Beadle's Half Dime Library (no. 1027) (1897 03 30)
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Ze Zp AE ti AA RN al Copyrighted 1897, by BEADLE AND ADAMS, $2.50 PUBLISHED WEEKLY BY BEADLE AND ADAMS. Sov ae A No. 1027, No, 92 WILLIAM STREET, NEW YORK. Vol, XL. March 380, 1897, a Year. | Cowpoy Rescuers IN CUBA. | By Colonel Prenyiss INGRAH4M EY ‘ \} WT), ANY \\\ Wf HANDSOME MATT MOWBRAY DASHED AWAY TO OBEY HIS LEADER'S ORDERS,
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The Cowboy Rescuers in Cuba. The Cowboy Rescuers in Cuba: OR, THE PATRIOT PILOT. A Story of Sublime Devotion and Sacritice in the Great Struggle for Freedom. ~ BY COLONEL PRENTISS INGRAHAM. CHAPTER I. UNDER SENTENCE OF DEATH. “The boy shall die on the morrow! I swear it by the cross, senorita!” “Ts there no hope for him, Senor Colonel Bartello?” Pe ey”? “What is it, for he or I will gladly make any sacrifice in our power.” “Well said, and see that you eat not your words, Senorita Lucita Agramonte, though I see no reason why you should do so.” “What will save Harry, my unfort- unate young brother, from being shot on the morrow, for if act of mine can spare his life, gladly will I do anything to save him. “As you know, he did not come here to aid the patriot cause of Cuba, but to save my brother, Rafael, and myself . from Spanish hate. Met “Because Brother Rafael was a Boy Patriot in the Ten Years’ War, ‘you Spaniards never forgave him, though he sought a home in Texas. “He came here to marry the maiden he loved, Stella Aguilar, and then made his home in Cuba once more; but alas! with the breaking out of this war both Rafael and myself were made prisoners and held in the Mountain Fort, by your influence, I verily, believe,” “And a band of accursed Americans $e. landed on this coast and rescued him, * and you, thoygh you did not get away in the filibuster steamer that brought them.” * No; I remained, and am now in your k power; but those who came to the rescue ae were brave Texas cowboys, who were wv rangers under my brother Rafael, for when we lived in Texas eae him their captain. “They came to rescue him, ani did so, — — r brother Harry came back, at the risk of his life, to save me, if in his power. as FSS Vou discovered my retreat in the home of Mendoza, the overseer .of my brother Rafael’s plantation, and you found poor Harry, and have us both in d your power, e _ sion, the eatate Rafa@l got by his mar~ _ riage. Mee ektey der and your soldiers occupy it now, - with Overseer Mendoza, his wife, and child, whose only crime is that they be- - triended me. “ Now you tell me that Spanish law -- eondemns my brother, yes, and Mendoza tod, to death on the morrow. a i Relea Harry is an American, as I am, for Nee we were born ai ‘the home our father 1 en a hair of his dear young head.” Ohi ‘K 4“ Bah! with Spain! nd ‘he must answer with his life for Panel sands Cuban, soil as he did.” but as I was left behind, my young’ here in this beautiful man- ¥ and,Harry and i are your prisoners, along. found in Texas as a Cuban exile, and our | mother was an American, and the United Pn tes ‘will make Spain answer if you The Americans won't fight! | Woe unto ‘them if they do go to war ‘life, and by her self-sacrifice—bee the wife of the sah th colonel, Blanco | “ American. though you are, and your. brother, too, you are both in my power, | “But he came to try and save me, not to join the Cuban patriots.” “Tt matters not. He came, is and must suffer the penalty.” “But you said that there was one chance for his life.” 3 a sh Bae “Will you chance is?” “Tf in your power to do so, you will save him?” “Yes, gladly.” “You well know, Senorita Lucita, that I have loved you ever since you came here from the United States. with your brother and his Cuban wife.” “And do you dare tell me of your hateful love in the very face of the awful fate you have pronounced upon my poor young brother, Blanco Bartello? And you claiming to be a Spanish gentleman?” and Lucita Agramonte’s beautiful eyes flashed with indignation a8 she turned them upon the dark, handséme face of the Spanish colonel, who, with his soldiers, were quartered in the handsome mansion of the Wild Flower Plantation, in the beau- tiful but war-ridden land of Cuba. “All is fair, senorita, in love and war, it is said, I love you, and I nee asked you to be my wife.” “And I refused such an offer {isin you, the foe of my people, and one who now in revenge has condemned my broth- er, a mere boy, to death.” A boy in years, yes, but I am told that he made a great record for. himself ‘as the bugler of the Texas Cowboy Ran- here, tell me what that one commanded, and now, I am also in- formed, are commanded by your Amer- ican lover, who dared land with his ac- cursed Clan of Wild Riders, to rescue their former leader and yourself. sy “And they did it well, though I did not reach the steamer.” “T only hope that they will land again, for not one of them ever would escape.” “T hope they will not come again,” sadly responded Lucita Agramonte. “Your brother Rafael escaped, yes, but the Boy Bugler remained to try and save you, I believe—or he came back here again to’ make the attempt, which I do not. know. “But, he is here, and shall die at par- ade to-morrow,. if you do not save him.” “Alas! how can I?” “ By becoming my wife, Lucita Agra- monte,” was the low and earnest response of the Spanish colonel. CHAPTER | Sl LUCITA’S SACRIFICE. The opening chapter has given the reader an insight into the scene and characters of my story, an American ‘ - Years’ War, had become an exile in exas and married a second time, the mother of the two unfortunates who had officer. In the home of their half-brother, Ra- prisoners, along with the overseer and his family, who had befriended- them. spur Harry, as he was known to the | Texas cowboys, under sentence of death, to die on the morrow, Lucita Agramonte as told that she alone could save his ning Bartello. sank in her chair almost in a SW among the Spaniards, Colonel Alfreda noble man, Havana by the secret working of Col- Harry. Rafael, and his wife, rescued and earried dashing, Texan rancher, and captain of the gal- lant Cowboy. Clan. aid her, though in her heart she knew that the Cowboy Filibusters were going to again land and attempt to rescue her and her young brother. Senor Colonel | and Harry was condemned to die. to do, what to say. brain torn ‘by conflicting thoughts, until, suddenly, her face grew hard and stern iv —strangely so, for one so young and ae lovely, and, rising, she stepped up to the wy table before which the Spanish officer es sat, and said, in a voice singularly harsh ee and severe: ae or death rests with me?” By gers, which your brother Rafael once | | er?” a, upon the morrow, though he is a mere thoroughly. That he is an American I the more.” tleman never wars with women; and I give your being an American.” he replied: girl and her young brother, whose father, a Cuban of prominence, a general in the} “And you will take for your wife one fallen into the hagas of a cruel Spanish |. fael, and hig Cuban wife, they were held And now, with her boy brother, Hot- -- Was it a wonder that her ‘beautiful | | ‘face became the hue of the dead, pad ‘she She recalled her one friend in Cuba Delrossa. He was also a former lover, but a and had been ordered to onel Bartello, so could not aid her, or Her thoughts turned upon her brother ; back to Texas by the filibuster steamer. She thought-of the man she loved, handsome Charlie Chase, a ee oe ST RI LIE Os a ~ ' ie so aN asta’ 5% He, alas! could not But, the morrow was close at hand, In utter despair, she knew not what 4 aie And there she sat, her heart and au. ““T accept your terms for my brother’s life, Colonel Blanco Bartello, but 1am | J to name certain conditions.” - F “Let me know what they are, senor- > io ita,’ he answered, while a look of malig- Pn nant triumph gleamed in his dark eyes. ae. ha “You have said that my, brother’s life Ry set does. si “You have asked me to be your wife? be “T have.” ; “Tf I accept you will spare my broth~ Bie.) eon “T will.” Ss “Tf I refuse you will put him to death " “i 4 boy and an American.” “A boy that plays a man’s part most care not, only it causes me to hate him — “Yet I, too, am an “American.” : “Yiou are a woman, A Spanish gen- love you. You are a very lovely, wo- man, Lucita Agramonte, and I can ier “ Because I am rich, and you love my gold. Is not that it? ” aes The face of the Spaniard flushed, but “Do not put it upon the plea of riches, ; but what it really is—love for you.” if “And I hate you.’ “J will teach you to love me.” You | will teach me but to hate you i the more.” , . rl chance that, once you are my. wife.” ad who hates you, one of a. race. hag de-_ spise? ” “ “T make you the exception.” — wi “So be it. I will marry you, upon ‘my own conditions, Senor Colonel.” — “Name them.” — 4 “You are to spare ‘my brother’s life — and give him safe passport out of Cuba," OT Wilh de wart hoe “You are to. spare the life of Vance | ‘Mendoze., the overseer, also.” f “7 will.” ED at gr “And allow hint, his wife, and rari Ee ‘to leave Cuba wi h Pret brother.” Sea Fy “Tt oe ue do . # PE od . “the day see joie cll
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Lucita Agramonte, almost fainting, dropped back into her chair, while the face of the Spanish officer beamed with ‘ CHAPTER III. HOTSPUR HARRY’S PROTEST. A moment did Lucita Agramonte sit in her chair, as though dazed by the pledge she had made; then she arose quickly, ; and with an effort to control herself aed i which was successful, she said, with ut- ig _ most calmness: “JT had hoped for a different life, Col- onel Bartello, one of happiness, but Destiny has ordered otherwise. “T have given you my pledge, and will keep it, while I shall do my duty and give you no cause for complaint against me, yet I do not, cannot love you and never will. i “Now that you have my word, I beg you to send for my. brother and tell him he is to be spared, and he can bear the news to his fellow-sufferer, Men- & . doza. . ‘““But, Colonel Bartello, I beseech you ‘ not to let Harry know why you do not 4 have him shot, for I know it would be EP MR OEE hs Oe Set Rei ae ~ Leese ST hy [ Wrone ~k . : r oe 24S oe. Cage ee . RMS A ie” Se ee, ee ass but another ‘blow to him, to crush his proud young spirit.” “T will send for him and you shall tell him,” was the answer. An orderly was called, and the young "Texan and also the overseer were sent for. In a short while they came, wearing irons on wrists and ankles, that clanked as they walked. “You can go, orderly. “T will see that the prisoners are safe,” said the Spaniard. The two prisoners were left standing before the man who held their fate in his hands. The one was a large man, with a dark, kindly face, and his mother hav- ing been an American, was sufficient to win the hate of Colonel Bartello, espe- cially as his father was a Cuban. He was Vance Mendoza, the overseer of the Wild Flower Plantation. The other was a youth, whose sun- ‘browned, bold, and handsome face caused him to look older than he really was. ws “His form was slender, graceful, and athletic, and he was dressed in a suit : that with top boots, leggings, velvet jacket, and sombrero, was a mixture of Mexican and rancher garb that was very picturesque. As his eyes fell upon his sister, he gave her a look of reproach, and said: “Ah, sister! are you in the presence of this man to plead for my life?” She did not reply, and the Spaniard answered for her: “She has asked for your life, and I have granted it. ei You, with your fellow-prisoner there, ‘and his wife and child, are to sail from the nearest seaport by the first out- bound vessel, and if you dare again to ee ‘set foot upon Cuban soil, it will cost gon _ your lite.” “Tf duty calls me here again, I'll take ea chances, Senor Bartello. “Tam an American, and if my death at your hands would force my Goyern- - ment to check Spain in her barbarism on this island, and gain Cuban inde- pendence, I would be content ‘to pacri- fice it.” | “You talk too boldly, young man. or you may rue- your | _ “Beware, words!” a “T speak as I feel, and I ask no favors you, Colonel Bartello. * et T ent one, bed life, aye, and The Cowboy Rescuers in Cuba. more, for I allow that traitor to go with you, and his family, as well.” “He is no traitor. “He has long served in the family of my brother’s wife, and he simply gave my sister a haven, when she was left upon the island when we landed to rescue those dear to us. “You found my sister in the care of Mendoza and his wife, and he must suffer for it.” . “ Enough! “T have spared him.” “ And on what terms?” the youth, his face paling. my It is sufficient that I have spared you.’ “Tt is not, for you have not said that my sister is to gio with us.” “Your sister has decided to remain.” “Tt is not so.” phe ( ape Fr Yo “Speak, Sister Lucita, and say that this man does not tell the truth.” With perfect calmness Lucita replied: “JT will remain here in Cuba, Harry.” “For what reason?” “Tt is best that I should.” “Never! What, remain here at the villa, with Mendoza and his wife gone, and no one to protect you? It must not be.” “T am here, young man, and will see to her protection.” “You! I’d as soon leave her in the coils of a snake as under your protec- tion, Blanco Bartello.” The Spaniard sprang to his feet, while Lucita uttered a cry of terror. “Oh, Harry, do not say more. Your life has been spared, as has been that of Mendoza, and you must leave the island.” “I fear that our lives have been spared, Senorita Lucita, at your sacri- fice,’ said Mendoza, sadly; and he added, firmly: “T prefer death to your sacrificing yourself, dear young lady.” “Tt shall not be! _ “T see it all now, Sister Lucita! You have made terms with this Spaniard to save us.’ “T have promised to become his wife, for—” “Tt shall not be!. suddenly cried I tell you, Bianco Bartello. I wish you to have me shot, as. arranged for, on the morrow. Well, I know that my sister will gladly die rather than wed you, a Spaniard and—” But, springing forward, Lucita stopped his further words by placing her hand upon his lips. “T rule here, Senor American, and my plans shall be carried out in my own way. Orderly!” The youth seemed about to spring upon the Spaniard and strike him with his chains, but Lucita grasped him, with a force that he could not throw off, and just then the orderly came in. . “Take these prisoners away, and cut them down with your machete if they attempt resistance.” “Si, senor!” answered the orderly, and the youth and the man were led away, Lucita following them, for she did not know what her daring young brother might do to get himself into further trouble. “T will see you again in the morn- ing, Colonel Bartello,” she said, as she left the room, and the Spaniard simply bowed. He knew that he was master there. _ CHAPTER IV. THE: RIVAL SPANIARDS. Hardly had the prisoners, followed i Lucita, left the spacious and hand- somely furnished library where Colonel States naval officer, who had second captain, ey ro 3: Bartello had quartered himself in the villa, when an officer came in from an- other door. The Spanish colonel was in an ugly mood, to judge by his face, but he said, with a show of politeness: “Ah, Senor Major Valdos, be seated, and tell me how I can serve you?” The one he addressed was a striking looking man, in the uniform of a major of Spanish cavalry. : His dark face, black hair and eyes showed that he was of the Spanish race. A handsome man he was, yet with a look in his face that was cruel and stern. His uniform was new and elegant, and was most becoming, setting off his fine figure well. He did not take the seat to which Colonel Bartello motioned him, but ap- proaching the table and facing him, said: * Colonel Bartello, my room adjoinsthis one, as you know, and I have therefore overheard all that has passed in here.” “Your name was not mentioned, Don Ruiz Valdos, so for once the old adage was not carried out, that eavesdroppers hear nothing good of themselves.” The face of Major Valdos flushed, and a hot reply seemed about to spring from his lips; but instead he responded quietly: — “T was not. intentionally an eaves- dropper, having retired for the night; but I heard.enough to cause me to rise and dress myself, to have a talk with Well, senor, it is growing late, so how tan I*serve you?” somewhat im- patiently. “By calmly listening to what I have to say.” “TI will do so.” “T do not care to tire you with what is ancient history, but you know I went to the United States to live?” “When exiled from Spain and Cuba some years ago, yes.” “The term of my exile has ended. “T went to Mexico, then into Texas, and became a ranchero there. “T was regarded as a Mexican, who had become an American citizen, and I so let it go, for I allied myself with the best people there. “T had a fine ranch, and became an officer in a band known as the Texas Cowboys Clan, who were rangers, banded together for mutual protection against Indians and outlaws. “The first captain of this clan was Rafael Agramonte, but when he came to Cuba to live, efter marrying the fair owner of this plantation, an ex-United turned. rancher, was made captain.” “To what does all this tend, Senor — Don?” “You shall soon discover. It was the Charlie Chase, who learned that Rafael Agramonte ‘and his” sister Lucita had been imprisoned in Cuba, and organized the expedition to rescue them. “Rafael Agramonte was taken from your fort, by these Texan cowboys, and with his wife, who was still here at her home, left on the filibuster steamer; but his sister went to the overseer’s house and was left behind. “ Another expedition was to be organ- ized, and, as I was in the service of the "captain general secretly, to prevent expeditions, for my life. “T came to Cuba, ind the captain gen-— eral’ gave me my rank in the army > again, and ordered me to the regiment. of which you had been made colonel. _ “But I wish to have you pais rank I was suspected and fled bodys
