Beadle's Half Dime Library (no. 234) (1882 01 17)
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5 RZ AN WY \ C a i en 2S : ot tt Ut SPerrrecens FiGernaes PAINS $2.50 a year. Entered,at the Post Office at New r York. N, ¥., at Second Class Mail Rates. Copyrighted in 1883 by BEADLE AND ADAMS, January 17, 1882. Single PUBLISHED WEEKLY BY BEADLE AND ADAMS Price | Vol. IX. Number. No, 98 WILLIAM STREET, NEW YORK. ; 5 hoarse No. nos. OLD ROCKY'S “DOYEES: ” BENITO, THE YOUNG HORSE- JORSE-BREAKER, A wot of Adventure in the “Lone Star State.” BY MAJOR SAM 8. HALL—“ Buckskin Sam.” THEY SAW BENITO, COOL AND UNHARMED, DARTING AWAY TOWARD THE SHORE, SEATED ASTRIDE THE BACK OF THE ALLIGATOR,
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2 Old Rocky's “Boyees;”’ Benito, the Young Horse-Breaker. A Romance of Adventure in the “Lone Star State.” — BY MAJOR SAM S. HALL, (‘* Buckskin Sam.”) CHAPTER I. FOUR ADVENTURES AND A MULE. A¥reR pouring down its almost stifling heat all day long, from a cloudless, brazen sky, the Southern sun was slowly sinking. Its blood-red disk, like a huge ball of fire, appeared to rest upon the far-off line of horizon in the west, and shot arrows of gold through the branches of the stately, towering trees, and amid the long, waving festoons of Spanish moss, which hung Tice funeral vails from every limb, drooping over the laughing, gliding waters of the San Antonio river. The dark, gray adobe walls of Mission San Juan, stained and worn by the storms of a cen- tury, loomed up amid the mesquites, a pistol- shot from the river; its front, dome, and ruined Pe ei pecan gilded by the warm good-by of the god of day. ne 8 across from the Mission, on the east bank of the river, almost entirely shielded from observation, stood a youth just verging on man- hood. He leaned against the trunk of a huge pecan tree, with his arms folded, and his eyes resting upon the beautiful shimmering stream, whose wavelets seemed molten gold. He .was not over eighteen years of age, of medium hight, and rather slender in build, though, as from time to time he nervously changed his position bis movements indicated strength as well as grace. He wore a green plaid shirt, with wide, open collar, broad-brimmed, soft sombrero, one side looped up by a silver star; and leggins that were thrust into the tops of cavalry boots. In the be of armsi his outfit consisted ofa pair of Colt’s largest six-shooters, a bowie-knife, and a Sharp’s carbine, the latter leaning against the tree-trunk at his side, within easy reach. The ends of the belt that held his knife and pistols were connected by a huge silver clasp, richly chased, and having engraved in its center ** Benito, Ei Bocarro.” Well known was this youth, from Boca Chico to Santé&Fe, and north to the head-waters of the Canadian. Born in the Alamo city, his father being an American, and his mother a Mexican, he led a wandering, unfettered life; sometimes breaking wild mustangs, sometimes acting as a guide or scout to some wagon-train, and again striking out alone through chaparral or plain. Benito was brave, and fearless even to reck- lessness, and, strange to say, repudiated utterly everything Mexican. A stray word in the Mexican tongue, a trick now and then of their ways in camp, these he had in common with all Texans; but otherwise he seemed to strive to be American in act, deed and word, like to his father. If by so doing he seemed to despise his moth- er’s race, they returned that scorn with hatred, intense and deadly, and more than once while in San Antonio had his life been in deadly peril. Now, at sunset he stood by the riverside, and the hundreds of: spotted turtles on moss-lined rocks and logs that raised above the surface. of the dashing water, all with heads stretched from out their hard shells, and’ their bead-like eyes turned toward the setting sun, showed by their listless manner that for a long time he had made no motion nor noise to disturb them. And near to him, with their snake-like tails coiled each to a limb of a tree, and their heads hanging down- ward, were many cunning opossums, while many a ’coon from his favorite nest in the crotch of a tree stretched and Feat almost human-like, its day nap over. The sleepy owl winked and blinked defiantly at the fast-disappearing sun knowing that the reign of the day-god woul soon be over. Away down the river, through a long vista of hanging moss, drooping branch and vine, was & clear, deep pool, smooth as a mirror, and to this a slight splash in the water drew his attention. His eyes brightened and a gratified expression rested upon his features, for, elevated at least ten inches above the surface of the water, was the long, snake-like head and neck of a soft- sbelled turtle, that greatest delicacy with the borlJermen of the South-west. Benito, the Youn :| eagerly ELA A STEN 4 RIS" Sean P > EARLS But Benito’s quick eye also caught sight of a huge moccasin snake ina line with the turtle, but beyond it, upon the opposite bank of the stream. Its head was gyrating rapidly from the apex of its coil, its mouth was wide open and a tiny bird was fluttering within its charmed circle, slowly nearing those terrible jaws. It was but an instant that the head of the turtle was in a direct line with that of the dead- ly moccasin snake, far beyond, but in that in- stant Benito’s Sharp’s rifle was ieveled, his quick eye glanced along the sights, and a loud report rung through the bottom timber, causing the draperies of hanging moss and leaves to quiver like er! Sg Then the turtle was headless and strugg. ing in the stream, the moccasin was writhing in the agonies of death, and the little bird was darting away on eager wings. Quickly thrusting another cartridge into his rifle, Benito bounded from rock to rock, and soon secured the turtle. A few moments later when the last golden rays of the sun had kissed the turrets of the old Mission, and the gloom of night had come on, he stood by a camp-fire he had just lighted and listened with a smile to the sounds of some one ete There was a swishing of branches and crackling of bushes as two young men, both Americans, came dashing toward the camp-fire. The new arrivals ware fine-looking young men, evidently fresh fromi the States, but dressed and armed exactly as was Benito; the blankets, tin cups, canteens and other camp r lashed to the cantles of their saddles show- ing that they came prepared for camp life. Their names were Robert Sinclair and Henry Greenway, and they had been raised in com- fortable homes in the far East, but having caught the frontier fever from cursory reading they had come to the conclusion to see for themselves what pleasures could be found in an adventurous life in the “‘ Lone Star State.” ‘‘ Bueno, senores!” exclaimed Benito, as he grasped the extended hands, which were placed in his. ‘‘You are late, I thought you had but few friends that would cause you to delay in San Antonio. Ihave been waiting here since the middle of the afternoon, and was almost on the point of riding in in search of you. If I had I suppose we should have remained there all night, for the senoritas of the fandangos dance late and I never miss a danza at Dona Candelerio’s when I am in town.” “IT am very glad, then, that you did not come,” returned Sinclair, as he Lares| lightly to the ground. ‘‘ We want to start early in the morning. We were delayed by the gunsmith, Jacob Lynn, who had neglected to put swivels and straps on our rifles. But what the dickens have you over the fire? It smells delicious; and our ride has given us an appe- tite dangerous to the commissary of a whole igh ‘When you taste some soup,” respohded Benito, ‘‘ perhaps you will know what it is made from, but I doubt it. Unsaddle and water your mustangs, and by that time the supper will be ready.” i ‘The young men ny be poner g enough and when they returned they foun Benito had taken their tin cups from their saddles and filled them with steaming soup, while spread upon green leaves were several roas fox uirrels and corn cakes done a golden brown, while through the camp spread the aroma of coffee. ‘Where is ‘Old Rocky?” inquired Benito as, with perspiring face all aglow with the heat, he pushed the coffee-pot off the coals with a stick. ‘‘I expected he would come with you.” “He did start with us from the plaza,” an- swered Bob, “but the pack-mule is an_ ugly, brute, and I reckon he has a hard time getting along with it. We will not hurry about pry our fast for he must be as hungry as a wolf yelling at that mule, and we want to take no advantage of each other on this‘trip. Green, let us—” He did not finish the sentence for he was in- terrupted by a yell that would have done honor to a Comanche brave, and at the same time tearing and crashing through the underbrush at fearful speed came the pack-mule, heading directly toward the camp-fire. There was danger on foot for the pte But Benito realized that danger, and spring- ing toward the mule, he rajsed the walnut clu with which he had been sor the fire and struck it a violent blow just behind the ea bringing the animal to the earth as though i m shot through the brain. had “Why, Benito, you’ve killed the mule; and I y paid twenty dollars for him yesterday.” Bob spoke with some feeling. He regretted the loss of the animal, and had no mind for a mule-hunt on the morrow. ‘Don’t fret! I only struck him on the mus- cles of the neck, and for the moment he is par- alyzed. You've heard of creasing mustangs by shooting them below the root of the mane?” “Certainly.” ‘* Well, knocking them down with a club pro- duces the same result, if you don’t stmike teo hard. That mule will be as bright and lively as ever ina moment. You had better unpack be- fore be comes back to himself and mischief.” Another wild yell rung through the bottom timber, there was another crashing of brush, and a rough, hoarse voice reached their ears: “Shoot thet doggoned mule’s ears offen his head! Gimme a chance to chaw the corner 0’ his left hind huff off! Ampurtate bis lip an’ skin his eyeball! May I be chawed inter hash by an alligator-gar ef I'd ’sociate with ther kay- tankerous cuss ag’in. Benito! Diablo Buckaro! lll gi’n yer four bits to straddle thet imp o’ Sa- tan an’ ride ther devilment outen him!” But “Old Rocky,” for he it was, suddenly changed his tune, as his horse broke through the branches and he came in view of the camp. ‘Waal, may I be skulped by a Piute squaw! I didn’t "low you’d take me at my word an’ lay ther contrary critter out cold at wonst. What are we-uns goin’ ter do fur an animile ter tote ther camp outfit long ther trailf” ~ *As he looked somewhat regretfully at the peo ae defunct animal the mule suddenly re- covered, and, with a snort and plunge, threw the saddle and kialt clean off of his back, tho girth having been unbuckled by Bob. Greenway, thinking himself in the safest lace, watching the eee from be- hind the mule, which, as the pack sli over its tail, gave a terrible kick with h hind feet, knocking pack and saddle against Green- way’s breast, overthrowing him, and literally covering him with flour from a sack that bursted. At this all hands, except Benito, roared with ate eae = The gre gs i, oo ric the animal, quie ny alf-loo about the under jaw a ie ae 6, and by a quic movement ran around a sapling with the lariat, while Old Rocky sprung from his horse, and picking up the club, vented his feelings by a few sound whacks upon the hind-quarters of the ani- mal, which, springing away from him, was drawn up to the sapling by Benito and there se- é) * ured. By this time Greenway’ had picked himseif up, with a woe-begone visage at first, which gradually brightened as he realized how comi- cally be really looked, and that he was not at all injured. While he brushed himself off Old Rocky stripped his horse of his accouterments and staked him out with the others. Then all a ted about the fire Old y, the Scout, really deserves more than a passing mention. He was short in stature, of iron nerves and sinews, a man known from the Gulf of Mexico to the Rocky Mountains. So many years had he passed in the latter region, and so man stories had he to tell of that ru range th he fot to be known rather’as ‘‘ Old Rocky ” than as William Young, the name by which he had been called when residing in Victoria, Texas. An old, greasy, slouched sombrero partly covered his gray hair; bright twinkling eyes looked out above a beard that matched well his hair, and left but a small portion of his face visible; a blue, woolen shirt was tucked into buckskin leggins that were tangled and torn with chaparral traveling and they in turn were stuffed into the tops of his long-legged boots, while about his neck was knotted a large blue and red cotton handkerchief the ends of which a loose behind his back. Add to this-a huge bowie-knife, an army re- volver and a long-barreled, muzzle-loading rifle, and gaunt a aly more noted for en- durance than uty. and you have the man and his outfit, clear through. Drawing his bowie, and thro his som- brero on the sward, he seated himself with the rest, with a grunt of relief. ‘Pare me down inter a Piute pappoose ef I ain’t az hungry i time. Thet mule gi’n me a hefty ole make, an’ I’m ready now fer sumthin’ ter chaw- I’m feeble, an’ needs nussin’ up. I tell yer ef ye'd hitch thet mule to a genewine Gospel Sharp fur a day, I'd bet a slug ag’in’a pickayune he'd turn a wuss pirat’ then Cap idd ever I; Probably Benito’s offered some conso- lation for his late trials since he joined witifthe >" > a le At az a no’thern b’ar a eee, iol 8 i
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74% j } ai — ee + ae «A rest in making a hearty meal, after which Old Rocky filled and hit his pipe, and Benito made some cigarettes with corn-shuck wrappers for himself and the boys. As the smoke rolled up the conversation began: * Boys,” said Old Rocky, ‘‘ we haz glided ter- gether az pards fur sum consid’r’ble period, an’ we calkerlates on havin’ sum lively times in ther futur’. Bob an’ Green, yere, wants ter see perrary life, an’ Benito an’ this ole coon air goin’ to give yer a show that-a-ways. starts fur ther Bravo with ther ijee o’ fun ahead, an’ sumthin’ what’ll be rough‘fun at ther best. AllI haz ter say ar’, keep yer peepers On either this ol coon er Benito, er yer mout lose yer ha’r an’ cum ter buzzard feed, er kiote tunch afer ther fuzz sprouts fa’r on yer lip.” The two youngsters seemed inclined to put in a few words, but Old Rocky held up his hand, and continued: ““Ter make things run smooth on ther trail I reckon Green kin ye out fur wood an’ tend ter ther coffee-pot, soon’s we-’uns make a camp. Bob kin freeze ter ther pack-mule, an’ tend ter cookin’ tricks soon ez Benito haz took sum o’ ther cussedness outen ther gotch-eared kicker. [ shell hey as much ov a job on my paws as I kin ’tend to, I reckon, ter shoot game enuff fur this healthy outfit, an’ along o’ Benito keep a look-out fur reds an’ Greazers. ‘Fact ar’, boys, we don’t know what's ahead, an’ can’t count on nothin’ on ther perrarar, so we better glide under our blankits now an’ git up an’ git airly to-morrow. Ain’t thet plum’, double barre}, self-cockin’, back actin’, four-hoss sense? Eh, Benito?’ As the old scout concluded he spread his blanket under the pecan tree, and threw down his saddle for a nillow. ‘‘ Si, senor,” answered the horse-breaker, as he followed his example. iene ge noche, senores, bueno noche, Senor Rocky.” ‘‘Good-night!” chorused the boys, and as, on account of the proximity of the Alamo city, no guard seemed necessary, the occupants of the camp were soon all buried in profound slumber. CHAPTER II. BREAKING IN THE GREENHORNS. LonG before old Sol had kissed the prairie flowers the crack of Benito’s rifle rung’ through the river bottom, and a fat coon fell from the high pecan directly upon the feet of Greenway, who was fast — The report caused both boys to spring upright on their blankets, but half awakened; and the fall of the coon, crashing through the branches and striking upon his feet, made Green yell, and bound quickly toward the river. Before he could comprehend what had happened or where he was he had run squarely against the mule, which plunged, squealed and snorted in a terrified manner, and Green barely escaped re- ceiving a broadside from the animal’s flying heels. Still frightened and bewildered the youth sprung in another direction, just ns a roar of laughter burst on his ears and he found himself close hugged in the arms of Old Rocky. When he found just what had happened Green was disgusted enough with himself, but Old Rocky soothed the feelings thathad been hurt by the general laugh, and by the time the morging ablutions had been performed and the savory odor of the breakfast saluted his nostrils be was in in a good-bumor, ben the meal had been finished Old Rocky rose from the sward and turned toward the mule, ‘Benito, I reckons ther time ar’ come ter take sum o’ ther pure, nat’ral born cussedness outer thet gotch-eared, double-barreled kicker.” As he spoke he loosened the rope, while tha boys stood ready with clubs to prevent the mule from rushing back into camp. Benito, with quick movements, drew on his bridle over the rope and thrust the powerful jaw-breaking Spanish bit into the animal’s mouth, which, regardless of its kicking and tearing about, he was ready to mount. At his wrist, secured by a buckskin loop, hung a long quirt, and this from time to time he used, as, as- sisted by the united yells and pounding of the whole party, his mYfleship was dragged and pushed “through the bottom eastward, to the prairie, where only a few scattering mesquites ” could interfere with the intended proceedings. Grasping the repe and taking the reins in his left hand, the same band resting on the horn of the saddle, his right hand grasping firmly the further side of the cantle, Benito sprung astride with a yell, and the old scout, who had with both hands griped the snorting animal’s nose, bounded to one side. ; As Old Rocky leaped aside the vicious mule, Weall | | no human’s straddled him fur six month! =_—_s trembling in every limb, sunk down until its belly touched the prairie sod. Then, with one wild bound straight into the air the animal came down with terrific force upon all four hoofs at once. The next instant Benito was ele- vated on the apex of a pyramid of mule. Then, uick as thought, speeding away like an arrow rom a bow mule and rider shat over the prairie, the quirt of Benito cutting about the animal’s hams at every bound. “Talk "bout yer sircuss-ridin’, boys!” broke out Old Rocky. ‘‘’Tain’t nowhar. I kriow’d he’d make his contanker’us carkiss hum lively, ja bet a buffler bull ag’in’ a sick kiote thet them fellers that'sold him ter yer hed ter knock him down ter git ther pack-saddle an’ kraik onter him. Jewhitaker slamups! but he’ll comb the lad’s ha’r wi’ mesquite thorns ef he don’t ’tend ter biz!” The last remark of the old scout was occa- sioned by seeing the mule make directly to- wards a mesquite motte, evidently with the in- tention of brushing the hated burden from his back. To the observers it seemed very likely that the brute would accomplish its object, But Benito was not to be beaten by a mule, He drew on the powerful bit until the animal’s head was brought around against his own thigh; though even then, as they went past, the hind-quarters of the mule brushed against the thoruy branches. By this time half a mile had’ been passed at breakneck speed, and the horse-tamer, keeping the same pull on the bridle, gradually veered around, until they faced the starting-point. Then, slacking rein and rope, with a wild yell he applied his quirt without mercy, and galloped back past his watching friends into the bottom timber, the mule reeking with sweat and obey- ing the slightest touch on the bridle-rein. ‘Yer see,” said Rocky, as he and the boys re- turned through the bottom, ‘thet mule hed a tuff break onst afore but hed kinder furgot ther urtic’lars. Howsumdever they haz cum back r his ’membrunce, an’ he’s made up his mind now thet he can’t be ther Guv’ner o’ ther State, ner even boss this yere outfit. He'll be do-sile, I reckon, fur ther futur’, but yer can’t gamble on nary mule in ther country. They’ll ’pear az meek an’ humble az ther boss ov’r Sunday skule one minnit, an’ ther next kick yer kidneys clean outen yer, an’ by ther time yer pick yerself up an’ count’ ther pieces ther danged critter ’ll be feedin’ az inneycent, an’ look az harmless, az a cotton-tail rabbit,” The explanation of the disposition of mules in general ended as they reached the camp, and then to their surprise the boys found all the various cooking utensils and their stock of Pe visions packed upon the mule, the apron of the ack buckled securely over all, and the brute hitched to a sapling, breathing heavily, and evidently well convinced that as long as it belomged to this any expression of a difference of opinion would only prove disastrous to himself. ‘Saddle up, senores!” yelled Benito, as he dashed after his mustang; and all hands fol- lowed. In preparing for a day’s march in the South- hi everything must have a place, and be in ace. If the loosely-woven corn-sack, which must in that country be placed next to the animal’s skin, is put on wrinkled the horse will have a sore back before night. If a woolen saddle- blanket is thrown on next the hide the horse will have a scalded back, the hair will come off, and the animal be spoiled for saddle service for some time. Consequently “saddling up” is a matter of great importance in a hot climate. It would be impossible to use in the Sduth pad- ded saddles, such as are used in the North. A Mexican tree brings the weight more on the ribs of the animal, and leaves the backbone almost free from pressure. Ever exican saddle is provided with long, buckskin strings, four on the cantle and one pair at thé base of the horn, besides the loop which holds the stake rope to the horn, from which it can be slipped in an instant. The blankets are rolled compac and bound fast to the cantle, the same strings holding the canteen and tin cup. In addition, a pair of malettos or saddle-bags, are generally used, to take extra clothing, medicine, ammunition and the like, which rest upon a ‘‘ sweat-leather,” that reaches back from the cantle. A piece of leather four inches wide and a foot long, with a hole in either end, is used asa gun-bolder, one end being slipped over the horn, the laced in position, the holder drawn about the 1 and the other end of the holder secured over Benito, the Young’ Horse-Breaker. the horn. The breech of the fas un being to the right is easily grasped, and in fact serves as a rest to the right hand while riding. The muzzle by a slight pressure can be depressed or elevat- , or directed right or left with such accuracy that, riding at full speed, a practiced hand can kill a buffalo every shot without taking the gun from the holder. Having saddled his own animal Benito had taken the time to instruct Bob anu Green on such points as these, and in five minutes from the time the command to saddle up was gen, the four were mounted, and Benito and old Rocky were watering their horses at the ford below. Soon after Bob made bis appearance, followed by Greenway. In fact the latter followed far too closely, as the branches thrust aside by the former swished back into his face. As his animal sprung clear of the bottom timber he was seen by Benito and Old Rocky to have his hands thrust out before him to ward off the blows and both eyes closed. “That'll never do, Green,” broke out Rocky in a stern voice. “Yer’ll hav’ yer han’s full o’ somethin’ wuss ner brush afore long. Yer’ll hav’ ter larn ter keep one hand on yer bridle an’ t’other on yer gu, an’ not ride so close to none o’ ther party. brush are in ther way lean forrards an’ skin under slick an’ clean, all ther time keepin’ er peepers at steady bizz, an’ not ’low ’em tS throw off on yer ther leastest. I wants yer ter understand, an’ I ain’t ’tendin’ ter hurt be feelin’s, but are spittin’ it out fur yer fu benefit, thet we-uns don’t run an express, an’ yer can’t chalk C. O. D. on yer back an’ git checked through on this line ’thout any troubl on yer own side, I b’l’eves yer chock full an’ b’ilin’ over wi’ grit arter you git woke up, but yer don’t want ter be cotched a-nappin’ when we allows to meander.” ‘Thank you, Rocky,” answered Green, with- out showing he was in the least offended. “TI know I need advice, and if you will give itl will take it, In a day or two I trust I shall act to suit you better.” ‘We have forgotten something!” suddenly in- terrupted Bob. ere bad been no interruption in their march, and their dripping horses were now standing on the opposite side of the river. “ Caspita!” exclaimed Benito. ‘What is it? Your malettos?” “Why, no, it is the pack-mule,” answered Bob, with rather an important air. Much to the surprise of the boys the informa- tion was greeted with a roar of laughter from the two experienced hands, and the old scout, as he started his animal, leaned back, turning on the pesconpeas what was intended for a pity- ing smile. ‘Never yer mind thet mule. Yer'll see the gotclr-eared gallampshus huff-shooter cum b’ilin’ along like a blue streak o’ Mexican light- nin’ in just three shakes av a Rocky Mountain oat’s crupper-holder, Ye’ll Varn somethin’ resh ’g’ards a mule every Poe They're an animul what hates tharsel’s so bad they won’t stop alone no ways, an’ll take a bayou alligater fur a pard afore they’ll play alone hand. Jist liss’en. What'd I tell yer?” As Rocky concluded, the prolonged squeal of the mule rung through the bottom, followed by a crashing of brush, and soon the animal a peared, coming with an awkward lope from the woods, its pack wabbling this way and that as it dashed into the ford, drank hastily, and then came trotting along behind the caviicade. It is useless to detail the trivial incidents oc- curring to our friends during their march to the Nueces river. In good time they made the trip through the stretch of mesquite country to the Medina, from there through the post-oak belt and prairieto the Rio Frio, and the long ride over the bold, rolling plains to Fort Ewell, on the Nueces, without adventure worthy of notice, though Bob and Green picked up a vast amount of prairie knowledge and every day saw things new and strange. To them camp life seemed both easy and pleasant, and the way had led through a section of country where there was no necessity for any great suffering from heat or thirst. CHAPTER Iii. PRAIRIE COOKERY—THE SPORT BEGINS. THE two young adventurers and their body- guard camped on the margin of a small lake, about one mile from the Rio Nueces; and the first day after arriving there was a busy time. Benito and Old Rocky, leaving Bob and Green on guard at camp, mounted and proceeded to the Bauntions ranch, situated on the south bank of the river, where formerly the United States fort or station had stood; though Fort Ewel}
