and with whom I talked that if Reno had gone to Custer's aid as
+he promised to do, Custer would not have lost his entire command and his
+life.
+
+It was claimed Reno did not obey his orders, however that may be, it was
+one of the most bloody massacres in the history of this country. We went
+on our way to Deadwood with our herd, where we arrived on the 3rd of
+July, 1876, eight days after the Custer massacre took place.
+
+The Custer Battle was June 25, '76, the battle commenced on Sunday
+afternoon and lasted about two hours. That was the last of General
+Custer and his Seventh Cavalry. How I know this so well is because we
+had orders from one of the Government scouts to go in camp, that if we
+went any farther North we were liable to be captured by the Indians.
+
+We arrived in Deadwood in good condition without having had any trouble
+with the Indians on the way up. We turned our cattle over to their new
+owners at once, then proceeded to take in the town. The next morning,
+July 4th, the gamblers and mining men made up a purse of $200 for a
+roping contest between the cow boys that were then in town, and as it
+was a holiday nearly all the cow boys for miles around were assembled
+there that day. It did not take long to arrange the details for the
+contest and contestants, six of them being colored cow boys, including
+myself. Our trail boss was chosen to pick out the mustangs from a herd
+of wild horses just off the range, and he picked out twelve of the most
+wild and vicious horses that he could find.
+
+[Illustration: My First Indian Fight]
+
+The conditions of the contest were that each of us who were mounted was
+to rope, throw, tie, bridle and saddle and mount the particular horse
+picked for us in the shortest time possible. The man accomplishing the
+feat in the quickest time to be declared the winner.
+
+It seems to me that the horse chosen for me was the most vicious of the
+lot. Everything being in readiness, the "45" cracked and we all sprang
+forward together, each of us making for our particular mustang.
+
+I roped, threw, tied, bridled, saddled and mounted my mustang in exactly
+nine minutes from the crack of the gun. The time of the next nearest
+competitor was twelve minutes and thirty seconds. This gave me the
+record and championship of the West, which I held up to the time I quit
+the business in 1890, and my record has never been beaten. It is worthy
+of passing remark that I never had a horse pitch with me so much as that
+mustang, but I never stopped sticking my spurs in him and using my quirt
+on his flanks until I proved his master. Right there the assembled crowd
+named me Deadwood Dick and proclaimed me champion roper of the western
+cattle country.
+
+The roping contest over, a dispute arose over the shooting question with
+the result that a contest was arranged for the afternoon, as there
+happened to be some of the best shots with rifle and revolver in the
+West present that day. Among them were Stormy Jim, who claimed the
+championship; Powder Horn Bill, who had the reputation of never missing
+what he shot at; also White Head, a half breed, who generally hit what
+he shot at, and many other men who knew how to handle a rifle or
+45-colt.
+
+The range was measured off 100 and 250 yards for the rifle and 150 for
+the Colt 45. At this distance a bulls eye about the size of an apple was
+put up. Each man was to have 14 shots at each range with the rifle and
+12 shots with the Colts 45. I placed every one of my 14 shots with the
+rifle in the bulls eye with ease, all shots being made from the hip; but
+with the 45 Colts I missed it twice, only placing 10 shots in the small
+circle, Stormy Jim being my nearest competitor, only placing 8 bullets
+in the bulls eye clear, the rest being quite close, while with the 45 he
+placed 5 bullets in the charmed circle. This gave me the championship of
+rifle and revolver shooting as well as the roping contest, and for that
+day I was the hero of Deadwood, and the purse of $200 which I had won on
+the roping contest went toward keeping things moving, and they did move
+as only a large crowd of cattle men can move things. This lasted for
+several days when most of the cattle men had to return to their
+respective ranches, as it was the busy season, accordingly our outfit
+began to make preparations to return to Arizona.
+
+[Illustration: Indian Fight in Yellow Horse Canyon]
+
+In the meantime news had reached us of the Custer massacre, and the
+indignation and sorrow was universal, as General Custer was personally
+known to a large number of the cattle men of the West. But we could do
+nothing now, as the Indians were out in such strong force. There was
+nothing to do but let Uncle Sam revenge the loss of the General and his
+brave command, but it is safe to say not one of us would have hesitated
+a moment in taking the trail in pursuit of the blood thirsty red skins
+had the opportunity offered.
+
+[Illustration: Crippled But Not Conquered--The Fight with Yellow Dog's
+Tribe]
+
+Everything now being in readiness with us we took the trail homeward
+bound, and left Deadwood in a blaze of glory. On our way home we visited
+the Custer battle field in the Little Big Horn Basin.
+
+There was ample evidence of the desperate and bloody fight that had
+taken place a few days before. We arrived home in Arizona in a short
+time without further incident, except that on the way back we met and
+talked with many of the famous Government scouts of that region, among
+them Buffalo Bill (William F. Cody), Yellow Stone Kelley, and many
+others of that day, some of whom are now living, while others lost their
+lives in the line of duty, and a finer or braver body of men never
+lived than these scouts of the West. It was my pleasure to meet Buffalo
+Bill often in the early 70s, and he was as fine a man as one could wish
+to meet, kind, generous, true and brave.
+
+[Illustration: The Roping Contest at Deadwood, S. D.]
+
+Buffalo Bill got his name from the fact that in the early days he was
+engaged in hunting buffalo for their hides and furnishing U. P. Railroad
+graders with meat, hence the name Buffalo Bill. Buffalo Bill,
+Yellowstone Kelley, with many others were at this time serving under
+Gen. C. C. Miles.
+
+The name of Deadwood Dick was given to me by the people of Deadwood,
+South Dakota, July 4, 1876, after I had proven myself worthy to carry
+it, and after I had defeated all comers in riding, roping, and shooting,
+and I have always carried the name with honor since that time.
+
+We arrived at the home ranch again on our return from the trip to
+Deadwood about the middle of September, it taking us a little over two
+months to make the return journey, as we stopped in Cheyenne for several
+days and at other places, where we always found a hearty welcome,
+especially so on this trip, as the news had preceded us, and I received
+enough attention to have given me the big head, but my head had
+constantly refused to get enlarged again ever since the time I sampled
+the demijohn in the sweet corn patch at home.
+
+Arriving at home, we received a send off from our boss and our comrades
+of the home ranch, every man of whom on hearing the news turned loose
+his voice and his artillery in a grand demonstration in my honor.
+
+But they said it was no surprise to them, as they had long known of my
+ability with the rope, rifle and 45 Colt, but just the same it was
+gratifying to know I had defeated the best men of the West, and brought
+the record home to the home ranch in Arizona. After a good rest we
+proceeded to ride the range again, getting our herds in good condition
+for the winter now at hand.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV.
+
+RIDING THE RANGE. THE FIGHT WITH YELLOW DOG'S TRIBE. I AM CAPTURED AND
+ADOPTED BY THE INDIANS. MY ESCAPE. I RIDE A HUNDRED MILES IN TWELVE
+HOURS WITHOUT A SADDLE. MY INDIAN PONY. "YELLOW DOG CHIEF." THE BOYS
+PRESENT ME WITH A NEW OUTFIT. IN THE SADDLE AND ON THE TRAIL AGAIN.
+
+
+It was a bright, clear fall day, October 4, 1876, that quite a large
+number of us boys started out over the range hunting strays which had
+been lost for some time. We had scattered over the range and I was
+riding along alone when all at once I heard the well known Indian war
+whoop and noticed not far away a large party of Indians making straight
+for me. They were all well mounted and they were in full war paint,
+which showed me that they were on the war path, and as I was alone and
+had no wish to be scalped by them I decided to run for it. So I headed
+for Yellow Horse Canyon and gave my horse the rein, but as I had
+considerable objection to being chased by a lot of painted savages
+without some remonstrance, I turned in my saddle every once in a while
+and gave them a shot by way of greeting, and I had the satisfaction of
+seeing a painted brave tumble from his horse and go rolling in the dust
+every time my rifle spoke, and the Indians were by no means idle all
+this time, as their bullets were singing around me rather lively, one of
+them passing through my thigh, but it did not amount to much. Reaching
+Yellow Horse Canyon, I had about decided to stop and make a stand when
+one of their bullets caught me in the leg, passing clear through it and
+then through my horse, killing him. Quickly falling behind him I used
+his dead body for a breast work and stood the Indians off for a long
+time, as my aim was so deadly and they had lost so many that they were
+careful to keep out of range.
+
+But finally my ammunition gave out, and the Indians were quick to find
+this out, and they at once closed in on me, but I was by no means
+subdued, wounded as I was and almost out of my head, and I fought with
+my empty gun until finally overpowered. When I came to my senses I was
+in the Indians' camp.
+
+My wounds had been dressed with some kind of herbs, the wound in my
+breast just over the heart was covered thickly with herbs and bound up.
+My nose had been nearly cut off, also one of my fingers had been nearly
+cut off. These wounds I received when I was fighting my captors with my
+empty gun. What caused them to spare my life I cannot tell, but it was I
+think partly because I had proved, myself a brave man, and all savages
+admire a brave man and when they captured a man whose fighting powers
+were out of the ordinary they generally kept him if possible as he was
+needed in the tribe.
+
+Then again Yellow Dog's tribe was composed largely of half breeds, and
+there was a large percentage of colored blood in the tribe, and as I was
+a colored man they wanted to keep me, as they thought I was too good a
+man to die. Be that as it may, they dressed my wounds and gave me plenty
+to eat, but the only grub they had was buffalo meat which they cooked
+over a fire of buffalo chips, but of this I had all I wanted to eat. For
+the first two days after my capture they kept me tied hand and foot. At
+the end of that time they untied my feet, but kept my hands tied for a
+couple of days longer, when I was given my freedom, but was always
+closely watched by members of the tribe. Three days after my capture my
+ears were pierced and I was adopted into the tribe. The operation of
+piercing my ears was quite painful, in the method used, as they had a
+small bone secured from a deer's leg, a small thin bone, rounded at the
+end and as sharp as a needle. This they used to make the holes, then
+strings made from the tendons of a deer were inserted in place of
+thread, of which the Indians had none. Then horn ear rings were placed
+in my ears and the same kind of salve made from herbs which they placed
+on my wounds was placed on my ears and they soon healed.
+
+[Illustration: I am Adopted by Yellow Dog's Tribe--The War Dance]
+
+The bullet holes in my leg and breast also healed in a surprisingly
+short time. That was good salve all right. As soon as I was well enough
+I took part in the Indian dances. One kind or another was in progress
+all the time. The war dance and the medicine dance seemed the most
+popular. When in the war dance the savages danced around me in a circle,
+making gestures, chanting, with every now and then a blood curdling
+yell, always keeping time to a sort of music provided by stretching
+buffalo skins tightly over a hoop.
+
+When I was well enough I joined the dances, and I think I soon made a
+good dancer. The medicine dance varies from the war dance only that in
+the medicine dance the Indians danced around a boiling pot, the pot
+being filled with roots and water and they dance around it while it
+boils. The medicine dance occurs about daylight.
+
+I very soon learned their ways and to understand them, though our
+conversation was mostly carried on by means of signs. They soon gave me
+to understand that I was to marry the chief's daughter, promising me 100
+ponies to do so, and she was literally thrown in my arms; as for the
+lady she seemed perfectly willing if not anxious to become my bride. She
+was a beautiful woman, or rather girl; in fact all the squaws of this
+tribe were good looking, out of the ordinary, but I had other notions
+just then and did not want to get married under such circumstances, but
+for prudence sake I seemed to enter into their plans, but at the same
+time keeping a sharp lookout for a chance to escape. I noted where the
+Indians kept their horses at night, even picking out the handsome and
+fleet Indian pony which I meant to use should opportunity occur, and I
+seemed to fall in with the Indians' plans and seemed to them so
+contented that they gave me more and more freedom and relaxed the strict
+watch they had kept on me, and finally in about thirty days from the
+time of my capture my opportunity arrived.
+
+[Illustration: My Escape--I Ride a Hundred Miles in Twelve Hours Without
+a Saddle]
+
+My wounds were now nearly well, and gave me no trouble. It was a dark,
+cloudy night, and the Indians, grown careless in their fancied security,
+had relaxed their watchfulness. After they had all thrown themselves on
+the ground and the quiet of the camp proclaimed them all asleep I got up
+and crawling on my hands and knees, using the greatest caution for fear
+of making a noise, I crawled about 250 yards to where the horses were
+picketed, and going to the Indian pony I had already picked out I
+slipped the skin thong in his mouth which the Indians use for a bridle,
+one which I had secured and carried in my shirt for some time for this
+particular purpose, then springing to his back I made for the open
+prairie in the direction of the home ranch in Texas, one hundred miles
+away. All that night I rode as fast as my horse could carry me and the
+next morning, twelve hours after I left the Indians camp I was safe on
+the home ranch again. And my joy was without bounds, and such a
+reception as I received from the boys. They said they were just one day
+late, and if it hadn't been for a fight they had with some of the same
+tribe, they would have been to my relief. As it was they did not expect
+to ever see me again alive. But that they know that if the Indians did
+not kill me, and gave me only half a chance I would get away from them,
+but now that I was safe home again, nothing mattered much and nothing
+was too good for me.
+
+It was a mystery to them how I managed to escape death with such wounds
+as I had received, the marks of which I will carry to my grave and it is
+as much a mystery to me as the bullet that struck me in the breast just
+over the heart passed clear through, coming out my back just below the
+shoulder: Likewise the bullet in my leg passed clear through, then
+through my horse, killing him.