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a The Cowboy Rescuers in Cuba. now that the Senorita Lucita Agramonte I regard as the one who is to become my wife.” “Your wife? ” “Yes, Senor Colonel, for I have loved her ever since I met her in Texas, and she is to one day become my wife.” “Ha! this sounds strange, for I was told that she was engaged to the very man you now named, the captain of that accursed Clan of Cowboy Filibusters, Charlie Chase, a Texan rancher.” “He loves her, yes, but I stand be- tween him and his love,” “With the consent of the Senorita Agramonte? ” “That is of as little consequence with me as was her hate expressed for you awhile since in your case.” “ By Heaven! I was sure that you held no just claim upon her heart or hand, Don Ruiz Valdos.” “Equally as just as do you, Colonel Blanco Bartello.” “Tt is not true, for I have bought her hand, as you must know, having listened to what passed, with the life of her brother.” “That will not stand, if reported to the captain general.” “By you?” “Unless you come to my terms, yes.” “What are your terms?” “You are to fight for your fair prize, Senor Colonel.” “That means a duel with you?” “Tt does.” “T am to kill you to win my steer es “Yes, or I am to kill you to win her, and also step into your boots as colonel of the regiment.” “Major Don Ruiz Valdos, you are as finished a villain as it was ever my misfortune to meet.” “Present company excepted Colonel,” sneered Valdos. Unheeding the interruption, Colonel Bartello continued: “But I waive all that you are, and will fight you for the prize to-morrow, ’O arrange to have your second meet mine.” _ Valdos smiled, bowed, and left the room, Senor Senor CHAPTER V. THE FILIBUSTER STEAMER. While the rival Spanish officers were discussing with such devilish courtesy their deadly duello for the morrow, the regiment encamped not far from the villa had become lost in deep repose. The sentinels at the villa paced to and fro upon their beats, the guard were napping not far distant, and the duel having been arranged, the rival officers had retired to their respective sleeping quarters, to get what rest they could to steady their nerves for the combat. In her own room, Lucita Agramonte paced the floor like a caged lioness, her. “quadroon maid, Flora, lying asleep upon ‘a rug by the window. Lucita had heard the ultimatum of her brother and Mendoza, that they would be shot, and not accept her sacrifice. But she was plotting then to see that they were saved, be her fate what it might. “Tf Captain Chase would only come to- night in his swift steamer, the Mus- tang, then they would not die and the sacrifice would not have to be’ made,” ‘she murmured. In the room in which they were con- fined, with a sentinel at the door, the _two prisoners talked together in low tones, but there was no shrinking from the ordeal in either one. | _Upon the plateau, where stood the “was peering ahead overseer’s home, occupied by Spanish soldiers, and with the negro quarters beyond, a sentinel rode about, to keep a watch of the coast and gulf. But was_he half asleep, or was his eyesight failing him? Had his ears lost their acuteness of hearing? It was storming, for the wind blew fiercely, though off shore, and far out the waves were running high; yet, upon them was a dark object that the sentinel,’ eatching sight of, would have known to be a steamer, while, as she came into stiller water, the churning of propeller would have told that she was being hard driven toward the dark shores of Cuba. The craft was a long one, gaunt as a greyhound in build, lying low in the water, and with her smokestacks rak- ing, as did her two masts. She was rushing along at a twenty- knot speed, having just been having a hard fight with-the waves, a league off shore. Not a light was visible on her from stem to stern. No smoke streamed from her smoke- stacks, and her intention was evidently, to gain a cecret haven unseen. Dark as it was, her decks presented a strange appearance, for amidships were grouped a large number of horses, sad- dled and bridled, and at the head of each stood a man, calming the animal he held, and steadying them in the rough sea, while in showers the spray flew over them. Upon the bridge stood three persons, one of them, the sturdy captain of the steamer, with his hand upon the bell, to check her speed and run for it, did the steamer dash upon a Spanish cruiser, for, as the reader has guessed, the craft was running the deadly blockade into the island, whose brave people were struggling for Cuba Libre. Another person on the bridge had his eyes shaded from the flying spray, and into the gloom, while now and then he said in a low tone: “Steady as you are—port your helm— steady!” \ At last came the words: “T have the bearings now. We are pointing directly for the laguna, cap- tain.” “All right! In she goes!” answered the captain to Taos, the Cuban pilot. Then, turning to the third person on the bridge, and who wore a sombrero and cloak, he said: “I think we will find all the Spanish’ cruisers in harbor on a night like this, Captain Chase.” “Tt is to be hoped so. But, we'll chance all others if we do not find that one has sought a harbor in the lagoon.” “That would be bad, indeed, sir; but, there rises a light.” “Tt is in the Wild Flower Villa,” averred Captain Chase, and he added: “At first I thought it was a signal, for I do not understand why Hotspur Harry, our brave Boy Bugler, does not show the signals agreed upon.” “T hope it is not because he has been captured, Captain Chase,” the pilot said. “T sincerely trust not, but, if so, he must be rescued. : “T will go aft and tell the Senor Agramonte and his wife that we are all right now for the lagoon,” and Captain Chase descended from the bridge and made his way aft. Those he sought were not on deck, and tapping upon the companionway, he called out: baa “Lower the lamp, Rafael, come in.” It was done, and, entering, he moeye while T the door behind him, the lamp being again raised. The light revealed a pleasant cabin, and seated at a table were two persons, One was in the dress of a Texan rancher, and yet his dark face revealed his Cuban birth. It was Rafael Agra- monte, a Boy Patriot in the Ten Years’ War, and an aide, then, on his father’s staff. A fine specimen of true manhood he was, for revealed in every feature was his noble nature. By him sat a beautiful Cuban woman, scarcely over twenty—his Cuban wife, Stella Aquilar, she had been, and Wild Flower Villa and Plantation had been her inheritance from her dead parents. She was dressed in a _ close-fitting jacket, short skirt, leather leggings, and a sombrero, as though she were prepared for the saddle or-a tramp upon landing. “T came to tell you that Taos has found his bearings, though it is dark as Erebus, and if we do not discover a Spanish cruiser in the lagoon, we will land in less than half an hour, Rafael.” “Good, Charlie! and we are ready; but no signals were set?” ae None. 3? “T hope it does not forbode evil of Harry.” “T trust not, indeed; but we will soon. know. There is a light up at the villa, and it will not take us long after we land to strike our blow and know the truth,” and as Stella Agramonte again lowered the lamp, the captain of the Cowboy Clan left the cabin, to return ta the bridge once more. CHAPTER VI. tis THE HOLD-UP IN THE DARK. As no Spanish cruiser harbored in the lagoon, the filibuster steamer Mustang glided safely in unseen by Spanish eyes, and soon moored alongside of the bank. Then gangplanks were run out for the landing of the wiry ponies and their dar- ing riders. Half an hour after the black night was illumined by the flashing of re-! peating rifles and revolvers, and ming- ling with the rattle of the firearms were the wild yells of the Texans, as they rode over the Spanish guard and dashed upon the villa, Fierce and fatal was the fighting, for, though outnumbered, the Cowboy Clan” did not care for any foes they might meet, and they were not long in rescu- ing Hotspur Harry, Mendoza and his © family, with Lucita and her quadroon maid, ‘and sending them to join Rafael Agramonte, who, with his wife and some thirty of the cowboys, awaited for the word of success, that they might dash away, to the mountains and reach the camp of Gomez, in the mountains, for they were to-remain in Cuba, once Cap- tain Chase had Lucita and Ay out of Spanish hands. In the darkness a horsenian ha dnshed | up where the little band was waiting and cried: “To the mountains with all speed, Captain Rafael, for Captain Chase has rescued the Senorita Lueita, her brother, and the overseer’s family, soda were also prisoners! ” Bravo! and— toward the villa again, and Rafael Agra-_ monte, with his wife, cowboy followers, and the pack animals they had brought for they to take the mountain trail, | well knew that in a short while tee cuca troops would be on the pou fe Aoeerad LY cabhy igs Ppt bid them dood-by for us, fs But the horseman was gone, back Pe with them, dashed away in the darkness, —
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ke Ph Sey ere RNa hy ' escape with the news. Hardly had Rafael Agramonte left when the horseman who had brought the word to him of success, and had ordered him to fly, halted in the dark woodland through which ran the road, and called out in Spanish: “Are you here, men?” *‘ Yes, senor,” answered a voice. “All right! They must soon be along —ha!-I hear them now!” As he uttered the word, the sound pf hoofs was heard, and, a couple of mo- ments after, five horses, with riders, ap- peared in the gloom. _. “Is that you, Hotspur?” called out the man lurking in the shadows. “Yes, and my sister, and others with me. Who are you, and where is Rafael, for we were told we would find him awaiting here to say good-by before he went on to the mountains?’ answered Harry. “ Rafael Agramonte and his gang have gone, and—you are all my prisoners! “ Seize them, men!” It was a complete surprise. Neither Hotspur nor Mendoza had yet been freed of their chains, and they were not armed. Both Lucita and Senora Mendoza were helpless to resist or to escape, though the former did have a revolver. Still, she dared not use it, as others might suffer. for her act. Taos, the pilot, was with them. was armed and ready to resist. It was too dark to see, there in the dense foliage, but Hotspur called out: ““We are helpless, Taos; but do you The Cowboy Clan He can soon rescue us.” Taos did make the effort, but he was felled by a blow on the head with a revolver. “Bind him, men, and bring all on after me, We must not be found by ‘those accursed Americans,” said the game stern voice that had given all orders thus far. “TI know that voice,” cried Hotspur Harry, but he found himself in rude hands, a heavy hand over his mouth, and sharp came the words: “The one that calls for help or speaks, woman or man, shall be shot without ~ mercy,” : The party were hastened along upon the horses they were mounted on, further and further from the road, and when at last they came out into an open space, Hotspur Harry was able to see by the | starlight that their party was all there, Taos being held between two soldiers. - He also saw that there were half a . dozen Spaniards there, and how utterly useless the attempt to escape would have been, in irons, as was Mendoza and himself, and with Taos alone capable of resistance, until dealt the severe blow _ that had felled him. One more thing did Hotspur Harry see. Therg stood the one who had led -in their capture. Even in the starlight heyknew that tall form, could see enough of the dark face ‘to recognize it, for he had already dis- ~ eovered that he was in Cuba, but held _high rank in the Spanish army, was, next to Colonel Bartello in command of the forces stationed in and about the Wid Plower Villa. WA It was Don Ruiz Valdos, the man who, had been one of the Cowboy Clan in _ Texas, and whose revenge in Cuba could _ be dealt: most severely upon those whom he hated, for, when suspected of treach- ery to his comrades, Captain Chase had etermined to bring the Don before the de his escape, fowboy Rangers for trial, “ut he had Now Hotspur knew that to look for mercy from him, when he was in power, would be useless. - CHAPTER VII. AT THEIR MERCY. The gallant Texas cowboys had won victory, but to lose it later. They had secured Lucita and Hotspur Harry, and those with them, from the Spaniards, and then, believing that they had gone to the vessel, had begun their retreat. Still thinking that the rescued party were on the steamer, for with the dead and wounded and horses on the deck, while the Gatling guns were still firing, it had been impossible to find out just what the situation was. Captain Chase had backed out of the lagoon, the sea now lighted by the overseer’s home, in flames. Then upon the cliff had appeared a cloaked form; who no one knew, and hailing the steamer, Captain Chase was told that Hotspur Harry and his party had been cut off in their retreat to the Mustang, so had gone to the mountains with Rafael Agramonte. Little did he know that the one who hailed. the Mustang was Don Ruiz Valdos, the traitor to the clan, and that he then had Hotspur Harry and his party pris- oners. Nor did he know that Don Ruiz had set the home of the overseer on fire, that a good view of the steamer might be had, while it would be a signal to bring Spanish cruisers from up and down the coast, to go in chase of the daring craft. The steamer hailed, his lie told, Don Ruiz ran to where his horse had been left, mounted, and dashed away to the spot where his prisoners were still kept in the woods. “The steamer got away, and will escape unless the cruisers capture her. But, now we will return to the. villa; and, men, if you find a wounded cowboy, kill him,” ordered Don Ruiz, upon. his return. “This man is dying, Senor Major,” said one of the Spaniards, and he gave Taos, the pilot, a kick, as he lay upon the ground, breathing hard, for he had not spoken since his attempt to escape and the blow he had been dealt, while his captor had fairly carried him in the retreat from the highway. “Put a bullet in him and leave him,” was the cruel command. The Spanish soldier obsyed, for he drew a revolver, pointed it down upon the pilot, and fired. There was a convusive drawing up of the limbs, and Taos lay motionless. “Coward!” hissed Hotspur Harry, in the face of Don Ruiz. “Yes, you are a coward, indeed, Don Ruiz Valdos,” cried Lucita. The Spanish major laughed, and, giv- ing the order to move, the party started for the villa. : The burning overseer’s home lighted up the way, when they struck the road, and Vance Mendoza said, sadly: “There goes our home, Nina, where we have passed many happy. days.” “Yes,” chokingly replied the Cuban wife. As they reached the immediate grounds surounding the villa, a glimpse of the sea was obtained. There was seen the Mustang, flying along like a racer over the storm-swept waters, while from up and down the coast had come Spanish cruisers, to give /chase, and their bow guns were firing upon the fleet steamer. “They'll! not catch her, Valdes, any * Se 2 ee oe " The Cowboy Rescuers in Cuba. more than you did the Cowboy Rangers, in fact, I don’t think you were anxious to get very near your old Texas com- rades, for you did none of the fighting,” said Hotspur Harry, derisively, to the Don. The latter’s dark face flushed at the words, but he said: “ As your life or death hangs upon my word, I would advise that you keep a civil tongue between your teeth, boy.” “I never take advice from a villain,” curtly responded the young Texan. “IT advise you do so in this instance, | for your sister’s sake.” Hotspur Harry was silenced at once. _ But Lucita said: “Yous may seal Harry’s lips, from fear of harm to me, Don Ruiz Valdos, but that does not prevent my telling you that I know you to be a coward and as treacherous as a snake, while you are equally as devoid of mercy.” ; “That is the wrong way, Senorita Agramonte, to win favor at my hands.” “TI do not seek favors from you.” The Spanish major uttered an oath, but said no more, and soon after they began to ride over the scene of the fight about the villa. Dead and wounded Spanish soldiers were seen scattered about, for the still burning house rendered all.as bright as day. : As they moved on among the dead and wounded soldiers, a form was seen that Hotspur Harry recognized at a glance. It was one of the Cowboy Couriers, wounded and overlooked in the retreat in the darkness of his comrades. He half raised himself as he saw the party, and, recognizing the situation, called out: “My God, Hotspur, I thought you had all escaped!” They were the last words he ever uttered, for Don Ruiz leveled his re- volver, pulling trigger, and with the report the Texan fell back dead, “ Coward!” cried Hotspur Harry. “There will come a day. of reckon- ing for you.” The Spaniard did not reply, but cast a quick glance at Lucita, in whose face he saw both scorn and hatred for his act. A few minutes later the party rode up to the villa, and there stood Colonel Bartello, his face livid, while he was snapping out his orders to his still frightened soldiers. “Great God! Don Ruiz! “Did they not escape after-all?” “No, but they would have done so but for me, so I claim them as my pris- | oners now.” “T still command here, Major Valdos,” cried Bartello, hotly. “Yes, but I am next in rank, and the morrow will show if I do not step into your rank,” was the significant reply, and which Colonel Blanco Bartello well understood. CHAPTER VIII. TAOS, THE CUBAN PILOT. Taos, the pilot, had not been so badly. hurt as he had made out by the blow which stopped his escape. The pistol barrel had cut a gash a couple of inches long in his scalp, over. one ear, and the blow had been a stun- ning one. But, Taos had quickly ral- lied, and began at once to “play pos- | sum.” When the two soldiers seized him, they had_fairly to drag him along, and when the halt was made, he had dr in a heap, as though wholly helpless. Then he had writhed and tried to ap-_ pear as though he was a dying man. aT a? eee Oe a | We Pons ee
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ate she ebamabied’ over a dead bod He went through the apparent death struggle well, and intended to carry it out to the end, then pretending to be dead. And it would have taken much, indeed, to show that he was not really so, had he been put to the test. Instead, however, Major Valdos hav- ing ridden rapidly away, to see what was going on, had set the overseer’s home on fire, and then had appeared upon the cliff to let those on the steamer believe that he was a Cuban friend, and would let Captain Chase know that the pris- oners then in his grasp had escaped to the mountains with Rafael Agramonte, his wife, and thirty cowboys. , In this he had been successful, and, returning to his prisoners, as has been seen, he gave the cruel order to one of his men to send a bullet into the body of the pilot. Taos heard the order, yet did not move. He brought his wonderful nerve to his aid. He knew if the bullet did not kill him, if he moved that was the end. So he chanced the shot, and his iron nerve stood by him. The shot was fired, but the Spanish soldier aimed not at his body, but his head. The bullet glanced on the side of the skull, immediately opposite where the revolver barrel had cut a gash in his scalp. And the bullet did no more. It glanced on the skull, cut a gash in the scalp, and buried itself in the ground, It was a terrible shock, fired at such close proximity, and yet it did not stun the pilot. He moved convulsively, and then lay still. The Spaniards and all others be- lieved that he had been killed. The major, with his prisoners, moved off toward the villa. Taos heard them going, for he did not dare open his eyes. His head. was aching from the blows, but he felt that the bullet had done him no serious harm, unless it had fractured the skull. The moment the party passed on, he place his hand upon the wound, to find that the skull was intact. Then he felt the other side. also showed no fracture. “T always was hard headed,” he mut- tered. He attempted to rise, but was so dizzy that at first he could not do so. Still he must get away, in case the Spaniards returned. So he crawled along on hands and knees until he grew less dizzy; then he arose to his feet. Going forward, he came to where he could see the sea and the burning home. There was the Mustang flying away silently, under the fire of the Spaniards then That - in chase. “You never catch her,’ he muttered. ‘Then he thought of his own condi- tion, left there by his comrades. — “The others are far worse, for I at least am free,” he consoled himself. He knew the plantation and its grounds thoroughly, and there came to him the thought of a hiding place. Remembering that Hotspur Harry, when he had come ahead of the cow- boys to reconnoitre, had been taken by Mendoza to a safe hiding place, and which he also knew, he decided to go barr : otspur Harry hid there for weeks, ind his traps and provisions were left ‘th exe, surely, as there was no reason to ng them away. It is in a cave up a glen, and I can find it.” ith this he was pe on - dg) when The Cowboy Rescuers in Cuba. It was a Spanish soldier, for he saw the uniform buttons glancing-in the fire- light. The man was dead, from a bullet wound in his head. He also had his weapons, and Taos could see that he was a sergeant of cav- alry. ““T will need this uniform, I guess, so I’ll take it,” he decided. Quickly, boots, uniform, and hat were appropriated, and the body was dropped over the bluff into the sea. With his bundle of clothing, the pilot hastened along the cliff until he came to a place where a road led to the beach. He knew that it was the road leading to the lagoon, where the cowboys had landed. The road had dead Spaniards along it here and there. “T guess I’d better be on the safe side,” muttered the pilot, and he drew on the uniform over his own clothes. He also took the weapons of another dead Spaniard, and as ‘he did so found a belt about his waist, heavy with gold, as feeling it determined. Having been robbed by his Spanish captor, this was a lucky find for him. Several times he shrank out of sight in the bushes along the road, as a horse- man dashed along, coming from or going to the lagoon below. But he reached the beach, and, avoid- ing the Spaniards ‘gathered at the lagoon, where a hot fight had occurred, he skulked along the shore until he reached the entrance to the glen, and, turning into