Buffalo Bill’s revolver was leveled, seemingly on the girl. The next moment its report rang out, and the body of the man behind the girl slipped downward, and then fell, sprawling out in the cavern entrance.
It was a shot such as only Buffalo Bill or Pawnee Bill could have made.
In shouting his words, Black John had peered, with one eye, over the shoulder of the girl, trying to see the men who were hemming him in. That eye and the forehead by it was a mark big enough for Buffalo Bill. He sent his revolver bullet into the head of Black John with as deadly an effect as Black John, but a minute or so before, had sent one into the head of Toby Sam.
Buffalo Bill and his friends remained there by the cave for almost a week, to give Lena Forest time to regain her strength, for her physical weakness was extreme. They shot game on the mountains and in the valleys, and lived well.
Black John and the coward, Toby Sam, were buried at the foot of the hill, in graves unmarked by a single stone. As for the other outlaws, who had scattered and fled, what became of them was not known, but the band of “mustangers,” who had made their headquarters recently in the valley of the Bitter Water, went suddenly out of business.
When Lena had fully recovered from her exhaustion they all returned to the fort. The day after their arrival there, Buffalo Bill resumed his scouting expedition in the Blackfoot country. Bruce enlisted in the regiment stationed at the fort. Later he and Lena journeyed to the East, taking the emeralds; and there they were married and made their home.
THE END.
No. 84 of the Border Stories, entitled “Buffalo Bill’s Hidden Gold,” is a thrilling story in which Indians, outlaws, and adventurers all play a big part in hunting for the treasure, Buffalo Bill, as usual, leading all the rest in daring and bravery.
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