Beadle's Half Dime Library (no. 1029) (1897 04 18)
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A $2.50 a Year. No. 1029. the veel ae, CW mam Gr Entered as Second Class Matter at the New York, N. Y , Post Office. i PUBLISHED WEEKLY BY BEADLE AND ADAMS. No. 92 WILLIAM STREET, NEW YORK. tt ttt ne lt ot Sa Copyrighted 1897, by BEADLE AND ADAMS, OBA=Go ¥ April 18, 1897, Price, 5 cents. ~The Phantom Spy;2 Or, The Pilot of the Prairie. “Y HAPTER. I. \S THE PHANTOM SPY. “ Devils alive! is the man mad?” ‘*T guess not; Prairie Pilot ain’t no man to go mad; he sees somethin’ as he’s goin’ to run down.’”’ ‘But what in tarnation is it?”’ As the third speaker spoke, there suddenly dashed out of the shadow of the timber in- to. the broad moonlight, a horseman, who, with a deep-toned ‘‘hoop-la!”’ urged his steed into a full run. The three speakers had been seated around a camp-fire, in the shelter of a motte, or *‘ timber island,’’ far out on the Western plains. Their comrade who had suddenly caused them to spring to their feet, and give vent to the conversation which opens this chap- ter, had been pacing to and fro. | ©:, 2, Say = SEER Sa ~ ‘“mHEN HEED MY WARNING! hd FAREWELL?! Suddenly, with a half-cry, as though of alarm, he had bounded toward where stood his steed, ready saddled, and the next mo- ment, without a word to his companions, had shot forth upon ‘the prairie like an ar- row from the bow. “Ho, fellers! better git onto your pins, for there’s somethin’ in the wind when yer see Pararie Pilot strike a trail like that,” cried Yankee Sam, Who. with his two com- panions, Bravo Bob and Sealp-lock Dave, had been quietly smoking around the fire. At the call of Yankee Sam a score of men sprung to their feet and instantly the en- campment was a scene of excitement. “ Well, I’m-after the Pilot, for he sha’n’t play*® a lone hand if there is any danger ahead,” and Brave Bob started for his horse, when a loud cry from Scalp-lock Sam caused him to halt. “ Holy Halifax! look a-yonde"'” BY BUFFALO BILL. Every eye was turned out upon the prairié and like one voice a dozen exclaimed: “The Phantom Spy!”’ Far out upon the prairie, and plainly vis=- ible in the moonlight,was what appeared te be a specter horse and rider, for the steed was as white as snow. The rider on its back was dressed in the loose robe of a woman, for it fluttered only upon one side of the animal. A long white vail floated far out behin and apparently encircled the riders hea like a turban, while she seemed to urge her steed on by a mere exertion of her will Behind the phantom-looking rider, and some hundred lengths away, rode the man whom his comrades called Prairie Pilot, That he was urging his horse to the ut most, was evident, yet he was not gaining upon the phantom horse and rider. Vol, XL. horse and
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33 L veh PS Pik and Beadie’s Half-Dime Library. visible to every eye in the encampment; then they disappeared from view over a roll in the prairie. At their disappearance a sigh of relief seemed | to come from scouts, traders and teamsters alike, for weird stories were told of the Phan- tom Spy, the white horse and rider, which, when once found on the trail of a wagon-train, was certain to bring bloodshed and ruin upon it before it reached the destination for which it Was moving. All in that train had heard of the Phantom Spy, and all felt a superstitious awe at the mere mention of the name. Only the night before, around the camp-fire, the weird steed and rider had been the subject of conversation, and Prairie Pilot, the chief lide and scout of the traders’ train, wending its way toward the frontier settlements had de- clared that he would follow the Phantom to the bitter end. All knew Prairie Pilot to be one of the most | daring scouts on the plains, and they felt that he would keep his word if he went to his own death in the attempt to solve the mystery. ““T guesses as how you'll let the Pilot play a lone hand now, Bravo Bob?” said Scalp-lock Dave, as the young man paused, when the man who had won the sobriquet of Prairie Pilot, on account of his perfect. knowledge of the prairies and mountains of the West. “T thought you knew me better than that, Dave,” said the young man, whose reckless na- ture had caused his companions to dub him Brava Bob, for there were few things that the | _handsome and youthful scout dare not do. ‘A moment after Bravo Bob also dashed out upon the trail ofthe Prairie Pilot and the Phan- | age “Wal, them as want ter kin go a-trailin’ ar- ter sperets and spooks; but, as for Dave Dorsey he wants to save the leetle ha’r he has,” anc Scalp-lock Dave tenderly ran his fingers through the bunch of hair growing upon the top of his head, looking like an island in a lake, with the rest of his skull perfectly bald. “Tm with yer, pard; I ain’t no hunter for hostises, and I ain’t lost no spook nor speret, 80, ain’t a-lookin’ fer none, “The Pilot hired us for hunters across the lains, an’ it’s our dooty to stand by this hour in ‘till it gits whar it’s a-goin’; so as the Pilot and Bob’s off on the trail of a speret gal, why, we’s jist got to do double dootiy, an’ I'm of opinion we'd better set a watch an’ turn in.” This opinion of Yankee Sam seemed to meet with general assent from the traders and team- sters, and after a guard was set, they all re- turned to their blankets; yet, strive as they would, their dreams would turn upon the two daring men who had gone forth in pursuit of the Phantom Spy. CHAPTER II. RUN DOWN. LIkE the very wind the Phantom Spy and the Prairie Pilot were borne over the prairie by their fleet steeds, the pursued steadily gaining upon the pursuer. “Come, Racer, you must mend your , or yonder fleet animal will run you out of sight,” cried Prairie Pilot, and encouraged by his mas- ter’s voice, the noble steed bounded forward with renewed exertion, and steadily began to gain upon the phantom horse and rider. Presently the white form turned and glanced behind, as though hearing the nearer approach of the pursuer, and at once a ghostly-looking arm was seen to rise and fall in quick succes- zion several times, and the sound of a sharp low each time reached the ears of Prairie Pilot, who exclaimed: : Bag Oi human, Racer, and you are driv- ng the Phantom hard. On, on, 0 d fellow, and Xe will yet solve the mystery!’ ith tremendous exertions both steeds then rushed on, at an almost incredible pace, and Bravo Bob, nearly a mile in their rear, felt that he was being distanced, although his horse was remarkably swift and sed good bot- In vain did the flying, snow-white steed strain every muscle; s and quick fell the blows of the whip to ,urge him on; but to no avail, for Racer’s blood was up, and the cruel spur was i constantly g him on. The Prairie ot felt that the game was in his own hands, ard a gleam of pleasure flashed in his dark eyes, for he felt that he was about to solve the al a4 Bad that so-called phantom horse and rider, , for three years, had eluded all pursuit, had become a terror upon the prairies. | For an instant the pursuer and pursued were the | Phantom Spy was discovered to be the game of | Who or what it could be, none knew; but certain it was, that when a party of scouts, or hunters, a wagon-train, or settlement on the border, beheld the weird horse and rider, ruin and bloodshed were sure to follow, until the ap- parition had been called the Phantom Spy, ever dogging the steps of those where booty was to be gained. bas Regarding the strange steed and rider, the Prairie Pilot. had had his own views, which he kept to himself, and twice before he had seen and chased the apparition, but without result in his favor, as he was not then Mounted upon his matchless Racer, the fleetest steed on the | plains. Now it was different, for Racer was in su- | quietly cropping the short prairie grass, and pa- perb condition, and he determined to overtake | the fugitive if he drove his own noble animal to death. True, he could have ended the chase sooner, perhaps, by resorting to his rifle; but he would not fire upon a. woman, No, he must depend upon Racer. And nobly did the fleet animal respond to his master’s urging, and foot by foot drew nearer them. Then, suddenly, the white steed went down, and his rider was thrown thirty feet in front, and lay white and motionless, as though dead, while the animal sprung nimbly to his feet, un- hurt by his fall on the soft prairie sward. ground, rushed to the side of the fallen rider. “Yes, it is a woman—nay, a mere girl. hope she is not dead,” he cried, earnestly, at the | same time laying his hand over her breast. *“No, she is merely stunned; I can soon re- vive her,” and bg rer saddle, he began to bat | the same time gazing in admiration upon her. ‘* How beautiful she is, and scarcely over six- teen! Who can she be?” Indeed she was beautiful, with her wealth of brown hair, and graceful, delicate form, clad in a robe of pure white, worn loose and flowing, as Se to keep up the weird character she played. : ‘he face was lovely, bronzed by e every feature peg ioe while the eyelids were fringed with the longest dark lashes; the feet were small, and incased in white canvas boots; upon her tiny hands she wore buck-skin gloves, and her head was encircled by a white vail of lightest material. A moment or two Prairie Pilot rubbed her hands briskly, and bathed her face; then the eyes slowly opened and rested with a stare upon the man who bent over her. “You have run me d , sir, at last,” she said, in a stern voice for sarcasm. / ““T regret your fall, miss. I hope you are not hurt,” replied Prairie Pilot, politely. “‘] was merely stunned—ha! there is Specter, and unhurt,” and rising uickly, she called to i eae which, with a low neigh, trotted to er side. girl, and in a tone of then abruptly turning to the man before her, she said: *“ Who are you, sir?” ‘Men call me the Prairie Pilot,” quietly re- sponded the scout. The girl started, her face flushed in the bright moonlight, and her lustrous, dark-blue eyes turned full upon her captor, and there was ad- mirationin the glance, for he was six feet tall, as straight asa lance, and with a form denot- ing great strength ang@activity, while his every motion was graceful, a He was clad in a handsome suit of dressed buck-skin, skillfully worked with beads and quills; his fringed leggings were stuck in the tops of cavalry boots, the heelb of which were serie with huge silver spurs of the Mexican pattern. _His face was shaded by a broad sombrero, en- circled by a silver cord, and a heavy, silken beard, of dark brown, concealed his lower fea- tures and fell down to his belt; but the face was exceedingly handsome—the brow broad and high, and the eyes bright, full of intense feel- ing, and fearless, while the expressions resting thereon were courage and stern determination. His hair, the same color as his beard, was wavy, and hung far down his back, giving him a rather dashing appearance. . A repeating rifle hung at his back, and in his ac were three revolvers and a large’ bowie- ife, From the handsome man before her, the mai- den’s eyes turned upon the splendid animal, the chase, until oly a score of lengths separated. ; ; his canteen from his | né her face and hands, at | re, and | With an iron hand Prairie Pilot drew Racer | back upon his haunches, and springing to the | | encampment was astir, and Yankee Gently she patted the faithful animal, and | tiently awaiting his master. . ‘ ' - fo
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ee i a A ee 7 sover the opi, bis =f Us hy showe of. _ gilone upon “Yer see, Phantom and the Pilot—as close as I e’u’d; but the’r hosses ons § flew, an’ I was left a long I follered close onto the trail of the way behind» but I prest the trail hard, and ar- ter an hour came up with traces of a tumble, so { got down an’ s’arched the ground, and bless yer, Isee’d whar the Phantom’s hoss had pitched into a prairie-dog hole, and tossed his rider a \ong way ahead. “Wall, here is whar the Pilot overhauled the ‘Phantom, for ther’ was marks all round, and then the trail of the white hoss branched off to- ward the hills, and arter considerable trouble I found whar the Pilot had circled round and ag’in struck the Phantom’s trail, and followed it. “Wall, I prest on, too, an’ arter a while the moon went down an’ I couldn’t see the trail, bat I went on, an’ suddenly heard a pistol-shot, an’ then another, an’ then one of the Pilot’s war- cries. ‘Then, you bet, I made ole Iron Heart git xrass, an’ I was a-dashin’ inter the timber, when T run inter that thar varmint ag’in’ the tree. ‘Wall, we clinched, an’ arter a tumble to ther ground an’ a long tussle, I choked him still, an’ tied him; then I caught his hoss an’ waited fer him to come to his senses. “Thadn’t long to wait, an’ by some pointed | argument, with my bowie, I got out of ther fel- der that the Pilot ad gone on inter the hills, with more company than he wanted jist then. ‘**So I concluded to jest make this feller come recognized him as the very devil who kilt Abe Homer two years ago, an’ was sentenced to be 4ung, but got away; but he can’t git away snow,” and nh Bob spoke with bitter deter- amination. “Does yer b’lieve the Pilot’s passed in his ee Bob?” asked Yankee Sam, very seri- ously. sf don’t know what to think; but I’m goin’ eto find out.” ‘* How so, pard?” “Why, as soon as we try and hang yonder villain, you had better press on with the train to the posts. Jam going to return to the hills and look up the Pilot.” “Tt’s mighty risky, Bob.” “Yes, but Prairie Pilot would do the same for nme, or you, or any one in need of help. I’m goin’, boys, if I go under.” Wall know yer, Bob, so I won’t argue to ‘turn yer back from yer purpus; but I hates to see yer go alone,” said Yankee Sam. *‘An’ so does I, pard,” put in Scalp-lock Dave. “ Anyhow,” he continued, “ we'll run ther ‘train on to ther posts, an’ ef yer don’t put in an ‘appearance soon arter, we'll return with some ‘boys an’ look yer up, or git some ha’r.” ‘Thank you, my friends,” replied Bravo Bob, again resuming his natural way of ing; ‘*thank you. Now let us to work and try this fellow, whom I recognize as the murderer of Abe Homer—” “And Ias one of the band of the Hermit Chief, who two years ago attacked a train I was driving in, and plundered it, after killing a dozen fellows and wounding me; but I got away from the devils,” said a tall teamster, ap- proaching, whip in hand. $ All ayes were at once turned upon the pris- -oner, whose face was the index of his evil heart, sand at once it was decided that he should be hung, and that immediately. In vain was it that Bravo Bob questioned the robber, regarding the fate of Prairie Pilot, and ‘of the whereabouts of his, band; he would an- swer nothing—only beg piteously for his life. But he begged for mercy to those who felt no mercy, for the band of the Hermit Chief had for years n the terror of the border, and they were determined to make an example of the prisoner then in their power, Amid the piteous cries of the doomed wretch a rope was quickly throw over the limb of a tree, and the noose fitted around the neck of the st ling wretch. ‘Hoist him up!” was the stern order from Bravo Bob, and a dozen men, who held the ag end of the rope, quickly drew him into the The end of the rope was then made fast, and quickly the train was in motion, filing out across the prairie, and exit the timber-island alone with its soeatty spectac e nee from the motte Bravo Bob ons farewell, and, amid a wishes for luck, branched off trail of the Prairie Pilot. -A short bade his com ) The Phantom Spy. CHAPTER IV. A PRISONER. WHEN Prairie Pilot saw the young girl disap- | pear in the distance, he quickly mounted Racer and moved off at a rapid gallop toward the range of hills. Atter a ride of some moments he changed his | cqurse, going parallel with the hills for some dis- | tance, and riding’ slowly, while he cautiously | scanned the ground by the lingering light of the moon, Then he came te a halt, dismounted, and said, in a low tone: “Down! Racer!” Instantly the intelligent animal dropped upon the ground and lay flat upon his side the scout | also throwing himself at full length upon the prairie. Not long had he been in his recumbent posi- tion when there was heard the sound of hoof- strokes, and soon aiter the white horse and fair rider appeared in sight, riding in an easy canter toward the hills. Without observing the scout and his horse, the maiden passed by within thirty yards of them, when a neigh from Specter caused her to quicken her pace, as though her flight and cap- ture had made her nervous of danger. Hardly had she been lost sight of in the gloom when a word from Prairie Pilot brought Racer again upon his feet, and, mounting in haste, he set out on the trail of the strange girl. Keeping the white form just in sight, and , knowing that he was invisible to her, in his. dark _ clothes, Prairie Pilot continued on until the back to camp with me, an’ when day broke I | darkness grew deeper and deeper as they drew nearer the shadow of the hills, which now loom- ed boldly up, not half a mile distant. As though perfectly acquainted with the sur- roundings, the maiden directed her course to the left,,toward a bold and rugged hill, which ter- minated so abruptly upon the prairie that it formed a cliff. Around the base of this precipitous hill the hostly horse and rider wound, and were lost to the sight of the scout. ‘Tt is certain that I cannot follow her further to-night, without making my presence known, so I had better go into camp in the foot-hills un- til the morning, and then strike her trail, for I am determined to track out this den of robbers.” So saying, the scout rode in under the shadow of the hill, and finding a suitable and secluded ulch in which to camp, he disrhounted, and eaving the faithful Racer standing patiently awaiting, he moved around cautiously in search of some dried brush, for he was deter- a to have a warm supper after his hard ride, " He succeeded in finding some dry sticks, and had just kindled a small blaze, when there came a whirr through the air, a blow upon his head, and he was hurled backward several paces, his arms pinioned to his side by the noose of a lasso. Though thus taken at a disadvantage, Prairie Pilot managed to get his hand upon his revolver, and a tall form rushin towaitt bin, fell dead, shot through the heart by the scout. But before he could free himself from the noose, strong as he was, there flashed forth two shots from the dark underbrush, and Prairie Pilot staggered back and fell his full length oe the ground, while with discordant yells half a dozen dark forms bounded out from the covert that had concealed them. Their sudden rush startled Racer, who, doubt- less seeing that he could render his master no service, turned quickly, and with a wild neigh dashed away in the direction in which he had come. But the scout had not been killed by the shot, only stunned momentarily, by the bullet graz- ing his temple, and as his assailants rushed upon him, they found that they had caught a Tartar, and only by their united strength, and by a most d rate struggle, were they enabled to securely bind their formidable prisoner. The fire built by the scout had, in the mean time, blazed brightly up, and Prairie Pilot found himself the prisoner o half a score of as hard a looking set of villains as he had ever seen on the border. A closer scrutiny of them, and he knew that he was in the hands of the robber-band of the Hermit Chief, and that no mercy would be shown him he well knew, for often had he trailed one of the Bandit Brotherhood to his death, and fearlessly waged war against the bold renegades who spread terror along the frontier. ~ Presently a horseman rode up to the spot, and after a few words with several of the men, dis- mounted and approached the scout. He was a man of striking appearance, clad in a suit consisting of buck-skin leggings, top- | boots,-a military coat, and Mexican sombrero, while he wore a sword, and a pair of revolvers in his belt. His face was exceedingly handsome, with its bronzed skin, dark hair and mustache, and bright eyes; though there was a certain bold and reck- less look stamped upon every feature. His hair was worn long, and his mustache was curled up at either end, while his whole ‘‘ make- up ” was that of a border exquisite. He seemed scarcely more than twenty years of age, and was well mounted upon a dark bay mustang, large, wiry and vicious-looking. , Prairie Pilot had before seen the man, and in several engagements had endeavored to cut short his career of crime, but Satan seemed to always look after his own, and the young ban- dit leader had escaped. In this man the scout recognized the field chief of the bandits, Captain Ralph, the lieutenant of the Hermit Chief. ** Are you not the man they call Prairie Pilot?” asked Captain Ralph. “Tam; are younot the man they call Captain Ralph, the murderer and horse-thief?” coolly re- plied Prairie Pilot. ‘Hold, Sir Scout, or I will cut you down where you stand,” angrily cried the young ban- it. * Cutting throats is your trade, youngster.” ““Do you dare me, and in my power, fel. low?” ‘You dare not unbind me and meet me as man to man, although men say you are no cow- ard,” sneeringly returned the scout. For an instant Captain Ralph seemed about to strike the scout with his sword; but then, as if changing his mind, he sheathed his weapon, and said, quietly: **Your pluck will be tried, sir, ere the Her- mit Chief is done with you. Come, boys; lead him on to the stronghold, but blindfold him first. I suppose it would be useless to attempt to capture his horse. I would give a cool thou- sand for that animal.” ‘*No, Captain Ralph, there are not horses enough in the band to run-down that steed. Shall we take the prisoner at once to the chief?’ asked one of the men, who seemed to be ap un- der officer. ' **No; father is not at all well, and I do not wish to disturb him. Put the prisdner in the cliff cave.” So saying, Captain Ralph rode away, and a few moments after Prairie Pilot was blindfold- ed, and then mounted upon a mustang, after which the party set off on a trail leading still further into the range of hills, CHAPTER V. THE TWO CAPTIVES. THE position chosen by the wary old chief of the bandits, for a stronghold, was certainly a most desirable one; for it was under the shelter of a mountain, and eg a level plateau, com- prising half a hundred acres. . From this plateau, where were built the log huts of the band, a narrow and pathway led down into a fertile valley half a mile below where were herded the horses and cattle stolen from the settlements, and which, at a moment’s warning of approaching danger could be driven into the pens on the hillside above. Through the plateau ran 9 considerable moun- tain stream, which formed a fall, and plunged into the valley below, the roar of the waters being audible for miles away. The cliff or/mountain which protected the camp on the north, rose to a hight of three hun- ared feet, and in bygone times some convulsion of nature had split it in twain, leaving a chasm not more than twenty feet wide, running back through the hill for‘half a mile. Large pieces of rock had fallen Gown into this chasm, and becoming wedged there near the bottom, formed a kind of tunnel or cave, whieh led back through the hill into the valley beyond, and formed thereby a means of escape for the ae should their camp be attacked and car- ried, Having no use for this tunnel, unless in case of retreat, the bandits had turned the cave mto a storehouse for their plunder, and a prison for their captives. Into this place, in one of the small caves, Prairie Pilot was taken, and by the light of a torch he saw that there was a rude cot there, with a blanket upon it. ~ Ws) out, he 2 wa himself upon nae cot; and after removing his bonds, and em ms 0 red pa Mabie 4 were ‘ected hag: Bg ata ing through a fissure in roc is guards: left him to his melancholy reflections.
