Beadle's Half Dime Library (no. 333) (1883 12 11)
The text was read from the page scans by machine (OCR), so it has mistakes and its columns may run together. See the pages · About this title · At the Internet Archive
Page 1
; FAN! olialaliatin| © — we > ry Dea pa 9 (Va Vom in a agus 2S Wl apo ey et (VV i | © A \ > 2 ia vane: Entered at the Post OMice at New York, N. ¥.. as Segond Glasg. MampRates. Copyright, 1888, by BEADLE AND ADAMS, December 11, 1868, s le PUBLISHED WEEKLY. BY BEADLE AND ADAMS, Price, Vol, XIII. Number. No. 98 WILLIAM STREET, NEW YORK. 5 Cents. No, 333. BRIMSTONE BOB, And His Lightning Horse Quartets tc. BY MAJOR E. L.. ST. VRAIN, *y AUTHOR OF ‘‘SANCHO PEDRO, THE BOY BANDIT,” ‘‘REDTOP RUBE,” ‘‘ LEADVILLE NICK,” ETC,, ETO, 7 4 Ki wB “Ln “es a ‘ 43 , Gti haa Cugaes EEF, My tt “ag, OUT ON THE DESERT WENT THE BLACK HORSES AND THE WAGON; OUT ON THE DESERT WENT BRIMSTONE BOB!
Page 2
Brimsto Brimstone Bob, And His Lightning Horse Quartette; OR, Major Bragg’s Ride to Tombstone. BY MAJOR E, L. ST. VRAIN, AUTHOR OF ‘“‘REDTOP RUBE,” *‘ LEADVILLE NICK,” ‘‘SANCHO PEDRO, THE BOY BAN- DIT,” ETO., ETO, , * CHAPTER I. THE BEGINNING OF A DANGEROUS JOURNEY. ‘*T want to hire a man to drive me to Tomb- stone.” ‘**Reckon you can’t get him nigh here.” * And why not, sir; why not?’ ** Because ther Apaches are-on ther war-path; ther Ginger Trail fa’rly bristles with them; ha’r is bein’ raised freely an’ ther very dickens is ter pay in gin’ral. With ther durned reds slaughterin’ every white the - none oy us is anxious ter stan example. No, sir!” “What's the villainous Apaches to me, sir? I don’t care a cent if every grain of sand in Arizona has been turned intoan Apache. I’m going through to Tombstone, sir, if ninety-nine men out of every hundred are killed, sir, Tl hire the hundredth. Yes, sir!” ** What if he won’t be hired?” ‘What if— Thunderation, sir, I’ll hire him if Irob the United States treasury todoit, Ill o through to Tombstone if I leave a driver Bead at every turn of the wheels, Yes, sir!” This-conversation took place in front of the Western Hemisphere Hotel, Digger’s Delight, Arizona, and was carried on between the man who wished to go to Tombstone, a stranger to all there, and one of the residents of the town, Digger’s Delight was not a large place, but it was active and bustling, possessing a population of solid, brave men who were supposed to risk their lives as coolly as an Eastern man would the chances at a game of pool, When Major Artemas Bragg came to Digger’s Delight he did not doubt his ability to get a man to drive him through to Tombstone, but we have seen what luck awaited bim. He was an old army officer and had lost a leg at ae when Steele’s division made the assault at Graveyard Bastion, but twenty ad- ditional years had turned his hair gray and he disliked saddle-riding, ~ He wanted a man to drive him to Tombstone, but the man was not forthcoming. This was not vreren for the Apaches were on the war-path, and the reader knows that this restless tribe made more trouble in the last féw years than all the other Indians-in the United States. On the they had struck here and there, killing and outraging in a promiscuous way, and the inhab- itants of Digger’s Delight were keeping close within their walls. : Very dangerous it was considered to go out- side, and there was a possibility that the town might be attacked. Major Bragg was upset by his ill-luck, He was very anxious to go through, but hope cool to vanish. Growing angry, be stormed furiously for a while, and when he saw that it was in vain he fairly begged that some one would come to his aid. When this plan was proved useless, he tried the last resort. _ “Pl give five hundred dollars to the man who'll take me across the plain,” he said. The ene seemed a very generous one, but dead silence reigned, among the men of Digger’s Delight. No one raised his voice to accept. “Perhaps you think [ll double the stm,” howled Major Bragg, ‘‘ but I-won’t doit to save this one-horse town from instant destruction. Td see it overrun by locusts and other Bible plagues, first. Yes, sir!” en the men proceeded to remark that the bero of Vicksburg misun them. They were not influenced by mercenary motives; in fact, the major badn’t money enough to if- fluence them; but as for going out on the Ginger - Trail at that particular time, to be scalped by Apaches, they would see Artemas Bragg plant- ed_heels up before they-would stir. Bragg had stormed until be could storm vo more, and his y face was looking the pic- ture of despair, when a light and musical whistle kin smel] out, up as a terrible particular occasion of which we write |, ne Bob, and His Lightning Horse Quartette. broke in on the momentary silence, and a new- comer appeared on the scene, He was a youth of about nineteen years, but so toughene he bad the form and energy of aman. He was not handsome, for his features were rather coarse and covered with tan and freckles at that; but it wasa face full of honesty, frank- ness, good-humor and resolution, and though he might bea border boy, no ‘‘tough” would think of asking his co-operation in an unmanly work. This young man was no stranger in Digger’s Delight, and he was at once banteringly greeted. ‘‘ Hello, Brimstone Bob, here’s a job for ou! The speaker’s finger was leveled at Major Bragg, and the eyes of the youth turned the same way. Bragg.saw how bold and frank they were and took a fresh start. ce Tou man, l’ll give you five hundred dol- lars to take me to Tombstone in a coach, or some other vehicle.” bs ‘*Can’t be done,” Bob tersely answered. “The ’Paches would have your scalp in fifteen minutes,” “Im going if I travel in a balloon!” shouted the officer. “Tl go to Tombstone if ten thousand earthquakes stood loafing around in my way!” Brimstone Bob’s face grew more serious, ‘Is the case really so serious?” he asked. “Serious? Are death and robbery and arson serious? I think they are, slightly. My bro- ther, Abe, has died, and left a mine and a daugh- ter, but what does his rascally nephew—not my nephew, you understand—do, but swear Karah was not his daughter, and not the heiress, and that he, Miles Bland, is the next of kin and beir to the mine and other property. I say, is that serious? Is it serious to see an orphan deprived of her rights by a great, lubberly fellow like this Bland? Bland! a more appropriate name would be Hang-dog. I’ve seen him and I know.” The major paused, panting for breath, and Brimstone Bob took up the conversation. *‘ And this is why you want to go to Tomb- stone?” ‘Tsn’t it enough—” “Quite enough,” the youth interrupted, in cool, business-like tones, ‘‘ You say you want to go to Tombstone. The best way is by saddle. Get a horse and [’ll pilot you across the plain, ’Paches or no ’Paches.” “T can’t sit in a saddle, leg and I'm used-up generally, stage. Can’t y.ou drive one?” 6 Veg,” é “Tl give you five hundred dollars to take me through.” ‘¢ Tt’ll cost you more than that., No man will loan a carriage for such a trip, for they don’t hanker to furnish fire-wood for the ’Paches, You must buy Sam Seavey’s stage.” ed Pil do it, of course, and the necessary rses. “No; Til furnish the horses, A’ve got four as fine-ones as ever rapped a hoof in Arizona, and we’re going to need them all. here's sand in our route where two horses would find it bard pulling, but the four will send us a-flying, Get ready, and [’ll be around. My name is Rober: Grover, sometimes called Brimstone Bob,” I’ve got a wooden must go by It was five hours Jater when the adventurous pair left Digger’s Delight. Ta went well armed and provisioned, and th the four spirited, coal-black horses on the stage, seemed capable of doing almost anything desired. et, the men of the town bade farewell to Brimstone Bob in a most melancholy way. Not one there expected to ever again see him alive. His curling, brown. bair seemed destined for use at a grim Apache’s belt. : The oldest inhabitant declared that it was impossible to.go through alive; he bad never seen a worse time along the Ginger Trail. Yet, the outfit went out of town with a good deal of style and flourish, Brimstone Bob sitting on the box and Major Bragg beside him. The latter was delighted with his turnout. The wagon was Sam Seavey’s stage, and, bav- ing been but two weeks in use, was in the best ible condition, The horses were magnificent ellows—four strong, fleet animals, coal-black but smooth-coated and shining, young, fleet- footed and high-spirited. Major Bragg was at once captivated. “Tf that team won’t do the work no team can,” he declared. “They are beauties, sir, beauties!” — The youth’s eyes glistened. ‘* Right, major, right; they can’t be beaten in by the wild life of the West that: I’ve owned them for a year and Arizona, wouldn’t part from them, anyway. I call them my Lightning Horse Quartette, and when we take the road the spokes just hum.” All Bragg’s admiration was not given to-the horses; he saw and duly appreciated the ease and skill with which Brimstone Bob handled the reins, and it became evident to him that he had secured a good outfit, If he failed to reach Tombstone, it would be pa the Apaches were truly the lords of the plain. The young driver settled down to a steady pace and the horses held it to perfection. There was no urging, no holding-in, no fancy work or worrying of the horses, but at that even pace which tells in the long run, they bowled along toward Tombstone. Major Bragg’s spirits arose, and he spoke confidently o reachin their destination and punishing Miles Bland, the ‘‘ young villain” who had wronged a helpless girl out of ber for- tune. Brimstone Bob said nothing, for he was less sanguine. He boped to see Tombstone again, but he was better informed as to the real danger than the ex-soldier. Even as straws show which way the wind blows, so the travelers had/a disagreeable en- counter five miles out of Digger’s Delight. Two borsemen were observed riding toward them at full speed, and Bragg got out bis Rem- ington rifle, but as they came nearer they were seen to be white mep, and unarmed, hatless, coatless, and badly frightened at that. They had a woeful story to tell. They were all that remained of a dozen cowboys who had been at a ranch on a branch of the Gila; the Apaches had scooped in the others, and est scalps were dangling from the red bucks’ ts. Again Major Bragg was warned to go back. “Go back!’ he roared. ‘Not if Tecumseh and all bis braves come to life and bring trees down here from bebind which to fight us. No, sir!” ‘*But—” expostulated the cowboy, only to be interrupted by the irascible veteran: ‘‘There are no ‘ buts’ about it, you cowardly villain!” he thundered; and as he snatched the whip from Bob’s hand, the cowboys hurriedly resumed their flight toward Digger’s Delight. CHAPTER II. THE FIRST NOTE OF ALARM. Tue stage rolled on toward Tombstone, The first novelty of the trip had worn.away, and silence had fallen betweenthemen. Bragg had tired himself storming at the well-meaning cowboys, and how tbat they were fairly adrift on the wide plain be began to look more care- fully at the situation, as a good soldier should. @ studied the face of his driver as though it were a barometer, but Brimstone Bob remained perfectly cool and at higease. Yet, the Pe bed was shrewd enough to suspect that it was cause he had a brave nature; he noticed that the young man vften and keenly scanned the lain, a He had taken the risk, buf he was not indif- ferent to danger. The sun was near the meridian when they reached a small stream whose advantages they did not neglect. An hour’s halt was made, mep and animals ate and drank; and then the jour- ney was resumed. An bour passed, and Bragg, who bad taken to scanning the plain with a gaze as careful as the driver’s, suddenly pointed ahead. _ “ Horsemen, by George!” he exclaimed. » “Wrong, major, this time. Were they such I should not be beading for them. Those are sand-hills. A little further on we strike a belt of villainous soil, if that’s what you call sand. There isn’t a drop of water, or a green thing for ten miles.” “ A regular desert.” : “Exactly, but nothing compared with what we'll find further on. But this small desert, as T was about to say, is covered with sand-bills. The fine grains move almost like feathers when thre’s a wind, and they gather in hills, rows and other shapes.” They approached the dark i hog and the major found them no worse than Bob bad said. The traveling, however, had become wretched. The horses sunk to the ankle-joint at each step, and the heavy stage cut even deeper. This was a mere trifle for the four spirited horses, but the old soldier began to see whatan Arizona desert was like. ‘* Almost as bad as Yazoo mud,” he said, bis mind going back to Vicksburg.
Page 3
| ‘ | Brimstone Bob, and His Lightning Horse Quartette. 3 ——— — —ome They were scon among the sand-hills, some of which were twenty feet high and others mere piles of wayward grains, which had failed to cling to the larger ones. In observing them Bragg forgot to look for anything else, but be aroused as the young driver suddenly pulled in on the reins, “ What now?’ Bragg asked. Bob pointed with his whip toward tke south. ‘*Genuine horsemen, this time,” he calmly observed. The veteran looked and saw a number of black spots against the sky. They were of such vague and insignificant proportions that he looked a little doubtful. “Are you sure they are horsemen?’ he asked. ** Yes, and Apaches, too.” ‘* How do you know?” ‘*Perhaps | spoke too strongly, but they are horsemen and the chances are nineteen out of twenty that they are Indians. Moreover, they are coming this way.” The major helped himself to a large chew of tobacco. “ What are we going to do about it?’ he asked. ‘* Simply remain where we are. These sand- hills are our best friends. If it were not for them we should be visible to our neighbors, so here we stay, ready to flee at a moment's notice if such a thing becomes necessary.” The wisdom of the course was apparent to Brazg and he made no objection. They re- mained on the box and watched while the horsemen approached. As they came nearer all doubt as to their character vanished. Even the major could see they were Indians, and Brimstone Bob unbesitatingly pronounced them Apaches. ut this wasn’t the worst of it. The red war- riors were heading directly for the sand-hills, and there was cause for grave fear that they would not pass without discovering the white travelers. Bob admitted all this when Bragg mentioned it, but what could they do? Nothing, except to remain quiet and await the result, To leave the hills was to court certain discovery, and a stage and four horses could not be concealed in earth or air, even if no tell-tale trail existed be- hind them, Nearer came the red lords of the plains, and even to Bragg, who had won glory all the way from Bull Run to Appomattox, they looked warlike to an uncomfortable degree, They were well-developed fellows, and if there was any weakness of limbs common to ‘horse In- dians” it was not visible to the naked eye. They were armed with weapons furnished by the United States Government in some moment of sentimental ‘‘ gush,” or stolen, as the case might be. . Bragg looked well to bis weapons and prepar- ed for warm work. His jaws worked with ma- chine-like regularity on his tobacco and the spirit of his military days was well to the front. Brimstone Bob was more quiet, but he was alive to the demands of the occasion. He was using his eyes to better effect than Bragg, too, for he had discovered that one of the horsemen was not an Indian; more, that he was a prison- er. This discovery he communicated to the old soldier, but it was no time for useless words. The Apaches entered the sand-hills, and Bob saw with grave fears that there seemed little hope of tbeir missing the trail of the stage. If this was seen it would soon become a race for life, and then Bragg would see why his driver had declared four horses pony A new move on the part of the Apaches avert- ed the danger for the time. They halted, dis- mounted, aod camped where the ° sand-bills threw out shadows which would protect them from the hot sun. Brage felt a thrill of hope and believed the time bad come for them to “silently steal away,” but ho wassoon undeceived, Red pick- ets were posted, and a mouse could scarcely have approached or left the sand-hills unseen, but the white men, shielded by the piled-up grains, remained undiscovered. Brimstone Bob felt a good deal of interest in the Apaches’ prisoner, for he knew only too well what the Apaches’ plans must be. Since he had been saved from the first slaughter, it showed that a worse fate was in store for him. He felt a strong desire to aid bim, or, at least, to take the first steps toward it by taking a closer survey. He mentioned the fact to Bragg, expecting opposition, but the old veteran was by no means selfish. **Go,” he said, “and I'll stand by the horses. ° B If there is any alarm, run this way and I’ll have | them all ready for work.” And so, after a few cautions, Bob glided to- ward the Indian camp. It was an easy matter to move silently, for he could not have made much of a sound in the sand if be had wished, and he was able to devote all his attention to keeping out of sight. e soon reached a mound which overlooked the camp, and ascended the eastern side. He was, however, too wise to show his head above the crest. Instead, finding the mound to be of a conical form on one side and concave on the other, he stretched himself out in the hollow proceeded to dig a hole through the thin side. This was soon done and the Apache camp lay before his vision. They were eating dinner, but as this was a fa- miliar sight for him he gave immediate atten- tion to the prisoner. The latter was a young man, not- much older than Bob, but he had a considerable hirsute rowth on his upper lip, and, with bis powerful orm, looked older than he was, The observer, seeing bis dress and general appearance, pro- nounced him a The cowboy and miner, and that was all that was in his we grain 207 to at- tract attention, unless we say he looked like a rough-and-ready, perhaps, reckless young man. Bob admired the nonchalance he preserved in his danger, for it was folly to suppose he failed to comprehend it. Being no stranger to West- ern ways, he must be aware that death awaited him unless some very singular chance inter- fered in his behalf. Naturally the watcher’s sympathy went out to bim. e was of his own color, and no one who had ever lived in Arizona has any friend- ship for the Apaches—the flercest Indian tribe now on United States soil. The camp was a picture of indolence, the sig- nification of which was clear when one marked the condition of the horses. They bore every evidence of hard riding, and there were other signs that the Apaches had been eagerly seek- ing for victims. At their belts were human scalps, the hair of whieh was fine and short. It was that of stock- men or miners, Once, one of these terrible trophies was slapped in the face of the prisoner. e smiled back at his insulter, and Brimstone Bob felt a thrill of pride. A man with such nerves ought not to die like a dog or at such base hands, Bob did not forget Bragg and the stage, but as they could not leave the sand-hills while the In- dians rémained, he paid no attention to the major and kept bis place. In this way an hour passed. The red-skins’ dinner was completed, but they showed no signs of going. Bob saw this and came to the de- cision that they would not leave until the sun was down, Then, in the cool of the evening, they would probably push for some isolated stock-ranch on the tributaries of the Gila, or to ‘ mine which they had marked for destruc- ion. He left his post and explained bis views to Bragg. The latter, with all his noisiness at times, was far from‘ being foolishly rash, and though be was in baste to go through to Tomb- stone, he had no desire to push out on the plain until the Indians were out of the way. Consequently, he agreed with Bob that they had better remain where they were, but he was not so ready to agree to rescue the white pris- oner, “It’s a pitiful sight, by George, to see a hu- man being in the hands of those cut-throats, but what can wedo? If we should get roped in ourselves in trying a rescue, we’d not only be burned at the stake and served up on the half- shell, but that infernal villain of a Miles Bland will continue to frolic around with bis stolen oney. ** But, sir, humanity—” ‘Humanity demands that we go on to Tomb- stone and right the wrong done Karah Bragg. That’s what humanity demands—yes, sir!” CHAPTER IIT. THE HORSE QUARTETTE GETS IN MOTION, afternoon wore ‘away without any change in the situation. The Apaches listlessly kept their camp and our two friends were obliged to keep theirs. Had the Indians taken to wandering, discovery would have been cer- tain, and the case would have been the same had not Brimstone Bob’s horses been so well trained, f The wind was blowing toward them from the Apache camp and they knew thé other horses ‘warrior. were there, but not a neigh betrayed their own presence, | Bob had not given up the idea of rescuing the white prisoner and he saw darkness grow near with pleasure. He had pretty clearly gauged the major and felt sure he would not allow a he are man to suffer where he might be saved, After the sun went down be renewed bis ar- gument. He was not disappointed. “Have your own way,” said the veteran, “but you’re getting us into a confounded fix, sir; a most villainous fix. We can’t absorb that young heathen like so much dew, nor turn our vehicle into a balloon. Result, we'll soon have the whole pack howling at our heels. Yes, sir! ‘* My quartette can outrun them.” ‘“‘T s’pose they can outrun greased lightning,” was the irascible reply. ‘‘ Never mind, bow- ever, never mind; we're not going to turn pi- rates here in the desert and leave men to roast and be served on the half-shell. No, sir!” And so it was settled, and as darkness gath- ered Bob prepared for immediate work. The Apaches were liable to move at any time—in- deed, Bob was surprised at their prolonged balt —and then they meght as well try to capture a shooting-star. The young man explained his plans to the major and then glided noiselessly away. ‘* He'll never come back alive,” grumbled the veteran. ‘It’s rank suicide, and | ought to be kicked for allowing it, 1 believe I’ve got soft- ening of the brain. Confound my weaknesses!” Bob reached the edge of the Apache cam and there paused to survey it.. The scene ha not changed; the grim warriors were as before and the prisoner lay with his back to a mound, outwardly wholly at his ease. It was a part of Bob’s plan to tunnel through this mound; indeed, that was the only wa open to him. To attempt to move around it would be very dangerous, to say the least, He went at his work in earnest, using one of the stage-seats, which bé had secured for a spade, There was no resistance; the soft sand was easily moved and he went ahead like a bur- rowing animal, He was ‘half-way through, and wholly inside his tannel, when there was a sound of voices just behind him. He recognized the guttural, harsh tones and, looking back, could see a pair of Apache legs, . Jt was a moment of thrilling suspense, for discovery seemed certain, but dauger was tem- sitog A averted by an unexpected occurrence. here was a motion of the sand bebind the young adventurer and then it fell down into his tunnel, shutting out his view of Apache le and starlight at one and the same time. He was, of course, buried by the slide, but it did not trouble him in the least, He had plenty of elbow room in his vicinity and, resuming work, soon bad fresh air from the other side. This opening gave him a plain view of the risoner. Indeed, Bob nearly thrust the board into his back by accident, a way of announcing his presence which was scarcely cautious enough. See He tried another way. “Tsay, stranger!” ye He spoke in a subdued yoice, but = young man could not help hearing him. He start slightly, but, showing good nerves, turned his head slowly. aa alte “Say nothing,” continued Brimstone Bob, ‘Tam a friend and a white man, like yourself. I'll cut your bonds, and then do you follow me. Of course you know your life depends on your own prudence.” The stranger nodded and the breach. One sweep of Bob's knife li ted’ them-and those on his ankles followed. Hé was free, but not yet ‘‘ out of the woods,” — With admirable skill he turned and wormed © his way after Bob inside the mound. The vacant space was barely large enough to hold them both, and the leader lost no time in turn- ing to the work of removing ‘the sand which had caved in on him. . > uf his hands nearer* ” ~ = oo “You're a brick,” said the rescued man, — “and I'll do you a good turn someday. We — need hosses; jest watch me gobble up a couple.” “No; I have other means of foing. ut, seek talk now, My scalp is not for sale or to " As he spoke his po aR on spade went — through the sand, a little light entered, and then a fresh lot of the fine grains came tumbling down, leaving a considerable hole, and Brim- stone Bob, neces gazing into the glit through, found himself © tering eyes of an Apache —
Page 4
