There was little stirring in the military posts.

I could have continued to serve in one of them if I had chosen, and the way was still open to study for a commission as an officer.

But army life without excitement was not interesting for me, and when Ned Buntline offered me a chance to come East and try my fortunes as an actor I accepted.
I accepted with misgivings, naturally.

Hunting Indians across a stage differed from following them across the Plains.

I knew the wild western Indian and his ways.