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As soon as he was alone Prairie Pilot at once set about some plan of escape, but soon realiz- ing that escape was impossible, he philosophi- cally gave it up, for the present, and threw him- self down to rest. When he awoke it was broad daylight, and glancing around him he at once realized his per- ilous situation. But he had only a moment for reflection, be- fore a form darkened the entrance to the cav- f ern, and a man stood before him. » At a glance the scout saw that he was a Ger- i" man, and his remarkable costume brought a : smile to the captive’s face, and no wonder, for the soldier, the Indian, the Mexican, hunter and citizen had contributed to the wardrobe. “Vell, vat you laff, mine frint? Ish it so funny to have to die, dot you feel goot?” Ms *“Oh, no, Dutchy; but you have no objection Gs to my smiling, and who could help it, when % looking at you?” . Vy Vel, mine Gott in Himmel, vat ish de matter mit mineself dat you laff?’ angrily replied the German. “Do not let your angry passions rise, my ban- dit scarecrow, but give me the breakfast I see you have brought me.” ‘Tt is petter ash vat I should give yer,” re- ; plied the German, setting down a platter upon i which was a tin cup of coffee, some bread, and iM jerked buffalo-meat. ““T am glad to hear it, Dutchy; but we will not quarrel, for I want you for a partner in a little enterprise in which there is gold to be made.” The German held up his finger in bihepionis 5 and with a ludicrously knowing look and wink, turned and left the cave. With a relish the scout dispatched his break- fast, and then walked as far as his chain would allow him, toward the entrance of the cavern. From his position he could see the steep wall of the chasm, rising hundreds of feet above him and their summit crowned with a growth o mall trees. F ‘Tf I only had some friend to aid me, I could soon get out of this. Perhaps I can trust the Dutchman—ha—!” The scout suddenly started, and seemed all attention, for a strange sound reached his ear, dit camp. The sound was that of voices—not the voices of rude men, but the soft tones of women, Approaching cautiously the crevice through which the sound came, the scout heard a voice in conversation he at once recognized as that of the Phantom Spy. Listening attentively he heard her say: ‘I think, lady, there is a better chance now have trusted Dutch, he is not quick- witted enough for the danger he would have had to meet.” ‘*Then you have some one you can trust more is fully?” asked a sad, sweet voice, which thrilled be ' Puairie Pilot to his very heart. eG 8 e it is accident that he is here. Had he taken My warning he would not now have been in his present deadly peril.” * He is in danger, then?” “Ves, fearful danger, for he is a prisoner to ‘ our band, and I know that my father will have him shot, for he has done our band much harm.” *“To whom do you refer?’ asked the same sweet voice. a “To one whom men call the Prairie Pilot, one of the most daring scouts on the frontier.” “‘T have heard of him at the fort, and also in the settlement. He seems to be prot ace ' by the soldidrs and settlers and feared by the In- dians and renegades.” ; ‘** Yes, and they have cause to fear him, for he 1 is a deadly foe. Last night, lady, he captured Bn" meon the prairie, and nobly released me, on Pi condition that I would not let the band know where his train was. : “ft promised; he believed me and let me go! 2. but, aihough 1 warned him away from these hills, he must have struck my trail and followed Sea me, coming right into an ambush of our men, Ne placed as an outer guard, h “He was captured, after killing one of our men, and fighting bravely, and isnow a baie confined in a cave near this, awaiting the recoy- ery of my father, the Hermit Chief, who will certainly condemn him to death.” “Poor man; how sincerely do I feel for him.” Wie ‘God bless her!” ejaculated the scout, and Bid vad then he continued: ‘‘ Eavesdroppers do some- _. -times hear of themselves as well as evil.” “Yes, but I am determined that he shall not die if I can help it,” resolutely responded the Phantom Spy. Rix Aa ee St aie Md rity de Sis ni di ene ol ee “We > penta dive ie. of your escape than before, for though I could | | the movements of the soldiers. - Beadle’s Half-Dime Library. “You are a noble girl. How I wish I could take you away from this awful bandit camp.” “Lady, all [love in the world are here. I have no other home than these wild hills, no other companions than -these reckless, cruel men around me, and whose deeds I loathe. Did I not loathe them, I would not now endeavor to re- store you to those you love and who love you.” | ‘T believe you, kind girl; but, my poor father! how he must suffer to be in ignorance of my fate, and believe me dead.” **You shall soon be free, if I can make you so, lady; so cheer up and eat the breakfast I have brought you. This afternoon my father wishes to see you, to question you regarding ‘**T will conduct you to him, and I beg that you will not anger 1im with your proud spirit.” **T will try to do as you wish, sweet girl, and your words give me hope that ere long I may escape ; but please do not leave the Prairie Pilot to his fate.” “Trust me, lady,” replied the Phantom Spy, and the scout heard her walk away, and feeling that his fellow captive was alone he determine in some way to communicate with her. CHAPTER VI. FRIENDS IN NEED. CAREFULLY examining the crevices in the wall of rock, Prairie Pilot was enabled to find one that looked into the adjoining cavern. The first thing that he Sherced was the gener- ally comfortable appearance of the little cave, for it had a carpet on the rock floor, a chair, a table, upon which was the remnant of a good breakfast, and a cot, with some pretensions to neatness and comfort. m the side of the cot sat the occupant—a en of perhaps eighteen. e er form was clad in a close-fitting riding habit of dark-gray cloth, and there was an ele- gance and grace about her figure that at once won the admiration of the scout. Presently a wealth of golden hair was thrown back, the bowed head was raised, and Prairie Pilot beheld a vision of beauty in the lovely face, and large blue eyes gazing sadly and wist- fully out into the daylight at the mouth of the U mai H | cave. a strange sound for that lonely cavern and ban- Lady!” The tones of the scout were soft and kind; but they startled the maiden, and she sprung to her eet. “T am here; like yourself I am a prisoner—” “Indeed! yes, I see from whence comes your voice now. Are you the Prairie Pilot?’ said the maiden, in cautious tones. ‘*So men call me. A short while since I over- heard your, conversation with the young girl who visited you. When she returns, beg her to visit A cavern, and perhaps we can arrange some plan of escape together. Now I cannot say more; but keep up a brave heart, and all will come out well.” The scout spoke a wie and the maiden felt, really cheerful, for she believed that her fellow- prisoner could, though a captive himself, aid her in her dire distress. Throwing himself again upon his cot, the scout began to plot and plan some means of es- cape. Slowly the hours passed away, and again he heard voices in the adjoining cave. Rising, he went the length of his chain toward the entrance of his prison, and a moment after there confronted him two forms, the fair cap- tive and the Phantom Spy—the latter no longer attired in her ghostly robe, but in a neatly-fit- ting dress of dark cloth. ** Ah, scout! I warned you,.and you would not heed me,” exclaimed the young girl, in a sad voice, “ True; but if I heeded every warning of dan- ger, I would soon fear to move from the settle- ments,” and the scout turned his earnest admir- ee full upon the captive maiden, heir eyes met, and the maiden felt that if there was a man on earth she could trust it was the Prairie Pilot, and with evident admiration she glanced at his splendid form and handsome, fearless face, ‘We must not linger here: but hasten to my father, who would see you, lady; when we come back I will see you, sir.” . So saying the young girl led her companion away through the chasm, while the scout threw himself upon the ground and gazed far above him*to the summit of the other wall of the gulch. Presently a step was heard approaching, and the German again appeared with the prisoner’s evening meal. a a Reny what have you to tempt my mrs SE CNA LAREN ST Na incl “Vel, hash some goot dinner for you, mine her frint; te young missis she cook it mit her own «a pooty fingers.” ; ‘“Indeed! The young lady is the daughter of el the Hermit Chief, is she not?” eee ‘Dat ish so, an’ her brother, Captain Raluf, tha: ish te son mit te cle man.” tha ‘Captain Ralph her brother?” ‘i Yas; he ish te tuyvil, but she pe an angel art gal. ii ‘She is a fine girl, Dutchy; but, tell me, whas ee are they going to do with me?” ete “Hang you mit te neck,” out ‘* When?” and the scout spoke with perfect me calmness. my ‘Mine Gott! vot, you no scared?” veh ‘‘A threatened man lives long, Dutchy; but when am I to be hung?” ; ‘*As svon as te Hermit Chief say so; but I ay; must go avay now; I see you to-mcrrow.” si The scout made no reply, and she German ; walked away, Prairie Pilot making no effort to ye detain him, for he had made a discovery thati aye ceeply interested him. tt As he lay in the mouth of the cavern, his eyes oC ever and anon glancing toward the ribbon R of blue sky above, he suddenly caught sight of a , human face peering cautiously down into the chasm. a Narrowly Nhe, it, he soon saw the form r of a man come in full view, and he almost gave : vent to one of his wild, ringing war-cries, for he e recognized in the cautious stranger none other : than Bravo Bob! i Ere he could discover whether Bob had seen © him or not, there came the sound of footsteps, 4 and the two maidens returned, the eyes of the - captive being red with tears, for she had just had a stormy interview with the Hermit Chief, ” who told her it was his intention to hold her a . prisoner until her father, Colonel Radcliff, paid 1 a heavy ransom for her. 7 Ruth knew that her father was not a rick man, and that if he paid the sum demanded, it would beggar him, and she appealed to the mer- ¥ ey of the ald chief, who, an invalid, reclined up- ; on his cot in one of the rooms of his cabin, and kept his fierce eyes constantly upon the face of A the maiden. “Girl, what is your name? Tell me that, and I will know whether your father is wealthy enough to pay my price, for I know the limit of every settler’s and officer’s purse on this horder.” ‘My name I decline to give you, sir; but yor will find my father able to resent most bitter]( the insult of his daughter’s capture,” proudly replied Ruth Radcliff. ‘Nonsense; my men captured you within & | mile of the settlement. You should not have |, ventured so far on horseback, girl, without com- | pany; but I have you now and I intend tomake | money out of your capture.” ‘Ts there no hope for me, sir? At the fort are two of your men, condemned to death: will you exchange me for them?” “‘Curse the men! What care I for them? If they die, there are others to fill their place. “There are soldiers on this frontier, girl, and scouts, and settlers;and Indians; but I, the Her- mit Chief, am ruler, and this whole border shall find it so. ‘Tone, take the maiden back and to-morrow T will send out spies to find out who she is.” The Hermit Chief waved his hand, and his daughter, whom he had addressed as Ione, turn- ed silently and ng Mg leading Ruth Rad. cliff with her, back to her lonely prison. When away from the Fieeenee of the Her- mit Chief, the proud spirit of Ruth broke down, and she burst into tears: but Ione cheered her allin her power, and when they reached the spot where the scout lay, his untasted supper by his side, she had gained her usual compo- sure. ‘‘T trust your visit to the chief has resultedin = § good to you, lady,” quietly said the scout. oe | “No, sir; he demands aransom impossible for my poslasaed to pay; butthisnoble young girl bids me hope. if “Yes, there is hope for you; buf I must leave you now; and lady, you need not returnimme- diately to your cave. If not to-night, I will see you to-morrow,” Re) With a wave of her hand the young girl — walked rapidly away, leaving Ruth Radelit vot ieee Roost the : t where the Prairie — ilot lay a 1 length, his eyes gazing earnest- ly toward the piles of the chasm. : j CHAPTER VI. “AKING DESPERATE CHANCES. vt AFTER the departure of Ione, the Phantom ¥ sN ey Whe, ei Hons 9] Spy, the scout said, quietly: ithe donates ot tte old Hermit Chief
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‘ new and said, DY. he Phantom inclined to aid us, but I would rather not have her do so, for two reasons—” And those are?” asked Ruth Radcliff. “First, it will be at great risk to herself, if she aid us, and second, I desire to wage a bitter war against this band, and do not wish to feel that I owe a kindness to the chief’s daughter that must stay my hand.” ** How noble she seems, to hag¥e for her com- panions a band of robbers. What terrible fate d her to such a life?” asked Ruth, feelingly. “T know not, and it is a sad thing that she bas, in father and brother, chiefs of a band of outlaws. Strange as it seems, I feel that I have met her brother ane herself before, but where my memory fails. Their faces haunt me with some memory of the past. Were I to see their father, perhaps I could then recall all; but the Hermit Chief has been the ruler of his band on- ly, his young son being the leader in all their raids and deadly encounters. ‘* Who, or what they are, none know; but, certain itis the outlaws are held well in hand, and never have I known an instance of where one, even with promise of his life, ever betrayed the Brotherhood.” Deeply interested in the words of the scout, Ruth listened attentively, and then said: ‘“‘Thave now met the fu Aer and daughter, and a remarkable pair they :, ve. never seen; but, sir, if you io not accept aid from the maiden, how can ‘ou manage to es- cape?” ‘I will take the chances¥ thout her. Lady, see there!” and the scout 1; inted far up the chasm wall to where was visible Bravo Bob, | quietly seated in the shelter of a niche in the | wocks. *“A guard of the bandits. Perhaps I’d better | not linger here—” _ “No; it is Bravo Bob, the best friend I have in the world. He has struck my trail and fol- lowed me here—to rescue me.” “ Alone?” “*Doubtless. I know of none who would have dared to come with him—at least any that he could have found thus soon. See! he has thrown something down to me. Will you pick it up, please, lady, for I am in irons, you see?” Quickly Ruth ere forward, and took up the object that had fallen from above—a piece of paper Ae tae around a small stone. aking it, the Prairie Pilot read aloud, writ- ten in lead-pencil, in a bold, legible hand: “A greeting to you from above, old fellow; sorry ito see you in durance vile, but glad to see you are notin the land of silence. “T arrived this afternoon, having trailed you, and wy a flank movement reached my present position. “The train has made tracks for the posts, under tthe guidance of Scalp-lock and Yankee. - ‘*T have discovered that the rear end of this chasm is guarded by two sentinels—there must be a tunnel through, as mer, could never have reached their present stand without a day’s journey around, * Wind out the cave if you can; atdark I will move on the two guards, and you shall be free. “T met a party of soldiers on the prairie looking for the ry ee of Colonel Radcliff, the new com- nandant of the pppsr posts. “ Ry the description given me of her, I recognige er in the lady near you. “Your position shows you to be in irons, so when it is dark I will lower you a file and one of my pis- tols, and then you must press on through the cave to the outer entrance. “Tf I discover anything of importance, will com- amunicate again, Bos.” “He certainly is a true friend, and brave man,” said Ruth, when the scout had read all. “None truer or braver, Miss Radcliff, for such I believe, is your name?’ “* Yes, sir; my father arrived at his new com- mand wire a week ago, and it was while riding ‘to the settlement, half a mile from the fort, to see an old schoolmate, that I was captured, when little dreaming of danger,” replied the maiden. : Hearing an approaching footstep, Ruth rapid- fiy ran into her cave, and the Prairie Pilot was alone. A moment after Ione, the girl spy, appeared, jleasantly : . “Thou is you put your own head into the noose, Prairie Pilot, I do not intend to let it remain ‘there; but I cannot act to-night as the whole = “band are at present in the stronghold. To-morrow at daylight my brother goes off ‘on araid with his men, and you will be allow- ed to live until his return, when, if you do not accept certain terms offered you, you have to ea . / (Phere is dishonor in those terms, doubt- } “Yes: but life is sweet.” The scout smiled and remained silent, and fone continued: “ih The son I have | | ** When my brother has gone I can act with less fear of detection; to-night I can do nothing; but, as I had an opportunity to rescue from my father’s room your belt of arms, I did so. leave them in the care of the lady in the next cave. Prairie Pilot’s eyes fairly flashed with delight as Ione threw back a serape which hung from her shoulders, and. sing ene his unerring rifle | and belt, containing his revolvers, knife and cartridge pouches; but he said, quietly: “T thank you from my heart, fair girl; you have done me a kindness I shall one day recip- rocate.” **1 do not wish to see a brave man die like a | dog,” responded Ione, as she walked away, and | disappeared in the cavern which was the prison | of Ruth Radcliff. A moment after the young girl again passed the scout, and was soon lost to sight in the gloom, for night was coming on apace and dark- ness already filled the chasm, But, far up, outlined against the bright sky, still tinged with the rosy hues of sunset, stood Bravo Bob, his eagle eye watching every move of his enemies, and taking in every chance in his favor. An hour passed and darkness rested upon all; but the quick ear of Prairie Pilot caught a sound which he seemed to at once recognize, for he called in a low tone to Ruth, who, the next mo- met stood by his side. **Miss Radeliff, I heard a sound against the wall yonder; will you kindly see’if Bravo Bob has not lowered us his promised aid?” Ruth went to the other side of the chasm, and feeling in the darkness, her hand soon touched a small string, bearing a weight on the end. A moment after she held in her hand a pistol and a file, and wnloosing them, she found also a slip of paper. These she bore to the scout; but he cried, quickly: ‘* Back to your cave! quick !” Not a moment too soon did Ruth escape, for the next moment a flickering light was seen, and two men approached, bearing a lantern, Turning it full upon the recumbent scout, the man who held the lantern said, harshly: “You prefer to iieon hard rocks to your cot, do you ” ‘ | breathe all the pure air he can,” quickly re- sponded the scout. ‘You take it coolly,” responded the other man. | ‘* My conscience is not blackened, as is yours, with crimes of robbery and murder.” “Go on, my hearty; you can have your say!” ** Come, Pete, let us see if the girl is all safe, and then go and relieve the boys,” said the first speaker, and they moved on to the next cave. Flashing the light into the face of Ruth, who sprung half-up, as if from a sound sleep, they laughed at her supposed fright, and walked on through the tunnel of caverns. A moment after Ruth was again by the side of the scout, who drew from his pocket a match, and lighting it, read the slip of paper that had descended with the file and pistol. “There are but two guards, and they will doubt- less be relieved at dark; then J will act. “Find your way out, as soon as you have freed yourself of your irons, to the mouth of the chasm, | and I will meet you there.” | “Brave fellow; now, Miss Radcliff, hope | brightens for us; but you must return to your | cot, and as soon asI have gotten rid of my irons | I will come for you. | “In the meantime I will file these irons off | my ankles.” he cool, confident manner of Prairie Pilot gave Ruth every hope, and throwing herself upon the cot, she awaited in breathless silence and suspense. A short while and again a light flashed into the cavern, and two men stood there, but not the two who had before passed by. ““ Wide awake, my beauty? You'll dim those | pretity eyes if you lose your sleep,” said one of the bandits; but, whether in a kind or unkind tone Ruth could not tell. Another glance into the cave of the scout, a | jeering remark from one of them, and they | passed on toward the camp. | An hour later, and Prairie Pilot stood beside ) Ruth, a man no longer in irons. | “Come, Miss Radcliff, I am ig now; give me my arms, which the fair spy left here, and we will depart at once.” Ruth could hardly refrain from a cry of joy, | and the next moment they had departed from | the cave, and started forth upon their desperate change of escape, I will | A man who is condemned to die wishes to- : | CHAPTER VII BRAVO BOB AT WORK. WueEN Bravo Bob lowered the package to - Prairie Pilot, by the aid of ‘a string made by eutting his blanket into strips, he drew up the | line when he felt it relieved of its burden, and at once began to descend the other slope of the hill range. ¥ After a waik of a mile he came to a small valley, thickly overgrown with grass, and through which trickled a stream of clear water. Here, unsaddied and picketed out, were two steeds. One was the property of Bravo Bob, the other none other than Racer, whom the guide had caught running loose upon the prai- rie, and who recognizing him, instantly trotted up to him. ‘* Well, old fellows, you have had a rich feast and good rest; now to work!” said Bravo Bob kindly, and he at once set to work to saddle and bridle the steeds. Giving them a drink from the cool spring, he then mounted his own horse, and, followed by Racer, rode along round the edge of the valley. After a short ride he halted at the foot of the hill leading up to the rear side of the chasm, and hitching the two animals, ascended cau- tiously the steep path, until, in the moonlight, he discovered the bold face of the cliff, and the fissure that he knew was the cut-in dividing the mountain in twain. “Now I must be cautious,or Pll have to use my rifle, and that might spoil all,” he muttered, and throwing himseléupon the ground he worm- ed along like a snake, slowly and noiselessly drawing nearer to a large bowlder, where he knew, from his observation taken in the day- time, the two guards were stationed. It was fully an hour before he drew near the bowlder, against which stood the form of a man, gazing at the moon as it arose above the distant hilltops. , At his feet, close against the rock, iay a muf- fled form, the other guard, wrapped in sleep doubtless. Bravo Bob was now within twenty feet of the guards, and the moonlight shining full in his handsome face showed that it was marred by a look of stern determination. “It is a pity, and a dirty job, but I must do it. “If he was an Indian I would not hesitate; still, Prairie Pilot must not die!” So saying, Bravo Bob arose ae and silent- ly to his feet: his knife was held in his upraised right hand, and then glittered like a wheel of diamonds in the moonlight as it was hurled with unerring and terrible force at the silent and unsuspecting guard, Fair and deadly it struck him in ‘the neck, crunching through bone and muscle, and send- ing the strong man quickly to the ground, Vith two mighty bounds Bravo Bob threw himself upon the half-awake and recumbent guard, and a clutch of iron was upon his throat. “Struggle one instant and you shall die,” he sternly cried in the bandit’s ear, while with his other hand he held a pistol to his head, “You hold the winning hand, pard,” said the man, as Bravo Bob released his clutch upon his throat. “Yes, and I intend to win the game. Your comrade lies there, dead, as you see, and you shall quickly follow him if you are not willing to do as Lask you.” “You want me to betray my comrades—” ‘*No! I wish you to lead me, singly, into their camp. Are you afraid of a single man?” ‘“* No, and if you are willing to take the chances; come on: but you must crazy.” é “T am not crazy; I only have a duty to per- orm. ** Lead me to the spot I desire, and back here, and I ask no more. “Then I will spare your life; attempt to be- tray me, and you shall die.” “When am | to be free?” “Upon my return to this spot; I will then bind you and leave you here for the morning guard to find you—or—” “Or what—?” “‘T will carry-you with me a few miles and re- lease you in time to return here by daylight; and then you can tell what lie you please, abou being attacked, your comrade being killed, and you beating back the enemy single-handed.” ‘“**A drowning man catches at a straw,’ my old Sunday School teacher usedto say, when urging me to catch at religion as a means of sal- vation, so I will accept your. terms,” disconso- lately replied the bandit, whose whole manner and conversation proved that he had seen et. ter days ere he entered upon a life of crime +