A A brief pause ensued, for the red-man was clearly a good deal astonished, but Bob knew tbat delay would be fatal in his case and he soon moved. With one long, agile bound he shot into the open air, and in another moment the Apache was lying flat on his back. Bob’s head had struck bim in the pit of bis stomach and knock- ed sense and life out of his body for the time. So far, all had gone well, but as bad luck would have it, the warrior’s former companion ‘was but a few feet away and all this scene had been open to his am eyes. Another moment and his wild yell tele- grapbed the alarm to his companions, but it ‘was not repeated, Brimstone ‘Bob snatched the knife from the belt of the fallen man and, casting it with won- derful speed and accuracy, buried the blade hilt-deep in the warrior’s body. It’s a foolish man that dallies with an Apache on the We peuat. The stricken man fell to the ground, but by the time he was fairly down the white youths were in retreat, led by Bob, and the other red- skins came swarming from among the sand- mounds like prairie-dogs making for their bur- rows. Instantly, a chorus of angry yells arose, They saw the two prostrate warriors and the fleeing whites, and the scene needed no interpretation, T vo or three bullets whistled t the fugi- tives’ heads, but they ran on undisturbed, the late prisover throwing back defiant yells. “Shoot ther varmints; I’d like ter hev a Henry rifle now. You'd see me settle their hash in sbort order.” Bob did not answer, but he was too wise to wish to face a score of Apaches. His only fear was that such a thing would become unavoid- able. The distance to the stage was soon traveled, and they found . venvening ready for departure. Major Bragg was in position on the box, the reins upheld in, his expectant hands, and even the horses seemed to know the critical state of airs. Brimstone Bob gained the seat with a flying Jeap, and the rescued captive, seeing no other chance, bounded inside. Then Bob caught the reins, a single word was given the Horse Quar- tette, they straightened the straps and were off like a shot. Then an exciting scene. Bob gave at- tention y to his horses, and it needed all his care to navigate the sand-mounds successfully, Near together as they were, it required a cool head, a quick eye and a steady hand to avoid upsetting the coach, Bragg, excited but fearless, pounded bis wooden leg on the footboard as though to fur- nish music for the occasion, and complimented Bob freely. ‘“Well done! well done! You turned that mound beautifully.. There’s another; look out! Excellent! You could handle a Parrott gun, Good boy, good boy!” The ex-captive had been shouting defiance: but his tune nee | changed. The regular and vicious cracning of a repeating rifle showed that he bad found the weapons inside the stage, and was practicing on the pursuers, The ma sniffed disapprovingly, and mut- tered pomething about firing without orders, but it was no time for quarrels among them- selves. The race was beginning to assume an omin- ous look. Fleet and gallant the Horse Quartette cer- tainly was; but it remained a fact that a coach- cxd-four could not. be navigated among the sand-hills as fleetly as a single horse. All this became clear when the pursued saw that they were. being slowly but surely run down. ‘‘What are we going to dof’ Bragg de- manded. ‘What more can we do than this?’ * But they ze gaining.” ‘¢Some of them are, but others are stopping by the way, never ‘to get, "e again, thanks to our new recruit. Then— But, hurrah! here we leave the sand-bills and it’s a straight road after this. If we don’t hold our own I’m greatly mistaken,” oe Evidently the Apaches were of the same opinion, fer there was a sudden change in their tactics. Bullets began to fly freely, and only the fact that it was night saved the coach from being riddled. The late captive handled his own rifle with a good deal of noise, if not with effect, B: ded the footboard with his wooden leg In increased applause, and the fugi- tives went on rapidly, i - ee ——————— Brimstone Bob did not once look behind bim; all his attention was given to his team, and to the route, and ho handled his horses like a veteran. The gallant blacks,on their own part, had never been in better spiritsand they went well. Once free from the sand-hills, Bob gave them the word.to do their best, and the wheels bummed like machinery as they whirled around. Footing bad improved, and, no longer snnoyed by the sand, they were going at race-horse 8 > The ex-captive clambered over the seats to his Copnpanians, “Tt’s a hit,” he said, in bigh glee. “ Those durned varmints are gwine ter git left. Keep a tight rein on them horses, young feller, an’ we're all right.” “If you don’t like our style, get off. and walk,” said the major, crustily. ‘‘I guess you and I can’t teach this young man how to drivea coacb, Not much!” “T kin sling ther ribbons ekul ter any man in Arizona,” was the boastful reply. “Go and do it, then, but leave us alone, We've got you out of trouble, and now if you'll sit down and sing low, we'll try to save our- selves,” CHAPTER IV. THE MAJOR TURNS ACROBAT. Iv was clear that Bragg and the rescued man were not going to be bosom friends, but the lat- ter did not seem to desire trouble, He stood be- hind the men on the box and watched the scene with a-degree of attention broken only by the zipping of Apache bullets. rimstone Bob, who was locking. at every- thing in, a thoroughly practical ligt t, saw that the chances were in favor of their holding their own, ifno mishap occurred, but a long race must ensue if the Apaches bung to the trail. g saw the wisdom which had made his driver take four horses and applauded the flying Quartette freely. The extra passenger grew communicative, He said his name was Dirk Daniels, and that he was a cowboy from Texas, but a miner in Arizo- na. He showed a disposition to boast of whatthe could do, but as he really seemed to be without fear it was in a degree pardonable, He had been captured white crossing the plain and held as we have seén, The race continued, three miles were qnickly made and the pursuers began to look less omin- ous. The poorer mounted ones bad fallen to the rear and only eight or ten were near euough to be seen. Daniels had fired at these with poor success, but Bob,who was an adept at shooting by night; was just thinking of exchanging places with him when a new complication occurred. Several dark objects, suddenly loomed up in front of them, and Bob was just on the point of reining out to avoid what he took to be bowlders when o discovered that each and every dark spot was made by a mounted Apache warrior, They bad fallen on a second party! Bob’s resolution was taken in a moment; it would not do to sheer off and run a neck-and- neck race with those red cut-throats; so he kept the Lightning Quartette beaded as they were and cracked his whip once over their heads, The sound was as good as a blow, and each ee brute made a tremendous leap and plunged forward like a shot, their faces straight for the Apaches, “Tet ber howl!” roared Major Bragg, wild with excitement, ‘Boot and saddl ouble- quick!” There was a sudden pause on the part of the Indians as they saw the cn-coming team, but it was just what Bob had calculated on; that moment’s delay gave him his only chance for escape. Bire into them!” he ordered, holding his reins fast. “Give them lead to kill.” Major Bragg caught at the idea and at his revolvers at one and the same moment, and as the team sprung into the midst of the red-skins he stood erect and began firing right and left. He was dimly conscious that Bob called to him to sit down, but he was fired with the ex- citement -of a scene as wonderful, in its way as the charge at Graveyard Bastion and he did not heed the warning. All, or nearly all, his attention was on the Horse Quartette. They did not ease their wild pace for even a moment, but as they went they Managed to get in a good deal of . ae work by the way, using both teeth and heels. ~~ Bragg saw one doughty warrior plucked from his saddle by a pair of strong jaws,and he sppaans the occasion worthy of ‘ three times ree, Brimstone Bob, and His Lightning Horse Quartette. ‘Hip, bip, hip bur-r-r-r—” His cheer died away in mid-air as the stage- wheel struck against a rearing Apache pony, for the shock was sufficient to ruise the incau- tious major from the box and send him like a cannon-ball through the air. In the language of the West, he ‘‘ swapped ends” once or twice in bis aerial flight, and when he alighted it was on top an Apache cen- taur. He struck the latter like a bowling-ball on a rampage, and out of the saddle went the red buck, Somehow—candor compels us to admit the major never understood it—Bragg came down astride the brute, all right except that he was facing to the rear. : Almost at the same moment the frightened pony gave a scream of alarm and, dropping bis ears on his neck, shot away like an arrow over the plain, Poor Bragg was nearly unhorsed by the mis- bap, but chance enabled him to catch at the pony’s tail, and he clung as tightly as though he was working at a dollar an hour with his board thrown in. The pony, however, was fully convinced that a j guar or some other deadly foe bad settled on his haunches, and he pursued the rapid tenor of his way straight toward the equator, Now ensues a confession. Bragg’s real object, in going to Tombstone by stage was twat, though a military man, he was no horseman, He had served in the infantry when among the cannon’s roar, and after he had passed the rank of lieutenant bad not done any active fighting. He was the worst rider in the army, but in the discharge of other duties was so exact that be had won a mejor’s commission. Now, he was taking a wild ride under cir- cumstances which filled bim with horror, and almost made bis hair stand on end. Brimstone Bob had gone through the group of Apaches like a flash of lightning, and without turning a hair, but when it looked as though victory was won, he was dumfounded at seeing Bragg receting in such a fashion. Bob, bowever, lost little time. Quick as he usually moved, he turned the bead of |.ix Quar- tette for the runaway, and swept away in pur- suit, followed by a volley of wild lead from the Apaches. ‘‘Oh! thunder an’ tarant’lers!” yelled Dirk Daniels, ‘see ther old boyee go! bar’s ther circus-folks what hires star acrobaters?” It was a timely inquiry, but the major was more interested in knowing where he was, and what was to become of himself, The pony was flying, and the faster he went, the tighter Bree clung to his tail. That worthy man ha charged bravely at Vicksburg, but he after- ward admitted that be ‘‘ would be banged if he hankered to break in a Maud 8, gone mad.” ‘* Jump off—jump, old man!” The words floated to him trom_Dirk’s lips as they swept along, but they only brought forth a snort from the veteran. ‘- Jump?’ be roared, longing to shake bis fist at the youngerman. ‘ Do you take me for Sam Patch, or Hole-in-the-Sky? Shoot this infernal horse, will you?” His prayer remained unbeeded, and the stars looked down on an animated scene; a race in which Major Brage took the lead, and made time which would-have won him the * brush” of any fox in England. t the rear—his novel mode of riding gave him a frond view in that direction—came the st with the Lightning Quertette at a break- neck pace and Brimstone Boh at tbe ribbons; while in the stern of all, the Apacbes, who had combined forces, swept along in the chase. On the whole, they might termed the tail of a most eccentric comet, which was repre- sented by the bero of Vicksburg. Bragg would have g'ven a pile of money could be have alighted from the horse, but he conld do neither thet, nor turn about; he could only bang on and bewsil bis fate. ‘“Why don’t you shoot this blamed mule?” be bellowed, addressing Beb and Dirk. “ Fire, you infernal resents: or Tl have you court- martialed! Do you think I banker to be a John Gilpin or Mazeppa? Where is the Western man who does the creasing ? Trot him out, and give him practice. Ob! you _disbolical mule, I wi-h I was t’other side to; I’d cut your villainous throat!” The threat was.an empty one, but his roaring served to keep the pony in fresh terror and be fled on like a wolf-pursued wild steed of the prairie, or any other romantic figure-bead. ‘* Here’s vour modern Tom O'Shanter!” bow]l- ed the major, in an ecstasy of fear. ‘‘ Come and see him. Compare him with the original
Page 5
Brimstone’ Bob, and His Lightning Horse Quartette. 5 and see how he pans out. mule!” “* Zip A bullet whizzed ge eget near the rider's ears, Causing him to d , and again be shout- ed his anger to Bob and Dirk: “ Hold on, you diabolical imps! Who're you shooting at? Crease the horse, not me, "I'll have you both arrested when we get to Tomb- stone. I say, you, Brimstone Bob, can’t you et hose horses out of a walk? Lick’em, I say; ick them, or [’ll—” The remainder of the sentence was lost as a bullet grazed his ear, and, unconscious that all these favors came from the Apaches, he again delivered an opinion to his innocent friends. Minutes passed in this race, and though Brim- stone Bob urged his blacks to the utmost, he failed to diminish the distance; the pony im- azined he was fleeing for his life and he went in a lively style. A change was at hand, however, Unknown to any of the whites, they were ap- roaching a small river which flowed between anks ten feet above the water-level. It was not hard to cross, the water being less than four feet deep in some places, but speed was not desirable, Brage’s first warning came when his pon uitted the earth, but he was not surprised, aving seen so much of him, it was not strange that he should arise and fly. He did not fly, however; he descended, strik- ing the water with full force, and the major nearly lost bis breath and quite lost bis seat. The moment he realized the situation he re- membered he had not swum a stroke for thirty years, and not feeling in a mood to renew his practice, he clung all the tighter to the pony’s tail and resolved to let him take him out. The animal, discouraged by the steep bank eyond them, turned bis head down-stream and began swimming lustily, while four feet. bebind he towed the major, who did not forget to hold hard even while he spluttered and blowed to clear his mouth of water. “Tf this is the way to Tombstone,” he thought, in utter d ir, ‘‘I wish I bad gone ‘by some other route or else let Karah’s fortune go to thunder!” CHAPTER V. BRIMSTONE BOB FACES THE CROWD. THe sudden disappearance of Major Bragg was not lost on Brimstone Bob, who had red watch for traps along the trail. He distinctly ‘heard the splash when the veteran struck and looked over bis shou'der, tf half a dozen Apaches were in sight, ‘* We've got to fight,” he tersely said, ‘‘ Looks thunderingly like it,” Dirk admitted. *‘Swing your horses around an’ we'll use ’em fur a breastwork.” ‘*No we won't, not while I bandle the ribbons, If gen take them for Creedmoor targets you makea big mistake, Let me engineer this thing and do you look out for time and be sure and ‘come in oo the up-beat. Here we gol” Bob saw ani marked the river with a keen and critical gaze. Somewhat of a lead bad been obtained over the Apaches, and in that lay their salvation if they pulled through the pinch, The young driver was about to take a desper- ate chance, if he wished to save the Horse Quar- tette from Indian bullets, but it was the only one open to him. With a sharp but erecetal curve he swung the stage around broadside to both river and y lon ches, and one glance down the bank gave bim a thrill of exultation. It was not so steep brt that it might be de- secended by the horses. Bob and Dirk went off the box like twin flashes, and almost before the wheels had ceased to turn, the panting animals were clear of the le, Then Bob caught the reins, swung the uartette once more, this time to the right and directly behind the wagon, and in a moment more his cherished blacks were knee deep in the bed of the river with a four-foot bank as a ‘breastwork, - Their master merely had them pause, then, ‘flinging the reing loose, he caught up his rifle, plunged under the stage, and with the weapon resting on a spoke, began work onthe advanc- ing Indians, who were by that time dangerously close. Dirk was not behind, His wild yell arose as bravely as though the odds were not terribly against them, and the two rifles began to act as one. Some strange gift enabled Bob to shoot better in the dark than many men could by day. This gift he called a thorough acquaintance with fire- Ob, you villainous arms, but as other men, equally as expert by day, could in no degrew approach him by night, the qualification n:ust go unnamed, The Apaches sampled it to their cost, and there was a ripple of surprise as the three men at the lead went down in succession, and the horses went flying wildly where they saw fit. The true Apache warrior is no foolif he is a hard fighter, and in the present case the band had a call to pull the rein before getting nearer that deadly rifle, With their halt came achance for the besieged to breathe, “Hurrah!” cried Dirk, ‘‘we have ’em this time.” ‘*Don’t be premature,” Bob coolly answered. ” Five to one we lose our scalps before morn- ing.’ ‘What! against them sneakin’ coyotes? Bah! I’m good fur ten, al) alone,” ‘*Don’t make any mistake,” said his more reasonable companion. “The man who takes an Apache for a chicken, usually finds himself left in the end, They have prudently sheered off for awhile, but what’s to hinder them cross- ing the river, and taking us on all sides?” ** It'll be a costly job to undertake.” Bob did not answer, for he deemed such empty boasting mere le He was sensible enough to see and acknowledge that they were in a close corner, and he had no disposition to close his eyes to the facts of the case. As he saw that the Indians bad really back for the time, be turned his thoughts to Major Bragg. What bad become of his adven- turous patron he did not know, but it was bis business to find out, reluctant as he was to de- sert the post of defense, He left Dirk on guard and crept away along. the river-bank, The cowboy looked after him dubiously. ‘*Like ez not be means ter slip away an’ leave me ter bear ther brunt o’ ther danger; it’d be jest. like some folks, But never mind; I kin hold ther red imps in check fur awhile an’ I’ll do it, Dangnation! I'd like ter see one now.” The young fellow fingered his rifle nervously and watched for a chance to use it, but the Apuches seemed to have vanished in earth or air. Finding that he had no immediate work before him, Dirk began to use his mind in an- other direction, and the result was that he began to cast wistful glarces at the horses. It occurred to him that if he should cut one loose from the others and make a dash, he would have a very good prospect. for escape, He hesi- tated to do it, not because his conscience would trouble him, but, because, with all his boastful- ness, be had a due regard for his personal safety, and he rather wanted to bang to bis companions while the red flag of danger was out, Before he had fairly decided, Bob’s signal sounded frem the water, closely followed by himself. He was not alone; at his heels came Major Bragg, puffing and blowing, and his disconnect- ed remarks were plainly eudible, “ Narrow escape; lucky that mule’s tail was riveted tight. Confoundedest country for ad- venture J ever saw; beats Vegluborg clear out 3 nas What comes next? Probably a prairie re!’ “Scarcely, major, for there isn’t any more rass than our horses could eat. Sand wouldn’t urn, you know,” “* Of course I know it, but Arizona ain’t slow in other ways. Expect an earthquake, or bliz- zard, or plague of locusts every minute, Hello, here we are!” They had indeed reached camp, and Bragg was not much the worse for hls adventure. True, he was wet through, but that is a mere nothing in the dry air of Arizona, Bob had found bim on the bank, floundering about like a stranded fish where the frightened mule bad left him after making his escape from the water. Brimstone Bob lost little time, but proceeded to ‘size’ the situation. The inaction of the Apaches was proof enough that they were medi- tating mischief, and the youth was not long in deciding what it was, “They are sending men across the river so as to take us in the rear, Then there'll be a grand rush and they will pile in from all sides at once,” - ‘We'll exterminate the whole villainous pack,” the major said, wringing his wet clothes wrathfully. : “Tf they don’t send ponies in advance,” Dirk maliciously added, ‘ “Hang it!” ejaculated the veteran, with dangerous loudness, *‘ perhaps: you’ think I sad- fallen’ dled a bleating calf or a gentle-eyed doe when I straddled that confounded mule, but there was enough diabolism in bim to run a Government ring from penury to affluenee. ou banker to play Jobn Gilpin or the playful Maze you may swing your foot over the first In mule we meet; I don’t. No, sir!” ‘We had better all swing out of bere,” inter-~ rupted Bob, “It is clear that the Apaches are trying to get into our rear, and that means sure destruction. Our sole hope lies in another dash down the river-bank,” “Good! Swing ot cattle into the traces,” said the major, in yoy t was done, and the nimble fingers of Bob and Dirk~ secured the animals fn place with commendable quickness, after which all re- sumed their places inside the vebicle, Brimstone Bob swung the team around and the start was made, he footing was good along the stream, bordered as it was by velvet- like grass, and the wheels gave forth no sound of importance as they whirled away. The moment was one of extreme suspense, Perhaps the next instant would see them run headlong into a gang of Apaches who would overpower and kill them, a:d even Dirk Daniels showed a little anxiety. Y Suddenly, however, his face Bighiened. “ By thunder, I know where ’. Half a mile below is a ford whar we kin cross an’ only dip ther wheels to ther hub,” “We'll cross there then,” Bob“toslly an swered, They went on and Dirk soon announced the ford, aided by a peculiar tree which grew on the river-bank. indulged in a few exultant expressions, but Bob was not so sure of bis grip; he had his doubts about that ford being a safe place. If the Apaches were lurking near them, it was not likely they would leave the ford un- watched. He reso:ved to take it at full speed and swung his horses around to strike the water in the most favorable way. The Horse Quartette had never been feeling better, and they neared the water at a spanking pace. Not a word passed between the three men as they rolled on. Bob clung to the reins in bis cool, systematic way, and bis companions held their. weapons ready for use, while all eyes watched far the inolatis , The gallant blacks swept down toward the river at a lively pace, Along its bank grew several dwarfed trees which, together with the natural darkness, served to render their course ere but the young driver did not slacken speed. The leaders touched water, the stage passed the trees and, reaching the river, served to in- creassethe flying spray churned by the horses’ heels; but this advance dia more. As the trees were passed they saw a series of black spots which, in Eastern cities, might have been mistaken for equestrian statues, but which had a styiking resemblance to Apacbe warriors in this remote land of gold, An instant commotion was visible on both sides; red-men and white aroused simultane- ously; and then a bullet whistled past Bragg’s ears. It was the signal for general warfare. The blood of the veteran took fire and bis revolvers began to play rapidly and steadily. He was no novice with the weapon and a dull splash soon followed; and amid all this uproar Brimstone Bob guided his Quartette through the stream. At the bank a single horseman appen as though he bad been drawn to the spot by the firing, but, in some way or other, the blacks went over him, steed and all; and with a jolt and rattle as the stage did the same, Brimstone Bob's outfit rolled away in the darkness, CHAPTER VI, DIRK DANIELS'S INGRATITUDE. None of the fugitives ventured to express confidence for some time, Two, at least, of them knew the typical Apache warrior too well to expect him to Jet a marked victim slip through. his fingers; but it came to pass that they*rolled on two miles in the darkness and no red enemy appeared, It was then unanimously decided that they had made good their escape, or, at least, won a move in the game. Probably the Apaches had not for a moment expected them to make a break for liberty, and the boldest plan had proved the best. Major Bragg was so exultant that he shook bands all around, forgetting his dislike for Dirk Daniels, ae “It was more than life with me,” he declared,
Page 6
