I endeavored to persuade him to remain with me till spring, and then we would go together; but it was of no use.

I then paid him the money due him, and Jack and myself made him a present of $1,000 besides.
Bill went to New York the next day, intending to start west from there.
Several days afterwards I learned that he had lost all his money in New York by playing faro; also that a theatrical manager had engaged him to play.

A company was organized and started out, but as a "star" Wild Bill was not a success; the further he went the poorer he got.

This didn't suit Bill by any means, and he accordingly retired from the stage.

The company, however, kept on the road, using Bill's name, and employing an actor to represent him not only on the stage but on the street and elsewhere.