it, soon reached the cave he was hoping to find shelter in. CHAPTER IX. THE SPANISH SENTINEL. Worn out, and suffering, Taos dropped down in the entrance to the cave and went to sleep. When he awoke the sun was shining brightly, and the storm had blown over. He at once began to look about him. The cave was not a deep one, but it was a dry, secure retreat in the rocky bluff at the head of the glen. The pilot’s head was aching, and he was glad to slip down ‘to a small rivulet and bathe his wounds, and bind them up, as best he could with strips torn from his handkerchief. Much refreshed, he returned to the cave, and the sun penetrating it now, | he beheld a roll of blankets left there by Hotspur Harry, a pile of wood to build a fire, several lanterns, some cook- ing utensils, and a box of provisions hanging upon the wall. There was also a lasso and a machete, with a few other things, Glancing over the contents of the bag, he said: “Enough to last me a week, indeed in luck.” Then, to his delight, he discovered a small bottle of witch hazel oil, the very thing for his: wound, with lint and ban- dages, all that he needed. Going down the glen, still wearing the sergeant’s uniform over his own cloth- ing, the pilot crept near enough to see the lagoon, and observe that the Span- iards had removed the wounded, ang were burying the dead. The horses slain they were dragging to the bank and throwing into the la- goon to be carried off on the tide. | Back to his retreat then went Taos, and filling his canteen and a bucket at the rivulet, he prepared his breakfast. A strong cup of coffee revived him, and he then put out the little fire he had built, fearing that the cd might | be ‘seen, | sit in the rear of the saddle. | aaa I am Thus the day passed away, and again dressing his wound toward night, he then built a fire and cooked his supper, eating heartily. A good night’s rest made him feel like another man, for his head had stopped aching, though his two wounds were yet sore, but having bound them up tightly they were beginning to heal. “Tll play Spanish sergeant to-night and have a look about me,” he said. When night came on he slipped away from the glen and approached the villa, as near as he dare go. After a couple of hours spent in recon- noitering, he made the discovery that a single sentinel was kept on duty at the plantation gate entering the orna- mental grounds about the villa. It was over a quarter of a mile to the villa, and the sentinel stood at the ma- rine gateway, while his horse was hitched near. “To-morrow night that mine,” muttered the pilot, turned to his retreat. Knowing the ground well, as he did, the next night he flanked the sentinel ; and approached boldly from the direc- tion of the villa. { He had discovered that a strong guard was kept down at the lagoon, and an- other at the ruins of the overseer’s house, so that a ‘filibuster could not run in without being seen. There was also a Spanish cruiser an- chored off the mouth of the lagoon. Approaching the sentinel boldly, the spurs on his heels, and his sabre rat- — tling, he pilot was promptly halted when near him. “The sergeant of the guard on his | rounds,” said the pilot, who had seen: much of military life. ie At once the sentinel was disarmed of all fears at the answer, and the fact “en that the one he challenged appeared to 4 come directly from the villa. ghee Advancing, with his revolver in his | bi hand, he suddenly thrust it into the face oe oe of the sentinel, and said in Spanish: | ie, LA “One word, one movement, and you are a dead man! ” The sentinel was terribly frightened, \ and submitted to being disarmed and 2 ee securely bound with the lasso, which Ae the pilot had brought from the cave OR with him. no But not yet satisfied, the pilot also hk gagged him beyond all power of utter- taihh ance. j Approaching the horse, ‘tend near, the pilot said, sternly: “Mount, and I will aid you,’ 1, The soldier obeyed and was énnae to horse is as he re- ty Then Taos mounted, taking the sad- mae ¢ dle, and the horse with his. double load a was at once started for the mountain — road, the same that Rafael Agno a y had taken with his party... iS ee Taos knew the country well, and once a or twice turned off sharply into a hid- To ing place as he heard a troop. of cav— ‘ alry going along the highway. © is Once well away from the coast, he rode more rapidly, and soon after mid- night began to ascend a mountain road, to be suddenly brought to a standstill by the sharp challenge: « Halt! ce oat ag “ Hspanol, or Cuba Libre?” y “Cuba Libre!” responded the pil in a decided tone. iets: “ Advance! ” ‘The pilot obeyed, and he foun self in the midst of half a d who covered him with their, ri one said: ¥ ; “ Now whe and what are wee LA
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CHAPTER X. IN THE PATRIOT CAMP, | “JT am a Cuban, Andrea Taos by name, and I am here to see Senor Rafael Agra- monte, while I have with me a Spanish prisoner.” So Taos answered the challenge of the sentinel, and was at once. taken in charge by a mounted guard and led on toward the Cuban. headquarters, On the way other outposts were found, showing that the Cubans could not be surprised, while each guard was stronger as they neared headquarters, and the -road grew more and more difficult of travel. . There was a light burning in the headquarters cottage, and going there a council of leading officers was found to be in progress. There sat Gomez, grizzly, hardened by exposure, with piercing eye, wiry form, and quick and energetic in spite of his three-score years and ten, and life of _ hardship and danger. Maceo was there, well built, strong, dark - hued, a mulatto, but. courteous, gentlemanly and the face and bearing of a man born to lead. j Other men whose names are on every i lip were there also, and all dressed in their simple uniform of the Cuban patri- ots. Among them, in the attire he had worn as a ‘exas ranger, was Rafael My Agramonte, younger in years than the d others, but one who had been a veteran in the Ten Years’ War. f Received by his old Texan comrades, he had come to Cuba now to cast his lot with the patriots, and General Gomez had quickly made him a colonel of cay- alry, and appointed him to command pity the scouts of his army, a position his i Texas training as cowboy, Indian fight- : er, and rancher had well fitted him for, i especially with the foundation of his _~—-s-«gervice in the famous struggle. pi At a glance he recognized the pilot as Bie he entered the room with the guard, the Spanish prisoner being left outside with another Cuban soldier. “Well, sir, who are you?” asked Gen-. eral Gomez, ‘sternly. t “Tf your memory fails you, Senor - General, it is on account of my bandaged head and hard looks, but that gentle- man will vouch for me, senor,” and Taos | pointed to Rafael. “Ah! I know you now. You are the pilot who brought me to this island,” and General Gomez extended his hand. ‘cate “Yes, General Gomez, the one who | my wag pilot of the vessel that brought me B. _in; but why did you not return, my ‘ Ae i good Taos, for surely the expedition was. a grand success?” said Rafael Agra- Pe monte, if “In some respects, yes, Senor; but in others it was a failure.” 7 ie Colonel Agramonte was at once struck ie -\ with a dread of evil, and, turning to the general in chief, said: “General Gomez, I have related to you all the circumstances of my rescue by the cowboys’ ¢ an, and their -second ‘landing to rescue, my half-brother and : - sister. | Pe ita y “I questide: Pilot Taos here, for ao am sure his presence is a sure sign of ‘trouble? ” y me Do so, Colonel. ‘Agramonte, certain- aye replied General Gomez. "you have not misjudged the situa- ion, gwd Agramonte, for I have much to tell my “Surely, the steamer was not. los t? ‘ ‘Oh, no, senor. She showed ac lean ee ‘heels to the cruiser that Aahod just as it happened, and I have The Gowboy: Rescuers. in Cuba. oF AREENSAR! oY PIER E UTES =e aye 7 to cath hace ‘int the party that were to Me Mustang, for I well know that he will be rescued did not get away on board the Mustang, senor.” ‘“Oh! My sister! my young brother!” “We started for the steamer, Captain Chase sent me with them, for there were the Senorita Lucita, Senora Mendoza and her child, Flora, the maid of your sister, and brave young Hotspur Harry and good Méndeza, both of whom were heavily ironed, for they could not then be freed from their manacles. “TIT guided them to where we had left you and your party, to say good-by, on our way to«the steamer; but you had gone, and in the darkness of the woodland we were suddenly halted and forced to surrender.” “Yet I never left until I was sent word that all was well, and told to dash in.” “The one who brought you that word, Senor Rafael, was none other than your former Texan comrade, and later a traitor, Don Ruiz Valdos.” “Great God! He is in Cuba, then?” “Yes, senor. I heard enough of what he said to. Senor Harry to learn who he was, and he is major of the regiment at Wild Flower Plantation.” “This is too bad, too bad. “But I always suspected the man of being a Spaniard and not a Mexican, and Captain Chase was sure that he became a Spanish spy in Texas when the present war broke out, and said he would ¢s- cape and go to Cuba. “And my sister and brother prisoners, good Taos? ”’ “Yes, senor. I will tell you my stury, a soldier of the regiment with me as a prisoner, and I got what information I could frora him, but you may get more, for he is either inclined to join the patriots, or he is pretending to do so for fear he'll be killed,” and with this Taos, the pilot, told the whole story, and of nis narrow escape. : are his CHAPTER XI. - THE SPANIARD’S STORY. Generals Gomez and Maceo listened with deep interest to the story told by the Cuban pilot, as did’ Rafael Agra- monte, though the heart of the latter was torn by conflicting emotions for the fate of his sister and brother, and the Mendozas. Taos had also said that he felt sure Captain Chase believed the little party had gone with Rafael Agramonte, or he would not have left them. ' He must have supposed they had been -eut off and feared to go that way, and ‘he added that the Spanish soldier had said he heard some one hail the Mus- tang and so report to Captain Chase. The pilot further stated that he could have made his way to a point on the coast where a Cuban lived who had a staunch boat, which he could have es- caped in and made for Key West, to re- port to Captain Chase the truth of the situation; but he had deemed it his duty to first come and notify Rafael Agra- monte of the facts, and then he could go off to the United States and report to the Cowboys Clan Captain. “You have done just right, my good Taos, and I appreciate all your risk and. sufferings. “Our surgeon here will dress your wounds as they should be, and to-mor- row night I will escort you as far back. as we dare go, and you can reach the coast and sail for Key West, then go by rail to Texas, though it will be well to > wire him to his. home,’ to hold the senor. | at once plan another expedition of res- cue, which, as he will come, I will give you letters that will enable the Mus- tang to bring in a good cargo of arms, ammunition and ,supplies.”’ “A good idea, Colonel Agramonte,” said General Gomez, while General Ma- ceo remarked: “Ti we had arms and ammunition for | the men already under our flag, we could , | sweep the Spaniards off this island.’ ““T will explain the situation, senor, to Captain Chase, and I feel that he will bring a large force of cowboys with him, for you know, Senor Rafael, there are many who wish to fight for Cuba.” “Many indeed, Taos. Why Texans, under that gallant confederate- general and late Governor, Ross, could whip Spain alone, without having to call upon a single other State,” said Rafael Ag- ramonte, with enthusiasm. “TI would suggest, senor, that you now have a talk with my Spanish pris- .oner, while I wait where I can hear What he says, to see if he contradicts himself, for he may give you informa- tion worth knowing, and he may not.” “A good idea, pilot. “We will dismiss you, as it were, call him in,” said Gomez. “Yes, Taos, you are to be my inion: for we have a spare room in our cot- tage, and senora will be “glad to enter- tain you; but I am going to have you pretend to go there now, but return to overhear what your prisoner says.” With this, Colonel Agramonte walked out with Taos, directed him just how to go to find his cottage, and seeing him start off, told the’ Spaniard to come with him. The prisoner did so, and was evident- ly a very much frightened man. When he faced the group of. Cuban officers he looked furtively about him, and his eyes rested upon no face that he knew. “You are a Spaniard,” said Rafael Agramonte, whom General Gomez had told to question him. “In. part, senor. My father was a Spanish officer; my mother a Cuban girl,” “Who .was your father, and where is he?” “Major Mora, senor, but he is dead.” “T knew him in: Santo Domingo,” said Gomez. and “ He was killed in the Ten Years") War, senor.’ $ Yes, but your mother?” “Lives in Santiago Province, senor. “ And you are a Spanish soldier?” “Yes, senor. My father sent me to’ Spain to be educated, but at his death we lost all we had, and I enlisted in the army there, and was sent to Cuba; but there was no war when I entered the army, senor, and my term of service was. up a month ago, and I would not sign again, for I consider myself a Cu-_ ban, though you may not believe me.’ “You belong to. Colonel Delrossa’s command?” “Now Colonel Blanco Bartello, senor, for Colonel Delrossa was not the man the Captain General wanted in command at this point, and Major Bartello’s great influence got his superior ordered to Havana, and himself promoted. Lin Colonel Delrossa is a gentleman, ‘senor, and humane, and Colonel Bats, tello is not.” “You appear to have judged. your commanders well, for Delrossa is a +9) -_ noble man, and Bartello a villain; ert: Mabe eae what of your Major?” " “He is a new man, senor, "Doh Roig : ee ee +
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_ day; 8 Valdos, a man who has lived in the United States for years, it is said.” “You knew that Bartello held my sister, the Senorita Agramonte, a pris- oner?” “Yes, senor, and her brother, a young Texan, as well as Mendoza, the over- seer, and his family. “ He intended to have the young senor on the day following the attack of those terrible Texans the other night.” “ Ah! He intended to kill the boy?” “Yes, senor, and Mendoza also; but the Texans rescued them, though Major Valdos recaptured them on their way to the steamer.” “And they are his prisoners now?” * And- Colonel Bartello’s, senor. But there is a rumor of a duello to be fought between Colonel Bartello and Major Val- dos, though the reason is not known.” “Tt would be a good thing if it was a Kilkenny cat affair with the whole regiment. “But let me know what force there is at the Wild Flower Plantation; a where situated?” The Spaniard had thus far made a good impression in his story, and no one doubted but that he was telling the truth. CHAPTER XII. X \ _ FOE OR FRIEND. \ The Spaniard, in answer to the last question of Colonel Agramonte, said: “ At present, senor, Colonel Bartello’s regiment occupies the plantation. It is eight hundred strong, and he has a bat- tery of four light guns. ( “Three hundred of the command are camped about the villa and the over- seer’s home, now burned, and there is one gun there. ‘“ At the head of the lagoon two hun- drer men, with two ns’ are camped in a fortified. part, and at the other end ot the plantation, where the highways meet, the balance of the regiment and the other gun are stationed. i “A patrol is kept constantly on the move day and night between the three points.” : “Then the regiment could be easily attacked and wiped out?” “Tt could have been, senor, up to to- but Colonel Bartello has been sent two more regiments of infantry and a battery to reinforce him, and they | are to fortify and hold the whole high- way bordering the Wild Flower Planta- tion for a space of a.dozen miles, for you know a ctrve in the coast there forms the whole estate into a promon- tory.” “Yes, it does, and as it is a good landing place for filibusters, it is just the place to fortify. ie “But what do you know of the capt- ure of Senorita Agramonte and the oth- ers after their escape?” “It was the senor. Don Valdos who retook them, senor.” hs hy ** Arid they are prisoners at the villa?” and Rafael Agramonte’s face grew hard as he feared he would hear that his young half brother had been shot and Mendoza also. “ Yes, senor.” “ All of them?” “Yes, senor.” . “And the young doza?” — . “Are in irons in a room in the villa, | -senor.” . “ §till under sentence of death?” “They have shad their day of execu- tion put off, senor, for several weeks.” - American and Men- | “And the Senorita Lucita and Senora Mendoza? ” “Are in the villa, senor, and well treated.” “Why did you not join the Cubans, as your time of enlistment had ended?” “T did not wish to be a_ deserter, senor, so awaited my discharge; but as I have been captured I would like to join the patriot ranks, senor.” “Did your regiment suffer much the night the Americans landed?” “ Rearfully, senor. My God! How those Texans fight! “Why, they alone could regiment, battery and all! “They beat us back on ali sides, and in their retreat carried their dead and wounded, while they fairly slaughtered us in our charges upop them as they boarded their steamer in the lagoon. “Senor, I did not fire a shot, for I would not, my sympathy being with them, and when you see your sister she will tell you that Jose Mora, the Spanish soldier, told her when on guard in the villa one night that he would try and aid her escape.” “J believe you are telling the truth,” said Agramonte, then he asked: “Why did not Colonel Bartello guard the trails to this mountain camp?” whip one “He has them guarded now, senor,, and had every other point patroled; but he did not expect the landing of these desperate Americans. “Why, senor, twenty thousand such horsemen could sweep this island from Cape Maysi to Cape Antonio, and make Captain General Weyler seek refuge in. Morro Castle. Oh, senor! but they are fighters! ”’ y . “T have thirty of them here with me, and will hope for more; but you do not think another landing could be made upon the Wild Flower Plantation?” “Those men can land anywhere, sir, and on a dark, stormy night a steamer could run in, for Spaniards do not keep a night watch then.” - , “Will there be any soldiers stationed. at the lagoon?” “No, senor. They depend upon the sentinels on the cliff to report an in- tended landing, and can rush troops to the head of the road to command the hill up which they have to come, and artillery is already there, when the reinforcements arrive in the morning.” “Well, my man, you can go, and will be well cared for; but an attempt to escape will prove your death,” — “Senor, in the morning I know I will find Cubans in your camp who will vouch for me, and prove to you that I am-hon- est, the friend, uot the foe, to Cuba.” ~“T hope so,” and the Spaniard was led away to the guard-house, while Pilot Taos entered and said: “His story is the same he told me, senor, and I believe he is honest. As it will be impossible now for you to res- cue your, sister and the others at the villa, Senor Rafael, I had better start to-night on my return to the coast, any - thus be able to run out to-morrow night, as I believe we are going to have threat- ening weather.” — -“ But your wounds, Taos, and you have | had no rest.” ; “T slept day and night in the retreat, my wounds, and I can start, for I would \rather do so.” " “And I will go with and an hour after, mounted on a fresh horse, Taos left the Cuban camp, Colonel . cowboys ac- | Agramonte and his thirty companying shim. fe . or will be: sir, and your surgeon can now dress you, as I said,”| He | and rear guard were thrown into confu- The Cowboy Rescuers in Cuba. } and such a quantity of supplies. there came a deafening crash of rifles, as _ a horse the Texans. sion by the sudden attack. CHAPTER. XIII. WHAT THE PILOT SAW. The coming cf dawn found the pilot and his escort well down the mountain, and within a few leagues of the coast. Colonel Agramonte was riding by his side, and behind came Stella, his beau- | ¢ tiful Cuban wife, who had vowed to fol- | y low the fortune of her husband to victory | ¢ or the bitter end. ] She rode astride of the spirited little - horse, and rode well, while in a belt — ] about her slender waist were a pair of — ] revolvers, and a machete hung by her, ‘ side, a small repeating rifle being slung ; at her saddle horn. Her costume was a picturesque one, for’ a sombrero of braided and. pliable straw sheltered. her head, and turned up in front, revealed a small Cuban flag upon the brim, held there by a Cuban minia- ture flag in silk. She wore a jacket, silk blouse beneath — it, a sash, short skirt of gray, and black leather leggings, with spurs upon her: heels. Behind her came four other women in the same dress, young, handsome, and _ determined, for they were the amazons of Cuba. . Then followed the thirty Cowboy Cour- iers, now armed with a long lance, in addition to their weapons and lassoes. ; It was a band the Spaniards would — ‘. not care to meet twice in battle, and the Americans, bronze -faced, determined, and daring, seemed anxious to find hu- man game. att “ You had better go no further, senor” said Taos; “I can get along well on foot © ~ from here,” and knowing that it was — better for the pilot not to attract atten- tion, Colonel Agramonte called a halt just as the sound of hoofs were heard, Instantly all was attention. a “You dismount, Taos, ready to goon ida way, and I will see what is com- Ne. ; ‘i “Good-by, and luck to you,” and the Cuban colonel grasped the hand of the pilot, who slipped from his saddle, and with a wave of his hand disappeared in — the woods, for the rest of his way, was to_be continued on foot. ‘ome | Reaching a point that gave hima good view for quite a distance, he beheld &@ | score of Spanish cavalry riding ata trot along the highway and following a short ~ Hi distance behind was a light battery of | | four guns. Mets (3a wie Wise sla ie Then came a hundred or more pack animals, half a dozen ambulances, and |. . some thirty more cavalry bringing up the rear, | tas a 4 _“Tt is a Spanish convoy going to Bar- > tello’s camp. They more than double — Colonel Agramonte’s men, but he’ll never. — miss the chance to capture those guns “T’ll just wait there and see the re- sult, for those Spaniards are marching _ up to trouble.” eis keene rin Hardly had the pilot spoken when thirty-odd opened fire at once, and then — followed the rattle of the seven 3 Win- chesters, as they continued to pour dead- ly leaden hail in upon the Spanish cay ie Prd ee te. alry. For a minute only it lasted, but that Ba was long enough for the pilot to see — that the advance guard of Spaniards were | swept from their saddles, though hardly ~ se was hit, so true was the aim of also that the artillerym A vs He saw Then came the wild Texan yell, ant iy the Cowboy Couriers, led by ae } a rae