+
+Those Indians are certainly wonderful doctors, and then I am naturally
+tough as I carry the marks of fourteen bullet wounds on different part
+of my body, most any one of which would be sufficient to kill an
+ordinary man, but I am not even crippled. It seems to me that if ever a
+man bore a charm I am the man, as I have had five horses shot from under
+me and killed, have fought Indians and Mexicans in all sorts of
+situations, and have been in more tight places than I can number. Yet I
+have always managed to escape with only the mark of a bullet or knife as
+a reminder. The fight with the Yellow Dog's tribe is probably the
+closest call I ever had, and as close a call as I ever want.
+
+The fleet Indian pony which carried me to safety on that memorable
+hundred mile ride, I kept for about five years. I named him "The Yellow
+Dog Chief." And he lived on the best the ranch afforded, until his death
+which occurred in 1881, never having anything to do except an occasional
+race, as he could run like a deer. I thought too much of him to use him
+on the trail and he was the especial pet of every one on the home ranch,
+and for miles around.
+
+I heard afterwards that the Indians persued me that night for quite a
+distance, but I had too much the start and besides I had the fastest
+horse the Indians owned. I have never since met any of my captors of
+that time. As they knew better than to venture in our neighborhood
+again. My wound healed nicely, thanks to the good attention the Indians
+gave me. My captors took everything of value I had on me when captured.
+My rifle which I especially prized for old associations sake; also my
+forty fives, saddle and bridle, in fact my whole outfit leaving me only
+the few clothes I had on at the time.
+
+My comrades did not propose to let this bother me long, however, because
+they all chipped in and bought me a new outfit, including the best rifle
+and revolvers that could be secured, and I had my pick of the ranch
+horses for another mount. During my short stay with the Indians I
+learned a great deal about them, their ways of living, sports, dances,
+and mode of warfare which proved of great benefit to me in after years.
+The oblong shields they carried were made from tanned buffalo skins and
+so tough were they made that an arrow would not pierce them although I
+have seen them shoot an arrow clean through a buffalo. Neither will a
+bullet pierce them unless the ball hits the shield square on, otherwise
+it glances off.
+
+All of them were exceedingly expert with the bow and arrow, and they
+are proud of their skill and are always practicing in an effort to excel
+each other. This rivalry extends even to the children who are seldom
+without their bows and arrows.
+
+They named me Buffalo Papoose, and we managed to make our wants known by
+means of signs. As I was not with them a sufficient length of time to
+learn their language, I learned from them that I had killed five of
+their number and wounded three while they were chasing me and in the
+subsequent fight with my empty gun. The wounded men were hit in many
+places, but they were brought around all right, the same as I was. After
+my escape and after I arrived home it was some time before I was again
+called to active duty, as the boys would not hear of me doing anything
+resembling work, until I was thoroughly well and rested up. But I soon
+began to long for my saddle and the range.
+
+And when orders were received at the ranch for 2000 head of cattle, to
+be delivered at Dodge City, Kansas, I insisted on taking the trail
+again. It was not with any sense of pride or in bravado that I recount
+here the fate of the men who have fallen at my hand.
+
+It is a terrible thing to kill a man no matter what the cause. But as I
+am writing a true history of my life, I cannot leave these facts out.
+But every man who died at my hands was either seeking my life or died in
+open warfare, when it was a case of killing of being killed.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV.
+
+ON A TRIP TO DODGE CITY, KAN. I ROPE ONE OF UNCLE SAM'S CANNON. CAPTURED
+BY THE SOLDIERS. BAT MASTERSON TO MY RESCUE. LOST ON THE PRAIRIE. THE
+BUFFALO HUNTER CATER. MY HORSE GETS AWAY AND LEAVES ME ALONE ON THE
+PRAIRIE. THE BLIZZARD. FROZEN STIFF.
+
+
+In the spring of 1877, now fully recovered from the effects of the very
+serious wounds I had received at the hands of the Indians and feeling my
+old self again, I joined the boys in their first trip of the season,
+with a herd of cattle for Dodge City. The trip was uneventful until we
+reached our destination. This was the first time I had been in Dodge
+City since I had won the name of "DEADWOOD DICK", and many of the boys,
+who knew me when I first joined the cow boys there in 1869, were there
+to greet me now. After our herd had been delivered to their new owners,
+we started out to properly celebrate the event, and for a space of
+several days we kept the old town on the jump.
+
+And so when we finally started for home all of us had more or less of
+the bad whiskey of Dodge City under our belts and were feeling rather
+spirited and ready for anything.
+
+I probably had more of the bad whiskey of Dodge City than any one and
+was in consequence feeling very reckless, but we had about exhausted our
+resources of amusement in the town, and so were looking for trouble on
+the trail home.
+
+On our way back to Texas, our way led past old Fort Dodge. Seeing the
+soldiers and the cannon in the fort, a bright idea struck me, but a fool
+one just the same. It was no less than a desire to rope one of the
+cannons. It seemed to me that it would be a good thing to rope a cannon
+and take it back to Texas with us to fight Indians with.
+
+The bad whiskey which I carried under my belt was responsible for the
+fool idea, and gave me the nerve to attempt to execute the idea. Getting
+my lariat rope ready I rode to a position just opposite the gate of the
+fort, which was standing open. Before the gate paced a sentry with his
+gun on his shoulder and his white gloves showing up clean and white
+against the dusty grey surroundings. I waited until the sentry had
+passed the gate, then putting spurs to my horse I dashed straight for
+and through the gate into the yard. The surprised sentry called halt,
+but I paid no attention to him. Making for the cannon at full speed my
+rope left my hand and settled square over the cannon, then turning and
+putting spurs to my horse I tried to drag the cannon after me, but
+strain as he might my horse was unable to budge it an inch. In the
+meantime the surprised sentry at the gate had given the alarm and now I
+heard the bugle sound, boots and saddles, and glancing around I saw the
+soldiers mounting to come after me, and finding I could not move the
+cannon, I rode close up to it and got my lariat off then made for the
+gate again at full speed. The guard jumped in front of me with his gun
+up, calling halt, but I went by him like a shot, expecting to hear the
+crack of his musket, but for some reason he failed to fire on me, and I
+made for the open prairie with the cavalry in hot pursuit.
+
+My horse could run like a wild deer, but he was no match for the big,
+strong, fresh horses of the soldiers and they soon had me. Relieving me
+of my arms they placed me in the guard house where the commanding
+officer came to see me. He asked me who I was and what I was after at
+the fort. I told him and then he asked me if I knew anyone in the city.
+I told him I knew Bat Masterson. He ordered two guards to take me to the
+city to see Masterson. As soon as Masterson saw me he asked me what the
+trouble was, and before I could answer, the guards told him I rode into
+the fort and roped one of the cannons and tried to pull it out. Bat
+asked me what I wanted with a cannon and what I intended doing with it.
+I told him I wanted to take it back to Texas with me to fight the
+Indians with; then they all laughed. Then Bat told them that I was all
+right, the only trouble being that I had too much bad whiskey under my
+shirt. They said I would have to set the drinks for the house. They came
+to $15.00, and when I started to pay for them, Bat said for me to keep
+my money that he would pay for them himself, which he did. Bat said that
+I was the only cowboy that he liked, and that his brother Jim also
+thought very much of me. I was then let go and I joined the boys and we
+continued on our way home, where we arrived safely on the 1st of June,
+1877.
+
+[Illustration: I Rope One of Uncle Sam's Cannon--Fort Dodge, Kan.]
+
+We at once began preparing for the coming big round up. As usual this
+kept us very busy during the months of July and August, and as we
+received no more orders for cattle this season, we did not have to take
+the trail again, but after the round up was over, we were kept busy in
+range riding, and the general all around work of the big cattle ranch.
+We had at this time on the ranch upwards of 30,000 head of cattle, our
+own cattle, not to mention the cattle belonging to the many other
+interests without the Pan Handle country, and as all these immense herds
+used the range of the country, in common as there was no fences to
+divide the ranches, consequently the cattle belonging to the different
+herds often got mixed up and large numbers of them strayed.
+
+At the round ups it was our duty to cut out and brand the young calves,
+take a census of our stock, and then after the round up was over we
+would start out to look for possible strays. Over the range we would
+ride through canyons and gorges, and every place where it was possible
+for cattle to stray, as it was important to get them with the main herd
+before winter set in, as if left out in small bunches there was danger
+of them perishing in the frequent hard storms of the winter. While range
+riding or hunting for strays, we always carried with us on our saddle
+the branding irons of our respective ranches, and whenever we ran across
+a calf that had not been branded we had to rope the calf, tie it, then a
+fire was made of buffalo chips, the only fuel besides grass to be found
+on the prairie.
+
+[Illustration: I am Captured by the Soldiers]
+
+The irons were heated and the calf was branded with the brand of the
+finder, no matter who it personally belonged to. It now became the
+property of the finder. The lost cattle were then driven to the main
+herd. After they were once gotten together it was our duty to keep them
+together during the winter and early spring. It was while out hunting
+strays that I got lost, the first and only time I was ever lost in my
+life, and for four days I had an experience that few men ever went
+through and lived, as it was a close pull for me.
+
+I had been out for several days looking for lost cattle and becoming
+separated from the other boys and being in a part of the country
+unfamiliar to me. It was stormy when I started out from the home ranch
+and when I had ridden about a hundred miles from home it began to storm
+in earnest, rain, hail, sleet, and the clouds seemed to touch the earth
+and gather in their inpenetrable embrace every thing thereon. For a long
+time I rode on in the direction of home, but as I could not see fifty
+yards ahead it was a case of going it blind. After riding for many weary
+hours through the storm I came across a little log cabin on the Palidore
+river. I rode up to within one hundred yards of it where I was motioned
+to stop by an old long haired man who stepped out of the cabin door with
+a long buffalo gun on his arm. It was with this he had motioned me to
+stop.
+
+I promptly pulled up and raised my hat, which, according to the custom
+of the cowboy country, gave him to understand I was a cowboy from the
+western cow ranges. He then motioned me to come on. Riding up to the
+cabin he asked me to dismount and we shook hands.
+
+He said, when I saw you coming I said to myself that must be a lost
+cowboy from some of the western cow ranges. I told him I was lost all
+right, and I told him who I was and where from. Again we shook hands, he
+saying as we did so, that we were friends until we met again, and he
+hoped forever. He then told me to picket out my horse and come in and
+have some supper, which very welcome invitation I accepted.
+
+His cabin was constructed of rough hewn logs, somewhat after the fashion
+of a Spanish block house. One part of it was constructed under ground, a
+sort of dug out, while the upper portion of the cabin proper was
+provided with many loop holes, commanding every direction.
+
+He later told me these loop holes had stood him in handy many a time
+when he had been attacked by Indians, in their efforts to capture him.
+On entering his cabin I was amazed to see the walls covered with all
+kinds of skins, horns, and antlers. Buffalo skins in great numbers
+covered the floor and bed, while the walls were completely hidden behind
+the skins of every animal of that region, including large number of
+rattle snakes skins and many of their rattles.
+
+His bed, which was in one corner of the dug out, was of skins, and to
+me, weary from my long ride through the storm, seemed to be the most
+comfortable place on the globe just then. He soon set before me a
+bounteous supper, consisting of buffalo meat and corn dodgers, and
+seldom before have I enjoyed a meal as I did that one. During supper he
+told me many of his experiences in the western country. His name was
+Cater, and he was one of the oldest buffalo hunters in that part of
+Texas, having hunted and trapped over the wild country ever since the
+early thirties, and during that time he had many a thrilling adventure
+with Indians and wild animals.
+
+I stayed with him that night and slept soundly on a comfortable bed he
+made for me. The next morning he gave me a good breakfast and I prepared
+to take my departure as the storm had somewhat moderated, and I was
+anxious to get home, as the boys knowing I was out would be looking for
+me if I did not show up in a reasonable time.
+
+[Illustration: In My Fighting Clothes]
+
+My kind host told me to go directly northwest and I would strike the
+Calones flats, a place with which I was perfectly familiar. He said it
+was about 75 miles from his place. Once there I would have no difficulty
+in finding my way home. Cater put me up a good lunch to last me on my
+way, and with many expressions of gratitude to him, I left him with his
+skins and comfortable, though solitary life. All that day and part of
+the night I rode in the direction he told me, until about 11 o'clock
+when I became so tired I decided to go into camp and give my tired horse
+a rest and a chance to eat. Accordingly I dismounted and removed the
+saddle and bridle from my horse I hobbled him and turned him loose to
+graze on the luxuriant grass, while I, tired out, laid down with my head
+on my saddle fully dressed as I was, not even removing my belt
+containing my 45 pistol from my waist, laying my Winchester close by.
