But as he spoke there came a rushing sound behind them, a plunge, and a horseman was crossing the stream with mighty leaps. “Buffalo Bill!” yelled Horseshoe Ned wildly, and in an instant the scout had crossed the stream and was by the side of the wounded outlaw. “Don’t kill me, for I cannot resist,” said the road-agent faintly. Snatching the mask from his face, Buffalo Bill said: “Ah! I know that face. You are the one of Silk Lasso Sam’s band who escaped. Ho, Ned, you did some crack shooting here, even if you did not kill him.” “It wasn’t me did it, Buffalo Bill,” responded Ned, who had now driven up to the spot. “Not you?” “Nary.” “Who then?” “This young leddy, and she knows how ter use a gun, says I.” “I did not wish to kill him, so broke his right arm. Then, as he drew a revolver with his left, I sent a bullet through that, and my third shot was to bring down his horse to prevent his escape.” “Well, miss, you are a crack shot, and the fellow, is the last one of Silk Lasso Sam’s band, so that now there will be a clear trail to travel, I guess. I will have you take him on with you, Horseshoe Ned, and bring him back to the fort with you on your next run.” “I’ll die if I am not cared for,” groaned the man. “Well, if I was in your place, pard, I’d want to die, as yer’ll hang as sart’in as I knows yer name,” put in Horseshoe Ned. “I did no harm,” whined the man. “Oh, no, yer didn’t, but it wasn’t your fault all ther same, for yer intended ter rob this young lady and threatened to shoot her, too.” “Well, Ned, I’ll do the best I can for his wounds until you reach the station where the doctor can care for him, and you must be particular that he does not escape.” “Yer won’t go along then, Bill?” “No, for I am on a little scouting-expedition I cannot neglect. I heard your shots, Miss Arden, so rode on to see what was the matter. I congratulate you upon your nerve and splendid shooting.” “I thank you, sir, for praise from such a man as Buffalo Bill is worth having.” “It was just splendid the way she did it, Bill,” said Horseshoe Ned, who now, with the scout, set to work to dress the wounds of the road-agent. Taking from her satchel several handkerchiefs Ruth tore them into strips for bandages and aided in dressing the wounds which she had made. At last the work was done, the road-agent was placed in the coach and the doors secured firmly, and his traps were placed on the top. Mounting the box again with Horseshoe Ned, Ruth said good-by to Buffalo Bill and the team moved on once more. But after waiting for some little time, Buffalo Bill mounted and rode on after the coach. CHAPTER XII. CAUGHT IN THE ACT. Buffalo Bill followed on the trail of the coach, with no desire to be seen again by the woman whom he was watching. He had not intended to be seen, but the firing had quickly taken him to the rescue.