I had not watched myself very long before the audience discovered that the original Buffalo Bill was in the private box, and they commenced cheering, which stopped the performance, and they would not cease until I had shown myself and spoken a few words.
"At that time I had no idea of going on the stage, such a thought having never entered my head.

But some enterprising managers, believing there was money in me, offered me as high as $1,000 per week to go on the stage.

I told them I would rather face 1,000 Indians than attempt to open my mouth before all those people.

I returned to my duties as a scout, and during the summer of 1872 Ned Buntline was constantly writing to me to come East and go on the stage, offering large inducements.

As scouting business was a little dull, I concluded to try it for awhile, and started East in company with Texas Jack.