Beadle's Half Dime Library (no. 158) (1880 08 03)
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> > B Fancy Frank, of Colorado. Fancy Frank, of Colorado: THE TRAPPER’S TRUST. BY HON. WM. F. CODY, (‘BUFFALO BILL.”’) PROLOGUE. “¢ Tr’s a spook or a sperrit, dr I are a liar.” The speaker was a man of the border—a man alone in the wilderness of solitude around him, but one who felt no fear because none of his fellow kiad were near him. He was the happier because he had found a home far from mankind, in the rolling prairies of the far frontier, for he had fled from the smarts of civilization with the brand of infamy upon him. 5 Tall, well-formed, and dressed in buckskin leggins; “gray woolen shirt, moccasins and slouch hat, he was a splendid type of the bor- derman, while, more important than all, he was thoroughly armed with rifle, revolvers and hunting-knife. ‘ The moon, from +a cloudless sky, looked full in his face, yet the shadow of his broad hat eoncealed the upper part of it, and a long black beard and mustache hid from view his lower features as effectively as though he wore a mask, But his dark eyes glittered in the moonlight, as he stood in the border of a cottonwood motte, and gazed out upon the prairie—gazed with horrified look and trembling form, while his * usual grip of iron now hardly held his rifle. “It are a sperrit, an’ it’s comin’ straight fer ” Then, dropping the border dialect which he seemed to assume, he unconsciously dfopped into his natural way of speaking, and from his + 4 hhidden lips came the words almost niingled with a groan: “Mark Sanford, at last the end has come! “Ves, I must die, and by the hand of a being not of this world. A fearful retribution is mine.” Still glancing in horror out upon the a ‘ho suddenly started and nerved himself to ac- ‘tion as though with a determination born of de- spair. “By the heaven above! I will first try the effect of powder and ball.” Quickly his rifle sprung to his shoulder, and his keen eye glanced along the glimmering barrel as the weapon was aimed—at what? A weird-looking form that seemed to glide vather than walk over the prairie—a form clad in white and looking ghost-like in the moon- t. a TB sight toward the motte of cottonwoods it ame, until suddenly, from the shadow of the ‘trees, burst a lurid flame; a sharp report start- led the silence of the peeps and, louder than the rattle of the rifle of the hunter, arose a wild shriek—a shriek of anguish and fright in a wo- man’s voice. 4 Down upon the dew-wet prairie sunk the tly form, and from the lips gf the man in the cottonwood came the cry: “God in heaven! What have I done? My hermit life upon the plains has made a super- stitious fool of me, and I have committed mur- ” Then, rifle in hand, he bounded toward the limp, white mass lying upon the prairie motion- Jess and silent. ; A moment more:he was bending over the form of a woman—a woman clad in her night- van E wr bedraggled with dirt and with blood. . The feet were bare, torn and bleeding, and a anass of golden hair hung damp and matted mapon the shoulders, and framed in a face of ware beauty—the face of a woman of twenty- five, perhaps. : She lay upon her side, her head resting upon the ground, and in her arms she clutched con- wulsively a child—a wee thing gf four years of ni whose startled eyes gazed into the face of the man as he bent over and placed his hand softly upon the woman. The touch aroused her, and the large eyes _—- wearily and turned upon his bearded “Thank God, I behold the face of a white oman! { feared that the re@ fiends of the prai- wie were around me; but, you have saved me from them, sir—saved me and my child—no, no, mot me, for their bullets struck me here, and I ama dying.” She placed her hand with an effort upon her breast, and the head of the trembling man bow- ed down in grief; he dared not tell her that his was the hand that had sent the fatal bullet to its human target. A moment of silence followed, and then the woman again spoke, and with greater effort: “You will care for my baby, sir—promise me, and I will die content.” ‘*T promise’you, so help me God!” The voice was deep and stern now, and the man took his hat from his head as he spoke. A smile crossed the face of the dying woman, and she tried again to speak, but the death-rat- tle came into her throat and choked her utter- ance—a gasp, a tremor, and she was dead, her baby-child still lying upon her breast. How long Mark Sanford bent in sorrow over that form he never knew, for he was perfectly stunned with grief; but, at last, he aroused him- self, and raising both mother and child in his strong arms he strode rapidly away from the fatal spot and disappeared in the gloomy shadows of the cottonwoods. CHAPTER I. THE MYSTERIOUS MESSENGER, THE commandant of Fort McPherson, on the South Platte river, sat alone in his quarters, his face wearing a look of trouble, for of late many sfories of Indian cruelty had reached his ears, = he feared a general uprising of the red- skins. “A young girl to see you, sir,” said the or- derly, entering. «eA young girl, Caspar? Who can she be?” asked the general, with some surprise—a sur- prise that increased to astonishment as his eyes fell upon the person that entered his quar- ters. _ ‘**Do I address General Emory?” **'You do, miss. How could I serve you?” re- plied the general, gazing with undisguised ad- miration upon the speaker. It was a young girl, not certainly over seven- teen years of age, and with a face of almost —_ c loveliness, for every feature was per- ect. The eyes were large, deep-blue, and dreamy to sadness, and her hair, on in hue, was or and hung down her back far below her wai Her form was slight, yet graceful in ev outline, and she wore a short skirt, elaleaiabaly wrought with beads, fringed leggins, embroid- ered moccasins, and a loose-fitting sack, or hunt- ing-shirt, confined at her waist with a belt, in which was stuck a pair of revolvers and a knife of small yet serviceable pattern. At her back hung a small Winchester rifle and upon her head was a broad dove-colo sombrero, half encircled by a redostrich feather. With a quick, curious glance, the maiden took in the general’s- quarters and then ed her beautiful eyes upon the courteous commandant, who had risen at her entrance. ‘** How can I serve you, miss?” repeated Gen- ae eer placing a seat for his strange young 2 : Declining the proffered camp-chair, the maiden replied in a voice that was sweet, yet _ “Inserving me, sir, you can also serve your- self, for I come to warn you of danger.” “Hal the Indians are on the war-path then?” **T said not what was the nature of the threat- ened danger, General Emory, and before I do so, I have a request to make.” ‘*Name it; but, first tell me whom I address?” **It would do no good, for 1 am unknown to you, and wegmay, never meet again. I am but a nameless Waif,” and the girl spoke with some ate Ti ; . u mistake; I know more of you than you may fink _ Are you not she wien the Sooihs and trappers of as the Hermit Huntress, and again as the Red Plume?” ** As Inever have ig oh to say to your scouts and trappers, General Emory, I have no means of ere what they call me,” was the evasive reply. ti Still, I have often heard of a fair young girl who flew over the prairies by day and night, living no one knew where, apparently leaving no trail by which she could besfollowed; am I mistaken in believing you to be this will-o’-the- wisp of the plains?” _ ‘* The prairies are my home, sir: but where I live, or what is my name is of little consequence so that I serve you.” ‘“*Par’on me; I meant not to pry into that which you would prefer should remain unknown yet | cancot but feel deep intercst in you, and curiosity at the life you lead. You said you came to warn me of danger, I believe?” ‘* Yes, sir; one of your officers and a score of men left here two days ago on a scout?” inquir- ingly said the girl. “True; Lieutenant Rockwelland twenty cav- alrymen—do yourknow aught of them?” “They are besieged in a canyon, by Old Whistler and his band of Dog Soldier Sioux, and if not reénforced will all be massacred within twenty-four hours.” ‘By Jove, you_do indeed bring important news, my girl! But, where is Rockwell, now? I will at once send Captain Taylor and two nage aoe to his aid.” “Where the canyon is, General Emory, is my secret,” was the cool reply. “Then you wish to act as guide?” said the general, believing that such was her meauing. ‘* Upon conditions, yes.” ‘Name your conditions,” ‘¢ Will you grant them?” “That depends upon circumstances,” “T have not exaggerated the danger in Whiéh your officer and his men are; they cannot hold out muck longer,” was the earnest announce- ment. ‘Name your conditions, then, that I may at once send them aid,” somewhat excitedly said the general, more and more impressed with the strange behavior of the young girl. “Will you grant my terms, if I promise to guide a force to their succor?” ‘*Tell me what your terms are and then I will answer you.” The maiden glanced into the face of the sol- dier and saw that he was determined not to commit himself, and she said slowly: “There is a man in your command by the name of Richard Sanford?” “Yes; he is now sentenced to death for kill- ing a brother soldier. He is a wild, reckless fellow who has given me a great deal of trouble. What know you of him?” ‘““-You must save his life, General gag y ‘Impossible! In two days he is to be shot.” ‘He must go free! Give him his liberty un- der condition that he never again returns to this t of the country.” CT sa it is impossible; he must die,” sternly declared the general. “Then so must Lieutenant Rockwell and his men die,” came the quick retort. General Emory started. He was not in the habit of being thus spoken to, and a mere girl was bearding the lion in his den, as it were. *T can relieve bim from the danger without your aid, for I shall immediately start a squad- ron upon his trail.” “The storm of, last night has effectually obliterated every trace of the trail. I tell you, General Emory, that I alone can serve you.” The general felt that the girl held the advan- tage, yet he did not wish to yield, for the man, chard Sanford, then under sentence of death, had given him much trouble, and having wan- tonly shot down a fellow-soldier, im a dispute over a game of , he had been condemned most justly to death, and he did not wish to take the responsibility of releasing him. The maiden seemed:to read what was passing in the thoughts of the general, and said ear- er ’ : “General Emory, wifl you let the life of @ worthless murderer stand between the lives noble men, such as Lieutenant Rockwell and Se P & grant your request, what guarantee have I of your good faith?’ ’ ‘Sena young girl smiled, and answered uickly: q Release Richard Sanford, and then I will o with the squadron you send to the aid of ieutenant Rockwell, and if my words prove untrue, I will surrender myself as a prisoner.” ‘My dear girl, I could never make war upon a woman, and if bi deceive me you are free to © your way with your own conscience. What this men Sanford can be to you I cannot of course know, but—" “ You mistake, sir: I never saw Richard San- ford in my life, nor do I care to.” General Emory seemed puzzled; if she never saw the man why this interest in him? ‘“‘Orderly.” ss The orderly at once appeared in the door- Ww : ° ref Go and bring the condemned prisoner fan- ford here; but do not speak with him.” The soldier saluted and departed upon his er- rand, while General Emory again turned to his strange visitor. : | ‘As you will net tell me your name, I will have to call you by the one the scouts and trap:
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— — _ pone Fancy Frank, of Colorado. 3 pers give you; sol would ask, Miss Ned Plume, why you are interested in one whom you never saw? ‘For reasons which [ cannot explain, sir, I do not wish Richard Sanford to die, and most earnestly I thank you for setting him free. Now Iam ready to guide the squadron to the relief of Lieutenant Rockwell.” “Tn half an hour you shall be on your way; but, in the meantime, I will have you some re- freshments ordered. Ah, here is the prisoner.” As the general spoke the orderly entered, ac- eompanied by the condemned man, “Orderly, say to Captain Taylor that I would see him,” and General Emory turned toward the culprit, who met his gaze unflinchingly. He was a man scarcely thirty years of age, possessed a tall and muscular form, and a face strangely handsome yet marked with lines of dissipation and an expression of utter reckless- ness. He was dressed in uniform, and upon his sleeve were the marks left by tearing off his rank as a sergeant. That his station in life had been far above that of a private soldier was evident; and that some secret hung over his past life, all knew, Mo none could solve the mystery regarding im, recs $ He had been in the army on the border for five years, and in that time hed been repeafed- ly Spo for his wild and reckless behavior; but his gallantry in battle and readiness to un- dertake any desperate service, had gained for him a certain respect, until he had ruthlessly shot down a comrade, and then the sentence of death had been passed upon him. The maiden, as he entered, eyed him curious- ly, but there was no sign of recognition in her look, while he glanced at her with a slight start of surprise at her beauty, more than a gaze that recalled her face as being familiar to him. “Sanford, at the request of this young girl I spare your life. You know best why she asks it of me,” and the general gazed straight into the face of the prisoner, whose face flushed quickly as he — glanced at the maiden, and replied, promptly: ‘I am wholly at a loss to account for her in- terest in me, yet very grateful to her; I never saw her before, sir.” Again a puzzled look came over the general’s face; he had expected that Richard Sanford would show some sign of recognition, and was disappointed that he did not. “Benford, within the hour you must leave the fort, and never return to it again; nay, more, hte must never visit any fort or Govern- ment Trading Post on this frontier, but leave these ag forever, for, if you do not, your life shall the forfeit. You own a horse, I be- lieve; get him from the quartermaster, and the sooner you depart the better. Orderly, take his irons off.” The orderly obeyed, and with only a salute to General Emory, and a strange glance at the maiden, the pardoned prisoner left the quar- ters, his eyes flashing, but his face perfectly emotionless. A moment after the departure of Dick San- ford, as he was generally known, Captain Alf Taylor entered, and was presented to the maid- e n, “Captain, this young girl brings us informa- tion that Rockwell and his men are in a canyon, hemmed in by Old Whistler and his Dog Sol- diers. Get a squadron ready at once, and you will have as a guide this maiden, who promises to conduct you in safety to the spot.” The officer bowed and departed to order out his men, and half an hour after the squadron of cavalry left the fort at a trot, and in ad- vance rode Red Plume, mounted upon a wiry little mustang, while by her side was Captain Taylor, already half in love with the myste- rious girl. As the cavalcade disappeared over aroll in the prairie, a single horseman left the fort, well-mounted and armed, and followed the trail of the troopers. That horseman was Dick Sanford. CHAPTER II, JUST IN TIME. as her wiry yg we the girl guide pushed rapidly along, heading in a southerly course toward the ublican. After a few hours’ ride a halt was called for uadron push- As untiri a short rest, and then again the } ed on, following no trail, and only tg by the maiden, who seemed wholly confident in her powersof prairie-craft. : At length darkness came on, and still the un- exring guide hesitated not, but held on her way | at the same steady gait she had kept up during the afternoon. Toward midnight she came to a halt, and the troopers went into camp for a’short while, and Captain Taylor, unable to engage his fair young guide in conversation, threw himself down upon his blanket to rest. Unconsciously he dropped eff to sleep, and an hour ee was awakened by a sentinel, who told him that the maiden had Jeft camp. Taking ail things into consideration, for he knew upon wliat terms the maiden had acted as guide, Captain Taylor began to fear that he had been made a fool of, and that, having ae- complished her object, the release of Sanford, she had departed now, none knew where. To foilow her he’ knew was useless, for not a steed in his squadron was the equal of the little mustang she rode; and then, it would be im- possible to strike her trail in the night. ‘But Pll track you to your den in the mtrn- ing, my beauty, for I do not believe that Rock- | well is in a trap; it was all a nice story of yours | to get that fellow away,” said the irate captain, | and he again sought to rest, but sleep would not come to him, and he tossed about upon his | blanket, until with a muttered imprecation, he | sprung to his feet, to behold by his side the one | who had driven sleep from him. ‘*Ha! you are backagain? I had not expect- ed to sé6 you any more.” “You wronged me, sir; but, get your men quietly mounted; we will be just in time.” “You are a strange creature, but I will not doubt you,” said the captain, and, ten minutes after, the troopers were again on the march, the girl guide again leading through the darkness. A ride of an hour brought them to where the country was rolling, with occasional hills and cut with deep canyons; but unerringly the guide held her way until she came to some timber land, and here she halted, ¢s Captain Taylor, a mile beyond here is the canyon in which Lieutenant’ Rockwell is be- sieged; the Indians are some two hundred in number, and entirely surround him. I would advise that you attack them at once, for in half an hour it will be daylight.” Captain Taylor gave the necessary orders to his officers and men, and then turned to ask his guide some questions regarding the best point to attack; but she was nowhere to be seer. Mysteriously she had drawn out of the line and disappeared in the darkness. “Come, Riley; we must move on to the at- tack,” and Captain Taylor turned to Lieutenant Burr Riley, who had accompanied him with twenty men of “I” Company of the Fifth Cav- alry. PAnd you really believe the pretty girl has not made a fool of us all?” asked Burr Riley, with a light laugh. TT place perfect trust in the girl—ha!” The exclamation was caused by suddenly hear- ing a volley of carbines, followed by wild yells from a hundred throats, amid which mingled the well known cheer of soldiery. “Forward, men! trot, charge!” yelled Cap- tain Taylor, and away bounded the troopers to the aid of the comrades they now knew to be in deadly danger. At full speed they dashed along, guided in the darkness by the rattle of firearms and yells of combatants, and just as the gray light of ap- proaching day appeared in the east, they came upon the scene of conflict. It was a wooded hill, in the side of which was a deep canyon, from which belched forth a steady stream of fire. Around the canyon’s mouth, and upon the hillsides, were scores of red-skins, charging upon those besieged in the cut, an ae Sa upon them a galling fire, while they made the air ring with their wild yells—yells that were answe back by the brave defenders of the canyon. *¢ At them, men!” The clear voice of Captain Taylor was an- swered by acry from his troopers, and ere the surprised Indians were aware of a foe in their rear, the cavalry, a hundred strong, charged into their midst, and joined in the work of death. Taken wholly by surprise, just as they knew the small party the canyon were wholly in their power, the Dog Soldier Sioux ht shel- ter on the hillside, and attempted to check the onslaught of their foes; but the troopers pressed them close, and the red-skins were put to flight, pursued by the victorious soldiers. “Just in time, my dear fellow, for it - A ee about up with us, as provisions were out, pe ammunition going fast. I owe you my life, and the lives of my men,” and Lieutenant Charlie Rockwell the hand of Captain Taylor. “You owe it to a beautiful young girl, who | Indians, who, having Be | knows no other life. Poor girl! I pity her. and what those troopers are going to do. shabby trick! seems more like a spirit of the plains than bu- man, and not to me, Rockwell, that you still re- tain your hair. Wewere but instruments inc the hands of an angel.” “A young girl! an angel! What mean you,. captain?’ asked Charlie Rockwell, in surprise. ** Just what I say,” and he went on to tell the lieutenant the story of the maiden’s visit to the fort, the conditions on which she acted as guide, and her mysterious disappearance. ‘ ‘Strange! I know:of no such girl. Doubt- | less she is the one the boys sometimes see, anc | call Red Plume, She must bea captive of the wn up in their midst. I will—” ‘“What, Rockwell?” asked Burr Riley, as the other paused. ‘*Go into camp, for several of my men haye See eae and a number wounded, and we need rest. ‘Then we will camp here, for my men and horses are also fagged out. After a rest, Rock— well, you can go to the fort with the wounded, and I will push on after the red-skins and gives them another lesson.” A few moments after the troopers were em camped; the savory smell of broiling meat andr coffee arose upon all sides, and the camp pre~ sented a most picturesque scene, with a group: of dead soldiers lying there, a larger nuriber of siain Indians scattered about, the surgeon and his assistants busy with the wounded, scores of cavalrymen preparing their rude, but palatable breakfast, and the horses in the background! lariated out to feed upon the prairie grass—m: scene for a painter to portray on canvas, anc once participated in never to be forgotten. CHAPTER IIL TRACKED. It was evident, from the manner in which the- girl guide left the trooper band, that she wished to avoid being seen as she glided into thee shadow of the timber the very moment she saw" that no eye was upon her. With an almost noiseless step her mustang: threaded his way for a few hundred yards= bor) - slight pressure upon the rein caused him». to halt. ‘*We must wait here, Whalebone, and see They are- suspicious of us, but they don’t know us, do they, pony?’ and she patted her mustang- caress:ngly upon the neck. But she not long to wait, for to her ears= soon came the sounds of conflict, which bad sents the troopers forward to the rescue in theis- rapid charge. nstantly wheeling her pony the young girk followed on after the soldiers, drawing reim only when she came in sight of the combat. "Oh, this is terrible,” she murmured, drop— ping her reins and Mec go her hands. And a terrible sight indeed it was for wo- man’s eyes to gaze upon; but the fight did not last long, and, seeing the Indians put to fligh the maiden wheeled her mustang and darted away at arapid gallop. Following the trail of the troopers back te where she had left them, she turned to the left... and still pushed on at a swift pace. For several miles her untiring pony held hie: steady, caey gallop, and then suddenly stum- bled and fell heavily to the earth. Wholly unprepared for such an act in her sure-footed mustang, the young girl was throw over his head and was stunned by the fall. At length, however, she opened her eyes anc gazed around her, and then with an effort arose» to her feet. The sun was now above the horizon, and her pony, heartily ashamed of himself, to judge by is looks, stood near, not daring to chew the grass he had in his mouth. ‘Naughty Whalebone, to play\me such @& You might have broken my neck; but I'll forgive you as you Jook so re- pentant,” and she started toward the pony, but stopped suddenly as the sound of hoofs came t> her ears. Srna de sprung toward the mustang, a= though mount him, dreading danger; but Whalebone, doubtless expecting punishment from her hasty approach, wheeled suddenly and darted away, just as a horseman came over thee pede of the prairie, not a hundred yards dis— t. Instantly the Red Plume shook herrelf to— gether, as it were, and ber rifle was slung round? ready for use, for in that wild land she looked. upon every man as a foe. g her movement the horseman drewe
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-aanswered, “or me. fort, and the life that I now have I owe to you. Is it a wonder, then, fair girl, that I seek to se more of you, and would offer you that eagprun -ewere held in his iron grasp. ~awho and what you are. say words fell uselessly u -qwicked man; “her, for if her hands were once free, so that she -crould grasp her trusty revolvers dir im, a rein and. raised his hands above his head, in token of peace, while he again slowly advanced until within a few yards of the maiden. Well, sir?” Her tone was determined, and she still held is no longer in danger,” said the man, Ey: ; ick San- ** Not until I know more of you, and why it "eras that you came to the fort to save my life.” “ Let it be sufficient to feel that I did so, with «mat asking my reasons.” “Tt is not sufficient, though. I took your “trail and followed you, for I was told the terms sxpon which you gained my release, and from “your own ape I would know more. Have we Sver met before, and am I so remiss as to forget **E xcept in the fort, no; and I am sorry we ve met a second time.” “ Again you are unkind; but Jam not sorry for I longed to thank you for the life you saved from an ignominious death; I wished to » “ence more into your beautiful face, and beg ga eset me why you took so deep an interest “an me The man ke earnestly, and his handsome ‘face looked full ee the maiden, whose eyes tkrooped peers is ardent glances; but she uietly: **My motive pod can never know. You are @ree to go your way, and if you have any re- gard for yourself lead a different life in the fu- Svare from what you have in the past.” ~** By Heaven! you do know me, girl, and I am @etermined to hear from you that which you aan tell me,” @he flashing eyes of the young girl now met “his; her rifle again came up threateningly, and ‘he man quickly added: “Pardon me, for I meant not to offend; on the contrary, Tt would now offer you the life yuu have saved; let me devote it to you, fair ggirl, and—” He paused, for he saw a dangerous glitter in ~whe eyes of the maiden, and his ears caught the @minous click of the rifle held in her hand. **Leave me, Dick Sanford!” ** Why treat me thus?’ he cried, earnestly. ™*T have no home, no friends who care aug. t Iam just driven, an outcast from the e His words, his manner seemed to momentarily eeften her bearing toward him, for she lowered Jaer rifle and rested the butt upon the ground. flash, he Then, as quick as the lightnin er hands toward her, and instantly “‘Dick Sanford, release me, for if you offer -ame harm there is one who will track you to the «end ef the earth to avenge me,” said the young amir} in ringing tones. **No, I will not release a until you tell me entreated you, and m your ears; now I force from your pretty mouth that which 4 would know,” The girl felt that she was in the power of a et her courage did not forsake she did not ead nd she smiled defiantly in his face, , “while she said, in cutting tones: **Base indeed must be the man who would harm a woman, and one who had saved him ‘from a deserved death for the cruel murder of & By ea d defia ; eaven, girl, your irony and defiance ut\make me the la determined to know amore of you. Answer my questions and you ‘shall go free unharmed; but refuse, and I swear ~%o you I will carry you to the village of the In- dian chief, Medicine Bear, and give you over 0 the cruelest torture that red-skin deviltry can The young girl turned pale in spite of her pluck, and asked, entreatingly: “How have I wronged you, Dick Sanford, ‘that you should wish me such a fate?” ‘Girl, listen to me! There is some secret at “the bottom of your coming to the fort and sav- “ing my life; you are but a tool, I believe, in the ands of others, and Iam determined to know Fancy Frank, of Colorado. who sent you, for I believe my life was saved that I might meet a worse fate from tiiose whom I know would pisdly killme. Thus you see, feeling as I do, I have no thanks to offer you for saving me from death; but with you in my power, I hold the winning hand over my enemies. You see I am a desperate man and [ warn you to tell me that which I would know.” ‘* And I refuse,” came the defiant response, ‘*Then you shall go with me, girl,” and with @ savage oath the man held her firmly with con 55, while he drew from his pocket a stout cord. ‘*Pard, are you not rushing matters here a little?” As the sound of a strange voice fell upon their ears, the maiden gave a quick cry of joy, while Dick Sanford, releasing her, dropped his hand upon his revolver and turned toward the speaker. ‘‘Hands off of dangerous weapons, pard, for J have you covered,” was the calm warning of the stranger, and Dick Sanford felt that he was in the power of a man who, he saw at a glance, was not one to be trifled with. CHAPTER IV. QUEEN’S ADVENTURE. Lovrs Woopsriner, the post trader at Fort McPherson, was a man whom all respected, if they did not like him, for he was known to be ‘on ry squar’ clean through,” as the boys ex- P ; He had come to the post some years before the opening of this story, accompanied by his only child, a daughter, who, at the time of his val, was in her thirteenth year. Though her father was a stern man, and seemed often to be brooding over some un- pleasant memory of the past, he was ever most cheerful in the presence of his daughter, Queen, and between the two there existed a love that was almost idolatrous in its strength. From a very pretty girl Queen Woodbridge grew into a beautiful woman, and her father’s comfortable cabin home had many visitors, among them the young officers of the fort, who oy nearly all half infatuated with the lovely Though a frontier maiden, Queen had received many advantages, for her father was a man of education, and he had enga ed the fort cha lain and his wife to teach his daughter, until she became quite proficient in her books, needle- work and music, not to speak of her being a most thorough housekeeper, as many who had been entertained at the Woodbridge home could testi ify. Ty, 23 having scores of lovers, Queen Wood- bridge had never seemed to care for any one in particular, and yet she made a half-way excep- ~e of aman whom few liked and all seemed to fear. Whether it was his spent form, handsome face, superb horsemanship, fame as an unerring shot, or the fact that he had once saved her life on the prairie, when her horse was thrown down by an enraged buffalo bull, none could tell; but certain it is she always had a sweet smile for Dick Sanford, though he wore no offi- cer’s straps upon his shoulders. Appreciating the service that Dick Sanford had rendered his sewn dpm Louis Woodbridge ever a kind word for him, though he did not like the man; yet he watched most closely his every attention to Queen, and on several oc- casions warned her against him, when he be- lieved that she was becoming too much interest- ed in the reckless young soldier. When at last Dick Sanford took the life of his comrade, all watched what the effect of his sen- tence would be Sen Queen; but, woman-like, if she felt any deep sorrow for his fate, she carefully concealed it, and her father rejoiced to see that he was wrongin the surmise that she had loved the wild fellow. Shortly after word came to Queen that Dick Sanford had been released, and had left the fort, banished from it forever, ape that a young and beautiful girl had gained his freedom, one whom no one knew, but whom the scouts re- ported to have seen upon the prairie at different times, and had named the Red Plume. Queen made no comment upon the subject, but after the departure of her informant she mounted her favorite riding pony, and soon af- ter was dashing away across the prairie as fast fis her horse could carry her. After rite cae the post from sight, she made a circuit in the direction she had been told Dick Sanford was seen to go, and soon crossed the trail of the troopers, the prairie alone. Urging her pony into a gallop once more, she | ' / Into this trail she turned and continued on rapidly for an hour or more, and still no sign of the one she sought; it was growing late in tue afternoon, and she felt that she must give up the chase; so, with a reluctant sigh, she turned her mustans to the rightabout and start- ed slowly homeward. As she rode along a troubied look rested upon her face, and from her lips broke the werds: ‘**Oh, that I could have seen him, that I might tell him I had not deserted him and left him to his fate. Now he has gone away and will ever believe me ungrateful.’ As the shadows began to lengthen, Queen saw that she must hasten, for darkness would over- take her asit was before she reached the post, and those were dangerous times to be abroad on had gone but a few hundred PS aa bach git’ enly beheld the a rise in the P adunjre she su ress and painted face of an In- feather head dian warrior, Quickly her whip fell sharply upon the flank of her mustang,and away he bounded, the keen lash urging him on at chal step, for now thoroughly frightened. The hope that perhaps she had not been seen at once died in her heart, as over the hill-crest came one, two, three warriors, and shortly after, a dozen more, all well-mounted and urg- ing on their fleet mustangs with savage joy at the prize before them. ere was no use now to lash her mustan the red-skins, as muc n was for, as though dreadi : as did his mistress, the little pony, with a snort of fright, away over the prairie at his ut- most But, as Queen turned her head over her shoul- der, she could see that the Indians were gaining upon her; their horses were evidently fresh, while she had driven her pony hard in endeavor- ing to overtake Dick Sanford. earer and nearer came the savages, and their very silence proved to the poor girl how determined they were to capture her. The post was yet long miles away, and the nearest Indian was within two hundred yards of her, and slowly gaining at every bound of his horse. She had a revolver in her holster—a weapon she never went without, and yet, what use would it be to her ina struggle with nearly a score of red-skins? What use, except to end her own life should it come to the worst with her! Like a swallow the little mustang over the prairie, urged on by his mistress’s voice, and ever and anon the heavy fall of the whip; but he was doing his best, and Queen knew it, and said as though in apology: “Never Ee eet O08 it is hard, but you must save me. You will be treated well if they take you, pony, while I—oh, God! what will be- come of me?” _ Again and again the lash fell upon the foam- ing flanks, and, maddened with pain, the noble little mustang made a tremendous effort, aod a ery of joy burst from the lips of the maiden as she saw that he was gaining upon the Indians. But, it was only a momentary joy, as the red- skins once more be n to overtake the pony, for, after his last effort, Deerfoot seem fail- ing. Nearer and nearer came the savages, until the leading one was only a few lengths away, and the post was yet miles distant. One glance behind her and Queen saw the hideous, printed face of the Sioux brave, and with a sudden impulse she could not resist she drew her revolver and taking a quick aim The savage saw her act and attempted to elude the shot by bene over, but the bullet went crashing through his brain and he fell heavily to the ground, while a wild yell of rage broke from the lips of his comrades, and a vol- ley of rifle-balls were sent after the flying girl. ith a cry almost human, Deerfoot stagger- ed; the blood gushed from his nostrils, and he red for his fall, Queen et, and suddenly springing g of the fell heavily; but, pr alighted upon her Pe forward, seized the rein of the mus fallen warrior as he was dashing by. With a bound she was upon his back, and hard upon his sides rained the blows of her keen whip, while in her heart arose hope once more that she could escape. Queen was a thorough horsewoman, and, in mounting, her father had taught her to always spring to the saddle from the ground; now this accomplishment rendered her good service, for she seated herself secure!y upon the back of her | captured mustang, aid urged him on to his ut
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‘Bound on, you ugly brute,” she cried, al- most viciously and tien, suddenly changing her tone, she continued: ‘*Save me, bt ve horse, and you shall be my pet in the placs of poor Deerfoot!” The mustang appeared almost to comprehend her words, for he put on an extra spurt of speed, and was dropping the red-skins rapidly behind, when they seemed torecover from their astonishment at the bold act of the maiden, and seeing that she was swiftly leaving them they urged their ponies on to goat speed, at the — time firing upon the flying horse ahead of em. For a few moments the shots proved harmless, and, with white face and set teeth, Queen urged on the straining animal she rode, while each moment hope of escape rose bigherin her heart; but, alas for her hopes! A well-aimed shot struck the mustang, and though he struggled on nobly, his telling ee began to slacken, and once more the red-skins gained on the fugitive, and wild yells broke from their lips as they felt that she would soon be in their power. Slower and slower ran the mustang, and Queen felt him sway under her, as though with weakness, and knew that he must soon go down; but she urged him on, still, and strained her eyes in the direction of the fort, in the vain hope that some one might be abroad on the prairie and see her race for more than life. Suddenly the straining ae staggered badly, and, drawing him to a halt, Queen poe ag Se the ground—just in time, for the ani- at had tried so hard to save her, fell dead at her feet. Instantly the brave pa crouched down be- hind his dead body, and with revolver present- .ed, awaited the approach of her savage foes, a face white but full of courage and determi- nation. The next instant the savages dashed up and heer Ag the ground, a few yards distant from e girl at bay. CHAPTE® V. FANCY FRANK, Tae stranger wno had so Opportunely a red upon the scene, to the aid of the ely ae es sa as Red Plume, was a remarkable looking personage, and one whom few men would dare to meet in personal combat. Fully six feet in hight, he possessed a form al- most womanly in its perfect propor ions, and yet it was one that indicated wonderful endur- ance and leonine strength, while his face was a strange mixture of manly and feminine beauty, for the eyes were large, intensely black, and his hair, falling in curling masses upon his shoul- ders, and a long, silken mustache and imperial, were golden in hue. But, though his eyes seemed soft, and rather sad-looking, his mouth indicated indomitable and resolution, while his every action coura proved that he ed an iron nerve. Dressed in a full suit of buckskin, the leg- gins stuck in handsome cavalry boots, armed with spurs, he wore a broad sombrero of a light color, encircled by a gold cord. ; At his back hung a Winchester repeating rifle, and in his belt were two revolvers and a long- bladed knife. : Just over a rise of the prairie, patiently await- ing his master, was a dark bay horse, standing where the stranger had left him, when he came upon the scene—a strong man struggling with a oe ae ‘Pard, ve the drop on you, so you may as poe om I say: take your hand off of your estot ! - —_ Sanford sullenly obeyed, while he hissed orth: ‘T’d like to know where you come from, and why you chip in where you're not wanted?” “You mistake, sir; I chip in wherever I can help the weaker party, and as to where I come from I will answer you, and throw in my name gratis. Maybe you have heard of me:—lI’m called Fancy Frank of Colorado.” Dick Sanford had heard of him, as one of the most daring scouts on the border—a desperate hand with knife orrevolver, an unerring trailer, a crack gambler, and a dandy in dress. “Yes, | know of you, and I admit freely that you hold the trump card against me; but what are he going to do about it?” “Simply take this young girl out of your power, and escort her to a place of safety, while { give you the information unasked, that u persecute her any more I will drive my fe to the hilt in your cowardly heart.” Fancy Frank, of Colorado. so | ‘Ah! she is your friend, then?” sneered Dick | her this far. A plucky woman, and one whe Sanford. ‘*Only that she is in trouble is she my friend. I never saw her before in my life.” Then, turning to the maiden, who had most attentively listened to all that had passed, he continued: “T judge that you do not care to remain longer in the company of this man, miss?” ‘*Indeed I do not, sir. Why he holds an en- mity against me I know not, for I saved his life yesterday and to-day he threatened mine.” ‘Aha! Well, sir, your horseis there; mount and away from here, or I will make a meal of you for the coyotes.” ‘ The dark eyes flashed, and the lips compressed, while he motioned to Dick Sanford to depart. “Curse you, my dandy plainsman, but Pll yet make you repent of interfering in my af- fairs, and in spite of ae threat I have not yet done with that little beauty. We willall meet a . So saying he bounded upon his horse, and dashing his spurs viciously into the animal’s flanks, disappeared over a roll in the prairie. ‘“Now, miss, how can I serve you?’ and Fancy Frank turned to the maiden. “By allowing me to go my way alone, sir; but most sincerely do I thank you for the man- ner in which you have aided me.” Fancy Frank gazed into the beautiful face with surprise at ber request to be left alone upon the prairie, and admiration at her won- drous loveliness, “Did I hear aright? You wish me to leave you alone here upon the plains?” “Yes, sir.” ‘i am bearing dispatches to Fort McPher- ; you are doubtless from there, and—” ‘* No, I do not live at the fort, sir, and I must again ask you to leave ine, for I see my run- away povy is coming back.’ As she spoke Whalebone came trotting up, looking ashamed at having deserted his young mistress in time of her need. ‘*You do not live at the fort, and—but [ will not Pry. into that which you do not care to tell me. Allow me to aid you to mount?” With slight effort of his eg strength, he raised the maiden to the back of her mustang, and then stepped aside. **Good-by. I hope we shall meet again, and I once more thank you,” and the Red Plume held forth her tiny, sunburnt hand, which the Scout grasped warmly. The next instant she was dashing away at a rapid yes ‘If I had time I would track that beauty to her lair. Where can she live, I wonder? Well, I must hasten on, but I will deliver my dis- tches and to-morrow come out and strike her rail Se me is a gem worth the finding. Come, The last was called out to his bay horse, that trotted up to his master as obediently as a dog would have done. Mounting, he set off at an easy canter, head- bay ST Fort McPherson. fter a ride of several miles hesuddenly drew rein, for before him, upon the prairie, lay at dead mustang. Not that a horse lying dead upon the plains was a strange sight, but that he bore a woman’s saddle, was what surprised the Scout, and in an instant he was by the side of the animal. ‘‘There has been foul play here. Ha! there leads a trail, and unshod hoofs prove that who- ever the unfortunate rider of this horse was, she is in the hands of red-skins! I will follow and see what more I can discover.” Again mounting, he pressed rapidly on, fol- lowin,. the plain trail, and soon came to a dead warrior lying upon the ground. “Strange they did not carry off this dead red-s'sin, or bury him, They must have been pressed hard by pursuers, and yet, £ see only urshod hoof-marks,” and the Scout examined the ground closely, thei once more resumed his ee Ere very gs brought him upon another dead animal, this time an Indian pony, wear- ing the trappings of his savage master. arching carefully around him he discover- ed the track of a dainty shoe in the prairie and a blue vail lay by the side of the dea horse. ‘This is strange, for I see no sign of pursuers having been on the trail of the Indians, and the woman was doubtless captured where her horse was killed. No! by the Lord Harry, she ran this far. But, that was impossible! Ha! I shali be rescued from the red devils.” Remounting his horse he set off at the same rapid, steady gallop, and continued it but a few ee yards, when he again drew rein sud- enly. ““Aha! Here is the cause of those red-skins: running off without carrying their dead com- rade with them,” and he gazed fixedly at thee ground where a broad trail was visible. ‘Tt comes from the eastward, and led toward. the fort, until here it branched off in pursuit of the Indians, ‘Well, Iam glad the woman has friends om: her track, though they seem but few in num-- ber. Now, old fellow, we must see the fort within two hours,” and once more the noble» bay steed pressed on at the same untiring pace, » ts hour after Fancy Frank rode up to the sentinel at the fort and desired to see General Emory, at the same time announcing himself as: the bearer of dispatches. Ata glance he saw that there was some un- usual cause of excitement in the fort, and ask- ing the cause was told that the Indians had cap~- tured the Prairie Queen, as Queen Woodbridge. was called by the soldiers, and that a comes ; of cavalry had gone off at daylight on her ail, accompanied by her nearly-crazed father. The orderly coming that moment to conduct: Fancy Frank to the general he made no reply te» the soldier who had given him the information, regarding Queen, and entered the quarters of the commandant. Half an hour after he came out, and remount ing his faithful steed set forth upon the i turning his back upon Fort McPherscn. CHAPTER VI. THE TRAILERS. WHEN Queen Woodbridge crouched down be hind the dead Indian pony she was determined to defend herself to the very last, and her leveled revolver caused her red foes to come te» a sudden halt. Already had they seen how unerring was her" aim, and her pluck, in her mad race for life,, they also had had demonstrated to them, se= that they were wary in approaching the girl at: bay. True, they could fire upon and kill her; but that was not their object now, for she was # prize they all coveted, and, in firing upon her pony; they had been most careful not to hit- er. r “ Better white squaw give chief pistol; might hurt white squaw,” coaxingly said one of thee Indians, who spoke good English, and was thee hief chief. “It will certainly hurt any red-s in who at- tempts to lay his vile hands upon me,” was the: fearless retort. The Indians did not like this reply, if seemed, - and the chief turned to one of his warriors S spoke a few words in his own tongue. ‘‘ White squaw much pretty. irio Snake want her for squaw.” “T will kill myself first; yes, I would rather trust myself to the mercy of the snakes that seek refuge in yonder prairie-dog Gens than to ou. “White squaw chango her mind; Prairie Snake great chief—Dog Soldier Sioux—havree much pes tepee,” end the Indian drew himselt up with pride. He was a tali, well-formed sav: of thirty,- with a een | marked and intelligent face,, now besmeared with paint, and when he hac mentioned his name, Queen remembered him-ase one who was noted asa leader of his people, and was a bitter foe to the whites. “No, I will not fall alive into your hands; &~ will kil! the first one that comes ‘near me, and then shoot myself,” and the white, resolute face: - indicated that she would be as good as her word... Her yes blazed, and her hand was firm, bu%” through her quivering lips came the low wail: ‘** Oh, God, have mercy upon my poor father 2” As she spoke, there came a whirring sound in the air, and Queen felt a sharp blow upon her: shoulders. The next instant the noose of a lariat settleé* down over her arms, pinioning them to her side... and _ jerking the revolver from her grasp. With a yell of joy, Prairie Snake sprung for= ward and seized her in his strong arms, while; overcome at her capture, the poor girl swooner* away. So re-oiced were the Indians at the prize they had taken, they failed to observe the approac® of hati a dozen horsemen, until, with loud yells, have it! The girl, whoever she was, shot the | they charged down upon the red band. dead red-skin back yonder on the prairie, after ‘he had killed her horse, and kis pony brought ' to take Queer ix: To mount their horses, and for Prairic Snak= nis strong arms before his,
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~ | | es ee — Tos am car SIRE So ee Sh sae x IFS =e =a ———— —S NS rene — eens ba ~evas the work of an instant, and away over the "prairie sped the red-skins, their pursuers press- ee on in pursuit. uder ordinary circumstances Prairie Snake ~erould have fought those who followed him; but snow he would not risk the loss of his prize, and “he pushed ahead rapidly toward the Republican, Nhalf of his warriors hanging back and firing supon the pursuers, who, though but six in num- ‘ber, came boldly on. ow and then the Indians would halt, as if to @ngage in combat; but the long-range and re- peating rifles of their foes would soon put them to flight once more, and they pushed them hard- er, as night came on, not wishing to lose sight of them in the darkness, Assoon as it was dark, Prairie Snake resorted to Indian cunning to escape. Queen had recovered consciousness, and know- ing her utter inability to escape, and seeing that there were pursuers upon the trail of the Indians, she remained perfectly quiet, while her savage captor held her in his powerful grasp, and he ay to hope that she would be contented with ‘ner lot. But, it was hard, indeed, for Queen to see the cunning plot entered into to throw her friends off the trail, for, with a few of his braves, Prai- rie Snake rode on ahead, at the utmost speed of their horses, and the act was not observed in the darkness, by the pursuers. _. Then, when the chief and his few followers ‘had ined a safe distance ahead, the rear guard suddenly scattered in as many different irections as there were braves, and not wish- ing to divide their small force, the pursuers were necessarily brought to a sudden halt, for they knew not which of the Indians carried the «captive cee ‘{ tell yer, pards, thet durned ole Snake hev “tricked as, an’ no mistake, an’ thar’s but one thing fer us ter do,” said John Nelson, an old a a and who had lived for a among the Indians, and was called by them Chasba- chaopogeo (Red-willow-till-the-pipe) = wd what is that, guide?” asked the youn- szest one of the party, and who was a very dif- ferent man from his companions—in fact, he seemed hardly more than a youth of twenty, and a very handsome one at that. His hair was long, light brown, and fell upon ‘the collar of his velvet coat; his mustache, the same co’or as his hair, was turned up at the wends, and every feature of his face was perfect, though effeminate. Under the medium hight, his form was slen- “Aer, yet denoted activity and strength. He swore a loose velvet sack coat, brown vel f wants, stuck in top boots, a wide-brimmed, ‘Diack felt hat, and under his coat a belt of arms around his waist, while a Winchester repeating wifle hung at his saddle-horn. He was well mounted and thoroughly equip- ~ “sped, yet seemed out of place there on the bor- eaer, the companion of rude frontiersmen. His comrades were all old trappers, men well ‘known upon the plains, and who lived together “apon the Republican and its tributaries, gain- “dag their living by trapping and the chase. Besides Jack Nelson, who seemed to be the Seader, there were Hank and Monte Clifford, Arthur Ruff, and Andy Barrett, the latter a “strange character dwelling alone upon the Medi- ~ine and known as a snake-charmer and queer genius in — A few s before the party are presented to “the reader, Roy Reese, as the young man called himself, had been en route to Fort McPherson, ' »sccompanied by two guides who had come with him from Kansas. Just after crossing the Republican, the three ‘\ bid been fired upon by the Indians and his gwo «sveorarades fell dead from their horses, and ©Reeze would doubtless have shared a like fate, “hat he not, in his flight, come suddenly upon “Aartty Barrett, who led him to the Red Willow, <where Jack Nelson and his comrades were then e®ncamped. 4tew days’ rest at the rude camp ofsthe trap- ~apers;and the party set off to accompany Roy ‘Reese to Fort McPherson, he offering to pay ‘ther Viberally for their services. - It was when near the fort that they came suddenly upon the strange sight of a young girl salt bay before nearly a score of savage warriors. “Boys, we must take a hand in thet leetle tagame, though they has the dead wood on us in mumbers,” said Nelson, quietly, ‘*You bet I’m ther man as will help yer tackle “em,” replied Hank Clifford. “An’ you'll hev_a hand in too, pard, won't ~-ger?” asked Andy Barrett of Roy Reese. “T would be less than human not to aid a poor .gzir) in distress,” was the prompt reply; and 2 Fancv Frank, of Colorado, the surprised red-skins, just as t had secured poor Queen. But, when the cunning of Prairie Snake had foiled the little band of pursuers shortly after dark, there was but one thing for theny to do, and answering the question of Roy Reese as to what that was, Jack Nelson replied: ‘Fer us ter camp on ther trail till mornin’, an’ then press on; but in ther meantime fer one ous ter skoot ter ther fort, an’ tell as howa young gal was in ther claws o’ ther red-skins, durn ’em.” “Tl jist skip off at onst, an’ I guesses it won’t be long afore I jine you ag’in with a company o’ sogers,” said Hank Clifford, and a moment after he was riding rapidly away in the direc- tion of the fort, while the remainder of the party sought the shelter of some timber on the banks of a small stream and went into Stee True to his word, Hank Clifford returned the following morning, accompanied by a company of cavalry under a dashing young officer, who was determined to rescue Queen Ww bridge. Louis Woodbridge, the almost heart-broken and despairing father, came with the troopers also, and all felt for him the deepest. commise- ration. With the light of day the trappers saw plain] how cleverly Prairie Snake had cidtied: then, and they knew that the large trail was the one by which the maiden had been carried, and the whole bt at once set off in pursuit. With such trailers as John Nelson and his companions there was no difficulty in following the trail, and at a fast trot they pushed on for several hours, when they halted for a short time only to resume the pursuit as soon as men and animals had enjo a few moments’ rest. The trail now became interspersed with un- merous others, that joined it on the left, until all knew that they would have a large force to fight, as Prairie Snake had doubtless been joined by numerous other Indians; but undaunted, the — pushed on until near Lightfall, the trails oming fresher and fresher as they progress- ed, until the trappers asserted the red-skins were not five miles in advance. Suddenly a party of horsemen dashed out of a motte of cottonwoods on their left, and with cheers they were greeted, for they were recog- nized as the gallant men of their own regsnent, the Fifth Cavalry, and at their head rode Cap- tain Alf Taylor and Lieutenant Burr Riley! A halt was at once called and the pursuers of Prairie Snake learned of the defeat of Old Whistler and his band and the rescue of Lieu- tenant Rockwell and his men, ‘‘ And we are in hot pursuit of them now,” said Captain Taylor. “Then we will unite forces, for, Taylor, we must rescue the Prairie Queen,” said the youn officer in command of the troopers, who h beex trailing Prairie Snake. ‘*By all means; let us now decide as to what is best to be done, Nelson, where do you think the red-skins are heading? “To the mouth of Frenchman’s Fork, cap’n; thar’s heavy timber beyond, an’ ther natur’ of ther kentry jist sich as Injuns likes to fight in. We'll find ’em thar, ef we shouldn’t come up with ’em afore.” Do on think that we can overtake them, Nelson “That thar depen’s, cap’n. Ef they stops fer us I guesses as how we can.” ‘* Why would they stop for us?” “They is sly, them Ingins is, an’ Old Whistler an’ Prairie Snake is more eunnin’ than sarpints, an’ they mout lay low in a good place to drop on us as we go by.” ‘* Ambush us, you mean?” ‘*Thet’s jist what I mean, Cap’n Taylor.” “Then what would you advise, Nelson?” **My idee would be to branch off from ther trail and strike ther Frenchman’s Fork some miles above whar it empties inter ther Repub- lican; then we can cross over an’ kinder e ther devils in ther flank.” ‘* But are you certain that they will make for the timber-lands beyond the Republican?’ ‘* Tis sartin they is goin’ whar they kin stan’ per off in a squar’ fight, cap’n, an’ that thar entry is ther place fer ’em ter do it.” A consultation of the officers was at once held, Louis Woodbridge and the scouts ning resent, as was also Roy Reese, whose youthful, audsome face had quite won the hearts of all with whom he had come in contact. Then it was finall that they would go into camp where they were until night, and give both men and horses a chance to rest, and, | as they were to strike a straight trail for the with loud yells the party spose ee down upon ey Frenchman’s Fork, to push ahead soon efter dark and travel through the night. This decision made, the guards were station- ed, the horses lariated out, and the men threw themselves down upon their blankets to rest; but there was no rest for Louis Woodbridge while his daughter was in the bands of a cruel foe, and he paced to and fro with bent head and compressed lips, the minutes drigging along like hours to him. Suddenly a horreman was seen coming far off upon the prairie, his horse at an easy trot, and | the rider’s head bent over, as he carefully sean- ned the trail of the troopers which he was fol- lowing. Who he was none present seemed to know; but, as he drew nearer, his splendid appearance drew exclamations of admiration from the sol- diers, who, one by one, sprung from their blan- kets to see him. As he approached the eamp, which he had some time before discovered, he urged his: horse into a swift canter, and drew rein just at the edge of the timber. I seek Lieutenant Forbush,” he said, quiet- ly, and the last rays of the setting sun falli full upon him, revealed the handsome face an superb form of Fancy Frank of Colorado. CHAPTER VIL. THE EVIL SPIRIT. “My name is Forbush, sir,” and Lieutenant Forbush stepped forward and confronted Fancy Frank, who saluted politely, and placed a letter in his hands. The young lieutenant ee at the letter, and then up at the face of the Scout. “You are the man known as Fancy Frank, I see by this letter?’ “Tam so called on the border, sir; but my name is Frank Barbour.” “I have often heard of you, Mr. Barbour, and am glad to meet you; but, how you are go- ing to rescue Miss Woodbridge alone, I am cer- tainly at a loss to know; still, General Emory shall be obeyed,” and the lieutenant placed the letter in the hands of Captain Taylor, who read it with some surprise, and then said: ‘General Emory requests, I see, Forbush that you go into camp, and await the result of the Scout’s visit to the Indiancamp. If he fails to gain possession of her, you can then act as you deem best.” * Yes, and Iam glad that our forces are con- solidated; perhaps if General Emory knew this he ag wish us to push right on to the at- tack. ‘Gentlemen, rdon me, but if it is your de sire to rescue tie young lady alive, you had better allow me to first make the attempt; if I fail, it will be time for you to avenge her, for 1 know Old Whistler and Prairie Snake too well 4 believe that they would let you have her alive. ‘* After a few hours’ rest I will push on to the Indian camp, and you can follow, slowly. If I do not return to you within two days, then you can act as you think best.” Both Co Taylor and Lieutenant Forbush were ef impressed with the Scout, and at once offered him the hospitality of their camp, which he accepted, as soon as he saw that his horse was well cared for. Having gained a few hours’ rest, Fancy Frank mounted his horse and rode out of camp, upon his perilous duty of endeavoring, single-handed, to rescue a captive froma large band of In- dians; but, as he disappeared in the gloom, all who had seen him, felt impressed with the thought that if man could save Queen Wood- bridge, that man was the daring scout from Colorado, and the heart of the poor father beat high with re Vith the first glimmer of light in the east, Captain Taylor broke camp and started upon the trail of the scout, Nelson, the trapper, fol- lowing it without any hesitation, and eg | swiftly on, for, with Fancy Frank. ahead them, no one seemed to dread an ambush now. After some hours’ march the bank of the Frenchman’s Fork was reached, and, according to his agreement with the Scout, Taylor went into camp; but the poor cken father went down to the river's — rs —— yi across, as though long . n- gers and push on after the red-skin captors of is beautiful daughter. ; Meantime, Fancy Frank, with a caution born of long years upon the wild border, followed the trail of the savages inthe darkness, but more by the instinct of his noble horse, than any trace he could find of them, Pushing straight ahead, neither turning astde for streams or hills, he crossed the Republican