) { ———— . >» er -_———_ a “‘I'm bound to get through to Tombstone if I kill every Apache ia Arizona, Confound their ugly hides, they don’t know what they’re trying to do when they delay me, Harkee, youn man, do you bappen to know a young scoundre named Miles Bland?” The Jast question was addressed to Dirk, who. started tion had come so suddenly. ‘* No,” he then answered. ‘Just wait till I get my hands on him and Tll make bim well known!” declared Bragg, pounding his wooden leg on. the foot-board in the old way. “What d’ye want on him?” Difk slowly asked, ‘I want to hang the infernal rascal!” fumed | the major; ‘‘hang him so high, sir, that Ha- | be will go completely out of history. Yes, | sir!’ ‘‘That’s cantankerous, J should say, What's ther owdacious varmint did?” ‘*Did!” echoed Bragg, catching at Dirk’s arm. “He's committed theft and Sesolled the | orphan, Ain’t that enough?—ain’t it too much? Isay he’s a scoundrel, and when I get to Tomb- stone he shall band over the money, and right the wrong. Karah shall have her own,” Mr. Daniels seemed to see more clearly. ‘* P’r’aps this ’ere Bland will leave it to ther sixes,” he observed. ** No, he won’t! We don’t leave the case to any packed committee of his choosing. No, sir! “ Who said anything about a committee?’ ** You did.” ; “No, I didn’t.” “ Didn’t you say Bland might want to leave it to sixes?” roared the veteran. Dirk burst into a responsive roar, but bis was of mirth instead of rag. e seemed to be strangling from some great joke which Bragg could not understand; but just as the latter was about to grasp him by the throat, in just indig- nation, Dirk found speech, ‘*T didn’t mean leave et ter six men, but to er six-shooters, which is called sixes fur short. hat’s ther creed in Arizona, an’ hyar’s as thinks ther winner will be him as is quickest on ther trigger.” n Ae Pll kick him out of town!” ‘*I'd like ter see yer do it!%cried Dirk, al- most defiantly; and then, ae a sudden change of manner, he added: “ Ef|he’s like other Ari- zona boys, he ain’t to be ch bag 0’ wool,” “Tl butt his bead against a rock!” declared Bragg, with his usual prodigality in the line of threats, There isno knowing to what a pass this in- cendiary conversation would have gone, for Brimstone Bob here interfered, metaphorically pouring oilon the troubled waters, and a calm succee the storm, Dirk Daniels, however, had little more to say. He remained silent in his place, chewing his to- bacco 18s though it had been so much steak of boarding-house solidity, until Bob asked his ad- vice about camping for a couple of hours, Strong and fleet as, were the horses, their great efforts had told upon them, and it was lain that they ought.to havea rest, Another cked around like a “desert had been reached, and the stage pulled hard through the sand, Dirk unhesitatingly declared that a rest pnget to be taken, that such a course was safe, as the Apaches were probably miles behind; and that he would watch until day and then make it up by sleeping in the coach af er the journey was resumed, : This idea was voted good. The halt was mude, the horses grained and watered from the supply in the wagon, and then Bob and the ata Jay down and were soon asleep. Dirk Daniels remained on guard, and for nearly balf an hour he was as silent as the sand under his feet,.but he then approached the stage. Bob and Bragg were breathing regularly. He pronounced their names, but they did not answer. They were asleep, The manner of the cowboy then became de- cidedly ominous. He drew his knife, raised himself upon the stage-step, and bent inside the vehicle, b and the major lay sleeping side by ate but dark as it was Dirk could distin- them. Bragg lay nearest him, extended peacefully on his back, his broad bosom rising and falling as he breathed. Dirk raised the knife above him. A better mark than that unprotected ‘breast was never shown. Dirk meant to strike home; there was a devil- ash glitter in his eyes, an murder in his heart, ere Brimstone Bob, and His Lightning | erceptibly, peas! y because the ques- ee OS LE ALLO OTL ES ELD LLL ee He intended to kill the sleeping veteran, and yet he did not strike. Instead, his knife slowly de- scended to his side, A pause ensued; the knife went up again, hung statiopary above the malor, was impa- tiently withdrawn, and then he clambered down from the wheel. ““T’'m a mean critter, I suppose,” he muttered, ‘but I can’t do that.” Yet it seemed that his conscience had not been very vividly awakened, for he went straight to the horses, selected one, and led him apart, FThen he drew his knife again, and looked at the other three. “One leetle sweep o’ ther blade,” he mut- tered, ‘“‘an’ I kin fix them so’t they never take ther stage inter Tombstone. Shall I doit? No; ll go straight ter Bush Brady, an’ ef he an’ his gang don’t stop ther outfit [’m a liar.” He thrust the knife back in his belt, walked to the side of the selected horse, and sprung upon bis back, The animal bad some reluctance about leaving the camp and bis companions when requested, but it was soon over, and Dirk disappeared in the darkness. Brimstone Bob did not awake until the first rays of the sun fell upon his face through the open stage-door, Thesight of that gleam aroused him ay and at once, for he had directed Dirk to call bim at daybreak, He oprung up and out of the vehicle, and looked for the young man, He was invisible; Bob could not see him anywhere. He did, how- ever, see something which aroused him from what little languor remained. One of the Horse Quartette was missing. Bob looked all around, but by the time he had discovered the horse to be beyond eyesight, he had connected his disappearance with that of Dirk Daniels, Soft earth leaves a legible trail, and Bob has- tened to investigate, His task was not hard. He found where Dirk had prepared the horse and afterward rode away, and then his suspi- cions became convictions. The ungrateful cowboy had robbed him of one of his cherished horses, and left the locality never to return. He aroused the major and explained the case, and then the veteran roared his wrath like an angry lion, Such ingratitude had never before been heard of, he declared, and he heaped upon Dirk’s head every opprobrious name he could call to bis mind, , Bob remained silent for some time, but his acute mind was busy and he finally interrupt- e * - ** Major, I have an idea,” he said. “‘ Fire it out!” gently roared the veteran. “ Dirk Daniels is Miles Bland !” The major leaped backward in such astonish- ment, and so suddenly, that his wooden leg failed to keep pace with his more nimble limb and body, and he fell flat in the sand. He briskly arose and brushed the stuff from his eyes. ‘“Why in blue thunderation didn’t you say so before?’ he howled, in great excite- ment, “* Because it has only just occurred to me.” “ Perhaps you haven’t heard me mention Miles Biand!” roared the veteran. ‘‘ Perhaps ie forgotten to whisper his name to you! Per- aps— “No, sir; on the contrary, you’v? spoken it every five minutes, We've breakfasted, dined and supped on the name, and if had been more durable we might have built a steam ‘railroad to Tombstone and used the name for steel rails, Bottle up your choler, major, and let me explain.” : * Button up my collar?’ cried the major, in wrath, astonishment and a little deafness. “What in thunder ails my collar, I'd like, to know?” “T said ‘Bottle up your cboler,’ and it’s ad- vice you should take. You'll bu’st yet, in some spasm. You put on too much steam and you'll lose your cylinder-head.” Bob bad taken Bi the right means to sub- due his hot-headed employer, and under a re- turn fire the hero of Vicksburg came down to common-sense and consented to hear that Bob merely suspected that Dirk Daniels and Miles Bland were one. Led by Bob, the major remembered the con- versation which had taken place when he first mentioned Miles in Dirk’s presence. Then the cowboy had said some rather suggestive things, and Bob remembered that he had started when first asked if he bad ever heard of Miles Bland. It was but a suspicion, but both men agreed that it looked reasonable to suppose they had age tn Horse Quartette. Z i Se eee eee ee ee nin oe $$ ——-— — ww, met the identical man who had wronged Karak Bragg out of her fortune. Whether such was the factor not, he had robbed them of a borse at the moment when his services were most needed, and there was a fire in Bob’s eyes which spoke just as emphati- cally as loud words, Besides the financial value of the animal— which was not less than three hundred dollars— the young driver was deeply attached to him, and it was clear he and Dirk Daniels could never again meet as friends. Not a great deal of time was lost, for Bob ex- pected every moment to see the Apaches appear on their trail, but the three horses were ar- ranged in position and the journey to Tomb- stone resumed, It was a gloomy ride, however, for the loss of the horse was keenly felt. A wide desert lay before them, one which it was wise to pass over gop & Neither grass, water nor food was there, but there was to be found the red-handed Apache on his grand bunt for the scalps of people with white skins, CHAPTER VII, THE TRAVELERS MEET NEW FOES. THE day, which bad been very hor, came and went without new adventures, but the progress of the outfit was not rapid. Even Major Bragg, anxious as he was to reach Tombstone, lacked the hardness of heart to ask Brimstone Bob to urge the horses over the glittering sand in the hot sun. The r>mnant of the Quartette was readv to do all that man could ask, and as Bragg looked at their foam specked sides he once cautioned Bob not to injure them. As for the latter, he was filled with an in- dignation which momentarily increased, but which, as he was a young man of deeds rather than of words, was not made apparent in its full degree to Bragg. In Arizona no man is more detested than he who turns horse-thief, and Brimstone Bob had bis own opinion of what would occur if he ever met Mr. Dirk Daniels. About the middle of the afternoon a halt was made which was to answer for a night's rest. Bob had declared that they must hereafter utilize the cooler hours for traveling and sleep during the middle of the day. Broge easily fell asleep as soon as they came to a halt and Bob attended to necessary matters. He was beginning to fear that food and water would run out before the desert was passed, and the last-named article, in particular, was sparingly served, This dilemma had been forced upon them by the haste with which they bad crossed the river- There they should have refilled the vessels con- taining water, but the chance had not been al- lowed them and Bob Jooked grave as he marked the thirst of the borses, To be caught on the desert without water fer any length of time was a catastrophe too terri- ble to contemplate. Bob gave the major over half of the sleeping time and then awoke him and exchanged posi- tions. Bob lay down to sleep while Bragg arose to watch, An hour and a half passed and darkness began to settle. Bob still slept. He was to be called at a certain time, then an hoor distant, and tbe journey resumed. The major, tiring of doirg nothing, and being no longer able tosee through the darkness, sst down on the box, leaned back and began to think. “There is no longer danger,” he muttered. “As long as I can’t see any Apaches, no Apaches can see us.” his looked like wisdom and truth, but ap- pearances are not always to be trusted, It came to pass that the major accidentally fell asleep, ben be awoke a terrible din sounded in his ears, and, under the momentary impression that he was before Vicksburg and about to charge on Graveyard Bastion, he raised his voice in a tremendous shout: “Forward, Company D! Double-quick, charge!” The last word seemed very timely, for as his head cleared he saw that a charge was goin on; horsemen were darting here and there an a most bideous yelling rung in his ears. Suspecting that they were attacked by Apaches, he drew his revolver, and at that moment two men staggered into view in front of the vehicle, clasped in each other’s arms, but in a grasp far from friendly. One of them he recognized as Bob, and, comprehending that bis young friend was in danger, he sprung dcwn and rushed to his rescue. Unluckily, the wagon pole was in the way,
Page 7
i — and as the major’s flesh-and-blood toe caught on | derless,.wi'hout compass, none too wel] stocked it his wooden leg failed to catch him and he | with food and almost without hope of being went down in a heap, once more filling bis eyes | witb sand, He was soon up, but by the time he could see clearly the scene had changed. The fight was over; Brimstone Bob was invisible, and the Apaches were dimly to be seen rusbing away in the darkness. Bragg comprehended that through a lack of numbers or some other cause they bad seen fit to take a burried departure and he began to look anxiously for Bob, expecting to find him witb bis head neatly balved by a hatchet or minus the hairy growth nature had planted ere. He failed to find him; he searebed the whole vicinity, but not a sign did he see of his friend and guide, ‘Tt’s villainously queer!” he commented. “They can’t bave— But, no; he must be near, Bob! Isay, Bob!” There was no answer, ** Hello!” Even echo scorned to answer. ‘Bob! Thunderation ard fiery pitch-forks, where are you, Bob?” Impressive as was this call, it failed to do any ood, Profound silence followed, and when he ad once more made the circuit of the camp he could no longer doubt but that Brimstone Bob had been carried off by the Apaches. of “It’s a villainous shame!” he cried, striking bis clinched hand on the wagon foot-board as though that were in some way to blame for the affair. “‘ That young fellow is a thoroughbred and it’s a villainous shame, I say, that the Apaches have got him. Ill mount a horse and go to the rescue,” He had taken half a dozen steps when he stopp short and uttered a /resh roar, ? ‘ Jericho and jim-jams! the horses are gone, 00! 5 So they were, though he had but just, noticed the fact. The charge of the Apaches bad left only the wagon and himself; Bob and _ his horses were prisoners, Bragg sat down on the pole, quite overcome. Where, then, was hope of reaching Tombstone? He, was in the midst of a desert which even Bob, with all bis experience, had dreaded, and noth- ing in the world except his legs was at his dis- posal as a means of getting out of it, And Tombstone lay far away. ‘* It’s all my own fault,” groaned the veteran, ‘Tf I hadn’t gone to sleep on Cuty, it’s likely it would not have happened. I feel that Bob’s blood is on my heed, The older men at Digger’s Delight warned me that no one could pass ever Gipger Trail alive, but I tempted young Bob wit my villainous money and now he must suffer for it,” ’ It was a peculiarity of the good man’s sorrow that be thought only of Bob. He bad taken a fancy to the frank and brave, but quiet, young fellow, and it seemed to him that he had com- mitted a crime in tempting him to venture out where the Apaches roved rough-sbod. Tstarallys however, bis mind wandered around to bis own situation after a while. He bad heard Bob say that they would not pass the desert until thirty-six hours later, How long would it take him to walk it? : In propounding the inquiry he momentarily forgot that be was an old man with a wooden leg. When he remembered it, he felt a thrill of fear which Graveyard Bastion had not occa- sioned in the old days. He arose hastily, entered the wagon and looked at the supply of food and water. There seemed to be a plenty of each, but how was the water to be carried? He could not draw the wagon, nor carry the barrel, and the flask which be held would not last more than half a day. ; ; "C iery itch-forks!” be ejaculated, ‘‘I’m in a most Villainous fix. 11’ll take me four days to get out of the desert, and I’ll die of thirst before then. Tbunderation! I can’t walk it; I might as well try to fly. I don’t know the direction, I haven’t a compass; I can’t ,see to hold a direct course by night and the hot sun would turn me over if I tried it to-day. I may as well settle down and take what comes, but 1 do reckon I’ve found my Graveyard Bastion.” ‘ ; The idea was natural and the major was in a bad and dangerous situation. He bad not over- estimated alf this, for stronger men than he bad died in that desert and left their bones unburied to bleach in the broiling sun and grin at the more fortunate traveler as he passed. “Tam like a shipwrecked mariner,” thought Bragg. ‘‘ This waste of sand is the wide ocean; this wagon is my frail boat. Iam adrift, rud- picked up ty another craft. Pleasant, by Jer- icho! The major’s gloomy mood lasted for some time, but be finally aroused and tried to busy bis mind and feet at one and the same time, He made short journeys about the wagon and pretended to be waiting for Brimstone Bob. But Bob did not come; the hours and the night wore on and there was no sign of him. oward morning Bragg grew sleepy and ven- tured to lie down in the wagon. When he awoke the sun was an hour higb. As he turned out his likeness to a shipwrecked mariner became more than ever evident. As far as he could see the desert stretched without a break and, except where the wayward wind had changed the surface, almost as level as a billiard: table, No other wagon, or horse, 6r man, or tree was in sight. He was literally alone on the desert. And the yelor sand glistened and seemed to burn and writhe under the sun which was creeping up the eastern sky like a great ball of fire, “Fiery pitch-forks, but this is a most villainous fix,” he observed, gloomily. ‘ How thedickens am I to get, out of it alive, I’d like to know?” Many others, similarly situated, would have propounded the same inquiry and have been aoe at a loss for an answer, be forenoon was passed in irresolution. If he bad pospoorpa tbe means of carrying water, he would have pushed on and taken his chances, but as the half-pint flask was his only vessel of the kind he lacked the courage—or, more pro- perly, the rashness—to quit the wagon, As the hours wore on his mood vacillated like a pendulum, At times he assured himself be sbould soon be chanced upon by white men and saved; anon, he grew intensely gloomy and be- lieved he should die in the desert, R In eitber case, however, it seemed best for him to remain by the food and drink. The warnings he bad received at Digger's De- light came back to him, He bad been told that it was sure death to go out on the Ginger Trail at that time, and up to that time all had gone as he had been warned, Only the last act in the drama was wanting, _ Unknown to bim, a new crisis was approach- ing. The wanderer on Western plains soon finds it difficult to escape the notice of two things—the keen-eyed vulture, wbo never ceases to look for his prey, and the equally keen-eyed Apache, who is of much the same disposition. he present case was no exception to the rule, and it came to pass that, as Bragg lay sleeping in the wagon, a little before dark, a dark ob- ject appeared at the western horizon, . It advanced, grew larger, assumed form, and revealed itself as being of a dozen parts, and each part an Apache warrior. They were ad- vancing straight toward the wagon, CHAPTER VIII, MAJOR BRAGG TALKS APACHE, roup of horsemen drew nearer, but Bragg slept on, unconscious of their approach. hey had seen the wagon and were making di- rectly for it, for though-it seemed deserted, there might be a chance for some species of THE plunder, They arrived, halted, and dismounted, but the major knew nothing of it, Red faces peered in at the stage-door, but he saw them not, He slept and knew not that his Graveyard Bastion was bristling with danger, When he awoke he was under the momentary impression that the Horse Quartette was drag- ing bim over the desert by the legs, but when K got his eyes fairly open it was to see that he was being pulled from the wagon by grim Apa- che warriors, heels first. ; He was deposited on the sand, where, as he showed no signs of resistance, he was allowed to sit uprighf. It was plain that he was not to be instantly scalped, and as he had his own private opinion as to the best way to get along peaceably with the noble red-man—every one east of the Mis- sissippi has a clear, logical, and infallible opie. ion cn this subject—be proceeded to put it into ect, F ‘My dear sir,” he said, extending his hand to the nearest warrior, ‘‘this is an unexpected pleasure.” ** Wah!” observed the modern Tecumseh, but he neglected to take the hand; an oversight Brage did not try to correct, nor did he deem it prudent to arise, : “When did you arrive in town? tinued, he con- ss - eas 2 Brimstone Bob,'and His Lightning Horse Quartette. 7 2 OS ““Wab!” tersely answered Tecumseh. **T am not sure I understand,” * Wah!”—merely this and nothing more. ‘* He don't unders,and English,” thought the major, who then gave himself up to thought. He did not understand Apache, and he couldn’t see how they were to converse, His next idea may have been occasioned b seeing his neighbor finger his knife, Bragg’s hair seemed to arise, and he had a brilliant theory. ‘ ‘Perhaps he understands Latin and French. Til try him!” It was certainly a reckless decision, sinue the veteran’s sole knowledge of these languages bad been gathered from the back of bis dictionary, and he was far from being a proficient. Again, it was not likely Poor Lo bad ever enjoyed the blessed privileges of Webster's Unabridged, ““Apache e pluribus unum; et tu, Brute!” he said, with his most winning smile. No reply. ‘Je suis pret, mon ami?” . Still dead silence from Mr. Lo. affect him, and ke was proof against the lulling influences of French, The mejor might have spent the time wasted on ‘‘the languages” to just as good advantage by surveying the pic- tured flags of nations which embelish the Un-~ abridged, This fact dawned upon bim, and as his neigh- bor—-the rest of the gang were ransacking the wagon—had drawn his knife and was feeling of its edge, the perspiration started freely frum every pore of the hero of Vicksburg. “The mountain won't come to me; I must go to it,” he thought. ‘‘ He don’t understand En- glish, Latin or French; I must telk Apache!” A more reckless decision was never made by an old soldier, but with the same warm blood surging through bis veins which he had felt at Graveyard Bastion, he wiped away the perspi- ration and went.in, ‘‘ Heliogabulus, fee, faw, fum. Mother Hub- bard went to the cupboard; six times six are thirty-six.” , Bragg Icoked anxiously to see if this extract from what be knew about the Apache language would hit home. His anxious eyes were raised from the carving-knife to Mr. L-’s face, and he studied it as though he were wrestling with the ; inscription on Cleopatra’s needle, Oh! for one gleam of pity! Ha! the mouth of Mr. Lo opens, He is about to speak! The peice leans forward to catch the soft Apach words, i ‘* Yowre an infernal fool !” So spoke the ncble red man, and Brage’s eyes grew larger than ever. No Apache, nor Latin, nor French, was that; tut plain, though gut- tural, English, The noble red-man had not been ou Uncle Sam’s reservation for nothing. What would have come next is uncertain for the flask of whisky was just then discovere and all rushed tosample it, Bragg thougbt of runping, but his wooden leg was against bim and he sat still. Anon, the warriors turned to his side and pe ceeded to pluck bim like a fowl. e took is hat, a second his coat, his pockets were gone through and his watch and other trir kets admired and Pg i ae and then they settled down upon his boots like locusts. ! The first came cff all right, but the sécond stuck. There was a good reason for this, which the major would have explained if be had teen allowed time, but in a frantic effcrt to secure the boot he was-nearly pulled in two—and then ke ja held the boot suddenly sat down on the sand, He had secured the boot, but he also secured something more. Two-thirds of the major’s leg was in his grasp, the portion below that which the cannon-bal]l of '64 had left bim. A long, open-mouthed silence followed, dur- ing which the Apaches stared in blank ameze- ment at the wooden Jeg. Nothing like this bad ever occurred in their experience before, They bad mixed with Uncle Sam until they Latin didn’t. had many of his habits, his ideas and his vir- tues, When they went on the war-path they killed white settlers with guns furnished them by Uncle Sam; they drank the whisky of the white man, they swore his pet oaths, they talked his language after a fasbion; and in many ways they bad become Americanized, But never before had they seen a man pulled apart like a fishing-rod, nor bad they seen wooden legs grow on men, or men grow on wooden legs, No wonder they stared. P When they recovered their mental equili- brium a little, they decided to keep their dis- tance from the major—and did so, They left ‘
Page 8
