Beadle's Half Dime Library (no. 314) (1883 07 31)
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MR A) ae Ye falNal Nala lalla! lallala!lall alates J tr) 4 etiwrd me bass Pine rao, wach ALC Aa Vet! ed aN Vol. XIII. 6 rae boas rs gy ee A Companion Story to “Benito, the Boy Bugler,” and “ Keno Kit, the Boy Bugier’s Pard” BY COL. PRENTISS INGRAHAM, AUTHOR OF “THE MIDSHIPMAN MUTINEER,” ‘‘ THE FLOATING FEATHER,” ‘ DEAD SHOT DANDY,” ETC., BIG, = ~ \% a, “‘a¥, WOULD I KILL HIM, FOR THAT MAN IS CAPTAIN DEAD SHOT, THE MARAUDER, AND BE KILLED MY FATHER!”
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2 The The Boy Bugler’s Long Trail, A Companion Story to “ Benito, the Boy Bugler,” and ** Keno Kit, the Boy Bugler’s Pard.” 4 BY COL, PRENTISS INGRAHAM, AUTHOR OF ‘DEAD SHOT DANDY,” ‘‘ KENO KIT,” “SILLY BLUE EYES,” ETO. CHAPTER I. OUTLAWED, _ A Horseman was riding slowly over a Texas prairie, one lovely afternoon, a score or more years ago, and his horses was heading toward a or of timber visible a mile beyond him, and which formed one of a line of oasis like groves that spread across the flower-besparigled plain ‘as far as the eye could reach, Toward this particular point a number of trails led, as though it were a common center for those whose duties caused them to cross the pr e.itiee _ But now only the horseman was visible upon * to the fact that he was in the land of the merci- less Indian, and where they Jay in wait for richly-freighted trains and travelers, the equally as merciless Marauders of the Rio Grande. The man and his borse were both such as to attract attention and admiration, whether met upon the wilds, or in the marts of civilization. The rider was tall, broad-shouldered, small- waisted, and of a willowy form that denoted great activity and strength. He was dressed in the Mexican garb of a cabal- lero, excepting that his pants were stuck in the tops of a pair of very elegant cavalry boots, the latter being armed with massive gold spurs, A broad, gold-embroidered sombrero sat jaun- tily upon his head, and with serape rolled at the back of his Mexican saddle, bespangled with silver, as was also the bridle, he would have looked like a thorough Mexican, had it not been for his dark-blue eyes, and golden hair, the latter falling in waving masses down his back. Every feature of his face was perfect and strongly marked with daring, amounting to a certain recklesness and resolution that was al- most stern, while there was a light in his eyes that showed he would be a deadly foe if aroused toanger. His repeating rifle, revolvers and knife, were all richly mounted and of the y latest pat- terns then to be procured, and he looked the man to use them we is horse was as black as night, and the most er ny observer could see that the animal was uilt for speed and endurance, and could run a foe down, or could fly from too great danger, as the case might be, without distress to himself. _ As the rider approached the timber he moved lowly. and with evident caution, as ous not Dow: 8 what danger might lurk in its depths. But at last, as though satisfied that no enemy was ambushed there, he rode forward at a pms! pace, his rifle held across his arm ready or instant : use. In the center of the clump of timber, which acres in size, three trails met and campi But now no buman being was visible other large ; branches above those about it, and- which stood in the very eenter of the trails, the eyes of the horseman fell upon a placard. * what was writ- iding up to it he read hat hereon in a large, distinct hand, and which ran as follows: . * PRocLAMATION AND Rewarp! “ Wherv as, Duke Decatur, late chief of scouts ai Fort Blank, and known Deap Sor Danpr, lately rendered such valuable rote ay I hereby offer him full ‘ Lm of upon him for 2 service of the Uni States, and, at the same secretly the Leader of the Marauders of the term of thirty days will be given to the sald to his \ Mysterious Marauder; OB, _ the vast expanse of plain, and he rode along in. a tless manner, as though utterly indifferent t better under his border | ‘in | The Mysterious Marauder. Dead Shot Dandy in which to come in and surrender himself at Fort Blank, when instantly he shall ng pardon and be appointed a scout at the “Tf he refuses this offer, then, after the’ thirty days have passed, Frvge THovsanp Doutars REWARD will be paid for his body, dead or alive. * Dunoan Du Barry, * Colonel U. 8S. Army and ** Commandant Fort Blank.” _ The horseman read the placard twice through, his face flushing and paling by turns, and bis eyes flashing. Then he said hoarsely: ‘Tam not one to accept pardon, and woe be unto the man who seeks that reward. *Come, Night Hawk, old horse, we are out- laws and hucliives upon the fate of God’s green earth, for that paper makes us so.” CHAPTER II. AN OUTLAW'S FAIR DEFENDER, ‘*Miss Dv Barry, who is this man whom they call Dead Shot Dandy?” The question was addressed to Marie Du Barry, the beautiful daughter of the colonel commanding Fort Blank, and whose name was signed to the proclamation which the borseman had read nailed upon a tree in the timber motte. The questioner was a maiden also, a few years the junior of Marie Du Barry, yet not less lovely in face and form, though she looked pale and wan now, and reclined upon a lounge, for she was just recovering from a severe wound which had well-nigh cost her her life. The two were together in the cosey cabin uarters of the colonel and his daughter at ort Blank, and where the wounded maiden had been for weeks, tenderly nursed by Marie Du Barry. ‘‘His name is Duke Decatur; at least he is known by that name at the fort,” answered Marie, quietly. ‘‘Ts nothing more known of him?” ‘¢Much is said to be known of him, as for instance, he is said to be the leader of the band e outlaws known as the Rio Grande Marau- ers. ** But you do not believe him to be such?” **T do not,” was the firm reply. “Yet he is now outlawed by your father as a Marauder, Miss Du Barry.” **Lulu Dale, let me tell you just what I believe of Duke Decatur. 5 ‘* He came here to the fort, and though a man of education, refinement, and apparent means, he entered service as @ scout. *“‘ His courage took him up the ladder to the rank of chief of scouts, and he has rendered valuable service, and no shadow of suspicion has fallen upon him until lately, when he was accused of murdering your father, to prevent his betraying the fact that he was a Marauder.” “‘ My father, when dying, confessed that Dead Shot Dandy shot him.” “True, ho made such confession, I admit; but Lulu, I believe that your father was mistaken in the man.” ** How could he be, when he knew him well?” *¥ do not know, Lulu; but I do know that Dead Shot Dandy has twice saved my life, that I warned bim of the danger that he would face if he came to the fort, and that he would not fly, as though guilty; but came on here. “He was, under the circumstances, not shot as your father’s murderer, but reduced to the ranks, and Monte, his worst foe, made chief in his stead. : “* He could have left the fort then, yet he did not, and he did most gallant service in leading the command in two successful raids against the oe ‘ ‘Then: appearances came u inst him again, for he is said to have Sibed Paymaster Leigbton when on his way to San Antonio, and also again robbed him upon his return.” ** He was seen by the paymaster and others, Miss Barry, and fully recognized.” ‘* A person was seen who was said to be Dead Shot Dandy, and the latter being absent from the fort, he was naturally supposed to be the guilty one. “Yet, back to the fort came Dead Shot Dandy, telling a very straight story as towhcre he had been, and which was disbelieved, for he was tried and s to be shot.” ! ; y , snot, cunihe etacegling tin, Nos Be Bot . ? “Tdo not, Lulu, though I admit taint apipeaes ances are fearfully against him. ** Believing him rien and anxious to re- turn the service he bad twice rendered me in saving my life, I threw aside my garbof woman- Books dressed in man’s attire, and set him ree, “ And that very night two others in this fort, Keno Kit, a scout, and Benito the Boy Bugler, also his friends, and believing in his innocence, made an attempt to rescue him, and which would bave been successful bad I not already released him.” ‘‘That was the night that he found me?’. “ Yes, that was the night when, though flying for his life, he saw you pursued by four Indians and boldly came to your aid, when your horse was shot and fell upon you.” “Yes, he did do that, and killed the four In- dians who were chasing me,” ‘True; and finding that you had been wound- ed by a poisoned w, he brought you to within a few paces of the sentinel at the stoek- ade gate, and called to him to take care of ou. me Had he not done so you would have died,” “So I believe; but he knew not who I was, and that act does not wipe out the memory that he murdered my poor father.” “He is said to have done so you mean, Lalu, ** And what did he do then, but when Captain Cecil] Lorne and a squadron went in chase of him, and their camp was to have been attacked by a large body of warriors, he warned the troopers of their danger and told them bow to surprise the red-skins, “This was what caused my father to offer | ardon.” ‘“Which he has not accepted, Miss Du Barry?” “No, not thus far; but there are yet several days before the thirty are up.” i ‘You are a bold defender of the outlaw, Miss Du Barry; but { must tell yon just how I feel in regard to him, and what I shall do as soon as 1 am able to depart from your hospitable home.” **T hope you will do nothing rash, Lulu.” ‘“‘T will do what my heart tells me is just, for my father lies unavenged in his grave,” was the low, earnest reply of the young girl. CHAPTER IIl. LULU’Ss VOW Markit Du Barry was shocked at the bold words of the young girl, who had become an inmate of the fort under such strange circum- stances, and who threatened remmnge agninst the very man to whom she owed her life. She made no reply, and Lulu Dale, after a short silence, said: j “ Will you hear my story, Miss Du Barry?” “Certainly, Lulu; though Lf believe that I know all that you can tell,” was the guest’s answer. “It will do me good to tell you, and then you can judge whether I am not right in wishing to avenge the death of my father. ‘*‘My mother was a Mexican, and I must have inherited from her the nature of that race for revenging a vebhae “‘T was left motberless when a little child, and my father placed me in the family of Don Sebastian Brent, near San Antonio, and there 1 lived until old enough to go to the convent, “‘T knew no mother’s love, and my father only visited me twice each year. *“T believed him to bea ranchero as he said; but now I know that he was a scout of the prai- ries, and was engaged here at this fort, where he was known as Bronze Bill, ““When he visited me he seemed a very differ- ent man from what he was as a scout, from all reports, - *‘He supplied me with money, taught me to ride, and gave me a pony, and also insisted that Ishould have the education of a boy, along with that of a girl. “This made me a little wild, I fear, for I was wont often to dress up in a boy’s suit and take midnight rides over the prairies, while I learned. to shoot a pistol and rifle with deadly aim, throw a lariat to perfection, and also to teri a knife with a precision that few could equal, him while in riding in pants or skirts I was equally — at home. “Leaving the convent, I returned to Don Sebastian’s, for my father wished me to do so; and believing me rich, Mrs. Sebastian and her children er Fm. a xsous that i .. be- come one of the fa marrying the son and heir, whom I cordially hated. One day I ss surprised Uy, He cob while out riding, and esca: on y pledging my word to return to mes t the next day and pay & ransom fee, and my jowelry. ‘I returned, but I ca veu tured the cobber, whe
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Nas _ was a murderer and a fugitive from justice, with a reward offered for him. **¥ was having considerable trouble in getting him to San Antonio, when a horseman ap- proached, * It was Dead Shot Dandy. ‘He aided me with my prisoner, and after delivering him over to the authorities, who at once hanged him toa tree in the Plaza, Dead Sbot Dandy escorted me home, ‘Then I found out, from his words, that he was a scout at this fort, had known my father whom I was amazed then to learn was a scout and bunter, and not a ranchero, ‘* He gave to me the money which my father bad left for me and took his departure. ‘““The next day Paymaster Leighton arrived and told his story, of how my father had been murdered, by one Dead Shot Dandy, who had become a Marauder. ‘* He told me how this Dead Shot had robbed him, on bis way to San Antonio, and was sur- prised to le'rn that 1 had met the outlaw scout and received from him the very money which the ee. had held for me, and then boldly visited my home and given it to me. “It may be, Miss Du Barry, that I would have led a different life, had I not overheard Don Sebastian and his wife discussing me. “The woman finding that I only had been left several thousands, and that my father was not what he had represented himself, urged that the Don should take even that little from me, and then set me adrift in the world. *“*] was imbitt+red greatly by hearing this, and I at once made my plans to leave. ‘*My desire to solve the mystery concerning my father’s death, and to punish his murderer, made me turn my eyes toward this fort. **But I could act better as a boy than asa girl, and I at once assumed the dress of one, cutting off my hair, and determined not to let any one know that I was other than what I ap- peared, ‘* A peon acted as my — to near this fort, and taen I dismissed him, to be soon after headed off by those Indians. **T fled for my life, and you know the result.” ‘‘And this man who saved you was ‘Dead Shot Dandy?” said Marie Du Barry, who had listened with interest to the story of the young irl ** Yes,” ‘*And you are determined to seek revenge upon him?’ ‘“-You say that you do not believe that Dead Shot Dan ay is the one who brought me my money, and who killed my father!’ ‘Nor do I.” ** You believe that it is some one else who re- sembles bim?” ‘‘T hardly know what to believe, other than that I feel that he is not the guilty one.” ‘*¢One question, Miss Du Barry?” ** Well, Lulu?’ “You will pardon my asking it?” Marie’s face flushed and she remained silent, while Lulu asked bluntly: ** Do you love this Dead Shot Dandy?” “You have no right to ask such a Pe am Miss Dale,” indignantly said Marie Du Barry. ** Pardon me, for 1 meant not to offend you, Miss Du Barry. ‘‘ But I have my answer, and, for yoursake, I will not act rashly; but I now vow to’you, with my hand raised to heaven, that I will bunt down the man who killed my father, and he, too, shali die. ‘6 If it be Dead Shot Dandy, he dies; if it be another, then will I clear this mystery about him, as to whether he is the guilty one or not, and you will thank me for it, “ Remember, I will not kill until I know, but I vow solemnly to avenge my father.” One glanee into the pale, beautiful face, with the flashin eyes and resolute mouth, and Marie Du ‘gr ‘elt that Lulu Dale meant what she said, would keep her vow. CHAPTER IV. A BOY’S OATH, In a comfortable cabin of the post, some days after the conversation between Marie Du Barry and Lulu, the scout’s daughter, two persons were seated, the one cleaning up a rifle and the other engaged in playing a cornet, from which he brought rare melody, although the was but a boy in years. e mousician was, as I have said, a boy, for he was not over fifteen, yet tall and well formed and with a that was full of ex- for his pression, character and daring far beyond his : "fie was dressed in a handsome uniform, yet The Mysterious Marauder. wore no insignia of rank, and his pants were stuck in military boots armed with silver spurs, while a black slouch hat, ornamented with a sable plume, was worn jauntily upon one side of his head. a The cornet he had was a ycry bandsome in- strument of pure silver, and be played it wito the ease and skill of a master, sending its notes pealing through the camps and fort, and float- wo tg off upon the balmy night air. is companion was a weather-beaten man of forty-five, with a face that was honest in the extreme and daring to recklessness, He was dressed in buckskin, wore a sombrero, and looked just what he was—a prairie scout. The cabin was large and roomy, had a cot in ono end, and a bearskin couch in the other, with a table, several rustic chairs, and the walls adorned with trophies of the chase, from Indian — to buffalo-heads. The fire-place was large, and upon the hearth were the cooking utensils of the two house- mr ers, for the scout and the boy lived to- gether. The one was Benito Dewhurst, the Boy Bugler, and the other was Keno Kit, the scout. The former had been found one night * Dead Shot peat playing his bugle in a clump of timber, while about bim lay the wreck of a train and the dead bodies of his family, who had been :\urdered and robbed by the Maraud- ers of the Rio Grande, The boy’s temporary absence from camp searching for his pony had saved his life, and re- turning he had come upon the scene of desola- tion and death that had greeted the eyes of Dead Shot Dandy when he found him. The poor boy had told the scout that bis sister, who had been with the train, was not among the dead, and it was feared that she had been carried off a captive by the Marauders, But those who had seen the Marauders upon their retreat had reported that no captives were with them, and poor Louise Dewhurst was then supposed to have fled from the fatal scene and perished upon the prairies, for no trace of her could be found afterward. Bringing the boy to the fort the scout had adopted him as his protege, while he was at once made the bugler of the — young as be was. Together Dead Shot Da d lived in the little cabin until the downfall of the scout, and after his cones through the aid of Marie Du Barry, Keno Kit had come to live with the boy in bis home, and there the two are found together when presented to the reader, “Bah! I feel out of sorts to-night, Keno Kit, and cannot half play,” said Benito, impatiently, throwing aside his cornet. “Yer is playin’ bootiful, Boy Pard, an’ yer moosic are sweeter than thet yallar bird kin make, what Miss Marie, the colonel’s darter hes got in a cage,” said Keno Kit, admiringly, “No, Kit, {am feeling blue, and I'll tell you why,” answered the —_ “You know that the time is up to-day?” “Waal, pard, why are it?” ‘*What time?” The a no * Oh, yas, | had fergotted.” “Yes, the 7 days gree to Dead Shot Dandy are up to-day, and be has not come in.” “T hain’t seen him.” ‘** And I fear we will not see him,” .“* So I are thinkin’.” ‘*T do wish that he had taken advantage of the offer of the colonel.” ‘Yas, it would hev been better.” ‘** And now, Keno Kit, he is under a ban, with a reward offered for his body.” ; ‘Yas, an’ it are a peart leetle sum.” “* True, Kit, and the reward reads dead or alive, so that there will be plenty of men strike his trail just to win that money.” ‘*T guesses so, Beeneeto.” ‘They will ambush every trail for him, and each clump of timber will have a foe in it lying in wait for bim,” ‘‘Thet are about ther size o’ it, pard.” hie Then I fear there is no hope for him, Keno ‘*Tt do look so.” ** What do 7. think of bis not having accept- ed the offer of the colonel, Kit?” “I dunno, fer it did look squar’ in ther colonel ter offer it.” ‘* Yes, and I think that Dead Shot should have come in ah ea +5.” uld, bat b were opes thet he wo' pard; e knows his biz best, I guesses.” ‘* Ah me! I do wish that 1 could see him just to have a little talk with him,” . .