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| , of Colorado, after daylight, at the same crossing used by the | own people, and he left the village of the Medi- Indians, and pushed on toward the thick wood. ‘As he advanced, he saw that the Indians now deemed themselves safe from pursuit, for their trail was a straggling one, aud in an hour more he was brought to a sudden halt by the whiz of un arrow by his head. Instantly his rifle sprung to his shoulder, and down went the savage who had fired upon him. Drawing rein by the side of the dead red-skin, Fancy Frank dismounted and raised him to the back of his horse, after which he again mount- ed, and, turning off from the trail, he ‘sought a canyon, where he quickly transferred the In- dian’s gorgeous head-dress of feathers to his own head, and, with paint taken from his sad- dle-pocket, he stained his face brown, _ Then leaving the dead warrior lying in the canyon, he sprite See the saddle and arrang- ing the red-skin’s blanket across his knees, so as to hide his pants and boots, he galloped on to- ward the spot where he knew the village was situated, If it was to disguise himself as an Indian Fancy Frank had intended, he had not done so, other than to a casual observer, though he might pass for a red-skin without close observa- tion. A ride of several miles brought the Scout to the heavily-wooded hill-land, and in a valley, well guarded by nature, the Indian village was situated, Here and there the Scout beheld warriors, mounted and on foot, but he gave them as wide a berth as was possible, and pressed on into the village, not once awakening in their minds that he was other than he appeared at a casual glance—a red-skin brave. : t Dashing up through the village he held his way toward the center, where stood the grand Medicine Lodge of the tribe, and, just as the In- dians began to notice his elegant horse, and - that something was wrong in his AEpeREAnans he aprang from his saddle and s at the en- jrance to the large tepee, while he cried, in the Mioux tongue: ~~ | EE ENO “Tho Evil Spirit would see the great Medi- ‘ine Chief!” All knew that terrible name, for his daring lots and wonderful escapes had caused the In- dians to call the Scout Evil Spirit, and they feared him as a eg hardly human. At once was the village a scene of the wildest excitement, and warriors, squaws and children rushed toward the Medicine ge, where, hav- ing throws aside his Indian trappings, and re- placed his broad hat, Fancy Frank stood ap- parently unconcerned, gazing upon the tumultu- ous crowd, his horse by his side, and his wea- pons ready for instant use, should he need them, and need them it looked as though he certainly would. : ee Presently a tall chief, stately, and with silver threads mingling with his long black hair, ap- proached, and said, sternly: . ‘Why has the bold pale-face come? Does he deem himself indeed a spirit that the arrows and rifles of my braves cannot harm him?” ‘The Evil Spirit has come to see his red fa- ther, the great Medicine Chief, White Wolf. Have the eyes of my red father grown dim that he forgets the face of the Boy Chief?” — ‘No; the White Wolf remembers; it is many moons since the Boy Chief was in the village of the Sioux; he is welcome.” ; : ‘‘ Yes, the Boy Chief left the village of his red brothers many moons ago; he has become a man since, for ho has lived among the pale- faoes—his own people.” The Medicine Chief seem) suddenly struck with a disagreeable thougut, and he asked, quickly: “The Boy Chief left his red brothers and be- came their foes; his deeds have gained him the name of the Evil Spirit; why are his hands red with the blood of my people?” : A murmur of approbation at the question went up from the crowd of braves around, and a shrill cry from the squaws. : “The Evil Spirit is no red-skin; his face is white, and he went back to his people, and when they went on the trail of the Sioux warriors he was with them. Would the Medicine Chief, White Wolf, have him turn his rifle against his own le by the Boy Chief had become one of my peo- le.” “Yes, until he could leave them. He has not forgotten that you went to the home of his fa- ther and left it in ruins, and killed those that were dear to him; nor has he forgotten that you saved his life, boy though he was, and brought as a rea. skin. He thanks the White Wolf for it, but he preferred to live among bis ee At ER a — PS CSREES SS fed ee eee ERR, SSR at eee Ce eee ee ene ee ee ey en ame cine pans : Saree ‘*He went on the war- after my young men,” angrily said the White Wolf. i “Your young men unburied the hatchet, and the Evil Spirit met them on the war-path.” “The Kvil Spirit has at his feet the dress of one of my warriors.” ‘True; it served him as a disguise to reach the Medicine Lodge.” ‘Where is the Sioux warrior?” ‘*He fired upon the Evil Spirit: go ask the coyotes!” was the defiant reply, and a yell of rage broke from the infuriated Indians; but the Vhite Wolf motioned for silence, and in his deep tones continued: “The Evil Spirit enters the village of my pecble with the blood of my braves red on his ands; why has he come?” ‘* He has come to ask the great Medicine Chief for the maiden that the Prairie Snakehas stolen from her people.” ‘Where is the pale-face maiden?” “Would the White Wolf try to deceive the Evil Spirit? The maiden is in his village.” “Let her be brought here,” was the order, and the chief, Prairie Snake, stepped from the crowd, and replied; ‘‘The Medicine Chief has not spoken well; the ale-face maiden is the prize of the Prairie nake,” “Let her be brought to the Medicine Lodge,” was the stern reply, and a moment after Queen Woodbridge, deadly pale, with sunken eyes and tottering steps, approached through the crowd. “‘Cheer up, Miss Woodbridge; there is hope for you,” boldly said Fancy Frank. Queen sta ; her face flushed with joy; and in tones almost inaudible she cried, as her eyes fell upon the fearless Scout: ‘*Oh! you have come to save me!” ‘*T will do all that I can; if I leave the village without you, be surprised at nothing that may happen, and keep up your strength,’ Eiod bless you! I will t you,” was the earnest reply, and she stepped back as the Prai- rie Snake approached her. me “Where did the chief get the captive mai- den?” and the White Wolf turned to the Prairie Snake. ‘*He ran her down with his warriors, like a deer on the prairie! The Prairie Snake has the heart of a squaw to make war on a defenseless girl,” was the sneering remark of Fancy Frank, and the Indian, with a savage yell, sprung to- ward him. But the Medicine Chief stepped between them, and said sternly: *“* Let the Prairie Snake beware! He stands in the shelter of the Medicine Lodge.” The Indian fell back a few steps, and the White Wolf continued: “What would the Evil Spirit with the pale- face maiden?” “He would restore her to her people.” ‘Does the Evil Spirit expect that the White Wolf can do this he asks?” “Yes; the White Wolf is all-powerful.” “The White Wolf cannot; the maiden must remain and in one moon become the squaw of the Prairie Snake.” “Never! 1 would kill her with my own hand first,” cried Fancy Frank; but checking him- self quickly, he continued: “‘Hasthe Medicine Chief forgotten that many moons ago the Boy Chief saved his red brothers from death? Has he forgotten that the Boy Chief saved the life of the White Wolf?’ “The White Wolf remembers all,” sadly said ee Then J him grant the request the Bo en let him t the the Chief makes of him.” 7. ‘No; the Evil Spirit can go from the vi . but he will die if ever he comes here again; the pale-face maiden must remain.” Fancy Frank into the face of the White Wolf and knew that he meant what he said. CHAPTER VIII. THE TREBLE DUEL. Fon some moments after the reply of the White Wolf, a silence rested upon all; then ef Frank said quietly: “The great Medicine Chief forgets the ser- vice his white brother rendered him and his people many moons ago.” “* No, the chief remembers, and for it he lets the Evil Spirit leave the village of his people without harm,” ‘Bah! the Evil Spirit can do as he likes; he has no fear of Sioux squaw braves,” contemptu- ously exclaimed Fancy Frank, and he quickly ere over the crowd to notice the effect of is words. SAS ES 6 ce, ee ee ee eT fe ee It was at once evident he had struck them hard, for a perfect chorus of savage yells broke from several hunired throats, and the White Wolf had to step before the daring Scout as the warriors pressed toward him. “Let my warriors remember; the Medicine Chief has said the Evil Spirit can leave my vil- lage unharmed.” The braves sullenly fell back, and turning te Fancy Frank the old chief continued: “The White Wolf has spoken; the trail from my village is open; let the Evil Spirit taka it!” Queen gave analmost despairing glance imte the face of the man from whom she hoped for more than life, and seeing it, Fancy Frank de termined to make one more effort at a rescue. and said quickly: “The White Wolf has many great braves im his village; let him say which ones the Evit Spirit shall fight; if he kills them, the maidem goes with him from the village.” **No, no, no; you have already risked toe much for me; leave me to my fate,” cried Queen, horrified at the proposal of Fancy Frank But in the eyes of the Indians the propositiow seemed to meet with general favor, and the: White Wolf, seemingly anxious to serve the Scout, or perhaps more anxious to get him out: of the ve by death, said quickly: — - ‘The Evil Spirit isa great brave; how many of my warriors would he meet?” ‘There stands the Scalper, with a a gn rifle he has taken from some poor scout or dier he has killed; let him stand an arrow’s: flight away, and we will run upon each other eb Y “It is good; but, will the Evil Spirit meet ne more of my braves? The e-face maiden is beautiful,” slyly said the ite Wolf. ‘“Yes, one by one I would fight your whole tribe to save her,” broke from Fancy Frank’s lips in English; but he added calmly in the Sioux tongue: TP, ‘Yes, the Red Bear has a revolver; we wilf stand a knife’s throw from each other and ad-- vance vain, “ Good, e Scalper and the Red Bear are great warriors; but there is another who is greater.” “Oh, I'm coming to him, ‘Old Greedy,” muttered Fancy Frank, and aloud he said: “The Prairie Snake; he has no equal as & great brave; he wears a knife; let him meet me with it.” “Good! but what other braves would the Evil Spirit meet?” “Does the White Wolf want his whole tribe killed?” defiantly answered Fancy Frank, and ere the chief city a 5 he continued: “The Scalper, ear and Prairie Snake are the pa braves of the Sioux nation; if the Evil Spirit meets and conquers them isat not enough?” The Medicine Chief, and in fact all apo seemed to see the logic of this reasonin t with = hearts at the thought that the hated Evil Spirit was at last to meet his doom, the In- dians formed a line to see the fun. As for poor Queen she was bowed down in sorrow, for, veel” the Sioux tongue a, little, she had a knowl ge of what desperate: chances the daring Scout was taking. A year before, when at Denver, Colorado, she had seen in the streets the man who had come so boldly to her rescue, and, greatly impressed by his striking appearance, she had asked qucs tions regarding es and learned of his many esnen Fore but, other than that he had lived a long e among the Indians, and was new their bitterest foe, she could learn nothing of his- history. Now, this daring Scout, whose love of dress had gained him the name of Fancy Frar&~ among his comrades, and whose wonderful ’ = sealecs i tn — deeds and deadly aim had caused the Indians to. - call him crip eee was in the midst of his.» le chances to save her froma “Oh, sir, do not, I implore you, risk your life as 77 have offered to do, but give me a pistob and I will end my own misery and save your? life, for you cannot defeat those three terrible sa Queen had approached Fancy Frank and look- ed earnestly up into his face. He smil p easantly, and said, in a low toner “Have no fear; my good fortune will not de» sert me in such a noble cause. Your friends, the soldiers, are not far away, and if I fall they will attack the camp. Now I must get ready to — s old Scalper to the happy hunting; grounds, With a bow he left her, and with staring eyes. she stcod gazing after him, and saw him tice ~
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f \ a See a ren n te ee ee eee PSE sear SwTS ee SSS SS ES Se . eas = Pen Fancy Frank, of Colorado. o aiaee | 423s stand avout a hundred yards from where | * stood the Scalper rifle in hand. Ata moticn from White Wolf the two raised ‘heir rifles; tho Scalper fired and Fancy Frank | | Scout, boldly. ‘sttropped on his knee, while a yell burst irom tie Indians—a yell of fiendish joy; but from the vheart of Queen Woodbridge came a groan of agony. itha shout of fiendish triumph the Scalper wrnshed forward, firing his repeating-rifle as he emdvanced; but hardly had he advanced half a -@ezen steps when Fancy Frank fired, and down dropped the red-skin, dead in_ his tracks. A wail of woe went up from hundreds of the sats, and it was hard for Queen to keep back w@ery of joy. ’ Rising to his feet, it was evident that Fancy Frank had been hit, for he limped slightly as he walked toward his dead foe. Bending over him he oy coolly raised his ‘scalp, and fastening it to his belt turned toward White Wolf, amid a series of wails from the saquaws. “The Evil Spirit is ready to meet the Red “Bear,” said Fancy Frank, in a loud voice, and the warrior named stepped nimbly into po- sition. - He held confidence in his own true aim, for “She revolver was his favorite weapon, and he showed no dread of the terrible foe he was to meet. Again did the staring eyes of Queen Wood- “bridge turn upon Fancy Frank as he took his a about fifteen paces from Red Bear; she did not see the motion of White Wolf to begin ‘the revolver-duel; she only heard two quick @hots, and then her hands went together in “God forgive me! I am applauding the death of a human being,” she exclaimed, suddenly, as ‘She watched Fancy proach the fallen body of Red Bear, an «ever it, a scalping-knife in hand. Covering her face with her hands she shud- f as a long, deep wail, that ended in a vow], went up from the crewd of Indians. Again did Fancy Frank approach old White ‘Wolf, and bis words all heard: + “If the Prairie Snake is not a coward I am weady to meet him!” The Prairie Snake, though a cruel wretch, »was certainly no coward, and notwithstandin ithe fate of his two brother warriors, he seeme “anxious to meet the Scout and try his nerve anc strength in a combat for life. ‘Eagerly the Indians crowded around and a «ircle was formed, shutting out the tall form of Bancy Frank from the view of Queen, who sunk upon the ground, dreading the third meet- ing more than she had the others, for the Prai- wie Snake was a huge warrior, and as strong as a t, for on his flight with her she had seen itions of his wonderful strength. In a very few minutes the two men were sready for the fight, the Scout having thrown . seaside all useless attire, and the Indian stripping ‘tohis leggins and moccasins, leaving his brawny chest bare. As the twostood confronting each other, they ‘were marvels of perfect manhood, and it was “evident to all that the combat was to be a des- perate one. _ The eyes of Fancy Frank blazed like fire, but this face was very pale, and the left leggin, just mbove the knee, was stained with blood, from ‘the rifle-shot of the Scalper, and his hunting- shirt also had a stain upon it, under the right arm, where the revolver-bullet of Red Bear had cut its way. Still, wounded though he was, Fancy Fru..:!" stood up unflinchingly ready for the fray. Frank, still limping, ap-. hi bend song, nc 7, sconding toward the horizon, and the dee fore the Prairie Sm.) ; ; dence amir. the timber, with only an %ccasional | “owl of a prowling wolf out upon the prairies, of the Medicine Chief, who seemed horrified ai tie result. “The White Wolf has seen; the pale-face | | the horse suddenly stopped, and then approach. maidea goes with the Evil Spirit,” said the “The White Wolf has seen; the Evil Spirit is a mighty chief; let him take the pal:-face mai- den and depart from my village; if he comes again, he shall die.” Fancy Frank was only too glad to obey, and | i | next instant the movement was accounted for, he went toward Queen Woodbridge, who lay, limp and motionless, in a heap upon the ground, At first he believed that some Indian squaw had slain her; but, raising her up he saw that she had only fainted, and he handed her to the White Wolf while he called his horse to his side and sprung into the saddle, Then he took Queen from the chief’s arms and turned his horse’s head from the village, for he | saw that the Indians were at a fever-heat of rage, and were howling for his life. ut White Wolf waved them back, and ata rapid gallop Fancy Frank left the village be- hind him, his splendid horse caring little for his double load. After a ride of half a mile Queen regained her consciousness and her eyes fell upon the Scout’s face so near her own, and she knew that she was saved. “Oh, sir, what do I not owe you!” she cried, while the tears dimmed her beautiful eyes. “We will not speak of gratitude, now, Miss Woodbridge, for we have a bad lot behind us. With your permission, I will give you a more comfortable seat,” and he swung her round toa seat back of his saddle. : * Now, hold te my belt tend to let the Red Angel few miles.” ‘* And you are wounded! Do let me aid you in some way,” plead Queen. Tt is to ave the Indian camp some distance away before I halt, that I hasten now, for some of the red devils may take it into their minds to pursue us,” and he urged Red Angel into a rapid gallop. ne, two, three miles were cast behind by ‘he noble horse, and then, as they entered a nsirow gulch between two wooded hills, Queen sa ¥.he Scout lurch suddenly forward, and then fall heavily from his saddle. In an instant she sprung down beside him in terrible terror; was he dead, or had he fainted from loss of blood from his wounds? Which, Queen cou’? Warily tell, and with a ery of anguish she laid 4% and upon his heart, the fear in her mind that he was dead—that he had lost biz life to save her, and that she vas alone in the wilderness with the dead. It was a hvrrible thought, and she bowei her head and wet bitter, scalding tears. CHAPTER IX. THE SPECTRAL VISITOR For twenty-four hours had sh: vroopers been in camp, and yet word came m the Scout. Captain Tax wor -eimed to feel uneasy, al- though the t'ax. appointed By Fanev Finek had not yet e.apsed, and Mr, Woodbri‘ive could only pace to sud fro, his head bent duwn, his hands claspe., 274 his whole manner thet of a despairing nian. Again nig::. -eitseu upon the scene, and the soldiers gathers: around the camp-fires, for the nights were getiiiig chilly: still no laughter or were aeard, and the gloom of death sceamed tt res’, apon all. A new mia, only a few days old, was de- si- hard, please, for I in- show his speed for a Ata signal given by White Wolt the comba* \ seemed to impress officers and men alike. began by Prairie Snake springing quv.:'y vo- | U : uel af ine edge of the timber, and instantly ev- But the knife-blow was skillfully caught on | ery "ian was on the alert, while Captain * ' ,or and Louis Woodbridge at once went toward the knives clashing viciously, and occasionally | the d. ward the Scout, with a fearful lunge. -parried, and at once a desperate battle bega., giving a wound. At length Fancy Frank, determined to end the combat at once, rushed in under the guard of Prairie Snake, seized him in his strong arms, a with a power that seemed superhuman, ‘bent him backward until the brave savage groaned with pain. harelg ? ° ‘Then the long blade of the Scout came down with telling force, and deep into the red breast of the red-skin it sunk. ; Instantly the bronzed armsrelaxed their hold, | from the hand, and Prairie | the knife drop suddenly a startied cry came from the senti- ay- “* What is it, Benton?” asked the captain, ap- proachiny the svot where the sentinel stood. The suswer of the trooper was to silently point out over the prairie. _There, in tne light of the moon, a horse and rider were visibic: but were they of the earth earthy? was almost the first thought of every man whose eyes fell upon them. The steed was snow-white, and with head erect came on at aslow galiop. his hoofs making no sound as thev el}, His rider appeared to be a woman, and was | main, with respect, es proach, not one able to account for what ap- peared to them as an apparition. When within a hundred yards of the timber ed once more; but this time at a walk. Nearer and nearer until within fifty yards of the timber, the troopers staring at the ghostly forms. Then again the steed halted, and the arms of the rider seemed to move strangely; but the as there came the whir of an arrow that buried | itself in a huge tree not a yard from where Cap- | tain Taylor stood, Instantly all was excitement, and to th rightabout wheeled the horse and away he darted across the prairie. ‘Forbush, take a dozen men and pursue! Ha! there is a note attached to this arrow!” and Captain Taylor broke the thread that bound asmall piece of paper, closely folded, to the arrow. Instantly he retraced his way to the firelig. it | and read, with intense surprise, what was writ- ten upon the paper. “Tt is Miss Queen’s writing, as I live!” cried Captain Taylor, who had often seen that young lady’s specimens of penmanship upon notes —— him for some little souvenir sent to er. **Queen’s writing! Thank God she yet lives! Read it, captain, for I cannot,” cried Louis Woodbridge, almost overcome with emotion. The note was addressed to the officer in com- mand of the troops, encamped upon the French- man’s Fork, and the contents were as follows, written in Queen’s well known bold hand: **Srmr: Knowing that you have come thus far to effect my rescue, I write to say that I am in a place of perfect safety, having been rescued by the Scout, known as Fancy Frank, from the Indians. ‘More I cannot say, but I will return to the fort as soon as a certain duty that detaims me here permits me to leave, “Tt am comfortably situated and well, please say to my father, and ere long hope to see him. _ “For your benefit I will say that the Indians under the Medicine Chief, White Wolf, are at their village in the hills beyond the Republican, and their force is very large, bei fully five hundred warriors, while the village of the Dog Soldier Sioux under Old Whistler and the Cheyenne bands of Medicine Bear and Two Lance are not very far rl so it would be madness to attack them, and I beg that you return at once to the fort. “Thanking you for your services in my behalf, and again assuring you of my perfect safety, I re- QUEEN WoopsRIDGE.”* Captain Taylor read this strange communica- tion aloud, and when he had finished, all looked at each other in surprise. “Thank God, my daughter is safe; but, why this secrecy as to where she is?’ cried Louis Woodbridge. “I certainly cannot tell; but I congratulate you, Woodbridge, upon your good news; but, where Miss Queen can be, I certainly cannot im- agine,” said Captain Taylor. “Cap’n, M1 het I kin say a word as to this mystery.” t was John Nelsor: that spoke, and all turned toward kini. ‘“Well, Nelson, what is it?’ asked Captain Taylor. “The scent: il kn ~» as Fancy Frank, and I admit he «i sercamer, too, has levanted ,; with ther gal ca: 9 ther Ingin camp, that are sartin: but he wat * ‘av low fer a while until he can git he. ‘ies ver ther fort, an’ it’s my hopinion that ~- 2s ‘1 pleasant quarters.” “But, whav pie 3:5 quarters can he find on the Republican, Nejsca, short 01 Western Kan- sas?” asked Taylor. *‘] ain’t sayin’ as he’s livin’ in a palice, cap’n; bx | does remark that he an’ ther. gai is wel fixt, an’ thar is no use bein’ oneasy about ’em, fes they will turn up right side with care, same as et they was marked ‘glass, handle with care,’” “IT believe you have an idea of where they are, and if you know, Nelson, for the sake of poor Mr. Woodbridge, I think you should tell.” “T believe you is right, cap’n; I has a idee yet idees ain’t allers facts, yer know; but Vi say what I has to say; you hes heerd o’ ther er Hermit?’ ‘“Yes, I have heard of such a character.” ‘‘ Waal, he’s got a home, or ranch or dugout, on ther Republican,” “ Ab' ana you snow where this home is?” ‘“Nary, no more’n I do whar Hevin is; it’s an’ ther : up above ther stars, the eae say, ; | dressed in snow-white; what could it mean? trail thar is on ossible hard to find, thay puts it, Quickly, and unmindful of the yelling around Nearer and nearer came the horse, swiftly, | an’, so knowin’, I guess I’ll never strike it; but im, Fancy Frank scalped his enemy; then re- | yet silently, and in the shadows of the cotton- | thet’s ther way I knows about ther dugout o' waming bis outer clothing, he stepped in front | woods officers and men stood watching its ap- | ther Trapper Hermit—it’s on ther Rep=blican, Snake was dead. ‘ | a} | 4 ‘ ;
