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'll give you a licking you'll remember. By the way, where's that old father of yours?" said the man. Billy made no reply but walked out of the kitchen, to be soon after followed by his sister Mary who said anxiously: "Oh, Will, they say father must have come with you, and they intend to search the house again." "Then I'll go up and tell father," whispered Billy, and up-stairs he went. He found his father asleep, and his mother was seated near him and told Billy he had a high fever. "Then don't wake him, and I'll not let them come up here," said Billy, and he went out of the room and took his place at the stairs.