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when the ecclesiastical and secular military court of the Holy See assembled to witness the twelfth annual thanksgiving of Leo XIII, for his coronation. In the midst of the splendid scene, crowded with the old Roman aristocracy, and surrounded by walls immortalized by Michael Angelo and Rafael, there suddenly appearted a host of savages in war paint, feathers and blankets, carrying totmahawks and knives.

A vast multitude surged in the great square before St. Peter's early in the morning to witness the arrival of the Americans. Before half-past nine o'clock the Ducal Hall, Royal Hall, and Sextine Chapel of the Vatican were packed with those who had influence enough to obtain admittance. Through the middle of the three audiences, the pathway was bordered with the brilliant uniforms of the Swiss Guards, Palatine Guards, Papal gendarmes and private chamberlains. The sunlight fell upon lines of glittering steel, molding plumes, golden chains, shimmering robes of silk, and all the blazing emblems of pontifical power and glory.

THE WILD WEST MAKE THEIR ENTREE.

Suddenly, a tall and chivalrous figure appeared at the entrance, and all eyes were turned toward him. It was COLONEL W. F. CODY, "BUFFALO BILL," With a sweep of his great sombrero, he saluted the chamberlains, and then strode between the guards with his partner, MR. NATE SALSBURY, by his side.

"ROCKY BEAR" led the Sioux warriors who brought up the rear. They were painted in every color that Indian imagination could devise. Every man carried something with which to make big medicine in the presence of the great medicine man sent by the Great Spirit.

"ROCKY BEAR" rolled his eyes and folded his hands on his breast as he stepped on tiptoe through the glowing sea of color. His braves furtively eyes the halberds and twto-handed swords of the Swiss Guards.

The Indians and cowboys were ranged in the south corners of the Ducal Hall, COLONEL CODY and MR. SALSBURY were escorted into the Sextine Chapel by chamberlains, where they were greeted by Miss Sherman, daughter of General Sherman. A Princess invited COLONEL CODY to a place in the tribune of the Roman nobles.

He stood facing the gorgeous Diplomatic Corps, surrounded by the Prince and Princess Borghesi, the Marquis Serlupi, Princess Bandini, Duchess di Grazioli, Prince and Princess Massimo, Prince and Princess Ruspoli, and all the ancient noble families of the city.

THE PAPAL BLESSING.

When the Pope appeared in the sedia gestatoria, carried above the heads of his guards, preceded by the Knights of Malta and a procession of cardinals and archbishops, the cowboys bowed and so did the Indians. "ROCKY BEAR" knelt and made the sign of the cross. The Pontiff leaned affectionately toward the rude groups and blessed them. He seemed to be touched by the sight.

As the Papal train swept on, the Indians became excited, and a squaw fainted. They had been warned not to utter a sound, and were with difficulty restrained from whooping. The Pope looked at COLONEL CODY intently as he passed, and the great scout and Indian fighter bent low as he received the Pontifical benediction.

After the Thanksgiving Mass, with its grand choral accompaniment and now and then the sound of Leo XIII's voice, heard ringing through the chapel, the great audience poured out of the Vatican.

A GREAT PONY-EXPRESS RIDE.

While riding Pony-Express between Red Buttes and Three Crossings, seventy-six miles, CODY had a dangerous and lonely route, including crossing of the North Platte river, one-half mile wide, often much swollen and turbulent. An average of fifteen miles an hour had to be made, including changes of horses, detours for safety, and time for meals.

On reaching Three Crossings, finding the rider on the next division, a route of eighty-six miles, had been killed during the night before, he made the extra trip on time. This round trip of three hundred and twenty-four miles, was made without a stop, except for meals and change of horses, one of the longest and best-ridden pony-express journeys ever made. --Buell's History of the Plains

{"OLD CHARLIE" --DIED AT SEA, 1888.}