“ Towishes so, too, leetla pard.” ‘ A silence of some minutes fell upon the two, and Benito had’ aa and then Benito suddenly sprung to his feay and cried, excitedly: *T have it!” ‘““Yer seems ter hev it bad, pard, an’ it struck yer suddint like; where does it burt yer?” ** Nonsense, I’m not sick, Benito, only T have an idea,” : ‘Ob! I thought yer bad ’em, as ther boys says when they hes been b’istin’ tanglefoot too frequent.” ““T do not drink, as you know, Keno Kit.” ; ““Thet were why I wondered bow yer hed got em. “‘ Well, I'll tell you what I intend to do,” **Go slow, pard.” ‘] intend to go slow, for I have a long trail before me; but | intend to go on the hunt for Dead Shot Dandy—” * What?” **T mean it, and I shall solve this mystery as to whether he is guilty of the charges made against him, or bas a double,” ‘‘ Leetle pard, does yer believe me a fool?” “No, indeed.” ‘*Tben take my advice and stay right here,” ‘*T wish to find out, though, all about this man, “Tf he is the murderer they say he is, and I prove that he is to my satisfaction, then 1 bave arevenge account to settle with bim,” and the boy’s eyes flashed fire, while he continued: | “Por, if he is the Marauder Chief, then is he the murderer of those I loved. , : “If be is not I will clear from him the cloud upon him now, and I still believe that be is in- nocent in spite of all appearances against. him.” ‘‘T kinder feel the same way, Boy Pard.” “T know that you do, Keno Kit; but I shall know just whether be is or not, for I start to- morrow upon my trail, be it long or short, and I swear to follow it to the bitter end, bring it life or death to me.” . CHAPTER V. | THE MYSTERIOUS SHOT. Keno Kir saw that Benito was resolved carry out bis determination, to solve the mys- tery hanging over Dead Shot Dandy, yet he wished to prevent him from doing so, know- ing the perils the youth would have — ‘ Does yer think thet ther eolonel will let yer go?” he asked quietly. pont anos **T shall ask bim, Keno Kit, for an unlimited leave, and if he refuses me, I shall demand my discharge from the service, which I can do on account of my met » LiF ‘*'Thet are so! but whar will go fust?” “I will strike for the Rio Grande crossing near where the Marauders are said t@ have their haunts.” they “Yer bain’t too well acquainted with ther kentry, Boy Pard.” i “No, but I think I have become, under the trailing of Dead Shot Dandy and yourself, a sores good prairie boy, and Il am not afraid of ing lost, while that roan stallion I caught some time ago, is the fastest animal, as you know, at the fort, now that Dead Shot’s biack is not here,” ; eh ‘Yas, yer roun kin give’em all ther cust, ’coptin’ d Shot’s black; but a bullet, or a arrer kin go faster than he kin.” ‘‘] must take the chances, Keno Kit.” — “Oh! you is a good one, an’ I'd just as li’ve ns not trust yer as a trailer, fer yer is bet\er now than half ther galoots thet sets themself up fer scouts, ‘* But, pard, I hes a leetle game ter perpose,” «Wha is ages = t?”" a) a ““Thet { goes with yer. “You?” id Yas.” ‘‘Why, Keno Kit? ‘‘ What is yer whyin’ about, Boy Pard?” ‘*My surprise and pleasure at having you go with me.” ‘Then I goes.” ‘* But can you get off with me?” ; a” ‘1 kin start on a scout ther day afore you does, an’ you kin jine me at ther Padre’s up in ther chaparral, whar they say Dead Shot kilt Bronze Bill.” ‘‘ And you mean that no one shall know that we go together?” “ Yas.” : ‘* All right, and I think we will solve this wT Ton bot ill Sh! I ‘You we will try— uverd a foot- Mitte stekt wndaneus ey ce and a moment after Monte, the chief of pra er entered the cabic He was aman of striking prese: with an athletic form, and a dark, handsome that was, bowever, slightly marred by an expresyiog®
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as the ler thrust t 4 which dwelt upon the mouth and in the eyes, which no one could fathom. “Keno Kit, I have work for you,” he said, ery Ne “All right, pard. What are it?’ “The time of this outlaw’s grace for pardon is up, you know.” pa at outlaw are thet, Monte,” “You know well that 1 mean Dead Shot andy,” was the angry reply. “Oh! you does?” * Yes. “ Waal, what hev thet got ter do with me?” “As he bas not taken advantage of Colonel Du Barry’s most generous offer toward bim, I intend to have bim hunted down, and I wish you to go on his trail.” “ Yer does?” “ Yes.” “Waal, I kin go.” **T know that you are most friendly toward the outlaw, or, that is, b-lieve in his innocence; but I believe you will do your duty, so send you in preference to others.” ‘Give yer orders, Monte,” said Keno Kit, ebly. _ My orders are that you start at dawn on the trail of the Marauders. ‘Find out their haunts, their force, the best way to surprise them, and all particulars re ing them.” “Pl do it, Pard Monte, fer my own eddifica- tion as well as to obey orders, as I thinks Dead Shot hain’t goin’ ter be,found ter be ther leader ©’ thet gang.” — a” ** And | know that he will be.” * Waal, you is chief 0’ scouts, an’ sh’u’d know t ** I do know that he is the chief of the band. “Now you areaware of what your duties are, to get off by dawn.” “Then daylight will break on me out 0’ this camp, Monte— Hello!” . : ‘The cry of the scout was caused by a whir- ring sound anda sharp thud, and beholding an arrow stick quivering into the rear of the log cabin, just opposite the door. He what does that mean?’ cried Monte, sag re the still sre arrow. ut anticipated his action and spring- ing forward seized the bead of the arrow, and tore from it . of white paper that was “Boy , give me that paper!” cried Monte y- “TI will do no such thing,” was the cool reply, be piece of paper into “IT command you, sir, to obey me!” ae | do not care for your commands, Chief te. ‘Ha! you refuse to obey?’ savagely said the “* Most certainly I do.” “Then I will take it from you by force,” and Monte made a step forward. “Hold on, Monte, for this is my cabin, the arrow was fired into it, and if you attempt to use jour brute strength against me I will use steel or lead,” and the flashing eyes of the Boy Bugler showed that he meant every word that he uttered. “Boy, Colone} Du Barry shall know of this, ‘and at once.” , ** Know of what?” “That a secret message of some kind has been fired into your cabin, by some one whom you are allied with.” The boy laughed, but said: } “The arrow may have been shot at you, for you have been the target of several shots of late, you know, Monte.” “Yas, yer is standin’ in ther light thar, afore e open door,” said Keno Kit. Monte mek stepped ta one side, while he eternly said: “There is some mystery in this shot and I will solve it, and also, boy, Colonel Du Barry shall know of your conduct.” With this tho chief-of scouts wheeled on his heel and left the cabin, followed by a derisive jaugh from the Boy Bugler. ~~ CHAPTER VI. A SCRAP OF PAPER. As coon as the retreating steps of Monte were ay heard, Benito turned to Keno Kit and “4 Well, Kit, he has worked into our hand in Bars} bh oe off on a scout.” “Yas, but now I is interested in knowin’ about pre 0’ paper yer hesin yer pocket,” _ “ Ab, yes,” and the boy drew out the little The Mysterious Marauder. oe piece of paper which had been tightly tied around the head of an arrow. It was but a small scrap of tained but a few lines, which at, Benito cried excitedly: ‘* See here, Keno Kit!’ ** See whar?”’ per and con- aving glanced ‘‘ This piece of paper.” ** T sees it.” ‘Read what it says.” ** How in thunder are I ter read what it says when I hev never been taughted?” ** Ah! then I will read it for you. ‘‘T do not know the handwriting, and it gives me strange news.” ‘* Chip less, an’ give me ther items o’ them marks on thet serap 0’ paper, Boy Pard.” ‘* Well, Keno Kit, listen!” Then Benito read aloud in a distinct, slow tone: ** Benito Dewhurst, your sister Louise still lives. ‘No harm bas yet en her, but she is a cap- tive and unhappy.” ‘‘Durnation! is thet what them chicken tracks says?’ cried Keno Kit, wi-b considerable excitement. ‘* Yes; and now, Keno Kit, I have a double reason for going, and another trail to follow.” ‘* Yes; but who was it sent yer thet?” ‘* T don’t know, and gnly wish I did.” ob Can’t yer tell?” ow “I kin tell whether it were a pale-face or Injun thet made a trail.” “*T do not know the writing, Kit.” ‘* Waal, let me see ther arrer.” The scout locked at the arrow and said: “* Boy Pard, it are a Comanche arrer.” # No Indian wrote this,” “Who then?” ‘“‘ Thar is pale-face captives amon ther Injun willages an’ maybe yer in a red-skin camp.” ‘‘TIt may be, Kit; but I will find out.” *« Yas, we hes ter look her up, too, so we hes double duty ter perform. “* Now, I'll git off at onst, fer fear Monte may change bis mind an’ send somebody else, an’ —_ vice ter you are thet yer go right to ther col’nel an’ show him thet scrap o’ paper.” “*T will, Kit.” ‘‘ Then yer kin git yer leave an’ j'ine me at some oy -sister are Padre’s Rock ter-morrer.” ‘ but where was this arrow fired ‘Ther top o’ ther stockade wall, in course,” “¢ Trae, for it could have come from nowhere ‘‘Thar is whar it come from, an’ ther feller thet sent it, be he Injun or pale-face, are skip- piw’ off lively now, you bet. : ** Now, don’t yer lose no time, but skip ter ther col’nel,” “T will go at once, Keno Kit, and to-morrow will join you et the Padre’s Ro k.” So saying the Boy Bugler left the cabin and hastened on to head-quarters. In the meantime Monte had not gone straight to see the colonel, upon leaving Benito’s cabin, but had made his way directly toward the scout’s camp, for three bardy men lived apart from the soldiers and the others of the fort. Entering a rude shanty Monte came upon a quartette of his men playing cards, and said to one of them, whose dark face, black hair and eyes, and general appearance indicated his race as that of a Mexican: “Juan, | want you.” ‘Si senor,” and the Mexi an arose at once and followed his chief from t’ « cabin. Walking apart from the | “uties, s0 as to be out of ear-shot of any one, © onte said: . ** Juan, your horse is fr) .n, I believe?” ‘Yes, captain, he has bud a long rest.” ‘And you?” “Am ready for work,” and the man spoke with an accent. ‘*T wish you for more hard service.” * All right, Senor Captain.” “Get your provisions and traps all ready to leave after dawn and follow the trail of Keno Kit, who leaves at daybreak to bunt up the haunts of the Marauders.” * Keno Kit, senor?” “e Yes. ” “He is friendly to the Dead Shot and will not do his duty.” f That is just what I wish you to find out for 6 “ Yes, senor.” © ‘Do not crowd his trail too close, so that he returns will see you, but stick to it until he to the fort.’ a nm ‘*T understand, senor.” “Tf you see him join the Dead Shot, ey cam kill bim and the Dandy also, but bring the boy of the latter to camp.’ ‘*T understand, senor.” A “‘Now, Keno Kit goes at dawn, so be reac © ** Yes, senor.” Having thus put a spy m the track f Keno Kit, Monte went rapidly on toward t .6 head-quarters, where, to his surprise, he fou id the Boy Bugler seated at the table, talking >» Colonel Du Barry. * Ab] Masset ias you anything to repor said the colonel, ‘*T have, sir.” “Well?” ‘‘I went to that boy’s cabin, Colonel Iw Barry, a short while ago to give Keno Kit an order, and while there an arrow was fired into the cabin, coming from some mysterious source.” “So I bave beard, Monte,” coolly said the colonel. “‘T saw about the head of the arrow a piece of paper, and I sought to secure it, but that bo et. “ Pardon me, Monte, but this young gentle- man is my bugler, Mr. Benito Dewhurst, and I object to his being called a boy in a tone of de- rision, for he bas shown himself a man in every sense of the word except his years.” ‘¢ Ah! I meant no offense, sir.” ‘Then select more respectful language im ad- dressing Mr. Dewburst.” “Certainly, Colonel Du Barry; but I was fretted that he refused to ave me the paper.” ‘“* As he had a right to do, for the arrow was fired into his cabin, and you had no right to in- terfere.” “Then, sir, I have nothing more to say, as you think he did right, otber than that it was a most mysterious shot, and there is something mysterious in it.” “True, it is pe opens yet not suspicious,” “You know of its contents, then?” “ I do.” ‘ The chief of scouts seemed to think the colonel would tell him what was written upon .be aper; but that officer did no such thing, aad onte said: ' ‘‘Then I had better put scouts out to find the one who fired the shot, sir?” , ‘ “No, that is unnecessary now, as ke is dou -;- less far away before this. ; ‘Is there anything more to communiGs,é, Mr. Monte?” "No, sir” and the dark face of the se ot flushed with anger as he arose and took bis de- rture, leaving the colonel and the Boy Bugier gether. CHAPTER VII. BENITO GAINS HIS POINT, , Havine told the colonel his story, of his re- fusing to allow the chief of scouts to see the scrap of paper, and then shown it to his com- mander, the Boy Bugler felt that be had the best of Monte by far, and was feeling quite cheerful over the discomfiture of the one who had tried to make him feel that he was a mere boy. : When Monte took his departure, Benito said: “Now, colonel, I have a favor to ask of you, ir,” “Well, Benito, it is granted,” answered the kind-hearted ¢olpnel, who had learned to love the poor boy as though he were his own sop. “T thank you, sir. ) “What do yon wish, my boy?” ‘¢ A leave of absence,” ac Ab ” “ Yes, sir.” ‘“ Where would you go, Benito?” _ “5 ee like, sir, to go off on a little se it- ing e ition of my own.’ E Gant see how ¥, is, Benito. This ser: ‘of paper has set you wild to find your poor sis) r.” nito did not care to say that he ha, n- to see what he could find. ut about Dead Shot, before he had seen thet /8- terious piece of paper, and by his sil ce allowed the colonel to believe that it way; sis desire to attempt to find bis unfortunate or. “My son,” continued the eolonel: now “] will have Captain Lorne take a squ, on and go on the mene for your sister, an | ou sball accompany Dim. st “ Thank po colonel, but I prefer go one.” a “ Alone! why, you would be killed by me roving baad as dian: or the Marasder — be- fore two s @@e by. ’ “No, wit’ Yor I have had considerable ¢: pe- rience in prairie life, young as I am, and you know I ara a good shot, w my roan is ai <a tended goi ry
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The Mysterious Marauder. fect flyer, so I would be onan equality with any ordinary foe, and my horse could outrun any arimal sent in chase of me.” “I do not like the idea of your going, aito.” -cfl believe, sir, that I could find out some- ting abou: my sister, sir, and—” 0“ And what, Benito?” ** And, Colonel Du Barry, I believe, sir, that Iman prove to you thatd am right in still trust- #) z in Dead Shot Dandy.” _ ‘No, no, Benito, I bave lost all confidence in at man, for he loves his outlaw life too well te accept my offer to him,” sadly said the oclonel, “Tf bave faith in him, sir, and I hope to prove that Iam right.” ‘ T cannot let you go alone, Benito.” * But, sir—” “Tt is useless to argue, for I will not allow it. ** But if Keno Kit would accompany you—” “Colonel Du Barry, I will confess to you that Keno Kit is going with me,” and Benito then told of the = he had entered upon with the scout, and how opportunely Monte had ped in with orders for. Keno Kit to start upon the trail of Dead Shot and the Marauders, “Well, lam glad you will be with one who is second to Dead Shot only as @ scout, Benito. “ But when will you go?” “T will start in the morning, sir, some hours after dawn.” ‘* Very well, my boy; but I beg of you to be careful of your life, for you have a brilliant future before you, and [ tell you frankly that I have already written to Washington begging a second-lieutenancy for you for your gallant services, and asking that you may serve as an aide-de-camr to m2.” ‘On! Colonel Du Barry!” gasped the bappy boy, and it was all he could say, while the colonel continued: “ Now Texpect to get your eommission, for 4 0u have won it a dozen times over, and I have m> desire to see you get my boy lieutenant shot.” ‘9 P)l be careful of him, sir.” **T do not believe you, for you are as daring a piece of humanity as I ever saw. ‘‘Now you can have your leave of absence, 7 ad I'll have Keno Kit shot if he gets you killed, & tell him to look out. “If you make any discovery as to where ) ur sister is, return at once and report to me, e.d be she in an Indian village or among the Marauders, I will rescue her if I march at the bead of every soldier, scout and straggler in my command to do so.” ‘*You are most good to me, Colonel Du Barry.” ‘* You deserve it, Benito, I bonestly tell you, with no fear that flattery will spoil you.” After a few more words of warning and ad- vice, the colonel bade the Boy Bugler good- night and wished him God speed in his pur Returning to his cabin he found that Keno Kit had already gone, and he at once set about preparing to start upon his trail in the morning. CHAPTER VIII. THE MARAUDERS’ DEFIANCE. Tue morning following the interview between Benito and Colonel Du Barry several events of importance happened, which I may as well mention as they occurred. n First, it was rumored that Keno Kit had out of — fort before og ht, mounted upon his best horse, and equip or a scouting exnetition; which, it thas whispered, had in view the finding of the haunts of the Marauders. When he learned that Keno Kit had gone hours before the time which be had set for his ¢ parture, instead of giving him credit for his ») omptness, Monte, the chief of scouts, had been ious with bim., © Yext, out of the fort went Chaparral Juan, as 4\') Mexican scout was called, and this was, the / atinel told Monte, just at dawn, and it be- étme whispered about that he was dispatched ~~? his chief, especially to win the reward offered * the body of Dead Shot Dandy, dead or alive. atardly had Chaparral Juan disappeared from “Wt over a roll in the prairie, when Benito, “Boy Bugler, presented himself at the stock- » ‘gate. ; 52e was equip for a long trail, if seemed, * bis roan stallion looked capable of carrving young rider to the end of it withou trouble. af hi i Vhen asked by the hangers-on about the fort were he was going, Benito had said: ‘T’'m going on a little hunt for big game.” * With this i rode away, and glancing back, K ; eyes fell upon something white sticking upon ti » gateway. ‘ Instantly he turned back, and riding up to it, saw that it was a piece of paper, upon which was written something in a bold, legible hand. ‘It is Dead Shot’s writing,” he said, and then his face turned pale as he read the following: **To Cotonet Duncan Du Barry, * Comman/ing Fort Blank and Post:— “ Sm:— * Your generous offer of pardon I decline with contempt, and in return defy your hirelings to at- tempt to earn the reward you place upon me, dead or alive. “ Caprain DeAp SxHot, “ The Marauder of the Rio Grande.” Thrice did Benito read this over, and his face became very pale and he looked anxious, * What is it, Bugler?’ asked a soldier. “‘ Something for the eyes of Colonel DuBarry,” was the reply of the youth, and dismounting, he strode into the colonel’s quarters, ‘*Well, Benito, are you ready to go?’ asked the colonel, who had just finished dressing. “T had already started, sir, but looking back, I caught sight of a piece of paper stuck upon the outside of the stockade gate.” “Indeed! what was it?” ‘Here it is, sir.” The colonel took the piece of paper, and his brow grew dark and stern as he read what was written thereon. ‘*T hope now, Benito, you will not be so silly as‘ to defend that cursed outlaw, Dead Shot Dandy,” be said in an angry tone, ‘It looks like Dead Shot’s writing, sir.” “Tt is his writing, and by Heaven! he defies me. “Very well, I accept the defiance, and I shall yet capture him, yes, and hang him, for Pll not show mercy now, and allow him to be shot— Ah, Marie, my child, are you and Lulu ready for breakfast?” and the colonel turned to hisdaugh- ter, who just then entered the room, looking very beautifal in her morning dress. ‘Yes, father, but you look worried.” ‘*T am angry, Marie.” “What have you been doing, Benito, to make father angry, for, as you are here, you must needs be the culprit?’ and the maiden turned to the Boy Bugler, who answered: ° * Your father must explain, Miss Marie.” ‘* And I will, for Benito bas done nothing, Marie, to anger me, though he has just brought me this Dy nt ** Read it!” Marie Du Barry took the scrap of pa and read it through, her face paling and flushing by turns. “ Where did you get this?” she asked. ‘““Ofr of the stockade gate,” answered her father. ‘¢ This is strange.” “It isa deflanee which Dead Shot shall re- = aie You then think that he wrote it, father?’ * Marie, are you blind?” ‘“‘ No, sir; I am blessed with remarkably good eyesight.” “You know the handwriting of Dead Shot Dandy?” “*T do, sir.” “Well?” © ** Well what, father?” “Ts not that his writing?” “ It certainly looks like his.” “Looks! that is what Benito said just now. “It is bis handwriting and both you and Benito are blind not to see it. ** Orderly!” ‘Yes, sir,” ald-the orderly stepped into the sn. , room. “ Ask Captaiir’"Srne and Paymaster Leighton to join me here @“once.” The orderly ob#®3d, and soon the captain arrived. "RE ‘Lorne, who wrote this?’ and Colonel Du emia turned down for inspection only the words: , “To COLONEL Duncan Du Barry, Commanding Fort Blank and Post.” “Tt is Dead Shot’s handwriting, sir,” said Cecil Lorne, with surprise... , ‘“‘ True, and heré is the paymaster, and I will hear what he has to say. ‘‘ Leighton, kindly tell me who wrote these words?” and the colonel allowed the cceacaale to see just what Cecil Lorne had read. ‘‘ Tt is the writing of Dead Shot Dandy, sir, of course,” was the reply. ns an you satisfied now, Marie?” asked the jone ‘*T again say, sir, that it looks like the writ- 5 A TT ing of Dead Shot Dandy, the outlawed scout,” quietly said Marie. ‘* And you, Benito?” “I agree with Miss Marie, sir, it does look like Dead Shot’s writing.” oe ‘* Bah! you are both as stubborn as Govern- ment mules,” impatiently said the. colonel, and handing the letter to Captain Lorne, he con- tinued; ‘“‘ Here, Lorne, read aloud this deflance, which that daring outlaw, in answer to my generous offer of a pardon, coolly tacks upon the stock- ade gate, under the very nose of my sen- tinel.” Captain Cecil Lorne read aloud the defiance, and then remained silent, while Paymaster Leighton, whose losses at the hands of the Ma- rauders bad made him very bitter, said: , “Dead Shot wrote it, and no one else, and I suppose he thinks he can beard you under your very guns, Colonel Du Barry.” ‘‘He will find that he cannot, for, Captain Lorne, [I wish you to take several da ys in which to pick your roupert, scouts and horses, and start against the bold Marauders,” ‘*T will be ready, sir, whenewer you degiry me to go, ‘‘ But what force shall I take?” thao ine | man that can be to from the fort, for I wish this expedition, ne, to accom, plish much.” ‘And you go with me, I suppose, Benito?” and the captain turned to the Boy Bugler, wno answered: ‘‘ No, sir, though I may meet you somewhare.” Then, with a bow, Benito took his depa. ture, and rode off over the prairie, those who saw his departure, equipped as he was, for a stay of some time, wondering whitber he was going, and why Colonel Du Barry allowed aim to go off alone. , CHAPTER IX. HEMMED IN ON THE PRAIHii, WuHeEN Colonel Du Barry joined ais danghter and Lulu Dale at breakfast, the morning of the Gepacsure of Keno Kit and Benito, be was not in bis usua) genial mood, The fact is he had greatly admired and re- spected Dead Shot Dandy, and found it hard to believe the accumulated evidence against him. But when he was brought face to face with seeming facts, that left no room to doubt bis guilt, be had felt angered and hurt at the treachery of the man he had so fully trusted, When the outlawed scout had again rendered such invalnable service, not only saving the command of Captain Lorne from massacre, but also aiding it ia surprising the red-skins, he had issued his proclamation of pardon for Dead Shot Dandy, provided that he wonld come in and surrender before thirty days. Then, not onl y.the specified time passed with- out Dead Shot Dandy taking advantage of bis generous offer, but a written deflance waa posted upun tbe walls of the fort, daring the colonel, as it were, to do his worst. These things disturbed Colonel Du Barry greatly, and he wenr into breakfast with no de- sire to eat his usual hearty meal, But Lulu Dale never looked more lovely, and, arrayed in one of Marie’s dresses, Shick as most becoming to ber, greeted him with all the warmth that a loving daughter might bestow upon a father, She had recovered from her wound, and hav- ing cast aside her male attire looked the beau- tiful, innocent girl she was, And never before had she appeared so bril- liant, until the colonel soon lost his ill-humor and became his natural self once more. After breakfast Lulu proposed a ride. and Marie seconding it, the two maidens, the colo- nel and Captain Cecil Lorne started off for a brisk gallop over the prairies, As the troops had been circulating about the fort in eyuads a. great deal of late, and Keno Kit, Chaparral Juan and Benito were known to have gone out that morning, the colonel de- clined to take an escort, statiag that there was nosenem. es iy 3 nstinctively it seem Laois the wa riding with the colonel. * : ‘i Although she laughed and chatted continual- ly she kept her eyes almost vonstantly u the prairie, and had her companions atten- tively watched her, they would have observed that she was following a trail. A league from the fort they passed through a eir clump of timber, and, after wa horses ata spring, they held on toward the dis- c " Several times the colonel had hinted at re- turning, but each time the pretty girl had urged.
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6 The Mysterious Marauder. —— that they go a little further and had had her way. At length anotber clump of timber was reached, and they flanked it, as Captain Lorne said that it was not safe to attempt to ride through thick woods, ; Then the Red Chaparral loomed up ahead, and Colonel] Du Barry said: “Now we must go back, for we know not what danger lurks in yonder chaparral.” “Do you think that there is danger to us then, sir?” asked Lulu gayly. “There may be, for the chaparral is the baunt of both Marauders and red-skins, and once within its retreats, no one can pursue them other than our scouts.” “Does not this trail lead into it, colonel?” “Yes, Lulu, it enters just where you see yonder tree rising high above the others.” at And leads through the chaparral?” “Ts this the trail that goes by Padre’s Rock?” she asked, “i Yes,” “YT must go there some time, for I would like to see the spot where my poor father died.” All her joyous nature had become clouded at once, and wisbing to change the subject, the colonel said: “T will escort you there some day; but now we must turn back. “Come, Lorne, to the right-about, and we follow going back,” called out the colonel, in _ lively tones. With military promptness, Cecil Lorne and Marie Du Barry wheeled their horses, as did also Colonel Du Barry and Lulu, and from the oh of each broke acry of amazement as they 80. And no wonder they were amazed, and alarmed, too, for within rifle-range of them, having ridden out of the thick clump of timber where they had been concealed, were a dozen Indians, mounted and pressing toward them. And worse still, they had spread out in a half- circle, the ends being almost even with the rty, and thus cutting them off from all flight, except toward the chaparral, “Quick! we must ride for the chaparral,” cried the colonel, realizing fully their danger, ““No, colonel, for they must have a larger force there, as they seem to wish to drive us in that direction,” called out Cecil Lorne. “True, Lorne; then we must break their line as best we can, “Come, girls, you ride between the captain and myself.” The officers then 8 scope themselves upon either side of the maidens, and the four moved yorward in line ata gallop, all of them with draw: revolvers, for both Marie and Lulu were armed also. Realizing their determination, the red-skins rode toward a common center, not only to head them off, but also maneuvering in such a way that they would still keep them surrounded. “We have been caught napping, Lorne, and are two against twelve,” quietly said the colonel, as they dashed on. “ Four against twelve, sir, for you will find that we are not to be despised in fighting for our lives,” returned Lulu. “As she spoke, several of the red-skins who had guns, at a given signal raised their weapons, and fired cp asiat upde the party. The bullets whistled closely about them, and though none of the four were hurt, the animal ridden by Cecil Lorfe went down with a broken leg; but his rider caught nimbly upon his feet, and called out: ‘*Dash on, colonel, and break through, for I can take care of myself!” ; . CHAPTER X. AN UNEXPECTED ARRIVAL. : Wuewn Captain Cecil Lorne called out what he did, after the fall of his horse, as quickly as they could rein in their animals the others did #0, while Lulu announced in ringing tones: “We are not made of that kind of stuff, Captain Lorne, to desert a friend in distress.” No, Lorne, we will remain here and fight it ut,” said the colonel. Instantly Cecil Lorne put his revolver to the head of his wounded horse and pulled the trigger, - while hesaid: . _ sp “Poor fellow, I'll put you out of your suffer- ing, and we'll make sure of you too. ‘+ Aid the ladies to dismount, please, colone and we'll mske breastworks of our horses, an oe fi mg will be heard at the fort and bring welief,’ “You are right, Lorne. Come, girls,” said the colonel. . Quickly the two maidenssprung to the ground, just as tke Indians uttered wild yells of triumph, and charged upon the little party with greater speed. * Quick as he could do so, Cecil Lorne then killed the other three horses, dropping them in such a way that they made a breastwork, and then they a!l sprung into the little fort and crouched down, just asa volley of bullets and arrows were fired upon them from the charging savages, The shots hit the bodies of the animals with a sickening thud, and Marie shuddered, for she bad never before been in such a scene: but Lulu took the affair with a coolness that amounted to indifference. } “‘Cowards! they intend to kill us at long range. ‘* But better that than become their captives,” said the colonel, as he glanced with grief-filled eyes toward his daughter and Lulu. ‘No, sir, I fear it is their intention te take us alive,” and Ceci) Lorne pointed to how the Indians were forming in a compact maass, as though to ride down upon them in a body and thus end the affair by a hand-to-hand struggle with the men. “Look out, sir! here they come!” shouted Cecil Lorne, ‘* Ay, ay, captain, ‘‘ Empty every barrel of your revolver but one, and keep that shot for my peor child, while I will kill you, Lulu, for better such a death than a life-time of misery as a Comanche’s cap- tive,” and the colonel’s voice trembled as he spoke. ‘“‘Oh how fearful!” cried Marie, as the In- dians, riding four abreast, came on at the full speed of their horses, yelling like demons, and firing shots over the heads of the party to un- nerve them. Nearer and nearer they came, until suddenly a wild war-cry was heard that arose above the yells of the Comanches, and then followed the rattling ring of a repeating-rifle. ‘*Dead Shot’s war-ery among a thousand!” shouted Captain Lorne, and the eyes of the little party now fell upon a horseman riding like the wind to their rescue, while his repeating-rifle was at his shoulder sending forth flash after flash, and bullet after bullet, directly upon the Indians. Down went a pony in advance, then a war- rior tumbled from his saddle, and another fol- lowed, while the fourth shot dropped a second horse. At the fifth shot the chief of the red band was seen to reel in his saddle, clutch at the mane of bis pony, grasp at the air, and fall in a heap upon the ground, This brought the red-skins to a sudden halt. But straight at them rode the daring horse- man, his black steed fairly flying over the prairie. : Seeing that their foes must escape them, the red-skins now charged upon their single enemy who so daringly rode down upon them, ‘‘By Heaven! but I will aid him, outlaw though he be,” cried Colonel Du Barry, spring- a ey the dead horse in his front. ut Cecil Lorne was by his side, revolver in hand, and calling to the maidens to remain where they were, the two officers sprung toward the scene of unequal combat, But suddenly they saw Dead Shot Dandy, for he indeed it was, throw himself from his saddle, and, springing away from his horse, open upon — bareing band with a revolver in each and, There was a rattling volley, a flying of bullets and arrows through the air, and then six war- riors, just one-half of the band, went flying away over the prairie, while four riderless ponies were galloping about in wild fright.. Springing again into the saddle, and unheed- ing the coming of the officers toward him, Dead Sbot went off like an arrow, n a moment they saw his motive. It was to catch the four Indian ponies, and for a magnificent borse, such as was the black rid- den by the outlawed scout, it was but short work, for he bad soon ropad the four animals, Returning to Lulu and Marie, Colonel Du Barry and Cecil Lorne stood als the com- ing of Dead Shot, their bosoms filled with strange emotions and a glad light upon the face of Marie Du Barry, while Lulu seemed pale and nervous. Leading the four ponies up to the spot, Dead Shot Dandy raised his broad sombrero politely, and sa : id: homel Du Barry, accept these animals, such as they are, in place of those you were forced to slay, and permit me to suggest that you return at once to the fort, as there are other red-skins abroad.” ‘‘ Duke Decatur, from my very soul I thank vou, for myself, these four girls, and Captai Lorne, for no greater service was ever rendere than that which you have done but now.” “I have but done my duty, Colonel Du Barry, and care not for thanks. *‘Good morning, sir.” : Witbout a glance at Marie, Lulu, or Captain Lorne, he raised bis sombrero again and was turning away, when Colonel Du Barry stepped quickly forward and called out: ‘Hold, Decatur!” “Well, sir.” “You care not for my thanks, but I will here ive you my free pardon for all you bave done in the past, and beg that you return with us to the fort.” All waited the reply in breathless eagerness. They saw.the handsome face flush up and then grow pale, while the dark blue eyes flashed fire. Then the reply, in cold cutting tones, came from Dead Shot Dandy: = “Colonel Duncan Du Barry, I neither seek pardon at your bands nor accept it.” Without another word Dead Shot Dand wheeled his horse to dash away, when Lulu Dale sprung toward him and cried in a ringing voice: “Hold, Captain Dead Shot, or I will kill you!” CHAPTER XI. LULU'S SHOT. At the sudden and wholly unexpected cry cf Lulu Dale, Dead Shot wheeled in bis saddle and looked back at her, while Colonel Du Barry, Cecil Lorne and Marie were startied by her act and threatening words. But a he saw that Lulu bad ker revol- ver leveled full at him, and there was determina- tion in her heart to fire, and thus keep her-word, he did not halt but rode on, ‘‘ Your death be on your own head,” cried the maiden, and she pulled the trigger, just.as Marie Du ~— struck up the weapon, and the bullet whistled harmlessly over the head of the scout. At the shot be turned his horse to the right- about, and reining bim back on his haunches, sat there in silence gazing upon her. “Ob! why did you do that, Marie Du Barry? Let me kill him, for he will escape!” cried Lulu, as Marie grasped the weapon with a firm hold that could not be shaken off. “Would you killa man who has just saved ou from a fate worse than death?’ said arie Du Barry, wes a while her father and Cecil Lorne were co: ‘pletely unnerved for the instant by the startling acts of the two girls. “Ay, woul 1 I kill him, for that man is Cap- tain Dead Shot, the Marauder, and he killed my father!” almost shrieked Lulu Dale, trying in vain to release her revolver from the grasp of Marie Du Barry. At these words from the lips of the almost frantic girl Dead Shot Dandy uttered a light laugh, and touching his splendid black with the spurs he bounded away over the prairie, just as the clatter of hoofs was heard and Mont the chief of scouts dashed up, followed by a score of his men. ‘On, men, on, for the colonel needs not our aid now I see, and yonder game must be run down!” shouted Monte. “ Hold!” “ Halt!” The commands broke in ringing tones from the lips of Colonel Du Barry and Captain Lorne, and the scouts, who were dashing by, half-reined up, when Monte yelled: “Pll stop with the colonel, boys, and you go on after Dead Shot, and take him dead or alive!” A eheer greeted these words, but in an in- stant Cecil Lorne bad leaped to the head of Monte’s horse, and seizing the reins, cried: ““Call off your men, Monte, the Mexican, and at once, or I send a bullet through your heart!” ; Monte knew Cecil Lorne was not one to make an idle threat, and he saw that he dared got rley, so be gave a loud call to his scouts, instantly they wheeled to the right-about. “Ho, pards! the orders are to let the outlaw go te do more mischief,” he cried, “ Monte, I will have no comments, sir, from you, | ‘“T propose to let Dead Stot go at this time for we owe him more than life, and you wil} return with us to the fort as an escort,” sternly said Colonel Du Barry. | . Monte was not a man to go against his own
