Beadle's Half Dime Library (no. 329) (1883 11 13)
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oe etemrtiet: oe) EN GN e.0) ttl allllallalln| SU | a Xe Ldall Ma Malallallallelallllallall/ J, Kd z P z ‘\ zx . S SS ~~ YW 4 yy | aa Ot aa ay o a len NS | Ba year. _ Entered at the Post Office at New York, N. Y., at Second Class Mall Rates. November 13, 1883, Single PUBLISHED WEEKLY BY BEADLE AND ADAMS, Price, ol. ATI. Number. No, 98 WILLIAM STREET, NEW YORK. 5 Cents. No. 329. ———— a RED-SKIN TOM: or, THE DEMON’S TRAIL, BY HARRY BHMAMZA RD, AUTHOR OF ‘‘ ARKANSAW JACK,” ETO,, ETC. ‘ Voy { "Mody !s ! We THE STRICKEN SAVAGE BOUNDED BACK AND UTTERED HIS THRILLING DEATH-CRY.
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(ORadiskie Tom 2 THE DEMON’S TRAIL. BY HARRY HAZARD, AUTHOR OF ‘‘ ARKANSAW JACK,” ETC, a ae CHAPTER L. AN ALTERCATION, Mrp-arrernoon of an oppressively hot and sultry day, in the year ’54. We cali the reader’s attention to a scene, that, if not romantic, is at least attractive and in- teresting; a wagon-train of emigrants, as is attested by the quantity of driven stock— horses, cattle, and m9 The presence of women and children is still further evidence. It moved slowly and drearily along over the vast, almost barren stretch of level plain, as though the nearly-spent day had been one of hard and unremitting toil. _Thehorses or mules, their heads hanging down, with drooping ears and tails, their hides damp with sweat and covered with the fine sand cast upon the air by the trampling hovfs, or the slowly revolv- ing wheels, scarcely heed the stinging lash or the eet tie exclamations of their drivers. sete oos2 stock move dejectedly along, cured their morning propensity of running from the trail to snatch a mouthful of grass, or nip the tops of a busb, while more than one of the boys, whose duty it is to rr them within proper limits, dozes in their hard saddles, _ But there are three persons who appear full of life and free from the general weariness of mind and body. Three: one of them a woman —a girl; the others men. The first, who rode several hundred yards in advance, if closely scrutinized, proves to be an old man, who has numbered his half-cen- tury, or perhaps nearly a decade more. A close scrutiny, we say, for his figure was as erect and vigorous, his motions as free and supple, the fire of nis keen gray eye as clear and penetrating as a generation since. is hair and long, flowing beard were gray, although the thickly clinging dust effectually disguised this. From his position, his arms, his actions, it was plain he acted as guide to the wagon-train. The next figure, about half-way between this man and the foremost wagon, was also a man, and merits a brief description at our bands for more than one reason. In stature he was about the mean hight, of a rather slight figure, bat with a muscular and active development, clothed in a plain and well- worn suit of gray. His dusky, olive complexion, black hair, and eyes like a sloe, had given him the sobriquet of ‘‘ Dusky Dick,” a name that was already famous throughout the West. Althougb not much, if any, beyond bis third decade, Richard Rouzee, or ‘* Dusky Dick,” had - followed the calling of a guide fora number of ears, and gained the repute of being peculiarly untortataahe: baving lost one-half the trains he had acted as pilot for, and rarely escaped with- out at least one fi rce and desperate struggle. More than one dark rumor had been put in circulation, and some more boldly declared that he was in league with the red-skins, and onl acted as guide, the more surely to compass his purpose. But this was only conjecture, and could not be substantiated by any valid roof, : F The third person, who rode at some little dis- tance to the right, so as to escape the annoying dust, wasa yang woman of more than common grace and beauty, although the latter quality was somewhat obscured by the long,’ weary day’s travel ; Rather above the medium hight, ofa a y rounded and developed form, that was admira- bly displayed by her neatly-fitting riding-habit of black, she sat ber horse with the ease and ace of an accomplished equestrienne, although Ee chafed and fretted at the restraint of a tightly-drawn rein, caracoling and prancing in proud strength and spirit. It was a clear-cut profile and beautiful com- plexion that Dusky Dick beheld from the corner of his dark, sinister eye, that glared witha fire of unusual admiration. But this his slouched hat concealed, and his smooth, beardless face gave no outward sign of the dark and troubled thoughts that filled his brain. : Then he pricked bis balf-wild mustang vi- ciously with his spur, and darted suddenly up heside the lady. who uttered a half-suppressed exclamation of annoyance, and made no at- Red-skin Tom, PR SENET RS me NE IMR ear a nn eR ea a tempt to conceal the expression of dislike and | this idea; but at heart he was kind and gen- impatience that clouded her usually sunny features, “Tt has beer a wearisome day, Miss Clara,” began the guide, speaking in a low and remark- ably musical voice, although his eyes flasbed as he noticed her evident aversion, ‘ But we are almost at the’end of our day’s journey. See— that long dark line vonder, a little to the left, is our stopping-place, beside a clear and beautiful stream, I know the spot, well.” ” ** So we cainpthere? Well, I am glad of it, for more than One reason,” replied the lady, in an impatient tone. ‘*And may I ask why so?” . : “Do you wish to know the truth?” asked Clara, with a slight emphasis, ‘Certainly; the truth will be doubly pleas- ant, coming from such winsome lips,” Oak Dick returned, with a half-mocking bow and smile. **Well then, the main reason is, that once there, you will bave other things to attend to, and will not have so much leisure to annoy | tle. ‘The other was a young man, between his fifth and sixth dustrum, with a handsome, manly face and form: with a calu), steadfast look in his gray eye that instinctively commanded one’s respect, and told that he could be depended upon in any emergency, however dangerous or try- ing. fis garments were plain and almost poor, but there was an air of conscious indepencence and freedom in his bearing end demeanor, that at- tracted one, despite himself. ‘‘ Father, do you know thatI think you made agreat mistake in biring this Dusky Dick, or whatever may be bis name, to act as guidef” ‘Why so, Clara?” asked ber parent, with an air of surprise. : ‘“ Well, you may laugh at me, or call me vision- ary, but I shudder whenever he comes near me, I believe thas he is a traitor, and bas some dee purpose of his own that means danger to us all. It you ask my reason, I can only say whst Ihave; {only feel that he’s not what he seems, and I others by impertinent and unwelcome atten- | shall never rest easy until we are are well rid of tions,” curtly replied Clara, urging her high- mettled horse ahead, as if desirous of escaping the company of the swarthy guide. ‘‘ Aud another reason is—that a certaim baby- face, Buenos Ayres by name, will not be lon in feeding his horses, and then, of course, wil hasten to pay his respects to the belle of the wagon-train,” sneered Dusky close to Clara, whether she rode fast or slow. “Mr. Rouzee,” at length exclaimed Clara, her eyes flashing angrily, and her cheeks flushing, him.” “1 don’t like bim overly well, myself,” slowly replied Calhoun, ‘* but still, 1 think be is bonest and trustworthy.” “Then why does he not attend to bis business, instead of intruding where be can’t i but see bis presence is unwelcomef” warmly cried Dick, keeping | Clara. ‘Why, daughter, what do you meant What has he been doing?” * Just this. Ican’t stir a step from the wag- * your aren as guide is yonder, along with Tom | ors, but what he is at my side, with his disa- ? Maxwell, and not out here. If I appear rude, you force me to be so.” ‘A guide’s place depends greatly upon cir- cumstances, Miss Calhoun; and just now I prefer this position.” “Then occupy it alone. wagon,” she aiiteds reining in her horse. ‘Stay, Miss Clara,” cried Rouzee, bis black eyes glittering. ‘‘ Keep your place, but mark | you so much me, the time will come—and soon too—when greeable smile and worse compliments. At first I did not appear to mind them, but of late he has grown still more impudent, end the worse | rebuff him, the more he persists, until now, un- less it is put a stop to, I will feel cbliged to keep I will go back to the | within the wagon all the time.” “You never spoke of this before, Clara,” ut- tered Calhoun, slowly. “If be has troubled why not have told me?” ‘* Because i thought he would desist, and then you will repent these haughty airs, and solicit | there would be no trouble. But to-day he gross- as a favor what you now affect to scorn. I tell you that the time is not far distant when you will crouch at my feet—when you will hang around me for a word—a smile; when you will call me master. Do you bear?” ‘ And I tell you, sir, that when we camp to- night, you will being torted Clara, her eyes flashing. ‘‘ Will you go, sir, or must { appeal to my father?” The guide did not reply, but plunging bis long cruel spurs into the flanks of his mustang, he dashed rapidly up alongside of the old borderer, Tom Maxwell, who recived him with a cold, ly insulted me.” ‘** Stay, Buenos,” commanded the major, p'ae- ing a hand upon the young men’s arm, as he made a motion of auger—‘' let me settle this, He insulted you, Clara?” ‘““Yes, He told me that the time was not far bave to answer to the charge of | distant when I would crouch at bis feet, and be runk while upon duty,” neue pees re. | glad to call him master /” exclaimed the maid- en, her eyes flashing. ‘* But what led to this?” ‘““T bardly remember, but I told him he had other duties to perform, that would become bim better than forcing bis company uron those to whom it was unwelcome, { had tried to leave half suspicious start. Evideutly there was little | him ee faster, to one side, or by falling love lost between the two men. Just before sunset the long line of trees was reached, that bordered upon a small stream, and preparations were immediatel encamping, while Dusky Dick an well galloped off to bunt for “ sign.” The mules and borses were un turned loose, after being hoppled, wagons were formed into a rude sort of corral, one line covering the joints in the otber. All was bustle and apparent confusion, although Tom Max- back: but be kept close beside me,” Major Calboun arose and glanced around upon the animated scene. The two guides had re- begun for | turned, and were awaiting supper, Meauwhile smoking their pipes. “Pom Maxwell, come here for ® Moment,” ared and | called the leader, and the tall guide sprung + im. and the | bly to bis feet and approached the group, « if- ing the dirty felt hat, with an almost reveren- tial bow to Clara. “Maxwell, my nian, I wish to ask your ad- each person knew his duty and busied himself | vice, and I trust you will be plain and candid, about that alone. : ' Fires were built, and over them stooped women, preparing supper for the in Foner, began Calhoun. **Maje, ’'m Tom Maxwell, an’ you’ve hearn the different | tell o’ me afore now; but did you ever bear ‘at messes; While the children sous wood and | Idied, or made a pra:tye o’ any sech 4 dirty, water, or else rolled and tumb other with merry shouts in their play, recking what the morrow might brivg forth. To one of these fires, a little apart from the remainder, we now turn. Over ‘it is the form of an old negro woman, whose wrinkled features and gorgeous red and orange | head-gear, looked weird and wid tbrough tbe flame-tinted smoke. | A little to one side of this sat three persons, or rather ‘reclining against the moss- covered roots of the gigantic oak tree, idly watching the motions of ‘Aunt Medora,” as | Dick, as you ca she turned the frying bacon, or the nicely- | him, Tom?” browning ‘‘hoe-cake, One of these was Clara Calhoun; the others were men. . The eldest one—tall, portly and of soldierly bearing—was hertfather, the leader or captain | ly. little | an’ plain trail, boss, to. nding | jest foller ed over each | sneakin’ business? The truth is a migbty broad m which is clear in ir Yarnt me to squint the sight, an’ ny ol’ mo true ‘long that trail, | ’ me—‘ Now, sonny, your nose, an’ go abead? An’ ever sence then, I’ve did so, on’y, mayhap, steppin’ a leetle to one side in the matter 0’ a red-skin, or sech like; but I al’ays tuckit up jest whar 1 left | it. Pl tell you the truth ef it bu’sts me—go on!” Calhoun appeared used to the somewhat ram- bling style of the old guide, and resumed: “We were just talking about this Dusky him; what is your opinion of .“F-u-m! Asa guide or a man?’ ‘\ Well—both.” “Ya—as,” drawled Maxwell, smoking rapid- “Fust, as @ guide. He’s quick an’ sharp- of the wagov-train. Of perbaps fifty years of | witted, knows a buffler-chip from a ant hill; he age, his muscular frame gave no evidence of de- | is dead shore on a trail or fer sign; a bully shot, cay, and the fire of yout in bis large dar stil] seemed to shine | rider, an’ all that; kin tell you, or mark down k eyes. The heavy, grizzled | like a printed map, every river, crick an’ water- mustache and beard, gave a somewhat stern | hole that is atween here an’ Salt Lake. Or to features, that were massive and reg- ' sum it ap, as the lawyers o’ St. Loney 'd say, | be knows every feet o the trail, kin tell whar cast to h , ular, and his voice, used to command, embanced
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_— to ixpect Injuns, or not to ixpect ’em, ekil to anybody what lives an’ breathes.” ** You praise him up very highly, Tom,” re- marked Buenos Ayres. **DolI, then? That’s jestas folksthinks, But honest, I don’t know a single man ’at I’d ruther hey along ’th me, ’n this very Dusky Dick, per- vidin’, mind ye, thet he hed some strong intrust in the train’s gittin’ through right side up, all huuky. But ef so be he hed a spite ag’inst any- body, then I’d rutber hev the devil hisself fer a chum,” he said, earnestly. *¢ Well, asa man,” added Major Calhoun. ‘*‘Wal, fust; he shoots off his mouth too durned much; he’d talk the ha’r off ’m a bufiler buli’s hump, an’ not more’n hefe try. He’s wuss ’n old Daddy Lapyear, the preacher-man which used to keep camp-meetin’ nigh to whar Llived when a little shaver; an’ more’n that couldn’t be said. Look at bis eyes—look at bis face—look at bis motion; look at him all over, well, The bull outfit sais snike, jest as plain as geese-goose; an’ the wust kind o! sarpint, too— the onzainly, sneakin’ copperhead. ‘‘He he tuk a dislike os a feller, would he come right out flatflooted an’ tell himso? Nary time—not muchly! He’d lay low an’ bite ’em in the heel, He’s p’izon, I tell ye, pizon from head to toe, an’ sartin death, Ef he gives you a black look, jest putt your heel on bis head an’ squash it. But look to your boots, fust, Gi’ me a match, youngster,” Calhoun then repeated the threats of .Dusky Dick, he had that day addressed to Clara, and then awaited Tom’s reply, in some anxiety of mind, * An’ he said that—he did?” slowly returned Maxwell, his brow knitting, as he puffed furi- ously at his relighted pipe. ** Those words, or to the same effect.” “Wal, then, thar’s snags ahead, boss, you kin just bet your high old ocean ware!” ex- oe Tom. ‘ What’re you goin’ to do ’bout i “T don’t know, just yet. That is what I asked your opinion for,” ‘Wal, then, ef be said them words, he meant somethin’, He ain’t the sort o’ feller to shoot his mouth off at nothin’, when he’s mad, jest fer the fun o’ hearin’ hisself talk. Look here— do you know ‘at he’s lost four trains in the last two years? an’ that one more jest got through by stud-hoss luck, a’ter two days’ hard fightin’? Idon’t say ’at he’s in cahoot ’th the reds, not a-tall; but ef I bed a spite ag’in’ this ere train, an’ wanted to gi it wiped out, ’d jest go to Mister Dusky Dick, Esquire, an’ say—‘ Whar's the *brigynees, Dick?” significantly replied Tom, tapping one horny finger against the other palm, ‘¢Then what do you advise, Maxwell?” some- what anxiously asked Major Calhoun, deeply eecseeet by the earnest words of the veteran guide. ** What do I vise? Now thar you’ve got me, as Joe Nerr said to the whale when he sucked him in. What d’you think?’ “I thought some of discharging him,” was the thougbtful reply. “The very wust thing you could do! ‘Cause why. Efke isa runnygade, thet is jest what he’d choose hisself, an’ then he’d hold high, low, jack in bis band, ’th a fa’r show o’ ketchin’ the game, to boot. ‘No, sir! You must keep him, an’ say nothin’ to make him ’spicious, an’ then— watch Yim. You'll watch—the young feller, heli watch, an’ J’ watch, an’ it’s hard but what we kin manidge to keep him in trim.” ‘S—st!” cautioned Ayres, rising erect, with band upon his ready revolver. ‘‘So, Mister Du ky Dick, this is a specimen of your manners, is it? Eavesdropping!” he added, as the form of the guide stepped out from behind the tree beneath which the party wore sitting. ‘Should the criminal be absent when he is being tried?’ sneered Rouzee, with a slight emphasis on the word italicised. ‘‘I was pass- ing by—I heard my name coupled with treach- ery—and so I paused.” “Jest so—I was bungry—I saw afat goose— I stole it, said the fox!” murmured Tom, care- lessly hitching his belt around. ‘‘I to.d you he was a snake!’ “And what did you hear?’ demanded Cal- houn, arising. “I heard myself accused of treachery—of being a renegade, and in collusion with the Indians. If not in so many words, at least peers enough to be understood,” said Dusky ck, deliberately. * Well then—what is your answer?” ‘““What. can it be? You are dissatisfied with _me, and condemn me unheard. I will not serve any man who does = trust me fully. Tom —e—eeeeee ee ann AR 99 oe cinta Maxwell, yonder, knows the route quite as well as I do, and is capable of acting alone, I will bid you good-by, now.” ‘You mean to leave us?’ Lad Yes.” “If you heard so much, Mr. Rouzee, as you say, surely you heard Maxwell's last words?’ coldly added Major Calhoun. ‘We prefer not to part with you; at least, not until we have reached a safer portion of the country than this is.” ‘True as preachin’!” softly interjected the old guide. ‘*Do you mean to detain me against my will?” said Dusky Dick, stepping back a pace, “If necessary—yes. ” ‘By force?” ‘* By force, if you compel us to adopt harsh measures,” impatiently exclaimed the major. ‘* Now look here, Mr. Calhoun,” began Kouzee in a firm tone. ‘l’m a free man, and not bound to you in any way. -I have bonesily performed my part of the contract thus far, and if I choose to leave you now, all you can do is to retain my wages. Do this if you will, but Tl not stay with you any longer.” ‘if I hed a jass-ack what wouldn’t go, d’y’ think I’d wallop ’*im?—bet your monkey-musek I would /” gently whistled Tom Maxwell, eying Dusky Dick with a benignant smile from beneath his battered slouch hat, ‘You are but one—we are three—or if but one word is spoken aloud, fifty.” ‘And Iam Dusky Dick!” cried the guide, in a defiant tone. ‘‘ You have heard of me before now, but you will know me, if you persist in this outrage. 1 tell you that 1 will go, and there is but one thing that can stop me—death /” and as he spoke, he leaped back so as to place the trio in front of him, and drawing a brace of revolvers, he cocked them with a clear, signifi- cant click, , ‘That long-legged beauty yonder told you that I could shoot true, and for once he told he truth. You may keep me here, but it will not be while I can draw trigger or sight along a barrel, Stop!” be added, sternly, as the three men made a motion toward advancing. ‘*The first weapon, drawn, or the first step toward me, will be the death-warrant of Miss Clara yonder! Before God, I will shoot her, if 1 am molested!” They saw that he was in terrible earnest, and instinctively shrunk back. ‘‘Shell I take him, maje—shell I take bim?”’ hoarsely whispered the old guide, his form crouching and trembling with anger at the rebel’s audacity, ‘“‘No—no, don’t stir, Tom—for your life, don’t!” cried Calhoun, fearfully. ‘The devil will shoot her if you do! Go, then, if you wish it, but if you harm one of the party [ will hunt you down like a dog! Go while you can,” he added, bitterly. “Hal hal” laughed Dusky Dick, ‘you are very generous, Major Calhoun, and I congratu- late you upon the facility with which you reverse your decision. I will go, but you may expect me again very soon. I love Miss Clara oa) speatly: to abandon her so abruptly, for 00d, “Shoot him, father!” cried Clara, as she sprung up behind the huge tree-trunk. ‘‘ Never mind me—don’t let him brave you so!” The three men abruptly turned around at this sudden interruption, and then, as they saw that the maiden’s maneuver placed her in com- parative safety, they quickly drew their wea- pons; but the guide had vanished, and _ his taunting laugh of defiance echoed back through the woods, ‘* After him, Tom—Buenos! and shoot him like a wolf, if you find him!” shouted Calhoun, as the three men dashed through the timber, in the direction from whence had come the inso- lent laugh. But their efforts at Dusky Dick’s capture were all in vain, although the majority of the now fully aro’ campers set out in pursuit of the fugitive; and one by one they returned to their now cold supper, silent and filled with a dim foreboding of impending peril. ‘It’s a bad job, maje, a pesky bad job,” quoth Tom Maxwell, as he helped himself, to a fresh supply of the rude but wholesome viands; “* an’ I’m dub’ous that it hain’t all over yit. He never shed ’a’ got away—never! But who un- der the sun would ’a’ thunk he’d ’a’ p’inted them istils at Miss Clary? The dratted int! urnin’s too good for sech ashe is! Lord— ! what’s this world a-comin’ to, when sech pesky eritter.. is made?” ° Double rds were posted that night, and an unusually strict watch was kept, but the long night passed by witbout further event worthy of record, and ays the sun arose, it shone down upon the party slowly trailing along their weary way. CHAPTER IL THE STORM-CLOUD BREAKS. THE next day and the next passed by with- out any event other than such usually attendant upon an emigrant’s daily toil along the almost endless trail, and the majority of the party were inclined to laugh at the ing words of Dusky Dick, as mere vaporings, proceeding from chagrin. But not so with all. Tom Maxwell didnot take this view of it, nor did the major or Buenos Ayres, and a steady, unremitting watch was kept up, both night and day, while great pre- cautions were used in selecting the nightly en- campment, Toward night of the second day succeeding the departure of Rouzee, the veteran guide paused until the wagon driven by young Ayres, in which also sat Major Calhoun, can.e up be- side him. ‘*What’s up now, Max?” ‘* Nothin’, maje, as I knows on,” replied Tom, *‘ But look yonder—d’ y’ see them ’ar trees, jest) beyon’ that peint o’ risin’ ground?” ** Certainly.” ‘Well, that’s the place to camp to-night, Plenty of wood, water an’ grass,” ‘* Well?” queried the leacer, seeing that some- mine lay beyond the guide’s words, ** | don’t. know, boss, but what you’ll laugh at me, an’ think [ mought be in better bizness, but—” hesitated Tom, a little mak nanny ‘*Why should I, Tom? I certainly should not if you are in earnest. But what's the mat- ter!’ “Jest this: you hain’t forgot wrat Dusky Dick said, nor hain’t I wither. It’s be’n a-run- nin’ in my mind all day, an’ I can’t help think- in’ that thar’s so’thin’ init. You know he said that we'd see him ag’in, an’ his eyes said, jeat ‘as plain as a nigger’s heel, that if we , it would not be alone.” “Then you think—?”’ “T reckon; leastways I ’speet so, Ef you ax what, why I'll bet a buffler-bump ag’in’ a turkey buzzard, that we'll ’ither see or hear so’thin’ o' Mr. Dusky Dick, afore another sun, I feel it all over me.” ‘*What are “ going to do?” somewhat im- patiently asked Major Calhoun. ‘* First, I’m goin’ to scout ’round ontel dusk. I know the lay right well around here, ap’ it’s jist the out-doin’est place you ever did see, for bushments and Injun deviltries. It’s a plain shoot for the river thar, an’ you won’t need me for. Lon _‘* Well, don’t be gone long, nor run any more risk than is absolutely necessary, well,” earnestly added Calhoun; “for you are our only dependence, now. I don’t believe there is one of us all that has the slightest idea of where we are, or the road necessary to take, in order to reach safety,” ‘* Maje,” slowly said the old guide, “I’m a rough old coon, what ain’t o’ much a’count one way nor t/otber; I hain’t got no kin, nor "lations livin’, as | knows on. never hed a wife— leastways, nobody ’cept it mougbt be a squaw now an’ then, for a week or so, an’ I never a child who could call me pap: but for all that I know how you must feel when you look at Miss Clary, an’ think ’at she’s in danger, ‘““T ain’t o’? much a’count, as 1 said, for ’mold an’ most wored out, but still I'd fou’t as bard as the best, for the few drops o’ blood in my kar- kidge, an’ I say sooner than let her get burt, even to her teentiest finger, why I'd be shot burnt, cut to pieces and then swallered hole! I would, by ge-mently |” “T believe you, Tom, but I hope there "ll be no call for your doing all that,” laughed Cal- boun, ‘Wall, jist follow your nose, an’ ey Nae ontil I git back,” and then loosening the tightly drawn rein against which his half-wild mustang was chafing, the grizzled old guide sped swiftly away from the wagon-train. Once beyond sight of the trail, Maxwell pro- ed more slowly and with greater pre- caution. Veering to the right, so as to embraco as much ground as possible in his contemplated detour, be closely scrutinized the ground for sign. while keeping a wary look-out upon either hand and in front, not caring to run blindfoid into an ambush «should there in reality prove to be enemies in his vicinity. He was proceeding thus when his horse sud denly gave a snort and stood still in his track, Quickly raising his eyes from the ground, the
