attack on the Deadwood coach. The royal visitors wished to put
themselves in the place of the traveling public in the Western regions
of America; so the four potentates of Denmark, Saxony, Greece, and
Austria became the passengers, and the Prince of Wales sat on the box
with Will. The Indians had been secretly instructed to "whoop 'em up" on
this interesting occasion, and they followed energetically the letter of
their instructions. The coach was surrounded by a demoniac band, and the
blank cartridges were discharged in such close proximity to the coach
windows that the passengers could easily imagine themselves to be actual
Western travelers. Rumor hath it that they sought refuge under the
seats, and probably no one would blame them if they did; but it is only
rumor, and not history.

When the wild ride was over, the Prince of Wales, who admires the
American national game of poker, turned to the driver with the remark:

"Colonel, did you ever hold four kings like that before?"

"I have held four kings more than once," was the prompt reply; "but,
your Highness, I never held four kings and the royal joker before."

The Prince laughed heartily; but Will's sympathy went out to him when
he found that he was obliged to explain his joke in four different
languages to the passengers.

In recognition of this performance, the Prince of Wales sent Will a
handsome souvenir. It consisted of his feathered crest, outlined
in diamonds, and bearing the motto "_Ich dien_," worked in jewels
underneath. An accompanying note expressed the pleasure of the royal
visitors over the novel exhibition.

Upon another occasion the Princess of Wales visited the show incognito,
first advising Will of her intention; and at the close of the
performance assured him that she had spent a delightful evening.

The set performances of the "Wild West" were punctuated by social
entertainments. James G. Blaine, Chauncey M. Depew, Murat Halstead, and
other prominent Americans were in London at the time, and in their honor
Will issued invitations to a rib-roast breakfast prepared in Indian
style. Fully one hundred guests gathered in the "Wild West's"
dining-tent at nine o'clock of June 10, 1887. Besides the novel
decorations of the tent, it was interesting to watch the Indian cooks
putting the finishing touches to their roasts. A hole had been dug in
the ground, a large tripod erected over it, and upon this the ribs
of beef were suspended. The fire was o