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+ ee eee a ‘Benito, the Young Horse-Breaker. was now like many another fort on the frontier, only such in name, having been abandoned so long before that no sign of its military occu- pancy remained. Gladly were the two received by the Saunders boys, Pless and Bob—well known mustangers at that time—and a trade was soon made for alot of raw hides, a mule, and a pack-saddle. The raw hides were stretched on the ground and fastened in place by wooden pins, driven through the edges. Benito quickly set to work with a sharp knife to cut them into narrow strips, to be used as lariats or lassoes. He be- gan by making a small, circular hole in the hide, and starting from this he cut round and round paring off a strip until the whole hide, except the narrow, worthless edge, formed cne long narrow strip, with the hair on. Several hides were cut, forming quite a load for the mule, and this work being done Benito and Old Rocky gave the Saunders boys a hearty good-by, and returned to camp. There they found that the boys had not alto- gether wasted their time, since, in a bayou, ad- joining the lake they had caught several catfish that would weigh from fifteen to twenty pounds apiece, and Bob was in a quandary for they were so large that he did not know how they were to be cooked. Benito soon solved the question for him. He requested Bob to dig a hole a foot deep and two feet long and wide, and directed Greenway, as there were no stones, to gether some petrified wood, great quantities of which are found about the lakes near the Nueces. When this had been done, the horse-breaker filled the hole with d mesquite wood, which was set on fire and al- lowed to burn out. By that time the sides of the make-shift oven were heated, and Benito, placing two of the best fish in the hole, without breaking the skin, cov- ered them with embers, and the sod that had been removed in digging. ** Now, senores,” said Benito, as he finished his work, ‘‘ we will make coffee and bake some corp-cakes, and by that time our fish will be ready.” Bob and Green had looked on in wonder, thinking the fish would be burned to a crisp, and not at all liking ‘the idea of having them cooked without removing the entrails. “TJ don’t think I care for fish en Be- nito,” said Bob, rather ruefully. “I think I'l take my rifle and see if I can’t knock over some squirrels, or other small game. Come on, Green.” ‘** Bueno,” answered the horse-tamer, with a laugh. ‘‘‘Go ahead, but don’t stray far. As to the fish, we shall see about that when you re- tum.” . y delighted at the prospect of a stroll joined his friend, and the two started, with their rifles on their shoulders, striking into the timber which stood thick, all around the lake shore. They found it difficult to make their way through the tangled vines, and over h petri- fied logs and limbs, black as coal, whic oh in every direction. Birds, strange to the northern boys in song and plumage, flew from branch to branch above them; and rank, luxurious reeds and strange plants grew on every side, many covered with most brilliant and beautiful flow- ers. Separating some thirty yards the boys, with their rifles cocked and at a ready, proceeded toward the lake, in a timorous manner for they knew that panthers, bears, and even Indians ba frequenters of the deep shades around m. They had not advanced far when Bob was brought to a standstill by a wild yell of fright from his friend, and at the same time he heard 'a great crashing of bushes, as if some large aninial was coming directly toward him. He recovered himself barely in time to spring be- hind a tree when a ange alligator rushed past, tearing down vines, and breaking the bushes in his course, its long tail whisking in all direc- tions. From its actions Bob concluded that the alligator was as much frightened as himself, and knowing that, at the speed it was making, he could not hit the brute in any vulnerable part, he turned toward the point at which he ted to find Green. pon reaching the vicinity there lay his com- rade’s rifle, but Green himself was nowhere to be seen. Filled with fears Bob was about to ve a signal yell when the well known voice of reen reached his ears, and looking up he saw 43reen seated upon the limb of a tree. “Well, old boy!” he exclaimed. ‘ What are you doing up there? Hunting birds’ nests?” “Not much,” answered Green, recovering “were coimplimen the from his fright at seeing Bob so unconcerned. | was awaiting them, and that there was no time - ‘1’m hunting a young earthquake, I ran against the old one about where youstand. Have you seen a petrified log, about twelve feet long, playing circus down your way?” Bob burst into a merry laugh as he compre- hended the cause of his friend’s late alarm. ‘Yes; I saw a huge alligator, that 1 suppose you took for a log.” “You are right,” responded Green, as he de- scended hand under hand by a hanging vine. “IT stepped directly on the monster, who must have been asleep. It did not take him long to wake up and go under me, and it did not take me many seconds to establish myself in that tree, although Ido not know how it was done. I.do not think I could climb it again in the same way—unless I had as urgent a call. But come on. We'll see what’s next on the bill. The surprises and mishaps seem to be all re- served for me.” Once more advancing, the two soon reached the bottom of a gully, and, as they were climb- ing the opposite bank, the loud gobble of a tur- key sounded just ahead. reeping on hands and knees the two climbed the ascent and peeped cautiousiy over the bank. To their joy they saw a huge gobbler strutting proud around some half-dozen hen-turkeys. is wattles were red as blood, his wings rasp- ing the erenne as, he stepped off to show his beautifuliy-blended blue and black feathers, his head thrown back and his chest thrust out. The boys lay but for a moment to admire the, to them, novel and beautiful sight. Then slow- ly, without noise, their rifle barrels were thrust orward over the bank. ‘*Give me a whack at the gobbler, Green, and you knock spots out ofa hen. Allready! One —two—three!” Both rifles spoke together, and their mingled reports were followed by the loud flapping of wings. Springing to their feet they saw that a hen- turkey was just giving its last kick, while the gobbler was dancing and rolling around at a trate. Bob, who did not see that the head gree , of the gobbler was only hanging by the skin, ran to knock the huge fowl;over with his rifle, thinking he was but slightly wounded; but the cock-turkey, in the agonies of death, suddenly sprung against him with flapping wings, and with such force as to knock him flat on the ground. As he arose, Waughing, the headless gobbler sunk dead at his fee Having reloaded, the boys tied the feet of their turkeys together and hung them over their rifles, shouldering their game, which they found to be as heavy a burden as they could comfortably carry. : As they were now near the lake, they decided to go on and take a look at the water. hey soon found themselves at the very,verge of a jump-off, and the lake at their feet. The sheet of water was not more than two bundred. yards wide, but extended east and west as far as they could see, although that was not far, since the timber upon the tortuous bank soon shut off the view on either hand. At first sight the whole surface of the water seemed to be spotted with stumps and drift- wood; but they soon saw Py sudden move- ments, that the apparently nnocent objects were alligators. Hundreds and hundreds of the monsters were'in sight, many of them of pro- digious size, and the boys involuntarily stepped back as they made the discovery, shuddering lest they should slip over the bank and be de- voured by the slimy, hideous things. As instantly they returned, attracted by a disturbance in the water, and glanced directly below, to see what might be its nature. Another surprise awaited them. Just below, plainly shown by a glimmer of sunlight through the trees, was a huge fish, some eight feet in length, with a long bill ex- tending from its head, The fish was shaped like an immense pike, and Bob, who had never heard or read of a fish of the size and description in fresh water, looked narrowly at the stranger, determined to relate this discovery to Benito, and try to get the latter to assist in its capture. It was with a shudder that the two boys gave a last look at the lake, and saw two bull alliga- tors in fierce conflict, throwing the water high in the air, b thrashing their huge, powerful tails, every blow making a report as loud as the discharge of a gun. A little before sun-down Bob and Green en- red camp, perspiring freely under their heavy load, but very proud of their smccess. They by Benito arfd Old Rocky, former, however, telling them that supper SS ee oer e~. ann, to cook turkey meat. Somewhat disappointed at not being able to cook their game the two boys seated themsel ves by the side of the old scout and poured out their coffee, Benito coming from his novel oven bear- ing on a buge piece of bark the two catfish. reat was the surprise of Bob and Green to see that the two fish laid before them were white as the driven snow; and to see Old Rocky, oe a dexterous flip of his bowie draw great chunks away from the bones, ready for eating. After seeing Benito sprinkle salt over the de- licious looking morsels, the boys could not resist: the temptation to taste: and having tasted to gorge; meantime expressing their surprise that a catfish could be served up in so neat and toothsome a manner. ** There is no better way to cook than in the way of the Montezumas,” answered Benito. ‘* A beef’s head, a buffalo cow’s udder, or buf- falo tongues are delicious when cooked in a hole in the ground. All thé juices and nutritious gases are retained.” After the evening meal was eaten, and the animals changed to fresh grass, all seated them- selves in camp, to smoke, and tell over the inci- dents of the day. Then Bob told of the remarkable fish that he had seen, and ne sooner had he described its immense length than Benito became intensely interested, at the conclusion of the story bring: ing his hand down on his thigh in an excited manner exclaiming: ‘* Senores, can hs go direct to the spot where you saw this fish‘ . “I think—yes, I am sure I -can,” answered Bob. ‘‘ Couldn’t you, Green?” “Why, certainly.” “Don’t matter a dan bit whether they kin, er not,” broke in Old Rocky. ‘‘ We'd he porey. spess’muns,o’ scouts ef we c’u’dn’t follar he’r trail. Yer seem ter hev fell in love with that fish, Benito. Ar’ he an old “ Youare just right, Senor . ‘TDwice be- fore, when cam here, have I tried my best to sink a lasso ever what, I am sure, was the same fish. It is the largest alligator gar I] have ever seen or heard of. We mist try and cap-, ture it to-morrow. . The attempt will afford ub, some sport, and it will not inte1fere much with } the braiding of our mustang snares.” “*Good!”? said Green. grand sport, and perbaps you can also rope an alligator, as you say you bave often done. I would like to examine one closely.” “ An’ thar’s a heap o’ them same allygaturs,” broke out the old scout, laughing, ‘‘ what ‘ud like ’mazingly ter ’zamine you clussly, too. They kin beat a dozzen doctors in ther dysectin’ bizz, and gi’n ’em an hour’s start. I say, Green, why didn't yer ’zamin’ thet one yer hed sich’a de’d sure thing on ’while ago?” ‘‘T hadn’t time,” answered Green, laughing. ° “‘T happened to take a great interest in astro- nomical matters about then, and went for an Fe position for observation on short no- ice. , **T couldn’t make up my mind,” here inter- d Bob, ‘‘ which was the most frightened, reen or the alligator. But before I forget it, here’s a question I want to ask: I noticed large heaps of dry prickly pear sticks and bark in some of the mesquite mottes on the prairie to- day, and wish to know what kind of an animal builds and livesin them. Some of the heaps were three feet high.” ‘« Those are constructed by the small cotton- tail rabbit,” answered Benito, “If you were to go near them now, after the dew has fallen, you could kill plenty with a club. They are seldom seen by day.” “Yes; an’ ther perrarie rats lives in ’em,” ad- ded Old Rock, ‘‘ an’ snakes.” “ Just as larger rabbits, small owls and rattle- snakes take up their quarters in a prairie -dog town; occupying the same holes and the snakes devouring the young dog ‘¢T should very much like to see a prairie-dog town,” said Bob. ‘‘I have read so much about the marmots.” , “ You'll see a danged sight more’n yer want ter up kentry,” remarked the old scout as he knocked the ashes out of his pipe. ‘I reckons we-uns hed better stake ther stock cluss in ter- nigbt. Bob an’ Green kin stan’ g’ard fust part o’ ther night, an’ Benito an’ me’ll take ther wust watch, when ther reds I] come ef they're comin’ at all.” é At this hint all proceeded to lead in the ani- mals and secure them with less length of 2 in amore compact body. With the exception of Green, who took the first watch, al) were soon sleeping sweetly. rd o’ yourn?” Oy toa ME Wit be .¥ a. re
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+ Benito, the Young Horse-Breaker. — AE SRS TE LY SE REE RE AR RRS CAREER MATS a SEES REY SC a REE RT PE SSS RSE ke 8 Sa a Sa RE eR A FOP SR SE READ CHAPTER BV. THE PEMONS OF THE LAKE, | BENITO was on the last watch, and well did he employ his time, enlarging the prairie-oven and building a huge fire in and over the same, The young horse-breaker then removed the feathers and entrails of the two turkeys and prepared a dressing composed of wild onions and corn bread, hashed as well as was possible with a bowie-knife, and seasoned with salt and- chile chipnes, which grew in abundance on the viver. He then bound the fowls around with green rass, securing them compactly with strings of resh stripped bark, and the fire having burned down low, the fowls were buried in the glowing embers and covered over with sods and earth. Breakfast well under way, in half a dozen trips Benito coneyet the pack-load of raw- hide strips, obtained at the Saunders ranch, to a post of water a few yards from thd camp, where he sunk them under water with pieces of petrified wood, of which there was a plenty be- neath the bottom timber. Then he baked a fresh supply of corn-bread in tho iron camp oven, prepared coffee, removed the animals to fresh grass; and, as the first gray streaks of morning lit up the east, aroused his comrades, When Bob and Green entered ca from their morning wash at the pool the horse: breaker was in the act of remdéVing the covering of ‘burnt grass which enveloped the fowls, dis- closing them, baked to a turn, the air being filled with a savory smell especially tantalizing to a hungry person. There was no delay, however, for at once the four began in a workmanlike manner and’ soon there was left but a remnant of bones. “* A tip-top feast!” said Green heartily, ‘‘ and I re to enjoy many another such.” ‘ *S but the turk’s w’u’d ’a’ bin mighty dry eatin’ ef Benito hedn’t stuffed ’em wi’ bacon an’ s, an’ cooked ’em the way he did. Take ther breast o’ a wild turkey, an’ brile it on a stick, andit’s dry ez a chip. Take a spring tur- key in ther fall, when the’r rollin’ fat, an’ yer kin run ’em down... The’r feed then.” ‘Then vou can run aturkey down, can you?” ‘‘ Bet yer life yer kin,” answered Old Rocky. ‘* Late in ther fall, arter a fair crop o’ oak nuts an’ the’r fat, they can’t fly fur. Cut’em o trom timber when they’re on ther perarer, an’ run ’em a while, an’ ther fools ‘ll stick the’r heads in under a buch o’ grass, thinkin’ ther hull ov ’em iz outer sight. Ive see’d Benito thar, take in half a dozzen ov ’em, goin’ at full speed, pickin’ ’em ‘up ez they stuck thar heads im ther grass, plum tuckered out wi’ runnin’, an’ Benito not slacken up his nag whilst he war doin’ ther job, but kvanin’ off bis mustang, an’ vuinate the’r necks an’ droppin’ ’em fur me ter round up. Benito are a dangerous customer when he’s bungry; an’ goes D'itin.” “Rha how many turkeys generally flock to- gether?” asked Green. * Not many ’round this-a-ways, but up ken- try, on ther upper Nueces, an’ on ther Pecos, yer kin see five an’ six hundred at asingle sight. They makes a big rumpus when they gits a scar’ an’ stampede on ther run with the’r wings @ fluffin’.” : Once started on the subject of turkeys and Old Rocky and the boys might have wasted an hour or more kad Benito not recalled to their mind the programme for the morning—an at- tempt to capture the alligator gar.— r some little discussion if was agreed that the cam should remain without a guard, as there seem little risk im so leaving it. With extravagant ideas of the fun ahead Green and Bob got their rifles and ammunition and were soon at the heels of Benito and the old scout. The trail made by the two boys the previous evening was easily followed. In a very short time the party halted within ten feet of the lake, and ito cautiously peeped over in the exact spot where the boys had stood when they saw the mammoth fish. With a gesture of vexstion and disappoint- ment the young horse-breaker drew back ex- claiming: ‘“‘Caspital we are in bad luck. The gar is not here.” » ‘Don’t beso danged r’iled "bout it, Benito, I meat just a- reckon { kin call ther cuss ef be’s anyways near —an’ plenty o’ alligators along wi’ him.” wep? his lasso from Benito he secured one end of the rope to a tree and then made his way down the bank to the water’s edge, partially supporting himself with the cord. ‘Bueno hombre!” exclaimed Benito, in a ratified voice. ‘I understand your trick now. ome hither, senores, and I think you’ll soon have the pleasure of seeing the huge fish again, oth en sprung eagerly to the side of the horse-breaker; and observed that the lake pre- sented an entirely different aspect from that of the previous evening. Not an alligator was in sight and the lake was smooth as a mirxpr. ‘Where are the alligators now?” exclaimed Bob in surprise. ‘““They are across the lake, on the shore, lying in the sun, but if I’m not mistaken you will see plenty of them soon. Watch Rocky! he is going to do something you never would have thought of.” The old scout, who had secured a foothold on a projecting root at the water’s edge, now leaned over and with the palm of bis hand struck the surface of the water, pat, pat, pat, sounding, as it was intended as though some animal was lapping the water with its tongue. This experiment was repeated for some time. Then a half-suppressed cry broke from the lips of the horse-breaker, as a series of waves stirred the surface of the lake, showing that some lange fish, or amphibious monster was approaching the point where Old Rocky was stationed. ‘Quick!’ whispered Benito to the anxiously watching boys. “Get the pole, and thrust the small end to- ward me,” Full of excitement the boys eink | to obey, and almost at the same moment Old Roc clambered up the bank by the aid of the lasso which he then loosened first from the tree and then secured to the end of the pole Which the boys thrust toward him. ; n an instant more, the entrails of the turke which had been saved for the purpose, were a tached to the other end of the lasso and the pole drawn out from the timber and held over the water by the old scout, Benito grasping and cocking his rifle, the boys edging up to ob a view of the proceedings. Nearer and nearer approached the waves, which betrayed the presence of some monster beneath them. : Taking a warning look at Benito, Old Rocky let fall the bait on the surface of the water, the same instant drawing it up some six inches, Not ten feet away from she bait the waters mocaealy Gaon troubled. Then the boys saw a buge y dart with great velocity through the water into the air, a huge pair of long jaws opened, filled with saw-like teeth, snapping the rawhide lasso off as though it was but a cotton string.. But at the same instant Benito’s rifle rung sharply in their ears, and they beheld the mam- moth fish spring bodily from the water, fall back and roll over, showing its belly uppermost, which was of a yellowish-white color. ‘* By the jumpin’ jehossifat! Yer done that neat ez a pin!” exclaimed Old Rocky. ‘‘I c’u’dn’t ‘a’ made that shot myself. I swan ter cricky thet’s ther biggest fish I ever seen w’ar skin or scale. He’d chaw a dry rawbide inter hash afore yer c’u’d wink twicet!” A wild hurrah rang out over the lake from the delighted boys, who threw up their som- breres, and gazed down at the big fish in wonder, ““Eezy, eezy, boys! Look yonder!” interrupt- ed the old scout_suddenly, cocking his rifle as he spoke, while Benito reloaded. Out on the lake a score of huge alligators could be seen echoes their hideous heads plowing through the water, sending long waves out on either side. ‘*Now, senores,” said Benito, “ you have an opportunity for trying at once your rifles and the thickness of an alligator’s hide. Fire away!” The boys leveled their guns at the foremost two of the advancing saurians, which were now not twenty y away, but when they fired to their surprise the monsters continued to approach. 2 ; ‘You see that it is true that you can’t make an impression on their hides with a rifle ball. Now do Rocky and me the favor of casting a piece of dead wood just to the east of them, so as to strike about ten feet from their heads. a Leaning his rifle against a tree Bob did as requested. s the dead wood struck the water with a lash the alligators slightly turned, bringing their heads so as to point down the lake. On the instant Benito and the old scout fired, At once the lake became a boiling mass of water. Hither and thither darted the two alli- gators, thrashing the waters into foam with their tails, and driving the unburt reptiles in fear into the depths below. This lasted for but a moment. Then the monsters, after lying a little While upon the. surface, still save for the a of their pon- derous jaws, rolled over, dead. Both were shot through the eye—the only vulnerable spot save the tender skin just back of the fore leg. ‘* What in heavens are you going todo now?” exclaimed Green, as he saw that Benito was rapidly disrobing. **T am going into the lake after the gar.” ‘*Going into the lake? Surely you are not wiki enough for that! The alligators will tear you to pieces,” “Ido not intend to give them the chance. The fact is, an pitgnton will not attack a naked white man, and I am nearly white. A man with clothes on, that isin the water, or a naked colored man, would scon be snapped up by them. Am I not right, Senor Rocky?’ “Purty nigh right,” answered the scout. ‘“* But ef a naked white man war ter linger long enuff among ’em ter git ’quainted, they would- n’t mind shakin’ bis paw, an’ chawin’ his ears off — head throw’d in— jist to make things lively. But, Benito, I dozen’t mind takin’ a soak, an’ I'll belp yer git ther gar; though I dont see what good ther critter’s goin’ to be to yer. So saying Old Rocky also began to undress, regardless of the alligators which, now that the tumult bad ended, began to bob up their heads until a large number was to be seen, every one pointed toward the gar, whose blood dyed the waters. Removing their revolvers Old Rocky and Benito buckled their belts which held their knives, around their naked bodies, and Benito plunged head-foremost cff of the bank, disap- pearing beneath the water and coming up on he other side of the floating gar. en the scout cast him the lasso which he made fast to the fish. The boys hauled away on the line pid sana Rocky sprung into the water to aid his riend. Previous to springing from the bank Benito had cut off the limb of a pecan tree, taking from ita portion about a foot long, and er haps three inches in diameter, which he sharpened at both ends, This he had taken with bim, thrusting it inside of his belt, What he was to do with it was a mystery to the boys; which was now to be explained. hen the horse-breaker had secured the Jasso to the ger-fish he placed the back of the blade of his bowie between his teeth, loosened the billet of pecan wood in his belt, so that it could be readily drawn, and then, whirling in the water toward the middle of the lake, with his hands deep in the water he swam toward the alligators, which seemed to be watching the proceedings more in curiosity than rage. ~ Old y, knowing the adventurous 4 hil of the brokaro and supposing tbat he was about to do some dangerous feat, toshow the boys he was as fearless in the water as upon the land, swam quietly in his wake. No sooner did Benito approach the leader, an enormous alligator, than, as if eager for con- flict, the huge king of the lake slowly swam to- word the brokaro. ‘‘Be kinder keerful o’ yerself, leetle pard,” admonished Old Rocky, but the horse-breaker swam steadily on, until, not five feet from the reptile, his right arm was raised from the water, disclosing the sharpened stick that he grasped tightly in his hand. Then the huge jaws of the lizard opened, and his tail squirmed as if gathering strength for a lunge. CHAPTER V. , FIGHTING A MONSTER—A “ MITEY” FOE ONLY an instant did the alligator and man occupy the ition just descri Then the brokaro, with a rapid dart, thrust his hand be- tween the fearful, teeth-lined jaws, and at ence the two disappeared from sight In a boiling oon of foam, the spray flying twenty feet into the air, With paling faces Bob and Sam watched the foam-lashed waters until, to their delight and surprise they saw Benito, cool and unharmed, darting away toward the shore, seated astride the back of the alligator, whose mouth was stretched wide open by the sharpened stick that had been placed in the gaping jaws by the young brokaro. Not only was the huge lizard made harmless as far as biting went, but its mouth being neld wide open prevented its diving down inte the lake, and so getting rid of the unusual load up~ on its back. ag . Once only did the alligator try this, but it did not descend far enough to submerge its rider, since the rush of water down its throat nearly strangled it. d It was a wild and extraordinary sight to wif- | \
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~ » we will have to adopt i 6 ’ ness; and Old Rocky, who swam ashore after seeing Benito safely mounted, sat with the boys, all laughing heartily at the extravagant exer- tions of the strange steed, and the dexterity of its supple rider, whoseemed to be enjoying him- self hugely. In a very short time the brokaro and his water-horse arrived beneath the overhanging boughs of the ae shore, and reaching up Benito cut with his bowie-knife a strong piece of vine, some four feet long. Leaning forward, before the alligator got its paws upon the shore, the brokaro thrust one end of the vine within the jaws, and drew it through. Then, with all his strength, he pulled backward and to the right, bringing the am- phibious monster about, into the lake again and having it under fair control by means o the vine with which he had bridled it. Amidst increased laughter from the amused my ga Benito came at great speed across lake, yelling as he came: ‘¢ Make the lasso fast to the tree!” This was quickly done by Old Rocky, and as the alligator reached the bank, its eyes rolling in agony, the sharpened stick still between its distended jaws, Benito grasped the lasso with his left hand, and raising his right drove his bowie-knife to the hilt just back of the forearm of the’monster. Springing quickly up the bank, hand over hand, by the lasso, the brokaro barely escaped the thundering blows given by the alligator’s tail, as it lashed the water in frenzy, its blood staining the lake for many yards. Eager hands pulled Benito up the bank, and all turned to watch the, dying struggles of the saurian. “T allers sed yer c’u’d ride anything what wore legs!” exclaimed Rocky, gazing with pride at his friend. “ But I never count in one oO’ therh tarrifyin’ drink-thrashers. ‘ma us yer w, leetle pard; I thinks more on yer every . It warther ge a sight I ever seen, but risk ‘ pard, *tarnal risky.” oe Risky !’ broke in Bob. ‘I should think it was. I would not dare to venture into the lake, even now, when the alligators seem thor- oughly frightened.” It bad ter be did jest so,” the old scout con- tinued, as he combed out his wet locks with his fingers. ‘If it hadn’t, this party ud ’a’ bin without a boss mustanger, an’ ther bull allerga- ter ’ud ’a’ hed a hashed buckaro fur breakfast.” “Tt is a feat easily accomplished by one with a little nerve,” inte Benito. ‘* As soon as I inserted the stick I dove below, and knowing by the lashing of his tail where the danger lay, I came up by gee maps and climbed on its back. I a good ridé; also a bath, and feel refreshed. Now, after the time we have lost in its eprare, what are we to do with the big gar- “*T wish,” said Bob, ‘‘ that we could, in some way, preserve it. It would be a great curi- “There isno way to do so,” returned Benito. “In a few hours it will be swelled to twice its present size. Still, [have an idea, We might draw the fish on shore and convey it to one of the nests of the red-ants. By the time we re- turn this way the ants will have eaten every vestige of flesh from its bones without in any way rranging the skeleton. I do not know of any way you can transport it then, but you can have the satisfaction of seeing how this fish, which darts like a lightning flash through the "Rs Senet te the nly pl roposed, I guess zh ours Ce) an \p ‘i bat where is there an ante’ nest, such as you s: of?” At 8 question Benito turned to Old Rock and gave 4 liar look, a merry twinkle dancing in his eye, though unnoticed by the 8. ‘Senor Rocky, did you not observe a red- ants’ mound to our right, as we came here, not far from our trail, and back some dozen yards from this point?’ “ Purty sart’in I did,” answered the scout, a y the side winks of the brokaro, but re wing that fun was in the ,mind of his ques- oner, Both Bob and Green sprung eagerly into the woods on a tour of discovery, and the old scout, after a word of explanation from Benito, lay down on the bank, struggling bard to suppress ‘his lsngT es while the brokaro, with calm vis- , awaited the course of events. One, two, three minutes ; and their loud yells came to the ears of the two who were _ awaiting the return of the ant-hunters. sound of crashing ells, accompanied by the rush; and then Bob and Nearer came the Benito, the Young Horse-Breaker. Green, their features convulsed with pain and again cast into the pool, and others made ready, fear, rushed wildly past, without looking at | until all were prepared oa friends, and sprung down the bank into e lake, disappearin: neath the waters which, a few Mcheute before they had declared they would not enter for any consideration. he old scout rolled about on the bank of the lake, his loud laughter sounding far and near; but only a faint smile rested on the face of the brokaro. The heads of both boys popped above the sur- face at the same instant, both gazing with reproach at their friends as they trod water and vigorously rubbed various parts of their body and limbs, or struck viciously at floating specks about them on the water. The loud laugh of the old scout at first grated harshly on their ears, and highly offended them ; but soon, the ludicrous side of their adventure evercame their anger, and the boys clambered dripping, up the bank, hastily disrobed, and picked the remaining red-ants from their cloth- ing, joining, meanwhile, in the laugh at their ae “Why did you not tell us, Benito?’ asked Bob, reproachfully. ‘‘ You should have let us know that they bit.” “In the first place,” answered the brokaro, ‘I knew you would ridicule any representation of the danger of approaching the mounds of such a linsect. In the nextI knew you must learn the danger by experience, or we would have you yelling wildly at us some time when it might peril our lives. I knew your curiosity would lead you to inspect the habita- tions of the red-ants, and that they, in turn would make war on you. This was a good place to have it out with them, as water was near. Truly, senores, these little insects would swarm on you and torture Ny to death, if you were not where you could get them off by plunging into the lake.” “‘T do not disbelieve one word, now, in regard to their torturing abilities. Do you, Green?” ‘Not much. I would as soon be rolled down killin a barrel of needles as to venture near another n and as for the garfish—Tve no desire to see its skeleton if I am to be forced to ge near that mound vs eet where the little creepers live, that carry chain lightning in their sting. We won't get over this trip fora day. The bites burn like fire.” ! “Wait until you get into camp,” said Benito, in a reassuring manner. ‘‘I will mash some ng rickly pear for you, and the pulp will remove the seneing hate tecnadintely > sf As the boys were realy suffering, an almost instant move was made, Old Roecky-remarking as they went along: “Yer mus’n’t git riled at yer old pard, ’caze ‘tain’t offen he gits ter see anything ter laff ats an’ yer mus’n't hold hard feelin’s ag’in’ Benito, fur it’s jist az he’s talked it. Ye’d’a’ made fun ef we'd ’a’ tole yer them pesky little things war dang’nus ter fool with, an’ yer’d ’a’ got cotched some uther time.” prickly »” answ ‘ trying to laugh. ‘If it has such healing pro- perti “Yer right. It'll heal a gash, draw out p’ison, cure a sore back ona hoss, an’ if yer scoop up a no’ bracky, riley water, an’ throw a piece n,it’ll make it clear in two skips.” “Yes,” added Benito, ‘‘and all the transpor- tation on the lower Rio Grande, which is done by oxen, is dependent on the prickly pear. here is little or no grass there, and they feed the animals almost entirely on that species of ctus, ‘‘ But how can they be eaten, when they are covered with thorns?” asked Bob, in surprise. “The teamsters build a big fire, and witha pole hold the prickly pear over the flames, burn- ing all the thorns off. ‘ Well, it is strange that when one thing is wanting, something else is found as a substi- tute,” remarked Green, as they arrived in camp. Then, having leaned their arms against a tree the boys were soon supplied with the green pulp of the round-leafed cactus, to apply to the various stings made by the red-ants. While the boys were attending to their stings Old Roe oud. Benito commenced preparing the raw-hide strips for braiding into ‘lassoes with which to catch mustangs when they had arrived further up the river. — One end of a long strip, which consisted of a whole beef’s hide, cut in the manner previously described, was tied to a tree. Then holding the strip tight with one hand, a knife in the other scraped off the hair and pared down the irregu- larities, making the thong of uniform thick- ness the whole length. Then the strips were During the afternoon and the two days fol- lowing all were busy; Benito and Old Rocky braiding, Bob and Green rubbing tallow into the Jassoes after they were finished and dried in the sun. The raw-hide ropes being braided when taken from the water were at first soft pie Bacay: but shrunk up compactly when rie After the first greasing the ropes were thrown over limbs of trees, ‘and quickly drawn back and forth to rub off the sharp edges of the hide, and make them more easy to handle. By the evening of the third day after the kill- ing of the gar-fish twenty lassoes were ready for use and Benito and Old Rocky decided on & move up:stream the followin rer eogn a Everything was made ready, and though, as yet, no signs of Indians had been seen, on this, he last night in the lake camp, the boys re- ceived a long lecture from the qld scout, in re- gard to future vigilance, as Indian war-parties. especially of the Apaches, frequently came down the Nueces, on raids upon the stock ranches of the Frio and Medina. 6 CHAPTER VI. A “SIGN” IN THE SKY—THE WOLVES OF THE TRAIL. Bricut and early the next morning every- thing was securely packed on the two mules, and soon all were on the march, The animal bought from the Saunders ranch, having often been up the river on ng) gerne of similar na- ture, readily followed the horses, the San An- tonio mule easily keeping up, though more heavily packed. Bob, while riding along, ever anxious to learn all he could about the strange country through which he was traveling, was continually asking questions of Benito, who gladly returned all the information desired, “That py with the sharp-poiated leaves,” he responded, in answer to questions, ‘is what the Texans call soap-weed, and it is appropri- ately named. The root, powdered on a stone and rubbed on clothes, gives out a suds and cleanses woolen stuffs much better than manu- factured soap. ‘That tall shrub with leaves almost similar to the soap-weed, and belonging to the same family, is the a ay dagger. Its leaves be- ing as tough, almost, as steel, and sharp and strong, you could easily run one through a man. Mustangs in a stampede often get wounded mortally by running against them. ‘That large, wide-leaved plant, which has a sharp point, with others along its si vn is the Hes gi There are large plantations o it in Mexico. At certain seasons the heart is eut or scooped out, into the ges Me large amount of sap flowing every day. is sap is collected and distilled into mezcal, or whisky, of great strength. But little of it can be drank at a time, as it produces a perfect frenzy of intoxi- cat jon. “That small plant you see my mustang bas just trodden upon and broken is rattlesnake weed, the under side of the leaf, as you see, be- ing a and mottled cenit like the skin of arattlesnake. Should you get bitten by a snake a portion of those leaves, immediately applied to the wound, with a plentiful quantity of the leaves chewed and the juice swallowed, will ward off the effects of the poison. Many, how- ever, prefer to kill the snake and bind the uivering Sesh 7 the wound. A The meat changes color a@ green as the "poison is drawn out, when a fresh piece is toner ¥ “‘T should prefer not being under the neces- sity of using either remedy,” began Bob, but he was suddenly interrupted by a low cry from the horse-breaker. ‘“‘ Hold!” said the latter, reining his horse sud- denly in oyen its haunches, an act which brought all to a halt. ‘‘ Look ahead, over the bend in thegiver, Senor Rocky.” “Sthar’s what moug t be a bad sign, an’ then, ag’in, it moughtn’t,” said the old scout, in a low, deliberate manner. ‘* Howsomedever, I reckon as this ’ere outfit ain’t sp’ilin’ fur ter be sculped. I’d better skin out an’ see what's ahead. You-~’uns hed better lay low in the bush ontil I gives a whoop, er shows myself.” With this advice Old turned his horse into the timber, threw the end of his lariat to Benito, and, taking bis rifle, disappeared with- in the dense wood, which, for from a quarter of a mile to a mile in width, extended along both sides of the Nueces. Bob and, Green were*both puzzled and alarmed by this mysterious movement. As Rocky passed out of sight Bob exclaimed:
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“ What is the meaning of this, Benito? I see vothing alarming over the bend where you seem to locate something dangerous.” “Look high up in the air, You will see a number oi turkey-buzzards circling, “‘ And what does that indicate? “Tt is not a sure thing, but itis a strong proot that there is a camp there either of Indians, Mexicans or mustangers. If either of the former they are our deadly enemies. The buz- yards fly high. If the camp was abandoned they would be init, or on the adjoining trees. They await either the departure of humans, so that sey Say pick up the offal left behind, or the death of some animal which has been wounded and their singularly acute instinct tells them has been doomed. Old Rocky will soon ascertain which it is. Allow your ani- mals to feed, senores; they will not be so liable to whinny or the mules to squeal.” “?Tain’t no camp, boys,” exclaimed the scout, as he swung himself into the saddle. ‘ But I baz struck ther trail o’ er party o’ tarnal ha’r- 7 what can’t be more ner ten leagues from this.” “ What tribe, senor?” asked Benito eagerly. “ The’r a party o’ ’Paches, sum o’ Lone Wolf's cut-throats, I rec’ons: an’ ther best ov it ar’ thar ain’t more ner a dozen ,ov ’em, an’ haz got *bout forty hosses, more or less.” **T don’t see,” exclaimed Bob, ‘how you can make anything good out of being within half a day’s ride of a war-party of murderous Apaches, whether they have extra horses or not. How will that benefit us?” “Yer skin’s thin, y’unker,” returned the oid scout, Then, without paying any more atten- tion to the boys, he turn to Behitos ‘*T tell yer, leetle pard, we-’uns haz got a soft thing ef we handles our ropes kerrect, an’ I spose we kin. Leastwise, thar’s a dead cer- tainty, ef the lads warn’t so tarnal green, ov our wipin’ out the hull caboodle, an’ bein’ a heap 0’ horse-meat ahead o’ the game.” Benito listened attentively, weighing every word, and watching the face of the old man as he spoke, When he ceased the eyes of the horse-breaker sparkled, he slapped the breech of his rifle with bis hand, and in a voice full of de- termination exclaimed: “Senor Rocky, the Apache dogs shall aot all see the Pecos. We are after mustangs. If we can get the broken horses from the thieves ahead—the horses that have been stolen from the ranches below—we can herd and drive those much better. Besides we shall punish the mur- derers of women and children, and have the pleasure of returning the stolen stock to its real owners,” “ Kerrect ev'ry time, leetle ; an’ we'll do some tall thinkin’ ter-night ter plan low we kin sarcumvent. the painted cusses. ” we'll take ther boys into council right away. I say, boys!” ld Rocky paused, and turning in the saddle beceaned to and Green, who at once ranged alongside, ‘‘] reckon yer hez heerd an’ read a heap ’bout Injuns, an’ hez cum ter ther ’clusion thet th’ar’ az vengeful, an filled wi’ az much pure bDiiled down cussedness az any critter what walks crawls, er flies "bout this yere yarth. But th’ar’ | a danged might wuss ner yer thunks. Benito, sling yer t round a limb, an’ you boys kim Say ov yer.” had now arrived within the horseshoe bend of the river, and dismounting their lariats were secured to limbs. Then Old Rocky fol- lowed the rest descended a steep, rocky bank, g into the timber, but not going half a pistol-shot from their horses, “ Thar’s a sight, pards, thet shows ez plain an’ painenn loud talk "bout what ther size o’ a lache’s h’art are.” It was indeed a pitiable sight at which Old Rocky pointed. : An Indian horse, which, from the traces of war-paint on its hams, had evidently belonged toa chief, stood before them, its eyes shining with agony, its head hanging to the earth. The feathered shafts of three arrows projected from the animal’s body, and from the wounds caused by these torturing weapons the blood had flowed and dried in the sun. Still, at every slight movement, the crust broke and the vital fiuid slowly welled forth. ‘Great heavensi What is the meaning of this, Benito?” Bob was full of pity for the poor brute. “Ther hoss hes suffered enuff,” said Old Rocky, and drawing his bowie-knife the old scout, with a careful blow, struck with the point of the blade just back of the animal’s ears, severing the spinal cord. Benito, the Young Horse-Breaker. < 7] AS once the horse dropped dead. ‘*The meaning, senors,” said Benito, answer- ing Bob’s question, ‘‘ is that an Indian rode this ‘horse from the Pecos, down on the raid, and did not spare quirt. In fact, as you see, the animal was completely broken down. When the Apache brute found that the horse could no longer carry him he doomed the r beast to a lingering death, that was full of torture, He fired his arrows into the body where they would ive intense pain and produce running, festering iy blown sores, but carefully avoided giving a wound that would produce maf death but the most lin ering. Perhaps you have not noticed that the horse’s lips are cut aud split in several places so as to torture him should he attempt to eat grass. One of his hamstrings is cut, too, It’s as fiendish a set of acts as I ever saw done to a dumb brute, though I have seen worse tor- tures inflicted on human beings by Apaches, Comanches and Kjioways.” ‘‘How do you Know these Indians belonged to the Apaches?” asked Green, an intense hatred for the spepennos of the dastardly deed show- ing itself p ainly in his voice and face. ‘We know by the arrows,” explained Benito, as he drew one from the dead horse. ‘* Witness another devilish bit of ingenuity in these un- tntored red-skins. As you see, there isa groove running spirally from the feather to the point of the arrow.” ‘* Yes,” answered both of the boys in concert, as they examined the long, blood-stained shaft, held in the hands of the brokaro. “Well, that is cut to allow the blood to flow freely when the arrow is fired into man or beast, and thus cause death more get oae The Comanches cut two grooves straight with the shaft; the Apaches, as you observe, one, spirally winding about the shaft.” ‘‘ The points are made of iron; where do they get them?” “They exchange buffalo-hides for them with the traders. Flint arrow-heads are seldom used now by any of the tribes, except a few for hunting purposes.” Once started Benito might have held the boys for a long time as interested questioners and listeners; but Rocky, to whom these things were a good deal more than a twice told tale, put an eod to the conversation by calling upon all rather impatiently, to follow him, Then he le the way back to the horses. ‘Tanger are all ’round us, bet yer bottom dollar; an’ ef yer eyelids lose the’r grip ther hull ontfit stan’s a show ter be wiped out. We'll camp in ther thick timber, Benito, an’ make our fire plum under ther bank o’ ther river, whar the blaze can’t be see’d.” ‘‘Tt’s a good plan,” assented Benito, “though they may have left spies behind, whose eyes are upon us this minute. We will find such a place, for it is very well to be cautious.” After some little search they found the epee that was entirely suitable, the ition being guarded on three sides by the river, and only open to attack from the north, The mules were here quickly relieved of their burdens, and staked with the horses in an open spot, well shielded from outside view by the surrounding trees. Then a hasty meal was pre- pared by Benito, who, in a few moments of time, caught enough catfish to supply the whole party. Although deer were plenty all agreed o without venison, since, for their own safety, no firearms should be discharged. As soon as supper was over Benito and Old Rocky, having cautioned the boys to be silent .and watchful, shouldered their rifles and moved out from the bend to take up and follow the trail of the Apaches from the point where the had left the wounded horse. The sun was still two hours above the horizon, and they hoped, by a careful examination, to ascertain the exact number of this war-party, and other facts in re- gard to it which the “ signs ” might disclose. Bob and Green, with arms ready for defense, took upa position where, screened from view themselves, they could still watch the animals. Conversing at times in a low tone, at others they listened nervously and impatiently to the cham- ping of their stock as they tore off the rich, rank grass from the virgin sod, to the gurgle and rush of the waters, or the yelp, shriek, hoot, and song of the beasts and birds of the night, which were making ready for the coming noc- turnal concert, CHAPTER VII. THE BOYS DRAW BLOOD—A GHASTLY JOKE. NIGHT came slowly on, and still the two boys sat in the same position they had occupied at the departure of their friends. They were nervous enough now; ——— ee — were more than half frightened. They had no fire, and the bottom tim seemed by the ex- traordi din to be filled with ravenous beasts, without doubt drawn into the vicinity by the scent from the dead horse. The long: drawn how! of the “lone loafer,” or black wolf of the prairies, the sharp, continuous barking of numerous coyotes, the occasional shriek of a panther, sandwiched in with the hooting of owls, the strange cries of chaparral cocks, and the flapping of the wings of the buzzards that were collecting to teast upen the carcass they had solong waited for, all served tounnerve the two boys who sat in the dark shades of the Nue- ces bottom, waiting impatiently for the coming of those upon whom they now knew their lives depended. Even men of considerable frontier experience might have felt anxiety fcr the the safety of the absent comrades; and it was no wonder that Bob and Green at times were tortured by gloomy forebodings, By crawling a few paces they could peep be- tween the branches, down upon the waters of the river, and at the spot where their now dead camp-fire had been built. Just above the ashes, at a distance of some ten feet, and about twenty from their hiding-place were the camp tricks—saddles, bridles, ropes and the like— lying in a space entirely clear of brush. The boys, not dreaming of any danger, fuym that point were watching the animals as well as they could through the gloom when a slight splash in the river caused their hearts to jump into their throats, and each to lay his hand in warning on the otber’s shoulder, Then they silently crept to ‘the opposite side of the clump and parted the branches, Although they cculd not see distinctly the marks which we shall point out they bad no trouble in distinguishing the form o° an Indian, who, from the opposite bank of the river, was stooping over, and throwing water into his mouth with one hand. The Apache was probably on bis first war- path, is front bair was cut from temple to temple, even with the eyebrows, the remainder flowing down his back to his waist, and only ornamented with a few raven feathers, to sig- nify that as yet he had done no great deeds in battle, the time was yet to come when he might have the right to wear the feathers of the more noble and warlike bird. Buckskin leggins held in place by the beaded belt. that also carried his long scalping-knife, moccasins of buffalo-calf skins and a quiver of the same filled with arrows, and the bow car- ried in his left hand made his outfit. Doubtless left on the back trail as a spy the young Apache brave was scouring the timber on foot, eager to meet with some signs of an enemy. ith bated breath Bob and Green pressed through the leaves—they knew that the Indian could detect no signs of a camp from where he stood, but they dreaded his inactivity since at any moment some one of the animals might betray them. When, however ben saw him step slowl into the river, and ho ding his bow above h head, ford the stream, stepping on the shore at the very point where they had cooked their supper, their feelings were too deep for descrip- tion. As if to favor the young adventurers the moon now threw its mellow Tieht directly dowm ay the waters and upon the site of their camp, though the same illumination showed to the sharp, snake-like, wandering ha of the Indian the ashes of the camp-fire. ith a single gut- tural ‘‘Ugh!” the savage stooped, thrust his hand into the ashes, and then rose once more erect, while his hideous face, upturned, showed a fiendish look of exultation, and his throat swelled with the yell of delight which prudence forbade him to utter. By this the boys knew that the ashes still con- tained hot embers, a plain indication that the fire was not long since made. The Apache knew that it was not the work of his fellows, even without the sight of an un- lucky page that had been left near by in the grass. This latter told him that some one of the party would doubtless soon return in search of it and give him an opportunity to win rank and a scalp. Se great was his joy at the discovery that the Indian lost prudence, and in two silent bounds was on the bank above. But as he sprung his features suddenly changed, his hand flew to his quiver, and fitting: an arrow with a dexterous movement, he s with bow half drawn, a perient picture of sav- age warfare, a bravo of the forest at bay.. Upon the bank he had at last seen the various utensils, ks and saddles of a party of white men, Like in fact, I fightning the thought struck his brain that ,he SSS SSS SSS OSS ee eee SSS
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“mies were himself had been outwitted, that a trap had been laid for him, and that the eyes of his ene- upon him. Prudence told the savage to spring back down the bank, but the utter silence, the mysterious ‘absence of any human beimgs when they had had no warnings of his approach, and the desire to roy sh himself even at the risk of his life, caused him to stand his ground for a moment. As the Indian leaped upon the bank, Bob and Green brought their rifles to bear, that strange, indefinable feeling filling their minds which is always more or less present when deliberately aiming at a human foe. Only a moment stood the young Apache with half-drawn bow. Perhaps his instinct told him that he was in deadly peril; perhaps the animal magnetism of those eyes glancing along the rifle barrels that were hidden from his view in the shadow sent a thrill through his frame. Quickly he turned on his heel, his gaze bending back- ward, and then he sprung afar out toward the waters, . But as he see, the blended reports of two rifles broke upon the uir, the hands that gras bow and arrow were thrown up spasmodically, and his sharp death-yell rung through the bot- tom timber as he fell with a dull thud on the bank below. The report and yell was followed by the snorting and trampling of the horses and mules. Then beast and bird hushed how] and hoot and song, and the river bottom became, for a mo- ment, silent as death as the two boys bounded from their covert in among the horses, filled with horror by the death-yell, and the dreadful sight of the Indian’s last leap. Quickly they sli dges into their rifles, and stood looking anxiously toward their camp, every moment expecting to see the form of an Apache, or to receive the point of a hunting- arrow. Situated thus, to their excited minds the bot- tom peopled by a savage foe, it was no wonder a few moments later, as the sound of cracking branches came to their ears from their rear they should whirl in their tracks and stand with rifles leveled and fingers on the triggers as Benito and Old Rocky broke into sight. ‘Gehossifat—Gerrusilem!” yelled the old scout, in a voice of alarm. ‘ Ar’ yer both git- tin’ lany that yer go in fur ter git practice on a Injun trail, an’ end off wi’ "a shoot at yor pards? What'n thunder’n lightnin’s got in- ‘ter yer? Didn’t we-’uns say shootin’s ruled outen this game fur 4 while?” All this the old man rattled off in short meter, with a voice and manner which showed he was greatly offended, __ * Bon’t be so fast, Senor Rocky,” interposed , Benito, as he came nearer and saw by the man’ ner and look of the boys that something had occurred that was outside of the usual course of events, : “*The senoritos can, I presume, give a good reason for firing, and we know that the war- party is too far away to have heard the report,” ith poe corne wis hurt, Bob and Green made rapid strides through the animals and brush to the camp in the open by the river bank, Benito following, and the old scout grumbling in the rear, Both boys now knew that the Indian was dead, for they saw his painted face by the; water side ds they came into camp, and they seated themselves on their saddles, while Bob, knowing that neither Benito nor Rocky had seen the Apache, suddenly recovered his uncon- cern as he was struck with a desire to play a ame on the old scout in return for his show of -temper. , Mfg this idea in his mind Bob spoke up, ab- ruptly. E Do you both, scouts.that you are, and used to this kind of life, mean to say that you came through the clump of bushes where we first saw you and did not catch a glimpse of a dead nther?” “T don’t giner’ly hunt dead -panthers,” an- swered the old scout, his voice somewhat chanzed, ‘ ff yesee’d a panther so close ter ther stack az thet, I duz’nt blame yer fur shoot- in’. Yer must ’a’ killed ther jumpin’ squaller er we'd ’a’ heard him kick. Let’s take a peep arter ther karkass, Benito, ther boys might er bored him, an’ ther hide ar’ jist wnat we want.” Speaking thus Old Booey retraced his steps, followed by Benito, who thought nothing of the : boys holding back. 9 sooner had Rocky and the brokaro disap- pearedin the brush than Bob dropped his rifle. “Quick, Green! The Indian is dead, and we'll bring him up to play a game on those two, even if it is a tough job!” Ben ito, the Young Horse-Breaker. Without hesitation Green followed down the bank, and the two, with much exertion brought up the Apache and placed him against a sapling where they buckled him fast with two straps, the one rein 8 under his arms, the other under his chin. The red-skin still held his bow and arrow in the gripe of death, and faced the point of entrance from the horses to the camp, looking terribly natural. All being thus hastily arran the boys grasped their rifles once more and quickly passed in among the animals, as they came near their former positions Bob crying out in a voice of well as- sumed icra ‘*Can you find the pantber, pards?” ‘‘Nary a panther!” shouted Rocky, in as surly a tone as before. ‘‘I reckon it war a owl a-blinkin’ at yer.” ‘If it was a panther,” reasoned Benito, “ it would be a mere chance if they should kill the animal, for they would have been too excited to shoot accurately, and they are not used to such large and dangerous beasts.” ‘‘ Panther er no panther, I’m goin’ ter pick up - sum more fodder. Ther tramp hes giv me a appertite fur more grub. Boys, I reckon yer panther are a-tearin’ up dead hoss by this, an’ a-laffin’ at hisself ’bout yer loose shootin’,” Once more Old Rocky started back for camp, Benito stopping to tell the boys not to mind the old man’s ill-nature as he had walked far, was tired, and felt hurt at their disobeying orders when the safety of all depended upon their silent and fon ee movements. Benito, as he spoke, thought that the boys did not seem to pay much attention to his words, their looks a bent toward the = He on, leaving them to change the horses fresh grass. But the brokaro had not taken half a dozen steps when he was startled by the abs nr of the old scout’s rifle, which rang sharp through the timber. Alarmed, he cocked his own piece and rushed through the bushes into camp, knowing that nothing but extreme danger would have caused Old Rocky to fire. There Old Rocky rer motionless and silent before an Apache jian. Springing to his side Benito saw in an instant the nee of the rifle-shot that he and the old scout had heard before reaching the vicinity of the camp; and now, too, he understood the ar manner and actions of Bob and Green. he face of Old Rocky was a study. “‘Bamboozled! Sold out an’ nary a thing left to stand!” exclaimed the scout in astonishment and chagrin, as he gazed from the dead Apache to Benito, whose surprise was no less manifest than his own. ““Dig a hole an’ kiver me up, kiver me up deep. Fotch ona Piute squaw; I’m ready ter be sculped, Ther old man’s gittin’ wilted, wore ar - ain’t fit fur perarar life, Whar’s ther ys ‘*They’re changing the horses. Forgive them for this joke, old pard, for they had provoca- tion you must admit, and that after they had ust proved themselves men. Had they not led this young brave our chances to carry out our plans would have beer. spoiled and our lives greatly endangered.” “Long ez yer has scouted with me yer. don’t know me,” returned Old Rocky. ‘“ Why, I thinks a heap more o’ ther lads fer this than I did afore.” At this moment Bob and Green entered the opening, both dubious about the reception they would meet with. All hesitation was put to flight when the old scout advanced with out- stretched hands, saying: ‘Bob, give us yer claw; Green, shake! I sets yer down as XXX, right from this time on, an’ ar’ sorry I spit out cross-grained words at yer. Yer haz paid me back full measure, b’ilin’ over; but I holds no hard feelin’s. Now take a sot down an’ give us ther ’ticulars, how yer wiped ther red seulper offen our trail.” Much pleased that the old scout took their joke so pleasantly Bob and Green sat down on their saddles, and related the circumstances of their late adventure. An examination had shown Benito that their two’ bullets had gone through the body of the Apache, while that of Old Rocky had pierced his brain. As the brokaro announced this the scout an-’ swered: “Yaas, thet ar’ whar I plugged him; an’ boys, wahen yer think it over I warn’t sich a blamed ole fool arter all. Fustly I war bothered ’bout yer shootin’, fer I’spected thar war a red left ahind, ter watch fer any part ov whites what mout come on ther trail; by zaminin’ ther sign that ther cusses had some captur’d whites along, then I ¢’u’d’a’ took oath they hed left a scout on Az I cum this-a-ways arter huntin’ fur yer ther thet yer didn’t shoot I war a-thinkin’ ’bout yer shot havin’ been heard by ther red on ther back trail. Iknowd yer hed jist left this camp, an’ I hed been here myself, an’ nary ared war here, an’ when I cum in in somethin’ ov a hurry outen ther bush, ther fust thing Isee’d war thet ’Pache stan’in’ thar; my head bein’ full o’ ther likelihood o’ his bein’ round an’ seein’? him in our camp, I blazed quicker ner lubricated lightnin’, but know’d I war fooled afore my shooter got cl’ar o’ smoke. Now, Benito, you take ther skulp o’ that ’Pache fur ther boys to kerry, an’ then drag him outen camp, while I bump myself to knock together sum feed. Thar’s work ahead an’ we must be gittin’ ready.” The Indian was scalped, dragged away from camp, and thrown into the river, to float down stream. As the boys refused to touch the scalp Benito secured it to his saddle, while Bob and Green rested satisfied with bow, arrows and belt as trophies. ther look-out. CHAPTER VIII. WAITING FOR THD GRAY. ‘LeetLe pards!” said Old Rocky, after he had satisfied his reawakened appetite, and lit his pipe, ‘‘I reckons yer ax’ kinder bankerin’ ter know what Beuito an’ me run ag’in’ in ther way 0’ sign on ther ’Pache trail, an’ I'll ax him ter tell yer hisself; but az ’'m squar’, an’ more ner half white, rh say thet, et fust, what we did see, an’ what we know’d war ahead made me wish we hedn’t got you-uns in our leetle rty. Thet war afore wecumin. Now, I hez ‘ound yer a-pannin’ out hank, an’ o’ ther right stock fur scoutin’, an’ om lng es Fs ef yer on’y know ther p’ints, which Benito an’ this old cudermudgin ’ll gi’n yer. Now, Benito, I passes, Yer sed 3 y yer talker lively,fur we hes hefty biz ahead.” “Well, senoritos,” explained Benito, “ you see we knew a small war-party had passed as soon as we saw the wounded mustang and the evi- dences of the trail; but it was only after a a inspection of a dozen different points, an traveling many miles, that we obtained certain roofs of the extent and character of the raid, ‘osum up, the trail is made by a war-party of Apaches, who have swooped down on the ranches of the Medina or Frio, and not only stolen a number of horses, but held as pri afr a youn girl and her father, whom they probably inten to take to the village. Then the father will be taken to the torture-stake, and the girl meet a fate far worse. Senor Rocky and myself have determined to save both or die in the attempt. We have decided to give up our plans for cap- turing mustangs, cache our lassos and every- thing not actually in use, leave the two mules behind, and on the trail. If you do not care to risk the dangers ahead you can stop in camp here until we return, and try your hand at the capture of wild horses. What say you, rancheros?” ; Up to their feet sprung the boys, much excited at the bare suggestion that they might not be willing to brave the dangers of the trail, while Bob exclaimed: } _ “Never! For whatdo you take us? I for one—and I know I can speak for Green, too— will go on the trail of the red devils. How do you think, after witnessing their cruelty toa dumb brute, we could rest knowing that a young gid was in their bloodthirsty hands?” ‘“‘ Amd I,” cried Green, as deeply moved, “‘am ready to follow the red fiends, at any risk. Count us in as two men; for bays though we may seem, while this chase lasts you will find us willing to at least attempt men’s work. How we will suc perhaps one dead Apache may give some sign.” ‘* Buenos muchachos!” cried Benito, pleasure iy gpg in hiseye as he grasped a hand of © each. ‘“‘ Shake, leetle pards!” added Rocky. ‘ Yer words show I hazn’t kallkerlated wrong, but g’aged yer both to a hair. Bizis biz. Hump ersel’s lively an’ git things straight fur ther rail.” It was the intention of the brokaro to cache what things they did not need, in a small cave near by, and which he had discovered on one of his previous visits. To carry this out every one worked with a will. When the last armful had been transported thither, the mouth of the cave was blocked up carefully, and the pack-mules were led out on the prairie where they could not see the horses depart, and turned loose. __ Half an hour from the time that alt bad shaken hands as pards on the dangerous trail, they rode out from the Nueces bottom at a point half a mile up the river from their camp,