+The rain had ceased to fall, but it was still cloudy and threatening. It
+was my intention to rest a few hours then continue on my way; and as I
+could not see the stars on account of the clouds and as it was important
+that I keep my direction northwest in order to strike the Flats, I had
+carefully taken my direction before sundown, and now on moving my saddle
+I placed it on the ground pointing in the direction I was going when I
+stopped so that it would enable me to keep my direction when I again
+started out. I had been laying there for some time and my horse was
+quietly grazing about 20 yards off, when I suddenly heard something
+squeal. It sounded like a woman's voice. It frightened my horse and he
+ran for me. I jumped to my feet with my Winchester in my hand. This
+caused my horse to rear and wheel and I heard his hobbles break with a
+sharp snap. Then I heard the sound of his galloping feet going across
+the Pan Handle plains until the sound was lost in the distance. Then I
+slowly began to realize that I was left alone on the plains on foot, how
+many miles from home I did not know. Remembering I had my guns all
+right, it was my impulse to go in pursuit of my horse as I thought I
+could eventually catch him after he had got over his scare, but when I
+thought of my 40 pound saddle, and I did not want to leave that, so
+saying to myself that is the second saddle I ever owned, the other
+having been taken by the Indians when I was captured, and this saddle
+was part of the outfit presented to me by the boys, and so tired and as
+hungry as a hawk, I shouldered my saddle and started out in the
+direction I was going when I went into camp, saying to myself as I did
+so, if my horse could pack me and my outfit day and night I can at least
+pack my outfit. Keeping my direction as well as I could I started out
+over the prairie through the dark, walking all that night and all the
+next day without anything to eat or drink until just about sundown and
+when I had begun to think I would have to spend another night on the
+prairie without food or drink, when I emerged from a little draw on to
+a raise on the prairie, then looking over on to a small flat I saw a
+large herd of buffalo. These were the first I had seen since I became
+lost and the sight of them put renewed life and hope in me as I was then
+nearly famished, and when I saw them I knew I had something to eat.
+
+Off to one side about 20 yards from the main herd and about 150 yards
+from me was a young calf. Placing my Winchester to my shoulder I glanced
+along the shining barrel, but my hands shook so much I lowered it again,
+not that I was afraid of missing it as I knew I was a dead shot at that
+distance, but my weakness caused by my long enforced fast and my great
+thirst made my eyes dim and my hands shake in a way they had never done
+before, so waiting a few moments I again placed the gun to my shoulder
+and this time it spoke and the calf dropped where it had stood. Picking
+up my outfit I went down to where my supper was laying. I took out my
+jack knife and commenced on one of his hind quarters. I began to skin
+and eat to my hearts content, but I was so very thirsty. I had heard of
+people drinking blood to quench their thirst and that gave me an idea,
+so cutting the calf's throat with my knife I eagerly drank the fresh
+warm blood.
+
+It tasted very much like warm sweet milk. It quenched my thirst and made
+me feel strong, when I had eaten all I could, I cut off two large chunks
+of the meat and tied them to my saddle, then again shouldering the whole
+thing I started on my way feeling almost as satisfied as if I had my
+horse with me. I was lost two days, and two nights, after my horse left
+me and all that time I kept walking packing my 40 pounds saddle and my
+Winchester and two cattle pistols.
+
+On the second night about daylight the weather became more threatening
+and I saw in the distance a long column which looked like smoke. It
+seemed to be coming towards me at the rate of a mile a minute. It did
+not take it long to reach me, and when it did I struggled on for a few
+yards but it was no use, tired as I was from packing my heavy outfit for
+more than 48 hours and my long tramp, I had not the strength to fight
+against the storm so I had to come alone. When I again came to myself I
+was covered up head and foot in the snow, in the camp of some of my
+comrades from the ranch.
+
+It seemed from what I was told afterwards that the boys knowing I was
+out in the storm and failing to show up, they had started out to look
+for me, they had gone in camp during the storm and when the blizzard had
+passed they noticed an object out on the prairie in the snow, with one
+hand frozen, clenched around my Winchester and the other around the horn
+of my saddle, and they had hard work to get my hands loose, they picked
+me up and placed me on one of the horses and took me to camp where they
+stripped me of my clothes and wrapped me up in the snow, all the skin
+came off my nose and mouth and my hands and feet had been so badly
+frozen that the nails all came off. After I had got thawed out in the
+mess wagon and took me home in 15 days I was again in the saddle ready
+for business but I will never forget those few days I was lost and the
+marks of that storm I will carry with me always.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV.
+
+THE OLD HAZE AND ELSWORTH TRAIL. OUR TRIP TO CHEYENNE. EX-SHERIFF PAT A.
+GARRET. THE DEATH OF "BILLY THE KID". THE LINCOLN COUNTY CATTLE WAR.
+
+
+Early the next spring 1878 we went on a short trip to Junction City,
+Kan., with a small herd of horses for Hokin and Herst. We started out
+from the home ranch early in April, stringing the herd out along the old
+Haze and Elsworth trail. Everything went well until we were several days
+out and we had went in camp for the night. The herd had been rounded up
+and were grazing in the open prairie under the usual watch. And all the
+cowboys except the first watch had turned in for a good night's rest,
+when it began to storm finally developing into a genuine old fashioned
+Texas storm, with the usual result that the herd stampeded.
+
+The watch at once gave the alarm and we awoke to find everything in
+confusion. It was a very dark night and under such circumstances it is
+hard to control a herd of horses in a stampede. In a few moments every
+man was in the saddle, as we always kept our saddle horses picketed out,
+so they could not join the other horses. And it was our custom when on
+the trail with a herd of horses on going into camp to leave our saddle
+horses, saddled and bridled, merely loosing the cinches of the saddles
+though sometimes we removed the bridles, to enable them to graze better.
+So when the alarm was given in this instance, it did not take us long to
+get in the saddle and after the horses who were now going across the
+prairie as only frightened horses can go in a stampede.
+
+The storm continued with more or less fury all night and it was late the
+next day before we got the herd rounded up and under any sort of
+control. The next morning we found that one of the boys, Frank Smith,
+had lost his horse and outfit during the night. While chasing the horses
+over the prairie, his horse stepped in a prairie dog's hole and fell.
+Throwing his rider and snatching the rope out of Smith's hand, the horse
+made off over the prairie carrying with him bridle, saddle and outfit,
+and we never saw or heard of him again. After getting our breakfast, we
+continued north, and all went well with us until we struck the Wakeeny
+river, near Junction City, when in fording the stream. It was high water
+and we were forced to swim our horses across. All went well with the
+herd and the boys were following when one of them came near being
+drowned, and was only saved by my quick rope.
+
+I had entered the river and my horse was swimming easily, when on
+glancing around I saw one of the boys, Loyd Hoedin by name, go under the
+water. Both man and horse completely disappeared. They soon came up only
+to disappear again. I saw at once something was wrong so when they came
+up the second time I threw my rope. It fell near Hoedin, who had the
+presence of mind to grasp it, and hold on while I snaked both man and
+horse out to safety. After reaching Junction City and turning the herd
+over to their new owners we started out to have the usual good time.
+This lasted for several days during which time we cleaned up pretty near
+all the money there was in the Junction with our horses in a six hundred
+yard race, between ourselves and cow boys from different outfits who
+happened to be in the city.
+
+Our horses without exception proved the fastest runners, accordingly we
+pocketed considerable coin, and in consequence we were feeling first
+rate when we struck the trail homeward bound. We arrived at the home
+ranch all right in June. This was the last trip we were called to make
+this season, and our time for the remainder of the year was taken up
+with the general routine work of the large cattle ranch.
+
+Late the next season we took the trail en route to Cheyenne, Wyoming,
+with two thousand head of fine Texas steers for the Swan Brothers, 20
+miles northwest of Cheyenne. Nothing of unusual importance happened on
+this trip aside from the regular incidents pertaining to driving such a
+large herd of cattle on the trail. We had a few stampedes and lost a
+few cattle, arriving in Cheyenne we had a royal good time for a few
+days as usual before starting home. On arriving at the home ranch again
+we found considerable excitement, owing to the war between the cattle
+men and cattle rustlers and every man was needed at home and few there
+were who did not take part in one way or another in the most bitter and
+furious cattle war of history and I being one of the leading cowboys of
+the West, necessarily took an active part in the dispute and many were
+the sharp clashes between the waring factions that I witnessed and
+fought in and was wounded many times in these engagements. For years the
+cattle rustlers had been invading the large cattle ranges belonging to
+the large cattle kings of the West and running off and branding large
+numbers of choice cattle and horses, this led to many a sharp fight
+between the cowboys and the rustlers, but of late these thieves had
+become so bold and the losses of the cattle men had become so great that
+the latter determined to put a stop to it, and so open war was declared.
+
+On one side was the large ranchmen and cattle men and on the other the
+Indians, half breeds, Mexicans and white outlaws that made the cattle
+country their rendezvous. The cattle men had now organized with the
+given determination of either killing or running out of the country for
+good these thieves, who had caused them so much loss. And during the war
+many of them cashed in and the others for the most part left for
+pastures new, having been virtually whipped out of the country. It was a
+desperate and bloody war while it lasted.
+
+But it was satisfactory to the cattle men who could now rest easier in
+the security of their herds and their grazing grounds. It was at this
+time that I saw considerable of William H. Bonney alias "Billie the
+kid", the most noted desperado and all around bad man the world has
+known.
+
+The first time I met Billie the Kid was in Antonshico, New Mexico, in a
+saloon, when he asked me to drink with him, that was in 1877. Later he
+hired to Pete Galligan, the man in whose employ I was. Galligan hired
+the Kid to drive his buck board between the White Oaks, the nearest
+town, and Galligan's ranch with provisions for the boys, and the Kid
+told me himself that one these trips he would drive the team, on a dead
+run, the whole distance of 30 miles to the Oaks in order to get there
+quick so he would have more time to stay around town before it was time
+to start back, then when he would arrive home the team was nearly dead
+from exhaustion. He remained in the employ of Galligan for about eleven
+months, then he was hired by John Chisholm to rustle cattle for him.
+Chisholm agreed to pay the Kid so much per head for all the cattle the
+Kid rustled. When the time came for a settlement, Chisholm failed to
+settle right or to the Kid's satisfaction, then the Kid told Chisholm he
+would give him one day to make up his mind to settle right, but before
+the Kid could see Chisholm again, Chisholm left the country going east
+where his brother was. The Kid then swore vengeance, and said he would
+take his revenge out of Chisholm's men, and he at once began killing all
+the employ of John Chisholm. He would ride up to a bunch of cowboys and
+enquire if they worked for Chisholm. If they replied in the affirmative,
+he would shoot them dead on the spot, and few men were quicker with a 45
+or a deadly shot than "Billie the Kid". The next time I met the Kid was
+in Holbrook, Arizona, just after a big round up. The Kid, Buck Cannon,
+and Billie Woods were together. I was on my way to Silver City, New
+Mexico, in the fall of 1880 when I met them, and as they were going
+there also, we rode on together The "Kid" showed me the little log cabin
+where he said he was born. I went in the cabin with him, and he showed
+me how it was arranged when he lived there, showing me where the bed sat
+and the stove and table. He then pointed out the old postoffice which he
+said he had been in lots of times.
+
+He told me he was born and raised in Silver City, New Mexico, which is
+near the Moggocilion Mountains, and at that time the Kid was badly
+wanted by the sheriffs of several counties for numerous murders
+committed by him mostly of John Chisholm's men in Texas and New Mexico.
+
+The Kid bid me good bye. He said he was going to the mountains as he
+knew them well, and once there he was all right as he could stand off a
+regiment of soldiers. The three of them departed together. I never saw
+him again until the spring of 1881. I was in the city of Elmorgo, New
+Mexico, and saw him the morning he was forced to flee to the mountains
+to escape arrest. We could see him up there behind the rocks. He was
+well armed having with him two Winchesters and two 45 Colts revolvers
+and plenty of ammunition, and although the officers wanted him badly, no
+one dared go up after him as it was certain death to come with range of
+the Kid's guns. Later on he escaped and the next time I saw him was in
+Antonshico, New Mexico. It was in June, and we had come up from Colonas
+after some saddle horses, and I met and talked with him.
+
+The next time I saw him he was laying dead at Pete Maxwell's ranch in
+Lincoln county, New Mexico, having been killed by Pat A. Garret at that
+time sheriff of Lincoln county, New Mexico. We arrived in Lincoln county
+the very night he was killed at Pete Maxwell's ranch and went into camp
+a short distance from Maxwell's, and we saw the Kid a short time after
+he had been killed. The Kid had been arrested by Pat Garret and his
+posse a short time before at Stinking Springs, New Mexico, along with
+Tom Pickett, Billy Wilson and Dave Rudebough, after arresting these men
+which was only effected after a hard fight and after the Kid's
+ammunition had given out. Garret took the men heavily ironed to Los
+Vegas. When it became known that Billy the Kid had been captured a mob
+formed for the purpose of lynching him. But Garret placed his prisoners
+in a box car over which himself and deputies stood guard until the train
+pulled out which was nearly two hours. During that time the mob was
+furious to get at the men, but they well knew the temper of Sheriff
+Garret so they kept their distance.
+
+The men were tried and convicted. The Kid and Rudbough were sentenced to
+be hanged. Rudbough for having killed a jailer at Los Vegas in 1880. The
+judge on passing sentence on the Kid, said you are sentenced to be
+hanged by the neck until you are dead-dead-dead. The Kid laughed in the
+judge's face saying, and you can go to Hell, Hell, Hell. After the Kid
+had been sentenced he was placed in jail at Los Vegas, ironed hand and
+foot, and under heavy guard, but never lost confidence and was always
+looking for a chance to escape. When the day of his execution was not
+much more than a week off, the Kid saw his chance, while eating his
+supper both handcuffs had been fastened to one wrist so the Kid could
+better feed himself. He was only guarded by one deputy named Bell. The
+other deputy, Ollinger, had gone to supper across the street from the
+jail. Bell turned his head for a moment and the Kid noticing the
+movement quick as a flash brought the handcuffs down on Bell's head,
+stunning him. The Kid then snatched Bell's revolver, he shot the deputy
+through the body. Bell staggered to the steps down which he fell and
+into the yard below where he died. Ollinger hearing the shot rushed
+across the street. As he entered the jail yard he looked up and saw the
+Kid at a window. As he did so the Kid shot Ollinger dead with a shot gun
+which was loaded with buck shot. The Kid then broke the gun across the
+window sill, then going to the room where the weapons were kept the Kid
+picked out what guns he wanted and broke the balance. Then he made the
+first person he met break the irons from his legs and bring him a horse.