a fe ee eee ee | him alone, but took his wooden leg, and at the other side of the wagon, in the gathering gloom, held an earnest inquest over this new marvel in natural ar acagl & The major did not venture to interrupt them, They had left very little that belonged to him, but he felt that he would be fortunate if he got out of the scrape with his able-bi died leg and bis hair in their plece. During this pause night had fully fallen, and the surrounding desert was indistinguishable, except immediately around the camp, but while Bragg sat there in the sand, there was a tre- mendous chorus of yells, and several horsemen emerged from the gloom. | Unable to run and without a weapon, the major crawled under thé wagon. From there he saw the new-comers dash upon the Apaches like so many thunderbdlts, and as the attack was a surprise, there wad but a brief strife be- fore the red-men were all zone. For.the new-comers were white-skinnéd; and when Bragg saw that they really held the field, he crawled from under the wagon. One of the strangers seemed to be looking for some one, for he saw him at once, and he no sooner saw than he burst into a loud laugh. His shout attracted the attention of his com- panions, and then all laughed in concert. Really it was no wonder, The major’s sole attire consisted of his shirt, pants and one stocking, while one Jeg was gone at the knee, His bald head gleamed in the darkness like a dilliard-ball on its green cloth, Bragg, however, felt like anything rather than laughing. He had recognized the first of these scoffers; he was Mr. Dirk Daniels, There was no need for Bragg to introduce himself, as was soon shown. ‘‘Thunderation! you look like a scorched rat!” cried the cowboy. ‘‘ Nothin’ left on you cept piv-featbers, by George! Ha! ha! ba!” The other men roared in concert, and the major saw that they were all young, rough- looking, devil-may-care fellows, doubtless cow- boys like Daniels. «Where's the horse you stole?” he tartly asked. * Over yonder,” replied Dirk, pointing to the group of animals and not in the least abashed. ‘Didn’t expect to see me back, I suppose?” ** Yes, for 7 left some plusder behind.” ‘* Where’s ther other horses?” Bragg briefly explained what had become of Brimstone Bob and bis three black steeds, ** Sorry ter lose ther borses,” said Dirk. ‘“ Es fur Bob, he’s peromably out’n his mis’ry afore now. His sku p would be oncommon precious ter a Pach.” He grimaced at the major, but the latter for- bore to storm as usual. He realized that if Dirk was Miles Bland, as he suspected, he might not be in safe company, and the wise man lies low when the blizzard is out. For some reason or other the cowboys did not wish to lose much time at the camp, They pre- pared to depart and take the major with them, and he assumed to be pleased at the prospect. He was glad to get out of the desert, but he felt the same doubt in regard to the company in ‘which he was going that he would have felt to eee with a half-tamed jaguar, They used im with a sort of bantering roughness, but he pretended not to observe it and mounted the ex- tra horse they bad, The fact that there was one seemed odd to him, and he more than half-suspected it had been intended for him, but how could they have are the other members of the Quartette were gone When they rode away Bragg went in a sad os The Apaches had taken his hat, coat and boots, and without these, and with his un- covered wooden leg, he looked so forlorn and _ broken-up that Dirk roared again. “TI say, Old Rat,” he faceti usly observed, “you've got a close clip this time, eh? Burnt prairies ain’t nowhar ter see. Boyees, won’t he enjoy it ter-morrer?” he boys seemed to think he would, or, as Bragg suspected, that they would enjoy it; and at the thought of the blistering sun beating down on his uncovered head he began to de- spair. The men of Digger’s Delight had not ex- aggerated when they described the Ginger Trail. fluenced by the gloomy outlook, the major would have taken to bis horse’s heels, or, more properly, have made a dash, had it not been for is poor horsemanship. This has before been referred to in its proper place. Slow as the cowboys went it was tor‘ure for the veteran, and he was not sorry when Dirk fell in by hiS side and opened conversation, 8 en Brimstone Bob, and His Lightning Horse Quartette. Oe ‘Old Rat,” he said, in his very impolite way, Pye got something to say to you,” ~ ‘Speak on,” said Bragg. ‘TY reckon Dve got a clew ter whar Miles Bland hangs out, or, at least, whar he now “Where is that?’ the major eagerly asked, momentarily eg 4 his suspicions, ‘‘Right byar, Old Rat!” Bragg came down toa practical basis. ‘* Meaning yourself?” “ Yes, sir; I’m ther rooster; I’m Miles Bland; I’m your brother’s nephew an’ ther man that heired his property when it was showed that that thar gal, Karah, warn’t bis daughter.” ‘*Yowre a villainous liar!” shouted Bragg. *Wiery pitch-forks! I'll thrash you if you dare say pose again. ‘You villainous scoundrel, ou! “Soft an’ easy, Old Rat, [hold ther ribbons in this byar case, by Bush Brady’s permission, an’ you want ter fly low.” Bragg aimed a blow at the cowboy, but the latter caught his arm and held it with a tena- cious grip. “Bottle up yer temper, Old Rat, or Pll do it fer yer. Nary blow will I take from you, but est let us git out o’ ther desert an’ I'll show you arab. We needn’t go ter Tombstone ter see her, fur I’ve got ber hived elsewhar, We're gwine thar now. Smoke that!” So saying, Dirk, or Miles Bland, to give him his real name, rode to the head of the column and the sot fad was left to pick the confusion out of his mind and try to get the tangled web straight. CHAPTER IX. : BRIMSTONE BOB TAKES THE TRAIL. NIGHT! At one point on the desert a dozen men were incamp. It did not seem to bea halt for the night, for they had made none of the prepara- tions which usually precede such a halt, It was no more than a temporary halt; one to en- able the men to eat their supper, after which they would journey on in the cool of the night, They were those Bedouins of the American = Apache warriors. Near them their orses ate of the forage carried along with them, for the desert furnisbed none. 1 were not copper-skinned; one, though bronzed, was of white skin and American blood. j He was Brimstone Bob. Our young triend had been twenty-four hours in captivity, and, though he had been subjected to no Wend injury, he was tired of it and was even then planning escape. The Indians had untied his bands so that he could eat, but as his feet were tied with thon which they knew it would trouble bim to untie in Jess than half an hour, they paid little atten- tion tobim. On his own part, be real’zed the nature of the knot and did not meddle with it. Instead, he rolled over, The motion was not noticed by the Apaches. He rolled over again. No atten- tion was given him. Herolled the third time. By that time he began to feel hope, for if he could get a little away from the camp bis escape seemed assured. True, he was rolling away from the horses, but in that fact lay his hopes. Had be been rolling toward them, he wuuld surely have been stopped. With great caution he worked his way until be thought a préper distance had been passed, and then he arose to bis feet after some diffi- culty. - A moment more and a shrill, uliar whistle rung out on the air; a sound which caused the for-once-negligent Apaches to arouse from their feeding and look about for the cause. It had another effect, No sooner did the whistle sound than the three black horses stolen at the same time Bob was captured, erected their ears, drank in the sound and then shot toward their master. Past the Apaches they went at a hard gallop, straight toward Bob, and be saw his chance before bim. It was to fling himself upon the back of one of the blacks; a work few people oh have thought possible when his feet were ound, These doubters would have been astonished had they seen the result, The horses came down side by side at a hard gallop, and with an unerring grasp he caught at the nearest, fling- ing his arms about his neck, and ina moment more was on his back. ‘Then away in the darkness sped the trio, and the taunting laugh sent back by Bob assured the Apacbes that their bullets gone wild. They mounted and pursued, but they saw ns more of Bob that night; the gallant blacks were not to be run down by any ordinary horses. When Bob saw that he had really distanced them, he moderated his pace and gave his at- tention to freeing his ankles. This was the work of a good deal of time, but it succeeded at last and he rode on in a more cheerful mood. Still, there were dangers and pitfalls in the way. He hadn’t a weapon upon bim; not even a penknife; and this on Ginger Trail where the Apache roved red-handed, In case of an en- counter, he would be without any hope ‘except what lay in the heels of his horses. Again, he was heading straight back into the desert, and as there wasn’t a spot of grass, or fountain of water, for miles, his hope of escap- ing actual suffering lay in happening upon the wagon he had deserted without his own leave. or was it all; Bragg’s life might depend on this same chance. He hoped that gentleman would not stray away from the stage. He shaped his course by the stars and rode hard all night, covering far more ground than his late captors bad done in the same time, Chance is a curious thing, often working in our favor and often against us, In the morn- ing, Brimstone Bob looked and saw bis wagon not more than a mile away. He was soon beside it. Until the Jast moment he had hoped the major might be inside, but it was deserted. It had nearly been even more forlorn; there were signs that some one had tried to set it on fire, and though Bob did not know who, the reader will easily see the handiwork of the cowboys. — Bob now iound himself in possession of all his valuable property except one horse, and had it not been for Bragg’s absence he would have been quite cheerful; but the major was missing and he knew bis duty. He must be found. Experienced in trail-reading, he soon made out one fact. A number of borsemen had a few hours before left the spot and rode awa 7 Hey west of south, and Bragg had gone wi them. The marks of his wooden leg, where he mounted bis horse, were as plain as a written account. Why his leg had been bootless, and a deal else about the place, Bob could not under- stand, but one thing appealed straight to his comprebension. In the sand be found & fine breech-loadin rifle, and though he lacked ammunition beyon what was in it, the fact that it was a sixteen- shot revolving weapon made it most valuable, He looked»in vain for a knife or revolver, but finding neither, attached his horses to the stage and rolled away on the trailof Bregg and kis ei et e need not follow him in detail. Enough that be pushed on okgpt fi only taking a neces- sary halt in the Heat of the day. The night which followed was duly improved until within four hours of day. hen snother halt was made, and Bob lay down for just that amount of sleep. When he awoke day had dawned, but no enemy had come near to molest or make afraid. cenprech ahead, however, Bob saw that he was nearly out of the desert. Directly ahead, was a lorg, low line of green which marked a wood, Further to the right was a dark, brown- ish line, a good deal higher, and this he knew to be a mountain. He believed he recoguized the place, though he bad never seen it nearer than then. If 80, he was north-west of Tombstone—a supposi- tion which seemed likely from the direction last traveled, P He now began to feel the need of caution. If the major’s companions were captors, as he sus- pected, it would not do to ride boldly into their midst, Acting on this idea, he once more got in mo- tion and moved briskly for the base of the moun- tain. He reached the fringe of trees at its foot without seeing a living creature. Having gained the cover, be left bis team somewhat concealed, and started off to investi- gate th trail he bad abandoned, but no more than a quarter of a mile had been passed, when he suddenly stopped. Several horses were in sight, srasing among the trees, and baving an air of being xt home which impressed the young man 4 good deel. He also saw evidence of such occupancy of the grove on former occasions, and be drew a con- clusion at once, The men he had followed were in the wood; more, they had made it their home on more than one occasion, if not regularly. °
Page 9
Brimstone Bob, and His Lightning Horse Quartette. All this served to show the need of caution, for it was a painful fact that the Apaches were not the only marauders on the Arizona plains, Perhaps a regular road-agent band lived in the wood, though how they could get a living off the immediate country was not clear. Brimstone Bob went cautiously,on, and at the end of n bundred yards he saW a building before him—one little more than a cabin, but spacious enough and evidently occupied by hu- man beings. ‘ Nor was this all; a man sat just outside the door, bis back against the wall, and slowly and contentedly smoked his pipe. Bob surveyed him critically. He was young, but there was a free-and-easy, lawless air about him not especially inviting. The watcher, see- ing no more just then, lay down in a thicket and prepared to watch, Perhaps half an hour elapsed, and then the door opened and several other young men came out, all of whom scattered about the immediate vicinity, produced their pipes and began to smoke, ; Bob still looked, and with two results. First, it was his opinion that these yuung fellows were, or had been, cowboys somewhere, and, secondly, he recognized one of them. It was Dirk Daniels again. " The discovery cleared Bob’s mind. He had believed Dirk to be Miles Bland, but even if he ‘was not, his true character bad atic and be could not doubt but that he had led the cowboys back to rob him (Bob) of what Dirk had’ not been able to take when he stole the orse. The fellow’s ingratitude was great, but Bob had seen such cases before and did not stop to moralize, “What I want is to find if the major is here,” he thought, ‘If he is, I must contrive to get him away, for he is beyond doubt a prisoner, and if he is not here, then I don’t care to linger, I'll look into it at once,” He suspected that the cowboys had just had their breakfast, and that few if any were left in the bouse, By gaining the rear he might be able to look the place over and bimself remain unseen, Acting on this idea he lost no time in attempt- ing to make the change as planned, nor did he fail to succeed in the first step. He approached the rearin aslow and cautious way. With the exception of one thick group of small mesquites, the horses had browsed down all the underbrush, but the larger trees gave a degree of shelter and he managed to gain the shadow of the wall. The building did not boast of a light of glass, but there were various openings, and Bob pro- ceeded to use one of these, He gained a view of the interior and was not surprised at what he saw, Major Bragg sat in one corner of the room, which was fitéle more than a pev, and was engaged in eating, but the circumstances under which he ate, menaced by a stout young fellow of an evil appearance, showed him a prisoner. CHAPTER X. THE COWBOYS’ LAIR. BRIMSTONE Bos was not in the least surprised at what he saw, but itshowed him that he bad done wisely to proceed with caution, and that _ be must use the same cantion in the future if be wished to get the major out of trouble. The men in Dirk Daniels’s company were un- doubtedly of the same stripe as that young ras- eal, and if be showed himself to them it would render Bragg’s chances very small if not get himself into serious trouble, He must watch his chance for liberating him. He still stood at his post when the cowboy raised bis voice. “Come, old man, burry up,” he said, ‘“ T can’t spend the whole day in getting your breakfast into you.” “Who in thunderation asked you to?’ de- manded the veteran, in his usual manner, ‘Go outside and begin gambling again; that’s what a banker after, and I’m able to feed myself. SS room is better than your company, Clear ou 7 “Let up, here!” cried the cowboy, ‘or you won’t get anything more to eat.” : Just as you say; take it away. The sight of your face spoils my appetite.” “ How about that? The young ruffian doubled his fist and thrust it close to Bragg’s face. “That’s a slight improvement,” Bragg un- waveringly answered, ‘but I advise you to wash it and resume eee according to the homestead law; there’s enough |” What would have been the result of this rash speech is uncertain, if nothing new had occurred, but something new did occur, From one of the side-doors a light, fairy-like form ran out and toward the yc a who was ina moment more folded in a loving embrace. Brimstoné Bob looked in amazement. The new-comer was a young and beautiful girl, younger than the watcher and dazzlingly pretty, and she seemed oy out of place in that abode of wickedness, But Bob gained light even while he wondered, “‘ Don’t you do it, Karah!” Bragg exclaimed. “Keep those white arms away or you'll weaken me, and the Lord knows I need wedoa” pe now.” Bob started, The girl had been called Karah, and as that was the name of the veteran’s niece it was pretty clear that it was she whom he saw. How this came about he could easily see. Dirk Daniels had discovered that the major wag moving to py his plans to rob Karah, and he had taken a bold stand in the matter of abduct- ing both. , lose behind the girl, however, had followed an old woman of most unprepossessing looks, and she now took a hand in the scene, ordering Karah to return to the other room, But the major clasped one arm around her and thumped his wooden leg on the floor as vig- orously as though he was learning to play the base drum, “Get out of this, you witch!” he roared. ‘What do you mean by coming between me and my niece? If you wasn’t a woman, I'd double you upand chuck you out of the win- dow, Clear out, all of youl Karah stays with me after this.” The cowboy coolly stepped to the door and called to some one, Brimstone Bob knew how the rebellion would end, but the time had not yet come for him to aid the major. To appear then would be to bring ruin upon both of them. ‘. Daniels soon entered. He had wholly thrown off his mask, and his lawless swagger became a ee menace when he heard of Bragg’s stand. ‘“* Look right here, old fellow,” he said, shak- ing his finger at the major, ‘tI won’t bave any such nonsense as this. I’m rulin’ this hyar bone- ard, an’ while I'm at it you had better lay ow, Gal, go back ter ther other room, straight- way. {”? ragg thundered out an indignant epithet, but the girl was evidently wise one of her years, and though she showed no signs of fear, she at once stooped, kissed the major, and beat a retreat, followed by the old woman. A violent quarrel followed between Dirk and the major, but it amounted to little. The latter was powerless, and Dirk was so confident in his wer that he often laughed even when storm- ttuatdne Bob was a most interested ob- server of all this, Matters began to assume a new aspect. Karah Bragg was tbe prisoner of a man who intended, at the most moderate es- timate, to rob her of her fortune; and honor and chivalry, as well as his engagement with the major, demanded that Bob do all in his power to rescue her and her uncle, But bow was this to be done? This was the question which Bob asked bim- self, but which was not easily answered. He was one against a score, 7m it was probable neither Bragg nor his niece would be left un- guarded, How, then, was the rescue to be eff-cted? Karah having cut short the altercation inside by going back through the door from which she had come, the major finally submitted to having his hands bound, and all became quiet on the surface. Brimstone Bob, however, was not in a placid mood. He was resolved to rescue the prison- ers, and to do it called for no small degree of effort and shrewdness. He felt that the old woman would bea more zealous watcher than the volatile cowboys, so he planned to rescue the major first, Daniels soon went out, leaving the same man asa guard. The latter settled downin a chair and began to smoke steadily, while Bragg kept bis corper in a mood not far from sulky, Bob devoted the next half-hour to considering how he could best accomplish his object, but we need scarcely say that he decided to wait for nightfall before making any movement, If he could overcome the cowboy, as matters then were, it was not likely it could be done without an alarm reaching the other cowboys who Joi- tered outside the door, Better wait until night mn strike under more favorable circum- stances, : The next thing was to retreat from his posi- tion, something not easily done; but he man- aged so well that he was not seen, and ulti- mately reached the place where his horses bad been left. He did not neglect bis chance to gain a little necessary sleep; but promptly lying down, was soon oblivious of all around him. Strange dreams haunted him while he slept, but when he awoke he felt refreshed and able to cope with his enemies, The sun was epee | the horizon, and he only delayed to make a light supper, and then started for where he had left the cowboys, The scene had not changed, and Bob began to feel a good deal of hope. He gained the shelter of the mesquite bushes before mentioned, and then awaited darkness, It soon came, and though it bad the unfavor- able result of gathering the young roughs in the shanty, he prepared for work, Cecoptng along to the wall, he soon had a view of the main room, What he saw was not pleasing. Daniels and bis followers had settled down to ‘‘make an evening” of it, evidently, for every visible man was playing cards, smok- ing, and keeping watch of the black bottle which somehow had a part in their game, In this same room was Mejor Bragg, bonnd as before, and so situated that it seemed im- possible to get him out uns:en. Such being the case, Bob decided to look for Karah, and to lose no time in doing so. He moved around to the rear of the building again, and guided by a light at one point, ven, tured to raise his bead atove the sill, and look inside, He saw an empty room, but beyond it was an epen door, and he plainly saw the girl. She was sitting in a drooping position, and her expression was melancholy; but it onl served to increase Bob's zeal. He felt that it would bea great thing to save so faira girl] from her persecutors, and as he could not ex. pect a more favorable opportunity, be resolved to act at once, With arms so strong as his it was not hard to draw himself up to the aperture which served as a window. Once there he paused to listen for a moment, and then lowe himself softly to the floor, It now became a vital question whether Karah was alone in the next room. If so, it would be easy to get her away; but the chances were so against it that be did not dare to attract her attention, Cautiously he glided forward until be reacbed the door, rab bad not changed her position. He glanced inside, Except for ber occupancy, the room was empty. It was a chance for which he had scarcely dared bop*, and with a new light in bis eyes, be acai but softly, crossed the floor. Speaking Karah’s name, he drew ber atteution without an alarm, and in a moment more was at her side, ‘* Have no fear,” he said, asleriy’ “T am Major Bragg’s friend and yours, I have come to rescue you—” He paneed as a strange look crossed her face and directed his gaze in the same direction as her own, There he saw ample cause for alarm; the old woman was again on the scene and ber eyes were turned on him in a most suspicious way. , te Hoity-toity!” she exclaimed, ‘“‘ what are you doirg here, my young east ah te Reading ber manner quickly, he knew he had been mistaken for one of the band, and he re- solved to make the most of the chance. “Ther cap’in wants ter know ef you can’t fix some sorter mixed drink,” he explained, in the rude language common to the cowboys. “ He does, eb? Hang the young sarpent! Of course I can, You can’t stump Old Bet on any such rock as that. ter the West which I can’t mix. Same time, I hate ter do it fur such idle, good-for-nothing critters as you. But I will,” She moved toward the door, evidently to ask Daniels what he would bave mixed, but as it was not a part of Bob’s plan to have the whole gang of cowboys on top of him, he prepared for active work. p Catching her arm as she was passing, be thrust his revolver close to ber nose. “Hold, there!” he tersely said. ‘Dare to give an alarm and I will make it a fatal indis- cretion for you!” CHAPTER XL A CLOSE CALL, ¥ Tas turn of affairs plainly astonished Old Bet a good deal, and for a moment she lacked power even to makeareply. Brimstone Bob Thar ain’t a drink knowed y )
Page 10
ee 4 EE Se oS ¥10 a — Sprayed the chance to increase the impression he had made. ‘‘ 1m a desperate man, old lady, and I won’t have any slip-up here. You are my prisoner, and as such I mean to hold you, Don’t dare to make a cry, or to resist!” Old Bet bad by this time recovered her wits, and she demanded to know what he meant, her language being more forcible than polite. ‘All in good time,” Bob serenely answered, * Just now we're not giving full statistics. All ou’ve got to do is to be sharp and say nothing. oung lady,” to Karah, “Ill trouble you to . bring the strings [ see yonder.” The prospect of being bound enraged Old Bet. She was wise enough to read Bob’s expression and not to risk an alarm, but she snapped her toothless jaws and made some appropriate re- marks about cutting bim into mince-meat—a threat Bob beard with unwavering coolness. Karah looked pale and frightened, but she obeyed his directions promptl y and brought the cords. He then asked her to hold his revolver, keeping the muzzle turned on Bet, and applied the cords to the old woman in a scientific way. A gag was bis final gift to her, at which her eyes flashed in a way which made Karah turn her head aver. Bob stowed his prisoner into a corner where she would not be found at first glance, and then went again to Karah, “T’ve got a little something to say, and Ill come right down to business,” he remarked, “If you’ve bad any talk with Major Bragg you must know he set out for Tombstone with one uide—” “ He did say so,” interrupted the girl. ‘I’m the chap,” said Bob, coolly. ‘‘ Well, I now hope to get you two out of this, but if I try for the major right away I'll most likely lose the pai sey 1 now have. First thing of all is to get you clear. See?” “Do what you think best. If I could help ot. But I can’t. Do what you think est, ‘“That’s sensible,” said Bob, approvingly. “Well, just follow me and I'll take you out of this ina jiffy.” He proceeded to keep his promise and led the way to the other room. They then went through the window. Under the trees the night was dark, and as all remained silent there seemed ground for hope that they would make good their escape. They had gone but a few yards, however, when Bob, who never failed to use his eyes discovered some creeping thing in advance and at once halted, Bidding Karab Sorh. ber place he went for- ward to investigate. e belieyed he had seen a man, but the improbability that one of the cow- boys would be sneaking about in such a way led him to hope other and more honest men were on the scene, The creeper was no longer visible, but he be- lieved it was behind a certain large tree and set out to discover if such was the fact. For this work he was well fitted and he wormed toward the tree almost noiselessly. He began to think the creeper had been a fancy of his mind, for not @ sign of him was then visible, Still, he abated no degree of caution and went steadily to the tree, he made a little detour and advanced to where he could view it atasafer distance. He raised his head and looked. The outline of a human form, ofa man crouching behind the tree, was plainly visible, but before Bob had time to inves igate further something else occurred. Rough and strong hands seized him from be- hind. He was jerked to his feet and an iron grasp closed over bis neck. Then he was whirled around, backed up against a tree and given the use of bis eyes, Other men were visible. A full dozen stood before him; wild, yr an Fa fellows who needed no introduction to one like Brimstone Bob. He recognized them as Apache warriors; fresh trouble had come to him by the road. He awaited for them to address him, but, in- stead, they muttered among themselves, speak- ing so low and gutturally that he could distin- guish only an occasional word. What they were saying soon became clear. There was a sudden change in their manner, which then became freshly hostile. Bob was on, Not Feing directl jammed closer to the tree and one brawny fel- low stepped before him, spear in band. The prisoner suspected what was coming but strug- led in vain. The spear was drawn back for e fatal stroke and then came darting for- ward. Brimstone Bob, wholly helpless in the hands Brimstone Bob, and His Lichtning Horse Quartette. of so many foes, did not for a moment suppose he bad any bope of escape; be had resigned him- self to bis fate with the silent calmness of a brave man; but much to his surprise the spear missed his flesh, and, passing between his body and arm, struck the tree with a dull thud. Even then the youth had the presence of mind to see that one hope, and only ne, was his. He resolved to feign death. Accordingly he allowed his head to fall forward and his body to become Jimp in the hands of his captors, and when the spear had been withdrawn and their hold relaxed, be fell to the ground in the most orthodox corpse-fasbion. Very much to his surprise no further attention was .bestowed upon him. The Apaches mut- tered gutturally, their movements were