BUFFALO BILL was to be at Granger Fields for three days. Great crowds came to see the Indians, and the Oriental acrobats, and the soldiers of many nations, and the “rough riders of the world.” On the third day, half an hour before the time for the beginning of the performance, Allan and McConnell arrived at the gate.
Up to the last moment it was expected that Owen would join them. But Owen had been unable to come for some reason, and the two boys had walked the three miles alone. The pass carried them past the ticket man and admitted them to the grand stand. But before taking seats there, the boys started out to find Mr. Twink. A sleek little young man, with long hair and a big sombrero, who looked like a candy cowboy, told them where they would probably find Mr. Twink.
Mr. Twink, however, was very hard to find. Each person they asked said he was in a different place. When they came down by the Indian tents, they at last found Mr. Twink. He was talking to an Indian,—an Indian decked out in gaudy red and yellow, and with many feathers dangling down his back.
When they at last got his attention, Mr. Twink told the boys that everything was in a hurry just then, that the Indians were getting ready for the grand entrée; but that if they would come around after the show, he would give them a chance to photograph all they wanted to.
“Hold on a minute!” he called after them, as they turned away. “We are going to strike camp this afternoon. You had better come around as soon as the acrobats begin. You can get back in time to see the cowboy and Indian fight.”
“Where shall we find you?” asked Allan.
“Right here,” said Mr. Twink. “Don’t forget—as soon as the acrobats begin.”
Allan promised to be prompt.
“But I hate to miss the acrobats,” said McConnell, regretfully.