Title : Buffalo Bill and the Pony Express

Author : Eleanor Coerr

Genres : Historical novel, Adventure, War
Summary :
Buffalo Bill and the Pony Express

Bill, who was now in a journey to the north to the Wyoming Valley for fulfilling a
special mission from Majors had been working his way safe and peaceful. Till when he got into
the thick vegetation. There, he was making his way into the loud crash he had heard and found a
big grizzly. A big grizzly that had many gashes in his body, more than enough to show that the
grizzly was good-experienced with some denizen of the forest. After a little hard fight with the
grizzly, signed by two bullets he had to use to kill the grizzly, he was preparing his lunch then.
The way was going stranger and wilder that he was then arrived at the yawned precipice.
Suddenly, his horse shied, they faced a horse lying prone, very near to the precipice. When he
dismounted and investigated, he found out that the rider, an Indian was imprisoned beneath his
horse. He realized that the Indian was his natural enemy, but in this situation of wildness, it is
not wise to Bill to just leave the Indian. By an honest, Bill helped him. The Indian, named Lonely
Bear was really thankful. He understood Bill’s sincere. It looked like there’s no any further help
the Indian need. After thanking to Bill, he faded away. By traveling along the river since the
Laramie, Bill arrived at the Forth. It was figured out then that the message Bill carried extended
an indication of the coming of war that can break Forth at any moment. Some soldiers were
prepared in some location. Bill went back to Leavenworth with some of the troops too. Home,
where his mother was sick, Bill was promising to her for not becoming a soldier. But he’s just
proposing, it’s a real duty he can’t deny to face.
North and South were on a high tense, it’s Kansas, the state that had became a
struggle to the North and the South. The number of Southerners was fewer than the
Northerners, but it found to be difficult for South to let it go. The convictions of them made a
chance for the outlaws to excuse their lawlessness. Majors, Davison, and other men in Kansas
and Nebraska made a high possibility for Lincoln to be elected in the election that time. And it’s
easy to Lincoln to won the election. By that winning, South has made up its mind to secede
which meant a big war. Three days after Bill’s return, Majors ask him for another mission, a
mission of importance straight from Davison now. Majors told Bill that Davison himself who
would make a deal with Bill. And so the way it was, Bill met Davison, the great man behind the
efforts of keeping Kansas to be still in Union. It’s now in Missouri things got worse, according to
Davison explanation to Bill, where they were under controlled by the offices. Moreover,
Governor Jackson of Missouri was possessed by the forts, arsenal, and ammunition and so,
going with the South. The south had known about Union’s awareness of their plans to attack
Missouri and some important points because the former Davison’s emissary to Captain Lyons
was caught. It’s now Bill’s turn to send words from Davison for uninformed Captain Lyons in
case of taking actions in Missouri.
 Though the feeling of the South got stronger, plus, spread many armed men around,
Bill’s youth made his journey to Salem, where Captain Lyons stationed, far from suspicion. Night
came, Bill made his camp, complete with the warm campfire, in which it attracted three
unwanted men who came from the shadows. Coincidentally, one of them, Dawson, had ever
met Bill in his last trip with wagon-train. It’s getting dangerous when they start to talk to each
other, especially when one of them asking about Bill’s destination in Salem. Bill’s answer
seemed to be suspicious enough for them. Then after discussing, Dawson point of view made
two others believed in Bill. Bill, of course planned to leave them when they’re asleep. The plan
began, when Bill mounted his horse attempt to escape, one of them realized it. That made the
escape more difficult. Dawson and Collins, who knew well about the way of Salem, made
through a short cut attempt to head Bill off. Knowing it, Bill changed his mind to just get back
the same road, but the other man intercepted him. The man fired at Bill, but missed. While Bill’s
turn did make him wounded fell from his horse to the ground. He found that the safest way to
get to Salem was by confronting the two men. Then, he got there, the two men dismounted as
they getting nearer, thinking Bill would do the same. And yes Bill was almost dismounted before
he finished pretending and stepped away. The men tried to fire at Bill, too wild to get the target.