+The Kid then took four revolvers and two Winchester rifles and rode
+away. Sheriff Garret was at White Oaks at the time and as soon he as
+heard of the escape he hurried home and organized a posse to recapture
+the Kid, but the Kid was at liberty two months before he was finally
+rounded up and killed at Pete Maxwell's ranch. At the time the Kid
+escaped at Los Vegas myself and a party of our boys had our horses at
+Menderhall and Hunter's livery stable, just a few doors from the jail
+and I was standing on the street talking to a friend when the Kid rode
+by. From Los Vegas he went to the borders of Lincoln county where his
+ever ready revolver was always in evidence. Shortly after his escape he
+shot and killed William Mathews and a companion whom he met on the
+prairie without apparent cause, and several other murders were
+attributed to him before he was finally located at Maxwell's ranch and
+killed by Sheriff Garret.
+
+The Kid was only 22 years of age when his wild career was ended by the
+bullet from the sheriff's gun and it is safe to assert he had at lease
+one murder to the credit of every year of his life. He was killed by
+Sheriff Garret in a room of one of the old houses at Fort Sumner, known
+at that time as Maxwell's ranch, July 12, 1881, about two months after
+his escape from the Lincoln county jail, and Sheriff Pat A. Garret, one
+of the nervest men of that country of nervy men and the only man who
+ever pursued the Kid and lived to tell the tale, is at present at the
+head of the Customs Service at El Paso, Texas, and to meet him and note
+his pleasant smile and kindly disposition, one would not believe him the
+man who sent Billie the Kid to his last account. But behind the pleasant
+twinkle in his eye and the warm hand clasp there is a head as cool and a
+nerve as steady as ever held a 45.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII.
+
+ANOTHER TRIP TO OLD MEXICO. I ROPE AN ENGINE. I FALL IN LOVE. MY
+COURTSHIP. DEATH OF MY SWEETHEART. MY PROMISED WIFE. I MUST BEAR A
+CHARMED LIFE. THE ADVENT OF PROGRESS. THE LAST OF THE RANGE.
+
+
+On one of these memorable trips after cattle, and with cattle on the
+trail, one that I will most likely remember, the longest was a trip to
+Old Mexico after a herd of horses. It was on this trip that I fell in
+love, the first time in my life. During my wild career on the western
+plains I had met many handsome women, and they often made much of me,
+but somehow I had never experienced the feeling called love, until I met
+my charming sweetheart in Old Mexico. I had perhaps been too much
+absorbed in the wild life of the plains, in the horses, and cattle which
+made up my world, to have the time or inclination to seek or enjoy the
+company of the gentler sex. But now that I had met my fate, I suppose I
+became as silly about it as any tenderfoot from the east could possibly
+be, as evidence of how badly I was hit. While on the trail with the herd
+our route lay along a narrow gauge railroad, and I was feeling up in the
+air caused no doubt partly from the effects of love and partly from the
+effects of Mexican whiskey, a generous measure I had under my belt,
+however I was feeling fine, so when the little engine came puffing along
+in the distance I said to the boys I have roped nearly everything that
+could be roped, so now I am going to rope the engine. They tried to
+persuade me not to make the attempt, but I was in no mood to listen to
+reason or anything else, so when the engine came along I put my spurs to
+my horse and when near enough I let fly my lariat. The rope settled
+gracefully around the smoke stack, and as usual my trained horse set
+himself back for the shock, but the engine set both myself and my horse
+in the ditch, and might have continued to set us in places had not
+something given way, as it was the rope parted, but the boys said
+afterwards that they thought they would have to send for a wrecking
+train to clean the track or rather the ditch.
+
+[Illustration: I Rope a Narrow Gauge Engine, my Lariat Settled
+Gracefully Around the Smokestack and my Trained Horse Set Himself for
+the Shock, but the Engine Set Both Myself and my Horse in the Ditch]
+
+Roping a live engine is by long odds worse than roping wild Buffalo on
+the plains or Uncle Sam's cannon at the forts. This incident cleared the
+atmosphere somewhat, but my love was as strong as ever and I thanked my
+lucky start she did not see me as they dragged me out of the ditch.
+
+I first saw my sweetheart as we were driving the herd along the dusty
+road, passing a small adobe house near the city of Old Mexico. I saw a
+handsome young Spanish girl standing in the yard and I suppose I fell in
+love with her at first sight, anyway I pretended to be very thirsty and
+rode up and asked her for a drink. She gave it to me and I exchanged a
+few words with her before joining the boys and the herds.
+
+After that I saw her quite often during my stay in Old Mexico before we
+again returned home. One day shortly before I was to leave for the North
+I went to see her and overheard a conversation between her and her
+mother, in which her mother said to her: "My daughter will you leave
+your mother for to go with the wild cowboy?" And she answered no mother
+I will not leave you to go with any wild cowboy. On hearing this I bid
+her goodbye and a long farewell, as I told her I did not expect to ever
+see her again. Then leaping to the back of my faithful horse I rode like
+mad across the Mexican plains, until I had somewhat cooled down, but it
+was a hard blow to me, as I truly loved her. After that I joined the
+boys and returned up the trail with them. Six or seven months later we
+were again in Old Mexico with a herd of cattle and went in camp some
+distance out from the city, and as soon as she heard our outfit had
+returned she rode out to the camp and after looking around and not
+seeing me, she said to the camp boss, "Where is the wild cowboy that was
+here with you last time? Did he not come up the trail with you". The
+boss told her I had come up the trail but that I had not been seen since
+crossing the last mountains as of course he knew whom she meant as my
+little love affair was pretty generally known among the boys. When the
+boss told her that I had not been seen since they had crossed the last
+mountains, she hung her head and looked completely heart broken. I was
+lying in the mess wagon at the time an interested spectator of all that
+took place, and seeing her looking so downhearted I could hardly
+restrain myself from jumping out of the wagon and taking her in my arms.
+After a time she slowly raised her head and looked long and wistfully up
+the trail. Then turning to the camp boss again she said, "Camp boss tell
+me truly if Nat Love works with you and did he come on this trip with
+you". The boss answered her as before that I had not been seen since
+crossing the last mountains, which was true as I had been riding in the
+mess wagon. On hearing the boss' answer she took it as final and started
+to ride away.
+
+[Illustration: The First Glimpse of My Spanish Sweetheart]
+
+I thought it high time to make my presence known, as with the sight of
+her, all my old love returned, and I forgot every thing except that I
+loved her. So I jumped out of the wagon exclaiming here I am, and in a
+minute we were locked in each others arms and I believe I kissed her
+before all the boys, but I didn't care, she was mine now. We became
+engaged and were to be married in the fall and were to make our home in
+the city of Mexico, but in the spring she took sick and died. Her death
+broke me all up and after I buried her I became very wild and reckless,
+not caring what happened to me and when you saw me in the saddle you saw
+me at home, and while I saw many women since I could never care for any
+as I did for her. And I vainly tried to forget her and my sorrow in the
+wild life of the plains and every danger I could find courting death in
+fights with Indians and Mexicans and dare devil riding on the range, but
+it seemed to me that I bore a charmed life. Horses were shot from under
+me, men were killed around me, but always I escaped with a trifling
+wound at the worst. As time passed I began to recover from my
+disappointment and to take my old interest in the work of the ranch, and
+as my reputation had spread over the country I did not lack work, but
+was kept on the go all the time, first with one large cattle owner, then
+with another. Most of my working being in the round ups and brandings,
+brand reading, and with large herds on the trail, as during my long
+experience in the cattle country I had traveled every known trail, and
+over immense stretches of country where there was no sign of a trail,
+nothing but the wide expanse of prairie; bare except for the buffalo
+grass, with here and there a lone tree or a giant cactus standing as a
+lone sentinel in the wildest of long stretches of grazing land rolling
+away in billows of hill and gully, like the waves of the ocean. Likewise
+I could read, identify and place every brand or mark placed on a horse
+or steer between the Gulf of Mexico and the borders of Canada, on the
+North and from Missouri to California. Over this stretch of country I
+have often traveled with herds of horses or cattle or in searching for
+strays or hunting the noble buffalo on his own native feeding grounds.
+The great buffalo slaughter commenced in the west in 1874, and in 1877
+they had become so scarce that it was a rare occasion when you came
+across a herd containing more than fifty animals where before you could
+find thousands in a herd. Many things were responsible for the
+slaughter, but the principal reason that they had now become so scarce
+was that in 1875 and 1876 the Indians started to kill them in large
+numbers for their skins. Thousands were killed by them, skinned and the
+carcasses left as food for the wolves and vultures of the prairie. Many
+were killed by the white hunters to furnish meat for the railroad
+graders and the troups at the frontier forts.
+
+[Illustration: "Does the Wild Cow Boy Work With You?"]
+
+While the big cattle ranches were always kept well supplied with buffalo
+meat, on the stock of my rifle is one hundred and twenty-six notches,
+each one representing a fine buffalo that has fallen to my own hand,
+while some I have killed with the knife and 45 colts, I forgot to cut a
+notch for. Buffalo hunting, a sport for kings, thy time has passed.
+Where once they roamed by the thousands now rises the chimney and the
+spire, while across their once peaceful path now thunders the iron
+horse, awakening the echoes far and near with bell and whistle, where
+once could only be heard the sharp crack of the rifle or the long
+doleful yelp of the coyote. At the present time the only buffalo to be
+found are in the private parks of a few men who are preserving them for
+pleasure or profit.
+
+With the march of progress came the railroad and no longer were we
+called upon to follow the long horned steers or mustangs on the trail,
+while the immense cattle ranges, stretching away in the distance as far
+as the eye could see, now began to be dotted with cities and towns and
+the cattle industry which once held a monopoly in the west, now had to
+give way to the industry of the farm and the mill. To us wild cowboys of
+the range, used to the wild and unrestricted life of the boundless
+plains, the new order of things did not appeal, and many of us became
+disgusted and quit the wild life for the pursuits of our more civilized
+brother. I was among that number and in 1890 I bid farewell to the life
+which I had followed for over twenty years.
+
+It was with genuine regret that I left the long horn Texas cattle and
+the wild mustangs of the range, but the life had in a great measure lost
+its attractions and so I decided to quit it and try something else for a
+while. During my life so far I had no chance to secure an education,
+except the education of the plains and the cattle business. In this I
+recognize no superior being. Gifted with a splendid memory and quick
+observation I learned and remembered things that others passed by and
+forgot, and I have yet to meet the man who can give me instruction in
+the phases of a life in which I spent so long. After quitting the cowboy
+life I struck out for Denver. Here I met and married the present Mrs.
+Love, my second love. We were married August 22, 1889, and she is with
+me now a true and faithful partner, and says she is not one bit jealous
+of my first love, who lies buried in the city of Old Mexico.
+
+One year later, in 1890, I accepted a position in the Pullman service on
+the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad, running between Denver and Salida,
+Colorado. The Pullman service was then in its infancy, so to speak, as
+there was as much difference between the Pullman sleeping cars of those
+days and the present as there is between the ox team and the
+automobile.
+
+[Illustration: My First Experience as a Pullman Porter]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII.
+
+THE PULLMAN SERVICE. LIFE ON THE RAIL. MY FIRST TRIP. A SLUMP IN TIPS. I
+BECOME DISGUSTED AND QUIT. A PERIOD OF HUSKING. MY NEXT TRIP ON THE
+PULLMAN. TIPS AND THE PEOPLE WHO GIVE THEM.
+
+
+After my marriage in Denver, I rented a small cottage which I
+comfortably furnished and we, Mrs. Love and myself, started to
+housekeeping in a modest way. Then I began to look around for a job, but
+to a man who was used to the excitement and continual action of the
+range and the cattle ranches, the civilized and quiet life of the city
+is apt to prove stale and uninteresting. It was that way with me, and
+after passing up several jobs offered to me I thought I would try
+railroading for awhile, probably for the same reason that prompted me to
+leave home twenty years before; I still wanted to see the world. With
+that idea in mind, I went to the Pullman offices in Denver, and after
+making some inquiries I was directed to the office of Superintendent
+Rummels who was at that time superintendent of the Pullman service.
+
+A Mr. Wright was his assistant. I found Superintendent Rummels in his
+office, and I asked him if he wanted to hire any more porters. He asked
+me if I had ever worked for the Pullman company. I told him no that I
+had been a cowboy ever since I was 16 years old. He then asked me if I
+had money enough to buy my pullman uniform. I asked him how much it
+would cost and he said $22.00. I told him yes, I had the price. He asked
+me if I knew any one in Denver. I told him yes and gave him the name of
+Mr. Sprangler who had my money in his bank. Supt. Rummels told me to get
+a letter from Mr. Sprangler and he would put me on. So I went and got
+the letter and with it the money to pay for my uniform, after having my
+measure taken and sending for my suit. I borrowed a uniform from one of
+the other porters and the second day after I called on the
+superintendent I was sent on the run between Denver and Salida. One of
+the old men put me on to my duties and showed me how to make up my car
+and the general run of things.
+
+On my first trip I found a kind friend in the Pullman conductor, a Mr.