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and silently in the moonlight galloped over the prairie sward, keeping near to the timber line, and intending to strike the trail at the point last inspected by the old scout. When tiis place was reached the bridles were slipped off, the horses were given plenty of slack lariat, and all seated themselves at the edge of the timber, intending thus to await the morning light, by which they might follow the trail. “‘Come, senoritos,” said Benito, when they had fairly resigned themselves ‘to waiting. ** You must learn all you can, even if you are sleepy. You may have wished to know how we were certain an old man anda young girl, his daughter, were held papers by the ‘Apaches. First, we learned something by the footprints. The man wears rough boots and walks with a slouching gait, while she has a oat aiter and a step as light asa fawn’s. It took close look- ing to find out even this much, for they only walked from the horses to yonder trees, a few paces, and back again. Then, however, we found this little slip o pores that made everything clear. Read it an He passed over the note as he spoke, and the boys, by the aid of a few carefully shaded matches, perused the few lines that were hur- riedly enough written, and yet in a delicate band that 5 gr a higher eace of education than is usually found on the border:, **J@ any white man finds this let him, for the love of to rescue me pose my father from the hands of the murderous A: hes, who have taken us from our home. Follow Boke and save us, as you hope for mercy, JENNIE GRANGER.” ‘“ As we hope for Hagia we will follow it!’ exclaimed Green, as be ceased reading this brief but terrible appeal, and every one of the rest echoed his wor Then Benito continued his mes ow, to the Indians, We found by examin- ing the bank of the river in this vicinity that there were from twelve to fifteen warriors in the party, and that five of them had fire-arms, of which one was a small-bore rifle, another a barrel that shot a blue whistler or ounce ball, another a Mississippi yager, while a smooth- bore and a shot-gun completed the assortment.” se Now ou are making fun of us,” interrupted Bob. ow could you fand out the number of gums fo say nothing about the size of their ‘There are Baprees many thin, Bot see. that are easily ered, thoug’ seem difficult enough until the Nin dont given. In this camp the Indians took their arms to the river toclean them, and in “wiping the barrels out they threw the dry leaves an strips of buckskin which they used upon the ground. These tell-tales betrayed to us the peer Lpiee of each bore. Now do you compre- rat is ao as you say,” replied Bob. ‘“ Im- possibili or what we take to be such, be- come sinsple when explained. I never would have believed, though, that such facts could have beenearned in regard to a party so far awa in have explained in part how we examine a camp and the kind of knowledge that can be gained, To-morrow when the sun rises you will see, if you watch Senor Rocky and myself, how t some parts of a trail are to ollow, e@s- aati if the party try to cover their tracks and delude those following. However, in this case, as they leave a s M on their back trail, they may be careless, T ey will think that any signs of pursuit will be nuiiniceed to them by the young brave oe thanks to your vi lance and rifles, is in fact floating down the Nueces.” “You are very kind to explain matters to ” said Bob, as Benito ceased speaking. our lessons’ in prairie craft will not be RE oer away. Green does not have much to say, but I know that he kee et up a great think- ing, and has not lost a wor “That is as it should be. Now I must take measures to procure meat without using fire- arms. I would take you with me a you would retard my movements too much. If you feel like sleep, one of you had better take a short siesta while the other keeps guard. I shall be back before daybreak.” So saying Benito took his lasso from the can- tle,of his saddle and silently left the camp. it was almost daybreak when he returned, bearing upon his shoulders the best parts of a fat young buck. In the camp, during his ab- sence, there had been no alarm, and with his re- turn preparations for breakfast were got under wa The epicures of the great cities of the world spend a small fortune for a single meal, and still know notathe Tey: of an appetite that can ey it. The free air of the plains, the refreshing sleep on mother earth, the excitement of the cbase, each a natural ‘tonic, keep the stomach of a prairie Pa! in that healthy condition to en- joy and partake of such a quantity as would give ample Seer for calling him a gourmand were he in . he settlements. The quantity of venison our friends caused to disappear certainly ought to have fitted them to fallow the trail forsome length of time with- out showing fatigue. “T have left a eS aga of venison on the coals, senoritos,” Benito, ‘‘a part of which you can pack oi roe. malettos. That, with the barbacued beef and hard corn-cakes, must last us perhaps for a long time. e know not how far this trail of the Apaches may lead us, or when we may, with safety, make another fire.” ‘“You are bs beste Hpehe ” said Bob. ‘‘ And now may I ask how you cap tured this buck?” ‘Certainly. You ought to ask au explana- tion of all oe you do not understand. I se- creted myself in a thick mass of branches just over a deer-path, along which I knew the ani- mals were in the habit of passing to water. I had my lasso ready to drop the noose over the head of the first one to a ppear, the end béin secured to a stout limb. ourse I had to take into consideration thé way the b was blow- ing, so that the deer beg not ge my scent, The chance came, as I expec dropped my lasso over the antlers oh the leader, sprung down, cut his throat, and that ended the job. However, Senor Rocky, previous to le Bers fer the buck, I traced up the trail to the b erd so that we need not trouble ourselves antl we arrive at that point.” ‘Jest like yer, leetle perd, said the old scout, as he swallowed the last of his coffee. “Now Pl li ight my old corn-cob an hev a smoke az we glides toward ther bend. Tobacc can’t be burned arter this, on this trail, an’ Pll be fightin’ mad wi’out a smoke—which way 0’ feelin’ "Il come in hunk ’bout ther time we strike Se trail — kin smell Injuns on ther breeze. Now saddle up, pards, an’ scoot.” _. The scout threw his saddle on his horse, and in less time than it would take to describe it all were equi ipped for the trail. ** All se inquired Old Rocky. ** All ready!” responded the boys. ‘* Bueno ! Vamos !” ordered Benito, in a lively me, and spurred his horse away at an easy ion followed by the rest, CHAPTER IX. A RED-SKIN’S WOOING—THE ROSE.Q¥ THE FRIO, Soon after reaching the point té‘which Benito had gone during his still hunt of the earl morning it was found that the Apache t could be followed at an easy lope without any trouble. As the magua plant grew in many places along the route the Indians, being very fond of the pith of the flower stem had catherea many of them as they rode along, and as they chewed the aba ejected the cud on all sides. These cuds, being white, were easily seen, and not only made plain “ sign, g but satisfied Old Rocky and Benito that a larger war-party was up the river. Otherwise those they were follow- ing would have used more caution about the trail. o rapid was their progress that long before noon the four found it necessary to follow the river within the bottom timber, where they were screened from view, and at last they were forced to halt and await the cover of darkness as the yells of the braves who were driving the stolen animals came plainly to their ears. As the shadows of evening darkened the timber they proceeded up-stream as far as the old scout thought it advisable to take the ani- mals. When, slipping the bridles, each horse was secured within a small opening with loose lariat enough to allow him to fe Bob and Green were then posted in a thicket from which they could observe the stock, with strict orders not to leave their ition under any circum- stances, while Benito and Old Rocky started through timber and brush to spy on the Apache camp. A Palf hour of silent groping and crawling through brush brought them within hearing of the occasional snort of mustangs, and the smell of burning wood, and as it was quite dark they could istinctly see the light from the camp- fires shining upon the trees ahead. Worwing their bodies snake-like along, using great care not to crack a stick or rustle a bough, side by side the two penetrated a dense thie et of bushes which bordered one side of the open- ing in which was located the Apache camp. Benito, the Young Horse-Breaker. ree a eee Accustomed as they were to keeping their feelings under control, it was with dfficulty that the two supp an exclamation at the sight before them. Benito, indeed, ground his teeth together in his rage so that the sound was distinctly heard by O} hand with a warning gesture. Not twenty paces away lay Col. Granger, bound to stakes driven into the und, his arms and limbs extended ina ul pesition his white bair soiled with blood and earth, an his upturned features showing ghastly as those of a corpse in the moonlight. This was nothing more than they ex That which affected them the most was the sight of a golden-haired girl, bound toa stake, standing upright over the form of the suffering man. he stake to which the gir! was bound being driven at the feet of her father, each was thus forced to witness the sufferings of the other, The long, golden hair of the ma d bung down to her waist, and her bead being bowed her tresses pen toly vailed her face, but her'small, deli- and arms, her slender, aceful pig dled in a costume now torn almost to shreds by contact with thorny bush and branch, showed plainly to the observers that her fea- tures must be fair to view, and that she who was before them in sueh wretched Piignt and deadly peril was of uo mean station in life. The watchers knew that she must be the writer of the note which Benito had found, and that the white-haired man was her father. Both Benito and Old Rocky were forced to rub the moisture from their eyes before they allowed their gaze, heretofore fixed upon the captives, to wander about the camp, to take an inventory of the strength of their foes and the advantages - of position of which they might avail bape go in case they entered for the purpose of rescu- a See manand maid. here were four fires burning and but Afteen bravesin sight. One of these, the chief, was a tall, fine-look- ing man; too gs mmetrical, indeed, to be an pe aces and his light, olive skin, bis well reand- form and tbe movements suggested that he was of Mexican parentage. Probably he had been taken ca pt in childhood, and having been adopted in ry up by skill and daring. e wore buckskin leggins, embroidered with beads, and confined at the waist by a wide belt made from the skin of a rattlesnake, a necklace of rattles taken from the same deadly serpent bung about his neck, while an exact representa- tion of the same dreaded reptile, coiled for a spring, painted in ee ornamented his breast. Two rg oa torn and bent, bun drooping from a ed band which confine his long black Sie The Indians had slaughtered one of the cap- tured horses, and this being the first time since entering the settlements. that they had felt se- cure from an attack, or could eat to their satis- faction, they had been porging themselves ac- cor ding to the manner of the race after long ab- stinence. While Benito and his friend gazed oe oni arose from the feast and approached the captives. With arms folded, and in a voice intended to. F be Jp y, be addressed the weeping girl. y does Rose of Frio ery like the young squaw when warrior no come back from war- th? Why her bead bow like+broken reed when north wind howls? Look! i ee the great chief of Apaches, speaks. His words are sweet, and his voice is not like the roar of the buffalo bull. He is speaking to Rose with soft words. His heart is full of love. His on , away beyond the Pecos, is empty: Rose rio is fair as prairie-flowers, her step like the young deer. The war-cry of Rattlesnake is heard before bis knife leavés sheath; he is a great brave; he bas many horses. Let the. Rose say that she will go to his lodge; let ber sa that she will be his squaw; then ‘flowers oak bright, birds sing sweet, she will be free.” ho bo ed head moved not, and no answer came bo the young girl. Witha hoe of impatience, Rattlesnake drew his scalping-knife and quickly severed the cords which bound her to the stake. Exhausted as she was the poor girl, could no longer stand, and would have fallen had not the chief thrown his arm around her to sustain ber. : At an order from him one of his braves brought a gourd of water, which he pressed to her lips, and then poured some of the cool con- tents mpon her forehead. Her form, meantime, reclined on bis brawny, hideously-painted breast, her golden hair bang- ing over his arm as he bent one knee to the earth, a look of deep solicitude showing through Rocky, who lifted his | the tribe had won bis. of Frio — Soe eS — ’ {
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10 the thick streaks of vermilion that bedaubed his face, From the lips of the half-conscious Colonel Granger there burst a low moan. At the sound a low gasp, acry like that of a frightened child, sprung from Jennie’s lips. Her eyelids quivered, then her blue eyes opened, and with a shriek of terror she sprung from the arms of Rattlesnake, and stood side, trembling with fear and weakness. The chief drew himself up, and gazed with admiration at the lovely figure before him. “Let Rose of Frio speak; Rattlesnake’s ears are open. Let her say she will go to his lodge, she be his squaw, north winds shall not blow on her,—she shall dress in the skins of the fawn.— Flowers shall grow on her trail. Let Rose of Frio say yes, Rattlesnake tie her up no more,” Lower and lower sunk the ap upon her knees, until her lips touched thosé of her father, while her golden tresses mingled with his white, blood-stained locks. ** Let Rose of Frio k. Will she be squaw of Rattlesnake; or will she be tied to stake? Will she see her padre die of torture?” The chief spoke impatiently now. Her speech- less agony began to anger him. _Clasping her hands above her head Jennie Granger, with tear-moistened cheeks turned upward, gazed at the Apache with a supplicat- ing glance that would have melted a heart of stone, and, with a terrible effort recovering ber voice, spoke after the figurative manner that he himself had used: **Do. the sweet singing birds of the prairie mate wiih the soaring eagle? Can the fawn love the wolf that has it in his jaws?) Why does the Rattlesnake sting those who have not dis- turbed him in his haunts? Cut loose my father and let me minister to his wants. Then I may think you worthy to be a chief among your people; and not agrowling bear who tears up those who have never harmed him. Cut m father’s bonds and the Great Spirit will smile upon you. You must know that he cannot es- cape, and that his daughter would die before she would leave him a captive among your merci- jess braves.” “ Rose of the Frio speaks not with a forked tongue. Her words are now more soft and sweet than they were a ied ago. Before moon grows small she will be glad to go into the lod of Rattlesnake. She will be proud to be his quaw. ess of the low grunts of disapproba- tion from the braves who had gathered near the captives, the chief stooped and severed the cords which bound Colonel Granger. Then turning to the warriors, he added in a voice of thander: ‘‘Are my braves fools that they think the young squaw will leave her padre. White Hair is a mustang whose ham-strings have been cut with alance. He cannot walk. Let your eyes be open. Many of our braves have fallen but the yells of the rancbero and White Hair shall fill your ears like sweet music when torture fire barns in the Apache Valley.” warriors dispersed, and Rattlesnake seat- ed himself a short distance away, watching the captives while he puffed lazily away at a cigar- Pouring the remnant of the water in_ the gourd on her father’s head, Jennie chafed his temples for awhile, in a tender, soothing man- ner, Then, with tottering steps she proceeded to the river, some twenty paces distant, passing t h the dense thicket that la along the water e. Returning with refilled gourd she bathed her own wrists and ankles, as well as those of her father, giving to the latter, from time to time, a sip or two of the refreshing water, The chief sprung to his feet and brought with his own hand, on a large green leaf, some deli- cate portions of meat that he had reserved, and laid them down upon the grass by the captive, then returning to his former position. All this Benito and old Rocky had géen, and noticing that Jennie Granger had not been fol- lowed when she went to the river, they imme- diately wormed themselves from their ition, and crawled around through the underbrush to the point where she had dipped up the water. They hoped that some lucky chance might give them the agg aeeng to warn her that they were working for the rescue of herself and et ‘ father—for they knew that they could not take the one without the other. They were not mistaken when they thought she might return to the stream to refill the gourd. Soon she staggered through the brush. It was a delicate - of business that they uow had in hand, n her nervous state, when her father’s Benito, the Young Horse-Breaker. they revealed themselves, she might scream and bring the war-party down on them, Yet the risk had to be run. Griping their pistols, ready to fight for their lives should she give the alarm, Benito and old Rocky awaited in the brush until she had stooped and dipped the gourd beneath the sur-. face of the river. Benito breathed a low “ hist,” and then whis- pered her name, ‘‘Gracieus heavens! who speaks?’ responded the girl in a low, husky voice, “Git back to camp speedy lee:le gal, whis- pered old Rocky hurriedly. We’reon ther watch ter help yer, an’ we don’t kalkerlate ter quit ther trait’ until we hez gotten yer outen ther scrape. Yer dad ain’t goin’ to be left ahind, neither. Git quick, er ye’ll spile our game.” She understood the necessity of this, and at once hastened away without lingering for use- less questions, while the two men, after listen- ing to make sure that no suspicion had been awakened in the minds of the savages, withdrew as silently as they had come, and made their way back to the spot where they had left the two boys, whom they found safe but anxious. “Now,” exclaimed Old Rocky, as he and Benito seated themselves under the trees, ‘‘we've bad a talk wi’ ther purtiest leetle gal in Texas, an’ one as haz as much bed-rock sense as ther best ov ’em.” Bob and Green heard this announcement with surprise, and the latter exclaimed, in astonish- ment: “‘ Why, then, did you not bring her along?” “‘Because she are true grit, an’ too white ter levan, wi’out ther ole man, ber dad. We see’d that from her ackshuns when we war on ther peep frum ther brush. Benito, ole pard, what sort o’ a plan is yer hatchin’ in yer brain-box?”’ ‘*T am puzzled,” answered the horse-breaker. ‘‘T would take my mustang, make a dash into the camp, and lose my hair or bring her out safe if it. was not for the old man. How we are to work the thing I can’t see yet; but we must think of a plan. 1 would lay down my life to serve her and gain one smile from her sweet li ‘¢ And so would I, though I have never seen her,” broke in Bob. ‘‘I could never willingly see @ white, and that a woman, in the power of any such hideous creature as that Apache we shot down the trail.” ‘* Yer’ll hev a change ter shoot a heap more on ’em, jist as beautiful as he war,” said Old Rocky. ‘I’m a-thinkin’ 0’ a plan what’s de- sp’rit, an’ mought not work, but are wuth try- in’. Yer see the wust part o’ ther bizness ter be thunk ov are thet ther gal an’ ole man’s stiff an’ sore,’ an’ can’t be rug thr’u’ ther bush permiskus like. Ef we c’i’d draw ther best pee 0’ ther reds outen ther camp thar mought a chance ter do s’uthin’.” ‘* Hold!” exclaimed Benito, springing to his feet. “I have a plan which I am bound to make work. Their horses are two hundred ro to the west of the camp, and they will ave the strongest guard there. I will agree to get Jennie Granger and her father to a p. of safety if you three will work up a stampede. “Duz yer think yer kin make ther riffle, leetle pard?” ‘‘T am sure of it,” returned Benito. ‘“‘Ah, younkers, duz yer think yer kin go inter hullsale biz with ther old man, and not miss fire?” ‘“We are ready to try!” answered the two boys speaking together. } ‘Waal, then, we’d better cache our rifles in ther bush, fur we can’t git thru’ with them in the darkness without rattlin’ ther branches; an’ the work ahead hez got to be did mostly on the sly.” ‘“‘T shall not take my rifle,” affirmed Benito, “as it would be impossible to accomplish ea thing with it. 1 intend to do all my work with knife and rope, and I shall have to borrow your extra lariat, old pard.” “ All right, yer kin have it: but I sw’ar I can’t git through my head what yer calkerlates ter do wi’ it. Howsumever I won’t ax no quest- shuns; an’ ’ll low yer ter boss yer own job.” ‘‘Remember,” said Benito as he secured the two lariats to his belt, and paying no attention to the remark, ‘“‘if I give three sharp coyote barks, in + ae succession I am anxious for you to draw attention toward the horses, and if I hoot three times like an owl you'll know I am successful, and coming to your aid. Now, if ou three will catch a few winks of sleep I will eep guard, for we do not wish to start this thing until the last watch, two hours before daylight.” “Right, every time!” agreed the old scout. “Yl take about forty ov them winks meself an’ then yer kin turn me over, an’ I'll ‘round ther bottom while yer slumbers, Wen let ther boys snore it off while they kin.” The old man lost no time, but lay back on the Bz. leaves and was soon sleeping profoundly. ot so with Bob and Green, They could not close their eyes, knowing that the war-party of Apaches was so near, and finally prevailed upon Benito to allow them»to pare guard, the brokaro accepting them more readily since he knew by the manner of the two boys that it would be im- possible for them to sleep. CHAPTER X. THE SACKING OF THE GRANGER RANCH—SINGLE EYE, THE SCOUT. WuHatever may have been the anticipations: and designs of Benito and Old Rocky, there were complications of which ae bad no sus- picion, and to explain them it will be necessary to take the reader back to the very night on which Benito, the brokaro, was introduced, leaning ugainst a pecan tree amid the bottom timber of the San Antonio river. At that same hour Colonel Granger and his daughter were seated opposite their log cabin, also wrapped in admiration as they gazed at the golden sky and its reflection upon the slow glid- ing, waters of the Rio Frio. olonel Granger was one who had grown old and gray through thought and trouble. The loss of bis fondly-loved wife upon giving birth to a daughter was his one great never- -for- | gotten trouble, though in other Ware fortune seemed to have struck him hard, t babe was now a maiden of sixteen, and in face, form and mind was fitted to queen it in any circle. Not six months had passed since James Gran- ger had sold out his plantation on Red river, which had been heavily mortgaged, and brought his daughter, his only loving, lSved one, to this far-off frontier home. Having been reared to a life of ease and luxury, and having the tastes of scholar rather than those of a business man, he had neglected his affairs, leaving them entirely to an agent, who had defrauded him for years, and decamped with every cent he could realize when he found he could no longer conceal his. heavy defalcations. The perfidy of the man whom he had so im- icitly trusted worked upon the mind of James ranger until he resolved to retire from civili- zation with the little remnant of his fortune and establish a home in the wilderness away from his kind, there to enjoy his books, nature and the companionship of bis daughter, whom the old man loved as the apple of his eye. Having ah Jennie a perfect education, he doubtless thought, his se feelings swaying him thoroughly, that he was doing no wrong in isolating her, in the bloom of her youth, from the gay world and bringing her: to this little two-roomed cabin, boii 1 furnished though. it might be, was little better than a prisov to a fresh young soul. Yet Jennie Granger had vague tongings rather than vain regrets, and this balmy even- ing sue and her father were pictures of content- ment as they sat upon the little veranda that faced to the south-west. Before them lay the bottom timber of the Rio Frio, stretching open int ey! Ss and easterly like a huge green snake upon the prairie, the point nearest to the cabin being not a pistol-shot away. In fact the scattering post-oaks grew pote up to the building, which was almost en- ely covered with creeping vines and flowers of every hue. Directly to the west was a huge corral—for Mr. Granger had invested his ital in stock and had employed two Mexican herders, who lived ina smaller cabin, near the corral, and within the darker shadows of the timber. To the north stretched a vast prairie, corres- pondent to another broad plain that lay upon the opposite bank of the river. At sundown the two heard the Mexican berders driving the stock into the corral—for being on the frontier, exposed to the danger of Indian attacks, the cattle were not leftupon the prairie during the night. After that all was silence;and the two sat conversing in a low tone, as the shadows deepened. But suddenly father and daughter sprung to their feet in an agony of apprehension, for ffom the direction of the corral there arose the blood- curdling yell of the Apaches, mingled with wild screams for mercy, uttered in the Spanish tongue, a few shots, shrieks of agony, death yells, the dull thundering sound of stampeding cattle; and then, again, a silence, though this time horrible, accursed, brooded around. Chilled, shocked, dismayed, yet not altogether
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stunned, the two sprung within the cabin, and bolting their doors caught up their weapons, Colonel Granger seizing a carbine, while Jennie handled the little, gold-mounted rifle which thanks to her father’s forethought, she could use with deadly precision. “Father, what do yousee?” She whispered the words anxiously to Colonel (ranger, who was gazing through a loop-hole which commanded the view toward the corral. “T see nothing but darkness, daughter; but the moon will soon throw its light on the scene. Ah, me! I fear we are doomed. J care not for myself; but that my selfishness should have dragged you into the path of such a fate breaks my heart. It seems as though there is not a chance, Yet all remains quiet. The savages may be in ignorance of the location of our cabin, and thanks to your love of flowers the vines may hide it from view. They may think tnat the herders’ cabin is the only dwellin about the corral. This is our only hope, an God t that it may not fail us.” “Can we not defend the cabin until Pedro or Antoine bring assistance?” “ Alas, Jennie, Pedro and Antoine are both dead. Their screams of agony fill my ears, and will while I live. But look! Great God! I feared as much. ‘he fiends have fired the herders’ cabin, and the painted demons are danc- ing in the firelight.” igher shot the flames, illuminating the bot- tom timber and the corral, and showing plainly the faces of the dancing demons. Several warriors, who had been in stooping tures, now arose, and amid exultant yells bound the dead, scalped bodies of the two Mexi- cans to the burning cabin, one on each side of the door. Then they leaped back and joined the circling, yelling horde. “ But, father, must we remain here? Perhaps the house is not altogether surrounded, and we might yet make our escape. “Heaven only knows, we may try, though it seems like running from one danger to face a thousand. But, hark! Something or some one isdn our cabin.’ A prolonged hiss, like that of a snake, struck ear. : But he was slightly mistaken, as he knew in a moment, for he heard the voice of some one speaking through a loophole in the rear of the cabin, * Jist ez I 8’ . Strangers, I ain’t a snake ef I duz hiss when I give warnin’. I war passin’ by a1’ see'd ther ’Paches war givin’ yer a s’prise party, so I thort I'd drop in, jist fur eompany.” ee Thank Heaven! we have help, my prayers are answered!” He had the pure Texas also, which fact-alone would proclaim im a friend to them and a foe to the red fiends, whose yells were still ringing through the bot- tom timber. The colonel gave him a hearty shake of the Mon he entered. “Your coming in this direction is most for- tunate for us, and I only hope that it may not result in harm to yourself. Weare cut off from our horses, and are unused t. the ways of the patie bg Do you think they will attack the “ Waal, stranger, I rec’ons they will, directly, an’ kim a-b’ilin’ fur blud; kinder sing’ler they h’aint afore this. Are yer darter with yer.” “ Yes, sir; but how didgvou know that I had a daughter? Have you been here before?” ee Recdns I hev,” answered the stranger, as he struck a light and ignited a small tube of bark, which he held over his head an instant, rg with it a lightning view of the cabin and its occupants, and then stamped out. “Yer darter, here, give me some medicine about a moon ago, when I war sick, an’ sung a song ter me what’s bin in my ears night an’ day sin’ thet time. Yer war a-flutterin’ ’round ther bottom fur bugs, an’ I, bein’ orfle ockard in company scooted afore yer arrove. Duzn’t yer *member me, leetle one?” ‘“* Indeed I do!” answered Jennie in a hopeful twang. ne. ‘Ef ther red cusses scarifies me, takes my ha’r off, an’ cuts me inter gibblits I ar’ goin’ to keep ’em offen you, leetle one. Fact ar’ Ise hankerin’ ter exkoryate a few o’ ther hethun, an’ I rec’ons atween we-’uns tha’ll cum off ’bout second wust.” “May I ask your name, and if,you reside near here?” asked Colonel Granger, moved by a natural curiosity, for this man seemed to be born to the border, and well worth knowing. le of ex-' The old settler at once remembered him by report as a noted Indian-fighter, who had*gained his mh through having but one er With the knowledge that sucha man was by his side, to help in the defense of his home, he gained renewed hope. “Now, kinder ’low me ter hole,” continued Single Eye. ‘‘ You kin talk ter yer leetle gal, an’ encuradge her. I ain’t no slouch on ther spy ef I hezn’t but one peeper to my face.” _Without hesitation Colonel Granger resigned his place, and Single Eye gave a long and earp- oe gaze at the party surrounding the herders’ cabin. “‘The cusses ar’ a-gittin’ over thar festive- ness, an’ sum o’ them ar’ scootin’ arter them loose saddle-bags, what ar’ scared an’ squeelin’. Lawd a mighty! Thet ar’ awdashus luck! One o’ ther ponies, a white one, ar’ comin’ this ’er ways!” ith a cry of joy Jénnie, who did not realize how this increased the danger of discovery, sprung to the side of Single Eye. “Oh, that is my pet pony. He knows I am here, and being frightened comes to me for pro- tection.” “He'd better a danged sight not knowed so much,” growled the scout, as the whinny of the pony sounded at the door, and an Indian gallo in pursuit to within ten yards of the cabin, where he brought his horse |to a sudden a and gazed in surprise at the vine-clad log eabin. One instant the warrior gazed, then there was a crack of a rifle, and with a gurgling death- yell on his lips the Indian fell to the earth a corpse, while his mustang sprung away with a snort, and galloped toward the war-party, now getting ready to mount. Hardly had Single Eye pulled the trigger when he sprung to the door, and pushing back the bolts, threw it open to admit the entrance ef the white pony, which, at a cry from Jennie, rushed in. At once the scout closed the door and shot the bolts, just as a loud, ringing war-cry from a score of throats, and the quick clatter of many hoofs sounded without. e Indians, having heard the rifle-crack and the death-cry, gal- loped toward the spot. ‘Now ar’ yer time, kurnel, ter show yer meuns bizness, You an’ ther leetle one take a p at ther crowd 0’ rollikin’ smoky-skins 0’ tan, when they arrive whar ther cuss dropped that I sent on ther long dark trail. But mind what I tells yer, kurnel. Jist az soon az we hez slung ther lead to ’em, pitch a saddle on ther nag, put yer leetle gal on,an’ git up an’ git outen ther back door, keepin’ ther cabin atween yer an’ ther red-skins, Do it afore they scatters round or yer chance ar’ gone. I'll give ’em music ter keep ’em lively fur awhile, then scoot an’ jine yer. “ ut—” ‘‘T wants no buts, kunnel. Yer can’t butt ag’in’ them red ha’r-t’arers long. I know ’em from h’ar ter heels. Ther leetle one hed better be dead than corraled by them. Don’t be squeem- ish "bout givin’ them pills. Ready, now, an’ let ’em have ’em!” There was no more hesitation now. The three rifles | per as one, their report being followed by yells of agony, and war-cries, and tramplin and snorting of mustangs as the ‘Indians dash 7 cover, leaving three of their number dead or ying. , Detven to shelter now by the sudden and un- expected volley from a point which, in the uncertain light seemed a motte of bushes and vines, the Apaches soon ralkied and securing their horses to trees, prepared for an assault. Those in the cabin were not idle. The scout hurried on. the execution of his plan. ‘‘God bless you, my friend,” said Colonel Granger. ‘‘It is cowardly to leave you; but you should know best what is to be done. May eaven guard you and bring you to us qnickly.” “Git!” said Single Hye tersely, and he swung open the back door, s apping the white pon on the hams, while Colonel Granger, holding his rifle in one hand and grasping the reins with the other led out the animal on which Jennie was already mounted. Single Eye followed out and saw that they took the right direction, among the oaks. Then, instead of re-entering the house he en- sconced himself among the vines, and placing his rifle where it could be easily grasped he drew his revolvers. Meantime the Apaches were creeping forward uint outer thet EE EL prem” ears Single wa. hl slingin colonel and his daughter. The rattling discharge of revolver shots killed and wounded many of the Apaches; but the remainder, with the exception of three who were ordered to follow Single Eye on foot, sprung for their horses; but before they could reach them and mount a part of the guard from the corral had broken away at a break-neck gallop, These not only were speeding after the scout, but they bad in view, also, the colonel and his daughter, Single Eye, on the run, reloaded his revolv- erg/and thrust them back into their scabbards and unslung his rifle, just as the panting of an Apache sounded behind him, Giving a side glance, the scout slackened his pace, feigning: to be tagged. and sprung to the right just as the knife of the Indian was cleaving the air. Then he brought his heavy stock down with a dull crunch upon the warrior’s skull. Not ten paces behind came another brave, whose arrow scratched the cheek of the scout as the latter leveled his rifle. } Another death yell sounded on the night air, and the third Apache stopped, appalled by the sudden death of the two who preceded him. His mounted comrades were coming fast, but meantime Single Eye dashed on and was soon within ear-shot of the colonel. “Save yerself, Sunshine!” shouted the scout. “Kurnel, give ther pony a crack wi’ yer rifle. *Tain’t no use. We can’t git’way from ther cusses ef we stick together. You k to ther north an’ I'll glide south an’ try an’ cut ther part 7? Colonel Granger drew his daughter’s hand to his lips, and then, with a ‘‘ Good-by, darling! God protect you!” he struck the pony a violent blow with his rifle, regardless of cries of his daughter. '“Y cannot, will not leave youl” she ex- claimed; but the pony, frightened by the wild yells of the fast-approaching Indians, and the blow that it had received, sprung away over the plains. ith a glance Single Eye saw that. he could at peee t do nothing more for his now he knew was near. He believed that the capture of Colonel Granger was almost certain, but that if he could n the concealment of the river bank he might a assist Granger to escape, or, own horse, aid the golden- | by bok gener p haired maiden whom he called Sunshine, should she be so fortunate ag to elude t capture. At the edge of thd gully Single } Eye paused and looked around. a At that moment Colonel Granger was being tied toa peeteng by his captors, while further on to the north the white pony, bearing Jennie, scurried over the plains, a dozen Indians in swift pursuit. But the scout had little time for thought or regrets, for the mounted Apaches were conning toward him like a whirlwind, and the “ zip” o a rifle-ball, dangerously near to his ear, warned him that he had no time to waste, while he knew it would be madness for him to attempt to fight so long as he could run. However mueh damage he might do, death or wounds and cap- ture would certainly be his. Accordingly, Single Eye sprung into the gully and ran with all his speed down its bed toward the river. The winding course of the wash-out made it a long run for the old man, but the wild yells in his rear kept him from faltering in his pace, and also tended to make him think that Jennie Granger had been captured, else the Apaches could not have spared the braves that were in pursuit of him. Just before reaching the river, when in the midst of the timber of the bottom, Single Eye cast his ammunition pouch into a hollow tree, - which overhung his course, and then, reaching the bank, he cast his rifle into the stream, plunged in himself, and swam under water to the other side. 2 Then he came up under the shelving bank, overhung so thickly by vines and reeds that he was entirely screened froth view. % turned toward a dry gully, which he ;
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Never had the old scout come much nearer to capture. He had not been in position a mo- ment before the Apaches came crashing through the brush on either side of the gully, filling the timber with yells of disappointed rage as they saw that the much dreaded scout had again es- caped them. ‘he ripplin Meantime Granger? When her father struck the blow that sent her aed speeding away, hope failed and courage eft her. She dared not look back lest she should see her father stricken down by the howling fiends, and disregarding the fact impressed upon her by Single Eye that her fate, if cap- tured, would be worse than death, she strove with all her power to guide her pony back to the side of her loved father. ‘ But the pony no longer obeyed its gentle mis- tress. The yelling horde had frightened the animal beyond control, and on, on, at break- water told no tales, ow was it faring with Jennie _ neck speed sprung the panting animal bearing _ toward thé river at the v glide off speedy fur fear o’ my fotchin ‘between his teeth, he silently made Jennie Granger. : Yet the clattering hoofs and 4 spe whoops sounded nearer and nearer, until the very t- ing of the tage mustangs came plainly to her eafs. Then the heads of snorting cies appeared on either side, and red hands roughly grasped ber arms. Sunshine was a prisoner. CHAPTER XI. ‘AR WITH THE KNIFE, “Kp I aint ther wust kerral’d human on ther _ Frio | hope ter be njbbled ter de’th by cat-fish!” soliloguized Single Eye, as he lay soaking under the river bank after the Indians had given up their search for bin). ; ; ' “T duzzn’t low ter play alligatur but a few Heetin’ periods, er Tl lose ther rest o’ ther show, an’ not know whether Sunshine an’ ther ale bug-hunter hez bin wiped out er tuck to’ards the Pecos. One thing ar’ dead sure—the pesky red blud-suckers won’t linger this-aways, bu’ a y- arter’em. Fer this same reason they won’t be t ter leave a cuss ter watch my jumpin’-off ace, thinkin’ I hez scooted down-crick. I rec'ons I'll jist glide ’cross, easy-like, an’ pros- pect on tother side o’ the drink.” Bracing his feet against the bank the old scout gave a swift, stvong plunge under water, and swam across the river, Sone up only when near to the opposite shore. ith the ex- ception of a slight wave, caused by his dive be- neath the water, and which might haye been «aused by one of the buge cat-fish that wére plen- tiful in the stream, he had given no grounds for ony watching enemy to suspect his presence. esting but a moment, Single Eye drew bim- self cautiously up into the water-wash which had been the avenue of his escape from the poe. There was no sign of the presence a toe, yet Single Eye was distrustful. The very silence, aftersuch a pandemonium of yk, was suspicious. Knowing well the ground, the scout believed that if a sentinel had been posted at all it would be on the left side of the gully, which was the nearest to the Granger ranch. Drawing bis bowie-knife and afd De blade is way up the bank of the wash-out until he reached the tringe of brush upon the top of the bank. Then, by good fortune, he happened directly on ea bear path, which here wound along the edge of the gully, eoding through the bushes ry place he wished to penetrate, Crawling carefully Single Eye soon came from out the thicket, into the towering bottom timber, which was nearly clean from under- growth, and here and there lighted by streaks of oe which filtered through the branches ve. Not twenty feet away ran the rivers and be- ‘tween the scout and the stream, leaning against the trunk of a pecan tree, an Apache brave, with bow in hand and arrow between fingers, watched intently the river below at the point aot soe wash-out broke the irregularity of t nk, ' Doubtless the sentinel had but lately come upon the scene, for those who had pursued the scout down the guily had all been mounted, and no horse was now in view. Thus, at least, reasoned Single Eye, as with a step light as that of a panther he glided to- ward the pecan tree, the trunk of which shielded him from view. . The crack of a stick, even the rustle of a dry leaf, might have defeated his plan; for the war- rior was a perfect model of strength. As Single Hye reached the tree-trunk he sup- pressed his breath,and gathering all his strength 7 jhad reached a vital point, and then Benito, the Young Horse-Breaker. sprung around the tree, upon the Apache, around whose neck he threw his left arm, draw- ing the head of the red-man down against his breast, pressing against his jaw upward, to pre- vent a signal yell from being given. At the same instant he drove his bowie-knife into the breast of the savage foe. But quick as thought the Apache threw up his arm, warding off the blow before the steel uirming around like a snake he dropped bow and arrows nd being unable to draw his scalping-knife he grappled with the old scout. One moment these powerful forms swayed back and forth, one moment intense hatred shot from eye to eye. Then, by a dextrous trip Single Eye threw his adversary to the earth, falling heavily bs Saem him, and each still striving for the mastery they both rolled over the bank and sunk beneath the rippling river. The next instant however they am Se the kee hand of each grasping a knife, an the left hand clinging with a gripe of madness to the other. Thus they remained for an instant, gliding slowly dowu the stream, until Single Eye, see- ing that the warrior was filling his lungs to give a signal pence gave a dexterous, rate turn of the knife in his hand, that brought the point strongly across the back of the hand that clasped his wrist. At once the gripe of the savage loosened; and on the instant Single Eye buried his steel to the hilt in his breast, at the same time thrusting his head under the water. The le was over and swimming once more to the shore the scout climbed up the bank, where he seated himself for ashort season to recover bis breath and strength. After a little he arose, and having recovered his ammunition-pouch from where he had secreted it, and carefully wiped, dried and re- loaded his revolvers, he made way out of the wash-out, and kee ing just in the shade of the timber, approached the scene of the recent con- flagration, near the corral. he Apaches were clustered there in force, but Single Eye saw ata glance that they were pre- paring fora move. Inside of the corral were some forty herses, which he knew must have been mostly stolen down country, as Colonel Granger had owned but a few half-breeds, for herding purposes. Without, to his grief, and yet, somewhat, to his relief, he saw Colonel Granger and Jennie. The wrists of the two prisoners were bound fast to their saddle-horns, and the appearance of the half dozen warriors who compo their body-guard showed that they were the select braves of the party. No time was being lost, and the Apaches, evi- dently, had fears of pursuit. The scout had scarcely reached a position where he could view the scene, when all were on the move. As the Apaches guarding his friends passed from sight, followed by the stolen horses, also under guard, Single Eye was greatly surprised to see another cavalcade of warriors, a score or more strong, sigh heey and in their midst two white men, bound fast to mustangs. That these men wero rancheros was evident from their costume, and they had probably been captured further down the country by this: party, which had arrived since the attack on the Granger ranch. There were also a number of Indians engaged in burying the dead, and Single Eye decided that not half of the braves he now knew were on the war-path had joined in the first attack. Waiting patiently, he saw them all disappear save those who were looking after the dead; and now the scout, seeing that’ they, too, would soon be ready to leave, and that but little more was to be learned here, cautiously withdrew. He reasoned that the rear guard would not de- rt without taking up the sentinel ted at oe gully; and he made his way back, — up his a eso behind the very tree which ha concealed the Apache brave who was now a drifting corpse on the river. He had not long to wait. A step, hasty but P cautious, approached, and a signal hiss darted: impatiently through the bottom, followed by a silence that spoke of an apprehension of some- thing wrong. A ; ith pent breath and fast-griped steel, Single Eye crouched ready to mgt as the brave, with slow, silent steps, passed the tree and peered over into the river. : . One bound and Single Eye, with upraised steel, stood at the warrior’s back. One look of supreme astonishment from those snake-like eyes and then the knife crunched through bone and flesh, the Apache was hurled far out into the river,.casting up a thousand moon-gilded — jewels of spray, while Single Eye muttered, as he wi his bowie on the mossy bank: “Tl hev a ’Pache sculp fur ev’ry tear that runs down leetle Sunshine’s cheek.” Carefully scrutinizing every point, and seeing no indication of any one approaching, the scout struck once more into the oe and soon sprung down into the gully. ere, removing his revolvers and sombrero he dove into the river, reappearing with his rifle. ** Rec’on I won’t ’low my ole reliable ter soak thar no longer, fear o’ them danged ’Paches freezin’ to it. When I’se wiped her out, an’ git astraddle o’ Skiplively ag’in, I'll be-fixed fur ther hull ’Pache nashun, He’s a coon, thet ole hoss ar’; an’ wouldn't squeal ef forty reds come *thin forty foot on him. With much care the scout dried his rifle, and then walked briskly down the river some three hundred yards. hen, penetrating a dense thicket by a mustang path, he came to a natural opening. Giving a low, peculiar whistle he was greeted with a whinny of delight by a horse which, “et to say, like its master, had but one eye. “ Skiplively, ole pard, ‘ted right thar every time, ain’t yer? But I tell yer, since I left thar were a time when ther’ war mighty slim chance fur yer ever tu lay that peeper on me ag'in. Ef ther ’Paches hed rubbed me out yer’d ’a’ broke away, hunted up my corpus an’ cried yer eye out, wouldn’t yer, ole pard? Ye’d bin in a mighty tight fix, then, wouldn’t yer? Hed ter smelt yer way.” The old scout gave a low laugh as he bridled the impatient steed, which rubbed its head fondly against its master’s shoulder, Making his way out from the thicket Single Eye once more approached the Granger ranch, he moon sbone clearly, showing that now there were no Indians around the herders’ cabin, and keeping in a line with the other cabin he rode sap es the back door where he dismounted, and drawing one of bis revol- vers entered the flower-clad bome of Sunshine. Lighting as before a little tube of bark, the old scout glanced around the cabin, and much to his surprise saw that nothing seemed to have been removed. Pushing open the duor that led to Jennie’s room, he removed his som- brero and sopped inside. Here, too, nothing sprees ed to be disarranged. The bed was ong as unshine had left it,and on it lay her little Bible, The sight of the latter strangely affected Sin- gle Eye. He drew near and placed his broad and upon it, shaking down upon his knees by the bedside, turning his eyes heavenward. ‘*T ain’t used ter perlaverin’ with, er troublin’ yer, kase I’m a one-eyed, -fur-nothin’, ole cantankerus cuss, an’ ain’t fit; but I wants yer ter lissen just wunst. I swears ter foller ther red blud-suckeys an’ git Sunshine outen the’r clutches, er bu’st! Hunger ner sparce drink ain’t goin’ ter budge me effen ther trail, an’ I'll my me bones out fur a kiote lunch er fetch bac ther leetle rose az pure an’ bloomin’ az she war afore. Amen!” The last words of his singular but earnest oath had but just left the mouth of the old scout'as the cylinder of bark burned to his fingers, and as he le the stub to the floor he felt himself clutched from under the bed, the last glimmer of bis little torch show the painted face and brawny arms of an A 5 CHAPTER XU. SINGLE -EYE TO THE RESCUE—A NIGHT STAM- PEDE. TAKEN unawares, not thinking it ble for an enemy to be lurking behind, Single-Eye was, for an instant, almost helpless from amazement, but quickly he grappled with bis assailant, who might ere this put him out of harm’s way had he not had a burning desire to capture the scout alive, and so win more than double glory. But powerful man though the savage was he had not made sufficient allowance for the strength and desperate skill of Single-Eye. The latter threw himself directly down upon bim, and the two grappled and fought in a perfect frenzy of rage, rolling in their struggles from the bed-chamber to the main room, and from there, through the back door, into the open air, and under the very heels of Skiplively. And here the Apache seemed to have all the best of it, for he was on top, and bad succeeded in raising the hand. which held his sealping- knife. He thought no more of capturing Sin- le Eye, but poised his blade to stab him where e lay. He felt sure of his triumph, too; and his hand quivered with a deliberate motion as he took aim for a deadly stroke. ,
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. Yet the band did not fall. With a sudden dart Skiplively seized the up- held wrist fairly between his stout jaws, and his teeth closed on the bones with a splintering, rending power. Then, like a dog worrying a rat he shook the helpless savage. The diversion saved Single Wye. He slipped like an eel from under the Apache, and buried his own knife in the heart of the shrieking brave. “Thar, Skiplively, shake!” exclaimed the scout, pauting from his exertion, and at once the horse Sroeees the quivering arm, and turned away with a snort, to meet the caressing hand that patted him softly on the head, ‘“Yer ther best piece o’ hoss-flesh this side er ther Red—er t’other, either. It war a s’prise party, Skiplively, thet come danged nigh ter puttin’ me other lamp out. Dog-goned ef ver kin tell what’s comin’ next, nohow: but I rec’ons our work here’s ’bout did. It’s time we wer on ther trail!” Having scalped the Indian and dragged _ his body away some little distance, Single Eye closed the doors, mounted his horse and pro- ceeded on his way, fording the stream below where the Apaches had crossed it, and finall reaching a spot where he could obtain a f view of aa Sa which stretched away to the southw By this time the gray streaks of morning lit up the eastern sky, and greatly to his gratifica- tion the scout could plainly see, at some dis- tance, a single Indian, returning from the main body which was now a mere speck on the plain. **Comin’ ter see.whar ther cusses be what I haz wiped out, ar’ yer? Waal, I rec’ons I kin send yer on ther same trail, an’ not haff try.” Loosening an extra lasso from the cantle of his saddle Single Eye left Skiplively well screen- ed from view, and proceeded to the point where the Apaches had forded the river. Following the trail half-way through the bottom timber the old scout clim up a tree, the branches of which hung directly over the path the brave weuld probably take, Securing the end of the lasso to a limb, and gathering the slack, he adjusted the noose free and wide, and securely hidden in his leafy covert, awaited events. Soon the be gp! -tip of the mustang sounded on the hard plain, and then the savage enter- ed the”bottom, coming directly along the trail, as Single Eye had hoped. A sudden swish, a snort, a yell of agony, apd away went the affrightad mustang, leaving its red master swinging ir the air, the noose bind- ae the Indian about tha w with both arms held tightly to his side, and the rawhide rope cutting deeply into his flesh. No doubt the Apache had undergone every torture, self-inflicted and otherwise, demanded by the savage rites of his tribe, before starting upon the war-path, and suffered them, too, with stoical indifference, but he had hardly felé such agony as this. His whole weight bearing upon the greased loop, tightened it until the breath was fairly pressed from his lungs, the blood ceased to circulate through his arms, and his eyes almost bulged from their sockets. Givivg the Indian a push, to extend the length of his swing, Single Eye, with a whoop of exultation sprung away through the timber, but soon returned, leading Skiplively, whom he peor in the path, facing the swaying pache. “Skiplively,” said the scout, ‘I never lows nothin’ ter slide past wuth squintin’ at ’thout I gin yer achance ter io one eye on ther show. This ar’ a fust-class cirkiss I haz got up fer yer *pecial benefit. But yer see, Skiplively, ther cuss ar’ so dangedly sarp ter see a one-eyed awgience cl’ar through, thet he’s gittin’ bashful an’ wants ter draw outen thergame. Ha, ha, ha! Ho, ho, ho! He’d be willin’ ter draw Still the Apache swung backward and for- ward, in silent agony; but in Single Eye there was little of mercy eft. **Look a-here, you knock-kneed, paint-ber- daubed, greazy sun ov a mangy tick-chawed ki- ote, yer kim arter yer cut-throat pards, an’ danged ef yer Czzn’t hev ter foller ther same trail Ef Iwar a sneakin’, blud-suckin’ ’Pache I'd ‘low ver ter swing thar till ther buzzards picked yer pers out, ther kiotes hed nibbled Me toe-nails off, an’ yer had lingered in ther die iz’ness til) yer’d gi’n yer skulp an’ forty hosses fur a ball through yer nozzle. I ain’t quite them kind.” Tbe Apache brave saw that his sufferings ing nly the air toward the A widen See orward to meet his death, receiv the steel in his heart. When the last convulsive motion had. been given Single Eye drew the knife from its fleshy socket and sprung into his saddle, muttering as he rode away: “Tt ar’ better ter lose a lasso than handle ther cantankerous cuss. Then, ag’in, ef anybody comes this-aways they’ll know thet I'm on ther trail.” Out on the prairie once more the scout now followed the trail of the savages, and before he had galloped a mile he came to the conclusion that they had divided, one party heading direct- ly for the Nueces river, while the other pro- ceeded in a more westerly direction, undoubt- edly intending to strike the same stream higher up. Single Eye reasoned that both parties would unite at some time, and should they intend to torture the prisoners it would not be done until they all wero again together, A close examination decided almost positively that the two captive rancheros had been taken on the west trail, which, after some delibera- tion, Single Eye decided to follow. It seemed to him that he could more easily rescue them than Colonel Granger and Sunshine, and with their assistance he wonld be better able to save Sunshine and her father. Without a selfish motion in his heart, Single Eye away on his lone scout, resolved to brave the danger of torture and death in the hope of doing some- thing for the Rose of the Frio, fair Jennie Granger. When, after a wearisome ride of some days, Single ye at last, near sundown, struck the Nueces, he allowed Skiplively t run at large in the bottom timber, while he examined every inch of ground on both sides of the stream. He found no signs of any trail except that of the Apaches, made some three weeks before when they came down the river. From this trail he satisfied himself that when they left their villages there were at least sixty warriors in the party, though it numbered a score less now—that, so far, being their loss on the war- th. PeWhat troubled him more was that there seemed to be no mustangers up the river, ag he had hoped, so that his only hope for aid*was that the Indians below would be discovered by some of the bands of whites who were often on the Nueces catching wild horses. Satisfied as to this, Single Eye turned his at- tention to the camp of the one division of the Apaches, which he knew would be located not far from the river, and which he determined to visit. He rode slowly along the edge of the tim- ber until the smell of smoke and scorched meat warned him that he was near the camp; and to his gratification he found that it was in a favor- ite spot of his own, with every crook, path, tree and thicket of which he was familiar, By revolving in his mind the exact situation of the openings, he was able to locate the posi- tion of the sentinels, and once more leavin Skiplively , with a word of caution that the ani- mal seemed to understand, he approached, under cover of the huge prickly-pears, a point in a mustang path ‘wilaxe his Pes would probably n. aking advantage of the time when the moon was hidden by a passing cloud, he succeeded in crawling down this path; and when the moon- light returned he could see, as he more than half-expected, that an Apache sentinel was rched in the very tree under which he was ying. In anticipation, he had secured the end of his lariat to a small sapling, some thirty feet from the tree in which sat the Indian. The lasso was tied some three feet from the cround, and drawn along by the»side of the pat Single Eye now gavo the lariat a twitch which caused the sapling to shake, the rustle of its leaves making quite a noise in the still night air. The sentinel gave a low grunt of surprise; and at a second twitch and rustle he mado a movement indicative of curiosity, which he fol- lowed up by stepping hastily to a limb below his perch, 13 The old scout gave an inward chuckle and a third twitch. Then he dropped the lariat, drew his bowie and awaited the result. Down through the branches, hand under hand, came the Apache, until, swinging by the lower bough, he dropped directly into the arms of Single Eye, whose’ left hand pressed his mouth, smothering his death-yell as his right drove the bowie home. Penetrating the timber a short distance with his dismal load, the old scout tore off the reek- ing scalp and left the body to stiffen, while he, securiwg his lariat, left the path, and crawling through the timber, entered the opening in which the animals were feeding. Awaiting a moment when a cloud obscured the moon, he secured one end of his lariat to the leg of a mustang and gave a sweeping throw of the slack entirely over the anjmal’s head and body. Then, by a quick jerk, as the horse stepped, he threw him violently to the ground, where he lay snorting and kicking. Knowing that some of the mustangs were dragging their neck-ropes, the old scout made this movement thinking that if a sentinel was near he would imagine that the horses were en- tangled and would spring to the spot. 6 was correct, for almost at once he heard a rustling of branches, and a warrior bounded to- ward him, on the run, to loosen the entangled animal, Once more there was a smothered gasping, a writhirig and twisting of two human forms, locked in a death-struggle, the sound of steel crashing through flesh and bone, the spurt of blood in the now bright moonlight, and then with a deep sigh of relief, the old scout threw another Apache into the deep shadows of the n trees. Confident now that his way was clear of watching eyes, he made his way swiftly througli the intervening ‘clumps of trees until at last he could peep through the branches into. the heart of the camp. By the dull glow of the smoldering fires the scattered forms of the Apaches could be easily discerned, while, in the torturing position once before described, lay the two rancheros, Near by an Apache brave was walking back and forth in the moonlight, and as he passed the prisoners he gave them each a brutal kick, The sight of this moved Single Eye more than one would have thoughg the well-seasoned scout coulu be moved, and He mentally vowed that not only should the two captives be liberated, but that the sentinel should feel the weight of his vengeance, It was true that any effort re- quired a reckless bravery, but in that very fact lay the strongest chance for success. e did not wait, but moved at once to his work. Noiselessly making his way around the border of the opening, — within a few paces of’ the sleeping forms he found himself at the aimed-for goal—the spot where the camp equip- ments were piled togetlrer. Still eluding the view of thé sentinel, whose chief concern seemed to be to outrage and in- sult the prisoners, he drew from among the sad- dies a brilliantly colored poncho. With this be crept back to his former position, choosing a point as far from the camp as he could and yet be visible, and: when the Apache had turned in hif walk he quickly hung the geet outspread, upon the bushes, running a. thorn through the twe upper corners. By this arrangement he was securely hidden from view, and yet, through the slit in the pon- Saw) he could observe the movements of the sen- nel. Once more the Indian turned, and he had walked back as far as the captives before he no- ticed that there was a change in the aspect of affairs, The blanket, which he then saw, was a con- icuous object, and it certainly had not hung rd a moment before; nor could it have got there without the assistance of human hands. To the sentinel it seemed that there was but one way to account for its strange appearance. The comrade on guard over the animals had placed it there—perhaps to try him. If such was the case he would show that he was on the alert. Certainly he did not suppose that an enemy was within miles, much less that one had dared to penetrate thus far into the camp. Without hesitation the Indian sprung, over the two captives and advanced toward the cur- tain of death. Upward he reached his arm to loosen the corner of the poncho, but before his hands clasped the blanket the terrible bowie knife came driving through, deep into his breast, while the blanket was thrust over his head and shoulders, and pressed tightly upon his lips. A convulsive tremor, a gurgling death-rattle, and all was over.