Bill’s shot then wounded Collins. Bill didn’t shot Dawson as they’ve been ever befriended, and
left him. Making sure they won’t chase him anymore, Bill watchfully continued the journey in
the night, though a little suspicion trouble on the way made him got at Captain Lyons noonday.
After the papers from Davison get in Lyons hands, so he could a further action, Bill’s
mission was succeeded. He went back comparatively undisturbed and welcomed by Davison.
When Bill got back to the Service, another problem was waiting. Comanche, Sioux and Kiowa,
are Indian tribes who caused much devastation. In one trip, Bill was beset by fifteen redskins,
but he did easily escape with his fast horse. But the safe didn’t last for long time. Once his horse
stumbled and many redskins swarmed him. Then, they took Bill to their camp and tied him to a
tree. The Indians seemed to have a big war council, but there’re too many Indians to escape,
though. Bill watched a scene of their strange tradition, having a war-paint, dancing, and he
thought it should gonna be a war. There’s a newcomer tribe then, Bill consider them as the
Comanches. They might be discussing something while still doing their strange rituals. Bill was
released from the tree then, and completely ignored by the redskins. The morning came, as he
worried about, now all Indians looking toward him. But it become very pleasingly when Lonely
Bear known to be one of them. Lonely Bear made a discussion with his leader and Bill
successfully released. Bill was still in a bad condition, but he decided to continue his trail to the
west, meeting Drose. Though he couldn’t meet Drose at the time, he thanked that his way was
true and the delay gave him a chance to take a rest.
Indian side, there was a half-breed named Big Jim. Though he was a half-breed, he
hated the white man. He was raising his voice of war. Taking the advantages of the conflict
between North and South, he tried to collect the Indian tribes. Comanches, Sioux had been
joined in. Not that difficult to get Kiowa with just his speech then. As his first part of the plan,
Jim volunteered to investigate the numbers of soldiers and settlers in the Fort, so he’d know the
better time to attack. It’s not difficult to Jim because his half-breed made him to be under
suspicion. Johnson was on a way to meet his relay, Drose. On the way to get there, he met Jim.
Perhaps a coincidence for Johnson, but not for Jim, he had planned it by hitting his trail. Jim’s
words made Johnson get them into his house, liquor served for Jim there, then. Jim was
overpowering such liquor, it made his thought uncontrolled and his anger to the white man
culminated. Not take a long time to realize his knife was got into Johnson’s, killing him. Though
it’s out of plan, his cunning quickly made another plan. He pretended to replace Johnson’s place
to carry liquor to Drose. They met at the post then, Jim made a wrong story about Johnson’s
murder, and he made Drose got into the place Johnson’s killed. When the time was right, it’s
Jim’s opportunity to kill Drose too, but Drose was too watchful that after Jim’s strike to him was
missed, he fired back and succeded killing him. Drose was in serious wound, but after played by
unconsciousness, he made his way with his horse and met Bill on the way, saved him.
While Kansas and Colorado were swinging to the North, South’s congenial climes
might change some beliefs. Stanton and Carruthers, had come into Leavenworth, which was an
important point of the North, in the intention to be in the South’s. The Express Riders was
discussing about both of them that time, and they coming into the decision to make them as
prisoners in the Leavenworth. A half hour after the discussion ended, Bill should go homeward
and got into another lawless part of Leavenworth, close by the Fort, for another occasion. On
the way, he met Drose who was from the office, getting to know the instruction on him. After
talking for a while, and would continue to go to each destination, they heard two men talking
about a plan for stopping Stanton and Carruthers to go to the South, even it with a fight or not,
whether they ended in war-prisoner or not. They’re Ben and Saunders, Bill recognized, and
Saunders was a smart people who strongly for Union. Eavesdropping this, Bill and Drose cancel
their former destination and made their move.