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. Beadle’s Half-Dime Library. Searching his prisoner to see that he had no arms secreted about his person, and drawing his knife from the stiffening neck of the other ard, Bravo Bob securely bound his captive’s Garis and holding firmly onto his arm, bade him proceed. The bandit at once led off, and appfoaching the cut in the cliff, entered it, and moved rapid- ly on in the darkness, for ever and anon they would have to pass through a rocky tunnel. After a walk of ten minutes they came to where a large mass of rock had fallen, forming huge cavern beneath. When about to enter into the darkness of this, from the indistinct light that penetrated down into the canyon, a stern voice suddenly cried: ‘“Hold! on your lives, halt!” Both Bravo Bob and his prisoner were mo- mentarily startled by the sudden challenge; but the former cried quickly: ““The Prairie Pilot—hoop-la!” “Bob, old fellow, a moment more and I would have called in your checks; but who have you here?” and, springing forward, out of the dark- f ness of the cavern, Prairie Pilot confronted his | friend. “This is one of the guards at the mouth of the canyon—” ra! ‘and the other is—” “In the devil’s employ; but come, we have ‘no time to tarry—where is your fellow-cap- ! tive?” " “Here!—Miss Radcliff, this is my friend {Bravo Bob, the best scout “On the plains,” anc jat the introduction Ruth came forward and 'clasping the hand of Bravo Bob, said feetingly: “And to whom we, in a great measure, owe our escape.” “Now, Bob, we'll be off. Come,” Again the bandit led the way, uis captor by his side, and in a few moments more they came out at the front of the cliff. At the sight of the dead guard Ruth shuddered, and drew closer to the Prairie Pilot, while Bra- vo Bob said quickly: ** Now, my man, you have done your part of our contrasi—will you have us bind you and | leave you here, or carry you with us a few miles and turn you loose?” “The latter would look best for me—for if I | am suspected by my comrades my life is not worth a pesos.” ** All right; come on.” Again Bravo Bob led the way, the Prairie Pi- lot quietly taking Ruth up in his strong arms and carrying her down the steep and rocky hill- side, for, retarded as she was, by her long skirt, and wearing light shoes, she could not have easily walked. ‘“‘Miss Radcliff can ride your horse, Bob, while we walk,” said Prairie Pilot, as they reached the foot of the hill. ‘“* Not so bad as that, comrade, for I have the Racer with me.” The delight of Prairie Pilot was unbounded, and the next moment he stood beside his gal- lant steed, and warmly patted his neck, while | the faithful animal seemed overjoyed and whin- nied in a low, happy tone. “ Miss Radcliff, I can give you a seat behind me, for Racer can easily do double duty,”+said Prairie Pilot, and Raising Ruth to her seat, he the next moment sprung into the saddle, and Bravo Bob having mounted, with his prisoner behind him, the party set off at a slow trot | through the forest. A ride of several miles brought them to a valley, and here the prisoner was told to dis- mount and return to his post, which he gladly did, thanking Bob kindly for his life, and the next moment disappearing in’ the gloom of the timber. ““Now, Bravo, it is a hundred miles to the fort, and we must push on rapidly, for both the | Racer and your horse can stand it—if Miss Rad- cliff can?’ ‘*T can stand any fatigue te once more reach home,” earnestly replied Ruth, and at a rapid pack the two animals were urged forward in heir flight from the bandit camp of the Her- mit Chief. CHAPTER IX. THE RETURN. BLUE WATER settlement was a bevy of pleas- ant prairie farms, with a fort on the river, and within easy call, in case of danger from Indians on the war-path, and marauding bands of out- laws, who often raided upon the pioneer settlers of the far frontier. The settlement acknowledged as its head a wealthy settler by the name of Amos Arling- ton, a man of fifty years of age,and a genial | shout startled him from his reverie. _ daughter to the outpost was a happy event for | the -younger officers and gallants of the settie- Once Amos Arlington had been a wealthy | planter in Arkansas, but the death of his wife, whom he loved almost to idolatry, caused him | to dispose of his plantation, and leaving his | only child, a daughter of eight years of age, | with his sister, he emigrated to the far West and settled upon the place he dwelt at the time of | the opening of this story. | Around him had gathered other settlers, until | they formed a pleasant community, and near them was the fort, with a hundred soldiers and | a dozen officers, several of whom had their wives with them. The commandant of the fort, and one ordered | there a week before this story opens, was Col- | onel, Arthur Radcliff, a man under forty years | of age, although his daughter, Ruth, was | eighteen years of age. Colonel Radcliff was a dashing, handsome man, a severe, almost cruel disciplinarian, who had passed his military life mostly in forts on the Atlantic board. The coming of the colonel and his beautiful | those stationed. there; and doubly glad were ment, when they learned that Ida Arlington, the | daughter of the settler, came with them, the | two maidens having been schoolmates, and of | course delighted that they would still be near each other, for they were the best of friends. Under the care of Colonel Radcliff, Ida had | come West, and was lovingly welcomed by the | father, and warmly greeted hy all. It was when riding over to see her friend Ida, that Ruth Radcliff had suddenly ridden upon a small party of bandit scouts and had been car- ried off to the stronghold. When she did not return at night, her father rode over to the Arlington homestead, and learn- ed with horror that she had not been there. Atonce the alarm was spread, and the set- tlers and soldiers joined in the search; but morn- ing came and no tidings were had of the missing irl, a Then a scout discovered the strange trail of the bandit party, and with it was mingled the hoof-tracks of Ruth’s horse, and it was known that she was captured. But by whom? That was the vexing despair her father head followed the trail. But, after half a day’s journey it was lost on the prairie by fresher and Seoaen trails, and they knew not which way to go. At length they took the trail leading south- ward, and came upon a hunting-party of In- | dians, whom the impetuous colonel at ‘once at- tacked. After the loss of two soldiers and a dozen of the red-skins, it was discovered that they were not the guilfy kidnappers, and in despair Colo- nel Radcliff ordered a return to the fort, hoping against hope that his daughter might have re- turned, or been discovered by some of the other parties who had gone forth in search of the miss- | ing maiden. But, after an absence of several days, the | sorrowing father found that no trace of poor Ruth could be found, and almost heart-broken, he could do no more than to again send forth spies and scouts, offering a large reward for any tidings of the maiden. The evening of the fourth day since the dis- appearance of Ruth was approaching, and with nervous tread, hands clasped behind him, and head bent down, Colonel Radcliff was pacing to and froin front of his quarters, when a wild uestion, and in almost | a scouting party, and Glancing quickly up he saw two horsemen approaching him at a gallop, and behind the | one mounted upon a superb black horse he caught sight of a girlish form and long flutter- | ing skirt, ottering forward, for he was weak from very | joy, he caught in his outstretched arms his re- stored daughter, who, with a flood of joyous tears, laid her head upon her father’s breast. A few words then told all; and Prairie Pilot and Bravo Bob having dismounted, were pre- sented to the colonel by the happy Ruth. ““T have heard of you, sir, ere I came West, and often since I have been on the border—you are a scout, I believe?’ and the colonel grasped the hand of Prairie Pilot. “*T am, sir.” * And [have much to thank you for, and you, | too, my friend, more than I can ever repay; but still, Ican give you a position with me, sir, and your companion, too. “ Will you accept the position of chief of scouts for this post?” “Colonel Radcliff, I did but my duty sir, | cept it, toward your daughter. I deserve no thanks or: reward for it. I am a scout, a guide, & hunter, anything that men choose to eae me, and so is: my friend, Bravo Bob. ‘As you offer me a position with you, I ac- ut as no reward for my services, Yet Bob, here, must be second to me in rank, for to him is due the greater praise, if to any one.” “You shall h remain with me, for Iam not pleased with either of the scouts or guides now at the post—at least there are none of them fit for leaders, and I came hither for work.” Thus it was decided, and Prairie Pilot and Bravo Bob at once were installed in their new uarters, greatly to the oinge= 42 of all at the ort, and also of the sett ers, Who were glad to | feel that two such famous scouts were to be in their midst, for afar off was echoing the rum-. | ble of an Indian war, which the attack of Colo- nel Radcliff a few days before upon an inno- cent band—at least innocent of the charge of acti Ruth—had done much to kindle inte ame, Then again the Hermit Chief and his outlaw band were beginning to grow daily more bold and troublesome, and the settlers, as well as the soldiers, were preparing for stirring times. With the greatest joy Ida Arlington welcomed | her friend back, and the two maidens held a long talk together over the adventures of Ruth, who told Ida how noble and brave was the: Prairie Pilot, : ‘“He certainly is the handsomest man I ever Sree not excepting my splendid Rafael,” said da. ‘‘ He is, indeed, and Bravo Bob is a splendid: fellow, too. If it were not for Rafael Randolph I believe you would leve him, Ida—” ‘“ As you do his friend, Prairie Pilot, eh?’ ‘‘Nonsense, Ida,” and Ruth’s face turned crimson. ‘Well, I predict that it will not be ‘nonsense, Ida,’ and that you will love the scout as dearly as he loves you—” “* Loves me?” ** Yes, how could he help it? But, I declare, Ruth, how strange it is that we two, who were belles in New York, should slight the city beaux and find men to love on the frontier of the far West!” ‘‘ Strange, but true, Ida.” “Ha! you admit it, then?” ‘“*T admit that I never saw a man who held | the influence over me which the Prairie Pilot- does, and yet I do not even know his name.” “Well, I bege true love will run smooth in both cases, and that you can marry your hero next fall, when I do Rafael.” ‘‘What! do you intend to marry so soon, Ida?” “Yes; I have told my father all, and wher Rafael visits us in a month or two, as he said he would, and proves all I hope of him, we will be- married.” a Why, it is only a few weeks since you met: im—’ ¢‘ Yes, but you remember he saved my life, when that Indian chief seized me and bore me: away fro1a camp, when I refused to become Mrs, Big-Bear-with-the-long-claw. ” “True, he saved your life, and is a handsome. fellow, and though apparently a little wild, seemed to be a good fellow; but, do you know him, or aught of him?’ “Ruth, he says he is the son of a wealthy trader in Texas, and, fond of a life on the plaixs is his father’s business agent out here. We trav— eled two weeks together, you know, coming West, and I feel that I know Rafael thoroughly. Certain it is that I love him.” “T hope you will find him all you believe him to be, Ida—but—but—” 5 ‘“Ruth, what do you know of the Prairie: | Pilot?” . “Nothing,” and as she replied Ruth Radcliffs | — face became crimson, for she felt that the tables had been turned upon her, when she was mor- alizing with Ida upon loving a young man who had joined their caravan by accident, ~ Rafa- el Randolph had been riding along over the rairie one night when there suddenly flitted by iim two dark forms. oe A cry, a woman’s voice, sent him in chase, and after a desperate encounter with a huge In. | dian chief of the Sioux, he had slain him and m from his power, for, a — rescued Ida Arlin hunter for the train going West, he had seen borne away with him. From that night Rafael Randolph continued settlement, when he left, taking a southern trail, — and proypising before long to see the beautiful and loved the maiden, whom he had seized and by ‘sf a on with the train, until it neared Blue Water —
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girl whom he had rescued from a fearful fate, and who had promised to become his wife. with a strange and thrilling adventure, and both learned to love the men who had rescued them from their danger. CHAPTER X. PRAIRIE PILOT AT BAY. THE ho t love would run smoothly,” was certainly not “realized in the case of Ruth, for her father Yolonel Radcliff, was a keen-sighted man, and it took him a ver only that Prairie ” ilot loved his daughter with all the strength of his strong nature, but also | that she returned that love; for, a deep reader | of human nature, the colonel read Ruth’s secret, while others only suspected it. True, the scout was a gentleman, and certain- ly a thoroughly educated one, and his manners were as polished as those of any society beau; but then, over his life hung a mystery, and his real name was not even known at the fort. On entering upon his duties as chief of scouts, | Prairie Pilot at once set to work to discipline his force, and soon had under his command as brave and efficient a set of hunters, guides and scouts as any fort could desire, and his services to the commandant soon became invaluable. But then, he had been engaged to scout, not to make love, and Colonel Radcliff could not forgive him the offense of loving his daughter. Upon the part of Prairie Pilot, he seemed ever on the look-out to serve the interests of the fort and settlement, and though he now and then passed a leisure hour with Ruth, he never neglected a single duty, and day and night seemed constantly in the saddle. Seeming to realize fully the danger ahead, for rumors of Indian troubles were upon every breeze, Prairie Pilot urged Colonel etrengthen his defenses, and also to organize the settlers into a kind of military reserve, while they also strengthened their own houses for a state of siege in case of attack. Colonel Kadcliff acted promptly upon all the suggestions of Prairie Pilot, forthe had perfect | eonfidence in him; but, between the two there ‘eemed to exist a restraint, noticeable from | their first meeting upon the part of the scout. At length Colonel Radcliff heard a rumor in +irculation, that Prairie Pilot and Ruth were | of the maidens, ‘‘ that their true | short while to discover not | rdcliff to | The Phantom Spy. | At the colonel’s order to the soldiers, his arms pe fom from across his breast, and his right Thus it was that both Ruth and Ida had met | hand rested upon the butt of a revolver, while his eyes flashed fire. At the second order to the troopers they | raised their guns as if to obey, when suddenly the revolver of Prairie Pilot leaped from its holster, two rapid reports followed, and the two unfortunate men fell dead in their tracks. For an instant there fell upon all a silence of | death, and then came a cry of alarm from the fort, and Ruth rushed toward Prairie Pilot. “You have killed them, but it was to save your own life. Fly now while you can. Yon- der is your horse; fly while you can! For my sake, go!” eT will go, for it were certain death to re- main. Ruth, we shall meet again. Farewell.” So saying the scout gave a shrill call, and | ay ‘Racer dashed to his side, for he had been easting himself upon the luxurious grass that grew upon the river bank. Colonel Radcliff rushed forward as if to de- | tain him, but with a bound Prairie Pilot-was in his saddle—a wave of his’ hand, to Ruth, and with the speed of a bird he was away and soon | lost to sight in the timber. Frenzied by what had happened, Colonel Rad- | cliff was almost beside himself, and loudly or- | dered men to start in pursuit and bring back Prairie Pilot dead or alive. Though surprised at the order, it was prompt- ly obeyed, and a score of fleet horsemen started in rapid pursuit, an Indian warrior, one of the scout’s own men, striking the trail and leading the troopers in full chase of a man whom, an hour before, all in the fort looked upon and re- spected next to Colonel Radcliff himself. CHAPTER XI. | EXILED. LATE at night, following the day of the flight of Prairie Pilot, the pursuing squadron returned, | | completely used up, and the officer in command | presented, himself before Colonel Radcliff and | reported that it was impossible to overtake the scout, who had penetrated the hostile Indian country, and to follow him with the small force he had would have been madness. Still angry after the occurrence of the day, Colonel Radcliff paced to and fro in moody si- lence for awhile, and then said: *“ By heavén! he shall not escape me; I will destined to make a match, and this so angered | either have that man or he will be killed by the him that he forbade Ruth to see the scout alone | Indians—” igain. ; This command the colonel believed was obeyed, Antil one afternoon he beheld the two lovers | quietly walking together upon the river-bank. This so infuriated the father, that he seized tuth by the shoulder and rudely bade her go to her quarters, and then, turning to the scout, mers ce. er shoulders, for your presuming to—” H iy. ‘‘T advise you not to attempt it, Colonel Rad- cliff, for I ain not always a patient man,” was | the cool interruption of the scout. In a frenzy of rage, Colonel Radcliff drew his | sword, and, unheeding the cry of Ruth for him to forbear, he raised the weapon, as though to strike the scout. Instantly it was seized, dragged violently from his hand and hurled into the river, where it sunk from sight. officer, and two soldiers, on duty a short dis- tance away, ran rapidly toward him. ‘Behold yonder mutineer! Take him pris- oner.” ; The soldiers advanced in surprise to obey, when the stern, ringing voice of the scout caused them to halt: “Hold! men, if you adyance on me you peril your lives.” “Father, oh, father, be noble, be generous, for you are forgetting yourself. That man saved me from a terrible fate,” cried Ruth, seiz- | ing the arm of her parent, who was wild with ‘ rage. : ut he heeded her not, and throwing her roughly aside, cried in loud tones: “Attention! shoot that man down in his tracks!” The soldiers hesitated, and loud the order rung out; , “Do you hear! shoot him down like a dog!” The Prairie Pilot, after hurlin his commander into the river arms upon his broad breast, and uiet ; Ghitt to the two soldiers, and then falling u _ Ruth, while his face wore an expression rather of sorrow than anger. ve a mind, sir, to lay my sword over your | j | as I related. ! troopers coming to my aid, I bade them seize the | mutineer; but he warned them off, and I ordered | “What is his crime, sir?’ ventured Captain | Claude Ashland, the young and gallant officer who had gone in pursuit of the scout, and who, by the way, was over head and ears in love with Ruth himself. “Crime, Captain Ashland? His crime is that he has dared to love my daughter.” The captain winced, and his face flushed, ag he muttered to himself: “TI thought as much, and the fair Ruth has dared to return it.” But he said aloud; ‘*I heard something about his killing twe sol- diers, sir.” ‘Yes, he shot down two troopers in cold bloo¢ 1 _after he had jerked my sword from my hand. | and thrown it into the river.” ‘‘A queer way to win the consent of a parent | to love his daughter,” thought Captain Ashland, | but he said: ‘Ho! ho! the guard!” yelled the maddened | * Indeed, sir! for such an act?’ 4 “Motive! Motive, sir? Ill tell you. Asa What motive could be have had | scout, the hanger on of a fort, he dared to love Ruth, and meeting him with her I threatened to lay my sword upon him, when, egad! he advised me not to do so. “*T disregarded his advice, and the result was Then I called the guard, and, two them to shoot him down, and before they could obey, by heaven! he shot the pair of them through the brain, killing them instantly.” Now Claude Ashland was a fine fellow and a human man, and his sympathy went out for the poor soldiers, and then for the scout, whém he greatly admired; next he felt for poor /Ruth, whom hedearly loved, although he knew his love was hopeless. served him right.” Claude Ashland left the room, and seeking his own quarters, his mess were soon in possession of the facts, and Colonel Radcliff was universally condemned for his action in the unfortunate affair, and the cool courage of the scout spoken of in terms of admiration. | But for Colonel Radcliff he felt no sympathy | i | whatever, and his mental decision was— It the sword of | ad folded his | stood calm and | is eagle eye ranging from Colonel aoe ) | With the early dawn of the following da Bravo Bob arrived at the fort, having been o' for several days on a scouting expedition, and | into his ears was poured the tale of horror. Now Bravo Bob was somewhat inclined to pro- fanity, when aroused, and he commenced a strin of oaths that fairly frightened those who ha told him of the affair. After somewhat cooling off he boldly sought the quarters of his commander, who at the time was enjoying, in moody silence, his breakfast, | Ruth with red and swollen eyes seated apposite to him. “* Colonel Radcliff, as you have driven my com- rade from the camp, I have come to tender my resignation as scout also,” abruptly said Bob, as he was ushered into the breakfast-room: “The departure of Prairie Pilot should in no way urge your leaving, Bravo Bob,” replied the | colonel, blandly, for he did not care to lose his |-two best men, and wished to retain him as his | chief of scouts, if in his power. **Tt does interest me, sir, so much that I leave | the post within the hour.” “Tf you remain, Bob, you will be the chief of scouts, in the place of the traitor and mur-- derer—” ‘Hold! Colonel Radcliff! Do not call Prairie . Pilot a traitor and a murderer. He is as trueas steel to friend or foe, and in killing the two troopers he but defended his own life, which any man may do. ‘No, sir, Ido not care to be chief of scouts at this post.” ** But where will you go, for all around us the Indians are on the war-path, and hostilities must soon commence here?” * True, sir; but I am not afraid of the red- | skins, and besides I will be near at hand, and Where I can give you warning, for I will scout for the settlement, for every true man is needed now.” ‘You speak the truth, and I am glad we shall not wholly lose your services. If you need a | friend at any time come to me; but, as for your mutinous comrade, I have ax ranged that his race sha}! be soon run out.” **How 0, Colonel Radcliff?’ “* Here, sir, read this,” and the officer handed | Bravo Bob a paper, who took it and read: “Bive Water Minirary Post, “ July 6th, 1853, } “ Special Order No. 36. ‘It is hereby ordered that one Prairie Pilot, a scout | and guide on the plains and in the mountains on the Western frontier, is from this day an exile from all | the forts, military posts, trading stations and settle- ments under my command along the border, and that should he enter any of the above-named, his | life shall be the forfeit. “Also, it is ordered, that any settler, soldier, scout, hunter, or Indians friendly to the whites harboring | or aiding said Prairie Pilot shall be dealt with most | severely, | “ Also, for the head of Prairie Pilot, dead or alive, | is offered the sum of one thousand dollars. “ By order of ARTHUR RADCLIFF, * Colonel Commanding.” | “This ought to catch him, or starve him, colo- | nel,” said Bravo Bob, with half a sneer upon his handsome face. “That order is not all, scout, for I intend te dispatch scouts up and down the frontier to all | other posts, with a special request from me that other commanding offieers will issue like orders.” “That ought to get him, colonel,” replied | Bravo Bob, and \if Colonel Radcliff saw the | sneer upon the seout’s face he said. nothing | about it; but Ruth saw it, and also read there a look of confidence in the powers of Prairie Pilot to evade all attempts to capture him, and it gave her hope. | . After a few more moments of conversation | Bravo Bob ‘saluted the colonel, bowed politely } to Ruth, and left the room. Half an hour after, he left the fort, carrying with him his own traps and those left by Prairie | Pilot, the exiled scout. CHAPTER XIT. THE HERMIT CHIEF. THE morning after the flight of the prisoners | frorh the bandit stronghold the camp was early astir, and the relief-guard sent to the outer end of the chasm, which being a secret entrance was never considered worthy of a large force to watch and protect it. r Upon arriving at the place all was at once ex: citement, for the dead body of one of the eg was discovered, while his companion, pale and weary-looking. paced nervously to and fro, his rifle in hand. s ‘What means this?’ asked Captain Ralph, who was leaving the stronghold by the chasm passage, accompanied by half a hundred of his