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an’ thar’s no man heur, I kin gamble on, thet knows more about it; ther man as c’u’d guide us thar, ‘ceptin’ ther Hermit, I guesses is thar now,” ‘¢ And that man is—” “Fancy Frank o’ Colorado.” ‘But the messenger, Nelson—the one who brought this note?” “‘ Waal, as ter who she mout be, I ain’t able ter tell; thar is strange doin’s at times on ther Republican, an’ it mout be a spook or sperrit willin’ ter aid a angel, ’kase Miss Queen are a angel, Pll gamble on it.” Just then the sound of hoof-strokes were heard, and into the timberrode Lieutenant For- bush and his troopers. — ‘No use, Captain Taylor; the white horse ran away from us with perfect ease, and seeing my inability to capture the phantom, I returned.’ ‘You did right, Forbush; read this letter,” and the captain placed Queen’s letter in his hands. ‘“* Well, Isuppose we can do no more. How do you feel about it, Mr. Woodbridge?” and the lieutenant turned to the trader. “T cannot doubt the evidence of my daugh- ter’s writing, and I feel that she is in ge | yet can but have anxiety on her account. What the mystery is, God only knows, but I will wait, as patiently as I can, other tidings.” * Captain, I suppose you will now return to the fort?” “Yes, Isee nothing else to do; we will start at daybreak,” and all departed to seek what rest they could. But little sleep came to their eyes, for all were impressed by the strange letter, and far moreso by the ghostly messenger, and at the first streak of light a number were out upon the prairie looking for the trail left by the white horse. Among the searchers was Jack Nelson, and his remark was echoed by many others of the superstitious bordermen and soldiers: ‘‘Durned ef thet wa’n’t a sperrit las’ night, or I are a liar.” The cause of this remark was that no trail could be found, CHAPTER X. ROY REESE STARTS ON A DOUBLE TRAIL. “WELL, boss, you is safe in ther fort now an’ 2 wuesses as us boys will levant fer ther pararies ry rin.” Tt was Jack Nelson who spoke, and he ad- dressed the young man known _as Roy Reese, the day of their arrival at Fort McPherson. ‘‘T must ask you to remain until I have had an interview with General Emory, my good friend, for I may also leave the fort; it depends upon what I learn from him, and if I do, I wish you and your comrades to accompany. me, for I will pay n.ost liberally for your services,” said Reese. “Which way, boss, w’u’d yer trail, mout I ask?” “That I cannot yet tell.” “Waal, ef yer w’u’d be willin’ fer us ter fust return to ther Republican, we’d go with yer. You see we has got what we comed here for, powder an’ sich like, an’ we hes detarmined to return an’ look up thet onnateral thing we see thet night; it’s kinder excited my cur’os’ty, an’ I has more’n any gal; so yer see we wishes ter fust dive inter thet mysteery.” ‘‘ Would you and your comrades go alone so near the Indian camp?” ; : ‘You bet, pard! e hain’t a bib skeery o red-skins; we hes lived so long amongst ’em we kinder knows all about the’r doin’s.” ‘ ‘Well, I will go with you to the Republican, if I can have your services after that.” “ It’s a barg’in, my han’some pard.” “The general would see you, sir,” and an or- derly approached Roy Reese, who followed him to the commandant’s quarters. “Mr. Reese, I believe?’ said General Emory, i politely, struck with the handsome youth. i _ “ Yes, sir, and I begged to see you, General : Emory, upon a matter that you can perbaps ’ give me some information.” “Be seated, sir. Captain Taylor tells me you had a narrow escape from the Indians?” “Yes, sir; my guides were killed, and I would have doubtless lost my life, had I not come upon some trappers who live upon the Medicine.” “IT know them, sir; brave fellows all of them, yet as fond of a wild life as the Indians. You were fortunate to meet them, and it was just like them to i chase to the red captors of Miss Woodbri A strange letter that from her, Mr. Reese,” and General Emory referred to the letter which he held in his hand. ‘ it? ““T have a number of theories; but the one advanced by Nelson, the trapper, is, I think, the best, for Miss Woodbridge is certainly in safe quarters, or she would never have written what she has.” : “Tt is strange that she was alone upon the prairie at the time of her capture.” ‘Strange indeed, and rumor has it that she went forth to overtake a worthless fellow whom I bad pardpned, con account of a service ren- dered me by on? who asked his life at my hands; but though the fellow was as handsome as a picture, well educated, and had evidently seen better days, he was only a sergeant, and was a wild, reckless devil ther God nor man, and I cannot believe that Miss Woodbridge cared for him.” “Women are strange creatures, General Emory; they frequently love those who are wholly unworthy of them; but itis of just such a character as the one of whom you speak that I wished to inquire about.” “Any information I can give you, Mr. Reese, it will be a pleasure to me to give.” ‘‘Thank you, sir. For nearly five years I have been on the track of a man I am deter- mined to find, for I do not believe he will die until I have met im face to face.” General Emory almost started at the earnest, almost savage manner of the young man, who, at once controlling himself, resumed calmly: ‘* He is said to have been last seen on the bor- der, and I have tracked him as far as Topeka, Kansas, where I learned that he had enlisted as a soldier. ‘* Believing that he had changed his name I have visited the different forts, and now visit here, hoping you can give me some information regarding him.” ““ What is his name, Mr. Reese?” ‘He has doubtless changed his name, sir; but that which I knew him by was Richard San- ford.’ “By Jupiter! It is the very man of whom I spoke a while since.” “Then he isin your command?” almost joy- ously cried Roy Reese, springing to his feet, and his face flushing. ““He was, Mr. Reese.” “Was? Then he has left the fort?” and Roy Reese sunk back in his chair, an expression of dire disappointment upon his handsome face. “Yes, he left the fort several days ago. “T know not, Mr. Reese, how you are inter- ested in this man, but I will you what I know of him. ‘*He enlisted in the army, nine years ago, on the Kansas border, and a better soldier I never saw; but when not on duty he was a very devil, and his recklessness ca: him to be continu- ally reprimanded and often severely punished, all of which had no effect upon him. “Tn action he had behaved with such gal- lantry, that had he been less the devil he was he would have worn an officer’s straps, for al liked him when on duty, for there was a cer- tain fascination about the fellow we could not resist. “But at last he went a step too far and de- liberately killed a brother soldier, and a court- martial condemned him to death for it.” ‘But he did not die, you say?” eagerly asked ese. “* No, he was released, as I said, two days be- fore the day appointed for his death. ban- ished him from all the forts on this border, and | he rode forth upon the prairie, alone.” , ‘* And a woman, you said, gained his free- om?” “Yes, or rather a mere girl; a strange and beautiful young creature, fast the scouts and trappers report having occasionally seen upon the prairies, but of whom nothing whatever is known. ‘She came to me, told of one of my young officers and his men in deadly peril, and, upon condition only that I would vot Dick Sanford free, did she offer to guide a relief force to the lieutenant, where he was besieged by Indians. “*T released Sanford, and the girl kept her word and saved Rockwell and his men, for they certainly would have been massacred, had not Captain Taylor arrived as he did.” “ And the girl?” “Left the command, most mysteriously, as soon as she had kept her word.” ‘*And nothing. more is known of her?’ con- tinued Reese, anxiously. “Yes; a scout from Colorado, known as Fan- cy Frank, and whose daring deeds have come to us here, arrived with dispatches for me, and he reports having come upon the Red Plume, as ‘Strange indeed, sir; can you account for | ’ | low, Dick Sanford.” seeming to fear nei- | the girl is called, struggling with this same fel- ““ Weill?’ eagerly asked the young man, as | the general paused. ‘*Weil, Fancy Frank rescued the girl from the villain’s clutches, and he rode away upon the prairie, leaving the Scout and the maiden together; but she would not allow him to follow her, and thanking him for his seivice rendered her, dashed away, while he came on bere with bis dispatches, and almost immediately depart- ed to aid in the rescue of Miss Woodbridge, for he gave me most satisfactory evidence that he could do more to release her trom the power of the Indians than any other man could. ““There seems some strange mystery in al] this; but why Richard Sanford should- turn against the girl who had saved him trom an ig- nominious death, I cannot understand,” **Nor can I; but his was a strange nature. I thank you, General Emory, for your kindness; now, I must leave the fort, for 1 wish to contin- ue on the trail of Dick Sanford.” “*T had hoped you would remain at the fort for a few days; but you must not go alone.” “Nor will I, sir, as Nelson, the trapper, and his comrades accompany me; but, did the Scout say where it was that he came upon Sanford and the girl?’ **'Yes; not far from where the trail of Gene- ral Carr crosses the Red Willow; the trappers can easily find it.” ‘Then they can trail both Dick Sanford and this mysterious girl,” said Roy Reese, and tak- ing léave of General Emory, an hour after he was riding toward the Red Willow to strike a double trail, and his companions were John Nelson and his brother trappers. CHAPTER XI, THE HERMIT TRAPPER. At a point on the Republican river, not very far from where the Frenchman’s Fork empties into it, is a bold cliff, the summit overgrown with timber, and the approach to it so wild and rugged that not even a red-skin would seek to investigate its recesses. Landward the cliff breaks off abruptly, over- hanging a small, deep stream overhung with willows that fringe its banks, and the branches of which come together over the waters, giving them the appearance of being as black as ink. Half-way up the side of the cliff is a shelf upon which have taken root a number of wild plum and box-elder trees, while massive vines of the wild grape cling to the interstices of the rugged face of the palisade. These bushes completely conceal the entrance to a large cavern in the cliff, naturally roomy anda safe retreat, and rendered by nian com- fortable as an abode, and a fortress of strength. One seated in the cavern could look out upon the river and far across to the prairies beyond, and be concealed from view by the foliage of the trees, and a canvas curtain that was the color of the cliff, and let down over the entrance to the cave. Within, the cavern had a number of cham- bers, branching off to the right and left of the main hallway, the latter in the back part de- scending abruptly into the very base of the cliff and terminating in another cave that opened out upon the waters of the small stream before referred to, and the entrance to which es securely hidden by the overhanging wil- ows. Returning to the cavern above, upon the right was a large room, containing a fireplace and chimney made of logs and clay, and with a table and several chairs, all evidently of home manufacture. In one part of the room was a quantity of firearms, and rudely-made boxes that doubtless contained ammunition, while in a crevice, made to serve as a store-room, hung jerked buffalo and deer-meat, dried fish, and other edibles, Another cavern chamber on the right of the hall was used as a store-room also, for it was full of beautiful skins of the beaver, buffalo, deer, bear and otuer animals, all thoroughly tanned. Back of this room was another, quite well Mgihted from crevices cut through into the side of the cliff, and with a door that shut it off from the rest of the cavern, At agilance it was evident that this was a stable, for there were several stalls in it, and in a loft above quantities of dried S. Upon the left of the main hall were three or four smaller rooms, all dimly lighted from win- dows cut in the roof, and three of them furnish- ed as sleeping apartments; that is, with rude . bear-skins, and wearing apparek One of these rooms was larger and pleasanter
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eS > ~ SS ee eee ee ae than the others, and was really comfortable, while it bore indicatious that its occupant was of the gentler sex. - Having now giver the reader an idea of this strange retreat on the Republican, I will de- scribe the only occupant visible. In the entrance to the cavern, and looking out upon the Republican and the prairies be- yond, sat a man of perhaps fifty-five years of @ ge. His bair and beard were long, iron-gray and His form was tall, muscular, and noi at all f matted, and his eyes bright and glittering. j and disap a 6, it seemed, as is png 4 firm, rom a impaired in strength by his his movements were quick, anc as he arose and took down a telescope shelf near him. ‘There is some one coming; but who?’ he muttered, as he turned the glass upon the prai- ries across the river. But he evidently could not discover what he wished with the glass, as he laid it aside with a hasty ejaculation. “The boy has seen whoever it is coming, and is returning with the horses,” he muttered, as his eyes fell upon half a dozen ponies, one with a rider, galloping over a roll in the prairie and coming toward the river. Arriving at the bank the horseman dashed right into the stream, followed by the other horses, and all were soon swimming for the other shore, and heading toward the cliff. After a hard swim they came under the cliff ed in the shadow of the willows that overhung the mouth of the small stream. But the rider guided his own animal into the cavern entrance, and, the others following, they all landed upon a kind of shelf, and ascending the steep path that led to the cavern above, dis- appeared in the apartment before described as a stable. Closing the door behind him, the rider the next instant ap ed before the old man. He was an Indian lad of perhaps fifteen, straight as an arrow, with an intelligent, fearless face, and long black hair that hung down to his waist. He was dressed in buckskin leggins, mocca- sins, a blue woolen shirt, and wore on his head’ a coronet of red bird’s feathers. At his back hung a bow and quiver of arrows, and in his belt was a revolver and knife. He was of the Pawnee nation, and his name in his own tongue was Likootspahut, which, being interpreted, means Red Bird. ‘* Well, Red Bird, what saw you on the prai- rie?” asked the old Hermit, as the youth squat- ted down near him, wholly unmindful of his wet leggins. “The Red Bird saw Injun on prairie,” an- swered the lad, in good English. “Ah! say youso? How many?” ‘One, two, three,” said the Indian, counting upon his fingers. “That looks bad, for the child should cer- tainly return to-day, and— Ha! hand me my lass!” cried the old man, suddenly, and the Y laced it in his hand. ‘By Heaven! there comes my child, with three Indians in pursuit— Ha! she turns and fires, and down goes the foremost. Nobly done, my brave girl y* **Me see ’em now, good !” cried the boy, and ore aside the glass, the Hermit said, quickly: ** My rifle, Red Bird.” Tn an instant it was placed in his hands by — Indian—a long-range, Winchester repeating e, Then he turned his gaze upon the prairie once more, and now plainly visible was a young girl, well mounted, and flying at the top-speed J gon ony, from two Indian warriors that came on pursuit, while a third lay dead on the prai- rie, slain by her unerring aim. Ata glance it was evident that the young girl was the Red Plume. She was heading di- reetly toward the river with full speed, and at the point where Red Bird and the horses en- tered the stream. “Me go shoot Sioux brave,” cried the Indian boy suddenly. ‘T will attend to that part of it, Bird; but bo can go and scalp them; and mind, you throw he bodies in the river, and strip their ponies of their pg Sa and turn them loose,” ‘Red Bird hear white chief’s vyords,” and the big Beets back into the cavern. ive minutes after he passed under the cliff, mounted upon a spotted mustang, and holding _ above his head, as the horse swam to the oppo- posite shore, a rifle and lariat. In the meantime, the Red Plume had reached the river bank, and there wheeled and fired rap- | Fancy Frank, of Colorado. idly at her pursuers from her repeating rifle; bak whether unnerved by her hard ride, she only brought down the mustang ridden by one of them, and as the one still mounted now re turned her fire, she pushed her pony boldly into the stream. ‘Now is my time!” said the old man, as the two Indians—the one mounted, and the other on foot—came to the bank, and were preparing to fire upon the maiden. Raising his rifle to his shoulder quickly, he fired at the Indian on foot. But, with the crack of his rifle mingled an- other report, and down went both red-skins as — hey had been pierced by one bullet. ‘* Well done, Red Bird! That was as good a shot as mine,” cried the old Hermit, as he saw from whence had come the second shot, and the next instant the Indian boy and the maiden passed each other in mid stream. ‘“*Good, Dew Eyes! por Sem three scalps for Likootspahut,” said the j “ And good Red Bird to come tomy aid,” and the two passed away from each other, the lad continuing on to the other shore, and the maiden heading for the cliff. Following the same course before pursued by the boy, she soon found herself in the cavern, and the next instant was warmly greeted by the Hermit. “Maud, my dear child, I had begun to fear for you, as you were gone so long.’ “*T was detained, father; but I hope you will forgive me for riding directly here when those Sioux chased me; but Whalebone was fagged out, and their horses were fresh, and I feared to trust to his speed, and felt that either you or Bird were on the watch, and could surprise my apap ‘Tt is well as it is, Maud; but, tell me the re- sult,” and the old man spoke earnestly. ‘The general agreed to my terms.’ “Thank Heaven! he is alive, then?’ said the Hermit, joyously. ‘Yes, father; his life was spared; but he was banished from the border posts and forts.” ‘*He has been a very bad man, I fear, Maud, and may continue his evil life; but “t was right that I should save him, if in my power. bless you, child, for all you have done for me and the boy; but you led a relief to the lieuten- ant and his men? «Yee, as “And their lives were saved? Iam glad of that; you are a noble girl, Maud.” “T deservaipo praise, father, for doing my duty,” mod replied the maiden. ‘You have done more than your duty, child; but did the soldiers not attempt to follow you?” “T gave them no opportunity, sir; they were anxious, yet not unpleasantly so, to find out where I lived and something about me; but I eluded all their questions as I could.” “Pll trust you for that, child; and you are now back in safety and I am happy once more.” “Yet I met with an adventure that nearly terminated seriously.” **Tndeed! Tell me of it, Maud.” ‘*My pony fell with me, and before I could mount a horseman came over a roll in the prai- ri e— <4 Wee ” and th 1 dropped white man, sir,” and the girl dro her eyes and her face flushed, as though she did not intend to tell all she knew. ‘* He offered you no insult, I hope, child?” ““Yes, he would have harmed me, for Whale- bone ran away from me and I was dismounted; but another person arrived unexpectedly upon the scene, and, oh, father, he was such a splen- did-looking man! Well, he just made that other man leave that place quickly, and then wanted to come with me to my home, for he thought I was lost; but of course I would not allow him to do so, though I wanted to, and thanking him for his kindness I left him, and rode on to the Frenchman’s Fork where I camped last night.” ‘*Strange that there should be a white man so vile as to attack you, Maud! Do you remem- ber to have seen either of these men on the prairie before?” “T know the one who came to my aid,” evasively replied Maud, and she added, “‘ that is, I heard tell the other who he was, and I have often heard you speak of him as the bravest scout on the whole border.” ‘*TIndeed! what name gave he?” i: org! Frank, of Colorado.” “Ha! the man whom the Indians call the Evil Spirit?” ‘* Yes, sir, and he is very handsome, and just as kind as he could be.” ‘You are still in your wet clothes, child. Go oa 3 and change them. Here comes Red Bird, and we will have some supper, for you look both hungry and tired.” Maud retired to the larger and more com- fortable sleeping-room, and Red Bird, havin stabled his spotted pony, came into the front o: the cavern with two fresh scalps hanging to his belt, and an expression of triumph upon his face. A few moments after Maud came from her cave-chamber, and advancing to the cavern en- trance, looked out over the river. Her father and Red Bird were elsewhere in the cave, and as she stood looking out toward the other shore, a sudden cry sprung to her lips, for upon the other bank, standing just where she had ridden into the stream, was a horse- man, whom, in spite of the distance that sepa- rated them, she recognized as Dick Sanford! She had concealed his treachery to her from her father; should she now call to him and tell him all? - a quandary she stood, not knowing what 0. CHAPTER XII. A FRIEND IN NEED. WHEN Queen Woodbridge realized the awful situation in which she was placed, she almost lost consciousness, and only by the greatest ef- fort of her will did she prevent herself falling in a swoon across the form of Fancy Frank. But one thought inspired her to make an at- tempt to rise above her womanly weakness, and that was that the Scout might not be dead. ** He has fainted from loss of blood; it cannot be that he is dead, for he seemed so strong only a few moments ago,” she murmured, and she at once determined to make an examination of his wounds, casting aside all foolish modesty. But, suddenly, a shadow fell upon her, and with a beating hears she sprung to her feet ex- —s to behold the hideous face of some painted warrior looking down upon her. But instead a slender form glided to her side, and a beautiful, yet sunburnt face looked inte her own. “This is a strange place to find a lady—so near the Sioux village. Have you been a cap- tive?” said the new-comer, in a soft, sympa- thetic voice. ‘Yes, and I am so glad to see you. I was captured by Prairie Snake and this gentleman rescued me from the village of the Indians,” said Queen, earnestly. “Is he dead?” and the stranger gazed down upon the Scout, for before her eyes had not left the face of Queen. ‘“*T sincerely hope not, for it would grieve me to the heart, as he was wounded in saving me. Do see if he is fatally injured.” The stranger, in whom the kind reader has doubtless ere this recognized Maud ef the Red Plume, knelt by the side of the Scout, and an exclamation broke from her lips. “Oh! donot say that he isdead!” cried Queen. "No, itis not that! Jowe this man my life as well as you,” she said, shortly, and tearing aside the Scout’s hunting-shirt she examined the wound in his side with the air of one who un- derstood what she was about. “The ball has glanced on a rib; this is not fa- tal; and this wound in the leg is serious, yet not dangerous; these cuts and the bullet-wounds have caused him to faint from loss of blood. He must have had a desperate fight, and love you very dearly to risk so much for you.” Queen Woodbridge was a g' reader of hu- man nature and she saw at a glance that the girl was jealous of her, and she said, quickly: “No, no, he did not love me, for I never saw him before to-day. He did what any brave man would have done for a woman in distress and danger; but you seem to understand about wounds, and will you dress them?—here are bandages,” and Queen tore from her dvess the necessary bands, while Maud, no longer jealous hastily dressed the wounds with a most skillful hand, and then, taking from her pock¢t a flask she poured a few swallows down his throat. “My father always makes me carry this, in case I may get hurt or wounded,” she said, al- re g to the flask, and then she added, thought- “Do you know I would rather that man would die than not love me?” Struck by the frank honesty of the girl, Queen quickly said: ‘“He doubtless will, for you have saved his life. Had you not come he would have died, far I was utterly helpless and could give him no ” ‘*You look worn and pale. See, he is comin to himself again, and I will take you both with ime, but upon one condition.” f