+Keely, who helped me in many ways and I suppose I made many blunders as
+the difference between a Pullman car and the back of a Texas mustang is
+very great. However I managed to get around among the passengers in my
+car, and attend to their needs in some sort of a way.
+
+My first trouble commenced when I succeeded in getting the shoes of
+passengers which had been given to me to polish, badly mixed up. The
+shoes of a portly red faced man whose berth was in the forward end of
+the car, I placed by the berth of a tall and slim western yankee at the
+other end of the car, while a number 7 and a number 9 shoe were placed
+decorously by the berth of a sour spinster from New York. This naturally
+caused a good sized rumpus the next morning. And sundry blessings were
+heaped on the head of yours truly. Nearly all the passengers were mad
+and the tips were conspicuous by their absence. That made me mad and
+thoroughly disgusted with the job. On returning to Denver I again called
+on Superintendent Rummels and told him that I had enough of the Pullman
+service, and would rather go back to the cattle and the range.
+Superintendent Rummels tried to persuade me to stay with it saying I had
+done all right, and would improve with experience but I was thoroughly
+disgusted and wanted no more of it, so I turned in my keys, got my
+uniform and walked out. So again I was without a job.
+
+After going around Denver for several days, it struck me that there was
+money to be made selling fruit, vegetables, honey and chickens around
+the town. Accordingly I purchased a horse and wagon and an assorted
+stock and started out on my new vocation. This proved profitable from
+the start and I made good money which caused me to stay with it for
+nearly a year, when my natural restfulness caused me to become
+discontented and to yearn for more excitement and something a little
+faster so I disposed of my stock, horse and wagon, and started out to
+look for something else to do, but that something else was about as hard
+to find as the proverbial needle in the straw stack, at that particular
+time. Whether it was fate or the talk of the other porters whom I met I
+finally concluded to give the Pullman service another try. Accordingly I
+called on Mr. J. M. Smith who was now district superintendent of the
+Pullman service and asked him for a job. He asked me if I had been in
+the company's service before and I told him yes. He asked me how long
+and I told him one trip, and I told him why I quit, and that the tips
+were too slow for me. He asked me if I thought it was any better now,
+and I said I did not know whether it was any better or not but that I
+thought I could do better.
+
+He told me the whole secret of success was in pleasing all my
+passengers. I told him I thought it was all right about pleasing two or
+three passengers but when it came to pleasing a whole car full of
+passengers, that was another matter. He said to try anyway. He than
+assigned me to a car running on the narrow gauge line between Denver and
+Alamosa, Creed and Durango. This was the real beginning of my Pullman
+service.
+
+I ran on the Colorado roads under Superintendent Smith for a number of
+years and always found him courteous and obliging, always ready and
+willing to help us with advice and counsel, but what proved a mystery to
+me for a long time was how the superintendent managed to find out things
+that happened on my car when he was not present. Sometimes when I went
+to report or met him he would question me about things that happened on
+my run, such as pleasing the passengers and other things, which I did
+not suppose he knew a thing about and inquiries among the other trainmen
+only deepened the mystery.
+
+I would ask the Pullman conductor if he told the superintendent such and
+such a thing and he would say no. Then I would ask him how the
+superintendent knew about them as he was not on the train. He would say
+he did not know. This kept up until finally I made up my mind that if
+there ever was a clairvoyant the superintendent certainly was one.
+
+The fact that he was able to find out things that happened hundreds of
+miles away without any one telling him, kept me worked up for a long
+time until I finally tumbled to the special agents who are employed to
+travel as common passengers and report how things are going to the
+superintendent. That explained the whole mystery, but it did not in any
+way make me move easy in my mind, because if a special agent was along
+one trip, there was no reason to think that one was not along every
+trip. At least I made up my mind there was, and governed myself
+accordingly, but the increased attention given to my passengers as a
+result caused an increase in the tips, that came my way. With the
+increase in my earnings and the experience I was gaining I came to have
+a liking for the service, which is in no wise diminished at this time. I
+soon learned the knack of pleasing the greater number of my passengers,
+and this reported to the superintendent by the special agents raised me
+in the official's favor with the result that I was given more extensive
+and more profitable runs and soon became one of the most popular porters
+in Colorado. This brought with it increased responsibilities as well as
+increased profits and favors enjoyed.
+
+When I started to work it was for $15.00 per month this has been
+increased from time to time until at present owing to my long service
+and having gained a thorough knowledge of my business, I am often made
+porter in charge. This position pays me as high as $40.00 per month. The
+difference between a porter and a porter in charge is that a porter
+generally has a car over which a Pullman conductor presides, which the
+porter in charge owing to his long service and his knowledge of the
+business is placed in full charge of a car, making the services of a
+Pullman conductor unnecessary. A porter in the employ of the Pullman
+company for ten years and giving good service for that time receives
+from the company two suits of clothes per year, and other privileges not
+enjoyed by the beginner.
+
+A porter just beginning in the service has to purchase his own uniform,
+the cost of which is never less than $20.00 for the summer suit or
+$22.00 for the winter suit. After five years of good service a porter
+is entitled to wear one white stripe on his coat sleeve to which one is
+added for every succeeding five years of good service. Naturally the
+porter that understands his business and gives his whole attention to
+the passengers in his car and to his work, will make more money than the
+porter who has not the patience to try and please his passengers. I have
+had porters complain to me about the small amount they were able to earn
+in the service and on questioning them I found it was wholly because
+they did not think it necessary to try and make friends of the people in
+their car. I early recognized the fact that if I expected to succeed in
+the Pullman service I must make all the friends I could on my runs, and
+the cases are very rare where I have failed to receive a tip of some
+kind from my passengers, although as it happens sometimes I have people
+in my car who are not very well blessed with this world's goods, and who
+can ill afford to spend money in tips. To such people I always give the
+same attention and care, as if I was sure to receive a $10 tip, and they
+rarely failed to give me a kind thank you, on leaving my car. In the
+course of our duties we naturally meet all manner of people, the
+business man out for business or pleasure, the drummers who nearly
+always give us a tip; the wife going to join her sick husband or the
+husband hurrying home to the bedside of his sick child; the invalid in
+search of health, or the family going home to attend the funeral of a
+loved one; the young man going to be married, and the young couple on
+their honeymoon; the capitalist, the miner, the sportsman and the vast
+army of people that go to make up the traveling public, who like the
+sands of the desert are forever shifting around from place to place, and
+with whom we porters are brought in closer contact perhaps than any one
+else on their travels. We must necessarily be good judges of human
+nature to be able to please the majority of the people who travel under
+our care. We nearly always receive a tip from those who ride with us for
+any distance. The size of the tip often depends on the mode of the
+passenger giving it. Even those who ride with us only a short distance
+often give us a tip of more generous proportions than will the man who
+has ridden with us several thousands of miles. The superintendent
+himself when he rides in our car, we are sure to receive from him 25
+cents or 50 cents for a day or a day's ride.
+
+The smallest tip I have received from a passenger during my service was
+2 cents. This amount I received from a rather cranky individual, who
+when I went to brush him off handed me two copper cents and followed
+them up with the remark that some of us porters needed calling down and
+some needed knocking down. My opinion if what he needed caused me to
+smile, wherein he wanted to know what I was smiling at. Needless to say
+I did not feel like wasting any more breath on him so I bundled his
+boxes and satchel out on the platform and left him to follow at his
+leisure.
+
+The largest tips I ever received from a single traveler was $25.00 given
+me by one of the Rothschilds whom I brought from Chicago to Frisco, but
+this has been largely surpassed several times in car tips or trips. The
+Knights Templar one of whose cars I had charge of between Denver and
+Boston made, up a purse of $150.00 and presented it to me with the
+compliments of the passengers in recognition of the good service I had
+rendered them. While in charge of the private car of General Manager
+Fisher in a trip through California and Mexico, Mr. Fisher made up a
+purse of $75.00 for me, in recognition of my attentions to the members
+of his party. But the man who gave me 5 cents received as much attention
+from me as the man who gives me $5.00. It is perhaps all he can afford
+and the manner in which he gives it often makes up for the smallness of
+the tip.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX.
+
+THE PULLMAN SLEEPING CAR. LONG TRIPS ON THE RAIL. THE WRECK. ONE TOUCH
+OF NATURE MAKES THE WHOLE WORLD KIN. A FEW OF THE RAILROADS OVER WHICH I
+HAVE TRAVELED. THE INVALID AND THE CARE WE GIVE THEM.
+
+
+The modern Pullman sleeping car is a veritable palace on wheels
+furnished in the best materials, without regard to expense, comfort,
+convenience and the safety of the passengers being the main object. To
+say that the builders of the Pullman cars have succeeded in attaining
+this object is but a mild expression. Fine carpets cover the floors, the
+seats and chairs are upholstered in the best and softest of material,
+while every convenience is provided for the use of the lucky mortal who
+is called across the continent on business or pleasure, and whose
+pleasure it is to travel and sleep in the Pullman sleeping car of the
+present day. The traveler of today when he has to go from Chicago to San
+Francisco, simply throws a few things in a grip, is driven to the Union
+terminal station in Chicago, where he secures a through ticket and a
+sleeping car berth. At the car steps he is met by the Pullman porter who
+relieves him of his grip and assists him on the train if necessary. From
+that time until four days later when he arrives in San Francisco, he has
+no more care. If he wishes to write letters there is a handy writing
+tablet with stationery and everything needful. He can write his letters
+and hand them to the porter to mail and continue his perusal of the
+morning paper. If he gets hungry he has but to step in the dining car,
+where he will find viands fit for a king. If he wants a shave or a
+haircut, the barber is in the next car. If he wants to view the scenery
+en route, the observation car is but a few steps away. When he gets
+sleepy and wishes to retire he presses the electric button at his elbow
+and the porter will do the rest, but if he prefers to lay in his
+luxurious bed and read, he has but to turn on the electric light at his
+bedside and he can read as long as he pleases, and when he arrives at
+San Francisco he will be cleanly shaven, nicely brushed, with his shoes
+freshly shined, and on the outside of a good breakfast, ready to tackle
+at once the business or the pleasure that brought him across the
+continent. Or, if the traveler prefers, he may swing aboard the
+magnificently equipped and royally appointed Los Angeles Limited, one of
+the finest through trains that this mundane sphere can boast. Catch this
+train in Chicago, which you may do any day in the year, and it will
+carry you with safety, speed and comfort over the fertile farms, meadows
+and plains; through the City of the Saints on the second day; then
+around the Great Dead Sea of America, over the sage brush plains and
+grazing ranges of southern Nevada, and into the Land of Sunshine and
+Flowers and the City of the Angels on the third day after leaving your
+home in Chicago.
+
+What a contrast to the mode of travel our grandfathers were forced to
+adopt, a decade ago, when the old ox team and the prairie schooner
+wended its slow way over the mountains and plains, over trails in every
+turn of which lurked danger and death. "Verily the sun do move." During
+my service with the Pullman company I have traveled from the Atlantic to
+the Pacific and from the Gulf of Mexico to the borders of Canada, over
+nearly all the many different lines of railroad that makes the map of
+North America look like a spider had been crawling over it in search of
+a fly. I have visited all the principal cities and towns where the sound
+of the bell and the whistle is heard, and I have in a great measure
+satisfied my desire to see the country. Among the great lines of railway
+over which I have traveled are the Union Pacific, whose overland
+limited, the Atlantic Express and the Portland-Chicago Special, are the
+acme of quick, safe and comfortable travel. The overland limited is
+electric lighted, steam heated and contains every known luxury and
+convenience of travel. The Denver and Rio Grande Railroad is noted the
+world over for its quick time, fine scenery, comfort and safety. The
+Southern Pacific, the Baltimore & Ohio Southwestern, the Missouri
+Pacific between St. Louis and all points east all electric lighted
+trains with observation, parlor, cafe dining cars and Pullman sleeping
+cars; the Chicago & Northwestern, whose through train service to Chicago
+and the East from San Francisco, Los Angeles, Portland, Salt Lake, Ogden
+and Denver is not excelled in any land; the Illinois Central Railroad,
+whose eight track entrance to Chicago from the south along the lake
+front is one of the triumphs of Yankee railroading, and whose train
+service is elegant in the extreme. The Pennsylvania lines which will
+take you from Chicago to New York in eighteen hours and make you feel
+thoroughly comfortable while doing it. The Louisville and Nashville
+Railroad, whose lines reach every town and hamlet in the solid South.
+The Nickel Plate road, the direct line from Chicago to New York, Boston
+and all points east, all trains of the Nickel Plate road arrive and
+depart from the new LaSalle Street station, one of the finest railroad
+stations in the country. The Santa Fe, from whose trains you can view
+some of the finest scenery in the Rocky Mountains, including the Grand
+Canyon of Arizona, a mile deep, thirteen miles wide, two hundred and
+seventeen miles long and painted like a flower. The Lehigh Valley
+Railroad to Chicago, New York and Philadelphia, from whose car windows
+one may view the world-famous Niagara Falls. The Colorado & Southern,
+the Colorado road over which travel is one continuous delight. The San
+Pedro, Los Angeles and Salt Lake Railroad, one of the youngest but by no
+means the least of railroads, the road that lies as straight as the crow
+flies, linking together the City of the "Saints" and the City of the
+"Angels." The snow-capped Rocky Mountains and the sun-kissed shores of
+the Pacific Ocean, the dead sea and the live sea; the railroad that
+makes it possible to have a sleigh ride with your second wife in the
+City of the "Saints" on Sunday and pick flowers and eat oranges with
+your first wife in the City of the "Angels" on Tuesday. Over this line I
+am running at present, and while it has only been in operation a short
+time, yet the time and service equals and in some cases surpasses the
+time and service of the great Trunk Lines of the east. We often make
+ninety miles an hour over the standard gauge roadbed, that equals any in
+this country. The cars are all new, the engines are the latest
+up-to-date kind. The cars are built for comfort and convenience, the
+trains are all electric lighted, steam heated and have every modern
+convenience for the safety and comfort of the passengers. This road, in
+common with some of the eastern roads employs chair car porters in
+addition to the Pullman porters. On all trains from Salt Lake to Los
+Angeles there are three or four Pullman porters and one chair car
+porter.