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as ; / men, whom he was leading in chase of the train of which the Prairie Pilot had been the guide. “Jt means, Captain Ralph, that I was attack- ed here last night, and poor Watson slain; but after a sharp skirmish | managed to drive off my foes.” “< Who were they—Indians or whites?” “They were white men. After Watson was hilled I retreated into yonder gulch, and they kept me there for fully half an hour, when at last they retreated.” “Why did you not summon aid, sir?” “How could I, eaptain? Watson was killed im the first charge and I was forced back into the gulch; besides, I thought you would hear the firing.” “No, the roar of the fall doubtless drowned the sound. What do you say, sir?’ he contin- wed, turning to a horseman who dashed up, hav- ing just come through the tunnel way. “fhe Prairie Pilot and the girl have escaped, sir.” * A thougand furies! Is this So?” “Ves, sir: they are not in their caves, and the rifle and arms of the scout are also gone.” Beadle’s Half-Dime Library. Antonio disarmed the unfortunate guard, and marched him away, while Captain Ralph and his men started in rapid pursuit of the Prairie Pilot and Ruth. Through the long chasm the guard was led by Antonio, the man who had brought the in- ' formation to Captain Ralph of the escape of the prisoners, until the plateau was reached, and an excited crowd were there gathered, discussing the flight of the daring scout. Observing that their comrade, Martin, was a prisoner, for his hands were bound, many questions were asked by the bandits; but in sl- | lence Antonio continued on his way across the | plateau, to where, in a clump of trees, stood a large and comfortable-looking log cabin. Around the house were growing a number of fragrant flowers, and around the columns that supported the piazza, running the full length of the front, were vines, entwined so as to form a shady arbor. A wide hallway ran through the house, which had four rooms in it, those on the right side be- ing used for sleeping, and the two on the left of the hallway were a kitchen and dining-room, e., ’ He was dressed in a blue blouse suit, and hang; ing upon one arm of the chair was a belt con- taining two revolvers and a knife. Upon the other arm of the chair was a broad straw hat encircled by a gold cord, Upon the little finger of his left hand glittered a single diamond of great value, and around his neck hung a huge chain of massive gold, at- tached toalarge hunting-case watch of costly | make, Altogether he was a remarkable-looking man, and none need look to him for mercy were his inclinations against clemency. _‘*Tone!” he suddenly called out, in a stern, ringing voice. ‘“VYes, father,” and the young girl, already known to the reader, came forth upon the piaz- za from one of the inner rooms. ‘“T wish you would mount Specter and make | a circuit on the prairie and see if there is any trace of that train, to which the Prairie Pilot | belonged, for I have more confidence in you | than in all my scouts, whites and red-skins.” “Shall I go at once, father?’ | . “ Yes—cur'se that fellow, I would give a good EXAMINING THE CREVICES IN THE WALL OF ROCK, PRAIRIE PILOT FOUND ONE THAT LOOKED INTO THE ADJOINING CAVERN. I wish I had had ‘Then there is a traitor in camp. Martin, | this looks black for you,” and the young leader looked suspiciously: at the guard, who turned | deadly or ‘Well, we must not linger here, but strike the trail of the scout. Down the hill there, | some of you, and see if you can find any traces | of their flight.” Half a dozen ‘men obeyed the order’ andsoon returned to report that the fresh tracks of two | horses were visible, and that the trail led up the valley. “Tt is as expected. Antonio!” “Well, senor?’ and a dark-faced, black-eyed. | Mexican rode forward and saluted. “Take this man, Maftin, back to the Hermit Chief, and relate the particulars as you know them.” ‘“-Yes, senor,” _ “Also say that I have gone on the trail of | the prisoners, and if I find I cannot overtake them, will then branch off after the train.” “Yes, senor,” and again saluting his leader, | For that out-of-the-way place, and the home | | of a bandit chief, the house wasa most com- fortable one, and neatly furnished, while its whole aspect proved that a woman’s hand gov- erned the outlaw household. From the piazza in front a view of the plateau could be seen, with the waters rushing over the fall, the cabins of the band, and the valleys below, all together making a picturesque scene, Upon the piazza, seated in a large and easy chair, was a striking-looking man, engaged in gazing restlessly over the scene laid out before | i im. His form was large and commanding, his com- | nergy dark, his eyes black and fiery, and his 1air and beard long, and as white as snow, though his general appearance scarcely indica- | ted that he was more Cian sixty years of age. | Though venerable-looking, there was not that halo in his face which frequently comes with old age and white hair; but, instead, a stern look haunted the mouth, and a restless. cruel glitter | trembled jn the eyes. deal to know how he escaped. him shot, yesterday.” And thus the old Hermit Chief went on mut- tering imprecations against Prairie Pilot for half an hour before the news had been brought him of the escape of the scout and Ruth. A few moments more and Tone dashed by on her white steed, and once more clad in her ghost- ly costume, Which looked weird even in the bright light of the sun. ‘Yes, she is true to me, and so is Ralpb; but who else can I trust? “Jam getting along in years now, and must soon give up this outlaw life, and then in some foreign capital I will luxuriate on the gold I have won, “Gold I have in vast quantities, but not yet enough—no not enough! I must have mors, and then I can live like a prince. Like a,prince, did lsay? Like a king I mean, for am J nov ki here? “ And that girl—who can she be? "I certainly have seen her face before, and oh ia
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last night I saw it in my dreams, over and over again. “She is a proud and fearless creature too, for I could not intimidate her. “‘ And she} must. be the daughter of some one high in authority, or else she would have given her name; but curse that scout! I would givea score of lives for, his single one,” and thus the old chief muttered on, running from one subject to another, until suddenly he descried Antonio and the bound guard approaching. ‘* Well, have we here? Ah! Antonio, the man I sent after Ralph with the news of the escape. Well, Antonio, what has Martin been doing that you have him bound?” ‘Senor chief, the senor capitan bade me bring the guard back and tell you that his companion on duty last night was killed, and—” ss Speak, scoundrel, and answer for y ourself !’ yelled the mfuriated oc: chief. In trembling tones the frightened bandit told the same story wkich he had related to Captain Ralph, and when he had finished, he saw that there was no hope for him in this life. ‘‘ Antonio, bind that traitor to yonder post who —there! Now summon the people in front of my cabin, and we will get rid of oné man who would betray us.” CHAPTER XIII. AN OUTLAW EXECUTION, ANTONIO, the Mexican, was a sub-officer un- der the Hermit Chief, and commanded the stronghold defenses; hence he was willing that Martin should be executed, so as to turn the tide of wrath from himself. He therefore at once departed to obey the orders of his chief, and, left alone with the old wan, the doomed bandit implored for mercy, and made a full confession of the facts of the case. his face, and sneered forth: ‘How did he get his arms from this cabin? tell me that, sir traitor?” ‘‘T know not, chief; I have told you the whole truth.” But in vain the man pleaded, for the Hermit ated . ae os 7 But the old Hermit Chief cruelly laughed in | at the half-dozen riflemen, selected as the exe- | cutioners, and then upon the victim. The Phantom Spy. Chief knew no such word as mercy, and the people of the stronghold beginning to assemble, poor Martin ceased his entreaties, and tried to become calm and indifferent to his fate. Soon all were assembled, a motley group of men, women and children, among whom were Americans, Irish, Mexicans, Germans, negroes and Indians. With the women were a few miserable-look ing whites, them captives, perhaps, dragged down to a life of crime, and a few who had. followed their evil husbands into outlawry ; but the most of the females were Indian squaws. In high glee, for they reveled in bloodshed; the wild crowd came together, and with eager looks feasted their appetites for the horrible upon the pale, but now caln, face of the doomed guard, ‘* Antonio, pick out your men, and when I give the signal let that truitor meet his just tate,” ‘* Yes, senor.” The condemned man was then led to one side, and placed with his back toward the cliff, the crowd forming three sides of a hollow square some | with that promptness and discipline which fre- | quent experience in a like deadly drill had tauzht them. ‘* Now, traitor, beg for your life,” called out | the old Hermit Chief, still comfortably seated in his easy-chair. “T will not give you the pleasure of hearing me beg for the life which I have madea curse to mysel?,” firmly responded the outlaw. **Ha! he has pluck, then. Antonio, watch my signal,” ** Yes, senor.” Erect and defiant stood the condemned man, his eyes gazing as it were far into the past, and his face brave and stern. Raising his hands, the old chief glanced first Then with a loud clap his hards came together, | and a volley of firearms followed. Without a moan, or a word, Martin, the cut- law guard, fell dead, just as Tone dashed rapid- ly up, her horse covered with sweat and foam. 9 ‘What. means said, hastily “Why have you returned so soon, Ione?” eva- sively answered the chief. ‘I was chased back by a band of mounted Sioux—” ‘Ha! how many, girl?’ ‘About half a hundred.” No need for us to fear them, but—” ‘Father, why has Martin been executed? was one of the best men in the band.” ‘“So I believed him; but he proved a traitor and aided the prisoners to escape,” and the chief told Ione of the occurrence on the outpost, and the death of the other guard. “Still he might have been innocent,” urged the maiden. ‘* No, he stole the scout’s arms from my room— “What! have you forgotten you made me a present of those weapons?” and Ione’s face turn- ed pale. ‘By Heaven! you are right, girl. Still, Tam confident that the guard was a traitor.” ‘I do not believe it; the escape of Prairie Pilot was certainly most mysterious; but I do this execution, father?” she He ’ not believe one person in this camp aided him,” and Jone entered the cabin, feeling sad at the thought that her having taken the scout’s arms to him had caused the execution of a man who was doubtless guiltless of the crime of which he was charged. Though for years the occupant of an outlaw camp, Ione was not evil at heart, for she hardl knew the enormities committed by the band, and believed rather what the old chief tolé her, that he and his men were a persecuted set. Thus believing, and feeling that her father knew best, Ione did all she could for the’ good of the band, and in her spectral masquerade was wont to spy out the movements of trains and find out the strength of settlements, believing that it was a just'war that was waged. — As she grew older she had her misgivings, and would frequently converse with her brother Ralph upen the subject; but he was wont to say: ‘We were once far different, Tone, when we were mere children; but I can not remember all the past, eS
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RO ig het 2 rine Ls ' , for the momentous event by her Ps ~* 7 a. ie . i ie » } By & 4 f, i*- na ‘ 4 BY, at hig aa a” . i eeon J ( zt & ; y 7... As in . be i i ie a H Sy . Peng bat ahs,» ie oe; e a mer ie s Vy sae \ . Ee pe oe re RE Tole: ae . 3 - f 10 i re ; oo Beadle’s Half-Dime Library. ae pie eee ee = = preenmeerart ao wan” “Our father is kind to us, and he has been driven from civilization—why, I know not, so let us do all we can to cheer him. ‘¢He will not last long, for he is failing, and I fear some crime rests heavy upon him. ““ When he is gone we will give up this wild, outlaw life, and together seek a home where we are unknown, and can live in quiet, respected by those around us.” This conversation would cheer Ione, and, some- how, Ralph would feel better after it, for though he was a stern leader, and a dashing, fearless fellow, he had never been cruel, and seemed to shun acts of cruelty. Of late he had been strangely remiss in lead- ing raids, and his men wondered at the change | coming over their youthful leader. Still, he was a severe disciplinarian, and knew that his lawless band must be ruled with a hand pf iron, or they would bring ruin upon them- selves, and therefore there was no unbending cf his nature toward his followers, who feared him almost as much as they did.his grim old rather. CHAPTER XIV. A STARTLING SURPRISE. TruE to his promise, Rafael Randolph, the lover of Ida Arlington, appeared in the Blue Water settlement, and was presented to his ex- pectant father-in-law. t Old Amos Arlington thought him a little wild- looking, pote y ‘but was soon won over by the genial and frank manner of the young man, and gave his consent for Ida to marry him when he should next visit the settlement, which would be in two weeks, for Rafael Randolph had busi- ness, he said. which would call him East about that time, and wished to take with him his young bride. The two weeks rolled quickly away to the happy Ida, who was aided in her peopereeee riend, Ruth Radcliff, who passed a great deal of her time in the settlement, for she liked not her father’s moody manner, she told her friend. Perhaps, too, she was anxious to see Bravo Bob often also, and learn from him if he had any news of Prairie Pilot, from whom no one had heard since his flight from the fort. But, though Bravo Bob was an untiring scout, and notwithstanding the presence of hostile In- dians raiding through the country, he was con- tinually going off alone on scouting expeditions, he could never tell her anything about his com- rade. He had even gone to the distant posts where the traders’ train had safely arrived, hoping to find Prairie Pilot there; but, no: all that had been heard of the famous scout there was the brand of exile that had been passed against him, and which both Scalp-lock ave and Yankee Sam condemned in profane terms, for they said: ‘¢ He weren't the feller to be branded like a mad-dog, an’ was a sight better man than the feller that did it,” It was a sad disappointment to Ruth when no news could be gained of her lover; but she would not yield to the general belief, that he had been killed by the Indians or outlaws, but hoped against hope that she would see him again. Again, wounded or captive Indian? would re- ort that a white horseman was wont to dog hem by night, and frequently ride upon their ‘ camps, pouring upon them a destructive fire from a many-shooting rifle; but that they never saw him in the,daytime, and he knew not his haunts. That this strange horseman was Prairie Pilot not only Ruth, but Bravo Bob felt confident, _and they were the more convinced of it when on several occasions an arrow had been fired into the inclosure of the fort, containing a notice, or warning of some move of the Indians or out- laws, and written in a bold hand. Neither Ruth nor Bravo Bob had ever seen Prairie Pilot’s writing, but they were assured that. they came from him. What Colonel Radcliff thought none knew; but, certain it is, that when he heeded not the first silent messenger of warning, and disaster befell a squadron of his troopers, he afterward ‘had full confidence in the others, and acted ac- cordingly—the result of which was that serious _ trouble was often averted. | Promptly at the end of the two weeks Rafael Randolph again vos erate in the Blue Water settlement, splendidly mounted and armed, and ris handsomely attired in a suit of dark-blue cioth. He founda warm greeting from both Ida and bos As her father, and a cordial welcome from Ruth, + who had begun to like the young man more than _ she at first supposed she would. | the outlaw, you cannot get away. Bravo Bob also took a fancy to the young trader, and the two were constantly together during the day that was to usher in the wed- ding-evening. To the marriage of his daughter Amos Arling- ton had invited the . officers and ladies of the fort, and a. number of his friends among the settlers, so that his capacious cabin was filled to overflowing. F At length the expectant bride and groom en- tered the parlor, Bravo Bob and Ruth Radcliff having consented to. act as ‘“‘best man” and bridesmaid. Ida was dressed in a neat traveling suit, and looked perfectly lovely and happy, while Ruth was also becomingly attired, and tried to appear joyful, but a sad look haunted her beautiful eyes. The groom, whose handsome appearance was the admiration of all, was attired in his well- fitting dark suit, and yet his face was strange- ly stern and pale for one on the eve of mar- | riage. Bravo Bob, in a handsome. new suit of buck- skin, also came in for his share of admiration, and remarked that if he were to draw lots for either Ruth or Ida, he would be perfectly hap- py with whichever one he won—and so other | young gallants thought, while they greatly en- vied Rafael Randolph. ‘As for Colonel Radcliff, a dark scowl rested upon his face, and in his heart he cursed Rafael Randolph, for he also had loved the beautiful Ida, and had hoped to one day make her his wife. Within the cabin all seemed brightness and joy—without the wind howled mournfully, and a dark storm was rolling up from the east- ward. While the marriage ceremony was being per- formed by the chaplain of the fort, a horseman rode cautiously into the settlement, and glanced in upon the bright scene enacted at Amos Arling- ton’s. Suddenly he started visibly, and sprung to the ground, walking rapidly toward the cabin. Entering the door he forced himself through the surprised crowd, and called out in a voice clear and ringing: “Hold! This marriage is a sacrilege! That man is Captain Ralph, the young chief of the outlaws!” A-wild cry from Ida, a bitter imprecation from Rafael Randolph, and cries of surprise mingled with expressions of sorrow filled the room. Then, above all, was heatd the clear voice of | Bravo Bob: ods above!” regret I was not here Hold! Ralph, Move one step and you shall die,” and the revolver of the scout covered the breast of the young man, who, yale as death, folded his arms and stood in si- ence. “Oh, say he is not an outlaw, and I will bless you! rell me he is not such as you say,” im- plored Ida, clasping her hands, and gazing im- ploringly into the scout’s face. “He is what I say, poor girl, and, Colonel Radcliff, if you will place him under arrest you shall have proof of my words within the week.” “Ay, I will put him. under arrest, and you also,” and Colonel Radcliff called to his officers present to rally round him. “Back! back, I say, or, before God, some of ou shall die!’ and, with a revolver in each 1and, Prairie Pilot backed from the room, sprung out of the cabin, and the next moment had flung himself upon his steed and.was flying ‘* Prairie Pilot, by the Yes, and God knows sooner to save that poor girl— | away like the wind, leaving behind him a scene of wildest tumult. CHAPTER XV. AN UNWELCOME DISCOVERY. SEVERAL days passed after the unfertunate marriage, which had bound poor Ida Arling- ton to an outlaw, and still the sad affair was the eneral theme of conversation among the sol- te and settlers, and the maiden was pitied by all. But, true to her love, Ida Arlington refused to belieye the charge against her husband, and though he was held as a prisoner in the fort, she daily visited him, conveying with her deli- cacies made with her own hands. In her sorrow Ruth gave her her full sym- thy, and did all she could to cheer her; but, in her heart, she felt that Rafael Randolph was none other than Captain Ralph, the young leader of the outlaw band, who acknowledged the Her- mit Chief as its ruling spirit. | Though the evil tidings had been brought by the Prairie Pilot, Colonel Radcliff believed every word of it, and a hope arose in his heart that Ida might yet become his wife, when her sor- rowing for her bandit-lover was over. A week nearly had gone by since the impri- sonment of Captain Ralph, and Colonel Rad- cliff was moodily pacing to and fro, as was hi wont, in front of his quarters. Presently an officer rk oars him, accon panied by a man, who led a horse by the rein. ‘Well, Ashland, who have you there?” ‘*The bearer of private dispatches to you, col é onel, he says.” ey Vis, sur; I’m afthur having a letther for yer honor, sur; an’ its moighty important, } was tould to say,” replied the man, who was aw odd-looking but shrewd fellow, that looked as if he could take care of himself in a tight place. Taking from an inner pocket of his well-worn suit a large envelope heavily sealed, ‘he handed it to Colonel Radcliff, who hastily broke the sea} and glanced at the contents. Instantly his face turned deadly pale, and the young officer asked, quickly: ** Are there ill tidings, colonel?” “No, Ashland, no; my man, I will accompany you; and, captain, you will command until my return.” ’ ‘‘Are you going to venture out of the fort alone, sir? Shall I not order an escort for you?” 14 No, captain. I am only going a short dis- tance and will soon return.” So saying, Colonel Radcliff told his orderly to bring his horse, and ten minutes after, rode away from the fort, the strange messenger lead- ing the way. For two miles or more, the Irish messenger directed the way untih he came to a path which led under a bluff overhanging the river. ‘““You will be afther finding him ‘there, sur; ar pa the big tree,” and the Irishman came to a alt. Without a word in reply Colonel Radcliff rode on, and soon discovered a tall form stand- ing beneath the shadow of an overhanging tree. t was the Hermit Chief, and his face was cold and stern. ‘“ Well, Arthur, you have come?” said the deep tones of the old outlaw chief. ““'Yes, | have come; but in God’s name what do you here?’ replied Colonel Radcliff, glancing suspiciously around. ‘““ We are alone, Arthur; you need fear no in- oes _ You came without an escort?” “Yes. “ Tt is well—it will avoid trouble should they meet my men,” “Your men? what mean’ you?” “‘T mean, Arthur, that changes have come to both of us since last we met. You are the com- mandant on this border, while I am—” ‘“What?’ asked the officer, as the other aused. ** The Hermit Chief!’ “Good God! are you that monster? Have you. come to that?” : “Steady, boy, steady! Your tongue has slipped its leash and goes galloping wildly. “Yes, after I left the States, you know why, I had to plot and counterplot to keep from starving; so I came West, and circumstances made me a robber-chief.” “A fit termination to your guilty acts of years ago; but why do you seek me here? is not the bond between us severed?” ‘“No, Arthur, and it never can be,” somewhat sadly said the Hermit Chief, and then he contin- ued firmly: ‘**T came not here to ask gold of you, but to de. mand the release of my lieutenant, now your prisoner, for when T learned of his capture, then it was that I heard that Arthur Radcliff was the new commander of this new frontier post,” ‘* Yes, and a short while ago you held in your power my oi a Ruth.” ‘Ha! now I recall the resemblance that so haunted me. Yes, she was captured by some ot my men, and rescued by that arch-fiend, the Prairie Pilot; but, Arthur, I must have Ralpb Randolph—” ‘“What! is the outlaw prisoner in my power that youth?” cried Colonel Radcliff, in suprise. 14 Yes; do you think that I would allow that prize to slip through my fingers? Oh, no!” © “ And the girl—” “‘Is at my cabin: The two believe themselves my children—” ‘*My God! when will your villainies end?’ ‘In the grave.” The deep voice of the Hermit Chief was al- most reproachful as he uttered these words. a an instant of silence, Golonel Radcff sald; ee ae ee
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y eS py? The Phantom Spy. “ And you desire the release of Ralph Ran- dolph?”’ “T demand it. You cannot hang him!’ ‘“T would not wish his blood on my hands. I have been wild, perhaps, and through your in- fluence have been guilty of acts I would not re- ‘call; but I am not wicked enough to take his life, if in my power to save him. Yet, how can it be done!” ’ ‘‘Rasily. He was married to a young girl that reaily loves him. Keep less strict guard over him and she will get him out.” . ‘It shall be done. suppose, ” “No; I must ask you to be less persevering in your attacks on my band—at least while I com- mand it, which will not be long.” “Thank God for that. Now our interview ends—” ‘Not quite. Idesire you to witness one of our outlaw executions,” ‘‘ Indeed! Who is your victim now?” sneer- ingly asked the officer. “One for whom you seem to have a deadly hatred, men tell me. We heard where he had his retreat, and I sent men there, who luckily caught him while he was fishing, and unsuspect- ing of danger; but his splendid horse, repeating- rifle and belt of arms they did not find.” ‘To whom do you refer?’ somewhat impa- tiently asked Colonel Radcliff. “To the Prairie Pilot!” CHAPTER XVI. ON THE VERGE OF DEATH. | Wen the Hermit Chief made known who iwas his prisoner, Colonel Radcliff started, and jan exclamation of surprised pleasure escaped his lips. ’ “T thought it would be pleasant news to you; but darkness is coming on, and if you wish to see the Prairie Pilot hanged, we must hasten.” “T will go, for I wish that man out of the way. True, he has done me only kindnesses, but if he lives I feel that Ruth will become his wife in’ spite of all that I can do. AndI am glad to have the affair taken off of my hands.” ** Doubtless; but come.” ** Leading the way, the Hermit Chief ascended the hill to the top of the bluff, where were visible in the gloom fully two-score of men, standing in ominous silence. “I, would not be seen by your men; I wiil re- main here in the shadow of this tree,” said Col- onel Radcliff, halting. ** As you please; when the show is over, you know the way home, and we will await Ralph here, This note given to him will explain.” **T will see that he gets the note, and will do all I can to effect his escape. Farewell.” The Hermit Chief half held.out his hand, but withdrew it instantly with a bitter laugh, and walked toward the group standing some hun- dred yards away. In the midst of that group was Prairie Pilot, his face pale and stern, his form erect, his eyes flashing defiance upon his foes. As the Hermit Chief had said, he had been surprised while fishing in the river for his even- ing meal, and when armed with only one re- volver and knife. , But he made a brave resistance, and it was only after a desperate struggle that he was se- cured. That his retreat was not far away his captors knew; but search as they might, no trace of it could be found, and they were compelled to come away with their prisoner, without having found his famous pts or secured his famous rifle and belt of arms. When the Hermit Chief advanced, there was a ndose around the neck of Prairie Pilot, and the rope that was to drag him up to an ignominious death was thrown already across the limb of a tree above his head. Thus far the Hermit Chief had not seen his yrisoner, his capture having been reported to fim while he was waiting for the coming of Colonel Radcliff, and with some curiosity. he walked forward and gazed into the noble, hand- some face of the scout. Involuntarily an exclamation of surprise arose to his lips; but it was checked by the manner of Prairie Pilot, whose eyes flashed fire, and face became livid, while every vein on his fore- head stood out like cords. } Startled by his emotion, the chief stepped back, and sternly ordered: “String him up! and quickly, too, or the devil may yet aid in his escape.” ’ A Nn men seized the end of ‘the rope, and running off with it, the splendid form of) Prairie Pilot was the next moment dangling in the air, the handsome face black with rage and pain. Now our business ends, I. Quickly the end of the rope was made fast to a small sapling, and a cheer broke from the crowd of bandits, as they felt that at last their | untiring enemy was beyond doing them further injury. , But as the cheer ended, a rapid rattle of rifle- | shots came from over the bluff, and several out- laws fell dead in their tracks. Instantly there was the wildest excitement, and mounting in hot haste, waile, believing that they were attacked by a body of troops, they dashed off at full speed, the Hermit, Chief at their head. As they disappeared in the gloom of the tim- ber, a horseman rode by like the wind, his steed springing over the dead bodies of the outlaws, and his knee brushing against the swaying body of Prairie Piiot—the horseman was Colonel Ar- | thur Radcliff, riding with all speed toward the fort, and leaving the ghastly scene behind him. _ CHAPTER XVII. COLONEL RADCLIFF’S STRATEGY. Wir a feeling at his heart which he could nct account for, a sensation of joy that the | hanging of the Prairie Pilot had been shifted | from his conscience, and a joy that the scout was no longer an obstacle to some ambitious | idea he had for Ruth, Colonel Radcliff stood watching the outlaw execution of the brave man whom he had exiled from the border. The sudden firing caused him hastily to spring into his saddle, and with surprise at the sudden | and unexpected attack, he dashed away, for he did not care to be caught in such company. His path led him by the hanging scout, and he shuddered as the body swung against him and the staring eyes looked down into his own. “God in héaven! I can never forget that look,” he cried, and he buried his spurs deep into the sides of his horse and rushed on. Now and then he heard a shot behind him, back by the bluff; but he soon felt safe, and in | ten minutes more drew up at the gate of the | fort. It was quite dark by the time he arrived, but the sentinel recognized his voice, and quickly opened the gate. Riding up to his quarters he threw his rein to his hoon f and entered the cabin where sat Ruth and da, the latter weeping bitterly. ‘* Miss Ida, I would like to see you for a mo- ment, Will you come with me into my office?” he said, kindly. In surprise Ida arose, and entering the room, the colonel motioned her to a seat. ‘* Miss Ida, I wished to see you alone, because | Tam going to place myself in your power, as it | were. Ida made no reply; only looked up with sur prise, and the colonel continued:. “You certainly were most unfortunate in be stowing your love upon one who so grossly de- | ceived you—but marriage is a lottery, and it is | only after we enter upon it that we find out whe- ther we have drawn a prize or a blank. ‘But it is not my intention to moralize, but | to act. Though you refused my love, I feel no | ill-will, Ida, as I will prove. “That you love, with your whole heart, your outlaw husband—” “ He is no outlaw, Colonel Radcliff—” ‘* Alas, I know all that he is, Ida; but we will not argue that point; yet, certain it is, that if he remains here, he will have to die an ignomini- ous death, and I wish to save him.” “You, Colonel Arthur Radcliff, wish to save the life of one whom you say you know to be an | outlaw chief?” ‘We will do much for those we love, Ida; but I do wish, for your sake, to save Captain Ralph, as he is called—are you brave enough to | effect his escape?’ ‘¢ Oh, try me, and I will bless you.” “T will try you. His horse is at your father’s, | is he not?” ‘Yes, sir.” | “Very well; now you can remain in ‘this | room, after I leave, and in yonder closet,you | will find one of my cloaks and a slouch hat— carry them’in some way to the prisoner, and | when you hear me talking with the sentinel out- side the guard-house, both of you leave and come hither; when it gets later, I will walk with you out of the inclosure, passing you by the sen- tinel, who will think your companion some of the officers sdeing you home,” “Oh! Colonel Radcliff, how can I thank you for this kindness?” “ By keeping my part in the affair an invio- late secret; but here, give this to your husband. It is a note from the old Hermit Chief.” Ida turned a shade paler, and held forth: uer | nizing her, permitted her to enter, for such had | Radcliff walked away, for when he came round | the guard just now, and the guard-house was | a short while since I passed the lady, and a per- | tain arrived. also he was strangled considerably by the pres- —-e hand for the note, which the officer handed to her. ‘“‘ Now, Miss Ida, I will leave you. Be brave, be cool, and all will go well.” - With a beating heart Ida seized the hat and cloak, and concea ing them under her dress, she walked quickly to the guard-house, loca im: an isolated portion of the stockade inclosure, and casted by a single sentinel, who, recog- been the colonel’s orders. ‘* Well, Stockton, how is your prisoner?” said Colonel Radcliff, approaching the sentinel,, a few moments after the maMien had entered. the small cabin. * All right, sir.” “Stockton, what sound is that I hear in the timber?” ‘‘T hear no sound, sir,” replied the guard. ‘“Your ears are dull; come around here out of the wind and listen.” The sentinel at once obeyed, and after listen- ing awhile, said: ‘It’s from the settlement, sir—the settlers: are having a good time, I guess.” ‘‘ Yes, the sound must come from the settle-- ment. Good-night, Stockton,” and Colonel in front of the guard-house, he beheld two forms some distance away hurryiug toward his quar- | ters. An hour later, and Colonel Radcliff was walk- ing moodily back from the stockade gate,’ while Ida,and the escaped Binley were hurrying rapidly toward the settlement. As he reached his quarters, the relief guard approached, and in their midst was the sentinel, Stockton, his face white and scared. “What is it, sergeant?” ‘*The prisoner has escaped, sir.” **Ha! when did this happen?” **T do not know, I looked in when I relieved. empty,” said the sergeant. ““Why, it is not an hour since I was there— was he within then, Stockton?” “Yes, sir, I heard him speak to the lady, whom I passed in just before you came up sir.” “By heaven! I have it—I called Stockton from his post for a moment or: two, and they doubtless took that opportunity to escape, and. son I supposed to be some escort from the settle~ ment, out of the gate. ** Release Stockton, sergeant, for it is my fault and not his. Send Captain Ashland to me at once.” So saying, Colonel Radcliff entered his quar ters, and a few moments after the young cap-~ “ Ashland, through a blunder of mine, it seems that the prisoner, Captain Ralph, has es- caped, and I wish you to take your company and go in pursuit. If you do not find him at the settlement, you had better return, for I do not wish you far away in these times.” ; The young officer obeyed his orders, and two hoursafter returned to report that Ida was'at home, but that no trace of the prisoner could be. found. Colonel Radcliff appeared to be annoyed at his blunder, which had allowed his prisoner te escape; but, at heart, he oi Lge over the suc- eess of his strategy, and the able manner in which Ida had carried it out, CHAPTER XVIII. FRIENDS TO THE FRONT. WHEN Prairie Pilot stood before his captors, bound hand and foot, and with the hangman’s noose around his neck, he ‘at last felt that his doom had come, for he saw no possible means of escape. Ere he expected, he was suddenly drawn bedi- ly into the air, and all seemed dark before him: . but the rope was so twisted that the slip-knot got under his chin, and, still clinging to life,he . pressed his chin with such force upon it, as te’ prevent its slipping down and choking him, Still his strengt would soon give way, and sure of the rope on the veins of his neck. Just at this moment he heard the rattle of rifle-shots, and a few loud yells, and, amoment _ after, his eyes met those of Colonel Radcliff, rushing by. aed Then a darkness came over him; there wasa — roaring in his ears; his rt failed; the | noose tightened around his neck, and he knew a no more. ee When he again opened his eyes, it was some moments before he could collect his sen a bright fire, and kneeling upon ide of Pad iy ) a ie \% ) ; . . i 1 f Soh edt “ : ee EPA Sy ie > A SN Bie fant een 7 , ae ae
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were two forms—the one a maiden, the other a man, while two more forms stood erect beside the fire. The glassy film over his eyes soon passed away, and he first recognized Bravo Bob, who was Scilly rubbing his neck; then his gaze fell upon the maiden—it was Ione, the Phantom Spy! With surprise he then turned his eyes upon the men at the fire; one was Yankee Sam, the other Scalp-lock Dave. With a violent effort he suddenly raised him- self from his recumbent position, while Bravo | Bob warmly ejaculated, ‘‘Thank God!” “Yes, and you, too, I have to thank—for you have saved my life; now I remember all,” said Prairie Pilot, speaking with some difficulty, for his throat pained him severely. “You must not talk, old fellow, yet awhile; but listen, and I will tell you all,” and Bravo Bob offered the scout a flask of liquor, from which he took a good draught, and then silently offered his hand to Sam, Dave and the maiden. “You see,” began Bravo Bob, ‘‘ITran upon'a heavy trail, and tracking it up, I suddenly met with Yankee and Daye, here, who were on their »way to the fort to offer for service in the Indian war. “Of course we were all glad to meet each other, and I proposed we should fol- low the trail together, which we did. “We had not gone far before we ran upon this young lady, whom I at once recognized as the Phantom Spy, and be- fore she could get away, I lassoed her horse, and we made her prisoner. “Well, we rode up the river, the trail growing fresher, and just about dark we heard a cheer, and a moment after came upon a sight that made us wild with rage. “That sight was the best man on these prai- ries hanging by the neck, and a score of outlaw cutthroats dancing around him. “We didn’t stop to count noses, but let in lively with our rifles and revolvers, and, hang me, if the whole party didn’t make tracks. “While the scare was upon them we dashed in, cut you down, and here you are as good as new, after a short rest.” ft Yes, to you I owe my life, my friends: but where are we, Bob?” ** About five miles from the fort—in the An- telope valley.” “You have crossed the river, then and are in the hill country?” “Yas; we did not like to camp near your friends, the outlaws.” ‘* A wise conclusion; but, Bob, you must do me another favor.” ** Name it, Prairie Pilot.” “Give this maiden into my charge; now I cannot tell you why.” “fT will.” “Thank you: now let us camp here for the night; and in the ahr g, J Sam, you and Dave ean go on to the fort; but Iam going to beg that you will not mention having seen me, my rescue from death, or that you know anything about me.” *‘T'll be as quiet as a church on week days, you bet; but I’m all-fired glad yer ain’t a dead man, I is,” said Yankee Sam, while Scalp-lock Dave replied: ‘An’ soisI. Yousee, pard, the times is dull now for guides, so we just struck over to the fort to raise Injun ha’r for the soldiers; but it’s a darnation shame that sich a man as you be is hunted like a dog; but you'll ever find me yer friend.” “TI know it, Dave, and some day I hope to prove how I appreciate the friendship of your- self and Sam.” Feeling that they would have a better chance ‘to safely reach the fort in the darkness, Yankee Sam and Scalp-lock Dave expressed their deter- mination to at once set out; so, bidding farewell ‘to Prairie Pilot and his companions, they moun- ted their horses and rode away. “Now let us go to my retreat, Bob. Though I could trust Sam and Dave, I could not let them know that secret—” “Can you trust the girl?’ asked Bravo Bob, in a whisper. “ With my life. Come.” A few moments mvure and the trio were on their way, Prairie Pilot having accepted Ione’s invitation to a seat with her on Specter, and which the noble animal seemed to care little for. -_——- CHAPTER XIX. THE PRAIRIE FIGHT. THREE weeks after the hanging of Prairie Pilot by the outlaws, and the escape of Beadle’s Captain Ralph. Daily matters were becoming more complicated upon the border, for the In- dians had taken to the war-path along the whole line, and the settlements were hourly in fear of an attack. Squadrons of cavalry frequently scouted through the hills and wpon the prairies, and of- | ten returned with accounts of hard-fought bat- tles with bands of red-skins, and a gloom fell upon all. With untiring zeal and undaunted courage Colonel Radcliff met every danger and over- came it, and Captain Ashland daily won golden laurels for his fearless at‘acks against the Indi- ans. Of the escape of Captain Ralph little was'said after Ida b« “dy admitted that she had been the means of his éscape, taking advantage of the | colonel’s talk with the sentinel to leave the guard-house. Since his leaving the fort nothing had been heard of the young outlaw chief; but his band were daily on the war-path against the settle- ments, led on by the old Hermit Chief, who suddenly seemed to have gained new vigor and health. Whether Captain Ralph had returned to the stronghold, or given up the life of an outlaw, could not be discovered. Upon comparatively friendly terms with the Indians, the Hermit Chief could raid along the border with impunity, well knowing that the line of forts were kept busy with their red foes, and with savage ferocity he brought ruin upon many ‘a settler’s home, and left many a ghastly corps behind. : The troops commanded by Colonel Radcliff and the settlers of Blue Water settlement, the Hermit Chief seemed ever to shun; and on sev- eral occasions had his whole band fallen back before a sma!] squadron, under the gallant Ash- land, until the troopers of the fort began to be- lieve that they were invincible, and put on airs accordingly. At the request of the officers of the fort, and the settlers, Bravo Bob had become chief of scouts, and with Yankee Sam and Scalp-lock Dave for his ‘‘ bowers,” he had organized a most formidable band of bold spirits, that were sud- den death to Indians and outlaws whenever they met them. Y Frequently Bravo Bob would leave the fort ae nig, nt, alone, and not return till near day- ight. here he went none knew, but certain it is that he always had gained some important in- formation in those solitary scouting trips. Soon rumors began to come that the outlaw band had a deadly foe upon their trail—one who seemed to dog them only by night, when in their camp they would suddenly be aroused by the ring of a rifle, and the doom of some one of the guards around.the encampment was sealed. So frequently had these midnight attacks of their mysterious foe occurred that a number of bandits had fallen, and a nervous dread of sud- den death seémed to pervade their ranks. Who this mysterious enemy could be none knew, and as the Indians also had heard his rifle’s death*knell, and felt his vengeance} a su- perstitious horror seemed to fall upon red-skin and outlaw alike. From settlement to settlement,.from fort to fort, flew the news of