Beadle's Half Dime Library (no. 1016) (1897 01 12)
The text was read from the page scans by machine (OCR), so it has mistakes and its columns may run together. See the pages · About this title · At the Internet Archive
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Lf ll 3 = Nee ‘ a LS sees \ \\ oe < DIM \Y \ N Sonn NON x \ a , AAW ‘ W AY \, WW \\ WW \\ NS ¥ pulls a ete enter 7 Ft KU il in Fg! int Vl gS Entered as Second Class Matter at the New York, N. Y , Post Office. Copyrighted 1897, by BEADLE AND ADAMS, January 12, 1897. 2.50 PUBLISHED WEEKLY BY BEADLE AND A ‘ i we No. 1016, 93:50, PUBLISHED wzEx DAMS. = Price, = - Vo, XL, BY COL, PRENTISS INGRAHAM, AUTHOR OF “‘ BUFFALO BILL’S BOY MASCOT,” ETC. —— ———— THE BOY BUGLEKR.
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. a ; My ee a a eras iene. ae The Boy Bugler in Cuba; OR, THE COWBOY CLAN ON DECK, BY COL. PRENTISS INGRAHAM. CHAPTER I. THE BOY BUGLER’S MIDNIGHT CALL. An alarm rang out among the cattle- men of the Rio Grande. The Boy Bugler, whose duty it was to ride like the wind armmong the ranch- ers, sounding his wild notes of rally to the Cowboys’ Secret League, had dashed along upon his swift pony in the dark- ness of the night, the clear tones re- sounding far and wide. The members of the Cowboys’ Secret League knew the signal only too weil. If heard by day it meant a rally against Mexican cattle thieves or In- dians. If heard by night it was a quick call to the rendezvous, and to come armed, well mounted and ready for any duty the captain of the league chose to send the devoted members upon, Men herding cattle on the prairies heard the Bugler’s wild call, sprung to their feet, and, leaving a man or two on guard, mounted their ponies and rode to the rendezvous. Cowboys asleep in their homes were awakened by the ringing notes, and, as though it had been the sound of the last trumpet, they sprung to obey. Others, enjoying a dance at a fandan- go, fiir.ing with a lady-love, or engaged in a carousal in the camps, obeyed the summons and began to wend their way to the scene where they were to: meet, to know the cause of the alarm and hold their lives ready to the sacrifice if the duty demanded it. And so along through the night rode the Boy Bugler, sounding the notes which called to arms and duty. Winding among the hills where the ranches lay nestled, speeding across the prairies where cowboys guarded cattle, riding at a speed which few horses - could long stand, and ever keeping up the weird notes of his silver bugle, the boy rode on. No fatigue deterred him, no danger daunted him, for he had been told to run the gamut of the long trail of sixty miles and give the warning that the brave men of the Cowboys’ League were wanted at the rallying place. Through the darkness the boy sped. Wntiring, unflinching, unswerving from the course he knew so well that he did not hesitate in the darkness. Here glimmered a light that marked a ranch; there gleamed a halo that marked a cowboy camp-fire. And louder rang the bugle notes, like a phantom the messenger sped by. Men called to him as they beheld the shadowy forms of horse and rider; ‘but the only answer was the warning alarm of his bugle. It seemed to speak the very words: “Come one, come all! “Men of iron are wanted! “Come! Come! Come,” Did any of the Cowboys’ Secret League refuse to obey the signal? | Not one! From every side, alone, in twos, in groups, men went riding to the ren- dezvous. No Indians had raided recently; no The Boy Bugler in Cuba. ‘been de- Mexican forming make a trails of the red marauders ‘had tected near the ranches; no raiders had been reported as to cross the Rio Grande and foray into Texas territory. What, then, could the Boy wild alarm mean? No one could answer. On, on, through the darkness rode the Boy Bugler of the Cowboys’ Secret League—on until the notes echoed among the canyons of the foot hills and then died away in the depths of the mountains far away like the last cry of a doomed soul. The Boy Bugler had done his duty. He had sounded the tocsin among the ranch- ers of plain and hill, and it only re- mained for the cowboys of the league to obey the signal, the warning, the sum- mons. Bugler’s CHAPTER II. THE COWBOYS’ SECRET LEAGUE. The “ Cowboys of the Gulf,” they were called, and among them were many mem bers of the Secret League. They were banded together as good men and true, and even the life of one was at the disposal of the others should the demand be made. They were first leagued against com- mon foes, the Indians and the Mexican raiders, and men spoké of them as the Cowboy Vigilantes, for they had visited severe justice upon outlaws where pun- ishment was due. It was a secret banding together of men of mettle. They were unknown as solitary mem- bers of the league, only those who be- longed understanding how to tell a com- rade by grip, sign or word. Bold, dashing fellows all of them, they would make an invading army that khew not defeat, and they could be de- pended upon to the bitter end. Amid the wild and picturesque scenery back from the Rio Grande was their se- eret retreat, where a couple of men as sentinels were on duty, ever to await a call from their captain, or an alarm from any member who felt that there was cause to sound the tocsin of war. The retreat was upon a mountain top, a valley there, small, beautiful, well timbered and with a lake of purest water in the centre. The grass grew luxuriously there; the water was never dried up; wood was plentiful; so it was the very spot for the secret retreat of the Coyboy League, where to meet in their monthly councils. A large cabin was the council room, at which the sentinels remained ceaselessly on watch. Upon the highest point a beacon was kept constantly ready to light, and when its rays shot forth over hill, plain and valley, it-was a signal to the cowboys to gather. With horse worn down by his long run, the Boy Bugler climbed the steep trail to the retreat just as the day dawned, He made his way to the cabin, where the two guards were visible, one of them cooking the morning meal over a fire built in a rock chimney. Stripping the saddle and bridle from his tired steed, the Boy Bugler turned him loose to feed, with half a dozen others, in the m throwing himself down upon the grass, he called out: “Well, pards, I made the run in eight | hours, and si ei skipped a apart Si ve Fe Set “Well done, Hotspur Harry, The Boy eo ‘ntain-top valley, and Bugler,” cried one of the men, while the other said: “Tl soon have breakfast ready, Harry, and I guess you need it.” : “Indeed I do; but I’ll take a plunge in the lake and freshen up.” Down to the lake he went, and, after a plunge, made his toilet and said he felt like a new man. He attacked the breakfast with a right good will, and while the men lighted their pipes he again threw himself down to rest. He was a handsome boy of sixteen, with well-knit form, and a face so dark, with eyes and hair of such ebon hue, it showed that he had Mexican blood in his veins. His costume was half Mexican, half cowboy, for he wore his pants stuck in top boots, and upon his head was a silver- embroidered sombrero, while a red silk sash was about his slender waist. To a clasp in his belt hung a beautiful Silver cornet, rather than bugle, and few could play upon the instrument as could the young Hotspur. The two sentinels were hardy looking Texans, and were dressed as cowboys and armed. “You saw the captain, then, Hotspur?” asked one of the men. “Oh, yes; when the messenger brought me that letter I went at once to him, and he told me, as I said he would, to sound the call.” * Good! “We heard your bugle long before you got here, and knew that the captain had decided to act,’ said one of the men, while the other remarked: “T suppose the men will begin to drop in soon, Harry?” “Yes, of course, though I did not speak to any one, I made my cornet do the talking, pards, and you bet the boys understand all it said!” . “Yes, and you can make it talk, my boy. “But, have you got that letter with you, or did you leave it with the cap- tain?” “No, I have it.” “ Would you mind reading it to us, for you only told us before you went away that your brother had been ar- rested by the Spaniards, thrown into pris- on and would surely be put to death?” “That is just it, pards. Brother Ra- fael, though an American citizen, living on his plantation in Cuba, has had his home destroyed by Spanish soldiers, and he is in irons and a prisoner, His Cuban , wife is also under guard, and she, too, may be made to suffer, as she is in the power of a Spanish officer, whom she had refused to marry. “Then, too, my sister Lucita, has mys- teriously disappeared, and what her fate is no one knows. “ But, I will read you the letter.” CHAPTER III. THE CUBAN EXILES. When the “Ten Years’ War,’ as the Cuban struggle for independence from “68” to “78” is called, came to an end with gloom to the patriots who had so pravely fought, so terribly suffered, a distinguished leader of the insurgent forces, accepting the pardon and prom- ises of Spain for what they were worth, | gathered together a remnant of his once grand fortune, and sought a home in the — hospitable land of the United States. _ ey ‘ His wife had died of a broken heart to find a resting place in the ever faithful isle, and he had with him to seek a is
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\ , in America his only child, a handsome youth, who, though a boy in years, was a veteran soldier, for from the time he had entered his teens he had followed his father in the hard-fought fight to free Cuba. Locating upon a ranch in Texas, pros- perity soon came to the old soldier and his son, and amid pleasant surroundings and with new associations he seemed content to remain and forget the san- guinary warfare through which he had passed, He soon won the heart of a fair daugh- ter of the Lone Star State, and as a daughter and son were the fruits of this union, the old patriot was a happy man. His Cuban-born son by his first wife had been sent North to be educated, and he became an American citizen by adop- tion, as also did his father. But, while in New York the son, Ra- fael Agramonte, had his thoughts again turn to Cuba through meeting there a beautiful girl, who was also being edu- cated in America. She was hardly more than in her teens, but Rafael Agramonte had _ secretly vowed to one day in the future return to Cuba and claim Stella Aguilar for his wife. But, misfortune still dogged those of the Agramonte name, for the Indians raided the ranch of the old Cuban-Amer- ican, and, in defending his wife and children, he was slain. His second son, Harry Agramonte, though a boy of but thirteen, avenged his father then and there, and his pluck kept the redskins at bay until the ar- rival of the cowboys, who put them to flight. Harry Agramonte, however, had thus saved his mother, his sister Lucita, two years his senior, and his own life, and became a young hero, and the idol of the Cowboy Clan. Back to his Texan home came Rafael Agramonte to find it in ruins, the cattle run off, his father dead. His stepmother and half brother and sister were encamped amid the ruins, for Mrs. Agramonte had been made des- perately ill by the shock and her life was despaired of. For weeks she lingered, to then fade out of life and be placed by the side of her soldier husband. With his fortune wiped out, Rafael - Agramonte did not return North, but re- mained to save what he could from the . wreck. His young sister, Lucita, was, how- ever, sent to New York, and placed in the same boarding school with Stella Aguilar, only a year her senior. Then Rafael Agramonte organized the Cowboys’ Secret League to protect the border ranchmen. He was made captain by unanimous vote, and a young Texan ranchman, Charlie Chase, a dashing, handsome, - whele-souled fellow, became the second in command, while Harry Agramonte ‘was made courier and bugler, for his elder brother found it next to impossible to get the boy to go North to school, though he did consent to study under a private tutor “to finish off the education _ necessary for a young cowboy,” as Harry fg ee it, Thus time passed, and after a couple of years Rafael Agramonte, the cowboy aptain, had brought order out of chaos, s home had been rebuilt, though in a more humble manner, and once more he ad cattle by the hundreds roaming e prairies — ; ——————————— i The Boy Bugiler in Cuba. ‘ne Cowboys’ Secret League had com to stay, and the good it accomplished all admitted, though there were some who considered it a dangerous member- ship, as it was a secret order with an un- limited power. Several times, as he again began to prosper, had Rafael Agramonte gone to New York to visit his sister, he said, and in truth, too, but there was another claimant there upon his affection—the Cuban beauty, Stella Aguilar. At last the education of Stella was finished, and ere she returned to her home in Cuba she went to Texas to visit Lucita Agramonte, in every way her equal in beauty of face and form. When the two lovely girls arrived in Texas they created sad havoc with the hearts of the young ranchmen, and all felt that it looked as though the fair Cuban would love and wed a Mexican ranchman, who made his home in Amer- ica, and was said to be very rich. Don Ruiz Valdos was his name, and when Stella Aguilar left for Cuba, the promised wife of Rafael Agramonte, many said that the Mexican Don would never forgive or forget that his love had been refused. Back to her New York school went Lu- cita, for she had another year to com- plete her education, and by the time it was ended Rafael Agramonte had his ranch in prosperous condition, so that he could leave it indefinitely. At last he started North, and, to the surprise of all, Harry Agramonte, the Boy Bugler of the Secret League, accom- panied him. But the secret soon came out, for the two brothers and sister sailed for Cuba, and there Rafael Agramonte made Stella Aguilar his wife. : Lucita was to make her home with them, and for half a year did Hotspur Harry, as the cowboys called him, re- main in Cuba. Then he returned to his Texas ranch, and under the guardianship of Captain Charlie Chase, for he had been promoted, the youth once more resumed his place as the Boy Bugler of the Cowboy Secret League, CHAPTER IV. THE CLAN. Though its founder and first chief had sought a wife in the ever faithful isle, and returned to the land of his birth to dwell, the Secret League of Cowboys still remained as a power in the land for good, under its former lieuten- ant, Charlie Chase, promoted to captain. Captain Chase, few knew much about, save that he had been a midshipman in the United States Navy, but had been dismissed when he had attained the rank of ensign for fighting a duel in Vera Cruz, in which he killed a Spanish lieutenant for some cause of quarrel un- known. After his dismissal he had entered the Mexican Navy as the commander of a coast revenue patrol vessel, and after two years of service had resigned his commission, gone to Texas, and, having a few thousand of dollars at his com- mand, had become a Texas ranchman, in which he had met with great success. Between Charlie Chase, the ex-naval officer, and the Cuban patriot of the Ten Years’ War a devoted friendship existed, their ranches being not far apart. — A stronger bond, too, than the friend- ship of men, it was said, was the love the young Texan had for Lucita Agra- monte, and who, rumor had it, returned his affection. Whether this was true or not, “ Cap- tain Charlie,” as the cowboys familiarly termed him, went to Cuba as Rafael Agramonte’s “ best man,” when the lat- ter married Stella Aguilar, and was very willing, upon his return to Texas, to take the management of the Agramonte ranch and guardianship of Hotspur Har- ry, the Boy Bugler. Having been a naval officer, and had experience as a commander, Captain Chase was well fitted for the position of chief of the Cowboy Clan. Enough was known of his life to feel that he was the man to lead them. Dar- ing to recklessness, quick to act, thor- ough in discipline, courteous and kind to all, he was fairly idolized by the wild ele- ment which comprised his command. If there was a man in the Secret Clan who did not like Charlie Chase, it was Don Ruiz Valdos, for he, too, was one of the Cowboy League, which numbered employer and employe alike. The men sworn into the league were no ordinary individuals. Simply being a cowboy or a rancher did not admit them. They were picked men, and were se- lected for honesty, truth and bravery. There were no desperadoes' or “toughs” in the clan—not one upon whom rested the shadow of a crime that was known. Man-killers many of them were, but it was known that the one who had taken Pe life of a fellow-being had right on his side. Wild, reckless fellows many of them were, but they were true as steel to themselves and to their comrades. They were bound together in the clan by an oath that was death to break. How many there were in the Secret League, no one outside of the clan could tell. Some had it that there were several hundreds, others that there were but half a hundred. Just how many there were, and who they were, was, as said, the league’s own secret.* Such was the Cowboys’ Secret Clan, from the time of its organization by Ra- fael Agramonte up to the day when it is presented to the reader under the lead- ership of Captain Charlie Chase, the ex- | naval officer, transformed into a Texan rancher. Dwelling alone upon his ranch and with Captain Charlie to manage for him, Harry Agramonte had considerable leis- ure upon his hands; consequently he was the one selected as courier, in addition to his duties as Boy Bugler, to visit the secret retreat in the mountains each week with orders, and for the reports of the cowboy scouts. It was when going there on such duty that a special courier had been sent after him with a letter for him, which had been marked “ most important.” The letter bore the postmark of a Flor- ida port, and had evidently been brought there by some one landing from the Ha- vana steamer, Anxious about his brother and sister, for the present patriot struggle had be- gun, Hotspur Harry had broken the seal, glanced at its contents and calling to the two cowboy sentinels on duty in the reatreat that he was going to see the captain, was away at full speed, The return by night and the wild, weird call of his bugle for the clan to assemble is known, . . | *Being in the secret of the Cowboy’s Se- aimed eret Clan, I will state that the band Ay to keep the number at an even hundred, erg Achy