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ah Senne interests, and pithongh he knew that he was not esis the trut , he said: * As you please, colonel; but seeing, as I did that Captain Dead Shot, the Marauder, bad led a bard of Indians upon you, I naturally wished to capture him.” ‘* You saw no such thing, sir, for Dead Shot saved us from those Indians when we had given up all hope, ’ ‘Let your men place our saddles and bridles upon those Indian ponies, and we will return at once to the fort.” Monte gave the erders, and the party started back, Lulu again riding by the side of Colonel Du Barry. The young girl was very pale, and seemed nervous, and they rode along in silence for some time, when the colonel asked: “Lulu, why did you attempt to kill the scout as you did?!” * Because I have sworn to avenge my father’s death,” the little beauty said peed nt “And that is the man who killed your ‘‘He is the man who brought me the money at the Brent Hacienda.” “ Suref” ** Yes, sir.” ‘ ‘Then there can be no doubt, and I am con- fident too, that Dead Shot is the Marauder chief.” “ And yet you allowed him to escape.” ‘* Bah! Monte and bis men could never have captured him, and besides, see how he disarmed me ‘* How do you mean, sir?” “Why, he had just saved us from a fearful Set ar ful, Colonel Du B d if **T am revenge onel Du Barry, and i he saved me from a hundred deaths, I would not fofgive him my father’s murder.” as n you still feel revengeful toward him, Lalu?’ “I do, and I will yet reap my revenge, for I have sworn it.” * Ah, Lulu, I would forgive that man to- night, and pardon him for all he has done in the past if be would but come in and surrender himself, throwing himself upon my mercy.” **T would not forgive him, Colonel Du Barry, and more, I never shall,” was the almost savage response of Lulu Dale, as they rede up to the fort, where the garrison was under arms, for that something had bappened of an unusual oc- currence, all knew, as Monte bad said he feared danger, and had rijden off half an hour after the departure of the colonel and his party. The firing had also been heard at the fort, and balf a hundred troopers were ready to dash out to the rescue, when the sentinel reported the party returning at a leisurely pace, that showed all danger was over. CHAPTER XIL LULU’S PLOT. Tere determined effort made by Lulu Dale to kill Dead Shot Dandy, and thus avenge her father, had pained Marie Du Barry most deeply. She had taken the daughter of the dead scout to her heart as a girl who had been unfortun- . ate, and had nursed her with sisterly care through her suffering. She had learned to love the wayward, but true-hearted girl, and she could not understand how Lulu could feel revengefully toward one who had twice saved ber from death, or a fate to her far worse, im becoming the captive of cruel Indians. 4 ‘“You «re angry with me, Marie,” said Lulu, ty the two were alone in their room at the “No, Lulu, only hurt,” was the answer. “« Marie, in all my life I had but one person to love, and that was my poor fatber. “He died by violence, not by the hand of one whom he was attacking but in a spirit of assas- sination, and I cannot forgive his slayer. “Tam sorry that you are burt with me, and regret my act to-day before you, whom I know to feel a tender regard for that man. “J was hasty, and should have bided my time.” : * “Tt is forgotten and forgiven, Lulu,” said Marie frankly, and she kissed the young girl affeetionately, and the feeling of coldness be- tween the two was at an end. In his own quarters Colonel Du Barry and Cecil Lorne were discussing the adventures of the day, and they both seemed worried greatly. “T tell you, Lorne, that man is a wonder, said the cblonel, referring to Dead Shot. '“ He is indeed, sir, and it is such deeds as he The Mysterious Marauder: bas to-day done that cause me to believe, after all, that there must be some mistake,” returned the young officer. “Yet you heard his defiant words to me?” + About the pardon!” ‘*He said he would neither ask nor accept a pardon?” ‘* Yes; those were his words.” ‘It is strange, sir, if he is guilty, that he does not accept a pardon.” “Tt is, indeed; but Iam determined to hunt him down, Lorne.” * And kill him?” “a No.” ‘What then, sir?’ “I wish you to start in a few days, as I be- fore ordered, and you are to give your men special orders that Dead Shot Dandy is to be taken alive.” he BS ta “When he is in my power I will bring him to terms and pardon bim.” “‘T hope he will come to terms, sir, for the whole fort is kept ina perfect ferment by the present situation of affairs.” “T think we can manage him when we get him here, Lorne,” **T trust so, colonel.” “Now what do you think of that determined and revengeful little spitfire, old Bronze Bill’s daughter?” ‘*T bardly know what to think, sir.” “Nor do I.” She certainly is a lady, Colonel Du Barry, refined in manner, well educated, and yet she can ride like a Comanche, throw a lariat as well as Benito, and is an unerring shot, while she has immense pluck and nerve.” ‘She has, indeed, and a little revenge toward Dead Shot.” “She would have killed him to-day, sir, had not Miss Du Barry struck up her hand, for she was as firm as iron.” ‘* Yes, and he did not suspect her intention,” ‘Well, I shall try and tone her down a little with Marie’s aid, aud she will make a splendid woman.” And so thought Cecil Lorne, who had become deeply interested in the young girl. But while the colonel and the captain were discussing her, Lulu Dale was secretly making Repent to take her departure from the ort She had gotten out her male attire and fixed it up in good condition, burnished her weapons, and had all in readiness when darkness came on. Then she set about Peenelne her flight from the fort, fer well she knew that Colonel Du Barry would never permit her to depart, did he suspect her intention. ed CHAPTER XIIL. THE MIDNIGHT FLIGHT. ‘“‘CapraIn LORNE, can you tell me of any officer or scout in the fort who basa good horse to sell?” The one who addressed the question to Cap- tain Lorne was Lulu Dale, and she had gone out behind the piazza of the hbead-quarters where that officer was seated, enjoying a mR litely, he asked ) ‘Rising politely, he asked: ‘Who wants to buy, Miss Lulu?” “ I do.” “You?” ‘Yes, for the horse I rode frcm home was killed, you know, and the one the colonel gave me met the same fate to-day.” “True, and as I killed your horse to-day, Miss Lulu, will you do me the honor of accepting an apimal in its place from me?” ‘““No, Captain Lorne, I will not, though I thank you for your kindness. “You killed the horse to protect our lives; but, if you bave a good animal you can sell me, I will buy him with pleasure,” ‘“‘T have no horse of my own to sell, but Major Burke, when he left the fort some weeks ago, left his favorite horse in my charge, with a request to sell him, if he recovered from a wound he had received. : “The animal bas wholly recovered, and is a beautiful black and very fast. . “In fact, with the major’s weight, and he was a very large man, the black could keep ahead of the regiment in a race or in a long march. ‘*Now, if you will accept the horse, he is at yaur service, and we will try bim now.” “‘T must decline your generous offer; but I will buy him, and will take him without trial. “What is his price?” 7 sence major set no price upon him, Miss u. ‘Then what is he worth?” ‘*Take him at your own price, Miss Lulu.” Lulu coolly took from her pocket a roll of bills and said: ; “Here are two hundred dollars, Oaptain rne, “Ts the amount sufficient!” ‘‘More than enough, Miss Lulu.” “No, give that sum to Major Burke for hie i horse; and now will you go with me to see my purchase?” The captain accompanied the maiden, and she seemed delighted with the animal, ordering him at once taken to the colone!’s stables. That night, when all was quiet about the fort, a slender form glided out of the colonel’s cabin and went in the direction of the head-quarter stables. The groom slept there, and was at once aroused by the visitor, at whom he looked with surprise. , “Lead out my horse, Dolan,” was the order. | ‘Your horse, sir!” a“ Yes.” “Idon’t know you, sir, though you have the : look of an officer,” said the groom, poy, “Tam Miss Dale, Dolan, and I wish the horse I purchased to day and left in your care; get her ready with my saddle and bridle, which was taken from the dead animal, shot under me the night I came.” ‘The saddle and trappings are all here, miss; but I can’t take them out without orders from the colonel.” ‘“Ha! Then I must act for myself. “ Hold out your hands, sir.” The man would have demurred, but a pistol muzzle was thrust into bis face, and he obeyed, while he said: “The colonel will punish me, miss.” “No, for be would rather have you obey and live than disobey and die.” ‘You wouldn't kill me, miss?” “Refuse to doasl order you and see,” was the significant reply. “Out with your hands, sir!” He held them out, and a pair of handcuffs pe rere upon them instantly, while she said quietly: “IT have another pair here, Dolan, for one other, so you will not be alone in your misery, | “Now open your mouth, for Ido not care to hear your tuneful voice raised in alarm.” A 886, which she had prepared for the event, evidently, was thrust into his mouth and made fast behind his head, Then she made him sit down upon the open’ steps leading to the loft, and with leather reins tied him fast. “ Now, Dolan, I must leave you,” she said, and quickly she felt in the darkness for her own superb saddle and bridle, and put them on the horse she had that day paren ie Then she left the stable, leading the animal, and halted in a clump of trees, not far from the gate in the stockade which led to the outer. camps. A sentinel was always kept there; but, as the camps were on that side, bis duties were to keep soldiers in the fort, and those outside from entering, rather than watch for foes, “If he detects that Iam not an cfiicer at the fort, I must handcuff and gag him too,” mute tered the daring girl as she rode up to the sen- tinel, who promptly halted her and deman« the countersign. ° ! r “Dismount friend, advance and give + countersign!” was promptly obeyed by the d guised girl. But, as she had feared the sentinel saw that she was not one of the garrison, and said, pa 2 : o are wiagh “T gave you the countersign, my man, and that should te sufficient.” wie aed : “But I don’t know you.” “ That has nothing to do with it.” “T must call the corporal of the guard, sir, under the circumstances,” “My man, I em a friend of Colonel Du Barry, and I entered the fort by the main gate, and am going over to the camps. .. “T have given you the countersign, and 1. wish you to stand aside and Jet me pass,” _“Tt may be all right, sir; but these are ticklish times, and I must do my duty. “Tf the corporal says it ise right you can go of course.” The sentinel was about to call the guard, when a revolver was shoved into his face, an he saw that it was cocked and a finger upon the trigger, while he heard the words: ;
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The Mysterious Marauder. ~ “Fool! Ltell you I am all right, and as you will not believe me, then I shail force you to terms. “Hold out gad hands, sir, and if you utter a word I will kill you!” To a man in his situation, the sentinel had but to obey, and still holding the revolver in bis face with her left band, Lulu quickly slipped the bendcuffs upon his wrists with her right, and the soldier was at her mercy. _“* Now, my man, as I do not wish to leave this fate exposed, as soon as I get my horse I will release you,” she said. The key was then tu:ned in the lock, the heavy log gate swung open, and the horse was led through. * Now, soldier, when I have mounted I will toss you your musket back over the stockade, but your wrists must remain bound, for I will risk no shot as I ride off. “As to who I am you will soon know, for you bad better send the corporal to release the colonel’s groom, Dolan, who is in a worse pre- dicament than you are. ** Good -nigbt!” ' So saying Lulu passed out through the gate carrying the sentinel’s musket, Mounting ber horse, she threw the gun over the stockake and dashed away, while the sen- tinel sung out, lustily: ‘Corporal of the guard!” Finding his gun he seized it and fired a shot, while the whole fort was at once in an uproar alarm, * When at last the real facts leaked out, a half an hour had passed, and Colonel Du Barry knew that in the darkness pursuit was useless, as no one could tell which way the midnight fugitive had gone. CHAPTER XIV. THE DOUBLE TRAIL. Ir will be remembered by the reader that Benito, the Boy Bugler, started away from the fort in broad daylight. _ He had his rendezvous appointed with Keno Kit, at Padre’s Rock, and yet he was always willing to learn what he could of prairie-craft, and seeing the trail of the scout’s horse, he started to follow it to its destination. He knew well the tracks of the animal which Keno Kit rode, from some peculiarity of the hoof which the scout had pointed out to him, and he had no difficulty in following the trail, m, however, he discovered that other tracks mingled with those made by Keno Kit’s The animal that made them had come from the direction of the fort, that was evident. ~ Could it be Monte, following Keno Kit after having given him his orders, he wondered? At any rate, the two tracks were plainly visible, and one was certainly made be the horse of Keno Kit. _Who was the rider of the second horse Benito pro to find out. : . The trail led to the red chapparal, and entered t wild fastness of tree-land. Knowing, as he did, the point for which Keno was making, Benito was master of the situ- m, 80 he made a detour through the chapar- and came out at a point some miles ahead. Here he concealed his horse, and glancing at the trail saw that Keno Kit had passed by, for there were the tracks of bis horse, but those of bis follower were not visible, ' Hardly had he made this discovery when a an came in sight, thing back in the brush, Benito waited to see just who he was, . He was well aware that, if discovered, it ht come to a deadly encounter; but Benito a3 one who was ready to take those chances. As the horseman drew near he saw just who he was. ~“ Chaparral Juan, the Mexican scout,” mut- tered the Boy Bugler. ‘‘ But what can he want following Keno Kit? **Ah! I remember, he hates Kit because be Won his money from him at cards, and threat- ened to kill him, the boys say. - “T wonder if he has followed Kit to kill him, “If so, I'll be in at the killing, I reckon,” . The boy crouched close in the thicket, and without su ting his presence the Mexican passed by, his eyes bent upon the trail. “It is only a mile to re’s Rock, so I'll go it on foot, for he would hear my horse. “Ab! I can cut him off the grape-vine ah. cried Benito, remembering a trail access- ible toa man but not to a horse, which would ake a short cut to a point near the Padro’s __ Baatening along on foot the boy soon came in sight of the Padre’s Rock, and saw Keno Kiv’s horse staked out near it. Then he caught sight of the scout building a fire to cook his dinner. “Now Ill see what Mister Chaparral Juan wants,” said Benito, hiding in a thicket, He waited some time, and, as the scout did not appear, he began to think that be had put back, upon discovering that Keno Kit was not a Marauder or an Indian scout. But just then he saw Chaparral Juan come in sight and observed the cause of bis delay. He bad left his horse hidden back upon the trail and was on foot. Cautiously be came forward and halted within ten feet of Benito, and just at a bend of the trail, from whence he had a good view of Padre’s Rock and Keno Kit at his fire, and not a hundred yards distant. ‘*] guess I'll never get a better chance, Keno Kit, to square accounts between us than now, so I'll do it,” said the Mexican, speaking in his own tongue, which Benito spoke as well as he did E glish, having been taught it by his mother. ‘* The comrades say,” continued Juan, * that you carry a snug sum about with yo and [ll re heir to it, and tell Monte that I found you ead. ‘* Now, Keno Kit, I would like to let you know who kills you, but I dare not, for you are a dangerous map,” As t’e intended assassin spoke he raised his rifle slowly to his shoulder, resting the barrel against a mesquite tree. But before he could touch the trigger there came a flash and report near by, and witha yell of pain and terror, Chaparral Juan sprung to his feet and darted away like a deer, his left hand hanging shattered and bleeding at his side as he rap. It was Benito who had fired the shot, deter- mined to mark the wretch, for he did not intend to kill bim, or wish to do so, When the rcnning feet were no longer heard, Benito arose from bis hiding-place, took up the rifle of Chaparval Juan and stepped into full view of Keno Kit, who had hastily taken cover upon bearing the shot. ‘Hello, Kit, where are you?” “Tare here, Boy Pard; but what in thunder does yer come on a man in that style for? ‘*Yer'll never make a trailer if yer shoots jist ter burn powder,” and Keno Kit stepped into view from the thicket surrounding Padre’s Rock and advanced toward the youth, evi- dently chagrined at having ‘‘ taken cover” so quickly from no cause that he could see, Benito burst out into a laugh, and grasping the hand of Keno Kit, told him about Juan having been on his trail. ** Here is his gun, Kit.” ‘Yas, an’ it hey got yer bullet-mark on it, jist whar his hand were, an’ this red stain do sbow thet yer bit him.” ‘*T broke his hand at the wrist, or at least I shot to do so,” ‘Oh, yer did it, then. ** Waal, it will do him good an’ keep him out o’ wickedness fer awhile. * But whar is yer horse?” ‘** Back in the chaparral.” ‘* Waal, go arter him, an’ I'll git dinner, fer tain’t likely yer’ll find Chaparral Juan again.” No, 1 think he bas made for the fort at full speed to get his hand doctored,” and Benito started after his horse, In half an hour he returned on his splendid roan stallion and reported that Chaparral Juan had made tracks at full speed, mounted his horse and gone toward the fort. ‘* Waal, we'll grapple some grub, Boy Pard, an’ git inter a more safer kentry fer us than this be,” said Keno Kit, and soon after the two friends started off upon their trail of discovery. CHAPTER XV. _ CECIL LORNE AND PRAIRIE, PETE. THE morring after the escape of Lulu Dale from the fort, Captain Lorne was early at work, preparing for the march, for it was his intention to start with his command as soon as all could be gotten ready. This intention the going of the maiden had caused, as he had no idea that she should go roaming about the prairies alone, brave as she was and well versed though she might be in prairie craft. He had become more deeply interested in the young girl tban he cared to admit, even to him- self, and as soon as the alarm was given by the sentinel, and it was discovered who it was that had so cleverly esca from the fort, he had asked permission of Colonel Du Barry to get his men ready for the expedition at once. The colonel granted the request willingly, and Monte was told to have his scouts ready move early the next morning, while the soldiers would follow in the afternoon and join them at the Padre’s Rock, which was to be the camping- greund the first night out. The laugh upon the sentinel and groom, at being so cleverly captured by a young girl, Cecil Lorne did not join in, for he was mos' anxious about the safety of that same beautiful maiden, who bad so daringly gone out upon a trail of revenge upon the slayer of her father. In fact the young officer became so fearful for her safety, that he bade Lieutenant Lancaster to come on with the command, as soon as all were ready, while he signified his intention of going on in advance, ‘¢You will surely take Monte and his men with you, Lorne?” said Colonel Du Barry. ~ ‘‘T will take Prairie Pete, colonel, ard I need no better man, and Monte can follow at noon for frankly, I do not like the man, nor do t trust bim fully.” “T have the same feeling, Lorne, though not one act can I recall against Monte.” “Nor I, sir; but good-by, colonel, and Fppe , the to bring you good news of that wild gir Marauders and Dead Shot Dandy upon my return,” Calling to the scout he bad selected to accom- pany bim, Ceci] Lorne mounted his horse and rode out of tbe fort. ~ Prairie Pete was another of the characters at the fort, and a good deal like Keno Kit in his appearance, e was brave asa lion, a thorough scout, blunt and honest, and had passed two-thirds of his life upon the prairies. ‘““Waal cap’n, which way?” he asked, as they rode out of the fort. ‘“‘ Did you find the trail of Miss Dale’s horse, as I asked you, Pete?” ‘*Yas, cap’n.” Can you follow it?” * As fer as it goes, cap’n.” ‘“‘Then we will strike that trail, Pete.” | ‘Yas, cap’n,” and five minutes a Pete had struck the trail of Lulu’s horse and was following it with perfect ease, Straight to the Red paperre! it led, and then along the trail to Padre’s Rock. ‘Well, Pete, it has not brought us out of our way?” “No, cap’n; but while you rest a leetle, Vl just scout round some.” “Do you see pomeviing suspicious, Pete?” “T hes seen s gus thet look cur’ous, cap’p.” Staking b s horse out Prairie Pete started on foot to scout about the Vicinity, while Cecil Lorne sat down by Padre’s Rock to eat his din- ner. In half an hour the scout returned and quiet- ly ae his seat began to eat his midday meal, ‘Well, Pete?” “What did you discover?” _ “Yas, cap’n.” ‘Cap'n thar hes been moosic in this vicinity,” ‘How do you mean, Pete?” ‘Waal, sir, I seen four trails comin’ this way.” Pour “Yas are one. a“ Yes.” ‘* An’ she made ther las’ one.” *« And the others?” “ ett made by Keno Kit’s horse.” r* » cap’n, fer thar were ther gal’s, thet ‘Yas, an’ another were made by thet Boy sa bs Be roan mustang.” ‘* Indeed!” “‘ Sartin, fer I knows ther hoofs at ther fort putty well.” ‘And the other?’ “Were made by ther horse o’ thet ’tarnal scout, Chaparral Juan.” iT) No!” ** Fact.” ’ “And what do you make out of all this, Pete?’ “JT makes, cap’n, thet Keno Kit come fust, Chaparral Juan come next, then ther Boy Boogler, an’ last Chaparral Juan, thet durned Mexican.” “This is strange.” “Thar is nuthin’ stranger, cap’n, fer right over thar is foot-tracks o’ two men. “One of ’em come from whar he left his horse in ther chap'ral, an’ t’other come frov whar his critter were in ther bushes hidin’.