As both entered the office, Stanton and Carruthers had already there after Bill’s
departure, with another Express Riders. Bill told everything he and Drose heard before. The
decision was letting Stanton and Carruthers go peaceably, before Saunders made his plan.
They’ve ever been friends as Riders and it just the way it should be. For safety reason, Bill,
Drose, Simpson, and Woods escorted them both till it might safe to let them go. In other place,
Saunders was starting his plan. Catching both rebels for the very first, then two men would
replace their position pretending as rebels to get down the South. But, when Saunders got into
the office, intending to catch Stanton and Carruthers, with no lights on, and their fire on, he was
just found out the Riders without them both. They seemed to be funny when the lights go on,
seen by other Riders that their quarry had already gone away, of course the riders there made
another story not mentioning that they helped them escaped. Saunders understood then and
gave up their plan exactly when Bill and the others came from escorting.
The Indian, who was impartial of neither the North nor the South, seemed to begin
their depredations. That made an irony that actually both sides could allied taking down the
Indian. Bill was now had been deciding his move to be an army for his country. Intend to make
his mother understand later. But, though Bill made a new record in recruiting tests, he failed to
be an army due to his youthfulness. Disappointed, Bill went back to Leavenworth. There, in the
office of Express Riders, just left Bill and McCarthy and some other men. Drose, Simpson,
Woods, Wild Bill and many others had been in an army. But, Majors tried to make Bill
understand and cheered him up that he still need him as a Riders. Bill’s next trail is to Colorado,
he decided to come by Allen Household for the evening. Allen, whose house was a little bit far
from the Forth, was well known as a kind guy, even with the Indian. And so, sometimes the
Indian befriends with him. But, when Bill arrived there, he realized Allen’s house was under
attacked of the Indians. In a distance he investigated it, making a plan. Then, he decided to just
tell Allen first that he’ll off for help by writing his will on a paper, and throwing it by his Bowie,
Bill was good at it. But, almost he aimed; he saw an Indian intending to burn down Allen’s
House. Bill changed his plan in fast, he then just can trust to his horse by placing the paper in his
horse’s saddle, hoping that the horse would get into the Forth and came for help realizing his
and Allen’s condition. After it had done, he did make the burner Indian turned over by his soft
shot. His wild dash and watchful gun then made him into Allen’s cabin. Allen welcomed Bill,
opening the door for him.
Bill found out Allen’s family also in guarding themselves, while Allen held out against
the Indian. Allen explained to Bill that those, about twenty-five Indians, were the strange
Comanches Indians. And Allen who was friendly with Indians knew nothing about this. Seemed
like there was an Indian mounted his horse calling for reinforcement, but Bill realized that and
take a long shot toppled the Indian to the ground. Bill then told the Allens that their only hope
was Banister, Bill’s horse who was now in calling for help from the quarter. Two hour passed,
they didn’t know that there would be another Indian to come, a mass horse riding Indians. They
know that they’re not quarter, because to be in Allen’s house from the forth need at least three
hours. But they saw the scene that the newcomer Indians not just straight helping the former
Indians, after discussing something, the former and the newcomer Indians just took besiege
around Allen’s house. Bill realized that the newcomers were just from somewhere near there
and not intended to take the Allens down. But the former Indian still making some attempts to
continue their attack. Bill and Allen held out them well, even till the former Indians now retreat
and join in besieging, waiting the night came, hoping it would make their moves easier. The
night did come, and Allen began to worry about Banister’s failure, so he planned to get out of
the house, escape in the midst of the dark. With no guess that finally the quarter came for a
help almost before they intended to escape.
