ten for his purpose, organized a company, and opened
his season. Previously he had paid a flying visit to Red Cloud agency,
and induced a number of Sioux Indians to take part in his drama.

The red men had no such painful experience as Wild Bill and Texas Jack.
All they were expected to do in the way of acting was what came natural
to them. Their part was to introduce a bit of "local color," to give
a war-dance, take part in a skirmish, or exhibit themselves in some
typical Indian fashion.

At the close of this season Will bought a large tract of land near North
Platte, and started a cattle-ranch. He already owned one some distance
to the northward, in partnership with Major North, the leader of the
Pawnee scouts. Their friendship had strengthened since their first
meeting, ten years before.

In this new ranch Will takes great pride. He has added to its area until
it now covers seven thousand acres, and he has developed its resources
to the utmost. Twenty-five hundred acres are devoted to alfalfa and
twenty-five hundred sown to corn. One of the features of interest
to visitors is a wooded park, containing a number of deer and young
buffaloes. Near the park is a beautiful lake. In the center of the broad
tract of land stands the picturesque building known as "Scout's Rest
Ranch," which, seen from the foothills, has the appearance of an old
castle.

The ranch is one of the most beautiful spots that one can imagine, and
is, besides, an object-lesson in the value of scientific investigation
and experiment joined with persistence and perseverance. When Will
bought the property he was an enthusiastic believer in the possibilities
of Nebraska development. His brother-in-law, Mr. Goodman, was put in
charge of the place.

The whole Platte Valley formed part of the district once miscalled the
Great American Desert. It was an idea commonly accepted, but, as the
sequel proved, erroneous, that lack of moisture was the cause of lack of
vegetation. An irrigating ditch was constructed on the ranch, trees were
planted, and it was hoped that with such an abundance of moisture
they would spring up like weeds. Vain hope! There was "water, water
everywhere," but not a tree would grow.

Will visited his old Kansas home, and the sight of tall and stately
trees filled him with a desire to transport some of this beauty to his
Nebraska ranch.

"I'd give five hundred dollars," said he, "for every tree I had like
that in Nebraska!"

Imp