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7 Certainly, upon any conditions that you name,” answered Queen, ‘Well, it is that you never reveal what you see there, or tell any one where you were hid- aen when you return to the fort, for I suppose you live there?” “Yes, at Fort McPherson—my father is the Post Trader there. No, I will never tell any one that which you wish kept secret.” “Then I will trust you.” At this moment Fancy Frank opened his eyes, and with an effort sat up. “Ah! Miss Woodbridge, I remember now falling from my horse; and here is the little beauty I met on the prairie, the other day.” ‘*And to her you owe your life, sir, for she has dressed your wounds,” said Queen, frankly. ‘«Then the service I rendered her is more than paid; but I feel as weak as a child.” “No wonder, for you have lost much blood. I will aid you to mount your horse and we will go to my home; but you must promise me, sir, as this lady has done, never to reveal the locali- ty of our retreat, or anything regarding my father or myself.” “T gladly promise. Here, Red Angel, come to me, as Iam not able to walk to you.” The obedient horse trotted up, and with some difficulty, and theaid of his two beautiful com- anions, the Scout got into his saddle, and then aud gave a low whistle and the spotted pony, which Red Bird swam across the river to get his scalps, came from some box-elder bushes note by, and the two maidens were soon on his ck, Leading the way, after a ride of two or three wniles, Maud approached a small stream at a point where numerous tracks showed was a | crossing. But, after riding into the water, instead of crossing to the other side, she turned her pony’s | head down-stream, and was soon under the sha- dows of the overhanging willows. A ride of half a mile, and the stream deepen- ed and the horses began to swim, but were soon safe on terra firma in the water-entrance to the Hermit’s cavern. © Here Maud and Queen dismounted, but at the request of the former Fancy Frank remained mounted, and his noble steed clambered safely pda: steep path, and all were safely in the vern, where they were met by the surprised Hermit. “Father, this gentleman is the Scout, Fancy nk, and he has just rescued this | from the Indian village, and is badly wounded. I found them and brought them here,” said Maud, in explanation. ; *“*You did right, Maud; my friends, you are welcome to my home, such as it is,”and he ap- proached to aid the Scout in dismounting. ‘* Where is Bird, father?” ** Across on the prairie where the ponies are needing.” ‘¢ Then I will prepare a place for the Scout,” and ina few moments Fancy Frank was lying upon a comfortable bed of robes; but his ex- ertions had caused his wounds to reopen and he was in considerable danger of bleeding to death. The Hermit Trapper was a skillful surgeon, and while Maud set about making Queen com- fortable, he extracted the ball from the side of Fancy Frank, and redressed his wounds, while Red Bird, returning with the horses, built a fire and set about cooking a rude, but substantial meal, while he eyed the lovely face of Queen every time he passed near her. But as night came on Fancy Frank grew worse; fever set in, and he soon became de- lirious, and Queen, xs had been her intention, determined not to leave him as long as his life was in danger, and Maud, who was to have ac- companied her to where the Scout had told them the soldiers were encamped, promised to carry a note to the officer in command, In a short while Queen wrote the note, for the Trapper’s cavern was well supplied with pen, ink and paper, and robing herssif in white, and mounting a snow-white pony. the fearless girl set out just af dark for the troopers’ camp, which she approached like a specter and in per- fect silence, as she had muffled her horse’s hoofs with pads she always carried with her to hide her trail. Hew well she accomplished her errand the reader has already seen. CHAPTER XIII. THE RENEGADE. THE man whom Maud had observed upon the other shore of the river, was indee| none other than Dick Sanford, as she distinctly saw upon turning the glass upon him. | Fancy Frank, of Colorado. Se aR EE SS a a ee a RR SE REE a He had made a circuit on the prairie, after having been ordered to depart by —e Frank, and then, after some hours, returned to the + ig where the trails plainly showed him that the maiden had continued on alone, for her pony’s tracks led south toward the Republican, while those of the large bay ridden by the Scout went in the direction of Fort McPherson. “*T'll solve this mystery, and track that girl to her den, wherever it may be,” he muttered, and striking her trail he set off upon it. Night overtook him, and in spite of his rapid riding he had not come in sight of the object of his pursuit, and he was compelled to camp, as he could not follow the trail in the darkness. In the early morning he was again — ahead though, and soon came upon the spot where Maud had passed the night. **Oh! that I had comeupon her here! I would have had it all my own way,” he muttered, and he urged his horse forward at a more rapid pace. But Maud had started an hour earlier than had Dick Sanford, and he failed to come in sight of her; but pressing on, he came to where an- other trail joined hers. ““Unsh nies! Indians are on her trail as well as I. may arrive in time to serve her, and thus gain a point in my favor,” and he urg- ed his horse into a swift gallop. Suddenly he drew rein, for before him lay the dead body of an Indian pony, a bullet-wound in bis head. ‘This has not been done two hours; she is a crack shot, and I must be cautious not to have her turn her rifle upon me. Ha! this looks as though a man had tumbled from his horse, and here is where they drove her into the river! Great Heaven! can they have driven her to her death? There are tracks here of many horses, but this is where the wild ponies came to drink, doubtless. Where can she be, and where are those three red-skins, I wonder? ‘The river is too broad here to think of cross- ing; and, besides, there is no landing on the other bank; so what is to be done?” For some moments he stood in deep thought, little knowing that the object of his search was then looking upon him. At length he turned down the stream, mut- tering almost savagely: “Tl do it! I can go down to where Cart’s trail crosses and there go over to the other side and camp for the night, and to-morrow I will go to the village.” With a sudden impulse he drove his spurs into the flanks of the splendid animal he rode, and continued on down the stream until he came to the trail where General Carr had crossed with an expedition, some time before. Having gained the other bank, as darkness was coming on, he camped for the night; but, bright and early he was on the move again, and after a few hours’ ride his quick eye detected a distant horseman. With his hands held above his head in token of peace, he approached the red-skin, who stood on his guard, and speaking the Sioux tongue he greeted the Indian with the one word— ** Washta!” The Sioux repeated the word, and Dick San- ford told him he had come to see the chief. Instantly the Indian gave a shrill call, and a few moments after several mounted warriors dashed up, one of whom the white man recog- nized as having seen at Fort McPherson several times, and to whom he had shown some kind- nesses. _The Sioux greeted him kindly, and learning his intention they rode back to the Indian vil- lage of Old listler, distant several miles. pon bis arrival that chief received him cold- ly until Dick Sanford said, in his deep, earnest tones: “Chief, I was sentenced to die by my com- rades, and I escaped from the fort and have come to you, ‘Here let me make my home among your ey and to prove that my tongue is straight, will lead a band of your warriors against a wagon-train which I know is coming up the Re- publican from Kansas. Does the chief hear?” Then Old Whistler’s heart warmed toward the renegade, and he answered quickly: ‘‘ The ears of the chief are open; his pale-face brother is welcome to the lodges of my people. Let him lead my warriors upon the train of his white brothers, and he shall be a chief amon bres Sioux ; if his tongue is crooked he shall e “So be it chief. To-morrow will be ti start, for they will cross the Repuibitaian mare the mouth of the Medicine, and not within two suns. eee en li “My pale-face brother speaks well; let him enter the lodge that shall be given him.” The man turned away, his face as white as the dead, his lips compressed and his eyes blazing, as from his lips broke the words, like a wail of the damned: “Oh, God, have mercy upon me! I ama renegade from my own race; but I cannot go backward now.” Then turning quickly again to Old Whistler, he said, recklessly: **Ho, chief, I want only warriors who are not afraid to kill to gc with me; if there is a squaw- brave in the number [ will kill him with my own hand.” ‘‘My white brother speaks straight; my braves that go with him love the war-path, and it makes their hearts glad to see the scalps of the pale-faces at their belts.” ‘Then they shall have them, Now, both my horse and myself need rest,” and, entering the tepee assigned to him, he threw himself down upon a pile of robes, while an Indian led his horse away at a command from the chief. CHAPTER XIV. THE ATTACK: Two days after the arrival of Dick Sanford in the Indian village of Old Whistler, and to- ward evening, a wagon-train was slowly crawl- ing over the rolling prairie, and heading for the Republican river, a mile away. here were a score of these “‘ prairie schoon- ers,” both army and emigrant wagons, while a detachment of cavalry rode in the rear, and several scouts were in advance, At the head of the troopers, a dozen in num- ber, was a young officer of striking appearance, and who sat his black steed with the ease of a perfect horseman. He was dressed in cavalry boots, blue pants, a jacket, bearing a captain’s straps on the shoul- der, and a broad sombrero, with one side pinned up by a pair of gold sabers. There were a pair of revolvers in his saddle- holsters, another in his belt, and also a knife, | while upon his side hung a saber, and at his back was slung a repeating rifle. With an exceedingly handsome and resolute face, his hair worn long, and a splendid form, Captain Arthur Gray was a young man to at- tract the admiration of men as well as women. ‘“‘Capt'in, yonder is whar we will camp fer ther night,” said a weather-beaten old_ guide ia buckskin, turning toward the young officer, and pointing to a distant clump of cottonwoods. ‘‘ All right, Lasso Dan; we will ride on and have all ready for the wagons by the time they arrive,” and the officer and his men dashed on and were soon dismounted in the timber, on the river bank I don’t like ther looks o’ things, “ Captin hereabout.” ‘““What is it, Dan?” asked Captain Gray, as the old scuut and guide approached. “Tsmek a “You smell Indians, Dan?’ asked Captain Gray, with a laugh. ‘‘] does, by jingo; thar has been Injuns heur within ther hour, an’ they isn’t far away, now; but thet hain’t ther worst o’ it.” ‘*Go on, Dan.” “They is in large force.” “Ah! then we will have to be on our guard.” “You bet, capt’in, an’ we'll hev to fortify this night o’ our Lord, by jingo!” ‘You think they mean to attack us, then?’ “‘Thet’s it; you knows we has heerd ther Sioux an’ Cheyennes was on the war-path, an’ I guesses as how they thinks they'll jist take us in out o’ ther wet.” ‘* We have forty-one men, all told, Dan, and can give them a good fight before they get our scalps,” said Arthur Gray, paw a ‘* An’ they has about two hundred, capt’in.” “Hal! as many as that?’ ‘You bet! I has been watchin’ ther trail; they comed here ter this timber, an’ seein’ us comin’ they went back up ther river, an’ ther’s about two hundred hoof o’ them.” ‘Then I will at_once arrange to give them a lively fight. By Jupiter, there they are, now! Mount, men! mount, for your lives, and follow me! The voice of the young officer rang out loud and clear, as he sprung to throw his saddle upon his steed, while the soldiers and scouts followed his example, at the same time gazing upona band of mounted warriors that sudden! charged from a canyon, nearly a mile away, di- rectly upon the wagon-train. ““ By Heaven, that is too bad, too bad!” cried the young captain, as he saw the teamsters and men of the train, instead of fighting the red
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oe ee eee eee ee os SEE. pe! Les ee ee eee ; ' ‘ ‘ ; a skins, spring upon their horses and mules and dash away, leaving the wagons to the mercy of the yelling savages. « Some, men! Ride for your lives!” cried Arthur Gray, and he started for the wagons, from several of which came a rifle-shot, where some emigrant had remained firm to defend his 1. ‘“*Capt’in, hold on! You hes yer hands full, I’m thinkin’.” It was Lasso Dan who spoke, as he dashed alongside of the officer and pointed across the — to the right, where, over a hill, came a undred warriors in all the glory of war-paint and feathers. ‘“‘ Back to the timber, men, and form to resist attack!” cried the captain, in a cheery voice, and in two minutes the troopers and scouts with him were formed in a semicircle of battle, the ends resting on the river-bank, and their horses in a ravine. In the meantime the first band of Indians had reached the train, when a few shots, and then a silence told that all was over there, and half a hundred warriors scattered in pursuit of the fly- ing men, who should have remained and de- fended their wagons. With bitter chagrin Captain Gray saw that the train was lost, and then turned to look after the safety of himself and men, for he knew their situation was most precarious. Nearer and nearer came the yelling savages. until within a hundred yards of the timber, an then came the order, given in the cool, calm tones of the captain, who with his repeating- rifle in hand stood like a lion at bay: ‘*Men, throw no shots away; take sure aim— fire!” Almost like one shot the carbines and rifles flashed, and down went a dozen ponies and In- dians, which checked their charge, and a hasty dropping fire caused them to quickly withdraw out of range. ‘“‘Them other devils is comin’ to ther ball,” announced Lasso Dan, pointing to the Indians who had captured the train, and who were now riding toward their comrades. ** And, by the Lord Harry, a white man is at their head!” cried Captain Gray, in the greatest surprise. “Tf it hain’bso, I area liar! Ther do yoned sneakin’ renegade! Ef he comes near [ll jist make him food fer coyotes, ef they’ll eat a man so mean,” gritted Lasso Dan. “He is going to give you an opportunity to try your aim, for see! he has urged the Indians to charge once more.” “True fer yer, capt’?in; but arter he gits ’em started he’ll drop to ther rear.” But old Dan was wrong in this surmise, for having formed the warriors for a second charge, he rode to the front and led them on. Like a human avalanche they came toward the timber, their yells enough to make the stoutest heart quake, and still in the advance rode their renegade leader. Then from the timber burst a sheet of flame, and down went the advance line of warriors, yet the white chief was unharmed, and calling those behind to follow he pressed on. “Drat his pictur’! Til kill him, by jingo!” and Lasso Dan blazed away with his old muz- zle-loading rifle. But, still on came the renegade chief, appar- ently unharmed. ¥F y, jingo! he are not mortal, or I put one o’ them liver pills I had in my pocket inter ther old gun instead o’ a bullet. Rattle at him, cap- tin, with yer pepper Dom rifle,” cried old Dan, and quickly sped the bullets from the captain’s Winchester; still the chief came on, though warriors fell thick aroundhim. Unable tostand the galling fire the Sioux turned and retreated out of range, their white leader slowly follow- ing them when he saw that he was left alone. ‘Waal, thet white devil area brave one, by jingo! an’ as cool asice 0’ a May mornin’. But, capt’in, youder comes most all o’ ther reds as , went arter them cowardly teamsters. Some of ’em has scalps, an’ some hasn’t, fer them men was skeert clean through, an’run all-fired fast. Now, whatis yer gwine ter do, may I ax?” “Certainly, Dan. As the train is in the hands of the Indians, and they are ten to one against us, I will retreat as soon as it gets dark, and make for Fort McPherson.” “Good sense, by jingo! Ther Ingins will creep up on us in ther night, an’ then we’d not stand ther chance we does now, so it’s good sense to levant, an’ we kin jist go down to ther river an’ find a place we can ford acrost. guesses as how the wounded boys will hev ter stan’ it, an’ ther dead fellers won’t car’ how much they’s jolted; but you’ve made a good of Colorado. Fancy Frank, fight o’ it, capt’in, an’ ef we’d all been at the wagins, we'd all been in heavin, or some other huntin’-groun’ now, by jingo!” It was then decided to retreat as soon as it wasdark. The horses were led from the ravine to the river, the three soldiers who had been killed in the fight were strapped upon the backs of their own steeds, and the half-dozen wounded men stood ready to mount. As the shadows crept over the prairie, the ad- vance, of the dead and wounded, with one of the scouts, moved into the river, while, to hide their intention, Captain Gray, with Lasso Dan and two troopers, hurried from point to point in the timber, and sent shots out across the prairie. Then they kindled several small fires, and hastened to mount their horses and swim across the stream. Arriving on the other bank, they set off on a north course toward Fort McPherson, and had ridden but a mile, when far behind them were heard the yells of the Indians charging the tim- ber where they believed their foes yet lay con- cealed. ‘Push, pards, push! Don’t mind bein’ shook up, you as has been hurted, ’kase it’s more healthy than hair-raisin’ be; an’ don’t mind jostlin’ ther dead, fer they don’t keer,” cried o Dan, and the whole party pressed for- ward at a more rapid pace. ‘“Capt’in, you hears thet yell?’ suddenly asked Lasso Dan. “ Yes. ” ‘Waal, thet ’tarnal white critter hes urged them red niggers ter foller an’ cotch us on ther open pararer. I hears ’em plungin’ thar horses inter ther river now.” ‘You are right, Dan; but a stern chase is a long one, and if they do overtake us, why we must fight them to the bitter end.” ‘* Sense, capt’in—prime good sense; but let’s push ahead, ’kase my bald head don’t feel on- common comfortable,” and the remark of the old guide caused the nepess to press on still faster, for all now knew that their savage foes were hard on their trail. CHAPTER XV. A STARTLING RECOGNITION. WHEN the youth known as Roy Reese left the fort in company with John Nelson and the other trappers, whose services he had engaged as ides and scouts, they struck right for the Red illow, and, following the directions given by General Emory, found the identical spot where Red Plume’s horse had fallen with her, and she had been rescued from Dick Sanford by Fancy nk, The trails of the three were old, but the craft of Nelson solved the riddle, as follows: ‘Thetis ther track o’ ther gal’s pony, an’ heur are hern. This one are the soger’s horse; yer see it are iron-shod an’ an American horse; an’ heur is ther trail o’ ther scout, fer it are ther same hoof-mark as was shown us near ther fort by ther sentinel.” ‘* And you can read all this where I cannot more than trace a mark?” said Roy Reese. ‘*Tt are as plain as ther nose on a Jew’s face, hain’t it, pard?” ‘*'You bet!” answered Hank Clifford, as the others nodded. ‘*And the girl—where did she go?” eagerly asked the youth. ‘*'Thet’s to be diskivered, boss. She struck off thet away, toward ther Red Willow stream yon- der; yer see its course by ther-willows an’ cot- tonwoods growin’ on its banks.” ‘“‘ And the trail of Sanford—which way does it lead?” “Tt leads to ther east’ard; now which shell we foller fust, boss?” “The girl’s,” vehemently said Reese. “Right thar, pard! I loves ther gals best myself. Come, fellers, let’s trail ther leetle gal to her den,” and the party set off, the trappers following ata trot a trace that was not visible to the eye of the youth. Crossing the Red Willow they suddenly came to a halt. “What is it, guide?’ asked Roy Reese, anx- a *Guesses as how we've treed two ’possums up ther same tree.” ‘How mean you?” ‘* Here are ther track o’ ther soger’s horse fol- lowin’ on ther trail o’ ther gal!” ‘Ha! Then push on, for lam most anxious to meet that man,” and the as of Roy Reese were compressel, and his eyes flashed. Again the trailers went to work, and untél nightfall they followed the tracks and then, to the great chagrin of Roy Reese, went into camp. ‘It’s as plain as Bible readin’ by daylight, boss; but we hain’t cat eyes to see how ter prowl at night,” said Andy Barrett, seeing the youth’s impatience. “I know, my friends, that you cannot do more; what you have already done seems to artake of the instinct almost of a wild beast; ut Pe have no idea how I long to see Richard Sanford, face to face,” said Roy Reese, as if in apology for his impatience. “Tt are none o’ my quarrel, boss; but I w‘'! say, ef it’s ter mean fight with thet same Dick Sanford when you cotch him, you has ter be an early bird with yer shootin-irons, fer he’s lig} ‘- nin’ on ther draw an’ sudden death on ther shoot. We’ll not see yer hurt ef we kin chipin; but 1 jist flings in a word o’ warnin’.” ** And I thank you. Do you see that spot on the tree, near the fire?’ and Roy Reese pointed to a spot, the size of a silver dollar, plainly visible by the light of the fire, upon a cotton- wood, some fifteen paces distant, ** T sees it, boss.” Without a word Roy Reese drew his revolver like a flush of lightning, and fired three times in rapid succession; then, changing the weapon to his left hand, he emptied it, and the trappers beheld the six bullets imbedded in the mark, not an inch apart. Then, drawing his knife, he hurled it at the tree, and it stuck in the midst of the bullets, burying the blade two inches deep. ‘“You is lightnin’ on ther shoot, and with a knife, too, boss! Guesses as how you kin take keer 0’ yerself; but I hopes that shootin’ won’t bring down any Injuns upon us, fer red-skins hain’t healthy diet at this time o’ year,” said Nelson. ‘Tt was imprudent of me to fire; but when | lave been under your tuition a while longer, I hope to be a good prairie-man.” ‘*We can’t ’arn yer no shootin’ an’ knife bizziness, boss; but we’ll ’arn yer how ter trail, an’ ther pararer signs, an’ many a man has saved his topknot by knowin’ ’em, you bet; but, while the boys is cookin’ grub, I'll jist skoot around an’ see ef ther’s any Injuns about,” and Jdhn Nelson left the camp on foot. In half an hour he returned, reporting all quiet, and, after a substantial meal, all retired to their blankets to sleep, excepting Hank Clifford, who was to stand guard. With the morning they were again upon the trail, which led them to the Republican river, where they lost it. But they searched diligently to solve the rid- dle of the other trails, and Jack Nelson at last gave his ‘‘ opinion,” ‘Thar was Injuns come upon ther’ gal heur, an’ it’s my opinion they was wiped out by ther sojer, Dick Sanford, ’kase the’r trails ends here; an’ so does ther gal’s; but then her pony mout hev died in ther water, an’ she comed out an’ mounted behind the soldier an’ went down ther river with him.” ‘*-You are certam that only one down the river, and that man Dic eagerly asked Roy Reese. “No, pard; I don’t say that; but I are sartin thet but one hoss went down ther river-bank, an’ thet hoss war ther sojer’s; who war on his back, I can’t tell, yet it pears to me it war Dick Sanford, an’ ther gal mout be ridin’ behind him. ‘But the Indian horses? You say there were three of them and there lies the carcass of but one. ‘* Yes, boss, an’ ther other two tuk to ther river, thet’s plain; but we'll foller the trail o’ ther American hoss, an’ then we’ll soon find out who’s a-ridin’ of him,” “ec How ?” ‘*Waal, when he camps we'll see his tracks; Injuns don’t wear boots.” **-You are indeed a wonderful reader of prai- rie signs, Nelson, and I trust most thoroughly in you,” said Roy Reese, and again mountin they followed the trail down the river un night overtook them, when they went into camp in a motte of box-elders. ‘ Crossing the Republican the followmg morn- ing and discovering in which direction the trail led, Jack Nelson came to a halt. “ Pards, I don’t half-like ther way he are a-headin’ now; it are straight for ther villages o’ them durned red-skins.” “But would he dare go there?” asked Roy Reese. ‘*4 man who hain’t ‘lowed ter live anywhar else on ther border—an’I heern thet sich was the gen’ral’s orders—can’t be over pertiekler erson went Sanford?’
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Fancy Frank, of Colorado. 13 *bout whar heis ter lay out, an’ he goes among Injuns fer comp’ny.” ‘ Would he become a renegade to his race?” asked Reese, in a nervous manner. “Ef his race hev cut his uaintance, it *pears terme as tho’ he must PPA » up ’sociates elsewhar.” ‘‘Then, what is to be done?’ “T don’t give it as Gospil, pard, that he hes gone with ther Injuns, only it looks thet away. Now weis ter go on an’ find out.” Again moving forward, the party pressed on until they came to a spot ina clump of timber where the trappers began to search the ground most diligently. Well?” oakeil Roy Reese, who had watched their movements with the deepest interest. “Waal, pard, things is workin’ queer in these parts. We is as near them beast Injuns as I cares to be, an’ ther trail we hes been foll’win’ branches off heur ter ther villige o’ thet imp o’ eternity, Old Whistler. Then ag’in, here in these very precin’ts are other trails as look queer, fer, comin’ from ther village o’ ther Sioux Medicine Chief White Wolf, are ther tracks 0’ s life. ‘* Perhaps they turned up or down the stream to throw any one off their trail,” suggested Roy | Reese. ‘* Pard, what they hes done, an’ we was blind as owls in daylight not ter hev see’d it afore,” and Nelson | went down while Ruff went up the stream, the others awaiting them at the crossing. In fifteen minutes Jack Nelson returned. ‘Waal, they didn’t go thet way, fer it leads , to ther shades o’ darkness in ther waters, an’ I | kept on until my pony was swimmin’, an’ then turned back, fer ther stream runs right inter ther Republican, an’ no landin’ anywhar.” | Just then Ruff returned, and al ' had something to communicate. ‘Boys, I didn’t find ther trail I was looking for, but I run across one as is quite interesting.” “We is all *tentive, pard; proceed with yer discourse,” said Nelson. | aroen Nelson, completely at fault for once in an’ it hasn’t been long sincea million Injuns has | crossed it.” thet Fancy Scout’s horse—” “Hold on, pard! Guesses they wasn’t a mil- “Fancy Frank?’ | lion,” said Monte Clifford, ** Ther same; I marked his horse’s huf well | ‘ Well, ther might hev been a few less; but when he come to ther camp afore settin’ out there were at least two hundred of ’em, as I arter ther gal.” | judged.” “Then he did not succeed in rescuing her? **Thet mout be; which way war they goin’?” Poor girl!” | asked Jack Nelson. ; “You is ahead o’ ther hounds, pard, fer he ‘Down ther Republican.” did git her away from ther Injuns, as her tracks “Then we will strike thar trail, *kase I guesses is round here same as duck-tracks round a | our blind + he kin foller it an’ we'll see what nd.” devilment them red devilsis up ter. Ef it’s ther “Thank God she is saved then!” settlemints or ther forts they is aimin’ arter, our ‘* Waal, here is a place whar ther scout tuk a | work is laid out fer us. Come, pards, an’ we'll tumble.” take ther stream up from heur.”: “A what?” A : Riding into the water they turned against “A tumble: ,‘iet is, he fell off his horse, an’ the current, and soon came to where the trail ther marks oes ter show he was wounded, fer he bleeded a “ty “ Poor man! as he killed do you think?” ‘*Now yer is axin’ connundrums, pard, He war wounded, an’ he went away from heur on crossed. - ‘* Jewillikins! thar was a power of ’em sartin; but its time ter look fer a camp, pards, an’ ter- morrer we'll strike thar trai! an’ foller it fer all it’s worth,” announced John Nelson. hie curse, and when he come ther’ was one gai with him, an’ when he left ther’ war two.” * ‘‘Come, Mr. Nelson, do tell me how you know all this?’ said Roy Reese, doubtingly. ‘‘ Waal, ther’ comes the Scout’s trail yonder; ther’ goes ther trail o’ Dick Sanford yonder to Old Whistler's rm here is whar ther Scout 0 tumbled from his horse, and here is whar he laid an’ bled some, an’ around heur is ther | small heel shoe-track of Miss Queen’s leetle foot, an’ comin’ yonder are a pony-track thet stops in ther oibies over thar, while ther rider’s leetle foot made a trail right heur as Ow as day, an’ from ther ’pearances 0’ things I’m sar- tin she helped ther Scout an’ gal; but whether ther Scout is dead, or whar they all be, is fer us yit ter find out.’ ‘“ And the girl, who is she?” ‘“‘'Ther same as we trailed to ther banks o’ ther Republican.” ; ‘‘Ha! she was then on his trail!” ‘You mean on Dick Santford’s?” cy oni? ‘“‘Can’t say that; her trail don’t come follow y’ on his’n, but she mout hev knowed whar he’d ne an’ been won the Scout and Miss Queen.” ‘What you describe I am w..olly unable to 86; the traces of blood and the hoof-tracks are viible, yes, but I cannot understand how ‘4 is y4 can read in them all that you do.” We puts this an’ thet together,pard; now thiheur country hain’t as healthy as it might be,owin’ ter red-skins, an’ I move an’ second the motion thet we foller ther trails thet leave thet diggin’s.” : “ou know best, Nelson,” said Roy Reese, vart direcbn to th The y0t seemed to be a crossing for wild ani- mals, ad a drinking resort, an bi iron-shod horse of Fancy Frank were t. Up al down the stream the trappers went and tht across, but nowhere was the trail visible. . Thats it might have been obliterated oy | the traclof the wild animals that came there to drink> cross the stream, they made a wide | inch of ground was exam- | circuit, id ev ined witlut ther finding the slightest trace. ‘*T guces as how they tuk a berloon here,” goin’ arter him when she comed | the trails of | Finding a suitable camping-place, quite a dis- tance up the stream, as it was not yet dark, John Nelson started on foot for alittle ‘look around,” as he expressed it. “Can I accompany you, Nelson?” asked Roy Reese, who seemed impatient when not moving | ahead. “Sartin! Yer might l’arn somethin’.” The two set forth together and reached the | crossing just after sunset. | of the distance. | Come, pard, lay in~.” and springing into But ere tuey could look around the quick eye the trapper caught sight of moving objects in the stream he was y followed by Roy e. ‘No time ter levant now, pard; we has ter lay low heur; jist make yerself as small as yer kin convenient, an’ pull ther willows ‘round yer; thet’s it. Ef they hain’t got no dogs with *em we is as safe asa flea on a hound as hasn’t got no hair.” “What is it you see?’ asked Roy Reese, at pede time concealing himself as well as he could. ‘Don’t see northin’; don’t want ter see northin’ nuther: but I did see Injuns, an’ they is ’most heur, so keep yer fly-trap closed.” Roy took the hint, especially as at that moment came the tramp of hoofs, and a mo- ment after two men rode into the stream, and | their horses stopped to drink. One of those horsemen was a white man—the , other an Indian. The Indian was Old Whistler, the Dog Sol- dier Sioux chief, in all the paraphernalia of sav- | age war costume. e other was Dick Sanford, the renegade! Then to the ears of the listeners came the _ words of Old Whistler, as he addressed his com- | panion: “My pale-face brother is a great chief; he make my people happy with good things, and my young men proud with scalps. My white brother shall be named Serare-Root-Kary.” * ‘*Ha, ha, chief! I will make even you drunk with the white blood I shall shed on’ this bor- der,” came in the deep voice of the renegade. John Nelson glanced his eyes toward Koy ne a saw him drawing his revolver from Instantly bis iron hand fell on the youth's arm, while he said in a hoarse whisper: ‘‘Are yer mad? Thar is a army o’ reds fol- lowin’ ’em.” “Ttis he! tt is Richard Sanford! Let my * very man behind him. | hand go, for he is in my powerat last—at last!” gritted Reese. ‘*Pard, ef yer move a inch, ef yer — so help _ ag’in, YU drive my knife to yer heart, yer is gittin’ eddicated fast; thet’s | me God!” The stern whisper, the glaring eyes, and giant clutch of the giant brought Roy Reese to his senses, and he bowed his head and remained si- lent and still, while the white and red chief rode on, and behind them came scores of red- | skins. Then followed the captured mules and oxen of the wagon train, a few cows and sheep that had belonged to the settlers, a small drove of horses, and the rear was brought up by over a | hundred wild savages. saw that he | It was dark now, and, with more confidence in their retreat, the two men crouched down until the last red-skin had crossed the stream; then, springing from their place of conceal- | ment, they hastened with all speed back to their | Camp. ‘Bout a mile above heur thar is a crossing, | ‘“Tt was Richard Sanford, and now he is for- ever lost to me!” said Roy Reese, in trembling tones. “No, pard:; yer heerd his threat, so my ad- vice is, go back to ther fort, fer ther sojers will yet catch him.” “T belieye you are right; let usreturn to Fort McPherson,” said the youth, in a low, sad tone, And thus it was decided, and the party start- ed back that night, for they well knew in what a desperately dangerous locality they were: CHAPTER XVI. CAUGHT NAPPING. THOUGH Fancy Frank bad fought two good hts, after receiving bis first wound, and one ter the pistol-shot in bis side, and had been games up in his knife combat with Prairie Snake, is remarkable strength and tenacity of pur- pose had held him up for a jong time after, and only when he had bied most freely did weak- ness overcome him. But this great loss of blood caused him to have to fight off death with iron will, as he lay in the cavern of the Hermit Trapper, suffering intensely from his wounds, and cared for day and night by the Hermit and his two fair and ott Ou eb Woodbridge tit teny lov een Woodbridge felt any love win, in her heart for the splendid man wit ed nursed so a she kept it well concealed, for she saw that the whole being of Maud was wrapped up in him. Nor was the old Hermit blind to the idola- trous worship of bis child for the handsome stranger, yet he said nothing, only looked on a a certain gloom in his face that foreboded evil. After a few days of illness, in which Fan Frank’s life hung on a thread, his strong consti- tution rallied above aches and wounds, and the eo y onounced him out of danger. “Now I will return to the fort, for I feel that my conscience will not trouble me for so do- ing, as ae as the Scout is recovering,” said Queen one day to Maud. “T will be so glad to have you remain, for you have been so sweet and kind to me, and to us all, even poor Red Bird; but if you wish it I will go with you to the fort,” replied Maud, whose jealousy of Queen had now entirely de- parted, and who had learned to love her dearly. ““No, let Red Bird guide me there, for you cannot leave the Sceut.” “T can leave him and I will, for my father will take good care of bim. “*T will make you a pre ny, Wild Boy, as I together.” ‘But you will not return alone?” said Queen. “Oh, yes; I was alone when I saw yi and I go enywhere vy myself without fear, for my father has taaght me all the craft of an In- an.” “It is strange how you enjoy this life you t of my spotted ‘im, and we will go live, alone in « wilde: ™ess. “No, Lhav my fatne: and Red Bird; then there are ee to read ir bac weather, and my father taught me a great deal, and whenever he goes to the post after ammunition and stores he always brings me presents of books and other nice things; then 1 have my horses, and I love hunting and fishing, sv you see I am happy.” ‘But you seem to have no desire to live in the outside world?’ “Tread of the world elsewhere, and father says when he dies he wishes me to go to the city to live, and he sells his furs every year and lays "p money for me to spend, and I shal] have a great deai, for he is a great trapper and then