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The Boy Bugler in Cuba. meen A ARE oh RS IE ER ER ee CHAPTER V. THE LETTER FROM CUBA. “This letter,’ said Hotspur Harry, taking the missive from his pocket as he spoke, “is from the overseer of the plantation, and was sent to Florida to be mailed there, for Spanish officers allow no mail from inland to go through unopened.” The two cowboy sentinels had drawn closer to the youth to hear the letter read, for both were deeply interested in the cause of their former captain, Ra- fael Agramonte, and were anxious to know his fate. They had heard of the breaking out in Cuba of another struggle for indepen- dence, and remembering that the father of their Boy Bugler had been a distin- guished patriot, while his brother Rafael, - then a youth, had also been a soldier of the Lone Star flag, they had expected him to again espouse the cause of “ Cu- ba Libre.” “This letter,” continued Harry, “is dated just two weeks ago, and was writ- ten at the plantation. It says: “*T am more than pained to inform you of sad news, but deem it my duty to at once acquaint you with all that has happened here. “* You know, of course, how bitter has been the feeling here since the breaking out of this war, and your brother, hav- ing been a patriot in the last struggle, has been under suspicion continually, and also has been closely watched. ““He has been guilty of no act, as far as I know, to cause the Spaniards to pounce down upon him; but this they did do, coming to the plantation in the night and under the leadership of Major Blan- co Bartolo, whom you know was an old suitor for the hand of Senor Rafael Ag- ramonte’s wife. “* Angered by the actions of the Span- iards, the Senor Rafael resented their conduct toward his wife and sister, and was attacked by a captain, whom he promptly shot dead, though wholly in self-defense. “*This was just the excuse Major Bar- tolo wished, for your brother was made a prisoner and carried off to the mount- ain fortress, which you remember is an old Spanish garrison. “*The Senora Agramonte is now un- der guard in the villa, and your sister, the Senorita Lucita, as an American sus- pect, was taken with her brother. “* But, this is not known as a certain- ty, only supposed to be the case. “*T was not arrested, as my Cuban mame spared me, yet I am shadowed I know, and sent this letter with fear and trembling. “*The villa has been robbed of all ‘that it contained of value; the stock has been driven off of the plantation; a num- ber of the people were killed and the rest made prisoners, and thus death and ruin remain where, a short while ago, all was comfort and contentment. “«*T hope that you, as an American, and your brother and sister, also being citizens of that great and powerful coun- try, can secure the hearing of your Goy- ernment, and at once get their release. * It is needless to tell you that your brother is in great danger, for he may be tried and shot, for you have no idea how terrible is ‘Spanish hate, and if they make a mark for persecution, death fs almost sure to follow. “*T will do all I can to get all the information possible about your brother _ —just where he is, and also learn if your ‘hae haa been taken ie the hile’ ain fortress. “«This I will hold for the United States Consul, whom you will doubtless influence to act. promptly in the matter; for certainly it is one of the basest of out- rages ever yet perpetrated by the Span- ish authorities. ‘““<Tf you only had a hundred of those gallant mounted Texans here of whom you have told me so much, and whom your brother used to command, you could carry that fortress, rescue the Senor Ra- fael and the Senorita Lucita, and punish the cruel Spaniards fer their infamous work. “* But, I must contain my soul in peace until you act through the United States Consul, for nothing else will save those you love from Spanish hatred and tyranny. “* Remember, I will have all the proof for the Consul, but he must be ready to protect me, too, for, though my mother was an American, and I was born in the United States, my father was a Spaniard, and, though sparing me now, it will not be safe for me when it is known what I have done. “*T shall either have to join Gomez or Maceo, or be protected by the American Consul; so please explain this, my young friend Harry. “*T often think of your six months’ stay here, with your brother, and what good friends we were, recalling our many rides, hunts, and how I taught you to become a first-class sailor boy in Senor Rafael’s yacht. “*My kindest regards to Captain Charlie, whom I took a great fancy to when here, and tell him I wish he had his Cowboy Clan in Cuba, for you told me he took command after your brother left. “ But, oh! home now! young heart. “* But, I must close now, as I send this by private hand to mail in the United States. “* Hoping soon to hear good news, “* Sincerely your friend, “* VANCE MENDOZA, “<The Overseer, “* Wild Flower Plantation,’ “There, pards, you have heard the letter, just as Mendoza wrote it, and it was his wish about our Cowboy Clan being in Cuba to rescue my brother and sister that caused Captain Charlie to send me on the ride to sound the mid- night alarm,” said Hotspur Harry, when he had finished reading the letter. To see the once beautiful It would almost break your CHAPTER VI. A TORMENTOR PUNISHED. The Boy Bugler, having read his letter, lay back upon the grass, his head resting upon his saddle, and tired nature assert- ing itself, he dropped off into a deep sleep. ; The two cowboys talked in whispers, not to awaken him, and then, remember- ing that the clan would begin to arrive soon, and naturally be ready for break- fast, they began to make preparations to feed the hungry. Provisions were plentiful, for the re- treat was always stocked with supplies to draw upon for a long trail, if neces- sary, of the Cowboy League, and a fine deer having been killed the night be- fore, all was at hand for the men as they should arrive. A couple of hours passed, and then a single horseman was seen advancing up | the steep trail, } The boy still slept on, and, determined not to have him awakened, the two guarus. met the solitary comer some distance away from the camp. “Ho, pards, what’s all this alarm about?’’ asked the new arrival, speaking with a decided accent and which, with his swarthy complexion, black eyes and hair, showed him to be a Mexican. “Some trouble the captain knows of, Jose Cara; but don’t make a racket, -for the Boy Bugler is asleep after his long, night ride.” “T wish he’d been asleep last night in- stead of disturbing honest men,” growled the Mexican cowboy. “Why, you don’t object to the call, do you, when there is need, Jose?” “No, when there is need; but I’ve just come in from a scout and there is not a sign of redskins or raiders anywhere.” “The captain has some special reason, this time.” ‘““What is it?” “ He will tell you.” “Where is he?” , “He has not arrived.” “Who is here?” “Save the Boy Bugler, no one else ex= cept you.” *T believe it’s some deviltry of that. boy, calling us here.” “He is a wild one, I admit, but he would not dare to give a false alarm.”? “He'd dare anything, he’s so spoilt. Why, you men make fools of yourselves. about that kid.” “Don’t you like him, Jose?” “ Not a little bit.” “ What have you got against him?’” “Nothing; only he’s too fresh.” “No one else sees him as you do.” “ Well, I’m here, and first to obey the eall; but T want to know why the alarm was given.’ . The captain will tell you when he comes.’ “Tl ask the boy.” “ Don’t wake him up, Jose Cara.” “No, let the boy sleep,’ urged the other guard. They had walked up to the camp now, and Harry Agramonte still lay fast. asleep. ‘He looks too comfortable. I'll have to rouse him for fun,” said the Mexican, “Don’t you do it, Jose.” “ Yes, I will; I want to know what he knows. " “Tt’s a shame, for you will hear all you wish only too soon.” “T’ll just touch him with my spur,” and the Mexican stepped forward, raised his foot and pricked the youth on the hand with his sharp spur. The foot of the tormentor was quickly seized, and, leaping to his feet, Hotspur Harry dealt a blow straight from the shoulder, and the Mexican got it full in the face. Backward and heavily downward Jose Cara went, while the two sentinels burst. out in hearty laughter. “ Don’t wake a man too suddenly, Jose: Cara, especially when he is having a nightmare,” said the boy. / “ Caramba! I’ll let you feel the weight of my fist for that, boy,” and the Mexi- can, with his nose bleeding from the blow, sprung to his feet and started toward the boy. “Hold on, there, Jose Cara! You pro- voked the trouble, and shall not harm him,” cried one of the sentinels, the oth-. er remarking: “Yes, he served you right.” “Oh, let him come on, for I don’t mind 7 little scrimmage—hold on! If * oe ee a eae ee
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ee a ee. eb Ce Se a ee “ > ae <~ you draw a weapon I’ll kill you, Jose Cara,” cried the youth, and his revolver -was in his hand before the Mexican got his weapon out of its holster. The Mexican hesitated, for he saw at a glance that the two sentinels would stand no nonsense. “All right, kid. TPll just thrash you i with my fists,” he called out, now in his ugliest mood. “Throw off your belt, then.” The two quickly laid aside their weap- ons, and the Mexican ran upon the youth, but only to be knocked down again. He arose, but once more he dropped. “Come, Jose, lets play quits, for I can do this all day,” declared Harry, cheer- fully. “All right, kid; quits it is,” and the Mexican offered his hand. But there was a vengeful look in his eyes, as he turned away, and one of the sentinels whispered: *‘ Quits don’t go with him. You'll have to watch him, Hotspur.” CHAPTER VII. THE GATHERING OF THE COWBOY CLAN. Jose Cara went to the lake to wash the blood from his face, and try to subdue the swelling caused by the stinging blows of his young adversary’s fists. He had known that the youth was as pliable as whalebone, quick and strong beyond his years; but he had not sus- pected that he could master him, a man, and one who prided himself upon his strength. That he had no right to disturb the sleeper he knew, and his punishment was just; but, Jose came of a race that neither forgives nor forgets easily. Others were in sight now, coming to the rendezvous, and Jose only hoped nothing would be said about the affair. “T awakened,” Harry explained to the guards, “as you came near, but I wanted to see if he would be mean enough to rouse me, and, as he was that mean, I let him have it. “ But I have never liked Jose Cara.” “Well, watch him, boy pard; he’s ugly 4s they make ’em. But, I say, Hotspur, how you can use your fists! ” “My brother taught me, for he is an expert in putting up his fists.” “ And you can handle a sword, too.” “Oh, yes; for I took lessons from fa- ther, when a little chap, and then from brother Rafael and Captain Charlie.” “And you are no slouch as a revolver and rifle shot, Harry.” « “I generally manage to hit what I aim at.” “And can throw a lariat with the best of us.” “Yes, I can throw a rope; but, say, pards, what are my accomplishments being rehearsed for? I have no flask with me—don’t drink, you know,” and the two men laughed. “Well, the men are beginning to drop into camp now, and Jose Cara is still at the lake trying to make himself present- able,” and the three now turned to the cowboys who were now riding into the retreat. As he looked from the hilltop over the trails, Hotspur Harry could see many horsemen on their way to the rallying _ place, and among them he recognized Captain Charlie Chase, the chief of the clan. “They will all be here in force by noon,” he muttered to himself, and waded: “T am sure Captain Chase will cp ae 3 PF st The Boy Bugler ir in Cuba. decide upon some step to save my brother and sister. Iam willing to go to Cuba if I ean be of any service, Heaven knows. * But, I am sure that Captain. Charlie will do what is right,” and the Boy Bu- gler turned to greet the party who just then rode up, giving him a cheer as they did so. The Boy Bugler had called the Cowboy Clan to the rendezvous a number of times in the last few years, yet never in such haste, and at night, and all who had seen him flit by like a spectre of the darkness, his bugle ringing the wild alarm, were loud in his praise as they rode up to the gathering place. About half a hundred of the band. had arrived, when, alone, came a horseman, upon whom all eyes turned as he ap- proached, , He was splendidly mounted upon a black horse, and all his outfit was Mexi- can, save his weapons. The bridle, saddle and spurs were worth a small fortune, and his dress was elegant and costly. It was ‘‘ Captain Charlie,” chief of the Cowboy Clan. He was a man of fine physique, sat his horse like a born rider, and his face was sure to fascinate a woman and com- mand a man’s admiration at a glance. There was a certain daring, stern look about the mouth, a piercing character- reading expression in the eyes; but his manner was cheery, his bearing that of a soldier and very courteous, He raised his gold-embroidered som- brero at the rousing salute given him, and said pleasantly: “Thank you, men! You are prow. and the others are coming in rapidly, I see.” Then he turned to the youth and con- tinued: “Well, Hotspur, you never deserved your name better than last night, .for you rode that trail with a vengeance, and your bugle seemed to have been kept to your lips on all the run.” “T didn’t lose much time, sir, and I kept the horn a singing,’ was the an- ewer, “ “And with good result. “But, let us get breakfast over, and then to work, for it is the most impor- tant event of our lives that brings us together this time.” the then CHAPTER VIII. THE SECRET MADE KNOWN. The cowboys soon had breakfast over with, and were all gathered under the pines near the cabin. One and all were anxious to learn the cause of the urgent call. The whole number had gathered there, save several who were accounted for by illness or other reasons that prevented their coming. “Where is Don Ruiz Valdos, Jose Cara?” asked the chief, as he missed the handsome face and elegant form of the Americanized Mexican cattle king, for he was so called as the richest ranch- er in those parts. Jose was his chief cowboy, and an- swered: “He went across the Rio Grande on business, senor captain.” “Tam sorry, for I needed him.” “ He may be on hand when wanted, sir, lf the move it not made to-day.” “T will see him at his ranch, then; but have you had a fall from your horse?” and the chief gazed at the bruised and swollen face, which the cowboy in vain tried to hide. “T had a fall, senor, ” was the realy. with a quick glance at the Boy Bugler and the two sentinels. But, Hotspur seemed not to know what was said, while the two sentinels smiled at the reply of Jose. “Well, men, as you are all assembled, I will at once make known the reason for the urgent call,” and Captain Charlie glanced over the crowd, seeming to look into the face of every man there, “Tf Iam right, no man has ever héld the clatfM upon you,” went on the cap- tain, ‘‘that your first chief and founder had, Rafael] Agramonte.” A cheer) greeted the name,. but a voice eried: “You have filled his place so well, captain, that we could not miss him.” Another cheer greeted this. “I thank you; but once. a member of our clan, always a member, until death lakes us away, and I consider that Ra- fael Agramonte is still one of us. * At present he is in trouble, for I wish vi read to you a letter received from uba by our Boy Bugler.” Taking the letter the reader has al- ready heard read, the captain continued: “Now, that Rafael Agramonte married a Cuban lady and settled upon her plan- tation in Cuba you all know, as well as that I accompanied him there, remain- ing a few weeks, while Hotspur Harry stayed for half a year, and his sister Lu- cita made her home there. “This letter is to Hotspur Harry from the overseer of the once beautiful plan- tation home known as the Wild Flower Villa. “Tt will tell you all the sad story, and perhaps give you a hint of what my in- tentions are in the matter. “Tf not, I shall now make them very plain, and I feel that I will receive your support, for that is what I wish most dlevoutly.” Then, amid a breathless silence the let-. ter of the Cuban overseer was read by Charlie Chase to the Cowboy Clan. Hardly had the last words been. ut- fered when the crowd, taking the hint of what was wanted, gave a roar of fury and then came the words: “Rescue them! Rescue them! ” “T see, my comrades, that you grasp 'my meaning, and as you have not | thought upon this subject, but acted from impulse, I who‘have considered it as I came here, wish to say that the patriot army of Cubans are struggling hard now by day and by night to wrest their island from Spanish control. “They are being made to suffer untold misery, hardships and horrors. “But from America they are getting what help they can, and each week ves- sels are leaving our ports carrying them arms and supplies. “ Now, our fight is with Spain only so. far as her soldiers have swooped down upon American citizens and hold our former chief and his sister as prisoners; yes, his beautiful wife also, for she is kept under guard in her own home. “ Having been there, I know something of the surroundings.” “Rescue them!” yelled the cowboys. “The Wild Flower Villa Plantation is upon the coast, and there is a small har- bor there, into which flows a navigable stream. “The fortress referred to in this let- ter is five leagues inland, on a lofty hill, and twelve miles from the villa proper. “The roads are good from the coast to the fortress, much of the way is tim- bered, and I know that an expedition can
