'One thousand dollars,' said Nixon.

'It's my theater,' said Buntline, making out a check for the amount.

He rushed to the hotel, secured the services of several clerks to copy the parts, and in four hours had written 'The Scouts of the Prairie.' He handed Texas Jack and I our parts, told us to commit them to memory and report next morning for rehearsal.

I looked at Jack's and then at my part.

Jack looked at me and said, 'Bill, how long will it take you to commit your part ?' 'About seven years, if I have good luck.' Buntline said, 'Go to work.' I studied hard, and next morning recited the lines, cues and all, to Buntline.