his deadly hunt for hu- man game, until around the mess-tables, at the hearth-stone and in the camp his deeds were the subject of conversation and all wondered who the terrible slayer could be. Many believed him to be the Prairie Pilot, but fe no Lai act Wes ash = that nes scout since the night he exposed Captain h it was doubted by numbers, for he at Sincnaed to have been killed. Upon the subject of the mysterious avenger there were four persons who usually kept silent, and seldom expressed an opinion. hese four were Ruth Radcliff, Bravo Bob, Yankee Sam and Scalp-lock Dave—a quar'tette who; if they had a secret, knew well how to ~_e it, Zarly in the month of September a horseman was seen coming across the prairle at full speed, a hurdred Indians at his back, and endeavoring Mi see who could gain the honor of raising his air. Out from the fort dashed Bravo, Bob and his score of scouts, hunters and guides, and the In- dians were checked by a well-aimed volley of rifle-bullets. While the horseman continued on toward the fort, Bravo Bob went into line of battle and commenced an open prairie fight with the red- skins, and being supported by a squadron of Hialf-Dime Library. troopers, under the gallant Ashland, an ani mated combat at once began. Though the Indians put on a bold: front and their chief handled them well, they were soon put to flight, and with wild yells the victorious whites followed them to rejiurn an hour after with many a gory scalp as a war-trophy, CHAPTER XX. AN OUTLAW’S I STTER. THE horseman, who had not deemed it his duty to join in the fight against his pursuers, rode on to the fort and begged to see Colonel Radcliff. He was sent to the quarters of the command- ant, who beheld in him the same man who had before brought him a message from the old Her- mit Chief, and his face turned a shade paler as he held forth his hand for the letter the messen- ger drew from his pocket. As he was turning to enter his room, the son of Erin spoke up, briskly: “Yer honor’s pardon, but I’ve had a sharp race and a big scare for my skulp, an’ a wee bit of whisky would be afther previnting the cour- age of ould Ireland from oozing clane out of me boots, yer honor’s honor.” ‘Orderly, give the man a dram and some food,” said the colonel, and he ascended to the house-top on which was a look-out, from which he had a fine view of the prairie and the prepara- tions for battle. Glancing keenly at the combatants, he ther broke the seal of his letter and read: “OUTLAW STRONGHOLD, September 15th, —. * ARTHUR: “*T write to inform you that the Prairie Pilot is not dead. “True, I had him hung; but you remember we were attacked—I believed then by your troops, so I gave orders for a hasty retreat. “Finding we were not pursued, I returned to the spot we had fled from, to find that the scout had been cut down. “ All was silent around there, and no trace of who had been the attacking party. “Still I believed the scout to be dead, and when, meta before midnight, Ralph arrived, thanks to ety sindness, we at once departed for the strong nold. ‘* Arriving here, a grief fell upon me, for Ione was missing, having left, so my lieutenant told me, to follow our trail, and endeavor to rescue her brother. “T have sent spies and scouts everywhere on the border, but no tidings of her can be gained, and I fear she has been killed and scalped by the red-skins. “Tf Iwas certain of it, 1 would leave the border, for upon her coming of age, or death, you know, hangs a fortune. ‘* As this Indian war has stop emigration west- ward, you know 1 have to raid on the settlements for we must make a living; but you will admit that I have let you and your district severely alone— nay, we have not struck back again when your men, under that dashing young Ashland, have hit us hard. ‘* As for Ralph, he is no longer the ga\lant: chief he was, and will not lead the men upon raids; inde he even opposes raiding; so I’ve taken to the:saddle again. I believe the girl he married so slyly, and your kindness in saving his neck, have made a fool of him—as if it were not right to divide the riches of this world equally. “Now, to another cross which I have to bear, added to the cessation of Western emigration, the loss of Ione, and help of Ralph: there is a deadly foe upon the trail of my band, hunting us to death. ‘Night after night we feel his deadly stroke, and rapidly our ranks are thinned by this monster, ‘More yet, itis none other than the Prairie Pilet —the man I hoped and believed was in his grave, “The fellow is too quick fer us, try as we can to get him; and now I have set my whole band to re- tur ing the compliment and hunting him. * But it does no good—they hunt him, and he jinds them. ‘“More than a score of times he could have killed me; but he refrains from so doing, pied pn me, I suppose, for a kind of dessert, after he has made soup-meat of the whole band; a relishing thought, very! Now I wish to prepoes to of war off my trail, and I wil and hang Prairie Pilot, ere ests, y ‘ “1 propose this, as his haunts are in your vicinity, and, dg as lam with the Indians, I can soon run the Pilot aground, if no little misunderstandings occur between your men and mine. : “ What say you? “Return answer by bearer. “Yours in affection, as men call me, “THe Hermit CuHrrr.”’ When he had finished reading the above let- let, Colonel Radcliff wrote on it with a lead- pencil, simply: “IT am glad to feel that the Prairie Pilot is not dead. From the first I treated him unjustly, and it is my intention to recall the brand of exile against him. His gallant services against the Indians and ou to draw your dogs pledge myself to catch autumn tinges the for- outlaws shall win him a pardon for shooting down the two troopers, for 1am more to blame in that mat- ter than was the scout. ’ ‘With you I wish no quarrel, and it is not becom-
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SS ate ees ‘went the glittering rifle of Prairie Pilot—a p vand roared throug’ *‘ thought they were gone. ‘the very wall of rock; but his comrades soon ey Ing in me to advise you; but against all other out- laws on this border J intend to wage a relentless war. ARTHUR.” Calling his orderly, he sealed the envelope, and bade him give it to the messenger, and tell him to return with it as;soon as his horse was suffi- ciently rested to travel. Then Colonel Radcliff called Ruth, and toge- ther they watched the battle out upon the prai- | rie. CHAPTER XXI. THE SECRET RETREAT. THouGH there was considerable stir in the fort and settlement, over the battle that had just been fought, there was a calm resting upon the scene of combat, as the outlaw courier rode slowly from the stockade, and started upon his return to the stronghold in the hills. As he rode along, many eyes were watching him from the fort and settlement, and were sur- prised to see him suddenly put spurs to his horse | and dash away at full speed. The cause of this sudden move on the part of the outlaw was soon evident, when over a dis- tant roll of the prairie a horseman dashed into view. “The Prairie Pilot! The Prairie Pilot!”, yell- eda dozen voices, and also recognizing that his aoe was the outlaw courier, Colonel Radcliff, | rom his house-top, where he still sat, enjoying | the balmy afternoon, called out: “* After him, Bob! After him, and tell him to spare that messenger.” Bravo Bob sprung into his saddle, and calling to Yankee Sum and Scalp-lock Dave to follow, he dashed out upon the prairie. In the mean time Prairie Pilot, having urged Racer imto a sweeping gallop, was rapidly over- je the , utlaw, swift as was his long, wiry CY Presently the outl¢w turned in his saddle and opened fire with his rifle upon his pursuers. Instantly Racer came to a sudden halt, LY of smoke, and ere the report reached the ears of the lookers-on, the outlaw reeled and fell from his saddle. A moment after Prairie Pilot dismounted and stood beside the man he had slain. A short while he remained there, and then springing into his saddJe once more rode slowly toward Bravo Bob and the two guides who were approachin ‘ ‘Hello, old fellow, you have finished one of the colonel’s couriers,” cried Bravo Bob, as he rode up. ‘I have killed an outlaw, Bob, and made a discovery; now I will not tell you what it is, but I desire you, Sam and Dave, to come to the retreat to-night, and come prepared for work. ** Also, say to Colonel Radeliff that I will my- self return him the dispatches I have captured, and that he need have no fear. ‘Remember, I shall expect you to-night.” So saying, Prairie Pilot waved his hand to Yankee and Scalp-lock, who just then rode up, and dashed away across the prairie, while Bra- vo Bob and his comrades returned to the fort, the former making his report to Colonel Rad- ah who seemed considerably disturbed there- y. Shortly after nightfall Bravo Bob, Yankee Sam and Scalp-lock Dave rode from the stock- ade, going upon a scout, they said. _A gallop of an hour brought them to the foot- hills, and, as if thoroughly acquainted with the way to the secret retreat of Prairie Pilot, Bravo Bob rode rapidly on until he came to a small stream running through a deep gorge. Into this the scouts urged their horses for a Baerc of e ie joka Haase Bae a ao stream, which ran.s t igh and pre- | eipitous banks. _ ee ? ough the water of this stream came up to the saddle-girths, Bravo Bob rode boldly in, and going with the current, continued on until the | creek was Sain each side, by lofty bluffs, its narrow banks, forming shallow, but foaming rapids, But the horses held their footing, although Yankee Sam and Scalp-lock Dave several times After ten minutes hard battling with the stream, Bravo Bob disappeared in hes seemed beheld a small and narrow chasm, into which uickly followed their leader, eir surprise they found themselves ina small, but fertile valley, with high hills over- at ¢ it upon all sides, and a growth of trees e it Beneath the hoofs of their horsos was a carpet | through the timber | her hand to Bravo | between us, I must see you in The Phantom Spy. of velvet grass, and near the opening toward the | river bubbled up a spring of clear water. *“Wal, this is a’ off-shoot o’ Paradise, I guess- | es, from ther way it looks ter-night,” said Yan- kee Sam. “You bet; ther must be angels round heur,” put in Scalp-lock Dave, and Bravo Bob felt that ts had hit the truth pretty well, for he knew of | one not far away, who was an angel in his eyes. “Comrades, Iam glad you are pleased with my home; you are welcome.” At the stern, deep voice breaking upon their ears, all started; but the next moment Prairie Pilot stepped out from the shadow of a tree and greeted them. “Come with me to my cabin, and in the meantime give your steeds a feast,” continued Prairie Pilot, and the horses were at once turned loose to graze, while all four men walked up toward a small cabin, through the open door of which streamed a | bright light. The cabin was built of rough logs, had two | rooms, a spacious fire-place in one, which seemed | to be used as the sleeping a rtment of the scout, and the kitchen and dining-room com- bined, for there were culinary utensils around, a table was set out with a temptin grr td of coffee, bread, buffalo-steaks and fish thereon, | while in one corner of the room was a rude bed, gi which hung a rifle, several revolvers and a knife. Before the fire, watching the broiling of a steak, was Ione, once known as the Phantom Spy, and though she bowed pleasantly to Yan- kee Sam and Scalp-lock Dave, she held forth ob, while a blush stole over her beautiful face. “* Now, comrades, we will have some supper, and then I will tell you my plan for playing a bold e, but one which I think will be sue- cessful, for you know that I have cause to hate the outlaws, and I am determined to hunt them to the bitter end.” CHAPTER XXII A BOLD VENTURE. THE second day after the three scouts sought the secret retreat of Prairie Pilot, the old Her- mit Chief was pacing nervously up and down the piazza of his cabin home. ° Suddenly he discovered Antonio approaching on foot, while by his side was a horseman, mounted upon a wiry-looking steed. The appearance of the horseman as he rode up attracted the attention of the Hermit Chief, for he was a superb-looking specimen of man- sie well formed, and with a dark, handsome ace. His mustache was dark and exceedingly long, his hair hung far down upon his shoulders, while his eyes were black and piercing: He was dressed in buckskin, and was well armed. ‘‘ Who have you there, Antonio?” ‘A courier to see you, chief.” “Ha! Come up here, my man. From whence do you come?” _ “From the fort at Blue Water settlement, sir; this letter will explain’ all,” and the courier placed in the hands of the Hermit Chief a sealed envelope, which he seized, broke open, and read half-aloud, so that the contents were audible: , “ Brur Water Post, September 16th,—. ‘To THE Hermit Cuter: “ Your Irish courier having come to grief, I return this by one of my own scouts. “To come to any arrangement regarding a truce rson, so that a con- tract, which I will then explain, can be signed, xed agg by myself, but also by you and Captain “T have reason to believe that Ione isin the power of the parties who cut down the Prairie Pilot, and | that she is concealed somewhere in the neighbor- hood of this fort. **As I follow the bearer of this, he will conduct you to a spot not far from your stronghold, where we can meet and talk unrestrained. ““With me I shall have but two persons, and you can bring a like number, if you so desire; but I would fer not to be seen by any one else than Captain Ralph and yourself, and you must see the propriety of my wish. ARTHUR.” ‘When did you leave Blue Water, scout?’ asked the Hermit Chief. _ 7 ‘“‘ Before day this morning, sir.” ‘And how far from here is the place of ren- dezvous appointed by your colonel? “ About five miles; you can easily go there and back before dark, sir.” i ens yes. He has three- men with him, has e “No, sir; there are but four of us, including myself.” i . sp = . uy bea n v 4 py FS 7a Ue he Be + iy + 2 i ye . Re sg e : ie te Re © - ee ~ ————— jp Pome ‘“You know the contents of this letter, do you?” “I just heard you read it, sir.” ** Indeed? what befell poor Irish?” : ‘Your courier was killed, sir; he was chased toward the dians, anda battle followed, for a party of scouts and troopers went out to his rescue.” ‘** Aha! well, I will go with you, and at once.” So saying the Hermit Chief entered his cab- in and in twenty minutes after came out, ready for riding. A moment after two fine horses were led round by a negro servant, and Captain Ralph also coming out the party mounted and rode off, the scout from the fort leading the way. After a rid. of five miles the frail crossed a small prairie and led into a piece of timber. Into the motte the three rode; but, hardly had. the shadow of the timber fallen upon them, when the scout suddenly seized the bridle-rein of the Hermit Chief, and leveled a revolver at his head, while he hissed forth: ** Move one inch and I will kill The old chief turned deadly pale and roared. out bridle-rein. “‘ Scalp-lock, just relieve these gentlemen of their weapons,” said the courier scout. * Who are you?” yelled the Hermit Chief, livid. with Rie ag Bop Scalp-lock took his weapons from ut hi led him into the trap. “* Men call me the Prairie Pilot.” The answer came low, but distinct, and a tremor shook the frame of the old Chief, while Captain Ralph, turned a quick glance upon the famous scout. “*Now, comrades, you know what to do with the prisoners, and as soon as we have exchang- ed suits once more, Bob, we must be off.” So saying, Prairie Pilot—who having shaved off his magnificent beard was hardly recogniza- ble—retired with Bravo Bob to a clump of bushes, and the two soon reappeared in their proper attire. Having received their prisoners, the whole him; party then gallop, Bravo Bob riding the white steed, Spec- ter, which Ione had presented to him. , Taking the trail toward the Blue Water set~ tlement, they pushed on rapidly, and after ‘a short rest during the night, drew near the fort toward daybreak. Here Prairie Pilot bade his companions fare- well, and, while he continued on toward the fort, Bravo branched off for the secret retreat in the “THE Prairie Pilot would see you, sir.” ‘*By Heaven! the Prairie Pilot,” cried Colo- nel Radcliff, springing up from the table where he was breakfasting with Ruth, who turned deadly pale at the news nage by the orderly. It was true; the Prairie Pi den into the fort and dismounted before the head-quarters of the man who had exiled him e border, and offered a reward for his head,-dead or alive! Dismayed at the fearlessness of the famous - scout, the denizens of the fort stood around ing se the intrepid man, and wondering what come next in their frontier drama. f from woul ‘*Shoot the traitor down, Ralph.” ; ‘Pardon me, I am in the same trap as your~ self,” recklessly replied the foun chief, and he spoke the truth, for Bravo Bob he to his head, while Yankee Sam had seized his I am absent-minded; but tell me fort by a band of a hundred In- you.” ld a pistol $ question was to the man who had: mounted and set forth at a rapid Bob and the remainder of eee had CHAPTER XXIII. THE ATTACK, ot had boldly rid- “* Scout, you are bold to thus place yourself in my power,” said Colonel Radcliff, quietly, great-- ly to Ruth’s surprise. “T have not done so without a purpose, sir; - will tg twig what I have to say?” calmly said. ‘ e Pilot. 9 ** Assuredly; come in.” ry “ Colonel cliff, I have come to tell you, that the man I killed in front of your fort was| an outlaw, and against all such I wage adeadly _ war. Upon him I found communications, the ee contents of “ Acting upon them I bade Bravo Bob, Yan- kee Sam and Scalp-lock Dave meet me at ; retreat in the hills, and without telling the contents of the letter I had, I them a plan for the capture of the Hermit and Captain Ralph—” «cPaea oaths stone ae i been done.” > on me, colonel; n. ek eae “What! those two men have captured by Ror cried the officer, in evident alarm. — “Yes, sir, they are now prisoners in my which you well know. Fe ’ 9 J
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ia —— — he SO Seer d eeepetind Beadle’s Half-Dime Library. treat, under the guard of the three scouts I be- fore mentioned. But listen, Colonel Radcliff, until you hear all. “To get the old Chief and his son in my power, I wrote him an answer to his note, purporting to come from you; the bait took, the two out- laws leaving their stronghold in my company, whom they believed to be one of your scouts, , for I went there in disguise. cious until they were made prisoners. ** Now, colonel, that the two chiefs are out of danger of death, for I have my own reasons for desiring them to live, I will start within the hour with a squadron to attack the robber stronghold, and will lead your troopers into their camp before they are discovered. ‘*Upon my return I would have you and your daughter accompany me to my retreat, for I have a story to tell in which not only yourself, but Miss Ruth are deeply interested.” “Scout, I believe you in all that you have told me, and I will trust you; but first, let me say that I remove the brand of exile against you, and freely do I ask you to forgive my un- kindness of the past.” ** All is forgiven, colonel. ’ me have the troopers?” “Yes; Ashland shall accompany you with a picked company of seventy-five men.” ‘“That number will be sufficient, sir.” An hour after the squadron rode from the fort, Captain Ashland and Prairie Pilot gallop- ing side by side to the delight of all. After a long, hard ride the hills wherein was the bandit stronghold loomed up before the anxious troopers, who, just at midnight, halted at the foot of the hill, where Bravo Bob had left the horses the night he had aided Prairie Pilot and Ruth to escape. ‘Follow me slowly up the hill; I will go first,” and the scout ran on afoot. Creeping cautiously up the steep hillside, he soon came in view of the mouth of the tunnel, before which was pacing to and fro the dark form of a guard. The moon, on the wane, was just rising above ‘the tree-tops of the mountain, and shed a bright " light upon the sentinel. n his hand the Prairie Pilot carried a bow and arrow, and quietly fitting the latter to the string he raised the weapon, took a quick aim, and the outlaw guard fell dead, pierced through . the heart, A moment after Captain Ashland and _ his troopers arrived, and again mounting Racer, Prairie Pilot led the way into the tunnel. Like a huge, long snake the line filed, until soon they came out upon the plateau—the inte- rior of the stronghold had been gained without an alarm. Then, long and loud, fierce and thrilling, run out the war-cries of the troops and scouts, anc the attack began! An hour of carnage and the fight was over— the stronghold was won. Leaving a ay oo force to garrison the and secure the horses, stock, and booty of the outlaws, also to look after the wounded, Cap- tain Ashland at once started upon his return with the bandit prisoners, guarded by some twenty troopers. Returning with him was Prairie Pilot, who earried a large tin box which he had taken from the cabin of the old Hermit Chief. CHAPTER XXIV. ; PRAIRIE PILOT’S STORY. ‘In the cabin home of Prairie Pilot, fhe sec- ond evening after the fall of the outlaw strong- hold, were gathered several persons, bending over a form reclining upon the scout’s cot. The recumbent figure was the old Hermit Chief, and his face was pallid, his brow dam with the approach of death, for an ugly wont in his side was dripping out his sands of life. Bending over him were Bravo Bob, Scalp- lock Dave, Yankee Sam, Captain Ralph: and Tone—the two latter with pale, saddened faces. ‘Yes, you have d ne for me; I have not long to live, and your cursed bullet has ruined m every dream of the future,” groaned the Hermit Chief, turning his burning eyes upon Yankee wi who replied: - [Tm sorry, durned if I ain’t; but yer . | was _about in’ tracks, yer know, so I let __. yer have the contents of ole Heart-seeker, an’ " ——_—s«&She’s a weapon as don’t say fail, often.” “Weil, as you have given me m Now will you let ue rs 2 ye gp ap EE FORCES wer xp im +4 lace death- ound, curse you, go to the fort and tell Colonel Radeliff I would see him; and quick, or it will be too late.” , ~ Yankee Sam started quickl M to obey. but at the door started back, for on the tt threshold stood SS a ese Mev Seen a i ae, eth .' / | ois ii = | Fi a hy A Vi oe o Testes. Rotts aff ca ie J ina” . ts a BAe bend a ok " tS - x ix 7 ae 2 Setar 7h 7 ie ** Expecting to meet you they were unsuspi- | Prairie Pilot, Colonel Radcliff, Amos Arling- ton, his daughter Ida, and Ruth. ‘Ha! the Hermit Chief ill?” cried the scout, catching sight of the recumbent form. ‘* He’s done for, pard—he went to slip, an’ I gi’n him a pill.” Prairie Pilot sprung’ past Yankee Sam, and with an exclamation of horror Colonel Radcliff rushed forward, crying: ‘*‘ My God! has it at last come to this?) Wouid to Heaven I had been | spared this sad scene.” ‘* Arthur, thank God you have come, for I would see you ere I die—oh, God! this bullet is burning up my very vitals,” “* Be calm, sir; your talking causes you greater suffering; what you would say, I can say for you, and if I err you can speak.” And in his deep, clear tones, Prairie Pilot began his story, his piercing eyes bent upon the old Hermit