Beadle's Half Dime Library (no. 1055) (1897 10 12)

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« Entered as Second Class Matter at the New York, N. Y., Post Office. Copyrighted 1897, by BEADLE AND ADAMS, October 12, fusi. ~ No. 1056. Five Cents a Copy. BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publis rs, Published Every Vol. Xia $2.50 a Year. 92 WiritaM STREET, New York. ‘Tuesday. |

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« den Red Raven’s Redskin Ruse. Marlo, the Merciless: OR RED RAVEN’S REDSKIN RUSE, BY COL. PRENTISS INGRAHAM. CHAPTER I. THE HAUNTED HACIENDA. Back from the coast of the Pacific Ocean some fifteen miles, and in the State of California, there stands to-day the ruins of what was once a combina- tion ranch and old Spanish Mission. Built :‘ many generations ago by the Spanish padres, it was as strong as a fort, and had about it within its stone walls all that went to make up a com- plete home. The soil had been will tilled; orange and other fruit trees abounded, and the plains to the northward had been cov- ered with grazing cattle in the good old days; the hills were lined with vineyards, and the woods were alive with game, for the worthy old padres, in their isolation, lived luxuriously. But those they came there to teach, to reclaim from their wild and barbarous life as savages, loved not the palefaces who had invaded their country, even though they had come to reclaim their souls; so one night they swept down upon the Mission in all their might of tomahawk and scalping knife, and the Plaza, the chapel and the abiding places ran red with the crimson tide of life. The pious nuns, orphan children, and the servants, along with the padres, all shared the same fate at the hands of the implacable redskins, who, after looting the Mission from chapel to kitchen, ap- plied the torch to all that would burn The wines had been drank by the mad- dened Indians, who then became even more cruel and merciless in their devil- try, until only a ruin and death was left behind. ‘he bodies lay where they had fallen, for there was no one to bury them, no kind hand to perform the last sad rites, as the massacre had been complete. For long years the place was studiously avoid- ed, and men began to dread the place as haunt- ed, and weird stories were common of the sights seen there by those who passed near, at night, upon the Ss. A stage-coach line was established, running northward ,but the drivers changed their course #0 as to leave the hacienda faraway when bound upon their travel north and south. So it was that the near-by trails became un- traveled, and thus became overgrown with weeds and underbrush, until, in time, the once open path was almost obliterated. The hacienda became more and more dreaded, snd no ranchero would establish a home within many miles of the fatal and uncanny spot. The cowboys from ranches leagues away never allowed their cattle to ig in the direction of the ruin, and when they did do so, they were never hunted up, but allowed to run wild, until herds of cattle were roaming over the plains, valleys ani) mountains near the coast, haunting the vicinity of the deserted old Mission, as though they wished to keep up at least one con- necting link with man, : After many yearsthe ruin became the abiding- piuce of a band of mounted robbers, who in- fested the trails, but these brigands were, at last, hunted down by a bold spirit who came as a stranger in the country. Ho bore a Spanish name, yet it was said that he was a Texan, and he brought with him a small but faithful and resolute band of follow- ers, cowboys and servants, It was claimed by him that he had hanged the robber chief, and those of the band who had not shared their {leader’s fate were driven away to .. vo their lives. This stranger at once became most popular {hroughout the country, and with no dread of haunting spirits paid the taxes upon the Mission land and determined to settle on the estate as a rancbero, In this he was acmvoreged by the other ranch- men who-e lands were within fifty miles around the Haunted Hacienda, though the ranch resi- and corrals were few and far between, " (Tae stranger at once improved one wing of EEE EERE SE SS a Se SS a Se EE ee eee ee eee eae the hacienda, to make it a comfortable dwelling- place, leaving the rest in ruins. His cowboys corralled the wild horses and cattle on the range and began to herd them and tame their wild nature, But the Haunted Hacienda had not been ver long the home of Sefior Marco Fuentes, for nace was his name, before it was discovered that the outlaw band had not been driven from the trails, tor theranchesand smail settlements were raided now and then, and the coaches on the trails were held up and robbed with provoking regularity. These outlaws of the trails were known as the Gold Ghouls, and in vain had their retreats been sought-—in vain all efforts to capture them made by the united cowboysof thecountry, for leagues around, led byecommonccnsent by Sefior Fuentes, the ranchero of the Haunted Hacienda, as chief. Such the situation at the time this romance opens, and the Haunted Hacienda becomes the center of incident and action of this tale, in which there is more truth than fiction, CHAPTER II, THE CONFESSION, A STRANGE scene was being enacted in the Haunted Hacienda, A party of sailors, landing from a Govern- ment vessel which had found a secure basin where it could anchor in safety, and without fear of being discovered, had made their way inland, and by night had surrounded the old Mission ranch. it was said by the two servants there—Carlos, a tall handsome Mexican, and E] Cinto his wife, a woman of strange beauty of face and form for one in her menial position in life—that the rancbero was absent from home and yet was ex- pected back very soon; so the band of sailors divided, one party marching away in the dark- ness to a distant ranch, the home of a wealthy Californian, Sefior Samos by name, and the others remaining in the hacienda to await the return of the master. Tbe one who called himself ‘‘ master” return- ed, and was accompanied by a band of Indian warriors under their own chief, the Red Raven, This same band of Indians had been serving as tbe cowboys of the hacienda for some months, and were known as the Redskin Ropers. They returned to the Haunted Hacienda to find themselves entrapped and held under the guus of the sailors, Then the story of the chief, Red Raven, was heard, and listened to with surprise by the cap- tors: ‘‘T am,” he said, ‘‘ known as Red Raven, chief of the Redskin Ropers, but I am no Indian; I am a whire man; in truth 1 am none other than Sefior Mareo Fuentes, the former owner of this ranch, ‘*T was taken from here to be put to death by one- who came to my home in the guise of a priest, seeking shelter under the oe of illness, and who was cared for most kindly by me, “In return, he entered my room by night, made me prisoner, and, taking me to the home of Sefior Samos, turned me over to his herdsmen to be put to death, claiming that I was the chief of the Gold Ghouls. ‘* By bribery I escaped being hanged; a grave was dug and filled in again, and it was claimed that I was buried there, “A fugitive from my own home, I sought safety among the redskins, and set to work to train those now with me to serve me well in my purpose of revenge and reclamation. ‘This pretended padre returned to this ha- cienda, told my people that 1 had been hanged, and claiming to be my friend, said that be had purchased from me the ranch, and all connect- ed witb it, aud would dwell here as ranchero himself, ‘*T discovered that he was none other than a fugitive sailor from the Point Desolation settle- ment up the coast—that he was a smuggler and outlaw, and that his vessel had been wrecked on those shores, “He had, while seeking a place of refuge, saved the Sefiorita Samos from a band of out- laws who would have kidnapped her, and then he vowed to hunt down these lawless men, “Thus it was, to gain favor with Sefior and Sefiorita Samos, that he came here and made me his victim. * But, when at length I was ready to strike a blow for my revenge, I came here with my Redskin Ropers and secured service under him. “Thus it as that I discovered that he in reality was t> Gold Ghoul chief, and he has now come b»«« with his Redskin Ropers from a hunt after gold upon the trails, for he sought to make robbers of us all, ‘* So I tell you, sefior, that 1 am the ranchero, Marco Fuentes, the real owner of this hacienda, and this man, who is none other than Marlo the Merciless, is the one you seek—the real outlaw, the robber chief. ‘© Ag the master here, one who has been so cruelly treated by the man he trusted, I bid you welcome, and as soon as I can make a change in my costume, appearing as my proper self, and no longer as Red Raven, the Chief of the Red Ropers, I will join you as your host.” This confession of the Sefior Fuentes was listened to by his captors with feelings of sur- prise and sympathy, and they felt that he had been a deeply wronged man, The one who had done him this great injury was their priscner, and his name, as Marlo the Merciless Marauder, had spread through the land, though no one knew him as the pretended owner of the ranch, which he assumed he had purchased from the man he had sent, ds he sup- posed, to his death at the rope’s end. A silence fell upon all after the departure of the Senor Fuentes to change his toilet, which was broken at last by the startling words: ‘‘That man will never return, for well he knows that Senor Samos and his daughter are aware that he was an outlaw, the real ard only leader of the Gold Ghouls, ‘*Tho Senorita Samos knows him to be the man who kidnapped her in the ruined Missi6n’ on the coast, and that he proclaimed himself to her as the captain of the Gold Ghouls, ‘*You have me safe in your power, and I deny nothing that he has said against me, for I am Marlo the Merciless, the outlaw vanchero; but you have allowed the real leader of the rob- ber band to escape, for never will he return.” “But he will; he must! Ho, men! Search this old pile of stones and unearth that man!” cried the officer in charge of the sailor guard. “Search if you will, but -you will search in vain, for that man will never be taken, as there are secret dungeons and passages here that he alone knows of, and by which he can escape,” cried Marlo, And, search indeed in vain the sailors did, for Senor Fuentes did not return as he had prom- ised, and he was not found after most diligent search, At last the sailors marched back to their ship, with Marlo a prisoner, for each one of the Red- skin Ropers had disappeared as mysteriously as had their white chief, Red Raven, who his captors now knew was none other than the ran- chero, Fuentes, CHAPTER III. LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT. THE party of sailors who had gone to the Samos hacienda, under suspicion that the out- law ranchero, Senor Fuentes, would return to his retreat in the Haunted Ranch by that trail, was under the command of a dashing young offi- cer of the revenue service, He was a man of distinguished bearing, and had passed his thirty-fifth year, Possessed of wealth, he had entered the sea service from a spirit of adventure, and had risen to the command of the Pacific revenue cutter that protected the coast-.about San Francisco, As hehbad learned from a young skipper of the coaster settlement at Point Desolation, that there was a chance to run to earth the smuggler and mountain robber, Marlo the Merciless, he would not go with the detachment as an Officer, to take honor of victory from the youth and his crew, but did go as an ally and friend, stripping himself of his shoulder-straps to do 80. Such “as Captain Edgar Yerger, 80d he it was who had led the party of the coaster crew to the Samos ch, Sefior Samos was a man of refinement and of aristocratic family as wel) as of large wealth, Though the descendant of a Spanish Don, he claimed, on his maternal side, to be an America; and had wedded a fair daugter of the United States. His wife had died leaving him an only cbild, Lulita, the maiden whom the Gold Ghoul chief, Fuentes, passiug as a ranchero, but really the Gold Ghoul chief—had sought to kidnap, as be could not win her love in a manly way, The hacienda of Sefior Samos wag like a C#8- tle, so large and strong was it, and it was filled with every luxury which heart could desiré- Not a wish of the beautiful young mistress the domain went ungratified, for she was the idol of her father’s life. The hacienda was grandly furnished; there were servants by the score; the stables Were } { } a et ee,

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ae Red Raven’s Redskin Ruse. 3 filled with fine horses; orchards, orangeries, vineyards and gardens full of vegetables were in the rear of the hacienda, while the front was a beautiful flower garden, with a Park of fine old trees near. A fine view from the hill-top, upon which it was situated, could be had for leagues around, with the Pacific Ocean far to the westward, and the mountains to the eastward, while plains and valleys lay between, Such was the home which Fuentes had sought to gain possession of by forcing Lulita Samos into a marriage with him, It was to this homethat Captain Edgar Yerger and his band of coasters made their way after leaving the Haunted Hacienda, The sun had risen over the mountain-tops ere they drew near the white-walied home, The father and daught r were enjoying the scene from the piazza, and of which they never tired, when the sailors came in sight. The sefior was surprised and said; ‘*Sefior Marlo, our new neighbor of the old Mission, must have returned, my child, from his trip northward, for who else can they be?” ‘* They come from the direction of the sefior’s home, father, but they have not the look of ranch- men,” replied Lulita, who was a maiden of won- drous beauty of face and of exquisite form—a face which to behold was to love, so full was it of high-bred refinement and purity of character, he two watched the approaching party, and as they entered the plaza Sefior Samos advanced to meet the one who came forward ahead of his men. ‘The Sefior Samos, I presume?” said the vis- itor in perfect Spanish, ‘* Yes, sefior, but as I see that you are, like i an American, we can converse in Eng- * Tell me, please, whom I have the honor of welcoming to my home?” The manner of the Sefior Samos was courtly in the extreme and quite won his visitor, who replied: **T am Edgar Yerger, captain of the United States revenue cutter. Rush, when Lam on duty, sir; but at present I am acting as anally to a young coaster friend of mine who came to your neighborhood to hunt down a band of outlaws under a chief known as Marlo the Merciless,” Both the Sefior Samos and Lulita started at she name given by tbe officer, and the former said: “Permit me, Captain Yerger, to present you to my danger, the Sefiorita Lulita Samos, and then we will hear what you have to say of the outlaw hunting expedition after you have joined us at breakfast, which meal we have not yet partaken of,” If Lulita had started at the name Marlo, so did Captain Yerger as he gazed at the beautiful girl before him. Never before had he looked upon such a vision of perfect loveliness! — Her greeting of him was cordial, and she joined her father in the invitation to breakfast, while she added: ‘* Your men shall also be well cared for, Cap- tain Yerger.” ‘*I did not expect to quarter my men and my- self upon your hospitality, Sefior Samos, and yet I cannot, for myself, and for them, refuse your very kind invitation, seconded as it is by the Sefiorita Samos,” “T am glad to hear you say this, Captain Yer- ger. A servant shall at once show you to a room to refresh yourself after what I believe has been a night march,” ‘* It has, Sefior Samos,” replied the officer, and he followed @ servant to a chamber where he ould make his toilet, ‘* Well! Lam in love and at first sight—yes, in loye! That is the one woman I have ever seen to win my heart!” he ejaculated warmly, as the servant left him alone with his thoughts. CHAPTER IVy. A BROKEN DREAM. Tue natural vanity of man caused Captain Yerger to regret that he was not wearing his handsome uniform, that he might make a more int impression upon. the lovely Sefiorita 4ulita, As it was he was dressed in a blue sailor suit, . yaring no insignia of rank, or of gold lace upon it. He was met by Sefior Samos, and escorted to the breakfast-room, where Lulita again gave him courteous welcome. He noted that the surroundings were refined and elégant, the breakfast service was of solid silver, and the servants perfectly trained, while the meal was enough to tempt any palate, oe a Sefior Samos did not allude to the purpose of the captain’s coming, and Lulita made herself most agreeable, though he perceived that she was anxious about something; and that some- thing was the fact that’ the outlaw chief, Marlo, had saved Lulita from being kidnapped by Fuentes, ard that he had posed gna the part of an honorable ranchero; and being a hand- some, fascinating fellow, was it not possible that he bad won the heart of the fair maiden, who | little dreamed how black was his heart, and that he was outlaw, smuggler, mountain robber and fugitive from justice? She had found the Sefior Fuentes to be an im- postor, the secret leader of outlaws, and it was to her a startling statement that his successor at the Haunted Hacienda was, likewise, a man of crimes, Had this Lucifer, Marlo, really won the love of Lulita Samos? Such were the thoughts flashing through the mind of Captain Yerger ashe regarded the beau- tiful girl, and he felta keen pang of dread lest such was the case, and if so, a new motive for He arrest and exposure of the audacious out- aw, At last the Sefior Samos led the way to the library, and begged Captain Yerger, while smoking their cigars, to make known his mis- sion to their neighborbood, ‘*Perhaps the Sefiorita Samos may not wish to hear the ugly story | have to tell?” ‘*T prefer to hear it, if the sefior does not de- sire that {~ should not,” Lulita answered, un- hesitantly. ‘*T will be gladif the Sefiorita Samos will listen,” was the earnest reply. At this Lulita arose and took a seat in the shadows of the curtained window, where her face would not be so plainly visible, and at the request of the Sefior Samos, Captain Yerger began his story. **To explain the situation fully, I must tell you,” began the officer, ‘‘ that there is a settle- ment of coasters far up the coast from here, on Point Desolation.” ‘*T have heard of these strange people,” as- sured the ranchero, ‘**They are a strange people, sefior, being half sailors, half mountaineers, ‘- They have their homes on Point Desolation, a good harbor for their swift-sailing boats, and part of the year they are fishermen and coast- traders, while the other part is spent at their ranches back in the ranges, where they have great numbers of cattle, horses and sheep. ** At first it was supposed that they were smugglers, perhaps wreckers, and even buc- caneers, but I discovered my mistake as to this, in chasing ashore a craft which I found was in- deed engaged in smuggling, and °commanded by one, Marlo, who was one of these very people, ‘*He had his own crew with him, fought us hard to escape capture, and escaped with all but his dead and wounded, after running his vessel ashore, ‘*{ at once determined to seek him out in the Point Desolation settlement; but it was some time before I could go there, and after running in toan anchorage with tony cutter, to my surprise I found, in the wife of the Coaster Chief, none other than my own sister, whom I had looked upon as dead for long years, as it was supposed that she had been lostin a storm on the river flowing by our home in New York, ** But no; she had Clung faithfully to the man she had loved, despite the charges against him of crime, even of murder, and had fled with him to become his wife, and in the remote set- tlement of Point Desolation they bad sought a refuge and had there dwelt ever since, ‘“*She gave me conclusive proof of her hus- band’s innocence of the crimes with which he was charged, and told me that he was ther away in chase of this very smuggler captain, Marlo, while in another craft ae pursuing Marlo,-was an adopted son, Ralph, with her own little daugbter. “This youth, Ralph, she explained, had been cast ashore upon the coast, and they had adopt- ed him, and a noble fellow he had proven him- self, while her daughter Pearl, of fourteen, in a spirit of daring adventure, had run off with ber brother in the chase after Marlo, who had, by his acts of lawlessness, sought te bring disgrace upon their community. i ** After all this peter iag and important in- formation, I gavechase in thecutter and coming up with the pursuers found that Marlo’s craft had been struck by lightning in a storm, and all were supposed to have been killed, for the hull drove ashore, and the bodies found were buried by this youth, Ralph, ‘*Back to the settlement, then, we all wenf, and I there reported the smuggler as dead, ‘* When, at their usual season, the Coaster Chief and his family went up tv their ranch in the range, they were attacked by night by a band of outlaws whom Ralph discovered, from one of the band whom he had once befriended, was led by none other than Marlo, the Cowboy Smuggler. Again it was supposed that Marlo had been killed, but Ralph decided, acting upon what had been told bim, to come to their neighborhood and see if the would-be brigand reaily was dead, ** Need I tell you that he found in the ranchero of the Haunted Hacienda, known as Senor Julius Marlowe, none other than Marlo the out- law?” With this astonishing announcement by Cap- tain Yerger came a moan from the lipsof Lulita Samos and she fell upon the floor in a swoon, CHAPTER V. THE STRICKEN HEART, THE sudden swooning of Lulita Samos was a surprise and a shock to her father, and also to Captain Yerger. They sprung forward, and, raising her from the floor, placed her upon a divan, when Sefior Samos hastily summoned the old nurse of his daughter und sougbt restoratives to bring her back to consciousness. TLe experience of Captain Yerger here came in well, and ina short while Lulita was able to rise. Then, escorted by her father and Edwina, the nurse, she sought her own room, Instead of going to bed, as her father urged, she said: ‘* No; Lam not ill now, and I only wish to be alone; I wish to think,” Her father returned to the library, after mo- tioning for the nurse to remain; but when +he saw that she was not alone, the young lady said with strange sternness for ber: ‘* Edwina, you, too, must go. I must be left alone,” ‘** But, sefiorita, dear, I—” ** Did you hear me?” ** Yes, senorita, but—” ** Leave me!” and Lulita gave a stamp with her little foet that was imperative. The nurse sighed and left, but remained with- out the door, Left to herself, the young girl began to pace to wi fro, wringing her hands nervously to- ether, , After a while she became more calm, and mused aloud as she continued her steady pace. ‘* How strange all this is,” she murmured, ‘*Sefior Fuentes first crossed my path, a hand- some man, and strangely fascinating, ‘* He had the claim upon me of having saved me from capture by outlaws, and I was strange- ly drawn toward him until I compared him with my noble father. Then I saw that he was not the man of honor I could admire and love. ‘I felt that he possessed a false heart, what- ever he might profess openly. **Then, when he became aware of my distrust and dislike, he showed the villain that he was, for he sought to kidnap me, to force me to be- come his wife, ‘* He told me, then, that his rescue of me was a fraud—tbat he had planned the affair with his own men—that he was the chief of the dreaded Gold Ghouls. ‘*Then I was rescued from him by this man against whom I have just heard such charges of crime, **T believed that, in him, I had found a true and noble man, ‘*He undertook the capture of this outlaw, Fuentes, and then he, too, became a neighbor, honored by my father, his home being the Haunted Hacienda which he said he had pur- chased from Fuentes, pledging himself to send the purchase-money to one whose name was given bim by the doomed man. “‘Now this gallant officer crosses my path, and tells me that Sefior Julius Marlowe, as we knew him, is Marlo, the Merciless Marauder, the outlaw, the smuggler, the land-pirate! ‘*He tells me that, as one in authority, he has come here to capture Marlo as a fugitive from justice. ‘“* He arrives just in time to save me, for—to my own shame I confess it—l was strangely interested in this second outlaw who has been my friend, my lover. ‘It is a severe ordeal for me, yet one I mus bravely endure. I owe my escape to this officer’ ies