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pata aS REESE ASS AREY A ANT SAD OR, I ' “Now one of ’em were Chap’ral Juan, an’ he got ther wurst o’ it.” “The worst of it?” “Yas, cap’n, fer thar is blood-spots from Jest he left his hidin’-place elean back to his tter *‘ And who was the other?” _ ¥ ” ies tracks showed him ter be ther Boy ogler. ‘‘ Ab! and you think that he and Kono Kit met Chaparral Juan and they had trouble?” , ‘No, cap’», Keno Kit were here, an’ Juan an’ ther boy were thar, an’ they hed trouble. “Then Keno Kit an’ ther Boy Boogler went yonder-ways, fer yer sees thar trail plain.” ‘*Yes, and Chaparral Juan?” “Tuk out fer his horse, an’ struck off on another trail which I did not foller.” And Miss Dale?” ‘She comed on here ter ther rock, for thar is her horse-tracks, an’ thar yer see her leetle foot-print.” ‘** And then?” “We'll see which way she tuk from heré, an’ I’ll be ready soon as [ chaws a leetle more grub, eap’n,” and Prairie Pete began again upon his dinner with the relish of a hungry man. CHAPTER XVI. THE MARAUDERS AT WORK. Knowine that his troops would not arrive at the Padre’s Rock before sunset, Captain Lorne felt that be had several bours in which to prose- cute the search for Lulu Dale. In case that he might be detained longer, he wrote a line to Lieutenant Lancaster, and stuck it upon a stick, telling him to remain in camp at the Padre’s Ruck until his return. “Now, Prairie Pete, 1 am ready,” he said. “An I is, too, cap’n,” remarked the scout, and saddling his horse, he set off on foot, the animal following. Striking the trail of the maidon, after follow- ing it for awhile, he said: ‘Cap’n, she hes stayed round here considibul, an’ then sot off on ther trail back inter ther ebap’ral.” “ Follow it then, Pete,” “Tl do it,” and again the scout began his work, going on foot, his horse close behind him, and Cecil rne following and wondering at the wonderful sagacity of the prairie-man, which amounted almost to the instinct of a hound, , “She hey tuk ther trail arter Chap’ral Juan, sir, ** Indeed?” **'Yas, cap’n.” ** Why has she done that?” “Maybe it were ter see what them blood- spots meant, fer yer knows wimmins is cur’us, cap’n. Gecil Lorne smiled at the idea of the scout, that curiosity alone had prompted Lulu Dale to follow Chaparral Juan; but he said: ‘*Well, Pete, we will soon know why she came this way, 80 push on rapidly, as the trail is a plain one.” f ‘Yas, cap’n, I c’u’d foller it with my eyes shet.” , , So saying, Prairie Pete sprung into bis saddle, and set off at a lively pace, Captain Lorne closely owing. After a short distance had been gone over the scout halted stiddenly. ‘+ What is it, Pete?” «‘Thar was two fellers meeted Juan here.” ‘Two men?” svas:” ‘‘'You are sure they did not meet the girl?’ anxiously asked the captain, ‘ ‘No, ther on was made at ther same time et Chap’ral Juan’s was. Yer fee, he were ridin’ fast, an’ they was eoming t’other way an’ met him. ‘ ‘ ‘Then they tarned an’ rode back with him, an’ all three went at a lively clip, as ther hoof- marks shows.” “What scouts are away from the fort, Pete?” “ None.” : ‘*'You are sure?” “ Only Juan an’ Keno Kit, onless yer counts Dead Shot Panay,” ‘“Who could they be?” “They wasn’t no scouts from ther fort, cap’n, er, I knows ther hoof-marks o’ fer, as - fo very critter they rides. oe ou certainly have a wonderful knowledge of trailing, Pete. - ‘coe Ougbter, cap’n, fer I hes been at it fer nigh beng“ year. “tT cannot believe that any one can be bet- - “Dead Shot Dandy are better, cap’n, fer he The Mysterious Marauder. takes to it nat’ral like, asa Injun do, an’ I hed ter Varn it. ‘Then thar is Keno Kit thet can lay over me; but ’ceptin’ them two, I don’t take a back seat fer none others,” * What is it now, Prairie Pete?” asked Ca tain Lorne, aa he saw that the scout had m some new discovery, ‘“‘ Here are whar ther gal camped,” “To-day at noon?” **T guesses so, cap’n.” “Then she cannot be so far ahead of us now?” ‘* Waal, cap’n, it depends on hew she hev rid— Hello!” “Well, Pete?” ‘‘ Cap’n, thar hev been hot work here.” **Quiek! what is it, Pete?’ “See them tracks?” “ Yes,” “See thet ther horse turned about suddin?” ‘* Tt seems so.” **Tt are so, an’ it were a lasso thet made him twist thet way.” ** A lasso?” ‘Yas, cap’n, he were catched, an’ ef yer no- tice thet red spot, itare whar a man laid and bleeded.” ‘*'You are sure it was a man?” “It were bound ter be, fer ther gal’s horse were here, an’ thar is whar them gerloots was thet lariated her. “But it do look as tho’ she’d got in a shot afore they hed her complete. ‘* Now ter look fer a grave.” “ A grave, Pete?” ‘¢-Yes, cap’n, an’ then we kin tell ef she hit ther bull’s-eye or not.” ° ‘*T do not understand you, Pete.” ‘‘We kin see ef she sent her bullet fer ther heart.” “ Ab, yes.” ‘ . ‘* An’ thar are ther grave, cap'n,” and Prairie Pete pointed to a freshly made mound. Cecil Lorne galloped toward the grave and tet they st ped to dig this and b f ey sto o dig this and bury one 0 their aueiber: ahey cannot be far ahead, so push on liyely, Pete.” Prairie Pete obeyed by starting forward at a canter. “T see four tracks yet, Pete, so that one of them could not have been killed.” ‘*They are leadin’ ther horse o’ ther shooted man, cap’n. * Now we will strike ther edge o’ the chap’ral afore half a mile, an’ then the valley are before ? “Yes, and if I remember right, Pete, we can see for a couple of miles down it,” “Fact, cap’n.” : They now pressed on in silence, the chaparral growing thinner and thinner, until they sudden- y came out in an open space, and beheld a 8 oping valley spread out before them. “Phar is our game, cap’n,” As Prairie Pete spoke be pointed half a mile away down the valley, where were visible a mounted party. There were three riders and one riderless horse, and one glance was sufficient to show Cecil Lorne that the maiden he sought was one of the three. Raising his glass to his eyes he said: ‘* Pete, the one in the center is Miss Dale, and the men upon either side I do not know.” “ Let me see thet lookin’-glass o’ yourn, cap’n.” The captain handed the glass to the scout, show- ed him how to adjust it to his eyes, and waited for him to speak. “Yer kin see elegint in this, cap’n, for I knows them gerloots. ** Well, Pete?” % fad, hes the gal tied in her saddle,” ee Y i, | ” “Yas, cap’n, they is afeerd o’ her claws.” ‘* But who are they, Pete?” “ Marauders.” * What?’ “*T means it, cap’n, for they belongs ter ther Marauder band as I hes seen ’em afore.” ‘* But where is Juan?” ** He must be back in ther grave, cap’n.” **Come, Pete, we will pursue them and wrest her from their power.” As Cecil Lorne spoke he was about to dash forward, when his rein was seized with giant ce by the scout, and his horse thrown quickly “ Hold on, cap’n, fer thar is more of ’em.” * More?” ** Does F-3 see thet gang o’ horsemen comin’ out o’ thet thicket yonder? aauanee end they are advancing to meet the ers.’ ’ “Fact! they is all Marauders.” ‘‘By Heaven! there is Dead Shot cried Cecil Lorne, turning his u party of horsemen, a score in number, and at whose head rode the one to whom he referred as the outlawed scout, Prairie Pete took the glass and looked attea- tively through it for a while. © Then he said slowly: “Cap'n, yer is right, fer thet are Dead Shot sure, an’ he are out fer work with his Maraud- ers, as yonder is another batch of ’em.” “Let me count them,” said Cecil Lorne, and ee his eye over the three separate parties, e said: “Twenty-one and twelve are thirty-three, and the two who have Miss Dale a prisoner make thirty-five in all. “T will need my entire force, Pete, and I will return at once and lead the command on,” **We has time, cap’n, fer they will cam somewhar near here ter-night, an’ | kin find jist whar. : ‘* Now let’s go back an’ see who are in thet grave, an’ then I'll jist hang out here while ¥~ goes arter ther boys an’ fetches 'em up, fer I is confidint them Marauders bes started in ter do some red work, an’ we kin chase ‘em clean ter the’r den ef we gits ’em ter goin’ onst,” CHAPTER XVII. THE SPY'S FATE. Waen Chaparral Juan dashed off, after the shot of Benito the Boy Bugler, he felt that he was flying for his life. From whence the shot had come he did not stop to consider, though he knew that the man whom he had intended to kill did not fire it, and consequently had friends near by. Keno Kit was a man he cared not to meet under such circumstances, and certainly not friends of bis, so be made haste to get oud of the way. ae his horse he urged him to full speed, confidently expecting to be chased. But as no pursuing boofs were beard, he drew down to a slower pace and began to examine his wounded hand. He had been forced to drop his rifle, had been wounded severely, and bad to fly, so be was in no pleasant humor, : Looking at his hand he saw that the bullet had shattered the thumb-bone near the socket at the wrist. The wound was most and he felt that he wou thumb. He dared not go back to the fort, for upon the return of Keno Kit and bis friond—for Juan knew not who it was that had sbot him—it would come out that he bad been about toshoot the scout, “ Toen Keno Kit was no man to trifle with, be new, “Tl have ter make for the Marauder camp,” he muttered. Stopping at a smal! stream be bound his hand up as well as he could, and then started on a trail leading north through the chaparral, He had not gone very far before he came to of sudden halt, for he beheld a rifle covering m. Th ete ged te ao beyed by Ch e order was prom ° y Cha ral Juan, while a tote Salied out his See gal * ‘* Ah! it is you Brazos Bill?” said Chaparral uan. ‘Yas, pard, an’ we didn’t know yer at first: but which way was yer goin’?” ° “To the cway Ground, Brazos Bill, to join the band, for I’ve been caught in some wen and will have to join you to save my neck. “See, Iam badly wounded.”. “Yas, it are more than a scratch; but yer is fortinit, fer my pard here are a Mexican doc- tor thet used p’izen instead o’ medicine, an’ hed ter skip ter jine ther Marauders. ‘* Here, Pills, this pard o’ mine are one o’ eur spies at Fort Blank, an’ he are wounded,” and razos Bill called out to a Mexican who stood pear, and who was in fact the one who had brought Chaparral Juan to a halt by the prompt invitation to put bis bands up. ** All right, let me see how you are wounded,” said the Mexican doctor, who had according to Brazos Bill given poison instead of medicine to some unfortunate patient. Chaparral Juan showed his wounded hand to Pills, as the Mexican was poet and watched t » , pasate bled freely, d have to lose the him closely while he examined it. ** You must lose your thumb.” il aaa it go ther whole grub grab-
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10 “T will dress it for you now, and fix it all right when I get to gg a be hain’t got his cuttin’ instermints along with him, bein’ as scout. ** Hes ver any news ter tell?” “The soldiers are ter move ag’in’ yer in about four days.” ’ ‘Waal, ther cap’n are back in ther valley now, an’ ter-morrer ther band comes down te. jine him fer a raid, as he intends ter make it hot ter some o’ ther ranches.” ‘* And you is scoutin’ in advance?” ‘*Yas, Pills an’ me; but we'll jine ther cap’n ter-morrer an’ tell him ef thar is any scouts an’ sojers prowlin’ round.” After a few more words the trio went fur. — into the chaparral and encamped for the night. ut Chaparral Juan passed a night of suffer- ing, and was glad to see the dawn break. Remaining in camp, while Brazos Bill and tho Mexican doctor went on a scout, he paced to and fro in agony, bitterly cursing bis luck. At last he mounted his horse, determined to look them up and tell the doctor that he must do something to ease his pain, when suddenly he came upon a personage who, in his intense suffering, he had not noticed, and who, behold- ing him, had him covered, ‘Hold! are you not a scout from Fort Blavk?”’ “Tam, what are left of me,” and he gazed upon the one who put the question in deep sur- prise. “So I thought; but do yod know me?” “Yas, if youis in pants; I know you to be the dau~hter of Bronze Bill, and you have been at the fort wounded fcr some time past.” “Yes, Iam Lulu Malo; but are you wounded?” “Tam, for I got into a fight with some Maraudo's a hile ago, anc! they shot me. “One o! them lics wounded back hore, and if Yes will go with me ey may be able to mako im tell where their den is; but 1 was swiering too much ‘%o bother with him.” “T'll go with you, for I wish to find the Marauders’ <p,” answered Lulu, quickly, and sho followod the ‘Mexican, little suspecting treachery “:9m one whom she had seen at the fort, and knew to be one of the fort scouts, Lut Chaparral Juan had uade up his mind that Lulu Dale would be a prize wortn having. He could not understand why she had resumed male attire and Icft the fort; but he knew that ?t was said she had sworn to avenge her father’s death, and rightly supposed thatshe had started out for that purpose. He also bad heard it floating about the camp that the young girl carried her money and some valuable jewels about her person, and this was the temptation to him, which made him forgot momentarily his p ‘n. He did not care to share bis prize with others, so determined to gain the confidence of the maiden and thon suddenly force her to give up her riches by cove er with his revolver and threatening her with death if she refused. Riding along by ter side for a while, he sud- denly drew his revolver and leveled it full at her, while he said: “Senorita, I need your money and your ata so give all to me or I will kill you.” Tha u was completely taken aback was certain; but she was not alarmed, and, discover- ing who sbe had to deal with, she determined to play a deep part, which had served ber well.on a former occasion. *‘ Ah, senor, you would not rob a poor de- fenseless girl?’ she pleaded, clasping her hands in seeming distress. ‘*Yes, I'll rob you, and if you do not give up your money, I will kill you,” was the stern reply. “ But, senor—” “Come, senorita, I am suffering too much to parley, and yor money will be balm’to my wound, so out with it.” She buried ber face in her hands and pre- tended to weep, and then put her band down upon a saddle pocket, while she said; ‘*-You won’t take all, will you, senor?” ‘Yes, every peso.” **Not my jewels?” “Yes; jewels, paper money and gold,” was the savage reply. “Won't lead do as well? came in ringing tones, and a revolver flashed with the words and Chaparral Juan uttered a cry as he fell dead from bis i But just at that instant there came a whir- ing sound through the air, and two lariats, skillfully thrown, settled down over her head and about the neck of. ber horse, ade The Mysterious Marauder. She was wholly taken b'~ surprise, and power- less to resist, found herself a orisoner in the hands of Brazos Bill and his Mexican comrade, who had crept up to bear the spot, unseen by either Chaparral Juan or herself. CHAPTER XVIIL A CAPTIVE. Har Lulu been ablo to use her revolver she would soon have freec: herself from captivit, A But tho lariat that had fallen about ber had knocked the weapon, which hod just pro-ed so fatal to Chaparral Juan, from her hand and her arms were pinioned down so thatshe could not draw a second rovolver, Instantly tho ]fexican sprung to her bridle- rein, while Brazos Bill bounded to her side, and said: ‘* Hole on, my fine feller, for yer is too walu- able a prize ter Ict git wey.” ‘*Who aro you?” sho askec in angry tones. “ We is Maraudors o’ ther Rio Grande,” “Ab; you beloug to that ut-throat band, do ? 243 the coo] response. * We does.” “Yor: cled to hear it, for you will take me to your chief.” Tho two men were nonplused, for they had expocted the chief to be the last personage their prisoncr viched to see. A ‘* Yes, we'll take you to him,” said Brazos Bill, whilo Pilis asked; “Who are you, senci?” Lulu’s face flushed, for she saw they took her for a boy, and she determined to keep them in ignoranco of who’she really was, so she said: “Have you ever hcard of the Boy Bugler of Fort Blank?’ “A fow, We has, an’ he are a goer. “So you is thab young game-cock, is yer!” said Brazos Bill. Lulu nodded, and the Mexican said: ~ Then you'll find a surprise awaiting you at the stronghold.” “* What is it?” , i Wait and see,” was.the laconic response of ills. “ Waal, Pills, a blind man kin see thet we hes ter look sharp arter this youngster, fer he hev give poor Juan thar ther call fer t’otber land.” “You called that man by his name?” said Lulu. + Yas.” “You knew bim then?” ‘Yas, he were one o’ our spies at ther fort an’ I don’t mind tellin’ yer, as yer’ll never git back ter do us harm.” ‘‘Tam glad that I killed bim then, as he was a traitor to the service in which he was enlisted,” warmly said Lulu. ‘“No, he were true ter the Marauders, an’a Spy, in the army sarvice. ‘We left him in camp awhile ago, an’ he hed better stayed thar fer his own good, tho’ it air better fer us thet he did not, as we hes tuk’ you in, “* And you intend to take me to your chief?’ “c Yas.’ ‘Captain Dead Shot is his name!” ** Thet air it.” “ Well, Lam ready.” : Yer seems durned anxious ter go.” ‘* Yer’ll be more anxious ter git bs.ck.” Lulu smiled, and then the two men bound her to her horse, and hitched him to a tree, while Brazos Bill said: **Pills, we bes got ter plant Chaparral Juan, fer it won’t do ter let the wolves pick bis bones. “Tl am willing,” was the answer, and the two men set to work with their long knives to diga grave. Then they searched the dead man for any val- uables he might have about him, and taking bis belt of arms, they bundled him into the rude hole which they had dug for him, while Lulu zed on in silenco, ‘* Now, young pard, we will make fer ther chief, an’ I guess it won't be so durned long afore yer sees bim,” So saving, the outlaws mounted their horses, and with Lulu riding between them, and 'eadin the animal that had belonged to Chaparra Juan, they set off on their way, little aang een two dangerous foes were not far behin em, Who those foes were the reader knows al- ready, and that they soon after spied the Ma- rauders and their captive, with others of the band in the valley. And, while Lulu was led a captive to the Marauder Chief, Captain Cecil ae seeing that he and Prairie Pete dared not attempt a rescue of her unaided, returned to the grave in the chaparral. It did not take them long to throw out the loose dirt, and both together uttered the name: “Chaparral Juan!” ‘Yas, an’ he bev got a bullit wound square in ther forehead,” said Prairie Pete. ‘* Yes, a: 1 be was doubtless billed in attempt- ing to roscue Miss Dale,” responded Cecil Lorne, little dreaming of the treachery of the scout. “He mou’t bev been, an’ then ag’in maybe not—principally maybe not, Pard Cap’n, fer Chay arral Juan were not o’ thet kind ter aid anybody but hisself,” said Prairie Pete, who knew his fellow scout well. “I fear you wrong him, Pete; but we will fill up his grave, and then I will go on after the command, wile you remain in the edge of the chaparral and see where the Marauders make their camp to night,” “Tl do it, cap’n, an’ my idee are thet we kin give ema Le! ply, Sop will be great.” ‘‘T shall attack them, Pete, and keep a force in reserve to push the fugitives to their very den,” siid Cecil Lorne as he rode away, his mind made up to wipo out the Marauder band utterly before returning to the fort, CHAPTER XIX, THE MARAUDER CAPTAIN. THE two captors of Lulu Dale were greatly surprised at the coolness of their prisoner, under the circumstances of being in the hands of Moerauders, They had expected bim to show fear, for they np petteved him to be a boy, and admired his uck. . si Seeing that they looked upon him as Benito the Boy Bugler, Lulu dotormined to kecp up the idea, and rode along with them without the slightost sign of fear at what her fate might be. nshe saw ubeud the party of horsemen that bad attracted the attcntion of Cecil Lorne and Prairio Pete from tho edge of the chap- arral. ** Arc those men ] [arauders?”’ she asked, “‘Thet is what they calls ’em, Marauders o’ ther Rio Grande,” answered Brazos Bill. “ And that is your chief at their head?’ “Tt are,” s “ He is a fine-looking man.” ‘Yes he are, but maybe be won’t want ter compliment him so much when yer knows him better.” “a Why ?? ‘*Waal, he are ther devil done up in panta when he gits on ther rampage.” “ Ab! he is a terror then?” “ He are,” ‘But beis a daring man and a com- mander, or he could never bave held the band together as he has, and eluded all pursuit.” “Thar yer head are level, Boy Boogler, fer be are a screamer.” “ Where is your camp?” “Waal, now, I fergits.” “Oh, you do,” eS Soe “You mean that you will not tell me!” Ask Pills that.” “ Pills, where is yourcamp?” asked Lulu with the perfect air of an independent boy. Which camp?” ‘The one which you make your retreat.” You'll find it out soon paying 4) boy, and know more of it than you care to any Hg was the significant reply. Lulu laughed lightly, and then her eyes fell upon the second party of men, and she asked: “ Are those Marauders, too?” “‘They be.” “Tet me see, there are thirty-five of you in all,” she said, having quickly counted them, ‘‘Thar is more whar they comed from,” “Indeed!” “Yas, as you will diskiver.” ‘ Well, there are but thirty-five of you now here, and if Captain Lorne was only near with as many of his troopers, then you’d find how quickly the Marauders of the Rio Grande would be wiped out.” ** Not much, fer them bbisty Ave yer see, ef I does include Pills and me, is thirty-five mon clean through, an’ kin lay out any fifty troopers as ever tackled us. “Why, boy, they wouldn’t be a show fer us,” Lulu smiled doubtingly, and now kept her eyes upon the chief, who was approaching with his men, the two parties baving joined forces, He was mounted u a superb black horse, equipped with Mexican saddle, bridle and trap- pings, and his attire was elegant and most be- coming, for he wore the costume of Mexico. He came forward with the air of a man who
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. upon the bank of a small stream, and went into knew his power, and his handsome face, no one would have ever believed, without proof, hid the heart of a merciless outlaw. “Well, Brazos Bill, who bave you there?” he arked, as he halted before the two men and their prisoner. ’*Yer hes heerd o’ ther Boy Boogler, cap’nf” “ Yes.” “This are bim.” ‘(Hal are you the daring youth known as Benito, the Boy Bugler?" and the outlaw chief fixed his eyes upon tbe face of the girt. “Your cut-throat hireling told you that I was Benito, the Boy Bugler,” answered Lulu eva- sively, with a look of utter scorn upon her beau- tiful face. “lam glad to know you, my young friend, and several times, when near the fort, I have epjoved your playing immensely. “You are a skilled musician, for one so young,” and the chief spoke in a voice that was very rich io tone, and winning. ‘“And you are very young to be the skillful cut-tbror + you are,” said Lulu promptly. “Ah! you hit back, I see; but I guess we will soon become good friends, for I need a bugler for my band. ’ ““Where did you capture the Senor Benito, Brazos Bill?’ ‘Waal, cap’n, it were not done squar’, fer we tuk him onawares. ‘Ef we hedn’t, Pills or mys w’u’d bev hed our toes tarned up ter ther daisies now, I reckon. ‘Yer see, we meeted Chap’ral Juan—” ‘Hal my spy ¥ “Yas, cap’n.” ‘“* Where is he?” ‘‘Dunno edzactly whar his speerit are, but guesses it are a-travelin’ fer warmer climates; but his carkis do lay in a grave back in ther chap’rals.” ‘* Ah! he is dead?” “ As dead as yer ever seen @ man, cap’n.” “Quick! tell tne of his death, and how you captured this youth.” : an’ he ‘““Waal, we meeted Juan yesterday, were badly wounded in ther band, an’ a-comin’ this way. “Then he told us thet Cap’n Lorne were fittin’ up a party 0’ troops an’ scouts ter strike our trail,” “This is news; but when does he start?” “In about four days, Juan said.” as Good 1”? “Waal, we camped with Chap’ral Juan, and left him groanin’ over his suf’rin’ while we went on a scout, ‘‘When we were comin’ back we seen Juan an’ this bere boy, an’ I thinks ther spy was a-goin’ ter rob him, , ‘We dismounted an’ slipped up, larlats in hand, an’ jist then Juan got it squar’ in ther forehead from the boy, an’ we slung ther ropes an’ yanked in ther boogler an’ bis borse.” “Tbe man { knew to be a scout, and trusted him; but I found him to te a spy and a robber and when he attempted to rob me I killed him, put in Lulu. te cf ‘« Well done for you, Senor Benito, if you did kill a good py of mine,” said Captain Shot with a light laugh. “We then comed on with ther boy, arter we hed planted Chap’ral Juan, an’ here he are an’ we too, cap’n.” “You have done well, Brazos, you and your comrade, and [ll not forget you.” ‘*Now we will go into camp and get a ee rest for ourselves and horses, for 1 intend to make a dash at the river ranches, strike a few, and then, when Lorne and his troopers are rid- ing there to attack us,1 shall rush upon the et, which we can take by surprise, and gain enty of booty. pe What do von think, Benito?” and the chief turned to Lulu with a smile. / : The disguised maiden was surprised at this plan of the outlaw leader, to catch the fort off its guard, and determined to use every effort to escape to be able to warn Colonel Du Barry of his danger, and risk for the present her own de- sire for revenge. ; But when addressed by Captain Dead Shot she concealed her emotion and alarm, and sai uietly: x x “You know your plans best, sir, and what you can do.” The chief made no reply, but the response of the supposed boy annoyed him, for be feared there was something on foot that he could not understand, gy At last they reached a thick clump of timber, ‘eamp, the chief taking Benito with him. ‘ | | The Mysterious Marauder. ‘Now, my boy, | will release you of your bonds, if you will pledge yourself not to at- tempt toescape. _ ‘‘ Otherwise I will keep you bound— Ab! how is it that you have had your ears pierced, asa boy does not wear ear-rings?” and the chief gazed fixedly into the face of the girl. In spite of herself, Lulu tarned crimson at the charge, and said simply: “Tt was a whim of my father to have my ears pierced.” The chief looked at her attentively, ani then said: “Are you really the Boy Bugler of Fort Blank?” Lulu had implied before that she was, yet had not said so, and now, when forced to speak, she would not tell a deliberate lie, so said frankly: * T am not.” ‘‘T thought your face and form were far too beautiful for a boy. “ Who are you?” Her eyes flashed fire as she said: “ Did you know the scout, Bronze Bill?” “é I did ” ‘Tam bis daughter.” ‘ Ah! I killed him at Padre’s Rock one after- aoe was the unexpected and startlingly cool reply. ulu was now as pale as death, while her voice quivered as she said; ** And, ip iain Dead Shot, the Marauder, I came in this disguise to seek you and avenge my father’s death,” “It is lucky that I did not release you of your bonds, my sweet girl, or you would have killed me indeed. ‘‘ Well, forewarned is forearmed, and I will see that you do no harm,” and the chief turned away, leaving poor Lulu utterly crushed by ber discovery aud defeat in her purpose. CHAPTER XX. THE FLIGHT OF THE MARAUDERS, Tur outlaw chief seemed in a quandary re- garding his fair a th Had she been, indeed, Benito, the Boy Bugler, he would have felt no compunction in regard to putting the boy in irons; but he did not wish to show fear of a young girl. Approaching her, as she stood bound to a tree, he said, politely: % ‘*I do not know what to do with you, miss.” “Set me free.” ** No, I cannot do that. ‘“‘Tf your father had been a rich man, then our ransom would have paid me well, “ But I take it that you are a poor girl, for I carried to you at the Brent Hacienda all that your father left you, I remember.” “ Yes, and I only wish I bad then known that you had killed my poor father.” “*T am glad that you did not. “T robbed the paymaster, yet was not mean enough to rob you, so risked my life to give you the money. “You have’ been, if I mistake not, laid up with a wound at Fort Blank?” : oy You certainly should know that, Sir Out- aw. ‘True, so my spies reported to me regardin you; but I have bad no very late tidings re - ing the movement: at the fort, and little knew of this intended masquerade of yours in seeking revenge against me. ‘But tell me, you know the Boy Bugler well?” “T havo met bim at the fort.” “He a be at my door the massacre of his family, I believe?” ‘* He does, and justly.” “You are mistaken, for a small band of my men committed that act, and my share of the booty was a fair prisoner.” “ A prisoner?” quickly asked Lulu, remember- ing that there was a mystery banging over the fate of Louise Dewhurst, the sister of the Boy Bugler. . ‘Yes, the sister of this Benito escaped the massacre, but was found by me some days after wandering upon the prairies. “T took ber to my strongbold, learned to love her devotedly, and, had you been the Bo Bugler, I intended to bring her to terms throug her brother.” “Bring her to terms?” ‘‘-Yes, for I love her, and she will not return that love. ‘* Still, through fear of what fate might be- fall her brother, she would consent to become my wife, and once she had done so, I frankly _#t | confess to you that I would have given up my evil life and lived for her alone.” ‘‘ And made her utterly wretched as the wife of an outlaw, and one who had forced her to become such,” said Lulu with a sneer, ‘No, I_ would have won her love by kind- ness and devotion to her.” ‘Not if she is a true woman and if she is like ber brother, she has spirit and character enough to scorn you.” ‘You are severe.” “*T am just.” ‘* Well, we will discuss your case now.” “Well, sir, what about me?” _“ Will you pledge yourself not to attempt to kill me, or to escape, if I will release you of your bonds?” “T will not.” ‘Enough then, you must suffer as you are until I reach my stronghold. “‘The men shall throw you up a shelter of brush, and make you as ecmforty ble us ible for the night, and in the morning I will send ou to the stronghola under charge of Brazos ill, while I go upon a raid which I intend to make my master-stroke. “Farewell until I meet you at the strong- hold.” . He turned away and Lulu wes alone. But Brazos Bill soon came with several of his comrades, and built a brush shanty for Lal whose bonds were then eased so that she coul be more comfortable, As the chief wished to give bis men all the rest possible, and did not believe that a white or red-skin foe was near, he placed no rds and all retired to their blankets at an early hour, By ten o’clock the camp was as silent as a graveyard. But Lulu was restless, wretched and awak and several times she started, as she though she beard a sound at some distance off, nos mede by those in camp. Presently there was a wild snorting of horses, and then a ringing command: “Rush in upon them, men, and show no ag! AM ; With wild yells from tho scouts, and cheers from the soldiers, Cecil Lorne led his men right in upon the sleeping outlaws. Taken by surprise as they were, the Maraud- ers were yet too used to scenes of carnage to be wholly unnerved, and every man sprung to bis feet with his revolvers in his band. But their eyes bad just opened from sleep the firelights blinded them, and half of the band fell at the very first onslaught, At a glance Captain Dead Shot saw that it was useless to resist, and that flight alone would Yo h ing to men, however, to rally, he sprung for bis horse, and led up ites edn! at the same time. , It was but an instant’s work to throw the sad- dies upon them, and placing the maiden upon her horse he queey, bound her there, and then shouted out to his men who were standing at bay: a To the Retreat Trail, boys?’ _A dozen men sprung for their horses to follow him, but when the party dashed out of the thicket, the chief saw but six of bis band had esca death or capture. “To the strongbold, men, and with a good stars we can throw them off the scent at the ver. “Drive spurs and ride hard?’ shouted the Marauder leader. , Like the very wind they swept along in their pa sar ut soon after a dark mass shot out fro the timber, and the outlaws knew that they ES ae wed sibs ta ey along, the mass of horsemen tbat had started in pursuit began to spread out, according to the speed of their horses, and those in advance soon dwindled down to tain Lorne, Lieutenant Lancaster, Prairie Pete and half a score of troopers and scouts, Sparing not their horses the Marauders threw the miles behind them, and soon the river was ac Napa nto the shallow stream they dashed, but t never crossed to the Scher side. PieitenitcS This both Cecil Lorne and Prairie Pete dis- covered, and saw them turn up the stream, and the secret of the many mysterious disa ances of the Marauders was out, and why their ee not be coun. en his men came up, Captai - lowed into and up the sireum, pA ig Joong ming the current for a mile, they came to where bigh rocky banks were upon either ge. Baars ka ut the moon was now riding bigh im the