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| ‘country 4 old guide sent a keen gl_nce around him, and then uttered a lonz, low whistle, as he per- ceived the evident cuuse of bis animal’s alarm. Just debouching from the hills, or rather from behind them, wasa large body of horse- men, and though at nearly a mile’s distance, he had no hesitation in pronouncing them to be Indians, from the long spears and various tra pings, together with their peculiar style of rid- ing. They were to the right, and at the same time a little in his front, eee nearly in a direct line with himself and the place where the emigrants intended to camp for the night, They had evidently observed him, and had paused, as if in irresolution, thus allowing Max- well a moment for deliberation. They might be friendly, but he did not be- lieve it, and felt little inclined to cultivate their close acquaintance. Still he did not like to run, for he well knew the truth of the old adage—a fleeing form invites pursuit—and that should he flee the rogues would assuredly chase him. Then were they hostile, as he more than sus- pected, the emigrants would undoubtedly be the sufferers, as they had not yet bad time to en- camp and corral the wagons in order of defense. Outnumbered and taken by surprise they would be massacred without mercy. Tom Maxwell did not believe that their exact position was known by the Indians, from the unguarded movements of the latter, and re- solved to draw them away, if possible, or at least detain them until the emigrants would be better prepared for the meeting. *“Come, Ebenezer,” he muttered, drawing up the reins and settling himself firmly in the deep saddle; ‘‘ you hain’t any much tired as yit, an’ kin hold your own with these scalawags, for a peas 5 pe Now you jest git up an’ git /” he spoke, Maxwell urged the sturdy mus- tang onward, uttering a wild yell and bending Jow down. As if decided upon their course by the old man’s ection, the Indians dashed after him, in silence. The look of anxiety upon Maxwell’s face deepened as he noted this fact, for it served to confirm his already strong suspicions, He knew that only some great and powerful motive could induce an Indian to suppress the vindictive, exultant yell usual when their foe and an anticipated victim is before them; and what could that motive be, unless it was a de- sire not to alarm the company of emigrants whom he had been guiding? More than ever he believed that Dusky Dick was connected with this new phase, and if so, he would need to be doubly wary and foresighted. Instead of riding direct toward the camp, Maxwell pursued a course that would carry him past it, at about a mile’s distance, with a con- siderable ridge intervening, intending to draw the savages entirely away from the wagon- train, if possible, but at any risk to protract the race until a more favorable moment. His thorough knowledge of the surrounding now stood him in good stead. The hills loomed up before him, and the valley he was now in appeared to extend clear through beyond the high ground, but in reality it ended ' in a cul de sac, from which escape would be almost impossible. ‘ Veering a little to the right, he dashed on, with an occasional glance back at his pursuers, He was gratified to see that he at any rate had maintained his vantage-ground, and, barring an accident, he felt confident of baffling pursuit until the shades of night afforded him secure cover. Maxwell knew that by rounding the now near hill, he would find a clear route to the plains beyond, whose smal! mottes of timber were scat- tered at short intervals, Close along the further side of these hills, the river ran; then makin an abrupt turn, flowed through.the level ground. Maxwell was much attached to “ Ebenezer,” bis horse, but when it was placed ageinst the welfare of the train, and that of Clara Calhoun, for whom he bad taken a deep and fervent lik- ing, he did not hesitate. He resolved to aban- don the ee er trust to good fortune to recover him again, Still, at nearly a mile in advance of his pur- suers, the guide rounded the hill, and reached the river side, Dismounting, he struck the horse a sharp blow, and thus turned him loose. True to his plans, Ebenezer dashed madly away up the river, toward the nearest clump of tim- ber, with a wild snort of alarm and pain. Running along a few yards in an opposite direction, Maxwell crouched down in a rocky hollow, with a fast-beating heart and an anx- ious face. Hv knew that, was his ruse discov- ered too soon, his life would be forfeited, beyond all doubt. True, he still held his rifle and revol- Red-skin Tom. vers, but what would his one arm avail against those of over three-score savages? He saw the mustang disavpear behind tke motte, at full speed, and hoped that bis pursuers had not yet gained a position from whence they could note the absence of its rider. If they had not, then be felt that he was safe. Then the enemy spurred swiftly by, following keenly upon the plain trail, without a pause or single glance around the point. Then, they, too, passed behind the timber island. Chuckling heartily, Tom arose and entering the water, ran lightly along its edge, until he came to a small log, lying upon the shore. Roll- ing this into the water, the guide secured his rifle upon it, and then entering the swift current, swam rapidly down-stream, pushing the float — him, thus keeping his gun and powder ry. bia he camein view of the wagon-train, he uttered a loud, clear shout, and leaving the water, ran lightly toward the camp, which was all confusion. ‘““What is it, Tom? Where’s your horse?’ —— asked the major, as he met the old scout, ** Boun’ for Salt Lake, takin’ a wheen o’ pesky red-skins to visit ol’ Brigham!” ‘What do you mean?” “Jest what I say. But we hain't got no time to talk now—thar’s work to bedid. Dusky Dick an’ a wheen o’ red imps is on the rampage, red- hot fer ha’r, an’ ’ll pay us a visit afore sun-up to-morry.” ‘ ‘* How do you know?” anxiously queried Cal- oun. ‘“Ca’se I see’d ’em. Don’t jabber—work!” impatiently added Tom, as he entered the little corral. He glanced around, anxiously taking in every detail, and then added, in a voice of disgust: ‘“What on airth was you fellers a-thinkin’ about, anyhow? Don’t you see you’d orter bin out yander, away from the river? They kin swim down in the dark, an’ take us in the r’ar, now. But it’s too late to mend that now, so do asIdo. They'll be here in less’n a-nour now, fer they'll know we're on the lookout, soon’s they find Ebenezer.” he corral had been formed close to the river- bank, in a half-circle, and in the usual manner; that is, in two rows of wagons, the one covering the joints in the other. By Tom Maxwell’s di- rections, the wheels were let down in holes has tily dug, so that the axles rested upon the prairie, and the openings were still further barricaded by articles taken from the wagons, The fires were extinguished and the women and children stowed away in as perfect securit as could be obtained, in the inner tier of vebi- cles. But while doing so, a startling discovery was made, There was one missing—Clara Calhoun was in no place to be found! A few minutes’ quest showed them that she was not within the cor- ral! And then Maxwell found that her horse was also missing from the others. In an agony of apprehension Calhoun hastened to ani fro, eagerly questioning each one as to when they had last noticed her. All be could learn was simply this: Clara had been riding, as usual, and at some little dis- tance to one side of the train, just before Tom Maxwell started out on his reconnoissance. During the confusion anent the encamping, she had been lost sight of. Noone could say more than this. “What can we do, Tom?” anxiously asked Calhoun, to the gloomy guide. ‘*Not much, onless she comes in o’ herself. The reds is snoopin’ ’round, an’ "ll be most sar- tin to gobble up any as goes out to hunt fer her. Bat I'll resk it, anyhow, fer a bit. renin the boys to work, an’ don’t git fooled, fore come back.” Then the old guide left the corral and hast- ened along the back trail, soon disappearing amid the fast-gathering shadows. And thus an hour by when ‘the whistle of Maxwell was heard, followed in a few moments by bim- self; but he ‘« Where is she, Tom!” “The Lord on’y knows, boss. Least- ways, I don’t. Didn’t see hide vor ha’r ©’ her, But the reds is a-comin’.” ‘‘Do they know where we are?” “ Reckon so; but ef not, they'll soon find us.” “Tf they do find us, how do you think it’!l end, Maxwell?’ queried an emigrant, in a tone of anxiety. - “IT kin tell better a’ter it’s over, fri’nd,” dry- ly replied Tom, with a significant shrug. ‘‘ But ef they don’t git no more to help ’em, why we stand a fa’r show. They’re on’y three to one.” ‘““Only! And isn’t that enough, for con- science’ sake?” P ‘*Fri’nd, where a feller is fightin’ fer his wife an’ lettle ones, he’s ekil to four, what’s on’y themselves,” and then silence once more reigned throughout the corral, at least so far as conver- sation was concerned. But as may be imagined, the suspense and misgivingzof the father, with others, was terri- ble, when‘they thought of what migbt bave be- fallen the missing maiden. It was well that the welfare of the train helped to divide their thoughts. Without some such duty, their thoughts would have been doubly distracting. It was plain that nothing more could be done, until after the threatened peril had passed, Until then, they could only hope and pray that no serious evil might befall the wanderer. Thus far, nothing had been seen or heard of the savages, and a number of the emigrants half-believed that the old guide had been de- ceived, and that the party of red-skins bad been i ones, who had no designs upon the ain, The sky was clear and unclouded, and the full moon had already arisen. Whether this last fact was a blessing or otherwise, was an open question to the emigrants, for if it served to be- tray the rary in case they attempted a sur- rise, it would likewise furnish sufficient light by which the death-dealing bullet, or the scarcely less to be dreaded arrow, could be di- ee with almost the certainty of one at mid- ay. As an offset te the error in corraling the wagons upon the river-kank, there were no trees or bushes within short gunshot of the encamp- ment, while the plain was level and smooth al- most as a floor, so that, for over a hundred yards, the savages would be forced to advance right in the teeth cf their enemy. ld Tom Maxwell was regarded by all as a sort of leader, and each word he spoke was earnestly listened to, and every hint of direc- tion promptly obeyed, without a murmur or a protest. It was some two hours or more, after the moon had arisen, that the first sign of the enemy’s presence was observed, and only the well-trained eye of the old guide could at first discern the suspicious object. He quickly glided from man to man, whispering to each: “'Thar’s a red out yon’, snoopin’ ’round. to diskiver ef so be we're on the lookout. Now don’t spile it all, but take it cool an’ do jest as I say. Ef he on’y keeps to the outside, why let im go, but. ef be a’tempts to enter, then wipe him out as quickly as you know how. Don’t make no n’ise, nor don’ let him make none, nyther,” As he returned to his post, old Tom saw that the spy had drawn considerably nearer, until the paint-bedaubed face could be distinctly seen, as the moon’s bright rays streamed full upon his cautiously uplifted head. ' The eyes of the veteran scout began to glisten, and his hands nervously clutched at bis rifle, as though eager to put afinal period to the night- rowling of the painted demon, but then bis abitual coolness returned, and he calmly awaited the denouement. The spy gradually drew nearer to the double row of wagons, and paused close beside the outer line, just in front of Maxwell, He uttered a low grunt as of disgust, as he found that the beds were almost upon a jevel with the ground, and that he could not pass beneath them, as he evidently intended. : Then he turned aside and slowly began skirt- ing the corral, Although it was a trying or- deal, the emigrants obeyed their leader's orders to the very letter, even suspending their breath as the spy gently stole along the line. Apparently this worthy became fully con- vinced that the emigrants were soundly sleeping in false security, for he at length began to climb over the barricade. Perhaps he was after plunder, or mayhap he was a young brave, burning to distinguish himself and to win a name among his people, by taking the first scalp. But if so, he was doomed never to realize his dream, for as he leaped lightly to the ground, a pair of strong hands were instantly twined around his throat, effectually checking all out- cry, while another of the emigrants —. keen knife deep into the broad, swelling chest. One faint, gurgling groan, a convulsive quiver, and the spirit of the red-man fled from the haste wound and took up the trail to the Bey aca are m Maxwell glided quickly to the scene of
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death, and bent eagerly over the corpse, scan- ning its features closely by the clear moonlight, “It’s a dratted "Rapahoe, boys, but I don’t know bim., You did it up slick, but it’s on’y rey a beginnin’; they’ll send out another, when e don’t come back on time, to Varn what’s up. So hunker down an’ wait. Don’t one o’ you fire, though, ontel I give the word.” Perhaps another half-hour slowly dragged its weary Jength along, before any thing more oc- curred to break this painful suspense, and then another dusky form was observed coming from much the same direction as that followed b the ill-fated spy. They all knew that the crisis was now close at hand, and every nerve was steeled, and though many a heart beat faster than usual, there was none that fluttered with fear. The second spy had advanced to within a dozen yards of the corral, when one of the eagerly watching emigrants fell forward, and accidentally touched the trigger of bis cocked rifle. The sharp report rung out upon the still night air, sounding to the startled men like the roar of artillery. At the same moment the spy arose to his feet and turned to flee, uttering a wild whoop of alarm. But it was his last cry upon earth, for the quick eye of Maxwell directed the uneérring wifle, and at the red-skin’s second leap, the quick report rung out, and the second victim of the list that was yet to follow, died without a groan. Like an accompaniment to the double shot there came a blood-curdling chorus of yells and whoops, and a horde of dusky fiends were seen to spring up as if from the bowels of the earth, upon the level plain beyond. “Look out, boys! here they come!” yelled old Tom, as he sprung to his feet and began rapidly reloading his rifle. ‘‘ Take it cool, but gi’e it bot. It’s fer life, now?” As the dusky fiends swarmed close to the barricade, a blinding flash rose along ‘the line, and at such near quarters, the effect was dead- ly in the extreme. Shrill cries of agony were blended with Bort of rage, as a number of as- pnb nyiny fell, dead or dying, before the scathing volley. The savages paused, as if in stupor, and then as the terrible quick-repeating revolvers began to play upon toeir crowded ranks, their ardor suddenly cooled, and as if by magic they dis- appeared, leaving their fallen as they Jay, upon the field. A wild exultant shout followed them, for it seemed as if the repulse was complete. “Save Fae? breath, boys,” said the veteran guide, with a silent but joyous laugh; “fer you'll need it, every smich, afore day. This is ‘on’y the primin’, an’ the rail airnest work is yit tocome. Fodder up an’ look out fer breakers!” “Then you think they'll make another at- tack?” anxiously queried Major Calhoun, who stood beside Maxwell, reloading his weapons with the rapidity of an expert. ** Bet Evenezer ag’iu’ a Jack: rabbit which is long odds—that they will. They didn’t know we was ready for ’em, but they’ve lVarnt a lesson now, an’ they never need more’n one 0’ thet kind to open thar eyes.” This was probably the reason of the strange recklessness and want of caution that the Jn- dians had exbibited, for such is not their usual mature. They most likely believed that the shots had been fired by an alarmed sentinel, and then made their quick rush, hoping to overpower the startled and bewildered emigrants before they -were well awakened and aware of the real facts. And then, when greeted in such a deadly manner, they perceived the error they had ei into, fleeing in confusion and momentary ismay. But as the old guide had predicted, the worst ‘was yet to come, and the savages would be doubly desperate now, from the heavy loss they bad experienced. Their approaches now would be all the more ‘to be dreaded, because they would be conducted ‘with all caution and subtleness. Daring the entire assault and repulse the sav- ages had searce fired a dozen shots, and not one oF the emigrants was harmed, so well were they sheltered. But one of the horses, who bad been tethered at either end of the barricade near the banks of the river, had been struck by @ random bullet and killed, As it alarmed the others, By Maxwell’s di- rection, the body was pushed over the bank into the river. And then each man returned to his post, ‘while thoso detailed to watch the water-side retained their position, —$———$ ‘general rule, Red-skin Tom. —_- - — 5 CHAPTER III. ' A WILD RACK, MEANWHILE, where was the missing maiden, Clara Calhoun? Let us glance back and learn. The information gleaned by Major Calhoun from the emigrants was correct, so far as it went. Clara bad been riding, as usual, and when she had learned the spot chosen for the encampment, which she could readily locate by the neighboring grove of trees, she resolved to enjoy a little gallop ere night fell, and by this means she would also avoid much of the disa- greeable noise and confusion attendant upon ane So she bore abruptly to the right, and with loosened rein dashed merrily away, the proud mustang tossing his head gladly at this unusual relaxation, But Clara’s little ride was destined to be car- ried out upon a scale of far greater importance than sbe bad anticipated, and ere it was ended, yo ge fated to undergo a season of peculiar rial. From before her horse’s feet there sprung up a rabbit—one of that overgrown breed popular- ly known as * jack-rabbits,” which, if not often palmed off on epouboes as full-grown mules, as Westerners frequently assert, are sufficiently large to astonish those used only to the more diminutive species common to ‘‘ the States ”— and dashed away over the short grass, clearing fully half a score yards ateach jump. Clara’s eyes sparkled, and bending. forward she spoke to her horse in alow tone, gently touching bis flanks with her switch. The game creature bounded forward with a wild snort, while the maiden laughed long and loudly at this unique race, The jack-rabbit, like his -more diminutive brotber of the States, invariably resorts to one ruse in order to escape an enemy. It will flee for a considerable distance in a direct line, but then will ‘‘double,” and return by a detour to near the starting-point. And this one was not an exception to the For fully a mile it leaped ahead, with astonishing speed, leaving Clara far be- hind, and then doubled. But Clara did not detect this last move, and urged her horse on at fullspeed. Then, how- ever, having lost sight of the animal, she drew rein and turned as if to retrace her steps. She glanced around, but the point toward which she believed was the camping-ground was bare and like that upon either hand. Not a tree was to be seen, The plain was nearly level, but she was now in a slight depression, that was from right to left, like the trough be- tween two huge waves. ‘*Come,” she said, as she twitched the reins and turned the mustang’s head toward the crest, ‘‘we must hurry, or we’ll be too late for sm It’s almost sundown.” t then, as she paused eo the ridge, a wild ery broke from her lips. startling sight met her gaze. Before ber, at not more than one-half mile distance, were a number of horsemen, coming toward her at full —— And even ber un- trained eyes could tell that they were Indians; their trappings and peculiar manner of riding, outlined upon the red sky beyond, as they crossed a slight swell, told her that, “6 ! Iam lost!” gasped Clara, for she believed that these forms were directly between her and her friends, unknowing how the chase after the rabbit had caused her to deviate from a true line. But then as a shriil cry came to her ears, borne over the intervening space by the light breeze, she wrencbed ber horse’s uesd around and dashed down the slope at a break-neck ce. Only one thought possessed her now: to increase the distance between ber and these dusky fiends, of whose daring she had heard so many frightful incidents, And now the race was begun in sober earnest. It was no longer one of mere sport; freedom, perhaps even life depended upon her retaining the mr aa thus fortunately gained. The truth may be told in a few words. These savages were but part of the band that bad pur- sued old Tom Maxwell, who, after discoverin the riderless borse, bad suspected the ruse, an were searching for the emigrant train. The had caugbt sight of Clara, just after she set in pursuit of the rabbit, and a band of them im- mediately spurred forth to effect ber capture. here was one circumstance in Clara’s favor, though she did not think of it then. The sun had already sunk behind the western horizon, andina short time more the shades of night would hide her from her enemies, provided ske could elude their clutches for so long, But then she knew not whither she was go- ing. Ignorant of what lay before ber, in a strange and wild region, what hope was there for her? Even supposing she should escape these ene- mies, how could she subsist in that wide prairie, destitute of food, or even the means of procur- ing any? She would only starve to death, die by slow degrees! And thus she sped on, carefully assisting ber noble horse, as he labored on, Fortunate in- deed it was for her that he was a mustang, prairie born and bred; tough and bardye though not remarkably fleet at a short stretch, But one of this race will easily tire out and even kill one of the larger breed from the States, and yet, after a short rest and mouthful of short grass, be as well and fresh as ever. For hours they can be urged on at full speed, without giving way beneath the strain. And so, though beneath the saddle well-nigh that entire day, Clara’s horse on without flinching, and the maiden saw with joy that she was nearly, if not quite, maintaining her van- ~ grouud, ut still, of what avail? How would it all end? She was fleeing further with each mo- ment from her friends, and in trying to avoid one death, seemed but rushing upon another, scarcely less terrible. For tully an hour the race swept on, without any great change in the relative positions, The shades of night were now upon tbe prairie, and the moon not yet having risen, all around was dark and gloomy, Clay. could see that she was nearing high groun t, but as she looked to see if she could not skirt it, the dim outlines of a long range met her eye, extending for miles upon either band. Though fearful of losing ground, there was nothing for it but to dare the steep ascent, In a few minutes more, the fugitive was at the base of a rugged hill, and then as the shrill ain of exultation came up from the pursuers ebind ber, Clara urged ber laboring horse up the steep ascent, It was bard work for the already overtasked animal, but it nobly responded to the call, and although more than once stumbling, it struggled on until the extreme crest was gained, But then as it dashed down the steep declivity, the mustang’s hoof rested upon a loose stone, and it pitched forward, headfirst, flinging its rider violently to the ground, Then arising, it still kept on, snorting wildly, lara felt a shock, then that she was falling— falling down what seemed an interminable depth, and then, with a frightful shoek her downward course seemed to be checked, This, and then followed a blank. A blank so far as any definite sensation was concerned, and yet not entirely one, either. for it seemed—faint and indistinct, asina dream —as though she was shortly afterward sur- rounded by ‘alot figures, and a far-away bum as of human voices in consultation, was also in the vision, if vision it was. The figures seemed to raise her from the ground and then convey ber gently through the air, for what seemed an almost iniormiuabe length of time. Then she was placed upon the cool ground beside a murmuri: g rivulet, when cool water was sprinkled over ber face, while warm, soft hands chafed ber own. Then with a feetle cry she sterted up and gazed wildly around ber, The phantom forms were now more substantial—the voices sounded more clearly upon ber ear, and she knew that the visionary dream had been a reality. Then she uttered a feeb!e cry and sunk back, with a convulsive shudder, Before her she be- held a hideous face, dusky, it seemed, with nodding plumes surmounting it, that she knew could only belong to an Indian! She felt that she was lost—that her pursuers had overtaken her, and tuat she was helpless in the power of the merciless fiends! ; CHAPTER IV. THE FORLORN HOPE. “Do ae think that Dusky Dick is with them, Maxwell?” “T would sw’ar it, boss, ef that wasn’t ag’in my natur’,” promptly replied the old borderer, as he seated himself beside his loop-hole, and coolly began mae Py * of tobacco into bits, to fill the ipe that he held in bis mouth, es be spoke. ‘But TI tel) you he’s thar. I dicu’t see him when those galoots was a'ter old Ebenezer,