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& He surely has saved me from a life of shame— of misery untold, **No, not that alone, but from death, for when it came to methat I was the wife of an outlaw, all that is good in me would have as- serted itself, and with my own hand would I have taken my life, ‘Thank Heaven that I had not really learned to love that evil man as { am capable of lov- teks _ *Thank Heaven that I found in him a blem- ish, I know not what, which checked my bud- ding affection, and kept me from bestowing upon him my heart and hand, “But I am hurt, my heart is wounded, I must frankly admit, for he was dear enough to me to make me suffer when he was proven to be so vile and dishonorable. **T am myself now peain, and I will seek my father and his guest in the library and learn more of this man upon whom I so nearly sacri- ficed myself. Yes, I will go at once,” With this she opened the door, to find old Ed- wina there awaiting her call, ‘* Ah, good Edwina, I might have known that I could not drive you far from me. Butdo not worry about me. I ata well now. **See, I can even smile, and I am going to join my father andhis guest in the library, ‘* Tt was all about something I will tell you of to-night, Edwina, **1t was because I am a woman, a poor, weak girl, and I was/hit’a hard blow, just herein my heart. “ Butit is over now, and I will be worthy of my name, and my brave, noble father.” ith this she patted the old nurse affectionate- ly upon the head and was going on, when Ed- wina said: ** Ah, sefiorita, you would not go before the strange gentleman as you are, See, your hair is wet from the cologne, and rumpled, and your collar is—” “Ah! Thad not thought of myself, I must ask your aid, Edwina, in making myself more presentable,” and the weakness of the woman again showing itself; though diverted into a different channel, Lulita returned to her room and made a very careful toilet before she went again to the library to face the handsome stranger ‘‘ who had seemed so full of sympathy for her,” as the old nurse expressed it. CHAPTER VI. CAPTAIN YERGER’S REVELATIONS, Wren Lulita drew near the door of the li- brary, she paused. She heard the voice of their guest, and his words reached her ears: **No power can save that man, Sefior Samos, ifIam to have any influence toward bringing punishment upon him, for, to waive his other crimes, the one of trying to win the heart of bag! lovely daughter, to wreck her life by unit- ng it to such as he is proven to be, would alone deserve death at the rope’s end.” As Lulita heard every word, her face flushed and paled by turns. For a moment she feared she was about to swoon away again; but, with an effort, she controlled herself, and suddenly swept into the liprary. Both her father and Captain Yerger sprung to their feet in amazement, and Sefior Samos cried: ‘* My dear child! -Why have you come here again?” The captain bowed low and spoke quickly: **T am glad that Miss Samos feels so little in- disposition from her ‘attack of vertigo.” he words were well chosen, but she knew that they were uttered to save her embarrass- ment, At once she advanced, and, offering her hand, said in a low but firm tone: ‘* Sefior eater Yerger, I thank ‘was noattack of vertigo. I fainted. “Tt was, | am going to frankly confess to you, caused by an overwhelming sense of sor- row, of terror, of regret that I had allowed my- self to become interested in one who was 80 utterly unworthy the regard of a self-respecting ou, but it ' ‘wom: an, “That man, Marlo, the Merciless Marauder. as I now know him to be, I found in an old abandoned Mission on the coast. There he saved me from Sefior Fuentes, one whom I also ’ once regarded as a friend, at least. * Both were false of heart and evil in their _ lives, but as the one, hae ge me from the other, Fuentes, 1 learned regard him with kindness, and almost affection. “Bot for you, it might some day have ripened into love; and now I have to thank ee ts st pst SSD Red Raven’s Redskin Ruse. you, from my inmost soul, for saving me from disgrace, from misery untold, from death, for to have loved that man would have caused me to set my soul free with my own hand. “* Now, Sefior Yerger, | have made my frank confession, and I can never forget what I owe to you.” he words had fallen unhesitatingly, with no sign of embarrassment after the first few had been spoken, and she looked the noble, true maiden she was. She clasped the hand of the officer as she spoke, and then turned away and glided to her seat, when, in a voice wholly changed, she said, with an air of calm indifference ‘Now, Captain Yerger, tell us more, please, sd this crime-stained man, Marlo the Merci- ess, Captain Yerger could have cheered her then and there for her splendid exhibition of nerve, gg positively charmed: with her, and re- plied: “‘T have just told your father, seforita, all that I have to tell to him, and when I am gone he will perhaps make it known to you.” ‘Oh, no; tell me, please, yourself, for I know my good father will not mind hearing the story a second time, ‘* Tt will do us good, so that we will be careful not again to entertain a wolf in sheep’s cloth- in 7 nus urged, Captain Yerger told of the run down the coast from Point Desolation—of the Coasters under their young skipper, Ralph, the adopted son of their cbief—of how he, Yerger, had joined them in the expedition as anally, coming to the Samos hacienda with one party, while the other held the Haunted Hacienda un- der surveillarice. All that he knew of Marlo was made known, and then the officer concluded, and his words brought the color to the face of Lulita. ‘Ag I was told the man visited you here, and might return this way, { came hither to capture him, and thus impose upon your hospitality, Sefior Samos,” Captain Yerger was made to feel that bis men and himself were welcome, and was asked to make himself peetorers at home—a thing it was very easy to do in such luxurious quarters, with Sefior Samos and Lulita as his entertainers. The next day the party came from the Haunt- ed Hacienda, marching back to their vessel by way of the Samos Ranch, and Ralph, the young Coaster, was cordially welcomed by the sefior and bis daughter during his short stay there, His stay was long enough to report the return to the Haunted Hacienda of the Redskin Ropers, led by their chief and Marlo, and their quick capture by the sailors, hat had followed was also related, and how Fuentes, not then suspected of being an outlaw, had coolly and calmly made bis escape. ‘Well, let him go, for he will not dare return here now, and we have nothing to fear from him,” said Senor Samos. “Bot, the Redskin Ropers, Ralph?” asked Captain Yerger, in a tone of anxiety. “They had done no wrong, sir, that I could see, 80 [ set them free, to return to their own ear got ‘T hope they will go,” muttered the captain, and then he asked: ** And the ranch?” “J left in charge of the man Carlos, and his wife, for they seemed ignorant of Marlo’s real character, and horrified at discovering him to be what be was in reality.” “Well, I only hope you, Sefior Samos will keep an eye on the place, for I should not be at all surprised should this man Fuentes return to his old deeds of outlawry,” remarked the rev- enue officer. Soon after the march for the coast was be- gun, with Marlo their prisoner in double irons, “to be taken back to Point Desolation and there be tried by his own people, the Coasters, tit yer he had so diskonored and compro- m + CHAPTER VII, “HELP, HELP, OR I PERISH!” Ir the Haunted Hacienda held terrors for others, it certainly did not impress with its weird history the two whom the Coasters left there in charge, after the capture of the ran- chero outlaw, These two were the handsome Mexican, Car- los, and his tty wife, El Cinto, also of the same nationality. There was a history banging over these two, and a strange one it was, i Nee eee The former head servant of Sefior Fuentes had been a man by the name of Juan, a vil- lainous-faced fellow of forty-five, who, though. always cringing toa superior, was a brute to- ward an inferior. He bad brought with him a young and beav- tiful wife, this same El Cinto, and she had been as a slave to him, It was the old story of having a young and handsome lover, and being forced to wed an- peke yp believing that the one she loved was ead. Long after she found out, when her husband was forced to hide from the officers of the law, that he had endeavored to get rid of her lover by having him put out of the way; but, sudden- ly, upon the ranch of the Haunted Hacienda, this lover had appeared, and, unknown to Juan as he was, he had become the chief of cowboys for Fuentes, Then, when Marlo had gotten rid of Juan, the faithful ally of Fuentes, by telling the herders that he had been the one to betray his master, Carlos had stepped into the place with the new ovtlaw ranchero which Juan had held with tho other. Widowed thus, by Juan’s death, El Cinto had ridden with Carlos to the nearest padre and be- come bis wife, letting her hatred for her former husband go down with him into the grave. It was these two, Carlosand El Cinto, whom the young Coaster Captain had believed inno- cent of any knowledge of what Marlo really was, and they had been told to remain in the hacienda, as no one would doubtless ever come to disturb them in their possession of the place, or its great herds. They saw the sailors, mounted upon horses they had taken from the ranch droves, ride rie with Captain Marlo in their midst, and until the party disappeared in the distance they never uttered a word, but stood gazing after them with commingling emotions filling their hearts. At last, when the party bad wholly disap- peared from view, Carlos turned to his wife and said in a low voice: ‘- A narrow escape for us, El Cinto!” “Yes, very, very narrow indeed, Carlos,” “They tracked Sefior Marlo to his doom.” ‘* Yes, and it seems he was a very wicked man; but who would have ever suspected Sefior Fuentes of being alive and 80 cleverly playing the part of an Indien chief?” ““T knew him, El Cinto, for he made himself known to me from the first; but I was sworn to secrecy, and could not even breathe to you the secret, by such vows was I held.” “Then I understand now several things that appeared mysterious to me before, los ; but tell me, where has Sefior Fuentes gone?” ‘‘ He made his escape by one of the secret outlets of the hacienda, and I suppose will never now dare return,” ‘Then the hacienda will be as our own, Car- los?” ‘*'Yes; we will be master and mistress here, for we are now in full charge. I raust at once engage some herders to look after the cattle, for there are more than I can well manage alone, Three cowboys will be enough, A greater number might bring suspicion upon us of having a den of outlaws bere. 4 “Very true; but do you not fear that Fuentes may return?” ‘T think not, for now he will have no outlaw band to help him, and with bis hopes crushed, as far as the Sefiorita Samos is concerned, for she knows him now in bis true colors, he will have no reason for staying here.” “Su he should return, or even now be lying hidden in the hacienda, for you know it is full of secret hiding-places?” “ Well, should he return, then he is master here, that is all, for if he be a robber, El Cinto, we are not to rob him of what is justly his own, outlaw snoneh he be.” ‘‘] am glad to hear you speak thus, Carlos, for it tells me that you at least have not been demoralized by your corrupt surroundings, But, hark! did you hear that sound?’ ** No; what was it?’ ‘* Like a human voice calling.” ‘Tt was but the lowing of the cattle.” “No; it was a human voice—hark again!” They listened in deep silence, and there dis- tinctly came to their ears the sound of a voice calling: ** Ho, Carlos! El Cinto, ho! “Help! Help!” “Tt is Sefior Fuentes’s voice,” cried El Cinto and the two started toward the uninhabited wing of the hacienda. Guided by the voice, now calling loudly for "

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Red 5 Raven’s Redskin Ruse. help, they went from the occupied wing toward the ruined chapel, and Carlos shouted: ‘** Ho! who calls?” “itis I, good Carlos—I, Sefior Fuentes!” ‘* Ay, ay, sefor! But, where are you?” ‘*T em in the chapel dungeon, where I came by the narrow passage between the walls. ‘The stone doors closed npon me, and this grating, above my head, is the only light and air J have. “If you do not save me, I am doomed, for I cannot live long in this fearful place. ‘*Save me, good Carlos, for the love of God!” and the voice of the man was now piteous to hear. Carlos turned and looked at his beautiful wife for an instant, and then said in a hoarse, quiver- ing voice: ‘* T know where his treasure is hidden, and his death would give us the ranch, the cattle, the horses and all— ‘*Great God! what a temptation, E] Cinto, to let him die down there in that dungeon!” CHAPTER VIII. BURIED ALIVE, WHEN Fuentes, inthe garb of an Indian chief, after bis denunciation of his hated foe, Marlo, left the presence of his sailor captors, he did so with an intention to escape, He well knew that he, too, would be de- nounced, and, if a prisoner, his fate would per- haps be the same as that visited upon Marlo. e had his revenge upon his enemy by see- ing him in the edeted of those who would be as merciless to him as he bad been to others, so he must look out for his own safety, Having had the satisfaction of making Marlo feel this revenge, having him understand that his intended victim was not dead, but had lived to thwart him, Faentes then had but one pur- pose, and that was to save himself, So it was that he had so cleverly made his exit, and seeking the corridor had, through a secret door, made his entrance into a narrow 6 between the walls, In the old ruin he had come across, one day, tbe original plans of the structure, Every se- cret room, hallway, closet and dungeon was traced thereon with full descriptions of en- trances and exits, He had spent many an hour in looking u these secrets of the building, and now his knowl- edge was to serve him well. _ Along the narrow passage he went. Not hav- ing had time to secure a lantern, he was in total darkness. He knew that narrow steps were at the end of the passageway, and when he found them, he descended to a duugeon, which he was aware was immediately beneath the chapel, then in ruins. It ran out under one win a grating above in the walk b of light and air. , The place was dark, but for this ray of light, and as loathsome as a tomb, But, be heard the sound of steps in the plaza; voices reached his ears, and he knew that his greatly-angered foes were still there and search- i tt him, ight came, but still he lingered where that stream of light and air penetrated to the gloomy of this ruin, while et in a thin stream passage, He could sleep but little, and was hungry and wretched enougn, At last the night passed and the light of day ase streamed down into the dismal hiding- place. He feared at first that he had reached there in safety only to perish, in an awful way, for he had ascertained that thesecret stone which served as a door, could never be opened from within. When this fear first impressed him he made his way back through the darkness, feeling along the walls until he came to the opening, Then creeping up the steps, he passed along the nar- row way between the walls until he reached the end and then solid masonry confronted him. In vain be sought the secret door; it was not there! Nothing but tbe inflexible solid granite! He would have called for help, but loud voices without, though barely heard within, told him hat his foes , Oe not yet departed, and were eager for his blood. Back he made his way down the steps, into the dungeon at the end, once more, Down through the grating overhead the sun- lignt filtered, revealing his tall form still in its Indian custume, and his face showing haggard through its war-paint. As he heard no voices now, he concluded that the hacienda had been deserted by the sailors. What if they had taken away with them as prisoners all the servants—all the retainers and thus had left the place tenantless? Indeed, it was probable they had done so, and that the uncanny spot was again left to its ghostly—ghastly reputation. This thought might well alarm him, for, if none were there to hear his call he was doomed —dcomed to death by starvation! Horrible thought! And in his fear of such a fate he could but cry out—hoping that some straggler had remained and would hear, It was this wild cry of his that had caught the keen ears of El Cinto, and when it was repeated she and her husband had sought to find what it meant, whose voice it was they had heard. Led by the cry they had gone to the grating and listened. Then it was that Carlos, knowing that Fuentes was indeed a doomed man if he did not save him —that all hope was gone for the entombed out- law, did heand his wife turn their backs upon him—had uttered the words: ‘*Great God! El Cinto; what a temptation to let him die in that dungeon!” If it was a terrible temptation to Carlos, for the moment—the wealth that would come to him by the death of Fuentes—it was only for the moment—only until he looked into the large, wondering eyes of his wife, Then, from her lips came the earnest words: **No, no, Carlos! You cannot,do not mean it, my husband!” ** Not I, my sweet wife, not I! man’s weakness, a hideous temptation that swept over me; but it is gone, El Cinto, it is gone!” ** You will save me, Carlos, and not permit me to die here?” The voice came pleadingly out of the dun- geon, in tones of evident fear and anguish. ‘© Yes, indeed, sefior, we will save you—H! Cinto and I—and we are arranging a plan,” cried the man, in hearty answer. The woman gave him a look that repaid him s ™ good purpose that now incited her hus- and, **We must cut out these iron bars, El Cinto, and lower a rope, for I know of no other way to save him.” ‘Tt is the only way, Carlos,” was the answer, und the woman hastened away for the necessary implements to carry out the work, The necessary tools were soon found, and af- ter an hour’s work the heavy stones around the srating were so loosened that the iron bars reed and bent upward. A lariat was then lowered and a voice from below soon called out, cheerily: * Haul away!” Carlos seized the lariat, and his It was but a great strength, aided by tbat of El Cinto, drew the outlaw ranchero out of the dungeon up to the open space, into the free, pure air! The outstretched hands of Fuentes the hands of Carlos and the woman, but bis words of gratitude found no utterance, for he sunk at their feet, insensible, overcome by the terrible stress of his feelings— by his unexpected escape from a horrible, lingering deatk! : CHAPTER IX. THE FUGITIVE RANCHERO, THE tax upon the nerves of Fuentes, by all he had passed through, bad been so terrible that nature had yielded under the strain, He had been rejected by the Sefiorita Samos —tkwarted in bis attempt to kidnap ber—had been captured in hisown home by her rescuer, the detested Marlo—had been sent forth to be hanged—had ° escaped and, reforming his In- dian body-guard, had a full revenge in his hands, where he could kill his enemy, get back his ranch and property and again have Lulita in his power, when, suddenly, he found himself in a dungeon from which there would have been no oar unless Carlos and El Cinto were with- in call. No wonder the strong man had been overcome by the reaction following, his rescue. Borne by the faithful retainers to his own quarters, be was there made as comfortable as was possible under the circumstances, and re- gained consciousness to find the rescuers bending over him in fear and anxiety. When he realized all—that he was once more safe and free to act, his old spirit of revenge at once asserted itself, and after a few moments of reflsetion be ordered Carlos to mount a horse and ride at full speed after the Indian herders, and to bring them back to the hacienda, | | ‘‘T had thought, sefior, of going to the Mexi- can herders’ camps, below the border line, and getting what men we needed,” urged Carlos. ‘*No; I want the Redskin Ropers, for they know me, as I do them, and they are just what I need in this emergency. ‘*- You, Carlos, are to be the nominal ranchero here—the owner of the ranch, as it were—though I am to be here, or near at hand, for I shall re- main out of sight, and Fuentes is no longer tobe known as master of the Haunted Hacienda. “So go at once and overtake the Redskin Ropers, and once they are here you can seek the Mexican cowboys, if we find their aid or pres- ence necessary. “Don’t delay, Carlos, for I fear I am going to be ill,” ‘* But, should any one return here, sefior, and find you—what then?” ‘* #1 Cinto will see that I am not caught like a rat in a trap, Carlos, ‘‘There are too many secure hiding-places in this old barracks for ms to be caught; but, [ will not try the chapel dungeon again,” and Fuentes shuddered at the recollection of his in- carceration there. Thus urged, Carlos at once went to the stables and selected two of the fleetest and most endur- ing horses there. # When a Jong and rapid Fide was to made, the rider changed from one animal to the other every few miles, thus giving each a rest from his burden, Thecourier also took food with him, and, after a few words with El Cinto, was off like a rocket, the led horse running easily by his side. The outlaw ranchero was'right about his be- ing ill, for soon a fever made itself felt, and it so increased that, toward night, he grew delir- ious, El Cinto did all she could for him’and then sat down to keep her lonely vigil. And lonely it was in that weird place, haun ed by so many tragic deeds and memories weird enough to make the honest man ill a ease; but the woman did not flinch from he task, and did all she could to soothe the fever racked ranchero, Strange things she heard in his ravings, o deeds done in the past, which she quickly de cided not to forget, and thus minded, she took pencil ‘and paper and made note of acts and names as they fell from the man’s lips. Dawn came at last, and the woman, whd scarce seemed to know what fatigue was, foun that her patient was asleep and his fever we no higher, . “It may be that he will die, and if he doe then Carlos will be master here through no sin ful act of his own, “But I will do all in my one for him, wi attend bim as tenderly as I would a child, an even hope for his recovery, for I wish no sin o another’s life to rest upon my conscience, ‘*It might be better if he should die, for som one, perhaps innocent and good, would be spare sorrow and suffering, but if Heaven wills it tha he should recover so let it be!” So mused the woman as she attended to he duties in the sick-room, She also went to the tower and scanned th surrounding country, for she did not wish to surprised by any one, and Fuentes thus be foun and recaptured, She arranged all so that if there was any on approaching she could lead her patient toa se cret retreat near the room, and thus have appear as though she alone were there, But, no one would or could enter by the oute gate without aid from’ her, unless they can with ladders to scale the high walls, or a canno to batter down the gateway, so she felt quif secure, though all alone with a man in delirium The day passed, and soon after nightfall w: heard the well-known signal of Carlos, withou the gate. E! Cinto immediately proceeded to let him i and found that the kin Ropers were wit him, The cavalcade all passed at once with the walls and camped in the little park of th old Mission, where there was a —— of flowix water and plentiful space for all. ‘* How is the chief, El] Cinto?”’ was the eag question of Carlos, ‘* He has been delirious with fever, but is be r. ‘‘'fhe Redskin Ropers returned withe trouble?” ‘* Yes; they were glad to do so, for t Sefior Fuentes has a strong, strange influen over them,” bia ‘¢ Which he will use for évil, Iam sure,” w El Cinto’s low response, as she led the way the invalid’s room,

