The Life of Buffalo Bill · Chapter
Accidents and Escapes explained
In November, after his mother's recovery, Cody and Dave Harrington embark on a trapping expedition up the Republican River.
What happens
In November, after his mother's recovery, Cody and Dave Harrington embark on a trapping expedition up the Republican River. After a series of misfortunes—including a broken leg for Cody and the loss of an ox—Harrington leaves to get help. During his absence, a band of Sioux warriors led by Rain-in-the-Face discovers Cody but spares his life due to his youth. A severe snowstorm then traps Cody alone for weeks. Harrington eventually returns, and they make their way back to civilization. Tragically, Harrington dies of lung fever shortly after reaching Cody's home.
Themes in this chapter
Violence and Survival
Cody's broken leg, the threat of Indian attack, and the harsh winter storm all test his will to survive.
Loyalty and Comradeship
Harrington's dedication to saving Cody, and Cody's gratitude, highlight the bonds of frontier friendship.
Conflict and Coexistence with Native Americans
Cody's encounter with Rain-in-the-Face shows a moment of coexistence and mercy amid the broader conflict.
Characters to notice
- Buffalo Bill
Narrates the chapter; breaks his leg and is left alone in a dugout, then visited by Sioux warriors and later rescued by Harrington.
- Dave Harrington
Cody's trapping partner; sets Cody's broken leg, goes for help, returns after a snowstorm, and later dies of lung fever at Cody's home.
- Rain-in-the-Face
Sioux chief who recognizes Cody and persuades his warriors to spare Cody's life.
Key passages
“I began to think that my time had come, as the saying is, when into the cabin stepped an elderly Indian, whom I readily recognized as old Rain-in-the-Face, a Sioux chief from the vicinity of Fort Laramie.”
Cody feared for his life when he saw the Sioux chief Rain-in-the-Face enter the dugout.
Highlights the moment of danger and recognition.
“He replied that he knew me well, and that I used to come to his lodge at Fort Laramie to visit him.”
Rain-in-the-Face remembered Cody from earlier visits to his lodge.
Shows the personal connection that saved Cody's life.
“I am not much of a surgeon, said he, but I can fix that leg of yours, even if I haven’t got a diploma.”
Harrington joked about his lack of medical training but set Cody's broken leg anyway.
Illustrates the practical resourcefulness of frontiersmen.
“It seemed hard, indeed, to think that a great strong man like Harrington, who had braved the storms, and endured the other hardships of the plains all winter long, should, during the warm and beautiful days of spring, when surrounded by friends and the comforts of a good home, be fatally stricken down.”
Cody reflects on the irony that Harrington survived the wilderness only to die of illness at home.
Emphasizes the theme of life's unpredictability.