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= but they was in a crowd, an’ I cidn’t hev time to look good. But I kin smell him, now.” “Smell bim!” echoed Culhoun, somewhat as- tonished at the positive tone of the old guide, “Yus, sir,” quoth Tom, cramming the tobac- €o into the pipe-bowl. ‘‘ You know thar is sech a thing as smell, don’t yet Wal, then, one thing smells like somethin’ else, an’ then ag’in another don’t. See?’ selecting a match from a smal] pocket safe. “You won’t risk a light here, now, Tom?” “No danger, boss, fer as you'll see, when 7 make a light, thar hain’t a smich o’ light to be see’d; that is, onless you look whar itis, an’ then won’t see it, nuther,” laying his old slouched at upon the ground, over the handle of his knife, Then he lay down, protruding his pipe-bowl beneath the hat, and striking a match, ignited the pipe without betraying a light larger than that of a glow-worm. ‘*You see, some things kin be did’s well ’s others, ef so be you know jest how to doit. But _ as I wassayin’, [ kiu smell that pesky varmint Dusky Dick. Dif’rent folks is dif’rent, you know, but then they’re all alike, too, a’ter all. Now then thar’s Miss Clary; she smells jest like a gre’t big bun’le 0’ posies, tigur’tively speakin’, in course. Then thar’s you—sorter like a per- simming. Ef a feller bites you at the wron time, why he’d a heap rutber squat down bar’- legged ontoa big ho’nets’ nest than to do it agin. But ef the sign is right, then it’s jest like b'iled honey, unly more so, Then ag’i in, furder an’ more so, thar’s Jack Wilson. He smells jest like a bottle o’ pepper-sass, A leetle is mighty , but ef you gits too much, why you're boun’ sneezs an’ go a-milkin’. So Dusky Dick smells like a copperhead or a rattler. I tell ou he’s thar, all ready for bitin’, for I smells Ym 2? earnestly declared Maxwell, smoking vigorously. ‘Look out yonder, Tom, where that little ridge of sand ends,” suddenly whispered Cal- houn, touching the old guide upon the shoulder. ‘What is that long, dark thing?” After a moment’s scrutiny of the suspicious- looking object, Maxwell r. plied: “Tt looks su’thin’ like a chunk cut out o’a black cloud, don’t it? Reckon ’tain’t, though, come to think. Would bea Injun ef twasn’t somethin’ else. "Sides, it’s too big an’ too long an’ too much so all over for a red. Tain’t a canoe, nuther, ’cause thar hain’t no water thar. I'd go out an’ ax its name, on’y I'm ’feered it’d rare up an’ onsettle my supper,” slowly drawled the old guide, evidently talking from mere force of babit, without heeding what he said. “Tt surely moves—see! It’s closer now than when I first noticed it!” anxiously added Cal- boun, nervously handling his rifle. “ Basy—easy, boss, or you'll skeer the durned ‘Phing so bad it'll run off, right spang-a-diddle through us,” continued Tom, the while keenly -eying the nondescript. ‘It does move, by ge- mently! but [ don’t see no Jegs, an’ it ain’ no sarpint, ’less it’s swallered its own head an’ tail. Mebbe it’s a whale?” One of the emigrants now came up beside them and called their attention to a similar ob- at a little distance to the left, that bad puz- ied the others in the same manner. “Good gracious, boss,” exclaimed Tom in a vexed tone, ‘‘ thar’s jest the biggest set o’ fools *round these diggin’s as was ever got together in one heap, I jest bet my pile! They was fools for thiukin’ they could fool us with them, an’ we was bigger fools or gittin’ fooled ws them dratted fool logs! It’s the beatin’est foolery ’at I ever knowed!” These words explained the mystery, and the others were as greatly surprised as had been the eld scout, that they had not penetrated the ruse sooner, The Indians bad procured a number of logs, and were now busied in rolling them up toward the corral, bane hoping to thus gain a posi- tien from whence they could securely pick off the defenders of the wagon-train at their own ure, ‘* What is to be done now, Tom? and the ma- ier could not entirely conceal his uneasiness as 8 ke. “ Why, jest kill a dozen o’ them loggerheads, an’ then the others’ll take the bint an’ leave.” “ But how?” “Shoot ’em, in course. “You don’t s’pose they'll let you git cluss enough fo do anythin’ — ee Red-skin Tom, don’t vou see? his head must be thar too, in course, onless be’scross-eyed an’ kin shoot roun’ the corner,” argued Tom. ‘* Then you mean to—?” “TI reckon, We'll try it, an how, jest for beans. You feller, go an’ send Wilson an’ Texas Joe here, quicker)” In a few moments the two men designated were at band, and then Maxwell directed them what to do, Tbe logs were now within fifty gees of tbe outer wagons and were still draw- ng Pe nearer, though slowly. ‘Hunker down here, boys, an’ see that you’re well kivered. Ready! Now one o’ you fire to'rds that log afore us. Don’t make no differ’ whether you aim at it or that big star yon- won so you shoot; an’ then dodge down, quick.’ The gun was discharged as directed at one of the stationary logs, and instantly there came a return shot, evidently aimed at this flash, for the bullet plowed up the dirt in close proximity to the men. Then, like an echo the rifle of the guide spoke, and was blended with a wild yell of death- agony, that told it had not been discharged in vain, while a dark figure sprung bigh up into the air, and fallinz, lay motionless upon the ground out in the open moonlight. ** See, boss,” exultantly cried Maxwell, roll- ing quickly aside from his loop-hole in time to avoid a return shot. ‘‘I told you ‘at something could be did ’s well’s others, an’ now you see they kin, an’ better, too!” A chorus of vindictive hoots and cries an- nounced that the enemy were anything but pleased at the working of their scheme, and then a general volley was fired from behind the lo This time acry uprose from the interior of the corral and then the word was passed around that one of the men waskilled. At this calamity —the first one of any importance—a heavy loom settled over the spirits of the defenders, or they knew not but that ere the morning’s sun should rise, they would all have met the same dread fate, But their attention was speedily diverted from this sad thought, cnd their every energy required to avert the threatened doom. The ery went up that avother onset was at band. ith the never-failing yells and screeches, the foe sprung up from behind their coverts, and swarmed forward like so many phantoms of death; and then the air was filled with the hissing bullets and hurtling arrows. As before, a dazzling line of flame shot along the entire length of the barricade, and so deadly was its effect that the desperate onslaught was momentarily checked. Only momentarily, though, and then there came a simultaneous shoe against the onter row of wagons, as the assailants gained this shelter, . Then the enemies were separated by only a few feet, and for a few fast fleeting seconds there wasa pause, It was broken, however, b a shot from the corral, and as an Indian uttere the death-shriek, bis companions strove desper- ately toscale the barricade. Did they reveal their persons to the keen eyes of the besieged, a bullet was speedily sent upon its deadly mission; did they essay to crawl beneath or over the wagons, they were met by pisto!-shots, knife-tbrusts or clubbed rifles. Nor were the defenders unscathed. More than one still and ghastly form incumbered the interior of the corral, while bere and there writhed one in mortal agony, shrieking aloud, but with fast weakening accents, the names of bis loved ones; of those, who were even then, perchance, praying for his safety, that he might pass that terrific ordéal unharmed, Although old Tom Maxwell and Major Cal- houn were desperately busy, their voices were silent. There was little need of orders then, for each man was nobly doing bis duty, and that lay plainly before bim, Then there came a loud shout from those men who were stationed close to the extremities of the barricade, so as to overlook the water's surface. A cry that announced some new peril threatening their safety; a cry that was echoed -| exultantly back by the demons in front. who now seemed to redouble their efforts to scale the barrier. Maxwell quickly gained one end of the corral and beheld the river’s surface above their ition, as well as directly in front, close to te water’s edge, dotted with sundry black objects thet needed but one glance to be recog- nized as logs, bearing the firearms of savages, who were evidently sheltered bebind them, but et the same time drawing nearer to their anti- cipated prey. “ - a SS OE Those who exposed themselves first on goin to the shore, were instantly saluted with a dead- ly yolley of pistol-balls, and for a brief space the others hesitated, as if dieconcerted. They had evidently counted upon effecting an en- trance into the corral by ve thw while the emigrants were engaged .n repelling the attack of the main body, and then overpowering their obstinate foes, but the forethought of the vete- ran guide had balked them. Then rallying, they made a desperate rush, gaining the shore, and several of them actually gaining the bank, entering the corral, only to be buried back, dead or dying, into the water, For a brief space it was a wild, horrible melee, ceaperees and bloody. _ The report of fire-arms—the occasional ring- ing of steel against steel, as two foemen met in close contest—the confused tramping to and fro—the sbrill yell, either of rage or else of death-agony; the defiant shouts and hoarse oaths: —the affrighted screams of the snorting borses— or the wail of some terrified infant, all com- bined into one fearful turoult! Then there came a Jong-drawn, quavering cry, and as if by magie the savage assailants van- ished, like hoar-frost before the sun’s warm breath, . But there followed no exultant shout from the emigrants, As they glanced fearfully around upen the forms of their dead and dying comrades, their hearts were rent with anguish and apprehen- sion, They saw but too plainly that another such triumph would be almost equivalent to a defeat, While the majority still retained their posts, keenly vigilant, otbers of the little band re- moved the cead into one place and ministered to the wants of the wounded, to the best of their ability. It was a sad and beart-rending task, but their own peril was such that they bad no time for bewailing their comrades’ sad fate, and then once more they returned to their posts, For nearly an hour all was silerce within the little corral, and even the sorely wounded, de- spite their agony, heroically suppressed their moans of pain, lest they should tend to weaken the nerves of the defenders still left. And the latter were far too ceeply occupied with their own thoughts upon the impending peril to feet like conversing. But, at the end of this time, there was one who could maintain silence no Jonger—the old guide, Tom Maxwell. A voluble talker, he seemed totally at a loss while his tongue was idle, and unlike most people, he appeared to think better and more closely while dilating upon some entirely foreign subject. Upon one side of bim was stationed Major Calhoun; upon the otber a young man, Buenos Ayres. It was with them, either or both, that he poke. ‘‘Wuss’n a Quaker meetin’, this is, specially e’ter sich lively doin’s as was jistnow. ‘Pears like I’d bu’st ef J was to hold in any Jonger— the words scroudge each other sot they hain’t got room to kick in. What d’you think o’ the sitiv: tion, anyhow, boss”? ‘It’s bad—very bad,” gloomily responded Calboun. “ That’s true as gospil; but then *tain’t quite so bad us it mou't be ef it was wuss, anyhow, whick is a gre’t consolation, I thought 1 was once in the wuss fix at ever could be batobed up, when I was in the middle o’ a bayou, down in Texas, with a pessel o’ red-+kins on ’itber hand, an’ three ina canoe cluss behind me, But then a corntwisted alligator poked his nose rigbt up from the water against mine, which mixed things up a little more so, ; ‘ But [ div’-—the canoe ran smack inside the critter’s mouth—thar wes a scrunch, an’ then mebbe thar wasn’t some splashin’! J swum in ’mongst the reeds, while the reds was flustrated, an’ so fooled ’em. All of which goes to prove that we ain’t cotched yit.” yrrte: ‘* Are you sure that Dusky Dick is with these devils to-night? 1 bave neither seen nor beard . him.” ‘* Bet yer life he is. But he ain’t nobody’s fool, an’ knows well enough that ef be sbould show bis ugly mug, it’d bring a dczen bullets a’ter it. .Most like, he’s painted up like one ©” the rest; but he’s thar, shure—I smell him, I tell ve. “You never heerd tell 0’ to sech attacks as them, right tergether, ‘thout somebody hed a particlar gradge to work out, or objeck to gain. "Tain’t Injun nature, it sin’t. Most like they’re a gang 0’ outcasts an’ vaggarbonds as he’s picked up somewhars to do this dirty work, an’ this ’ere ain’t the fust time, nutber, you
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mark me. No wonder he’s called an pene guide fer the trains,” added Maxwell signitfi- cantly, and then he proceeded once more to fill his Pipe. “IT had hoped he was not with them, for then I should not feel so uneasy about the result, I think we can beat them off once more, anyhow, and if they were only after plunder, their loss would soon sicken them. But if he is there; I fear the worst,” added Calhoun thoughtfully, ** Jest so; you talk right to the spot, you do— a’ter my own style. Never did fancy them fel- lers what gabbered so much ’mongst sech a heap o’ words; ’t stands to reason thar must be some lyin’; an’ I hate a liar like all ge-mently —I doso ! “Is Was a sad mistake, our leaving the regu- lar trail,”*ob erved young Ayres, ‘As it turns ont, yes; but ’twar fer the best then. Water’s scarce on that route this dry weather. We did it fer the best. But why so?” “ Because we might hope for help from some other train. As it is, we’re too far off tor them to hear the fuss,” nance, “Don’t—let him alone, major,” whispered Buenos. ‘He don’t know he’s talking. I be- lieve he sees some way to fool these devils, and is settling the details.’ And such was indeed the case. The words of Ayres had given a hint to the quick-witted uide, that he was not slow to take hold of. m mere force of habit, his tongue shaped words of which he was unconscious, “Thar! I’ve got it! We'll fool the imps yit, - ge-mineezers! That is, we will ef we do; an’ we don’t why, we will, anyhow. No use talkin’—we must do it,” and the guide uttered a deep sigh of relief,as he glanced, first at one, then at the other, of bis companions. “Do what? What do you mean, Tom?” * Liven. [ said we’d fool them ems an’ I b’leve we kin do it. I don’t say we kin, fer shora, but I think so. A feller mustn’t—” “But your plan—what is it?” impatiently in- terrup Calhoun. ‘There is no time to lose,’ . “Thar’s another day a-comin’, boss,” roolly added Maxwell, bis tones telling that bis mind was still busied with the details of his plan, **No need tobe ina hurry. Know’da feller to dia, onc’t, cause he was in too bigaburry, Got lost thar—:tarved to death afore be could find his way out. Thar, it’s did—now listen. “ Fust, we're bere—theyre thar, an’ somebody el-e isin t’other place. We must find that t’other somebody. See?’ hastily spluttered Maxwell. ** But how ?” ‘You member the train we left at Dutehman’s Grick—the sojer one? It couldn’t travel much faster ’n we did, so it must be not very fur away now, on Vother trail. Wo must get word tothem. Now fort e how, “One o’ us—a volunteer ef thar is one—of not, Pil try 1t—must drop over thar in the drink, an’ swim down ontel he kin git out thout the reds seein’ him. Then he must putt out, hot fut, an’ not stop fer nothin’ ontel he strikes t’other trail. Then ef the big train hes goed by, he must ketch up ’th it. Ef not, then he must go t’other way ontel be finds it. That did, bell tell o’ our siti- vetion an’ bring help—twenty sojers Il do, ’th what we hev here. ” « But can the trail be found, Tom? Won't whoever attempts it, get lost?” “ Thar’s the no’the star—he kin keep that on bis right shoulder. He cain’t miss it—(he trail runs frem eend to eend—onless he goes t’other way. You aay here, an' I'll go see what the boys say t 5” “* No need of that, I will make the venture,” said Buenos, calmly. “You—no, lad. [’d ruther go myself, It'll be reskv—no two to one, a feller'll git through. — o’ Miss Clary,” earnestly responded Max- well, **T do—I have. She is lost, and every moment Tet go by, but adds. to the danger of our never finding her. The sooner we are free to search for her, the better her chances are. I will not lose any time, and the thought that I am work- ing for ber, will help me through.” _“ He is right, Tom,” answered Calhoun, ‘‘ He can do this as well as you can, and besides, he ean hardly fill your place here. We need some one who is up to the dodges of the red devils, or we are lost indeed. You must stay,” Red-skin Tom. “You're right, but I don’t like it. Still, it may be best. Vd ruther trust bim then ary other one as would go, now Texas Joe is rubbed out,’ ‘Have you any further instructions to give?” asked Ayres, as he tightened the belt around his waist, ‘‘No—on’y take keer o’ yourself. "Member that the life o’ the bull pack o’ us—and mebbe that o’ Miss Clary, too—depends on your gittin’ through all hunky, It’d be too late to try a-nother one, ef you—thunder! you won't git rubbed out! Ef you do, durned ef I don’t jest ap an’ swaller every pesky red-skin out yender, alive, an’ then send Dusky Dick down a’ter, to keep ’em stirred up lively. I will so\” * Well then, ['ll go now. I wouldn’t tell the boys how it is, till you know whether I get through safe or not,” “Leave your rifte here—tie a ’volver on top o’ your head, so it’ll be dry an’ ready fer use, ef you should chaince to run ag’in’ any o’ the varmints. Swim cluss to the bank, wher it throws a shadder, an’ take your time ontel you xit a safe distance, Then let your legs went. on’t stop to look ef you're goin’ to tread on ary bug or nuthin’—let ’em squ’sh ef they don’t git outen the way, Onderstand?” ‘*Yes. Good-by.” ‘*Good-by, and God blessand aia you, my boy,” uttered Calhoun, chokingly. “ Thar—git out! You've filled my eyes full o’ bugs or so’thin’ a’ready. Ef the reds come now I couldn’t shoot a mite, MThar—now you're gone,” and the old guide pressed the young man’s hand warmly, while he brushed one sleeve across his eyes, now dimmed by a sus- picious moisture, Cautiously Ayres glided along the barricade and slipping down tbe bank—here severa a high—entered the water. Then sinking ow down, and keeping within the narrow belt of dark shadow, be slowly floated down-stream, fairly bound upon bis truly perilous mission. And with painfully-throbbing hearts the two men listened, dreading lest there should come to their ears with each passing moment, the ex- ultant shout of their savage foes, announcing the discovery of the young man, thus foiling their last hope—a truly forlorn one! CHAPTER V. RED-SKIN TOM, CLARA uttered a wild ery, and sunk back. with ashudder, Sbe believed her pursuers had overtaken, and now held her captive; but in this she was mistaken, ’ “Do not be alarmed, lady,” uttered a low voice close beside the maiden. “ You are among friends here, who will protect you with their lives, if there be any need,” ** But he—he isan Indian!” half unconsciously murmured Clara, “True, but he is far different from those who were chasing you. He is a true friend, and would fight in your defense quite as readily as I would.” ‘Bes’ git back little furder, Injun shoot pay straight by dis light. Ketch hoss—den 8 back, bumbye. Bes’ hide in bushes up dere, den Injun go by—won’t see um,” interrupted a guttural voice, evidently proceeding from the lips of the Indian alluded to, ‘You're right, Red-skin. They’ll be apt to follow back on their own trail, to se where she gave them the slip, Do you think you can walk, miss?” he added, turning toward Clara; ‘‘or shall Learry you? There is danger in lin- gering here.” “Thank you—I will walk, If you lend me your arm [ think— Ah!” Clara rose to her feet by clinging to the strong arm of her new-found friend, but then, with an agonized groan, she would have fallen to the ground had not bis arms encircled her fainting form. The violent fall had evidently injured the maiden far more severely than she | bad at first believed. ‘* Lead the way Tom,” muttered the man, as he raised the girl in his arms, “Quick!” The Indian’ turned and glided along the level plat for a few vards, then began ascending a steep incline. Up this for a considerable dis- tance; then he paused before a dense growth of bushes, that seemed to shoot out from the very face of the bank. 8 The man bearing Clara was quickly beside his red companion, and then they all entered the bushes, disappearing from sight. This t was upon a hillside, at whose base ran a clear stream of water. Beyond this, again, was a level strip of ground, studded hewhanar & with little clumps of trees and under- growt 7 The three persons were ensconced within the bushes, close wt won the rocks, that uprose, bare and gray, for nearly a dczen yards, slepin s0 that a stone dropped from the escerpmen above, would touch the ground severa) yards out from tbe base, This cliff, however, only extended for a short distance upon either handy then it ran out into a steep hillside, down which, on one band, Clara bad been cast by the stumbling of ber borse, ‘*How do you feel now! asked the white man, after a moment’s rest, ‘Better, though still faint and dizzy. But how— I remember falling, and then all is blank, How did you find me, and where em 1? There were some Indians chasing me; where raha they?” confusedly asked Clara, in a faint ne. In a few, quick words the stranger explained the part he had played in the adventure. He was an officer of a Government train of supplies, and had started ovt on a scout, togeth- er with one of their guides, a Delaware Indian named Red skin Tom, but had hecome belated while following up a trail. They bad resolved to encamp for the night, when they were aroused by wild yells and the sound of hoof- strokes. Then they saw a woman rice the bill’s crest, and almost immediately fall from her horse, 08 it stumbled, He sprung forward and caught her, while Red-skin Tom crept to the hill-top to learn what bad so alarmed her, He soon made out the figures of the pursuing savages, and then the two scouts had bicden in the bushes, with the unconscious maiden, until the war-party bad thundered by, in hot pursuit of the riderless horse. Then they bad hastened with Clara to the creek, where they succeeded in restoring ber to consciousness, by the plenti- ful use of water, aided by a stronger fluid incased in a flask carried by the captain. And then Clara briefly detailed ber portion of - the adventure, adding: “If Ido not thank you for this service, it is because I cannot find words to express my feel- ings. I would rather die than fall into their wer!” “Thanks are not needéd, believe me, I am amply repaid already for the trifle I was enabled to do, by knowing you ere safe from those fiends, But you spoke of your father—is it possible that be is my old commandant, Major Jobn Calhoun?” r : He served in Mexico, and his given name is onn, “It must be the same, then! Did yon never hear him speak of Harold Travers? He saved my life at Cerro Gordo,” eagerly added the cap- ain. ‘Indeed I bave; be often mentions your name, And now you repay that debt by savin the life of hisdaughter. He bas often wondere where you were, and it will bea beppy meet- ing; one that [ trust will take place very soon.’ ** Bes’ not mek talk now,” interrupted Red-skin Tom, significantly, ‘’Rapaboe he ccme back plenty soov, Find hoss—mad like de debbie cause don’t fin’? squaw, too. Hunt fo’ her heap, mebbe. Wont git her, dough, ‘less kin whip us.” 4 “Youre right, Redskin. I can hear the sound of their horses’ hoofs on the rocks.” ‘Are they coming? My God! I thought I had rosa ttem for good!” moaned Clara, fearfully. “Have no fear, Miss Calhoun,” sreturned Travers, ‘*They shall not harm you, even if they chence to discover us, There are only balf a degen in all, and surely we tyo can manage them. Can’t we, Red skin?” “Veh, fo’ sure. Don't know much how mek fight, “Repaboe, Big cowards, dey is. Got white man Jong, dough.” . Are you sure, Ton?” “See um. Kuow um, too, Name Dusky Dick. Big decoy. White Injins—plenty bad— more sO dan oders. Play snake fo’ train, so Injin git em,” tersely added the Delaware. lara uttered a faint ery of apprehension at | the sound of his name, for she knew that now indeed she was in danger, The threats of Dusky Dick came back to memory with renewed force, and knowing, as he must, that she was astray in the mountains, he would spare no pains in order to make his words good. . » “T see you know bim, too; but never mind now. We must not converse any more. Seel the devils are in sigbt, down yonder by the creek.” \ Cautiously aie 3 through the leafy screen before them, the three could just distinguish the faint, shadowy outlines of a vumber of borse-