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12 heavens, and Prairie Pete, h g the shore, aaw where the Maranders bad ieft the water, and on the troopers dashed upon their trail once more. aos CHAPTER XXI. THE MYSTERY SOLVED. ONCE more upon the land the troopers went rapidly on, Prairie Pete and Captain Cecil Lorne in advance. The way led through a canyon, so that there was no possibility o bade | the trail as long boy they had those walls of rock upon either de, But presently Prairie Pete halted, and said: ‘*Cap’n, yonder hill must overbang ther den of ther Marauders.” “Then push on, Pete, for we are twenty and they have not half that force now.” ‘* I guesses they has more men in camp.” “Tt matters not; we must attack them.” “You knows best, so on we goes, cap’n.” Again the horsemen dashed along the canyon to mrs ly sg out into an open space, sey- eral acres in size, and overhung at the furthest end by a lofty hill with precipitous sides. A ghoumer. of light was visible, and a man -was discovered at the base of the hill trying to ‘put the fire out. But just then there came to the ears of the ‘troopers a command of— “ce re r . Of course the troopers supposed that the vol- my, was to be at them. ut as the discharge of revolvers lit up the scene they descried the outlaws dropping from their horses, and then came the wild ringing notes of a bogie. **The Boy Bugler!” shouted Cecil Lorne, and then came his stirring command: * Charge!” With a cheer his men dashed forward, and revolvers in one hand, sabers in the other, darted to the base of the bill. “ Halt! Bravo for Captain Lorne!” shouted a mare that all recognized, while the captain cried: ** Benito, my brave boy, are you here?” “Yes, captain, I am here with a few friends,” answered the youth, ** And the outlaws?” “Dead or prisoners,” ** And Dead Shot Dandy?” “Am here to speak for myself, Captain Lorne,” and the outlawed scout stepped forward ‘in the moonlight. “Then, sir, you are my prisoner.” “Pardon me, Captain Lorne, I am no such Sarre, was the cool reply. « ‘* Ha! do you defy me, Dead Shot?” “Oh, no, sir; but I think this is the man you want. . ; ** Lead him forward, Keno Kit!” With Benito upon one side of him and Keno Kit upon the other, a man advanced from the shadow of the h.llside and stood before Captain Lorne, and by the side of Dead Shot Dandy. ‘Great God! he is your very self, Decatur,” ed the officer. “He is my counte has caused me to be ou Jost me my life.” ** Who is he?” “His name is Norton Allen, sir, and we were schoolmates together, then college students, and always rivals. “Then he is not your twin brother!” “No, sir, we are, am happy to say, no re- lation to each other, though we are so much alike it is hard to tell us apart. “Tcame to Texas and Mexico, because my father married again, and my home was an un- happy, one. ‘ ~ took to scouting because I liked the wild e “This man, Norton Allen, I heard had gone ‘to the bad, and yet I knew not that he was ‘Captain Alvarez, who now calls himself Cap- tain Dead Shot, the Marauder, ** He knew that I was at the fort, and he it is that has played the part of robber and mur- derer, for which I have getten the name. *‘T came on his trail, and had discovered his secret haunt here, and was going to the fort to ‘tell you, when I met Keno Kit and Benito. * Then we came on together to find that this , and the one who wed, and so nearly “gaan and his band had gone off on a raid, and but four men in charge. sae of these men we killed, the fourth we *pared upon conditions, and he confessed all,” “This is remarkable, Decatur.” we Fon cavtatn, but I have more to tell you. we Man confessed that Captain Alvarez The Mysterious Marauder. killed Bronze Bill, robbed the paymaster, and had as spies in the fort, Monte—” ‘*Monte?” oried the captain in rise ** Yes, sir, Monte and Chaparral Juan.” “The former was killed in the timber by the fire of the outlaws, and Chaparral Juan lies in a grave back in the chaparrals,” ‘ ‘Slain by the girl,” said the Marauder Chief, ointing to Lulu, whom Benito had freed of her ds mds. In a word Lulu told her story, and then Duke Decatur, the man who bad been outlawed by the crimes of another, said: ‘“« But, Captain Lorne, the good news is yet to tell, for we found here as a captive, Miss Louise Dewhurst, the sister of our gallant Boy Bugler.” Words cannot portray tho effect of these glad tidings upon the men, for they shouted like mad, and the maiden received a warm welcome from Captain Lorne and Lieutenant Lancaster. ** We intended,” explained Dead Shot Dandy ‘to start in the morning for the fort, but heard the outlaws coming, and prepared to meet them, for we knew that they must be pursued. “Now, Captain Lorne, I report to you for duty, sir.” * And back to your rank as chief of scouts you go, Decatur, for the colonel will be most delighted to welcome you once more. ‘* But one thing?” “3 Os, sit.” ‘* How about those two men whom you killed in the timber, and upon whom you found the money and jewels you gave to Benito?” “It was Captain Alvarez, sir, and two of bis men. ‘*He half-way suspected Monte and tried to kill bim by a long shot into his cabin. ‘*] killed the two men with him, while he was some distance off, and when I went on to the fort, he carried their bodies off upon their horses.” “Then the whole mystery is solved, and I turn over to you, for safe keeping, until he is hauged, your counterpart.” **He shall not escape me, sir,” answered Dead Shot Dandy, quietly. CHAPTER XXII. AMONG THE MISSING. WEARIED out the gallant troopers and all sought rest, the prisoners having been securely yaa beyond all possibility of escape it was be- ieved. ’ Duke Decatur, having had Captain Dead Shot turned over to him for safe keeping took measures to have him on hand when wanted, and the daring outlaw leader was given a place on a blanket between him and the Boy ugler. In a short while all was quiet in the camp and it was evident that Duke Decatur and Benito were fast asleep, though the prisoner moved about uneasily at times; but this seemed but natural to a man who knew that the end of his life was at hand, and that he must die on the gallows, Suddenly the arm of the Marauder Chief went gently over the form of Duke Decatur and it was certain that it was no longer held by thongs. ater it seemed as though the hand held some- ng. For a moment it rested there and was then withdrawn, while the sa»~e movement was re- peated over the form of the Boy Bugler. After a moment or so held in that the arm was drawn back, and the leader arose to a sitting posture. Glancing about the camp an instant, be then ae very quietly to draw off the outer attire of Dead Shot Dandy. This he put on, and taking the scout’s hat and arms he arose and walked across the camp to the place where Louise Dewhurst slept. Bending over ber, be remained for awhile in that position, and then rising, held her in his arms, With bold tread he walked through the silent, sleeping camp to where the horses were, and laying the form, limp and motionless, down upon the ground, he very coolly set to work to place his own and a lady’s saddle upon two of the best animals of the lot among those that had been captured from his stronghold, The poor girl seemed to be either unconscious or dead, and he raised ber again in his arms, and mounted, riding out of the corral, and lead- gr ee horse. ‘Then his quick eye detected a sentinel not far off on duty, and knowing that he could not pass him unnoticed, he replaced the maiden upon the ground, and walked straight up to the soldier, ition, arauder who halted him when he saw bim approach, with: * Halt! who comes there?” ‘*T am Dead Shot, the scout, my man, and I came to tell you that I was starting upon a scout with a pack-horse, so you will let me ass,” ‘All right, sir; but you are so like Captain Dead Shot, that I think I ought to the corporal of the guard to see if you are really the Dead Shot Dandy,” answered the soldier. . “TI left bim securely bound a few moments ago, and I think, cunning as be is, he would find it hard work to escape from this camp.” ‘*It would be hard work, sir; but I think I should call the corporal, so as to be free from blame myself.” ** Here, look at me close, and you will see that I am not clothed as. Captain Dead Shot was when you captured bim, “See. Iam Dead Shot Dandy.” He stepped close up to the soldier as be spoke and in an instant bis hand grasped the throat of the man with a strength that sbut off all effort at outcry. Then once, twice, the blade of a bowie-knife was driven deep into the broad breast of the poor soldier, who sunk with a moan to the earth. Wiping the weapon upon the coat of the sen- tinel, the daring man returned to the still un- conscious maiden, and placing ber before him in the saddle, rode out of camp leading the other horse. , Unconscious of the tragedy enacted in their midst, the tired soldiers slept on unt:] the relief- guard went on bis rounds, Then the dead soldier was discovered, an alarm was sounded and the camp was in an uproar. But it was attributed to Indians, and no ore at first believed that any one was missing from the camp, until it was found that two persons were very hard to arouse. Those two were Dead Shot Dandy and the Boy Bugler, and when aroused, they seemed dazed and complained of dizziness. It was then seen that Captain Dead Shot had escaped, and the camp was wild with excite- ment, which was added to when Lulu Dale came out of the wickvup where she bad been sleeping with Louise Dewhurst, and stated that her companion was missing. She too complaired of intense dizziness, and a small vial found near her bed told the story of Captain Dead Shot’s escape, for upon it was labeled ‘** Chloroform.” ‘**He chloroformed you and Benito as he lay between you, Decatur, and then did the same for the ladies, and bas taken poor Miss Dew- hurst with him,” said Captain Lorne. ‘* My poor, poor sister; what is to be done, Mr. Decatur?” and Benito turned to the scout, who quietly remarked: “We can do nothing to-night in this dark- ness, Benito, and besides neither you or I are ourselves after that villain’s work upon us; but with dawn we will strike his trail and follow it to the ends of the earth,” ** And I will accompany you, Decatur, with half a score of my men.” : ‘‘No, Captain Lorne, thank you, for Benito and myself can do better alone,” was Dead Shot Dandy’s reply, and there was something in his a which meant woe for Captain Dead ot. _ CHAPTER XXTII. THE OUTLAW’S THREAT. Tue poor girl who bad so long been a captive in the bands of the outlaw chief, and who had again fallen into his clutches, awoke to con- sciousness some time after leaving the camp. All along the outlaw bad held her tenderly fn bis arms, while he rode at a brisk walk over the prairie, for he seemed in no hurry to get away quickly from the vicinity of the soldiers, and when she at last rallied from the effects of the drug which bad made her so helpless a victim, she did not at first realize where she was, ‘““Who are you? Wheream I? Release me! “Oh! how my head swims!” Such were the utterances that first came from her lips, and in response Captain Dead Shot said in his rich, musical voice: “‘T am one who loves you, Louise, and you are with one who will preserve and protect you throug life.” She did not at first catch the meaning of his words, for ber brain yet reeled, and she was half dazed, but, with a great effort she shook off the feeling upon her and turned im the saddle to glance up into bis face,
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In the darkness she saw who it was, and fully realizing where she was, she attempted to ring from his embrace to the ground, while she uttered a cry of alarm, But he had anticipated her act and held her firmly. . " Belease me this instant, sir!” she said in a voice that quivered with emotion, ‘No, I will not release you, except upon one | condition,” he said firmly. ; ‘* And what is that condition, sir?” ‘You observe that I bave a led horse?” ac Yes, ” ‘“‘ He carries a lady‘s side-saddle.” ‘Well, sir?’ “1 brought that horse for you.” ‘(For me?” “Yes, for I thought that you would prefer to ride alone than as you are.” ‘*Ob! where am I?” ‘* With one who loves you, I said.” “You are the outlaw chief, Captain Dead Shot!” “a I am.” “ And we are alone upon the prairie?” * Yes, we are alone, with no one within call.” ‘‘But I went tosleep in the soldiers’ camp, oa with that sweet girl, Miss Dale, by my side. | ‘The Mysterious Marauder. a EOE ‘ Well, I would give much to feel that I was well rid of bim,” A few moments after the two trails came to- gether, and Captain Dead Shot called out: “‘ Ho, Padre Francisco, I crave your blessing and the hospitality of your hacienda for this lady and myself.” “Well, my son, I i you the aT offer you my hospitality, for never can any one from my door; but who is the sen- orita?” and he gazed with admiration upon the sad and beautiful face of Louise Dewhurst. | “Tt is the Senorita Dewhurst, Padre Fran- cisco, a lady whom I expect to make my happy wife, and lam come for you to tie for us the matrimonial knot.” “You seem unhappy, senorita,” said the padre not unkindly. “Tam, sir, oh, 80 very, very unhappy,” cried Louise. ** You should not, as an expectant bride, be unhappy.” ** Alas, sir, I cannot be otherwise.” ‘*Come, padre, do not give the lady the blues talking to her about unhappiness, but spur up that lazy brute you ride and let us hasten on to get some of your good-cheer.” The padre obeyed, and soon after they drew rein at the hacienda gates, which were thrown and turn “* You did.” open tothem, ‘* And you werea prisoner, with that noble “You certainly live on the fat of the land, man, whom you have so wronged, from the ac- re, and in the lap of ane for one who is cid-ntal resemblance to you, as your guard,” a priest,” rudely said Captain Dead Shot, glanc- “* Yes.” ing around the comfortable home. “ And my brother! oh, where is he ?” The padre made no reply, but called to his “ Back in camp with the soldiers, that sweet | housekeeper to conduct Louise to a room, and irl, Miss Dale, and that noble man whom I acci- | then he led the way to his own sanctum, and Scatelly resemble, and have so wronged. motioned to Captain Dead Shot to take a seat ** And 1 am bere alone with your near him. . “Yes, wholly in my power. The outlaw threw himself into a comfortable “No, no, this cannot be; it is some horrid | chair, and said: dream, some nightmare from which I must “Well, Francisco, there is something upon awaken,” and Louise covered her face with her | your mind, so out with it.” . hands. “There is, six, and it is just this; I am tired of “It is no dream, but reality, for I chloro- | being under B had base power as I am, and I formed the scout and escaped, and bending | shall throw off the yoke yet, cost what it may, over you allowed you to inhale the odor, and | if you do not cease coming to my house as you thus I brought you with me,” ee ‘*Oh, Heaven, have mercy!” af dear Frank,” answered Captain Dead “Do not tom at your lot, Miss Dewhurs' Shot th a sneering tone, “ you will do nothing for I have told you how dearly I love you, and | of the kind, for my little visits to you do not I will be to you all that you could wish, friend, | burt. you, and, besides, this is to my last brother and husband.” Se . With a startled cry she again tried to release ‘Thank God for that, herself from bis grasp, but he held her as| “I tell you, Frank, I have come for you to though she were in a vise of steel. marry me to that sweet girl. ‘Oh, release me from your hated hold,” she | ‘‘1 will not do so. cried. ** You will.” ‘Upon one condition, as I before told you.” ‘“*T will not.” “T will accept any condition to be free.” “*T love her.” | ‘‘ Promise me, upon your honor as a woman “She hates you.” y that you will ride quietly along with me, and I “* How do you know will place you at once upon that horse.” ‘*T see it in her face, “T gladly promise.” “Still she has promised to marry me.” He halted and at once placed her in the sad- “T believe that you lie, sir.” die, but be held the reins of her horse in b “Call your housekeeper. own hand. “‘ Now, whither do you take me?” “‘T will tell you frankly that I take you to the home of a Mexican padre who lives some leagues from here.” ‘And why there?” © “That he may make you my wife,” was the low, earnest re J , and a groan broke from the lips of Louise Dewburst at the thought of the fearful doom before her. CHAPRER XXIV. COWED BY CRIME. A PaprE was riding slowly along a trail lead- ing to a rather comfortable hacienda, when bis eyes fell upon some one appreaching across the plain before him. Tea He was mounted upon a diminutive donkey; such as many of the Mexican priests ride, and the hacienda was a league distant, so that should those coming toward him prove foes he had no opportunity to escape, and he well knew that manches bad no compassion for the priest- hood any more than for e ¢ one else. Watching them closely, the padre was pleased to see that they were not Indians, and yet a frown came upon his face as he appesred to nize one of the two persons, for he mut- tered: “Tt is that Satan’s imp, Captain Dead Shot.” For some moments the priest rode on in silence, and then he said, as the two drew nearer to him: “ Hie bas a lady with him, and his manner seeras de: : wT What deviltry is he up to now, I won- pe pad do one. is “ Why ” “To as I say.” The padre obeyed and the woman entered. “Well, sir?’ asked the priest, ‘*Bid your housekeeper seek the room of, the lady who accompanied me here, and ask her if she has not consented to be my wife.” ‘Go, Anna, and obey the senor’s request.” At the words of the padre the woman left the room, and after an absence of some minutes she returned, “Well, Anna?” “‘The senorita was weeping bitterly, senor, but she says that she has consented to became your wife.” Captain Dead Shot laughed lightly, while the padre frowned and said: “That will do, Anna.” * Are you satisfied, Frank?” ‘* Yes, as to the consent; but you have forced that consent from her.” “Certainly I have; but I love her. ‘You see she was found by me half-dead upon the prairie, the only survivor of a train that was magwacon Ox the Indians. ““T carried her to my den and I learned to love her. wie ft nice! Dee Bet ath Pe attacked my strongbold and 1 was captured; but I eectiped conn ths camp and brought with me this girl. “I rode to the wigwam of an Indian half- breed and got him to take our horses on into the hills, so that our pursuers would follow their trail, while I teok from the red-skin two of his and came on here, thus thn Dead others who pursue me off the | \ = “ The girl does not love me, | admit; but I love her and will have her, and by ser | I teach her to idolize me, for T will lead a different ‘Why does she consent to marry you?” “ Because I swore to her if she did not I would hunt her brother down and kill him. ‘He is known as Benito, the Boy Bugler, of Fort Blank.” “Yes, I have heard of him.” ** Now I ask tar to make Louise Dewburst m wife,and I will then leave this country with her and live in foreign lands, for you know that I have invested my money—” “ Watich you stole,” ‘True, and murdered to steal; but it is gold and I love it, and I have enough to make me a rt Well, T will not he girl to you.” ell, I will not ma the you, **Ob, yes, you will.” me **T will not,” : “Look bere, Frank, don’t be a fool, for I have not forgotten that I recognized one day, as a Mexican padre, a young man | knew years a who had run away to save his neck from gallows.” The priest turned deadly pale, and said in o vise. hoarse with emotion: ; soa aid es, years ago, in a fit of passion, take the life of a companion. i **T fled to save my life, and I came to Mex- ico, repented, turned my feos to better things, and giving up the world, became a riest, ar You recognized me, and oh! how you have tortured me since that fatal recognition!” ~ ** Well, I wil! torture you more if you refuse my request.” ** Answer me one question.” , “Well” “You will never let me see your hated face again if I perform this ceremony—yes, commit e crime of marrying you?” ‘I pledge you my word I will leave the coun- “Then I will commit the heinous ¢ sacrificing that poor beautiful girl by m her your wife.” a“ i Se are viet, and per mpesors il hold ou our word,” was the trium response of Captain Dead Shot. CHAPTER XXV. THE YOUNG PADRE, PapRE FRANCISCO sat alone in his cosey study brooding over his past. . Presently a servant entered and handed him a piece of paper, saying as hé did so; “This was given to Lopez at the gate, padre, by a senor.” The priest read half-aloud, as he glanced at the paper: “‘T crave a secret audience with Padre Francisco, and Rap important that I be not seen by his es) : of ‘This is strange; but bid him enter.” The servant soon returned, and a few mp- ments after a person entered the room, and the priest said angrily: “Senor, I believed that you had retired, and now I find 72 entering the privacy of my room at this late bour.” ** Pardon, Senor Padre, but you doubtless sg me for the outlaw chief, Captain Dead Shot, who is at present your guest. * And you certainly are,” “Tam not, Senor Padre; but on the cont my name is Duke Decatur, or Dead Shot Dandy, as my comrades call me at the fort, and I have —but you are ill.” ‘“* Duke Decatur! Yes, you are none other,” gasped the priest, “And you are Frank Forman, who—” . “Yes, [am he who was Frank Forman, and who fled to escape the gallows to which I was sentenced for a crime I committed. ‘But I have come here, I repented, and am now a priest.” “Thank God for ft, Frank, for so I must call you, : . it have ae re a4 « you, pies I always you, and felt tha r drove you. that iat tek feel no arébd tor your slsea safe with me.” “T feel it, I know it, Duke; but with that man—he who 60 strangely resembles you: know it is not—and only. Abie bt Ne forced me to consent to marry bim toa poos * Ss k, [am on that man’s trail, “Do you know him as he is?’ - my prisoner, but he escaped, amd wife brought of wiih him a young gil \ hows