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LLL OL a oe ————$$—<—$ CHAPTER X. A MISSION OF MYSTERY. THE morning sun arose upon a strange scene in the little woodiand within the walls of the Haunted Hacienda, There were eucamped the Redskin Ropers, as the Indian allies of Fuentes were usually christened, They were twenty in number, aud a bold, dashing set of redmen, Tall, all of them six feet at least, broad- shouldered, and with slender but sinewy forms, they were a score of athletes, and in their pic- turesque costumes and feather war-bonnets lookec very dangerous. Ali were well armed, and their Lorses were gaunt, long-bodied animals, showing both en- durance and speed to a great degree. Their outfit they carried with them, and they were ready for a long march or a hard fight at a moment’s notice. Their borses were all of a deep bay color which matched their tawny skins and Indian- tanned buckskins. ¥ The braves were as silent as ghosts, seeming- hy having no need for conversation, sud moved about among their horses, or around the camp- fires, like automatons, One peculiarity of the Indian Ropers was that hey alirode Mexican saddles and bridles, in- stead of those of redskin manufacture, and at he saddle-horn of each hung a long, strong ariat that would catch and hold the wildest of Texas steers. Such were the Redskin Ropers of the California plains, and better lasso-throwers, riders and 7 no one would wish to have under his com- mand, ‘They showed some interest as they saw Carlos pproaching their camp, and he told them that his wife hdd breakfast prepared for them. After their meal they were to go the herders’ ramp, some miles away, and look after the cat- ile and horses belonging to the ranch and which nad strayed off during the past few days with ho one to look after them, fur the few cow- poys there had been ordered away by the Coast- rs when they came, es, though with no proof vainst them, they were under suspicio of rnow:ng that Marlo was an outlaw, The opers were also told by Carlos that their hief was too ill to see them then, but when he as able to do so he would ride over to their mp end give them their orders in person. The ladians enjoyed immensely the bounteous spast which El Cinto had prepared for them; er which they mounted their borses and went ff to the duty devolving upon them. Then Carlos devoted himself to the care of the ck ranchero, whose fever was slowly subsid- After several days the ranchero told Carlos hat he thought a couple of days more would see im out of his room, and then he would set about he work he bad decided upon with his Redskin opers. 14 this would take the redskins from the acienda, be advised Carios to go to the camp of he Mexican herders and bring back wit#bim he men he would need tw look after the cattle. “How many will you require, Carlos?” he “ Three will be sufficient, sefior, I think.” “Hardly; I prefer that you get six, Carlos, money will be no object, and their pay will regular and good,” %+{ know that well, sefior; but let us say four, rthey surely will be suflicient.” . You have some motive in wishing so few an?’ i Yes, sefior.” “(What is it?” * Wellzsefor, I feel that you are going again pon the trail, and it will bring suspicion once jore upon those whorn you leave here, “Both Ei Cinto and myself have had close is already, and we wish at least to live with- suspicion upon ourselves, for we can cer- nly serve you the better thereby.” ** That is true.” is Now, if we have only four herders, they are bt enough to attract attention, and will not be lought to be secretly outlaws, as the number of ttle, it will be seen, will demand all their Very true.” : I shall also pick men, sefior, who would be 9 least suspected of being outlaws, and we can fe here, then, in peace, make money for you by ising end selling cattle, yet in no way ap ibe connected with you, sefior, which will be r better for us all.” *You reason well, Carlos, and I will leave it you to do as you deem most prudent. ——— ee elie eet Red Raven’s Redskin Ruse, da, so as to have it thought that I have gone al- together. I willshow you secrets about the old structure which you little dream of, ‘‘ When I docome tosee you, I will arrive and depart by a way which will never be suspected or guarded, and which will leave no trail, In fact, Carlos, I could bring a regiment that way. Carlos looked surprised, but answered: ‘‘T am surprised at nothing, sefior, I learn about this old Mission fortress. The padres who built it must have copied Old World castles and strongholds, ‘‘Shall I start to-night for the herders?” ‘« Do go, and by your return I will be ready to depart upon my mission.” ‘* May I ask what tbat mission is, sefior?” ‘* No, you are to know nothing of me or my affairs, and so could take oath, if questioned,” was the reply. That night Carlos departed for the herders’ camp, and forty-eight bours after returned with his four men, to find Fuentes quite able and pre- pared to start upon his expedition, whatever it was, And before the four herders took up their quarters in their camp, Sefior Fuentes, without seeing them, had secretly left the Haunted Ha- cienda by night, and had disappeared with the Redskin Ropers upon the mission of mystery he had in view. CHAPTER XI.° THE COASTERS, Tuer party of Coasters who had made the successful raid upou the Haunted Hacienda and had taken back with them Marlo, the Smug- gler, were naturally proud of their achieve- ment. Tney were all young men, not one of them having yet reached the age of twenty-one, for their youthful skipper had selected them all as lads, and because he knew well their perfectivn as seamen and indomitable pluck, He did not know what force he would have to fight, and so he went prepared for all emergen- cies, Though not exactly a legal expedition, it was yet a just one, fur the Coasters were determined to capture Marlo, one of their own people, who had brought disgrace upon them, had broken the laws of their community, as binding as death, and had sought to take the life of a fel- low comrade, Ralph, the young skipper and adopted son of the Caster Chief, @ had also led astray with him his crew of young men, gettingseveral of them slain in their brush with the revenue-cutter, and when their vessel had been lost had been glad enough to seek refuge in the ranches of their people. When he was known to have sought to kill Ralph Rollo, and the chief sought him in the Range, he bad escaped to the coast by night, stolen the chief's own schooner, and put to sea, Though his comrades bad lost their lives in the thunder-storm, Marlo had escaped, and taking advantage of an opportunity to render a service to Senorita Samos, had told her that he wasa wealthy gentleman cruising for pleasure and had been wrecked on the coast in a storm, he being the sole survivor, Tuis he had taken advantage of -to crush Fuentes, step into his shoes, as it were, and thus having the power to carry out his revenge against his people, had sought to do so by turn- ing robber, and attacking their houses in the range at night, « ith these charges against him it was not to be wondered at that the Coasters were glad to have rua their man to earth. So back to the coast they went, mouoted upon horses which they had taken from the drove of the Haunted Hacienda, as they had gone inland on foot, Their vessel, with two men only left on board, lay at anchor in a little cove completely hidden, and not far from theruinsof anold Spanish Mission situated high upon a spur of the coast, Arriving at their vessel the horses were turned loose to stray at will, the crew went on board, the anchor was gotten up, sails set and the little vessel ran out into the open sea and turned. her sharp prow northward, She was a pretty craft, stanch, fleet and roomy, Registering about sixty tons she carried a spread of canvas for a craft twice her size, and under full canvas was as pretty as a picture, Her young skipper sat at the helm,as she stood out to sea, while Captain Yerger was near him enjoying the lovely scene, the crew being ‘You had best occupy my wing of the hacien- at their posts and as silent as though on the decks of a vessel-of-war, Her yonng skipper was a thorough sailor, brave as a lion, kept pertect discipline, and was: idolized by his crew, He was a handsome lad, with the form of an athlete, and i. face that was noble in expression, fearless and determined, His years were few, for he had not yet reached oe eighteenth stepping-stone across the River of ime, Dressed in a jaunty sailor suit he looked what he was, every inch a seaman, Amidsbips, leaning against the weather rail, to which he was chained, was Marlo the outlaw, the man whose short life had been so full of evil adventure and danger. He was over six feet in height, graceful in build, dressed as a well-to-do ranchero, and had a face that was strikingly bandsome and would have been fascinating but for the reckless devil look in his eyes, and a sinister expression about his mouth, ‘Ag be sat there by the rail his face showed no sign of the misfortune that had overtaken him on the very verge of the successful carrying out of his plot against Lulita Samos and his revenge upon his people, His countenance held no indication of the shadow creeping over him which could only end in gloom, If given over to the keeping of Captain Yer- ger, as he had fired upon the cutter’s crew and taken life, be would suffer death most surely, for were it otherwise he would be only held as a smuggler. The laws of his own people be knew but too well, and there would be no chance of escape for him there, Young as was Pearl, the Coaster, Chief's daughter, he had loved her with allhis soul, and bis nature had become warped only when he ae in Ralph Rollo, the shipwrecked lad, a rival. Now he was going back to face a tribunm from whose decision there was no appeal. He would have to confront his people, to face the young gir] whom he had made the ido} of his life, and his sun go down in gloom and suffer- ing. The crew seemed not to notice his presence, for having done their duty in capturing him, they had no wish to heap abuse upon him, if Ralph would have allowed it, or «xpress their triumph in their glances, The wind was fresh, the Sea Pearl leaned gracefully to its pressure and weut rapidly through the waters, just far enough off-shore for the beauty of the scenery to be noted. At the peak floated the United States flag, ana at the fore the colors of the Coasters, a blue field with a gold spur and silver anchor 1 the center. CHAPTER XI. THE SEA PEARL’S ARRIVAL, Tr was toward sunset (nm the day follow ber sailing from the haven near the old ruin Mission on the lower coast, when the Sea Pearl drew near the home of tbe Coasters on Point Desolation, The poipt was wild and rugged, jutting balfa mile out into the ocean from the mainland, and in the shape of a horn, which afforded a barbor- age inshore, for there was an inlet beyond form- ing a basin at the mouth of a stream, and there was the haven of the little fleet. A light-house was upon the Point, where the cliff rose to e considerable height, and back from it some distance were two other light-houses a uarter of a mile apart, These had double lights, one red, one blue, and were so placed that in the darkest night, from one side or the other, one of their little fleet caught outside could run in by pointing ona course which would bring either of the near lights on a line with the light-house on the cliff, —— the blue on one side, the red on the other, The reef half a league off-shore rendered this necessary, as there were only two channels through it for vessels to pass in or out. BY ay the breaks could be seen, but at night the lights were needed to guide the pilot into the harbor through the reef. It was upon this reef a number of vessels had struck, and this fact alone had given the Coast- ers the name of being wreckers, setting false beacovs to lure a craft to its destruction. The coming of the little schooner was noted, and flags were at once set upon the flagstaffs on. the cliff and run up over the different cabin homes of the Coasters scattered all over the Point. ‘ Over a large cabin back Upon the ridge, with:

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Red Raven’s Redskin Ruse. 20 and gardens about it, were these flag- stafis. Upon the center one there was now hoisted the Stars and Stripes, with the revenue flag to the right, and the spur and anchor flag, denoting the calling of the people, halt-ranchero, half- sailor, on the left. This was the home of Captain Karl, the Coast- er Chief, As the schooner neared the reef, the revenue flag was also run up to the main-top, in honor of the presence on board of Captain XY erger, and with all suil set she went dasbing through the reef channel and heading: for an anchorage in the inlet nearly a league beyond. ** Well, Ralpb, you are bere again, and come back with flying colors; see, they are firing a salute for you,” and as Captain Yerger spoke, from the cliff two ship’s guns boomed forth a welcome, ‘**Those guns were taken from the Rainbow, Captain Yerger, the vessel that I was on, and which was wrecked just yonder where the sea breaks wildest on the reef. ‘*The guns went off ber deck when she broke up, and were found on the reef at low tide,” suid Ralph, and he added: ‘* That salute is for you, captain, for we never fire a gun for our own vessels, ‘*T appreciate the bonor, Ralph; but see, Marlo now begins to feel that his doom issealed,” and the prisoner wasseen to gaze with an anxious look toward the crowded cliff, ** Poor fellow! I can but pity him, for there is no hope for him,” ** You think it best, then, that he should not be given into my keeping for trial, Ralph?’ ‘* No, Captain Yerger, for you were not in your <ffisial capacity when we captured him, and there isan unwritten law among the Coast- ers that one who sinus against his own people must be tried and judged by them.” ‘*T yield to you, Ralph, and to the wishes of your people, for they are to be humored in all their proper use ges. ‘“* As you say, too, I am not here as Captain Yerger, but plain Edgar Yerger, your «ally in this cruise, and | can only report that Marlo the outiaw has met his just punishment for his es, “You handle a craft beautifully, Ralph, and will make a fine naval officer when you get an appointment one of these daysin the future,” “‘Thank you, sir; but there is tho chief, his wife and Pearl, and they are waving to us,” As Ralph spoke he called to bis men to take in sail, and the topsails came down in splendia style, the balloon jid followed, then the flying jib and foresail, and under fore staysail and main- sail the schooner swept into the little harbor, rounded to and let go her anchors, ‘** Splendidly done, Ralpb. ‘Bravo, my lads,” cried Captain Yerger to the young skipper and his crew, for he had watched all with the enthusiasm of the perfect sailor that be was, The boat took ashore the young skipper, Cap- tain Yerger, the prisoner and four seamen, and as it landed it was met by two men dressed in black gowns completely shielding their forms and with their faces masked also, These stepped forward amid a perfect silence and placed themselves upon each side of the prisoner, who shuddered slightly as they did so, yet still maintained his “upright bearing and calm demeanor. He was marched at once away to the prison of the settlement, after which a greeting was given pag acilige. Pa ah by the Coasters, who were a nt pia vi ’ y lot of people, men, women, and The Coaster Chief, a man of noble presence, with his wife, a woman of rare beauty, and their daugbter, Pearl, a perfect little fairy, greeted Captain Yerger and Ralph most cordially, and then all marched off toward the cabin of the ruler of these strange people who was known to them as ‘‘ Captain Kari,” and whose strange life history of wrong the reader is aware of. ‘The home was not that of acommon person, bus one of education and refinement far above these humble people with whom he had sought and found a haven of refuge, CHAPTER XIII, THE TRIBUNAL, Niaaur fell upon the scene of the settlement of e Coasters’ seaside homes, and all was hushed. From the different cabins came no sound of music or song, no laughter and gay voices, as was the wont, for they were a merry people in their homes, these people of the sea. All seemed to feel that in their midst was one se ao) over whom hung the shadow of death, and they felt the gloom that rested over all. To the Coaster Chief Ralph told the story of the crime and capture of Marlo, and all listened with the deepest attention and were glad to feel | that the merciless outlaw, bitterest foe, was no longer to be feared. It was late when they sought their rooms for the night, but there were two who were not to retire, for duty called them elsewhere, These two were the Coaster Chief and Ralph. After saying good-night, Ralph, who slept on board his vessel, took his leave, and Captain Karl accompanied him. But it was not to the vessel that they went after leaving the cabin. Their steps led them to the cliff, where a red light was burning over the prison. The latter wasa strong structure built of stone over the mouth of a cavern inthe cliff, and in which there was a massive door studded with iron, Before this door stood two men as guards, and they were enveloped in a long black gown and masked, They saluted the chief as he approached, and one said: “The Tribunal Chief,” ‘*It is well,” was the answer, and stepping to the door the Coaster Captain gave a peculiar knock, A man advanced from within, his'step silent, for he wore canvas slippers, and seeing who it was that the red Jantern cover the door revealed a bis eyes, he opened the portal and said sim- Ws ‘Enter, most exalted judge of the actions of the Tribunal.” The man was covered with a black gown, up- on the beart of which was embroidered a red band bolding a flaming torch, His. face was also masked, while upon the forebeadof the black mask was an eye, emblem- atical of one who must see clearly. Even the man’s hands were incased in gloves, and he handed to the chief a robe which he at once threw over bis shoulders, while upon his head he placed a high, square cap, It was black, and on the front wasa_ pair of scales beld out by a hand, all embroidered in white, The face of the chiof was not masked, and no robe was given to Ralph, Tao man then Jed the way into an inner room, aud thence back into the cavern, The inner room was the pris»n chamber, and a faw benches, a table and iron chains fastened into the walls were the only furniture it con- tained. The inner room was bung with black, and in the further end was an altar behind which was a seat, Upon the right were three small tables, draped in red, and upon each was a lantern and an open book, an inkstand and a quill is in session now, Sefior en. 4 On the left of the altar was a seat, and it was here the prisoner sat facing the three men who were at the little tables and who were the Tribunal, It was one of the Tribunal who had admitted the chief and Ralph. Tho latter was taken toa position facing the altar, so that he could also see the Tribunal and prisoner, The Coaster Chief at once ascended to the seat behind the altar, raised his hands as if in invo- cation and sat down. He then said in a low, impressive tone: **T am here to listen to the words of accusa- tion against the prisoner, and to hear what the Tribunal has decided upon. ‘*f bring with me one witness, for no other is necessary.” Marlo was dressed in a white gown, and wore a cap of the same snowy hue, while his face was unmasked. The white was doubtless emblematical that he was considered pure, or innocent, until the de- cree of guilty went forth against him, The center man of the Tribunal arose at the words of the chief, and said: “Most Exalted Judge, we have listened to every word that fell from the lips of the pris- over iv extenuation of his own acts, and we can only see by the hght of his testimony that he is gnilty of the charges egainst him,” ** Name these charges!” * The charges, Most Exalted Judge, are that Marlo, our comrade, against the laws that gov- ern our people, became a smuggler, and led astray with him the crew of his vessel. ‘We charge that he thus outlawed himself who had proven their | of his vessel, and his men, and when pursued by the rezuler officers of the Government, fired upon turin, killing several men, while he also sacrificed the lives of three of his companions, “ We charge that he came here, after the loss and went with his crew to ths range, from whence he came, with others, ons night, and sought to take the life-of our com- rade. Ralph Rollo, by foul means. ‘We ebarge that he fied by way of the sea, with his crew, and cut out the vessel of the chief, thereby constituting bimself a robber of his own reople. ar We charge that in his flight he lost the ves- sel, and sacrificed the lives of his crew. ‘‘ Furthermore, Most Exalted Judge, it is for your witness to speak of the crimes ef Mario, our comrade,” . The speaker resumed his seat, and a silence like death fell upon those present. CHAPTER XIV. THE SENTENCE. NEARLY a minute passed before a werd was spoken, and the silence was becoming most pain- ful, when the chief at last said: **T bave heard the charges of the Tribunal against the prisoner, and would knowif he is found guilty of all?” ** Guilty of all,” came in the voices of the three, as they arose. ‘‘} have now to place before ti is august Tri- bunal my witness, that he may muke known to se the charges he prefers against our comrade, arlo, Thus referred to Ralph turned to the Tribunal and said: ‘‘With the kind permission given me by the Tribunal, I would ask not to make any charge against our comrade, Marlo, es it would seem that he has been found guilty at . our hands of those crimes you charged him with.” “Tt isthe command of the Tribuos! that the witness charge against the prisoner uj] that be knows to his detriment,” Thus commanded Ralph, with a glance nat the prisoner, said in a distinct voice, though at first there was a quiver of emotion in it: ‘*T charge that one night when I returned to my vessel I found the prisoner there awaiting pons and he challenged me to meet him in duel. ‘*T felt forced to comply, and when we went ashore we found seconds there, one of whom pre tended toserve me, while in reality he was the friend of Comrade Marlo, for he placed no bu let in my pistol. ‘ST was wounded here, you behold the scar, and was taken aboard my vessel aud left for ead. “T charge that when Comrade Marlo discov ered that I was not dead, it was then he cam down from the range, cut out the chie!’s schoon er, of which I was sailing-master, and put td sea. ‘The Tribunal knows the fate that overtook the vessel, ‘* Need I say more?” ‘Yes, all that you know of the Grimes of th prisoner.” came in the voices of the three. Then Ralph told the story of the attack o the chief’s ranch, the supposed death of the pri oner, how he bad discovered that Marlo b gotten a foothold far down the coast on a ranc and was using his power thus obtained fe wrong. He made no effort now to escape telling a that he knew, end his narrative was listened with the deepest attention by the Tribunal, whi the prisoner did not move or take his eyes the speaker, who was his accuser. When Ralpb at last finished his story, ars a deathlike silence followed, until breken by Coaster Chief, who said: ‘The Tribunal have heard the charges of = witness?” f ‘* We have,” ; “« Will the Tribunal withdraw te council?” ‘There is no need, Must Exalted Judge.” — ‘*- Your minds are made up?” q ‘* Wholly.” i You are decided upom the innocence er <u of the prisover on the charges of this witness “ We are,” i “ And your verdict, most august Tribunal “Guilty!” came in a tone that was startli so deep and impressive it was. ‘* Prisoner, stand up.” 2 The prisoner obeyed, leaning heavily upon table before him, ‘*You have heard the verdict of the ‘ bunal?”’ : ia **T bave,” i ‘It is that you are guilty.”