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6 be landed there at night, a dash made for the stronghold, and, rescuing your former chief and his sister, we can re- turn to the ship, rescue the Senora Agra- monte and escape with them.” ‘““Rescue them!” yelled the cowboys. “Tf we do not do this, Rafael Agra- monte will be put to death, and what fate awaits the others Heaven only knows.” - “We will rescue them! “ Lead the way, captain, and we are with you,” cried the cowboys, Dow in a state of wild excitement. ed abe eden ya) eat Ee yet ay 2 Ri ee fee Sets, SY eae ine sk. ear SF eT te CHAPTER IX. THE YOUNG VOLUNTEER. Captain Chase had expected to have to ux call for volunteers, to pick his men for at an expedition of such daring as the in- vasion of Cuba by a clan of Texan cow- boys, and was a little surprised to find how determined the men were to enter into his bold plan to rescue Rafael Agra- 4 monte and those dear to him. ; The question would be to prevent all from going. Seeing that he had more to say, the men at once became as still as death, and then followed: ““T feel, comrades, that I can call upon each and every one of you, upon all of our clan, to go with me. “But what we do must be done with perfect system, the greatest secrecy, and admit of no failure. “Remember, our Government is at peace with Spain, and hence we have, as American citizens, no real right to in- vade Spanish territory. “We make the right, but we would be arrested did the whisper of our intention get abroad, so not a man must utter a word about it.” “Let the man die who does,” said a voice, and the sentiment was greeted with cheers. “To go there, a steamer must be chartered, and, clearing from some port, she must make a landing at some secret rendezvous on our coast—I know the very spot well—and take us on board. “We must carry our horses and a few extra animals, while we will take a couple of Gatling guns for use when needed. “We will carry repeating rifles, a couple to each man, our revolvers, and sabers, for all of you know how to use blades, with several exceptions. “But we must go prepared for des- perate work. “We can quickly make the run to Cuba, land, secure the victims of Span- ish hate, with any others that we may find there, and retreat to our ship in one night, I feel sure. “The cost will be considerable, but I will subscribe to half the amount—” “We'll. pay the rest!’ came a roar +8 the cowboys, while the Boy Bugler id: “My inheritance is at stake for all, ‘Captain Chase.” “No, no, no!” “Not a dollar does the Boy oust >? “We stand the expense!” A Such were the cries, and it was at - gonee seen that the ten thousand dollars, _-- @r more, cost, would be promptly met by the clan, who were now heart and soul in the enterprise. ued: “ Th ore ‘1s 3 ig ‘frst important duty to Soaked it t is to send a courier : ee hie being ue, the captain contin- | ed. > the Hicad learn the ex- The Boy Bugler in Cuba. act situation and arrange signals for us in the steamer to know just where to run in and make our landing.” “That is my duty, sir, for I know the land there,” said Hotspur Harry. To the surprise of many, Captain Chase said: “Yes, Harry, you are right, for in the six months you spent there you learned the surroundings well, the letter of Vance Mendoza was to you, and, your father being a Cuban, you apoak ‘perfect Span- ish. “You can go, and we will arrange upon a plan as we return to the ranch. “ After giving you so much time, we will start, and then for the rescue of Rafael Agramonte and those dear to him. “T will accompany you, Hotspur Har- ry, as far as Galveston, and on to New Orleans, if necessary, to get a steamer, for we dare not depend upon a sailing vessel. “The steamer can go to the rendez- vous I have in view on the coast, and be there at a certain time, and the cowboys clan will be there in the saddle ready to meet her, and we will know no such word as fail, men.” The shout that greeted this was proof that there should be no failure. Then out of the number eighty good men and true were selected and told to meet at a certain point ten days from then and ready for the expedition, each man well mounted, armed as directed, and with the amount of his subscription to the fund in hand. All promised, and were eager for the start, while the few not selected seemed downcast at their failure to be of the party, yet realized that all could not go, some must remain. But there was one who was not se- lected who looked very black over the captain’s refusal to take him, especially when he was told to relieve the two ‘sentinels at the Retreat and remain there alone in charge. This one was Jose Cara. He pleaded an important duty to per- form for his employer, Don Ruiz Valdos. “T will see the Don,” had said Captain Chase. Then he said he was suffering from his “‘ fall’? and must see the physician at the Don’s Ranch. But all to no avail, for he was told to remain. He walked off in sullen mood, and half an hour after, when the cowboys assem- bled for dinner, preparatory to starting on the return, he came back, an ugly light in his eyes. “ Jose Cara gave a package to Mexican Pablo, captain; better see what it is,” whispered the Boy Bugler. CHAPTER X. THE DEMAND. At the whispered suggestion of the Boy Bugler Captain Chase started as though he had been struck a blow. Could it be that the package handed to Mexican Pablo could mean any treach- ery? he well knew. | It was a delicate matter to charge a man, one of the trusted clan, with false dealings, and yet it would be fatal to let that package go if bata was intend- Captain Chase had never liked Jose Cara, and he had always regarded Mexi- can Pablo as one to keep an eye upon. The two were devoted triends, and Jose was on the ranch of Don Ruiz Val- | been handed the package reported by the A word would be sufficient to ruin all, /among them? | show them up. dos. Mexican Pablo was a cowboy in the employ’ of the Boy Bugler, or, rather, Captain Chase, as the youth’s guardian. The cowboys’ captain pretended not to do so, but kept his eye upon the two men while at dinner. He saw that Jose Cara ate nothing and several times whispered to his pard, Mex- ican Pablo. At last, when all: were about ready to start, the cowboys’ chief called out: “ Hold on a minute, men!” e All eyes were at once turned upon aim. “IT wish to say a few words that pain me to give expression to, and if I am wrong I will do all in my power to make amends. “If Iam right, I will leave the matter for the clan to act upon. Every eye was turned upon the chief. What could his words mean? Continuing, he said: “Of course, there were disappoint- ments in that some could not go on this secret expedition to the Island of Cuba to rescue Rafael Agramonte; but then those who remained were the ones that duty ealled on strongest to do so, as I sup- posed. “All accepted their fate who had to stay, with the resignation befitting our members—with one exception.” This caused the cowboys to glance un- easily from one to the other. “That one was sullen at not having been one of the chosen band, and more, he showed an ugly spirit in having to yemain here as sentinel **T refer to Jose Cara.” “T wanted to go, senor captain, yes, and to remain here I must neglect the work of my employer, Don Ruiz.” “Suppose we had gone on the Indian * trail? ” “That would have been different.” “In what respect?” The man was silent. Turning quickly to the man who had —27y kh oe a aoe SW ve ts! y AA AP SPORT TNE AS S$ EEE HE IOUS eS AETOEEEE ESOC SPUR BB 8 2 Boy Bugler, Captain Chase said sternly: ‘ ** Mexican Pablo, give me that package handed to you by Jose Cara half an hour al o!” . Mexican Pablo uttered an exclamation of surprise, while Jose Cara’s bruised face became very white. “T have no package, senor captain.” “Hand me that letter, or I will shoot you in your tracks, sir! ” The voice of the cowboy captain was determined, and his revolver covered Mexican Pablo. The man glanced appealingly at Jose — Cara, who started toward him, calling. out: “Tt is my letter to my employer. “Your being chief of the Cowboy Clan — gives you no right to demand it—” But the man stopped short, for the re- volver of the Boy Bugler covered him, and he heard the words: “Halt, Jose Cara! , “The captain wants the letter, and — he'll get it.” : ; All was breathless attention now, and. bs suppressed excitement. %; Could it be that hare were traitor If so, the chief was in a fair way Hence all awieiter the result of cowboy captain’s demand. | Mexican Pablo looked appealingly his pard, Jose baw ¥ ais i
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4 aiff ' The latter looked defiant, but was un- fler the muzzle of the Boy Bugler’s re- volver. He knew well that Hotspur Harry had a nerve of iron and a deadly aim. He felt that the matter could not be fone through with by bravado or force. It must be compromised. So he said in a deprecating tone: “Why, captain, there is a great fuss made over nothing. “ZT was in an ugly humor because I could not go, I admit; but then it was «ver with, and I wrote a letter to the Don, asking him to get you to relieve me here and let me go. “Then there was the report of some business I did for him, and that is what I gave to Mexican Pablo to deliver. “Tf you wish to see it you can.” This explanation seemed satisfactory to all—save two. The captain and the Boy Bugler were not satisfied, and Mexican Pablo gazed in open-mouthed wonder at his pard. ; . “I do wish to see it,” said the cow- pe boy captain. Se = hoe Te } a th it *\ H| . i | Fi } ae pe 44 Ks fk ee \ ‘ ae CHAPTER XI. i UNDER COVER OF A REVOLVER. The look that Pablo, the Mexican, turned upon his pard, Jose Cara, seemed to be full of horror. He had an expression upon his face as though Jose Cara had suddenly gone mad, This the cowboys could not fail to ob- serve. Then, too, the reply of the captain that he did wish to see that letter was a surprise. There was one thing certain, and that was that Captain Chase and the Boy Bugler either knew just what they were about, or they were making a very great mistake. Which was it? This query was upon every lip. All eyes were now turned upon Jose Cara. What would he do? Why, of course, Ms tae tell Mexican Pablo to hand over the oe package he had in his keeping. That would straighten matters out. But that was just what Jose Cara did not do. His face turned a gray hue once more, and he said: “JT made the offer, Captain Chase, but I don’t see what right you have to read a letter from me to my employer?” This looked like a backdown. They were at least bold words. _ Men of that clan never disputed the will of their chief. _ The eyes now turned upon the cowboy _ captain. __ His tace was calm, his words even as he said: “My reason is a good one, Jose Cara.” “ What is it?” “J doubt your explanation of what the contents of that package are! ” Ay oe will swear to it, senor, that ¢ tell ruth.” four word to me is equal to your vend “How do you mean?” ao would take neither!” ae ‘you mean that? * “Do the laws of our clan give a chief | right to insult his men?” “See here, Jose Cara, your appealing . the men does not help you, for all. beard my words just uttered, that I was 2 pyenine: if cciaiepaise to make any shania The Boy Bugler in Cuba. ration, and I will now add that I will bold myself personally responsible to you.” “That settles it!’ cried one, and to this sentiment there was not a dissent- ing voice. “T will not let you see a private corre- spondence between my employer and myself,” doggedly said the man. “How can you prevent it?” “You have no right to detain me here, so I will go myself to the Don, telling him all, and Mexican Pablo will go with me, ” “You will go to the grave if you at- tempt to leave this spot without my will,” “Hold to that package, Pablo! ” yelled Jose Cara. But again he was covered by the re- volver of the Boy Bugler, who called out: “Move an inch, Jose Cara, and I fire! ” The situation now turned upon the flank of the threatened man. Captain Chase again covered Mexican Pablo, and sternly ordered: “ Bring me that package, sir! ”’ “Destroy it!’’ shouted Jose Cara, yet not daring to move. “Do it and you destroy yourself!” said the cowboy captain. Mexican Pablo was quivering with fear. He knew not what to do. While he hesitated again came’ the stern command: “Obey me, sir! ”’ The man dared not look at Jose Cara. But he said appealingly: “I’ve got to, Pard Jose. “My life is dear to me, and I know the captain means what he says.” “T most certainly do, Mexican Pablo.” “Obey your chief!” came in a deep growl from half a hundred voices. Mexican Pablo then stepped slowly forward toward the chief. Jose Cara eyed him as though he would spring upon him. But Jose Cara did not move. Reaching the chief, the Mexican took. out the package. It was a closely sealed envelope and quite bulky. The captain took it and glanced at it critically. There was no address whatever upon it. “This is not addressed, Jose Cara.” “Mexican Pablo was told to give it to the Don. is for him from me. “Don’t you dare open it.” The answer to this was the sudden Key og open of the envelope by the i ain Jose Cara uttered a howl of rage. The Boy Bugler’s revolver, covering him, alone prevented his springing upon the cowboy captain in an endeavor to tear the package from his grasp. Mexican Pablo muttered: “I had to do. , Jose. ‘« You have destroyed us both.” There was resignation in the words and look of the Mexican, Then the cowboys’ chief glanced at the contents of the envelope and said: “You are right, Mexican Pablo. This will doom you both, or I am greatly mis- taken.” ' CHAPTER XII. ‘A TRIAL BY JURY. The cowboys’ captain’s face was very pale when he read over the papers he had taken from Mexican Pablo. e latter, with Jose Cara, stood watching him, their eyes staring and faces ee ET STS ee LE LS ESET AEE nase an) Each man showed guilt, and also fear of the consequences. They well knew how severe were the laws of the Cowboy Clan. The eyes of the others were also upon : their chief. i They «waited for what he had to make known, looking like men who expected some dire revelation. A score of the cowboys had now re- lieved Hotspur Harry of guard duty over | Jose Cara and Mexican Pablo, by gather- ing about the two men with revolvers : { drawn. At this Hotspur Harry had quietly dis- i armed the two men. At last Captain Charlie broke the si- i lence, that was becoming painful. “ Comrades, I have bad news for you,” he began. “For the first time in the history of our clan we have found that we had traitors in our midst. “These two men are both of them traitors, for these papers betray them. “This one is a letter to Don Ruiz Val- dos, and it is as follows: i ip at “* Senor: “*«A meeting of the clan was held to- day, not for service here, but in Cuba. “*News has come by letter from Vance Mendoza, the overseer of the Agramonte plantation in Cuba, to the effect that Rafael Agramonte has been arrested as. a. Cuban insurgent and thrown into the Del Monte Fortress, while his sister has been carried off, the senora being kept under guard in the villa, “<The letter was to Hotspur Harry, and Captain Charlie has determined to . carry a shipload of cowboys to Cuba and rescue Agramonte and others. “The Boy Bugler goes ahead to pre- pare the way. “*T write in haste and ait this, by. trusty Mexican Pablo, so you can be ready to go also, yet have time to send word ahead to our Spanish friends there to be prepared. “*T am to stay here on guard, but eee Pablo will go with the expedi- tion. “*T can write*no more, but if you can use your influence with the captain to relieve me of guard duty at the retreat, so I can go and be in at the wipe-out, . thus claiming my ‘share of the gold we oes. be will get, I shall be obliged. as “«Tf not, of course you will see that a : am not forgotten. ce “«From Captain Charlie, who will never suspect you, but wish your aid, you can get all plans in time to send to the captain general. “““TIn great haste. 7 i Sele aire Ah BPS daa Se I a a ate a ES ea et ~* = Vane! ~ = ae <2 Be ai ti. 4 wk AS See AS “ADS OE oe es «* Jose Cara.’” The silence that followed the reading of this letter was painftl. All eyes were upon the two traitors, They stood with bowed heads and faces that were like the dead in hue. “Comrades, this paper proves that Don Ruiz Valdos is a traitor also. “There are three of them, and I know now that Don Ruiz, Jose Cara, and Mexican Pablo are Spaniards, not Mexi- \ cans. “T suspected it before, but, as there was. no reason to care whether they de- nied their nationality or not, I never spoke of my suspicions. j “But now, with Cuba as our object- ive point, and these letters to show that a they are not Americans, as they claim, __ but Spaniards, their nationality is of .— vast importance, for upon it hang the me lives of every man here before me. ¥ on “ Comrades, You know our op sO :
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select among yourselves your judge and ‘jury to try these men for their lives *““T. leave them in your hands, and I need not remind you that we have but little time to lose.” These words of the chief were re- ceived in silence. Each man was impressed with the gravity of the situation. The one who became a member of the Cowboy Clan took upon himself vows that to break meant death. The two prisoners were first bound, not a word escaping their white lips. Then a low-voiced council was held among the cowboys, and in five minutes Captain Charlie had been chosen’ the judge, twelve men were selecied as jurors, and the Boy Bugler was made the clerk, to take down the trial. At once accepting the position, Captain ‘Charlie took his seat before the cabin, and the Boy Bugler, with pencil and paper, sat near him. The twelve jurors ranged themselves in front of the two prisoners. All had their heads uncovered. . The judge then read the letter again, and asked if there were any witnesses who could offer any testimony against . the prisoners from their own knowledge. Several gave testimony that they had never believed in the sincerity of either Don Ruiz Valdos or the two prisoners then before them. : Others had been sure that the Don had - never liked Captain Charlie, “ for reasons that were known.” All knew that these ‘ reasons” meant that the Don hated the captain as a suc- cessful rival for the hand of Senorita Agramonte. Those asked to appear in favor of the _ prisoners failed to materialize. Then the captain-judge read the laws of the clan, and left the fate of the two men in the hands of the jury. The twelve men did not retire for secret conference. There was no need to do so. Their minds were already made up. - Their verdict’ ‘was rendered: “ Guilty, and by the laws of the Cow- boys Secret Clan their crime was punish- able with death.” Then Captain Charlie, as judge, asked each man of the band-to state his opin- jon of the verdict. ** Just!” There was no dissenting voice. ' Jose Cara and ‘waaye aa Pablo must die. CHAPTER XIII. WITHOUT MBPRCY. There was no cheering, no loud ap- proval as the verdict was announced. The scene was too solemn for that. It was the first trial among the Cow- “boys of the Clan of a serious nature. . For petty deeds they had been tried and received the punishment fitting the case. But this was a trial.of two of their number for treachery. it was to be dealt with as the occa- - sion demanded. There was another guilty one, Don Ruiz Valdos. He was to be dealt with in the future. All knew that the captain would look after him, and at the proper time. Many, however, wished that Ruiz Val- dos was. there then, believing it was dangerous to have a traitor at large. But for the determination of Captain Charlie te take the Cowboy Clan to Cuba, to rescue their former captain The Boy Bugler in Cuba. from death: neither Don Ruiz Valdod, Jose Cara, or Mexican Pablo might have ever been brought up as traitors to the league. It was true that a number of the cow- boys knew that the Don was both jealous and envious of Captain Charlie. They knew that Don Ruiz was anxious to be the Chief of the Clan, and some even feared he might take his own way of becoming such. But Captain Charlie had been warned, and they knew he could take care of himself. What their ieaaee would do in the matter of the Don’s treachery they did not know. Under other circumstances he would have been brought to the Retreat for trial. But that could not then be, for time was precious. Captain Charlie, when the verdict of the jury, and the Clan as well, was an- nounced, at once called the convicted men before him to pronounce the sentence. It was done in a few short, solemn words: “Jose Cara and Mexican Pablo, you have been found guilty of treachery to your Commander of the Clan. “By the laws of our Secret League, the punishment for treachery is death. “You may be Spaniards born, but you are American citizens now, and it was your intention to betray, to death your comrades. . “Your leader, Don Ruiz Valdos, shall not escape, nor shall he suspect that we know him to be a traitor until I am ready to act in his casa “This paper, just found in the en- velope andg overlooked, is a note to you, Jose Cara, delivered by Mexican Pablo, and written by Don Ruiz. “Tt says that he is aware of the ar- rest of Rafael Agramonte in Cuba, and that the calling of the Cowboy Clan doubtless means some foolhardy attempt to rescue him, and you are to report all - that occurs to him with all promptness, “This evidence alone would condemn you, had you not already been found guilty. “Your sentence I now pronounce. “Tt is that in just fifteen minutes you be shot to death with revolvers, in the hands of twelve men selected by lot as executioners, and may Heaven have mercy on your souls.” A