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a } { | 7 | 4 | i | | Lj er re 14 Bird and myself trap also; but I hope he will live a long time to make me happy.” ‘‘But you will have some one else to share your love—I mean Fancy Frank.” “Oh, yes, I love him more than all else. Strange, isn’t it, when I only met him a short while ago! I hope he will come here to live with us, for then we would all be so happy.” Queen gazed upon the innocent mit and thought how different she was from the bright butterflies raised in cities. ‘How old are you, Maud?” she asked. ‘* Wighteen.” ‘¢ And you were born here in this cave?” “T think not; but I don’t know; father does not talk to me of that. He says I was left to him as a trust.” : “But he is your own father?” “T expect so; I don’t know that I ever had another; but be is so good to me, and I am happy, while he is often sad, and at night I hear him moaning as though in pain; but he says it is nothing when I go to him—only bad dreams. ‘Now all my dreams are good, aren’t yours?” Queen answered lightly, and then the two de- cided to start that night for Fort McPherson, Maud preferring to travel by night, as she knew the way, on account of the prowling Indians that might be about. Bidding the Scout and her new-found friends good-by, while to the surprise of Queen, Maud, after kissing her father, in her innocent affec- tion not only kissed Fancy Frank, whose white face crimsoned, but also Red Bird, the two girls mounted their ponies, and thoroughly armed and equipped, rode down the steep pathway into the waters below. Trained as they were to having to swim the river, each day or night, for their food—though the Hermit always kept a supply of grass stored in the cavern, in case of a siege—the two ponies easily swam across the river and were soon on their way at a brisk trot to Fort McPher- son, With the skill of a thorough plainsman Maud led the way through the darkness, and at day- light they went into camp for rest and food for ‘girl and beast” on the banks of the Red Wil- low, not very far from the spot where the Her- mit Huntress had met with the adventure with Dick Sanford. Reminded of the circumstance by the locality, Maud told of the treachery of Dick Sanford her, and could but see that Queen was most deeply impressed by her words. rhe villain! No, I will not condemn him for he saved my life; but who would believe a man could be so base? “Yet tell me, Maud, why was it you sought to save his life?’ asked Queen, with a sudden interest. “My father asked me todo so. He knew that the small party of soldiers were besieged by Old Whistler, and I did as he told me; but come, let - go to sleep, now we have had our break- ast. ‘* But should not one of us keep watch?” “Qh, no; the ponies are trained, and if there is any one near they will waken me,” and roll- ing themselves in their blankets, the two girls were soon fast asleep, unmindful that cruel foes were then creeping upon them from the covert of the willows not far away. Out of the willows’ dense foliage suddenly ap- peared a painted face, and then the person of a warrior. A moment more and a second, and a third, then a fourth and a fifth appeared, and a glance at them from a frontiersman, and he would have pronounced them Cheyennes, the bravest and most cruel Indians of the Plains. With the stealthy steps of a cat creepingupona bird, and as deadly, they approached nearer and nearer to the sleeping maidens, while the ponies having eaten a hearty breakfast, and fatigued by the long, hard ride of the night, stood dozing in the shade, wholly unconscious of danger so near at hand. Nearer and nearer c the five savages, un- til at length, panther-like, they prepared for the fatal spring, and one of them, stepping on a twig that cracked beneath his feet, awoke the drowsy ponies, who gave a snort of fright at the sight before them. Instantly Red Plume attempted to sp to her feet, but three bronze savages caught her in their powerful arms, while the other two seized hold of poor Queen, who woke up as though from a frigh h i “ They’ve got us, Queen; but that’s all right,” said the plucky Maud; but ere she could say more & peas hand was placed rudely over her mouth, and the next instant the two captives were securely bound, hand and foot. Fancy Frank, of Colorado. CHAPTER XVII. THE BITERS BITTEN. Wuen Captain Arthur Gray, his troopers and scouts, fled from the Indians, they soon found that, retarded as they were by their dead and wounded, they could not hope to escape from their paeegers. The dead they could have left upon the prai- rie; but the wounded they must stand by. ‘*Dan, is there any place near here suitable to stand a siege?” asked Captain Gray, as the pursuers drew nearer. “Yas, capt’in, thar ar’ a canyon on the Medi- cine, not far away, whar we could hold out rime, as long as our ammunition and perwisions holds out.” ‘““Then head for there at once. Now, tell me, who is the best man among your scouts to send to the fort?” ~ ‘*Long Tom are a good one, capt’in.” ‘Then, when we reach the canyon, he must keep right on to the fort, and tell General Emo- ry that we are besieged on the Medicine.” “That’s prime sense, by jingo! Here’s Long Tom, capt’in, an’ thar’s ther canyon.” The scout, Long Tom, soon received his or- ders, and sped away like the wind; but hardly had he gone half a mile when, down went his horse in a prairie dog hole, and in a limp heap fell the rider, ined ign Several moments passed, and neither horse nor rider arose; the former lay with a broken shoulder, and the latter was dead, his neck hav- 7 broken by the fall. ut, believing they were flying rapidly on for succor, the troopers sought the canyon, and in- stantly prepared for action. With their knives, breastworks were hastil thrown up; their horses were placed in a sate retreat, in a hollow where there were both wa- ter and grass: the dead were buried, while all wounded able to aid in defense, took positions with their comrades. Soon after the Indians came up, having fol- lowed on the troopers’ trail, and at once the charged the position, and were driven back wi loss, while, protected as they were, the besieged suffered very little. With the morning light not a red-skin was visible, but, regardless of the advice of Dan, a soldier exposed himself, and fell dead, pierced by a dozen bullets. “Thet area hint to lie low, pards. Ef thet durned fool hed ’beyed orders, he'd ’a’ had more fun yit in life,” was Dan’s comment. With almost constant skirmishing, and an oc- casional charge, two days passed away, and yet no help came from the fort. The grass in the hollow was eaten up, their own provisions had given out, and their ammu- nition was almost exhausted, so that Arthur Gray felt that something must be promptly done ¢ , is there any way of getting out of here?’ ; “Tt mout be done; won’t say it can be, cap- fin,” was the cautious reply. ; ‘* How?” “Waal, over ther hills back of us; but we’d hev to be awful car’ful, an’ somebody had coger stay to keep up ther idee we is still in i _ “I will stay. You go out with the men, Dan,” was the prompt reply. ‘“Capt’in, yer is a man, by jingo! But, ’ll tell yer what we'll do. Ill go an’ see what are ther prospects fer levantin’, and then ther other scouts an’ troopers kin git, while you an’ myself jist raise ther devil with ther savages in ther front, an’ make’em think we is gwine ter charge out on ’em.” ‘* A good idea, Dan; but I cannot ask you to remain. I have a repeating-rifle, and can, b firing from different points make them think we are all still here.” ‘‘Capt’in, I fears you isn’t acquainted with old Lasso Dan, fer when he makes up his mind ther Rock o’ Ages an’ old Gibralty glued to- gether ’ith sealin’ wax, hain’t stronger set. stays with you; ther rest o’ ther capoodle kin go ther fort, or ther devil, jist as they chooses; t I hain’t gwine ter leave a man as has your grit to ther Injuns—no—sir—ee, by jingo!’ ey po Bay the old scout’s mind was made up, Cap Gray ordered the men to prepare to depart, and Lasso Dan went to see that the var was Clear in the rear. © troopers and all did not wish to leave the gallant officer; but he sternly ordered them to obey, and soon after, under the guidance of a scout by the name of Wooley, they —— from the canyon, while Captain Gray Lasso Dan remained and kept up a hot fire in the di- rection from whence came an occasional shot from the Indians. _ —_— O —_—-rornrnrnrmnWP"$_“$“_c_"“"“—SS — —— — —— — ——— ———— ———— ———_— eS Se eS eon Wooley, the scout, proved to be a most efficient trend the party safely passed over the hills, and thus through the Indian lines, who, presuming upon the impossibility of a horse es- caping in that way, deemed it unnecessary to have a guard there, and only one Indian was on duty at that point. That Indian, in confident security, went to sleep, and the knife of the scout, who crept upon him, made it a sleep of death. Fortunately, in a valley near the river, the party came upon a number of Indian ponies, and instantly they were all mounted and dash- oS: or some time they had ridden on, when to their ears came the rattle of fire-arms, and they felt that the red-skins were again charging the canyon, and one and all deeply grieved for the two gallant men they had left behind, and wke had offered their lives asa sacrifice for their comrades, Suddenly they came upon a dead horse and rider, and then they knew why succor had not come te them from the fort, for it was the body of Long Tom and his steed. Pushing rapidly on, the wounded having to grin and bear their suffering, the little party arrived in good time at the fort, where their sad story, of the loss of the train, and noble sacrifice of Captain Gray and Lasso Dan was soon told, spreading sorrow and gloom over all, and causing General Emory to start a battalion under Captain Taylor to pursue and punish the * Indians if possible, and to bury the bodies of the dead soldiers and teamsters. But the sympathy for the death of Arthur a and so Dan was uncalled for, as neither of them bad “ passed in their checks” as was s0 certainly believed they had. Finding, by the silence that followed their departure, that their comrades had escaped, the two noble men setabout hatching some plan for their own esca “Dan, [ll tell you what we'll do, though it seems cruel.” ‘*T are all ears, capt’in.” ‘Let us mount dummies on the horses, form them in line, and rush them out upon the In- dians, and then, when they all rush to head them off, we will dart away across the prairie.” ‘** Capt'in, yer head has sense in it, by jingo! It are rough on ther animiles; but, then, ther Great Sperrit made beastes fer ther use 0’ man. Now let’s set ter work, fer them Injuns mout think they was invited to ther leetle surprise. party, en’ come too scon.” In a few moments the horses were all saddled and bridled, and then the animals belonging to Captain Gray and Lasso Dan were separated from the others. #103 wn, In leaving, the party which had escaped to the fort had left every useless piece of clothing and with the aid of the saddle-blankets and some buffalo-grass and willow branches these were soon nade into dummy men and fastenel with lariats securely upon the backs of tle oor dumb brutes, who were so patiently wat- ing to save human livesat the risk of their oyn. Yhen all was in readiness they were ledto the mouth of the canyon, twenty-five in nim- ber, and Lasso Dan stood in the rear, holdng his own and the captain’s horse. Then, with yells infernal from the twoaen, the doomed animals dashed out of the cayyon, down the hill. Their sudden coming showed that the plt had not been consummated any too soon, fornum- bers of dark forms silently creeping upn the besieged men, sprung to their feet, and istant- ly a galling fire wes poured upon the no’ mad- ened and frightened horses that rushd down the hillside like an avalanche, ‘Now, Dan, mount and away!” criecArthur Gy, and dashing out of the canyon thy turn- ed short off to the left, and gained he open praicip ere they were discovered andthe ruse ound out, by Indians rushing up t a fallen horse and rider to secure Shelr blonddteniien the pale-face scalps. i Instantly, with wild yells, they ashed up the valley for their h and to ieir rage, many a bold warrior found himselfwithout a ; but others, more fortunate, wose ponies had not been taken, mounted in hchaste, and quickly spread over the prairie in prsuit of the aring men who bad 60 cleverly uded them and put all their savage Canning toaught. Then it became a chase for life odeath, CHAPTER XVIII. i —— od agg ALL FUND. MAN lay asleep in a dense u thu on the toms of the Red Wiel. “if The sun had arisen, yet it8 rayseemed not te
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em —_—_—— arouse the tired man, and his horse at last to move about to the end of his lariat, as though uneasy at the long sleep of his master. Then the man sat up and rubbed his eyes. “Gracious! So late? How tired I was when I camped here last night; but the rest has done me good,” and he sprung to his feet—a tall, powerfull made man of fine physique; a hea- vily- ed face, his black whiskers and raven hair worn long, leaving only his forehead and eyes exposed; and a handsome face, burnt very brown, and with eyes that were intensely bright. is horse, too, was a splendid animal, black as night, and well equipped, while the rider was thoroughly armed with a late-pattern repeat- ing-rifie, gold-mounted revolvers, and a bowie- knife of the best make. _ ““Woll, Mephisto, we will be off, as soon as I ‘have eaten a snack,” said the man to his horse, and, taking from a haversack a light lunch of hard-tack and buffalo-meat, he soon disposed it. Then his horse was saddled and bridled, and the rider mounted, just as a wild yell was heard, not a quarter of a mile distant. Instantly horse and horseman were on the alert, and riding out of the dense copse of trees, the stranger looked earnestly up the stream, What ‘he saw there caused him to dash swiftly forward, and in two minutes’ time he came up- on a thrilling scene. Two maidens were struggling in beet ha of five Cheyenne warriors, who were binding them hand and foot. With a revolver in each hand the horseman charged right into the midst and on the Cheyennes; but two of them had fallen beneath ‘his unerring aim, and a third was wounded. | The wounded red-skin and his two remainin companions at once sprung to the shelter o some large trees, near by, rifles in hand; but the horseman had sprung from his horse, and with 2 word sent him on out of danger while he took rover behind a friendly clump of cottonwoods. Evidently he understood Indian warfare. Thus the four stood, rifles in hand, three against one, and the two maidens lay bound up- on the ground, half a hundred y from the Indians. How it might have terminated is hard to tell; but how it did terminate is soon told, for sud- denly two rifleshots rung out, and down went ‘two of the Cheyenne warriors, while two horse- men dashed into sight, with a yell upon their li "Surprised in the rear, and between two fires, the remaining Cheyenne, with an echoing yell, bounded from shelter, and ran swiftly toward a group of willows. where were visible five In- dian ponies; but his first foe sprung forward, his rifle was leveled, and he fell in his tracks. But, though<he Cheyennes had been slain, a cloud the brow of the first comer upon the scene, and words arose to his lips that proved he was not thankful for the coming of others. ‘‘Curse those men! I would have had it all my own way if they had not come, and the maidens would have owed me their lives.” But, with a smile banishing the frown, he ad- vanced toward those who had so opportunely arrived upon the scene. “Gentlemen, I one eae thanks; my name is Anton Rivas, of New Mexico; but, here are two whom your coming has served even more than me,” and he led the way to where the two girls yet lay in terrible suspense as to their fate. ‘*Tam glad to meet you, Sefior Rivas; I am Arthur y, ® captain of cavalry in the army, and my So is Lasso Dan, the scout and uide at Fort Hays, Kansas. We saw these In- jans, and were flanking them, when we saw yore suddenly charge, single-handed, into their “Yas, pard, od are a trump keerd on ther oar ae iar fate nyc er 68 ist to Injin hair farmin’,” and Lasso Dan ed toward the en Cheyenne warrior, scalping-knife in and, ‘* Ladies, have no fear; you are safe from harm, thanks 5 Bae ean gpm alone charged your five captors, knee Arthur Gray delicately released the bonds front two pairs of as pretty little feet as it had been his good luck Sa caten sight of for man a} day ; then the ds were also freed, and Mau and Queen aided to rise by their ‘Captain Gray, ladies, gives me undue praise, I saw your danger, and, as man should do, came to your aid, but I had three against me when the captain and his comrade rode up. I trust you feel no inconvenience Fancy Frank, of Colorado. from your fright and being bound?’ and Anton Rivas spoke in a voice soft and earnest. Had Queen and Maud, as romantic girls, wished for it, they could not have had two finer-looking men to rescue them than those who stood before them, and in earnest tones they thanked them for their rescue, while Lasso Dan coming up, put in: ‘““Yer sarvent, leddies! Hopes I sees yer well, though it looked durned sickly fer yer a while back. Was yer captured from yer homes by them ’tarnal red-skins, or was yer out galla- vantin’ on ther pararer like silly gals will, an’ got tuk in? Don’t know o’ any settlers here- about.” - “No, I live at Fort McPherson. I am the daughter of Louis Woodbridge, Post Trader.” ‘*Knows yer daddy well, miss; a squar’ man all over; an’ is this yer sister?” ‘*No, this is a young lady of whom you have doubtless heard, I was captured by the Indians near the fort, two weeks ago, and i am now on my return, with Red Plume as my kind guide.” ‘Red Plume! ther Hermit Huntress! Holy snakes, is you thet peert gal o’ ther pararer? I’m right down durned glad ter know ye,” and Lasso Dan held forth his handy which Maud grasped warmly, for she liked the blunt old scout, Then, turning to Queen, she said; ** As these gentlemen are doubtless all going to the fort, Queen, I will leave you now and re- turn to the Republican.” In vain was it that Queen urged and en- treated her to go on to thefort with her and re- main a few days; she was determined to go back, and refusing both the earnest proffers of Anton Rivas and © Dan to accompany her, she kissed Queen affectionately, while tears stood in the eyes of each; mounted her pony, with a spring from the ground, and with a wave of her hand bounded away down the Red Willow, Sad at heart, at the loss of her friend, Queen was raised to her saddle by Anton Rivas, who said he was going to Fort McPherson, with a view of establishing a stock ranch near there on the Platte. Then the maiden and her three escorts set off a the fort, distant between forty and fifty miles, But, as they rode along, Anton Rivas seemed to worry a great deal about Red Plume. He spoke of her danger continually, and, after rid- ing half a dozen miles, stopped abruptly. ““Miss Woodbridge, as you are safely cared for, I will return on the trail of your fair youn friend, for I havea presentiment in my ated that harm will befall her,” ‘She hes run o’ these pararers fer years thet I has hearn on, an’ she’s goin’ yit,” said Lasso n. ** Still, two hours ago she was a captive to red-skins who would have shown her no mercy; no, I will return, and having seen her in the vi- cinity of her home will return to the fort.” ‘But she must be fifteen miles from here now; I fear ae cannot find her,” said Queen, who was glad that Anton Rivasshowed a desire to go after Maud. *Tll go to the Red Willow and strike her trail. Iam a good plainsman, and my horse is prcerite, Hag swift; I trust to meet you soon again, Miss Woodbridge. Gentlemen, I bid you good-morning,” and with a courtly grace that seemed natural to him, the New Mexican turn- ed to the right about and set off on the back trail at an easy gallop, while Queen and her es- corts continued on to the fort, all favorably im- pressed with the man who had just left them. CHAPTER XIX. THE RETURN, WHEN the sentinel at Fort McPherson, by the light of the setting sun looked across the prairie and descried three persons epproaching, and in one of them recognized Prairie Queen, the Post Trader’s daughter, he called lustily for the cor- poral of the guard, and as the maiden rode up she was greeted with three times three in rous- ing cheers. eral Emory was in his quarters, attending to some business with Louis Woodbridge, who had grown thin and pale of late, and coming out to see the cause of the excitement, so un- usual in the fort, their eyes fell upon the beauti- ful Queen, and two others that were believed dead, and whose bodies Captain Taylor and a force had gone out to bury, at the same time hoping to punish the Indians. As Captain hur Gray, and Lasso Dan— the former recognized by many who had seen him before, and the latter well known at the fort—approached, they were also greeted with 15 —— ay cheers, and met a warm welcome from ( cueral Emory and his officers. Entering the general’s quarters refreshments were placed before them, and then the stories of their adventures were told, Queen making known how she was captured, when having gone out for a ride on the prairie, but carefully concealing the cause of her going, aud then tell- ing how she had been rescued from the very den of lions by the pluck and skill of Fancy Frank. ‘That is a most remarkable man, k out you don’t lose your heart with him, Miss Queen,” warned the general, with a smile. Queen blushed, but went on to tell how they had left the indian camp, and her despair when the Scout fell fainting from his horse, but her joy when Red Plume came to the rescue, “* And where does this strange aud mysterious creature live?” asked the general. ‘‘ That I cannot tell you, sir, for I am sworn to secrecy.” ‘** But she cannot live alone?” “Tam also bound not to give you any in- formation upon that subject, sir; but, certain it is she isas fearless as a man, and is versed in all prairie-craft and Indian cunning, while she is as good as she is beautiful.” “*T believe you, Miss Queen; but you say the Scout was taken to her home?” ‘* Yes, General Emory ; and knowing my anxi- ety to communicate with my father, Red Plume, as you call her at the fort, carried the note to the camp that night, for, as long as the Scout was in danger of dying, my duty kept me by his side.” ‘** And he is recovering now, I hope?” “Yes, sir; and, under the guidance of Red Plume, I was returning to the fort, when we met the adventure on the Red Willow which I have told you of, and which we were rescued from by Captain Gray, and good Dan here, not forgetting the brave man who went back on the trail of Red Plume.” ‘* Well, there has been more mystery aroun@ this fort of late than would furnish material for a sensational novel; but, thank God, you are back again in safety, Miss Queen; and, Gray, you and Dan are to be congratulated too; but I hope no harm will befall that wild girl, or the brave fellow who returned to aid er, for we want just such good men as settlers here,” and his guests departing, the general was left alone to think over whut had lately transpired around his frontier post, while Cap- tain Gray and Lasso Dan were well cared for and Louis Woodbridge, a happy man, and Queen returned to their home, where the mai- den, though almost broken down, held a recep- tion for several hours, all her friends upon her to offer their congratulations at her safe return. Several days after Captain Taylor and his men came back, having visited the canyon where Captain Gray’s party had been besieged and not finding the bodies of the captain an Lasso Dan, and observing the remains of the dummies, came to the conclusion that the two men had cleverly eluded the Indians. the de- Pushing on the troopers came upon pleralined band of warriors at the Re ublican, but night and had engaged them in a hot fight; coming on the red-skins had escaped. Visiting the scene of the attack on the wagon- train, the troopers had found a number of un- buried bodies, their heads scalped, and had given them decent burial, after which they had started on their return to the fort, where they were delighted to learn that not only had Ar- thur Gray and Lasso Dan returned, but also Queen Woodbridge. To celebrate the return of the fair girl, the officers gave a grand entertainment, and one of Queen’s most ardent admirers was Roy . who, afteran interview with General Emory, upon his return from the Republican, had taken up his quarters at the fort, Jack Nelson and his comrades still remaining in his py for reasons known only to the youth himself, Struck with the handsome face and youth of Roy Reese, Queen seemed to feel a deep interest in him, and they became fast friends, to the jealous rage of many other admirers of the maiden; but there was one other whom the Trader’s daughter seemed to care more for than she did for the youth, and that was Arthur Gray, who each day felt himself more deeply in love with the beautiful girl wondering how it would all end. CHAPTER XX. OBSTACLES IN THE TRAIL. Wuen Anton Rivas had said that his horse was both swift and of long endurance, he had
