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Novelty Theatre.

"The Prairie Waif" in which Buffalo Bill, the well known government scout and guide, is now performing at the Novelty Theatre, is by long odds the best play of the class known as border drama. While there is sufficient introduction of the pistol, the rifle and bowie knife to satisfy the most exacting lovers of stage slaughter, there is less of it than is customary in those dramas, and when some one is shot to the death, or wounded, there always seems to be some reason for it. There is a plot to the play which runs through every act and scene, something never before heard of in any Indian drama. The parquet of the Novelty was well filled last night and the best compliment that can be paid to piece and performance was that very intelligent people sat the play out with evident interest and enjoyment. Buffalo Bill, of course, plays the leading role. He is the same picturesque hero as of old; the protector of right and innocence, the overthrower of villanous [plots?] and strategies, the rescuer of virtue, and finally the signally rewarded friend of the government. The gentleman plays with more force than heretofore and is greatly improved in his [execution?]. The best of him however, is his magnificent physique, his piercing, clear eye, and his expansive chest. The second of there stood him in good stead in some exhibitions of fancy rifle shooting, which were really marvelous. He has not dropped into too clap-trap custom of shooting at objects in the hands or on the heads of human beings. One thing about the gentleman's make-up deserves correction: while wearing a costume chiefly Indian, and after being exposed to the elements in a long hunt, the [pantalones?] of a Mexican hidalgo are not exactly the right thing to grace his stalwart legs. The most meritorious of the company that supports Hon. William F. Cody is Bonnie Runnells, who makes Hans