Bill return to Leavenworth was welcomed by the unexpected raid by Jesse James boys
cooperate with the Youngers near vicinity. After reporting to Majors, he asked Bill to met
Davison as he wanted to. Bill’s hope for a special duty from Davison, instead of his failure to be
an army, granted. Davison explained about the raid and the relation to the attack of the Preston
by James outlaws too. It is dangerous because Preston was the North’s supply place of
ammunition. Later he said that there was a confidence of James who was a trusted spy from
Davison named Banes. Bill’s mission now was to get Davison’s information to Barnes and
perhaps a feedback, so they could anticipate the attack. Another, Davison gave an opportunity
to Bill that in his youth he could join in fifteen men who would fight to the outlaws with
McCarthy. As it granted, Bill straight began his journey. It’s a safe journey that he reached the
tiny fork, place where they’ve been dealt, before the time he and Barnes would meet. When Bill
reclined, waited for Barnes, coincidentally he saw two men in a boat. Seemed like they had had
a meeting in supper. Bill took a suspicion on them, and then he got into the covered place where
he could see and heard their conversation. And it was a good luck that they’re Jesse James and
Younger. Their conversation was about a meeting with Dawson, a spy from the South in the
North. It was a real big deal, but too bad Dawson didn’t appear in the meeting after they waited
till almost very dark in the afternoon. So, the two men left. Bill regretted that he didn’t know
who Dawson actually was, but then he met Barnes and told him everything he had just heard.
Barnes also gave Bill information about Preston attack that would be done in Thursday and
would be there Rebels crossing Arkansas in strong numbers to Leavenworth. Bill then returned
to Leavenworth and had reports to Davison.
McCarthy and about twenty picked men were now making their journey to Preston,
anticipating the James’ attack. Pride could be seen in those chosen men, but then McCarthy
reminded them for the hazard and danger they should face. The night, made them should take a
rest. McCarthy decided to guard for early two hours while Bill got his turn for two hours later.
Bill had slept far from other camp; he was more comfortable to be in quiet trees. But then, he
was awakened by two voices. One voice mentioned the name of Robinson and informing that
he, who was the Southerner’s spy, knew about this journey was for Preston, and Robinson
should tell this to Jesse James. Bill knew the voice, but he couldn’t remember who exactly he
was. After the conversation ended, he reported it to McCarthy. Then they made sure that
Dawson, the spy was among the twenty men. What they should do then, Bill chasing for
Robinson while McCarthy continue the journey till they would ended up together at Turner’s
Falls. Benister was in his fastest perform that Bill could catch up Robinson and took him down
easily. In the Turner’s Fall they reunited, and then McCarthy forced Robinson to tell who the spy
was. But Robinson pretended not to know anything, but when he got more suspicious, he
preferred to keep silent. McCarthy decided to continue to Preston and left Robinson and
Swanson as his guard there. Arriving at Preston, McCarthy got back to Swanson while Bill had to
be watchful there also planning in discovering the traitor.
Bill still trying hard enough to remember the voiced though resulted nothing. And he
didn’t want to do careless things that might indicate of having a clue. Not long, McCarthy
returned. Then both planned to ask some questions to discover the spy. One by one, they’ve
been interrogated. McCarthy asking while Bill listening to their voice, trying to recognize the
voice. Till William’s turn, Bill realizing his anxiety in answering the questions, and Bill then made
sure about his voice. After all done, Bill trapped him by calling him Dawson. He then felt he was
discovered and made a wild dash, but McCarthy’s bullet was too fast to get him killed first. Night
in Preston, Jesse James started his attack, all of a sudden. There were only eight men left to the
guard, while James was with his forty men and in support of Youngers and Frank James, his
brother. But, when they made a siege to the eight men who surprisingly well prepared, they got
more surprised by the coming of McCarthy and his men. No one intended to retreat. They kept
in hard fighting. McCarthy was wounded a little but still could lead, Bill shot in his hat, so did
Youngers, and Frank, by Bill’s bullet, while Jesse James was untouched. Too many Jesse’s men
died and wounded though, so they retreated. Preston was saved then, McCarthy and Bill
straight to report to Davison, bringing Robinson as prisoner.