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Red Raven’s Redskin Ruse. “It is that I am guilty.” ‘‘ With no palliation, no finding of innocence in any one charge against you,” ‘* It is so.” ‘* What have you to say against this finding of the Tribunal?” “* Not one word.” ‘You are guilty?” “fam,” **Solf-convicted now?” “as I am,” _ ** Then what have you to say against my pass- ing sentence upon you?” ** Not one word,” Again an awful silence, and then came the words of the judge; **To obey my oath of office, as chief of my people, there remains for me only to pass upon you a sentence of death, “Did I do otherwise I would fail in»my duty to my oath and my people. “Mario, you ara to die, and may Heaven have mercy upon your guilty soul!” A groan forced its way between the shut teeth of the prisoner but he showed no other emotion. Then the judge said: ‘6 remaius for tie Tribunal to pass upon your death, prisoue:',; for it is their duty to de- cide how you shall die, ‘Most august Tribunal, I leave the prisoner in your keeping.” With this the judge arose, and taking off his hat and gown placed them upon his chair, Then he stepped toward the prisoner and ** Comrade Marlo, having cast aside my robes of office, I can now, as a man, offer my hand to — in farewell, and say to you from my inmost eart that I pray Heaven may have mercy upon your soul.” Be 29 The chief’s hand was extended as he spoke and Marlo quickly grasped it, bent his head and ** Farewell.” Then Ralph stepped forward, and as he offered his band, said: ‘“Comrade Marlo,.I freely forgive you for seed wrong against me, and | too offer my hand farewell, * Will you not take it?” “ No i The word broke savagely from the lips of Mar- lo, and then followed: * You have brought me to this, and I leave you my dying curse, Ralph Rollo.” . An exclamation of horror broke from the lips of the Couster Chief and the Tribunal, but shough the words cut deep, Ralph said in a tone of perfect calmness; *“T am sorry, Comrade Marlo, to hear you surse; but again I say farewell.” With this he followed the Coaster Chief from ihe chamber. CHAPTER XVI. THE SUMMONS, ’ Bot little was suid by Kalph and the Coaster Yhief as they walked from the prison; but reach- ng the pathway leading down to the shore the touth remarked with forced cheerfulness: “ Good-night, father; I will be up in time for sreakfast.” ‘It was a sad scene, Ralph,” said the chief, ausing. ** Indeed it was, sir.” ** He deserved his fate.” - ** Prue, father, but I do not believe that I de- arved his dying curse,” , “That is the way to feel about it, lad, for you idonly yourduty. **Good-night, and remember, as this is your rst appearance before a Tribunal, you are to sep everything secret.” “**No one knows who the other black-robed ane is, even the Tribunal not knowing each ,ber, ‘The men draw numbers secretly, and those Gn numbers tegerve ou the Tribunal dare not “Only the judge, the prisoner and the wit- | ‘ses go unmasked, and as you saw, the judge des not say how the prisoner is to die.” © Who does?” “The Tribunal, and they send secretly so many ‘ils, and wheo the men assemble they draw for 6 fatal lot of executioner. Then only the man himself is aware that he ‘ been the one t put an end to the prisoner, tich must be in the manner decided by the “ibunal.” q ae There have been but two executions in the Story of the settlement, Father Karl?” Yes, and I hope this may be tne last, LO = Mare “ Good-night, my boy,” and the Coaster chief | sounding as they fell, so no one knew who had walked on to his cabin while Ralph went on in | drawn the red ball, the path leading to the shore, Outinto the Midnight Chambcr they filed, and He was about to enter his boat and row out to | there were guards iu the carkness standing near the schooner when he heard his name called. the outer entrance to take from them their He at once turned and beheld a black-robed | robes, bat and mask, form and masked face near him. The night was dark, but he saw that it was one of the men who acted as guard for the Tri- bunal, ‘*T am here to band you this summons, Master Ralph,” the man said in a suppressed tone, ‘“ From the Tribunal?” ay It is,” ‘* When is the call?” ** At once.” ‘« 1 will go,” and Ralph placed the blank slip of paper in his pocket and walked back up the hill path, the guard halting as he was about to go on bis way and saying: “ You are to go to the prison chamber.” ** Yes,” Ralph walked briskly on, wondering why he had received a summons, and he was soon at the prison, A guard stood there and ushered him into the room, now totally dark, and another met him within and said: ‘+ Here is your robe, mask and hat,” All of these were of different shapes, somo padded, others not, and all precautiong taken to disguise the form of any man, Even the difference in beight was thought of, and shoulders were built up, hats made bigher and masks changed to suit, Gloves were-also put upon the hands, and then the guard allowed Ralph to enter the Tribunal Chamber, where there was the dimmest of lights burning and some score of men assembled, all robed in black and masked. A few others came in after Ralph, and then the guard opened the door and said: ‘*’The summons is complete, most august Tribunal,” ‘* Bring in the prisoner, guard!” While the guard was absent on this mission, the Head of the Tribunal said; ‘* Comrades, plice yourselves in line before the prisoner’s stand!” This was done in silence, Then the lamps on the Tribunal’s tables were turned up, and the one before the prisoner's stand, A moment after the door swung open and bolt guards entered with the prisoner between them, He was deadly pale, but perfectly calm, and walked with a firm step to his place. Then be faced the line of men from whom was to be selected his executioner. . The Tribunal then arose and said: ‘Prisoner, you have heard your sentence of death from the lips of the Most Exalted Judge?” **T bave,” The voice was perfectly firm, ‘* We have decided upon what death you shall die, and all arrangements have been made,” ‘* T am ready,” * You face now those from whom your execu- tioner is to be chosen,” ‘‘ They shall not see me flinch,” was tae bold response, and a murmur of admiration at the prisoner’s nerve went through the chamber, The Head of the Tribunal now came around to the front of the line of black-robed and masked men and in his hand he held a blood-red box, In the center of the top was a small hole, large enough to admit easily a man’s hand. : fie began at the head of the line and halted in front of the first man, saying simply: * Draw!” The man put his hand into the box and it was seen to tremble, He drew it out, and as he did so the Head of the Tribunal said: “« Keep your lot hidden in your hand!” So on down the line he went, and all drew. ‘Then came the words: hi Walk singly by the lamp and behold your ot. “The one who holds the red ball, pass on with the others into the Midnight Roum, and there he is to halt until called!” And the procession passed out of the Tribunal Chamber, CHAPTER XVII. THE EXECUTIONER, WuHen the line of ivt-drawers passed out of the room all placed their bands over the red box and dropped back into it the lot they had drawn, all except one, Something soft in the box kept the balls from i i ° Singly they went, each man getting away be- fore another came ont, But one hung in the background, he who had drawn the fatal red ball of the executioner. There he stood in silence, awaiting his sem- mons hack to the Tribunal Chamber, At last it came, in a voice almost at his el- bow: “* Executioner, enter here!” The man obeyed. The Tribunal still sat there, and the prisoner was in his place. “« Executioner, face the prisoner.” The man obeyed, : “¢ You are sworn to obey the laws of this Tri- bunal, or suffer death as the penalty of disobedi- ence? : ‘Yes, Most August Tribunal.” ‘Tt is well, and your orders are to be given you now.” The man bowed in silence. ‘‘ In the covered shed on the shore, known as the Life-boat House, a boat has been taken from this Chamber and placed for your use. ‘‘Tt is a black boat with red oars, and it has two seats, one for the oarsman, one for the pris- ner. ‘*In the boat are chains which you are to wrap around the prisoner from head to foot, and you are to row out one mile from the shore and then raise the end of the board upon which he lies, and let him slide over the boat’s stern in- to the sea.” “ My God!” broke from thé lips of the pris- oner, ed as motionless as a statue in ebony. ‘‘ You are then to row back to the boat-house, leave your boat there, and returning to this Tribunal Chamber divest yourself of your robe and disguise, and go your way. ‘ There will be n» one here to see you, and you can leave the key in the outer door, “ After a given time four guards will go to the boat-bouse for the boat, and the execution of the prisoner will be ended. ‘“You bave three hours to dawn, and half that time will suffice. ‘“*Do you understand?” TE dow” “The prisoner will now be allowed to utter a prayer, and then his arms are to be bound and he will be loaded with chains, ‘¢ He will also be gagged to prevent outcry. ‘‘Mow, prisoner, you have five minutes in which to offer up a prayer to the Heaven you have sinned against.’ up no prayer, : ‘Let me be led forth to my doom,” was the bold response of the prisoner, ; “*S0 be Det ae ae BS shall be ae you wish; but, pity in is it t man of your great courage should have ie his life away by acts so heinous, ‘‘May Heaven have mercy upon your guilty soul, is the pore of those who send you to your deatb,” said the Head of the Tribunal in a voice full of emotion. And distinct and firm came the one word from the lips of the executioner: ‘** Amen!” Even the prisoner started at its utterance, but without a word held himself ready to meet his fate. He was about to be gagged securely by the Tribunal, when he said: ‘* Saye me such indignity, I beg of you, for I will make no outery. “T will utter no word of pleading for mercy.” The Tribunal conversed together in a low tone, and then the Head said: ‘Remember, no outcry on this night will bring any one to your aid, for all know that itis execution night.” ‘¢[ will utter no outcry,” was the prisoner’s firm response. ‘So be it, you shall not be gagged.” The chains were then laid over his shoulders, and his hands were clasped together by manacles. «Executioner, you will find manacles in the boat for his teet, and this same key will lock them on.” “7 understand,” was the firm response, “Tam rend,” said the prisoner, and the t the executioner and the doomed man, walk together from the Tribunal Chamber, The executioner uttered no word, but remain- _ “T will not be guilty of mockery, so will offer

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They saw no guard, they left the three robed men bebind them, and they took the path down to the Life-boat House, which was not a cable’s length from the eles Reaching the boat-house, the black boat with its red oars was found, and the board lay across the stern, It was as slippery as glass, so that the form would slide off readily into the sea, There in the boat were the chains, and the prisoner was ordered to get in, when his feet were at once manacled, He made no resistance, the oars were taken up by the executioner and the boat moved slow- ly out from the shore, The night was intensely dark, the waters of the inlet were as placid as a mill-pond ard only the roar of the breakerson the reef broke the stillness of the night. The boat had not gone far from the shore be- fore if would bave been completely lost to sight to any one who might have been standing upon the shore watching its departure. Tue executioner was on his way over the dark waters to the scene of execution in the deep black waters. CHAPTER XVIII, A STRANGE SCENE, THE oarsman was as silent as his prisoner, as he rowed out over the waters with a long, power- ful stroke, feathering his oars skillfully at every stroke, and using bis muscular arms for the strong pull rather than the weight of his body. He was puiling a peculiar stroke, and sending his boat along with an ease that was surpris- ing. What his thoughts were who can imagine, at the feeling that he was pledged to load a man down with chains and then sink him alive into the depths of the sea. Toone of a sensitive nature it was as great suffering to be the executioner as the victim. What the feelings of the doomed man were it would be hard to fathom, To die was hard enough, but to go down into the dark sepths alive, sinking down, down to his death while yet alive was appalling. 4 So over the placid waters rowed the boat to- | ward the fata! spot, At last the prisoner said in a low voice: **T know you.” ‘© Who am I?” ‘**One from whom I need expect no mercy.” ‘*Remember the vow I am under to obey, whether I would be merciful or not.” » “T know it all; but you are merciless,” ** And you were called Merciless Marlo.” “True, and I was merciless,” “* Yet you expect others to be merciful.” **T do not expect it.” ** Nor ask it?” ** Yes, [ would plead for mercy,” **To me?” “* Yes, oven to you, did I believe you had it in your heart to be merciful?” ‘« Why not I as well as any other?” **- You are differently situated.” #4 gt 80?” ; **T have wron ou individually. **In what ware “i ‘ ** You well know,” ** You said that you knew me.” 67500," ' ** How did you recognize me?” hg From the manner in which you handled the oars, ‘ Many might row asI do,” “YY ~ none do.” * You think so?” “i know so.” “Who am I?” “One that surprised me by not wishing to ap- pear aguinst we before the Tribunal.” . That tells nothing.” “Still I am pot guessing: I know you,” ~ ' Who am I, ogain I ask you?” \ “The worst foe | bave on earth,” ‘* You have many.” “True, yet not one so bitter a8 you are,” *“You are only trying to discover by the tone of my voice who I am.” “ What good would that do me when I can- Aot live for revenge?” "True; but my name, if you know me,” “Dare I breathe it, even here?” **'\Yos,” . “TY will whisper it.” “You need not fear to speak,out, for no one will hear,” oe ah in the man paused. Who r fi 1 “* Ralph Rollo,” Red Raven’s Redskin Ruse. 9 — ** You think so?” ‘*T know 80.” ‘* Well?” ‘* Well, I am to die by your hand.” ‘*- You. are condemned to death, and I am sworn to be your executioner. ‘1 did not expect this, for | had gone op my way to my vessel, when overtaken by the guard with the summons to return, ‘*It hurt me, for I felt that I had done my duty in bringing you to punishment.” ** Yes, you had.” ‘* But, Marlo, I wish you to understand me now.” : ‘* T do—you take pleasure in your revenge.” ** You are mistaken.” ‘* So you assert.” ‘¢T mean it, and when I found that I had got- ten the little red ball that was fatal to you and made me your executioner, I felt a certain sense of relief when I heard your sentence.” ‘* How so?” ‘*T felt that no law bound me to the Coasters, no pledge strong enough to cause me to carry out the sentence upon you.” ‘*Great God! do you mean what you say? cried the prisoner. ‘* Hush! not so loud, for the waters carry the voice very far.” ‘*T will be careful, but ob! tell we what you mean?” ’ “T do not intend to be your executioner,” was the response of the oarsman. ‘¢ You do notintend to kill me?” almost gasped the prisoner. ‘“T do not intend to load you with chains and sink you alive into the sea, as the Tribunal has ordered me to do,” was the firm response of the masked and black-robed oarsman. ‘*Do you intend to spare me?” cried the pris- oner, excitedly. ‘* Not so loud, Marlo!” **T will be careful; but tell me if you mean to spare me?” ‘See, I am rowing for the shore across the in- let. Yes,” ** You know that there is a pasture there where the Coasters always keep a hundred or more horses,” “T know, I know!” ‘*No herder is there on watch, and saddles and bridles are kept in the little shed,” ** Yes,” ‘*T will land you on the other shore, you can reach the pasture in a few minutes, select your horse and go your way, “T am sorry [ have neither food or weapons with me, but I have some money which I will give you, and all I ask, Marlo, is that you in aes warned by this night, lead a different life, ‘* Will you do this?” “J will! I will! Here is my hand on it,” ‘*No; when you were, as | believed, about to die, I offered you my hand, but now that you are to live [ will not take yours. ‘Here we are ashore, 80 gO your way as soon as I unlock your irons,” CHAPTER XIX, UNDISCOVERED. THE irons were left in the boat, resting upon the board that trailed over the stern, and as the prisoner sprung ashore the executioner, whom the reader now knows to have been Ralpb, the captor of Marlo, sent the little craft flying back over the dark waters, Arriving in the center of the bay, or inlet, he raised the board, and the man of chains sunk into the waters with a splash which made Ralph shudder, for he could not but think of them as enveloping a human form, and dragging a man to death down in the depths, Resuming his oars again, Ralph rowed ashore with all his speed, landing at the life-boat- house, He went on up to the where he had been told black gown, mask, hat and gloves, he dismal structure. Dawn was yet an hour away, and he hastened on his way down the path to the harbor where his own boat was dragged up upon the sands, awaiting his return. Shoving it into the water he could but recall the scenes he had passed through with since three hours before he had stood in that spot, and received the Tribunal’s summons. Out to his schooner he went, and entering his cabin he lighted his lamp, for there was no one who slept aboard except himself. The cabin was very roomy and almost Inxuri- ou-ly furnished, for the craft had been a yacht, rison, placed the keys , and see Yeas 3 of the eft the a ek take | dae ai sold by its owner in San Francisco, as he intend- ed toreturn to New York overland. It was some time before the young sailor could gain complete eontrol over his nerves, but at last he did so, and just as dawn began to lighten the eastern skies he extinguished his lamp and oy himself all dressed as he was upon his bed. A couple of hours he slept, and he awoke at hearing his name called. ‘*Come, Ralph, how lazy you are, for it is breakfast-time.” He sprung from his bunk, glared up through the companionway, and found Pearl coming toward the schooner in her little skiff. “Mb, Pearl, it is you?” “Yes, and I expected to find you asleep, you lazy fellow, but here you are up and dr ° ‘* But I have come for you, so don’t keep us all waiting, as 1 am hungry as a catamount.” ‘*-You always are, Pearl.” And Ralph laughed, for, with the sunshine and the remembrance that he did not have the. life of Marlo upon his hands, a life taken as his would have been, in irons, helpless and et bis mercy to send to the bottom of the sea, bright- ness came back into his heart once more. He quickly made his toilet, and springing into the skiff, was rowed ashore by Pearl, who led the way up home, Breakfast was just ready as they arrived, and Mrs, Karl said: ‘* We had not seen you moving on deck, Ralph, 80 Pearl thought you might be ill and went for you, ‘* She was very kind indeed.” ** And I knew po had to appear against Marlo last night, and I supposed you were tired out from worry,” Pear! said. *T did not rest well last night, I admit.” And Ralph gave a quick glance at Karl, who remarked: ‘* All of us will feel better uow, for last night ended the life of the unfortunate man who has caused us all so much of sorrow.” **Did he commit suicide?” quickly asked Cap- tain Yerger. *¢ Oh no, but he was tried.” ** So won?” ** Yes, the Tribunal tried him without delay, Captaid Yerger, for here the law of justice moves quickly. **He was found guilty and his sentence fol- lowed.” ‘** And that sentence?” ‘* Was death.” ‘* And his execution followed so soon?” ‘© Oh, yes, I suppose so, for we act promptly in such matters,” ‘* And what was the sentence?” ‘To die, more I cannot tell you, for even I do not know, as the Tribunal decide the manner of his death. ‘© You may be sure though that he is dead, for the sun is never allowed to rise upon a sentenced prisoner.” Curing this conversation Ralph uttered no word, and from his perfectly impassive face no one would have supposed that he had passed through such an ordeal as the one that the night had hidden from view. As the conversation was changed Captain Yerger said that he must return to duty once more, and asked Ralph:if he would carry him up to the city of San Francisco in his schooner, The youth was more than glad to doso, and later in the day the crew of the Sea Pearl saw the signal to sail set on board and rapidly went to the schooner to report, Captain Yerger went on board later, and the pretty craft stood out of the harbor, went beat- ing out to sea and once through the reef squared away up the coast for her run to the city of San Franeisco. Some days after the Sea Pearl returned from her voyage, and Ralph came loaded down, as he always did, with presents for Mrs. Karl, Pearl, and the Coaster Chief. He found all at the settlement just as he had left it, and breathed more freely to find out that Marlo had not been captured, or any suspicion of his escape from death was held by any one at Point Desolation. **- Yes, I am undiscovered, and no one suspects the truth; but it will bedeath to meif t1e escape of Marlo is known,” muttered Ralpb, and he felt more at ease, for well be knew the merciless laws that governed the little community. GHAPTER XX, THE REDSKIN ROAD-AGENTS. Some weeks after the de re of the Outlaw Ranchero and the Redskin Ropers from the Haunted Hacienda, the north-bound coach was ¢ ta i> * ot on ro 4 Ms