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+ Ligh Ri Single Eye sprung to the side of the two cruel cords which had creased deeply into their flesh. chiorgene f they were men of nerve and ex- perience, and though at first almost unable to move they knew how quietly to aid Single Eye to. the extent of their powors. With some difficulty, one by one, he got them through the opening in which the mustangs were feeding, down to the river, by a path well known to him. Stiff, sore, broken down by hard usage and mental agony, the four men wept for joy as they bathed their wounds, and lapped the water from the river, But Single Eye did not wait to receive their thanks, He no time. He gave them a word of caution and left. In a few moments he darted back. He had rocured two rifles and ammunition anda huge chunk of horse-meat; which latter the Texans, who had-been systematically starved, began to devour with gusto. Again he disappeared; again came back. This time.he bade them follow; and leading them through the mustang path to the o prairie they found Skiplively and two saddled mustangs, ‘Stan’ right thar, pards, till I j’ines yer; an’ that’ll be before yer has time ter rub ther sleep outen both eyes. I hez allowed ter break up this ’Pache oubfit, an’ ’'m goin’ ter do it, er bu’st ther hull univarse.” Back went Single Eye, to the mustangs. His wonderful success, wonderful even for him, had emboldened him, so that no thought of possible failure entered his mind. He knew that the gorged Indians, trusting fully to their sentinels, would sleep soundly, and even if they awoke be had a safe line of retreat. One by one he cut the hopples of;the mus- tangs and headed them for the prairie, by way of the mustang path. Perhaps one man in a thousand has the facylty of handling a sirenge horse, in the night, without a struggle. The old scout was one of those men who have that Sa ae he worked it now to its full capacity, to the wonder of the Texans, who found that whatever they might have heretofore thought, they ‘aed nothing about stampeding an Pilla: corral. ‘* Now, boys,” he said, as the last of the mus- tangs had filed past and the scout had flung himself on Skiplively. ‘‘I’vo swept the stakes without showin’ my hand, but I’m goin’ now, ter sling me keards on the board. Drive ’em straight on, away from the river while I gives en) a partin’ clip. The rancheros without question went on their way, while gn paper on Skiplively, again sought the Apache camp; but this time with- out the care that heretofore he had used, As he gained she cige of the opening he wheeled Skiplively and then gave utterance to his own peculiar war-yell. Up sprung every Apache, but as their hide- ous, painted forms arose Single Eye’s revolvers began a rattling fusilade. Only for a moment did it last, for then the scout’s heels struck the flanks of Skiplively, and along the mustang path bounded the one-eyed ir, with a horde of yelling braves upon their rack: whose anger turned to fiendish madness when they broke out upon the plain and saw their two late captives and Single Eye gallop- ing free in the moonlight, and their own mus- tangs bounding in a wild stampede before the three whites, The drifting clouds had grown heavier and heavier, and now a storm appeared about to break but rdless of that, while a few kept straight on in parents, the main body turned straight down tbe river ina frantic run. Their ‘object was to meet their comrades with the stolen horses, obtain mounts, and recapture their stampeded mustangs and wreak their ven- geance on Single oo and the rancheros, be- fore they could pass beyond the Rio Leano. But Single Eye had no intention of reaching the Leano. At some distance on the prairie he wheeled his cavalcade and drove down, parallel to the Nueces, intending to strike that stream once more, and this time below the party which held Colonel Granger and little Sunshine. CHAPTER XIII, A RESCUE AND A RECAPTURE—OLD FOES AND ? NEW DANGERS. It is now time to return to Benito, Old Rocky, and the two boys. At the very time that they were making pre- Benito, the Young Horse-Breaker. Ce parations to rescue Colonel Granger and Jennie, a long line of Apaches, maddened by the loss of mustangs and prisoners, was coming down the river, ina fast run, whde Single Eye and the rancheros, with the stampeded corral, were not far away. , Of these facts, however, the four were utterly oblivious, and, accordingly, made their arrange- ments to, as they thought, suit the case. Their rifles were securely hidden, the horses were changed and secured to limbs in such a manner as to all6w of their being instantly loosened, and Old Rocky, Bob and Green, after a hearty handshake with Benito, glided away in the darkness to make a circuit and reach the oppo- site side of the Apache eis Soon after Benito made way silently to the point which be and the old scout had reached. Perfect silence reigned in the Indian camp, and the fires had burned low. Only at inter- vals the moon shone brightly as the masses of ous clouds broke away from before her ace. Benito was on the east side ofthe camp. The western portion of the opening was covered with the sleeping forms of the Apaches, and the south side was bordered by the towering bot- tom timber, which stood upon the river bank. These trees were covered with luxuriant vines and drooping moss. Contrary to bis expectation, or, rather, his hope, especially in regard to Jennie, the cap- tives were again bound, in the same position as when first discovered, and an Apache brave stood near the stake to which the he girl was secured. The two were in the middle of the opening, while the guard stood near the branches of the bottom timber by the river. The brokaro needed but a moment in which to inspect the camp. Crawling back out of the thicket he made his way, silently as a snake, to the river bank, and to the timber which bounded the Southern side of the camp, moving along the mossy sward, amid the soft bottom grass, until he was within five paces of the Apache sentinel, who was now lying prone uponethe ground, with his ear pressed to the earth in an attitude of listening. Benito quickly imitated the example of the Indian, and heard a distant, tremulous rumble, which told of a body of galloping mustangs. It could be naught else, for no buffalo came so far down country, and there was no stock, now, nearer than Fort Ewell. It was a time for either a retreat or a quick movement, and the young brokaro did ‘int heal: tate. Rising, with one great spring he threw himself upon the outstretched form of the war- rior, thrusting his sombrero into the mouth of a Apache as he buried his knife deep in his y. Only waiting to see that life was extinct Benito leaped‘to the side of Jennie, cut the thongs which bound her wrists and ankles, and pressed a knife into her hand, whispering: ‘Be silent. Friends are near who would die for you, but cut your father loose quickly or all is lost!” Bewildered, half dazed by the joyful surprise Jennie fell upon her knees, and with rapid but trembling fingers cut her father free and assist- ed him to rise. Hardly had she done so when Benito bounded back and lifting her in his arms, tenderly bore her under the towering trees to where there hung a lasso, which he had fixed to a limb above. / Aided by this he soon had his fair charge seated upon a limb some forty feet above the camp, and entirely screened by the festooned moss, even had it n bright daylight. ith a whispered word of cheer he bound her securely to the limb, and then descended to aid her father to mount to the satne perch. As the colonel had suffered rougher handling than his daughter he was even more helpless, but the strength and skill of Benite aiding him he was soon upon a perch near to Jennie, securely bound in a safe position. Panting from his exertions, Benito stood upon a limb below the pair, and once, even in that moment ofintense anxiety, a thrill of strange joy ran through his frame, as he felt by chance er wandering fingers touch lightly the long, soft ringlets of his hair. Then, as a stream of moonlight came glinting from behind a moving cloud, their eyes met, those of the one filled with unbounded thankfulness, of the other | something much like deep if dawning love. But even as they looked, from up the river sounded a wild war-cry from many throats, that caused every one of the sleeping braves below to bound from his blanket, grasp his weapons and give an answering yell, while Benito, utterly astonished at the turn of affairs, drew his re- volvers and braced himself for coming fight, He dared not, now, give the agreed upon signal of success, though the attention of Rattlesnake and his followers was now wholly directed up the stream. For the time their captives were wholly forgotton. And now the secret of the distant rumbling that the Indian sentinel had heard, was to be Tevealed, The sounds of the stampede increased, as if it came above a depression of the prairie, and then, thundering down the decline toward the Apache camp, came amass of snorting, terri- fied steeds, wild Texan yells being heard above the din of trampling hoofs, crashing brush and snorting animals. At the same instant that the stampede struck the bottom, a fusillade of revolver shots, min- gled with Apache war-cries, and yells of agony came from the west. As the Indians under Rattlesnake sprung from their blankets they were at first dazed by these unaccountable sounds, and for an instant stood in their tracks, weapons in hand, Then, in a body, they ps ani So 2 the prisoners, intend- ing to butcher them before a rescue could be attempted. Before the main body, however, came Rattlesnake, with the intention of saving the young girl from such a fate. 6 former surprise was nothing to that which now filled the os and his braves, when they found the sentinel” dead and the captives gone. But no time had they to think or act, fora score of terrified mustangs came crashing through the camp from the north driven by Single Eye and the two rancheros, who poured a rapid fire into the massed, demoralized Apaches, a few of whom, having bounded on the backs of their steeds, were filled with new surprise and terror by a wild stampede of the animals they bad themselves corraled to the west. These two came crashing into the open- ing, and a fearful whirlpool of savage men and maddened mustangs filled the camp. Benito gave a reassuring pressure of the hand to the horrified father and daughter and then lided downward. Unnoticed in the confusion e sprang along the bank of the river until he reached the spot where the horses of the four had been left secured. Here he did not linger but mounting his own animal and leading the other three he made the best of his way out from the bottom timber to the prairie, and gal- loping quickly to a point abreast of the Apache camp gave a loud yell, Instantly he was answered by Old Rocky, who soon appeared on the run, followed. by Bob and Green, each with revolvers in hand, and looking over his shoulders, in expectation of seeing any enemy following in their rear. ‘Bully boy, pard!” yelled the old scout. Yer got here jist az yer war wanted! There they come!” : The Apaches on foot, who had struck the opening where the horses were being guarded, but had been driven back by a gallin from Old Rocky and the boys, now burst out from the bush, charging straight for the he Tuto their sacdles sprung Old Rocky and the boys, and drawing their rifles fired a volley into the midst of the advancing braves, who, as yet, had seen nothing of their comrades under Rat- tlesnake, wildered, and some wounded or dead, the volley forced them back into the tim- ber, Almost at the same instant Single Eye and the two Texan rancheros made their ap- pearance, being driven out from the camp by a movement of Rattlesnake and his men, who had caught mounts from the stampeding mustangs. Great was the surprise and joy of each party of whites see the other, and in a moment they were together and prepare to change the camp. As the tail of t the open plain the seven determined whites paened home their spurs and sprung down the path. By this time, however, the Indians from up the river had joined the band of Rattlesnake and had explained to him the strength and character of the double attack, and the cause of the stampede, as they understood it. Black Bear, by chance, hid his warriors under the very tree in which Colonel Granger and his daughter were secreted, while Rattlesnake drew his hastily mounted and gant war- riors into line at the further side the open space. None too soon, either, for just as he formed his band, with the ringing Texan yell the Tittle cavalcude of whites cume charging into the camp. : : , © mustang herd struck |
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_ Benito, the Young Horse-Breaker. SRA ail MN « AAA OAR RE ASSAS seh to cover. plumed head, ‘and guided his horse beneath the trees, while the reserve under Black Bear sent ball and arrows thick and fast. Bob and Green spurred recklessly up to the edge of the wood and delivered their fire at short range; but they paid dearly for their te- merity. Green received an arrow in the thigh, and Bob’s horse fell dead from a lance thrust. The experienced Texans seeing that it would be impossible to dislodge the Apaches on horse- back, at the order of Single Eye retreated to- ward the opposite side of the opening, intending to dismount and clear the opening by a revolver charge on foot, but as they went a ball from the rifle of Rattlesnake grazed Benito’s arm and sertorated the brain of his horse, which fell to aes aJ G it happened Jennie Granger was gazin with ieee through a space between the screening moss, and saw the fall of Benito and his steed. Thinking that the young man whom she rec- ognized as her late rescuer, was killed, a cry of agony burst from her lips. If heard by no other the sound reached the ears of Rattlesnake. He recognized the voice; and understood at once the mystery of the sud- den disappearance of the prisoners. With all his thoughts intent upon the lovely Rose of the Frio he bounded up the tree, severed the cords which had bound her safely to her perch, and clambering hastily from branch to branch without once noticing or thinking of Colone Granger, finally dropped to the ground with the form of the now senseless young girl flung across his shoulders. Again in the saddle he brougbt his quirt hiss- ing about the hams of his mustang and dashed from the dense darkness out into the moonlight, holding the motionless form of the golden- haired girl between him and the deadly tubes which were instantly brought to bear. Amidst a chorus of yells from the baffled, horrified Texans Rattlesnake flashed across the moonlit opening, and disappeared toward the open prairie. The wounded Greenway had rolled from his saddle, and Benito, with an agony of despera- tion that ve him the will, strength and bravery of half a dozen men, sprungfrom the und, where he had fallen, to the back of yreen’s mustang, and twitching the rein from the hand of the boy who still held it he dashed spurs into the sides of the horse and bounded away in Be pee Single Eye and Old Rocky were already on Rattlesnake’s trail, supposing their friends would all follow; but as the three flashed sud- denly out of sight the Apaches hidden in the dark shades delivered a volley that stretched one of the rancheros dead in his tracks. Then with a vengeful cry. and Black Bear at their head they sprung ike demons from the dark shades, and in a trice Bob, Green and the re- maining Texan were knocked senseless, and bound band and foot. A few moments later Colonel Granger’s retreat was discovered by the searching savages, and a wild yell of exulta- tion showed that he was again a prisoner. CHAPTER XIV. INTO THE GULF. On, on flew the Apache chief over the plain toward the west, clasping Jennie Granger to his painted breast, her golden tresses flying over his shoulder, and mingling with his own black, flowing bair. From time to time his face, hideous with war- paint, would be turned toward his pursuers, and exultant yells would break from his lips, but his fair captive heard them not since she still lay swooning in his arms. And on galloped Single Eye and Old Rocky, their steeds nearly abreast, their rifles clutched each realizing the slenderness of the chance of retaking the young girl alive, but both deter- mined to follow the trail to the bitter end. Just in the rear of the old scout came Benito, with set teeth and eyes fixed upon the golden hair, now visible in the gray light of the early morning. Pressing bridle-reins toward the right and lashing bis mustang saporcualy with his quirt, he sprung past the old scouts and trailed the Apache, not half a rifle-shot behind. “Hold up!” yelled Single Eye. ‘Keep ver patience, er ther cuss ll kill leetle Sunshine!” “Keep cool, Benito,” added Old Rocky. . SE Een ee a ‘*We’ll run him ter his hole, an’ save ther gal some way.” ’ The adwice was not wasted, for Benito did not doubt the truth of Single Eye’s pate ge, but immediately slackened his speed. Then a 1 three galloped abreast in the rear of the fast- flying Apache, each horse pennre heavily and white foam flying upon all sides, upon prairie grass and flowers. ile after mile the chase went ou; but at last the black mustang ridden by the Indian began to show signs of flagging under its double load. Sinews of steel could scarcely have stood the fearful strain. A staggering, laboring lope showed to the three avengers that the crisis was near at hand. How the fearful ride was to end they scarcely oe cee The olive skin of Benito grew a ghas y white as the question came into his mind. At length the Apache turned back his gaze. It was still defiant; but no yell of exultation now passed his lips. What was it they heard? A weird recitation, a monotonous jumble in uniform tone, came plainly to their ears, and they gazed from one to the other in surprise as they lashed their panting steeds onward. They knew that Rattlesnake was chanting his death- song. What was the danger that menaced the Apache? Why had he giyen up all hope of life? They knew he would not sing that death-song unless he believed that the end of life was near at hand; and death to him meant death to the captive as well. e mystery was all too suddenly explained, and each of the pursuing horsemen brought his mustang to a balt with a wrench that extorted & moan of pain from the tortured beast. Straight ahead of the Apache chief was a nar- row ribbon of red clay, just discernible below the green grass and black line of the surface, and each man’s cheek bleached with horror as he realized the purpose of the Indian chief, who once more turned his face to them, looking like a very demon as he uttered a savage yell. en he swung his quirt hissing through the air, and prpers the golden-hai maiden closer to his reast, as his mustang, with wild bound and snort, sprung toward what they now knew to be the yawning line of a deep, dry canyon. “Shoot ther crittur in the hams!” The words rung out ed and rapid as the rifle of Single Eye sprung to his shoulder. A qe report broke on the morning air, fol- lowed by two others in Py succession, as Rat- tlesnake’s mustang was bounding toward the fatal chasm: At the first shot the left arm of the chief dropped by his side, and Jennie Granger fell, her head downward, her long hair sweeping the rairie grass, ghastly with its death-like pallor, ed toward the Texans, ber skirts caught in the sharp horn of the Indiau’s saddle. But the black mustang saw the death ahead, and swerved to the left at the cringe of his wounded rider. At the second report he gavea great bound. The double shock loosened the skirts of the fair captive, and she sunk nearly to the earth. Another shot, a sbriek of terror from the mustang, a death-yell from the Apache, and black horse and rider shot downward from sight, while Jennie Granger, Gisenge by the last mad whirl of the frantic steed, lay on the very verge of the deep barranca—and slowly slipping forward into the hideous gulf. ith the quickness of thought Benito drove home his spurs and loosened bis lariat. There was no timeor chance for a throw; as his horse sprung forward the girl disappeared from view. e slipped the noose of his lasso over the horn of his saddle, holding the slack in his hand, and as his steed suddenly halted with his forefeet planted deeply in the turf, not a yard from the chasm, the brokaro leaped to the ground and plunged over the edge of the canyon. At that the horse whirled and endeavored to leave the dangerous boca but the lariat loo to the horn of the sa dle, and stretch taut over the brink of the bank, seemed to hold him to the spot. A moment later Single Eye and Old Rocky were there; and while the one seized and held in his iron gripe the prancing steed, the other peered cautiously over the brink, and then ti is his sombrero as he uttered a cry of de- ght At some distance below was Benito, his left hand grasping the lariat, bis right arm sustain- ing Jennie Granger, while his feet were braced stiffly agoinst the side of the canyon, at a point where, a mass of earth being detached, appar- 15 ently by the fall of Rattlesnake and his mus- tang, a little ledge was left that by chance ltd caught the girl as she slipped down the almost Pepe descent. And from below that = y the side of the canyon was one sheer wall. e crisis of the danger was past. The two scouts drew in the lariat carefully, and brought the brokaro and his fair burden to the plain. With jealous care Benito placed the fair girl upon the grass and bathed her head with water from his canteen, while the old scouts peered over the edge, down into the dark, deep bar- ranca at the huddled mass far below, shudder- ing, meanwhile, at the fearful leap to doom of the mad chief, who chose such a frightful death, as he thought to be shared with her, rather than to relinquish his captive. Then they ste back from the canyon, and turned toward Benito. ‘** Jumpin’ Jerusilem, Jericho and jewsharps, but it war a close shave!” Old Rocky spoke at large. tsi rec’ons he’d ’a’ bin