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Agramonte, his wife by his side, swept down upon the convoy like an avalanche of death. The shock was terrible. The Spaniards fired at random and went down before the irresistible onslaught. Brave Maceo and his men were most dangerous to meet in a charge; but who were these wild horsemen that swept over them as though they were but bushes? It was not a fight, but a death-dealing human cyclone, and the Spanish artil- lerymen, the guard, drivers, and all who | were not killed sprang into the bushes and sped like deer down the steep hill in mad flight. The pilot gave yell after yell of de- light at what he saw, and waited only until the victorious Texans had circled around the guns, pack animals, and am- bulances, and started all at a run up the mountain trail, and then he walked rap- idly down the hill, crossed the scene of combat, and saw two-score of dead men, no wounded, and the whole convoy cap- tured, while those who had saved their lives by flight ‘were still running like deer in the direction of the camp of Colonel Bartello. “Tf that’s a specimen of American fighting, Colonel Agramonte learned well. I wish he had a hundred of such men. “And to think how the Senora Agra- monte rode into the thickest of the fight, her amazon guard right up with her! “Well, the colonel’s first fight is a good one, for that battery and those supplies are worth much to the patriots. “And I don’t believe the colonel lost a single man, and if such was the case, | it will be like the Spanish reports always are, only reversed, many Spaniards killed 'and no Cubans hurt. ae “ But, I must hasten on,” and the pilot did so. CHAPTER XIV. RUNNING THE GANTLET. Andrea Taos, the pilot, had been reared on the coast near the Wild Flower Plantation. He knew the country well, and he was well aware that where he then was it was patroled by Spaniards. The convoy of Spaniards had evidently been trying to reach Colone] Bartello’s camp with all dispatch, for they well knew that bands of patriots would be moving about after sunrise. But, what they had most dreaded came to pass, as has been seen. Hastening on, Taos kept in the wood- land, avoiding the trails and roads. At length he drew near the coast. It was rugged and desolate at that point, but he knew there was a small and shallow inlet for small boats, and where a hamlet of fishermen had located. It had been, in fact, his boyhood home, and he had passed his days in sailing up and down the coast, or gun in hand, hunting through the adjoining country. Kinsfolk of his still dwelt there, though their occupation had been ruined by the war. They were Cubans, and patriots at heart, too. After noon he came to a range of hills looking down upon the coast and the gulf beyond. He saw the little fishing village, nestled away on the beach, under the shadow of a bluff, and several little craft were at anchor there in the basin, yet with no one on board, and appearing as though they had not set sail for some time. * Going down the ridge, he approached The Cowboy Rescuers in | to fear it. the bluff, and by a secret path made way to the little slope where the a tages stood, their garden in the re the white beach in front of them. A few men and women were upon thé beach, but avoiding being seen by these, Taos went to the largest of the cottages, approaching from the rear, and entered. “Pather! ” “My son!” The pilot seated in an the doorway. “You have dared come home, Andrea, though you know the sentence of death hangs over you?” said the old man. *T don’t mind that, father, for I have seen too much of death in this struggle Where is my mother?” “Gone to a neighbor’s.” father up to his old drawn had easy seen chair * And my sister, Marcelite?”’ “Out on the marsh, but her lover, Julio, is dead.” “Poor fellow!” “The Spaniards killed him, we sup- pose, for he was captured.” “Another debt to pay them in like coin; but I am trying to leave the island, father—must do so to-night. I ran a steamer in last night, but was captured and escaped, so just came from the camp of Gomez.” “And you are wounded, my boy?” “Only scratches, though one was a close call from death.” “You take great chances, Andrea; but how goes it with the noble Gomez, brave Maceo, and our people?”’ “Well, indeed, father. We are in this struggle to win, mark my words! ” “But I cam get your little craft to run out of the island in?” * All I have is yours, who is with you?” “T am alone. I will run out at dark, and I am glad to see a storm is com- ing up, so the night will be dark, and the Spanish cruisers hunting harbors.” “But where do you go?” “To. Key West direct—if the wind is fair I should reach port by daybreak.” Andrea. But “ Yes, but I do not wish to see yeu go alone.” “That is nothing to me, father, for you know what I can do, and I know that the craft that bears me is as stiff as an ironclad. “Tll get off the moment it is dark, and have water and supplies all ready to carry aboard.” “Yes, and I’ll row out now and over- haul the Flying Fish, for things are a little musty aboard. Don’t you show yourself, for one does not know who to trust now-a-days, my son.” The old man strolHed out on the beach, while Taos set to work to get his sup- plies and fill a water cask for his run. Going to a skiff, the old fisherman pushed it afloat and rowed out to a pretty little craft that looked as though she well deserved her name of Flying Fish, for she could fairly fly through rough waters, and was staunch and safe. Ropes and sails were looked over care- fully, and toward sunset the Flying Fish was ready for her master and supplies. The skies were now heavy with clouds, the wind had risen, and though it was calm in the little basin, the gulf was running rough outside. In the meantime the mother and sister of the pilot had returned home, and their delight was unbounded at find- ing him there. They aided him in his preparations, and seemed anxious to get him out of the island, knowing as they did that he was a known rebel. His sister, Marcelite, was a beautiful an Fis! light pant crou ing the tiller The lights of a mile away, but all wa foam, and a keen eye i been that could have sighted craft a few lengths away. The wind was fair for the run, a the Flying Fish ran into the harbor o Key West just as the dawn began to appear, and in a driving rain ‘storm. CHAPTER XV. THE COWBOY CAPTAIN’S RESOLVE, There were too many such boats in the waters of Key West for the Flying Fish to attract attention, especially for such a morning as was that on which she ran in at dawn. Taos knew Key West well, so he ran to a secluded anchorage, and’ where a friend dwelt, a Cuban cigar maker, but a naturalized citizen of the United States. - He met a warm greeting, and as soon as he had breakfast started for the tele- graph office. There he sent a telegram to Captain Charles Chase, in care of his bankers, in the town near where the Texan and his Cowboy Couriers would land from the Mustang on their return. The bankers were told to send a spe- cial messenger. to meet Captain Chase, for they knew where he would land, The dispatch was as follows: “ Arrived here just now. “Others less fortunate. I start by rail to meet you. Hold Mustang until you see me. Return trip must be made to save life. PILOT TAOS.” “He will see that this is dated Key West, and it will explain that some- thing is wrong and steamer must be held. “JT dare not make it more explicit, as these Spanish spies and Americans in Spain’s pay even see our telegrams and letters,” said Taos to his Cuban friend. * You are right, Andrea, and already have I been asked while you were at the telegraph office, when your boat came in, and who was on board.” “T-ll be bound the spies are moving around; but the steamer leaves within an hour for Tampa, and then I'll go flying by rail around the gulf coast for Texas.” This Taos did, and taking a small sailboat when he left the rail, he ran to the secluded harbor on the coast of Texas, where he knew the Mustang em- barked and disembarked her crew of Cowboy Couriers. It was not dawn when he put into the harbor, and to his joy he saw the lights of the ste@mer as she lay at anchor as close in shore as she could go. The .sail boat had been sighted, and he was hailed as he approached the steamer. “T am Pilot Taos, and wish to see Captain Chase,” he announced. *“ Captain Chase has gone ashore. will find him there.” To the beach the pilot ran, made a hasty landing, and saw that the cowboys were all hastening ta depart. You
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fer the Lone Star Flag, start for the untain camps of the patriots. He had rescued Hotspur Harry and the thers, escaped ‘to sea with his band, and now must learn that he had been deceived, that the little party rescued had not gone to the camp in the mount- ains with Rafael Agramonte, but had been entrapped by no less a person than the traitor to the clan, Don Ruiz Valdos. A bitter foe he would be, and if Lucita and Hotspur Harry were in his power, Heaven help them, was his thought. Valdos it had been who had doubt- less heard him tell Hotspur Harry to go to the steamer, saying good-by to Rafael and the others awaiting at a certain spot. Thus had he been able to capture them. He it had been who had hailed the steamer as she backed out of the lagoon, and told him the party had gone on with e le, own he de- e;, the Cuban pilot, 7 iOS, taos! you here?” senor, just trom Cuba, yam told you.” Your telegram?” “JT wired you from Key West, senor.”’ *T never received it. But, tell me, my good Taos, how you left Cuba, and why as my you have come?” and Captain Chase | Agramonte, dismounted and stood by the Cuban. And an officer of Spain, as Taos told “Ts not the steamer yonder getting | him he was, Valdos would now hold power to do as he pleased. The more he thought of it, the more decided he was to return to the rescue and act quickly. At once he called his men about him. They had known, by the coming of Taos, that something had gone wrong. In a few words he told them what had happened, and how bravely the wounded pilot had run the gantlet to the mount- ains, back again to the coast, then had come by his little boat to Key West, and so on to meet the steamer, arriving just in time. “Men, I do not ask you to go back with me, for I do not have to, as each one will return, I know. “The wounded can go to their homes, but the rest of you must at once go on a recruiting expedition, and lose no time about it, either. * Bach one of you know men of your own kind whom you can trust—cattle- under weigh, senor?” “Yes, she is leaving.” “Stop ther, senor, for the love of God stop her! ” cried the pilot so vehemently that, without stoppig to ask more, Cap- tain Chase leaped into his saddle again and spurred for the beach, where he halted and loudly hailed the Mustang, just as her prow was pointed seaward. The hail was heard and answered from the deck of the Mustany. “Come to anchor again, and send a boat ashore!” called out Captain Chase in his seamanlike tones. “Av ay, sir!” The plunge of the anchor was heard soon after, and having ridden back to qeet Taos, the pilot, Captain Chase asked as he came up: ‘Well, Taos, I am glad to see you, for I was sorry we had to leave you in Cuba, but it could not be helped, as your messenger told me the facts.” “My messenger, senor?” men, ranchers, cowboys, who, though “Or the one from Agramonte, or | not members of our clan, are splendid Harry.” fellows. “You know, then, whom not to trust just as well; but I wish you to recruit with all haste, one, two, or three men to each of you. “This will swell our force to a couple of hundred men, and we know what that many Texas cowboys can do, even with a few regiments of the dons. “You know there is room on the Mus- tang for more, and she will readily carry several hundred of our horses. “Now she is in the cattle business, clearing for Cuba direct, with horses, as you will see, and while she now runs to Galveston for coal, we will get our re- cruits and return here with them, say by the tenth, for that will give full time. “The steamer will be fitted with full supplies, and nothing shall be left un- done for the comfort of you all, and thw full success of the expedition. “Ag I am going to Galveston, I will go aboard now, with my horse, and. Taos will accompany me, for we can arrange a plan on the way, as I desire him to return to Cuba to notify our old cap- tain, Agramonfe, and other comrades there, of our coming, and to reconnoitre the scene and Jet us know the exact situation.” The men were only too anxious to serve their captain, and get another “erack” at the Spaniards, while they would have taken any desperate chance to rescue Hotspur Harry, their Boy Bugler, and his beautiful sister. They also had a revengeful desire to capture their traitor comrade, Don Ruiz Valdos, ‘No messenger was sent, senor; none could be, as we were prisoners.” “Prisoners! Great Heavens! Tell me what has happened, Taos?” and Captain Chase was excited momentarily. The pilot related his story and pointed to his wounds, while he revealed the belt of gold he had gotten from the dead Spaniard, whose clothes he had taken. “He was doubtless a pillager, senor, for there are watches and valuable jew- elry in the belt, along with bank notes and gold, as I will show you; but the first question now is about the return to Cuba for another rescue, but this time the force will have to be a larger one than before,;if the prisoner whom I captured told the truth about reinforcements, and I believe he did, for the convoy captured by Colonel Agramonte is proof of it.” Captain Chase had listened with deep- est attention to every word, and then said, earnestly: “We will go again to the rescue, . Taos.” CHAPTER XVI. ONCE MORE FILIBUSTERS. It was indeed a bitter thought for Captain Charlie,” as the cowboys affec- tionately called their gallant leader, to feel that the one he loved, and her brother, the Boy Bugler of the clan, and the idol of the men, had been retaken by the Spaniards, after their escape. He had done his part, made the land- ing, had seen Rafael Agramonte, his pe eee wife, and the brave cowboy volunteers owboy Rescuers in Cuba. Bo aan ee eo ee ee eS SE eS eee SE Se See eee After seeing his horse put on board by a flatboat, lowered from the steamer, and the men depart on their search for recruits, Captain Chase and Taos went out to the Mustang, which at once got up anchor and sped away for Galveston, unseen ,by any one, for the part of the coast where the cowboys embarked and landed was very lonely,’ and far from any ranch or habitation. “You are willing to return to Cuba, | Taos, are you not, though we really need you aboard the Mustang in running in again, and I could make the run, I guess, in your small boat.” “No, no, senor, I must go, for though you have been an American naval officer, and are a splendid seaman, it would be madness for you to go in a small boat to Cuba, without knowing those waters. “We will arrange it all right, for I have a plan, senor, which you shall hear,” answered Taos. CHAPTER XVII. TO CUBA, The plan proposed by the Patriot Pilot was that he should take the train at once, on landing at Galveston, returp at greatest speed to Key West, and then sail in his little boat, the Flying Fish, for Cuba. He would arrange to run in at night to the little harbor, and, having left his Spanish sergeant’s uniform at his par- ents’ home, hidden away, he would don it and strike for the mountain camp of Gomez. Once there he could explain all to Col- onel Agramonte, and have him on the alert with a foree to attack the same night that Captain Chase and his cow, boys landed. Upon his return from the mountains, still wearing his sergeant’s uniform, he would reconnoitre the villa and its sur- roundings as well as he could, and dis- cover just what the situation was there. This done, he would return to his parents’ home, and on the night of the landing, and which must be the first one of storm after a certain date, he would run out in the Flying Fish and watch for the Mustang’s coming, to pilot her in, his father accompanying him, to take the little craft back. Should he, Taos, be captured or killed, then his father would be on hand to run the steaiaer into the lagoon; or, if that could not be done without discovery, there: was a point a league away which the Mustang could approach close to, into a small basin, and the landing could there be made, and the cowboys ride from there to the attack. The plan was a good one, and Cap- tain Chase decided at once that it was the best, but said: “T believe you told me your father Was quite an old man, Taos.” “ He is, senor, yet in good health, and strong, while he is one of the best pilots on the coast. - “You know, senor, that father was well born, and rich once, but he was ruined by the Ten Years’ War, and under sentence of death, so he sought a - hiding place on the coast, and became a fisherman, to disguise himself, and he and my mother have educated my sister and myself, so we are not ignorant, like those good people among whom we dwell.” “J dislike having your father take the risk again that he must, and an old man, for he has suffered enough.” “He will be only too glad to do so.” “Ts there no one to take his place, should harm befall you, Taos?”
