I then spoke of my mission of writing up the history of the colony, and their settling, and the country they located in, and why I went to Valentine, and remarked: "I gathered some very interesting history from----" "Well if you believe all old ---- tells you, you may just believe everything," came from the man in the back-ground, who had not ventured a word before, and with this he took a seat nearer the rest of us, and listened to Mr. T. telling of the country, and of the utter recklessness and desperation of the cow-boys; how they shot at random, not caring where their bullets flew, and taking especial delight in testing the courage of strangers by the "whiz of the bullets about their ears." "Is there any place where I can stop and go back, and not go on to Valentine," I asked. "No, Miss, you are bound for Valentine now;" and added for comfort sake, "no danger of you getting shot, _unless_ by _mere accident_. They are very respectful to ladies, in fact, are never known to insult a lady. Pretty good hearted boys when sober, but when they are on a spree, they are as _wild_ as _wild_ can be;" with an ominous shake of his head. "Do you think they will be on a spree when I get there?" "Can't say, indeed; _hope not_." "A man came not long ago, and to test his courage or see how high he could jump, they shot about his feet and cut bullet holes through his hat, and the poor fellow left, not waiting to pick up his overcoat and baggage. A woman is carrying a bullet in her arm now where a stray one lodged that came through the house. After this bit of information was delivered, he went into the other car to take a smoke. I readily understood it was more for his own amusement than ours that he related all this, and that he enjoyed emphasizing the most important words. The gentlemen across the aisle handed me his card with: "I go on the same errand that you do, and visit the chaplain of the Fort, so do not be alarmed, that gentleman was only trying to test your courage." I read the card: P. D. McAndrews, editor of Storm Lake _Tribune_, Storm Lake, Iowa. The minister looked interested, but only remarked: "I fear no personal harm, the only fear I have is that I may not be able to do them as much good as others of more experience could." I thought if any one needed to have fear, it was he, as his work would be among them. Mrs. P. whispered: "Oh! isn't it awful, are you alarmed?" "Not as much as I appear to be, the gentleman evidently enjoyed teasing us, and I enjoyed seeing him so amused. We will reach there after sunrise and go as soon as we can to the Fort; we will not stop to learn much of Valentine, I know all I care to now." The stranger, who by this time I had figured out as a pony boy--I could not think what else would give him such a countenance as he wore--changed the subject with: