The Life of Buffalo Bill · Chapter
XIV: Earning a Title explained
Cody recounts his time as a buffalo hunter for the Kansas Pacific Railroad, where he earned the nickname 'Buffalo Bill.' He describes dangerous encounters with Native Americans, including a siege with Scotty and a dramatic chase on his hors
What happens
Cody recounts his time as a buffalo hunter for the Kansas Pacific Railroad, where he earned the nickname 'Buffalo Bill.' He describes dangerous encounters with Native Americans, including a siege with Scotty and a dramatic chase on his horse Brigham, as well as meeting the famed Kit Carson.
Themes in this chapter
Violence and Survival
Cody's encounters with Indians highlight the constant threat of violence and the need for quick thinking and marksmanship to survive.
Self-Invention and Celebrity
Cody earns the nickname 'Buffalo Bill' through his hunting exploits, marking the beginning of his legendary persona.
The American West as a Land of Opportunity
Cody secures a lucrative contract as a buffalo hunter, demonstrating the economic opportunities available in the West.
Characters to notice
- Buffalo Bill
Narrator and protagonist; hired as a buffalo hunter for the Kansas Pacific Railroad, earns his nickname, and survives multiple Indian attacks.
- Bob Scott
Cody's companion and butcher during buffalo hunts; helps defend against an Indian attack by fortifying their wagon.
- Brigham Young
Cody's horse, Brigham, who carries him through a long chase with Indians and is celebrated for his speed and endurance.
- Kit Carson
Famous scout and hunter whom Cody meets while hunting for the railroad; Cody hosts him at Hays City.
- Captain Nolan
Leads a cavalry pursuit after Cody's chase, helping to kill eight of the pursuing Indians.
Key passages
“It was at this time that the very appropriate name of 'Buffalo Bill,' was conferred upon me by the road-hands. It has stuck to me ever since, and I have never been ashamed of it.”
The railroad workers gave me the nickname 'Buffalo Bill,' which I have proudly carried ever since.
Cody explains the origin of his famous nickname.
“During my engagement as hunter for the company—a period of less than eighteen mouths—I killed 4,280 buffaloes; and I had many exciting adventures with the Indians, as well as hair-breadth escapes, some of which are well worth relating.”
In under eighteen months as the railroad's hunter, I killed 4,280 buffaloes and had numerous thrilling encounters with Indians.
Cody boasts of his hunting record and foreshadows upcoming stories.
“We jumped to the ground, unhitched the mules quicker than it had ever been done before, and tied them and my horse to the wagon. We threw the buffalo hams upon the ground, and piled them around the wheels in such a shape as to form a breastwork.”
We quickly dismounted, tied the animals to the wagon, and stacked buffalo hams around the wheels to create a defensive barrier.
Cody describes the rapid fortification during an Indian attack.