Chief. ‘* Highteen years ago, there lived on a planta- tion home in a south-western State, a gentleman by the name of Herbert Lyndon. ‘* His family consisted at that time of his wife and two sons, the elder, named after his father, twelve years of age, and the youngest a mere in- fant of three years. “Into the neighborhood there came a physi- cian, a widower, with a son twenty years of age. ‘* Commencing to practice his profession, the physician was soon doing well, for he was gen- erally very popular, ‘¢ Among his most intimate friends were Mr. Lyndon and his wife, and through the influence ot the planter, the son got an appointment in the army. ‘“* When Mr. Lyndon gave birth to a little girl, the man I speak of was the attendant phy- sician, and doubtless his skill saved her life. Better had it been had she died then, for, ere she recovered her former good health, her hus- band sickened and died suddenly. ‘*Tt was a terrible blow to the loving wife; but, in all her sorrows and troubles, her physi- cian was her devoted friend, and so kind did he seem, that in little more than one year after the death of her husband, she married the man, whom she had really learned to love. ‘* Shortly after his mother’s second marriage, Herbert, the eldest son, was sent to Europe to finish his education, his step-father so desiring. ‘‘ Several years passed away, and one night an attack was made on the gen le Herbert by an assassin; but the would-be murderer had not calculated his victim’s remarkable strength, and was made a prisoner. ‘* With surprise, the young man discovered his intended murderer to be an American, a wild boy, the son of his late father’s overseer. ‘‘TInquiry caused the truth to come out—the young man had been hired to kiJ] Herbert Lyn- don, his employer being the man he had loved next to his own father. ‘* To escape being’ handed over to the authori- ties, the young man confessed all, and at once Herbert Lyndon set sail for America, accompa- nied by his intended assassin. * Arriving at home a terrible blow fell upon him, for he found his mother dead, and step- father gone, carrying with him his little brother and infant sister. ‘None could tell where the physician had gone; but the sudden death of his wife caused suspicion to rest upon him, and he had fled, ‘* Herbert Lyndon had the bodies of his parents exhumed, and a scientific examination discover- ed that they had both been poisoned.” “Oh, God, have mercy! . have mercy on me!” groaned the old, gray-haired chief; but after a short pause the Prairie Pilot continued: ** The cause of this double, and intended treble murder, was then evident, for the will of Her- bert Lyndon left all of his vast wealth to his wife, and in case of her death, to his children. ‘*The three children had also inherited a large fortune from their grandfather, and his will was that, in’case of the death of any of the children, those remaining should have the share of the deceased equally divided among them, and that they should claim their fortune only when the youngest child should become of age. ‘“By his murders, the cruel step-father hoped to possess the wife’s property, and then the wealth of the two children, the boy and the girl, whom he intended to mold to his wishes. ‘Fearing punishment for his crimes, the guilty oer fled, carrying with him the boy and é girl. « nfuriated against his step-father, Herbert Lyndon swore revenge, and commenced to see the guilty man, to punish him, and gain posses- sion of his brother and sister. ‘* For two years Herbert Lyndon tracked him from place to place, to at last find the.~” \ - : ' ‘i "g . quits 4 : 4 ye seb =g 4 = by , » ih. ane ’ TRISTE OCG AR Se CSP ORD +t eat ae al been one of a train of emigrants going West, all supposed to have been murdered by Indians, ‘‘ Mourning the loss of all he held dear, and tired of a life in the cities, Herbert Lyndon be- came a prairie-hunter, and for years has passed his life upon the prairies and in the mountains of this far Western country. ‘“ A strange fatality seemed to direct his life in this, for, by so becoming, he found out that the wagon-train, in which were those he sought, and whom he had believed murdered, had fall- en, not by the Indians, but by the bold plan of one man, who, with a few desperadoes, had killed all the emigrants and plundered them. ‘*That man was the step-father of Herbert Lyndon, who had become an outlaw. ‘Locating himself in the mountains, and gathering around him a bold set of renegades, he waged a relentless war for plunder. “In this outlaw camp he brought up the boy and girl whose parents he bad murdered, and if they, under his training, did wrong to many, they cannot be condemned for so doing. ‘““Now my story is ended, and in that man you behold the author of all these crimes; in me you see Herbert Lindon. “Doctor Roger Radcliff, have I spoken the truth?” and Prairie Pilot laid his hand on that of the old white-haired Chief. But he started, while a general murmur ran round the room—for Roger Radcliff was dead. Quietly, with the voice of his accuser ringing in his ears, he had passed from life into eternity. CHAPTER XXV., CONCLUSION, In the little valley, where Prairie Pilot had his home, Roger Radcliff was consigned to his last resting-place. The surprise and delight of Ralph and Ione knew no bounds, at having found a lovin brother in the Prairie Pilot; but the maiden ha beard all before from the lips of the scout. Colonel Radcliff, though pained to the heart at the evil course of his father, warmly con- gratulated Herbert Lyndon, Ralph and Ione, and again and again begged the scout to forgive and forget the past, adding: “To atone for my crime toward you, whom ad father has so bitterly injured, I give you one whom I love more than all else in the world, for that your hearts are one 1 well know. Come, Ruth, if Herbert will have you, I give my full consent for you to be his wife.” Herbert Lyndon drew the blushing maiden to~ ward him, while he said, softly: “You have already promised me, havé you not, Ruth?” “Yes,” was the prompt answer. Now that Amos Arlington was aware of the strange cifcumstances that had made Ralph Lyndon an outlaw chief, he gladly forgave him the past, for he knew that the young man would lead a far different life in the future, and the de- cision of her father rejoiced Ida, for she had never ceased to love her dashing, handsome hus- band, outlaw though he was. “There is one little outlaw I would like to trail to the altar,” said Bravo Bob, ruefully lancing toward Tone Lyndon, who held down Ker head, while her elder brother replied: “ Her heart is already in the fetters of-Tve, I am certain, Bob, and 1 freely ee my consent, for you are a noble fellow, and though a little wild once, you have reformed now, and must re- turn to your Kentucky home, and show them what a lovely wife you found on the border,” and Herbert Lyndon drew his beautiful sister affec- tionately toward him. Yankee Sam and Scalp-lock Dave, havin been pled to secrecy regarding all that ha transpired, and presented with a handsome resent in gold by their old comrade, the Prairie Pilot, the whole party left the retreat and its strange secret behind them, and set out for the fort, where they fortunately arrived without ad- venture. ; Until the close of the Indian war Colonel Rad- cliff determined to remain commandant at the Blue Water post, and Prairie Pilot and Bravo Bob would not desert him; but when the hatchet was at last buried, he resigned his commission, and, accompanied by his daughter, Prairie Pilot, Ralph and his lovely bride, Bravo Bob and Ione, he started eastward, Yankee Sam and Scalp-~ lock Dave escorting the oy the the border of civilization, and there bidding t em farewell, for they would not give up their life upon the prai- ries of the West, even to witness the wedded happiness of their old comrade, Herbert Lyndon, once known as the Prairie Pilot. 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S Si Ment fi bir & os Sis Published Every Tuesday. Each Issue Compléte and Sold at the | 7 BEADLE’S« H ALF- DIME«[_IBRARY. | Unizorm Price of Five Cents, by all Newsdeaters. BY OLL COOMES. BY T. CC. HARBAUGH, 246 Kit Bandy, Detective; or, Silver Star, the Boy Knight. 28 Nick o the Night; 168 Kit Bandy in Texas; or, The Young Stnstenaers rt The Widdea solace , 208 Kit Bandy’s Catch; or, The Boy Herevles. | AT Nightingale Nat; « orest Captains, 422 Kit Bandy’s Right Bow er; or, Buby Sam,the Boy Giant | 64 Dandy Jacks or, The Outlaws of the Oregon Trail, 444 Kit Bandy’s Swoop; or, Little Buckskin, tne Centaur. 82 Kit Harefoot, the Wood-Hawk; or, Old Powder-face 478 Kit Bandy’s Slick Scheme; or, Old Tom Rattler. 94 Midnight Jack 3; or, The Boy Trapper. 661 Kit Bandy’s Deliveran or, Banner Ban. | 106 Old Frosty, the Guide; or, The White Queen, GRO Kit Bandy’s Pard; or, Dauntless Dan, the Freelante. | 128 Kiowa Charley the White Mustanger. Tht Kit Bandy Rattledy or, The Intant Giant, 189 Judge Lynch Jr. or, The Bey Vigilante. TIS Kit Bandy in Ked Ruin; or, The Young Whirlwind. 155 Gold Trigger, the Spert; or, The Girl Avenger. 799 Kit Bandy’s Big Rustle; or, Saddle King Sam. 169 Tornado Toms or, [njun Jack Frem Red Core. S04 Kit Bandy’s Brigade; or, Dan, the Mountain Guide. 188 Ned Temple, the Border Boy; or, The Mad Hunter. ~27 Kid Bandy’s Brigade in Arizona, 198 Arkansaw ; or. The Queen of Fate’s Revenge. B39 hit Bandy’s Star Engagement. 207 Navajo Nick, the Boy Gold Hunter. 458 Jack Drew, the Nemesis, or, Eagle Kit the Boy Demon, ane Hae ae Ror a : Ra den oh igaad A82 Jack Ys Drop; or, Little Hurricane, the : B ; a A ihaae doe bgt tce Jack Drew’s D5, OF; ricane, the Boy Captain. | 241 Bill Bravos or, Tie Roughs of the Rockies. 202 Jack Drew in Deadwood; or, Prospect Pete. 255 Captain Apoli-y ine King-Pin of Bowie. 27 Keen Knife on Guard; or, Antelope Abe, the Boy Guide pit jew lpotectiy e@; or, The King of Road-agents. $1 Keen-Knife, the Prince of the Prairies. % » nch3 or, The Buckskin Desperadoes, . the soy Rifleman. 886 Captain Cutlass; or, | he B: ceaneer’s Girl Foe. 148 Sear-Face Saul, the Silent Hunter, $96 Rough Rob; or, The ! win Champions of Blue Blazes. 178 Old Solitary, the Hermit Trapper. 411 The S!lken Lasso; or, The Rosec Ranch Robin. 218 Tiger Tom, the Texas Terror, 418 Felix Fox, the Boy Spotter; or, The Gold Gang of New York. 224 Dashing Dick; or, Trapper Tom's Castta, 425 Texans Trump. the Border Rattler. RK Little Wildlire, the Young Prairie Nomad. 486 Phil Flash, the New York Fox; or, The Mystery of Room 21. 288 The Parson Detective; or, The Little Ranger. 445 The City Vampires; or, Ked Rolfe’s Pigeon. ‘248 The Diaguised Guide; or, Wild Raven, the Ranger. 46L One Against Fifty; or, The Last Man of Keno Bar, 260 Dare-Devil Dan, the Young Prairie Ranger. 470 The Boy Shadow: or, Felix Fox’s Hunt. 272 Minkekin Mike, the Boy Sharpshooter. 4277 The Exceisior Sport; or, The Washington Spotter. 290 Little Foxfire, the Boy Spy; or, Old Culeb Arbuckle. 499 Single Sight, the One-Eyed Sport. 300 The Sky Demon; or, Rainbolt, the Ranger. 502 Branded Ben, the Night ferret. BSiA Whip-King Joe, the Boy Ranchero. 512 Dodger Dick, the Whart!-Spy Detective. 409 hercules; vr, Dick, the Boy Ranger. 621 Dodger Dick’s Best Dodge; or, The Gotham Gold Gang, AIT Webfoeot Moke, the Tramp Detective. 528 Fox and Faicon, the bowery Shadows, 457 Wingedfoot Fred; or, Old Polar Saul. 588 Dodger Dick, the Dock Ferret. . 468 Tamarac Tom, the Big Trapper Boy. 548 Dodger Dick’a Double; or, The Rival Boy Detectives, AS2 Stonewall Bob, the Boy Troyan, 558 Dodger Dick’s Desperate Case. 562 Blundering Basil, the Hermit Boy Trappa. 568 Dodger Dick. the Boy Vidorq; or, The Gang of Three. 652 Don Barr, the Plains Freelance, bf 67 he Two Sha dows: or, Dodger Dick’s Stop Game. 670 Norway Nels, the Big Boy Mountaineer. 582 Dodger Dick’s Drop; or, The Man from Jersey. T7S8 Highland Harry, the Wizard Rifleman. 594 Little Lon, the Street-Singer Detective. B28 Poker Jack, the Detective Sport. 610 Old Skinner, the Gold Shark; EH Tony Sherp on Guard. - a he 626 The Champton Parda; or, The Luciler of Silver Bar. BY T. J. FLANAGAN. 687 Dick Dean the Dock Boy Detective. 645 Kits the Pavement Sharp. 909 Midshipman Dare, the Pirate Catcher. ‘925 The Young Cowboy Captain. W888 Zhe Two Midshipmen; or, The. Corsair-Chaser’s First Cruise. BY DAN DUNNING. Y46 Quiet Jack, the Secret Seryice Spy. 67 oer and Jack, the Invincibles; or, The Diabolical Three. 87H Detective Dave's Close Call. S84 Farrel Fox and Mis Girl ferret, 9s Farrel Fox’s Sweep-Stakes, BY GEORGE 0. JENKR&, “485 Git Thar Owney the Unknown, 492 Git Thar Owney’« Pledce. ‘618 The Demon Doctor; or, Deadhold, the Kid Detective. 581 Double-Curve Dan, the Pitcher Detective. HOS Flutes, the Singer Detective; or, Owney in a New Role, #08 The Pitcher Detective’s Fotl; or, Dan’s Double Play. 416 The Ocean Detectives or, The Last Cruise of the Black Bear, ‘ “681 The Pitcher Detective’s Toughest Tussle. 786 Larry the Thoroughbred; or, Beaten on Every Side. ‘779 Lron Mand, the Charmed Detective tab4 Uncle Sam’s Detective In Chicago. BY WM. @,. PATTEN. 629 Violet Vane, the Velvet Sport; or, The Jubilee ot Jacktown 66% Violet Vane’s Victory; or, The Jasper City Clean Out. 6938 Violet and Daisy, the Posy Pards. ‘TOS Violet Vane’s Vow; or, The Cratty Detective’s Craft, “24 Vielet Vane’a Vengeance; or, The Wipe-Out. ‘T30 Violet Vane’s Verdict; or, The Game at Coffin City. TAl Violet ane, the Ventriloquist Vidocq; or, Sport vs. Sport. 750 Violet Vane, the Vanquished. or, The Life Struggte. ‘768 Violet Vane’s Vision; or, The Fiery Hand of Fate. 489 The Dinntond Sport; or, The Double Face of Bed Rock, (B19 Captain Myater yj or, Five in One. ‘$81 Daisy ware the Sport from Dever. ‘G87 Old Hombshell, the Ranger Detective. ; 604 Iron Fern, the Man of Fire; or, Among the Vultures. ‘619 The Boy Tramp Detective: or, The Double Grip Witness 641 Diamal Dave’s Dandy Pards; or, The Clue to Capt. Claw €51 Bound Boy F rank, the Young Amateur Detective ‘G82 Wild Vulean, the Lone-Range Rider, 714 Old Misery the Man from Missourt. ‘V74 Clear-Grit. Cal, the Never-Say-Die Detective, "789 Sam Sheridan, the Secret Service Special, 806 Cowboy Steve the Ranch Mascot, 820 Nobby Nat, the Tendesfoot Detective. S36 sharper Stoke’sa Dotible Deal. @57 Spotter Robin New York. 366 Spotter Bob’s B owery Racket. BY COLONEL DELLE SARA, 408 The Lion of the Sea; or, The Vailed Lady. 986 Cool Desmond; or, The Gambler’s Big Game, BY CAPTAIN FRED, WHITTAKER, 4 , Uax0 Lance and 124 The 14 Ww the Robber of the Rhine: Bio Mito Tomer fhe Animal King; er; Round the Werld r ab the iger ar Setrune eens te HO 95 California Joe's War Trai, BY CAPT. J. F. ©, ADAMS. 84 or, Nick Whiffles’s Bo. r Clee hee } Great Shot of the Way I. Trapper. 56 Nick Whiflles’s $ or, In The Valley of Death. © The White Indian; or, The Scout of t ¢ Yellowstone. ‘a Cabin 3 or, The Greenhorn in the Woods. ng Jo, bes roe of bs Prairie. % k minty OF, ry by Old Grissly and His Petss or, The Wiid Huntress ht-house Lage! Pe The sb yn Firebrand. “4 Eingt or, The Human derpolt, \ i 658 Billy Bantam, the Boy Beagle. 685 Happy Hu 701 Photo. 715 Wide Winka, the Bell Boy Detective. Winks, the Poss Boy Shadow. 768 Eagle Ned, the Boy on Guard: or, Tne Camp Spiders. 780 Tonkaway Tom, the Red Wizard 827 The Bantam Sport. ’ 848 Clip, the Battery Ferret; or, sncx soucrs Fowl Play S9T Davy Doon’s Big Bounce. 905 Dandy Nugget, the Bo~ Shadow. 921 The Boy from’Denver. BY CHARLES MORRIS, 18 Will Somers, the Boy Detective, 22 Phil Hardy, the Boss Boy. 26 Picayune Pete; or, Nicodemus, the Dog Detective, 80 Detective Dick; or, The Hero in Rags. 2 Wandaome Harry, the Bootblack Detective, Will Wildfire, the Thoroughbred. Black Beas, Will Wildfire’s Racer. Mike Merry the Harbor Police Boy. Will Wildfire in the Woods, : Billy Baggage, the Railroad Boy. A Trump Card; or, Will Wildfire Wins and Loses Bob Rockett; or, Mysteries of New York. Bob Rockett, the Bank Runner, The Hidden Hand; or, Wil! Wildfire’s Revenge, ? Fred Nalyard, the Life Boat Boy; or, The Smuggiers, 189 Rob Roekett; or, Driven to the Wall. 196 Shadowed ; or, Bob Kockett’s Fight for Life. 206 Dark Paul, the Tiger King. ae Dashing Dave, the Dandy Detective. 0 Tom Tanner; or, The Black Sheep of the Plock. 225 Sam Charcoal the Premium Darky. 235 Shadow Sam, the Messenger Boy. The Two * Bloods”; or, Shenandoah Rill and His Gang. 252 Dick Dashaway : or, A Dakota Boy in Chicago. 262 The Young Sharps: o:. Rollicking Mike’s Hot Trail, 274 Jolly Jim, the Detective Apprentice. 289 Jolly Jim’s« Job; or, The Young Detective. 298 The Water-Hound; or, The Young Thoroughored. 805 Dashaway, of Dakota: or, A Western Lad in Quaker City. 824 Ralph Keady, the Hote) Boy Detective. 841 Tony Thorne, the Vagabond Detective. 858 The Reporter-Detective; or, Fred Flyers Blizzard. 867 Wide-Awake Joe; or, A Boy of the Times. 879 Larry, the Leveler; or. The Bloods of the Boulevard. 408 Firefly Jack, the River-Rat Detective. 428 The Lost Finger; or, The Entrapped Cashier. 428 Fred Flyer, the Reporter Détective. A482 Invineltble Logan, the Pinkerton Ferret. 456 Billy Brick, the Jolly Vaganond. 466 Wide-Awake Jerry, Detective; or Entombed Alive. 479 Detective Dodge: or. The Mystery of Frank Hearty. 48% Wild Dick Racket; or, How He Fought for Honor. 501 Roots, the Boy Fireman: or, Too Sharp for the Sharper, 56 The Secret “ervice Boy Detective. 598 Jimmy the Kid; or, A Lamb Amone Wolv: 627 Tom Bruce of Arkansas: or, The Wolfin 655 Plucky Paul, the Boy Speculator, 667 Rob and Sam, the Daisy Detectives. 709 The Curbstone Detective; or, Harry Hale’s Big Beat. 757 Detective Frank’s Sweep-stakes, 869 Ned Norman, the Gamin Broker, BRI Turkey Billy, the Shine-’em-up Detective. 917 Flash Lightning, the Mountain Mascot. BY ALBERT W. AIKEN, Sor orenren 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 i 1 1 BPANKASAIAT SS es, the Fold. 288 447 458 N 464 N 498 T S10 518 Cool BY OAPT. ALFRED B. TAYLOR OC. 8, 4, 191 Ruffalo Ritty, the Ro Pullwhacker. 194 Buffalo Bilbe yr’. the Gambler Guide. cc ‘ er . - _ r > S re a Tad. - : BY ‘DHeok *; 2 BY J. W. OSBON, 469 The Rival Glants of Nowhar’. 498 Cactus Burr, the Man from Hard Luck. 587 Old Buckeze, the Sierra Shadow. 564 Powder Phil, the Boy Miner, or, The Man Without a Past, 609 Bolly Dorrit, the \ etersn Detective. 620 Little Lightuing’« League; or, The Mystery o. the Islan® 688 Plucky Pewk the Boy Prospector, 751 Gold-Dust Dan, the Trail Patrol. 755 Gold Dust Dan’s Onth;: or, Reckless Roy, the Regulator 928 Gold-Dust Dan’s Snap-Shot. BY JOSEPH E. BADGER, JR. 2 Yellowstone Jack; or, The Trapper. 48 Black John, the Road-Agent; or, The Outlaw’s Retreat, 65 Murricane Bill; or, Mustang Sam and Hie Pard, 119 M masons Sam ; or, The King of the Plains. 186 Night-Llawk Kit; or, The Daughter of the Ranch. 144 Dainty Lance the Boy Sport. 151 Panther Paul; or, Dainty Lance to the Resene. 160 The Black Giant; or, Dainty Lance in Jeopardy. 168 Deadly Dash; or, Fighting Fire with Fire. 184 The Roy Trailers; or, Dainty Lance on the War-Path. 208 The Boy Pards; or, Dainty Lance Unmasks. 211 Crooked Cale, the Caliban of Celestial City. 810 The Barranca Wolf; or, The Beatitiful Decoy. 819 The Black Rider; or, The Horse-Thieves’ League. 885 Old Double Fist; or, The Strange Guide The King of the Woods: or. Daniel Boone’s Last Trail. Kit Fox, the Border Boy Detective 5 Chincapin Dan, the Boy Trailer. Chineapin Pan's Second Trail. Chineapin Dan’s Home Stretch. Old Crazy, the Man Without « Head. Lieht-leart Lute’s Legacy. Lieht-Heart Lute’« Last Trall. Silverblade, the Shoshone. Stlverblade, the Half-Blood; or, The Border Beagle at Bay, 789 Silverblade, the Hostile; or, The Border Beagle’s Trail, 748 Silverblade the Friendly; or, The Border Beagle’s Boy Par@ BY ©. DUNNING CLARK. 185 Captain Paul; or, The Boy Spy of the Mountains, 280 Tho Yankee Rajah; or, The Fate of the Black Shereef, BY LIRUT. ff. D. PERRY, U. 8, N. 176 The Boy Runaway? or, The Buccaneer of the Bay. 180 The Sea Trailer: or, A Vow Wel! Kept. 192 Captain Kit; or, The Mystery of Montauk Point BY JACK FARRAGUT. 815 Ned, the Cabin Boy; or, The Witch of the Fort, 820 The Sea Sorceress; or, The Boy Skipper. BY CAPTAIN MAYNE REID. 7& Blue Dick: or, The Yellow Chief's Vengeance. 87 The Land pirates or, The League of Devil’s Island. 87 The Helpless Hand; or, Backwoods Retribution. 289 The Gold-seeker Guide? or, The Lost Mountain, BY BRACEBRIDGE HEMYN@. 89 Taland Jim: or, The Pet of the de 49 191 The Captain of the Club; or. The Rival Athletes. 101 Jack Narkaway in New York. MISCELLANEOUS AUTHORS. 4 The Wild-llorse Hunters. By Capt. Mayne Reid Frederick Whittaker. ° 9 Adventures of Baron Munchausen. 12 Gulliver’s Travels. By n Swift. 14 Aladding or, The Wonderful Lamp. 16 Robinson Oruaoe. (27 I) lustrations.) 18 Sindbad the Sailor. His Seven Voyages. 22 The Sea Serpent; or, The Boy Robinson Crusse. By Juan Lewis. 88 The Ocean Bloodhound; or, The Red Plrates of the Carribees. By S. W. Pierce. 86 The Boy Clown: or, The Arena Queen. By F 8. Finn. BS Ned Wylde, the Boy Scout, By Texas Jack. &B1 The Roy Fiflea: or. The Underground Camp. By A. C, Irons. 965 The Rival Rovers; or, The Freebooters of the Mississippt By Lieut.-Col, Hazeltine. 98 Robin Hood, the Vntiawed Earl; or, The Merry Men of Green* wood. By Prof. Gildersleeve. 105 Old Rube, the Hunter; or, The Crow Captive. By Captatn Hamilton Holmes. 112 The Mad Hunter: or, 'heCave of Death. By Burton Saxe. 124 Tippy. the Texan; or, The Young Champion. By George epson. 128 The Young Privateer; or, The Pirate’s Stronghold, By Harry Cavendish. 148 Sharp Sam; or, The Adventures o1 a Friendiess Boy. By J. Alexander Patten. 227 Dusky Darrell, Tr r; or, The Green Ranger of the Yel- lowstone. By bee ee Tu wees. aiaee 2 ergusx Fearvaught the New Y irk Boy. i 266 Killb’ar. the Guide: »r, Davy Crockett’s ed Trail By Ensign C. D. Warren. 298 Red Claw. the One-Eved Trapper; or, The Maid of the Cliff. 817 Peacock Pete, the Lively Lad from Leadville. By Lieu tenant Alfred Thorne. 828 The Sky Detective 3 or, A Boy’s Fight for Life and Honore By Maior Mickey Free. 850 Red Ralph, the River Rover} or, The Brother’s Ree venge. By Ned Buntline. 865 Raltimore Ren the Bootblack Detective. By A. P. Morris. 874 Gold-Puat Toms: or, Ben’s Dovhle Match. By@ H. Morse, B76 Callfornin Joe’s First Trail. By Colone! Thomas Hoyer Monastery. 418 Billy Bombshell, the Cliff Climber. By F.S. Winthrop. 475 The Black Ship. By Jobn S Warner. 484 Comanche Pick and Hix Three Invinclibles, By Henry J. Thomas. B82 The Cowboy Duke. By Edwin Brooke Forrest. B52 Artel the Athlete. By David Druid. BRS Will Waters, the Rov Ferret. By HN. Enton. . 682 The Dead Petective’a Double. By Gerald Carlton, 721 Maverick More, the Arizona Detective; or, The Wizard of Urko» Pass, By Wl! Lisenbee. 809 Don Danton, the Gent from Denver. By King Keene, of the 814 U~. aor arty es > By ©. E. Tripp. Ace High, the Frisco Detective. . Be 880 The Grim Lodgers in Rag Alley; or, Citizen Rube of Number Seven. By Ben D. Hallidny. f 881 The Chicago Drummers Peal. By J. G. Bethuve. 41 Frince Charlie, the Cat’s- Paw Sport. Py Marm | nuke iv. 861 Billy Rrine, the Swamp Fox. Chas. F. Welles 879 Blue-light RIll, the Sapphire Pho’ or, The Denver Dete@e tive’s Lone Hand. By King Keene. A New Issue Every Tuesdeys The Half-Dime Library 1» tor sale vy all Newsdes!“~ SB cents per copy, or sent by ] on receipt of six cents each. i Pris BEADLE AND ADAMS, Pubitshers, or 98 William Street, New Yori By Captain Comsteck.
