Beadle's Half Dime Library (no. 425) (1885 09 15)
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iE 3 : | :. A \y Pn I Ne ee em 1”, a \ ‘i WI \ fe ei = 4 we NRW). “\ BAY A —< SS tht INS ae ee sn naientiaetas eterna eA ae | | #. wa (ia « LN Sasser LL {QCA Kia PROTA SN SG A raul bil || | } || | lat! (at at {Wea | Bi | | | Entered at the Post Office at New York, N. Y., at Second Class Mail Rates. TI b. Vv ‘ WS or woe TS Copyright, 1885, by BEADLE AND ADAMS, September 15, 1885, $2.50 ts PUBLISHED WEEKLY BY BEADLE AND ADAMS Price, Vol. XVI. a Year. No, 98 WILLIAM STREET, NEW YORK, 5 Cents. No, 425. af Ht ; | SU CRU ER UD 4 eS 41 me SY SN | ( The Border Rattler : b] OR, Big Stakes and a Bold Game, BY T. C. HARBAUGH, AUTHOR OF ‘‘ CAPTAIN CUTLASS,” ‘ srnKEN LASSO,” ETC, CHAPTER I. THREE STRANGE CALLS. HERMOSILLA RANCH was not unknown. Watered by the Brazos, well-stocked and not far from the famous Llano Estacado, it had ' a reputation reaching far beyond its bounda ries, / Behind it was the majestic river just named, and stretching away in front toward distant New Mexico were the Staked Plains, whose trails were so suggestive of suffering and death. ‘e ” “ “ew " ¥ . f GO! GO!” SHE CRIED. FOR MY SAKE, SILENT 5AM, FOLLOW AND GUARD THE BOY Some people wondered why Major Ralph RIDING ACROSS THE LLANO!”
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2 Rogers, the proprietor, had planted himself on that particular spot, but he seemed contented _there, with the lovely woman whom he called his ward, and as it was his business alone, no one ventured to question him about his choice of home. é Rogers was an old frontiersman, and a man , who had roughed it the golden years of his life: he had been miner, proprietor and vigilante, but the one being whom he seemed to worship knew less about him than many others. On the veranda of the rancher’s house one evening there sat two young people, one of whom, a young man of twenty-three, was en- joying a fragrant cigar. is companion was the major’s ward, beauti- ful in the simple dress that clothed her willowy figure, and the possessor of a voice rich in sil- very tones. **T wish he would come to-night,” said the irl. ‘* Your stay will end when he comes, | know, but you will have a companion across the _llano.” _ “TY shall not insist,” was the answer. ‘‘ He is under no oblizations to accompany me. Be- sides, I know ,the road, and am not afraid to travel alone.” ** But the peril,” cried the girl starting, ‘‘ The _ trail is the work-ground of desperadoes, red and white. It is along ride to Camp Coyote, where yur uncle is. ait till the major comes back, ou need not hurry. You have told me that it is not an urgent case.” “*T have been here a week.” ‘‘That is nothing!” laughed the girl. ‘‘ Her- ~mosilla Ranch is your home as long as you wish to make it so.” _ There was no reply, for at that moment the young man caught sight of an object in the southeast, and all at oncd’ he Jeft his chair with an exclamation. “** He comes at last!” : Not the major, it cannot be! He would hard- y come from that direction,” said his compan- iomwho had by this time caught sight of the same object. ‘‘That is a single horseman, and he ‘will not be alone when he comes back.” “* We are going to have a visitor, then.” was now i: gaa that the man fairly in ight was rapidly approaching the ,ranch-home, ‘He was eagerly watched by the two young peo- - on the porch, and in the shadows of evenin @ swung on over the undulating ground, anda last dashed up to the house, f ‘* Heavens! he is a stranger,” exclaimed the girl starting back with gaze fixed upon the new- comer who was as handsome a man as ever filled a saddle. Robust, dark-faced and black-eyed, with broad shoulders and a splendid physique, admirably set off by rather gaudy clothes, a la ranchero, the solitary rider was a person. to attract atten- tion anywhere, His hair was black and long, and the breeze blew back the front of a broad-brimmed som- brero whose band was a piece of wide silver ing. He reined in his horse at the edge of the porch, and saluted the young girl in a chivalrous man- ner, i ‘Ts this Hermosilla?’ he inquired, ‘This is Major Ralph’s ranch,” was the re- sponse. **Ts he at home?” ‘ No.” “Ah!” said*the ranchero with disappointed air. ‘A long ride for nothing, but I can come again. When will he be at home?” ore perbaps; may be not for two days et. More than once from under his abundant lash- es the man in the saddle glanced at the girl’s companion, and in his looks was a noticeable scowl which boded the young man no good. va ‘Then we must go On, Mercury,” he said one his steed’s neck.