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8 men downin the valley. These soon crossed the ereek, anid then ono being left in charge of the horses, tho vest—six in number—dismounted, and began quartering over the ground, like hounds searching for a lost scent. Tho soldier tight!y compressed his lips, and grasped his rifle with deadly determination. He saw that the enemy had evidently divined the manner in which their anticipated victim bad escaped them—at least in part—and believed she was still hiding in some place in the vicinity. It was not probable they were aware of the presence of other foes in the neighborhood, else they would have displayed more caution. Evidently they believed Clara had abandoned her failing horse, and sought safety by lying in concealment. The moonlight was too faint and uncertain for the savages to learn aught from a trail upon the rocky ground, and that fact was in favor of the fugitives. Still, there could be no deny- ing that they were in imminent peril of their lves, The Arapahoes scattered and began a close and systematic search of the ground, peering behind each bowlder, into every bush and cranny where a buman form might possibly have sought refuge. The six were widely scattered, the bet- ter to compass their purpose. Upon the movements of one of the savages in particular, was the attcntion of the three friends riveted. He alone of the party was in close proximity to the hidden prey. He was a large, brawny warrior, and was now gliding along the hill-side, gradually ap- proaching the covert of our friends, carefully scrutinizing every yard of ground as he pro- ceeded, Presently he paused and glanced keen- jy around bim. Then his piercing gaze rested airly upon the line of bushes that screened the base of the cliff. His tall, muscular frame, drawn rigidly erect, in all the pride of war-paint and plumes, looked grandly terrible in the glimmering moonlight, and even the eyes of Red-Skin Tom emitted a momentary gleam of admiration as they dwelt upon the perfect figure. But then this gave place to a glare of deadly hatred as if he recog- pized a bitter personal enemy in the warrior, The Arapahoe stood thus for a moment, and then began gliding up the bill-side, hts eyes seeming to pierce through and through the screen, so keen was their glance. He saw that this was a good cover, and believed or hoped that the fugitive had taken refuge there. Travers crouched down and drew bis revol- ver, with a stern demeanor, but a light touch upon his shoulder caused him to turn his head. 'T axe eee made a peculiar gesture, and then fhissed; ‘** No shoot—mek too much noise. Let Dela- eware tek him. Know um—he Kisch-kouch— {big t’ief—me kill him heap sure. Tom’bawk ymek no noise.” “You're right, Tom, I forgot,” muttered ‘Travers, below his breath; and then fearing to say more, they watched the red-skin’s progress in perfect silence, he Arapahoe did not pause, but kept on un- til he could touch the bushes with his out- stretched hand. Evidently he did not dream of ‘danger to himself, for he believed the fugitive maiden was alone, Then he reached out and parted the bushes. This he did at a point some yards to the left of where the trio were concealed, anda grunt of disappointment broke from his lips, as he dis- covered nothing but bare rocks, Then he moved nearer, parting the bushes at each step, steadily nearing those which con- c-aled the three friends. His hand rested upon seth» and then they were gently pressed aside. Red-Skin Tom was prepared for this move, and as the moonlight shot into the aperture bis uplifted hand fell, clutching the heavy toma- hawk, whose keen edge alighted fairly upon the bowed crest of the savage. The blow was delivered with a sure aim, and was deadly in its effects; but, as the left hand of Red-Skin Tom sbot out to clutch the throat of the Arapa- hoe, to check an outcry, the stricken savage bounded back and uttered bis thrilling death- cry. This was done so quickly thatit could not be prevented. But, ere the lifeless body. could touch the ground, it was seized by the Delaware and pushed into the bushes. For a moment ‘all was still—only for a moment, however, for then the comrades of the slaughtered brave took up the yell, and echoed it long and loud, as they in- tuitively drew together, in wondering alarm. They well knew it was acry from death-stricken Red-skin Tom. lips, but what had caused it, or from what direc- tion it had come, they knew not, The ery had echoed through the hills, sound- ing from several different points, and no two of the party could agree upon which one was the right, A glance told them that one of their number was missing—the best and bravest warrior among them all. They were within fair view of the spot where the brave bad met his death, although, of course, ignorant of that fact, and had the fugi- tives deemed it prudent, they could easily have sent a brace of rifle-bullets into the little crowd. But, as long as the savages did not molest them, Travers was willing to do likewise, now that a helpless woman was under his protection. hough he did not greatly fear the result of the collision with the six, he did not deem it prudent to invite such, under the circumstances, A random shot might work incalculable barm. Clara sbuddered conyulsively as a peculiar sound met her ear, from where Red-Skin Tom was crouched, She knew he was scalping the dead brave, although she could not see the ac- tion, as the thick-matted screen of bushes ef- fectually shut out the light of the moon. With a grunt of satisfaction, Red-Skin Tom affixed the reeking trophy to his girdle, and then turned toward the soldier. Side by side, they peered out upon their foes in the vallev. * Big fools plenty skeered,” chuckled Red- Skin, as he noted the irresolute air of the enemy. ‘ Little more mek ’um run like de debble. S’pose shoot one, two time, dey run ’way off. Git scalp, too. Kin bit ’um from dis,” he added, eagerly fingering his rifle as theugh longing to begin the affray. ‘“N>, Tom, you mustn’t doit. It would not be safe. Were we alone, 1 wouldn’t care how soon you began it, but now we have another to look out for, besides ourselves. She might get burt. The Delaware did not reply, but he was evi- dently dissatisfied. He had tasted blood, and it had aroused all the worst passions of his half- tamed nature, The savages appeared to be undecided as to the course best for them to pursue, and for sev- eral minutes conversed earnestly together, closely watched by their hidden foes, Then there was a decided move on the part of the former. One of their number moved toward the horses, and, mounting, rode rapidly off up the valley, soon disappearing from view, Travers and Tom exchanged glances, Right well they divined the meaning of this move, and it evidently caused them uot a little un- easiness. ‘* He’s gone after help,” muttered the soldier. “Yeh. Dat’s it. S’pose we stay here, den dey ketch us all, same like buff’lo, S'pose we don’t like dat, den we mus’ git ’way, ’fore dey gits back ag’in. Dat right, eh?” ‘Yes; we must m-ke a move. Surely we can manage those fellows, yonder, If we do, and can catch some of the horses, we c2n ride back to camp to-night. But how shall we do it, Tom?” * Stop—me tink a little. Plenty time—no hurry,” and Red-Skin Tom appeared deeply buried in thought, CHAPTER VI. TOM MAXWELL TURNS INDIAN. Mayor CALHOUN and Tom Maxwell ‘‘lis- tened with all their ears,” for a sound they fer- vently hoped would never come—the wild yells of exultation telling that their messenger had been captured by the Indians, and the dissipa- tion of their last hope. And thus they remained for several minutes, without a sound to greet their bearing, save the usual ones of the night. But then, just as they were congratulating themselves upon the com- lete success of the venture, their blood was airly curdled and their hearts wrung by a startling alarm. From some distance came the noise, then arose a wild tumult and outcry, as of human voices, the owners of which were engaged in a bitter struggle for life and death. And then from the prairie around the beleaguered train, there sounded the sbrill cries and signals of the aroused warriors, followed by the rapid tread of several horses in full gallop, all tending to- ward the point below, where had first sounded the alarm. ‘**My God! Tom, the boy is lost!” groaned Calhoun, agonizedly, as be sunk back and cov- ered his face with his hands. “Pm feared he is, boss, but look up. Don’t give way now, jest when we need our wits the wust. What’s did is did, an’ cain't be ondid, nuther. Think o’ the rest—o’ Miss Clary—an’ ’member ef we go under, so’ll she, ’thout a doubt. Ha! look—they’re comin’!” he added, suddenly, as several figures appeared in view upon the prairie beyond. ‘‘ Look out, boys—gi’ the pesky imps a lettle thunder, jest to let em know what they’ve got to ixpect herea’ter!” As he yelled these words, Maxwell discharged his rifle at a prominent Indian, who suddenly _paused in his onward career, tottered for a mo- ment, then fell heavily forward upon bis face, And aleng the line of smoke-begrimed wagons there was another flash, like those «hich bad ' preceded it, with a like deadly effect. But the one volley was all that was needed, for then the savages appeared to melt away and disappear from view. This had evidently been no concerted assault, but the red-skins had rushed forward alarmed by the tumult be- low, no doubt fearing their intended prey were attempting to escape by way of the river. When the temporary confusion bad in a measure subsided, the two men listened anxious- ly for some sound from below, to tell them of the probable fate of their messenger, but all was still, Tbe event had evidently decided, in one way or another, during the brief assault. And they naturally dreaded the worst. The first yells told them that Buenos Ayres had been discovered, and had been engaged in a death-struggle with the enemy, @ could scarcely bave escaped. ; ‘“‘Now we are indeed lost,” bitterly uttered Calhoun, to the old guide. “Tt looks dub’ous—durned dub’ous, I must say. But then mebbe ’tain’t so bad as it looks, We may fool ’em yit. It’s my turn, now,” added dence. ‘What? you would not be foolish enough to attempt that! They will be watching the river so close after this that a fish could scarcely pass their lines. It would be suicide, man!” ‘Jest so; ef I tried it—which I don’t ’tend doin’. No, sir, I ain’t sech a fool—yit !” *“‘Tben what do you intend doing?” “ Walkin’ out thar an’ j’inin’ them imps,” coolly returned Maxwell. ‘* There is no time for fooling, Tom. Our situa- tion is far too serious to admit of that. Such a move would be even worse than tbe other.” ‘Not much, Anybow, I’m goin’ to try it. They cain’t do much more’n kill a feller, any- how, an’ ef we stay bere they’re bound to doit, shore. So what matter? I’m goin’ out thar, an’ they hain’t a-goin’ to burt me, puther,” con- fidently added the scout. “But how—what do you mean?” asked Cal- houn, seeing that bis companion was undoubt- edly in earrest in what he said. “I’m goin’ to turn Injun fer a bit, jest to see bow that pesky Dusky Dick must feel. But don’t talk. Watch the perayrie cluss—watch fer both on us, fer I cain’t do my shar’ now.” The old scout left the side of the puzzled sol- dier, and glided toward a pile of dead savages, who had been carelessly hea together, after the second assault, so as clear the way. These comprised all those who had fallen inside the corral. As be rudely turned these over with his foot, Tom uttered a grunt of approval, and then catching one of the dead braves by the arm, he it to the spot where crouched Cal- om, with a sudden increase of confi- “What are you going to do with tbat, Tom?” ‘Goin’ to skin it, fust, Then putt on the hide - an’ walk out yender an’ tell those imps as how I was dead, but hev come to life ag’in,” chuckled the old guide, Calhoun uttered an exclamation of disgust. “Don’t git huffy, now, boss, cause 1 speak sorter mixed-up like. You know my way, or had orter by this time. But lis’en an’ you'll see what I mean. You see this ‘ere carr’on is—or was, I'd orter say, mebbe, seein’ as he’s dead—a Delaware Injun. That proves what I said ’bout Dusky Dick’s hevin’ picked up a band of runnygades to do his dirty work, fer thar is ’Rapahoe, Cheyenne, Pawnee, an’ Delaware ’mongst them dead critters over yon, “‘Now I kin jabber a lettle 0’ rost all o” them, but better Delaware, fer as you may know, I hed one—Red-Skin Tom they called the cuss—fer a pardner, well-nigh two years. So as the lad—durn the luck!—hes got rub—in- ter trouble I mean, an’'cain’t go fer help, why I ‘termined to try an’ sneak through them imps thar. I knowed thar was no use tryin’ to play the runnygade as he did, fer the imps’ll be on the keen look-out thar, an’ this was the only chaince. An’ a durned slim one, too, but bet- ter’n stayin’ here.” ‘* We will try, but I fear tis a hopeless case, If they make another steady rusb, we must go
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—— down before it. If we do, and you get free. Tom, promise me one thing: that you'll not for get Clara? You'll hunt for her? ‘No, I won’t, nuther.” ‘« What!” “Jest so. Give a fool answer for a fool question, is my motter, al’ays. Ain’t I a man—~ a white man, too, ef so be you rub a lettle o’ the outside dirt off? Then in course I'll do it—I aio’t a dog nor nothin’, I reckon. But don’t fret. We'll all bunt together. J.) git you free. See ef I don’t, now.” As he spoke, the old guide glided toward the river, accompanied by Calhoun. But as he hung his legs over the edge of the bank, Max- well suddenly added: ‘‘ Look here—ef you see or hear a feller shoot this-a-way, from out thar, nigh to the river, don’t you shoot back, onless you aim at that big star, yonder. Mought hurt somebody, ef you did. He’s a powerful poor shooter, that fellow "ll be, when be minds to, Shouldn’t wonder ef he’ll miss the bull intire train, wagons au’ all,” ebuckled Tom. ‘‘ You mean you’ll fire from there” ‘Yas, Must throw dust in the red-skirs’ eyes, ye see, or else theyll some on ’em be snoopin’ ’round to see whol be, which moughtn’t be pleasant. Ef they see me ashootin’ this- a-way, they’ll natur’lly s’pose it’s one o’ them- selves, slid out.to play alone hand. See?” ‘*'Yes—I understand.” ‘““Then keep my rifle, I cain’t han’le it the ‘way I must go; ’volvers must sarve me, But don’t let nobody tetch it. I'd be plum lost ef apythin’ was to pappm to it; I would so !” ben Maxwell slid down into the water, that here was but little over knee-deep, and crouch- ing low down he glided rapidly up the river, bound upon a mission that could scarcely suc- ceed, now that the enemy had their eyes opened by a somewhat similar attempt. And once more Calhoun went back to his post, with a | heavy gloom resting upon his heart. Tom eaaelly: pursued his way up stream until he was fully a hundred yards above the corral, when he gained the spot for which he had aimed. This was a little depression that ran from the water’s edge, some few yards into | tha level prairie. Here he hesitated fora moment, He glanced along in the direction he had bern pursuing, and debated earnestly in his own mind whether it would not be better for him to keep on, and by thus rounding the.bill, avoid a probable meeting with those beleaguring the corral. But this hesitation lasted only for a moment. He saw that ihe contemplated change was now impos-ible. That the savages had guarded against any such attempt upon the part of their intended victims, His keen nae caught sight of several cusky figures that he felt assured were none other than Indians, who had been detailed to guard the stream above. And this was not all, He also saw enough of their movements to tell that he was discovered; that bis progress had not been so cautiously made as to escape the prying eyes of his enemies. quiver agitated his frame, and for a moment his beart was sick within bim, Not with personal fear, however, There could scarcely be found one who was more utterly reckless of his own life than this same guide. For nearly twoscore years he had lived with his life in bis hand, At dawn he knew not whether be would ever again look upon the setting sun. And all this had rendered him utterly reck- less ard devoid of fear, so far as he was con- cerned alone. But now he had others to think of and work for. Upon the success of this ven- ture probably bung the lives of the entire com- any of emigrants. Were he slain or captured, Et believed that ere the sun arose all would be over; that his friends would be swep: from the face of the ev rth. For a moment he half resolved to spring to his feet and dash swiftly away over the plain, trustirg to his great endurance and fleetness of foot to escape. But then this idea was as quickly discarded. He knew that such an action would but too surely betray his identity, and that a cry would be raised and immediate pursuit instituted. Pursuit, too, upon horseback; fleet though he undeniably was, and long of wind, he could not hope to cope successfully with the fiery, half-wild mustangs, especially when bestrode by those rare jocke i s, the prairie Indians, ., Maxwell resolved upon a bold course of ac- tion; or rather fell back upon the old plan, Its suecess mainly depended upon one thing. How long ad the red-skins been watching — Red-skin Tom. him? Had they observed bis leaving the in- terior of the corral? If so, then his fate was in- dubitably sealed. But had they only noted him recently—as he hoped; for he had been careful to keep low down within the dense shadow of the bank of the river, where the moon’s rays could not reach him—be thought he might yetsucceed in deceiv- ing them. And upon this hope be.acted. Vith one glance bebind him atthe dim, phan- tom-like figures that were still stealthily ap- prpsahing him, Maxwell emerged from the hol- ow upon the side toward the corral, and, upon his hands and knees, began crawling quite ra- pidly toward the wagon-train, Then he’ drop- ped down quite flat upon his face, casting a glance bebind him as he did so. The red-skins in pursuit had just crossed the ditch and were crawling after him. They had gained rapidly in the last few minutes, and their dress, as well as weapons, could now quite plainly be seen, Then Tom leveled his revolver toward the cor- ral, and taking care to aim above it, so that the bullet could by no possibility inflict harm upon any of bis friends, be fired, Almost like an echo, there came areturn shot from the train, and Tom fairly chuckled with delight, This was just what he bad hoped for, though he feared Calhoun would not risk a shot, know- ing the circumstances, at least in part, But now, nothing could be better calculated to allay any suspicion the red-skins behind him might have entertained, Tom glanced backward beneath one arm, To his delight he saw that the Indians bad paused, and were now closely bugging the ground, evi- dently trying to lessen the mark their bodies presented, lest a bullet from the corral should bury itself beneath their precious hides, ‘* Ef that much works so well, reckon [ll go a leetle furder ’th it, though ivd jist be partic’- lar ge-mineezers ef some 0’ the boys should shoot me ferared. But L reckon the boss’)l look out fer that. Anyhow, I must shake off them pesky imps. Let ary one o’ them gif a glimpse c’ my mug, an’ it'll be all night ’th this coon, shore!” touttered the old guide, as he gracually worked himself still nearer the corral. This move, though not a little hazardous to himself, had ‘he desired cffect, and as ke once more glanced back, Tom saw that his red-skin- ned followers had retreated and were hidden from view. He now fired again, and while re- loading the ees chambers, he busied himself by peering keenly around him to discover, if possible, some point through which be could pass with the least delay, and cons: quently peril, to himself and his important mission. He dared not ee long, for the night was rolling on apace, and he must be miles away from this spot ere the sun arose above the east- ern bill-tops. Then, with sternly-com ressed lips and finely-strang nerves, he started anew upon his errand, ; He turned, and still crouching far down, with head bowed so that the dried grass was blended with his hair and long beard, completely hiding his features, te glided slowly away from the corral, shaping bis course so as to carry himself to one side of the main body of Indians, as he calculated, Already a chuckle of delight was tickling his throat as he saw bow finely be was progressing, for he believed that his ruse would succeed, when an incident cecurred which changed bis exultation to angry apprehension, From a dense mass of dried grass, almost di- rectly in bis path, there moreee the figure of a stalwart savage, who had doubtless Seen ob- ser\ing the scout’s movements, He was now so close that Maxwell could not avoid him without exciting suspicion, which would bring with it investigation and consequent discovery. So he kept on in bis course, that would carry him a few feet to one side of the Indian, But the other did not seem disposed to allow his seeming ally and brother to pass by unques- tioned. He spoke in a harsh voice that also expressed suspicion. The words were uttered in the muep ahoe dialect, with which Tom was sufficiently conversant to comprehend their purport. But be well knew that this knowledge was not per- fect enough to carry him through a conversation with a native undetected, and so he replied in Delaware: ‘‘T am wounded. The accursed pale-faces saw me, as I crept up out yonder to try and kill them, and shot me. The bullet made me sick,” he said in a husky tone. ““ Where were you going?” demanded the other, also using the dialect, ““T was hunting the medicine-grass,” added 9 — Tom, fearing to lose any more time, and again crawling forwa ‘Stop! Let me see your hurt, I may stop the blood, and then I will find the grass for you,” added the Arapahoe in a kind voice, evi- dently swallowing the lie, and feeling no fur- ther suspicion concerning the identity of bis seeming ally. And then, in the kindness of his heart, he strode forward and placed his band upon the disguised scout’s head, The ect was a fatal one; the fastenings of the grass head dress became A eal cam and the mass came off in the Indian’s band, A wild cry broke from the red-skin’s lips, as the bright moonlight fell fully upon the features of the guide, Tbere could be no possi- bility of mistaking them for other than those of a white man, But. that cry was bis lest upon earth; for, with an angry howl of furious rage, Tom Max- well sprung erect and grappled with his foe, His powerful arms bore the savage to the ground like an infant, while bis hands were clasped tightly around bis throat, As they fell beavily to the ground, the war- rior appeared to recover from his surprise, and struggled despera Shy for dear life. His arms were wound around the scout’s body with crush- ing pressure, and he writhed like a wounded snake in the endeavor to turn bis foe, Tom dared not relax his grasp upon the throat of the Arapahoe, lest be should ery out and give the alarm to bring an overwhelming force upon him; then his fate would be assuredl sealed. And thus he could only try to thrott bis enemy in time to flee from the spot before any other should be alarmed by the struggle. For several seconds this continued; but then, to his horror, Tom beard a wild cry, and then the sep rush of many feet, plainly coming to- ward him. He knew that the savages » ere alarmed, and bad caught sight of the struggling foemen, ; With a howl of rage, be freed one hand and drew his knife. Then it glowed for a brief in- stant in the bright moonligbt before falling with a heavy thud, sinking to its very baft in the broad chest of t e Indian, But still, even in the throes of death, those muscular arms held him firmly, despite Max- well’s efforts to break the grip. With a desper- ate effort Tom sprung to his feet, lifting with him the dead man, whose horribly-convulsed features stared bim full in the face, Tben with a fierce curse Tom wrenched free, and made a step forward os if to flee, But he was foo late. ‘ ‘The enemy were upon him, and the tall scont was cast heavily to the ground, with a dozen bands clutching him. A brief, furious strugg!e, and the savages arose, while the counterfeit In- dian lay beside the body of his dead foe, a help- leas captive. CHAPTER VIL. A TANGLED TRAIL, BuENos AYRES had not overestimated the denger and peril that would attend his effort to pass. by the vigilant red-skin on bis journey toward the Main Trail in quest of help tor the belenqparad emigrants, And then, under the circumstances, he was about the last person who should have been chosen as the forlorn hope, although be was undeniably brave, and usually keen-witted and far-seeing, But now these latter qualities were in a measure overpowered by the anxiety he felt to perform his mission with the least delay possible, iN order that a thorough and systematic search might be made for the missing maiden, Clara Calhoun, and to this desire be sacrificed geese ara caution to a degree nearly futal, He swam rapidly down-stream, though the water was not waist-deep, but in this manner he could proceed more silently than by wading. He lay low down in the water, that be might present a less fair mark for prying eyes to rest upon, and, hidden in the shadow, he believed that he could succeed in passing the Hines of the enemy unseen. In this manner he had gained the edge of the timber before-mentioned, that extended nearly to the verge of the river bank. But thea he suddenly pevsed in bis advance. Before him lay something dark, evidently resting in or upon the water, and at, only a few yards’ distance. For a moment Buenos believed that this was the hesd of a man, whose body—like his own—was covered in the water. | But then a movement on the part of the object undeceived him. It slowly swung ar » ag