+
+All trains have dining cars, which are in reality magnificent dining
+rooms, where three times a day the dainties of the season are prepared
+by a competent chef to satisfy the most discriminating inner man. The
+furnishings of these cars, the fine linen, the artistic glass, china and
+silverware, are guaranteed to make you enjoy your meal, even if you have
+got dyspepsia. Besides the dining car and the Pullman sleeping cars,
+there is attached to all overland trains on the Salt Lake route, a
+through tourist sleeper, which differs from the Pullman sleeper only in
+a slight difference in the furnishings. The service is the same, but the
+cost of a berth in them between Salt Lake and Los Angeles is just
+one-half that of the standard sleeper. I have never run on a road where
+better service, more courteous treatment or better time was made than on
+the S. P., L. A. & S. L. Railroad.
+
+In these latter years, when progress is the watchword of the railroads
+in common with the other industries of the country, no expense or pains
+are spared by the railroad people to add to the comfort, enjoyments,
+safety and convenience of the traveling public, until now it is about as
+safe to travel as it is to stay at home, and not much if any more
+expensive. But in spite of all safeguards adopted by the railroads a
+wreck occurs once in a while the same as accidents occur at home.
+
+The first wreck I was in the train struck a split switch with the result
+that the cars turned over and piled up in a ditch. That happened in
+Colorado. We were forced to crawl out through the windows, like a
+prairie dog out of his hole. No one was killed but the passengers were
+all pretty well shaken up and somewhat scared. As soon as the cars got
+comfortably piled up and the passengers were able to speak they all
+commenced yelling for the porter. But at that particular moment the
+porter was busy rubbing his shins and assuring himself there was nothing
+to be scared about. The passengers at such times are apt to forget that
+the porter is as scared as they are, and has forgotten all about tips
+and such commonplace matters as that, but after he gets his wits about
+him he loses no time in looking after his flock, and rendering
+assistance to such of his passengers as need it, and most of them do
+need assistance of some kind if for no other reason than to be assured
+that they are not hurt. The Pullman porter of today must be a very
+versatile sort of a person, he must have plenty of patience, be a good
+judge of human nature, quick, kind and observant. Many are the times a
+gouty and crusty passenger has traveled in my car, who was in such a bad
+humor that it was next to impossible to please him, yet before he had
+ridden a hundred miles with me, I had him in good humor and laughing
+with the rest of the passengers. "Laugh and the whole world laughs with
+you."
+
+It is by no means an uncommon thing for us porters to be called upon to
+turn nurse for sick or invalid passengers in our car, and often have I
+watched by the bedside of a sick passenger, feeding him, giving him
+medicine, bathing him and in fact becoming for the time being a hospital
+nurse, and many are the blessings I have received from my sick
+passengers, both men and women, whose pain I have eased, and their last
+moments on earth I have cheered. And this, dear reader, we do in the
+name of humanity and not in the name of tips.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX.
+
+THE TOURIST SLEEPING CAR. THE CHAIR CAR. THE SAFEGUARDS OF MODERN
+RAILROADING. SEE AMERICA, THEN LET YOUR CHEST SWELL WITH PRIDE THAT YOU
+ARE AN AMERICAN.
+
+
+The Pullman tourist sleeping car, which you can find on all through
+trains of the different railroads throughout the United States, are to
+the traveler of moderate means what the Pullman car is to the
+millionaire traveler. They are designed for the comfort and convenience
+of the traveling public to whom the expenditure of a dollar more or less
+is a matter of moment, and who cannot afford or do not care for the
+small extra show and tinsel of the Pullman sleeping car, but whose only
+desire is to make their journey pleasant, comfortable and safe. This
+they can do as well in the tourist as in the standard sleeping car.
+
+There is a difference in price that will amount to a tidy sum in a long
+trip across the continent, but that fact does not always appeal to the
+traveling public, as I have had the poorest of passengers in the palace
+car and at other times a millionaire and his family would be my
+passengers in the tourist cars. It seems to me a matter of fact and one
+which my long experience seems to verify, that the American traveler
+does not care so much about his comfort as his ability to get there, as
+the average American traveler is always in a hurry and in nine cases out
+of ten, he is thinking more about the speed of the train than he is
+about his immediate surroundings or the price he had paid for his
+ticket. The railroads, knowing this, have made and are continually
+making every effort to add to the speed and safety of their trains, but
+traveling long distances is a tiresome matter at the best and for that
+reason the railroads are continually making improvements with a view to
+add to the comfort, convenience and pleasure of the traveler, and in a
+journey such as one from Chicago to Los Angeles, for instance, there is
+no time to stop for meals and such trivial matters as a shave, as time
+is money lost to most of the passengers and to the railroad company
+also. For that reason the sleeping car is provided that you may sleep
+with as much comfort as if you were in your own home, the dining car is
+provided to furnish you a good meal on the fly and at a price that all
+can afford. The library and drawing room cars are provided, where you
+can make yourself as comfortable as you can in your own house. The
+porter will get your morning paper, furnish you with writing materials
+or your morning high ball, and look after you like a hen after her
+brood.
+
+But on all railroads there are rules governing the passengers as well as
+the employees, the same as there are in all lines of business. A
+passenger may not, for instance, smoke in the body of the Pullman car,
+but must retire to the drawing room or his stateroom. As an instance in
+point, I had J. J. Corbett for a passenger in my car between Ogden and
+Chicago, a gentleman who was at that time in the height of his career
+and naturally thought he owned the earth or a large part of it, at any
+rate he came in the sleeper from the dining car, lit a cigar, propped
+his feet upon the opposite seat and prepared for a comfortable smoke.
+But it was against the rules to smoke in that part of the car, so I
+approached him and politely requested him not to smoke in that part of
+the car. He regarded me a few moments and with a sneer said, "So you are
+Mr. Pullman, are you?" I told him I was not Mr. Pullman, but I was in
+charge of one of Mr. Pullman's cars, and for that reason I was a
+representative of Mr. Pullman, and that it was strictly against the
+rules to smoke in that part of the car, and that if he wished to smoke
+he would have to go to the drawing room. He went, but the sleeping car
+conductor, who had watched the incident, told me I had better look out
+or Corbett would have my scalp. I told the conductor I was not scared
+and that if Corbett hadn't gotten out I would have thrown him out, all
+of which I meant, but the conductor shook his head and said to look out.
+Sure enough the matter was reported to the superintendent, but that
+official on hearing the facts in the matter said I had done perfectly
+right, and what I was paid to do.
+
+It is necessary that all passengers as well as all employees shall
+observe the rules of the company, for the benefit, safety and enjoyment
+of all the passengers and employees alike.
+
+All the railroad men I have met from the president down have all proved
+themselves jolly good fellows, kind, considerate and always ready to
+render assistance and service to those in need, but at the same time
+they are strict about the rules and discipline. Thoroughly understanding
+their business themselves, they insist on the beginner obeying
+instructions and the laws of the road, because on that depends the lives
+of hundreds of people, and the value of thousands of dollars worth of
+property, and for the same reason they are expending thousands of
+dollars annually in new appliances, inventions and equipment, that will
+add to the saving of time or insure the safety of the traveler. Among
+the new inventions adopted by the modern railroads are the "Block"
+System, which makes collisions between two trains approaching each other
+on the same track almost an impossibility if the engineer is awake and
+attentive to business. Under this system when the trains approach a
+certain distance of each other a bell is rung in the cab of each
+locomotive simultaneously, and will continue to ring until the danger is
+over. This with the powerful electric headlights now used, with which
+the roadbed is lit up for a distance of five miles, makes a head-on
+collision almost impossible, while the air brakes, heavy rails, solid
+roadbed, doing away with the sharp curves and heavy grades, all add to
+the safety of the passengers and the saving of many miles in travel and
+many precious moments. It has always seemed strange to me that so many
+Americans rush off to Europe and foreign countries every year in search
+of health and pleasure, or to climb the Alps in Switzerland, and to view
+the scenery of the old world, when our own North America, the new world,
+offers so many better opportunities to study Dame Nature in all her
+phases, and I always say to the traveling American, "See America." How
+many of you have done so? Only those who have seen this grand country
+of ours can justly appreciate the grandeur of our mountains and rivers,
+valley and plain, canyon and gorge, lakes and springs, cities and towns,
+the grand evidences of God's handiwork scattered all over this fair land
+over which waves the stars and stripes. Go to New York and view the tall
+buildings, the Brooklyn bridge, the subway, study the works of art to be
+found there, both in statuary and painting, ponder on the vast volume of
+commerce carried on with the outside world. Note the many different
+styles of architecture displayed in the palace of the millionaire and
+the house of the humble tradesman, view the magnificent Hudson river and
+the country homes along its grassy, tree-lined shores, note the ships
+from every clime riding at anchor in the East river. Then speculate on
+the changes that have been wrought in the course of the short time since
+Manhattan Island was purchased from the Indians by Pete Minuts for a few
+blankets and beads amounting in value to $24.00. Then board the
+Pennsylvania Limited, whose trains are the acme of modern railroading
+and go to Washington, the nation's capital city. Walk along Pennsylvania
+avenue and note its beauty. Visit the capitol and let your chest swell
+out with pride that you are an American. Visit the tomb of General Grant
+and the thousand and one magnificent statues scattered throughout the
+city. Visit Annapolis and West Point, where the leaders of the nation's
+navy and army are trained. Walk over the battlefields of Fredricksburg,
+Gettysburg and Lexington, and let your mind speculate on the events that
+made modern history.
+
+[Illustration: This is Where I Shine. Now I am Out for the Money]
+
+Note the majestic Potomac and the Washington monument. Take a short trip
+north and see the great Niagara Falls, listen to what they tell you in
+their mighty roaring voice. Go to Pittsburg where the great steel works
+are located, and see how the steel pen and the steel cannon are made. Go
+to Chicago, that western hive of commerce. See the Great Lakes, or
+better still take a cruise on them. Note the great lumber industry of
+Michigan, and the traffic of the lakes. Go to Kansas City and Omaha and
+see the transformation of the Texas steer into the corned beef you ate
+at your last picnic, or was it chipped beef? See the immense stock
+yards with their thousands of cattle, hogs and sheep, and think of the
+thousands of people that they feed. Cross the Missouri river and enter
+on the plains of the great and recently unknown west. Think of the
+pioneer who in 1849 traversed these once barren stretches of prairie,
+walking beside his slow-moving ox team, seeking the promised land,
+breaking a trail for the generations that were to come after him as you
+are coming now in a Pullman car. Think of the dangers that beset him on
+every hand, then wonder at the nerve he had, then again let your chest
+swell with pride that you are an American, sprung from the same stock
+that men were composed of in those days. Note the grandeur of the Rocky
+Mountains as they rise from the plains, their peaks snow-capped,
+glistening in clear blue sky, breathe the pure essence of life, drink of
+the crystal streams twinkling down their sides, then scorn the wine made
+by man. Listen to the salute of the bells and the whistles as the trains
+approach and pass that strange monument of nature's handiwork, the Mount
+of the Holy Cross.
+
+Go to the Yellowstone National Park and revel in the wonders thereof,
+walk in the garden of the Gods and listen to the voice of the Giant
+Geyser as it sends forth its torrents of boiling water. Bathe in the
+life-giving springs and mud baths. Note the fantastic forms of the rocks
+and trees, carved by the hand of nature, then go to Colorado Springs and
+climb Pikes Peak and behold the world stretch out before you in valley,
+mountain and plain. Visit the mines of Leadville and Cripple Creek, the
+store houses of a part of the nation's wealth. Visit Denver and see the
+strides made in the improvement of the west in a short time. Board the
+Denver & Rio Grande train and note the magnificent scenery of mountain,
+canyons, gorges and the beautiful mountain lakes and streams, note the
+Grand Canyon of the Colorado, the royal gorge. Now note the great white
+expanse of the great Salt Lake, as it lies glistening in the rays of the
+setting sun, and think of the stories you have heard of it until the
+conductor brings you back to earth with the cry of "Ogden."
+
+Note this bustling railroad center in the heart of the Rocky mountains,
+and acknowledge our country's greatness. Visit Salt Lake City, the "City
+of Zion," the Canaan of the new world. See the beautiful city nestling
+within the protection of the Warsatch and Oquirrh range of mountains.
+Walk its wide tree-lined streets, visit the tabernacle and hear the
+sweet strains of the world's greatest organs. See the Mormon temple.
+Visit Saltair and sport in the waves of the briny sea. Board the San
+Pedro, Los Angeles and Salt Lake westbound train and cross the end of
+this same lake, one of nature's wonders.