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a among whom we dwell, senor, yet it is not safe to trust any one in Cuba now until they have been tried.” “Pat should my father even not be able to come, my sister would.” ‘Your sister! ” “Yes sir, Marcelite, and though I, her brother, say it, as beautiful a girl as dwells on ©uban soil, and that is a great deal to **Y in a land here women are so lovely.” “You are right there. But aos, can your sister take your boat back?” “ As well as I can, senor; and more, “They are honest people, and Cubans, | / | \ if harm befalls me, and my father can- | not come, she can run the steamer equal to either of us, for she has been a sailor girl from her cradle, and has a nerve to do anything for Cuba Libre.” “Poor girl! her lover, a fine young planter, went with the Patriots, but was tured, and killed, father feels sure, though she has an abiding hope in his being alive.” “JT sincerely hope that he may be. It having been thus arranged, to avoid all mistakes and accidents, Andrea Taos took the boat ashore the moment the Mustang dropped anchor, Captain Chase accompanying him, and.soon after he was rushing on the train for his destina- tion. Captain Chase at once went to his bankers to find out why the telegram had not been sent to him, and found that none had been received, and this Taos learned before his departure. “ Spanish spies,” he muttered, and he was determined to know the reason his dispatch had miscarried, when he reached Key, West. With a coal merchant Captain Chase arranged for the Mustang to at once take on all she could carry, and a ship chan- dler supplied all the stores needed, Cap- tain Chase paying for everything, for he fortunately had a long purse. The mate of the Mustang had at once wired the owners in New Orleans that Captain Telfair had died at sea, and word came that a captain would at once be sent to take charge. He arrived while the Mustang was coaling, and Captain Chase was delight- ed in finding in him an old naval officer and a man who had been the commander of a filibuster steamer in the Ten Years’ War. ‘The name of the captain was Rudolph Somers. He was every inch a sailor, the very man for the dangerous work in hand, Charlie Chase was glad to know. “The owners of the Mustang may sus- pect, but they do not say’ that they know what this vessel is doing, and are content, as long as they get their charter money, for her to be engaged in the gulf cattle trade, but she must be a good craft,” remarked Captain Somers. “Where are none better for the serv- ice, for this, a racer, is stanch, and is of light draught, so we can run for it, weather any blow, and find easy land- ings,” answered Captain Chase, and he added: “T have found a number of old pards here to go with me, horses and all, and they go on board as cattlemen, of course.” “When: will you sail, sir?” “To-morrow morning, so as to reach the rendezvous with my cowboys by night.” And on time the Mustang put to sea; the rendezvous was reached, the Cowboy Rescue Couriers taken on board with their ponies, and the prow of the swift steamer was headed for Cuba once more. ” se | 3 Aa " recy Oe! * | She is now mourning for | who | cap- | in| The Cowboy Rescuers in Cuba. 1k CHAPTER XVIII. THE SECRET FOE. The pilot reached Tampa on. time, cuught the steamer for Key West, and at mee hastened to his Cuban friend’s home. The Flying Fish was there all aright, but the pilot was told that he had evi- dently been suspected, for several times the friend noticed Spanish spies hang- ing about, watching her. “To fool them, I have run out in hex a couple of times, with a party for a sail, and you had better go aboard now, while I fit her out for your run, and [lJ get up another sailing party, and com- ing back you cam land us at another point and then put out to sea_ after | dark.”’ This plan suited Taos, and, asking his friend to. go to the telegraph office and Chase, he at once went on ‘board the Fly- ing Fish. Several hours after the Cuban cigar- maker came on board with ‘his family and some friends, bringing supplies for the little craft, and, hidden in the cabin, Taos heard the Flying Fish put under way and. stand out into the gulf. As soon as he dared, he went on deck, and his friend told him that the ex- planation at the telegraph office had been that a gentleman had come in with him, had changed the bill for the operator which he had offered at the office in pay- | ment for the dispatch, and also had gone out with the pilot, and thus was sup- posed to be a friend. Within a minute he had returned and stated that his friend had just met the gentleman to whom he had wired in Galveston, so would not send the dis- patch. He was just in time, and the dis- patch and money had been returned to him. He was described as a Cuban in ap- pearance, and Taos at once said: “A Spanish spy. I was shadowed, but did not-suspect it. I remember the man well, for I asked him where the offica was, and he said he was going there and would show me. “Tt was cleverly done, but shows how Spain has her spies right here on Amer- ican soil.” After an hour’s sail the Flying Fish ran in again, a landing was made just after dark,,and, alone, Andrea Taos stood out to sea on his perilous mission. Key West had almost been dropped out of sight, the lights astern growing more and more dim, and the Flying Fish, with a favorable breeze, was reeling off eight knots to the hour, when, in spite of his great nerve, Taos gave a start as he heard the words: “Senor, you are my prisoner!” The words came like a yoice from the sky to the Patriot Pilot. He had believed himself alone in the craft, leagues away from another human being. His first thought was that some Cuban of the party, anxious to go to the island, had hidden on board when the others of the party left, but the words did not carry out that idea. In moments of great danger a brave man thinks and acts quickly. Taos re- membered that the forward hold was not Jocked., It had only a hatchway over it, and this was not battened down. In that hold the fish were stored, when fishing, and it occupied one-half the length of the boat, the cabin and spacious cockpit the other half. Over the cabin deck by the starlignt ) | at the coolness of the man at the tiller. |} and the little craft : | fired, the man forward began to for all were friends of Cuba Libre there, | | bullet missed its aim. i ; a 1d | ing hand, ran up into tl inquire about his message to Captain | Pilot Taos saw a man leaning, a revolver in his hand, pointed directly at him, But, coolly, the patriot replied: ‘Well, shipmate, what can I do for you? ” He had been addressed in Spanish, and he replied in that language. The man was evidently taken aback That was just what the pilot wanted, | for, suddenly releasing the tiller, he made a bound head first into the cabin! There was a flash and a report, but the Once in the cabin Taos felt th situation was more evenly divi He had a rifle there, shot belt. of revolvers, and he lg getting one of the latter, back to the cabin entray The Flying Fish, relic It was blowing hard, the rolle badly; she caught. the other quarter and went tc lessly about. But the pilot did not worry: craft was all right for the pr. the foe aboard was to be looke Not. having heard a sound that he had killed the pilot, but he aft with the. greatest caution, ste himself by the top of the cabin. The pilot saw his legs as he passe two bull’s eyes on the starboard so was on guard, and stood in the entrance awaiting his enemy. CHAPTER XIX, THE NIGHT GANTLET. “You are my prisoner! Surrendei I will kill you!” So called out the secret foe of the pi as he leaned over the cabin. There was no response. “Ho within there!” cried the man, All was silent. “Say, I am no foe. I only said what I did to scare you, and did not shooi at you at all. “TI want to go to Cuba, so hid myself for I am one of the sailing party, an feared you would not take me.” Taos knew this to be a ruse to throw him off his guard. Not one of the party could have been left without some one else knowing it. There were only seven in all, and a man covld not have raised the forward heavy hatch and slipped into the hold without being seen, especially as it was hardly dark when the landing had been made. Receiving no answer, tered in Spanish: “T guess I killed him. “T’ll try and gee,” and at once he peered over into the cabin below. Taking aim, as the man peered into the cabin, Taos pulled trigger. A shriek followed; and the man dropped into the cabin. Lighting the cabin lamp, the pilot gazed upon his foe, who was dead, and Taos recognized the man who had gone to the telegraph office with him. He searched him and found a number of papers, a well-filled purse, watch, two revolvers, and a long-bladed knife. ; “He brought it upon himself, and dead men. tell no tales. I must lose ho time.” With this the pilot took the body on deck and threw it into-the sea. Then he put out his cabin light, lighted the binocle lamp to get his bearings, and once more put the Flying Fish upon her course. the ‘man mut~
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12 The wind had increased, and the little craft fairly flew over the waters. “She’s making twelve knots an hour, if she’s making one, and if the wind holds like this from its present quarter, Tll run the ninety miles by daybreak, and not have to stand off and on all to- morrow, waiting for darkness to run in. ““T’m certainly in luck.” With this the pilot devoted to the care of his vessel: He would not reef, unless the wind »rew stronger, and taking his course, he + the Flying Fish along at racing himself “ried her nose at times, swooped ‘+h scuppzrs under again and . spray dashed far up her t, for the man who held s hand knew just what he night the Flying Fish sing two sailing vessels , but evidently not seen ks. line of the Cuban coast at in sight, but still the craft times did Taos fear he would lay to and reef, but he took the EB and held on. emed for a long time that the Aid not draw nearer, and the east Already brightening with coming } at last, the unerring sailor saw luffs above his coast home; he had the mouth of the inlet, and in bd the Flying Fish, her sails were red as she sped along, her anchor et fall, and ere her momentum had fed, the pilot had slipped into the er, the things taken from the Span- Pd wrapped close in a rubber blanket. d a few bold strokes carried him shore. Quickly he ran for the shelter of his harents’ little cottage, and just in time, For the east was growing brighter now, and the people of the hamlet would soon ibe astir. Hiding in the foliage about the cot- age, for he did not know what might ave happened, Taos waited for half an our, and*then saw his father come out on the piazza and look about him. “Does all go well, father?” he cried, as he heard the old man say: “ Why, the Flying Fish is back at her anchorage! Zs Another moment and Andrea Taos was beneath the roof of his home. He had safely run the night gantlet into Cuba once more, CHAPTER XX. THE FAIR SPY. The pilot was warmly welcomed back by his parents and sister, and they could hardly believe that he had, in so short a time, gone through with so much. He told his story in a modest way, and said that the Mustang and a large band of Texan cowboys would be on their way to Cuba very soon, if they had not already started. 7 “ My duty is to first get to the mount- ain camps and see Colonel Rafael Agra- monte, telling him of the arrangement with Captain Chase, but I must try and reconnoitre the Wild Flower Plantation before I go, and see what force is there and just how they are placed, for that will be important to know,” said Taos. “Tt will do that for you, Brother An- drea,” quietly said Marcelite. ae You? ” “Yes. “Colonel Bartello sent over here to the hamlet and asked ‘to haye fish sup- The Cowboy Rescuers in Cuba. $$$ ee plied the villa daily, and father, though not caring to serve the Spaniards, even for their gold, at once saw a chance to make discoveries, and undertook to do So. “He has twice gone there with fish, for he borrowed Manuel Lopez’s boat, and last evening he made a good catch to take over this morning. “As they keep their eye on him, he has been able to discover but little; but I will go, and—” “Why, Marcelite, I would not hear of such a thing, for the moment they saw you they—” “ Wait, Andrea, and hear me! They would not see me, for I will go as a fisher lad, and my large fishing coat, a pair of your pants down to fit, boots, an oil- skin cap, short hair, and a dirty face will make me a good specimen of a boy of fifteen.” “And you mean to sacrifice your beau- tiful hair?” “Tt is but little to sacrifice, when so many give up life! “Come, mother, you alter these pants to suit me. I’ll get Andrea to cut off my hair, and—” “Which Andrea will not be guilty of.” “Then mother will.” “Yes, my child, I will! for now we must show by our actions that we love Cuba. “You, my son, have just risked your life, and we can so disguise Marcelite there will be little risk, I am sure. “Husband, you can get the Lopez boat ready, and run it around to where none of the people will see Marcelite get in, and she will go aboard where you land.” Andrea Taos saw that his mother and sister were determined, and that his father did not say nay, and so he yielded, while he greatly admired Marcelite for her pluck. He told her just what he wished ty find out, and then he turned to the papers and other things he had taken from the body of the Spaniard whom he had killed on the Flying Fish. In looking them over he was not long in discovering that the man was a Span- ish spy, in the pay of the consul of Spain, and also serving the United States in the same capacity. There were telltale papers that made the Cuban pilot feel that he had rendered Cuba a much greater service than he had dreamed of at first, for there was a full report of discoveries made by the spy regarding the Cubans, but not yet turned in. ; “T will turn them all over to Colonel Agramonte, and then they should be sent to our friends in Key West. “ By killing that man much good has been done our cause, I am glad to see. He went aboard the Flying Fish to capture me when I boarded, but the com- ing of the party made him wait, and when at last he did make the attack I was fortunately too quick for him,” said Andrea to his parents and sister in ex- planation. After a couple of hours, Marcelite was ready for her daring venture. Her beau- tiful dark hair had been cut short, her face had been blotched here and there with black, and her exquisite teeth had been discolored, so that they were no longer attractive. Then with a storm suit, rubber boots, her father’s cut-down pants, and an oilskin tarpaulin pulled down over her eyes, she was certainly the picture of a saucy-looking fishing lad of. fourteen. She slipped out of the cottage by the rear garden, skirted along the base of the cliff, turned it, and at a noint beyond saw her father waiting. She was soon in the boat, her father telling her he would await her there, so she could return in the same way Up the coast, just beyond the breakers, ran the little skiff, ¢killfully handled by the young girl, ala running into the lagoon, after a sail of over a league, she landed, shouldered ‘her basket of fish, and started up to tk,, villa. There “was no oné,jat the dagoon land- ing, but at. the hilitop, wnere the road entered the vilia grounds, there was @ piece of artillery ard a sentinel, with a small camp, showing that there were a number of soldiers camping there at night. Upon the cliff, near the ruins of the overseer’s home, was a camp of fully a hundred men, and a mate to the gun at the hilltop. Outside of the handsome entrance to the grounds of the villa from the high- way, the fair spy counted fully two hun- dred Spanish infantry, and they had two guns in position, commanding the ap- proach. Back of the villa was a large camp, in which were cavalry, artillery, -and in- fantry, fully a thousand men, she con- Sidered, in looking it over. In front of the villa were two more guns in position, and to one side a camp of infantry and cavalry. “They have two thousand men here surely, and perhaps more that I do not see; but I must find that out,” she mut- tered, as she went along. CHAPTER XXI. WHAT MARCELITE DISCOVERED, The sentinel at the hilltop had seen no harm in the fisher lad and his large oo of fine fish for the ofticers at the illa. Especially had ‘the been pleased when Marcelite told him that her father could not come, and then, expressing pity for him, had given him two of the best fish in the basket for his dinner. This won the sentinel, and he said: “If; you could only get me a loaf of the wheat bread the officers only receive, I'd remember you, my lad, for it would Z0 well with these fish.” OH try. t0.?? “The cook would give you a loaf.” “Tll do my best, captain,” answered Marcelite, and being called captain made the soldier grin with delight. “That’s my man,” muttered Marce- lite, as she went on to the villa. She had often been there before, for Stella Agramonte had been struck with the beautiful daughter of the old fisher- man, and shown her many favors, as had also Lucita. Going around to the rear of the villa, unchallenged by the sentinels, she found the cook was the old negress who had served the Agramontes, and had been kept in her place by Colonel Bartello. Mercelite knew that the negress was as true as steél to the Agramontes and the Cuban cause, for she had a son gserv- ing under Maceo, though this fact was not known to the Spaniards, or she would not have been trusted. She handed over her fish, fresh from the trap, and the negress, Donna, eyed her curiously. “T’m all right, Donna—I’m Marcelite Taos,” whispered the girl. The effect was electrical. The negress laughed and cried, squeezed Marcelite’s hands until they ached, and after half an hour passed there, the fair spy started upon her return, and the basket was well supplied. She went to the hilltop, and she was disappointed to find her sentinel gone,