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q 4 j 10 though under the influence of the feeble current, and he could see that it was a log; evidently one of those upon which the savages had descended the river in order to gain and attack the rear of the emigrants, : With a low laugh at his unnecessary eee Ayres advanced, swimming rapidly, intending te use the log in his further progress. But he speedily saw that this action had been made too quickly for his own og 4 His keen eyes detected a suspicious circum- stance connected with the log, and he instantly used. From the further side of the stick he beheld an object that had escaped his eyes before, or else bad recently made its appearance there. There seemed to be a roundish knob or protu- berance upon the side of the log. True, this might possibly have been beneath the water until then, and was only revealed by the roliing of the log, but Ayres felt confident that the log had not rolled. He could tell that from the quiet water. ' Then it must be— So far he bad reasoned but then, quick as thought, he ducked his head beneath the water. A sudden movement beside the log bad caused this. He beheld the round object raise still higher, and then, with an abrupt movement, a dark tube was whirled around from the top of the log, until its muzzle pointed toward the young adventurer’s bead. Phe knob was the bead of a savage—the tube was a rifle, and Ayres knew that ba was discov- ered. All this flashed athwart bis mind like a revelation of light, and, as he dove beneath the surface, his plan of procedure was fully deter- mined upon, . He must dispose of this enemy or die. The alarm once given, escape would be almost im- possible, and with his capture the hopes of the emigrants would be crushed. Taen be must silence this foe before he could ore kis rifle or give the alarm otherwise, could he do it? That was doubtful; oul as a Jast hope, he resolved to attempt the ‘eat, As he sunk beneath the surface Buenos drew his knife and then swam with swift, strong strokes towurd the spot where he kuew the Indian must be crouching. And his calculations proved correct. His head struck violently against the half- submerged log, and springing up he dashed the water from his blinded eyes. The savage was taken by surprise, and evi- dently had not expected such a bold move. likely be had been in doubt whether the advaneing figure was that of an enemy or a as tbe small bundle fastened upon A head, added to the gloom, rendered it ble for a glimpse to obtained of his features.. His action in throwing forward his rifle-muzzle had simply been one of prudenee, im ease it was really an enemy who approached. Then when the young man sprung up so sud denly before him, the log being driven against his body with considerable violence, the savage fy; vent to a gront of mingled surprise and wilderment, But from this he quickly re- “covered. Buenos—his first thought being to prevent an # alarm—seized upon the rifle-barrel, and with an movement, wrenched it from the grasp of his foe, with the same gesture casting it out imto deep water. Then his left band shot out and elutched the throat of the red-skin with a grip strengthened by the great interests at But the Indian wasa brawny fellow, and as he grappled fiercely with bis foeman, he freed bis t efficiently to emit, Joud and clear, the thrilling war-whoop of bis tribe. With a curse ef bitter vexation, Ayres wrenched bis right arm free, and then dealt the savage a swift, vicious blow with the heavy knife. Kt penetrated deep, but the wound was not 1, Once more the sbrill yell resounded through the air, awaking echoes far and wide; enee again the crimsoned steel rose and fell, with a dull, sickening thud. With a wild shriek of mortal agony, the death-stricken savage sunk backward, but still bis bony fingers clutched the white man with a p nerved by death, And from the prairie = Ayres could hear the shrill cries of the red skins, and then the rapid thud of herses’ hoofs approaching the spot ‘at a full le ere he plunged over the log, head-foremost, and sunk in the water. This action freed him from the dead Indian, and then arising to the surface, Buenos swam for dear life, down- stream. ea ec a eee en ae SS Red-skin Tom. But he knew that did he continue on in this course, be must be discovered by the rapidly- approaching red-skins, and so he turned toward the bank, half resolved to enter the timber and seek safety in flight by land, In this, however, he was disappointed. Scarcely had he touched shore, when his quick eye detected several dusky figures upon the bank, near the spot where he had slain the In- dian. He knew they were the dead man’s com- rades; one granéé told him that. And the same glance also showed him the form of the dead Indian, his face, horribly dis- torted with the last agony, upturned toward the star-studded vault cf heaven, slowly float- ing down with the stream, phir d its slayer with each passing moment. Then there uprose a wild cry from those upon the shore, telling that they also had discovered the slain man. It now seemed as though the fate of the young man was indubitably sealed. Escape rom being discovered seemed impossible, and to be captured now, with that terribly signifi- cant witness of his deeds lying there before the eyes of all, meant death. Several heavy splashes were heard, and Ayres saw that while some ran along the bank toward him, others had entered the water, to drag forth their dead comrade, And now the corpse was within a few yards of where he crouched, while almost directly over his head he could hear the heavy tramp of other foes, Ayres shrunk back sgainst the bank, where the water was several feet deep, He clutched his knife with desperation, resolved to-sell his life dearly sbould he be discovered. But then his heart thrilled with a gleam of joy. In the bank beside him was a small hole or depression, that had evidently been washed out by the action of the water. Instantly one hand was extended to ascertain its size. It only reached a few inches above the sur- face, and was over a foot in depth, running back into the bank. Below, it was still larger and Ayres believed that by its aid he could still escape his foes, All this occurred in a breath of time, and the water was still agitated by the heavy plunges, when Buenos glided back and into the for- tunately-discovered refuge. By crouching al- most double, he ma ee to stow his body awa Hag hole, with his legs doubled beneath his ve A quick gesture daubed his face with the soft black mud, and then Buenos awaited the result | in painful surprise. For not only did bis own life depend upon it, but, in ail probability, ss of his Friends in the besieged corral, as well. His bead was drawn back into the hole, so that his nose was barely above water, and bis face beyond the surface of the bank. The mud had rendered his featares the color of the dirt surrounding, and only by touching him, could the savages havé discovered the difference. Through his half closed lids, Buencs watched the movements of the savages, now almost di- rectly opposite him. A shower of dirt rolled down from above, telling that those he had noticed on shore were still near at band. Then a new and startling sound came to the ears of the ycung adventurer. He beard the sbrill yells—the wild outcry—tke rattling of rifles, all telliny of another deadly assault upon the wagon train. The savages in the water paused as if startled, and then bastily grasping the body of their dead comrade, they swam rapidly ashore witb it, land- me just below where crouched the young map. ords passed between them and the others, the eg? of which Ayres could only guess, owing o his complete ignorance of the dialect. Then the corpse was handed up the bank, and shortly afterward Buenos heard the quick trampling of feet, as a number of Indians cashed away toward the train. He believed they were all gone, and made a movement as though he would have left his covert, in order to continue bis journey, without any more loss of time. But fortunately for him, Ayres recognized the folly of such precipitation, before it was too late. From almost direct!y above him, he heard the low sound of voices, and knew by it that his enemies had not yet given up the search for the slayer of their friend. : With wildly beating heart Buenos listened to the progress of the struggle above; but it speedi- ly died away, and then all was still. The ab- sence of the red-skins’ yells of triumph, told ny i LD SE Ayres that his friends had successfully repulsed the onset, and his heart lightened considera- bly. Had he only been at liberty to resume his journey, all might yet be well. But though he could no longer hear the sound of voices, Ayres felt assured that the red-skins were stijl upon the watch. They must know that an enemy had stricken thern a bitter blow near that spot, and would reason that he could not have gotten far away, before their arrival. That he was still hidden somewhere in close proximity to the spot of death. As time passed by, Buenos began to grow still more uneasy. |Every moment was valuable now, and he should even then be miles away upon his ro pe mission, ut what if these savages should keep up the watch until day dawned? Then they would assuredly unearth him. Not only would he be doomed, in such a case, but the last hope of the besieged emigrants would be deshed to the ground. Unassisted, they must soon succumb to the overpowering force of the red-sking, A desperate resolve began to shape itself in the mind of our young adventurer. e would dare all, and emerge from hiscovert. It could be but death, at the most, and that risk he would rather run, than longer endure this horrible, agonizing suspense. Still he could hear no sound of his enemies, and as the moments passed on, Ayres made the Gesperate move. Were the Indians still lying in wait for some such movement on the part of their unknown enemy, he knew that was lost. They could scarcely fail to hear him, or dis- Sever his motions. The line of shadow was fear- fully narrowed, and at but a short distance ehead, where the belt of timber came to an end, the bright moonlight revealed every inch of the water’s surface, Just as he bad straightened out bis limbs, pre- ign to emerging from his uncomfortable jiding-place, Ayres paused. Another alarm i out upon the air, from beyond the wagcn- rain, , Then came a single shrill war-whoop, that be had so often Jistened to on that eventful night, followed by wild shouts from the Indians, telling of some important discovery. And then, frew almost directly above bis head, there sounded a guttural exclamation, closely followed by the tramp of buman feet. Ayres shuddered convulsively as be realized the extent of the peril be had so nearly brought upon bimself, by his rash action, He knew now that the red+kins had indeed been lying in wait for him, and only for this strange diversion, would inevitably have made the desired dis- covery. Though sadly puzzled to account for the ont- cry—for Ayres well knew that the latter cries were those of exultation—the young man darea not dally longer, but slipping forth from his hiding-place, he swam rapidly down-stream for a few yards, until near {he end of the timber- belt furthest from the corral. Then he cautiously sealed the bank, and en- tered the dense undergrowth. FPausing, he hearkened intently. All was still in his immediate vicinity, although from neer the wagon-train be could hear an occasional rifl.-sbot, telling that bis friends were still upon tLe alert. And then he glided stealtbily forward until at the edge of the prairie. ; Cautiously peering forth upon the vast, Jevel expanse thus spread before bim, Buenos saw with delight that as far as hiseye could reach, there was nct a single living form to bé seen. The road appeared open before him, and he was about to enter upon it when a sudden recollec- tion caused him to pause. The revolver was still strapped upen bis head, according to the advice given him by Tom Moxwell, but it was far from being in a condition fit for use, The sudden dive, on see- ing the savege beside the log, added to several immersions since, had pretty thoroughly satu- rated it. Not knowing at what moment ke might he called upon to make use of it, in order to pre- serve his life, Ayres’s first move was to draw the bullets, and wiping the chambers dry, he carefully reloaded them. Then fitting on the water-proof caps, he replaced it in his belt, and once more stepped forth upon the prairie. Had he not already lost so much time, Buenos would probably bave exercised more pre- caution than be was now using. But, racked with anxiety and the dread of being too late te a ee comrades in peril, rendered him half wild. ipreot yr low down, he ran sta rapid pace out over the level prairie, in the direction he must follow in order to strike the Main Trail,
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wu YY ft OWS + a. SS ae mow e which they had so unfortunately—as it proved —deviated from a couple of days previous. The moon still shane brightly, and there was great danger of bis being discovered by some of the tynx-eyed savages, who surrounded the wagon-train. But this Ayres resolved to risk, rather than lose any more time, although he knew that, in case he should be seen, there could be but one ending to tbe affair. Fortunately for Lim, perhaps the suspicions of the red-skins had been lulled by the recent capture of Tom Maxwell, for they believed him to be the one who had slain their brother below the corral, as well as the one beside whose body he had been captured. Thus they did not dream of another foeman being at liberty so near them. As Ayres glanced back over his shoulder, a shudder crept over his frame, for he now real- ized the full extent of the ee peril he was daring. Bebind bim he could quite plainly dis- tinguish the dark corral, and still nearer the numerous figures, dusky and phantom-like, moving restlessly hither and yon, that he knew were none otber than savages. It seemed as though they could not fail of see- ing him, and as he once more sped on at an ac- celerated speed, Buenos listened with painful intentness, expecting each moment to hear the sbrill war-cry peal forth, telling that the blood- thirsty demons were upon bis trail. But then be crossed the slight rise, and the fear-inspiring sight was hidden from bis view. Then breathing more freely, he took the pole- star for his guide, and dashed on a break-neck speed, every nerve strained to its utmost ten- sion, and his heart wildly throbbing with re- newed hope of success, : For well-nigh an bour be maintained this killing pace, but then Nature forced him to slacken his gait and proceed with more pru- dence, His eyes were rovirg upon every side of him, trying to recall some landmark, though be well whew he was yet far from the Main Trail —the object of bis quest. He crossed a slight swell and trotted down the te slope, into a sort of valley, if itmay be called such. Then he began ascending the next rise. if Suddinly he paused. A suspicious sound saluted hie hearing; the thud—thud—of a borse’s hoofs beating upon the bard turf ina fall gyn ‘And this, too, he soon found was approaching him, for the trampling grew louder and more distinct. But it was not coming from the direction of the corral, though this was Ayres’s first thought. Instead, it was coming from directly in bis front. Buenos glanced hurriedly around for some cover within which to ensconce himself, but no such sight rewarded his search. There was not a bush or bunch of grass to be seen within reach, And at that ng the figure of a horse and rider loomed np clear and distinct upon the ridge, almost directly before the young man, As by an impulse, Buenos cropped flat to the ground and drew his revolver, ready for use in case he was discovered, a Then the horsewan came thundering on, seemingly about to ride directly over the pros- trate form, A collision appeared inevitable, and Buenos, with tightly compressed lips, cocked bis pistol. On tbuudered the horse, and was within a score of yards of the young man, when, with a wild snort, it turned to one side, then dashed on with accelerated speed, in its passage flinging a tiny shower of dust'and sand over Ayres. A hoarse cry broke from the lips of its rider as he swayed in bis seat, but he did not appear to notice the cause of his animal’s affright, for he did not once glance around or beckward, but rose the swell and disappeared beyond its crest with the same mad, reckless gallop. Ayres rose with a cry of astonishment as the man vanished from sight. A puzzled look rested upon his face. In the brief glance he had obtained of the rider’s features, he knew that it was a white map, but wonder bad checked the cry of_greet- ing he would otherwise have uttered. Buenos did not know that the mad rider was none ‘other than Dusky Dick, the traitor guide and black-hearted renegade; but such was indeed the case, Had he known it, Ayres would hive sent a revolver bullet hissing after the villain on the instant, instead of now gazing at the little cloud of dust. that was all tbere was left to indicate the swift passage. But then Buenos once more resumed his way with quickened steps, eee eee ee Ee Red-skin Tom... CHAPTER VUI. ; SAVAGE TAOTICS, “Loox, Tom!’ abruptly muttered Travers, gently touching the shoulder of his ruminating companion, ‘* The red rascals are moving!” The Delaware turned his keea eyes toward the valley and gazed for a moment in silence, Then he answered, in a slightly vexed tone: ‘*Yeh, dey go hide now. Skeered plenty bad, dey is. Don’t know what to mek ’cause Kisch- kouch git killed, T’ink spirits here, mebbe. Go hide—den watch plenty sharp. Dat’s it.” ‘** But that will not do, Tom,” added Travers, vexedly. ‘‘ They will keep us here all night, then, If we venture to move they’ll pick us off, one after the other. I wish we had fired at them as they stood out there—but it’s too late now.” ‘*Yeh—see—dey hide now. Ought to shoot den—now can't. Shoot—kill one, two, den oders run ha off, like de debble, Cap’n he say no—see now dat Delaware was right,” tersely replied the savage. ‘But what shall we do? That fellow has gone for help, no doubt, and when he comes back they'll soon make this place too hot for us. As it is, those devils can hold us here as long as they feel like it, Wecan’t move with- out bringing out a rifle-bullet. Come, find some way, Tom,” impatiently added Travers, who evidently relied far more upon the cunning and resource’ of bis companion in times of diffi- culty like tbis than upon his own powers, ‘*Me do it. Skeer Arapaboe bad dis time. Git scalp, too, ef don’t look out. No fun, dough, skeer dem—git skeered too easy—den run plenty fast. Got long legs, dem Arapahoes,” chuckled Tom, as he drew his knife from the belt at his waist. “What do youintend doing, Tom?’ Keep eyes open wide, den mebbe so you see,” grunted the savage, who evidently felt bi importance in no smal degree, Witb bis knife he cut several scrubby bushes and then bound them around his head anc shoulders, but in such a manner that they would not interfere materially with his sight. This accomplisbed to his satisfaction, he turned to- ward Travers, who was now dividing his atten- tion between his companion and the valley be- low, where the red-skins were hidden, ‘*Now you open ear—me tell. Injuns down dere—you here—me go some oder place, Den me shoot Arapahoe—de oders dey jump up, all same like ravbbit—don’t know where me be— den you shoot—kill ’noder. Den me holler loud —you holler—dey holler an’ run like de debble, *way off. See?’ hurriedly explained Tom. ‘“You mean to crawl around them?” ‘* Yeh—dat’s it.” ‘Then shoor one—” , “ You shoot *noder—den dey run ’way off.” “T believe they would,” thoughfully said Travers. ‘But it Will be dangerous for you. Can you get down without their seeing you? If they do, you’re a dead man sure!” **No—they shoot, but can’t hit Delaware, Can't bit—don’t know how shoot, dem Arapa- hoe. Hit hill, mebbe, not’ing else,” laughed Tom, a low, gleesome laugh, full of joy at the proz:pect of one ithe 2 hereditary foes. “T know you think an Arapahoe is fit for nothing but crow-bait, Tom, but you may get fooled. Some of them are brave and cunning warriors—” ‘“No—no, Arapahoe squaw—all squaw!” an- grily hissed the Delaware. ‘Well, have it yourown way. But be care- ful. Don’t be foolhardy, man, and throw away our life uselessly. ' Better go now; it’s growing ate and there’s no time to lose,” The Delaware turned away without a word and passing his companion, he disappeare among the bushes beyond. Though he affected to laugh at the danger of his venture, never' he- less it was a perilous one, and one, too, that would require not a little caution and skill to carry out successfully. As stated, the line of bushes fringed the base of the cliff, and then ran out, leaving the hill- side bare and devoid of cover, except a few small bowlders and pntches of stunted grass. For nearly fifty yards this stretch lay. beneath the full vision of the warriors hidden below. But Red Skin Tom felt assured that be could accomplish the feat, and truly, he, if any one, could do so. Aided by the leafy screen upon bis, head, and the bowlders scattered around, he ho to pass over this open space unobserved, and this once cone, he would have the best of cover for bis further operations, As for the rest of the pro- raat e considered that the same as set- ed. wee 11 He knew that most, if not all the six Indians were Arapaboes, and as seen, be looked u them with supreme contempt. He believed that at his shot, they would act much as be bad said, and the way be easily cleared for his friend’s departure for the camp. heu he gained the end of the bushes, Tom tes and peered keenly out upon the valley elow. But even his sharp eyes could not detect the presence of a foe, save in the riderless horses that were feeding on the bank of the creek, f Still, he knew pretty well where the savages were hidden, and acted accordingly. Now he was forced to “ crawfish,” or in other words, to craw! backward, as his head and shoulders were she Ope parts of his person concealed by the ush. By so doing he calculated bp reaching a little gully that ran down to the creek, unob- served, as the bush would seem to stavd still, from where the Indians were hidden, for to gain this ditch, Tom would be forced to back direct- ly from their position, All this had been fore- seen by the Delaware and calculated upon when . he spoke so confidently of sucecss in bis bold ruse, Slowly and carefully he proceeded—or re- eeded—crouching low down, keeping the leafy head-dress as steady as possible under the cir- cumstances, His eyes were riveted upon the spot where he believed the Arapahoes to be hid- den, bis muscles in readiness to avoid a shot, should such be threatened, by a sudden spring. But tbat shot did not come, and it was plain that the savages either did not notice, or else believed the bush to be a natural one, It wculd have required a jong and careful scrutiny from the point where they were lying hid, to tell that the bush moved, for Tcm was retreating in an almost direct line from them. Besides, the. moonlight was deceitful and favored the working of the ruse, Then Tom gained the oh, of the gully, and gently backed over it, alighting upon his feet in the soft dirt and debris that covered the bot- tom. He listened intently for a moment, but. all was still. A glow of grim delight swept athwart bis fea- tures at this, for he knew that the enemy were still ignorant of the plan on foot to circum- vent them. The Delaware, now that the most difficult portion of his task wes accomplished, felt no doubt but the rest would end as happily, With the friendly twigs still upon his bead, be turned and glided down the gully, after un- slinging the rifle from_bis back, and carefully inspecting the cap, From seeing the enemy disappeir, Tom had formed a pretty accurate idea of where they were bid. - He knew that they had not recrossed the creek, and consequently they only had an ob- long circle of some two score yards’ diameter, in which to conceal themselves, Inside this, thea, Tom knew he must find bis game, Gliding along, croucbing so that bis head was: below the level of the bank, Red-skin soon gained the bank of the creek, and pausing, he pone cautiously toward the suspected spot, A ow grunt of disgust broke from his lips, as he saw that a little ridge hid the Indians from his view, while standing in the gully. Then his eyes roved around, restlessly. A brief moment sufficed to form his plans. Removing the revolver from his girdle, he entered the stream, and then ye ptad the wea- pon above the water, he glided slowly along to- ward the enemy, hidoen, #s before, by the bank, As many minutes sufficed to carry him over the few yards necessary to traverse, and then, confident that be had whence he could spot the red-skins, Tom pre- pared for action. The revolver he cautiously shoved upon the edge of the bank, beside a small bowlder, and then followed it with the muzzle of bis rifle. But then, with a sudden recollection, he paused, Along the bank, for a number of yards, there- was not a busb or shrub of any kind to be seen. Although he affected to despise the ee bic as warriors, the Delaware knew right well that the sudden appearance of a bush where none bad grown before, could scarcely escape their keen eyes; and, under the peculiar circumstan- ces, its appearance would most probably be: greeted with a rifle-ball. So he noiselessly autied the thongs that se- cured the leafy head-dress in place, suffering it: to drop into the water, and float away with the gentle current. Then he slowly raised his eyes to a level with the bank. For a full minute Brann Hiscioiote reward- ed his gaze; but Tom was by far too cunning a scout and warrior to risk the sucess of bigs ained a point: ‘ Nd am
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— eee ~~. 12 plans by a precipitate movement. Then bis eyes slowly roved over each inch of the ground, again and again, The wisdom of this caution was soon appar- ent. Beside a goodly-sized bowlder, the Dela- ware now discovered a portion of a red-skin’s body, though it first appeared part and parcel pf the stone. This was enough. Tom knew that sufficient was revealed to: bury a bullet in, so that it would touch the seat of life, and that by waiting for a better target, he might spoil all. Slowly and deliberately, as if aiming at a tar- get of wood, the rifle drew upon the unsuspect- ing savage, and the black eye of the Delaware flashed along the dark tube with a deadly glare. And then his finger tightened upon the trigger. The whip-like crack rung out with startling clearness; but it was blended with a horrible yell of agony, as the stricken savage writhed upon the ground in his death-throes. Red-skin Tom seldom found it necessary to fire twice at the same object. As the sounds broke the air, the horses, that had been quietly cropping the rich grass, snorted with affright, and after turning their heads bebe sprung off a few yards; then stood with trembling limbs, oying the strange scene, As Tom hud anticipated, the unexpected shot had so startled the red-skins that t ey sprun up from their coverts and glared wildly + roun in search of their hidden foe. Cries of wonder- ing. fear broke from their lips. hen a spout of flame shot forth from the line of bushes upon the hillside, and a second mes- senger of death sped upon its way; another of the savages reeled wild)y, and then fell to the be a the hot life-blood gurgling from his c est. Red-skin Tom snatched h’s revolver and dis- charged it, uttering a wild yell—the war-whoo that had more than once carried terror an confusion into the hearts of his foemen. Though this shot did not seem to have taken ‘effect, the bold fellow sprung forth from the water, and pealing forth his yell, sprung toward the surviving Arapahoes, firing as he came. Simultaneously there echoed back a hoarse cheer from the hillside, and Travers sprang ‘into view, his revolver echoing back the quic reports from that in the hands of the Dela- ware. As yet the Arapahoes had not burned a grain of powder, so greatly were they confused by this sudden and deadly onset, The two men dashing toward them, with “ney | detonating pistols, were magnified ten-fold, and as with one accord, the survivors turned and fled from the ‘spot of death, with wild screeches of dismay ‘and terror. “Hurrah, Tom! spot them—they’re ours!” shouted Travers, wild with excitement, as his revolver sent a bullet crashing into the brain of a third red-skin. ‘ Don’t let one get away!” _ Loud and cle r came the answering yell of the Delaware, as he sprung forward in hot pursuit of the fleeing foe, He only thought that his ‘enemies were before bim, and his heart was ‘filled with ferocious hatred. The foremost Arapahoe reached the horses, -and it seemed as though the secondary object of the two scouts would be defeated after all; but the frantic haste of the savage favored them, unexpectedly. In his terror he made a -quick grasp at the trailing halter; but his foot Slipping upon the damp grass, he fell to the ground, even as his fingers tightened upon the plaited rope. The sudden jerk added to the mustang’s affright, and caused bim to rear Holey back, half-raising the Indian to his feet; but then the hand slipped from the smooth rope, and thus freed, the terrified horse turned with a shrill scream, and dashed madly up the valley, followed by its companions. A faint cry broke from the lips of the Arapa- hoes at this new misfortune; but they dared not pate, Close behind them they could hear the eavy tramp of their enemies, and then came two more shots. Without pausing a moment, the savages hed on, while the one whose haste had ‘wrought them sucb harm, scrambled to his feet. Bat no sooner was he up, than he was down again. Red-skin Tom, with a shrill scream of frantic fury, perpoed upon his back, hurlin skin violently forward, his face plowing up the decayed grass and soft dirt. Half-senseless from the shock, he offered but feeble resistance to his powerful enema: Red-skin Tom dug bis knees violently into the ‘back of the Arapahoe, while one hand clutched jbis neck with the force of a vise, Then the the red- Red-skin Tom. a eS ee SSS Saas ht Sle ee Se Se ee Ee ee ee ee ee SS ee a empty revolver was upraised, for a moment remaining motionless to gather momentum ; then the heavy, brass-bound butt fell with a sicken- ing thud full upon the bared head of tho ill- fated savage. Another yell broke from Tom’s lips, as he dashed the clotted blood and brains from his eyes, and sprung to his feet, glaring fereciously around in search of another victim. But the carnage was over. The two surviving Arapahoes had vanished among the shadows, and Travers was returning from the pursuit. But Tom darted forward, his eyes glowing with a diabclical fire. ‘Stop, Tom!” cried the soldier, as he grasped | his comrade, ‘‘ where are you going? hey’ve got clear by now. You couldn’t find them in the dark, anyhow.” y “Let go—me kill Arapahoe debbil!” snarled the Delaware, struggling fiercely in the power- ful grasp of the captain. ‘No, they’re gone. Don’t be a fool, man. There’s four scalps if you want them. That's enough for once. Do you bear?” — The savage suddenly ceased his struggles, though with ill-grace. But then his face brightened as he glanced back upon the ghastly forms of the fallen red-skins. “Come, help me catch their horses first Tom,” said Travers. “If we don’t mind they’il give us the slip altogether.” , Without a word the Delaware followed his companion up the valley, where they could bear the frightened horses, still snorting wildly. The soldier began to fear they would experience not a little trouble in effecting their capture. But both be and the Delaware were o!d hands among the horses, and Tom set out to gain the further side of the animals, in order to prevent their flight. This was quickly accomplished, and then, while Travers stood still, the Dela- ware slowly advanced toward the trembling group. ; They permitted his approach without a motion, save Lo buddle close together, until nearly within arm’s length, but then they dashed « ff toward the soldier. Travers stood still with outstretched band, and, after a few minutes’ delay, one of see came close enough for him to secure the alter. Toen it was an easy task to collect the others, which once accomplished, the two men re- turned down tho valley where bad taken place the pe! surprise. ‘The four dead forms pre- sented a g ay sight, and even Travers could not repress a shudder, as he recalled the fright- ful scene. “Take their scalps, if you will, Tom,” he said, as the Delaware drew bis knife. ‘* But be quick about it, And then tumble their bodies into the creek, before we call the lady. The sight would be horrible enough to kill her.” - ** Squaw noso soft like dat,” laughed the Dela- ware, as he shook the first trophy to free it from the gouts of blood, before securing it to his girdle. ‘ Stan’ big heap, they kin. No kill’um so easy, like dat.” ‘“‘ Hurry up—don’t be so long, Tom. There's along trail before us, and not much time to lose, It’s nearly daylight now.” But the Delaware seemed to find a peculiar pleasure in his revolting task, and took bis own time aboutit. This was the reward of his tedi- ous exercise of Indian tactics, But then the job was completed by dragging the mutilated dead to the stream, and casting them in, when the current quickly swept them away. As the last id Pa disappeared, Travers raised his voice and bade Clara come down; that all danger was past. — But there came no reply. Again he called, louder than before, Still the silence, save in the echoes of his own voice among the bills. Travers wondered at this, though he did not think of any serious wrong. He believed that Clara, frightened by the wild st le, had not yet recovered sufficiently to recognize his voice. “Here Tom, hold the horses, and I will go up after her,” said Travers, a little impatiently. ** She’s afraid to come down alone.” Muttering at the foolish squeamishness of the white squaw, the Delaware did as bade, and then the soldier lightly bounded up tbe steep hill- side. As he neared the bushes, Travers called again: “Miss Calhoun—Clara, come out. It is all over, and the road is free for us. Come.” Still no‘answer, save inthe eehoes of bis own voice as before. A strange fear seized upon the strong-hearted soldier. j Why this centinued silence? Why did not the maiden answer him? Could it be, that, frightened at the scene of death and bloodshed, she had fainted? Believing this the true solution of the dead silence, he sprung forward and parted the bushes, A wild cry broke from his lips, The covert was empty—unoccupied, save by the still and lifeless form of the Arapahoe, who had fallen by the strong hand of Red-skin Tom. Where was Clara? ‘* What fo’ you mek holler like dat?’ Where squaw?” called out the Delaware fiom below, “My God! Tom, she’s gone! She is not here!” gasped Travers, in wondering alarm. CHAPTER IX. BOUND TO THE STAKE. THE situation of old Tom Maxwell, was not one to | be envied. Lying helplessly bound, surrounded by a score of yelling, exultant red-skins, who showered kicks and enffs upon him with merciless celerity. Taken in the very act of mM one of their com- rades, he could expect but little mercy at their hands; indeed he felt some surprise that they spared his life even for those few moments. Suddenly a tall, powerful form strode through the corral, rudely elbowing the braves aside, all re- sistance ceasing as they caught sight of the one who handled them so unceremoniously. Evidently the new-comer was one high in rank among them, judging from the deference with which he was re- garded. Wavin back the red-skins, he stood over the keenly at his up- form of the captive scout, gazin powerful change turned features. A quick an ssed over his face, and a hoarse cry broke from is lips, while one hand nervously clutched the tomahawk that bung at his side. : RD “Ugh! Three Scalps!’’ he uttered in his native tongue; and even then there seemed to be a tinge of respectful admiration in his voice. *“Yas, so they call me in your lingo, Rapahoe,”’ coolly returned Maxwell, as he gazed fixedly at the face of the savage. “I s’pose you know how I arn’t the name, don't = “Yeh, me know. Big warrior, Kill heap Arapahoe. Won't kill no more, dough. Git sel7, bum-by. How like dat, eh?’ added the Indian, with a leer of ferocious joy upon his features, as he ou, | crouched over the captive pale-face, ** Don’t know, chief, ontel a’ter I’vo tried it a time or two, Reckon I'd like it fust rate, soon’s I git kinder used to it a bit. But you’re jokin’, ain't ye, now?" * Jokin’—wha’ dat?” . * Foolin’—makin’ b’lieve—sorter throwin’ dust in a feller’s eyes, like, ye know, so to speak. What fer do you want to kill me? I hain’t done nothin’ much, onless it is killin’ a few dozen papahoes, fer which you’d orter thank me, 'stead o’ holdin’ any grudge,” and the reckless old scout chuckled ay: “You 1 Arapahoe—Arapahoes ki ae Kill Cagoula here, kill oder brave ober dere. You die fo’ dat.” ‘What other? You ain't goin’ to blame a feller fer what ain’t his fault, be ye? Ef I tuck a notion to shoot out here at a bunch 0’ grass, an’ one o’ your durned copper-skins runs ag'inst the bullet, be I to blame? But I didn’t co it—you cain’t prove ‘at I killed any other skunk ‘cept this ’ere one.” “Kin too, me tell. Kill ’noder brave down dere— in water—stick one wid knife. Den run ‘way like de debble,”’ angrily added the chief. ‘“When—-where was that?” asked Maxwell, a sud- den hope springing up in bis breast at the last words of the Indian. : ““S’pose you tek good hoss—ride like debble—mek hair all wet on hoss. Dat \cng, mebbe,”’ tersely re- plied the Arapahoe. j Maxwell's form quivered with a new-born hope. He knew that the time metaphorically stated by the chief, would be about that which had transpired since the alarm had arisen, so closely ak the desperate venture of Buenos Ayres. Could be that he had been deceived—that the young man had indeed eluded the vigilance of his enemies, and was still at liberty? For some moments Tom dared not trust himself to speak. He dreaded lest the swarthy Hercules should suspect the truth from his tones. ‘You mean the feller who tried to stop me down ae, Ra the water?” he said, at a venture. * Yeh. ‘* You fellers didn't see me, then, as I swum back up the river?” | ‘No. You do dat way?” eagerly asked the chief. **In course. You hunted fer me, didn’t you? . ik ‘a’ stayed thar you'd’a found me, w % e ’ / a Yeh, me see now. Injun he big fool dat time, | but got you now. Keep you, Tek aalp ; -by. How you like burn at stake, eh? Leng! Plenty: loud, den, eh? T’ink so?” and the chief chuckled diabolically. , ‘““Me—burn me? Git out; you're crazy, Injun. Cain't do that—won’t burn; ‘d putt the fire Hi out. I'm all frozen water, / be. Tell you what 1'l) do. Bet ye my hat ‘at I kin stan’ fire longer ’thout siz- zlin’ ’n you kin. Thar now, what sez ye?” The savage laughed alittle at the sublime. impu- dence of his captive, but then turned away and en- tered into conversation with several of the more prominent braves. Maxwell had an object in view in thus chaffing with his captor. He felt assured now that Buenos Ayres had indeed succeeded in passing the cordon in safety, and that he was even then far away in search of help. Thus, every moment of time gained was invalua- ble 'to,his comrades. If he could delay an attack until daylight, he believed that the train would be /
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Red-skin Tom. saved, as the Indians would scarcely brave an as- sault in broad daytime, knowing the great loss they must suffer in such a case. Hoping to learn santetine definite regarding the red-skins’ plans, ‘Tom keenly strained his ears to catch the words of those who were collected around the chief, at but a few yards from where stood the captive scout. His partial knowledge of the dialect stood him in good stead here. ¥ J He heard his own name—or the so’ riquet given him for a deed of peculiar daring some years be- fore, Three Scalps—coupled together with the emi- grant train; and then another name met his ear; that of Dusky Dick. ; His suspicions, then, were only too true. This desperate attack was indeed the work of the Traitor Guide. These savages were under his orders; then where was he? } F But soon other interests riveted his attention upon the savages once more. They were debating upon him—settling the mode and time of Ais «/euth. Despite his hardihood and great bravery, the old guide shuddered as he caught the words of the chief. To die,and by such a death, was horrible! ‘‘ His hands are red with the blood of the Arapa- hoe; be must di#/ But he is a great brave; bis name is Three Scalps. Do you know how he gained that name? Listen. Four Arapahoe braves at- tacked bim upon the prairie and shot his horse; be was alone, They were good braves and skillful war- riors, but they were no match for him. He killed ana wok the scalps of three; the other fled, with a bullet through his breast. He gained the lodges of his people and told his story; then he died. We cated the white warrior Three Scalps. ‘ He is a great brave, but he must die. He has fallen into our power at last; but the deatn of a man awaits him. e shall die by fire; the woives must not pick bis bones. Wapashaw has spoken,” ‘* Poe chief is wise,’’ slowly uttered one of the eld- er braves; ‘ but does he not forget? What will the white chief say? He bade us capture this man and keep him so that he might slay him with his own hand." ‘ Wepashaw is a chief. Who shall say he does wrong? Not a pale-face, with blood like water. Is the White Snake greater thana chief of the Arapa- hoes? Nol He does not dare speak hot words to Wapashaw. He knows that my arm is | and my tomahawk sharp. Three Scalps must die; I have said it!” sternly added the chief, as he turned away. Where was Dusky Dick? Why did be not put in an appearance, now that one of his bitterest ene- mies was helplessly a captive? This fact puzzled Tom not a little, But then he —er of the imminent peril that threatened him- self. ‘* Durned consolin’, that is—I guess not /”” muttered Tom, disgustedly. ‘*S’pose I’d orter feel proud, but Il don’t—not a mite. B’lieve I'd ruther they'd think T was a pesky coward, ef so be they'd think I wasn't worth sizzlin’, Ugh! it makes the sweat come jest bos think on it! What’ll it be then, though? Oh, r ” He watched the movements of the savages with anxious eyes. Although as brave as most men, there was something fearful in contemplating this mode of being sent out of the world. ** Wonder ef it'll hurt muh? Bet it will—know it, ‘most. Ef ‘twouldn’t, I wouldn’t keer so much. Wish to ge-mineezers ‘at Ld staid in the corral!” aabled. Tom, as he tugged desperately upon his nds, But this effort was in vain. The hide-thongs had been apy lied by too careful a hand, for him sli them from his wrists, and the tough cords only sun oe into the yielding flesh, with each succeeding effort. It-was quite evident that whatever scruples a few of the elder braves might have entertained as to the advisability of such a decided course, were quickly overruled by the stern-willed chief, Wapashaw, and then the necessary preparations for the feast were speedily under way. A score of savages dashed aimee Soret ~e ag i Na with drawn hatchets, and then came the quic eavy strok lling that wood was being pollboted 1 aed Maxwell noted their moyements with naturally troubled feelings. He saw his fate was sealed be- ond a doubt, unless he couli effect an escape. But this seemed impossible. Alone, he was help- less as aninfant, There was nothing for it but to watch and wait. In a short time the savages returned from the timber-belt, bearing huge back-loads of dried wood, which, .t a word from Wapashaw, they carried over to the hill, near whose top it was heaped. There wasa double meaning in this selection of the spot for the sacrifice. Of a necessity, there must be a number of braves left around the corral to guard against another mes- senger venturing forth, and these would wish to witness the sport, Did it take place upon the — they could do so as well as those within the corr The hill, too, was beyond reach of rifle-shot, and so the bright light could not serve to guide an avenging bullet. For these reasons had the hill been selected by the astute chief of the Arapahoes. Then the form of the old guide was from the ground by several brawny warriors, and borne toward the rudely-improvised stake. Tom’s heart sunk anew, for he hoped to be able to break away from his captors, during the walk to the hill. But Me haw knew too well the nature of he am he deal , to run any unnecessary risks. Maxwell uttered a bitter curse of rage as he real- ized this, But a sav leer upon the countenance of Wapashaw revealed the delight his chagrin gave the rascal, and Tom smothered his emotion, until he epee no outward sign of feeling his ge sy though is teeth were firmly clinched and his breath came hard and strong. , In a few minutes the hill was gained, and the old scout was placed with his back against the firmly- planted stake. Not until a strong lariat was twined around both his body and the post, were his feet freed from their bonds, his hands still remaining tied, “Ugh!” grunted Wapashaw, as_ he stood ordering the proceeding, addressing Maxwell. ‘' ‘three Scalps no ‘feared now! Holler plenty loud, by-’m-by, when fire burns, T’ink sof” “*Not much, chief, You'll only git fooled ef you *xpect me to holler. Fire cain’t burn me—i¢ cain’t. I'm proof ag’in’ lead an’ steel, too, Didn't know that afore, did ye? Why you mought stan’ thar an’ shoot your rifle plum ag*in’ my face, an’ the bullit ’d jest bounce back ag'in, like it hed hit a rock. Your hatchet ‘d break jest like a piece o’ ice, ef you was to hit me, hard. 1t would s0/”’ earnestly respondod pang “S*pose you try it an’ see, now, jest fer un,’ Wapashaw gazed steadily at the old guide for a moment, but then a grim smile swept athwart his countenance. He divined the motive that actuated he captive, but was far from willing to gratify im ‘“*S*pose you t’ink Arapahoe chief he big fool, talk like dat? pose shoo —hit ‘um wid tom‘hawk, den ’um,o da ,gu ck. Denno git burn, Three Scalps brave, plenty cunning, but so Wapashaw. No git Laled «is ume,”’ and the chief chuckled