loud “ Amen!” followed the words of the cowboys’ leader. The Boy Bugler at once took from a bag in the cabin a number of marbles corresponding with the men present. All but twelve were white. These twelve were black. Each man thrust his hand in the buck- skin bag, and drawing out a marble stepped to one side as he held it up. The twelve who got black balls were now in line, and Captain Charlie and the Boy Bugler were among them. There were no exceptions in drawing for executioners. The twelve men then faced the two who had to die. All were armed with revolvers, and there were no blanks. Each man must do‘his duty, and each man was a dead shot. The captain was at one end of the line, the Boy Bugler at the other. All were pale, stern and determined. The two men were now the hue of death itself. They were dazed with fright, and their lips were moving, as they muttered prayers for the rest of their souls, Not a word of appeal, of pleading, did they utter. They knew that their doom was just, by the laws of the Cowboy Clan; and they must meet it. An appeal for mercy would fall upon deaf ears. There they stood, unbound now, their heads bowed, their lips moving in mur- mured prayer. Captain Chase gave the word: “ Ready, men!” The twelve revolvers were brought to a level. ** Aim!” i revolvens at this covered each man. ae ‘jre! ”” There were twelve flashes, twelve re- ports, and as many deadly bullets sped on their errand to kill. The two traitors sunk in their tracks, The aim of the executioners had been true. Not a bullet had missed the heart it had been destined for. CHAPTER XIV. WELL MET. The execution was over, and justice had been vindicated in the Cowboy Clan by the execution of the traitors. The bodies had been decently buried, and two men were selected to remain at the retreat as sentinels. The rest began to wend their way to the respective ranches on which they belonged, and prepare for the strange and most perilous expedition of rescue to Cuba. They all realized how deadly, indeed, it was, and that perhaps not one of them would ever return, All knew that Spain was mericless to her foes. They had all heard of the Virginius massacre, where many brave Americans had been shot down for aiding Cuba, while Cubans and ‘even British subjects hiad shared the same fate, What mercy could they expect when landing on the coast of Cuba, if they failed in their attempt to rescue Rafael Agramonte, his wife, and sister from Spanish hands? ‘So, by a score of trails they wended their way from the retreat to their homes. Along the trail, side by side, rode the chief and the Boy Bugler. Upon their shoulders rested the suc- cess or failure of the expedition. The Boy Bugler, of his own will, had stood at the graves of the two traitors, and his bugle rose in the plantive notes of “Lights out!” The men had stood with uncovered heads while the mournful notes rang out far and wide, a ‘rest in peace” for the dead, traitors though they were. ‘ Harry, that was a kind tribute of yours to the dead, sounding ‘ Lights Out,’” said Captain Charlie, as the two rode along together. “Tt was all I could do, sir. “Some one loved them, some one will mourn them dead,” replied the boy. “Yes, and their death will remain a mystery, for no secrets are told out of the Cowboys’ Clan.” *“No, sir. “ But what do you think of Don Ruiz’s plot to have us all caught?” “It was pure hatred and revenge. = “But did you see him? “ Yes, sir, after showing you my letter ae from Vance Mendoza, I met him, and + told him the sad news. “He wag lucky not to have gone to the en ae ae + i “a
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} retreat, though he told me he would be there.” “He changed his mind, and put the work on Pablo and Jose, but his doom is sealed.” “Tf neither of his allies return, he may suspect something, sir.’’ ‘ “Harry, he must know nothing until we see him, for, before you go to Cuba, you must visit the ranch of Don Ruiz with me, and I will bring him to account for his treachery.” “You surely do not intend to meet him yourself, sir?” “Yes, for his quarre] is with me, and his hatred and revenge directed at me.” “But, Captain Charlie, you risk your life in meeting a traitor, whom the clan should try and condemn.” “Tt is my quarrel, Harry, and because he knows that your sweet sister pre- ferred me to him. “T am now sure that he has been the one, or his hirelings, to twice try and assassinate me from ambush. “Your sister refused him, your broth- er would not give his consent for him to be her suitor, and I was his successful rival, hence he hates us all most de- voutly. “Now, being really a Spaniard, he seeks to serve Spain and avenge himself upon us, through our determination to go to Cuba, and candidly I believe he is a Spanish spy, to prevent filibustering ex- peditions to sail from Texas to aid the Cubans. “Yes, Harry, we will go to the Don’s ranch, and he shall answer to me.” The ride was made to the Don’s ranch, and the cowboy captain and Boy Bugler arrived late in the night, to find that the ‘ranchero was away from home. Continuing on their way, they went into camp upon the trail, for they went prepared for just such contingencies, and soon came to the humble home of one of the band. "Rhe rancher was poor, lived alone, and was the herder of the small band of cattle and few ponies that he owned. He was a most devoted friend of the Boy Bugler, whose father he had once worked for, and who had given him his start in life. - He also was very much attached to Captain Charlie, who had given him aid at various times, As he was unable to leave his ranch alone, he had not gone to the retreat, and so explained why he had not obeyed the call of the Boy Bugler. “T understood it, Dallas, so did not expect you,” said the captain, and he added: | “Have you seen Don Ruiz Valdos pass there lately?” “No, I seldom see him, captain, or any one else, for you know few people come by here, as I am so far off the trails,” responded Dan Dallas, and hard- ly had he spoken when the Boy Bugler called out. “There comes the Don now!” \ And ‘coming up the trail was a horse- man, whom a glance was sufficient to show was indeed the Don. — CHAPTER XV. TO FACE THE ORDEAL. “We are fortunate, Harry, to meet him. _ “Dallas, I may have to ask your sery- ices,” said Captain Charlie, with the utmost coolness, as he saw Don Ruiz Valdos. The latter was yet several hundred yards away, and coming along at a gal- lop. The Boy Bugler in Cuba. His horse was a fine one, and gorgeous- ly fitted out with a Mexican saddle and bridle, lasso, serape, and all. The rider was a man of striking ap- pearance, dark-faced, black-eyed; and with long, drooping moustache, while his ebony locks fell upon his broad shoul- ders, He was attired in the dress of a Mex- ican gentleman, and there was a perfect ease, grace, and air about him of one conscious of his power and very proud of himself. Coming up, he drew rein and saluted his captain politely, yet coldly, paid no attention to the Boy Bugler, and said, in a somewhat airy tone: “Dallas, have you seen any of my horses astray on your ranch?” “TI have not, sir.” “Tf you do, send me word at once, and I will pay you.” “I have no one to send, Don Ruiz, and I do not care for pay for a neigh- borly act, “You have a number of cowboys, so send several over to search for your stray stock.” The Don did not reply to Dan Dallas, but, turning to the Boy Bugler, said: “You certainly made night hideous, Agramonte, by that bugle call night be- fore last. * What Chase?” “IT heard that you were in Mexico, Don Ruiz, so how did you hear the bugle call?’ asked Captain Charlie. The dark face of the ranchero flushed, but he replied: ““T did expect to go over the Rio Grande, but was detained, hence I heard that boy’s wild call.” “Yet did not obey the summons?” “I told Jose Cara to make my ex- cuses,” “Don Ruiz Valdos, you are a liar!” “ What? “This to me?” cried the Don, his face livid now and his eyes burning, “You never saw Jose Cara to tell him, but sent a letter by Mexican Pablo. “Don Ruiz Valdos, I know you as you are, a traitor and a scoundrel, but I waive your being such, and demand that you meet me as a gentleman, if, added to was it all about, Captain your other crimes, you do not also pos-. sess that of cowardice.” The words were calm, but cutting, and the Don seemed fairly stunned by them. Dan Dallas stood in front of his cabin, looking on in ‘utter amazement. He could not grasp the situation. The Don had seemed also to be in the same position, for the quarrel was so unexpected, the insult so sudden and directly given, that he could not at first find words to answer. But Don Ruiz was no coward. He hated Charlie Chase with all the fervor of his nature, and he had longed for just such an opportunity to try con- clusions with him, that he might get revenge for his having been his suc- cessful rival for the love of Senorita Agramonte. The opportunity had come without his seeking it. He had been insulted by the man he had longed to try conclusions with. So, after a moment to collect his sur- prised senses, he returned: _ “Your motive in insulting me, Captain Chase, I do not understand; but the words you have addressed to me can only be wiped out by your death, or mine.” “That is,what I intend, Don Ruiz, for you are too dangerous a man to be allowed to run at large. “You know what I mean.” “TI do not; but that matters but little.” “Then let me tell you that both of your fellow-Spaniards, spies of Spain against Cubans, have both been shot as traitors by the Cowboy Clan, and your letter is in my possession, as well as one written to you by Jose Cara.” The Spaniard saw that he was caught, and said with a sneer: . “As an American citizen, I wish to protect the laws of neutrality between the United States and Spain. ““T happen to get information of a re- liable source from Cuba, and am aware that the Senor Rafael Agramonte, re- membering the value of Texan cowboys as men of war, intended to come here for a few hundred of the brave fellows to aid in the fight against Spain. “His intentions were nipped in the bud, and you have been fool enough +o take up his quarrel. “To thwart you in breaking the law I have moved in the matter.” “Of the intention which you imply. to Senor Agramonie, I know nothing, nor does his brother here. “But I do know that he is in trouble, and his old comrades, excepting the spies in the band, have sought to aid him. “You, as the chief Spanish spy, have Sought to destroy the very band of which you are a member, and, though I could have you tried as a conspirator before the clan, I do not, but personally call you to account for your treachery, Don Ruiz Valdas. “ Dallas, I am sure, will act for you, under the circumstances, so name your weapons.” “T shall, as the challenged party, name weapons, time, and place of meeting, and also choose my own second.” “Pardon me, but the place is here, the time the present, and you can select weapons, for you have a rifle, revolver, and bowie, as I have. “ As to a second, take Hotspur Harry, and Dallas will act for me.” “T will meet you elsewhere, senor, not here.” “You will meet me here, for you are too dangerous a man, hold too valuable a secret, to go from here.” ¥ “Then you intend to murder me?” “You know better; but meet me you shall, and here and now.” CHAPTER XVI. TREACHERY. The Don was cornered. He was not a coward, but he did not wish to fight then and there. His two spies were dead, for he did not doubt what Captain Chase had told him; but he was a man of resources, and he wisned to let others know what he knew, so that he could strike a blow from his grave, should he fall in the meeting with his chief. He knew that Captain Chase was a fearless man, and known as one who could wield a sword, a knife, and send a bullet to dead centre. But Don Ruiz Valdos also knew that he was himself a very dangerous man. He did not dread a meeting, for he was quick as a flash, and noted as a dead shot. He only wanted time. § , This he was striving to get. Captain Chase was striving just as hard not to give it to him. A meeting then and there was just as fair for one as the other. ; The Don must not be allowed to go free to tell what he could as to the in- tention of the Cowboy Clan. 9
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ven hag Wie tarot Nad 10 If Charlie Chase fell, the Don must - meet the Boy Bugler. If the latter fell, then Dan Dallas must hold him a prisoner, and report to the clan what had happened. There were men in the clan who would still seek to rescue Rafael Agramonte. “Come, Don Ruiz, if you do not meet me as man to man, I shall simply make you prisoner and have Dallas guard you beyond the time when you can do any harm.” The Don realized the situation and re- plied: “You, as captain of the Secret Clan, must be obeyed. “T will meet you now.” “You are wise.” As I have the right to choose, I will make the arrangements to suit myself.” “Do so, “T am content.” “We will take position two hundred yards apart, and ride at.a charge toward each other, neither firing until we reach a spot fifty yards from the goal, and marked by this boy and Dallas standing there, and neither of them armed. “Then we can open fire with our rifles, firing as we approach, and until one or the other falls dead.” Captain Chase smiled and responded: “T agree to your terms, Don Ruiz, with one exception.” ““What is it?” “Why, your plan to murder the Boy Bugler and Dallas.” “T do not understand.” “Oh, yes, you do. “You want them to take their posi- tions unarmed, so you can kill me and at once turn your repeating rifle upon them. : “But they take their stand, rifle in hand, and this duel is to be a fair one, with favor shown to neither you nor I.” “That’s what I say,’ said Hotspur Harry, and he added: : “T’ll see to it that that Spanish fox fights fair.” “This is splendid,’ cried the youth, with great enthusiasm at his success. “So will I, Hotspur Harry,’ said Dan Dallas, in a determined tone. The face of the Don grew black with Tasco He seemed half tempted to turn his rifle upon the three then and there. But he thought better of it. He saw that his plot had been quickly read by Captain Chase. After a moment he said: “Ag before, you wrong me. “Go to your position and I will go to mine.” . “Harry, keep your eye upon the Don until he takes his position. . “Dallas, you take your stand nearest to me. “Hotspur Harry, you give the word _to start, when ready.” The Don bit his lips savagely. He had been thwarted again, for the idea had come to him to drag the cap- tain from his saddle, then Hotspur Harry and Dallas, as all started for their re- spective positions. He was trapped, so rode toward his stand in silence, yet on the watch for an opening to do mischief. ‘He was quick to act, for an opening came for him to do so. OW Captain Charlie, feeling that the man must act squarely now, had turned to point out the stand he would take, with that for Dallas also. ‘ 5 - Dallas and the rath Bugler had their eir backs, the latter rifles swung at their "having left his horsé + ee Se by the cabin, and The Boy Bugler in Cuba. ye Breer. 7 eT ae the former not having been mounted, as he was on foot when the others rode up. i Quick as an electric spark Don Ruiz threw his rifle to his shoulder, half a second was time enough for his aim, and the bullet’ cut through the crown of the broad sombrero worn by the Cowboys’ Captain. Instantly .the rifle was leveled at the Boy Bugler, who was nearest to him, the Spaniard never thinking for an in- stant that he had not sent his first bul- let through the head of the chief, and his finger was upon the trigger when the crack’ of Captain Chase’s weapon was heard, and out of his saddle the Don pitched head first. It was quickly done, and so unex- pected that had his first bullet killed Captain Chase, both Hotspur Harry and Dan Dallas would have been his victims also, ere they could have unslung their rifles to fire. CHAPTER XVII. THE VENTURE, “T expected it, and was ready for him, “ But it was a close call.” So said the Cowboys’ Captain as he took his sombrero off and looked at the hole in it, adding: “Yes, a drop of blood, for the bullet just grazed the scalp.” “He’s done for captain,’ and Dallas motioned to where the Don lay. “ Catch his horse, Dallas, for this mat- ter must be kept quiet, with the work we have on hand.” “T congratulate you, sir,’ called out Hotspur Harry, and he walked toward the prostrate form of the Don. A minute after he cried: “Come here quick, for he is not dead.” Captain Chase spurred quickly to the spot, and found that Hotspur Harry had turned the Don over upon his face. In his right side a stain marked where the bullet had entered. .. But the Don was alive and breathing heavily. Dallas had caught the Don’s horse, and now came running up. Captain Charlie wore an anxious look,. and Hotspur Harry asked: “What is to be done?” For a moment the chief did not an- swer. Then he said: “He must be cared for, and well. “T will send the clan’s surgeon to him, for you, Dallas, will give him shel- ter and care for him.” “Certainly, sir. “JT will do anything in my power for you, Captain Charlie.” , “T thank you, Dallas. “Let us remove him to your cabin.” This was done-at once, and the wound- ed Don was made as comfortable as cir- cumstances admitted of. The wound looked to be a serious one, yet none of the three could tell, and the Don appeared to be unconscious. “We will go on now, Dallas, and Ill send Doctor Tyler to you at once, along with certain things you will need.” With this the Captain and Hotspur Harry remounted their horses and pressed on rapidly to the little town nearest the ranches. Doctor Tyler was found at home, and he started with all speed for the little home of Dan Dallas, while one of the clan, then in town, was to follow with needed supplies and comforts for the wounded man. ewe teeti _| steam yacht Faithful. “ Now, Harry, we must notify the clan of what has happened, having a courier go to each ranch, and you and I will start at once then en our way. te “J will get back here at the earliest [ { t | moment with a suitable vessel, and you can push with full speed for Key West, charter a craft there and run to Cuba. “There are friends of your brother in Key West, and they will help you to get a vessel and crew without delay, and once landed I have no fear but that you can take care of yourself. “Send back all instructions at once to me by the craft that takes you out, and I will send into Key West for them, and then know just what to do.” “T will leave nothing undone, sir, that | will help along our good cause,” was i the answer of the youth. The courier was then dispatched to the ranches to repert what had occurred Ne, and have the cowboys meet at a certain . rendezvous several days sooner than had been at first intended. i Returning to their respective ranches, the Captain and his Boy Ally arranged f for their departure and indefinite stay away from home, and then set out with all speed to catch the train to New Or- leans. While Captain Chase halted in the Crescent City, Hotspur Harry kept straight on by rail for Tampa, to catch the steamer for Key West. He was fortunate in catching the steamer as she was about to sail, and after a quick run reached Key West, where he at once sought out an old Cu- ban friend of both his father and brother. Quickly he informed him of the cause a ee coming, and asked his advice and, aid. . The reply of the Cuban was: hy “You are a brave boy, and indeed I¢ will help you, for your father was one of our noblest Cuban patriots., “T also have learned of the arrest of your brother, and we Cubans ail know that being a prisoner to Spain is to condemn one to death. , “You are fortunate in arriving just at this time, for there is in port a fine American steam yacht on a cruise, and ‘a her owner is engaged to my daughter, me and will be only too willing to aid Cuba * by landing you upon the coast “He is a daring fellow, and I will send along a Cuban coast pilot now here, and who can return in the yacht and | be picked up by your Cowboy Captain when he comes along.” ate de “We will also get our yachting friend to stand off in the gulf to watch for the steamer of Captain Chase, and thus save considerable time, for you know time is precious in dealing with Spaniards, as _— those of your name know through sad experience, my lad.” a “Indeed we do, sir,” was the sad reply. “ * CHAPTER XVIII. Fi alle THE MIDNIGHT LANDING. (| The yacht owner was seen at once by the Cuban in Key West, who, for very good reasons, appreciated by the patriots will be nameless in this story, whil will call his expectant son-in-law by an assumed name, Ba oP Yate Instantiy the American yachtsman. grasped at the chance to do the very thing he had longed to do, aid the cause of the fair Cuban girl whom he loved. “T will place my vessel, crew, and self wholly at your service, senor, and be ready to set sail at once with your young friend,” replied Captain Leon De Leon, the owner of the pretty and_ Ail