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is fully spoken the truth; for, when turned upon the baek trail, he held his easy lope back to the spot where the ight had occurred in the timber on the Red Willow, and there striking the trail of Red Piume had gone on once more in that same untiring gait. But, though Anton Rivas had pushed on steadily all day, sunset found him on the banks of the Republican river, at a point where the trail of the maiden’s pony ended, and he seem- ed further tuan ever from overtaking her. ‘* By heavens! she has eluded me! Now what is to be done?” Hardly had the words left his lips, and while his eyes were bent down upon the spot where the trail ended at the edge of the water, a white puff of smoke came from the face of the cliff upon the other shore, and a faint report was heard, just as a bullet struck the man in the forehead. Like one dead he fell from his horse, and lay motionless upon the ground, while the frighten- ed animal trotted off upon the prairie. When Anton Rivas returned to conscious- s2ss, for he was only stunned by the shot, hich had gonein under his scalp, he beheld, by the lingering light of the sun on the horizon, the tall form of a man bending over him—a man of herculean frame, but with long hair and beard tiat was almost white. At the first glance into the wild bearded face end the long matted hair A1rfon Rivas believed that he was dead and that his Satanic majesty had come for him; but a closer look and his iace grew deadly white as he rose to a sitting position, and cried: ‘In the devil’s name, who are you?” **Men call me the Hermit Trapper of the Re- publican. Who are you?” came in deep, stern tones, “First tell me why you fired upon me?’ an- grily demanded Anton Rivas. ‘* You followed the trail of a young girl to this point; you were becoming too curious and [ fired upon F Aw now I thank God I did not kill re aa the old trapper, earnestly. y? ‘Because I now know who you are. When [ fired I looked upon you as I would upon any man who would wrong the one being I bave to love in this world—the one being who has prevented my taking my own life to fly from the curse upon me.” The Hermit Trapper spoke with great ve- hemenee and his face worked strangely. ** You speak as though I was known to you?” ‘* You are,” was the curt reply. ‘(My name is Anton Rivas and I come from New Mexico, yet I do not remember to have met you before.” ‘You lie in your false throat! Your name is not Anton Rivas,” was the savage rejoinder. ‘Have acare, old man! I may forget your age,” threateningly said the man who had called himself Anton Rivas. “Bah! You are a fool, boy, for I could crush you as I could a child; but, attempt not to de- ceive me with your lies, and hear me. You take your path and I will keep mine, for I would shun you as I would a snake,’ ‘‘In Heaven’s name who are you?” cried Rivas, springing to kis feet. ‘I believe that you know me,” was the Mer. mit’s reply; ‘“‘but. should you pot, i will teil you that I am one whe once nac 2 nappy nome. a wife and a baby boy: but thav boy the idel of his mother’s heart ana mine, grew ix Jb a wild, reckless him, forgave him, and prayed with hini vo lead a different life—are you listening, Anton Rivas?” e man uttered no reply to the question, and stood with eyes bent down. Then the Hermit Trapper continued: “* 4t length that boy went so far as to doom a young and lovely girl to infamy by, as he be- lieved, a mock marriage; but the tool he eni- ployed was not so vile as he was, and engaged a young and inexperienced minister to perform the ceremony, and the young girl became in re- ality a wife; but her brother, and all others then, believed in her disgrace, and to avenge his sister’s wrongs the brother sought that worth- less son of mine—sought him out, and gave him a chance for his life, when he should have shot hira down like a dog. That mercy on his part cost him his life, for my ignoble son shot him in the back and fled. “Loving him as I did; I tried hard to effect his escape; but the hounds of the law were on ris Sees and they seized and brought him ack, “His trial followed, and with his just sen- tence that sent bim to the gallows, his poor sinful Cents yet still we loved | ‘and I bore the little child and its mother to my Fancy Frank, of Colorado. | mother’s heart was broken and she died; and | more, my last dollar almost went, for I made | gold flow like water to save him, ‘* But all to no use, The law had condemned him to death, and not one was there, except myself, and the woman he had wronged, to beg for his life—are you listening Anton Rivas?” Still no reply from the other, who stood as motionless as a statue, and the Hermit Trapper continued: ‘That poor girl went with her infant in her arms and begged the governor to save her hus- band; I added my prayers to hers, but it was of no avail—he must die. ‘“'Phen I became desperate, and with mone raised from the sale of my home, I planned his | escape, and carried it out; but, God forgive me, in aiding him, and when he was in danger of | recapture, I killed two of his pursuers. ‘*He escaped, and I was seized and thrown into jail, and the sentence of death was passed upon me; but the night before my execution the jail caught fire, and Imanaged to get away, although loaded down with irons. ‘* Those iron bands a friend knocked from my wrists and ankles, and he also aided me to | leave the country and come to this wild border, while I, with several others, was believed to have perished in the flames. ‘Four years after my coming here, a wagon- train was attacked not many miles from where I lived, and the few settlers who composed it were nearly all murdered by the Indians. ‘*But one woman, with a baby of five years of age in her arms, fled from the scene, after seeing her father shot down, and, unseen by the red fiends, ran for miles across the prairie, not knowing where she went, and still clinging to her child. I wish you to listen, Anton Ri- vas. Still no word from the motionless man, ‘‘ Rendered superstitious by my life here in these wilds, and nervous from having taken hu- man life, I believed the woman, as she appeared in the moonlight, in her white night-dress, to be | a spirit and I leveled my rifle and fired. “ God will never forgive me for that act; I am accursed among men, Anton Rivas,” said the Hermit Trapper, in his deep, trembling tones, while he passed his hand across his eyes, as if to shut out the sight of some horrid phan- tom of the past. After a moment, in which Anton Rivas still stood like a statue, the Hermit Trapper went on: ‘* When I heard that poor creature scream, I came back to m» senses and bounded to her side, and, oh God! she wus dying, and I beheld | her little child clutched close to her heart. “Poor thing, she saw me, and believing she | had been fired upon by Indians, blessed me for | coming to her aid, and with her dying breath | consigned her child to my trust. ‘*Think you she would have done so had she known that I had slain her? “Oh, no! Rather would she have clasped the wee thing in her cold arms and let it die there on her breast from cold and hunger, than give it to me to care for. ‘*‘T accepted the trust, though, in atonement, home. ‘*The mother lies buried on the banks of the | Republican; the child crossed this river an hour ago and is now 1n safety, “ Before the mother of that child died I recog- | nized her; she was the wifeso sinued against by my wicked son, «nd. with ber father, was com- ing to this border to find a new home. **roor things: 1 soughi the scene of mas- sacre. and I recognized among the dead the fa- ther of the r womai, and be lies buried by the side cf his daughter. ‘Now, Anton Rivas, as youca!t yourseif, you | have heard my s , and I wili teli you aow | that that girl was intrusted to my keeping, and, | by the God above, I wii kill you if ever you at | tempt to cross her trail again. ‘** Go, for well do you know that patience can no lng be a virtue with me, ell do you } know that every atom of love once held for you has gone from my heart. ‘*Go! and never look in my face or the tace | of your child again. | “Go! or I'll forget that you are my son, | crime-accursed though you be!” | With a cry of horror Anton Rivas turned | ~~ fled from the spot with the speed of a deer. A shrill call brought his horse to his side, and | sprin ng into the saddle he sped away as | though Satan rode on his crupper, and cruelly | his spurs sunk in the flanks of his surprised, frightened and straining horse. i g : | sant evening for a walk; will CHAPTER XXI. MORE DEVILTRY. Tur day after the arrivalin the fort of Cap- tain Taylor and his squadron, a stranger rode up to the quarters of General Emory—a stran- ger toallat the fort excepting three persons, whom the reader will know when I say that the new-comer gave his name as Anton Rivas. In his interview with the general, Anton Rivas told how he had followed the trail of Red Plume to the very banks of the Republican, and there lost it, and, having been fired upon from an ambush and wounded, he had saved his life merely by the speed of his splendid horse. He also made known his intention of settlin near the fort, and was referred by the gener to Louis Woodbridge, the Post Trader, for all | necessary information upon the subject. The cabin home of the trader was some dis- tance from the fort, and thither Anton Rivas wended his way, and received a warm welcome from Queen, and also her father, for he remem- bered the service the brave stranger had render- ed his daughter. ‘* Now, Mr, Rivas, until you get settled just make your home here. My cabin is a large one and the spare room is at your service; then, at night we can talk over our plans for settling, and I will give you all the advice and aid in my power,” said the hospitable trader, and most willingly did Anton Rivas accept of his proffer- ed hospitality, and was soon perfectly at home in his new quarters. As he sat in his room some ten days after his arrival at the fort he saw Captain Arthur Gray approach the cabin, and heard him greet Queen, who sat upon the rude but pleasant bal- cony of the cabin. ** Good-afternoon, Miss Woodbridge! <A plea- y ou join me?” ‘With pleasure, Captain Gray, if you will not come in,” ‘No, let us take the walk,” and, getting her sun-hat, Queen joined the young officer. ** Above here on the river a mile, I saw some lovely wild flowers, Miss Woodbridge; they would make a beautiful bouquet,” said Anton Rivas, leaning out of the open window. “Tt is rather far to walk, but I would like the flowers,” Queen confessed. “Then a ride let it be, Miss Woodbridge. I will return as soon as I get my horse,” and, Queen assenting, the young officer strode away, while she ordered the negro servant, who looked after her father’s stock, to saddle her horse. “Should t’ink you had ’nuff o’ ridin’, Missy Queen,” said the negro, ‘‘Lam not going far, Coal, and Captain Gray will accompany me.” ‘“‘ Better not go fur, Missy Queen, for dem dirty red niggers is round eberywhar, t’icker dan fleas on a mangy dog. I see’d tracks dis mornin’ up de river.” “* We will soon be back, Coal; no fear as lon as the captain is with me,” and Queen went in to put on her riding-habit, and was soon on the balcony once more, getting exact directions from Anton Rivas where to find the flow ers. Ten minutes after the captain rode up, and the two dashed away together, a splendid-look- ing couple. tracually the afternoon passed away, the , shadows lengthened, and twilight came, yet the two did notreturn, and when Louis Woodbridge came home to supper, and learned where Queen | had gone, he was terribly alarmed. “ There is no fear but that they will soon re- turn, Woodbridge. If they do not, I will mount my horse and ride forth in search of them.” %*T will be so thankful, if you would; and if you do not find them, come to the store and let me know, at once,” said the anxious father, and he arose from his untasted meal. But, apparently feeling no alarm for the ab- seat ones, Anton Rivas ate a hearty supper; then, wounting ais “crse, he rode away in the gathering twilight. Twe hours after, having received no word, as he had hoped, Louis Woodbridge, almost crazed ee dread, returned to his deserted cot- ze. Coal ana Dinah met him, and he saw that his worst fears were realized—Queen had not re- turnéa Instanuy the poor man ran to the fort, and laid the case Sefore General pee ‘‘ By Jove, Woodbridge, this is a bad business, I wil] have a squadron ordered out at once, and sent in search of them; but they cannot do much until morning. ‘Tt was imprudent for them to go, as the scouts daily report Indians in the vicinity,” said General Emory, and he at once gave orders for
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a company of cavalry to go in search of the lost couple. and you say that Mr. Rivas has not return- ed either?” r No, general; he has been gone nearly three ours. Finding from Goal the direction taken b een and the captain, Lieutenant Charlie ockwell at once set out in search of them, ac- companied by a number of officers as volun- teers, and the almost broken-hearted trader. A ride of nearly two miles brought them to the spot on the river bank, where the negro had said they were going, and here, in the darkness, a white object caught their eyes. It was a sheet of paper, torn from a note- book, and stuck upon a stick three feet high. A dozen matches at once flashed, and by their light, written in a clear, bold hand, Lieutenant Rockwell read aloud: “IT came here and was set upon by a band of In- dians, several of whom I shot, and as they fled, I will follow them, keeping them in sight, as I am confi- dent they are the rear goere of a force that has cap- tured the captain and Miss Woodbridge. ‘*Whoever finds this, let him take it to General Emory, that he may start a force in pursuit. “Fearing to lose sight of the Indians in the dark- ness I must hasten on; but I will leave what traces I can on the trail. AntTON Rivas.” **My God! my poor child!” broke from the lips of Louis Woodbridge, and he would have fallen but for the support of friendly arms. ‘* Lootnent, here are some Hilngs 1 picked up in ther bushes over yander,” and so Dan ap- proached. ‘*Scalps, by the Lord Harry! Where did you t them, Dan?” asked Charlie Rockwell, as Ee old scout held up three bleeding Indian top- ots. “IT got ’em off o’ some Injuns’ heads as lays over yon. Guesses they is ther fellers ther New Mexikin shooted.” **There is no doubt of it. Well, Mr. Wood- bridge, we will return to the fort, and the gene- ral will doubtless send out a large force in pur- suit in the morning, for nothing can be done to-night,” said Lieutenant Rockwell. “*T will give all lam worth to any man who will follow that trail to-night,” cried the poor father; but all remained silent, and the party returned toward the fort. Not all of them, for Roy Reese and his trapper scouts remained be- rind, and seeing them tarry, Lasso Dan joined em. ‘“*Pards, I wouldn’t take a dollar o’ ther old man’s money; but I guesses as you feels as I do; we better strike out to-night,” said the old Kan- avon bet pard; this tl has ou ; oung gentleman axed me ter bounce wher trail’ ter-ni ht, an’ though it will be slow work, I think we kin fol- ler em, by watchin’ ther natur’ o’ ther ground we is trailin’, an’ as we knows whar they is drivin’ fer, so I says go,” replied John Nelson. ry pard,” was the reply of Andy Bar- rett; and the Clifford brothers and Arthur Ruff giving a like assent it was at once agreed upon start at once. ‘ ‘**T am delighted to hear your decision, my friends. Here is Reis: & so let two of you go to the post and get what you may need for the —_ and return at cnce; we will await oy here and [assure you, if I am successful in this trip I will divide two thousand dollars among you, and I almost think your money is as good as made The men looked at him in surprise, rot exact understanding what his words meant, thoug remembering them afterward; but believing him to be deeply in love with Queen Woodbridge they felt for him in his sorrow. Andy Barrett and Hank Clifford at once re- turned to the post, while the others busied themselves in searching for all traces that might be of service to them. Getting down upon his hands and knees Lasso Dan went sniffing around like a dog, and at last struck off across the prairie and disappeared from sight. An hour after the two trappers returned with all neces rovisions for the trip, and the or mioutibed, Roy Reese leading Lasso Dan’s orse. A brisk gallep of a mile and they came upon that wordy, still progressing upon bis hands and knees, . “« My hands jist keeps ther trail ther hul time, pares: now some 0’ you try it awhile, fer my are ’most broke,” said Dan, and John Nelson at once took his place at all-four trail- ‘hus the Neleon said, ¥ “ent on for several miles when “Pards, it are plain now; they is roundin’ ther head o’ ther north fork o’ ther Medecine, an’ we mout as well press on thar, an’ then we kin git ther direction they travels from thar.” “Good sense, by jingo!” said Lasso Dan, and then at a sweeping gallop they pushed on until Fancy Frank, of Colorado. ont 17 = | eating a piece of buffalo-meat an Indian handed | to him, and which Queen had sleepily refused. Having — of their supper the red- skins sought rest, all except the guard at the | edge of the timber, and soon the whole camp they were some miles from the fort. Here they | again searched for and found the trail, running directly south. M2 e far wrong,” said Hank Clifford. “Sense, by jingo!” was Lasso Dan’s reply, and the party, again pressed forward, and two hours before day halted for rest on the Red Willow. An hour and a half’s rest, asubstantial preak- fast, and then, just at the first glimmer of light, they were in the saddle. “Treed, by jingo!”’ cried Lasso Dan, as he rode down to the creek. ‘‘ Heur are ther trail, an’ they is not so durned many o’ them, nuther; only ’bout thirty; an’ heur are ther hui-tracks o’ ther leddy’s spotted pony,an’ ther capt’in’s horse, ’kase I knows ’em well; an’, by jingo, ef heur hain’t ther huf-tracks o’ thet stranger as is from New Mexico—he’s a ripper, I tell er pards, an’ is a-pushin’ on alone as though ed eat ther whole lay-out when he catches up with em. The marks referred to by Lasso Dan were now plain to all eyes, excepting those of Roy , and he then made a discovery: he found a small bit of paper pinned to a stick. ‘* Here, boys, ve found what escaped your eyes,” and he read aloud what was written on the paper, as follows: ‘The Indians are heading for the Republican—I will leave what traces I can, Anton Rrvas.”’ Folding the paper Roy Reese placed it in his pocket, and said quietly: ‘* Now see the gain we made by starting in the night. The troops have hardly left yet, and we are forty-five miles ahead of them.” “Sense, by jingo, an’ ther Injins has more than a night’s start o’ ther sojers; but them Ain ossifers will push right on, fer I believes het every durned one o’’em loves thet Wood- bridge gal.” by Jingo, *kase she’s a angil, only her *t sprouted yit; guesses they’ll keep shady till she gits ter Heavin, whar she kin tickle a harp; but come, ds, let’s git!” and off again the party started, now following the trail without the slightest trouble. CHAPTER XXII. A WOMAN’S LOVE. WHILE Roy Reese and his trapper comrades were pushing rapidly on in pursuit of the flying Indians, the pursued were dividing their forces into three parties to throw their enemies off their track. Arriving at Blackwood creek they played a very clever ruse, for Arthur Gray and Queen were transferred, with their saddles and bridles to the backs of Indian ponies, and, thus mount- ed, under a guard of ten picked braves, the were rushed on toward the Frenechman’s For at a point where Palisade creek flows into it, while another force of fifteen warriors, with the iron-shod horses of the young officer and maiden, headed for the Republican at the junc- | tionof that river with Frenchman’s Fork, and a third party of ten braves followed Blackwood creek down until it flowed into the Republican. Having thus divided their forces, and sent the horses of the captives with the larger party, as though to make believe their owners were with them, the small band with their prisoners ushed rapidly on their way, and urged their aes without rest until they arrived at Pali- sade creek, where wig! went into camp in some timber; but on their trail was one who did met seem at aloss when he came to where the ban@s divided, as, after carefully searching fhe ground, be again mounted his horse and right on after the force that had the captives charge. Riding rapidly he came in sight of the timber of Palisade creek just at sunset, and at once made a détour to the left, and slowly approach- ed the stream. In the meantime, utterly worn out by her loss of rest and hard ride of t énty-four hours, poor Queen sunk torest upon a blanket-a chief had given her, and Arthur Gray threw his cloak over her, for he had fortimately come off with it strapped to the back of his saddle. Then he too threw himself down to rest, after a entertainer _ was as silent as the grave. Thus an hour passed, and what caused Queen Woodbridge, worn out as she was, to open her _ she never knew; but she awoke with a ‘They is headin’ fer ther Republican, so we’ll | sli right on ’til daylight, an’ then we won't | ht start and saw a form bending over her. Rt first she believed it was an Indian war- rior, and she was about to cry out in alarm, when, in a whisper she distinctly heard the , words: ‘* Be still as death, and I will aid you.” Then, bending over her, the unknown visitor cut the bonds that bound her, and aided her te her feet. Supporting her, he led her toward the out- skirts of the camp, and there she paused. ‘*Captain Gray must not be left.” ‘*No; I will return for him,” came in a low whisj *, and she was urged on for some dis- tance, i.nd then brought out into the light of a new moon. With a half cry she started back, for a well known face and form was before her. ‘**Richard Sanford!” ‘Yes, Queen, I have come to save you,” said the man, in earnest tones. ‘“‘T did not expect it was you, for I believed you far away; but I am glad to meet you once again, that you may not at least believe me un- teful. till, first return and save Captain ra ? ‘Queen Woodbridge, what is that man to . you?” and Dick Sanford spoke in a deep, earn- est tone. “Shall I tell you?” said the girl, almost de- fiantly. man. : “Yes; but he saved my life, and my grati- tude turned to love.” et “Do you love -ideat man who has saved yeur life? for if you do, there is Fancy Frank, the Scout; Anton Rivas, and my very humble self —you see I am d, though an exile from the association of my race.” ‘* Yes, and God knows | feel for you in your sorrow; and now let me tell you that as you had once saved my life, Richard Sanford, I was determined that you should not die, and I had all my plans arranged to aid your escape.” The man Ganieks and for a moment seemed touched ; then he said: “That was impossible, Queen.” ‘‘No; it was very — for my ally was Brocky Jack, the half-breed; he bad horses in readiness for you, relays every ten miles to the Republi and a soldier, who was unable te get furlough, was to desert and go with you, or he was on duty at the guard-house.” ‘Did you do this for me, Queen?” ‘Yes, and when one other aided you to es- cape, I did not wish you to leave believi me wholly ungrateful for the past, and I mount- ed my Deerfoot to overtake Smo and tell you all, and bid you farewell. Now you know all. Ges of you to go and rescue ra o ; poor Captain from those terrible Indians.” oor Captain Gray, cs yu call him, Queen, I will rescue upon one condition.” ** And that is—” “Have you ceased to love me, Queen?” “‘Mr. Sanford, I have often told you that I could not love you, though I should ever you with sisterly regard for the service you had once rendered me.” “It is not a sister I want, Miss Woodbridge, but a wife.” “Your wife I could never be. I admit that I admired you; you were co in your man- ners, well educated, and seemed far above the station a occupied; but your reckless, wild course kept me from making you what I so much desired, a very dear friend,” “Queen, you have told me that you never loved me; but I will change my whole life, and 1 will win your love by my worship of you, if you _will but promise to be my wife.” ‘You plead in vain; I am sorry if I cause you pain, but you can never be more to me than you now are.” *‘ You forgot to ask me again the conditions under which I return for the captain,” said the man, abruptly. ‘* Yes; what are they?” 4 You love him very dearly, doubtless?” ‘You have no right to question me, but I an- swer you that I do. Tl put your love to the test,”
