CHAPTER XVII.
THE STORY OF QUICKSILVER JOHN.
Ben Woods, the marshal of the town of Skyline, met Buffalo Bill and his pards and followers in front of the principal hotel of the town.
The hotel piazza was filled with “prominent citizens,” as a sort of welcoming committee backing the efforts of the marshal, while people of lesser importance filled the street on each side of the hotel and backed against the opposite buildings in a curious wave.
Buffalo Bill’s arrival in the town had been hourly expected, and had been watched for from the “lookout” station on the hotel roof.
As soon as his coming was announced the news was sent flying throughout the community.
Woods stepped down from the piazza, extending to Buffalo Bill his thin, wiry hand.
“It seems like you’ve been a long time coming, Cody,” he said, “but we’re glad to see you.”
He flung commands at some Mexicans grouped near.
“Pedro, Sebastian—you fellers git a move on, and take the hosses—what ye staring at? Yes, them’s Injuns with the gentlemen! Didn’t ye never see any before? Well, you’ll have time to git acquainted later. Take the hosses and hustle ’em to the stables.”
The Mexicans flew to obey.