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10 rolling along the trail, neither driver nor passen- — suspecting danger, when suddenly half a ozen lariats came whirring through the air and each one of the six horses attached to the stage were cleverly and unerringly captured. The lariats had come from each side of the trail, three from the right, three from the left, and the nooses had settled over the heads of the horses, The startled animals had bounded forward, al the team were all brought to a sudden The driver had raised his long-lashed whip to bring it down upon the backs of the leaders, to enable them to break loose from the coils that held them, when stiddenly a horseman appeared in the trail ahead of them, and as he leveled a rifle at the heart of the man who held the rib- bons called out: ** Don’t do it, pard, for it’s no use, ** Your coach is my game this run, so hands up all!” The horseman was in the costume of a chief, and his face was in full war-paint. The driver quickly obeyed, dropping his reins after a turn around the coach-lamp, and raising his hands over his head, while he said: _ “ Waal, I minds durned suddint, for when In- juns goes ter holdin’ up stage-coacbes on ther trail I passes every tim: and you, Big Chief, kin call ther game, for I hain’t in it a little bit.” The Indian chief rode closer now to the coach and said, while he slung his rifle to his saddle- horn and drew a revolver: The chief spoke to twe of his warriors and in the Indian tongue. Instantly they leaped upon the fore-wheels of the coach, one on either side, and dragged out srous beneath the driver’s feet three bags of mail, The chief smiled and the driver swore, ‘*Now you can go on, and remember that the Redskin Road-Agents will stand no trifling, so be careful if you value your life!” ‘*T has beerd o’ you away up on ther north- ern trails a-holdin’ up coaches, and 1 is durned sorry yer didn’t stay thar.” **Go!” ‘$m off!” And the two passengers springing into the coach, the driver started on his way, mutter- ing curses as Le did so and lashing his horses viciously to vent bis spite as best he could. CHAPTER XXI. THE MISSING MAIDEN, Tue report spread all along the border, that there were Redskin Road-Agents on the trails, and travelers began to be very cautious about taking money with them from point to point, The stage-drivers too were most careful to hide away any valuables or money they might have tocarry, and to keep a bright lookout for a hold-up on the road. But for all this stage-coaches were held up every few days, travelers were robbed and a wagon-train was halted and looted, When no resistance was offered no harm was ** A glance behind you, driver, will show that | done the individual other than to rob him of all you are hemmed in on all sides,” that he bad of value that could be found about With a quick glance over bis shoulder the | him, driver saw thatthere were more redskins behind the coach, and while the six lasso-throwers held firmly-to the lines, others appeared in view from the thickets, ‘© Waal, (ll declar’! ‘*Injun road-agents and enough ter eat me up. “This beats my time, ‘Speak up, redskins, and say what game yer is playing. ‘You carry the mail?” said the stern voice of the chief. ** Ah! that’s ther way yer talk, is it? ** Weal, yer hain’t Injuns, arter all.” ** Yes, we are Indians, but J speak English so you can understand me; butif you prefer it [ will speak in Spanish.” **Don’t do it, chief, for Euglish are good enough ter suit me,” Then you understand my question?” ** What was it?’ ‘*That you carry the mail?” ** Who says so!” +500"? “Tf yer know’d, why in thunder did yer ask about it?’ “See bere, no trifling, or the coach company will have to find another driver,” “Waal, what if I does carry the mail?” ‘*T want it.” : ** And Uncle Sam will want you, and git you, too; don’t you forget it,” ‘© What passengers have you?” **Two, and ag poor as sin,” ‘* Pll see for myself.” With this he rode to the door, opened it, and said bluntly: ** Get out!” **The two mem did so, trembling in every t. ** What money have you with you?” **Tbere is my purse,” said one, and he handed it up to the chief, **T have but little money, but here is my watch,” the other said, “You are both deceiving me, for you have plenty of money with you; butif you love gold more than life, so be it,” ** Hold on! Ill give up alJl I have,” cried one man in terror, and he unbuckled a belt of money from about his waist. ‘* Thank you. ** Now, sir, for your contribution for Lo the r Indian,” said the chief, in a sarcastic ne, ‘*f have more money with me, yes; but it is all that I have in the world,” the other man ‘* Barn more; for that I want, and will have.” ** Here it is.” And it was given up. ** Now the mail-bags, driver.” 3 Hain’t you satisfied?” ** Yer has ter be.” ** How so?” ' ** Don’t carry no mail this trip.” ea But when resistance was offered, or a shot fired, then the Redskin Road-Agents, under their daring and cunning chief, became as cruel and merciless as it was their nature to be upon the war-path, As long as the coaches alone were the objects of attack by the Redskin Outlaws, only a show at capture was made by soldiers sent from the distant posts, and which resulted in no good. Of course the soldiers moved aripas © their march was known and there was not a Redskin Road-Agent seen upon the whole expedition. But at last a ranch was raided one night by the Redskin Outlaws and a great deal of valu- able property was stolen, for it was the home of a wealthy ranchero, At once the ranchmen began to talk of hunt- sa bret the outlaw band. ut they did no more than talk until a second ranch was raided, This caused them to organize a Vigilante company, but when ready for service no one knew where to look for the outlaws. and it fell through. As there were no other robberies for weeks, the ranchmen began to pride themselves that their organization, which so far had never done anything, had frightened the Redskin Road- Agents out of the country. But suddenly, like a thunder-clap, came the tidings along the line of coast ranches, as the places some leagues back from the sea were called, that the redskins had raided the fine old home of Sefior Samos, and carried off his beau- tiful daughter as captive. This was a severe blow all along the ranches, for all felt that they had delayed too long to act, and the result was that the redskins had struck the most crnel blow of all, for the beauty and lovely character of Lulita Samos were known far and wide, At last, with this incentive, the ranchmen got together, each one accompanied vy from five to six of his cowboys, and a force of fifty well- mounted, thoroughly-armed brave men took the field to go to the rescue of the fair captive and avenge the insult wpon her, As they swept down into the country of the Haunted Hacienda they were met by the half- distracted father, followed by a score of his faithful cowbors, From his lips they learned the whole story. The Samos Hacienda bad not been raided, but, in the absence of the sefior from home a mes- senger bad come to his home telling the seflorita Lulita that her father had been taken seriously i!] near the Havnted Hacienda and was lying there awaiting her coming. Not a single cowboy of the Samos Ranch ha pened to be near, and leaving word with her old nurse for them to follow ber, Lulita mounted her horse and accompanied the messenger. Soon after her father returned, and it was at nightfall. e heard, with great alarm, the story told by the nurse, sent for the cowboys to assemble and rode with all speed to the Haunted Hacienda, Wikis Ae ee Red Raven’s Redskin Ruse. SS a A loud summons at the gate aroused Carlos and his wife, and the surprise of the man and woman, when the Sefior Samos demanded their daughter, showed that they,were innocent of any knowledge of her, But Sefior Sa.nos searched the Hacienda never- theless, and finding no trace of his missing daughter, returned to his own home to mount fresh horses and take the trail at daybreak. With the first glimmer of light they were on the trail of the two horses, and found that it led toa spot some miles away, where it was foun that’ it came upon a spot where a dozen horses : had been in waiting. From there it led to the coast, right into the sea, and the sefior and his fullowers had been searching far and wide ever since for some clue by which to find his missing child, CHAPTER XXII THE KIDNAPPERS. AS the reader bas doubtiess surmised, the mes- senger sent to Sefiorita Samos, with a false re- port of her father’s illness, came from Fuentes, the Outlaw Ranchero, She had obeyed, prompted by love, and hed gone unhesitatingly with the messenger. He wasa dark-faced fellow, a Mexican evident- ly, but spoke English well, and said that he was a cowboy upon the Haunted Hacienda Ranch, When they had gone a few miles, the man led the way into a canyon, when, quick as a flash, two lariats were thrown from ambush and set~ tled over the head of Lulita and her horse, Both were fairly caught, the horse beyond pos- sibility of dashing away, and the fair rider with her arms pinioned close to ber side, At the same moment she was surrrounded by a score of redskins. At first Lulita supposed that they had been surprised bya band of roving Indians, but u glance showed her that the Mexican messenger was left undisturbed. He calmly sat upon his horse, and when she turned to him indignantly, he smiled and said: ‘““T but obeyed orders, sefiorita, and was paid for my work,” t ‘By whom were you given orders to commit this act of treachery?” ‘« By one who willexplain for himself.” ‘* And my father is not ill?” ‘Not that | am aware of, sefiorita.” Just then there rode forward one who ap- peared to be an Indian chief, and as he drew , rein near the maiden, he snid: ** We meet again, Sefiorita Samos.” “* Ah! you are not ar Indian, then?” “Only by adoption, S-forita Lulita,” } ‘* Who are you?” ** Cannot you guess?” ‘*T know that voice now.” ; «Yes, you have heard it often before, heard © it when it muttered words of love into your then. willing ears, a love which I still feel for you, and hence my capture of you, so that I may » teach you to return that love, Lulita,” ** Silence, sir! ‘+ How dare you repeat such words to me?” ‘*T dare do anything, Lulita Samos,” 't6 Yes, verv true, “You are Marco chero.” ‘‘ Yes, I am Marco Fuentes, who saved you" from capture by Marlo the Merciless Marauer, as but for my revenge he would have had you in his power ere this.” ; ‘*T can see no difference between you, for you are both outlaws, both fiends in human forr; yes. all that iz cruel, heinous and despicable. @ Fuentes, the Outlaw Ran- 4 Y _ ‘¢ With such an opinion of you, do 70 expects | me to be won by you?” said Lulita, with cutting — sarcasm, ‘*T may teach you to do so yet.” ‘* Never |” . “Then policy may force you to do so, or at least pretend an affection you do not feel.” **T would die first.” ‘* We shall see,” “Tf it is gold you wish for my ransom, you can get it, for I will write my fathera note,and ~ you can secure your eager ‘‘T want both you and your gold, for I wil! never accept the riches of Lulita Samos unless. her hand goes with it.” She made no reply, and he continued: P3 ‘You have doubtless heard of the Redskin Road-Agents?” Ae ‘Yes, a lot of white men aeeeees as such, and who have been committing the greatest acts of villainy.” » “You are mistaken, for they are all Indians except myself.” \ “Yet there is one who at once casts the lie itt your teeth,” ¥ . vai,

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Red Raven’s Redskin Ruse. 11 “That man I sent as a messenger to you?” “cs Yes,” - **He was sent for and engaged for his work, so our compact is at an end, and he can go his way when we have reached the coast, where our trail will end.” ‘* The coast?” ** Yes, for we go to the coast.” ‘Ob, man! have you no mercy?” ‘*-You need have no fear, ‘© Will you come with me without force, or shall [ bind you to your horse,” ‘Do not bind me, for I will go without force,” she oe sadly, though she tried to keep up her spirits, Placing himself by her side und taking one bridle-rein, Fuentes led the way, bis Redskin Ropers following, tue messenger bringing up the rear. They went toward the coast, and at a rapid canter, for night was coming on. » The moon lighted their way, however, after nightfall, and within three hours they began to descend the hills to the coast. Straight to the sand7 shore they went, where a light surf was breaking upon the beach, A boat was pow seen coming inshore, and in it were two men. From her saddle, as her borse stood in the water up to his saddle-girths, Lulita got into the boat, the chief and the messenger following * er, The Indians continued on down the coast in the water, while the boat, beyond the surf moved . along the shore. Thus a mile was passed over and they came to an inlet into which the soldiers and the boat turned, Another mileinland the boat landed on the sandy beach, and Lulita stood waiting while the chief paid the boatmen for their services, Lulita watched all that happened and wascon- vinced that [*uentes had secured the services of the boatmen, for a sma)l fishing sloop lay at 7 anchor in the mouth of the inlet, Back to the sloop the boat rowed, while again mounting their horses the party held on along the sandy shore until they came toa cliff jutting , out into the waters. In this cliff was a vast crevice, as though it had split apart, and boldly into it the chief rode, | Lulita following and the Redskin Ropers bring- eo ing oP the rear, nce in the crevice and the chief struck a match and lighted a lantern which he had taken from a shelf of rock, * “Now, sefiorita, you will keep close bebind me, for this is a cavern into which a tunnel has been cut from the old Mission on the bill-top, ‘The tide is out now 80 that we gained easy access, but when it comes in all traces of our | trail will be washed away, and those who pursue us will never know where we left the sea, * The old ruin has some comfortable quarters in it, and you shail be well cared for, 1 assure . a you. “Keep close behind me now and I will lead “the way.” ; Lulita made no reply, but followed the chief with his lantern, and efter a ride of five minutes through the tunnel they came out into an arched » chamber, where the horses were left. ~ A stone stairway led from this to rooms over- head, and to her surprise the maiden found her- self iS A sancti which were by no means uncom- forta eo, “i wt eye —_—--— 7a CHAPTER XXIII. THE SEARCH, _ Wuen the Ranchero Vigilantes met with Sefior Samos and his cowboys, the story of the kidnapping of Lulite was told in full, and just _ ho the trail had been lost at the sea-shore. _. Butas the Ranchero Vigilantes wished to fol- ‘low the trail for themselves the Sefior Samos led _ the way to the spot where the messenger had > anes She bosseeien whe were awaiting for him And the kidnap irl, -‘The trail ree ‘aoe nearly a week old, but it \ was taken up and followed to the coast, §Sefior Samos had sent to his bacienda for pro- visions, and so the party camped at night upon the coast, iv With the morning they all set to work to solve _ the mystery of how it was that the trail of twenty-three horses ended in the sea. The men scattered themselves up and down _ the coast, and the search was most thorough, yet © At night when all met in the camp the fruit-— | arch was discussed, and not one could agree "upon any explanation for the lost trail. | | “hy ‘ : oes "4 “a $0 ar es Of course all had decided that the kidnappers had ridden in the sea up or down the coast, to destroy their trail. But where had they gone? Down the coast a mile there was an inlet, deep and wide, and no horse could cross it that was certain even at slack tide, as there were rocks that made wild breakers in the center, Upon the only shore of the inlet that a horse could follow, a barrier came where a cliff jutted out into the waters, and beyond was a rocky barrier, Several men had gone to the point of this cliff and found a crevice, but it was a mere split in the rock, they said, and as the tide was well up tbere was no place of refuge within. That was the report in that direction. Up the coast the sandy shore ran for a Jeague or more, and then there was a cliff straight asa wall and very high, against which the sea broke furiously even at low tide. Had any trail led back from the shore, be- tween those cliffs and the point in the inlet, it would have been readily discovered in the dry sand, The camp of the searchers was upon a hill, near an old ruin which stood upon the spur of a range ending abruptly at the coast. Along the range was the only visible access to the ruin, which had once been an old Spanish Mission. When deserted, for reasons never known to the present generation, it was said, or there was a legend to that effect, that the ruin had been the haunt of a pirate of the Pacific who had gained entrance there by rumning his vessel close in to the cliff, and thus, from the yards, ‘| reaching the rocks. Whether this was true or not, no one had ever had the temerity to search in the old ruin for treasure with the piratical stamp upon it, The ridge-road toit led in through an arch in the wall, and entered a plaza an acre in size, Around this the structure had been built, a chapel and rooms, stable and store-rooms, But it appeared to have caved in here and there, and if there was any eT of refuge there, none of the searchers could discover it, Then, too, for the kidnappers to have gone to the coast and then made a back trail to the old Mission would have caused them to travel many miles, and certainly their tracks would have been visible, So, after a rearch of the ruins, all gave up that there was no hiding-place there for any- thing save coyotes and owls. Yet Sefior Samos remembered that it was to this old ruin that Fuentes bad taken his daugh- ter before, when she was rescued by Marlo, and he could hardly force himself away from the spot. At last it was determined to leave the camp on the coast, as no clue could be found to the mysterious disappearance, and all decided that perbaps after all the best place to search for the missing maiden was the Haunted Hacienda, ‘That was bis home, and it is said that there are many secret recesses in the old place where a troop of cavalry can hide. ‘ ‘ Why should he not go there?” asked a ran- chero, ‘* We went there first, and found nothing.” ‘** No suspicious signs, sefio: ?” ** Not one.” ‘* Who dwells there now?” “Two servants, a fine-looking fellow by the name of Carlos, who was Fuentes’s cowboy chief, and his wife, a really beautiful woman by the nems of El Cinto, also a Mexican,” answered Sefior Samos. * ‘* But he has some cowboys there, sefior,” said one of the Samos ranchmen, Yes, a few,” Y “He has four, sefior, and they live at the Herders’ Camp, some miles from the Haunted Hacienda.” “ Well, we can go there and see them,” “They are all Mexicans, sefior,” said the man in a significant tone, as though to convey the meaning that, being Mexicans, they were to be suspected. | “Did you find the man and his wife knew nothing of the affair, sefior?’ asked the ran- chero who had just spoken of the Haunted Hacienda, ry Mocthieg, and I am convinced they are inno- look them over again, and “ Well, w an start abd - ; As the words were uttered, a horseman was seen ‘coining ata canter toward the camp. it was Carlos of the Haunted Hacienda, ‘i-a% Rei leg Pu Sel they could not nes ana keane CHAPTER XXIV. CARLOS HAS A THEORY, THE horseman, ashe came toward the camp on the coast, was recognized at once by Sefior Samos and others of the searcbers, He was weil mounted, rode a silver-ornament- ed saddie and bridle, and was dressed in fringed leggings of buckskin, top-boots, silver spurs, @ silk shirt and velvet jacket, the latter adorned with buttons and braid, Upon his head was a sombrero, in the front of which was embroidered the United States flag, in spite of his being a Mexican by birth, t ‘* Sefior Samos, [ hope you have some tidings of your daughter,” he said, in a pleasant way, afterhe had dismounted, ‘* None whatever, Sefior Carlos. ‘‘Weare more at a loss than ever to find some clue of her, and yet all that has been done by my kind friends here has been useless,” was the mournful response of the ranchero. ‘YT had a talk with my herders, and they could suggest nothing, but I came to offer my services to you in the search,” “Tam glad that you have come, Sefior Car- los, for, to be frank with you, we were going to-night to the Haunted Hacienda to search it. Carlos did not change color, but with a smile, and with no show of indignation, answered, while every eye was upon bim: “‘Itis but natural, Sefior Samos, for you to feel suspicious of all connected with the Haunt- ed Hacienda, and I do not blame you for it. ‘*But you may remember that Sefior Fuentes was clever enough never to let his right hand know what his left did, or in other words he lived as a gentleman at the hacienda, and se- cretly led a band of outlaws who had a retreat. far away toward the coast.” ‘That is true.” ; ‘* When he was superseded by the man Marlo, I had the same confidence in the latter that you bad, and it wasa surprise for me to find out that he was snch a black villain, as we learned his career from the officer who came to the ha- cienda, ‘Marlo, too, led a double life, as you know. ‘*Then came out the capture, by the sailors, and the clever escape of Sefior Fuentes, who sought a hiding-place in the hacienda, which he knew perfectly, ** Now, since the Sefior Fuentes left the haci- enda I have not seen him, though I am sure that he must be the leader of the Redskin Road-Agents, and also the kidnapper of your daughter.” ‘You are sure of this?” The question was earnestly asked by Sefior mos, **T feel certain that he is.” x “ Why, may I ask?” , ‘* Well, sefior, it was Fuentes who got that band of redskins together to carry out his re- venge upon Marlo, ‘When they were set free, to return to their camps, I employed them as herders until I went away and secured the men I now have. ‘*Then I let them go.” ** And then?” \ ‘* It was not very long after that I heard tales of robberies being committed by Redskin Road- Agents, led by achief who spoke perfect English and Spanish. — | ‘*Sefior Fuentes does both,” “ Yes,” ‘ ‘ “ Why, then, being a fugitive without means, should not Fuentesagain seek his Redekin Ropers: and take the trail to hold up coaches and rob. ranches?” ‘¢' That is true, Sefior Carlos,” _ ‘*Thne Redskin Ropers certainly had nothin against you or your daughter, and I feel assur that she was kidnapped by the Sefior Fuentes.” : ae _ “T can believe nothing else; but where has he taken her?” ; ‘““You followed the trail from your ranch,, sefior?” 4 Yes,” ‘* Where did it lead?” ‘*To the beach yonder, into the sea.” _ “You are sure she went along?” ts. foe J were

