sferred to the
black's back, and exultant over his success the boy rode on to the fort,
where large sums were offered him for the famous stallion.

But Billy refused each tempting offer, and on Sable Satan set out to
capture more of the herd, and which he readily succeeded in doing; but
as the Government offer of ten dollars for the fugitive animals became
known, there were a number of men starting on the trail of the wild
mustangs and though Billy got the lion's share, he did not quite realize
the expected fortune, but was content with the few hundreds he made, and
the ownership of Sable Satan and Little Grey, the two fastest horses on
the Kansas prairies.

CHAPTER VI.

SAVING A FATHER'S LIFE.

While in Kansas Mr. Cody became interested in the affairs of the State
and joined the Free State party, and while making a speech on one
occasion was deliberately attacked and severely wounded.

He however recovered sufficiently to work on his farm again, but was
constantly harassed by his old foes, who on several occasions visited
his home with the intention of hanging him.

On one occasion, when in town, Billy learned of an attack to be made
upon his father, and mounting Sable Satan rode with all speed out to
the farm.

He was recognized and hotly pursued; but he got home in time to warn his
father who took Little Grey and made his escape.

The horsemen, a score in number, came to the farm, and finding Mr. Cody
gone, the leader struck Billy a severe blow and when he departed carried
with him Sable Satan.

This almost broke the boy's heart; but he declared he would some day
regain his horse, and for weeks he tried to do so, but without success.

One night two horsemen came to the Cody farm and again asked for the
farmer, but were told by Mrs. Cody that he was away.

They would not take her word for it; but thoroughly searched the house,
after which they forced Billy's sisters to get them some supper.

While they were eating Billy and his father returned, and warned by one
of the girls, Mr. Cody went up-stairs to bed, for he was quite ill, and
suffering from the wound he had received.

But Billy went into the kitchen and saw there the very man who had
struck him the severe blow; and who had taken Sable Satan on his last
visit.

"Well, boy, that's a good horse I got from you," he said, with a rude
laugh.

"Yes, he's too good for such a wretch as you are," was the fearless
reply.

"No lip, boy, or I'l