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It was therefore just three hours after his arrival in Key West that Hotspur Harry found himself, in the garb of a ‘ gailor, with “Yacht Faithful” upon the band of his cap, making his way down to the pier where he was to take a boat out to the pretty craft in which he was to set sail upon his perilous mis- sion. Captain De Leon met him as he stepped on deck, carrying a gripsack containing his own clothing and certain disguises that might prove useful to him. The yachtsman, was a frank-faced, good-looking young man of thirty, with the air of one who dare risk much, and he greeted the youth cordially, and bade him go into the cabin and rig out in his own clothing, now that he had gotten on board without attracting the atten- tion of the numerous Spanish spies con- stantly on the alert for strangers, clues, and a chance to make money by the capture of a Cuban filibuster. As the yacht, just before sunset, sped out into the gulf, Hotspur Harry came | out of the cabin, rigged in citizen’s he dress, and joined the young captain on deck. He was delighted with the yacht, her owner, and crew of twenty men, and at once noted her speed. “She is making fifteen knots, and if we have to run for it, can log, under a f hot push, a trifle over eighteen, so there : are few Spanish cruisers we need fear. ie “But then we are on a cruise, and th the only wrong we are doing is to land you upon the Cuban coast, while you see the Stars and Stripes,over our deck pro- f tects us.” oe “Yes, sir,” said Harry, and then he om made bold to remind Captain De Leon } that the Virginius was captured far out E in the gulf, with the Stars and Stripes ! flying over her, and which was pulled down and trampled upon by the crew of the Spanish cruiser Tornado, while Captain Fry, General W. A. C. Ryan, ‘General Verona, and many others had been ruthlessly murdered, when carried to port, by General Burriel. Re od: are “Yes, but that was owing to too much her te diplomacy on the part of our Government a sf i and not enough action. Bt ae “Our naval officers feared to act, | ———s dreading dismissal, but it would be dif- hehe g ferent now, for the people of the United sr Res States would demand quick vengeance _.-—s if another outrage were to be attempted by Spain upon our flag. “ Right or wrong, Agramonte, I would take the chances now, and dare Spain to haul down the flag from my peak, well knowing that should it be done war would be declared.” “JT should hate to see the United States go to war with Spain, sir, but I do long to see Cuba free, and then made one of ‘the stars in the American flag,” was the reply of the young Texan. The Faithful went swiftly on her way, put so gauged her speed that she should - run into the coast of Cuba by night. ‘The Cuban pilot had also gone on board in the sailor garb of one of the crew, and he held a long consultation that ‘night in the cabin with Hotspur Harry and Captain De Leon. The pilot knew the coast well about the Wild Flower Plantation, and it was agreed that the yacht should run in, jand Harry, then put to sea, and the “next night return to the same place, and have the youth meet her, and have made a 1 arrangements for the landing of the Cowboy Clan from the steamer. % As Hotspur Harry, in his stay at the tation, had thoroughly learned the A The Boy Bugler in Cuba. 1%: surroundings, he felt no fear but that he could reach the overseer’s home un- seen, and find shelter there until the arrival of the Cowboy Rescuers. The next day the coast of Cuba loomed up in the distance, just at sunset, and the yacht was then pushed to full speed to approach in the darkness. Not a light was allowed to be seen on board, and swiftly she glided through the waters of the gulf, the dark shores ahead rising more and more visible as she neared them. The pilot now stood at the helm, and the young Texan was -by his side, with Captain De Leon standing near. Forward and amidships the crew were grouped together, gazing at the dark shores and wondering what it all meant, for no explanation had been offered thus far. As the yacht drew nearer, Captain De Leon went forward, and deeming some explanation due, said: “Men, the young man who came aboard at Key West is a Texan, whose family in Cuba are in trouble, and it is my wish to rand him there to see them. “That we may not come into trouble with any Spanish cruisers, I ordered lights out, for, though within the law, I do not wish to be brought to.” The crew were a good lot of American sailors, from forecastle hand to coal- heaver, cook to cabin boy, and they were wholly satisfied that whatever their cap- tain did was right, for all were devoted to him. Soon after the Faithful glided in under the overhanging bluffs, just a league dis- tant from the Wild Flower Plantation, and, without anchoring, a boat was low- ered containing only the pilot as oars- man and Hotspur Harry, not one of the crew going. In half an hour after the pilot returned and said, simply: “T landed him all right, sir. “That is a brave lad.” “He is, indeed, and I hope no harm will befall him.” Then the Faithful went steaming out into the gulf once more. CHAPTER XIX. THE LOY BUGLER’S LONE TRAIL. “Well, lad, I am sorry I am to leave ‘you alone,’”’ said the Cuban pilot, as the boat touched the shore. ; The young Texan grasped his hand and replied: “T do not fear to be alone here. “T will return to this spot to-morrow night, or have.some one here, if I can- not come. “Tf the yacht cannot come in for some reason, it will be the next, and the next, until we meet, or you get the papers I wish to send to Captain De Leon for my chief.” “T understand.” *“Good-by, Senor Pilot.” Then, with a warm grasp of the hand, the youth sprung ashore, with his grip- sack, and his weapons about his waist. He stood watching the pilot row back, and waited until the dark hull of the yacht faded away out into the gulf. “Thank Heaven, there was no cruiser about to give chase. “Jt is strange, too, when Spain pre- tends to guard the coast so well. “ Well, now to find out what is before me, for I confess this is right ticklish work, though the game is more than worth the risk. “Let me see, there is a trail leads up from this shore, and I ought to reach Mendoza’s home within an hour. “But what if his house is guarded?’ ““Well, I’ll wait until I come to that bridge before I cross it.’ With this the young Texan shouldered ‘his grip and set out to face whatever danger was before him. A walk of a few minutes brought him to the trail he had spoken of, and up it he went until he reached the highlands above. There he found two trails, one leading, as he knew, to the villa, the 6ther to the home of the overseer and the quarters of the negroes. He took the latter trail, and after quite a long walk came out upon a cliff overlooking the gulf. There he beheld the little village of the plantation hands, and a short dis- tance from "them was the more imposing home of the overseer. All was darkness and silence. ** What if I raise the dogs to kiyiing?’” he muttered. Gazing out upon the gulf, he could see nothing of the yacht, and knew that she must be miles away. But close in shore he behld the lights of a Spanish cruiser, as he knew it must be, creeping along the shore. “She is on the hunt for filibusters. “The yacht had a close call. “Now to reach that house unseen.” He moved cautiously forward, and after keeping in the shadows of the trees, and expecting a pack of dogs to rush out upon him at any moment, he reached ‘the home of the overseer. It was silent, dark, and no one was about. y He waited a few minutes, and was about to approach the door, when he heard hooffalls. Instantly he shrank back into the shel- ter of the foliage near him. Then from the road leading to the villa appeared a horseman, He halted before the house and called outin Spanish: “Ho, within there!” “T am here,” and the voice of Vance Mendoza it was that answered him from within. It was too dark for Hotspur Harry to see the horseman well, but he was con- fident that he was a Spanish soldier. Receiving the answer, the horseman rode around the house, halted on the cliff, then returned the way he had come, As he disappeared the young Texan rose and quickly approached the door, upon which he knocked and called out in Spanish: “Ho, Mendoza, come to the door.” “Tt is dangerous work to unbar at night. se Who are you? ” “A friend.” “Friends are scarce in Cuba now.” “Who is with you?” “My wife and child.” “No one else?” ia No.” + “Who we you?” : “ec Harry.” : An exclamation was heard, then the door opened, and a voice said: : “Thank God! : “Come in, quick, for every hour a Spanish soldier comes here on his rounds.” ; “One just left.” “T saw him,” and the hands of the youth and the Cuban overseer were grasped in a grip of iron. + “You have just landed, Senor Harry?” “ Not over an hour ago.” F “With what force?”
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= 4, 5) — as i = oF PIER: Fire Sone <i. oasis * yet ~ 12 *“T am alone.” “Then nothing can be done?” “Oh, yes, for I am ahead to recon- noiter, anc the Cowboy Clan of Texans are to follow; the bravest men you ever saw, and my brother’s old rangers.” “Good! thank Heaven!” fervently said the overseer. “And my brother?” “Ts, as I wrote you, a prisoner in the fortress on the mount, and that means death to follow.” “ And my sister?” “God knows! “She may be there, may be—dead.” The youth bowed his head an instant. But quickly he rallied and said: “And Rafael’s wife?” “Ts under guard at the villa, where a Spanish regiment of cavalry ts encamped, three hundred strong.” “Just wait until Captain Charlie strikes them with his Cowboy Clan.” “Then they are coming?” “Oh, yes. Texas cowboys never go back on a true pard.” “TI knew you would come, but.I did not know just what you could do.» “Tt is my hope that the senorita is in the fortress also, but God’ knows. “A Spanish officer, and a good man, the commandante of the regiment, has protected the Senora Agramonte at the villa, for he knew her well. “Come, I must hide you until we can decide what is best; but God bless you, brave boy, for what you have done,” and the voice of the overseer quivered with emotion. : CHAPTER XX. THE SPANISH GUARD. The overseer of the Wild Flower Plantation realized the full danger he was in, himself and family, as well as the daring youth who invaded the soil of the Ever Faithful Isle. His letter to Hotspur Harry had fully shown the situation, of how Rafael Agra- monte, suspected of being secretly a Cuban patriot, had been arrested in his own home, had taken the life of a Span- ish officer, and was then taken to the mountain fortress a prisoner, while his sister had been carried off, no one knew where, and his wife was kept as a hostage in her own wrecked villa. The overseer had been spared for some ‘reason, yet he was constantly under the watch of the Spanish soldiers. .For Harry Agramonte to be found there would mean death to him and the overseer, and quickly. Vance Mendoza was therefore anxious to get the youth in hiding. He wanted him to be where he would be free to act, should a guard be put at his house, as the overseer constantly feared would be the case. “My boy, you must not stay here, for each hour the sentinel comes, awakes me, as you saw, rides to the cliff, and looks up and down the coast for filibustering vessels, and returns to the villa, where the camp of the Spaniards is.” “TI should not be here, Senor Mendoza, for if they took a notion to put a sentinel over your home I would be caught like a rat in a trap.” “That is just it, Harry.” “Why not go to the Glen Muerte where the massacre took place in the Jast war, for you took me there when I was last in Cuba, you remember, and it is not far from here and near the point where the yacht will come.” “ Just the spot, Harry. “The Spanish soldiers dread the spot, saying it is haunted by their dead com- The Boy Bugler in Cuba. rades whom your father caught in a trap there and spared not one of them, for you remember it was the band that had carried the Black Flag against all Cubans,” “Yes, and they deserved their doom. “ Rafael was in that fight, you know, though he was younger than I now am.” “Ah, yes, he made a great record in the few years’ war as the Boy Patriot. “But the Death Glen is the very place, and I’ll have my wife get you up a bottle of cold tea, some provisions and a blan- ket or two, and by that time the Span- ish guard will again be here on his rounds. “Then we can go to the glen, and I'll get back before the guard comes around again.” “All right, senor; but I wil want some oil for the signal lamps J have in my gripsack. “There are five of them, two red, two green, and a white light.” “TI will fill them for you and give you a can of oil as well. * But now to work, while you stay here.” The courier .entered another room, leaving the young Texan alone in the dark. In twenty minutes he returned, carry- ing a bag of provisions, a large bottle of tea being in it, and.a roll of blankets. He had also filled the five lamps, and all was in readiness for the start as soon as the sentinel had come on his rounds and departed. They had not very long.to wait, for soon hte approaching ‘hooffalls were heard, and the mounted guard rode up to the door. \ “ Ho, within there! ” He sternly called out the words. The courier did not answer. ‘Ho within! , ee or I enter! ” cried the Span- iard. In a drowsy manner, as though thus awakened, the overseer answered: “Well, senor! ” : “Why did you not answer at once?” “T suppose I am getting used to your visits, and do not so readily wake up.” “Don’t keep me waiting again, for we don’t like this night ride, and may wake you up with a bullet fired through your door.” “Oh, Senor Spaniard! surely you would not do that, for you might kill my wife or child.” “ Little loss would they be,” was the heartless response, as with a rude laugh the courier rode on. “You see what kind of a merciless horde we have to deal with, Harry.” “Yes, but there is a day of retribu- tion coming, when my cowboy comrades strike them.” “Yes, and may the day be soon.” “He has gone down to the cliff.” “Yes, looking for filibusters.” “ Now he returns.” “We will start as soon as he is gone.” The guard came back by the house and again hailed, as though merely for the pleasure of keeping the overseer awake. The answer came promptly, and as the Spaniard disappeared the overseer said: “Now, Senor Harry, we will start for the Death Glen.” CHAPTER XXI. THE SIGNAL BEACON. The young Texan and the overseer hastened from the house, for the latter had two miles to go before his return, and he knew that he must be back in his house when the guard again came around. Harry knew where the Glen of Death was, having been there several times before; but he had visited by the trail leading from the villa, and not the over- seer’s house. There was a short cut from the lat- ter’s house, and this was to be taken. Rapidly the two went along through the darkness, and after a walk of fifteen minutes the overseer, who was leading the way, turned into a deep glen, wild in the extreme. It ran back from the coast, with lofty, deep cliffs on either side, and here had camped the Spanish band which the Patriot of the Ten Years’ War had sur- prised and cut to pieces, giving the place afterward the name of the Death Glen. It was a picturesque place by day, a weird, lonely and gloomy spot by night, and the graves of the Spanish dead blocked the entrance. Going back half a mile it ended ab- ruptly in a wall of rock, over which fell a tiny stream. Here the boy was to remain in hiding until the yacht Faithful, returned on the following night, and afterward until the coming of the steamer bearing the Cow- boy Rescuers. If found, his death would be certain. A spot was found for him to rest, his blankets spread by the light of the white lantern, and then the youth accompanied the overseer back.to the coast. “You must get all the rest you can, Harry, for to-morrow night you will be on watch, you know. “The cliff at the end here you can scale, you know, and set your signals, and they will be only seen at sea, “If you see a vessel with lights, com- ing up or down the coast, you wil] know it is not the yacht, but a Spanish cruiser, so be careful not to show your lights, or they will send a boat ashore to in- vestigate.” . “ Yes, I thought of that, and the yacht will show no lights and come straight out of the Gulf.” “Good! “Now, good-night, and I’ll run here between guard rounds to-morrow night and visit you. “My signal will be whistles.” “T’ll remember, but do you hurry back now.” , The overseer sped swiftly away, and after looking out over the Gulf for a moment, the boy climbed the cliff and selected his place to display his signal beacon. He wished to have all ready for his work on the following night. Then he returned to his little camp, waade a circle of a horse-hair lasso around his blankets, to keep off creep- ing reptiles and turned in for the night. Ife had eaten a lunch at the house of the overseer, so kept his provisions for the morrow. When the dawn came it did not pene- trate that dark abode, until the sun was well up, and the tired youth slept until nearly noon. Then he awoke, had his cold breakfast, and afterward reconnoitered as far as he dared. : : All the afternoon he slept, but just at sunset he ascended ‘the cliff, carrying his three sharp outfit with him, and arranged his lamps in the order of the signals agreed upon, | with Captain De Leon. ; aS S, Taking his sea glass, he swept the horizon with it, and far away saw the three slender masts of a vessel, ny tA SS isnes art . a Ayman 5+ — T. Bsetue ™~ =i: Al Dol Tine.