About a week later, Bill had a guest. Lonely Bear who was a day journey north, till he
get to the Fort and directed to Bill’s house by Majors. Lonely Bear really glad to see Bill, and so
did Bill who then really grateful for saving him when he became a captive of the Indian. Lonely
Bear carrying a warning to Bill about the white man whose guile words collecting ten half-breeds
to attack Majors’ temporary home, where the Davisons were made it as their haven after Jesse
James attack several days ago. Bill straight made his move to warn and help them. He requested
Lonely Bear to tell Majors and McCarthy to get help coming while Bill got into the haven. Within
a half’s day Bill arrived there, he realized that it needed about two days for help coming. He met
Mrs. Davison, her respectful daughter, and her brave son. Bill told them what was going to
happen. An hour later the half-breeds and the white man leader was coming towards the house.
Bill decided to stay there and hold out of them, protecting Mrs. Davison and her children. Mrs.
Davison was holding the gun too; her son got one gun while her daughter reloaded the guns. Bill
to shoot the half-breeds who appeared from his cover for a great shot. Till he got the time he
recognized the white man leader. He made sure that he was the one who took responsibility of
his father’s death, Arthur. Bill hold out the house till this second night, without a rest like other
and no sleep. He kept watching with burning desire to catch Arthur alive. Suddenly, he heard
some voices. They’re Davison and McCarthy brought the help. It’s now over then. He then got
into imprisoned Arthur in fast. He reminded him that he took responsibility of his father’s death.
But, Arthur didn’t remember anything; his face came dread and terror. Looked at the face, Bill
felt it’s a petty to take a vengeance to such of guy in the condition. Turned away, he saw Lonely
Bear. Lonely Bear just said about his owing to Davison and then left, but Bill held him on. He
made Lonely Bear and Davison met, that Lonely Bear was the hero who made this rescue
accomplished. And so did they meet.
Drose, who had joined the army, exactly under controlled Colonel Lyons had been
returned to Leavenworth in unexpected condition. He had been wounded as he had an incident
that also took Colonel Lyons life. Walking hobbled; he got into the office and met McCarthy. His
strength was just a little left, taken in the journey from the hospital. McCarthy then helped him
in lodging to Mrs. Lawson’s house. Next day, Bill, who was when the coming of Drose was still in
trip to Kearney, called him on then. Drose then told him about the missing of Simpson, while
Harrington and Woods were in searching of him. It was suspected that he had been captured by
the South. Bill couldn’t get to do nothing; his feeling was calling for helping his friends. It was
not so helping when he asked for suggestion to neither McCarthy nor even Drose. But Drose had
told Bill that still there’s a possibility to help Simpson. He said that Harrington and Woods might
know something more. Bill, without telling anyone just pretending to be away for a week or
more, actually did his will to find Simpson. After thinking for sure, he decided to go straight in
Colonel Sigel’s headquarters, the man who took responsibility of Harrington, Woods, and
Simpson, in where he might know something there. Springfield, which might need two days to
be reached, was guessed by Drose that it would be the place the next battle would be fought.
It was a night arrival at Springfield. Bill decided to have a camp. Night went on; it’s
dawn when he sat up for sudden that he was approached by men. Though he was under
suspicion as a spy, they’re Union, so he didn’t have any misgiving. Bill, after determine that he
was a friend of them, remarked his will to search Sigel’s division. The men then brought Bill to
the Colonel in suspicion, though. It had been in Sigel’s division already, knowing what happened,
the Colonel then asking Bill for evidence. Bill easily got proved by Harrington and Woods who he
asked to recognize him. After he was lost of suspicion, and because of the meeting Harrington
and Woods got their rest, Bill requested some information about Simpson. They explained that
they didn’t have any information but the man who saw Simpson captured named Thompson.
Thompson was not the kind of volunteering information. They said that they wanted to help
Simpson too, but Colonel suggested them it’s just a waste. Bill then decided to make an attempt
in helping Simpson. They both glad that Drose told Bill, because it’s just Bill who could freely did
the help. They also added about Drose who was given honorable mention for his bravery at
Wilson Creek while he was in the hospital which made Bill proud of his friends.