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12 Red Raven’s Redskin Ruse. ee eae em cmnargeetnne eee for you have men with you who have no superior as trailers.” ** Yes, and all are at fault.” ‘Then they could not have come back to the shore.” ‘¢ What else could they have done?” *‘ Have you thought of a boat?” ec Ab {? The exclamation came from a score of lips, “If Sefior Fuentes planned to kidnap the Sefiorita Samos, he planned to cover up his tracks, and there is no doubt but that he had a bout here to meet the party. : “That is my theory,” said Carlos impressive- ily. CHAPTER XXV. UNDER SUSPICION, THE theory offered by Carlos of the Haunted Hacienda at once had backers, ** Yes, he went in a buat.” ‘* He had a boat here to meet him,” was the decision expressed by several. But Ranchero Rafael, a young man who was captain of the Vigilante party, asked: ‘* What kind of a boat, Sefior Carlos?’ “‘ That I do not know.” ** How could they get a boat near enough in- shore to embark on?’ ‘*They could take the people off in a row- boat.” ‘True; but there would yet remain the horses.” ** Yes, but they would sacrifice them.” “Tf left they would return to the shore and we would find their trails.” ‘* Yes, but they would not leave them.” ‘They certainly could not get them upon a boat,” urged the Vigilante captain. *“No, but they could knife them, tow the bodies off-shore and let them drift away with the tide, while the people ran up or down the ‘coast in the craft that met them,” This second theory was applauded. Carlos had made a hit, and even the Vigilante ‘captain admitted that the Haunted Hacienda ranchman might have struck a solution of the mysterious disappearance of the party at the sea-shore. The matter was then discussed in all its bear- ings, and nearly every one agreed that they could see no other way to account for the lost trail, except by the use of a boat for the people, and the carrying the bodies of the horses out to sea, ‘*But where has he taken my child?” asked the despairing father, ** Senor, the motive can only be for ransom, and you will soon.hear from Sefior Fuentes, be- yond a doubt.” **Why do you speak of such a man as Sefior ‘Fuentes?” asked the Vigilante captain. ** Because, sefior, it is from habit, as the Sefior Yo -ag was my employer, you,must remem- of “Why do you think, then, that this Fuentes will soon let the Sefior Samos hear from him?” It was very evident that the Vigilante captain was suspicious of Carlos, ‘*T can see no other motive for the kidnapping ‘the Sefiorita Samos than for ransom, and when Fuentes, if that yeaa you, sefior, is in a place of safety himself, he will seek to make terms with the one to pay the gold for his captive’s re- lease, ** At least such is my humble opinion,” “1 think the Sefior Carlos is right, captain, and my best plan would be to offer a reward for information regarding my daughter, for ths body of Fuentes, dead or alive, and any word that can lead to her rescue, or the capture of her kidnapper, **T will do this at once, for I can see no reason for remaining here longer, and thereby keeping all of you delayed on my account, from your kindness to me, ‘* Thig I will do, sefiors,” “One moment, Sefior Samos?” said the Vigi- lantes’ commander, ** Yes, s-fior.” ‘*{ may wrong Senor Carlos, and if soI am sorry for it: but I cannot bring myself to tirs belief that he, as the cowboy chief of Fuentes, living on his ranch witb bim for a long while, does not know more of the man than he admits. ** Hecomes to us with a very plausible theory for the lost trail, I agrepjand his idea of ransom is all right; but mney hewmot know just what has occurred, and may it notjbe that he is feeling ane as the go-between Of Fuentes and your- ‘se The words of the Vigilante captain evidently amade an impression, 4 Every eye was turned upon Carlos. His face did not change color. He even smiled serenely. As he seemed to be expected to speak, he said, with no show of in- dignation: ** T do not wonder that you distrust me, sefior, for | admit that my position is a suspicious one. ** But, after the visit of Sefior Samos to the Haunted Hacienda, my wife and I had a talk over this latest act of our former employer, and we arguea for our own sakes, it was best for me to lend my aid to the searchers for the Sefiorita Samos, ‘¢ The owner of the Haunted Hacienda ranch and cattle I admit is the Sefior Fuentes, ‘‘ He 13 at present a fugitive from justice, an outlaw, the: kidnapper in my opinion of this gen- tleman’s daughter, while 1 am in charge of his property, ‘‘1f be does not return, I retain control until the law sends me off. ‘* If he is captured and banged, as he deserves to be, then I still hold my place until the law ousts me, ‘‘ Until then Iam secure of a living on the ranch, and if I leave I shall still be able to take care of my wife and myself without having to turn my hand against my fellow-man to do so, ‘‘T have no other explanation to make, even to you, Sefior Vigilante.” he words were uttered with cool dignity, and all seemed to think Carlos had made a point in his favor. But the captain said: ‘* One moment, please,” cs Yes?” “Tf this outlaw communicates through you to the Sefior Samos his wishes regarding the Sefior- ita Samos, you will consider 1t your duty to at onee betray him into the hands of those who should punish him.” ‘You are wrong, for I would betray no man who placed his life in my hands, though I would do all for the release of the sefiorita in my power.” ‘* Sefior Samos?” ‘* Yes, Captain Rafael,” “This man is, I am sure, in league with Fuentes, and I advise that we make him a prison- er and then march upon the Haunted Hacienda,” said the Vigilante captain. CHAPTER XXXVI, A WOMAN AT BAY, CARLOS was considerably taken aback at the turn affairs had taken. To resist would be worse than madness, and so he calmly surrendered with the remark; ‘*{ surrender, Sefior Captain, but upon one condition,” ** Name it,” ‘* | shall demand of you personally satisfaction if you search the hacienda and find no clue to Fuentes, nothing to convict me of playing a double game in this matter.” **T accept your challenge, Sefior Carlos, and agree to your terms; but weare to be the judges, when we make the search, as to your guilt or innocence.” ‘*So be it, sefior, and when you fail to convict then you are to answer for your determined course to cast an insult in my teeth.” ‘7 am,” was the indifferent answer of the Vigilante captain. Sef: r Samos was anxious not to have this feel- ing of the young ranchero against Carlos to be pushed too far, so he said: “*T think, Sefior Captain, you will find Sefor Carlos had not acted in the interest of Fuentes in this matter, his misfortine being to have served that man.” ‘ ** We shail see, sefior.” ‘And when wedo I trust that you will be willing to acknowledge that you have wronged the Setior Carlos.” “I will act only according to the dictates of what I deem right or wrong. ‘*T suspect this man, and if I find no clue to connect him with thisman Fuentes, I shall not hold him prisoner, for he will be free to go. But I shall consider it his good fortune that enables him to asi for still will I believe him guilty, and more, {am responsible to him as pledged, if he considers bimself insulted by my suspicion and words,” be Sefior Samos said no more, for he saw that the Vigilante was determined to connect Carlos with Fuentes, and the others bad also begun to r d him with suspicion. The party then broke upcamp and took up the march for the Haunted Hacienda. Carlos was securely bound, bis bands being eres get — eee eee ee made fastto the horn of his saddle and his feet being tied under the girth. Sefior Samos had urged that this need not be, but Ranchero Rafael had said there should be no chance of escape, \ On through the bright moonlight they rode and toward midnight came near the Haunted Hacienda, ‘ All was quiet there, and as they reached the gate Carlos said: ‘*f will give the signal so that there will be no delay, and My wife will admit us.” ‘No, you will simply give warning, so remain quiet. ‘* T will call.” The Vigilante then gave orders to oblique right and left and entirely surround the hacien* da, thus camping until dawn, The order was obeyed, and the Vigilante cap- tain, his prisoner, Sefior Samos, and a dozen of the cowboys rode up to the gate. Calling aloud, an answer came from the haci- enda, and. soon a woman’s form advanced from the hacienda toward the wall. She looked through a small window, and. asked: ‘* Who is there?” *‘ Open the gate, El Cinto, for there are some ,; gentlemen with me,” said Carlos, cael But her quick eyes had detected that ber hus- : band was bound, and she disappeared from the little window, closing it after her, A moment after a narrow door in the massive iron-studded gates was thrown ope, and El Cinto step out with a revolver in each hand, ‘‘Why are you bound, Carlos?” she asked, sternly. ‘* My good offices to the searchersof theSefior- ita Samos were misunderstood, E! Cinto, for [ was suspected of being in league with Fuentes, and I was made 2, prisoner and brought here ° while they search the hacienda,” ‘+ You suspected of harboring Fuentes, a man who has made war upon that beautiful young lady, sefiorita, whom a wolf would notharm? ~~ « And this is the return for your going to aid in her regepe?” eae And the woman spoke in a toneof indignation , and anger, : ‘‘A pretty piece of acting, sefiora, but your. husband I do suspect, and as birds of a feather flock together, you are doubtless guilty with, nim,” was, the curt reply of the ranchero cap- tain. ‘* Oh, Sefior Captain, do not visit your anger upon the séfiora,” urged the Sefior Samos, while Carlos said: “‘ Sefior Captain, this quarrel is between you and I, and it is cowardly to attack a wo- man.” ‘* 1] make all answer when I am satisfied you are not both guilty. ‘‘Now I intend to search this old rookery from one end to the other, from cellar to roof, “Open that gate, woman!” A But the ranchero was tr. ing harsh methods’ with the wrong woman, for in an instant El Cinto had him covered with her revolver, while she cried: “Sefior Captain, you may search the Haunt- _ ) ed Hacienda, yes, but not until you set Carlos ~~ Canova free. ‘Set him at liberty within the moment or L will gend a bullet into your heart!” Captain Rafael was taken completely by sur- prise by the sudden turning of the woman at bay. . ite knew not what to say) and a silence fell upon all, while El Cinto ed out: ** Obey, or I fire!” CHAPTER XXVII. WITHOUT SATISFACTION, THAT El Cinto intended to keep her word no one knew better than Ranchero Rafael who gazed straight into her face and saw determipa- tion upon every feature. He disliked to back down after all he had done, and especially before @ woman, and yet he felt he was throwing bis life away, for there was not the slightest tremor in the band that held the revolver, the muzzle of which was not more than geven feet from his breast. ; As for Carlos, he sat an instant in silence and ..< then said: ‘ “Back down, Sefior Captain, if you value life, for she will keep her word,” At this moment Sefior Samos interfered, ‘One moment Seo sefora?” i “ Well, Sefior Samos?” J “Tf we release your husband you will consent _ that Captain Rafoel shallsearch the ruin?” - so ee

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= & | Yes, sefior, throughout,” “Then, Captain Rafael, let us release the Se- fior Carlos and begin the search.” ‘* The search must be made by daylight.” ** Release my husband or die!” came in start- lingly thrilling tones from El Cinto, *T will yield to your wish, Sefior Samos,” said the ranchero captain, and he gave an order for the release of Carlos, and quickly, for he saw that his life hung on the whim of a wo- man, As soon as Carlos was free he sald: ‘*Sefior Samos, I will invite you and your friends to share the hospitality of the hacienda for the balance of the night, if you will.” ‘‘ This is but a dodge to escape and—” ‘*Silence, sir!” thundered Carlos, and in a changed tone he turned from the ranchero cap- _ tain to the Sefior Samos and continued: **To prove my innocence, sefior, to_you, for what this man thinks I do not care, I will re- main in your presence until after the hacienda has been thoroughly searched in the morning. ‘* Your men are surrounding it, and there is no eg for the escape for any one from these walls, _ ** Will you enter, please, and your angry friend is also included?” ‘‘T am sorry for this suspicion of you, Sefior Carlos, for I have not felt that it was just; but I will avail myself of yorr hospitglity,” Sefior Samos said, ’ “I will remain without with my men, Seiior Samos, and keep a watchful eye that no one leaves the hacienda, and I advise you to keep that man, and the’ woman too, under watch,” the ranchero captain said. With this Sefior Samos and several of his cowboys entered the gates and were made com- fortable in the quarters of Carlos and his wife. Carlos kept right in the presence of the sefior constantly, and when dawn came the latter was able to say that the keeper of the hacienda had not left the room. After having set breakfast before her guests, El Cinto said: ‘Now, sefior, I will open the gates and admit the searchers,” ‘Where are your men, sefior!” asked Sejior Samos, “Tf you mean the cowboys, they @re at their camp, sefior, several miles distant. * ‘“‘ There are four of them.” ‘* And who else occupies this hacienda with you?” “ My husband.” ‘** No one else?” ‘* Not a soul.” ‘‘Do you mean that you remained here alone, while your husband went to'our camp?” ** All alone, sefior, why not?” ** Were you not afraid?” ** Of what, sefior?” ‘It is said that the place is haunted by tear- ful memories of the past.” wae ‘“*T have seen no ghosts, sefior, and I fear nothing, ** T can protect myself.” ‘‘T believe you,” muttered the ranchero, Then he walked out to the gate with Carlos, and the gates were thrown open. Sefior Rafael was there and in anything but a arg humor, for he spoke very curtly to fior Samos, ** At last we are Popmittod to enter?” ‘* Yes, sefior, and I advise you to keep a civil tongue while you are here, for I am master here,” was the quick reply of Carlos, R ‘* We will settle our affair later, sir.” “Yes, at your own bweet will, so that you do not wish to postpone it until another day. The Sefior Samos again came in to prevent trouble and urged that the hacienda be searched at i and by two separate parties, of six men each, ~ ‘ Th eee speed ten ns mem set to work, aptain ael going with one party and urgin them on to their best efforts, ops ioe hus the morning passed away and nothin had been found of a suspicious nature. . A squad had been sent for to bring in the cow- a of the ranch, and all of them came, hey were closely questioned by Captain Rafael but did not commit themselves to any knowledge to convict them of being in the pay se cy so stele thei ; ey knew on arlos as their employer, and had never seen hay one else about the ranch, El Cinto had dinner ready for the search and after the meal they on began the task of | - At last even the ranchero captain was will- ing to give up, and said: * Well, Sefior Samos, duty.” ‘Then I hope you are satisfied, sefior, that you wronged our friends here?” ees I cannot say that I am, sefior,” was the re- Pp we have done our y. ** Nor am I satisfied, Captain Rafael, for now you have to answer to me for the insults cast upon my wife and myself,” came in the stern voice of the keeper of the Haunted Hacienda. CHAPTER XXVIII. SATISFACTION, In vain was it that Sefior Samos sought to pour oil upon the troubled waters, and cause a treaty of peace to be patched up between Rafael, the ranchero captain, and Carlos Canova, the keeper of the Haunted Hacienda, Carlos was now in no mood for trifling. He had kept his compact, and was determined now that Rafael should stand by his. Failing in his endeavors, Sefior Samos ap- pealed to otHers, those who had come with the captain. hey did all in their power to have the quar- rel settled amicably, but Carlos was deter- mined, and would now only hear of a meeting between himself and the ranchero captain, The latter had toned down a little, yet was ready, he said, to keep his compact, if Sefior Carlos demanded satisfaction. ‘*] do demand satisfaction, gefior, for when I went to serve you I was insulted. ‘* When I agreed to be made a prisoner on certain terms, you accepted, and I came bound here to my home, ‘*You backed down in face of my wife, but insulted her, though I was released. ** Now, after the insults flung in our teeth, you are willing to break your compact, and I say that you are a coward.” Whatever feeling the ranchero captain had had before in the matter, the last words of Car- los stung him to the quick, and he said savage- af T have broken no compact and I will meet ‘Well said, sefior, 1 am glad to find I was mistaken in my estimate of you, 80 retract the word coward I flung at you, ‘Pray mention to some friend your weapons and terms of the meeting, and I will name mine,” Sefior Samos now appealed to the wife of Carlos to prevent the meeting, but she said quietly: ‘No, sefior, the quarrel was not of my hus- band’s seeking, and beth of us have been in- sulted and accused of the gravest of acts to- ward you, ‘“My ‘husband wil! wipe out the insults, or fall in the attempt.” Sefior Samos sighed, and Rafael, the ranch- ero captain, said: ‘* Sefior Samos, I ask your good offices in this affair as my friend,” Sefior Samos would gladly have gotten out of the affair; but he could not well refuse one who had led a party to the rescue of his daugh- ter, and more, had gotten into the difficulty with Carlos from having been over-zealous in his desire to find Lulita. So he said; iat I will serve you, Sefior Captain, as you ask **Thanks, sefior, and if my enemy will name his second, matters can soon be arranged.” ‘*My wife will serve me,” was the quiet re- sponse of Carlos, and El Cinto calmly stepped forward and remarked: ‘Tam ready, Sefior Samos, ‘*May I ask what weapons your principal refers?” This cool way of putting it caused Sefior Sa- mos to quickly say: “Can it be possible, sefior, that you would have your wife witness this duel?” ** Certainly, sefior.” ‘¢ And act as your second?” ‘‘ Why not, Sefior Samos? for certainly she feels the deepest interest in me of any one here, or elsewhere, for that matter.” Sefior Samos sighed, but said: ** You know best. ** Sefiora, I am at your ade al ie , *‘ And the weapons your principal prefers, sefior? for as the challenged party he hae the right to select.” : 4 ‘ What is your choice, Captain Rafael?” And Sefior Samos turned to the captain, who said, indifferently: 13 | ‘t Rifles, or revolvers—it is a matter of indif- ference to me,” Then he quickly added: ** Let it be a duel on horseback, one revolver each, to be stationed across the Plaza, at the word charging forward and firing at will.” : ‘* That will suit us,” quietly said El) Cinto, and she added: ‘* We will load the weapons now, Sefior Sa- moé, and toss for the word.” This was done, El Cinto showing that she was well versed in the use of firearms, and when the ‘* toss” was made she won the word. Carlos got his finest horse, mounted and rode to position, while he told El Cinto to offer the captain a fresh mount, an offer which was promptly refused with the insulting remark: ‘He would mount me on some animal that I would have all I could do to ride, and never be able to fire from.” So the captain mounted on his own horse, and thetwo duelists went to the positions selected for them by their seconds. They were to ride from wing to wing of the hacienda, a distance of a hundred yards across. the Plaza. A line was drawn fifty feet from each posi- tiun, and here the seconds stood, and once over this they could begin firing. The rancheros, cowboyg and the party of four from the Haunted Haciefidaall took up positions to see this novel duel, and among them all El Cinto was about the coolest in appearance, what- ever she might inwardly suffer. When she gave the word her voicerung out as clear as a flute: ‘* Are you ready?” re men nodded, and then came the word: o! The horses bounded forward at the word, and as the two men rode like a flash by the two seconds, the woman and the man, each duelist fired when across the line, Their revolvers flashed together, and both bul- lets found targets, The bullet from Ranchero Rafael’s revolver buried itself in the brain of Carlos’s horse. The bullet fired by Carlos sunk into the fore- head’ of the ranchero captain. CHAPTER XXIX. THE LAST RESORT. WHEN the horse of Carlos fell dead beneath him, the athletic rider caught. nimbly upon his feet, and, as though perfectly sure of his aim, turned and bent over the fallen animal agif in pity for him. In the mean time the ranchero captain had fallen heavily to the ground, and when his friends rushed to his side they found that he was dead, The bullet had entered the very center of his forehead, and he had been instantly killed, “Poor fellow, he brought it upon himself,” said one. ** Yes, I feared that he would push Sefior Car- los beyond all bounds,” Sefior Samos remarked. ** Poor captain! brave fellow He was a good -but allowed his temper to better him time an again.” ‘* 1 knew that some day his temper would carry him beyond all bounds.’ ‘* Where shall we bury him?” ** Here at the hacienda.” ‘* It might be unpleasant for the Sefior Carlos,” said Sefior Samos, joining in the conversation with the others. The words caught the ear of Carlos, who said quickly, as he came forward: **Not in the least, sefior, and with the old padres buried in the hacienda cemetery he will rest in the midst of good company.” El Cinto at once said she knew of several cof- fins in one of the cells, one of which might be used, and so preparations were at once begun to bury the unfortunate ranchero, Carlos lending a helping hand, At last the preparations were made, the body , was placed in one of the long-unused coffins, and | the men bore it to the little chapel cemetery, where a grave had been already dug. With only a prayer, uttered by Sefior Samos over his remains, the ranchero was consigned to the grave, Carlos and El Cinto standing near with uncovered heads, If there was any feeling toward Carlos, among the friends of the dead man it was not shown, and after the burial the party mounted their horses and p to return to their homes, as Sefior Samos said it would do no good to make h, and be would let it be known further searc that he would give a most liberal reward for any” information leading to the recovery of his daugh-