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See eee ate Se ee ee re ge she ee eee ee eee we ge re ee 18 **How mean you?’ asked Queen, in alarm. “Swear to become my wife and I will set Arthur Gray at liberty.” “Never!” ** Then he remains a prisoner to the Indians. ha in all things. Richard Sanford, I know you better than you think Ido. I know how treacherous you were to one who saved your life—to a girl you had in your power, and I would never link my fate with yours.” ** The Indians are cruel to their prisoners.” **T know it but too well.” ‘They will burn him at the stake.” ‘Oh, God, have mercy upon me!” groaned the unhappy girl. ‘* What is your answer?” **T have given it; I will go back and die with Arthur Gray.” “ Fool 1”? ‘* No, I would be the greater fool to become your wife. Farewell, Mr. Sanford,” and she started back toward the Indian camp. ** Hold! Queen, are you mad? Do you loathe me so much that you would rather die than become my wife?” and the man sprung before her. ‘*T remember that you saved my life; that is past now, so stand aside and let me pass.” ithout a word he stepped one side, and she silently crept back into the Indian camp. Not a twig broke beneath her feet; not a leaf stirred, and she lay down in her blanket once more, and pressed her hands hard upon her heart, to still its aching throbs. CHAPTER XXIII. A RACE FOR LIFE. BEFORE even the eastern skies grew gray, the Indian band, with their captives, were again on the march, heading for the head-waters of Por- cupine creek, as if to follow that stream down te the Republican. woe on the banks of Porcupine creek they halted for breakfast, and then, for the first time that morning, both Queen and Captain Gray caught sight of the face of a man who rode in advance, and who was clothed in all the paraphernalia of a great chief. With a cry of horror, Queen recognized the dark, evil face of Dick Sanford, and the words came to the lips of Arthur Gray: . “What! a ee white man the chief of a band of Sioux?’ “Yes, Captain Gray, I am chief of an Indian tribe. Anexile from my own race, I became a renegade,” said Dick Sanford, almost savage- ] . vie Hal Ir ize you, now; by Heaven, you are the man who led the red devils against my train. “The same, my dear captain, for Iam now the foe of all whites, since at last this fair girl, whom 1 once saved from a terrible death, has turned against me.” “Then you knew him once, Queen?” asked Arthur Gray. “*He prs do the truth; he once saved me from an enraged buffalo bull, and he was one of the most daring soldiers in the Fifth Cavalry; but alas! for himself, he had an evil heart, took the life of a comrade, and General Emory banished him from the border.” ‘*T have heard of him; this is, dow tless, Richard Sanford?” “That was my name, Captain Gray; the In- dians call me Serare-Root- , which, bein interpreted, means, Every man behind him. ed that name in my attack on your train. n future I shall make myself known among the whites as Red Dick, the Renegade.” “ Man, I pity you,” was all that Arthur Gray said, while large tears stood in the eyes of Queen, and she turned away to hide her emo- on. “Can I ask what is your intention toward this lady and myself?’ said the captain, after a use, pe Certainly ; I will take you to my village, in the hills beyond the Republican, and of which that pleasant red gentleman, Old Whistler, is chief, and there Miss Woodbridge shall become my wife, according to Indian ceremony, and you, I swear, by Heaven, shall be burnt at the stake, as part of the wedding festivities.” Both Arthur Gray and Queen were too deeply moved to speak, and with a cruel sneer Dick turned away, ut, just then, there came a distant the whiz of a bullet, and a warrior fell dea across the he was building. Instantly all wasa scene of excitement; the two captives were placed on their ponies and is SS EY ET ee Fancy Frank, of Colorado. securely bound to them, and the Indians began ; a hasty retreat; but again came an unerring bullet and another brave went down, ‘*Tt comes from across the creek! Back into | the timber!” cried Red Dick, and he hastily led Think again; I love you and you shall be made the party to shelter, and then sent out two In- dian scouts to reconnoiter. Some ten minutes were they gone when there Were heard two shots in rapid succession, a death war-whoop, and a riuging yell that at once told the Indians who their foe was. “The Evil Spirit! the Evil Spirit of the Plains!” was the ery of the Sioux, and they turned toward Red Dick, not knowing what to do. Then again came that ringing yell, and the renegade chief at once gave the signal for the return of his two scouts, if they were alive. But the signal remained unanswered, and all knew that they were dead. **Tt looks cowardly to fly from one man; but I'll not risk losing my captives,” muttered Red Dick, and they at once set forth on the trail they had come, intending to follow it a short distance and thefstrike straight for the Re- publican. . at 4 ridden a mile out upon the prairie they suddenly saw Fancy Frank emerge from the timber they had just left, and behind him came two others—an old man with long gray hair and beard, and a young girl, in whom the reader will readily recognize the Hermit Trap- per and Red Plume, CHAPTER XXIV. FANCY FRANK’S:MARVELOUS ACHIEVEMENT. At sight of the Hermit and Red Plume;Red Dick turned livid and reeled in his saddle; but. recovering himself quickly, he set his teeth hard and urged the party on. But, suddenly, a cry broke from the i of one of the braves, and all eyes turned in the di- rection in which he ; There, just crossing over a roll in the prairie, and in their front, not half a mile away, were seven horsemen, who, discovering the Indians and their captives, gave a yell of Say and start- ed toward them at a run. Wheeling short to the right, Red Dick led the flight in a run directly for the a river, while a brave rode on each side of Arthur Gray and Queen and lashed their horses at every bound. ‘* They dare not fire Ao us, for fear of in- juring the prisoners, and if I can get to the Re- publican I can keep them at bay until night, and by that time I will have a hundred war- riors upon them. ‘Curse them! oh, curse them!” said Red Dick, as he urged his horse forward at greater On, on like the wind sped the Indian band, and behind them, from two different directions came Fancy Frank’s party and Roy Reese and his followers. Better mounted, Fancy Frank, the Hermit Ft and Red Plume gained rapidly upon the fugitives, and came out upon their trail ahead of the other pursuers, excepting Roy Reese, who cried as he came up and recognized the famous plainsman: ‘“* Scout, for God’s sake do not kill that man! He is my game.” “Of course I would not fire upon an army a as I see he is by his uniform,” replied anc 4 ** No, no, not that one! I mean the su spe Indian chief; I saw his face distinctly wit m = and he is a white man—ay, more, he ts e one I came to these plains to find,” said Roy Reese, as they fairly flew along over the ground, and the Scout and his companions gazed upon the youth’s white face with strange surprise. “Pll not harm him, sir; but they must not reach the Republican, and there is but one way to stop them,” declared Fancy Frank. * And that is—” asked-Roy. **T will show you, sir.” Quick as a flash the repeating rifle went to the shoulder, and two sharp reports, fired al- most together, followed; down went one Indian pony running on Queen’s right, and the warrior = Sach fell from his ee. while tng the ips of the remaining savages burst a w ell that was echoed by one of joy frem Lasso Hex and his party coming on behind. Freed from his guards, the pony ridden by Queen bounded to one side, and rushed away across the prairie, his rider unable to guide him, as her hands were bound. Instantly Red Plume spurred away in chase, a cheer breaking from her lips as she beheld the —< pony keep on, unhurt by the pistol-shots sent after him by Red Dick. Failing in bringing down Queen or her pony for he had fired to kill, Red Dick turned toward Arthur Gray—a wild, wicked light in bis eyes. Ordering the two Indiaus who guarded him to ride on, he wheeled alongside the bound man, who looked him defiantly in the face, and slowly raised his pistol. “Captain Gray, I shall have my revenge on ou, and then escape, to some day in the future Brine down yoader haughty beauty’s head in sorrow and gbhame,” **Accursed hound, you are base enough to do 7, vile deed,” was the quick retort. Vith a mo@:ing laugh Red Dick again raised his revolver and pointed it straight at the head of Arthur Gray; but, while his finger was lingering on the trigger with fiendish delight, there came another shot from the unerring rifle of Fancy Frank, and the splendid animal rid- den by the renegade went down in his tracks, while the pistol, exploding as he fell, shot the pony ridden by Arthur Gray through the head, and sent him headlong to the ground. Both men were stunned by the fall, while the four Indians yet remaining, continued on in their mad flight, fully confident that the Evil Spirit was indeed in pursuit. “They must not escape or they will bring down their whole Mires upon us,” cried Fancy Frank, and a shout to his horse sent him for- ward ata speed that those who witnessed it, did not believe a horse could go. Bounding along? he cleared the fallen horses of Red Dick and Arthur Gray, and began to overtake the flying forms of the Indians with wonderful ease and rapidity. ° As he ran, the Scout’s unerring rifle went again to his shoulder, and the report was a death-knell to an Indian brave. Then again it rose for the eye to run alon the barrel, and once more came a death-yell, until after a chase of fifteen minutes Fanc Frank retraced his eteps, for he had done h deadly work well. As he rode up he saw with joy that Arthur Gray was once more upon his feet, and then his eyes fell upon the tall form, and white, stern face of Dick the Renegade, a prisoner amid the little group that surrounded him. In the back- Rig stood four persons gazing intently at the Renegade Chief, and they were the Hermit Trapper, Red Plume, Queen Woodbridge and Roy CHAPTER XXV. A DOUBLE DEATH-SHOT. As Fancy Frank, looking a little thin and wan after his illness, rode up, Lasso Dan cried out: ‘* Three rousers, pards, fer ther best man on both sides o’ ther Rockies, by jingo!” OEY hens rousing cheers were given not only hur Gray joining in, but also Red Plume and Queen. But, there were three persons whose lips re- mained mute; the stern-faced prisoner, the Her~ mit Trapper and Roy . Raising his hat in salute the Scout. from the back of Red An hand of Arthur Gray, for t other for years. Then he turned and congratulated Queen, saying with a smile: ‘It seems you are always getting into scrapes, Miss Queen.” “Yes, and it seems that a certain handsome scout I know of is always getting me out of them. But, joking aside, sir, I again owe you more than life.” Ere the Scout could reply Roy Reese stepped forward and ad him: ‘That man, Richard Sanford, is your prison- ~-i sir; but I beg of you to allow me to claim im. - ly if you wish it, so it is not td let him esca ‘Escape! J let Richard Sanford escape?” run 1 and m2 the y had known each cried the youth in a tone that turned the oye, of the Renegade quickly toward him. ‘* And who are you, may I ask, that so longs for my life?’ demanded Red Dick, sneeringly. we ha, Dick Sanford, have you forgotten the young brother of the woman you brought down to shame seven years ago, or are your victims So numerous you cannot recall the name of Floyd?” . _ “Yes, I remember you now’ you are Auch Floyd. Your sister is dead, I believe,” return- ed Dick, with the utmost coolness. ‘I am glad you remember me, Dick Sanford, for [ have tracked you for years, and now you shall meet me face to faee.’ ; |
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—— ——_____. _ TT Fancy Frank, of Colorado. “TI certainly have no objection to sending you after your sister. Will you untie my arms, sir, and allow me to oblige this youth?’ = he turned to Fancy Frank, who said, quiet- vie Mer, Reese, soon this man must be executed for his crimes; are you willing.to wait, and—” “‘No! he must die by my hand.” ‘But he is a dead shot, and you risk your life uselessly.” “Is matters not! Let us meet each other with pistols at ten paces.” The Scout shrugged his shoulders, and re- lied: ps Very well; if you are determined wpon it. Maud, had not you and Miss Queen better start on the back trail? We will soon overtake you,” and Frank turned to the maidens, but Roy Reese said, quickly: ‘* No, I beg the ladies to remain. Their eyes are accustomed to wild scenes, and this man dragged down a pure girl to shame and then fled and left her; they need not dread seeing him pun- ished; and more, Miss Woodbridge, in the man before you, you behold, also, he that, called himself Anton Rivas, and who came to the fort in disguise, and whose Indians captured you and Captain Gray. ““T recognized him by the writing on the pa- a he pinned on ‘the stick, where he says he illed the Indians found dead there. Captain Gray, how were you and Miss Woodbridge cap- tured, may I ask?” “We dismounted to gather wild flowers, and were set upon by a number of savages, three of whom I killed.” ‘*Bnough; now you know this man in his true light. ’ “Not wholly.” It was the deep voice of the Hermit Trapper that spoke. : Then he continued, in the same deep tones: “That man is my own son; that man drove me, a wanderer, from my home, and broke his mother’s heart, and not one word will I utter to ask mercy for him now.” ; 7 All were surprised at the startling revelation of the Hermit Trapper, and none more so than Maud; buat little she knew that Richard Sanford was her own father, and that dread secret the vid Hermit was determined she should not then anow. From the face of the Hermit Trapper all eyes turned upon that of Richard Sanford, but it was stern, calm, immovable; nothing to be said or done could move him, then. “Now, sir, I am ready to meet that youth. If I am bound for Satan’s home, let me take eompany,” broke from the lips of the renegade. Quietly Fancy Frank placed a weapon in the hand of each, and the two took their places. Then the Scout gave the word, and the two pistols flashed together. : Red Dick sprung into the air, and fell heavily, but he raised himself quickly on his arm, and, ' , ashe saw Roy Reese walking toward him, he cried; “Great God! have I missed him?” _ “No, Richard Sanford, you have given me my death-wound; but I would not die until I tell you that Jam not Hugh Floyd, but the wo- man ee so cruelly wronged. Iswore to have your life, and I am now content to die.” She sunk down upon her knees, and Fancy Frank sprung toward her; but he was too late, for she fell by the side of Richard Sanford—a corpse! A moment more and he, too, had breathed his last, while ap dashed Captain Taylor and four companies of the gallant Fifth; but the cheer of the troopers died away at sight of the sad group standing around those two dead bodies. CHAPTER XXVI. CONCLUSION, READER mine,my almost too true sto ly ended; I have only to say that the gallant offi- cers and men of the army who are herein men- tioned still live to render good service to their country, and protect the settlers of the far West from the savage foe. Lasso Dan lost his life in the battle in which Old Whistler, the Sioux chief, was killed, and brave Andy Barrett was soon afterward killed by a Sioux; while Jack Nelson, Arthur Ruff and the Clifford brothers are now trapping on the Running Water and its tributaries. Louis Woodbridge, the Post Trader, had had enough of the border, and moved to New York to live on the fortune he had honestly accumu- ler. but shortly after his arrival he again lost 1s beautiful daughter, as Captain Arthar Gray had s*olen her heart and won Ler hard, end no kavp er coun’e live *t:-cuy than those two, ‘ \ is near- 19 though I might speak of another pair who are equally happy—Mr. and Mrs. Frank Barbour of Colorado, for Fancy Frank and Red Plume are man and wife. And one more—Mark Sanford, whose love for his wicked son drove him to ruin and crime, still lives in his lonely cavern, his only com- anion the Pawnee Indian boy, Red Bird, whom e had taken years before from a cruel Chey- enne warrior, Not far from the cavern aro two graves with no head-boards to designate who lie beneath the green sod; but they are the last resting-places of Richard Sanford and poor Irene Floyd. Those two lonely graves, and the strange Stories told of the lonely old dweller in the cavern on the cliff, cause both Indians and whites to give the place a wide berth, for all stand in deadly fear of the snowy-haired Her- mit of the Republican and the graves by which he is surrounded, THE END. The Half-Dime Singer's Library. 1 Wxoa, Emma! and 59 other Songs. 2 Caprain Curr and 57 other Songs. 8 Tue Garnsporo’ Har and 62 other Songs. 4 JonnNy Morcan and 60 other Songs. 5 [tn Strike You Wira A FeatHer and 62 other Songs. 6 GEORGE Tar CHARMER and 56 other Songs. 7 THe BELLE or Rockaway and 52 other Songs. 8 Youne FeLuan, You're Too Fresu and 60 other Songs. 9 Say Youne Grex and 65 other Songs. 10 I’m THE GoveRNoR’s Onty Son and 58 other Songs. 11 My Fan and 65 other Songs. 12 Comin’ Toro’ THe Rye and 55 other Songs. 13 Tae Roxuickina IrisHMan and 59 other Songs, 14 OLD Doe Tray and 62 other Songs. 15 Wuoa, Cuariz and 59 other Songs. 16 IN THis WueEat By anv By and 62 other Songs. 17 Nancy Lee and 58 other Songs. 18 I'm THE Boy THAT's Bounp To Buaze and 57 other Songs. 19 Toe Two OrpHans and 59 other Songs. 20 WHAT ARE THE WiLp Waves Sayina, SISTER? and 59 other Songs. 21 InpiGNantT Potty Woe and 59 other Songs. 22 Tax OLD ArM-CHarr and 58 other Songs. 23 On Coney IsLanp Bzacu and 58 other Songs, 24 OLD Smmon, THE Hot-Corn Man and 60 others, 25 I’m in Love and 56 other Songs, 26 PARADE OF THE GuaRps and 56 other Songs, 27 Yo, Heave, Ho! and 60 other Songs. 28 "Twitt NEVER Do To GmsiT up So and 60 other Songs. 29 Buvge Bonnets Over THe Borper and M4 other Songs. 30 Tae Merry Laventne Man and 56 other Songs. 31 Sweer ForGet-mE-Nor and 55 other Songs. 32 LeeTLe Bany Mive and 53 other Songs. 33 De Bango AM DE INSTRUMENT For Mz and 53 other Songs. : 34 Tarry and 50 other Songs. 35 Just TO PLEASE THE Boys and 52 other Songs. 36 SKATING ON ONE IN THE GuTTER and 5&2 other Songs. 37 KoLorep Kranks and 59 other Songs. 38 Nit DEsPERANDUM and 53 other Songs. 39 Tue Girt I Lerr Benrnp Me and 50 other Songs. 40 'Tis put A LirrLe Faprep Fiower and 50 other Sengs. 41 Prerry War. ftir and 60 other Songs. 42 DANCING IN THE Barn and 63 other Songs, 43 H. M. 8. PrvaFore, CoMPLETe, and 17 other Songs. Sold ep gis oY per seas: at five cents er copy, or sen ~paid, any address po of Six cents per number, + BEADLE AND ADAMS, Pusruis 98 WILLIAM Streer, New York. on re- The Sunnyside Library, 1 Larisa Rooks, By Thomas Moore........... 10¢. 2 Don Juan. By Lord — oR Wa vil 6 20c. 3 Parapise Lost. By John Milton : . ee ee 4 Tue Lapy or THE for double numbers twenty-four cents. AD+MS, VICTOR & CO., Publishe 98 William street, N. Y. | prepared expressly for schools, families, ete. BEADLE & ADAMS’ STANDARD DIME PUBLICATIONS. Speakers. BEADLE AND ADAMS have now on their lists the fol- lowing highly desirable and attractive oe Lac. volume contains 100 large pages, printed from. clear, open type, ete iny> BL 1e best collection of Dia- logues, Dramas and Recitations, (burlesque, comic and otherwise.) The Dime Speakers for the season of 1880—as far as now issued—embrace twenty-three volumes, viz.: . Spread-Eagle Speaker . 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™ ‘ Deadwood Dick, tHe Prince or THE Roan; or, THe Buack Riviz or THE Buack Hits. By Edward L. Wheeler. 2 Wellowstone Jack; or, TRAPPERS OF THE ENCHANTED GrounD. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. 3 Kansas King; or, THe Rep Ricur Hann. By Buffalo Bill (Hon. Wm. F. Cody). 4 The Wild-Horse Hunters. By Captain Mayne Reid and Captain Frederick Whittaker. 5 Mh bt Joe, THE YouNG WANDERING JEW; or, ‘@¢ FoR A Lecacy. By Oll Coomes. 6 Bill Biddon, Trapper; or, Lire IN THE Nortuwest. By Edward §. Ellis. 7 The Flying Yankee; or, Taz Ocean Ovt- cast. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. & Seth Jones; or, THe Caprives OF THE FRON- TIzrR. By Edward $. Ellis. % Adventures of Baron Munchausen, 10 Nat Toddj or, THe Fare or THE Sioux Cap- tives. A Sequel’ to Bill Biddon, Trapper. By Edward 8. Ellis. {1 The Two Detectives; or, Tot Fortunes or A Bowery Grru. By Albert W. Aiken. 132 Gulliver’s Travels. A Voyage to Lilliput, and a Voyage to ote ag 7 y Dean Swift. #3 The Dumb Spy. By Ol! Coomes, author of ‘Vagabond Joe,” ete. 14 Aladdin; or, Tus WonperFvr Lamp, ¢5 The Sea-Cat; oc, THe Wrrcn or DaRIEN. 4 Captain Frederick Whittaker, 16 Robinson Crusoe. His Life and Surpris- ing Adventures, (27 Illustrations.) By Defoe. 17 Ralph Roy, THE Boy Buccaneer; or, THE Fueitive Yacut. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 13 Sindbad the Sailor. His Seven Voyages. From the Arabian Nights, 3} The Phantom SPY or, THE PILOT OF THE Pratrie. By Buffalo Bill. 20 The Double Daggers; or, Drapwoop Dicr’s Deriance. By Edward L. Wheeler. 21 The Frontier Angel. A Romance or KEn- TucKY RANGER’s Lire. By Edward §. Ellis. 22 The Sea Serpent; or, THe Boy Rosinson Crusor. By Juan Lewis. 23 Nick o? the Night; or, Tue Boy Spy or "76. x T. C. Harbaugh. 94 Diamond Dirk; or, THE MysTEeRy OF THE YeLiowstony. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 95 The Boy Capt im; or, THe Prrate’s Daveuter. By Roger Starbuck.” 26 Cloven Hoof, THe BurraLto Demon; or, THE Borper Vuttures. By Edward L. Wheeler. He Antelope Abe, THE Boy Guinz. Oll Coomes, 8 Buffalo Ben, THe Price or THE PISTOL; | or, DEADWoop Dick 1x Diseuise. FE. L. Wheeler. 29 The Dumb Page; or, THe Doce's Davan- TER. By ee Frederick Whittaker. 8) Roaring Ralph Rockwood , THE REcK- Less RANGER. By Harry St. ee 81 Keen-Knife, PRINCE OF THE trrzs. By Oli Coomes. 82 Bob Woolf, tHe Borper RvFFIAN; or, THE oo Deap-SHor. By Edward L. Wheeler. 83 The Ocean Bloodhound; or, THE Rep PIRATES OF THE CaRIBBEES. By §. W. Pierce. 84 Oregon S 13 or, Nick Wuirries’ Boy Spy. Brey _ J. F.C, Adams. B5 ild Ivan, THe Boy Ciaupe DvuvaL; or, THE BrorHERHOOD or Deatu.. By Ed. L. Wheeler. 36 The Boy Clown; or, THz QUEEN oF THE AreNA. By Frank S. Finn. 87 The Hidden Lodge; or, Tae Lirriz Hun- TER OF THE ADIRONDACKS. By T. C. Harbaugh. 88 Ned Wylde, THe Boy Scout. By Texas Jack. 99 Death-Face, THe Detective; or, LIFE AND Love In New York. By Edward L. Wheeler. 40 Roving Ben. A Story or 4 Yournc AmeErRI- CAN WHO WANTED TO SEE THE WorLD. Marshall. 41 Lasso Jack, tHe Youna Mustancer. By Oll Coomes. 42 The Phantom Miner; or, Drapwoop Dick’s Bonanza. By Edward L. Wheeler. 43 Dick Darling, THE Pony Express Rm:r., od bine Frederick Whittaker. 44 Rattling Rube; or, Tae Nicut Hawxs or Kentucky. By Harry St. George. 45 Old Avalanche, THE GREAT ANNIHILATOR; or, WILD EDNA, THE GIRL BricanD. E. L. Wheeler. 416 Glass Kye, THe Great SHOT OF THE WEST. By, Capt. J. F.C. Adams. 7 Re eens Nat; or, THe Forest Caprarns. By T. C. Harbaugh. 48 Black John, ree Roap-AGeEntT; or, THE OvT- LAWs’ vT. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. iy Omaha Oll, THe MAskep TerRROR: or, DEAD- woop Dick IN DANGER. By Edward L. Wheeler. 80 Burt Bunker, THe Trapper. A Tale of the © Northwest. By C. E. Lasalle. - 51 The Boy if_es; or, THE UNDERGROUND Camp. By Archié C. Irons. 52 The ite Buffalo, A Tale of Strange Adventure in the Northwest. Jim Bludsoe, Jr., THe Boy PHENIX; or, Turover To DeatH. By Edward L. Wheeler. ‘ta Ned Hazel, THe Boy Trapper; or, THE PHAN- vom Princess. By Capt. J. F. C. Adams. 55 Deadly - Eye, THz Unknown Scour; or, THE BRANDED BROTHERHOOD. By Buffalo Bill. 66 Nick Whifiles’? Pet; or, In THe VALLEY oF Deatu. By Capt. J. F. C. Adams. e 67 Deadwood Diek’s Eagles; or, THE PaRDs or FLoop Bar. [Bache , eeler. §8 The Border King; or, THe Secret For. r Ol Coomes. ~ 59 Fa Hickory; or, Panpy Euwis’s Scape. By arry St. oy To 60 The White Indian; or, Tae Scouts or THE " ee. foe. . F.C. A 3 uckhorn or, Tae Rzp Tram. By Edward L. Wheeler. , | 62 The Shadow Ship; or, Tae Riva Lizv- TENANTS. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 63 The Red Brotherhood; or, THz Twetve AVENGERS. By W. J. Hamilton. 64 Dandy Jack; or, THE OUTLAW ofr THE OREGON Trait. By T. C. Harbaugh. 65 Hurricane Bill; or, Mustang Sam anp His ‘**Parp.” By Jos, E. Badger, Jr. 66 Single Hand; or, A Lire ror a Lire. By W. J. Hamilton. 67 Patent-leather Joe}; or, OLD RaTrLesNnakg, THE CHARMER. By Philip 8, Warne. 68 The Border Robin Hoodj or, Tse PrairreE Rover. By Buffalo Bill. 69 Gold Rifie, THz SHARPSHOOTER; or, Tar Boy DETECTIVE OF THE BLACK Ranow. By Edward L. Wheeler. 70 Old Zip’s Cabins or, THe GREENHORN IN |: THE Woops. yy J. F.C, Adams, 71 Delaware Dick, THE Youna Ranaer Spy; or, BROTHER AGAINST BROTHER. By Oll Coomes. BEADLE'S | HALF-DIME | LIBRARY. | | 72 Mad Tom Western, THE TEXAN RANGER; | or, THe QUEEN OF THE PRarIRIE. By Hamilton. 73 Deadwood Dick on Deck; or, CaLamiry JANE, THE Herowwe oF WHOoP-Up. By Wheeler. 74 Hawk-eye Harry, THE Youna TRAPPER Ranaer. By Oll Coomes. 75 The Boy Duelist; or, Tue Cruise or THE Sea-Wo.tF. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, 76 Abe Colt, THe Crow-Kiiter; or, THe Great Ficutine MAN OF THE West. By A. W. Aiken. 77 Corduroy Charlie, Taz Boy Brayo; or, Deapwoop Dick’s Last Act. By E. L. Wheeler. 78 Blue Dick; or, THe YeLLoOw Curmr’s Ven- GEANCE, By Captain Mayne Reid. 79 Sol Ginger, THE GianT TRAPPER; or, THE FLower oF THE BLACKFEET. By A. W. Aiken. 80 Rosebud Rob; or, Nuaget Nep, THe Knicar oF THE GuLcH. By Edward L. Wheeler. 81 Lightning Jo, THe TERROR OF THE PRAIRIEZ. By aptain J. I’, C. Adams. 82 Kit Haretoot, THz Woop-Hawk; or, OLp PowbER-FAace AND His Demons. By Harbaugh, 83 Reo, the Boy Ranger; or, THe Hrerruss OF THE JOLDEN Horn. By Oll Coomes. 84 eng OF the Girl Miner; or, Rosesup Ros on HAND. Ky Edward L. Wheeler. 85 Buck Buckramy or, Bess, THE FEMALD Trapper, By Captain J. F. C. Adams. 86 Dandy Bock, THe Man From Texas. By G. Waldo Browne. 87 The Land Pirates; or, THe Leacvr or Devin’s ISLAND. ey Gent. Mayne Reid. - 88 Photograph Phil, tse Boy SLEUTH; or, Rosesup Ros’s REAPPEARANCE. By E. L. Wheeler. 89 Isiand Jim; or, THe Per or THE Famizy. a the author of ‘* Jack Harkaway.” 90 The Dread Rider; or, Tar Texan Dvezist. By George Waldo Browne, he Captain of the Club; or, THe Youne Rrvat ATHuetes. By Bracebridge Hemyng, (Jack.Harkaway.) 91 92 Canada Chet, THE CoUNTERFEITER CHIEF; | or, OLD ANACONDA IN SITTING BuLL’s Camp, By | | 149 Edward L. Wheeler. 98 The Boy Miners; or, THe ENCHANTED IsLAND. By Edward S§. Ellis. 94 MiGnignt Jack, THE Roap-AGENT; or, GopHer Grp, THE Boy RAPPER OF THE CHEYENNE. A T. C. Harbaugh, 95 The Rival Rovers; or, Tar Freesoorers OF THE MississippI. By Lieut. Col. Hazeltine. 96 Watch-Eye, THE SmADOW; or, ARABS AND ANGELS oF A Great Ciry. By E. L. Wheeler. 97 The Outlaw Brothers; or, THe Captive OF THE Harpers. By J. J. Marshall. 98 Robin Hood, tur OvuTLAWED Ear,; or, THE Merry MEN oF GreENWwooD, By Prof. Stewart Gildersleeve. 99 Whe Tiger of Taos; or, Wit Kate, Danny Rocr’s AnGeLt. By George Waldo Browne. 100 Deadwood Dick in Leadville; or, A STRANGE STROKE FOR LiseRTY. By Wheeler. 101 Jack Harkaway in New York; or, THE ADVENTURES OF THE TRAVELERS’ CLUB. By Bracebridge Hemyng. 102 Dick Dead-Kye, THe Boy Smuac ier; or, THE CRUISE OF THE VIXEN. By Col. Ingraham. 103 The Lion of the Sea} or, THE VAILED Lapy oF SAN Tropez. By Col. Delle Sara 104 Deadwood Dick’s Device; or, THe Sien oF THE DovusBLE Cross. By E. - Wheeler 105 Old Rube, tHe Hunter; or, @uE Crow Cap- TIVE.: By Capt. H. Holmes. 106 Old Frosty, THE Gump; or, NIOKANA, THE W8HITE QUEEN OF THE BLACKFEET. Harbaugh. 107 One-Eyed Sim; or, THe ABANDONED For- est Home. By J. G Bowen, 108 Daring Davy, THE Younc Bear-KILLer; or, THe TRAIL of THE BorRDER WoLF. By Harry St. George. 109 Deadwood Dick as Detective. By Edward L. Wheeler. 110 The Black Steed of the Prairies. A Thrilling Story of Texan Adventure. By Janes L. Bowen. 111 The Sea-Devil; or, THe MipsHipsn's va Leeacy. By Col. P. Ingraham. 112 The Mad Hunter; or, Tae Cave or DeatH. By Burton Saxe. 113 Jack Hoyle, tHe YounG SPECULATOR; or, Tue Roap To Fortune By Ed. L. Wheeler. 114 The Black Schooner; or, Jip Junk, THE Outp Tar. By Roger Starbuck. 115 The Mad Miner; or, Danvy Rocx’s Doom. By George Waldo Browne. 116 The Hussar ng em al or, Tae Hermrr or Heti-Gatr. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 117 Gilt-Edged Dick, Tue Sport or, THE AD-AGENT’S DAUGHTER. ETECTIVE; | 145 118 Will Somers, rue Boy Dergerive, Charles Morris. 119 ey Sam; or, THe Kiwe@ oF THA Puains. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. 120 The Branded Hand; or, Toz Man ov Mystery. By Frank Dumont. 121 Cinnamon Chip, tHe Grau Sport; or, THE GOLDEN IpeL or Mt. Rosa, Ed. L. Wheeler. 122 Phil Hardy, TuE Boss Boy; or, Toe Mys TERY OF THE STRONGBOW. 7 Charles Morris. 123 Kiowa Charley, THe WuiTe MusTanGeR; or, Rocky Mountamy Kir’s Last Scatp Hunt = T. C. Harbaugh. 124 TVippy, THe Texan; or, THe Youne CHampion. By George Gleason, 125 Bonanza Bill, Miner; or, MapAmMe Mys- TERY, THE FY EMALE Force. By itd. L. Wheeler, 126 Picayune Pete; or, Nicopemus, THE Doa y Derective. By Charles Morris. 127 WwW ild-Fire, rue Boss or THE RoaD; or, THE WOLVES OF SATAN’s Gap. By Frank Dumont. 128 The Young Privateer; or, THE Pirates’ STRONGHOLD. By H. Cavendish. 129 Deadwood Dick’s Double; or, Tua Guost or Gorcon’s GuicH. Ed. L. eeler. 130 Detective Dick; or, Taz Hero wm Raas. By Charles Morris. 3 131 The Golden Hand; THE Rescuge, By George W. Browne. 132 The Hunted Hunter; or, THE STR«ANGE HORSEMAN OF THE PRAIRIE. By Ed. 8. Ellis. 133 Boss Bob, tHe Kine or THE BooTBLacks; or, Tak PAWNBROKER’s Plot, Ed. L. Wheeler. 134 Sure Shot Seth, THe Boy Ri.eman; or, THe Youne Patriots oF THE Norts. By Oll Coomes. 135 Captain Paul, THe Kentucky MoonsHINER; or, THk Boy Spy or THE Mountarns. By C. D. Clark. 136 Night-Hawk Kit; or, Tae DavuGcHTer or THE Rancn. By Jose h E. Badger, Jr. 137 The Helpless Hands or, Backwoops Rerrisvution.. By Capt. Mayne Reid. 138 Blonde Bill; or, Deapwoop Dick's Home or, Danpy Rock te Base. By Edward L. Wheeler. ARR 139 Judge La Jr.3 or, THe Boy Vicar LANTE. By, T. GO, Harbaugh. : 140 Blue Blazes; or, THe Break 0’ Day Boys or Rocky Bar. By Frank Dumont. 141 Solid Sam, THE Boy Roap-AGeEnt; or, THE BranpDED Brows. By Edward L. Wheeler. 142 Handsome Harry, THE Boorstack Ds- TecTIVE. By Charles Morris. 143 Sear-Face Saul, THE SILENT HUNTER; or, Tue Mystery of Fort Rane. By Oll Coomes. 144 Dainty Lance, THE Boy Sport; cr, . HE BANK-BREAKERS’ Decoy Duck. J. I. Badger. Captaio Ferret, THE NEw York DETEC: TIVE; or, Boss Bon’s Boss Jos. By Wheeler. 146 Silver Star, THE Boy Kyicut. A Prairie Romance. By Oll Coomes. Will Wildfire, THE THOROUGHBRED; or, THe Winnina Hanp. By Charles Morris. Sharp Samy or, THE ADVENTURES OF A FRIENDLESS Boy. By J. Alexander Patten, A Game of Goldj3 or, DEApwoop Drcr’s Bie Strike. By Edward L. Wheeler. 150 Lance and Lasse; or, THe CHILDREN OF THE Cuaco. By Capt. frederick Whittaker. 151 Panther Paul, Tue Prarriz Pirate; or, Dainty Lance To THE Rescur. J. E. Badger. 152 Black Bess, Wi Wiprie’s Racer; or, Winnino Acatnst Opps. By Charles Morris. 153 Eagle Kit, THe Boy Demon; or, Tue Ovt- LAWS OF THE GoLp Hii1s. By Oll Coomes. 154 The Swerd Hunters; or, THe Lanp or THE ELEPHANT Rivers. By Fred. Whittaker, 155 Gold Trigger, tHe Sport; or, THE Girt AVENGER, By T. é. Harbaugh. 156 Deadwood Dick of Deadwood; or, Tue Pickep Party. By Edward L. Wheeler. 157 Mike eg 8 A THE HarBor PoLice Boy; or, Tae NigHt-HaAwWKS OF PHILADELPHIA, By Charles Morris. 158 Fancy Frank of Colorado; or, Tas TRAPPER’s Trust. By Buffalo Lill. 159 The Lost Captain; or, Skrerrr Jabra Corrin’s CRUISE TO THE OPEN PoLar SEA, By Captain Frederick Whittaker. ° 160 The Black Giant}; or, Damnty Lance mw ‘Jvoparpy. By Joseph EF. Badger, Jr. 161 New York Net), tHe Boy-Giru Derectrive; or, OLD Buakesty’s Money. By E. L. Wheeler. 162 Will Wildfire in the Woods; or, Came LIFE IN THE ALLEGHANIES. By Charles Morris. 163 Little Wexas, THz Younc Mustaxcer. A Tale of Texan Prairies. By Oll Coomes. 164 Dandy Rock’s Pledge; or, Hunted T Deatu. By G. Waldo Browne. 165 Billy Baggage, THE RatmRoapD Boy; or, a Run tA Ranta. "by Charles Morris. Sept. 21 166 Hickory Marry 3 or, THE TRAIL or Firr By Harry St. Geren Ready September 28th 167 Asa Scott, Toe SrzampoaT Boy; or, Tos Lanp PrraTes oF THE MississipPlL By Ed- ward Willett, Ready October 5th. 168 Deadly Dashy or, Fientine Free wriru Frre. By Jos. E. Badger. Ready October 12, A new issue every week. The Half-Dime Library is for sale by all 147 148 Newsdealers, five cents per CORY or sent by mail on receipt of six cents each. ADLE & ADAMS, Wheeler. | Publishers. % William Street, New York.