mashed meat "bout now ef he hedn’t kep’ a tight grip on ther lariat,” added Single Eye, as he dropped on his knees‘on the grass and watched the face of the young girt with some solicitude. Old Rocky, from the other side, took the little wrist of the senseless maiden between his tough thumb and finger, and stared up into the air tor a& moment as owlish looking as a first class “‘ saw- bones,” ‘*Reckons yer right, Single Eye. But it’s O, K. now. She bev got sum considerable life in her an’l] cum out az bloomin’ az ever. Reckons we'll shake now, old hoss. Whar in ther name 0’ Krockitt did yer strike ther trail, an’ how did yer kim a-boomin’ in on us wi’ thet herd o’ mustangs jist in time ter save our bacon?” ‘*Me an’ Skiplively haz bin on ther trail sin’ ther ole man an’ Sunshine war took frum ther ranch. ‘Ther danged ’Paches split, an’ apts on ’em camped down west, on ther river. stuck ter ther northern trail, knowin’ they'd j’ineafore long; an’ az they hed two boys from ther Medina range, what they’d tuck in, I skinred in las’ night airly, sccoped a few in outen ther wet, cut ther boys loose, stampeded ther stock, an’ levanted down ther river, Rec’ons ye kin study out ther rest ov the story fur yerself. I see little Sunshine’s cumin’ round ter bigness.” Single Eye was right, for Jennie, with a low moan, opened her blue eyes, in the depths of which still lingered a shadow of horror. In a bewildered, inquiring way she gazed up at the old scouts. Then, realizing that ber head was resting on the arm of some one, her eyes turned upward, filling with a soft pleased expression as she re- cognized her young preserver, and her lids closed restfully, for a moment. But a second thought came flashing through her brain, causing her to spring to a sitting po- sition and gaze about her with a wild stare, Tben, with terrible earnestness she exclaimed: ‘Where is my father?” Bat heavens!” burst from the lips of Be- nito, No other answer came. but four were here. CHAPTER XV. THE FALL OF THE AX—HOME AT LAST. Ir was just about sunrise when Black Bear and his remaining score of warriors, with camp equipage and captives bound upon whtat mus- tangs they had Seen able to catch, stole cut from the bottom timber and made their way as fast as possible toward the old camp from which they had lost horses and captives the night before. Rey. pies were sent over the prairie in advance, and two well-mounted scouts dashed away upon the trail of Rattlesnake and the three Texans; while the main body in gloomy silence rode steadily on. 7 The sufferings of the prisoners were already intense, though destined to deepen as the day wore on, and by the time the halt for the night was made one would have thought they had been tortured enough to satisfy even savage hearts. But the warriors were infuriated by their re- cent disasters, and cared little so that the pris- oners did not lose consciousness, Fearful of some new misfortune they had decided to earry their prisoners no further; but to end their lives by torture that very night. As the night came down they wero flitting around through the bottom timber of the Nuécves, gath- ering great armfuls of dry dead wood, which they piled in three huge heaps, within the opening where were bound the four captives, With arms folded Black Bear stood, giving bis Of the nine whites
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16 orders. Soon the piles of fuel were deemed sufficient for his use, and at an order fire was applied to each. Suickly the feeble blaze spread until the three heaps of wood blazed high, throwing a bright light over bush and towering treetop, and brilliantly illuminating the little opening. Colonel Granger and the Texan ranchero ap- peared to be more dead than alive, their heads drooping upon their breasts in hopeless despair; but Bob and Green still strove to wear a look of dauntless defiance. They had not altogether lost faith in Benito and Old Rocky, and still ho to see them come to the rescue. t an order from the chief half a dozen braves sprung to the young and slender n tree, which stood atthe northern edge of the open- ing. They stripped the tree in short order, their scalping-knives fiying fast and glittering in the firelight, Bob and Green watching each imovement of the red warriors with a dread curiosity. A stout lariat had been attached to the to of the tree, and at length the six braves, att: ing with united ornsenge drew the young elastic tree down to the earth. Other warriors, at a sign from Black Bear, sprung to the ranchero, cut the thong which bound him to the tree, and bore him to the bent — he ankles of the doomed man were secured together, the lariat attached to the sapling was made fast to them at the same instant the Apa- ches all let go. With a heart-rending shriek, which was echoed by the other captives, the Texan was whisked through the air, as the tree sprung partly back to its place. Then he hung with his head down- ward, writhing in pain. A wild yell of exultation quivered up from the Apache horde, ** Great God of justice! What a fearful sight! Are we all to be butchered by such torture, and no help near?” As Bob spoke he vainly strained at his bonds while Green answered, in a voice that quavered in spite of Himself: ‘No use, Bob! The more you pull the worse the oe hide cuts. When they come. to me I shall try to snatch one of their knives and reach the heart of one or two before I go under.” Again the ranchero uttered a frighttul shriek. So full of agony was it that it even roused Col- onel Granger from his stupor, and Bob and Green involuntarily closed their eyes. When they looked again a half-dozen arrow shafts were quivering in different parts of the ranch- ero’s y, while his blood, flowing from as many wounds, ran down over his face, and dri fast from his hanging hair. th fiendish glee the Apaches danced be- neath their victim, gazing upward and drink- ing in each tremor of which racked the form of the dying man. Then from the south side of the opening there came two sharp reports, and high into the air leaped Black Bear, with a bullet in his brain, w yee every Apache wheeled and faced thither- ward, It was but a deadly diversion. At the same instant Single Eye and Old Rocky stood by the captives, at the southern side of the little glade, slicing off their bonds. Into the hands of Bob and Ficeon knives were thrust, while Colonel Granger, too weak to stand was thrown back- ward into a gully. Then the twoscouts stepped out into the glow of the firelight, holding a “Colt’s army ” ineach hand, and deliberately, and yet with marvelous celerity, began their work, while Benito rushing around as soon as he had fired’his shots from the north, came to their side, and that to stay. This was no firing in the uncertain moonlight, The fire made the opening light as day, and the slaughtered sentinels had given no warning of the approach of the dreaded foe. It was a sur- prise and a slaughter. Flesh and blood could not stand before that furious rain of J}ead that was to other firing as the tornado is to the gentle zephyr. Those yet unharmed, or but slightly wounded burst away into tae bottom timber and fled far from the spec with bated breath. The few ‘scattering arrow’ shots had done no harm, and almost untouched the Texans were masters of the field. Single Eye at once turned to the swinging ranchero while Benito darted to the aid of Col- onel Granger. The Texan was past all mortal care; but the white-haired colonel came trembling forward thrilled and eager with a new-born hope, while Benito exclaimed: ** You are safe now, and among friends. See, your enemies are dead, or fugitives, and your daughter is safe. We have her in concealment but will take you to her and she shall rest in your arms before sunrise.” No happier couple lived then on the broad plains of Texas than Colonel Granger and his daughter, as they met once more face to face, and unwilling to obtrude upon the sacredness of their joy angie Eye and the rest withdrew a lit- tle and left the two for awhile alone in their pee peas When they again joined them they could already see a change for the better ir the worn and wasted old man. The journey down the river and back to the Fk gt ranch was necessarily slow, but it was devoid of any startling events. Bob and Green were not at all averse to giv- ing up the projected mustang had met with adventures still more thrillin than any Sey had thought to find, and wit Benito and Old Rocky cheerfully turned on the back trail. As a large share of the stolen stock as well as of the Indians’ mustangs, had been gathered up, the procession looked like a small army. With so much recovered the Grangers seemed likely to lose but little through the Apache raid. hat more is there to tell? Well, but little. The time came for the ele- ments of the little party to separate, Boband Green turned their faces toward their eastern home, and Single Eye and Old Rocky went out ‘once more to range the free prairies of the grand old commonwealth; but Benito, the Bo- carro, handsome, brave and intelligent, lingered to look for something he had lost. If in place he found little Sunshine’s heart, who can greatly wonder? Tamed down from his wanderin Gways he was the man of men in that wild an far-off land where, guided by his advice and skill the colonel lingers yet, his declining years made happy by the love and care of son daughter. THE END. BEADLE’S Half-Dime Library. 66 SineLe Hanp. By W. J. Hamilton........ athe OC 67 Pavent-LeaTHER JOx. By Philip 8. Warne... 5c 68 Tue BorperR Rosin Hoop. B alo Bill... 5¢ 69 Gop Rirtz. By Edward L. GEE ne dale Gs ne 5e 70 Otp Zrp’s Canrmn. By J. F. C. Adams.......... 5c 71}DELAWARE Dick. By Oll ORs 36 ics eas OG 72 Map Tom Western. By W. J. Hamilton....... 5¢ 73 Deapwoop Dick on Deck. By E. L, Wheeler.. 5c 5c Ang Cout, THE CRow By A. W, Aiken 5c Corpuroy CHarum. By Edw L. Wheeler.. 5c Buun Dick. By Captain Mayne Reid..... . Sot Ginger, THE Grant Trapper. A.W. Aiken. bc Rosxesup Ros. By Edward L, Wheeler.... ... 5c 1 Ligutyine Jog. oy Captain J. F, C. Adams,... 5c Kir Hareroor, 5e Roi1o, THE Boy IpyL, THE Giri Miner, By Ed. L. Wheeler .. 5e Captain J. F.C, Adams... 5c . Waldo Browne .... . ... 5c bc 5c Puorograra Pum, By Edward L. Wheeler.... Isuanp Jim. By Brace ge Se iee stds 5c 90 THe Dreap Riper. By G. Waldo Browne. ... be 91 Tae CAPTAIN oF THE CLUB. By Bracebridge pera c. me had WIE, ae titan Oeke pr As os 92 CanaDA Cuer. By Edward L. Wheeler.,...... 93 Tum Boy Miners. By Edward 8. Ellis......... 94 Mipnicut Jack. By T. C. Harbaugh ...... .. 95 Tae Rrvau Rovers. By Lieut. Col, Hazeltine. 97 Tux OvrLaw Brotuers. By J. J. hall... 98 Roprn Hoop. By Prof. Stewart Guldersleeve.. . 99 Tam Tiger of Taos. By George W. Browne... 100 DeApwoop ‘Dick IN LEADVILLE. BY Wheeler. 101 Jack Harkaway IN New York. bridge Hemyng..... 102 Dick Deap-EXve, By Col. Prentiss sngreneso.. 103 Tue Lion or THE SEA. By Col, Delle Sara... 104 Drapwoop Dick’s Bevicr. By Ed/L. Wheeler, 105 Oty Rupr, THE HUNTER. pt. H. Holmes - 106 Oup Frosty, THE GUIDE. By T, C. Harbaugh. 2S3RIVae BERERLSS -) : wo < st e@e eet eeee eos wreee STSTITTITSTSSSSSSISS STSTSTTTST By J. L. 108 Darina Davy. By Harry St. George.,... .--- 109 Dgapwoop Dick 4s DETECTIVE. Ya Wueeer 110 Tue BLAcK Sr£ep or THE Prairies. By Bowen 111 Tue Sea-Devi. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham.. 112 Toe Map Hunter. By Burton Saxe.......... : 113 Jack Hoyie. By Edward L, Wheeler.... . . 114 Tae Buack Schooner. By Roger Starbuck... 115 Taz Map Miner. By G. Waldo Browne...... 116 Tae Hussar Capra. By Col, P. In m. 117 Grur-Epcep Dick. By Edward L. 118 Wirt. Somers, THe Boy DETECTIVE. Morris.. 119 Mustane Sam. By Jos. B, dy etre ei SC 120 Toe Brannpep Hann. By Frank Dumont..... 5¢ 121 Crxnamon Cure. By Edward L. Wheeler...... 5¢ 122 Pum Harpy, THe Boss Boy. By Chas. Morris. 5c T. GO. Harbaugh ......., 5¢ George Gleason...... 5c hunt, fos. they: Benito, the Young Horse-Breaker. fo a en a pen nS ET et en ee acer nn sme 126 Picayune Petr, By Charlies Morris............ 127 Wonp-Firz. By Frank Dumont.....,... ..... 128 Tue Youne Privateer. By H 129 Drapwoop Dick’s Dousie.. By 180 Derectrve Dick. By Charles Mprris 131 Tue GotpEn Hanp. By George 132 Taz Huntep Hunter. By Edward 8. Ellis... 133 Boss Bos. By Edward L. Wheeler .:....... 134 Sure-SHor Sera. By Oll Coomes,.........-.. 185 CAPpraIn Pau, By C. D. Clark ’.. ............ 136 Nicut-Hawk Krr. By Jos. E. Bete: 1 ae 1387 Toe Heupitess Hann. By Cant, ne Reid. 188 BironpE Bru. By Edward L. eeler....... 189 Jupar Lyncu, Jr. By T. C. Harbaugh....... 1490 Biugz BuazEs. By Frank Dumont... ........ 141 Soni Sam. By ward L, Wheeler ........ 142 HanpsomE Harry. By Charles Morris....... 148 Scar-Facr Saut. By Oll Coomes, ........... 144 Darnty Lance, THE Boy Sport. By Badger. 145 CapraIn FERRET. By Edward L, Wheeler.... 146 Surver Srar. By Oll Coomes...............-. 147 Wi, Witprire. By Charles Morris........... 148 SHarp Sam. By J. Alexander Patten.... .. . 149 A Game or GoLp. By Edward L. Wheeler/.. 150 LaNcE AND Lasso. Capt. F. Whittaker. ... 151 Panruer Paun. By Joseph B. Badger, Jr.... 152 Buack Bess. By Charles Morris..... ..... ay 153 Eaeur Krv, tHE Boy Demon. By Oll Coomes. 154 Tue Sworp-FiunTers. ea Capt. F. Whittaker 155 Gotpy Triacer, By T. C. Harbaugh.... ... 156 Deapwoop Dick or Deapwoop, By Wheeler. 157 Mixer Murry. By Charles Morris yieeec. 158 Fancy FraNK or Cotorapo. By Buffalo Bill. 159 Tae Lost Caprarn. By Fred. Whittaker..... 160 THE a Giant. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr... 161 New Yorx Neii. By Edward L, Wheeler ... 162 WiLL WILDFIRE IN THE Woops. By C. Morris. 163 LirrLe Texas. By Oll Coomes.. ......... .. 164 Danpy Rock’s PirpGre. By Geo. W. Browne.. 165 Brory BaGGaGcn, THE RamRoav Boy. Morris.. 166 Hickory Harry. By Harry St. George....... 167 Asa Scorr. By Edward Willett.... 168 DeapLy Dasa. By Joseph EK. Badger, Jr,.... 169 ‘Rornapo Tom. By T. C. Harbaugh.... ..-... 170 A Trump Carp. By Charlies Morris..,........ 171 Esony Dan. By Frank Dumont... 172 TaonpeRrBott Tom. By Harry St. George.... 178 Danpy Rock’s Rrvau. By Geo. W. Browne.. 174 Bos Rocxerr. By Charles Morris........ ... T’5 CapraIn ARIZONA. ae ee S. Warne....... 176 Tue Boy Runaway. By Lieut. H. D. Perry.. 177 Nossy Nick or Nevapa. By E. L. Wheeler.. 178 Oty Souirary. By Oll Coomes.......... 179 Bos Rockett, THE BANK RUNNER. By Mdrris. 180 Tue Sea TrarveR. Lieut. H. D. Penry, U.S. N. 181 Wiip FRANK oF MONTANA. E. L. Wheeler. 182 Lirtie Hurgicane. By Oll 188 Taz Hippen Hanp. By Chas. Morris...:.... 184 Tur Boy Trarers.. By Jos. EB, Badger, Jr... 5c PTETTTITA TTT SSSFTE ‘SETESTTETESTSSSTSTITSSTTITT TT TTTTETES 185 Evin Eve. By Frank Dumont... ............ Se 186 Coot DEsMoND. By Col. Dele Sara..........- 5e 187 Frep HALYARD. Chas, Morris’... /.:....... Se 188 Nep Tempe, By T. C. Harbaugh..... ..... be Capt. A. B. Taylor,U.8.A. 5c 192 Caprarn Krr. By Lieut. H. D, Perry, U.S.N. 5¢ 193 Tae Lapy Roap-Acent. By Philip 8. Warne. 5c aylor,U.S.A 5e L. ler. 5c sigh Wks ees 22 5e 196 a a By Charles Morris .. 197 Grrr. By Col, Prentiss Ingraham.... 198 Arxansaw. By T. C. Harbaugh.............. 199 FeaTHERWEIGHT. By Edward Willett ....... be 200 Tax Boy Bepourns, By Capt. F. Whittaker.. 5c 204 GoLp PLume. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham ... 5c 205. Deapwoop Diox’s Doom. By EB. 206 DarK Pavut, THE TiaerR Kina. By C. Morris, 5e 207 Navago Nicx. By T. C. Harbaugh... ........ de 208 Tax Boy Hercures. By Oll Codmes..... .. 5e 909 Frirz. THE Bounp-Boy Derrctrve. Wheeler. 5c 210 Faro FRANK oF HicH Prxe. By W.R. Eyster. 5c 911 Crooxrep Cae. By Jos. E, Badger, Jr....... 5e 212 Dasuina Dave. By Charles Morris..... 5c 213 Frirz To THE Front. By E. L. Wheeler..... 5c 214 WoLFGANG. By Capt. Frederick Whittaker.. 5c 215 Caprain Butuet. By T.C. Harbaugh .. ie 216 Bison Bru. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham...... Be 917 Caprary Crack-Sror. By E. L. be 218 Tranr Tom. By Oll Coomes ... ..... ...-- ee Be 5e@ 5c 5¢e 222 GriT, THE Bravo Sport. Col. Ingraham. 5¢ 923 OzaRK ALF. By Edward Willett ..... it Pte 224 DasHine Dick. By Oll Coomes.... uf 225 Sam CHARCOAL, THE Premrom D. Charles Morris ....-- -:-- 4 Dust Dick. By ©. L. Wheeler,. .. ... 5c 233 Soa toce or AnceLs. By Albert W. Aiken.. 5c 234 Benrro, THE YounG Horsz-Breaxer. By ckski fests eter awe ree les Mo ao o is KooeO BALL. By Edward L. Wheeler...... . be A new tesue every week. i“ The Half-Dime Library is for sale by ant by mail Newsdealers, five cents per ee Ene PRAMS, —_—— L ae
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—— x. >} 1, TE es! tes | i aH ci ial in 1 | See, miANS \, $2.50 ayear, Entered at the Post Office at New York, N. Ye at Second ee Mail Rates. — a hr in 1881 by BRADLE AND ADAMS, ud SON 10, ena “Si le PUBL ISHED “WEEKLY BY BEADL E AND ADAMS, 2 prerwir on 5 OH2« bd csedienilil Number. No, 98 WILLIAM STREET, NEW YORK. 5 Cents. No. 233. JOE BUCK OF ANGELS and HIS BOY PARD PAUL POWDERHORN. Or, THE THREE WILD MEN OF EAGLE BAR. BY ALBERT W. AIKEN, AUTHOR OF “OVERLAND KIT,” “THE FRESH OF FRISCO,” ‘‘ GOLD DAN,” ‘CAPTAIN DICK TALBOT,” ‘““VRELVET HAND,” ETC., Wy) My the Mh Hf PH) “NOW, THEN, YVE GOT YER!” GROWLED CANYON JACK, AS THE PAIR WITH THEIR RIGHT ARMS UPRAISED IN THE AIR WAITED FOR THE SIGNAL SHOT.
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1 Deadwood Dick, THe Priuceor@se Roan. By Edward L. Wheeler, 2 Yellowstone Jack, By Jos. E. Badger, Jr, 3 Kansas King; or, THe Rep Riansr Hann. By Buffalo Bill (Hon. Wm. F. Cody). 4 The Wild-Horse Hunters. By Captain _ Mayne Reid and Captain b'rederick Whittaker. 5 Vagabond Joe, tHe Youna WANDERING JEW; or, ‘TING FOR’ A LeGacy. By Oll Coomes. 6 Bill Biddon, Trapper. By E. S. Ellis. 7 The Flying Vankee; or, THE Oc#an Ovt- cast. By Col. Preatiss Ingraham. 8 Seth Jones. By Edward 5. Ellis. 9 Adventures of Baron Munchausen. 10 Nat Todd. By E.S5. Ellis. ii The Two Detectives, 42 Gulliver’s Travels. By Dean Swift. 13 The Dumb Spys By OH Coomes. 14 Aladdin; or, THz WonperFci Lamp. 15 'The Sea-Cat. By Captain Fred. Whittaker. 16 Robinson Crusoe, (27 Illustrations.) 17 Ralph Boy, tae Boy Buccanesr; or, Tur Fuarttve Yacut. Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 18 Sindbad the Sailor. His Seven Voyages. 19 The Phantom Spy. By Buffalo Bill. 20 The Double Daggers. By ©. L. Wheeler. 21 The Frontier Angel. By Edward S. Ellis. 22 The Sea Serpent; or, THe Boy Rosinson Crusor. By Juan Lewis. 23 Nick o° the Night. 24 Diamond Dirk, 25 The Boy Captain. By Roger Starbuck. 26 Cloven Hoot, tHe Burrato Demon; or, THE Borper Voutures. By Edward L. Wheeler. 27 Antelope Abe, THE Boy Guipe. Oll Coomes 28 Buffalo Ben, THe Price or’ THe PIrsToL; or, DkApwoop Dick oy Disevise. E. L. Wheeler. 29 The Dumb Page. By Capt. F. Whittaker. 30 Roaring Ralph Rockwood, Tux RxEcK- LESS RANGER. By Harry St. George. 31 Keen-Knife, Privce or tHe PRAinigs. By Oll Coomes, 32 Bob Woolf, tHe Borper RvrrFian; or, THE Girt Deap-SHor. By Edward L. Wheeler. 33 The Ocean Bloodhound. S. W. Pierce. 34 @regon Sol3 or, Nick Wuirries’ Boy Spy By Sag J.F. rol Adams. 35 Wild Ivan, THe Boy CiaupE Dovat; or, THE BROTHERHOOD OF DEATH. By Ed. L. Wheeler. 36 The Boy Clown. By Frank S. Finn. 37 The Hidden Lodge. By T. C. Harbaugh. 38 Ned Wylde, THe Boy Scour. By Texas Jack. 39 Death-Face, THE Detective. By Wheeler. 40 Roving Ben. By J. J. Marshall. il Lasso Jack. By Oll Coomes. 42 The Phantom Miner, By E. L. Wheeler. 43 Dick Darling, THE Pony ee RIDER. By Capt. Frederick Whittaker. 44 Rattling Rube. By Harry St. George. 4&5 Old Avalanche, THE GREAT ANNIHILATOR: or, WiLD EpNA, THE GIRL BRIGAND. EF. L:Wheeler. 46 Glass Eye, THe Great Snot or tar West. By Capt. J. FsQ. Adams. By T. C. — dger. By A.W. Aiken, By T. C. Harbaugh. By Colonel P. Ingraham. 47 Nightingale Nat. 48 Black John, ter Roap-AGgent. By 49 Omaha Oll. By Edward L. Wheeler. 50 Burt Bunker, THe TrappEr. C. E. Lasalle. 51 The Boy Bifles. By Archie CG. Irons. 52 The White Buffalo, By C. E. Lasalle* 53 Jim Bludsoe, Jr., THe Boy Prenrx; or, THRovaH To Dears. By Edward L. Wheeler. 54 Ned Hazel. By Capt. J. F. C. Adams. 5&5 Deadly «Eye, tae Unknown Scour; or, Tar BRANDED BROTHERHOOD. By Buffalo Bill. 56 Nick Whifiles’? Pet. Capt. J. F.C. Adams. 57 Deadwood Dick’s Eagles. By Wheeler. 58 -The Border King. By Oll Coomes. 59 Old uae By Harry St. Ais 60 The White Indian. Capt. J. F. C. Adams. 61 Buckhorn Bill. By Edward L. Wheeler. 62 The Shadow Ship. By Col. P. 1 am. 63 The Red Brotherhood, W. J. Hamilton. 64 Dandy Jack. By T. C. Harbaugh. 65 Hurricane Bill. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr 66 Single Hand. By W. J. Hamilton. 67 Patent-leather Joe. By Philip S. Warne. 68 Border Robin Hood. By Buffalo Bill. 69 Gold Rifle. iy. Edward L. Wheeler. 70 Old Zip’s Cabin. By Capi. J. F. C. Adams. Ti Delaware Dick. By Oll Coomes. 72 Wad Tom Western. By W. J. Hamilton. 73 Deadwood Dick on Deck; or, CAtamrry JANE, THE HEROINE OF WHOoP-UP. By Wheeler. 74 Hawk-eye Harry. By Oll Coomes. 75 The Boy Duelist. By Col. P. ham. 76 Abe Colt, Taz Crow-Kiuter. By A. W. Aiken. 77 Corduroy Charlie, THxe;Boy Bravo; or, Deapwoop Drox’s Last Acr. By E. L. Wheeler. 78 Biue Dick. By Captain Mayne Reid. 79 Sol Ginger, Grant PER. By A.W. Aiken. 80 _ Rosebud Rob; or, Nuager Nep, THe KNiGatT or THE GuLcH. By Edward L. Wheeler. 81 Lightning Jo. By Captain J. F. C. Adams. S82 Kit Haretoot. By T. C. Harbaugh. 83 Rollo, the Boy Ranger. By.O Coomes. 84 Idyl, the Girl Miner. By E. L. Wheeler. 85 Buck Buckram. By Capt. J. F. C. Adams. 86 Dandy Bock. By G. Waldo Browne. ‘87 The Land Pirates, By Capt. Mayne Reid. 88 Photograph Phil, tHe Boy_Sievrg; or, RosEsvup Ros’s REaPpPEARANCE. By E, L. Wheeler. 89 Esland Jim. By Bracebri 90 The Dread Rider. 7 G. Waldo whe, 91 The Captain ofthe Olub; or, Tae Youne Rivau AtTsurres. By Bracebrid Hemyng. 92 Canada Chet. By Edward L. eeler, 93 The Boy Miners. By Edward S. Ellis. . 94 Midnight Jack, THE Roap-Acent; THe Boy Trapper. By T. C. Harbaugh. Hemyng. or, 95 The Rival Rovers, Lieut. Col, Hazeltine, EADLE’S | HALF-DIME __———— | BEADLP's | HAL 96 Watch-Eye, tHe SHADOW. By E. L. Wheeler. 