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Cas Fe at tpt — oF. - Feo 2 $5; ao The Boy Bugler in Cuba, “Tf it was a ‘three-masted schooner she would have sail up, but her top- masts are bare. “Tt is the yacht, though I do not see any smoke. “There, she has changed her course, and is coming head on. “Yes, it is the Faithful, and faithful she is.” Darkness had now fallen, and the youth took his post of duty. Soon after the lights were visible com- ing along the coast. “Tt is a Spaniard. “How silly to look for a foe with lights shining. “Thank goodness, he is going by.” The Spanish cruiser went slowly along and disappeared from view. Then the young Texan lighted his lamps, shielding them with his blanket. He waited awhile, and taking his glass swept the sea. He could just barely discern a dark object out upon the gulf. “Tt must be the yacht. ‘“‘T will display the signal—red on each end, then green and white in the cen- tre, and that reads: ““* All safe, run in!’” Removing his blanket, the five lights shone out over the gulf in the order named, yet were protected by the rocks from view up and down the coast. Soon the dark object upon the water grew larger, and assured that it was the yacht, the boy put out his lights. de- scended the cliff, and reached the shore just as Taos, the pilot, came in his boat. “Good for you, Senor Harry,” he said. “You saw my signal all right?” “Oh, yes.” “And Captain De Leon?” “Sent his best wishes, but would not come, as he wished to be able to swear that not one of his crew had landed on the coast of Cuba, or held communication. “Tam not one of the crew, you know.” “Here are the letters that I wrote for Captain Chase; but don’t delay, for Span- ish cruisers are patrolling the coast.” The pilot had not left the boat, but took the papers and started back for the yacht. As he did so a light was visible com- ing around a headland a league «stant. “Row for your life! “Tt is a Spanish cruiser,” cried Harry. And row for his life Taos, the Cuban pilot, did. CHAPTER XXII. THE MEETING IN THE GULF, Hotspur Harry was in a fever of excite- ment. He was safe, the danger was not for him, but the yacht. The cruiser’s lights came on swiftly, and the yacht still did not move. Taos, the pilot, had muffled his oars, so could not row as rapidly, but he made the best time possible back to the yacht. Captain De Leon had seen the lights and knew well what they: were. He could desert the pilot and run off. This he would not do. The yacht must remain to do full duty by the pilot and the brave boy who had risked so much. This she did, for not until the boat was swung at the davits did she move. If the cruiser kept a bright lookout 4 - the yacht must be seen, 4s she moved out from under the shadow of the shore, She was seen, and at once a bright flash came from the bows of the Spanish eruiser, and a solid shot flew over the ~ topmasts of the Faithful. “Fairly good shooting that. “Run up the flag, ‘though they can’t see it,” coolly ordered Leon De Leon. Then he said: “Tell the engineer to give her every pound she will stand.” The order was given, and-the Faith- ful went flying over the waters. Not a light was shown, for the young yachtsman wished to remain unknown. He would run like a deer, but if the yacht was crippled, then Spain would have to answer to the United States for firing on a yacht that had temporarily anchored on the coast. The yacht and crew must take the risk of a chase. This was done, for 'the cruiser started in full pursuit, and again and again the deep booms of her bow gun echoed along the coast. The flash illumined the cruiser for a few seconds, and she was seen to be a heavily armed vessel. But it was also seen that the engineer was doing his duty by the Faithful, for her twin screws were sending her along at an eighteen-knot clip, while the Span- jard was barely making fourteen. If the shots did not cripple her, the yacht would run out of range of them within half an hour. But a shot carried away the mizzen topmasts. Still she held on. Another, a shell, burst over her decks, and the pieces of iron rained down upon her. But no one was hurt. A third cut the flag at her peak to rib- bons. A fourth, with a loud twang, went ‘ through the smokestack. Still the Faithful sped on. Then the maintop was crippled, and swung by the stays. “We are getting out of range rapid- ly,” said Leon De Leon, calmly, ad- dressing the Cuban pilot. “Yes, senor, her shots are both drop- ping short and flying wide,” was the answer. No other shot touched the yacht, and in half an hour more the Spanish cruiser had to give up the chase. “Well, pilot, you saw my young friend Agramonte?” and De Leon turned to Taos. “ Yes, sir. “Here is a letter from him for you, and another for Captain Chase, who com- mands the band of Cowboy Rescurers, senor.” De Leon went to the cabin to read his letter, while the yacht slackened speed to eight knots. Having read his letter, De Leon then wrote in his yacht’s log as follows: “On night of —th ran in close to shore of Cuba at point near ——. “Did not anchor, nor show lights, fearing to be seen, and mistaken for Cuban filibusters. “Was seen by Spanish cruiser, chased for three leagues, fired on forty-seven times, five shots striking vessel but doing no severe damage. “The United States flag was flying at peak, and cut in pieces by shell bursting as it struck it. “Night was dark, flag was not seen. “Continued to show no lights, and ran out of range. “Was determined not to let Spaniard bring me to if could avoid it. “Pleasure cruise continued.” “‘T guess that states the matter, and war will not follow,” said DeLeon, as he read the log entry to his mate. 13 For ten days the yacht cruised about, sighting Key West at night, and run- ning by. day toward Tampa and Punta Rassa, so as to head off the cowboy steamer. One night a light was reported. It was seen to be a steamer, and she was heading in toward Cape Romano, The yacht’s lights were put out, and she ran rapidly to cross the steamer’s course, By this means she got well up to her before being seen. There was some excitement on board when she was discovered, but Leon De Leon at once illumined his yacht to reveal what she was, and threw his search-light upon the stranger, giving five sharp whistles for a signal. The steamer at once slowed down, and running close up DeLeon hailed: “This is the American yacht Faithful, Chesapeake Bay Yacht Club, on a pleas- ure cruise. “Ts that steamer out of a Texas port and with Captain Chase in command?” “ Ay, ay, sir. “What is your will?” answered a seaman-like voice. “T will lay to for you to send a boat aboard.” “IT will come myself,’ said the same voice, and ten minutes after there came over the side the form of the Cowboys’ Chief, Charlie Chase, now in a sea rig. “Captain Chase, I believe?” “Yes, sir; but you have the advantage of me.” “T am the bearer of a letter from Harry Agramonte, sir. “Come into my cabin, please.” The conference in the cabin lasted ful-. ly an hour, and a bottle of wine was opened to the success of the Cowboy Rescuers and later the cause of Cuba Libre. Then the two vessels parted, the yacht heading for Key West, while the Mus- - tang, as the steamer chartered by Cap- tain Chase was appropriately named, turned her prow toward the coast of Cuba. CHAPTER XXIII. OFF TO THE RESCUE. : Captain Charlie had been most suc: cessful in finding a vessel for charter, a tramp steamer of 800 tons burden, and a claimed speed of sixteen knots. She had just come off the ways, where she had undergone a thorough over- hauling as a cattle ship, so was just what he needed. The charter money was promptly paid, the clearance papers made out to run to Texas ports for cattle, a trusted captain and picked crew selected, and the Mus- tang sailed for the point agreed upon, Captain Charlie returning by rail to have his. men ready to meet her at the ren- dezvous. Losing no time, the captain of the Cowboys’ Scout Clan had his men as- semble at the rendezvous, for he was determined, after the risk to be run in the rescue in Cuba, that the United States authorities should not head off the good work by preventing the expedition through having been informed by some other traitor that might appear. The rendezvous was reached, by Cap- tain Chase, and with the aid of several faithful fishermen dwelling in the lone spot, a small wharf was built out from the shore for fifty feet or more. Night came, and with it the cowboys. began to arrive, well mounted, splendid- ly armed and ready to take all chances. Just before sunset the smoke of a
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14 ’ steamer was sighted, and an hour after dark the Mustang dropped anchor as near shore as she dare run. A large boat, gotten in New Orleans for the purpose of shipping the horses, was put over and taken ashore, and the work of embarking was begun. Texans know better how to manage a horse than any other people, and the cowboys of the secret clan soon had their hardy ponies in the boat by the dozen, and on their way to the steamer, where they were hoisted on board and put in stalls on the deck. The trappings and weapons went next, then the men, and before dawn the last load was about to start when a horse- man dashed up at a run, and Captain Chase, who had remained until the last, saw that it was Dan Dallas, the lone rancher, under whose charge he had left the wounded Don. He had already learned that Don Ruiz Valdos had shown some, yet not much, improvement, and Doctor Ned Tyler had reported that he did not know just what to make of the wound. He ‘had extracted the bullet, yet the Don seemed to still remain in a haif dazed condition. | Now when Dan Dallas dashed up, Captain Chase met him and asked quickly: “What is wrong, Dallas?” “The Don has escaped, sir.” “Too late to check us now, however, but to give us trouble perhaps in the future. “How did it happen?” “ Well, sir, he was playing possum on both Doctor Ned Tyler and myself. “He only wanted to feel his wound was not serious, and gain strength, so he kept quiet until cured of it. “Then, when I went out to round up my cattle, he got up, saddled his horse and slipped away. “T then came with all haste to the rendezvous to hurry you off, for he'll - be after you hot, if he can find you.” * He will be too late to stop us, even if he finds we are gone, and if he writes to warn the Spaniards, which he doubt- less will do, before a letter can reach Havana and word get to the Mountain Fortress, we will have landed and round- ed up our game. *““Good-by, Dan, and do you look out for the Don,” and the Captain went aboard the boat, which pulled for the Mustang with all speed. Reaching the steamer, the boat was soon hauled on board, and Captain Chase, joining the Mustang’s skipper on the bridge, said: “Now, Captain Telfair, we’ll head for Key West, and push along at full speed, for time counts for everything in this me. ” “TH do it, sir,’ replied the sailing “master, who was an English-American, and an old Confederate blockade run- ner in the civil war, so was just the man for the work in hand. Away sped the Mustang, churning off fifteen knots when she got warmed up to it, and laying his course right across the Gulf, Captain Thomas Telfair was running for off Key West, where it was hoped a boat would be met, when the yacht Faithful was sighted. The result of that meeting in the Gulf rei is already known to the reader, and now the fortunes of the Mustang and the Cow- boy Rescuers must be followed in their Bie. perilous run to Cuba, the landing and ah at i the goea 2 of the clan in the duty they had dared undertake in the face of every ry difficulty and with death surely eee bite did they Maer i The Boy Bugler in Cuba. CHAPTER XXIV. THE BEACON OF HOPE. “Men, our destiny lies in yonder dark island, for there it is make or mar. I need tell no man to do his duty, for you all have shown your willingness to do everything by coming here. “Tf our signals are seen, as agreed upon, we will land upon yonder coast within an hour. There we will find our brave Boy Bugler awaiting us, and he will guide us to the fortress where is held in durance vile your former dearly loved chief, Rafael Agramonte, and per- haps his beautiful sister, Miss Lucita, whom you all know. “The pilot here, Senor Taos, whom we took from the yacht, has told you of our Boy Bugler’s success in landing, and finding his friend Mendoza, the overseer of the Agramonte plantation. “He has told how the yacht returned under guidance of the Boy Bugler's Signal Beacon, and I have his letter tell- ing me just what to do. “A Spanish cruiser chased the yacht off the coast. We may meet the same fate; but we are to return, night after night, until our work is accomplished, for we must know no such word as fail. “Tf our friends meet us upon our re- turn, and know of our venture, we must be able to say: ‘ We did our duty.’ “Now, Pilot Taos, take the steamer, for Captain Telfair gives her into your hands, and land us on the coast of Cuba,” Such had been the address of the cow- boys’ captain. No cheer had been given;--they dare not give their wild cowboy yell then, but the silence was more impressive. On the bridge of the Mustang stood Captain Chase, Pilot Taos, and the skipper, Thomas Telfair. Not a light was visible; the furnaces were at a white heat, so as to show no smoke, and swiftly revolved the screw as it drove the vessel nearer and nearer to the land of Fateful Memories. A league only lay between the steamer and the shore, and the eyes of all were strained upon the dark outline of ‘the coast. The horses, well shod and well cared for on the passage, had been saddled and bridled, ready for the landing. Each cowboy stood by his pony. Each had his weapons in the best of trim, and each rider had a machete and repeating rifle hanging to their saddle horns. Some of the men once had possessed fortunes and had seen war in its worst form upon the frontier. Some were there whose gray thhair and mustaches told their age, and who, now bound together in the Secret Clan, had once been mortal foes when wearing the blue and the gray. Some of them had served in the cavalry in the United States Army. All were dead shots; all knew how to wield asabre, and the Cuban cane-knife, ‘known as the machete, would be a des- perate weapon in their hands. Men of stern resolve, they had come to win or die. “There goes our signal!” pay the pilot in a low tone, as, suddenly, upon a cliff lights were visible. “The Boy Bugler is at his post, true as steel! Noble Hotspur! -— “Yes, the red on each end. the green next the red, and a white light in the centre. That tells us that all is safe and to run in,” explained Captain Charlie. | The Cuban pilot slowed down now, | and ran the dark steamer close in under | the shadows, dropping anchor in the | trail often, when hit ots | sand ¢ ofa m— lagoon where the ort and knew it well, ‘ sit ar <7 tt permitted lying close alongside of the bank and a gangway to be run out, thus saving the delay and worry of disem- barking the horses by the flat ferry used on the Texas coast. Captain Chase was the first to step ashore, and, as he did so, Hotspur Harry grasped his hand. Oh! how the cowboys wanted to yell at the sight of their brave Boy Bugler, last seen in the clan’s retreat in Texas! But, not a voice arose above a whis- per. All comprehended the danger. “ How goes it, Harry?” * All’s well, sir.” “ Vance Mendoza has discovered that my brother is in the mountain fortress, and