+
+Cross the desert of Nevada, which was only a short time ago a desert
+waste, on and on until you smell the orange blossoms of sunny
+California, and the train emerges from the mountains and brings into
+view the grand Pacific Ocean. See the big trees of California, the seals
+and the scenery of the Yosemite valley. Visit the orange groves and the
+vineyards, and partake of the orange and the grape. Visit Catalina
+Island in the Pacific Ocean, and try a couple of hours fishing in its
+waters. Then take the Southern Pacific and return to New York by way of
+Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, New Orleans, Florida and other southern
+states. Then again let your chest swell with pride that you are an
+American.
+
+I think you will agree with me that this grand country of ours is the
+peer of any in the world, and that volumes cannot begin to tell of the
+wonders of it. Then after taking such a trip you will say with me, "See
+America." I have seen a large part of America, and am still seeing it,
+but the life of a hundred years would be all too short to see our
+country. America, I love thee, Sweet land of Liberty, home of the brave
+and the free.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXI.
+
+A FEW OF THE RAILROAD MEN UNDER WHOM I HAVE SERVED. GEORGE M. PULLMAN.
+THE TOWN OF PULLMAN, ILL. AMERICAN RAILROADS LEAD THE WORLD. A FEW
+FIGURES.
+
+
+Among the large number of railroad men I have served under and worked
+with during the fifteen years I have been on the road it gives me
+pleasure to recall the names of a few with whom I was more intimately
+acquainted and to whom I am indebted for many favors given and
+courtesies extended, and the pleasant duty devolves on me to mention the
+always courteous, obliging and most competent head of the Pullman
+department in Denver, Mr. Runnells, and his assistant, Mr. Wright, who
+sent me out on my first run in 1890. Next comes the well known name of
+District Superintendent J. M. Smith, who one year later sent me out on
+the run that marked the beginning of my Pullman service. To Mr. Smith
+more than to any other railroad man I am indebted for advice, counsel
+and countless favors shown me while I was in the service in the
+department over which he presided so long. I always found him courteous
+and obliging and never too busy to listen or to give a kind word of
+advice or counsel to all who approached him on company business or on
+the private affairs of the employees of the road. I had charge of a car
+for several years in his territory and many a time I have had him for a
+passenger and at such times he seemed more like an old friend than he
+did like the superintendent of the Pullman service.
+
+I next transferred to the Ogden division. Here I met and came to know
+very well Superintendent Baker and his assistant, Johnnie Searce, and to
+these two gentlemen I am also indebted for many favors shown me, as they
+tried in every way possible to make my employment pleasant and
+profitable while I was in their territory. I was sent out on runs that
+covered the greater portions of the United States, and while on some of
+my longer runs I often started from and returned to stations in
+different districts under different superintendents, but I always looked
+on Ogden as my home station and Superintendent Baker as my chief until
+another superintendent was given charge of the district and I
+transferred to Salt Lake and started to run on Senator Clark's new road,
+the S. P., L. A. & S. L. road, between Salt Lake and Los Angeles, under
+the superintendency of Mr. Twining and his assistant, Mr. Cotten, and
+these gentlemen also during the time I have been with them have shown me
+every favor and consideration, which goes far towards making my work a
+pleasure. In this connection also I mention the names of Jim Donohue,
+traveling engineer; W. H. Smith, trainmaster, and P. Randoff Morris and
+Jos. Jones, special agents, all jolly railroad men from A to Izard.
+
+During my fifteen years' service I have met and served under many
+different superintendents and to mention the names of them all, would
+require a separate volume, but I will always hold them in kindly
+remembrance as they all have without exception been kindness itself to
+me.
+
+Another old friend I have recently met on the steel road is William H.
+Blood, at present one of the popular conductors on the San Pedro, Los
+Angeles & Salt Lake Railroad. In the early seventies "Billy" was one of
+the best cowboys ranging over the western cattle country. He was with me
+on many of the old trails and in many a tight place, and like myself he
+always came out right side up with care and none the worse for wear.
+
+E. W. Gillett, at present general passenger agent of the Salt Lake road,
+and one of the best known and most popular railroad men of the west, is
+another friend of the old days it is my pleasure to meet often now. I
+first met him under the following circumstances. I think it was in the
+year 1874 along in the fall, I had been up the trail with some cattle
+and was returning through Wyoming en route to Arizona. I had been riding
+hard all day and as it began to get dark I sighted a small station on
+the main line of the Union Pacific, and I concluded to give it a
+passing call out of curiosity. As I drew near I noticed several
+rough-looking customers hanging around in a suspicious manner, and I at
+once concluded that they were robbers there for the purpose of holding
+up the station. Events immediately following proved that I was right.
+They had not noticed me and they proceeded to hold up the agent in true
+western style, but that they had caught a tartar was evidenced by the
+rattle of the agent's artillery. Of course it was out of the question
+for me to miss such fun, so not waiting for an invitation I lost no time
+in getting my own forty-fives in active operation, and in less time than
+it takes to tell it what was left of those greasers were making tracks
+for the nearest state line, while a red-headed youngster with a smoking
+45 in his fist was shaking hands with me and trying to say something
+about my saving his life. I took a shine to him at once on account of
+his pluck and our friendship thus begun has lasted through the years
+until now time and fate have thrown us both together on the same line of
+railroad.
+
+The railroad men as a class are the most jovial set of men one could
+find in any profession, well educated, broad minded, and always
+considerate of others and at the same time they know their business
+thoroughly, as they have to serve many years as apprentices, so to
+speak, in railroading, before they are given places of trust and
+responsibility, and the man who has reached the position of president or
+general manager of a railroad system, has learned pretty much all there
+is to be learned about the iron horse and the steel road, and they use
+that knowledge in providing for the safety and comfort of the millions
+of lives that are annually intrusted to their keeping.
+
+The general manager is responsible not only for the lives of the
+traveling public, but of the army or railroad employees under him and he
+is supposed to know everything, and must always be prepared to do the
+right thing in the right place at the right time, and as in many cases
+life and death depend on it, he must know how.
+
+[Illustration: The Close of My Railroad Career]
+
+A college education does not make a railroad manager, although it may
+help to do so. He in a great measure gets his education in the school of
+experience, and in some cases it is a hard school, and the most exacting
+of all schools, but at the same time it is a school in which one can
+learn anything under the sun, and learn it well, and in these days of
+the twentieth century's activity and progress, it is the man who knows
+how to do things that makes the world move. And after boiling everything
+down there is left in the pot two undisputable facts. They are that the
+railroad men cause the world to move by knowing how to do things, the
+other is that the railroad men move the people who live in the world,
+thus they move things all around. And they are continually on the move
+themselves, which goes to prove that they are different from many other
+people inasmuch as they practice what they preach. And from these men of
+all classes from the president down I have received courtesies and the
+kindest of consideration, and these pleasant associations are pleasant
+memories to me and will always remain so.
+
+It was my pleasure to meet and to chat with George M. Pullman, the
+father of the sleeping car, several times, and I found him to be a fine
+man, broad-minded in every sense of the word, always approachable and
+with always a kind word for every one of the large army of his employees
+that he met on his travels, and he always tried to meet them all. It was
+also my pleasure to meet his two boys who are veritable chips of the old
+block.
+
+One of the legends connected with the western mining history is that
+early in the 60s George M. Pullman was a poor prospector and had secured
+a lease on a piece of mining ground in Colorado, and that he formed the
+idea of the sleeping car from the tiers of bunks in the miners' lodging
+house, "bunk houses" they are called. However that may be Mr. Pullman
+has been the recipient of many a blessing from the weary traveler, and
+the idea, whatever it was, that led him to invent the sleeping car that
+has proved such a comfort to the traveler of today, deserves to go down
+in history as the greatest idea that ever came from the place where
+ideas come from.
+
+It has been my pleasure to visit all the large shops of the Pullman
+company, including the town of Pullman, Ill., which is a good-sized
+city, named after Mr. Pullman, and was owned by him principally, and the
+large number of men employed in his shops there. The town contains fine
+churches and public buildings, a splendid library and reading rooms and
+amusement halls. And while I was there I failed to see a single saloon.
+It seems such places are tabooed there. The shops are the finest in this
+country, containing all the modern machinery of the finest kind and the
+men employed there are all past masters of their trades. Here are built
+all the finest sleeping cars and many of the finest special cars and
+railway cars seen on the railroads of this country. In addition there is
+also a very large amount of repairing done. As soon as anything goes
+wrong with a Pullman car it is at once sent into the shops for repair,
+and soon comes out in apple pie order. You may see the Pullman cars all
+over this country where there is a steel road, and other countries have
+their eyes on the mof late, and in the near future it will be possible
+to sleep in a Pullman car whether you are traveling in England, France,
+Sweden or China. They are a good thing and are sure to be pushed or
+rather pulled along.
+
+In 1893 I went to Mr. Pullman and told him I was thinking of getting the
+porters of the Pullman Car Company to club together and contribute fifty
+cents per month apiece for the purpose of investing the proceeds in
+land, in view of eventually owning what we would call "The Porters'
+Home." Mr. Pullman told me he thought that a good idea, and said if we
+succeeded in buying one thousand acres of land, he would erect us a
+building on it, and signed a statement to that effect.
+
+I then went to work and communicated with all the divisions of the
+Pullman Company, presenting this proposition to the porters of these
+different districts, but only succeeded in getting about twenty-five
+subscribers, the rest of them refusing to go into such a proposition,
+some of them saying all I wanted was to get the money and make away with
+it. Inasmuch as this amount was to be sent to the main Pullman office
+in Chicago and I was to be there each month to see this money deposited.
+Others refused to go into it upon the ground that they were liable to be
+discharged from the Pullman service at any time, and many other various
+excuses were offered. There were many of the Pullman conductors,
+however, who promised to contribute from one to five dollars toward this
+enterprise when we were ready to purchase the land.
+
+My object was to have a Home and Hospital, with adjoining farming land,
+for the benefit of old and disabled porters who were not able to perform
+their duties as Pullman car porters. Had this been accomplished at that
+time, we would by now have had a large farm and a house and hospital
+connected therewith, and all the porters who are now unable to work
+would have had a good home and be cared for the rest of their lives. I
+hope to live long enough to yet see this plan become a reality.
+
+At present the American railway leads the world. In no other country
+does the traveler find so much comfort, so many conveniences, so much
+pleasure, safety and speed as does the dweller in this robust young
+country belonging to our Uncle Samuel. At the present time there are in
+the United States upwards of two hundred and sixty thousand miles of
+railroad open and in operation, not to mention several thousand miles
+now building and projected. This immense mileage is divided between over
+one thousand different roads, while in 1851 there were only 149
+different railroads with a total mileage of 9000 miles. The railroads
+today have a capital back of them amounting to over $14,000,000,000, and
+they pay their employees wages that foot up over $7,000,000 annually,
+while their earnings amount to the tidy sum of $2,500,000,000 in the
+same length of time. They carry somewhat more than 800,000,000
+passengers every twelve months, and 2,200,000,000 tons of freight. These
+figures do not include the several million tons of trunks, sachels,
+grips, hat boxes and carpet bags that the average traveler considers it
+necessary to load him or herself down with on starting on a journey of
+any distance, and which comes in such large quantities sometimes as to
+make life a burden for us porters.
+
+Read these figures again, dear reader, they are a conservative estimate
+of the business transacted by the railroads of this fair land of ours.
+You can count a million, can you count a billion? Immense, isn't it? It
+seems to show that the people of this country are great travelers,
+forever on the move, yet they tell us this is a country of homes and
+that the average American loves his home and home life above all things.
+These figures seem to show there are a few people who havn't any home or
+if they have they are looking for one they like better, which, like the
+will of the wisp, evades them always, but they continue to shift around,
+always hopeful, never satisfied, and they will continue to shift around
+until Gabriel blows on his little tin horn.
+
+But this class of people make but a small percentage of the traveling
+public. Business in this latter day of strife and competition makes long
+journeys necessary, and as the business of the world grows apace and the
+countries of the earth crowd closer together in the struggle for the
+almighty dollar, there will be need of more railroads to make the globe
+smaller and to cut off the hours and minutes of precious time that means
+money to the man of today. And as a man makes and saves money so will he
+spend it for the pleasure of himself and family, and as he must travel
+to find pleasure there must be railroads to carry him, and hence these
+figures I write now will look insignificant beside the magnificent total
+that will be put before the reader of that day, because if they increase
+in the next century as they have in the past, walking will be out of
+fashion and every body will ride and I hope sleep in a Pullman sleeping
+car.
+
+[Illustration: With Wm. Blood, My Old Cowboy Friend, and Other Friends
+at the Close of My Railroad Career]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXII.
+
+A FEW REMINISCENCES OF THE RANGE. SOME MEN I HAVE MET. BUFFALO BILL. THE
+JAMES BROTHERS. YELLOWSTONE KELLEY. THE MURDER OF BUCK CANNON BY BILL
+WOODS. THE SUICIDE OF JACK ZIMICK.
+
+
+It has now been many years since I quit the range, and as my mind
+wanders back over those years as it often does, memories both pleasant
+and sad pass in review and it is but fitting that I record a few of them
+as a final to the history of my life which has been so full of action,
+which is but natural as the men of those days were men of action. They
+had to be, and probably their actions were not all good, that I freely
+admit, but while that is so, it is equally so that their actions were
+not all bad, far from it. And in the history of the frontier there is
+recorded countless heroic deeds performed, deeds and actions that
+required an iron nerve, self denial in all that these words imply, the
+sacrificing of one life to save the life of a stranger or a friend.