97 The Outlaw Brothers, By J. J. Marshall. 98 Robin Hood, THE OvTLAwep Eart; or, Toe Merry Men or GREENWOOD... Prof. Gildersleeve. 99 The Tiger of Taos. By G. Waldo Browne. 100 Deadwood Dick in Leatlville; or, A STRANGE STROKE FoR Liperty. By Wheeler. 101 Jack HMarkaway in New York, By Bracebridge Hemyng. 102 Dick ead-Kye.By Col. Ingraham. 103 The Lion of the Sea. By Col. Delle Sara. 104 Deadwood Dick’s Device. By Wheeler. 105 Old Rube, tHe Hunter. Capt. H. Holmes. 106 Old Frosty, rar Guimez. By T. C. Harbaugh. 107 One-Eyed Sim. By ee Bowen. 108 Daring Davy. By Harry St. George. 109 Deadwood ick as Detective. By Edward L. Wheeler. : 110 The Black Steed of the Prnuiries, A Thrilling Story of Texan Adventure... By Bowen. 111 ‘The Sea-Devil, By Col. P. Ingraham. 112 The Mad HMunter, By Burton Saxe. 113 Jack Moyle, THe Youne SPecuLAToR; or, THE Roap To Fortune. By Ed. L. Wheeler. 114 The Black Schooner. Roger Starbuck. 1165 The Mad Miner. By G. Waldo Browne. 116 The Hussar Captain. Col. P. Ingraham. 117 Gilt-Edged Dick, tae Sport Derective; or, THe Roap-Aaent’s DavuGuTer. Wheeler. 118 Will Somers, tHe Boy Derncrive; Morris. 119 Mustang Sam. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. 120 The Branded Hand. By Frank Dumont. 121 Cinnamon Chip, THE Grr. Sport; or, Tue GOLDEN [pou or Mr. Rosa. Kd. L. Wheeler. 122 Phil Mardy, tux Boss Boy. By.C. Morris. 123 Kiowa Charley, THE Wuarre MusTANGER. By T. C. Harbaugh. 124 Wippy, THe Texan. By George Gleason. 125 Bonanza Bill, Miver. By Ed. L. Wheeler. 126 Picayune Pete. By Charles Morris. 127 Wild-F ire, Bossorrne Roap. By Dumont. 128 The Young Privateer. By H. Cavendish. 129 Deadwood Dick’s Double. By Wheeler. 130 Detective Dick. By Charles Morris. 131 The Golden Hand, By Geo. W. Browne. 132 The Hunted Hunter. By Ed. 8S. Ellis. 133 Boss Bob, tHe Kina or THE BooTBLACKS: or, THE PAWNBROKER’s Piotr. Ed. L. Wheeler. 134 Sure Shot Seth, THe Boy Ririeman; or THE Youne Patriots oF THE Nortx. By Oll Coomes. 135 Captem Paul, THe Kentucky MoonsHInEeR; or, THe Boy Spy oF THE Mountams. By Clark. 136 Night-Hawk Kit. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. 137 The Helpless Mand. Capt. Mayne Reid. Blonde Bill; or, Deapwoop Dicx’s Home Base. By Edward L. Wheeler. Judge Lynch, Jr. By T. C. Harbaugh. Blue Blazes; or, Tae Break o’ Day Boys or Rocky Bar. By Frank Dumont. 141 Solid Sam, Ts Boy Roap-AGEnt; or, THE RANDED Brows. By Edward L. Wheeler. 142 Handsome Marry, Tar Boorsiack Dx- vectivE. By Charles Morris. Scar-Face Saul, By Oll Coomes. Dainty Lance, THE Boy Sporr. By Badger. Captain Ferret, tae New York Detac- T1vE; or, Boss Bos’s Boss Jos. By Wheeler. Silver Star, THE Boy Knicut. By Coomes, Will Wildfire, THe THoxoUGHBRED; or, Tue Wriynine Hann. By Charles Morris. Sharp Sam. By J. Alexander Patten, A Game of Golds or, DeEApwoop Dicx’s Bie Srrixe.: By Edward L. Wheeler. Lance and Lasso. By Capt. F. Whittaker. Panther Pawl, Tae Pram PIRATE; or, Dainty LANce To THE Rescur. J. E. Badger. Black Bess, Wit, Wrprime’s Racer; or, Winninc AGarnst Opps. By Charles Morris. Eagle Kit, rae Boy Demon. By Oll Codmes. The Sword Hunters. By F. Whittaker. Gold Trigger, Tax Sport. T: C. Harbaugh. Deadwood Dick of Deadwood; or, Tae Picken Party. By Edward L. Wheeler. Wike "Kerry, THe HAarpor Poxice boy; or, Tue Niant-Hawks of PamuApeLtpnaia. Morris. Fancy Frank of Colorado. Buffalo Bill. The Lost Captain. By Whittaker. The Black Giant. By J. E. Badger, Jr. New Work Nell, THe Boy-Grmt Derecrive; or, BLAKESLY’S Money. By E. L. Wheeler. Will Wildfire in the Woods. Morris. Little Texas, tam Youna Mustancer. A Tale of Texan Prairies. By Oll Coomes. Dandy Rock’s Pledge, By G.W. Browne. Billy Baggage, tHe RanRroav Boy; or, fm 70 EARTH ‘By Charles Morris. 166 Wiickory Harry. By Harry St. George. 167 Asa Scott, Tue SreampoaTBoy. By Willett. 168 Deadly Dash. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. 169 Tornado Tom. By T. C. Harbaugh. 170 A Trump Card; or, Wit Wiprime Wins AND Loses. By Charles Morris. 171 Ebony Dan. By Frank Dumont. 172 Thunderbolt Tom. By Harry St. George. 173 Dandy Rock’s Rival. By G.W. Browne. 174 Bob Rockett, rue Boy Doperr. By Morris. 175 Captain Arizona, By Philip S.Warne. 143 144 145 146 147 148 149 150 151 152 153 154 155 156 157 158 159 160 161 162 163 164 165 [ LIBRARY. RE EE ae Ee « Whe Boy Runaway ; or, THe Buccancee OF THE Bay. Lieut. H. D. Perry, U.S.N. Nobby Nick of Nevada, E. L. Wheeler. Old. Solitary. By Oll Coomes. Bob Rockett, tHe Bank Runner. Morris. Whe Sea Trailer; or, A Vow Wet Kerr. By Lieut. H. D. Perry, U.S. N. Wild Krank, rae Buckskin Bravo; or, Lapy Lity’s Love. By Edward L. Wheele: Little) Hurricane, tHE Boy Captain. By Oll Coomes. The Hidden Hand, By Chas, Morris. The Boy Trailers, By Badger, Jr. Evil Eye, Kine or Catrie Tnieves; or, Tax VULTURES OF THE Rio GRANDE. By F’, Dumont. Cool Desmond. By Col. Delle Sara. Fred Halyard, rae Lire Boar Loy; or, THE SMUGGLERS OF THE INLET. By C. Morris. Ned Temple, tHe Borprer Boy. Harbaugh. Bob Rockett, tae CracksmMan. By Morris Dandy Darke. By Wm: R. Eyster. Buffalo Billy, tHe Boy BULLWHaAcker. By Capt. A. B. Taylor, U. S. A. Captain Kit. By Lieut. H.D. Perry,U.S.N. Captain Mask, Tar LAvy RoAv-AGENT: or, PaTent-LEATHER JOE'S DEFEAT, By Warne. Buffalo Bills Bet. By Captain Taylor. Deadwood Dick’s Dream, By Wheeler Shadowed; or, Bos Rockert’s Figur roe Lire. By Charles Morris. Little Grit, THe Wiup Rimmer. By Ingraham. Arkansaw, THE MAN WITH THE KwNtrz. By T. C. Harbaugh. Featherweight. By Edward Willett. The Boy Bedouins. By Whittaker. The Black Hills Jezebel; or, Dzav- woop Dick’s-Wanrp. By Edward L. Wheeler. Prospect Pete, or THE Boy Bricans: or, Tue Youne OvrLaw Hunters. By Oll Coomes. 203 The Boy Pards. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr 204 Gold Plume, THe Boy Banvit. Ingraham 205 Deadwood Dick’s Doom, By Wheeler. 206 Dark Paul, THe Tiger Kina. By C. Morris. 207 Navajo Nick, rHe Boy Gotp Hunter. A Tale of Arizona. By T. C. Harbaugh. 208 The Boy Hercules. By Oll Coomes. 209 Fritz, Tar Bounv-Boy Detective. Whevler. 210 Faro Frank of High Pine, By Eyster. 211 Crooked Cale, THE CALIBAN or CELESTIAL Crry. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. Dashing Dave, tHE Danpy Derecrive ‘By Charles: Morris. Fritz to the Front. By E. L. Wheeler. Wolfgang, THe Rospper or THe Ree. By Captain Frederick Whittaker. Captain Bullet, tHe Ramer. Kina. T. C. Hatbaugh. Bison Bill, trae Prince or THe Rews. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, Captain Crack-Shot, Tiger Tom, tHe Texan TERROR. Coomes., Despard, the Duelist. By P.S. Warne. Tom Tanner, ScALAWAG AND SCAPEGRACK By Charles Morris. 221 Sugar Coated Sam, 222 Grit, the Bravo Sport, 223 Ozark AMG, Edward Willett. 224 Dashing Dick; or, TrapPeR Tom's Cas TLE. By Oll Coomes. ° Sam Charcoal, the Premium Duar- ky. By Charles Morris. 226 Snoozer, THE Boy S#arp, Wheeler. 227 Dusky Darrell, Trapper. By FE. Emerson. 228 Little Wildfire. By Oll Coomes. 229 Crimson Kate, tHe Grrat TRAILER. Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 230 The Wankee Rajah. By C. D. Clark. 231-Plucky Phil, or roe Mountaw Tran. T. C. Harbaugh. Ready Dee, 27th. 232 Gold-Dust Dick. By E. L. Wheeler. Ready Jan. *%d. 233 Joe Buck, of Angels, anp His Boy Paro Paut PowperHorn; or, Tak THREE WiLp Men oF Eactr Bar. By Albert W. Aiken. Jan. 10. 234 Benito, tae Younc Horse-Brearker; or, SUNSHINE, THE Rose OF THE Frio. By Buck- skin Sam. Ready Jan. 17. 235 Shadow Sam, THE Messencer Boy; or, THE TABLES. By Chas. Morris. Jan. 24. 236 Apollo Bill. By Edward L. Wheeler. Jan 31. _ A new issue every week. The Half-Dime Library is for sale by all Newsdealoers, five cents per copy, or sent by mail on receipt of six cents each. Publishers, 98 William Street, New York By By E, L. Wheeter. By Ot By E. L, Wheeler. By Ingrahan:. Kine or THe MounTais. By 22 or By Edward L. By By - BEADLE ¥ ADAMDS, H B 4b AY OF Sw Or 7] ae ee © ae ace y ga ; ny ne te Ben eae erage Manne, May A SE ter
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[BEADLE'S 32 Large Three-Column Paves, 1.A Hard Crowd. By P. S. Warne. 2. The Dare-Devil. By Col. Ingraham. 3. Kit Carson, Jr., THE Crack Snort or rau Wegst. By Buckskin Sam, 4. The Kidnapper. By P. S. Warne. 5. The Fire-Fiends. By A. P. Morris 6. Wildcat Bob, THe Boss Bruiser; or, THE BorDER BLoopHOUNDs. By Ed. L. Wheeler. 7. Death-Notch, THe Destroyer; or, Tse Sprrir LAKE AVENGERS, By Oll Coomes. 8. The Headless Horseman. A strange | story of Texas. By Capt. Mayne Reid. 9. Handy Andy. By Samuel Lover. 10. Vidoeq, THe Frexen Po.ice Spy. | Written by himself, 11. Midshipman Easy. Capt. Marryat. 12, The Death-Shot By Mayne Reid. 13. Pathawae) or, Nick WHIFFLEs, THE OLp TRAPPER OF THE NORTHWEST, By Robinson. 14. Thayenganegea. By Ned Buntline. 15. The Tiger-Slayer. By G. Aimard. 16. The te Wizard. Ned Buntline., 17. Nightshade, THe Rosser Prince or Hounstow Heats, By Dr. J. H. Robinson. 18. The Sea Bandit. By Ned Buntline. 19. Red Cedar, Tur Pram Ouriaw. By Gustave Aimard, ; 20, The Bandit at Bay. By Aimard. 21. The Trapper’s Daughter; or, Tae Ovrtaw’s Fare, By Gustave ard, 22. Whitelaw. By Dr. J. H. Robinson. 23. The Red Warrior. By Ned Buntline 24. Prairie Flower. By G. Aimard. 25. The Gold-Guide. By F. Johnson. 26. Vhe Death-Track. By F. Jobnson. 27. The Spotter-Detective. By Aiken. 28. Three-Fingered Jack, Tur Roap- AGENT or THE Rockizs. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr. 29. Tiger Dick, Tux Faro Kine; or, Tur Casurer’s Crowe. By Philip 8. Warne. 30. Gospel George. By J. E. Badger. 31. The New York Sharp. By Aiken. 32. B’hoys of Yale; on, THE Scrapxs or A Harp Set or Conuecrans. BY John D. Vose. 33. Overland Kit. By A. W. Aiken. 34. Rocky Mountain Rob. By Aiken. 35. Kentuck, the Sport. By Aiken. 36. Injun Dick. By Albert W. Aiken. 37. Hirl, the Hunchback; on, Tux SwoRDMAKER OF THE SANTEE. By Dr. J. H. Robinson. 38. Velvet Hand. By A. W. Aiken. - 39. The Russian Spy. By Whittaker. 40. The Long Haired ‘ Pards;’ or, Tue TARTARS OF THE Puarns. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. 41. Gold Dan. By Albert W. Aiken. 42. California Detective. By Aiken. 43. Dakota Dan, Tr RecKiESS RANGER; or, Tae Brs-Hunrrrs’ Excursion. By Oll Coomes. 44, Old Dan Rackback. Ol! Coomes. 45. Old Bull’sEye. Jos. E. Badger, Jr. 46. Bowie-Knife Ben. By Oll Coomes. 47. Pacific Pete, THe PRINCE OF THE Revoiver. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. 48. Idaho Tom, THE YouNG OUTLAW Or SILVERLAND, By Oll Coomes. } 49. The Wolf Demon. By A. W. Aiken. 50. Jack Rabbit, Tar PRAIRIE SPORT; | By Jos. E. Badger, J; Ze 51. Red Rob, THe Boy Roap-AGENT. By Oll Coomes. 52. Death Trailer, THe CuxIEeF Scours. Hon, Wm. F. Cody, (Buffalo Bill.) 53. Silver Sam. By Col. Delle Sara. 54. Always on Hand. By P. 8. Warne. 55. The p Hunters. Mayne Reid. 56. The Indian Mazeppa. By Aiken. 57.»The Silent Hunter. P. B. St. John. 58. Silver Knife. By Dr. J. H. Robinson. 59. The Man From Texas. By Aiken. 60. Wide Awake. By Frank Dumont, 61. Captain Seawaif. By Ned Buntline OF ‘62. Loyal Heart. By Gustave Aimard. 63. The W Whale. By Aiken. 64. Double-Sight, the Death Shot. ty . Jr. ray ee 66. The Specter que. Mayne Reid. 67. The Boy.dockey. By J*E. Badger. 68. The per; or, Kir taRson To THE Rescos. By Capt. J. F. C. Adams. | we eS 69. The Irish Captain. By Whittaker. 70. Hydrabad, THe SrRaNGLER; or, ALETHE, THE CHILD OF THE CorD. By Robinson. , Captain Cool-Blade. J. E. Badger. 72. The Phantom Hand. By Aiken. 73. The Knight of the Red Cross; or, Toe Magician or Granapa, Dr. J. H. Robinson, 74. Captain of the Rifles. Mayne Reid. 75. Gentleman George. By Aiken, 76. The Queen’s Musketeer; or, THISBE, THE PRINCESS PaLMisT. By George Albony. 77. The Presh of Frisco. By Aiken. 78. The Mysterious Spy. By Grainger 79. Joe Phenix, Potice Spy. By Aiken. 80. A Man of Nerve. By P.S. Warne. 81. The Human Tiger. By Aiken. 82. Iron Wrist, the Swordmaster. By Col. Thomas H. Monstery. 83. Gold Bullet Sport. By Buffalo Bill. 84. Hunted Down. By A. W. Aiken. 85. The Cretan Rover. By Ingraham. 86. The Big Hunter; or, THe QuEEn oF THE Woops, By the author of ‘‘ Silent Hunter.”’ 87. The Scarlet Captain. Delle Sara. 88. Big George, THE GIANT OF THE GuicH; or, Tae Frve Ourtaw Brotners. By Badger. 89. The Pirate Prince. By Ingraham. 90. Wild Will, Tak Man. Rancuerro; or, THe TeRRwLE Texan, By Buckskin Sam. 91. The Winning Oar. By Aiken. 92. Buffalo Bill, Tux Buckskin Kine; By Major Dangerfield Burr. 93. Captain Dick Talbot. By Aiken. 94. Freelance, Tor BuccaNnEER; or, The Walr oF THE Wave. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 95. Azhort, Tux Axman. By A. P. Morris, 96. Double-Death. By F. Whittaker. 97. Bronze Jack, THE THOROUGHBRED, By A, W. Aiken. F Each Number Complete, 98. The Rock Rider; or, Tae Sprarr | or THE Sierra. By Capt, Frederick Whittaker, 99. The Giant Rifleman. Ol Coomes 100. The French Spy. By A. P. Morris. 101, The Man from New York; or, THe Romance OF A Rich Youna Woman. By Aiken, 102. The Masked Band. Goo. L. Aiken 103. Merle, the Mutineer. Ingraham. 104. Montezuma, the Merciless; or, Tue EAGLE AND THE SERPENT. By Col. P. Ingraham. 105. Dan Brown of Denver, THE Rooxy Mountarn Derrective. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. 106. Shamus O’Brien. Col. Delle Sara. 107. Richard Talbot of Cinnabar; or, Toe Brofuers oF THE Rep Hann. By A.W. Aiken. 108. The Duke of Diamonds; or, Tar FLower or Catcurra. By Capt. Fred. Whittaker. 109. Captain Kyd. By Col. Ingraham. 110. The Silent Rifleman. By Herbert. 111, The Smuggler Captain; or, Tar Sxrpprer’s Crm, By Ned Buntline. 112. Joe Phenix, or, Tae LEAGUE OF THE SKELETON Krys. By Aiken. 113. The Sea Slipper; or, Toe Ama- TEUR FREeEBOOoTERS. By Prof. J. H. Ingraham. 114. The Gentleman from Pike; or, Tue Guost oF THE Canyon. By Philip S. Warne. 115. The Severed Head. Whittaker, 116, Black Plume, THe Devit or THE | SEA; or, THE SORCERESS OF HaL.-Gate. Ingraham, 117. Dashing Dandy, Trex Hotspur or THE Hints. By Major Dangerfield Burr. 118. The Borgir Captain; or, THE FALLEN Star. By Prof. J. H. Ingraham, 119, Alabama doe, By J. E. Badger, 120. The Texan Spy. By N. M. Curtis. 121. The Sea Cadet. By Ingrabam. 122. Saul Sabberday, Tux Ipvror Spy; or, LULIONA, THE SEMINOLE, By Ned Buntiline. 123. Alapaha, the quaw's RENEGADES OF THE BorpDER. By ncis Johnson. 124. Assowaum, the Avenger; or, Tue Doom or tau Destroyers. By Francis Johnson. 125. The Blacksmith Outlaw; or, Merry Eneuanp, Sy Harrison Ainsworth. 126. The Demon Duelist; or, THE LEAGUE oF Stees. By Colonél Thos. H. Monstery. 127. Sol Scott, THz MASKED Miner; or, DaN Brown's Dougie. By Joseph E. Badger. 128. The Chevalier Corsair ; or, Taz Herrrace of HatrRep. By the author of “ Merte,”’ 129. Mississippi Mose. By Ed. Willett. PRIVATE DETECTIVE; | or, THE | } LORES, THE DANTTE’s DAUGHTER. IBRARY. Price 10 cts. 130. Captain Volcano; or, THe Man OF THE Rep REvoLvers. By Albert W. Aiken. 131, Ruckskin Sam,THE TEXAN TRAILER: or, Ta BaNorrs or THe Bravo. By Col. Ingraham. 132.\Nemo, King of the Tramps; or, Tae Rovany Grru’s VenaEance. By Whittaker, 133. Rody, the Rover; or, Tux Rre- BONMAN OF IRELAND. By William Carleton. 134. Darkie Dan, tHe CoLoriep Drrxc- tive; or, THe Mississippi Mysrery. By Ingrabam. 135. The Bush Ranger; or, THe HALF-BREED BrigapE. By Francis Johnson. 38. The Outlaw-Hunter; or, Rep JoHN, THE Buse Ranaer. By Francis Jobnson 137. Long Beard, THE Giant Spy. By Oll Coomes. ; 138. The Border Bandits; or, Tax Horse-Tarer’s Tram. By Francis Johnson. 139. Fire-Eye, tat Sea Hyena; or, Tae Brive oF a Buccaneer. By Col. P, Ingraham. 40. The Three Spaniards. By George Walker, 41. Equinox Tom, THE BULLY or Rep Rock. By Jos; E, Badger, Jr. 142, Capte® rimson, THE MAN oF THE Tron Face. By Major Dangerfield Burr. 43. The Czar’s Spy; or, Tae Nisiist League. By Col. Thos, Hoyer Moustery, 144, The Hunchback of Notre-Dame. By Victor Hugo. 145. Pistol Pards. By Ww. R. Kyster. 146. The Doctor Detective ; or, Thx Mystery oF THE GoupEN Corriy. By Geo. Lemuel. 147. Gold Spur, THE GENTLEMAN FROM Texas, Colonel Prentiss Ingraham. 148, One-Armed Alf, tHe Giant Hunter of THE Great Lages. By Ol! Coomes. 49. The Border Rifles. By Aimar. 50. El Rubio Bravo, KING or tur CALIFORNIA | Sworpemen. By Col. Thomas Hoyer Monstery. 151. The Freebooters. ~ By Aimari, 152. Captain Ironnerve, tHE Coun. TERFEITER Cuter. By Marmaduke Dey. : 153. The White Scalper. By Aimari. 154. Joaquin, THe Sappie King. «By Jomer E. Badger, Jr. 155. The Corsair Queen. By | | Prentiss I am, 156. Velvet Face. By Major Danger- field Burr. 157. Mourad, tHE MaAmeELuKe. Col. Thomas Hoyer Monstery. 158. The Doomed Dozen; or, Do By Dr. F. Powell 159. Red Rudiger, rHE Ancurr. By Captain Frederick Whittaker. 160, Soft Hand, Sharps or, THe Man Wirs THe SAND. By William R. Hyster. 161. The Wolves of New Yorks; or, Jor Prentx’s Great Man Henz,. By A.W. Aiken 162. The Mad Mariner; or, Dirseon- ORED AND DisowNeD. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham By 163. Ben Brion, THE TrapPpeR Cap- TAIN. By Dr. J. H. Robinson. 164. The Kinp’s Fool; or, Tax Kniauvs oF THE CLAspED HANDS AND Red Brainouw, By C. D, Clark, 165. Joaquin, the Terrible. By Jos. | K. Badger, Jr. 166. Owlet, the Robber Prince; or, Tur Unknown HiGHwWAYMAN. By Septimus R,Urban. 167. The Man of Steel; or, Tax MASKED Knicut or THE WHITE Piuome. A. P. Morris. 168. Wild Bill, THe Pisvo. Drap Suor; or, Daaa@erR Don’s Dovete. By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham. 169, Co Forty Duers. By ral Cannon, THE Man or Colonel Thomas Hoyer Moustery. Ready January iS8th. 170. Sweet William, THE TrRapPPER | Detective; or, THE CHIEF OF THE CRIMSON CLAN, By Joseph E, Badge., Jr. Ready January 5th. 1'71. The Man of the Iron Heart; or, Tiaer Dick ww Freeze Ovr Camp. By Philip/3. Warne. Ready February Ist. A new issue every week. Beadle’s Dime Library is for sale by al Newsdealers, ten cents per copy, or sent by mail og receipt of twelve cents each. BEADLE & ADAMS, Publishers, 98 William Street, New York.
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A ROMANCE OF BUFFALO BILL’S OLD PAKD! © THE PISTOL DEAD SHOT; WILD BILL, Or, DAGGER DON’S DOUBLE BY COLONEL PRENTISS INGRAHAM, AUTHOR OF “MERLE, THE MUTINEER,” ‘‘ MONTEZUMA, THE MERCILESS,” ‘‘ FREELANCE, THE BUCCANEER,” ‘“‘THE DARE DEVIL,” ‘‘ THE CRETAN ROVER,” ‘‘ THE PIRATE PRINCE,” ETC., ETC. SSSR gy, But two hours passed away and first the explorers of the hills returned and | ‘Jim Hikok! Good God!” then the others who had gone ap the stream, and none had apy raport to make, | _ In an instant, he had recognized him as one he had met before, and thor for no trace had been discovered in the timber hill-land, and no trail had been his Indian rig disguised him beyond the recognition of Wild Bill, he saw that seen of where the fugitives had left the water. ; man had some cause to fear him, and the hands of the two dropped upon t / “Like as not thet han’some, long-haired feller will diskiver more than all of | revolvers, ‘ us,”’ said one. There followed several rapid shots, wild yells, the falling of horses, tramp) \ “T reckon, pards, fer he looks like one as sees what kin be seen; does ye hev } of feet, and away dashed the Red Breast upon the back of one of the musta: a idee who he are?” responded and inquired another. before ridden by a warrior, for his own steed had fallen, and springing forw ““Nary idee; only I'd like ter see him in a scrimmage, fer it seems to me | Wild Bill had caught the maiden in his arms, for he had shot her pony, jus durned likely he’d call in chips an’ pile up cold meat durn lively— By ther | the renegade chief was about to dash away with her. Rockies! he are at it now!” All had es ee re so suddenly that Hazel Hart hardly knew what bad tr The last words were uttered at suddenly hearing xausd pistol-shots, coming | pired, though she had been a witness of the fracas. from not far away down the stream, and a few wild yells. Then she saw three mustangs lying upon the ground in the entrance t ‘“*By Jemima! but thet’s music we must j’ine in, fer we knows ther tune!’’ | ravine, a warrior dead, another writhing in death-agonies, and heard the ci cried another, and throwing themselves upon their mustangs, deep were driven | of hoofs up the canyon, as the Red Breast sped away, while Wild Bill si the spurs, and the four Cowboys sped away in the direction of the firing, | calmly in the midst, and by his side was d Dove, the beautiful In A ride of several hundred yards brought them upon _a scene that surprised | maiden. them, for they beheld their strange leader dismounted, and one foot upon aj} Then she looked around for the two white men who had pene to be the struggling wretch, while he was tying with remarkable ease what appeared to | lies of Wild Bill,and saw that they had taken advantage of the fight to make tl be an Indian warrior, wholly unmindful of his desperate efforts to escape. selves scarce, Only a few distant y three more hideously painted human beings, who “The great white chief has saved the Red Dove from @ wicked foe of had fallen under his deadly aim. ‘| people,” said the Indian maiden, in good English, turning her dark, lusti “Waal, pard stranger, yer hey struck it rich,” cried one of the Cowboys. eyes upon Wild Bill, who mentally decided, as he gazed upon the perfect, “Three with the’r toes turned up, an’ two in a durned onhealthy grip,” said | loyy form, inits gorgeous, barbaric dress, and the perfect, proud features, another, bronzed skin, that the report of Red Dove’s beauty had not been exaggera * nd od * * * * * * * * “Yes, and I, too, owe him more than my life,” said Hazel, advancing At the sight of Wild Bill the party quickly came to a halt, but he held up his | joining them, and each maiden, the pale-face and the red-skin, gazed u hands, the palms turned toward them in token of peace, and they rode for- | each other with admiration, though in each heart there was a twinge of j ward, though on their guard. ousy that the other owed, to the splendid-looking man standing near, t As they came to a halts the Robin Red Breast suddenly cried out: preservation. COMPLETE IN BEADLE’S DIME LIBRARY No. 168. NOW READY'!