sardoni- cally. “Ah, git out! Think ye’re some, dun’t ye? Durned smart, you be—whar tue hide’s rubbed off. Fool nothin’'—cain't sp’ile a rotten aigg, you durned cunintens you,’ retorted Tom, with an angry glare n bis eyes. He had indeed strove to induce the chief to end all at one blow, by his boasting, for he had racked his brain in vain to devise some other mode of escaping the horrible Ceath. Feeling assured that his time to die was at hand, he wished it over at once, aig be Maxwell spoke boldly enough, there was a dull, heavy sinking at his heart, as he noted the preparations for his torture. He knew that mortal man could never endure that fearful trial, without giving utterance to his agony. He knew that death would come, but it would be lingering; Lefore oblivion he must suffer ten thou- sand deaths, That is what he desired to escape. The dried fagots were piled around at afew yards’ distance from the stake,so that death sho not too quickly claim its victim. Time must. be given them to do ample honor to the preat bravery and prowess that Three Scalps had so frequently dis- playea, greatly to their harm, Tom could look Ccwn upon the corral, though it was but faintly cutlined in the dim light, for the moon had sunk low dewn, and daybreak was close at hand. He knew that his comrades must be cog- nizant of his capture, Whether they also knew of his threatened doom or no, : But he could expect no assistance from them. They would have cnough to do in guarding them- selves, and the Cear, helpless ones depending upon their strong arms for safety. Then Wagesbe® took a torch that had been hast- ily kindled oy one cf the warriors, and holding it to the dry kindlings, the pile of fagots was soon in a blaze, shooting up from a dozen different points. And around the funeral pyre danced the yelling and screeching red-skins, apparently half frantic with demoniac joy. CHAPTER X. THE WINDING TRAIL. Atv this wild ery from Captain Travers, Red-skin Tom abandoned the horses they had secured after so much trouble and danger, and darted up the hill- side toward the spot where such a startling discov- ery had been made by the soldier, It did not seem possible, and the Indian evidently believed that Tra- vers had made some mistake in the spot. But then he also saw that Clara was gone from the place where she had been left but a few short minutes before. Gone—where? Why had she fled? Or had some enemy spirited her away? These were the questions that poured from the lips of the soldier, as his comrade gained _his side. or a time Tom made no reply, and bent low down over the ground, as if trying to read the truth by some sign left there. “She gone—dat all we know now,” grunted the Indian. as he mene ert. * Don't PRON how—mebbe tell bumbye, when comes ’g’in,’’ “Do on think that any one has carried her off, Tom?” asked Travers, seetanediy, 3 * Mebbe so—mebbe not so. Don’t know not ing, me say. Too much dark—can’t see. She gone, da all me kin tell now,” persisted the. Indian doggedly. Travers glanced anxionely up at the heavens. The moon had rolled on, until the cliff above their heads shut off the light from the hillside. All there was dim and. indistinct; light enough to distinguish forms, but not sufficiently so to trace out a trail, especially when left upon the rocky ground by so light a foot as that of the missing maiden, As Tom had said, the truth could not be learned until the day had dawned. Fortunately, this period was not far distant. A couple of hours, at most, and the sun would make its appearance. But in that length of time, what might not hap- pen? Ifthe maiden was in the hands of an enemy, she would be conveyed far beyond their reach fore ther qould strike the trail. And then there was danger to themselves, too, as 18 well, The Toeenenmes who had been dispatched for help, hours before by the Arapahoes, might return at any moment, hapten aforee that they could not hope to cope with successfully. Or the two savages who had fled the massacre of their com- rades might chance upon friends,and gathering courage from that fact, return to avenge the slaugh- ter of their brethren, All these thoughts agitated the minds of the two men as they stood gazing gloomily upon each other. That they were puzzled was plain; emnally plain was it that not for even a moment did either think of abandoning to her fate the maiden who had so girengely been thrown upon their protection, and for whom they had already done so much, ““What must we do now, Tom?’ muttered Travers, speaking mechanically, not that he hoped to gain anything by the reply. “Do not'ing now—bumby do somein. Wher light come ag'in, we take trail—foller up tll fin’ squaw.”’ ‘But do you think we can?” “Know s most. Got eye ony sharp, Tom. Foller trail in water, ef try hart. e foller trail— cap’n ride hoss. Den we git her; go back camp: laugh like de debble, ‘cause skeered when squaw git ost.” ** But she mey have been carried off?” sugg: sted the soldier, taking the gloomy side of the question as the true one, “No; don't t'ink dat. Injun grab her, squaw hcl. ler so loud—squeal all same like pant’er. Den we hear, sure, No holler Joud; den Injun no take. She it skeered mebbe, ‘cause ’um kill Arapahoe. Don’t ‘now much when skeered. No sees ight—t'ink mebbe a frien’ git kill, not bad Injun, Den ‘fraid de git her too, so run way off plenty fast. Me tink vat,” succinctly stated Tom, with the argumentative air of a lawyer summing up his case, “Do you think so?” eagerly cried Travers. “Then she may be hidden somewhere near here, Surely she could not run far. sbe was 80 weak from her fall, If you call, she may hear and answer," “You holler, if you like. Me go git horses 'g'in, Don’t like much walk when kin ride. Plenty better aa,” pranae the Delaware, who began & ending the hillside toward the captured mals, who stood still on being left. Travers acted upon this sp pomaiem making the hills echo with the sound of voice calling aloud the maiden’s name #5 pleesty as possible. But there came back no answering cv ll. . lf the Delaware's supposition as to Clara’s volun- tary flight was true, then she must have run to a reat distance, or she could not have failed hearing e cries. At length the soldier ceased in despair. There was nothing for it but to await the coming day before proceeding further, Tom secured the horses to a bush, and then taking a philosophical view of the matter, comfortably seated himself in a mossy nook, lighting his prpesnd smoking with the gusto of an epicure. But Travers eculd not content himeelf thus, Though he had known the maiden but a few brief hours, as time is usually computed, that seemed most like a year of ordinar time, so full of adven- ture had it been, The bright eyes and sweet face of Clara Calhoun had made a vivid impression upon his keart, and he felt this suspense very keenly, No doubt he would have laughed ‘to scorn the idea of his being in love with her, had it suggested itself, but truly the feeling he now experienced was not unlike the first Carning of that subtle sentiment called love. Honestly, the gallant captain was in greater danger then tLan he had ever been before in the whole course of his eventful life, had he but known it. \ Travers, in his anxiety to be doing something, scaled the hill and kept a close lookout, to guard against being taken by surprise in case the Arapa- hoe’s messenger should return, But Tom sunk into a peaceful doze beside his rock, no doubt living over again in his dreams the nit sport he had so lately had in outwitting and putting to rout his foes the Arapahoes. Fut all things must have an end, and that eventful night was no exception to the generalrule. With the first golden rays of the rising sun gilding the eastern hill-tops, Travers descenced to where Red- skin Tom was awaiting his come. Their preparations for the coming campaign were necessarily very brief, A long draught from the creek constituted all their breakfast for the nonce, as the Jast bit of food had passed their lips om the preceding night. Then while the soldier seeured the horses for marching, Tom quartered the ground adjoining the covert, where still lay the slaughtered Kisch-kouch, searching for the trail of the missing maiden. In a few minutes his glad ery echoed forth, and Travers knew that the quest had been successful, As he hastened to the spot, his eyes, though keen, were at fault, though Tom declared the trail was remarkably plain— at Clara had passed over the Sia at a rapid pace, though alone. A joyous cry urst from the captain's lips at this welcome an- nouncement, for now he did not doubt of being suc- cessful in finding the girl in a very short time. It also confirmed the supposition of the Delaware, that she had taken affright at the wild tumult at- tending the surprise, and perhaps had fan ber friends were being overpowered. But now Tom stood upon his dignity as chief trailer, and motioned: Travers back, to act as rear-guard, The trail led down the hillside for some little dis. tance, then the ridge and descended into the level prairie beyond. Not even Travers could easily ground. He also saw with pleasure that Its course Was ont be- | note the dainty footprints upon the dew-dampened
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heading almost directly for the rerun of his own train, so that they were in reality losing but very little time. This he rejoiced in, for he knew that his men would be uneasy at his long absence, as they had not intended stopping out over night. For several miles the trail continued, not in a direct line, but zig-zag hither and yon, as if the girl had become confused and wandered aimlessly in a roundabout manner, And while Tom traced this out, step by step, Travers, seated upon a horse, aved keenly around in every direction, hoping nt cae sight of the wanderer sooner than rwise. And his search proved successful, for, just as Tom uttered a cry of surprise, Travers caught sight of a human form upon the swell of a bill, perhaps a mile om ay: Theu the figure abruptly disappeared from view. “Ugh! look dere!’ muttered Tom, as he came to an abrupt or. Travers followed the direction indicated by the outstretched finger. The trail they were following auddenly became @ double one! CHAPTER XI. REUNITED. Ir was well-nigh daydawn, and Buenos Ayres srufged wearlly on, foot-store and almost exhausted a severe toil, His mind was filled with doubt an ear. He believed that he had more than covered the dlistance mentioned by Tom Maxwell as intervening between the corral and the Main Trail, but yet he had not observed any trace of it. Could it be possi- ble that he had crossed the Trail dniknowingly? He feared.greatly that he had done so. “Tt will not do to turn back on an uncertainty,” he muttered, as he paused to glance around him once more. “And yet a mistake now would be aw- ful! Lf I only knew the country better!” But then once more he ring a on, keeping as direct a course as lay in power. And as he iepro the next ridge he again paused, Lopivg from summit to discover the desired landmark. But, if he did not see what he sought, another ob- met his gaze. One that caused heart to leap his very throat, while his brain grew dizzy with a wild, delirious hope. ‘pon a crest to his left Ayres beheld a human form that, in the grim gray light, was indistinct and mpeg ys But still he believed that he discern the flowing drapery of a woman! Ayres had learned a lesson by tha* night's ovent and still uncertain that the distant figure was no that of an enemy, he sunk down into the tall grass, and then r keenly toward the spot where the vision had appeared, And, as he awaited, he saw that it was approaching, and was indeed a woman! How his heart Jea then! A woman—might it not be bis lost love, who had so strangely disappear- ed from their midst? And yet, how could it be? Clara had ridden away on her horse; this woman was on foot, many miles from the spot where he had last seen his friend. Though the coming sun gilded the eastern horizon the swale in which the woman now was, was still Gocuny and only with the greatest difficulty could yres discern her shape at all. But then she began ascending the hill, almost directly toward him. Trembling in every fiber of his being, the young man awaited the result, fearful lest his new-born h should be dashed to the ground, after all. It did not seem possible that this could be C But then a glad aD cry so full of joy and heart- felt exultation—broke from his lips. The light fell full upon the features of her who approached, and ba knew that he beheld his lost love, Clara Cal- oun , She Mow yee Mate the cry, for she paused and half-turned as if to flee. Then he sprung up, aloud her name, as he darted toward her trembling ure, e stood as if petrified, then, with a cry, sunk to the ; et dere} and weeping at the same time. Her overtasked powers now seemed to give way before this unex happiness, and she sunk into a deathlike swoon, as her lover clasped her to his broad breast, covering her pale and hag- gard face with ionate kisses. For a moment Buenos acted like one demented, but then as he found she did not return his caresses, a gfeat fear assailed him; he feared she was dead. ye indeed, her looks favored this te ane and ghastly, inst heart like one utterly devoid of tee Bat this great sorrow was spa man. e yo Soon, beneath the fervid pressure of his lips, the color and warmth came back to her face and then her eyes opened. The wild, hunted look quickly disappeared from them, and with a low, glad cry her arms wound around his neck. “Thank God! you have found me, Buenos!” she murmured, faintly. : * But where have you been, darling? Why did you leave us 80 strangely?” © Whereupon Clara briefly detailed her adventures of the past night, adding: “1 saw them ali together, shouting and screaming, shooting at each other, and it frightened me terribly. What could these two men, though so brave, against six great Indians? I believed they must both be killed, and then as I thought of how the savages would hunt for and find me, it seemed as ough I would go crazy! I would rather die than fall into their hands, and yet I knew that they bo crak alge me if Ishould stay there until it was over. “So I turned and fled, not knowing whither I 0 y k 4 rag lara. er calling glad q h ng eine aioe at went, but only thinking to escape from these dread- ful savages. I ran on until I fell from weakness, but then, as I fancied I could hear them coming after me, I arose and kept on, only knowing that I was running away from them. I did not know where I was, nor whither I was going, and I believe that I must have died had not you found me, dear Buenos,”’ she added, with a hysterical sob. * Poor Clara—how you must have suffered!”’ mur- mured Ayres, pressing his lips to her brow. “Indeed I havye—more than words can tell. But I knew you would come for me—I felt sure you would not leave me to die here all alone. Poor father— how he must bave suffered from my thoughtless- ness! “My God! I forgot—and here 1 have lost over an hour!’ exclaimed Buenos, springing to his feet in dismay at his remissness, “ What—what is it, Buenos}"’ inquired Clara, in vague alarm. “The train—I was sent for help. The Indians, under Dusky Dick, attacked it last night, and I fear my thoughtlessness will be their ruin,” agitatedly added Ayres. “ He was with those after me,”’ shuddered Clara. “But help—where can you find it here? We are alone—God only knows where!" “There was a government train close behind us, when we left the Main Trail, and I was searching for them, but—”’ “He belonged to one—Captain Travers, I mean. It can not be far away from here. Ah, if we can only find it!” hastily cried Clara. 7 ‘*Do you know in what direetion? Did you hear him say where it was?’ *No—or if I did, I forgot. ened, you know.” ‘*We must find it—I must. I was 80 badly fright- But you—my poor darling—you are too tired to walk so far and fast.”’ * No—l am strong now, since you have come. I can walk, oh, so far; never fear. Besides, it is for father—and our friends. And I could not sthy here od should die of fear. They would catch me, I now !"’ “Well, we must try it, Remember that your father's life may depend upon your own, Clara, and bear up if phe: can. It will be hard—I wish I could spare you —but there is no help for it.” The sun was now quite high above the hills, for oung Ayres had lost a good hour listening to lara’s story, and now they pressed on at a fair ce, though ignorant whether they were pursuing he right course or were going widely astray. But the} were destined ro meet with another in- terruption, right speedily. They had just gained the next ridge when Clara suddenly uttered a little ery of affright. * Ah! Buenos—look there—the Indians! My God! we are lost!’ she gasped, as, with outstretched hand, she ea the gaze of her companion toward the ridge they had just left but a few moments be- ) fore. One Pa glance satisfied Buenos of the correct- ness of her fears. He saw a little up of horse- men, that he believed were mounted Indians. - Quick! stoop down, Clara! They have not seen us yet, and if we hide they may pass by without neticing our trail. Follow me—quick!"’ Ayres hissed, a8, crouching low down, he half-led, half-. dragged his companion down the hillside, eye 3 toward a small clump of timber growing in the bot- tom of the vale. Toward this they ran at full speed, and had barely ned its shelter when the horsemen reached the ridge they had just left. A wild cry came to the ears of the fugitives, and then they saw the horse- men dash furiously toward their refuge. ‘*Keep behind me, Clara,”’ mutte Ayres, as he closely examined the condition of his revolver. “They will not find us tame victims. They must pay a price for our lives.” * There are only t rhaps they are—” “See the other horses—four of them!’ They must haye riders, who are hiding behind their ies. Look, they stop! I’lil—” : ‘““No—no; don’t shoot. Buenos,’’ cried Clara, as she seized the alréady-leveled revolver. “See, they are Sper or age Travers and the Delaware, who saved me from the Indians!"’ : ‘‘ Are you sure, Clara?” doubtfully replied A but then a cry from one of the men settl doubt most agreeably. “Miss Calhoun, you know us; we are friends. Who is that with youy If an enemy, we will rescue you from him.” Clara and Buenos stepped forth from the cover, and then there ensued a warm greeting between the ay this uartette, for even the Delaware appeared overjoyed at beholding the epi bainet Be squaw once more. * Buenos, tell this gontleman—I know he will help us,” eagerly uttered Clara, thinking first of -her father’s peril. ‘ ‘In a few brief words Ayres stated the position of affairs at the emigrant-train, as he had left it, and implored assistance. The captain, though experi- encing a momentary sensation something akin to ousy, at seeing how confidingly Clara clung to he young man—was greatly excited and promptly offered his aid in the matter. “Certainly I will. My old commanderin danger! Good Lord! how strange! Quick—help the vane mo mount; there’s plenty of horses fortunately. The camp is only about two miles away now. ell get there almost before you know it; and then for these red-skinned devils. No offense, hope, Red-skin?”’ “Nome all white man now. Cuss Injins all fae (BD ac bad, you like—all but Delaware,” grunted Tom. Buenos quickly lifted Clara upon one of the horses, and then, following suit, the quartette were following closely in their wake. The spirits of the two lovers rose with ev long leap of their mettlesome horses, though Buenos Ayres could not repress certain tisgivings as he thought on the length of time that had os, ot since be left the 4, ste ty. Could they have held out through the long, fearful night? He feared they could not have done 80; some- thing seemed to tell him that the rescu party would arrive only in time to bestow upon late comrades a Ohristian burial. And beneath his breath he swore a deep and fearful vengeance, should such indeed be the case. They had ridden but a short distance, when Red- skin Tom uttered a low whoop, and pointed before them, though he did not slacken his pace. ‘Thus directed, the eyes of all noted the presence of a small body of horsemen, just rising the second ridge from them, who had evidently caught sight of the quartette, at the same time, for they sud- denly drew rein. ‘Don’t stop—they're friends,” cried Travers. ‘I can tell my boys as far as eye can reach. They're out after me,1 Gon’t doubt; we stayed so much meee than expected,”’ At about the same time, the soldiers evidently made the same discovery, for they gave their horses free rein, and dashed forward with loud cheers. A smile rested upon the captain’s lips at this. One could easily see that he was a beloved leader, and proud of his boys in blue, “* Well, Morris,” he said, as the leader of the dozen men saluted, ‘glad to see you. How's all at the camp?” * All well, sir, but very anxious because you stayed out so long. I made bold to take a few of the boys and ride out to see if we could be of any use,”’ respectfully replied the sergeant, curiously eying the horses and the two extra riders. “There's work cut out for you, aud hot work, too, if I mistake not, But I know that ‘a/ is no draw- back,”’ laughed Travers, as the party again broke into a rapid gallop. “Indeed it ain't, cap’n. Injuns—if I may ask” “Yes. They've, attacked the train this lady and gentleman belong to—the one that passed us at Dutchman’s.”’ In a few minutes more the party had reached the camping-ground of the government train, where now was all excitement, for the news quickly spread, and was greeted with loud, hearty cheers, for *twas not every day that the boys got a pleasure ride, and a brush with the Indians to wind up with. The only fear they had was that, as some must re- main bebind to guard the train, they might be the unlucky ones. “*Boys,’’ said Travers, ridi rest, “ how many of you wish the Indians this morning?" With loud cheers, every man, soldiers, teamsters out a little from the take a skurry after and all, flocked forward, each striving to be fore- om. A glad smile played around their leader's Ss. RS Good! though it’s only what I ex from you, But you can'tall go. Sergeant Morris?” * Here, sir.” _ “Pick out thirty men, and see that they're ready in ten minutes. Never mind rations; take only arms and plenty of ammunition.” “Yes, sir, Half the time ‘ll do.” ** Now, Miss Calhoun, if you will come with us, I will see you more comfortably placed than on that horse, The sutler’s family is with us, and will see that you have all that you require.” “Thank you, captain, but it is needless; I am to my father with the rest of you,” firmly re- goin the maiden. Li Pi But think—how we must ride, to do any good, and then there will probably be hard fighting at the end of it,” he een = lexedly. “Thave thought. Father is in trouble—perhaps dead or badly wounded, and I not there! I newt *Clara,”’ said Buenos, riding to her side, ‘listen tome. You are nearly sick now, with what you have passed through. uch a trial as this will be woul poten your death. You would die before you got half-way. You must stay here—for my sake, if not your own.”’ * No—I will go!”’ ‘*Clara, you mvst not. Don't oblige me to use compulsion; but I know that you co never stand the ride. You must stay: I will either come or send you word, as soon as it is all over.” With a hystericalsob the maiden gave way, and allowed the captain to lead her to the wagon set ne for the family of the sutler. Leaving her in charge of the worthy wife, he hastened back to the men, who were now in readiness. From the description of the spot, as given by Ayres, Red-skin Tom declared that he knew it and could guide the party directly there, as the crow flies. And then they set off upon their mission, at a ce that satisfied even Ayres, urgent as was his te. Pye up, boys shouted Travers. ‘‘ We're rid- ing for life or death, now, and if your horses can’t stand the pace, follow on the bast youcan. You mer. be in at the death, anyhow.” ey numbered-some t -five, all told, and not one felt a doubt as to how the affair would turn out, vided the emigrants were still holding out, when ey arrived. But Buenos had grave fears on this point. And still on they thundered, no longer in a com- — body, but strung out at short intervals, as the tter or more speedy horses took the front. At their head rode Ayres, Travers, and Red-skin Tom,