audible ae brief space of time, and then all became still. He opened his eyes. ble. In a moment more he was again the cool Brimstone Bob who had won a name from Austin to Yuna, and he, bounded to his feet with his thoughts fixed on Karah, Unless he calculated wrongly, the cowboys were about to suffer an attack, and the sooner the girl was cared for the better. He hurried toward where he had left her and briefly «explained that a rapid retreat had be- come advisable, Sbe asked no questions, but, taking his band, glided away in tbe darkness, It was a moment of deep suspense to Bob, He expected every moment to hear the yells of the savages, and, what was far more to be dreaded, to encounter some of them in his path, It had become the ruling passion of his life to save Karah, whose touch thrilled him, and he weuld have made a bad enemy then. No foe barred their way, but the drama at the rear was not Jong delayed. There was a shout, a rifle-crack, a chorus of yells plainly Apache, and then other rifle-shots burst out and a tre- mendous tumult began. ; ‘What is that?’ cried Karab, with a little feminine scream. “Hush!” warned Bob. ‘‘Have no fear, Lut trust me and I will bring you throug. ‘But some one is fighting, and those yells were like those of Apaches.” ‘*So they are, but I trust we shal! go through them. Keep up your courage!” Bob was looking anxiously for the cowboys’ horses. ‘The indiscreet cry from Karah had been as penetrating as'women’s voices usually are and he feared for the result, He had just discovered the horses when a pattering of foot- steps showed him a fresh danger and he wheeled to confront the dark forms closing in on Not an Apache was visi- him. The Apaches were at hand again. He placed himself in front of Karah and drew both his revolvers. Once he shouted to the red demons to keep back, but the order was as use- less as he expected it would be, and then he be- gan work in a style he had seen practiced all along the Arizona border from Yuma to Tomb: stone. Working both revolvers at the same time he sent out a stream of fire, and something worse, from each band, and the lead whistled into the Apache group in a free ani fatal style. Men went down before that fusilade never to rise again, and with anything tike a decent chance Bob would have cleared the ground. But the chance wasn’t his. It almost seemed as though the trees of the wood had turned to Apaches. every point, but centered toward Bob: place. Matters were looking very dubious for the a? hero when there was a new turn of events. A loud, shrill scream seemed to fend the air, alarming even the red-men, and then some- thing darted into their midst like an avenging lightning bolt. Right and left the new-comer laid about him knocking the Apaches about like ten-pins, and then with’a glad nigh of: recognition a coal- black horse darted to Brimstone Bob’s side. it was one of the Horse Quartette, the one missing since Dirk Daniels deserted on the desert and he had nobly shown that he was true to his former master. With hoof and teeth he had fought his way through the Indians to where he had heard the familiar voice. It was a glad recognition for Bob, and he at once turned to Karah and bade her mount. Luckily, she had not once lost ber presence of mind, and as Bob sent his last shots home she / sprung on the animal’s back. The Apaches P aged misfo! a were still a little dazed by what bad occurred, and Bob lost no time. With a yell which would have done credit to even the savages, be followed Karah and gave his black steed the word to go, A second com- mand was not needed. ith what almost seemed like a cerisivo and triumphant shout, and regardless of his double burden, the noble animal sprung forward thfough what remained of the Indians. They tried to stop him, but one went down under Bob’s revolver and a second received an iron hoof in his temple which sent him coursing into the by-and-by, and then away sped the black borse. Of course there was_some show of pursuit, but it amounted to but Jittle. None of the pur- suers had their horses ready, and those who started on foot soon gave up the chase, As for Bob, be decided not to tarry in the vicinity any longer. He bad done far better than be had really dared hope, and with Karah’s arms around bim be resolved to devote every energy and resource at bis command to the attempt to baffle her enemies, CHAPTER XII, BRIMSTONE BOB TRIES AGAIN, Nor until al] sounds had died away behind them did Brimstone Bob direct his black steed to go at a slower pace. Excited as the gallant animal was, he would have kept on until utterly exhausted, but Bob did not allow him to lose his wind. He reined him in at last, and looked back, “Are we pursued?’ Karah asked, with a shiver. ‘I see no sign of it, but in any case I have no’fear. We have a horse here which can’t be beaten by any in Arizona.”’ “But there are so many of those dreadful er Ugh! I believe they turned my blood to water,” “Let us hope they and the cowboys will chew each other up—though from the way in which I was so oddly saved from the spear, at the tree, I suspect sar is one, at least, among them who is not all rute.”’ “But my uncle—what of him?” Bob did not answer at once, “T’'m a little shaky about him,” he finally con- fessed. ‘True, Dirk Daniels don’t seem inclined to hurt him just now, but the major is rash, and there is no knowing what'll be the result of his habit of speaking his mind,” R Miles Bland swears he shall never see Tomb- j stone.”’ “T suppose Bland and Daniels are one?” “Uncle Bi called him Daniels, but his read name is Miles nd.” “T see. Well, he’s a desperate young ruffian, in any case.” * He is, indeed, as I wel] know. Heehad a good moiher—his father died years ago—who tried to vem him aright, but he was born bad, He might ave had an easy and peaceful life, but he was crazy for the wilder life around him—and for misdemean- ors. 1| believe that if the law claimed all who break a a in Arizona, Miles Bland would not now be at iberty.’ She spoke with a mixture of sorrow and natural indignation, but Bob was looking for the place where he had left his team, and made no reply. ret placed the horse with his mates, and pausing ‘or a moment to witness the pleasure of the quartette at the reunion, Bob conducted Karah to what he hoped would be @ secure place. There was no sign that they were pursued, and as he did not dare to push out on the plain, there seemed no way except to settle down and hope for the best. Once at their ease, Bob heard the story of the unes. Miles Bland had always hated er because she stood between him and a fortune, and a short time before he had put measures on foot to prove that she was not the daughter of the late Mr. Bragg. Knowing that justice was not alwaysto be had in Tombstone, Karah had sent for her uncle, the major, but before Bland’s claim was decided, he ot into trouble about another matter and had to ee, waking refuge with a party of depraved young fellows, whom he usually ruled when he saw fit to keep their company. These were the so-called Yih? = It was immediately after this tbat Bland met Bob and the major on the desert, and the encounter so alarmed him that, veeerer of the fact that they had saved his life, he stole one of Bob’s horses, hastened to his allies and arranged for Karah’s ab- duction, and then returned to the desert as we have nm All this became clear to Bob through Karak's explanation, and he saw that pay had a dangerous foe in Bland. rg ao much doubt he had repulsed the Apates, but in no degree would this benefit our friends. The Indians would still be left in such numbers as to wander about and use their eyes altogether too at, and Bland would miss no chance to recapture a Knowing all this. Bob finally said as much to his companion, adding: — *) believe it is advisable for me to seek to rescue the major at once.” The girl started Priceptibly. “You surely will not venture into the midst of those terrible men!’’ she exclaimed. “You forget what is at stake.”’
Page 11
“ But they will kill you.” “I trust not. In any case, it would be hardly manly for me to neglect Major Bragg.” “IT should be the last person to wish you to de- sert the uncle who has come so nobly to my aid, but you must not forget yourself. You are young— Karah paused with perceptible confusion, evi- dently not wishing to give all the reasons which led her to fear for the youth's safety. Bob felt his heart beat quicker, for he had not esca un- scathed from the power of the girl’s bright eyes, and it was pleasant to feel that she cared for his future. “*T have forgotten nothing in making my decision,” he said gently, ‘but I must not be deaf to the calls of humanity. I must try to help the major. So far as I am concerned this amounts to but little; I have been accustomed to danger all my life. It was be- cause I was such a wild fellow half a dozen years sao that I got the name of Brimstone Bob, and it “ “Of being afraid.” “Exactly,” said the young man, triumphantly. “You are as brave as any one when yourself is concerned, Then why will you try to make me afraid?” ‘*] won’t,” she said, impulsively. ‘‘If you think best, you shall go, and I'll pray for you; but you'll be careful?” “Yes, but there’s no one to mourn if I fall. I’m without a relative in the world. There’s no one to mourn for Brimstone Bob.” ‘* You must think very poorly of me to say that. You have done so much for me, and been so brave, and—”’ She paused in evident confusion, but Bob's eyes twinkled with satisfaction. He was old enough to desire the good wishes of this pretty girl, and old enough to read her embarrassment. He felt a at deal of satisfactiun at the situation, but grave- answered: “Well, I haven’t any desire to leave my bones in the desert for the buzzards to clean, and I'll try to take good care of myself. Now, I'll leave you here and try to do something for the major. I advise you to keep quiet, even though the Apaches come prowling around, but if the worst really comes, to mount one of the horses and make for Tombstone as fast as possible.” “Til do so,” she cheerfully answered, “ but I ex- pect to see you safely back.’ And so it was arranged. Nature had thrown up a quantity of rocks and bushes around her hiding- place, and he hoped she would be secure unless he was absent until! after daybreak. Their parting was delayed even after all was ready, but he went at last, and was soon gliding toward the shanty. % ‘ Putuing aside the thoughts of Karah,which seemed resolved to haunt him, he devoted all his skill to making a safe passage. There was need enough of caution. He had not gone far before he saw three or four Apaches in a group, and from that point he had to be constantly on the alert. Luckily, he com- bined courage with experience, and he went on with a satisfactory degree of success. Escaping notice, he soon neared the shanty. All was quiet there, but the place was lighted and it was clear the cowhoys had beaten off their ene- mies, and were on the alert for further hostile moves. Bob knew it was not a favorable time for work, but he dared not delay. With the coming of day there would be no hope for Major Bragg until ano- ther night, and there was no knowing what tragedy ht occur before then, e resolved to move at once. Gaining a favorable position, he surveyéd the field caref and laid bis plans. In so doing it must be confessed he used the recklessness of his younger days more than the caution of his latcr ones, but bold measures often succeed better than timid efforts. Leaving his rifle in the thicket, he made sure his knife and revolvers were in place and then dropped flat on his face and began crawling toward the shanty. The shelter was poor, and he knew he stood a good chance of getting a bullet through his body, but he went on, slowly and carefully, taking advantage of every nook and tuft of grass, and finding the dark- ness a very good friend. In due time he reached the wall of the shanty. He had ly chosen a side where there was no window, and as he knew all such places would be guarded, he prepared fora bold undertaking, His previous knowledge of the shanty made him aware that it could be scaled, and to this end he di- rected his efforts, If any of our readers imagine there is pleasure in climbing the side of a building with a deadly foe within and a more deadly one without, exposed to he fire of both if detec by them, let them place shemselved where Brimstone Bob was and try it for themselves. ve as he was he felt the force of his danger oes half-way up. Every moment he.expected to hear the whistle of a bullet, but_he had cast all on the chance and he did not waver. : Climbing steadily he went on successfully until the rcof of the building was reached. Then, drawing himself up, he sat astride the ridge-pole to regain his breath and pron n el to be heard. There were No unusual sound cowboys inside and Apaches all about, but all were on their good behavior just then. Bob’s next move was full of danger; he must make an opening through the roof, an though this was easy enough in itself, it might lead to speedy discovery. He began operations without much de- lay. Shingles and boards were not a part of the shanty, for there was no way to get them there, but the mud-chinked poles were more easily moved, and Bob soon had an opening made. Looking down he epee oy to listen. The lower and upper parts of the shanty were separated by a loose é floor, and through this light ascended in little bars, but unless he was greatly mistaken there were no men above, “TL risk it!” he muttered grimly; and then he lowered himself and cautiously trusted his weig on the floor, Finding that the lower side of the poles had been flattened, he experienced a good deal of relief, as they were far less likely to roll, and promptly pro- ceeded to gain a view of the main room. Cautiously enough he moved the poles a little and looked down. The scene was what he expected. The cowboys were there, weapons at hand, but with the exception of the guards, all were lounging on the floor and smoking. Dirk Daniels was as much at ease as any of them, In the same old corner Major Bragg ‘sat as Bob had before seen him, but something like a melan- choly look was on his rugged face, Dirk arose and went to his side. ‘*T want ter make that offer over ag‘in,” he said, “Will you fight fur us an’ take freedom as your re- ward? The veteran sniffed confempously; ‘ * Still sulky, eh?” added Dirk with a profane termi- nation. ‘“‘Durn your ole carcass, I’m a good mind ter take measures ter make you cackle!” ‘*Don’t you get the idea I can’t talk, you young hound!” burst forth the major, ** but when you talk about my being your ally, ‘hat sort of chaff won't catch me. So it’s freedom for my fighting, is it? Bah! I’ve seen such creatures as you before, and I know just how far I can trust you. Your promise ain’t worth a picayune. If I helped you and we beat off the rascally reds, you would then go back on your word and hold me all the same. bh! I know jou, am I'm not going to make a fool of myself. No, sir!’ Hardened as Daniels was, he was plainly affected at seeing his word held in such complete, though just, contempt, and a red flush was visible through the tan on his cheek, “Be mighty careful, old man!” he exclaimed. ‘Don’t fly too high. Remember you're in my way, an’ don’t tempt me to put you out 0’ it,” “If you do it, my ghost will haunt you!” shouted Bragg. “I'll bring misfortune to you, anyway.” Dirk’s hand dropped on his revelver and he looked at the major with eyes that were full of cruel threatening. Brimstone Bob was alarmed at the veteran's.rashness, but the latter was too furious to take counsel of prudence. “Oh! ge black-faced cut-throat, don’t you think I'm afraid of you!” he howled. ‘ You can't scare anybody that has fought men in his day. Go to Graveyard Bastion and ask its bones if I was there.” The young ruffian laughed in a strained way and turned aside. ‘*Have your own way, you old idiot!” he mut- = sourly, and then picked up his pipe to smoke again. But he had no sooner placed it in his mouth than it flew into a hundred pieces, while at the same mo- _— the crack of a rifle brought every cowboy to s feet. Then upon the air arose the well-known, terrible yells cf the Apaches, and the guards at the win- dows became busy as the red tigers leaped forward in another mad charge, dashing at the entrance ina way which would have terrified men less brave than those who defended them. CHAPTER XII, MISSING. No one was more surprised by this attack than Brimstone Bob, but, like all le who live on the frontier, he had learned to take t ings as they come, and in a moment he was as cool as ever. The decisive attack tollowed closely on the shoot- ing away of Dirk’s pipe, and then every defender was busy. Bob looked with longing eyes at Major Bragg; the chance to interfere in his behalf seemed at hand, but to do this he must venture into the very jaws of Daniels’s tigers. Realizing that nothing except prompt action would avail him Cae ae | in this emergency, he moved accordingly. Lightly as a cat he dropped to the floor below and stood in the midst of his ene- mies, It was a great risk, but he did not falter. Every- one of the cowboys was busy in battling against the Apaches, and though he knew they would ingee d turn if they saw and recognized him, he hoped this would not occur. He ran to the side of the major, who was too — surprised to say anything, and cut his nds. “Follow me at once!"’ breathed the youth. ‘ Delay now will be fatal. Follow me!” Bragg caught the idea and was wise enough to obey. He cast a glance at Dirk Daniels which showed how his mind ran, but for once he was will- ing to keep out of a broil. ; Bob ran into the rear room, but there the fight was raging as briskly as anywhere. Only one chance remained. A rude ladder led to the upper a floor, and this they ascended as quickly as Bragg’s. wooden leg would admit. * Now, then, major, you may take charge if you want to—”’ ** By Mars!” interrupted the veteran, ‘‘I don’t. A man that can sore, out the scheme you’ve just put in force is the kind I follow, not lead.” ** But I want your advice. Let me help you to the roof. Here we pol’ Bob suited the action to the word, helped the veteran up and then followed himself, ey sat safely on the ridge-pole, while the fight raged below. “Now,” resumed Bob, “ the question arises, shall we stay here and run the risk of being as bad off as ever, or slide down and make a dash with the chance of getting our heads —e open ?”’ “I say make the dash,” promptly answered Bragg. « mf wooden leg ain’t so nimble as I could wish, but. the blood of Graveyard Bastion is still here—what JT didn’t leave.” “Down we go, then!”’ No more time was wasted. Bob slipped one of his. revolvers into the major’s hands and descended like acat. We can’t Five g that credit, but he passed down safely until nearly half-way. Bob was watch- ing him when a chill and something else fell over him, A pair of arene arms were wound around him, and he saw his hopes of an uninterrupted escape seriously nipped in the bud, A guttural exclamation proved bis captor an Apache, but before he could try to twist away there was a clatter above and the major’s heavy form came shooting down. Neither of them saw it in time to stir, and in a moment more the veteran dropped be apie on the awl head, and all three went to the ground to- gether. Brimstone Bob was up almost as soon as down and ny oe for hot work, but when Bragg struggled. Bp 1e Apache lay still. Bob bent over him, He was. = the -_ forever; the major’s weight had broken neck, Other savages were near them, but all were too much engaged to heed this little side-drama. Bob. caught his employer’s hand, drew him away, and the darkness soon hid them from view. Not until they had gone several rods did the pause to look back at the shanty. The fight was still going on, but it lacked its old force, and Bob sus- ete the Apaches were doomed to suffer another efeat. “ Let that be as it may,’’ he added, after statin his views, ‘‘we want to fet out of this speedily. Karah is waiting for us—’ “ Karah?” ss een,*? “ Have you rescued her?” “ue Yes. ” “By George! you're a trump, young man, If ever we get out of this I'll make the account square if it’s necessary to elect you Governor of Arizona. Hang it, I forgot that this one-horse place was a Territory, ut 7? al “*T don’t doubt it in the least, major, but let us go on, Karah will be anxiously awaiting us.” It was a good idea and they went as fast as the major’s wooden leg would allow. No Apaches were seen on the way and they neared the place where the girl bad been left without adventure, Reaching the refuge itself Bob paused and spoke her name. “Karah!” There was no answer. “ Kearab r’ He spoke again, but nothing was to be heard but. the faintly rustling leaves. Struck by a sudden fear he pushed his way though the thicket and looked about. The a was not visible, Next he looked for the wagon. That, too, was not to be seen. ' With fast-increasing unecsiness, in which Bragg began to join, he again culled her name, and when there was no answer began @ more systematic search. He came back to the major at the end of a. few moments, ‘She is gone!”’ *Gone where?” ‘That I don’t know. I left all as 1 have told you, but now Karah is missing, and so are my four horses and the wagon, I told her, in case of danger, to take one horse and make ber tte but I can’t be- lieve she has taken the four and the stage, Conse- quay, I believe she is captured by the gosat “It is the infernal, villainous, diabolical luck of this ruffianly country!’ fumed the veteran. “If I had‘an enemy I hated so much I didn’t want him to die, I'd But him here and make bim live,”’ Hob did not hear these words; all his thoughts were on the matter of Karah’s disappearance. There was a pain in his heart which told how much he had. become interested in her, and he felta degree of demoralization new to him, Where was Karah? “We must have a light, major,” he suddenly de- clared. ‘It’s dangerous, tut we may discover someting, We must find which way the stage went.” A dry knot and matches soon gave the desired light. but po b sare discovery resulted from it. The stage had left the place in a due south direction with all the horses attached, and its pace had been rapid, the horses having been at once started into a. allop. From this Bob argued that Karah kad fled rom some danger, but it was not sure. Why had she taken the entire team along? / “T believe some other is ies took the team,’” Bragg finally decided, *‘and I'll bet Karah is still in the woods. She may even have heard our voices, | but mistaken them for those of enemies.” “*T give her credit for more shrewdness than that,’* Bob promptly remarked. “She is a girl of remark~-
Page 12