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BEADLES« Published Every Tuesday. ALF-DIME*|_IBRARY. Each Issue Complete and Sold at the Uniform Price of Five Cents, by all Newsdealers.. BY EDWARD L. WHEELER. Deadwood Dick Novels. Deadwood Dick, the Prince ot the Road. Deadwood Dick’s Defiance; or, Double Daggers Deadwood Dick in Disguise; or, Buffal>s Ben Deadwood Dick in His Castle. Pena weoe aga pauses or, The Phantom Miner. eadwoot © n Danger; or, Omana Oll. Deadwood Dick's Knoles; or, The Pardes of Flood Bar. Deadwood Dick on Deck; or, Calamity 4 ine, the Heroine spiny bee et re a or, Corduroy Charlie. ead wood cK in Leadville. tenga | ths Devtee; or, The Double Cross Sign. ead wood ek as Detective. : Deadwood Dick’s Double; or, The Gorgon’s Gulch Ghost, oa ath | wes 1 age Mle wat gy nde Bill. 2 ead woot ckK's g£ rike; or, A Game of Gold. Deadwood Dick of Deadwood: or, The Picked Party, Deadwood Dick’s Dreamy or, The Rivals of the Road, Deadwood Dick’s Ward; or, The Black Hill’s Jezebel arena wees pies poo i or, os Jane’s Adventure. end weoc ek’s Dead Decal. Deadwood Pick’s Death-Plant. Gold-Duat Dick. A Romance of Roughs and Tovgbs, pose wess aha rine g sage Spirit of Swamp Lake. eadwoo ek’s Death Trall. Deadwood Dick’s Deal; or, The Gold Brick of Oregon. 1 Deadwoed BDick’s Pozent or, The Fakir of Phantom Flats Deadwood Dick’s Ducata; or, Days in the Diggings. mes ae inbse ameeneea s or, The Terrible Vendetta, e oo ek’a Claim. 405 Deadwood Dick in Dead City. Deadwood Dick’s Diamonds. Deadwood Dick in New Yorks or, A “Cute Case.” Deadwood Dick’a Dust; or, The Chained Hand. eee ees pick. $4 or - a Crimson Crescent Sign. eadwoo e r.’s, Defiance. Deadwood Dick, Jrvs Full Hand, 9 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Big Round-Up, Deadwood Dick Jr.’6 Racket at Claim 10, Desdeeod Dick, Sx, Dee Detenive: P 7a, Do c Deadwood Dick. dre in ekanoel. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’a, Compact. Deadwood Dick Jr.’s, Inheritance, Deadwood Dick, Jr.a Diggings. Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Def verance, 5% Deadwood Dick Jr.'s Protegee. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Three. Veadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Danger Ducka, Deadwood Dick, Jr.’a, Death Hunt. Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Texas. Deadwood Mick, Jr., the Wild West Vidoog Deadwooa Dick, Jr., on Mia Mettile, 554 Deadwood Dick, Jr., In Gotham, 1 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Boaton, Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Philadelphia. Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Chicago. Deadwood Dick, Jr.. Afloat. Deadwood Dick. or.. in Denver. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’*, Decree. ay: a one Sh - ecumeunte aie: dwood ek, dr., at Coney Island, Deadwood Dick; Jr.n, Leadville Lay. Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Detroit. 618 Deadwood Dick. Jr. In Cincinnatl, Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Nevada. Deadwood Dick, Jr., in No Man’a Land, Deadwood Dick, Jr., After the Queer. Deadwood Dick Jr.. In Buffalo. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’a, Chase Acrosa the Continent pens weed phe Feops Among the Feaeelend, J w c ar. naurance ase. Deadwood Dick, Or. Back in the Mines, Deadwood Dick, Jr., tn Durango; or, “ Gathered In.” Nae baba a ag peceveray et Found a Fortune, eadwood CK, df.’ aAzziec, Deadwood Dick, Jr.’«. Dollars. & Deadwood Dick. Jr., at Danger Divide. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Drop. Deadwood Dick, dr., at Jack-Pot. Deadwood Dick Jr., in San Franelsco. Readwood Dilek, Jr’a Atill Hunt. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’a Dominoes, Peadwood Dick, Jr.’a Disguise. enawecs eee drs, tah meet endwood Dick leathwatech, Deadwood Dick, boublet. Deadwood Dick, Deathblow,. pene wens wicks seas 4 te ears eandwood Dick, vone Hand, Deadwood Diek, Deteat. Deadwood Dick, Resurrection. Deadwooa Dick. Park Days. Deadwood dr.» Defied. Deadwood Jr.’a, Double Device, Deadwood Jr’.«, Deaperate Venture. ° penance’ F hay mond Diet ead wood ra, Royal Flus Deadwood Dick, Jrva Head-off, Deadwood Diek, Jr.’«, Rival. Dendwoed Dick, Jr.’a, Boom, Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Scoop. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’«, Proxy. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Clutch, Deadwood Dick, Jr.’«, High Horse. Deadwood Diek Jr., at Devil’s Gulch. ee | wood miele haa pcorh Bere ilustle. ead wood ek, Jr.’a Bombshell Deadwood Dick, Jr., In Mexico. Deadwood Dick, Jr’a Decoy Duck, Deadwood Dick, Jr. In Silver Poeket. Deadwood Dick. Jr.’s, Dead-Sure Game Deadwood Dick, Jr.’a, Double Drive. Deadwood Dick, Jr’a, Trade-Mark. Deadwood Dick, Jr, at Tip-Top. Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s Double-Deeker Deadwood Dick, dr. at Dollarville. Deadwood Dick, Jr.. at Flush Flats, Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Shake-up, Deadwood Dick, Jr.’a; Double Drop. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’a, Right Bower, Deadwood Dick, Jr.’a, Ten-Strtke. Dendwood Dick, Jr.’a, Gold-Dust. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Oath, Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Death-Doom, Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Best Card, Peadwood Dick, dre, at Gold Dust. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Big Play. 1005 Deadwood Dick, Jr., Branded. 1011 Dsadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Dutch Pard, BY T. J. FLANAGAN, 909 Mid«hipman Dare, the Pirate Catcher. 925 The ¥ une. Cowboy Captain. 988 The Twe Midshipmen; or, The Corsair-Chaser’s First Craise. 949 The Three Lieutenants 959 The Mascot Middy + or, The Four Commanders, 966 Fighting Jack Shabrick. 972 Fighting Jack’s Mtddies; or, Dandy Diek’s Dash, 999 Jack Lang, the Privateer Rovor, 1014 Middy Ned, tke Runaway. Other Novels by E. L. Wheeler, Rosebud Rob; or, Nugget Ned, the Rosebud Rob on Mand; or, Idy}, th § Rosebud Rob’sa Reappearance; or, P R »ud Rob’s Challenge; or, Cinnamon — Denver Doll, the Detective Que Denver Doll’s Victory; Skul! and Cro nes. Denver Dols Decoy ; or. Little Bill’s Bonanza. Denver Doll's Drift; or. The Road Queen Yrekn Jim, the Gold-Gatherers or, The Ufe Lottery, Yreka Jim’s Prize; or, The Wolves of Wake-Up. , » Yreka Jim’s Joker; or, The Rivals of Red Nese. Yreka Jim of Yuba Dam. Fritz, the Bound-Boy Detective: or, Dot Leetle Game, Fritz to the Front; or, The Ventriloquist Hunter Sierra Sam, the Frontier Ferret; or, A Sister’s Devotion, Sierra Sam’ Seeret; or, T 3loody Footprints, Sierra Sam’a Pard; or, The Ange! of Big Vista. 55 Sierra Sam’s Sevens or, The Stolen Bride Kangaroo Kit; or, The Mysterious Miner, 9 Kangaroo Kit’s Racket; or, The Pride of Played-Out. 89 Death-Face, Detective; or, Lifein New York. — 96 Watch-Eye, the Detective; or, Araba and Angels, 117 Gilt-Edged Dick, the Sport Detective 145 Captain Ferret, the New York Detective. 161 New York Nell, the Boy-Girl Detective. 226 The Arab Detective ¢ or, Snoozer, the Boy Sharp. 291 Turk the Boy Ferret. ¢ 825 Kelley, Hickey & Co., the Detectives of Philadelphia. 848 Manhattan Mike, the Bowery Detective. 400 Wrinkles, the Night-Watch Detective. 416 High Hat Narry, the Base Ball Detective, 426 Sam Slabsaides, the Beggar-Boy Detective, 484 Jim Beak and Pal, Private Detectives. 26 Cloven Hoof, the Buffalo Demon; or, The Border Vultures, 82 Bob Woolf; or, The Girl Dead-Shot 45 Old Avalanche; or, Wild Edna, the Girl Brigand, 52 Jim Bludaoe, Ir., the Boy Phenix, 61 Buckhorn Bill; or, The Red Rifle Team 92 Canada Chet ; or, Old Anaconda in Sitting Bull’s Camp. 118 Jack Hoyle the Young Speculator. 125 Bonanza Bill, Miner; or, Madam Mystery, the Forger. 188 Boss Bob the King of Bootblacks. 141 Solid Sam, the Boy Road-Agent; or, The Branded Brows, 177 Nobby Nick of Nevaday or, The Sierras Scamps. 181 .Wild Frank the Buckskin Bravo; or, Lady Lily’s Love, 286 Apollo Bill, the Trai! Tornado; or, Rowdy Kate. 240 Cyclone Kit, the Young Gladiator; or, The Locked Valley, 278 Jumbo Joe, the Boy Patro); or, The Rival Heirs. 880- Little Quick-Shot; or, The Dead Face of Daggersville. 858 Firat-Clasa Fred, the Gent trom Gopher. 878 Nabob Ned; or, The Secret of Slab City. 882 Cool Kit, the King of Kids; or, A Villain’s Vengeanes, 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 Old Hayseed Among Bunco Men, 1001 Banty, the Denver Bootblack, BY J. C. COWDRICK, Broadway Blily, the Bootblack Bravo. * Broadway Billy’s Boodle; or, Clearing a Strange Case, Broadway Biily’s ‘Difttikilty.” Broadway Billy’« Peath Kacket. Broadway Billy’« Surprise Party, & Broadway Billy; or, The Boy Detective’s Big Inning. Broadway Rliily’« Dead Acts or, The League of Seven. Broadway Billy Abroad; or, The Bootblack in Frisco, Broadway Billy’s Beat; or, Beating San Francisco's Finest, Broadway Billy In Clover. Brondway Billy tn Texas; or, The River Rustlers, Broadway RBilly’s Brand. Broadway Billy at Santa Fes or, The Clever Deal, Broadway Billy’s }'ull Hands or, The Gamin Detective, Broadway Blilly’« Business. Broadway Billy’« Curious Care. Broadway Billy in Denver. Rroadway Eilly’s Bargains or, The Three Detective, Broadway Billy, the Retriever Detective. Broadway Billy’s Shadow Chane. Broadway Billy’« Beagles; or, The Trio’s Quest, Broadway Billy’s Teams or, The Combine’s Big Pull. Broadway Billy’s Brigade; or, The Dead Alive, Broadway Hilly’s Queer Bequest. Broadway Billy Uafiled. 5 Broadway Billy’s Signal Scoop. Broadway Billy’s« Wipe Out. Broadway Billy’s Bank Racket. Rroadway Billy’s Bluff. Brondway Billy Among Jersey Thugs. Broadway RBilly’s Itnid Broadway Billy's Big Boom, Broadway Billy’s Big Bulge. Broadway Billys $100,000 Snap. Broadway Billy’s Blind; or, The Bootblack Stowaway. Broadway Billy tn London. Broadway Billy Shadows London Slums. 4 Broadway Billy’s French Game, 880 Broadway Billy and the Bomb-Throwers. 860 Silver-Mask, the Man of Mystery; or, The Golden Keys. Shasta, the Gold Kings or, For Seven Years Dead, The Detective’s Apprentice; or, A Boy Without a Name, Cibuta Johny; or, Red-Hot Times at Ante Bar, Sandy Sam, the Street Scout, Disco Dan, the Daisy Dude £06 Redlight Ralph the Prince of the Road, 524 The Engineer Detective; or, Redlight Ralph’s Resolve 548 Mart, the Night Express Detective. 571 Air-Line Luke the Young Engineer; or, The Double Case 592 he Boy Pinkerton; or, Running the Rascals Out. 615 Fighting Harr the Chief of Chained Cyclone, 640 Bareback Reth, the Centaur of the Circle 647 Tyrnewrtter Tilly, the Merchant’s Ward. 659 Moonlight Morgan the“ Pizenest ’? Man of Ante Bar, 887 Battery Bob. the Dock Detective. $94 Arizona Dick’s Wipe-Out, 900 Jumping Jack’s Jubilee. 906 Satety Sam, the Cvele Sport. 912 Train Boy Trist’s Mot Hustle, 918 The Trump Dock-Boy. 924 Big Boots Bob, the Fire-Laddle. 980 KuatlerRalph, the Boy Spotter. 985 The Ex-Newshoy Detective’s Chum, 941 The Bowling Green Detective’s Drop. 944 Cowboy Charlie’s Double. 947 The Bowery W restler; or, The Butcher-Boy’s Backer, 958 Paddy's Trump Card; or, Silver Sallie, the Girl Sport, 960 The Brondway Sport: or, Fiver Fred’s Clear Case, 987 81000 Reward; or, The Rival Reporters’ Sleek Scoop, 978 Bantam, Billy, the Corker-Ferret. 978 Plucky Pat, the Street-Roy Detective. 989 Bicycle Bob’s Hot Seorch, 997 Scorcher Sam, the Detective on Wheels 1004 Scorcher Sam’s Sweep-Stakes. 1009 ‘Ine Girl Cy cliav’a Winning Hand, BY WILLIAM PERRY BROWNE, 956 Brooklyn BReb’s Bulge; or, Dodger Dot’s Diamond Snap. 968 The East-Stde Spotter: or, Turning Down the Big Three 974 Old Sant’« Dark Deal; or, Miner Mat's Iron Grip. 1015 The Keporter-Detective’s Big Pull graph Phil, t Chip. n; or, The Yankee’s Surround | 948 Buffalo BUFFALO BILL NOVELS, BY COL. PRENTISS INGRAHAM, / 1018 Buffalo Bill's Texas Team 1007 Baffale Bill’« Sure-Shota. 1000 Buffalo Kill’« Peeoy Boys. 995 Buffalo Bill's Prop; or, Déad-Shot Ned , the 988 Kuffalo BIIl’« Laxso Throwera, _——e Bill's Fiehting Five. uffalo Bill's Kifle Shots, 968 Buffalo Bill’s Kush Rides or, Sure-Shot, the High-Flyer. 964 Buffalo Bill’« Decoy; or, The Arizona Crack t& 955 Buffale Bill’s«s Mazeppa-Chase. Bilvea Snap-Shot ¢ or, Wild Kid’s Texan Tally 942 Buffalo Bills Tough Tuasle. 986 Buffalo Bill’s Boy Mascot; or, Joe Jarvis’ Hold-ap, 929 Buffalo Bills Crack-shot Pard. 650 Buffalo Bill's Boy Pard; or, Butterfly Billy. 216 Bison Bill, the Prince of the Reins. 222 Bison Bill’s Ciue; or. Grit, the Bravo Sport, Kansas Kid BY BUFFALO BILL. 55 Deadly-Eye. the Unknown Scout; or, The Banded Brotherhood 68 Border Robin Hoody; or, The Prairle Rover, 158 Fancy Frank of Colorado; or, The Trapper’s Trust, BY CAPT. ALFRED B, TAYLOR, U. 8, A, 191 Buffalo Billy, the Boy Bullwhacker, 194 Buffalo Bill’s Bet; or, The Gambier Guide, PRENTISS INGRAHAM. York Nat’s Drop: or, Ex-Ferret Sykes’ Bold Game York Nat and the Traitor Ferret. , York Nat Trapped. York Nat’s Three of a Kind. York Nat’s Double. y York Nat’s In Colorado. York Nat in Gold Nugget Camp. York Nat’s Deadly Deal, York Nat’s Crook-Chase. York Nat’s Trump Card. y York Nat and the Grave Ghouls, y York Nat's Masked Mascot. y York Nat, the Gamin Detective. Doom’s Kidnapper Knock-Out. Doom’s Ten Strike. Dick Doom’s Flush Hand. Dick Doom’s Death-Grip; or, The Detective by Destiny, Pick Dooni’a Destiny; or, The River Blackleg’s Terror, Dick Doom: or. lhe Sharps and Sharks o! New York, Dick Doom In Boston: or, A Man of Many Maske. Dick Doom tn Chicago. Dick Doom in the Wild Weat. Dick Doom’« Clean Sweep; or, Five Links in a Clue. Dick Doom’s Death Clue. ’ Dick Doom’s Dinmond Deal, Dick Doom’s Girl Mascot. Dick Doom’sa Shadow Tunt, Dick Doom’s Big Heul. Dashing Charlie; or, The Kentucky Tenderfoot’s First Trali. Dashing Charlic’« Destiny; or The Renegade’s Captive, Dashing Charlies Pawnee Pard, . Dashing Charlie, the Rescuer. Buck Taylors Kin, ot the Cowboys. Buck Taylor, the Comanche’s Captive. Buck Taylor's Boys; or, The Ked Riders of the Rio Granda, Pawnee Bll, the Prairie Shadowér. Pawnee Bill; or, Carl, the Mad Cowboy. Pawnee Bills Pledge; or, The Cowltioy's Doom. Pawnee Bill; or, Daring Dick. Redfern’s Curious Case: o, The Rival Sharps. Kkedtern at De vil’a Kanehj or, The Sharp from Texas Redtern’s High Mandy; or, Biue Jacket. Redfern’s Last Trail: or, The Red Sombrero Rangers, And Fifty Others. BY LIEUT. A. K. SIMS. Tom-Cat and Pard; or, The Dead Set at Silver City, 622 Tom-Cat’s Triad; or, The Affair at Tombstone, 681 Tom Cat’s Terrible Task; or, The Cowboy Detective. 688 Tom-Cat’s Triumph; or, Black Dan’s Gieat Combine 5646 Captain Cactus, the Chaparral Cock; or, Josh’s Ten Strike 568 The Dandy of Dodge; or, Rustling for Millions, 576 The Silver Sports or, Josh Peppermint’s Jubilee. 688 Saffron Sol, the an With a Shadow 601 Happy Mans, the Dutch Vidoeq; or, Hot Timesat Round-Up 611 Bildad Barnacle, the Detective Hercules. 646 Cowboy Gid, the Cattle-Range Detective. 657 Warbling William the Mountain Mountebank, 665 Jolly Jereminhy the Plains Detective, Signal Sam, the Lookout Scout. Billy, the Gypsy Spy: or, The Mystery of Two Lives, Sirnple Sim, the Rroncho Buster; or, For Big Stakes, The Meameriat Sport; or, The Mystified Detective, 788 Toltec Tom, the Mad Prospector, 745 Kansas Jim, the.Cross-Cut Detective. Marmaduke, the Mustanger Detective. The Rustler of Rolling Stone. Lone Hand Jee the Committee of One. Keut Kirby, the High-Kicker from Killbuck. 882 The Doctor Dete etive in Texas. 872 Two Showmen Detectives In Colorado, 987 The Texan Firebrand or, Brazov Billy's Suap.Shot, 961 The Tramp’s Trump-Trick. NEW ISSUES. 1028 The Cowboy Clan in Cuba. tBy Col P, Ingraham, 1024 Dandy Dick, Detective, By Robert R. Inman. 1025 The Flying Yankee or, The Ocean Outcast,” By Col. P. Ingrabam. 1026 The Three Spotters. By Marcus H. bad ai 1027 The Cowboy Raider«in Cuba — By Cal. Ingraham. 1028 The Young Bhipyer's omerse. By Harold Payne. i hantom ° uffalo Bill, 1030 The it f4 M Leon Lewis, By Ingraham. BY COL. 1080 The Rancher’s Four Millions. B 1081 The Cowboy Clan’s Cuban Corral, JUST ISSUED. 1016 The Boy Bagler in Cuba; or, The Cowboy Clan On Deck. Bw Col. P. Ingraham. 1017 De ective Ma t’« Man-Hunt’; or, Downing the Des- pernte Dozen. By Ned St. Meyer, 1018 Dendwood Nic:, J .«, Big Four. By E. L. Wheeler 1014 Burd Bayard’s Close Call. By Capt. Hawthorne. 1020 Rarn y Blake, the Boy Privateer. By H. Johnstone, 1021 Doctor Pau , & tective. By Leon Lewis. 1022 Dare Sloan’s Close Call. By Maj. Dangerfield Burr, A New Issue Every Tuesday. The Half-Dime Library is for sale by sll newsdealers, fve gente por copy, or sent by mail on receipt of six cents each, BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers, 92 William Street, New York.