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we _ told us about, Brother Andrea, and he also is in love with the Senorita Lucita, for the relief guard had been on. its rounds; but she was told that the other sentinel was off duty and awaited at the boat for her, and the soldier added: “Tt’s all right, }: 1, for ’'m his com- rade.” Down to the boat went Marcelite, and there was the sentinel. She opened her fish basket, and ‘apped up securely within were a coup. of loaves of wheat bread, a bottle of wine, and a jar of preserves. “T feel sorry fo» you soldiers, who are sent here to Cuba, and I just got these from the cook, so will give them to you.” The soldier could have hugged the supposed boy with delight, but to Mar- celite’s great joy, he did not make the attempt. He was only too glad to sit down and talk with Marcelite, who promised to bring him more things to eat, and it was fully an hour before the little boat and its girl helmsman ran out of the lagoon on its way, back to the hamlet harbor. Her father was waiting for her, hav- ing grown most anxious at her long stay; but she leaped ashore, while he took the boat around, and, going around the cliff, she entered the cottage un- seen, to find her mother and brother pale with anxiety about her. “Tm all right, and I just wish to tell you what I have found out, and I got it from two different sources. “Colonel Bartello is in full command about here, and he has eight guns, six- pounders and twelves, and I know where each one is stationed. “He has his own regiment of cavalry, six hundred strong, two regiments of in- fantry. of twelve to thirteen hundred soldiers, and the batteries, with Ban- guo’s guerilla band of a hundred men, and they guard the roads to the mount- agains. “In all, he has about two thousand two hundred men, and from outpost to - outpost on the Wild Flower Plantation, and the force immediately around the villa, he could bring all into action with- in an hour’s time. “‘Now to the prisoners. “ He has confined in the villa the ‘ein orita Lucita, her quadroon maid, Flora, Senora Mendoza, the latter’s child, and in a wing in the rear are the Senor Harry and Mendoza, the overseer. “The Senorita Lucita and her maid are allowed to go at will about the villa and grounds, for Colonel Bartello is in love with her and oer some day to marry her. “TP she does not marry him, then her brother, the Senor Harry, is to be shot asa rebel. “The major of the kepiment is your traitor Texan, Don Ruiz Valdos, you so he and Colonel Bartello are .o fight } i fr hs duel avout her, I learned, for the villa - cook, Donna, t told me all, and I got much - more news from a sentinel, “Now, brother, have I done well?” asked the disguised girl, proudly, * Nobly! I could not have discovered 4} anything in comparison.” “TL show. you just what rooms the _ prisoners are in; and more, just where each camp of the Spaniards is, and the_ force there,’ and with pencil and paper Marcelite drew a map of the plantation, lan of her, who said: the villa, and wah it to her ur" _ for the es ae to- . : | the Spaniards to fight me, for I will - aw ‘The Cowboy Rercuers in Cuba. CHAPTER XXII. THE PILOT’S REPORT, Andrea, the patriot true heart, rested through the day, for he was to'have a night tramp of it to the mountains, of over thirty miles, 4nd he had already spent the night before running the gant- let in the Flying Fish. After a good supper he set out just at dark on his long walk. He went as he had come, by way of the bluff, and carried along his Spanish uniform, to don, did he have to run the gantlet of any soldiers of Spain. But fortune favored him, and though, as he crossed the highway, a Spanish patrol passed along, he was not seen, crouching in the bushes, but both heard and saw the Spaniards, for they were talking of what a surprise they would give the cowboys, did they. attempt to at- tack them, or to land another force, as they, the Cubans, did not know that their force had been almost quadruplad in number, in addition to which they had artillery and infantry. Andrea smiled grimly, and went on his way when the Spanish patrol had passed on down the road, chattering like mon- keys. Continuing to press on, the pilot reached a point where he could have a fine view of the coast and the gulf be- yond. “The weather will be threatening now for a month or more, so the Mustang won’t have to wait long for a bad night to run in. “T am full to the chin of news for Colonel Rafael Agramonte, and he’ll act for the best, I know. If I do not get back to the coast, my brave sister will be the Mustang’s pilot, so there can be no patatcictl anyway.” So musing, the Patriot Pilot pushed cn untiringly, and just as the east grew rosy with the coming up of the sun, he came to the first patriot outpost. He at once told the guard that he was hastening on to see Colonel Agramonze with important news, and was told that his camp was a couple of miles fur- ther on. He was given a horse to ride, and, as he went along, escorted by a Cuban ‘sol- dier, he could see that the way had been well strengthened ‘in works and outposts, and a surprise of the camp could uot be made by the Spaniards. Colonel Agramonte had just come cut of his quarters as the pilot appeared, and gave a hearty welcome as he saw him, but said: “So you were not able to get away from the island, Taos?” “Oh, yes, senor, and return. I accom- plished all that I went for and more.” Senora Agramonte was hastily called, and while waiting for breakfast the Cuban colonel and his wife heard the story that Andrea Taos had to tell. “You have friend, and as soon as you have break- fast, I wish you to ride with me to Gen- eral Gomez’s quarters, for President Cisneros is there, and they must hear all. “T have my cowboys here, a company of amazons, battalion of scouts, three hundred strong. We guard the approach to the camps, -and have one gun here, also; but I can get a reserve force with my own, to make that swoop down upon Bartello’s camp the night the Mustang runs in, and Captain Chase and _ his Cowboy Couriers can attack the villa and make the rescue, from which I will have drawn eee a show of attacking the line, | down with deadly force. done nobly, my good | thirty strong, of which ny ‘wife is captain, and Major Leonardo's 13. “Thus you see, Taos, by, your splendid work, what we can do.” “Yes, senor, and Captain Chase told me to tell you that his intention was to remain in Cuba, with half of his cow- boys, at least, and fight MAO, the Lone Star Flag.” “JT really hope he will nol: but will re- turn to Texas with Lucita and Harry; but, should he be determined to remain, I will see that he gets a colonel’s com- mission to start with, for he is a nat- ural-born soldier, as well as sailor, and would be a great addition to our strug- gling army. “Now tell me, Taos, should aught happen to you, in running the gantlet to the coast, what would we do, for the Mustang could not run in.” “Oh, yes, senor, she could! My. sis- ter Marcelite, whom you and Senora Stella both know, is to watch for her coming, going out in the Flying Fish the first night of storm.” “And your father will pilot the Mus- tang in?” “Oh, no, senor, for we refuse to allow father to risk anything, after all he has gone through, and in his old age. Mar- celite will go.” “And be the pilot?” “Yes, senor.’ . Ak know that she is a perfect sailor, ut— “Til trust her, Senor Colonel.” “Then that settles it, for if you trust her with the task, I feel that she can do it. Now we'll start for headquarters.” As Taos was seen by the Texas cow- boys with their colonel, he was given three rousing cheers, for they well knew that there was important work ahead when they saw the return of the Mus- tang’s pilot. CHAPTER XXIII. THE PLOT. The camp of General Gomez was visit- ed by Pilot Taos, with Colonel Agra- monte, the latter being escorted only by his amazon bodyguard. The pilot looked at the faces of the women soldiers, and saw there only stern determination to do their duty as far as they might. Some of them were as young as their captain, Stella Agramonte, a number of them almost as beautiful in face and form. Others showed how they had suffered, and a number of them had lost husbands, brothers, fathers, lovers, in fact, all that they had held dear, and had devoted their lives to Cuba Libre. They had shown their mettle in more than one engagement, and the Spaniards had begun to fear them. ba In capturing the Spanish convoy, as he had, Colonel Agramonte had seen — that women dare go where'men did; and more—that they could bring a machete They could also fire rifle and revolver with deadly aim, and were ready to die as men did. The convoy’ was a splendid haul, of guns, ammunition, rifles, and much ‘needed supplies, while he had almost ae wiped out the Spanish escort. The handsome young. Cuban-Amer- ican, for he had become a citizen of the United States while living in Texas, had won laurels for himself by his brilliant | services already. At headquarters he was ushered into | the presence of coe Gomez, the pilot nes accompanying him “3 Mabon pain not there, having moved — off to the west to establish a camp . further in the Spanish lines. , That stern old warrior, Gomez, gave the pilot cordial greeting, and act
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> Oh ot tee = him to a small man, well-formed, quick in movement, and with a massive head and face of much force and character. It was President Salvador Cisneros. He had expressive eyes, wore a full beard, and looked the man to be at the head of the Patriot Government of a people struggling for independence, for freedom from the most tyrannical nation ‘on earth, bar none. The pilot greeted the president with due respect, and at the request of Rafael Agramonte told his story. All listened most attentively, and then General Gomez said; “When will the filibuster steamer be, in?” “The first night of storm, Senor Gen- eral, after the fifteenth of this month.” “And this is the eleventh.” “Yes, senor. She will hardly, be off the coast before the thirteenth or four- teenth, and will then stand off and on, with the island just in sight, awaiting a blow and dark night.” “Then you must be ready, Colonel Agramonte, for the same night.” “ Yes, senor.” ““T will give you what men you need.” “Thanks, general, a couple of troops and two guns will do, beside my own force, for I am to make feint attacks, as it were, to draw the Spaniards to their inland lines, while Captain Chase lands with his Cowboy Couriers and makes a dash to the rescue of the prisoners in the villa. “With two guns at different points, and the force I name, I can make Colonel Bartello and his men believe a much larger number is about to attack him, and that will draw his men from the villa.” : “You are right, and you can have what men you wish. But, would it not be well to make an attack in force?” “Not if we wish to save the villa, Senor General, and keep a force of Span- jards there.” “Again you are right. You, Pilot Taos, are to return to the coast, and bring the Mustang in?” * Yes, general.’ “And explain the situation on this side?” “Yes, Senor General.” “There must be some agreement as to the time of attack.” “JT will leave it to my sister, senor, to pilot the Mustang in, while I will watch from the bluffs, and then run across to the highway, where I will meet Colonel Rafael and let him know. “ Should the steamer not come in, he can .withdraw his force unseen, and await until she does arrive.” All was made plain as to just what was to be done by each party, afloat and ashore, and both President Cisneros and General Gomez seemed much impressed ‘by the fact that the Patriot Pilot would trust his sister, a young girl, to bring the Mustang in to land the cowboys. But Colonel Agramonte vouched for it that she was to be trusted, and the pilot soon after started for the cowboys’ camp, to await until night, when he would again run the gantlet to the coast. After a good rest, he started at sunset, carrying a bundle of important papers to be sent back on the Mustang, and addressed to the Junta in New York. CHAPTER XXIV. FOES TO THE END. It is now time to retufn to the villa, and see how Hotspur Harry, Lucita, and the Mendozas have fared there. They had been carried back to the villa - 14 The Cowboy Rescuers in Cuba. TS SE SASS SS EL IE I TE Te a | by Major Don Ruiz Valdos in great tri- umph, for he felt that he had accom- plished much over his superior, Colonel Bartello. The latter being in command, was the one to be blamed for the rescue of his prisoners and the surprise of his camp by the landing party of Americans, The fact that he, Don Ruiz Valdos, had recaptured the prisoners was a feather in his cap he intended to make the most of. So back he went, to find Colonel Bar- tello again in possession of the villa, and pacing up and down his room like an enraged lion, while couriers were coming in with their reports to him that the filibuster steamer had escaped to sea. Leaving ‘his prisoners under guard, Don Ruiz entered the quarters of Colonel Bartello, and was greeted in no pleasant mood by his superior, whom he had ar- ranged to meet in a duello in a few more hours. Valdos was a very shrewd man, and he had begun to consider the situation from a new standpoint. Should he kill Colonel Bartello, he would doubtless be ordered away from the very scene where he wished to remain. Again, with reinforcements coming, should he remain, with his rank as a major, he would find himself under some officer who would come with his regi- ment and outrank him. He believed he