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the former mounted upon one of the captured mus- tangs; @ noble brute. On until the head grew dizzy with the swift mo- tion; until the foam dropped from the horses’ lips and fleoked their counters; until their Glossy coats were darkened with sweat, together with dust cast Up by the trampling hoofs. t was a wild, fearful ride, and the brains of the men seemed intoxicated, so wildly did they whirl. Even their horses seemed to catch the infection, for they thundered on as if mad, snort and fretting, with eyeballs wildly staring, flery and bloodshot. Then Red-skin Tom abruptly jerked his horse up, easting him upon his haunches, A motion of his hand checked the others. Soaring to their ears, borne upon the light air, came the confusedly-mingled sounds of rifie-shots, shrill yells and hoarse shouts, from beyond the swell of the prairio. The cause was but too evident, The savages were desperately attacking the emi- ® grant train. Then all was not yet over—they might atill be in time! “ Wait until all come up—then one steady charge, and they're ours!’ whispered Travers to the im- petuous Ayres, CHAPTER XI. DOG EAT DOG. Tax old guide, Tom Maxwell, gave himself up for lost. The fire blazed up brightly—the smoke blind- ed his eyes—the heat nenee to scorch his garments, His fate seemed indubitably sealed. But such was not to be, justthen. A sudden interruption came, from an utterly unlooked-for source, The quick clatter of a horse’s hoofs was heard upon the shingle that covered the base of the hill, and then a foam-flecked steed dashed up beside the blazing fire. With a hoarse cry, its:rider sprung to the ground, and dashed through the zroup of star- tled savages, hurling them rudely de to clear a passage. Kre a hand could be raised to check him, the blazing fagots were kicked aside and the daring man stood close to Maxwell. One cut of the gleam- Be Enite severed the rope that bound him to the stake. But then, with a howl, thg Arapahoe chief, Wapa- shaw, sprung forward, and hurled the man to the ground, ten feet away. All this passed so quickly that Maxwell was still blinking to clear his eyes of smoke, unconscious that his bonds had been partialiy cut, as his hands were still bound behind his back. The man sprung to his feet with a ery of defiance, And then the features of Dusky Dick were revealed. Maxwell stared at him in open-mouthed wonder. ** How dare you do this, chief?” uttered the White Snake, in a voice low and even; but oh! what deadly ire that tone contained! “You know our agree- ment—this brave was to be given to me, unharmed.” “Dare! Wapashaw is an Arapahoe chief. What is there he cannot dare? Who shall speak hot words in his ear? Not the pale-faced coward—not the White Spake!” ** You should know whether I am a coward or not iy time, chief. If you say Iam, J say you lie. This brave is my property—who dares do him harm until I speak the word?” “J, Wapashaw, the Arapahoe! J dare harm him! See! I defy you-—I kill him before your weey eyes!” elled the savage, now thoroughly angered, as he w his tomahawk and sprung toward the motion- less form of the scout. But like a meteor, the form of Dusky Dick shot forward, and then his small fist alighted with crush- ing force full between the eyes of the savage Her- cules, hurling him to the ground like a clod. In- stantly all was the greatest confusion. Several braves sprung toward the renegade, with flashing weapons, but he met them boldly, with drawn revolvers. Twice did there come a sharp report—twice did the death-yell soar upward above the wp ful din. But Wa aw arose and motioned his braves back. With a gesture that Dusky Dick well under- gets i was not slow to accept, he advanced to o due Casting his pistols aside, the renegade met his foe with equal weapons, Knife slashed against knife, and the strife began that could end only in death. As Wapashaw sprung upon him, Maxwell had paturally shrunk aside, and to his surprise he found that he was free, save his hands. That was the drat knowledge he had of the timely act of Dusky ck. Then, as the wild strife began, he made a des ate effort to burst the cords that held his anda. Straining until he thought all was in vain, the thongs suddenly parted with a sharp twang, ' Unnoticed in the confusion, he darted toward the crest of the hill that he knew overlooked the river. Down for nearly a hundred feet this abruptly eH. It was truly a fearful leap, but the only chance for pera All other routes were cut off .by the Hesitating not a moment, Tom sprung boldl over the dizzy hight, and. Be il ca rn stone, entered the water with a sullen thud. In another moment he was swimming rapidly down the stream, unharmed by the frightful de- scent, toward the corral, unnoticed by all save those within the barricade. And this he gained in safety, where he was warmly | d by his comrades, ue long since given him up as lost beyond a ubt. 5 rad Under less favorable circumstances, this feat would bave been im ble to execute successfully. But the attention of all upon the hill was riveted upon the savage struggle between their two leaders, out ke a Red-skin Tom. — Dusk ean a null wane and they did neers one tho t eir captive, supposing him firmly bound to the stake. Then those who were left on guard over the wagon-train had been confused by the sudden ex- tinguishing of the fire and the wild uproar that fol- lowed. Fearing their comrades had been surprised by some foe, they one and all dashed at full speed toward the spot, either not observing the leap of Tom Maxwell, or else, in the dim light, believed it to be one of the combatants. Thus it was the old guide performed the seem- ingly impossible feat without interruption. In a short time the duel ended, but from the cor- ral it could not be seen which had been the victor, and then the disappearance of the captive was first noticed. The confusion was then really appalling. Search was immediately made through the hills, the Indians believing that he had fled in that direc- tion, as none of them coming from the plains had met him. This search continued for a long time, when, after they had abandoned it as useless, one brave noticed the dirt displaced by the scout's feet in springing over the precipice. That told the tale, and, fairl wild with anger, the Indians rushed down and tacked the corral, fighting with a desperate fury worthy a better cause. But they were as benrety met. Rifleshots an- swered arrow-flizhts, until the strife became hand- to hand. Over the barricades swarmed the painted demons, until the interior was filled with a confused mass of writhing, struggling humanity, battling furiously, desperately. But then came a glad sound to the ears of the overpowered whites—the loud, hearty cheer, ema- nating from unmistakably white men's throata, Then the thundering of mavy hoofs—the sharp cracking of carbines and revolvers. Fully as well did the Arapahoes recognize those shouts; they had heard similar ones before, and they knew too well the prowess of the boys in blue, to stand and wait their close acquaintance. There uprose the ery of retreat—and, like one man, the red-skins tore themselves free from their antagonists, and fled, on foot, on horseback,/as fate favored them, And among them the soldiers raged Saran led by Travers, Ayres and Red-skin Tom. The latter fairly outdid himself, and returned with girdle liter- ally crowded with scalps. here is but little more to add. That was a 4 meeting between Buenos and Cal- houn, especially when the young mun announced the safety of Clara. He was truly the lion of the hour, but he bore his honors with becoming meek- ness, Then when the stragglers had all come in, the dead whites were collected and afforded a Chris- tian burial. It was a melancholy sight, and not one dry eye—unless it might be those o' ad-skin Tom, who was not remarkable for his sensitiveness—was there in the encampment. Taught a sad lesson by the recent eyents, Cal- houn decided to return to the Main Trail and re- main under the protection of his fellow-soldier’s command until the rest of the road was passed, and 7 two enjoyed many an hour, over their recollec- tions, Weill, the train got safely to its destination, with- out any more serious accidents, and, In due time Cara Calhonn was made Mrs, Buenos Ayres; and Tom Maxwell was at the wedding, and danced with ** pritty.”’ usky Dick was supposed to have been killed dur- ing his duel with Wapasbaw, for he was never heard of afterward. And thus we leave them. THE END, Ne DIME DIALOGUES AND SPEAKERS FOR SCHOOL EXHIBITIONS AND HOME ENTERTAINMENTS. Dialogues, Nos. 1 to 30 inclusive, 15 to % popu- lar dialogues and dramas in each book. Each vol- ume 100 pages 12mo, Speakers, Nos. 1 to 24 inclusive. Each speaker 100 pages 12mo, containing from 50 to 75 pieces. YOUNG PEOPLE'S SERIES Dime Book of Winter Sports. 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1 Deadwood Dick, the Prince of the Road. 2 Yellows By E. L. Wheeler, ne Jack. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr. 8 Kane ing. By Buffalo Bill, (Hon. W. F, Cody.) 4 The Wild-Hoyse Hunt y Captain Mayne Reid and Captain Frederick Whitiusk ed, & Vagabond Joe, thw Young Wandering Jew. By Oll Coomes. Deuble number, $0 cents. | 6 Bin Biddon, Trupper. By Edward S. Elle. Z The Flying Yankee By Colonel) Prentiss Ingralidin, 8 Seth Jones; or, The Captives of the Frontier. By E. S. Ellis, 9 Adventures of Baron Munchausen, ® Nat or, The Fate of the Sioux Captives, By E. S, Ellis, The Two Detectives, By Albert W, Alken. Gulliver's Travels. A Voyage to Liliput, and a Voyage to By Dean Swift, The Dumb Spy. By Ol] Coomes, addins or, The Wonderful Lamp. "The Sea-Oat. By Captain Frederick Whittaker. inson Crusoe. (77 [lustrationa) By Defoe. 17 Ralph Roy, the Boy Buceaneer, By Col, Prentiss Ingraham, 8 Sindbad the Sailor. From the Arublan Nights. 39 The Phantom Spy.. By Buffalo Bill. 20 The Pendle Daggers. By Edward L. Wheeler. 21 The Fronticr Angel. By Edward 8. Ellis. ang eee nerpent or, The Boy Robinson Crusoe, By J. Lewis. 25 hE ° the I igh; or, The Boy Spy of 76. By T. C. Harbaugh, 24 Diamond Dirk. vy Colonel Prontive Ingraham, 25 The aoe Captain, By Roger Starbuck. 26 Cloven Hoof, the Butfalo Demon. By Edward L, Wheeler. 27 pa ePe Abe, the Boy Guide, By Oli Coomes, 26 paele Hen, the Prince of the Pistol, By E. L. Wheeler, 29 a joak rtf hk bpd aves f= ~ 8 um £% tae Hee Frederick Whittaker, 80 caries talp Rockwood. By Harry St. George, 81 Keen-Kauife, Prince of the Prairies.” By Ol] Coomes. 82 Beb Woolf, the Border Ruffian. By Edward L, Wheeler, Ocean Bloodhound, By 8. W. Pierce. 4 0 m Rol, By Captain J. F. C. Adams. 8S Wild Ivan, the Boy Claude Duval. By E. L. Wheelex 8@ ‘The Hoy Clown, By Frank 8. Finn. 87 The Hidden Lodge. By T. C. Harbaugh, BA Wed Wylde, the Boy Scout. By Texas Jack. 9 ace, the Detective. By Eiward L. Wheeler, vin m. | By John J. Marshall. 1 Jac , the Young Mostanger. By O1] Coomes. oS. antom Miner. By Edward L, Wheeler. + the Pony Exprods Rider. By Cupt. Whittaker. Te et Rube. By Harry St. George. 0 By E..L. Wheeler. re. the Greut Annthilawr. ye, the Great Shot of the West, By J. F, C. Adams, fle Naty or, The Forest Captains. By Harbaugh. t. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr. vrror. By Edward L. Wheeler. B Banke , the Trapper, By C E, Lasalle, 5] The Bo body = I or, The Undergronnd Camp. By A,C.Iron, The ite Ruffalo. By C. FE. Lasalle. soe, dr., the Boy Phenix. By E.L. Wheeler, tazel, the Boy Trapper, By Capt. J. F.C. Adams. ofl FE @, the Unknown Scout. By Buffalo Bill. hilfer’ Pet. By Captain J. F.C. Adame. w Dick's Eagles, By Edward L. Wheeler. © Border King; or, The Secret Foe. By ON Coomes, Mt Michory¢ or, Dandy Ellis’s Scalp, By Harry St. George. he White Indian. By Captain J, F.C) Ada-'s. 1 ¢ekhorn Bill; or, The Red Rifle Team, _ By E. L, Wheeler. he Shadow Ship. By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham. ed Brotherhood. By W. J. Hamilton. i, Jack. By T. C. Harbaugh. urricane Bill. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr. ingle Hani; or, A Life forn Life. “y W. J. Hamilton, atent-lLenther Joe. By Philip S. Warne. $ Horder Robin Heod, By Buffalo Bil. 9 Gold Rifle the Sharpshooter. By Edward L. Wheeler. 70 Old Zip’s Cabin. yowiete JOC, Adan, 71 Delaware Dick, the Cung. Ranger Spy. By Ol] Coomes. Kt Tom W catern, the Texan Ranger. ity W.J. Hamilton. 28 Deadwood Dick on Deck. Ky Edward L. Wheeler. 74 Hawk-cye Harry. By Ol) Coomes. 75% The Boy Duelist. By Colonel Prentiss Ingham. It, the Crow-Killer. By Albert W. Alken. 77 Corduroy Oli..rife, the Boy Bravo. By E. L, Wheeler, Blue Dic By Captain Mayne Reid. TY Sol inger the Giant Trapper. By Albert W. Aiken, 40 Rosebud Rob. By Edward L, Wheeler. 81 Lightning Jo, By Captain J. F.C. Adams, 82 Kit Harefoot, the Wood-Hawk, By T. C. Harbaugh. ae Rollo, the Boy Ranger. By 0}! Coomes. 84 Idyl, the Girl Minev, By Edward L, Wheeler. 8S Boek Buckram. iy Captain J. F.C. Aduma, 86 Dandy Rock, the Man from Texas. By G. Waldo Brown 87 The Land Pirates, By Captaiv Mayne Reid. 88 Photograph Phil, the Boy Slenth. By FE. L, Wheeler, 89 Ta Jim. By the author of “Jack Harkaway.” 90) The Dread Rider, By George Waldo Browne. 91 The Oaptain of the Club, By B acebridge Hemyng. 92 Canada Chet, the Counterfeiter Chief, By EK. L. Wheeler. 98 The Boy Miners. By Edward S, Ellis, 94 Midnight ack, the Road-Agent, By T.C. Harbaugh, 95 The Rival Rovers. By Liert. Col. Hazeltine. 96 Watch-Eye, the Shadow. By Edward L, Wheeler. 97 The Outlaw Brothers, By John J. Marshall. 98 Robin Heod, the Outlawed Earl. By Prof. Gildersleeve. 99 The Tiger of Tuos, By George Waldo Browne. 100 Deadwood Dick In Leadville, By EF. L. Wheeler. 101 Jack Harkaway in New York, Bricebridge Hemyng. 102 Dick Dead-Eye. By Colone) Prentiss Ingraham, 108 The Lion of the Rea. By Colonel Delle Sara, 104 Deadwood Dick's Devices. By Edward L. Wheeler 108 Otd Rube, the Hunter, By Captain H. Holmes. 106 Old Froaty, the Guide. By T. C. Harbaugh. 107 One-Eyed Bim, By James L. Bowen. 108 During Davy, tho Young Bear-Killer. By H. St, George. 109 Deadwood Dick as Detective. By E. L. Wheeler, 110 The Black Steed of the Prairtes, By J. L, Bowen. Ifl The Bea-Devil. By Colonel Prentiss Ingrabam. 112 ‘The Mad Hunter. By Borton Saxe. 118 Jack Moyle, the Young Speenlater. By EF. L. Wheeler. 114 The Black Schooner. By Roger Starbuck. 115 The Mad Miner. By George Waldo Browne, 116 The Hussar Captain. By Col. Prenties graham, S17 @llt-Edged Dick, By Edward L. Wheeler. 118 win Somers, the Bov D-tective. By Charles Morris. 129 Mustang Sam } or, The King of the Pinins, By J. E. Badger. 120 The Branded Hand. By Frank Dumont. 191 Cinnamon Chip, the Giri Sport. By E. L. Wheeler. 122 Phil Hardy, the Boss Boy. By Charles Morris, 128 Ktowa Charley, the White Mustanger. By T,C. Harbaugh. 324 Tippy, the Texan. By George Gleason. 3125 Benanza Bill, Miner. By Edward L. Wheeler, 126 Picayune Pete. By Charies Morris. 127 Wild-Fire, the Boss of the Read. By Frank Dumont 128 The Young Privateer. By H. Cavendish. 129 Deadwood Dick's Deuble. By Edward L, Wheeler. 1806 Detective Dick, By Charies Morris, #2 Nigh , the Romt- 8 Ste Sateaces =O) Se 7 Ti 181 The Golden Hand. By George Waldo Browne, 182 The Hunted Hunter. By Edward S. Ellis, 188 Boas Bob, the King of the Bootblacks, By E.L, Wheeler. 184 Sure Shot Seth. By Ol! Coomes, 185 Captain Paul. By C. Dunning Clark. 186 Night-HMawk Kit. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr. 187 The Melpless Hand. By Captain Mayne Reid. 188 Blonde Bill, By Edward L, Wheeler, 189 Judge Lynch, Jr. By T. C. Harbaugh. 140 Blue Blazes, By Frank Dumont. 141 Solid Sam, the Boy Road-Agent. By Ed. L. Wheeler, 142 Handsome Harry. By Charles Morris. 148 Scar-Face Saul. By Ol! Coomes, 144 Dainty Lance, the Boy Sport. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr, 145 Captain Ferret, the New York Detective. By Wheeler, 146 Silver Star, the Boy Knight. By Oll Coomes, 147 Will Wildfire, the Thoroughbred. By Charles Morris, 148 Sharp Sam. By J. Alexander Patten. 149 A Game of Gold. By Edward L. Wheeler. 150 Lance and Lasso, By Captain Frederick Whittaker. 151 Panther Paul, the Prairie Pirate. By Jos, E, Badger, Jr, 152 Black Beas, Will Wildfire’s Racer. By Charles Morris, 158 Eagle Kit, the Boy Demon, By Ol] Coomes. 154 The Sword Hunters. By Capt. Frederick Whittaker. 155 Gold Trigger, the Sport By T. C. Harbaugh. 156 Deadwood Dick o Dendwood. By E. L. Wheeler. 157 Mike Merry, the Harbor Police Boy. By Charles Morris, 158 Fancy Frank of Colorado, By Buffalo Bill. 159 The Lost Captain. By Captain Frederick Whittaker. 160 The Black Giant, By Joseph E, Badger, Jr. 161 New York Nell, By Edward L. Wheeler, 162 Wil Wildfire in the Woods. By Charies Morris, 168 Little Texas, the Young Mustanger. By Oll Coomes 164 Dandy Rock's Pledge. By George Waldo Browne, 165 Billy Baggage, tlio Railroad Boy. By Charies“Morria, 166 Hickory Harry. By Harry St. George, 167 Asa Scott, the Steamboat Boy, By Edward Willett, 168 Deadly Dash, By Joseph E. Badger, Jr. 169 Tornado Tom. By T. C. Harbaugh, 170 A Trump Card. By Charles Morris. 171 Ebony Dan, By Frank Dumont. 172 Thunderbolt Tom, By Harry St. George. 178 Dandy Rock’s Rival. By George Waldo Browne, 174 Bob Rockett, the Boy Dodger. By Charles Morris, 175 Captain Arizona. By Philip 8. Warne. 176 The Boy Runaway. By Lieutenant H. D. Perry, U.S.N, 177 Nobby Nick of Nevada. By Edward L, Wheeler, 178 Old Solitary, the Hermit Trapper, By Ol] Coomes, 179 Bob Rockett, the Bank Runner, By Charles Morris, 180 The Sea Trailer. By Lieutenant H, D, Perry, U.S.N. 181 Wild Frank of Montana. By Edward L. Wheeler. 182 Little Hurricane, th: Boy Captain, By Oll Coomes, 188 The Hidden Hand, By Charles Morris, 184 The Boy Trailers. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr, 185 Evil Eye, King of the Cattle Thieves. By Frank Dumont, 186 Cool Desmond. By Colonel Delle Sara. 187 Fred Halyard, the Life Boat Boy. By Charlee Morris. 188 Ned Temple, the Border Boy. By T. C, Harbaugh. 189 Bob Rockett, the Crackeman, By Charles Morris. 190 Dandy Darke. By William R. Eyster. 191 Buffalo Billy, tle Boy Bullwhacker. By Capt. A. J. Taylor, 192 Captain Kat, the Wi)l-o’-the-Wisp. By Lieut. Perry. 198 The Lady Road-Agent. By Philip S, Warne, 194 Buffalo Bills Bet. By Captain Taylor. 195 Deadwood Dick’s Dream. By Edward L. Wheeler, 196 Shadowed, By Charles Morris. 197 Little Grit, the Wild Rider, By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, 198 Arkansaw, th» Man with the Knife. By T. C, Harbaugh, 199 Featherweight. By Edward WMlett. 200 The Boy Bedouins, By Capt. Frederick Whittaker, 201 The Black Hills Jezebel. By Edward L. Wheeler. 2OR Prospect Pete, of the Boy Brigade, “By O1) Coomes. 208 The Boy Pards, By Joseph E, Badger, Jr. 204 Gold Plume, the Boy Bandit, By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, 205 Deadwood Dick’s Doom. By Edward L. Wheeler, 206 Dark Paul, the Tiger King. By Charles Morris, 207 Navajo Nick, the Boy Gold Hunter. By T. C. Harbaugh, 208 The Boy Hercules. By 0!) Coomes: 209 Fritz, the Bound-Boy Detective. By Edward L. Wheeler, 210 Faro Frank of High Pine. By William R. Eyster. 211 Crooked Cale. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr. 212 Dashing Dave, the Dandy Detective. By Charles Morris, 218 Fritz to the Front. By Edward L, Wheeler. 214 Wolfgang, the Robber of the Rhine, By Cupt. Whittaker. 215 Captain Bullet, the Raider King.» By T, ©, Harbaugh. 216 Bison Bill, the Prince of the Reins. By Col. P. Ingraham, 217 Captain Crack-Shot. By Edward L. Wheeler. 218 Tiger Tom, the Texan Terror, By Oll Coomes. 219 Despard, the Duelist. By Philip S. Warne. 220 Tom Tanner, Scalawag and Scapegrace. By Chas. Morris, 221 Sugar-Coated Sam. By Edward L. Wheeler, 222 Grit, the Bravo Sport. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, 228 Orark Alf, King ofthe Mountain. By Edward Willett. 224 Dashing Dick. By Ol! Coomes., 225 Sam Charcoal, the Premium Darky. By Charles Morris, 226 Snoozer, the Bry Sharp. By Edward L. Wheeler. 227 Dusky Darrell, Trapper. By E. Emerson. 228 Little Wildfire, By Oll Coomes. 229 Crimson Kate. By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham. 280 The Yankee Rajah. By C. Dunning Clark. 281 Plucky Phil, of the Mountain Trall. By T. C. Harbaugh. 282 Gold-Dust Dick. By Edward L, Wheeler. 288 Joo Buck of Angela, By Albert W. Atken. 284 Old Rocky's “ Boyees.” By Buckskin Sam. 285 Shadow Sam, the Messenger Boy. By Charles Morris. 286 Apollo Bill, By Edward L. Wheeler. 287 Lone Star, the Cowboy Captain, By Col. Ingraham. 288 The Parson Detective, By 011 Coomes. 289 The Gold-seeker Guide, By Captain Mayne Reid. 240 Cyclone Kit. By Edward L. Wheeler, 241 Bill Bravo and His Bear Pards. By T. C. Harbaugh. 242 The Two * Bloods.” By Charles Morris. 248 The Disguised Guide, By O}l Coomes. 244 Sicrra Sam. By Edward L. Wheeler. 245 Merle, the Middy. By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham. 246 Giant George. By Buckskin Sam. 247 Old Grizzly and His Pets, By Capt.“ Bruin” Adana. 248 Sierra Sam’s Secret. By Edward L. Wheeler. 249 Milo Romer, the Animal King, By Capt. Fred. Whittaker. 250 The Midshipman Mutineer. By Col, P. Ingraham. 251 Light-house Lige, By Captain J. F.C, Adams. 252 Dick Dashaway. By Charles Morris, 258 Sierra Sam’s Pard, By Edward L. Wheeler. 254 The Half-Blood, By Edward S. Ellia 255 Captain Apollo. By T, C. Harbaugh. 256 Young Kentuck, By Captain Mark Wilton, 257 The Lost Hunters, By Capt. J. F.C. Adams, 258 Sierra Sain’s Seven, By Edward L. Wheeler, 259 The Golden Harpoon, By Roger Starbuck. 260 Dare-Devil Dan. By Oll Coomes, 261 Fergus Fearnaught, By George L, Aiken. 262 The Young Sleuths. By Charles Morris. 268 Deadwood Dick's Divide. By Edward L. Wheeler, 264 The Floating Feather. By Col. P. Ingraham, 265 The Tiger Tamer. By Captain Fred, Whittaker. 266 Killb’ar, the Guide. By Ensign Warren, 267 The Buckskin Detective. By T. C. Harbaugh, 268 Deadwood Dick’s Death Trail. By E. L. Wheeler. 269 The Gold Ship. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, 270 Blizzard Ben. By Captain Mark Wilton. 271 The Huge Hunter, By Edward S. Ellis, 272 Minkakin Mike. By Ol Coomes. 278 Jumbo Joe. By Edward L, Wheeler. 274 Jolly Jim. By Charles Morris, 275 Arizona Jack. By Buckskin Sam. 276 Merle Monte’s Cruise, By Colonel Prentiss Iagrabam. 277 Denver Doll. By Edward L. Wheeler, 278 The Three Trappers. By Major Lewis W. Carson. 279 Old Winch, the Rifle King, By T. C. Harbaugh. 280 Merle Monte’s Fate. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 281 Denver Doll's Victory. By Edward L. Wheeler, 282 The Typo Detective. By Edward Willett. 288 Indian Joe. By Major Lewis W. Carson. 284 The Seca Marauder. By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham, 285 Denver Doll's Decoy. By Edward L. Wheeler. 286 Josh, the Boy Tenderfvot. By Capt. Mark Wilton, 287 Hilly Blue-Eyes, By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham, 248 The Sealp King. By Captain J. F.C. Adama, 289 Jolly Jim’s Job. By Charles Morris, 290 Little Foxfire, By Ol) Coomes, 291 Turk, the Ferret. By Edward L, Wheeler, 292 Sancho Pedro, By Major E, L. St. Vrain, 298 Red Claw, the One-Eyed Trapper. By Captain Cometock, 294 Dynamite Dan, By T. C. Harbaugh. 295 Fearless Phil. By Edward Willett. 296 Denver Doll's Drift. By Edward L. Wheeler. 297 The Tarantula of Taos. By Buckskin Sam. 298 The Water-Hound. By Charles Morris. e 299 A No, 1, the Dashing Toll-Taker. By Edward L. Wheeler. 800 The Sky Demon. By 0!) Coomes. 801 Leadville Nick. By Major E. L. St. Vrain, 802 The Mountain Detective. By T. C. Harbaugh, 808 ’Liza Jane, the Girl Miner, By E. L, Wheeler, 804 The Dead Shot Dandy, By Colone) Prentiss Ingraham 805 Dashaway, of Dakota, By Charles Morria 806 Neck-Tie Ned, By Major H. B. Stoddard, 807 The Strange Pard. By Buckskin Sam. 808 Keno Kit, the Boy Bugler’s Pard. By Col. P. Ingraham, 809 Deadwood Dick’s Big Deal, By E. L. Wheeler. 810 The Barranca Wolf. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr, 811 The Roving Sport, By Edward Willett. 812 Redtop Rube, the Vigilante Prinee, By Maj. E, L. St. Vraine 818 Cimarron Jack, By Frederick Dewey. 814 The Mysterious Marauder. By Col. P, Ingraham. 815 Ned, the Cabin Boy. By Jack Farragut, 8'6 Old Eclipse, Tromp Curd of Arizona, By T. C. Harbaugh, BLT Peacock Pete. By Lieutenant Alfred Thorne, £18 Ker-whoop, Ker-whoo! By Buckskin Sam. 819 The Black Rider. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr, 820 The Sea Sorceress. By Jack Farragut, 821 Deadwood Dick’s Dozen, By Edward L. Wheelon 822 Nemo, the Detective. By Edward Willett, 828 Arkansaw Jack. By Harry Hazard, 824 Ralph Ready, the Hotel Boy Detective, By ¢ da, Morris, 825 Kelley, Hickey & Company, the Sleuths of P' By Ede ard Le Whole: pany, euths of Philadelphia. 826 The Ten Pardss or, The Terror of Take-Notice. By T. Co Harbaugh. 827 Creeping Cat, the Caddo. By Buckskin Sam. 828 The Sky Detectives. By Major Mickey Frie. 829 Red-Skin Tom. By Harry Hazard, 880 Little Qui-k-Shot. By Edward L. Wheeler. 881 Black Nick, the Demon Rider, By Capt, Fred. Whittaker, 882 Frio Fred. By Buckskin Sain, A New Issue Every Week. The Half-Dime Library 's for sale by all newsdealers, five cents per copy, or sent by mai! on receipt of six cents each, BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers, 98 William Strect, New York,