sister Lucita is there also. “Tt is just about eight miles from here, and the garrison proper consists of fifty infantry and two gun squads. “ We can get entrance as Spanish cav- alry, no doubt. Then it will be a sharp fight, and a race to the steamer. “A battalion of cavalry are encamped a mile beyond the villa, but a guard is at the house of twenty men, and Colonel Alfredo Delrossa, whom I know, and who is a gentleman, has his quarters in the villa to protect Rafael’s wife, who is really a prisoner there. “Tf there is a fight at the fortress, the cavalry will start for there, and we can retreat by the lower trail, thus throwing them in our rear. “We can come back to the trail above and make a dash for the villa, to rescue Rafael’s wife, and cut down to the coast to the steamer. “Mendoza has found out a great deal for me, and, while waiting, I have made nights scouts around until I knew it was getting to be time for your coming, then I dared not leave my post. “ All told, there are five hundred cay- alry, a battery, the fortress and its gar- rison within a dozen miles around. “Now you know the situation, Captain Charlie, and I will guide you to the fortress, while I know the countersign for the night, as Vance Mendoza was given it by Colonel Delrossa to carry supplies to the villa. “Can you give me a horse?” “Yes, indeed, your own\pony! And we have others saddled for your brother and the ladies, for, Harry, mark my words, we came on this round-up of Spaniards to win.” The ponies were being led ashore dur- ing this conversation; and, half an hour after the steamer ranged alongside the lagoon bank, the cowboys of the clan were ready for the Cuban round-up! CHAPTER XXV. THE COWBOYS’ CUBAN ROUND-UP, © It was with a feeling of pleasure that. the Boy Bugler sprung into his saddle and rode to the head of the Cowboy Clan, taking his place by the side of Captain Chase, He was once more mounted upon hig splendid pony Lone Star, and by the side of the man who had been his pard and like a father to him. | Two by two the cowboys followed, and leading the way up the sharp trail to the road. Here a halt was made for a boca | spell for the horses, cooped up aboard ship as they had been for days. They were anxious for exercise, how- a x ever, the voyage had done them no nate -and the start was made, At first it was a walk, then a (rote Pr ‘they limbered up, then a. her, par ON: The Boy Bugler had rid highlands, they came out into a broad . ew
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He made no mistake, and when the lights of the fort, situated upon a hill- top, came in view, no halt was made, but at a canter the party dashed up un- til halted by the sentinel. Then they halted, and Captain Chase answered the challenge. It was evident that the sentinel sus- pected only Spanish cavalry, and Cap- tain Chase gave the countersign: “ Antilles! ” Then he added in his perfect Spanish: “A detachment from Wild Flower h Plantation camp.” The gate was thrown open, and the $ Boy Bugler, having explained the inte- rior of the fortress, the cowboys knew just what to do. Into the fort they went, and then eame the demand for surrender, ‘the Spanish soldiers being entrapped asleep in their hammocks. What followed was a scene of confu- sion and death on one side, order and : desperate determination on the other. As no Cuban insurgent force was any- where near that part of the coast, the surprise was complete, and Spaniards fell by the score, bewildered, terrified, ; a a number of them desperately fight- : ng. But the Texas cowboys, masters in hand-to-hand conflict, fought to win. The guard house was broken into, the prisoners, half a hundred in number, were set free, and Rafael Agramonte, to his utmost amazement, had a revolver thrust into one hand, a machete into the other, by his young brother, at whose A” Hi side was Captain Charlie Chase, while f the cowboys were masters of the fortress. bi “No time for explanations now, Ra- fael. ; ee a “A horse is here for you, and one for wig? US Senorita Lucita. Diss “Where is she?” ey het “There, in yonder wing.” ee A moment more and Lucita Agramonte was in the saddle by the side of her ae): | young brother, Hotspur Harry, while ye Rafael and Captain Charlie led the way. any. “Bring your dead and wounded, a men! ” had been the stern order of Cap- 4 ___ tain Chase, and the former were strapped a a upon their ponies, the latter mounted RM Bae. with a comrade to hold them on. 3 Then the retreat was begun, and the mountain fortress was left with its gar- rison of dead and dying men, as proof of the cowboy rescuers’ round-up. Down the trail to the coast dashed the victorious rescuers, the wounded and dead were sent to the steamer, while Captain Charlie followed Rafael Agra- monte on to the villa. As the Boy Bugler had surmised, Col- onel Alfredo Delrossa and his men had hastened to the fortress by the upper trail, and the guard left at the villa was quickly overcome and the Senorita Agra- monte rescued from her imprisonment. Down to the lagoon they charged then. The cowboys rode their ponies on board, and came ashore, repeating rifles in hand to check the Spanish cavalry near in pursuit. - Quickly all was made ready to back - out of the lagoon. The rifles of the cow- _ boys emptying many a saddle checked the charge of the cavalry. ‘ | Stern foremost the Mustang went out of the lagoon, and soon gained the gulf, when up and down the coast far away were seen the lights of Spanish cruisers hastening to the scene, for in the still 2 ht the firing had been heard, The Boy Bugler in Cuba. Full speed was kept up, and when the dawn came the seas were running wild and the Island of Cuba had been lost to sight. But not a Spanish cruiser was visible on the wide waste of waters. A deep gloom had fallen upon all, for it was known throughout the ship now that the Boy Bugler and his beautiful sister were not on board. They had started, it was said, after the cowboys went to the villa, to ride to the home of Vance Mendoza and in- sist that the overseer and his family should leave with them. But, they had not returned, nor had the overseer been seen. A bitter blow it was to all, CHAPTER XXVI. CONCLUSION. The Mustang reached the coast of Texas in safety, the landing was made, der her able captain, and the cowboys, bearing their wounded to a place of safe- ty, having buried their dead in the gulf, started for their respective ranches. To his own ranch went Rafael Agra- monte and his beautiful wife. But, it was with sad hearts, and the Cuban had solemnly vowed that he would return with a band of bold pa- triots to strike a blow for Cuba Libre! “Tf that brave boy, Harry, and Lucita have met harm, then sweet will be the revenge I seek,” he had said, to which Captain Chase responded: *“ And I will accompany you, Rafael, for in saving you and your wife I lost Lucita and Harry. “But first I must find that arrant traitor, Don Ruiz Valdoz.” But Don Ruiz had mysteriously disap- peared just then, and so the cowboys’ captain and Rafael Agramonte at once begun their arrangements to return to Cuba. ‘ That they did so in another filibuster- ing expedition the Spaniards know full well, and happy were they to find that the beautiful Lucita and the brave Boy Bugler had escaped from the Spaniards and were safe in the camp of, the Cuban patriots, who were wild in the admira- tion of the midnight invasion by the Cowboy Clan. THE END. Next Hau¥-Dme Lrprary, No. 1017. §Detective Matt's Man-Hunt. BY NED ST. MEYER. Beatle's Half-Dime Library. BY J. W. OSBON, 469 The Rival Glants of Nowhar’. 498 Cactus Burr, the Man from Hard Luek. HBT Old Baeke? the Sierra Shadow. 564 Powder Phil, the Boy Miner, or, The Man Withont a Past. bot vel Perri. the wi pee ear ‘i. e ning’sa Leagues or, The Myst f th 688 Plaeky Panty the Boy Pros neal aes sas age get ban ai gad Dan, the eat wtrol, at te j neat Dan's Oath: or. Reckless Roy, the Regul 928 Gold-Dust Dan’s Snap-Shot. sh <= BY HAROLD PAYNE. 848 Dan, the River Sport: or. Foiling the Frisco Sharp. 892 Rowery Ben in Chinatown, ' 44 Rowery Bob, the Fast-side Detective, ‘The Clrena Detective. 984 Scaler Sam, Detective, of Hook and Ladder 6, RY GEORGE ©. JENKS. AxS Git Thar Owney the Unknown. (492 Git Thar Owney’« Plead BIR The Demon Postar; or, Dendhola p : dhold, the . end Donble-Curve Dan, the Pitcher Detect ree 2 oa aan Pances the Singer Detective; or, Owney in a New Rele, wa he Pitcher Detective’s Fotls or, Dan’s Donble Play. 4 ¢ Ocean Detectives or, The Last Cruise ofthe Black Bear, Fad ater the Taree eae Ee, x ’ ” red: or, on Ey +s 4 lron of vob the Cha fied De M Hip veh ‘ab 54 Uncle Sam’s Detective In Chicago. 15 BY CHARLES MORRIS. ‘118 Will Somers, the Boy Deteetive. the good vessel stood out in the gulf un- | 122 Phil Hardy, the Boss Boy. 126 Pieayune Pete; or, Nicodemus, the Dog Detective. 180 Detective Dick; or, The Hero in Rags. 142 Handsome Harry the Bootblack Detective, 147 Will Wildfire, the Thoroughbred. a 152 Black Bess, Will Wildfire’s Racer. 157 Mike Merry the Harbor Police Boy. 162 Will Wildfire in the Woods. 165 Billy Baggage, the Railroad Boy. 170 A ‘Trump Cards or, Will Wildfire Wins and Lesee 174 Bob Rockett; or, Mysteries of New York. i179 Bob Le pig the Bank Runner, 188 The Hidden Hand}; or, Wil) Wildfire’s Revenge, 187 Fred Halyard, the Life Boat Boy; ory The Smugglers, 189 Bob Reekett; or, Driven to the Wall. 206 Dark Paul, tho Tiger King, 212 Dashing Dave, the Dandy Detective. 220 ‘Tom Tanner}; or, The Black Sheep of the Flock. 225 Sam Chareoal the Premium Darky. 245 Shadow Sam, the Messenger Boy. 242 The Two * Bloods”; or, Shenandoah Bill and His Gang, 252 Diek Dashaway: er, A Dakota Boy in a 262 The Young Sharps? o:. Rollicking Mike’s Hot Trail, 274 Jolly Jim, the Detective Apprentice. 289 Jolly Jim's Job; or, The Young Detective. 298 The Water-HMound; or, The Young Thorougbored. 805 Daxhaway, of Dakota: or, A Western Lad in Quaker City. 824 Ralph Ready, the Hote) Boy Detective. 841 Tony Thorne, the Vagabond Detective. 858 The Reporter-Detective; or, Fred Flyers Blizeard. 867 Wide-Awake Joe; or, A Boy of the Times. 879 Larry, the Leveler; or, The Bloods of the Boulevard. 408 Firetly Jack, the River-Rat Detective. 428 The Lost Finger; or, The Entrapped Cashier, 428 Fred Flyer, the Reporter Detective. 482 Invincible Logan, the Pinkerton Ferret. 456 Billy Brick, the Jolly Vagavond. 466 Wide-Awake Jerry, Detective; or Entombed Alive. A479 Detective Dodge; or, The Mystery of Frank Hearty. 48s Wild Dick Racket; or, How He Fought for Honor, 501 Boots, the Boy Fireman: or, Tco Sharp tor the Sharper, b6é6 The Secret Service Boy Detective. 696 Jimmy the Kid; or, A Lamb Among Wolves. 627 Tem Bruce of Arkansas; or, The Wolfin the Fold. 655 Pincky Paul, the Boy Speculator. 667 Bob and Sam, the Daisy Detectives. 709 The Curbstone Detective; or, Harry Hale’s Big Beat, %5T Detective Frank’s Sweep-stakes. 869 Ned Norman, the Gamin Broker, SSL Turkey Billy, the Shine-’em-up Detective, 917 Flash Light ning, the Mountain Mascot, 1006 Flipper Frank’s Flush. BY CAPT. J. F. C. ADAMS. 84 Oregon Sol; or, Nick Whiffles’s Boy Spy. 46 Glaas-Eye, the Great Shot of the West. 54 Ned Hazel, the Boy Trapper. 56 Nick Whiffles’s Pet; or, In The Valley of Death. 60 The White Indtan; or, The Scovt of the Yeilowstone 7) Old Zip’« Cabin: or, The Greenhorn in the Woods, 81 Lightning Jo, the Terror of the Prairie. 85 Ruck Buekram ¢ or, Beas, the Female Trapper, 247 Old Grizzly and Wi« Pets; or, The Wild Huntrese,} 251 Light-house Lige: or, Osceola, the Firebrand. 257 The Lost Hunters; or, The Underground Camp. 288 The Sealp King? or, The Human Thundervolt, Z MISCELLANEOUS AUTHORS. 4 The Wild-Norse Hunters. By Capt. Mayne Rela and Frederick Whittaker. ( 12 Gulliver’s Travels. By Dean Swift. 14 Aladdiny or, The Wonderful Lamp. 18 Sindbad the Sailor. His Seven MA bwny 22 The Sea Serpent; or, The Boy Robinson Crusoe. By Juan Lewis. i 88 The Ocean Bloodhound; or, The Red Pirates of the Carribees. By 8, W. Pierce. 86 The Boy Clown: or, The Arena Queen. By F S. Finn. BN Ned Wylde, the Boy Scout. By Texas Jack. ~ 61 The Boy Fif'es: or. The Underground Camp. By A. C. Irons, 95 The Rival Rovers; or, The Freedooters of the Mississippi: By Lieut.-Col. Hazeltine. 98 Robin Hood, the Uutiawed Earl; or, The Merry Men of Green* wood. By Prof. Gildersieeve. 105 Old Rube, the Hunter; or, The Crow Captive. By Captain Hamilton Holmes. 112 The Mad Hunter; or, The Cave of Death. By Burton Saxe, 124 Tippy, the Texan; or, The Young Champion. By George argon. 128 The Young l’rivateer; or, The Pirate’s Stronghold. By Harry Cavendish. ; , 148 Sharp Sam; or, The Adventures or a Friendless Boy. By J. Alexander Patten. @27 Dusky Darrell, per: or, The Green Ranger of the Yel- lowstone. By Edward m. } 261 Feren« Fearnaught the New York Boy. By G. 1. Aiken. 266 Kilib’ar, the Guide: »r, Davy Crockett'’s Trail By Ensign ©. D. Warren. 298 Red Claw. the One-Eyed Trapper; or, The Maid ot the Cliff, By Captain Comstock. 817 Peacock Pete, the Lively Lad from Leadville, By Lien- tenant Alfred Thorne. 828 The Sky Detective; or, A Boy’s Fight for Lifeand Honor, By Maior Mickey Free. 850 Ralph, the River Rever} or, The Brother’s Ro- venge, By Ned Buntline. 865 Bolimety Ben the Bootblack Detective. By A. P. Morris. 874 Gold-Duat Tom: or, Ben’s Double Match. +t hh Morse. 876 California Joe’s First Trail. By Co Hoyer Monstery. A18Billy Rombshcell, the Cliff Climber. By F.S. Winthrop. ar5 The Black Ship. By Jobn S Warner. Comanche Dick and His Three Invinciblea. By Henry J. Thomas. BS2 The Cowboy Duke. By Edwin Brooke Forrest. B52 Aritcl the Athlete. By David Druid. 585 Will Waters, the Bov Ferret. By H. Enton. 682 The Dead Petective’« Double. By Gerald Carlton. 721 Maverick Mose, the Arizona Detective; or, The Wizard of Urkos Pass. By Wl) Lisenbee. 809 Don Danton, the Gent from Denver. By King Keene, of the 814 i s, bog ae es Soe th Ace High, the Frisco Detective, By C. E.Tripp. 880 The Grim Lodgers In Rag rar: or, Citizen Rube of Number Seven. By Ben D. Halliday. 881 The Chicago Drummer’« Deal. By J.G. Pethure. 841 ayines Charlie, the Cat’s- Paw Sport. 1) Marm nke Dev, ‘ 861 Billy Brine, the Swamp Fox. By Chas. F. Welles. 879 Blue-lght BAL, the Sapphire Sport; or, The Denver Detec- tive’s Lone Hand, By King Keene. 976 The Boy-Spy Detective, By Ned St. Meyer. R 979 Jacks the Girl Shot; or, Sol Bunker. the Cowboy. By Maj. Dan Browne, 990 Sheriff Huntway ber‘One. By Ed. A. A New Issue Every Tuesday. The Maif-Dime Library ‘s for sale oy all Newsdealers, five “eenteper cony, or sent by mall on receipt ofsixeentecacn, = BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers, — 92 William Street, New York, { one! Thomas 6 Manteno } or, Steele Sharp Num- cks,
Page 16