could handle Bartello, the latter had good influence with the captain general, and so he would work to have matters remain as they were for the present. With his hold upon the colonel of hav- ing recaptured the prisoners, he had him in his power, so to speak. For these reasons, with a change of heart, he now sought out Colonel Bar- tello. The latter fairly glared at him when he entered, and hissed forth: ‘Where were you, senor, when duty map that you should lend me your a i tae “Dismiss these officers, Senor Colonel Bartello, and I will tell you,’ was the calm response. The officers. present were dismissed; then Major Valdos said: “T was driven to my room by an over- whelming force, Colonel] Bartello, and I heard the rescue of the prisoners and the order for them to go at once, mounting what horses they found outside, to the steamer, but to go by the outer gate on the highway, where Senor Rafael Agra- monte and a force awaited to bid them farewell before going to the mountain camps of the rebels. “T at once leaped from the window, for I had barred myself in my room, mount- ed a horse, and collecting a few of our men, went to the spot appointed, “Going ahead alone, I called to Agra- monte that all was well, but not to wait, and, seeing him depart with his cowboy band, I stationed my men in the woods and when the prisoners came up, in charge of a Cuban, I recaptured them. “The Cuban I killed, but all of the prisoners are safe. without.” “Valdos, I humbly ask you to pardon my hasty words, for you certainly accom- plished wonders. “Those American cowboys fight so like devils they put my men to fight, and I had to run for my life, also. “The cowboys got back to. their steamer, and the party you. speak of, will reach the mountain camps, but I will report this fight as a victory for us, for the vessel has gone, and she cer- tainly had no time to land munitions of war, while we must have killed many of them.” “Very few, Colonel Bartello, while scores of Spanish soldiers fell, for I know how those Texas cowboys fight, having been with them in their own: land. “But, let me say to you, senor, that I, for one, am anxious to serve you, and to do so we must sink personal feelings, at least for the present, “We must end this duello where it is, and act together, or, as I happen to know, your command will be ordered away from here.” “That I should by no means like, senor don; but how can this all be ended honorably? ” “We can send for our seconds, Senor Colonel, explain to them that an affair between the colonel and his major at this time would be most demoralizing to the men, and that the duel shall be declared off for the present, and a tem- porary peace between us take place, for duty to Spain demands it.” “T am more than willing; but about your claim upon the hand of Senorita Lucita Agramonte? ” “T do not relinquish it, Senor Colonel, but I will make no claim until both you and I are firm in our positions here be- yond removal.’ “And I will do the same, Don Ruiz Valdos. : “But what of the execution of that boy and the overseer? ”’ “Tt must not be done.” “ But—’” “Do you expect to win favor by kill- ing that boy? And more as he is an American, even though a filibuster, it may cause our Government trouble to have him shot without trial.” ““But the overseer? ” “The Senorita Agramonte thinks most highly of him, Senor Colonel, and it will be best to simply put off the executions, as we have our duello, and await to see what may turn up. “Then we can be guided in all by circumstances. Give Senorita Lucita and her maid the freedom of thergrounds, treat the boy and Mendoza more kindly, and matters will shape themselves either to your advantage or mine, for both of us cannot wed the Senorita Agramonte, and when our duel is fought the survivor will enjoy the benefit of what you now do.” Colonel Bartello looked steadily into the eyes of the bold speaker, and said: “ Major Valdos, you have done a good thing in recapturing the prisoners, and you suggest just what I shall do in my, treatment of them, while, like you, I do not lose sight of our duel, and at a future day it will be for one of us to win, you or I, “Until that. day we are at peace, and, though rivals, must appear friends.” So it was that matters rested in the villa while the Cuban plotters were busy without. CHAPTER XXV. THE NIGHT OF THE ORDEAL The pilot, Andrea Taos, reached the eoast in safety, and once more entered his home on the basin, just as the dawn was breaking. Refreshed by a bath and good break- fast, he told his parents and sister of his visit to the patriot camp, his meet- ing with the President and General Gomez, and just how he had arranged with Colonel Rafael Agramonte the plan of action when the Mustang should run in. Then he added:
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5 Spm Scie . - pengrmerit kale, Ro > hes / “And, Marcelite, you are to be the | pilot of the Mustang.” “J will not shrink from the brother,’ was the plucky reply. “ Father -will sail you out in the life skiff, and then run home again, after he ‘has put you on board, and my advice will be that. you go in your sailor’ garb as a fisher boy.” a Walle” “J will give you a note to Captain Chase, and you can bring the steamer in to the point, for the horses can be thrown overboard there and swim ashore, and the men catch them as they land. You know the secret path to the grounds of the villa, which comes out near the road to the lagoon.” “T know it well, brother.” “You ean guide Captain Chase and his cowboys that way, and -once they reach the grounds, they will know what to do, so you can quickly make your way back home.” “J will, brother; but, the steamer?” “J will join Captain Chase and guide him back in his retreat to the steamer, for I go to sea with the Mustang, to run in other expeditions. I am. sure this will not be the last one our good American friends send us.” “TI ‘hope not, most sincerely, brother; but, I understand all Iam to do now, and will not fail you.” “I feel assured of that. The moment I see from the bluff that you ‘have brought the steamer into harbor, I will start across to communicate with Col- onel Agramonte. Then he will commence his attack. That will take nearly all the Spanish from the villa, as they will not be looking for a steamer to come in. “T will meet the cowboys where you leave them, and if half can capture the villa, and rescue the prisoners,. the others, those who are to go with Colonel Agramonte back to the mountains, can join his forces there, carrying the ammu- nition they are to bring in quantities with them on pack horses, for all that will be arranged.” Thus was the whole plan ‘laid out, and all the pilot and his fair sister had to do was to await the coming of the steam- er bearing the Rescue Couriers. The days passed,'and the night ap- pointed fortune favored, for the late hours came on dark and stormy, and just at sunset from the bluff, Taos had seen a smoke far off on the horizon. Watching, he had seen it double and go back over its track. This was the signal agreed upon with Captain Chase. The Mustang was on time, and ashore all was in readiness for her coming. Just after dark fell Felipe Taos and his daughter left their home, and, en- tering the stanch life skiff, put out to sea, Andrea being already at ‘his post upon the bluff. The desperate play of life and death was at hand. duty, CHAPTER XXVI, CONCLUSION, Without a hitch the plans put in mo- tion for the landing ,and rescue went on, and the separate actors in the night tragedy well did their duty. Marcelite was put on board the Mus- tang, in spite of the wild seas running; her father returned in safety to his home; Andrea Taos saw the landing begun, and, hastening to the rendezvous, found Rafael Agramonte there, with his 2 in position all along the Spanish ne, Told that the Mustang had done her a duty, Colonel Agramonte began work by throwing a shell into the Spanish outpost nearest to him. This was the signal for a feint attack all along the line, to become real where it could be made so by loss to the Spaniards. Without a hitch the plans of the pa- triots and the Cowboy Rescuers were carried out. The attack of Colonel Agramonte was made, to draw the Spaniards away from the villa and their camps, in the belief that a large insurgent force from the mountains had come down to attack them. Under cover of this ruse the Texan Rough Riders landed from the Mustang, made their way to attempt the rescue of those for whom they were risking so much. Straight to the rendezvous appointed with her brother Marcelite led the cow- boys, and, ‘having done this, she drew back to the shelter of a grove of palms, to await the result. Andrea Taos at once reported to. Cap- tain Chase the exact situation, that the way to the villa was clear, and few Spaniards were there to defend it. The Texan force was then divided. Those cowboys who had volunteered to remain upon the,:island and fight for Cuba. Libre were massed upon one flank to join Rafael Agramonte as soon as the bold move had been accomplished, while the main band was to dash on to the villa, and woe be unto the Spanish sol- dier who opposed their way! With an irresistible swoop, which they had learned upon the plains of Texas, the cowboys were led by Captain Chase to the villa—the few guards suspecting them to be Spanish cavalry, until they learned to their sorrow that they were not. It did not take Captain Chase and his men long to free Hotspur Harry, Lu- cita, and their fellow-captives from their hateful prison. That done the volunteers were started on their way toward the Cu- ban lines to join Col. Agramonte, while back to the steamer went the retreating Cowboy Rescuers. In safety the Mustang was -reached, but the horses had to be left behind, as they could not be taken on board with the Spaniards now pressing on hard to endeavor to retrieve their defeat and losses by making a capture of the block- ade running steamer .and her gallant crew and guard. . Out to sea stood the Mustang, escaping the Spanish soldiers on shore and the Spanish enemies afloat. Her sharp prow went swiftly through the waves, and her course was once more homeward bound! The Texans who had remained to cast their destiny with the Cuban patriots, as we have said, had started for the mountain camps. of Gomez; but their retreat was not to be a bloodless one, for the Spanish cavalry, maddened by their defeat, and determined to cut off the re- treat of the cowboys, started in reckless pursuit. “The Spanish cavalry are pursuing in heavy force, Colonel Agramonte, led by Don Ruiz Valdos himself,” cried a cow- boy scout of the rear guard, dashing up and joining Rafael Agramonte. “We will bar their way! Dash to the front, Mowbray, and send back every man that can be spared. “T will lead those now with me back to meet the Don and his men,” cried the brave Agramonte, and his followers gave a cheer. They were ready for the fray! The day had dawned, and as Colonel Agramonte wheeled and led the way ata run back on the trail, Handsome Matt Mowbray dashed away to obey his lead- The Cowboy Rescuers in Cuba. ee ee A TE AS ST A TT ao —— CST a ae oe A'S "= er’s orders, his cowboy’ comrades greet- ing him as he passed them with cheers and waving of sombriros. But the Spaniards had had too severe a taste of what the Texans were in bat- tle to press them too hard; while, also, the traitor Don may have had an idea that ‘he was risking too much in crowd- ing his. old comrades. The pursuing cav- alry evidently were satisfied with the first rebuff to let the retreating force go on its way, and the patriot camps were reached in safety. As to the Rescuers on the Mustang, they safely reached port, and in spite of their experience in running the block- ade of Spanish cruisers, all were ready and anxious to again follow their brave captain in another expedition to the Ever Faithful Isle. In truth, there to-day the dashing riders are fighting bravely in the patriot ranks, and have gained the name of the Mounted Man Killers of Cuba, for the Spaniards who face them know just what to expect. THE END. Beadle’s Half-Dime Library BY GEORGE ©. JENKS, 485 Git Thar Owney the Unknown. 492 Git Thar Owney’s Pledge. 5618 The Demon Doctor; or, Deadholi, the Kid Detective, 5381 Double-Curve Dan, the Pitcher Detective, 598 Flute, tbe Singer Detective; or, Owney in a New Role, 608 The Pitcher Deiective’s Foil; or, Dan’s Double Play. 616 The Ocean Detectives or. The Last Cruise ofthe Black Bear, 681 The Pitcher Detective’s Toughest Tuasle, 786 Larry the Thoroughbred; or, Beaten on Every Side, 779 lron Hand, the Charmed Detective 854 Uncle Sam’s Detective in Chicago. BY CAPT, J. F. C. ADAMS. 84 Oregon Sol; or, Nick Whiffles’s Boy Spy. 46 Glass-Eye, the Great Shot of the West. 54 Ned Mazel, the Boy Trapper. 56 Nick W hiffien’a Pet; or, Ir The Valley of Death. 60 The White Indians or, The Scovt of the Yeilowstone 70 Old Zip’s Cabins: or, The Greenhorn in the Woods, s1 Listening Jo, the Terror of the Prairie. 85 Buck Buekram 3 or, Bess, the Female Trapper, 247 Old Grizzly and His Pets; or, The Wild Huntress, 251 Light-houae Lige: or, Osceola, the Firebrand, 257 The Lost Hunters; or, The Underground Camp. 288 The Scalp King: or, The Human Thundervolt. BY HARRY ST. GEORGE. 44 Ratiling Rube; or, The Nighthawks of Kentucky, / 59 Old Hickory ; or, Pandy Ellis’s Scalp. 108 Daring Davy ; or, The Trail of the Border Wolf, 166 Hickory Harry; or, The Trapper-Brigade’s Spy, 172 Thunderbolt Tomy; or, the Wolf-Herder. BY WM. R. EYSTER, 190 Dandy Darke}; or, The Tigers of High Pine. 210 Faro Frank; or, Dandy Darke’s Go-Down Pards 818 The Hustler Rogue-Catcher. 888 Poker Pete’s Double Dodge, 851 The Tie-To Sport; or, High Hustling at Sinners’ Fiat, ) S88 Monte Saul, the Sport. 901 Diamond Da ve, the Gilt-Edge Shooter, 919 Crack-Shot Datsy’s Drop, 981 The Sport In Velvet; or,, Big Burk’s Blof. 945 Billy Bird's Bonanza; or, The Reok-Ravons’ Root-Out, 962 Flip-Flap Fred at Hard Pan 969 The Girl Sport-Shadower; or, Clark’s Close Shave. 988 Banty_Billy’s Bonanza ; or, The Bear-Tamer’s Disguise, 1002 Six-Foot Sol, the Sharp-Shooter, BY WILLIAM G. PATTEN, 629 Violet Vane, the Velvet Sport; or, The Jubilee ot Jacktowm 66% Violet Vane’s Victory; or, The Jasper City Clean Ont, 698 Violet and Datsy, the Posy Pardes. 705 Violet Vane’s Vows; or, The Crafty Detective’s Craft. 724 Violet Vane’s yongeoness or, The Wipe-Out. 780 Violet Vane’s_V erdiet; or, The Game at Coffin City. 7A1 Violet Vane, the Ventriloquist Vidocg: or, Sport vs. Sport. 7bO Violet Vane, the Vanquished. or, The Life Struggle. 768 Violet Vane’s Vision; or, The Fiery Hand of Fate. 489 The IMamond Sport: or, The Double Face of Bed Rock, 519 Captain aayecer y's or, five in One. 681 Daley ware the Sport from Denver. 687 Old Bombshell, the Ranger Detective. 604 Iron Fern, the Man of Fire: or, Among the Vultures. 619 Phe Boy Tramp Detectives or. The Double Grip Witnesp 641 Dismal Dave’s Pandy Pard;: or, The Clue to Capt, Claw 651 Bound Boy F rank, the Young Amateur Detective 682 Wild Vulean, the Lone-Range Rider, 714 Old Misery the Man fron) Missouri. 774 Clear-Grit Gal, the Never Say-Die Detective. 789 Sam Sheridan, the Secret Service Special, 806 Cowboy Steve the Ranch Maseot. R20 Nobby Nat, the Tenderfoot Detective. 886 Sharper Stoke’s Double Deal, 857 Spotter Bobin New York. 866 Spotter Bob’s Bowery Rackct. BY DAN DUNNING, 746 Oulet Jack, the Secret Service Spy. TOT Mae and Jack, the Invinciblos; or, The Diabotical Threes STH Detective Dave's Close Call, SS4 Farrel Fox and His Girl Ferret. 898 Farrel Fox's Sweep-Stakes. A New Issue Every Tuesday. The Half-Dime Library i» tor saie py al! Newsdealers, five cents per cony, or cent by maf! on receipt of six cents each. BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers, 92 William Street, New York,