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14 Red Raven’s Redskin Ruse. ter, and double the amount for the capture, or death of her captor. So the horsemen divided there at the Haunted Hacienda, the ranchmen going northward, the four cowboys under Carlos to their camp, with tly increased respect for their employer and | is wife, and the Sefior Samos and his men back to their vanch, Before leaving, the Sefior Samos. grasped is band of both Carlos and his wife, and said: ‘*T cannot believe that either of you would deceive me, and I trust you, dM i 4 you can gain any clue of my child, come me. Then he departed and late in the night re turned to his desolate home, He bad a lingering hope that he might, upon arrival there, find that Lulita had returned. Bat be was doomed to disappointment as old Edwina met him at the door and cried out ex- citedly : ** Oh, sefior! have you got the sefiorita?” ‘* Alas, no, Edwina; but I still hope almost against hope. ‘*T have done all that could be done, and now rmoust wait until her kidnappers show their hand, ‘Then my whole fortune will I give for her release.” The next day messengers were dispatched to all quarters to pest the offer of rewards. They were to place it where the trails crossed, at the different ranches, the settile- ments, and wherever roe would catch the eye. The day following Carlos appeared at the ha- cienda and was greeted by the sefior with anx- ious face, ‘*Sefor Samos, I have come to ask you to give meseveral of those papers, offering a re- ward, for { wish to post them at your late camp on the coast, at the old Mission on the ridge, andat the Cross Trails, for, as the kidnappers went that way, perhaps they may return from the same direction.” ‘* You are right, Sefior Carlos, and you shall have the placards.” ** And, sefior, it might be well to send a couple of your men up and down the coast for a long _ distance, for the vessel must have made 4 landing as near as possible from the starting- place,” ae I will do so, Sefior Carlos, and I thank ou. After taking diiner with Sefior Samos, Carlos rode away toward the coast. It was not by the orders of Sefior Samos, but he was ‘followed, and by two of the ranch cow- boys. The next day they came and reported to the sefior that Carlos had gone to the coast and faithfully posted the placards at the camp, on the shore, and at the old Mission, Then he had gone on the trail for the Haunted Hacienda. ‘*T feel that bois true,” was the comment of Sefior Samos, and the story told by the two cowboys who had tracked him, caused the others to think that he had been misjudged wholly by the ranchero captain. CHAPTER XXX, A RESCUER, A MONTH after the rewards offered by Sefior Samos were ,& Vessel was steaming slowly down the coast and close in-shore. The moon was again at its full, and the sea ‘was as placid asa lake, for only a balmy breeze fanned its bosom. The moon was again at its full and lighted up jJand and water with its glorious light, **T wiil drop anchor here, Mr, Roy, for this is about the nearest yi to land to reach the hacienda, and I will try and make an early start, for it will be a long tramp. “ But [have a desire to see that old ruined Mission by moonlight, so will go ashore for a row and walk,” , ‘7 will call away a boat at once, sir,” **Oh, no, I will row myself in the gig, as the exercise will do me =, The speaker was Captain Edgar Yerger, and he stood upon the deck of the trim cutter Rush, his own vessel. He was soon in the gig and rowing ashore, The tide was against him, but he pulled a ge oar, ~ ate. the inlet Mn rowing on as near a lan -place as possible. At last he ated: his boat, and steadying it with the oar, gazed up at the ruined old Mission, To his surprise he beheld a light in the sea What does that mean!” he asked himself, There was no doubt about it, for a light it cer- tainly was, As he looked the light disappeared. ‘‘ Well, if the old place is the abode of ghosts what do they want with lights with such a moon?” he said in a jocular vein, ‘Well, I will go closer in and see what it means, ‘* By Neptune’s head! but it may be a smug- | gler’s baunt, “Tam ag I came ashore.” He pulled in close under the shadow of the jutting rock, and on beyond in the channel now maneuvering with the out-going tide, He was about to see if he could land when sud- denly he beheld ride out of the solid rock, it | seemed, a horseman, He was under the shadow of an overhanging tree, so not readily visible, and he kept motion- | less, grasping hold of a branch to keep his boat | from floating away. As he looked another horse and rider came in sight, and he beheld the flash of a light from within the rock, glimmering across the water. ‘By Heaven! that is a woman!” he said, al- ) luding to the second rider. As he gazed a third rider came into view, and he muttered: ‘¢The first and third are Indians, the middle one is a woman. ! ‘“‘That shows she is a captive, so I have a chance to act here.” He saw that the outgoing tide had left the sands bare about the rock, and knew that there was some opening there, only to be entered or left at low tide. The two Indians and their captive rode close along the shore, on the sands, while the officer ran his boat across the inlet, pulled if upon the sands, and hastily sped after the three riders, who were now a short distance ahead, He had observed that the inlet wound around | a point. there, and he clambered up the rocksand ; cut across, He was just in time to see the three appear. One glance then showed him that the woman was bound, her hands tied behind her, and asthe moonlight streamed into her face he recognized her, [astantly he threw his revolver forward and fired at the Indian in the rear. From his saddle he dropped at the flash of the revolver, and a second shot, as he sprung from cover, brought down the horse of the Indian nearest to him. With a bound the officer was upon the sur- prised and fallen Indian, and a death-struggle was begun, ; Both were powerful men, but as the Indian re- fused to obey the command to surrender, the offi- cer used his revolver, and the shot ended the struggle, ‘* Captain Yerger, it is you ” ‘¢ Yes, Sefiorita Samos,” said the panting res- cuer, ** Are you, hurt, senor?” ** Not in the least, sefiorita.” | ‘* Thea, sefior, catch that man’s horse, and we must fly from here for our lives, for there are comrades of these men in the old Mission, and they will come to the rescue, for they have heard the shots.” In respense the captain raiséd his voice and sent it ringing out over the waters: ‘* Ho, the cutter ahoy!” “* Ay, ay, sir,” came back the reply. ‘** Send two boats’ crews ashore armed!” ‘Ay, ay, sir! They are on the way, for I heard the shots,” was the response, ‘Bravo, my brave Roy,” cried Captain Yer- ger, and as he spoke there came a war-cry m toward the old Mission, It was answered at once by the crews of the coming boats, and Captain Yerger said: “That will keep them off, sefiorita; now tell me how it is I find you here a prisoner?” ‘*T have been the captive of Fuentes, the out- law ranchero, for long weeks, Sefior Captain,” ee tinge tak a ia es, Captain Ye , for I was captar and taken to yonder ruin. ‘“‘He gave me six weeks to decide whether I would become his wife, or be put to death, and the time was up to-morrow, ted back to-night, ave been held a cap- quarters were not uncomfortable; he was not unkind to me’ he o me clothes and food, and yet [ was a close-kept prisoner. “To-nig’ t one of his redskin messengers came to take me away, as Fuentes sent word that he feared my hiding-place was known; so I was to be carried elsewhere by those two redskin rob- “He is away, but is ex and the old ruin js where | tive. bers whom you killed. The others were to await the coming of Fuentes and then follow. ‘‘ Ah, sefior, from what have you not rescued me?” CHAPTER XXXI, ; HOME AGAIN] THE boats grounded upon the shore as Lulita ceased speaking. Atthe same moment Captain Yerger nad freed ber from her bonds and lifted her from her saddle, r ‘* Sefiorita, I shall ask you to guide us back to the ruin far enough to tell us how to gain en- trance,” said the captain, ‘*f will gladly do so, Captain Yerger, but you will find the Redskin ttoad-Agents gone, as they can escape by the ridge, for they must have seen your vessel and boats, ‘‘ Had they not done so they would have come ere this to the aid of their two comrades.” ‘*We can at least try to find them, sefiorita, so mount your borse again and lead the way!” This Lulita did and the party went at a double quick back to the rocky point. Into the crevice rode Lulita and there the lan- tern still was burning. The captain now vent ahead with his men, and in a few minutes had entered the upper chambers of the ruin, dashing in with a cheer, Bat, the cheer rung through empty wails, for, as the Sefiorita Lulita bad said, the Redskin Road-Agents had escaped by way of the ridge, the way having been cleverly bidden under a mass of vines, ‘‘ Well, Sefior Captain, as this has so long been my abiding-place, I will have to ask you to make yourself at home in the old ruin,” said Lu- lita, who had followed the sailors into the ruined chapel, ‘No, sefiorita, not if you can stand the ride to your home, for it isa beautiful night, and I can accompany you upon the horse of one of your Indian guards, forI bad run down the coast to maxe a call upon your father and your- self, and was to starton my tramp to the haci- enda in the morning, but fortunately came ashore to view the old ruin by midnight, and I like the view better than I thought I would,” Lulita laughed at the conceit and expressed her willingness to start home at once. ‘All right, sefiorita, we will return to the beach and start from there, ‘‘Mr, Roy, I will leave you to bury thé two redskins and hold the Mission until my return, “It is just possible that you may, by keeping a bright watch, find the chief of tho Redskin Robbers walk into your clutches,” ‘‘f shall keep a bright watch for him, Captain Yerger,” said the lieutenant, and he placed men on the ridge, while with others he went to where the Indians had fallen. © Captain Yerger aided Lulita to mount, and springing into the saddle of the horse of one of the Indians he placed himself by her side, and they started on their way for the hacienda, Lu- lita acting as guide, On the way Captain Yerger told Lulita of the death of Marlo, for he knew not to the contrary, and that she need never fear him more, It wasa ride from the beach much further than it wouid have been from the old Mission along the ridge, as the nature of the country caused them to make a wide detour. Then, too, neither seemed to care to ride rapidly. and just ag the sun rose above the hills, the Samos Hacienda came in sight, Sefior Samos was walking up and down the piazza,‘his bands bebind his back, and peering now and then over the wall about the hacienda, far out over the country.’ He did not sleep much at night, and ate only enough to keep him alive, so he had become thin and haggard, Suddenly his eyes fell upon the two riders, and he thought they were his cowboys. But a second pag caused him to grasp his spyglass from where he kept it, and level it upon them. “ My God! it is my child!” he gasped. For a moment, then, he was too weak to move > or utter a word. But soon he gained his voice and strength, and called loudly for Edwina, while he ran like a pia across the grounds to the gate in the adobe wall, As he flung open the gate Lulita dashed up, and threw herself from her saddle. ‘‘Father!” ** My child!” It was all that was said, and clasped in her father’s arms. It was some moments before-either spoke, and then Lvulita told her father all, of her capture, imprisonment, and rescue by Ca) Yerger. the maiden was

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“* God forever bless you, sefior,” said the ran- chero, with trembling voice, and then he led the way into the hacienda, where the servants came with a rush to welcome home their young mis- tress, ‘+ And this man Fuentes is still at large?” said the ranchero, sadly. “He is, Sefior Samos, but must be hunted down,” was Captain Yerger’s response, ‘¢ Yes, he must be hunteddown, for I will give ten thousand dollars for his scalp, dead or alive,” was the almost savage rejoinder of the ran- chero, Lulita bad now gone to her long-deserted room, to make her toilet, and half an hour after the maiden sat down with her father and ber rescuer to breakfast, the ranchero remarking: ** This is the first time I have been hungry since I last saw you, my child, ** Now I am happy again.” ‘No, father, there is no happiness for us until Fuentes is in his grave,” was the low response of the maiden, and it showed how much she dreaded the man while still at large. CHAPTER XXXII. THE REWARD. It -wag the day of Lulita’s return to her home, ‘when near sunset a horseman was seen approach- ing the bacienda. As be drew near he was seen to wear a beard, which with his hair was long and unkempt, His clothes too were torn and much the worse for wear, though it was a sailor costume, whils a tarpaulin sheltered his head, He was bent in form and limped as he dis- mounted and came toward the piazza where Sefior Samos sat conversing with Captain Yer- ger, for Lulita was enjoying an afternoon siesta in her room, as she was much prostrated now that she was home again. ‘““ Well, my man, you seem needy and suffer- ing?” said Sefior Samos kindly. ‘I am, sefior,a poor man, but I hope not to be long, for I have come to tell you news,” and the man spoke English with a strong foreign accent. ‘** Well, out with it.” ‘:¥ have read on placards that you have offer- ed ten thousand dollars for the capture of Marco Fyentes,” ‘I have.” ‘“Would you give as much for his dead body?” ‘*{ will gladly do so.” “You know him?” ‘* But too well.” “Will you ride with me to a spot near the old Mission?” “Ww hy?” Bs ‘* ] will show you the body of Fuentes.” ‘* Heaven be praised! “Tf you can do this I will give you a draft on my bankers in San Francisco for double the amount.” “T can show you his body, sefior.” “We will go with you; but it seems that I have met you before?” : ‘* No, sefior, I am a sailor, and in hard luck, ‘‘T saw your reward and knowing Fuentes, [ a ship at San Diego and started upon his —. tra ‘See! that is his horse I ride, and when dying he told me the way to your hacienda and told me to ask you to forgive dim. ‘| hid his body and started to find you. “T met a cow to-day when astray and he told me how to find you, ‘7 am @ penniless fellow now, sefior, but you will give me the reward.” ‘*] will, upon my honor,” «Then write your draft on your bankers and come eer rs ‘isc ‘* Do not fear @ trap, sefior, for you can car all your men if you wish, pestle ry “Make the draft. payable to Ferdinand Janon.” After some consultation with Captain Yerger, Sefior Samos sent for several of his herders to accompany them, aud heand his guest set off under the guidance of the st: er, It was just as he bad said, a body was hidden away among the rocks, & mile from the old Mission, and it was at once identified as that of Marco Faentes, still in his disguise Raven the chief of tbe Redskin Road-Agents. The man received bis draft and away on the horse of the outlaw he had slain, while the body was taken to the Haunted Hacj’ enda when both Carlos and El Cinto identified it rond ali doubt, : hen it was buried at the Haunted Hacienda, andas Sefior Samos and his party rode away - Carlos said: — Red Raven’s Redskin Ruse. ‘* Now, El Cinto, we are owners here,”’ **Yes, Carlos, you are sole master of the Haunted Hacienda,” was her reply. As for the man who had made a small fortune by taking a life, he rode far before he halted, and then shaking his fist at the moon he said aloud: ** You saw me kill him, last night, night-orb, and to-night you saw me receive a fortune for my deed, ‘““Ay,and I get my revenge besides. ‘Now I will try and live an honest life, if Mario the Merciless can do so; but oh! what a struggle it will be,” Then, with a bitter laugh he rode on his way, & Wanderer about the wide world, a man be- lleved to be at the bottom of the sea, yet alive. It was a week before Captain Yerger could tear himself away from the Hacienda Samos, and when he did do so it was to visit it again and again, whenever he could get an excuse nid running down the coast in search of smug- glers. Of course such visits could end but one way, and that was in a love affair, the finale of which was that Lulita Samos became the bride of the handsome sailor who had rescued her from the hands of the'chief of the Redskin Road- Agents. THE END, Beadle’s Half-Dime. Library. BY WM. G. PATTEN, 629 Violet Vane, the Velvet Sport; or, The Jubilee ot Jacktown. 66% Violet Vane’« Victory; or, The Jasper City Clean Out. 698 Violet and Datsy, the Posy Pards, 705 Violet Vane’s Vows or, The Crafty Detective’s Craft. 724 Violet Vane’s Vengeance; or, The Wipe Out, 80 Violet Vane’s Verdiet; or, The Game at Coffin City. Violet Vane, the Ventriloquist Vidoeq; or, Sport vs. Sport. >» Violet Vane, the Vanquished, or, The Life Struggte. Violet Vane’s Vision; or, The Fiery Hand of Fate. The Diamond Sport; or, The Double face of Bed Rock. 9 Captain Mystery ; or, Five in One, ae Pare the Sport from Denver. 687 Old Hombshell, the Ranger Detective. 604 Iron Fern, the Man of Fire; or, Among the Vultures, 619 The Boy Tramp Detective; or, The Doubie Grip Witness 641 Dismal Pave’s Dandy Pard; or, The Clue to Capt. Claw 651 Bound Boy Frank, the Young Amateur Detective 682 Wild Vulcan, the Lone-Range Rider, 714 Old Misery the Man from Missouri. 274 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 Tenderfoot Detective, 886 Sharper Stoke’s Double Deal. 857 Spotter Bobin New York. - 866 Spotter Bob’s Bowery Racket. BY JOSEPH E. BADGER, JR, 2 Yellowstone Juck; or, The Trapper. 48 Black John, the Road-Agent; or, The Outlaw’s Retreat, 65 Uurricane BIL; or, Mustang Sam and His Pard, 119 Mustang Sam ; or, The King of the Plains., 186 Night-lawk Kit; or, The Daughter of the Ranch, 144 Dainty Lance the Boy Sport. 151 Panther Paul; or, Dainty Lance to the Rescue. 160 The Black Giant; or, Dainty Lance in Jeopardy. 168 Deadly Dash; or, Fighting Fire with Fire. 184 The Boy Trailers; or, Dainty Lance on the War-Path. 208 The Boy Parda; or, Dainty Lance Unmasks. 211 Crooked Cale, the Caliban of Celestial City. 810 The Barranca Wolf’; or, The Beautiful Decoy. 819 The Black Rider; or, The Horse-Thieves’ League. 885 Old Double Fist t or, The Strange Guide 855 The King of the Woods: or. Daniel Boone's Last Trail. 449 Kit Fox, the Border Boy Detective. 625 Chinecapin Dan, the Her Trafler. 677 Chineapin Dan’s Second Trail. 688 Ohincapin Dan’s Home Stretch. 698 Old Crazy, the Man Without a Head. TO8 Light-Heart Lute’s Legacy. 718 Light-Heart Lute’s Last Trail. 728 Silverblade, the Shoshone. @29 Silverblade, the Half-Blood; or, The Border Beagle at Bay. 789 Silverblade, the Hostile; or, The Border Beagle’s Trall. 748 Silverblade the Friendly; or, The Border Beagle’s Boy Pard 1 0 8 4 8 BY CAPTAIN FRED. WHITTAKER, 15 The Sea-Oat; or, The Witch of Darien, 29 oe ee Page; or, The Dave Sesdaces: 48 Dick Darling, the Pony Express Rider. 100 Lance and Lasso; or, The Children of the Chaco. 154 The Sword Munters; or, The Land ofthe Elephant Riders, «4 be ony gs —_ 3 or, aatvese Jabez Coffin’s brat > © Boy Bedoutns}; or, Brot!) 214 Wolfgang, the Robber of the Rhine. 8.5) seed ip gmt: pet Pile eer the Anteies Kini er, Round the World. e er Tamer ¢ or, The ue of the J 881 Black Nick, the Demon Rider. = Viet 895 California Joe's War Trail. BY BUCKSKIN SAM (Major Sam. 8, Mall.) 284 Old Rocky's ** Boyeer; or, Benito, the Horse-Breaker. 246 Glant George; or, The Ang’! of the Range. 275 Arizona Jack 3 or, Giant George’s Pard. 297 The Tarantula of Bacay or, Giant George’s Revenge. 807 The Strange Pard; or, Little Ben’s Death Hunt. B18 Ker-w neers Ker-whoo}; or, The Tarantula of Taos, 827 Creeping Cat, the Daddo; or, The Red and White Pards, 882 Frio Fred; or, The Tonkaway’s Trust. 8414 The Fighting Trios or Rattlesnake, the Tonkaway. 849 Wild Wolf; or, Big-Foot Wallace to the Front. 857 The Ranch iateore or, The Siege of Fort Pargatory. & «Shot, the Boy Kanger,. Ree ester Creek 3 or, The Three Thunderbolts. 881 Randera Bill; or. Frio Frank to the Front. BYR Romeo and the Redss or, The Beleaguered Ranch. Ps Little pari § iif dro Pete’s Big Rampage. The Dalay from Penver. 427 The Vhree Tratlerss on rey on the Rampage, 442 fr t or, e Lynx ofthe a. 455 oa. a. Start or. The Belle of the Cibolo, 684 Cache Carl, the Chico Giart BY CHARLES MORRIS, 118 WII] Somers, the Boy Detective. 122 Phil Mardy, the Boss boy. Picayune Pete; or, Nicodemus, the Dog Detective. Detective Dick; or, The Hero in Rags. Ifandsome Harry, the Bootblack Detective, Will Wildfire, the Thoroughbred. Black Beas, Will Wildfire’s Racer. Mike Merry the Harbor Police Boy. Will Wildfire in the W oods. 5 Billy Baggage, the Rultroad Boy. A ‘Crump Card or, Will Wildfire Wins and Loses eb Rockett; or, Mysteries of New York. Bob Rockett, the Bank Runner, The Hidden rf ones or, Will Wildfire’s Revenge, Fred Malyard, the Life Boat Boy; or, The Smugglers, Bob Rockett; or, Driven to the. Wall. § Shadowed; or, Bob Kockett’s Fight for Life. Dark Paul, the Tiger King. Dashing Dave, the Dandy Detective. Tom Tanner; or, The Black Sheep of the Flock, 5 Sam Chareoal the Premium Darky, & Shadow Sam, the Messenger Boy. The Two * Bloods”; or, Shenandoah Bill and His Gang, Dick Dashaway; or, A Dakota Boy in Chicago. The Young Sharps: or, Rollicking Mike’s Hot Trail Jolly Jim, the Detective Apprentice. Jolly Jim’s Job; or, The Young Detective, The Water-Hound; or, The Young Thoroughbred. 5 Dashaway, of Dakota; or, A Western Lad in Quaker City, Ralph Ready, the Hotel Boy Detective. Tony Thorne, the Vagabond Detective. The Reporter-Detective; or, Fred Flyer’s Blizzard, Wide-Awake Joe; or, A Boy of the Times, Larry, the Leveler; or, The Bloods of the Boulevard, Firetly Jack, the River-Rat Detective. 8 The Lost Finger; or, The Entrapped Cashier, Fred Flyer, the Reporter Detective. Invineible Lowan, the Pinkerton Ferret. Billy Brick, the Jolly Vagavond, + Wide-Awake Jerry, Detective; or Entombed Alive, Detective Dodge}; or, The Mystery of Frank Hearty. + Wild Dick Racket; or, How He Fought for Honor. Boots, the Boy Fireman: op, Too Sharp for the Sharper, The Secret *ervice Boy Detective. Jimmy the Kid; or, A Lamb Among Wolves. Tom Bruce of Arkansast or, The Wolfin the Fold. Plucky Paul, the Boy Speculator. Bob and Sam, the Daisy Detectives. The Curbstone Detective; or, Harry Hale's Big Beat. Detective Frank’s« Sweep-stakes, Ned Norman, the Gamin Broker. Turkey Billy, the Shine-’em-ap Detective. 566 59a 627 655 667 zoo 757 869 SSL BY J. W. OSBON, 469 The Rival Glants of Nowhar’. 498 Cactus Burr, the Man from Hard Luck. 587 Old Buckeye, the Sierra Shadow. 6564 Powder Phil, the Boy Miner, or, The Man Without a Past. 609 Bolly Dorrit, the \eteran Detective. 620 Little Lightuing’« League; or, The Mystery of tne Island 688 Pineky Paul, the Boy Prospector, 751 Gold-Dust Dan, the Trail Patrol. 7655 Gold Dust Dan’s Gath; or, Reckless Roy, the Regulater BY JACK FARRAGUT. 815 Ned, the Cabin Boy; or, The Witch of the Fort. 820 The Sea Sorceress; or, The Boy Skipper. MISCELLANEOUS AUTHORS. 4 The Wild-lorse Munters, By Capt. Mayne Reid and Frederick Whittaker. 9 Adventures of Baron Munchausen. 12 Gulliver's Travels. By Dean Swift. 14 Aladdin; or, The Wonderful Lamp. 16 Robinson Orusoe, (27 Lilustrations,) 18 Sindbad the Sailor. His Seven Voyages, 22 Pe Sea Serpent; or, The Boy Robinson Crusoe. By Jnam Lewis. 88 The Ocean Bloodhound; or, The Red Pirates of the Carridees. By 8S. W. Pierce. 86 The Boy Clown; or, The Arena Queen. By f 8, Fina. 88 Ned Wylde, the Boy Scout. By Texas Jack. 51 The Boy Rifles; or, The Underground Camp. By A. C. Tront. 95 The Rival Rovers; or, The Freebooters of the Mississippi By Lieut.-Col, Hazeltine. 98 Robin llood, the Outlawed Earl: or, The Merry Men of Green- wood. Prof. Gildersleeve, 105 Old Rube, the Hunter; or, The Crow Captive. By Captain The Mad Wunte UheCave of Death, By Burton Same. 112 eM unter; or, }heCave of Death. By 124 Tiopy, the Texan; or, The Young Champion. By George Glesaon. 128 The Young Privateer}; or, The Pirate’s Stronghold. By Harry Cavendish. 148 Sharp Samy; or, The Adventures or a Friendiess Boy. By J, Alexander Patten. 227 Dusky Darrell, bers sili) The Green Ranger of the Yel- lowstone. we ated oe +o Res 261 Fergus Fearnaug e New Yor 'y. . L. Aten. 266 Killb’ar, the Guide: »r, Davy Crockett’e Crooked Trail. By Ensign C. D. Warren. 298 Red Claw. the One-Eyed Trapper; or, The Maid of the Cliff, By Captain Cometeck. 817 Peacock Pete, the Lively Lad from Leadville, By Liew tenant Alfred Thorne. 828 The Sky Detective; or, A Boy's Fight for Life and Hones, By Maior Mickey Free. 850 Red Ralph, the River Rover; or, The Brother’s Re- venge. By Ned Buntline. 865 Baltimore Ren the Bootblack Detective. By A. P. Morr, 874 Gold-DPuat Tom: or, Ben’s Double Match. dhe H. Mores. 876 California Joe’s First Trail, By Colonel Thomas Hoyer Monstery. 418 Billy Rombahcll, the Cliff Climber. By F.S. Winthrop. 475 The Black Ship. By John S Warner. 42 Ocninche Pick and His Three Invineibles. By Henry J. Thomas. 582 The Cowboy Duke. By Edwin Brooke Forrest. B52 Artel the Athlete. By David Druid. 585 Will Waters, the Boy Ferret. By li. Enton. 682 The Dcad Metective’s Double. By Gerald Carlton, 721 Maverick Mone, the Arizona Detective; or, The Wizard of Urkos Pass. By Will Lisenbee. 809 Don Danton, the Gent from Denver. \By King Keene, of the 14 ry owes te Ag hei ‘ By C. E. Tri ce High, the Frisco Detective, By C. ©. Tripp. 880 The Grim Lodgers in Rag Alley; ot, Citizen Rube of Number Seven. By Ben D. Halliday. 881 The Chicago Drummer’s Deal. By J. G. Bethure. 841 Prince Charlie, the Cat’s-Paw Sport. By Marm duke Der. the Swamp Fox. By Chas, F. Welles 861 Billy Brine 879 Biue-light Tilt, the Sapphire Sport; or, The Denver Detec- ing Keene. 7 tive’s Lone Hand. By K 909 Midshipman Dare, the Pirate Catcher. Flanngan. A New Issue Every Tuesday. The Half-Dime Library |» tor sale vy all Newsdealers, five eents ver copy, or sent by mai! on receipt of six cents eacd. BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers, _ 98 William Street, New York,