1 Deadwood 20 Deadwood 4 ; 28 Deadwood al 85 Deadwood y t 42 Deadwood { Bi 49 Deadwood 57 Deadwood 7B Deadwood 77 Deadwood f 100 Deadwood Lae 104 Deadwood hey! | : 109 Deadwood ” 129 Deadwood i. 188 Deadwood \ 149 Deadwood 156 Deadwood 195 Deadwood 201 Deadwood gos Deadwood 1? Deadwood 221 Deadwood 282 Gold-Duat 268 Deadwood 268 Deadwood 809 Deadwood 821 Deadwood 847 Deadwood ‘ 851 Deadwood s 362 Deadwood i } 405 Deadwood , 410 Deadwood ba } 421 Deadwood if 480 Deadwood i 448 Deadwood ey 458 Deadwood i.) 459 Deadwood yi 465 Deadwood \} 471 Deadwood ie 476 Deadwood ? 451 Deadwood a 49L Deadwood 5 496 Deadwood ti : 600 Denaawooa .. 608 Deadwood 615 Deadwood Ld 622 Deadwood ee 629 Veadwooa om 684 Deadwood if 5689 Deadwooa s 644 Deadwood 549 Deadwooa ay 554 Deadwood AG 5661 Deadwooa if 567 Deadwood 5672 Deadwood 5678 Deadwood 582 Dendwooe 690 Deadwood 595 Deadwood 600 Deadwood 606 Deadwood 612 Deadwood - 618 Deadwood ; 624 Deadwood a { 680 Deadwood 686 Deadwood t 642 Deadwood f 1? 648 Deadwood | \ 654 Deadwood Bel 660 Dendwood h 666 Deadwood y | 672 Deadwood oe 678 Deadwood aR 684 Deadwood 4 690 Deadwood " 695 Deadwood 700 Deadwood V5 704 Deadwood Pay 2 710 Deadwood rt} 716 Deadwood oe, ZZ Deadwood 72S Deadwood 784 Deadwood 740 Deadwood TAT Dendwood TZ5R Deadwood b 770 Deadwood 776 Deadwood 7S2 Dead wooa 7ST Deadwood 92 Deadwood 7 Deadwood aes os chat oy oa ~~ 807 Dendwood 812 Peadwood 816 Deadwood 822 Deadwood 828 Deadwood 884 Dendwood 840 Deadwood 845 Deadwood 852 Deadwood 858 Deadwood 868 Deadwood 870 Dendwood 876 Deadwood 882 Deadwood 891 Deadwood 898 Deadwood : 904 Deadwood 910 Deadwood 916 Deadwood 928 Deadwood 984 Deadwood 940 Deadwood 946 Deadwood Te 9T1 D ' Sia 977 Deadwood ’ 986 Deadw: 992 Deadwood 925 The Youn 988 The Two M t htin pass 448 Deadwood Dick 752 Deadwood I 764 Deadwood D 802 Deadwood D 95L Deadwood Dick, 957 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’a, Ten-Strike, 965 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’a, Gold-Dust. endwood Dick, Jr.’a, Oath, 998 Deadwood Disk, Jr, {005 Deadwood Dicky dn» Bs BY T, J. FLANAGAN, 909 Midshipman Dare, the Pirate Catcher, aS BY EDWARD L. WHEELER. . ae Deadwood Dick Novels, Dick, the Prince ot the Road, Dick’s Defiance; or, Double Daggers. ee " arenes, oi Buffa)» Ben. ek in s Castle. Dick’s Bonanza; or, The Phantom Miner. Dick in Danger; or, Omana Oll. Dick’s Eagles; or, The Pards of Flood Bar. Dick on Deck; or, Calamity 2 me, the Heroine Dick’s Last Acts or, Corduroy Charlie. Dick in Leadville. picks Dev lee; * The Double Cross Sign. ¢k as Detective. Dick’s« Double; or, The Gorgon’s Gulch Ghost. Dick’a Ltome Base; or, Blonde Bill. Dick’sa Big Strike; or, A Game of Gold. Dick of Deadwood: or, The Picked Party. Dick’s Dreamy or, The Rivals of the Road. Dick’s Ward; or, The Black Hill’s Jezebel. ee Reems or, SoS, Jane’s Adventure. ck’s Dead Deal. Dick’s DPeath-Plant. Dick, A Romance of Ronghs and Toughs, eke aobh or pee Spirit of Swamp Lake. ck’a Death Trall. Dick’s Deal; or, The Gold Brick of Oregon, Dick’a Dozen; or, The Fakir of Phantom Flats Dick’s Ducate; or, Days in the Diggings. Ps sn Gaeeees or, The Terrible Vendetta, ek’sa Claim, Diek in Dead City. Dick’» Dinmonds. Dick in New York; or, A “ Cute Case.” Dick’s Duat; or, The Chained Hand. Yiek, Jr.3 or, The Crimson Crescent Sign, Dick, Jr.’s, Deflance, Dick, Jr.’s Full Wand, Dick, Jr.’a, Big Round-Up. Dick Jr.’a Racket at Claim 10, Dick, Jr.’ Corral; or, Bozeman Bill. Dick, Jr.’a, Dog Detective, Dick. Jr., In Dendu ood. Dick, JIr.’«, Compact. Dick Jr.’s, Inheritance, Dick, Jr.’ Diggings. Diek, Jr.’«, Deliverance, pick phi Pt pe a ek, Jr.’*, ree. Dick, Jr.’a, Danger Ducks, Diek, Jr.’s) Death Hunt. Dick, Jr, in Texas. Dick, Jr., the Wild West Vidocq Ihnek, Jr., on His Mettle. Dick, Jr., tn Gotham, Dick, Jr., In Boston, Dick, Jr., in Philadeiphia, pists gr in Cileare, Che Pes oat. Dick. wr.. in Denver. Dick, Jrva, Decree. Dick Jr., In Beelzebvb’a Basin. 5 Dick, Jr., at Coney Island. Dick, Jr.’a, Leadville Lay. Diek, Jr., In Detroit. Dick. Jr. in Cincinnati. Dick. Jr., in Nevada. Dick, Jr., in No Man’a Land, Dick, Jr., Atter the Queer. Dick Jr.. In Buffalo. Diek, Jr.’«, lnsurnance Case, Track in the Mines. Diek, dre, {tn Durango; or, * Gathered In.” Jr.’a Discovery; or, Found a Fortune, Jr.’a. Dazzle. Jr.’«. Dollars. Jr., at Danger Divide, | Jr, Drop. , Jr., ant Jack-Pot. Dick Jr., in San Franciseo, dra Still Wunt. Jr’a Dominoes, dra Disgeuiac. Jr.’a, Double Deal, Jra, Deathwatch, Jr.a, Resurrection, tot aig hoe sty Daya. ¢ r.» Defled. Dick, Jr.’a, Double Device. : Dick, Jr’.a, Desperate Venture, | ick, Jr.’a, Diamond Dice. oon J TAs peveh naa Dick, Inte Rival Dick, .Ir.’s, Boom. Dick, Jr.’«, Scoop. Dick, Jr.’s, Proxy. Dick, Jr’, Clutch. Dick, Jr.’s, High Horse. Dick dr., at Devil’s Guich, Dick, Jr.’«, Reath-Hole Hustle. Dick, Jr.’« Bombshell. Diek, Jr., In Mexico. Dick, Jr’a Decoy Duck. Dick, Jr. In Silver Pocket. Diek. Jr.’s, Dead-Sure Game, Dick, Jrv’a, Double Drive. Bim, > Abe octane ek, Iris at «Top. Diek, Jr.'s Noubie-Tecker, * Dick, Jr. at Dollarville. ieee ees a Pde ope Flata. ek, Jr.’s, Shake-up. Dick, Jr.’«, Double Drop. Jdr.’s, Right Bower. Dick, Jr.'s, Death-Doom, ood Dick, Jr.'s, Beat Card, Dick, dr., at, bags: Dust. «, Bie ee?) aa Cowboy Captain. ; dashipiabus cr, The Corsalr-Chaser’s First Three Lieutenants iy Cruise een 949 e : 5D | ascot x i oes i = Jack fddy ¢ or, The Four Commanders, Shubrick. ’« Middies ; or, Dandy Dick’s Dash. 999 Jack Lamg, the Privateer Rover, , . Rosy ep. re | BEADLE'S«H ALF- DIME* LIBRARY. # ; Published Every Tuesday. Each Isswe Complete and Sold at the Uniform Price of Five Cents, by all Newsdealers.. Other Novels by E. L. Wheeler. 80 Rosebud Rob; or, Nugget Ned, the Knight. 84 Rosebud Kob on Hand; or, Idy!, the Girl Miner, 88 Rosebud Rob’s Reappearance; or, Photograph Phil. 121 Rosebud Kob’s Challenge; or, Cinnamon Chip. 277 Denver Doll, the Detective Queen; or, The Yankee'’s Surround 281 Denver Doll’s Victory; or, Skul! and Crossbones, 285 Denver Doll's Decoy ; or. Little Bill’s Bonanza. 296 Denver Doll’s Drift; or, The Road Queen. 868 Yreka Jim, the Gold-Gatherers or, The Life Lottery, 872 Yreka JSim’s Prize; or, The Wolves of Wake-Up. 885 Yreka Jim’s Joker; or, The Rivals of Red Nese. 894 Yreka Jim of Yuba Dam, 209 Fritz, the Bound-Boy Detective; or, Dot Leetle Game, 218 Fritz to the Front; or, The Ventriloquist Hunter 44 Sierra Sam, tho Frontier Ferret; or, A Sister's Devotion. 248 Sierra Sam Seeret; or, The Bloody Footprints 2558 Sierra Sam’s Pards or, The Ange! ot Big Vista. 258 Sierra Sam’s Sevens or, The Stolen Bride. 884 Kangaroo Kit; or, The Mysterious Miner. 889 Kangaroo Kit’« Racket; or, The Pride of Played-Out, 89 Death-Face, Detective; or, Life in New York. 96 Watch-Eye, the Detective; or, Arabs und Angels, 117 Gilt-Edged Dick, the Sport Detective 145 Captain Ferret, the New York Detective. 161 New York Nell, the Boy-Girl Detective. 226 The Arab Detective ¢ or, Snoozer, the Boy Sharp, 291 Turk the Boy Ferret. 825 Kelley, Hickey & Co., the Detectives of Philadelphia, 848 Manhattan Mike, the Bowery Detective. 400 Wrinkles, the Night-Watch Detective. 416 High Mat Harry, the Base Ball Detective. 426 Sam Slabsides, the Beggar-Boy Detective. 484 Jim Beak and Pal, Private Detectives. 26 Cloven lloof, the Buffalo Demon: or, The Border Vultures, 82 Bob Woolf’; or, The Girl Dead-Shot. 45 Old Avalanche; or, Wild Edna, the Girl Brigand. 58 Jim Bludsoe, Jr., the Boy Phenix. 61 Buckhorn Bill; or, The Red Rifle Team. 92 Canada Chet; or, Ol Anaconda in Sitting Bull’s Camp. 118 Jack Hoyle the Young Speculator. 125 Bonanza Bill, Miner; or, Madam Mystery, the Forger. 188 Boss Bob the King of Bootblacks. 141 Solid Sam, the Boy Road-Agent; or, The Branded Brows, 177 Nobby Nick of Nevaday or, The Sierras Scamps. 181 Wild Frank the Buckskin Bravo; or. Lady Lily’s Love, 286 Apollo BAll, the Trail Tornado; or, Rowdy Kate. 240 Cyclone Kit, the Young Gladiator; or, The Locked Valley. 278 Jumbo Joe, the Boy Patrol: or, The Rival Heirs. 880 Little Qu! ck-Shot3 or, Vhe Dead Face of Daggersville, 858 Firat-Clasa Fred, the Gent trom Gopher. 878 Nabob Ned? or, The Secret of Slab City. 882 Cool Kit, the King of Kids; or, A Villain’s Vengeance, 488 Santa Fe Sa}, the Slasher; or, A Son’s Vengeance. 486 Sealakin Sam. the Sparkler; or The Tribunal of Ten, 918 Kit Keith, t e Revevue Spotter. 922 Sol Sharpe, the New York Night-Hawk, 948 Old Hayseed Among Bunco Men, 1001 Banty, the Denver Bootblack. BY J. CC. COWDRICK, 490 Broadway Billy, the Bootblack Bravo. 614 Broadway Billy’s Boodle; or, Clearing aStrange Case, 586 Broadway Billy’s ‘Diffikilty.” 557 Broadway Billy’s Peath Racket. 579 Broadway Billy’s Surprise Party. 605 Broadway Billy; or, ‘tne Boy Detective’s Big Inning. © 628 Broadway Billy’* Dead Act: or, The League of Seven. 669 Broadway Billy Abroad; or, The Bootblack in Frisco. 675 Broadway Billy’s Best; or, Beating San Francisco's Finest. 687 Broadway Billy In Clover. Broadway Billy tin Texas; or, The River Rustlers. Broadway Rilly’« Brand. Broadway Billy at Santn Fe; or, The Clever Deal. 720 Broadway Billy’s Fiull Wand: or, The Gamin Detective, 785 Broadway Billy’« Rusincas, 788 Broadway Billy’« Curious Case. 758 Brondway Billy in Denver. 762 Broadway Billy’s Rargatn; or, The Three Detective, 769 Broadway Billy, the Retriever Detective, Broadway Billy’s Shadow Chase. 788 Broadway Billy’« Beagles; or, The Trio’s Quest, 86 Brondway Billy’s Team; or, The Combine’s Big Pull. 790 Broadway Billy’a Brigade; or, The Dead Alive. 796 Broadway Billy’s Queer Bequest. 800 Broadway Billy Baffled. 805 Broadway Billy’s Signal Scoop. Broadway Billy’ Wipe Out. Brondway Billy’s Bank Racket. Rroadway Billy’« Bluff. Broadway Biily Among Jersey Thugs, Broadway Billy’s Raid, 889 Brondway Billy’« Big Boom, 844 Broadway Billy’s Big Bulge. 849 Broadway Billy’« #100,000 Snap. 856 Broadway Billy’s Blind; or, The Bootblack Stowaway, 862 Broadway Billy In London. 868 Broadway Billy Shadows London Sluma. S74 Broadway Rilly’s French Game. 880 Lroadway Billy and the Bomb-Throwers. 860 Silver-Mask, the Man of Mystery; or, The Golden Keys. 869 Shasta, the Gold King} or, For Seven Years Dead. , 420 The Detective’s Apprentice; or, A Boy Without a Name. 424 Cibuta John; or, Red-Hot Times at Ante Bar, 489 Sandy Sam, the Street Scout, 467 Diaco Dan, the Daisy Dude. 606 Redlight Ralph the Prince of the Road. 524 The Engineer Detective; or, Redlight Ralph’s Resolve 548 Mart, the Night Express Detective. 571 Air-Line Luke the Young Engineer; or, The Donble Case 592 The Boy Pinkerton; or, Running the Rascals Ont, 615 Fighting Harry the Chief of Chained Cyclone, 640 Rareback Reth, the Centaur of the Circle, 647 Tyvewrlter Tilly, the Merchant’s Ward. 659 Moonlight Morgan the “ Pizenest ”” Man of Ante Bar, S87 Battery Bob. the Dock Detective. 894 Arizona Dick's W ipe-Out, 900 Jumping Jack's Jubilee. 906 Safety Samy the Cycle Sport. 912 Train Boy Azut's Flot Hustle, 918 The Trump Dock-Boy, 924 Big Boots Bob, the Fire-Laddte. 980 Kustler Ralph, the Boy Spotter. 985 The Ex-Newaboy Detective’s Chum, 941 The Bowling Green Detective’s Drop. 944 Cowboy Charlie’« Double. 947 The Bowery W restler; or, The Butcher-Boy’s Backer, 958 Paddy's Tretdn Card; or, Silver Sallie, the Girl Sport, bs 44 Th roadway Sport: or, Flyer Fred’s Clear Case. Lixd 100 Reward; or, The Rival Reporters’ Sleek Scoop. 978 Bantam Billy, the Corker-Ferret, —_ : 978 Plucky Pat. the Street-Boy Detective. 989 Bicycle Bob’s Hot Scorch. 997 Reoreher Sam, the Detective on Wheels 1004 Scorcher Ram’s Sweep-Stake a. 1009 ‘Tre Gtri Cs cll *s W nning Hand. BY WILLIAM PERRY BROWNCT. 956 Brooklyn Rob’« Bulge; or, Dodger Dot’s Diamond Snap. 968 The East-Side Spotter: or, Turning Down the Big Three 974 Old Sant’s Dark Deals or, Miner Mat’s Ira Grip, BUFFALO BILL NOVELS, BY COL. PRENTISS INGRAHAM, 1007 Buffalo Bill’s Sure-Shota. 1000 Butfale Gill’« Decoy Boys. . 995 Buffalo BUll’s Drop; or, Dead-Shot Ned , the Kansas Kid. 988 Baffalo Bill’s Lasso Throwers. 981 Buffalo Bill's Fighting Five. 975 Buffalo Bill's Rifle Shota, 968 Buffalo Bill's Kush Ride; or, Sure-Shot, the High-Flyer. 964 Buffalo Bili’s Decoy; or, The Arizona Crack Shot, 958 Buffalo Bill’s Mazeppa-Chase. 948 Buffalo Bill’s Snap-Shot ; or, Wild Kid’s Texan Taliy 942 Buffalo Bill’« Tough Tussle. 986 Buffalo Bill’s Boy Mascot; or, Joe Jarvis’ Hold-up, 929 Buffalo Bill's Crack-shot Pard. 650 Buffalo Bill’s Boy Pardy or, Butterfly Billy. 216 Bison BIL. the Prince of the Reins. 222 Bison Bill's Clue: or. Grit, the Bravo Sport, BY BUFFALO BILL, &5 Deadly-Eye. the Unknown Scout; or, The Banded Brotherhood 68 Border Robin Hood: or, The Prairie Rover. 158 Faney Frank of Colorado; or, The Trapper’s Trust, BY CAPT. ALFRED B, TAYLOR, U, 8, A, 191 Buffalo Billy, the Boy Bullwhacker. 194 Buffalo Bill's Bet: or. The Gambler Guide. BY COL. PRENTISS INGRAHAM, 982 New York Nat’s Drop: or, Ex-Ferret Sykes’ Bold Game 926 New York Nat and the Traitor Ferret. 920 New York Nat Trapped. a 914 New York Nat’s Three of a Kind, 908 New York Nat’s Double. 902 New York Nat’s in Colorado, 896 New York Nat in Gold Nugget Camp. 8 Yew York Nat’s Deadly Deal. y York Nat’s Crook-Chase. y York Nat’s Trump Card, y York Nat and the Grave Ghouls. 865 New York Nat’« Masked Mascot. 859 New York Nat, the Gamin Detective. 858 Dick Doom’s kidnapper Knock-Out. 847 Dick Doom’s Ten Strike. 842 Dick Doom’s Flush Hand. 72 Dick Doom’s Death-Grip; or, The Detective by Destiny, 777 Dick Doom’s Destiny; or, The River Blackleg’s Terror, 7S4 Dick Doom; or. the Sharps and Sharks ot New York. 788 Dick Doom in Boston; or, A Man of Many Masks, 798 Dick Doom in Chicago. 298 Dick Doom in the Wild West. 808 Dick Doom’s Clean Sweep; or, Five Linke in a Clue. 808 Dick Doom’s Death Clue. 818 Dick Doom’s Diamond Deal. 819 Dick Doom’s ¢ S29 Dick Doom’s Shadow Hunt. : 885 Dick Doom’s Big Houl. a 749 Dashing Charlie: er, The Kentucky Tenderfoot’s First Traii.. 756 Dashing Charlie’s Destiny; ‘or, The Renegade’s Captive, 760 Dashing Charlie’s Pawnee Pard. 766 Dashing Charlie, the Rescuer. 497 Buck Taylor, King of the Cowboys. 787 Buck Taylor, the Comanche’s Captive. 748 Buck Taylor’s Boys; or, The Red Riders of the Rio Grande, 560 Pawnee BHll, the Prairie Shadower. 718 Pawnee Bil; or, Carl, the Mad Cowboy. 719 Pawnee BIL’s Pledge; or, The Cowboy's Doom, 725 Pawnee Bill; or, Daring Dick. 692 Redfern’s Curtous Case: m, The Rival Sharps. 697 Kedtern at Devil's Wamehg or, The Sharp from Texas 702 Redfern’s Wich Mand; or, Blue Jacket. 707 Redfern’s Last Trail: or, The Red Sombrero Rangers, And Fitty Others. . sirl Mascot, BY LIEUT, A. K, SIMS, 601 Happy Hana, the Dutch Vidocg; or, Hot Times at Round-Up 611 Biland 646 Cowboy Gid, the Cattle-Range Detective. 657 Warblin 676 Signal Sam, the Lookout Scout. Gype &py: or, The eg te of Two Lives,"/ 699 Birnple Sim, the Rroncho Buster; or, For Big Stakes. ’ 12 The Meamerist Sport; or, The Mystified Detective, 88 Toltec Tom, the Mad Prospector, 5 Kansaa Jim, the Cross-Cut Detective. Marmadnke, the Mustanger Detective. The Rustler of Rolling Stone. Lone Hand Joe, the Committee of One, Kent Kirby, the Higb-Kicker from Killbuck, The Doctor Dete etive in Texas. S72 Two Showmen Petectives in Colorado. 987 The Texan Firebrand: or, Brazos Billy’s Snap.Shot. | 961 The Tramp’s Trump-Trick. NEW ISSUES, 1014 Middy Ned, tke Runaway; or, Hairbreadth Escepes Afloat and Ashore. By T. J, Flanagan, s 1015 The Reporter-Deteciive’s Big Pull. By Wm. P, Brown. 1016 The Boy a cee in Cubas or, The Cowboy Clan Qn —— Deck, By Col. P. Ingraham. 1017 Idaho Ma't’« Iron G@ ip} or, Downing the Desperate Dozen. By Ned St. Meyer. , JUST ISSUED. 1010 Kit Bandy’s Big Six; or, The Rustlers of Jackson Basin, ‘ By Oll Coomes. Derdvo:d Dick, Jvr.’s, Dutch Pard; or, Rooting AOE eu ihe Besos of Skelcton Gorge. By £.L, Wheeler. 1012 The Cripple’« Dea’-8: ra Ciinch; or, Trapping the Old Fraud, By Charles Morris. 1018 Buffalo Bill's Texas Team, By Col. P. Ingrabam, A New Issue Every Tuesday, Lol z z 76 77 78 8 ll The Half-Dime Library 1s for sale by all newsdealers, five eonts per copy, or sent by mail on receipt of six cents each, BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers, 92 William Street, New Yorke —