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Se SS eee 14 brother is with me, and we trailed him to a spot where he deserted his horses for others, to w us off his trail. ‘* But 1 am too old a trailer to be deceived, and I tracked him here, and I will this night re- take him,” ‘« He isa desperate man.” **T know that he is.” ~ ‘‘He has forced the maiden to consent to marry bim, and I promised to perform the cere- mony. ‘*Good! now hear my plan. ‘¢-You write him a note, stating that a young priest brought you a message to go away on im- _portant business that would detain you for several days, and that he, the young padre, * would marry him instead. “\T will cut off my hair and mustache, rig up in priestly garb, and when the pier before me to be married I will cover thechief with my revolver, andif he moves I will shoot him dead.” ‘‘T hope that he will move, bad as it seems for me to say 80,” ‘* We shall see,” and then the two old com- ; ions talked over their plan and the past for hoon, Benito being sent for and let into the se- -eret. With the morning Captain Dead Shot received the padre’s note; but he did not care who married him, so that the ceremony was per- formed and told the servant to say to .the Senor Padre, that he would be in the chapel with the senorita soon after breakfast. Promptly he came, with poor Louise looking white as a corpse and quivering with emotion, _ The su an young padre stepped out before ae advancing close up to the man said a ; ; Ds obadit Dead Shot, you are my prisoner!” A yell broke from the enraged optlaw, who w himself entrapped, and he sprung toward ke Decatur, at the same time drawing his re- volver, But the crack of a pistol resounded through the chapel, and Captain Dead Shot fell dead at the feet of Louise Dewhurst, who tottered for- ward and was caught in her brother’s arms. u CHAPTER XXVI. + CONCLUSION. lr would be im ible to describe the scenes that took place in Fort Blank, kind reader, when Duke Decatur returned with the tidings he had to tell. Duke Decatur was at once reinstated as chief yf scouts, while Colonel Du Barry adopted both ‘Lulu Dale and Lovise Dewhurst as bis daugh- > and a trio of beautiful daughters he then But he did not claim them long, as Marie was | ibe to Duke Decatur, Louise Dewhurst me engaged to Lieutenant Lancaster, and Lulu Dale promised to become the wife of the gallant Captain Cecil Lorne. y As for the Marauders, they were promptly shot without trial, and the soldiers said they “died game.” ‘Benito, the Boy Bugler, received his commis- sion as a lieutenant, and is now a distinguished officer in the ads ; Duke Decatur, the Dead Shot Dandy, bein d of wealth, resigned his rank as chie of scouts, and went to his plantation on the Mississippi, to dwell with his lovely wife, while Keno Kit stepped into his shoes as leader of the Buckskin Trailers, and Prairie Pete was made second in command. Cortein Lorne is now an officer of high rank, and Lulu, his lovely wife, accompanies him to all the border posts where he is ordered, while Lieutenant Lancaster, and Louise, once the auder’s captive, live in New York, for the oung bride insisted upon the resignation of er husband from the army, having had enough of wild life on the Rio Grande. THE END. Sunnyside Library. 1 Latta Rooxa. By Thomas Moore.... ........ 10c ®# Dox Juan By Lord Byron.................... 2c 8 Paravisz Lost. By John Milton.............. 10¢ 4 Tax Lavy or Troe Laxx. By Sir Walter Scott.. 10c ‘S Lucnx. By Owen Meredith................... 6 Unpree; or, Warer-Srinir, From th German of Friederich De La Motte Fouque.. 10c For sale by all newsdealers, or sent, postage paid |. \ of twalve sents for single numbers, double numbers twenty-four centa. 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Half-Dime Singer’s Library 1 Waoa, Eama! and 59 other Songs. 2 Caprain Curr and 57 other Songs. 8 Tue Gatnsporo’ Har and 62 other Songs, 4 Jonnny Morean and 60 other Songs. 5 un Srrme You Wirth a FEeaArTHER and 62 others. 6 GrorGr THE CHARMER and 56 other Songs. 7 Poe BELLE or Rockaway and 52 other Songs. 8 Younea Freiian, You're Too Fress and 60 others 9 Say Youne Grru and 65 other Songs. 10 I’m THE GovERNOR’s ONLY Son and 58 other Songs. 11 My Fan and 65 other Songs. 12 Comin’ THRO’ Tux Rye and 55 other Songs, 18 Tae RoLLickine IrisHMAN and 59 other Songs. 14 Op Doe Tray and 62 other Songs. 15 Wuoa, CHARLIE and 59 other Songs. 16 In THIS WuHeEaT By anp By and & other Songs. 17 Nancy Lee and 58 other Songs. 18 I’m THE Boy THAT’s Bounn To BLaze and 57 others. 19 Tae Two OrpuHans and 59 other Songs. 20 WHAT ARE THE Witp Waves Sayina, Sister? and 59 other Songs. 21 InpiGNANT Potty Woe and 59 other Songs. 22 Tne Utd ArM-Cnatr and 58 other Songs. 23 On Conry Istanp Bracn and 58 other Songs. 24 Oup Smon, THE Hot-Corn Man and 60 others, 25 I’m in Love and 56 other Songs. 26 PARADE OF THE GuarpDs and 56 other Songs. 27 Yo, Heave, Ho! and 60 other Songs. 28 "Twit NEVER po To Gre rr up So and 60 others, 29 BuvE Bonnets Over THE BorpER and 5 others. 30 Tae Merry Lavcnuine Man and 56 other Songs. 31 Sweet Foraxt-me-Nor and 55 other Songs. 82 LeeTLe Bany Mine and 53 other Songs, 83 De BANJO AM DE InsTRUMENT FOR ME and 53 others. 34 Tarry and 50 other Songs. 35 Just To PLEASE THE Boys and 52 other Songs. 86 SKATING ON ONE IN THE GurTER and 52 others. 37 Kotorep Kranks and 59 other Songs. 38 Nu. DespEXANDUM and 53 other Songs. 39 Tax Grru I Lert Bexrnp Me and 50 other Songs 40 "Tis sur A LrrTix Fapep Fiower and 50 others 41 Prerry WHILHELMINA and 60 other Songs. 42 DANCING IN THE Barn and 63 other Songs. 48 H. M.S. Prnarorr. comp.ers, and 17 other Songs. Sold everywhere by Newsdealers, at five cents or sent Mm , to addregs, on re- Bee ag ans parnaper, | 98 Wiu1aM , New Youx. 1a] Departments, yea rte. | : Pocket Jeke Book. BEADLE AND ADAMS’ STANDARD DIME PUBLICATIONS. Speakers. Each volume contains 100 large Ja ages, printed from clear, open type, comprising the est collec- i tion of Dialogues, Dramas and Recitations. Its Unrivaled Corps of Contributors, almost all of The Dime Speakers for the season of 1853 embrace twenty-four volumes, ‘viz. : . American Speaker. | 13. Schoo! Speaker. . National Speaker. i 14. Judicrous Speaker. Patriotic Speaker. 15. Komikal Speaker. Comic Speaker. 16. Youth’s Speaker. Elocutionist. 17. Eloquent Speaker. Humorous Speaker. 18, Hail Columbia Speak- . Standard Speaker. er. . Stump Speaker. . Serio-Comic Speaker. . Juvenile Speaker. 20, Select Speaker. Funny Speaker. 10, Spread-Eagle Speaker | 21. 11. Dime Debater. 22, Jolly Speaker, 12, Exhibition Speaker. 23, Dialect Speaker, 24. Dime Book of Recitations and Readings, These books are replete with choice pieces for the School-room, the Exhibition, for Homes, etc. 75 to 100 Declamations and Recitations in each book, ODI OB CH to -_ © Dialogues. The Dime Dialogues, each volume 100 pages, em- brace thirty books, viz.: Dialogues No. One, ‘Dialogues No. Sixteen. Dialogues No. Two. ‘Dialogues No, Seventeen. Dialogues No. /Dialogues No. Eighteen. Dialogues No. Dialogues No. Nineteen, Dialogues No. \Dialogues No. Twenty. Dialogues No. ‘Dialogues No. Twenty-one. Dialogues No. ‘Dialogues No, Twenty-two. Dialogues No, Dialogues No, Twenty-three, Dialogues No. Nine, ‘Dialogues No. Twenty-four. Dialogues No, T Dialogues No. Twenty-five. Dialogues No. Eleven, ‘Dialogues No. Twenty-six. Dialogues No. Twelve. DialoguesNo. Twenty-seven. Dialogues No. Thirteen. | Dialogues No, Twenty-eight. Dialogues No. Fourteen Dialogues No. Twenty-nine, Dialogues No. Fifteen. ‘Dialegues No. Thirty. 15 to 25 Dialogues and Dramas in each book. Dramas and Readings. 164 12mo Pages. 20 Cents. For Schools, Parlors, Entertainments and the Am- ateur Stage, comprisi Original Minor Dramas, Comedy. Farce, D:ess Pieces, Humorous Dialogue and Burlesque, by 1.oted writers; and Recitations and Readings, new : nd standard, of the greatest celebrity and interest. Edited by Prof. A. M. Russell, DIME HAND-BOOKS. Young People’s Series. Bravie’s Dime HANp-Boors For Youna PEoPLe cover a wide range of subjects, and are 3s) ly adaptea to their end, Ladies’ Letrer-Writer, Book of Games. Gents’ Letter-Writer, Fortune-Teller. Book of Etiquette, « Lovers’ Casket. Book of Verses, Ball-room. Companion. Book of Dreams. Book of Beauty. Hand-Books of Games. Handbook ef Seema epee Book of Crequet. achting and Rowi Chess Tustruetbr. Riding and Driv be Cricket and Football. Book of Pedestrianism. Guide to Swimm ing. Handbook of “Winter Sports—Skating, ete Manuals for Housewives. 1. Cook Book. 4. Family Physician. 2. Recipe Book. Dressmaking and Mil. 8. Hous@keeper’s Guide, linery. Lives of Great Americans I,—George Washington. | VII.—David Crockett, TI,.--John Paul girth VIII.—Israel Putnam. T1.—Mad Anthony Wayne X.—Tecumseh, TV.—Ethan Allen. XI.—Abraham Lincoln. V.—Marquis de Lefay-| XII.—Pontiac, ette. XIII.—Ulysses 8, Grant. VI.—Danie] Boone. Song Books, Brapiz's Dime Sona Boors, Nos. 1 to 38, containing the only popular collection cf copyright songs. eat Melodies, ' Music and Words. Joke Books. Jim Crow Jeke Book. Paddy Whack Joke Book, . The above publications for sale by all newsdealors t, BEADLE # ADAMS, 6 Wouus SEN . * >...
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THE GREAT AMERICAN. STORY PAPER! The Best Weekly of Popular, Entertaining and Useful Literature Published in America! Its Unrivaled Corps of Contributors! Almost all of whom write exclusively for its publishers—embraces the following authors of world wide repute Gel“nel Prentiss Ingraham, Charles Morris, Major Dangerfield Burr, Albert W. Aiken, Oll Coomes, T. C. Harbaugh, Cept. Fred. Whittaker, Cc. Dunning Clark, Philip 8, Warne, Capt. Mayne Reid, Buffalo Bill, William R, Eyster, Joseph E. Badger, Jr., White Beaver, Anthony P, Morr, { MNdward L. Wheeler, Buckskin Sam, « Launce Peynea, Each and All of Whom Give to BEADLE’S WEEKLY Their very Best Productions IN ALL.THE VARIED FIELDS OF BORDER AND WILD WEST ROMANCE— ADVENTURB, EXPLORATION AND SPORT— CITY LIFE, CHARACTER, COURTS AND WAYS— DETECTIVE AND ‘SHADOW’ REVELATIONS— STORIES OF THE GREAT DEEP, etc, ote So that pach and every number {s overflowing with reading of the most interesting and exciting nature; while in ite Special Departments sovering all the needs, and adding to the general interest and usefulness of the popular journal, BEADLE’ WEEKLY is the piper of al others for your weekly reading and entertainment, a ee Beadle’s Weekly is Published at the following Rates :! ‘Vor Four Months. PTT TT eee $1.00 Two Copies for One Year. ...ceseoee veoeecere cece es BOO Blow One Wear. .. i... ccc ccc ces reese eweeeeescecseeas 3,00 Single Copies... scrcsescccsccscsnccccssvesoreeG county ancl, caste Pye BEADLE & ADAMS, Publisher, 98 WILLIAY¥ STREET, NEW YORE !
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1 Deadwood Dick, the Prince of the Road. ellowstone Jack. ankas King, orse Hunters. Captain Frederick Whittaker, By E. L. Wheeler. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr. By Buffalo Bill, (Hon, ) By Captain Mayne Reid and andering Jew. By Oll Coomes, 9 Adventures of Baron Munchausen. or, The Fate of the Sioux Captives. By E. 8. Ellis, Albert eh gehig oyage to Liliput, and a Voyage to By Dean Swift. ; r? By Ol] Coomes, Wonderful Lamp. By Captain Frederick Whittaker, (27 INustrations. the Boy Buccaneer, = 11 The ‘Two 1% Gulliver’s Travels. 18 The Dumb 8 14 Aladdin; «r, 15 ‘he Sen-Cat. 16 Robinson Crusoe. alph Ro 8! nd the 9 . The Frontier Angel. 28 Nicko’ the 24 Diamond Dirk. detectives, B 1. Prentiss Ingraham, From the Arabian Nights, By Buffalo Bill. Daggers. By Edward L. Wheeler. By Edward S, Ellis. ent; or, The Boy Robinson Crusoe. By J, Lewis, Night; or, The Boy Spy of 76. By T. C. Harbaugh. By Colone) Prentiss Ingraham, By Roger Starbuck. > the Butfulo Demon. 27 Antelope Abe, the Boy Guides 20 The Dumb 80 Roaring Ral .cen-h nite, By Edward L, Wheeler. By Oll Coomee. the Princéof the Pistol. By E.L. Wheeler, By Cuptain Frederick Whittaker, By Harry St. George, By Ol] Coomes. By Edward L, Wheeler. By 8. W. Pierce. Captain J. F.C. Adama, oy Claude Duval. By Frank 8. Finn, By T. C, Harbaugh. By Texas Jack. By Edward L. Wheeler. n Rockwood. rince of the Prairies, ob Woolf, the Border Ruttian. 88 The Ocean Bloodhound, 64 Oregon Sol. 8 85 Wild Ivan, the 86 The Boy Clown, 87 The Midden Lodge. 88 Ned Wylde, the ace, the Detective. By John J. Marshall. ack, the Young Mustanger. By O11 Coomes. By Edward L, Wheeler. By Capt. Whittaker. By E. L, Wheel: r. The Phantom Miner. Dick Darling, the Pony Express Rider. By Harry St. George. the Great Annihilator. By E. L. Wheeler. ® Nines oN rent me iat Lap : Nightingale Naty; or, The Forest Captains. Black John, the Road-Agent. : 49 Omuha OL, the Masked Terror. 50 Burt Bunke , the Trapper. 44 Rattling Rube. d Avalanch Glass Eye, the By Joseph E. Badger, Jr, By Edward L, Wheeler. By C. E. Lasalle. or, The Underground Camp. By C. E, Lasalle. Jr., the Boy Phenix, ¢ Boy Trapper, 568 Jim Bludsoe. 54 Ned Mazel, + % Deadly-Eye, the Unknown Scout. 56 Nick Whites’ Pet. 57 Deadwood Dick's Eugles, 568 The Border King; or, Thy Secret Foe. By Ol Coomes 3 or, andy Ellis’s Scalp. v Captain J F.C, Adarrs. by E.L, Wheeler, By Capt. J. F. C. Adame. By Buffalo Bill. By Captain J. F.C, Adains. By Edward L. Wheeler. 69 Ola Wi ckor The White Indian. 5; 61 Buckhorn Bills or, The Red Rifle Team, By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham. By W. J. Hamilton. By Harry 8t. Georyze. By E, L. Wheeler. Hrotherhood. By T. C. Harbaugh. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr, or, A Life for a Life. -Leather Joe. 68 The Border Robin Heod, By Buffalo Bill. 69 Gold Rifle the Sharpshooter. ZO Old Zip’s Cabin. W. J. Hamilton. By Edward L. Wheeler. y Captain J. F.C, Adame. Z1 Delaware Dicky the Young Ranger Spy. By Ol] Coome . 72 Mad Tom Western, the ‘Vexan Ranger. By W. J. Hamilton, 7B Deadwood Dick on Ky Edward L. Wheeler. By O1] Coomes, By Colone! Prent By Albert W. Alken. Churlle, the Boy Brave. By E. L, Wheeler. By Captain Mayne Reid, By Albert W, Aiken. he I t. 76 Abe Colt, the Crow-Killer. 77 Corduro 78 Blue Dick. Fr, the Giant Trapper, By Edward L. Wheeler. By Cuptain J, F, C, Adams. Marefoot the Wood-Hawk. 88 Rollo, the Boy Ranger. the Girl Miner, By T. C. Harbaugh. By Ol! Coomes. By Edward L, Wheeler, By Captain J, F.C, Adama. Rock, the Man from Texas, and Pirates, By Captain Mayne Reid. Photograph Phil, the Boy Sleuth. By the author of “ Jack Harkaway.” By George Waldo Browne. By Bracebridge Hemyng. By G. Waldo Brown. By E. L, Wheeler. The Captain of the Club, Canada Chet, the Counterfeiter Chief. By E. L. Wheeler. By Edward §. Ellis. nek, the Read. Agent. » oh. St. Vrain. 860 Silver-Mask, the Man of Mystery. By J. C. Cowdrick, 861 The Phantom Lighthouse. By Roger Starbuck, 862 Deadwood Dick’s Claims By Edward LY Wieder. 868 Little Tornado. By Philip S. Warne. 864 Snap-Shot, the Boy Ranger, © By Buckskin Sain. |” 865 Baltimore Ben, by A. P. Morris, 866 Velvet Foot, the Indian Detective, By T. C. Harbaugh, 867 Wide-Awnke Joe, By Charles Morris. 868 Shasta, the Gold King. By J. C. Cowdriek. 869 Breaker Ben, the Reef-Runner. By Roger Starbuek.. A New lasuc Every Tuesday. The Half-Dime Library is tor sale by all newsdeslers. lve conte per copy, or sent by inal! on receipt uf six cents each, BEADLE AND ADAMB, Publixhers, 9S William Street, New York.