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BEADLE’S« H ALF- DIME«[_IBRARY. Published Every BY EDWARD L. WHEELER. Deadwood Dick Novels, "1 Deadwood Dick, the Prince of the Road. 20 Deadwood Pick’s Vetiance; or, Vouble Daggers. #25 Deadwood Dick in Disguise; or, Bulfals Ben 85 Deadwood Dick in His Castle. {23 ne dae hy’ gree pees or, The Phantom Miner. ¢ end woot ck In Danger; or, Omana Oll. {57.Deadwood Dick's Hagies; or, The Pards of Flood Bar. 28 Deadwood Dick on Deck; or, Calamity 4 me, the Heroine BS Ss (Soa bape packs net et or, Corduroy Charlie. ad woo ck in Leadville. 3 ee he pee Meviee; or, The Double Cross Sign. Pendwoo ck as Detective. 129 Deadwood Dick’« Double; or, The Gorgon’s Gulch Ghost. eS Si bale | meee neste Saect at, aes ss .: end woot CK's rike}; or, game of Gold. 156 Deadwood Diek of Goadwee t or, The Picked Party. 195 Deadwood Dick’s Dreams or, The Rivals of the Road, 201 Deadwood Dick’s Ward; or, The Black Hill’s Jezebel. oor gnaawesd Hey neo 1% a nd Jane’s Adventure, e end W006 ek’a Dea cal. 221 Deadwood Dick’s Death-Plant. 282 Gold-Duat Dick. A Romance of Roughs and Tovgbs, + +44 eg ree eae ary penne we Nye Spirit of Swamp Lake. ead woo ews Death Trall, 809 Deadwood Dick’s« Deal; or, The Gold Brick. of Oregon. B21 Deadwood Dick’s Dozens; or, The Fakir of Phantom Flats 847 Deadwood Dick’s Ducat; or, Days in the Diggings. hot] een heh Pieme cumcedt or, The Terrible Vendetta, end woot ck’a Claim. 405 Dendwood Dick In Dead City. Al” Deadwood Dick’s Diamonds. 421 Deadwood Dick in New Yorks or, A “ Cute Case.” 480 Deadwood Dick’s Duat; or, The Chained Hand, bird Ages eer 1 ai a ome he Crimson Crescent Sign. : end wooc dick, r.’*, Deflanee. 45% Deadwood gra. Full’ Hand. 4.59 Tbeadwood dra, Big Round-Tp. 465 Deadwood Jr’s Racket at Clalm 10, A471 Deadwood Jr.« Corral; or, Bozeman Bill. A776 Deadwood Jr.’s, Dog Detective. ret precwend ores ah Pesan see end w oc ra, Compact. 496 Deadwood Jr.'s, Eaheritanéé. 500 Deadwooa Jrvs Diggings. 508 Deadwood or.’s, Deliverance, 515 Deadwood dr.’s Protegee. 522 Deadwood dr.’s, Three. 529 Veadwooa dr.’a, Danger Ducka, 584 Deadwood Jr.'s, Death Hunt, 589 Deadwooa Jr, in Texas. eee pesawese hg the Wild West Videog >. end wooa r., on Hia Mettle. B54 Deadwood dr. in Gotham, 561 Deadwood Jr., In Boston, 567 Deadwood dr., In Philadetphia, 572 Deadwood dr., in Chicago, 578 Deadwood Jr.. Afloat. 584 Deadwooo or.. in Denver. 590 Deadwood Jdr.ta, Decree. abe pestuses < sr in pray, A AF Rgeasiad ead woot r., at Cone sland. 606 Deadwood dre, Lead ville Lay. 612 Deadwood Jr. In Detrolt, | ota oaawees . = 5 een nacre ‘ eadwoo ry In Nevada, 180 Deadwood dr., in No Man’s Land. mene wase gd Fier or Queer, Padwoo v.. In Buffalo. oe vosd woud a teky eee Aevess the eer pare enaadwoo cK, res mong the Smu era. 660 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Lnsurance Caen 666 Deadwood Dick, Jr., Back in the Minea, 672 Deadwood Dick, dr., tau Durango; or, “ Gathered In,” 44 ptt ba Mick» pAb pepererss Found a Fortune, endwood Dick, Jr.'s. Dazzle. 690 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s. Dollara. 695 Deadwood Dick. Jr., at Danger Divide. 700 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Drop. ZO4 Deadwood Jr., at Jack-Pot. 710 Deadwood Jr., In Ban Francliseo, 716 Deadwood Jrie Sill Hunt. 722 Deadwood Jrva Dominoes. 728 Deadwood Jrva Disgutae, TBA Deadwood Jr.’s, Double Deal w40 ponewese Jr.'s pesth water. end woo Jr.’a, Poublet. Dead wood Jr.’«, Deathblow, + Deadwood or.’a Deaperate Strait, og i | or. '6 noes — ead woo r.76 efeat. Deadwood Jr.’s, Resurrection, nese wore | ip Re ee 5 Days. ZT Deadwoo r.» Defled. 792 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’a, Double Device, 7 Deadwood Dick, Jr. Reeperare ¥ cavnnes | B07 Dendwond Wick’ Jeet Moyal Flush.” 812 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s Mead-off. 816 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’«, Rival. 822 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Boom, 828 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Scoop. S84 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Proxy. 840 Deadwood Dick, Jr’s, Clutch, 845 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, High Horae. 852 Deadwood Dick Jr., at Devil’a Guleh. Sas mene w ood og * Tr" peat tere Hustie,. eadwoo ek, Jdr,’s Bombshell, 870 Dendwood Dick, Jr., in Mexieo. 876 Deadwood Dick, Jr’a Decoy Duck. S82 Deadwood Dick, Jr. in Silver Pocket. 891 Dendwood Dick. Jr.’«, Dead-Sure Game, S98 Deadwood Dick, Jr’«, Double Drive. 904 Dendwood Dick, Jr’a, Trade-Mark. 910 Deadwood Dick, Jr., at. Tip-Top. 916 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s Youble-Decker, 928 Deadwood Dick, Jr. at Dollarville. 984 Deadwood Dick, Jr., at Flush Flats, 940 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, pmak ene, 946 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’«, Double Drops P5L Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Right Bower. 957 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’a, Ten-Strike. 965" Deadwood Mek, Jr.’«, Gold-Dust, 971 Deadwood Dick Jr.’s, Oath, 977 Deadwood Dick, Jr,’s, Death-Doom. 986 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Best Card, 992 Deadwood Dick, Jr., at_Gold Dust. 998 Dendwood Dick, Jr.'s, Big Play. 1005 Deadwood Dick, Jr., Branded. 1011 Deadword Dick, Jr.’s, Dutch Pard, 1018 Deadwood Dics, J+r.’s, Big Four. BY ROBERT R. INMAN, 1086 Pandy Dick’« Double, 1624 Bandy Dick, Detective. BY WM. WEST WILDER, 1041 Cowboy Chris to the Fore 1082 Cowboy Chris the Man of Caliber. 4 | Other Novels by E. L. Wheeler, SO Roascbad. Rob; or, Nugget Ned, the Knight. 84 Rosebud Rob on Mand; or, Idy), the Girl Miner. 88 Rosebud Rob’s Reappeanrance; or, Photograph Phil. 121 Rosebud Rob’s Challenge; or, Cinnamon Chip. 277 Denver Doll, the Detective Queen; or, The Yankee’s Surround RSL Irenver Doll's Victory; or, Skul! and Crossbones, 255 Denver Doll's Decoy ; or. Little Bill’s Bonanza. 296 Denver Doll's Drift; or, The Road Queen. 868 Yreka Jim, the Gold-Gutherery or, The Life Lottery. 872 Yreka Jim’s Prize; or, The Wolves of Wake-Up, 7 885 Yreka Jim’s Joker; or, The Rivals of Red Nose. 894 Yreka Jim of Yuba Dam. 209 Fritz, the Bound-Boy Detective; or, Dot Leetle Game, 218 Fritz to the Front; or, The Ventriloquist Hunter 244 Slerra Sam, the Frontier Ferret; or, A Sister’s Devotion, 24% Slerra Sams Secret; or, The Bloody Footprints, 255 Sierra Sam’s Pardy or, The Angel of Big Vista, 258 Sierra Sam’s Seven} or, The Stolen Bride. 884 Kangareo Kit; or, The Mysterious Miner. 889 Kangaroo Kit’*s Racket; or, The Pride of Played-Out. 89 Death-Face, Detective; or, Life in New York. — 96 Watch-Eye, the Detective; or, Arabs and Angels, 117 Gilt-Edged Dick, the Sport Detective 145 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, Mickey & Wo., the Detectives of Philadelphia. 848 Manhattan Mike, the Bowery Detective, 400 Wrinkles, the Night-Watch Detective. 416 High Hat Harry, the Base Ball Detective, 426 Sam Slabsides, 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 Drigand, 58S Jim Bludsoe, Jr., the Boy Phenix. 61 Buckhorn Bill; or, The Red Rifle Team 92 Canada Chet; or, Old Anaconda in Sitting Bull’s Camp. 118 Jack Moyle the Young Speculator. 125 Bonanza Ill, Miner; or, Madam Mystery, the Forger. 188 Boss Bob the King of Bootblacks. . 141 Solid Sam, the Boy Road-Agont; or, The Branded Brows, 177 Nobby Nick of Nevaday or, The Sierras Scamps. 181 Wild Deank the Bockskin Bravo; or, Lady Lily’s Love, 286 Apollo Bill, the Trail Tornado; or, Rowdy Kate. 240 Cyclone Kit, the Young Gladiator; or, The Locked Valley. 278 Jumbo Joe, the Boy Patrol; or. The Rival Heirs. B80 Little Qu!ck-Shot; or, Vhe Dead Face of Daggersville, 858 First-Class Fred, the Gent trom Gopher. 878 Nabob Ned; or, The Secret of Slab City. B82 Cool Kit, the King of Kids; or, A Villain’s Vengeance, 488 Santa Fe Sal, the Slasher; or, A Son’s Vengeance. 486 Sealakin Sam, the Sparkler: or The Tribunal of Ten, 918 Kit Keith, t e Revenue Spotter. 922 Sol Sharpe, the New York Night-Iawk. 948 Old Hayseed Among Bunco Men. 1001 Banty, the Denver Bootblack. BY J. C. COWDRICK. 490 Broadway Billy, the Bootblack Bravo. 514 Broadway Billy’s Boodle; or, Clearing a Strange Case Broadway Billy’s ‘ Ditlikilty.” Broadway rt Peath Racket. Broadway Billy’« Surprise Party. 5 Broadway Billy; or, The Boy Detective’s Big Inning. Broadway Billy’s Dead Acti or, The League of Seven Broadway Billy Abroad; or, The Bootblack in Frisco. & Broadway Billy’s« Best; or, Beating San Francisco's Finest. Broadway Billy tn Clover. Broadway Billy tn Texas; or, The River Ruatlers, Broadway Billy’s Brand. 711 Broadway Billy at Santa Fe; or, The Clever Deal. Broadway Billy's Full Wand: or, The Gamin Detective, Broadway Billy’s Business. Broadway Billy's Curlous Case, Broadway Billy tn Denver. Broadway Billy’s Bargain; or, The Three Detective, Broadway Billy, the Retriever Detective. Broadway Billy’s Shadow Chase. Broadway Billy’s Beagles; or, The Trio’s Quest, Broadway Billy’a Teams; or, The Combine’s Big Pall. Broadway Billy’s Brigade; or, The Dead Alive. Broadway Billy’s Queer Bequest. Broadway Billy Bafled. 5 Broadway Billy’s Signal Scoop. Broadway Billy’« Wipe Out. Broadway Billy’« Bank Racket. Broadway Billy’s Bluff. Brondway Billy Amene Jersey Thugs, Broadway Billy’s Raid. Broadway Billy's Big Boom, Broadway Billy's Big Bulge. Broadway Billy's #100,000 Snap. Broadway Billy’s Blind; or, The Bootblack Stowaway, Broadway Billy tn London. Broadway Billy Shadows London Slums, Brondway Billy’s French Game. Broadway Billy and the Bomb-Throwera. 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 , Name, 424 Cibuta John; or, Red-Hot Times at Ante Bar, 489 Sandy Sam, the Street Scout. 467 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. 65671 Air-Line Luke the Young Engineer; or, The Double Case 592 The Boy Pinkerton; or, Running the Rascals Ont. 615 Fighting Harr the Chief of Chained Cyclone, 640 Bareback Reth, the Centaur of the Cirele, 647 Tyrewrlter Tilly the Merchant’s Ward. 659 onlight Morgan. the “ Pizenest ’? Man of Ante Baz, S87 Battery Bob. the Dock Detective. 894 Arizona Dick’s W ipe-Out. 900 Jumping Jack’s Jubilee. 906 Satety Sam, the Cycle Sport. 912 Train Boy Trist’s Hot Hustle, 918 The Trump Dock-Boy, 924 Big Boots Bob, the Fire-Laddle. 980 Kuastler Ralph, the Boy Spotter. 985 The Ex-Newsboy Petective’s Chum. 941 The Bowling Green Detective’s Drop. 944 Cowboy Charlie's Rouble. 5 947 The Bowery W rextlers or, The Butcher-Boy'’s Backer. 958 Paddy's Trump Card; or, Silver Sallie, the Girl Sport, 960 The Broadway Sports or, Fiver Fred’s Clear Case, 967 K1000 Reward; or, The Riyal Reporters’ Sleek Scoop. 978 Bantam Billy, the Corker-Ferret. 978 Plucky Pat. the Street-Boy Detective. 989 Bieycle Bob’s Hot Scorch, 997 Scorcher Sam, the Detective on Wheels. 1004 Scorcher Sam’« Sweep-Stake s. 1009 Vane Giri Cycliav’s Winning Hand. AY ARIZONA CY. Vou Ret Bob from Croas Crick. You Bet Bob's Circus, Tuesday. Each Issue Complete and Sold at the Uniform Price of Five Cents, by all Newsdealer: BUFFALO BILL NOVELS, BY COL. PRENTISS INGRAHAM. 1046 Goid Plume, tle Boy Bandit,; or, Buffule Bill, tl Express Rider. p 1042 «ittle Grit, the ony Exprees Rider. 1040 Buffalo Kills Pony Patrol. 1016 Buffalo Bill’« T. xas Team, 1007 Buffalo Bill's Sure-Shots, 1606 Buffalo 11s Deeoy Boys. 995 Buffalo Bill’s Drop ; or, Dend-Shot Ned , the Kane 98S Buffalo BUMs Lasso Throwers. 981 Buffalo Bill's Fighting Five. 975 Buffalo Bill's Hifle nots, 968 Buffalo Bill's Kush Ride; or, Sure-Shot, the High 964 Buffalo Bills Decoy; or, The Arizona Crack Sho 958 Buffalo Bill’s Mazeppa-Chase. Buffalo BUls Snap-Shot ; or, Wild Kid’s Texar Ruffalo Bill's Tough Tuasle. Buffalo Bil’« Boy Mascot; or, Joe Jarvis’ Hold-u 929 Buffalo Bill's Crack-shot Pard. 650 Buffalo BUs Boy Pard; or, Butterfly Billy. 216 Bison Bill, the Prince of the Reims. : 222 Bison Bill’s Clue; or. Grit, the Bravo Sport, 948 942 986 BY BUFFALO BILL, 55 Deadly-Eye., the Unknown Scout, or, The Banded Broth 68 Border Robin Hood; or, The Prairie Rover. 158 Fancy Frank of Colorado: or, The Trapper’s Tru 1029 The Phantem Spy. 1088 Kansas Kings or, The Red Right Hand, BY CAPT, ALFRED B, TAYLOR, U. 8, A. 191 Buffalo Billy, the Boy Bullwhacker. 194 Buffalo Bill's Bet; or, The Gambler Guide. BY COL. PRENTISS INGRAHAM, 1087 The Aritst Detective. 1084 The Gold Witch's Shadower. 1081 The Texan Uuatlers in Cuba, 1027 The Cowboy Raiders in Cuba 1025 The Flying \ aukee or, The Ocean Outcast 1028 Tne Cowboy Clan In Cu a. 1016 The Boy Bugler in Cuba. B82 New York Nat’s Drop: or, Ex-Ferret Sykes’ Bold | New York Nat and the Traitor Ferret, New York Nat Trapped. 4 New York Nat's Three of a Kind, s New York Nat's Double. New York Nat’s in Colorado. +} New York Nat In Gold Nugget Camp. New York Nat’s Dendly Deal, New York Nat's Crook-Chase, New York Nat’s Trump Card, New & New York New Dick Doom’s 7 Dick Doom’s York Nat_and the Grave Ghouls, Na Masked Maacot, York Nat. the Gann Detec tive, Kidnapper Knock-Out, Ten Strike. Flush Hand, Dick Doom’s Death-Grip; or, The Detective by Des Dick Doom’s Destiny; or, The River Blackleg’s Terre Dick DPoomy or, the Sharps and Sharks ot New York, Dick Doom In Boston; or, A Man of Many Maske, Dick Poom in Chicago. he Wild West. Clenn Sweep? or, Five Links in a Clu Death Clue. IMamond Deal. Girl Mascot. Dick Doom’s Shadow ttunt. Dick Doom’s Big Maul. Dashing Charlic: or, The Kentucky Tenderfoot’s First T Dashing Charlle’s Destiny; or, The Renegade’s Cap Dashing Charlle’« Pawnee Pard, Dashing Charlie, thd Rescuer. Ruck Taylors King of the Cowboys. Buck Taylor, the Comanche’s Captive. Buck Taylor’ Boys; or, The Red Riders of the. Rio Gra And Fifty Others. BY LIEUT, A. K, SIMS. Tom-Cat and Pard; or, The Dead Set at Silver City, Tom-Cat’s Triad; or, The Affuir at Tombstone, Tom Cat's Terrible Tasks or, The Cowboy Detectiv Tom-Cat’s Triumph; or, Bleck Dan’s Great Combine, 646 Captain Cactus, the Chaparral Cock; or, Josh’s Ten Str B68 The Dandy of Dodge; or, Bustling for Millions, 576 The Silver Sport: or, Josh Pevpermint’s Jubilee. Saffron Sol, the Man With Shadow f Happy Hang, the Doteh Videcg; or, Hot Timesat Round- Bilaad Barnacle, the Detective Hercules. « 646 Cowhoy Gid, the Cattle-Range Detective, 657 Warbling William the Mountain Mountebank, 665 Jolly Jeremlahs the Plains Detective, 676 Bi 18 the Lockout Scout. j 689 Billy, the ¢ ypay Spy:_or, The Mystery of Two Lives, 699 Rin Sim, the ” heed Buster: or, For Big Stakes. Z12 The Meamertst port: or, The Mystified Detective. 788 Toltec Tom, the Mad Prospector, 745 Kansas Jim the Cross-Cut Detective. 761 Marmaduke; the Mustanger Detective. 278 The Ruatler_of Rolling Stone. 785 Lone Hand Joe the Committee of One, 801 Kent Kirby, the Hich-Kicker trom Killbuck. 882 The Doctor Dete ctive in Texas, R72 Two Showmen Hetectiver In Colorado, 987 The Texan Firebrand: or, Brazot Billy's SnapShot 961 The Tramp’s Trump-Trick. NEW ISSUES. By Warrin; 1053 The Three Spotters’ Dead Myster © Met. Scott % col P. tngraham Dick Doom’s 1054 Mustang Merle’s Merciless F 1055 Red Raven’s Redskin Ruse. by 00) ve 1056 Cowboy Chrisin Cinnabar, By Wm). der. 1057 Gold Rifle, the Sharpshooter. By Fa. L, Wheeler By‘T, J. Flanagan. “Ry Tr xas Jae. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 1058 Roderick, the Rover. 1059 Ned Wylie, the Boy Srout, 1060 Marlo, the Renegade. JUST ISSUED. 8 ea? Welra Hunt. By Waring, | tod The Street Bpethe Panthers By Wm. R. Eyater-. 1050 The One-Armed Sport. byt. Harbaugh. 1051 The Roy Hercules. By Ol! Coomes. 1052 Buffalo Bill in Disguise. By Cel. P. Ingraham. A New Issue Every Tuesday. The Half-Dime Library 1s for sale by all newsdealers, five or sent by mail on receipt of alx conte each. 1049 sents per copy, BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers, 92 William Street, New York.