+9 Brimstone Bob, and His Lightning Horse Quartette. '. sbility, and if she heard any one calling her she dd wait to find out who it was before she r fingers in her ears in feminine fashion, She it near here."’ Bragg yielded to this argument; then stormed awhile at the “luck” and called himself a fool for v nturing on the Tombstone trail, but finally came down to business and threw himself wholly on his young friend's Judgment, “* What are we to do?” he helplessly asked. Bob meditated. * I can see but one way,” he finally said. ‘‘ Of course we can't consider any plan which does not in- clude a prompt move in Karah's behalf. We believe she went in the stage, so we must follow the stage. How? Not on foot, certainly. We must help our- selves to the horses of pur enemies. Now follows another point. If we take but two, they will have the means of following us. What follows?” “Kill those we don’t need.” “Perhaps your plan would be the wisest, but in this country we hate to killa horse. No; we won't do so in this case, but we'll take every hoof we can flud with us.” Bragg voted the B oa a good one, and they de- fayed no loager. Taking their way toward where Bob had last seen the cowboys’ horses, they found the animals still there, and their hopes me strong. Desultory fi was still going on near the shanty, telling that the P pattagge beaten off again; had set- tied down to a siege, and it looked as though they would get the animals clear unmolested. They began operations at once. None of the horses were t but lariats were found hanging from alimb, and these were pressed into service, In this work Bob had to take the lead as usual, but he was equal to the demands of.the occa- sion, ane the work went on as rapidly as could be é a , due time the animals were fastened together in a way Bragg couldn't understand, but which he ap- roved of, and then Bob bade him mount and take is half in tow, The retreat from the vicinity began in good order, and all went well until the edge of the wood was weached. There Bob paused to search for the wagon- trail, leaving his horses with the major. He did not find the trail at once, and time passed until Bragg became uneasy. Once he heard a sort of muffied cry from where his young friend had gone, and answered it, but utter silence followed. The pause had grown ominous, when he saw —* appear in the darkness and stride toward m, * Well, 'm ou've come,” he said, with asigh of relief. “ rb ier Seow to think—” He paused, with his mouth and eyes wide .open, for in the stalwart form before him he recognized mot Bob but an Apache warrior. The latter laid his hand on one of the horses, but the act aroused the major to desperation. Not doubting but that Bob had been captured and scalped, he resolved to part from such dangerous company. With a celerity born of his per yar experience he drew his revolver and fired, and as the Indian fell to the groune followed it up with a yell which put all ithe horses in motion at once. Away in the darkness they , taking a pace. to suit themselves and making it a telling one, while the major soon found that he was only a pas- senger. AL first he enjoyed the rapid going, and regarded it as a triumph on pis. parts but when he realized that he was. leaving Bob behind he looked around, and, seeing no pursuer, tried to stop his caval- cade. He might as well have tried to bridle a blizzard. The horses were thoroughly alarmed, and though they kept together well enough to make the coup- lings hold, they cared not a fig for Bragg’s feeble strength, On they went, regardless of everythiug, Bragg began to feel like an unhung mur(erer. The idea of deserting his young friend was obnox- fous to a man who had fought at Graveyard Bas- tion, and he resolved to. turn back, He cast away the mppse 4 which he was /-ading the animals, but this did not help matters. He was in their very midst, completely surrounded, and as they were tied together he could not fall out of liue. He must go where they went. * Great Pompey!’ he groaned, as he hung fast to his horse in terror, “I’m in for lt again. I'ma Ma- zeppa this time with a vengeance, and I shall be trampled under their hoofs, I’ve read of such things and now I see it. Oh! tearing wild-cats! why didn’t I keep off the Tombstone road?" Bat his regrets came too late; he was on the road with a full head of steam on, and hemmed in by the uncontrollable horses he was hurried away to an un- known fate. CHAPTER XIV. KARAH’S ADVENTURES. Arrer Karah was left alone, she proceeded to obey Bob's orders to the letter. This was simple enough at first, for it consisted in keeping still as I as she was unmolested. oth alarming occurred for some time after Bob went away. , Eanes this time she nestled in the cover of a ledge and awaited the result. She felt a little lonely, and she might possibly have been afraid had it not been for the Horse Quartette. "Those noble animals were near at hand, and as she shared the admiration nearly all people give the noblest of the brute race, she was not afraid while th near. She had a good deal to think about, in reviewing what had occurred since she was stolen rom Tomb- stone, and theaplinnt young man who had come to her aid naturally played an important part in her thoughts. She admitted, to herself, that she had never seen any one who pleased her so much on short acquaintance as he, and. she began to wonder if she would lose sight of him forever when these adventures were over or not, Crack! It was the snapping of a dry twig and at a point which proved it to have been made by other means than the feet of Bob's horses. Karah held her breath and looked and listened. Then she eager ie heard a stealthy moving amon the bushes, and it almost that a subdu breathing reached her ears. She waited with a fast-beating heart. Nearer came the sounds, and she could no longer doubt. Some prowler was in the vicinity. Nearer still, and she made out the outlines of an Apache warrior, who looked grim and terrible. Karah was a brave girl, but she had lived long enough in Tombstone to know just what an Apache was capable of, and it is not to her discredit to say she was too Srigeenee to think of Bob's direction to our one of the horses, and take to flight in case of uger, e one fascinated, she watched while the red buck peered inside the wagon, and then came nearer. He found the horses, and ted his satis- aneeion at having come upon such choice horse- esh. : All this while Karah was hoping she would escape detection, and like a frightened fawn she hovered under the shelter of the ledge; but without a pre- monitory sign he suddenly leaped forward and seized her arm. Poor Karah! she had been overcome by the cun- ning of the serpent, and in the grasp fastened on her she struggled in vain. He drew her out of her covert, and seemed to sur- vey her as critically as though it had been broad daylight. On her own part, his eyes seemed to burn her, and she shivered peasy. “Ugh!” he finally said, with a species of English, Me who. white squaw, an’ what de thunder she do ere? “Oh! don’t hurt me!" cried Karah. “I won't do you harm!” The idea seemed to please the Apache, for he uttered a guttural sound not unlike a chuckle. But he did not reply directly to what she had said, ‘* Where men ?”’ asked, The question didja good deal toward restoring the girl’s coolness, “Two of them went away a moment ago, but the others ought to be here now,”’ she answered, experi- mentally. they come back; me scalp!” declared the **Meb Indian. “You can: to them about that,’’ Karah replied, trying to appear at her éase. ‘Sqauw lie; no so many men here. How many, den? Mebbe you tell?’ He ran his fingers through her hair suggestively ; but though a good deal frightened, she did not waver. ‘There are twenty if there’s one,” she persisted. The Apache began to be uneasy.. He had no desire to face so many foes, wliile on the other hand he did not want to lose either the girl or the horses. He meditated fora moment, and resolved to run some risk rather than lose them. * You stan’ here; nebber run step else me kill. Cut throat, scalp, burn! Unnerstan’?"” “Yes, yes!" gasped Karah. y ‘Wal, you stan’ still like tres, else look out!’ With this warning the red-man proceeded to carry out the plan he had formed, which was to put the four horses on the s ,and drive away in triumph. Now, this feat would have been far beyond the skill of many red-men, as well as white, but this par- ticular buck had once been a hanger-on at a certain officer's quarters, where he had learned to harness, to drink, play cards, and other manly arts. He began to harness the team, occasionally paus- ing to look at Karah and bid her stand still as before directed. : She did stand still, but her brave little bra'n was busy and she was preparing an act in the drama not put down by. Mr, on the programme, He accomplished his work in due time and the Horse Quartette stood in place around the pole; nothing remained to be done except for the driver to mount the box and move away. Karah had been watching her chance, and as the Apache paused and looked toward the shanty, from which point suddenly arose fresh sounds of strife, she moved, With all her force she pushed the warrior forward, moving so quickly be had no time to evade her rush, and as he went crashing down the ascent she sprung for the stage. Toa person in peril the mount- ing is not hard, and ina moment she was on the box and the reinsin her hands. : The Quartette had been a little excited by the crashing in the bushes, and when her voice rung out in a command to go they were ready. There was a forward movement, a straightening of straps and traces, and then away went the team with Karah in the driver's seat and the reins in her pretty hands. The girl was far from being at her ease, for though the rattling speed they suddenly assumed bade fair to take her away from the Apache, she could not but feela fear that the stage would strike a tree and wreck the whole outfit. Tn thus thinking she was not aware that she was handling the ribbons over the most intelligent horses in Arizona. Wonderful indeed were the stories told of Brimstone Bob and his Horse Quar SS Se eS | | 1 | i tette, and those who knew them best would have laughed at the idea of their colliding with a tree. On they went, and as Karah saw their admirable work she soon abandoned all thoughts of guid ox them and merely cJung to the reins as through bh » it; on, until there was a sudden break of trees put she rolled from the green sward of the oasis uja& the sand of the desert. She went a hundred yards at full speed and then began to think of the future. Her unpremeditated flight had taken her away from Bob and the major, and she knew not what to do. Her first thought was to keep on toward Tombstone and make the trip as soon as possibley but as she recollected that she he ee her young "steam she abandoned ea. Reining in the blacks alittle she looked behind her, There she saw something of interest. Barwiy visible in the dim light a single figure—that of a man—was speeding along at a good pace and evi- dently trying to overtake her. Believing that it was Brimstone Bob, she tight- ened the reins on the ever-obedient blacks, and regs came down to a slow trot; a pace very much to their liking, as the wheels were cutting deep in the sand. The runner then gained rapidly and came near. Karah, however, had her doubts. If it was Bob would he not be likely to speak and reassure her? She looked as keenly as possible and then whee’ed and spoke sharply to the Quartette. She had recognized, not Bob, but an Apa..6 warrior, Her cry was not thrown away. The noble hor’'s heard and knew its meaning, and with one acecd they leaped forward, and the sand flew highin ir from both their feet and the whecls. The slackening of speed had been a.great misfor- tune, however. Strong as they were, they could not at once resume their old speed, when the war ‘n was so bound down by the sand. And the Apache abet forward like an arrow, cr: asing the lead at every foot. a Karah was seized with consternation. Again ie spoke to the blacks, and the wheels began to reve: ’e at a tremendous rate—but too late. ; Straight forward came the pursuer, and the g's heart sunk as he laid one hand on the rear of 16 st and mounted like a cat. The race was sis, and the fair fugitive had a most dangerous passen- ger. 4 She looked back and saw his gleaming eyes almost at her shoulder, and she almost dropped from the box with fear. CHAPTER XV. ROUGH PLACES ON THE TRAIL. We left Brimstone Bob searching for the wagon- trail after he bad prepared the confiscated ‘horses for flight and left them in charge of Major Bragg. The young man had no idea as to the directior in which the stage had gone except that gained from the direction it had at first taken. Judging by that, it must have emerged from the wood near the point where he then was, and he began a systematic search, } He had gone nearly a hundred yards when he found the desired sign. It was not hard to discover the wheel-tracks in the sand; one brief examination was enough for tha'; and he only paused to discover by the length of the horses’ stride at what pace they were going. Misfortune is often abroad when we least ro it, and without any eae A as he was bending near the ground, something like the coil of a serpent fell over his head and he was jerked backward {iid left sprawling. a He recognized the touch of a lasso and raised ‘ is hands to cast it off, uttering a muffled cry as he * id so to warn the major, but he was in the clutche:’ of those who would let no chance pass. n He was drawn backward rapidly for sev “al yards, and then several men pounced upon m and he saw ee allaround. He did not wa’ -r, even then, and succeeded in ( rawing his revo! ofr but it was knocked from his hand and the for" > numbers not only held him fast but prevented »\r- ther outcry. 4 With a celerity the inhabitant of civilized p):' es can scarcely comprehend, bonds were =pnies tc 1e prisoner’s arms and he was thoroughly helpless © The Apaches were seven in number, but *# y might as well have been seventy, then, so fe! as Bob's prospects were concerned. He looked at them long enough to make sure they were of the regular order of red-men and then relapsed into :to- icism. He said nothing, nor was he addressed. The majority of bis captors drew to one side and held a brief consultation. Then Bob was marched back into the wood and in the direction of the cow- boys’ cabin. ile bearing bis captivity with outward calm- ness, he was not blind to the fact that he was in t peril, If there is a merciless wretch on the face of the earth it is the Apache warrior when be is on the war-trail. The benes of white men ble b from California to Texas to bear witness to the f ©. For some reason Bob had been spared for the time, but their intentions were not to doubted an¢ ‘ie did not see any hope of aid. : He was taken near Dirk Daniels’s cabin. Fig 9! ig¢ was no longer going on. The Apaches had ‘4 e been repulsed by the little garrison, who were »ri\ if not worthy, and though they hovered near‘«: did not care to try a third assault. “ Bob was given in chi of two warriors an! '‘'t to his thoughts. He had food enough for mi -a- tion. The disappearance of Karah, the whereat | ‘ts of Bragg and the intentions of the Indians wei. 2f interest. :
Page 13
—— Half an hour passed. The surprises of the night were not past, however, an the fresh one came with the suddenness charac- ‘ ‘sti¢ of the others, The Apaches were loungin uf in a listless way when a chorus of wild yel st upon their ears, dark forms shot into view » 'm @very quarter, and with a cracking of rifles several of the warriors went down. b was not at a loss to understand it. The cow- boys, probably afraid that at would be left home- less in the desert, had earried the war into the ene- my’s camp and done it in a dashing manner not likely to fail. In this emergency, only one of the savages re- membered Bob, but he sprung forward to end the bade eareer then and there. The latter saw a “fe gleaming in his hand and wisely turned to flee, buc the stroke could not be avoided, Down came thé weapon, causing a smarting sen- sation along Bob’s back, but it was well for him the red-man struck, His hands fellapart and he knew the stroke had severed the cords, while it barely scratched the flesh. It was the warrior’s last blow, for even as Bob re- alized his good luck the fellow went down, killed by a chance shot, Bob was in the midst of the fray, and as his own life was in peril, and he could not extricate himself sas then, he caught up.a fallen rifle and pre s) efense. _‘e was not called upon to strike a blow. The af- fuity was soon over. The cowboys, hard fighters at ali times, had made a tremendous effort and the Anaches were fleeing in all directions. i Foller!" cried the voice of Dirk Daniels. ‘We ain't going to let them chaps steal our hosses, Fol- ler, sharp. Here, Jones, keep close to me!" The last order particularly interested Bob, for it was he who had been addressed. He knew he had besn mistaken for one of the band, but it made no d. >rence and he quickly laid his plans. Kill ev'ry, blamed varmint you kin!” ordered D). <, as the} van. “ They’ve got ole Bragg an’ ther Ciera they sha'n’t take em away; not ef I know myself.” 9b had his own opinion as to this statement, but he ‘nade no words. ‘ney soon found they were getting the best of the Apches in the race, and unless they reached their horses soon it would be hand to hand and a pour chance for the red bucks. The crisis soon arrived, The horses were reached, but the Indians had no time to mount and escape. Some tried it and found a double weight in their lace. -The cowboys yelled and fought emons. They d men from bu:chered them—when they could. For the fighting was not all on their side. Apache warrior is a bold, hard fighter. with their lives at stake, they gave blow for blow and. the strife raged even more hotly than at first. Brimsto é¢ Bob knew the time had come for him to ra from such pry company, Day was not far away, and when it arrived he could no longer pass for‘: Jones.” Ee was moving away when the battle surged hot- ly in his direction. Men upon him and wea- pons gleamed in the air, He struck down an Apache, and then fell himself; with a dim idea that a moun- tain had fallen upon him, and lost consciousness. When he opened his eyes he first saw that it was daylight. Next, trees became visible; then, voices were audible. Mon bent over him. * Here’s one that’s alive,’’ said a voice, “ but who e veritable eir horses and The Tn this case, eoWall lll be s th . I say, Bo Ar sches?"" » te man addressed raised himself on his elbow w) coutward calmness, don't train in that company,” he answered, **) ve been a prisoner of the ’ t for vou to-ni¢ red dogs, but I fough t, as I’ll trouble ’ Chat a lier” you to recollect. 1's the truth. You mistook me f, . née 2d Jones and we the Apaches side by id Webbe you're right,” admitted Dirk +4 r * Boyees, ook fur Jones. Young feller, halo tele lor?” mie an instant Bob did not know what to Daniels was talking without much show of hostility. but he knew his nature by that time, and if he was aware that hefhad rescu) —and there seemed re et for him to be ignorant of the fact—he wag a close h of the wood, is, while not thorough er gh-to discover the trail of the stage, did make ce ei the fact that While the cowboys c ‘1 way the rough ¢ hen this be- aa certain would have eran ea yeony r man who ec) +d to be wicked himself, There was an instant chy or & pursuit, and Dirk wag by no means reluc- tah: '. ¢ d Bet, from some reason or told him Ky «bh had been taken away eae ene, so he ar ed that she and the horses had gone away in Brimstone Bob, and His Lightning Horse Quartette. 13 ie Stns ee Ooh ee en A ETN ns BE Sm charge of a very few bucks, whom it would be easy to vanquish when found, The pursuit was accordingly begun. Bob began to be uneasy. He knew Bragg and his horsemanship well enough to feel positive he could not long keep out of the way of these rough riders: and though Bob was to go along he would be of no use, The future did not look peoealaing. Dirk and his men started off as fast as the sandy svil would allow, and the wood Was soon left be- hind, A long ride was expected, but as a timber belt a mile to the south shut out their view in that direction, they had no means of foreseeing the end. It came quickly. They had not quite reached the timber when from its cover burst what at first seemed to be a troop of wild horses. Bob, however, quickly recognized them, for he saw that they were tied together and that the form of a single rider arose in their midst, It was Major Bragg and the stampeders. The cowboys were not much behind, and a cheer arose as they saw their horses once more in their grasp, as it were, ey spread out like a fan, pre- pare to envelop them, and there was no doubt as the result. : Bob was bitterly disappointed at seeing the major again in trouble, but even then he could not help smiling at the ridiculous figure cut by the hero of Gravey astion. He kept his seat because he could not do other- wise, but no creation of a humorist’s pencil could equal the look of utter misery and demoralization on his face. hair, unfettered by his hat, which was long since lost, floated in the wind, and he used his hands to raise himself a little from the, to him, terrible backbone of the horse. Pppy was his position that Bob even thought he watched the movements of the cowboys with a hope that their plang would succeed, CHAPTER XVI. CANDIDATES FOR MARTYRDOM. Drek Dawtets and his men made short work of the task in hand. The horses which had been ‘fiery, untamed steeds” to the major were as noth- ng to them in their stam ing mood, and in a short time they were secured and subdued, Brage eres by scrambling over his steed’s head, and Dirk burst: into a loud laugh as he saw that he was barely able to stand, “Tsay, ole rooster, you need some il@ on your jints,’ he coarsely observed. wrath with the belligerent ain, gave way to major. “You impertinent young hound!” he roared, “I may be a little stiff in my knees, but I’m able to wring your neck yet., Take your villainous horses; I've seen énough of 'em!”’ Long and loud laughed the cowboys, but Bob managed to get the major’s attention and signal to him to be careful what he said. The hint was not thrown away, and when Dirk asked regarding Karah, her uncle declared he had not seen her since they were together in the sbanty. ‘Wal, we'll go back to ther woods, an’ look right inter this matter,’ said Daniels, ** In sift it out ef it takes a year."’ Bob remained silent, but he wondered that the wagon-trail had not already been seen, With his knowledge of the direction in which the Quartette had gone, he had already been able to discern the track made by them. He kept his eyes to himself, however, and the return was 5 ge ne prisoners were allowed to ride beside esch other. ‘* Have you had a hard time, major?’’ Bob asked. “Hard! No, sir; it has been § mply heathenish, The rack, wheel and thumb-screw of the Dark Ages fades into nothing beside it. Those villainous horses went mad, sir; clean mad. You might as well have tried to eeyern a steam-engine with a piece of twine. e infernal brutes whisked me around just as they saw fit, and the backbone of the one I rode was worse than a concaved razor.” ‘He looks plump.” “Plump! You could cut beef-steak with his back- gin eee ey I te cut in two.” “Pork cuts easier than ” Dirk, who was still laughing. beef,” interpolated “Takes a hog to find it out!” retorted Bragg. “Hang the horse and hang this whole villainous country. I was a fool toever come into it. When I see the man who warned me not to go to Tombstone I'll agree to furnish him with a handsome head- stone when he dies,” “Basy, old chatterbox; you needn’t hev no spite ag'inst Tombstone, for you never'll get there; an’ as i. ¥e eee better keep it for yourself, "ll n “ I know them that’l) get a rope,” B asserted, Quarreling thus, Dirk and the major went on with the others to the wood. prisoners were placed in the shanty under guard, and the search for Karah began. Brags tried to bribe their guards and failed. Even Ol! t turned a deaf ear toward them, and showed unusual spite against Bob. She pad not forgotten what part he took in the rescue of h. It was half an hour later when Dirk returned, ac- companied by his men. One look at his face was enough to show that all that was ugly in his nature had i a eob. al Tens way Deen Bob. and, prefacing the re- He fix on Fe b et thet too coarse for record, shook his and mad ssed: * You Young do! you've b’en lyin’ ter me!” hat about?’ Bob realized his danger, but he spoke coolly, ed villain! You . re “About ther gal, you calf-chee tried ter pull ther wool over my eyes, but I've got e down fine. Your ramshackle old wegen 1s ‘en in ther wood, an’ Karah went away in it.” “Is that so?’ ** You know it is, you—” “T know noth of the kind,’ Bob coolly inter- rupted.: “Iam willing to admit that my stage has. been here, and that Karah was last night left near it by me. I returned and found her gone, also wagon and horses, and everything else. Why they went, where they went, or where they now are, I haven't the remotest idea.” His straightforward manner impressed Dirk and made him believe, but it did not serve to abate his. wrath, ** How did you come by “Called here for her,’ Dirk turned his eyes threateningly on O “You've lied, too!’’ he snarled, The woman began to make voluble excuses, but he cut her short and called for a plain statement of the facts. She gave them, and he began to see more clearly; but as he realized’ what Bob had done, he turned to him in a manner decidedly omi- nous, “You're too smart, you be!” he exclaimed. ‘I ain’t see’d a chap fur some time who got in my way s0 much as you have, Now, I reckon you're goin’ to get out on’t. I’ve borne it as long as I will!’ | The young ruffian paused and looked at his rivah in a way which would have terrified many an older man; but Bob’s smooth cheeks kept their color, Bragg was more alarméd than he would have beer if his own life had been in danger, and he began a plea which both youths interrup . “Save your breath, major,” said Bob in an un- dertone. ‘ You can’t help me, and he shall not see me waver.” Dirk knew the good of striking while the iron was hot, and he promptly ordered every one out-of- doors. # By his order a rope was brought and noosed, after which one end was thrown over a strong branch. “Give this dog his collar,’ Dirk then said, tryi to be facetious; and Bob's neck was duly encircled. ‘““Ef ther major feels like sheddin’ tears, I'll 8: ter him that you ain’t lost, but gone afore. He'll take his turn right after you. Ill hang you both higher than Haman. Now, then, is all ay vob ‘Everything an’ everybody except ther wictims,”’ remarked one of the men at the rope. “They can prepare t’other side ther range, Ruy this critter up!" Dirk spoke triumphantly, and with a emile on )‘ face, and at the word the men pulled sharply «. t. o rope and Brimstone Bob swung in mid-air! ther gal?’’ he demanded, Bob agian! replied. d Bet, The progress of our story now requires ust re- turn foratime to Karah, whom we left i. on vu- pleasant position. The Apache, having gained the body of the stare, was crawling forward toward the girl, who was t.o much terrified just then to recollect that she had a. reyolver in her belt, Forward came the red buck, and then one of his hands was laia on her shrini.ing shoulder, “White squaw mighty heap fine driver!" She recognized the voice; he was the same man who had intruded upon the refuge in which } ob left her; and she sincerel regretted that she had not paused then to put him forever past the power of mischief. “ Reckon dis way bes’.”’ Without mounting to the box the buck ran an, arm along each side of her and, taking the reins in front of her own hands, swung the team around in a graceful curve, ‘Now, we go back,” he said, in the same placid way. A rebellious mood came over the girl and she tried to thin’: of a way out of her trouble, Her revol- ver was partially concealed by the folds of her dress and had thus far escaped his notice, but it was no time to use it. Such an attempt would merely re- sult in her being disarmed. She thought of leaping from the box, but the idea, wild under any circum- stances, was impracticable while his arms were about. her. He brought the horses down to a walk, gravely remarking: “Mighty few times me go to ride wid pooty gal dis way. We go slow; hab better time.” “Get out, you red villain!” cried Karah, with a little scream at the idea. “I wouldn't look at ” ‘Me like look at you; do Leaping Jaguar's eyes good, Pooty gal; me like her!” He raised one hand and caressed her hair, where- at she screamed several times in loud succession, but it only served to make the Apache laugh. For the time being he was a good-natured vagabond, but the beers of his nature had once been shown and would again core: Seeming to be satisfied with his attempt at love- makin x took . eae hold on the reins and u e ho ses a little, Farah was driven to desperation, She was being returned to captivity, and that means & good deal where man or woman falls among the Apaches. She resolved to risk all in an attempt at gaining her om. As she was about loosening her revolver she potined that the wood was no longer visible in ront, “We are not going to the camp!” she half-uncon- sciously exclaimed. “ Reckon not, much, Why go dere? Go, have to divide wagon, hosses, gal; stay, keep dem all, Hab squaw of own; sell t'other things.” .