Not giving up, Woods asked for permission of rescuing Simpson with Bill to Colonel
Sigel. It’s early in the morning when Bill and Harrington then waited anxiously for Woods coming
for the answer. And there it came, Woods coming had told him that there’s just permission for
one man to get with Bill, he permitted it after hearing Bill’s service for Davison. Now was the
time for deciding which men would go with Bill in rescuing Simpson. Childishly, they used a
number method, by guessing what number was written by Bill and then the closest number
mentioned by one of the two would win. In second try, it decided that Woods would go. After
that, Bill told about his idea of an attempt to ask about Simpson from the Southern prisoners to
Woods who didn’t know it yet. They did do that after had permission, however, there were no
satisfying answer. Till when the sergeant in charge advised them to ask for the prisoner in the
new room. Hopeless, they got into the place. They were startled that they found Carruthers in
the room. But it had things easier. Carruthers then told them that Simpson was on the same
boat with him when he intended to be hospitalized. The last time Carruthers saw him he was
not hurt and with the army in the east, at the Forsyth. After get the information they’d decided
to go on rescue the next early morning.
The plan was, that Woods would disguise as a Southern Corporal had caught Bill as a
suspect Northerner. And while they went to the prison, Bill met Simpson and explained him the
next plan. Woods itself should get the honorable raise from the southerner army there, so he
could a little bit free to do another act. The plan was in work smoothly, even the captain himself
who praise an honor and offered him to join the army. Bill was then in the prison, Simpson
realized their plan since Bill didn’t answer any of his question in their first meeting. It’s all for
being under suspicion of them. Bill, of course as soon as possible told the next plan that Woods
would use the benefit of the captain honor to get some necessary weapons and if possible,
horses to support their escape. Woods himself was in doing it. He acted that he would join the
army but he had to ask his family first. He then acted to be interested to know the man in post
number seven where the horses was near there and man who had to be in front of the prison.
Easily he got the information; he seemed to pick Bill and Simpson up, starting the next plan.
Woods was now had been to the sentry for the guard of the prison. He acted to be
really friendly with the sentry till then he strangled the man when he was in careless. Woods,
who actually hated to do this, had no other choice. He straight got Bill and Simpson then, telling
that it’s now safe to escape. Bill and Simpson was now out of prison, Woods ask them to get the
horses while he faced the sentry at post number seven. He easily did the same thing with the
sentry in the front of the prison, strangled him with his tremendous power. Bill and Simpson
came with the horses and they began to escape. Not more than a quarter of a mile seemed their
escape had been detected; they were now chased by the Southern army. But their speed was
too fast too been chased. They were too happy to escape. Woods explained that it’s all thanked
to Bill who had the plan. Bill added that Woods had them all done. But it’s then taught by
Woods, that the man who has the plan is the man who gets the present. They got back to
General Fremont’s line and returned to Colonel Sigel’s division, proudly with Simpson. Sigel had
admired Bill’s act and one of the officer hoped that when the time comes he’d get in the
division. Bill then returned to Leavenworth, telling what happened to Drose, making him in
jealous.
It’s now getting easy for Bill to get in the army; Davison had arranged his enlistment in
the army. But, in his mother’s last day, Bill was taking care of her, and he found it difficult not to
grant his mother’s wish. So, he decided to forget about joining the army. However, his next span
was still, facing many incidents, taking down the lawless, and sometimes spying in the South, as
he dedicated his life for serving his country, though not as an army. It is known then that Bill was
being a scout as he thought it is the best way for him to stay serving his country.

Commentary
This novel is really inspiring with the heroic main character who really served his country well
and sincerely. There are some characters who are not really important, but named. However,
those characters are actually interesting, but the numbers are just too much, so it cannot be
explored deeper in the whole story.