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BEADLE'S« H ALF- DIME«[_IBRARY. Published Every Tuesday. Each Issue Complete and Sold at the Uniform Price of Five Cents, by all Newsdealers.. BY EDWARD L. WHEELER. Deadwood Dick Novels. 1 Deadwood 20 Deadwood 28 Deadwood 85 Deadwood 42 Deadwood 49 Deadwood 57 Deadwood 78 Deadwood 77 Deadwood 100 Deadwood 104 Deadwood 109 Deadwoed 129 Deadwood 188 Deadwood 149 Deadwood 156 Deadwood 195 Deadwood 201 Deadwood ot Deadwood 1? Deadwood 221 Deadwood 282 Gold-Duat 268 Deadwood 368 Deadwood 809 Deadwood 821 Deadwood 847 Deadwood 851 Deadwood 842 Dead wood 405 Deadwood 410 Deadwood 421 Deadwood 480 Deadwood 448 Deadwood 448 Deadwood 458 Deadwood 459 Deadwood 465 Deadwood 471 Deadwood 476 Deadwood 451 Deadwood 491 Deadwood 496 Deadwood 600 Deadwooa 608 Deadwood 5615 Deadwood 622 Deadwood 629 Veadwooa 684 Deadwood 539 Deadwood 5644 Deadwood 5649 Deadwooa 554 Deadwood 561 Deadwood 567 Deadwood 572 Deadwood 578 Deadwood 584 Deadwooe 590 Deadwood 595 Deadwood 600 Deadwood 606 Deadwood 612 Deadwo 618 Deadwo 624 Deadwood 680 Deadwood 686 Deadwood 642 Deadwood 648 Deadwood 654 Deadwood 660 Deadwood 666 Deadwood 672 Deadwood 678 Deadwood 684 Deadwood 690 Deadwood 695 Deadwood 700 Deadwood 704 Deadwood 710 Deadwood 728 Deadwood 784 Deadwood 740 Deadwood 47 Deadwood 52 Deadwood T5R Deadwood 764 Deadwood 770 Deadwood 776 Deadwood TH2 Dead wooa TST Deadwood rendwood Yend wood 802 Deadwood 807 Deadwood 812 Deadwood 816 Deadwood 822 Deadwood R828 Deadwood 884 Deadwood 840 Deadwood 845 Deadwood 852 Deadwood 858 Deadwood 868 Deadwood S70 Deadwood 876 Deadwood 882 Deadwood 891 Deadwood 898 Deadwood 904 Deadwood 910 Deadwood 916 Deadwood ¥28 Deadwood 984 Deadwood 940 Deadwood 946 Deadwood VSL Deadwood 957 Deadwood 965 Deadwood Dick, the Prince of the Road, Dick’s Deflance; or, Double Daggers. Dick in Diaguise; or, Buffalo Ben Dick in Mis 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 4 we, the Heroine Dick’s Last Acts or, Corduroy Charlie. Pickin Leadville. aoe Mes lee; <, The Double Cross Sign. ck as Detective. Dick’a Double; or, The Gorgon’s Gulch Ghost. Dick’a Home Hase; or, Blonde Bill. Dick’s Big Strike; or, A Game of Gold. Diek of Weadwood: or, The Picked Party. Dick’s Dreamy or, The Rivals of the Road, Dick’s Ward; or, The Black Hill’s Jezebel. Dick’s Doom} or, Calamity Jane’s Adventure, Bias Besa ck’s Death-Plant. Dick. A Romance of Roughs and Tougbs, Sa sia or, The Spirit of Swamp Lake. ckh’s Death Trall. Dick’s Deals or, The Gold Brick of Oregon. Dick’s Dozen; or, The Fakir of Phantom Flats Dick’s Ducata; or, Days in the Digxings. + Pg er or, The Terrible Vendetta, ck’s Claim, Dick in Dead City. Dick’s Diamonda, Dick in New Yorks or, A “Cute Case,” Dick’s Dust; or, The Chained Hand. Dick, Jr. or, The Crimson Crescent Sign, Dick, Jr.’s, Defiance. Dick, rie Full Wand, Dick, Jr.’s, Big Round-Up. Dick Jr.’«n Racket at Claim 10, Dick, Jr.’a Corral; or, Bozeman Bill. Dick, Jr.’a, Dog Detective, Dick, Jr.» in Deady ood, Dick, ar.’s, Compact. tai oy .tae zaberitance, ck, Jr.’s ngs. Dick, Jr.’A, Golveroned. pick Frise pretence. ek, Jr.’a, ree. Dick, Jr.’s, Danger Ducka, one a Eady | meath Hunt, ck, drs, in Texas. Dick, Jr., the Wild West Vidoog Dick, Jr., on Min Mettle, pick gre ad Der gaa » dr. in Boston. Dick, Jr., in Philadelphia. pe he toe ek. Jr. oat. Dick. wr.. in Denver. Dick, Jr’, Decree. Dick Jr., in Beelzebub’s Basin, Dick, Jr., at Coney Island, Dick, Jr.’s, Leadville Lay. Dick, Jr., in Detroit. oer * pane ek, Jr., in Nevada. Dick, Jr., in No Man’s Land, Dick, dJr., After the Queer, Dick Jr.. In Buffalo. Diek, Jr.’a, Chase Acroasthe Continent Dick, Jr., Among the Smugglers. Diek, Jr.’«, Lnaurance Cane, Dick, Jr., Back in the Mines, Dick, dr., in Durango} or, “ Gathered In.” Dick, Jr.’s Discovery; or, Found s Fortune, Bie de Baltes ek, Jr.’s. Dollara. Dick, Jr., at Danger Divide, Dick, Ie at Juck-Pot ek, Jr., at Jack-Pot. Pick Jr., in San Franciseo, Diek, Jr.’a Atill Hunt, Dick, Jr.’ Dominoes, ick, Jr.’a Diagulae, Dick. Jr.’a, Double Deal, Dick Jr.’«, Deathwatch, Dick, Jr.’s, lboublet. Dick, Jr.’s, Deathblow. Dick, Jr.’ Deaperate Strait, Diek, Jr.’a, Lone Hand, Dick, Jr.’ Detecat. Dick, Jr.'s, Resurrection. +4 bate Rar wt y Days. ¢ r.» Defied. Dick, Jr.'s, Double Deyice, Dick, Jr’.s, Desperate Venture, | Dick, Jr.’s, Diamond Dice, Bee dese aurea ck, Jr’ Wead-off, prone are ele ek, Jr.’s, Boom, Dick, Jr.’«, Scoop. Dick, Jr.’a, Proxy. Dick, Jr.'s, Clutch. Diek, Jr.’s, High Horse. Diek Jr., at Devil’s Gulch, Dick, Jr.’a, Death-Hole Hustle, Dick, Jr.’a Rombshell. Dick, Jr., In Mexico. Dick, Jr’a Decoy Duck. Dick, Jr. in Silver Pocket. Dick, Jr.'s, Dead-Sure Game, Dick, Jr.’a, Double Drive. i ‘ ra, Pa ne ark, ek, Jr. a ~i op. Dick, Jr.'s Double-becker, Dick, Jr. at Dollarville. Dick, Jr.. at Flush Flats Diek, Jr.’a, Shake-up. Dick, Jr.’«, Double Drop. Dick, Jr.’s, Right Bower. Dick, Jr.’a, Ten-Strike. Mek, Jr.’«, Gold-Dust, OTL Deadwood Dick, Jr.’a, Oath, 977 Deadwood 986 Deadwood 992 Deadwood 998 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’a, Death-Doom, Dick, Jr.’s, Beat Card, Dick, dr., at Gold Dust. Dick, Jr.'s, Big Play. 1005 Deadwood Dick, Jr., Branded. 1011 Dsadwooad Dick, Jr.’s, Dutch Pard. BY TT, J. FLANAGAN. 909 925 The ¥ oun 988 The Two Midshipman Dare, the Pirate Catcher. A et Captain. dshipmen; or, The Corsair-Chaser’s First Cruise. 948 The Three Lieutenants 959 The Mascot Midd yt or, The Four Commanders. 966 Fighting Jack Shubrick. 972 Fighting Jack’s Middies ; or, Dandy Dick’s Dash. 99 9 Jack Lang, 1014 Miday Ned, tke Runaway. the Privateer Rover, Other Novels by E. L. Wheeler, 80 Rosebud Rob; or, Nugget Ned, the Knight. 84 Rosebud Rob on Hand; or, [dy], the Girl Miner, 88 Rosebud Rob’s Reappearance; or, Photograph Phil. 121 Kosebud Rob’s Challener or, Cinnamon Chip, 277 Denver Doll, the Detective Queen; or, The Yankee’s Surround 281 Denver Doll’s Vietory; or, Skul! and Crossbones. 285 Denver Doll’« Decoy ; or. Little Bill’s Bonanza. 896 Denver Doll's Drift ; or. The Road Queen. 868 Yreka Jim, the Gold-Gatherers or, The Life Lottery. 873 Yreka Jim’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 244 Sierra Sam, tho Frontier Ferret; or, A Sister’s Devotion. 248 Sierra Sams Secret; or, The Bloody Footprints, 258 Sterra Sam’s Pard; or, The Angel of Big Vista. 258 Sierra Sam’a Seven j 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 and Angels. 117 Gilt-Edged Dick, the Sport Detective 145 Oaptain 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, Mickey & Co., the Detectives of Philadelphia, 848 Manhattan Mike, the Bowery Detective. 400 Wrinkles, the Night-Watch Detective. 416 Wigh Mat Harry, the Base Bal! Detective, 426 Sam Slabaides, the Beggar-Boy Detective. 484 Jim Berk and Pal, Private Detectives. 26 Cloven Hoof, the Buffalo Deion: or, The Border Vultures, 82 Bob Woolf’; or, The Girl Dead-Shot 45 Old Avalanche; or, Wild Edna, the Girl Brigand. 58 Jim Bludsoe, Ir., 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 Benanza Hill, Miner; |v, Madam Mystery, the Forger. 188 Boas ob the King of Bootblacks. 141 Solid Sam, the Boy Road-Agent; or, The Branded Brows, 177 Nobby Nick of Nevada; or, The Sierras Scamps. 181 Wild Frank the Buckskin Bravo; or. Lady Lily’s Love, 286 Apollo Bill, the Trail Tornado; or, Rowdy Kate. 240 Cyclone Kit, the Young G)adiator; or, The Locked Valley. 278 Jumbo Joe, the Boy Patrol; or. The Rival Heirs. 880 Little Quick-Shot; or, Vhe Dead Face of Daggersville, 858 Firat-Class 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 Sal, the Slasher; or, A Son’s Vengeance, 486 Sealakin Sam. the Sparkler; or The Tribunal of Ten. 918 Kit Keith, t e Revenue Spotter. 922 Sol Sharpe, the New York Night-Hawk. 948 Ola Hayseed Among Bunce Men 1001 Banty, the Denver Bootbiack. BY J. C, COWDRICK, 490 Broadway Billy, the Bootblack Bravo. 514 Broadway Billy’s Boodle; or, Clearing a Strange Case, 586 Broadway Billy’s ‘Dimkilty.” Broadway A Peath Kacket. 579 Broadway Billy’s Surprise Party. 605 Broadway Billy; or, The Boy Detective’s Big Inning. 628 Broadway Billy’s Dead Actyz 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. 696 Broadway Billy tn Texas; or, The River Rustlers, 708 Broadway Billy’s Brand. 711 Broadway Billy at Santa Fe; or, The Clever Deal. 720 Broadway Billy’s Full Wand: or, The Gamin Detective, 785 Broadway Billy’ Business, 788 Broadway Billy’a Curfous Oase, 758 Broadway Billy tn Denver. 762 Broadway Billy’« Bargain; or, The Three Detective, 769 Broadway Billy, the Retriever Detective, 775 Broadway Billy's Shadow Chase. 788 Broadway Billy’ Beagles; or, The Trio’s Quest. 786 Broadway Billy’« Team; or, The Combine’s Big Pall. 790 Broadway Billy’s Brigade; or, The Dead Alive, 796 Broadway HBilly’s Queer Bequest. 800 Broadway Billy Baffled. 805 Broadway Billy’s Signal Scoop. 810 Broadway Billy’« Wipe Out. 815 Brondway Billy’s Bank Racket. S21 Broadway Biily’« Bluff. 826 Broadway Biily Mg Po Jersey Thugs. S88 Broadway Billy’s Raid. S89 Broadway ®illy’s Big Room, 844 Broadway Billy’s Big Bulge. 849 Broadway Billy’s #100,000 Bnap. 856 Broadway Billy’s Blind; or, The Bootblack Stowaway, 862 Broadway Billy in London. 868 Broadway Billy Shadows London Slums. S74 Broadway Billy’s French Game. 880 Broadway Billy and the Bomb-Throwers, 860 Bilver-Mask, the Man of Mystery; or, The Golden Keys, 869 Shaata, the Gold King; or, For Seven Years Dead, 420 The Detective’« Aperentice’ or, A Boy Without a Name, 424 Cibuta Jonny; or, Red-Hot Times at Ante Bar, 489 Sandy Sam, the Street Scout. 467 Diaco Dan, the Daisy Dude 506 pectigne Ralph _ the Prince of the Road, 524 The Engineer Detective; or, Redlight Ralph’s Resolve 548 Mart, the Night Express Detective. 671 Air-Line Luke the Young Engineer; or, The Double Case 592 The Boy Pinkerton; or, Running the Rascals Out, 615 Fighting Harr the Chief of Chained Cyclone, 640 Bareback Beth, the Centaur of the Circle, 647 Tynewriter Tilly, the Merchant's Ward. 659 Woonlight Morgan the * Pizenest ’’ Man of Ante Bar, S87 Battery Bob. the Dock Detective. $94 Arizona Dick’s Wipe-OQut. 900 Jumping Jack's Jubilee. 906 Ratety Samy, the Cycle Sport. 912 Train Boy Trist’s Wot Huatle, 918 The Trump Dock-Boy. 924 Big Boots Bob, the Fire-Laddie. #80 Rustler Ralph, the Boy Spotter. 985 The Ex-Newsboy Detective’s Chum, 941 The Bowling Green Detective’s Drop. 944 Cowboy Charlie’« Double. 947 The Bowery W reatler; or, The Butcher-Boy’s Backer. 958 Paddy’s Trump Card; or, Silver Sallie, the Girl Sport, 960 The Broadway Sport; or, Flyer Fred’s Clear Case, 967 &1000 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 Scorcher Sam, the Detective on Wheels 1004 Scorcher Sam’s Sweep-Stake a. 1009 ‘Tne Girl Oyclin’s Winning Hand, BY WILLIAM PERRY BROWNE. 956 Brooklyn Rob's Bulce; or, Dodger Dot’s Diamond Snap. 968 The East-Side Spotter: or, Turning Down the Big Three 974 Old Sant’« Dark Deal: or, Miner Mat’s Iron Grip. 1015 The KReporter-Detee!ive’s Big Pull. BUFFALO BILL NOVELS. BY COL. PRENTISS INGRAHAM, 1018 Buffalo Bill’« Texas Team. 1007 Buffalo Bill's Sure-Shota. 1000 Buffalo Lill’ Decoy Boya, 995 Buffalo Bill’s Drop; or, Dead-Shot Ned, the Kansas Kid, 98S Buffalo Bill’s Lasso Throwers. 981 Buffalo Bill's Fighting Five. 975 Buffalo Bills Rifle Shota. 968 Buffalo Bill's Kush Ride; or, Sure-Shot, the High-Flyer. 964 Buffalo Bill's Deeoy ; or, The Arizona Crack Shot 955 Buffalo Bill’«a Mazeppa-Chase. 948 Buffalo Bill’s Snap-Shot : or, Wild Kid’s Texan Tally 942 Buffalo Bill’a Tough Tussle. 986 Buffalo Bill’s Boy Masxcot; or, Joe Jarvis’ Hold-up, 929 Buffalo Bill's Crack-shot Pard, 650 Buffalo Bill’s Boy Pard; or, Butterfly Billy. 216 Bieon Bill, the Prince ot the Reins. 222 Bison Bill’s Clue;j, or. Grit, the Biavo Sport, BY BUFFALO BILL. 55 Deadly-Eye. the Unknown Scout, or, The Banded Brotherhoo® 68 Border Robin Mood ¢ or, The Prairie Rover, 158 Fancy Frank ef Colorado; or, The Trapper’s Trust. BY CAPT, ALFRED B, TAYLOR, U. S, A, 191 Buffalo Rilly, 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, 3 914 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. 889 New York Nat’s Deadly Deal, 888 New York Nat's Crook-Chase, S77 New Vork Nat’s Trump Card. STL New 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. 8 k Doom’s Flush Hand. 772 Dick Doom'’s VDeath-Grip; or, The Detective by Destiny, 777 Dick Doom’s Deatiny; or, The River Blackleg’s Terror, 784 Dick Doom; or. ‘lhe Sharps and Sharks of New York, 788 Dick Doom in Boston; or, A Man of Many Masks, 798 Dick Doom tn Chicago. 798 Dick Doom in the Wild Weat. 808 Dick Doom’s Clean Sweep; or, Five Links in a Clue, 808 Dick Doom’s Death Clue. S18 Dick Doom’s Diamond Deal. 819 Dick Doom’s Girl Maacot. 829 Dick Doom’s Shadow Hunt, 885 Dick Doom’s Big Houl. ‘ 749 Dashing Charlie; or, The Kentucky Tenderfoot’s First Trafi- 756 Dashing Charlle’s Destiny; or The Renegade’s Captive, 760 Dashing Charlies Pawnee Pard. 766 eer go Charlie, the Rescuer, 497 Kuck Taylor, King of the Cowboys, 787 Buck Taylor, the Comanche’s Captive. 748 Buck Taylor's Boys; or, The Red Riders of the Rio Granda, 560 Pawnee Bill, the Prairie Shadower. 718 Pawnee Biil; or, Carl, the Mad Cowboy. 719 Pawnee Bill's Pledge; or, The Cowboy's Doom, 725 Pawnee Bill; or, Daring Dick. 692 Redfern’a Curtous Case: 0, The Rival Sharps, 697 kedfern at De vil’« Staneh} or, The Sharp from Texas, 702 Redfern’s High, Nand; or, Blue Jacket. 707 Redfern’s Last Trail: or, The Red Sombrero Rangers, And Fifty Others, BY LIEUT, A. K, SIMS, 589 Tom-Cat and Pard; or, The Dead Set at Silver City. 622 Tom-Cat’s Triad; or, The Affair at Tombstone, 681 Tom Cat’« Terrible Task; or, The Cowboy Detective, 688 Tom-Cat’s Triumph; or, Black Dan’s Great Combine. 546 Captain Cactur, the Chaparra) Cock; or, Josh’s Ten Strike 568 The Dandy of Dodge; or, Rustling for Millions, 576 The Silver Spert: or, Josh Peppermint’s Jubilee. 588! Saffron Sol, the Mian With a Shadow 601 Happy Hana, the Dutch Vidocg; or, Hot Timesat Round-Up 611 Bil ha Barnacle, the Detective Hercules. 646 Cowboy Gid, the Cattle-Range Detective, 657 Warbling William the Mountain Mountebank, 665 Jolly Jeremiah, the Plains Detective. 676 Signal Sam, the Lookout Scout. 689 Billy, the dypay Rpy: or, The Mystery of Two Lives, 699 Simple Sim, the Rroncho Buster; -or, For Bie Stakes. 712 The Meameri«t Sport; or, The Mystified Detective, vas Toltec Tom, the Mad Prospector. 45 Kanaaz Jim, the Cross-Cut Detective, 761 Marmaduke, the Mustanger Detective. 778 The Rustler of Rolling Stone. 785 Lone Hand Joe the Committee of One. 801 Kent Kirby, the Hien-Kicker from Killbuck, 882 The Doctor Dete etive In Texas. 872 Two Showmen Detectives in Colorado. 987 The Texan Firebrand} or, Brazos Billy’s Snap.Shot, 961 The Tramp’s Trump-Trick. NEW ISSUES, 1028 The Cowbey Clam in Cuba. tBy Col P. Ingraham,’ 1024 Dandy Hick, Detective, By Robert R. Inman, 1025 The Flying Yankee or, The Ocean Outcast,” By Col. P. Ingrabam. : 1026 The Three Spotters. By Marens H. Wering. 1027 The Cowboy Raidersin Cuba By Cal. In am. 1028 The Young Skipper’s Bonanza. By Harold Payne. 1029 The Phantom &py. 7 Buffalo Bill, 1080 The Rancher’« Four Millions. By Leon Lewis. 1081 The Cowboy Clan’s Cuban Corral. By Ingraham. JUST ISSUED. 1016 The Boy Bugler in Cuba; or, The Cowboy Clan On Deck. By Col. P. Ingraham. 1017 De'ective Ma:t’« Man-Hunt} or, Downing the Des- perate Dozen. By Ned St. Meyer. 1018 Deadwood Hic., J .’s, Big Four. B E, L. Wheeler 101% Burd Bayard’s Cleee Call. By Capt. 1020 Rarn y HKiake, the Boy Privateer, Lg fees Johnatone. 1021 Doctor Pau , D tective. a wis. 1022 Dare Sloan’s Close Call. By Maj. Dangerfield Burr. A New Issue Every Tuesday. The Half-Dime Library {s for sale by all newsdealers, five gente per copy, or sent by mail on receipt of six cents each. BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers, 92 William Street, New York.