+Deeds that stamped the men of the western plains as men worthy to be
+called men, and while not many of them would shine particularly in the
+polite society of today or among the 400 of Gotham, yet they did shine
+big and bright in the positions and at a time when men lived and died
+for a principle, and in the line of duty. A man who went to the far west
+or who claimed it as his home in the early days found there a life far
+different from that led by the dude of Fifth Avenue. There a man's work
+was to be done, and a man's life to be lived, and when death was to be
+met, he met it like a man. It was among such men and surroundings that I
+spent so many years of my life and there I met men some of whom are
+famous now, while others never lived long enough to reach the pinnacle
+of fame, but their memory is held no less sacred by the men who knew
+them well.
+
+Some men I met in the cattle country are now known to the world as the
+baddest of bad men, yet I have seen these men perform deeds of valor,
+self sacrifice and kindness that would cause the deeds recorded as
+performed by gentlemen in "ye olden time when knighthood was in flower"
+to look insignificant in comparison, and yet these men lay no claim to
+the title of gentlemen. They were just plain men.
+
+It was my pleasure to meet often during the early seventies the man who
+is now famous in the old world and the new world, Buffalo Bill (William
+F. Cody), cowboy, ranger, hunter, scout and showman, a man who carried
+his life in his hands day and night in the wild country where duty
+called, and has often bluffed the grim reaper Death to a standstill, and
+is living now, hale, hearty and famous.
+
+Others who are equally famous but in another way are the James brothers,
+Jesse and Frank. I met them often in the old days on the range, and
+became very well acquainted with them and many others of their band.
+Their names are recorded in history as the most famous robbers of the
+new world, but to us cowboys of the cattle country who knew them well,
+they were true men, brave, kind, generous and considerate, and while
+they were robbers and bandits, yet what they took from the rich they
+gave to the poor. The James brothers band stole thousands of dollars;
+yet Jesse was a poor man when he fell a victim to the bullet of a
+cowardly, traitorous assassin, and Frank James is a poor man today. What
+then did they do with the thousands they stole? The answer is simple,
+they gave it away to those who were in need. That is why they had so
+many friends and the officers of the law found it so hard to capture
+them.
+
+And if they were robbers, by what name are we to call some of the great
+trusts, corporations and brokers, who have for years been robbing the
+people of this country, some of them, I am glad to say, are now behind
+prison bars, still others are even now piling up the dollars that they
+have been and are still stealing from the American people, and who on
+account of these same dollars are looked up to, respected and are
+honored members of society, and the only difference between them and
+the James brothers is that the James brothers stole from the rich and
+gave to the poor, while these respected members of society steal from
+the poor to make the rich richer, and which of them think you reader,
+will get the benefit of the judgment when the final day arrives and all
+men appear before the great white throne in final judgment?
+
+Jessie James was a true man, a loving son and husband, true to his word,
+true to his principles and true to his comrads and his friends. I had
+the pleasure of meeting Frank James quite recently on the road while he
+was en route to the coast with his theatrical company and enjoyed a
+pleasant chat with him. He knew me and recalled many incidents of the
+old days and happenings in "no man's land."
+
+Quite a different sort of man was Yellowstone Kelley government scout,
+hunter and trapper. He was one of the men who helped to make frontier
+history and open up the pathless wilds to the march of civilization. He
+was in the employ of the government as a scout and guide when I first
+met him, and thereafter during our many wanderings over the country, I
+with my cattle, he with Uncle Sam's soldiers or on a lone scout, we
+often bumped up against each other, and these meetings are among my
+treasured memories. He was a man who knew the country better than he
+knew his own mother, absolutely fearless, kind and generous to a fault.
+He was the sort of a man that once you meet, him you could never forget
+him, and us boys who knew him well considered him the chief of all the
+government scouts of that day. I also had the pleasure of meeting Kit
+Carson in Arizona and nearly all the government scouts, hunters and
+trappers of the western country, and they can all be described in one
+sentence, they were men whom it was a pleasure and an honor to know.
+
+"Billie the Kid" was another sort of a man and there has never been
+another man like him and I don't think there ever will be again. Writers
+claim that he was a man all bad. This I doubt as I knew him well and I
+have known him to do deeds of kindness. He had many traits that go to
+make a good man, but fate and circumstances were against the kid, yet I
+know he always remembered a kindness done him and he never forgave an
+enemy. I have rode by his side many a long mile, and it is hard to
+believe he was as bad as he is pictured to be, but the facts are against
+him, and when his career was ended by the bullet from Sheriff Garrett's
+colt, the world was better off, likewise were some men who stood in
+mortal fear of the kid, and I suppose they had good reason to be afraid
+as the kid always kept his word.
+
+During my employment with the Duval outfit and Pete Gallingan I often
+made trips on the trail with herds of cattle and horses belonging to
+other ranch owners, and on these trips many incidents occurred, amusing
+and sad. The following incident happened in the fall of 1878, when I
+went up the trail with the half circle box brand outfit, belonging to
+Arthur Gorman and company.
+
+We had a small herd of horses to take to Dodge City, where we arrived
+after an uneventful trip, and after disposing of the horses we started
+out to do the town as usual. But in this we met an unexpected snag. Our
+bookkeeper, Jack Zimick, got into a poker game and lost all the money he
+had to pay the cowboys off with, which amounted to about two thousand
+dollars, and also about the same amount of the boss' money. The boys had
+about one and a half years' wages coming to them, and consequently they
+were in a rather bad humor when they heard this bit of news. They at
+once got after Zimick so hard that he took me and went to Kinsely, Kas.,
+where Mr. Gorman was. Arriving there he went to the Smith saloon to get
+a room, as Smith ran a rooming house over his saloon, and it was the
+custom for all the cattle men to make it their headquarters when in the
+city. Here he met Mr. Gorman, and we were sitting around the room and
+Zimick had only told Mr. Gorman a few things, when all of a sudden
+Zimick drew his 45 colt revolver remarking as he did so, "Here is the
+last of Jack Zimick." He placed the gun to his head and before we could
+reach him he pulled the trigger, and his brains were scattered all over
+the room.
+
+They arrested Mr. Gorman and myself and held up for a short time until
+things could be explained. Mr. Gorman was very much overcome by the act,
+as Jack was one of his best men, and had been with him a long time. Mr.
+Gorman had the body sent to Zimick's friends in Boston, and he
+personally paid off all the boys, taking the money out of his own pocket
+to do so, but when the boys heard of Jack's rash deed they said they
+would rather have lost every dollar they had, rather than have had Jack
+kill himself, as he was a favorite among all the cowboys, especially so
+among those in Mr. Gorman's employ. Zimick had been in the employ of
+Gorman and company for over ten years and he was Mr. Gorman's right hand
+man, and this was the first time he ever went wrong. Jack did not have
+the nerve to face his comrades again, and so I suppose he concluded that
+his colt 45 was the only friend he had to help him out of it.
+
+In May 1882, I was in Durango, Colorado, and chanced to be in a saloon
+on Main street where a lot of us boys were together, among them being
+Buck Cannon and Bill Woods. The drinks had been circulating around
+pretty freely when Cannon and Woods got into a dispute over Cannon's
+niece, to whom Woods had been paying attention, much against that young
+lady's wish. After some hot words between the men, Woods drew his 45
+colt revolver, remarking as he did so, "I will kill you," and in raising
+it his finger must have slipped, as his gun went off and the bullet hit
+a glass of beer in the hand of a man who was in the act of raising it to
+his lips, scattering the broken glass all over the room, then passing
+through the ceiling of the saloon. In an instant Woods threw three
+bullets into Cannon, remarking as he did so, "I will kill you, for your
+niece is my heart's delight and I will die for her." Buck Cannon's dying
+words were, "Boys, don't let a good man die with his boots on."
+
+Along in the spring of 1879 we sent to Dodge City, Kansas, with a herd
+of cattle for the market and after they were disposed of, we boys turned
+our attention to the search of amusement. Some of the boys made for the
+nearest saloon and card table, but I heard there was to be a dance at
+Bill Smith's dance hall and in company with some of the other boys
+decided to attend. There was always quite a large number of cowboys in
+Dodge City at this time of the year, so we were not surprised to find
+the dance hall crowded on our arrival there. Smith's place occupied a
+large, low frame building down by the railroad tracks on the south. We
+found many old acquaintances there, among them being Kiowa Bill, a
+colored cattle man and ranch owner of Kansas, whose ranch was on Kiowa
+creek. I had met him several times but this was the first time I had
+seen him in a couple of years, but as he was dancing with a young lady I
+could not get to speak with him at once. So I looked up a wall flower
+and proceeded to enjoy myself. We had not been dancing long when I
+became aware of a commotion over near the bar, and all eyes were turned
+in that direction. I soon ascertained the cause of the commotion to be a
+dispute between Kiowa Bill and Bill Smith, the proprietor of the place,
+who was behind the bar. Kiowa Bill, after finishing the dance with his
+fair partner, took her to the bar to treat her. Smith, who was tending
+bar refused to serve her saying she had enough already. Kiowa Bill told
+Smith he (Kiowa Bill) was paying for what she wanted to drink and that
+he wanted her to get what she wanted. Smith said no, she could not have
+anything more to drink as she had too much already. At this Kiowa Bill
+reached over the bar and struck Smith over the head with a whiskey
+bottle, partly stunning him, but he recovered in an instant and grabbed
+his 45 Colt, Kiowa Bill doing the same and both guns spoke as one. Smith
+fell dead behind the bar with a bullet through his heart. Kiowa Bill
+rolled against the bar and slowly sank to the floor and was dead when we
+reached him.
+
+The next day they were hauled to the cemetery, laying side by side in
+the same wagon, and were buried side by side in the same grave. Kiowa
+Bill had made his will a short time before and it was found on his body
+when he was killed.
+
+I had known Kiowa Bill for several years and was present at a shooting
+scrape he had two years before, down in Texas, near the Arizona line. At
+one of the big round ups there, in 1877, myself and quite a crowd of the
+other boys were in camp eating our dinner when Kiowa Bill rode up. He
+had been looking after his own cattle as he owned over two thousand head
+himself. One of the boys in our party who did not like Bill, there being
+a feud between them for sometime, on noticing Bill approaching,
+remarked, "If that fellow comes here I will rope him." True to his word
+as Bill rode up, the cowboy threw his lariat. Kiowa Bill, seeing the
+movement, threw the rope off at the same time springing down on the
+opposite side of his horse.
+
+[Illustration: With the General Securities Company]
+
+The cowboy, enraged at his failure to rope Bill, shouted, "I will fight
+you from the point of a jack knife, to the point of a 45," at the same
+time reaching for his 45 which was in the holster on his saddle, which
+was lying on the ground a short distance away. At that Kiowa Bill fired,
+striking the cowboy in the neck, breaking it. Bill then sprang in the
+saddle and put spurs to his horse in an effort to get away.
+
+Several of the cowboys commenced shooting after Bill who returned the
+fire. One of the cowboys, squatting down and holding his 45 with both
+hands, in an effort to get a better aim on Bill, received a bullet in
+the leg from Bill's revolver that knocked him over backwards, and caused
+him to turn a couple of somersaults. Bill got away and went to New York.
+He was later arrested in St. Louis and brought back. At his trial he
+went free as it was shown that he killed the cowboy in self-defense. And
+his appearance at the dance was the first time I had seen him since the
+scrape in Texas.
+
+Kiowa Bill was of a peaceful disposition and always refrained from
+bothering with others, but if others bothered with him they were liable
+to get killed as Kiowa Bill allowed no one to monkey with him. Such was
+life on the western ranges when I rode them, and such were my comrades
+and surroundings; humor and tragedy. In the midst of life we were in
+death, but above all shown the universal manhood. The wild and free
+life. The boundless plains. The countless thousands of long horn steers,
+the wild fleet footed mustangs. The buffalo and other game, the Indians,
+the delight of living, and the fights against death that caused every
+nerve to tingle, and the every day communion with men, whose minds were
+as broad as the plains they roamed, and whose creed was every man for
+himself and every friend for each other, and with each other till the
+end.
+
+Another friend of the old times is Chas. R. Campbell, superintendent of
+the Kelso mines. Chats with these good whole-souled people of the cattle
+range bring back reminiscences of the past that would fill volumes but
+space and time in these days of hustle and bustle are but dreams and the
+world is full of them now.
+
+I am at the present time connected with the General Securities Company
+in Los Angeles. Mr. A. A. C. Ames is president; Mr. James O. Butler,
+vice-president; Mr. Jacob E. Meyer, secretary, and Mr. Geo. W. Bishop,
+treasurer. These gentlemen are always extremely kind to me and the
+appreciation I feel for the kindnesses shown me will be fully rewarded.
+
+As I stop to ponder over the days of old so full of adventure and
+excitement, health and happiness, love and sorrow, isn't it a wonder
+that some of us are alive to tell the tale. One moment we are rejoicing
+that we are alive; the next we are so near the jaws of death that it
+seems it would be almost a miracle that our lives be saved.
+
+Life today on the cattle range is almost another epoch. Laws have been
+enacted in New Mexico and Arizona which forbid all the old-time sports
+and the cowboy is almost a being of the past. But, I, Nat Love, now in
+my 54th year, hale hearty and happy, will ever cherish a fond and loving
+feeling for the old days on the range, its exciting adventures, good
+horses, good and bad men, long venturesome rides, Indian fights and last
+but foremost the friends I have made and friends I have gained.
+
+FINIS
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
++----------------------------------------------------------------+
+|Transcriber's note: The image source for this ebook was a modern|
+|facsimile edition.                                              |
++----------------------------------------------------------------+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of Project Gutenberg's The Life and Adventures of Nat Love, by Nat Love
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