Page 14
14 Again did Karah lose her self-possession. Horrified at the idea she struck the Indian full in the face and then tried to leap from the box; but he easily frus- trated her and then closed his brawny hand around her neck and shook her in a most brutal way. ‘*Bes’ learn right away,’’ he unfeelingly said. **Get dat ebery day when take you for squaw. You sit still now, else me choke ag’in.” Karah sat gasping for breath and found it no easy matter to recdver it. His grip had been almost crushing and her delicate throat seemed on fire, She recovered gradually, and with the gain began to feel the resolution for which border heroines are noted. With life and honor at stake she would be foolish to hesitate longer, . Carefully she drew the revolver from her dress. It was ready for use—all except cocking. She won- | dered how she could do this and then use it before the Apache could stop her, but it must be tried. With one motion she pulled back the hammer and raised the weapon to a level with the broad breast behind her, and almost at the same instant she pulled the trigger. There was a flash, a report, a heavy fall, and then no one was near her on the box. The horses, fresh- ly startled, were going like the wind and she dared not Jook around at the dark object in the bottom of the ay be ‘ How long she rode in this way she never knew. She was like one in a nightmare, for her young na- ture was not hardened to such scenes. It was not until she suddenly recollected that she was going wholly at random that she aroused, Then, a little thought convinced her that she must conquer all repugnance and proceed systematically, She brought the Quartette down to a walk, laid aside the reins and proceeded to get rid of her cargo, Examination showed that the Apache bled freely, but it also showed ene thing which pleased her a pace deal. He was not dead nor likely to dieg The ullet had ranged along his skuil, stunning hind, but doing no serious injury. He was even then givin signs of returning consciousness, and it was we she had moved when she did. e dropped the huge form out of the wagon and felt much easier as she receded from it. Allher attention then became directed to trying to make out her exact situation, but the attempt was a failure. Without a known star to guide her 4 did not know one point of the compass from an- other, Still, it would not do to hesitate; she felt a feverish anxiety to get away from the place which had given her so much trouble, and she let the black horses go on at their easy walk, The situation had not changed when night. fell back before the advance of day, but when the sun arose she had the means of shaping her course and did not neglect it, She bad not gone far, however, before she halted the Quartette and sat gazing doubtfully ahead, CHAPTER XVII. DIRK DANIELS’S HOUR OF TRIUMPH, Karu had been brought to a halt by the sight of a wood which arose before herin a prominent and suggestive form, There was nothing familiar about it, but she remembered that the Jair of the cowboys was in just such a wood and fora moment she was afraid it was the same. The next moment she laughed at her fears. ‘Nonsense! I have driven not less than ten miles since I started, and it isn’t very likely lam at the same place. Lam well on my road to Tombstone, and if it wasn't for uncle Bragg and that young man I should feel perfectly safe. This wood is di- Hae in my path and I see no reason for avoiding i Ph Alas! yond Karah! She had yet to learn that it is all too often the lot of the inexperienced traveler of the ey to wander in a circle. Had she known what that wood contained she would not have gone on so easily nor have smiled so brightly. She entered the wood and drove at a gentle trot, a advantage of the greensward. Half the wood had been when she sud- denly pulled on the reins; a signal which the Quar- tette promptly pm big? and yet a weak, irresolute effort in keeping with the look of horror which over- spread her face. A terrible scene had been presented to her gaze, She saw a group of men—the well-known cowboys + —and in their midst an elevated human form which dangled from the end of a rope. Before she had time to discover more, a hoarse, triumphant laugh arose from the group and Dirk Daniels’s well-known voice arose. “Lower ther prisoner! Another chicken has come home to roost and we'll cook ther hull lot at a b’il- in’. Down with him!” The last order was superfluous; already the half- hanged man had been lowered and Brimstone Bob 5 gasping from tLe effects of a choking which had done him no lasting harm and, certainly, no good whatever. The coming of Karah, unfortunate as it might prove for her, had temporarily saved his life. Dirk sprung forward and caught one of the horses by the rein, and as his men seconded his effort, looked at Karah with a mocking smile ‘**So you’ve come back ter him that loves ye best, my litt. ! That’s as it should be, and I'll see that you.don’t go away again. This is a joyful re- union. Down you come, my sweet Karah!” Standing at the step of the wagon he put Bp his arms as confidently as though he was to receive a willing guest. pred could not reply, The brave spirit which had sustained her through so many dangers was for Brimstone Bob, and His Lightning Horse Quartette. | the time quelled. She saw Bob and the major in as great trouble as herself, and she had not a word to say. She sat staring blankly, her face white and quivering, and when Dirk drew her down she lacked the strength to resist or protest. He led her to the side of Bragg and Bob. The latter had almost recovered from his choking and ep the situation. ** You see how it is,’’ observed Dirk, triumphantly. “I’ve got ther winnin’ cards in this game, beyond a doubt. Hyar you all are, like fishes on a string, an’ you’re all mine, Do youhear, my venerable tramp?” He addressed the hero of Graveyard Bastion, who could no longer restrain his indignation. “You diabolical dastard!’’ he roared, “don’t you think this combination wavers. Don’t you think it once! It’s luck has given you that lead, not any ' brains of yours. Brains! You haven't enough of them to feed an angle-worm, and what you have are trash. Don’t you talk to me, you villainous scoun- drel; I won’t bearit. No, sir!” Dirk was laughing loudly. “Why, my babe in the wood, how innocent you are! hat can you do? You’reas helpless as a fly. J hold the game in my hands and I’m going to make yesmart. D’ye hear me?” The major broke into another roar, but it was not so confident as before. * As I said,’’ pursued Dirk, “I’m goin’ ter do some fine business now. I’ve decided ter marry Karah, an’ thar are two menI don’t want at ther weddin obsequies. Them is Bragg an’ Brimstone. Result, B. and B, go off the scene.”’ He shifted his gaze to Bob and continued: ** Ef there hadn’t b’en no interruption ld had you fixed before now, but as it islam going ter do ther job up a leetle browner. Your Hoss Quartette, as you _call’em, has got back, an’ I shall make them useful, You set a great store by ’em, an’ call them ther best hoss-flesh in Arizona. For months they've been your constant companions. When you hev gone, they‘ve gone; when you hev come, they’ve come, ou've gi’n ’em good usage an’ sech. Now, we'll see what they'll do for you. An’ ole Bragg an’ ther gal shall see, too!” His voice and manner told of a fixed and villainous lan which only one of his nature could conceive, But not one of the prisoners lifted a voice to turn him from his purpose. The tempt would be useless, an young brute too well. He went away to perfect his plan and the = tives, though still under guard, had a chance to talk, ** What’s afoot?” Bragg uneasily asked. * Tt is impossible to say,’ Bob calmly replied, ‘* but I have a presentiment that Miles Bland is now about vo end this feud, He has the power and the will, as you well know.” ‘*He’s a villainous wretch!’ fumed the major. “When they told me at Digger’s Delight that the Ginger Trail bristled with danger I laughed at them, but I blame my stubbornness now, my poor Bob. My money tempted you to take me through to Tombstone, and it isto end in ruin, For myself [ care little, but you are in the prime of life and it is terrible for you to be cut off.” ‘Never mind, major,’’ said the youth, cheerfully. ‘*T don’t want to die, of course, but regrets won't do us any good. As for your share, give it no thought, You gave mea job and I freely took it, just as I have taken many others like it. "Tis my trade. IfI die atit, why, that’s luck, That’s all.” Karah sobbed audibly. knew any such at- it would please the tered, puarily. **Oh! what shall we do, uncle?” cried the girl. ‘He has helped me—he has helped us both. We must save him; we must!” Bob’s own lips quivered for a moment. Such sympathy, from her, was very welcome, but it had a chastened element arising from what seemed his nearness to death, “1 think we all understand each other,’ he then said in a calm voice, ‘‘ We have been together, and worked together, with a common object, and good will has been between us. If any should escape this peril and live to be happy, let him, or her, look back ‘= = episode with kindly feelings for those who fall y the way. ‘* We had better all die together,’’ moaned Karah. Bob felt a keener pain as he suspected that it would be better for her to die then, but the return of irk prevented further conversation, ‘Allis ready," he briskly said. ‘‘ Mr. Brimstone Bob, we are now about ter give ye ther biggest kind o’aride ye ever had. Mazeppa, John Gilpin and that crowd fades clean away afore it. You, ole Bragg, an’ you, Karah, notice how B, Bob goes a- hummin’ ter nowhar.’* The entire party, prisoners and all, went to the e of the woods and no more time was wasted. Brimstone Bob was bound, hand and foot, anda ag fastened in his mouth, after which he was utter- y helpless. Being unable to resist he submitted to all without a word. | The plan then began to assume form, The stage, with the horses still attached, was drawn "1p at one side. ‘Then Brimstone Bob was led forward and his enemies proceeded to bind him to | the wheels.on one side, | | a SS SS RS See es es ‘We're a-goin’ to make you of some use,”’ Dirk explained. ‘‘I have often wondered a? be bi. didn’t have a side-rod as well as the wheels of a locomotive. _Wishin’ to eaperinent in this line, I now make use o’ Mr, Brimstone Bob fur that pur- pose. Put on ther human side-rod!”’ The men had the idea, but it was no easy matter to bind the prisoner exactly right. He was lifted and laid against the two wheels, half way from the hub to the felloe, and there bound a syste- “Poor child! she feels for you, too,” Bragg mut- matic manner. Daniels intended that he should be borne over the desert in a position at once painful and free from immediate danger; he did not want him to die at once, but to suffer until hunger or other means carried him off. The binding was therefore a delicate and ingen- ious task. Had he been tied to the outer rim of the wheel, a few revolutions would have ended his career, but, placed as Dirk had planned, he could ride for miles, like a veritable human side-rod, ancl still preserve the breath of life. In order to keep him in place, spokes were used as the case demanded, and when it was done, Dirk felt sure he would not slip toward either hub or felloe. “There you be, my daisy!’’ he then said, “I re- spectfully ask your happy family ter take note of ou ” Karah and the major were aking note of him and the pallor of their faces showed how deeply they felt. Bob was bound with his face toward them, and though a smile of contempt seemed fixed there, they knew his case was desperate; they did not see how the wagon could whirl over the desert, as Dirk intended, without pleting Bob on a veritable rack, The young villain left nothing undone; he even remembered that as Bob went over he would strike against the hub if bound tightly, and so arranged nto and so covered the hub, that it could do no fatal injury. 5 All was ready except the means of making the team assume the rapid speed with which Dirk de- sired them to set out, and he soon arranged that. The Quartette had been standing quietly, champ- ing their bits, but suddenly a fierce grow! reached their ears—a sound they bad heard before and of which they had a horror—and look ng around they saw what appeared to be a grizzly bear running to- ward them. ; f Really, it was only a man in a dead grizzly’s skin, but the loud and well-toned growls he uttered, cou- pled with his appearance, were too much for them. With one accord they sprung forward to escipe the footying. te Then Bedlam seemed let loose. The cowboys yelled in concert, some of them struck the berses with whips and otheis threw «lubs at them; and then away went the black horses, and Brimstone Bob was whirled to his fate. There seemed to be no hope for him. Karah and the major, lcoking <fter him, saw him whirled over and over at each turn of the wheels, and their hearts sunk within them. Out on the desert went the black horses and the wagon; out on the desert went Brimstone Bob. But how fared it with the young man? It was a question he could not at once answer. Despite Dirk’s assertions that he would revolve easily, he had expected to be twisted and crushed almost at the first. Nothing of the kind cecurred; Dirk had done his work well. There was not the slightest tangling of the cords, and only that at each revolution he experienced a dull thud frcm the hub he felt little pain at first. a) Still, it remained a plain fact that his condition was precarious, He was alone on the desert with- out any means of stopping his team. Dirk had thought of that when he gagged him; with his power of speech unimpaired he could have stopped the noble blacks with a word. Over and over he went, as the Quartette sped for- ward like the wind, a shower of sand being whirled over him by the fast-turning wheels. Dizziness, too, attacked him, but. through it all he was looking to- ward the future. He was not to die at once; that was certain. What, then, would happen? The horses would soon recover from their fright and moderate their speed. It would ultimately become a walk. What then? With no hand to guide them they would wander on an indefinite period. Their instinct would lead them to seek water. They would not be likely to suffer, but what of himself? By no means could he eat, and the wagon might stand by aspring and be not gain a drop of water. If a river was crossed he might quench his thirst—or be drowned. On the whole the outlook was horribly ominous; the ycung adventurer did not possess one chance out of a hundred. The hope that the Quartette would head for Tombstone was not to be considered. On that road lay the desert. while by keeping west they could find water and pasturage. Brimstone Bob seemed docmed. It was not many minutes before the horses slack- ened their s , much to Bob’s relief, and then he begana systematic effort to burst his bonds. Again and again he wrestled with each, or tried to eject his gag, but the cowboys had not blundered in a work peculiarly their own, Bob was brave and hopeful, but there seemed so little chance for the last qualification that he paid no attention to it, trying rather to reconcile himself to the inevitable. He even wished that death might come speedily. } f There was something peculiarly bitter about being borne to his death by his own team. Each one of the intelligent, noble animals loved him and had always.obeyed his slightest word. They would do so now as readily as ever, but he could not give the word. They were his unconscious torturers. Straight on they went, over the desert, and on to his fate went Brimstone Bob. CHAPTER XVIII. THE END OF THE ROAD. Havine sent Brimstone Bob on his journey, Dirk marched his force and the prisoners back to the shanty, Karah was weeping and the major storm“ in his usual way, but this only pleased the yruwg
Page 15
Brimstone Bob, and His Lightning Horse Quartette. ruffian the more. Their mental pain was his enjoy- ment. “You shall take your turn in good time, old man,” he said to Bragg, as he placed them in the mainroom, “ AsI said fore, I’m goin’ ter marry my pretty Karah, an'I won’t have you turnin’ up like a ghost at ther banquet. You saw fit ter go on ther Ginger Trail, an’ now you must take ther consequences.” *Go your length, you superfluous dastard,”’ said Bragg, trying to shake his fist, but failing because the bonds held him fast. ‘ WhenI ask mercy of you, just put it on record, will you?” * Vill make you howl yet,”’ Dirk declared. “Not if I know it. The survivors of Graveyard Bastion don't howl easy.” ‘**One of them will stop howlin’ mighty soon.” Dirk arose, walked to ths side of Karah, and put his arm around her waist. She gave a little scream and struggled to release herself, whereupon Bragg arose in spite of the two cowboys who held him, wild with indignation. His hands were bound behind him, but a thrust of his wooden leg sent one of the’ ruffians to the oor. Before the veteran could repeat the stroke, he was felled by a blow from a third enemy, and lay dazed and nearly stunned at their feet. “ Good for you, Drake,’’ commented the cowboy leader. “That'll show ther old reprobate not ter kick up a fuss, but you've hit so hard that I opine ther critter won't get his wits back right away.’ Such was found to be the case, and Dirk was obliged to yoorens further work for the time. He gave Karah in charge of Old Bet, swearing that the woman should die if she again allowed her to es- cape, and then he began to mature a plan for the last act in his drama. Due meditation gave him what he believed was the best way. One of his men was dispatched to bring a certain minister of whom Dirk knew, and knew to be thoroughly unscrupulous at that. When he arrived, Dirk proposed to wed Karah, whether she said her part in the ceremony or not, After that, a tree and a rope would send Bragg out of the way forever. The major did not recover readily from the blow he had received. He lay for hours in thé same dazed condition and the cowboys had nothing to do but idle away the time. ‘ It may be mentioned, parenthetically, that they were ranning » good deal of risk by lingering where they were. Despite their late victory, there was no safety for so small a party when the Apaches were on the trail in force. If Dirk thought of this he probably remembered that he would not be much safer at Tombstone, Every one of his followers, though still clinging to the title of cowboy, was an outlaw.from civilized parts because of sundry crimes. Night drew near and twilight fell over the wood, Dirk posted a sentinel on each side of the shan and, with his remaining men, prepared to pass the evening agreeably. Liquor was produced from the store-room and, with tobacco and cards, became the ruler of the hour. Major Bragg had recovered his mind fully, but when he realized that proceedings were delayed on account of his supposed condition he kept up the show and no one shiny ny the truth; it even began to be suspected that he had sustained a fracture of the skull, or something of the kind. No one made an examination, and even then the bonds had been left on his hands. If he saw fit to die, the cowboys were willing. The veteran had seen rough times when he fol- lowed the fortunes of the army from 1861 through, but never one quite so bad as that in the shanty. The cowboys, deep in their whisky, cards and to- bacco, and cursing like demons, shocked even the old ng As he lay he worked at his bonds, trying to free his hands. What he would do if he succeeded was not clear, for the odds were strong against him, but his desire was natural. - * _ Yet, all his twisting and na yprounted to noth- ing; he failed to free himself. As the liquor worked on Dirk Daniels bis mood be- came more vicious and dangerous. ‘““What’s ther use 0’ our hevin’ this picnic alone when there’s female company near? Who's in favor 0’ bringin’ out ther gals?’ A general yell arose from the young rufflans, The proposal was just what each one of them desired and the noise with which they greeted it settled Dirk’s mind. He called on two of his followers and they staggered into the next room. or Bragg groaned aloud, but he was not heed- ed. e thought of Karah, atege Karah, in such company almost maddened him and he wrestled furiously with his bonds. Vain attempt! ge came a trio shana pyre Pi he oy in their grasp. e youn rl was deat le and even Bet looked Rochines of “Three cheers for ther women!” directed Dirk, and the room rung with the responsive yell. ** Now begins ther unrivaled minstrel scene,”’ con- tinued Dirk. ‘* First thing on ther bill is a dance by Signora Bet Fairytelli. Go it, Bet; shake ther light, fantastic toe!’ The woman saw wherein lay her safety, and forc- ing a good-humored smile to her face she began to dance. Never accomplished in that line, her weight now affected her so that she was about as grace- ful as a cow and the other in unearthly shou The uproar was at its hight when a new sound broke in on the orgies; a clearer, shriller, more effective sound; and through every window came F hd villains rivaled each ng. SS ss pouring Apache warriors, weapons in hand, until the cowboys were hopelessly outnumbered. And not fora moment delayed the red bucks, but with blood-curdling yells they sprung upon the mo- mentarily-dismayed and hushed cowboys. Major Bragg’s brain reeled, but something soon occurred to clear it. A light, lithe form shot to his side, his bonds were severed, and he saw the face of Brimstone Bob. x Up, and prepare to follow me!" breathed the youth. Another moment and he was gone, but by the | time Bragg was on his feet he was back again and holding Karah in his arms. “The window!” he exclaimed. The major ae his wooden leg and went out with commendable agility. Bob passed Karah to him and then followed, leaving the cowboys and Apaches in a Seath-arapple, Briefly bidding the elder man follow, Bob seized Karah’s arm and they hastened away. A few paces they went and then the stage was seen with the Quartette attached. A single re was pear it, and seemingly that of an Apache, but Bob looked to him as toa friend. Before the major had time to think clearer, he was inside the stage, and, with Bob and Karah on the box, they were fleeing at the utmost speed of the Quartette. The Apache figure, oddly, enough was following beside them on horseback. “What does it mean?” Bragg blankly asked, as they emerged from the wood. “It means that I didn't take a very long ride when Dirk Daniels bound me to the wheel. Iran straight into the Apaches, who took me in, I thought at first it was a bad matter made worse, but l’ve found out different. When the reds were preparing for this attack, yonder man,’’ pointing to the horseman, “came to my side and released me. Once before in that very wood he saved my life by feigning to spear me, and making a false stroke. é was the unknown friend of whom I before told you.” “Tama white man,’ said the rider, speaking for himself. ‘Ihave been wild and wicked enough to become a renegade, but my conscience wasn’t equal toit. Ihave done one good deed to-night by saving ou, and ['ll do another by clearing out and living an onest life after this.” . “Come with me and Ill place you above want,” the major declared. **No. LIbegin an honest life asa poor man. When I am sure youare safe from pursuit, I shall say good-by forever.” By this time they had gone beyond all sounds from the shanty, but when the Prepcadenencs of Apache numbers was considered it was not hard to surmise how the fight would end, nor what would be the fate of Dirk Daniels. Our story is done in detail. Our friends reached Tombstone in safety, their unknown friend bidding them farewell half an hour before the place was reached. They never saw him again From that night, too, they never saw Dirk Daniels. A report was brought in which told how a dozen white men had been butchered at a certain point by the marauding Apaches. That was the obituary of the man who had caused them so much trouble. Major Bragg put all of Karah’s property into ready money snd took her to Austin, Texas, Bob accompanied them, for the mAlOe thought there was not another boy like him in the world. The latest news from the three reports Bob, now called Robert Grover, to be the most promising young man in his section, and it says, too, that ina few days pretty Karah becomes his wife. The major is delighted. He is getting a little old, but he is all bound up in his young friends. He sounds their praises on all possible occasions, and when he hears any stranger make admiring remarks eoncerning an outfit of four apenas black horses which is now and then seen onthe street, he likes to tell of his ride to Tombstone behind Brimstone Bob's Horse Quartette and their many adventures on the road. THE END, THE Sunnyside Library 1 Latta Rooxn, By Thomas Moore -...... ... 10¢e 2 Don Juan. By Lord Byron .. ............ vs 200 3 Paravise Lost. By John Milton ......... Re | 4 Tue Lavy or THE Lake. Sir Walter Scott.... 10¢ > Lucrix. By Owen Meredith Rigarten (150 6 UNDINE; OR, THE Warer-Sprrit. From the German of Friederich De La Motte Fouque.... 10¢ For sale by all newsdealers, dr sent, postage paid, on receipt of twelve cents for single numbers, double numbers twenty-four cents. ADAMS, VICTOR & CO., Publishers, 98 William street, N. Y. eee ee ee 2 EE ee eee eee 15 BEADLE AND ADAMS’ STANDARD DIME PUBLICATIONS. Speakers. Each volume contains 100 large pe es, printed from clear, open type, comprising the best collec- tion of Dialogues, Dramas and Recitations. The Dime Speakers embrace twenty-four volumes, viz.: 1, American Speaker, 13, School Speaker. 2. National Speaker. 14, Tadicrous Speaker. 3. Patriotic Speaker. 15, Komikal Speaker. 4, Comic Speaker. 16, Youth’s Speake 5, Elocutionist. 17, Eloquent serge 6. Humorous Speaker, | 18, Hail Columbia Speak- 7. Standard Speaker. er. 8, Stump Speaker. 19. Serio-Comic Speaker. 9, Juvenile Speaker. 20, Select Speaker. 10, Spread-Eagle Speaker | 21. Funny Speaker, 11. Dime Debater. 22. Jolly Speaker. 12. Exhibition Speaker. 23. Dialect Speaker, 24. Dime Book of Recitations and Readings, “These books are replete with choice pieces for the School-room, the Exhibition, for Homes, etc. 75 to 100 Declamations and Recitations in each book, Dialogues. _ The Dime Dialogues, each volume 100 pages, em brace thirty books, viz.: : Dialogues No, One. Dialogues No. Sixteen. Dialogues No, Two. Dialogues No. Seventeen, Dialogues No, Three Dialogues No, Kighteen, Dialogues No. Four. Dialogues No, Nineteen, Dialogues No. Five. Dialogues No, Twenty. Diatogues No, Six. Dialogues No. Twenty-one. Dialogues No. Seven Dialogues No. Twenty-two. Dialogues No, Eight Dialogues No, Twenty-three, Dialogues No. Nine, Dialogues No. Twenty-four. Dialogues No. Ten, \Dialogues No, Twenty-five, Dialogues No, Eleven, | Dialogues No. Twenty-six. Dialogues No. Twelve. |DialoguesNo. Twenty-seven. Dialogues No. Thirteen. |Dialogues No. Twenty-eight. Dialogues No. Fourteen |Dialogues No, Twenty-nine, Dialogues No, Fifteen, ‘Dialogues No. Thirt: y. 15 to 2% Dialogues and Dramas in each book, Dramas and Readings. 164 12mo Pages. 20 Cents, m8 For Schools, Parlors, Entertainments and the Am- ateur Stage, comprisi Original Minor Dramas, Comedy. Farce, D ess Pieces, Humorous Dialogue and Burlesque, by roted writers; and Recitations and Readings, new . nd standard, of the test celebrity and interest. Edited by Prof, A. M. Russell, DIME HAND-BOOKS. Young People’s Series. BraDLe’s Diag Hanpd-Booxs ror Youna PEOPLE cover a wide range of subjects, and are ospecially adaptea to their end, “ Ladies’ Letter-Writer, Book of Games. Gents’ Letter-Writer, Fortune-Teller, Book of Etiquette. Lovers’ Casket. Book of Verses. Ball-room Companion, Book of Dreams, Book of Beauty. Hand-Books of Games. Handbook ef Summer Sports. Book of Crequet. Yachting and Rowing, Chess Instructor. Riding and Dri . Cricket and Foothall, Book of Pedestrianism, Guide to Swimmin ; Avinter Sports—Skating, etc Manuals for Housewives. Handbook of 1, Cook Book. 4. Family Physician. 2. Recipe Book, 5, Drenavinkine aod F 3. Housekeeper’s Guide, linery, Lives of Great Americans I.—George Washington. |, VIl.—David Crockett. II.--John Paul Jones. VITII.—Israel A T.—Mad Anthony Wayne X-ffonansat TV.—Ethan Allen, XI.—Abraham Lincoln. Vann de Lafay-| XI.—Pontiac. . ette. ~T VI.—Daniel Boone, un Dy. sses 8. Grant, Song Books. BEADLE’s Dimr Sona Boors, Nos. 1 to 34. containing the only popular collection of copyright ‘songs. : Melodist, School Melodist, ¢ Music and Words, Joke Books, . Pocket Joke Book. Jim Joke Paddy Whack Joke Tos sp The above publications for sale. by all newsdealers | or will be sent, post-paid, on receipt of price, by | BEADLE & ADAMS, 98 Wixuiam Sr,, N, x bet
Page 16
Deadwood Bick, the Prince of the Road. By E.L. Wheelex, Yellowstone Jack. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr. Kansas King. By Buffalo Bill, (Hon, W. F, Cody.) The Wiid-Morse Hunters, By Cuptain Mayne Reld and Captain Frederick Whittaker, Vagabond Joe, the Young Wandering Jew. By Oll Coomes, Double number, 10 centa. uy By Edward 8. Ellis. Bill Biddon, Trapper. The Flying Vankee, By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham. By E. 8. Ellis. Seth Jones } or, The Captives of thr Frontier, Gulliver’s Travels. A Voyage to Liliput, and a Voyage to Krobding» ag, By Dean Swif:. The Dumb Spy. By Oll Coomes, Aladdin; or, The Wonderful Lamp. the Sea-Cat. By Captain Frederick Whittaker. Robinson Orusoe, (27 Dlustrations) .By Defoe. Ralph Roy, the Boy Buccaneer, By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, Sindbad the Sallor, From the Arabian Nights. The Phantom Spy. By Buffalo’Bill. The Double-Daggers. By Edward L. Wheeler, ‘he Frontier Angel. By Edward 8, Ellis. ihe Sea erpents or, The Boy Robinson Crusoe. By J, Lewis, & Nicko’ the } ‘chs or, The Boy Spy of 76. By T. C, Harbaugh. Diamond Dirk. By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham, » The nom | Ouptain, By Royer Starbuck, 26 Cloven Meof, the BuffalosDemon.. By Edward L. Wheeler. 27 Antelope Abe, the Boy Guide. By Oll Coomen, 25 Buffalo Hen, the Prince of the Pistol. By E. L. Wheeler. 20 The Dumb Page, By Captain Frederick Whittaker. 80 KRouring Ralp Rockwood. By Harry St. George. heen. is nile, Prince of the Prairies. By OlBCoomes. 82 Bob Woolf, the Border Ruffian. By Edward L. Wheeler. 88 The Ocean Bloodhound, By 8. W. Plerce. &4 Oregon Sol, BK SSC ENrtavkse KCK oesertia RO RRO we et - 41 Lasso Juck, the Y ang Mustanger. By O)l Coomes. 42 Tue Phantom Miner, By Edward L, Wheeler. 48 Dick Darling, the zeny Express Rider, By Capt, Whittaker. 44 Kettling Rube. By Harry St. George. i. Old Avalanche, the Great Annibilator, By E. L. Wheeler. 46 Glass Eye, the Great Shot of the West. By J. F.C. Adams, 4: Nightingale Nat; or, The Forest Captains. By Harbaugh, 48 Black John, the Road-Agent. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr, 49 Omuha Oil, the Masked Terror. By Edward L. Wheeler. 50 Hurt Bunke , the Trapper. By C. E. Lasalle. 51 The Ko fleas or, The Underground Camp. By A.C,Iron, ite Buffale. By C. E. Lasalle. 58 Jim Bindase, Jr.» the Boy Phenix. By E,L. Wheeler. 54 Ned Mazel, the Hoy Trapper. By Capt. J. F. C. Adams. 65 Peadls-F ©, the Unknown Scout. By Buffalo Bill. hiffiew’ Pet. By Captain J. F. C. Adams. 5¢ Dendwoud Dick's Eagles. By Edward L. Wheeler. 58 The order King} or, The Secret Foe. By Ol Coomes. 69 OL HM chory} or, Dandy Ellis’s Scalp. By Harry St. George. 60 The White Indian. By Captain J. F.C. Adavs. 61 Buckhorn BAll; or, The Red Rifle Team. By E. Li Wheeler. 62 The ®hadow Ship. By Colonel] Prentiss Ingrah.n. 68 The Red Brotherhood, By W. J, Hamilton. 64 Dandy Jack. By T. C, Harbaugh. 65 Hurricane Rill. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr. 66 Single Mandy; or, A Life fora Life. By W. J. Hamilton 67 Patent-Leather Jog. By Philip 8. Warne. 68 The Border Robin Hood. By Buffalo Bill. 69 Gold Rifle the Sharpshoeter. By Edward L. Wheeler. 70 Old Zip’s Cabin. z Copiaie J. F.C. Adana. 71 Delaware Dicks the Young Ranger Spy. By Oll Coomes. 72 Mad Tom W eastern, the Texan Ranger. Hy W.J. Hamilton. 7% Deadwood Dick on Deck. hy Edward L. Wheeler. 74 Huwk-eye Marry. By O01] Coomes. 75 The Boy Duelixt. By Colonel Prentiss Ing-wham. 76 Abe Colt, the Crow-Killer. By Albert W. Alken, 77 Gerdurer Ob rlie, the Boy Bravo. By E. L, Wheeler. 78 Blue Dick, By Captain Mayne Reid, 79 Sol Oinaet, the Ginnt Trapper. By Albert W, Alken. SO Rosebud Rob, By Edward L. Wheeler. 81 Lightning Jo, By Captain J. F. C. Adams, 82 Kit Harefout, the Wood-Hawk. By T. C. Harbaugh. 88 Rollo, the Boy Ranger. By 01! Coomes. 84 Idyl, the Girl Miner, By Edward L. Whoeler. 85 Buck Buckram, By Captain J, F.C. Adums. 86 Dandy Rock, the Man from Texas. " By G. Waldo Brown. 87 The Land Pirates, By Captaiu Mayne Reid, 88 Pyotenveph Phil, the oy Sleuth. By-E. L. Wheeler. S89 Island Jim. By the wuthor of “ feck Harkaway.” 90 he Drend Rider, By George Waldo Browne. 91 The Captain of the Club, By Biacebridge Homyng. 92 Canada Chet, the Counterfelter Chief. By e L, Wheeler. 98 The Hoy Miners. By Edward, Ellis, 94 Midnight ack, the Rond-Agent. By T.C. Harbaugh, 95 The Rival Rovers, By Lieut. Col. Haseltine. 96 Watch-Eye, the Shadow. By Edward L. Wheeler. 97 The Outlaw Brothers. By Jobn J. Marshall. 98 Robin Hood, the Outlawed Earl. By Prof: Gildersleeve. 99 The Tiger of Tuo, By Georze Waldo Browne. 100 Deadwood Dick in Leadville, By E, L. Wheeler, 101 Juck Harkaway in New York, ‘Bracebridge Hemyng. 102 Dick Dend-Eye, By Colene! Prentiss Ingraham. 108 The Lion of the Bea. By Colonel Delle Sara. . 104 Deadwood Dick’« Device. By Edward L. Wheeler. 1°05 Old Rube, the Hunter. By Captain H. Holmes. 106 Old Frosty, the Guidé. By T. C. Harbaugh. 1 '7 One-Eyed Sim, By James L. Bowen. 108 D :ring Davy, the Young Bear-Killer, By H. St. G 109 Deadwood Dick aa Detective. By E. L. Wheeler, 110 The Black Steed of the Prairies, By J. L. Bowen. 111 The Sea-Devil. By Colonel Prontiss Ingraham, 112 The Mad Hunter. By Burton Saxe. 118 Jack Hoyle, the Young Speculator. By E. L. Wheeler. 114 The Black Schooner. By Roger Starbuck. 9 116 The Mad Miner. By George Waldo Browne, 116 The Mussar Captain, By Col. Prentiss lagraham. 117 Gilt-Edged Dick. By Edward L. Wheeler. 118 Will Somers, the Boy Detective. By Charles Morris. 119 Mustang Sam j or, The King of the Piains. By J, E. Badgor, 120 The Branded Hand. By Frank Dumont. 191 Cinnamon Chip, the Girl Sport, By Ey L. Wheeler, 122 Phil Hardy, the Boss Boy. By Charles Morris, 128 Kiowa Charley, the White Mustanger. By T.C. Harbaugh. 124 Tippy, the Texan. By George Gleason. 125 Benanza Bill, Miner, By Edward L. Wheeler. 126 Picayune Pete. By Charles Morris. 127 Wild-Fire, the Boss of the Road. By Frank Dumont, 128 The Young Privateer. By H. Cavendish. 129 Deadwood Dick’s Double, By Edward L, Wheeler. 180 Detective Dick. By Charles Morris. 181 The Golden Hand. By Goorge Waldo Browne, 182 The Hunted Hunter. By Edward §. Ellis. 188 Boss Hob, 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-Hawk Kit. By Joseph E. Badger Jr. 187 The Helpless Hand. By Captain Mayne Reid, 188 Blonde Bill. By Edward L. W heeler. 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 Mandsome Harry. By Charles Morris. 148 Sear-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 Kuight, By Ol] 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 Bess, Wi!] 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. Harbuugh. 156 Deadwood Dick o Deadwood, 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 Will Wildfire in the Woods. By Charles Morris, 168 Little Texas, the Young Mustanger. By Ol] Coomes. 164 Dandy Rock’s Pledge. By George Waldo Browne 165 Billy Baggage, the Railroad Boy. By Charles Morris, 166 Hickofy 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 8t. 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. 17? 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 WHd Frank of Montana. By Edward L. Wheeler. 182 Little Hurricane, the 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 Charles Morris, 188 Ned Temple, thé Border Boy. By T. C, Harbangh. 189 Bob Rockett, the Cracksman. By Charles Morria; 190 Dandy Darke, By William R. Eyster. 191 Buffalo Billy, the Boy Bullwhacker, By Capt. A. B. Taylor. 192 Captain Kit, the W1.1-0’-the-Wisp. By Lient. Perry. 198 The Lady Road-Agent. By Philip S. Warne. 194 Buffalo Bill’s 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 Willett. 200 The Boy Bedouins, By Capt. Frederick Whittaker, 201 The Black Hills Jezebel. By Edward L, Wheeler, 202 Prospect Pete, of the Boy Brigade. By Ol) 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 Nicky the Boy Gold Hunter. By T, C. Harbaugh, 208 The Boy Hercules, By Ol) 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 Joséph 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 Capt. Whittaker. 215 Captain Bullet, the Ruider King. By T, C. 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 Dueliat. By Phillip 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 Ozark Alf, King of the Mountain, By Edward Willett. 224 Dashing Dick, By Ol) Comes. 225 Sam Charcoal, the Premium Darky. By Charles Mortis. 226 Snoozer, the Boy 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 Trail. By T. C. Harbaugh. 282 Gold-Dust Dick. By Edward L. Wheeler. 288 Joe Buck of Angela, By Albert W. Aiken. 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 0)] Coomes. 289 The Gold-secker 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 01! 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” Adams, 248 Sierra Sam’s Secret. By Edward L. Wheeler. 249 Milo Romer, the Animal King. By Capt. Fred. Whittaker, 250 The Midshipman Mutineer. By Cil. 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 Edware S. Ellis. 255 Captain Apollo, By T. C. Hurbaugh. 256 Young Kentuck, By Captain Mark Wilton, 257 The Lost Munters, By Capt. J. F. C, Adams, 258 Sierra Sam’s Seven, By Edward L. Wheeler, 259 The Golden Harpoon. By Roger Starbuck, 260 Dare-Devil Dan. By Ol] 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, Whittuker. 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 Munter. By Edward S. Ellis. 272 Minkskin 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 Ingraham. RTT Denver Doll. By Edward L. Wheeler, 278 The Three Trappers. By Major Lowis 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. Cazson. 284 The Sea Marauder. By Colonol Prentiss Ingraham, 285 Denver Doll’s Decoy. By Edward L. Wheeler, 286 Josh, the Boy Tenderfoot. By Capt. Mark Wilton, 287 Billy Blue-Eyes, By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham, 4 Wee 288 The Scalp 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 Comsteck. 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 Bockskin Sam, 298 The Water-Hound, By Charles Morris. 299 A No. 1, the Dashing Toll-Taker. By Edward L, Wheeler: 800 The Sky Demon, By 011 Coomes, 801 L. adville Nir’ 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 Colonel Préntiss Ingraham 805 Dashaway, of Dakota. By Charles Morris, 806 Neck-Tic 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. Vre.7.. 818 Cimarron Jack, By Frederick Dewey. 814 The Mysterious Marauder, By Col. P. Ingraham, 815 Ned, the Cabin Boy. By Jack Farragut. 816 Old Eclipse, Trump Curd of Arizona, By T. C, Harbaugh, 817 Peacock Pete, By Lieutewant Alfred Thorne. 818 Ker-whoop, Ker-whoo! By Bockskin 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. Wheeler. 822 Nemo, the Detective. By Edward Willett, 828 Arkansaw Jack. By Harry Hoard. 824 Ralph Ready, the Hotel Boy Detective. By Une Morris, 825 Kelley, Hickey & Company, the Sleuths of Philade)phia_ By Edward L. Wheeler, i are 826 The Ten Pards; or, The Terror of Take-Notice. By T. C, Harbaugh. 827 Creeping Cat, the Caddo, By Buckskin Sam. 828 The Sky Detectives. By Major Mickey Free, 829 Red-Skin Tom. By Harry Hazard. 880 Little Quick-Shot; By Edward L. Wheeler. 881 Black Nick, the Demon Rider. By Capt, Fred. Whittaker. 882 Frio Fred. By Buckskin Sam. 888 Brimstone Bo d His Lightni dette,” Dy lieder Beas Vries ee a 884 Kangaroo Kit; or, The Mysterions Miner, By E, L. Wheeler. 885 Old Double-Fist. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr. 886 Big Benson, By T. C. Harbaugh, A New Issue Every Weck. The Half-Dime Library is for sale by all newsdealers, 2» cents per copy, or sent by mal! on receipt of six cents each, BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers, 98 William Street, New York,