Two of the villains at once offered their services to accompany him, to his great regret, but he could do nothing else than go with them, fully realizing the danger of his situation. He knew if he returned to the cabin he would be killed, and so he decided to act to save himself. Quick as lightning he struck one of the outlaws a stunning blow over the head with his pistol and as the other turned shot him dead; then running to his horse he leaped into the saddle and fled down the mountains. The trail was so rugged however that his progress was slow and the shot having been heard in the cabin the outlaws were soon in full pursuit, but fortunately Billy managed to make his escape, eluding his pursuers in the darkness, but having to desert his horse to do so.
It was twelve hours before he reached Horseshoe, exhausted and half-famished. Reporting his adventure to Alf Slade, a party of ten started at once under Billy’s guidance to the outlaws’ cabin. They reached there after a ride of six hours and found a new-made grave, but the place was abandoned and there was nothing left to indicate their intention to return. Billy was complimented in the most deserving way for his bravery, and was put on the road again as express rider, Wild Bill being his alternate; and the two made better time than any other riders on the road.
CHAPTER XVI.
A SOLDIER OF THE CIVIL WAR.
Cody learning of the serious illness of his loved mother instantly saddled his horse and made all possible speed homeward. He arrived at home to find his mother dying, and he remained by her side, a devoted nurse, until she died.
Under the prairie sod, beneath the branches of a tree planted by the hands of the loving son, sleeps the pioneer’s wife and a true hero’s mother. Weeks after this most melancholy incident in Billy’s life he went to Leavenworth and joined the Seventh Kansas Jayhawkers, who were ordered to service in Tennessee and Mississippi. After several battles in Mississippi and Tennessee and hard service there the regiment was ordered to Missouri. The courage, cunning, and woodcraft displayed by Billy had not escaped the eye of his commander, and he was made a scout with the rank of sergeant. Serving in the capacity of scout, soldier, and spy he rendered most valuable service to the North and was considered the pride of General Smith’s corps.
As a soldier-scout Buffalo Bill won a great name and passed through numberless adventures. While with the army in Missouri Buffalo Bill again met his old “pard” of the plains, Wild Bill, who had also won fame as a scout and spy.
Until 1865, Buffalo Bill remained in the army, and was then detailed for special service at headquarters in St. Louis. It was while there that he met Miss Louisa Frederici, a young lady with whom he at once fell in love.