In the fall of 1872 the Earl of Dunraven and Dr. Kingsley with several friends came to Fort McPherson with a letter from General Sheridan, asking me to accompany them on an elk hunt.  I did so, and I afterwards spent several weeks in hunting with the Earl of Dunraven, who was a thorough sportsman and an excellent hunter.  It was while I was out with the Earl, that a Chicago party—­friends of General Sheridan—­arrived at Fort McPherson for the purpose of going out on a hunt.  They, too, had a letter from, the General requesting me to go with them.  The Earl had not yet finished his hunt, but as I had been out with him for several weeks, and he had by this time learned where to find plenty of elks and other game, I concluded to leave him and accompany the Chicago party.  I informed him of my intention and gave him my reasons for going, at the same time telling him that I would send him one of my scouts, Texas Jack, who was a good hunter, and would be glad to accompany him.  The Earl seemed to be somewhat offended at this, and I don’t think he has ever forgiven me for “going back on him.”  Let that be as it may, he found Texas Jack a splendid hunter and guide, and Jack has been his guide on several hunts since.

[Illustration:  TEXAS JACK]

Among the gentlemen who composed the Chicago party were E.P.  Green,—­son-in-law of Remington, the rifle manufacturer,—­Alexander Sample, Mr. Milligan, of the firm of Heath & Milligan, of Chicago, and several others, whose names I do not now remember.  Mr. Milligan was a man full of life, and was continually “boiling over with fun.”  He was a regular velocipede, so to speak, and was here, there, and everywhere.  He was exceedingly desirous of having an Indian fight on the trip, not that he was naturally a blood-thirsty man but just for variety he wanted a little “Indian pie.”  He was in every respect the life of the party, during the entire time that we were out.  One day while he was hunting with Sample and myself we came in sight of a band of thirty mounted Indians.

“Milligan, here’s what you’ve been wanting for some time,” said I, “for yonder is a war party of Indians and no mistake; and they’ll come for us, you bet.”

“I don’t believe this is one of my fighting days,” replied Milligan, “and it occurs to me that I have urgent business at the camp.”

Our camp was five or six miles distant on the Dismal river, and our escort consisted of a company of cavalry commanded by Captain Russell.  The soldiers were in camp, and Milligan thought that Captain Russell ought to be at once notified of the appearance of these Indians.  Knowing that we could reach the camp in safety, for we were well mounted, I continued to have considerable amusement at Milligan’s expense, who finally said: 

“Cody, what’s making my hat raise up so.  I can hardly keep it on my head.”

Sample, who was as cool as a cucumber, said to Milligan:  “There must be something wrong with your hair.  It must be trying to get on end.”