- “‘ No Major Ralph to- night. ** You need not go, sir,” the girl said stepping ¥ forward. ‘Make Hermosilla your home tint he comes if you have business with him.” **No; we must go. Tell him, though, when he does come that Laced Leon called. Good-night!” and before the girl could reply, the horse and his rider were almost out of sight. “Jehu! what Raymon 8, ejaculated the man in the saddle, catching breath some distance from the house. ‘‘She grows prettier month by month. That young galoot has stayed long enough. I know what will happen if he tarries longer. Laced Leon, eh? ba! ha! I had to have some kind of a name for her, an’ that one did vert, well.” , @ man passed on untila clump of cotton- woods hid him from the house, Texas Trump, the Border Ratt “Halt, Mercury!” he exclaimed. ‘‘ We must play the balance of our little game here.” A moment later he was joined by a boy on horseback—a youth not past sixteen, but well built and having the swarthy skin and glittering eyes of a half-breed, “T found them together, King,” laughed Laced Leon. ‘‘She’s got him fairly in the net, an’ by heavens! it suits me not. know just what to do. He must continue his journey forthwith. Tl start him!” Laced Leon drew a little book from an inner pocket and laid it across the horn of the saddle. Then, covering it with a piece of paper, he wrote as follows with a short pencil: “Camp CoYoTE. “My Dear Roy:—I want to see you at once. Iam very sick, an’ think Tam dangerous, Let no grass grow under your horse’s hoofs after you get this letter. This boy isa mute, but you can trust him. For heaven’s sake come to me at once. Time is precious! ‘*- Your uncle, ‘* Hue.” “Here,” said Laced Leon, folding this letter which he thrust into the boy’s hand. ‘ You take this to the young man with the girl on the porch back thar. Remember that you are a mute, King. I have saidso in thelotter. Ride around the rise out yonder and then shoot straight toward the ranch as if you’ve just crossed the llano. If thet letter doesn’t break the spell and give me a winnin’ hand, you can choke me for a coyote.” Laced Leon laughed while the half-breed boy grinned and clutched the paper with an eager- ness to deliver. The next minute the border sport was alone, and the boy was riding away at a smart gal- lop. ite vanished soon around the designated rise, and turning quickly, rode toward the hacienda. ‘*Look, Roy!” cried the girl. ‘‘We are to have another visitor. This time he comes out of the terra incognita that. lies between you and Camp Coyote.” Nothing was said as the boy came on, and drawing rein before the expectant couple on the porch, he leaned toward the youth and held out the paper. i Roy sprung forward and snatched it eagerly from his hand. ‘*Terrible!” he suddenly exclaimed glancing at the breathless girl, who had already gues that the message was one of vast importance. ‘‘T have tarried here too long. My uncle is dangerously sick. Hesendsforme. I must go at once,” , “Tt cannot be so bad,” said the girl. “Is it true that Hugh is deathly ill?’ she appealed to the messenger. ‘Tell me that he can stay here till the major comes and then se! : The half-breed boy shook his head and pointed to his mouth. . “A mute!” cried the girl, disappointed. “What a sin r messenger to send on an er- rand of this kind. You will not go to-night, Roy” *T must, Inez, The paper says ‘at once,’ You forget that it is uncle Hugh who is the sick “But the perils of the Uano?* she went on. ‘See! it is almost night now. You will have to make the dangerous distance with a boy for a guide.” ** But I will make it!” ‘Then you will not stay?” “TI dare not. I have been here too long al- ready, I fear.” The young beauty of the ranch turned away with a sigh, and the hoy was left alone before the porch, Night was settling down over the landscape, and the distance was growing dark and forbid- ding. There was a strange twinkle in the eyes of the so-called mute, as he glanced toward the clump of cottonwoods behind which he had left theman with the laced sombrero, Ten minutes had barely passed when Roy dashed up to the porch mounted on an elegant cream colored steed and equipped for the ride. At the same moment Major Ralph’s ward came out of the house and halted beside one of the col- umns that supported the veranda. ‘For Heaven’s sake be on the watch,” she pleaded of the youth. ‘There are a thousand and one dangers between Hermosilla and Camp Coyote. I wish you would remain till Major Ralph comes. Be on your guard. They some- times decoy men to a terrible doom on the ’ nO. ‘But this is no decoy,” laughed Roy. ‘‘ Uncle Hugh is no double-dealer. Give my compli- ler. ments to Major Ralph when he comes, Good- by, Inez.” He dropped the girl’s hand and lifted his hat as he wheeled and motioned the half-breed boy to follow. “Watch! watch!” called the Peri of Hermo- sila Ranch after him in tones of the deepest solicitude. ‘‘ The perils of the Uano are moré numerous then the stars. If Major Ralph comes soon, I will send him after you.” The young man and his strange guide were already beyond hearing distance, and the girl could see the horses and their riders mingling with the shadows of night. ‘* What if it should be a decoy of some kind?” she exclaimed. ‘‘Men have been decoyed to the death-dangers of the Staked Plains. He may be a victim.” She looked southward again, but the twain had disappeared. “Oh, when will Major Ralph come?” she cried. At that moment a horse dashed up to the porch, and had no sooner halted there than she was at his side, ‘* Major Ralph! “No!—heavens! itis the Mute Comanche!” she cried. ‘‘I believe Heaven has sent you here at this hour, Quick! wheel about and follow yon trail. Catch up with Roy—my friend—go with him to Camp Coyote! His onl companion is a dumb half-breed ! My God! The letter that took him away might have been an infamous decoy!” The girl’s hand clutched the naked arm of a — cent looking Indian while she spoke. e sat on his horse like a statue, naked to the waist, with a sea of. straight black hair, gleam- ing eyes, and fancifully fringed leggins. ** Ah!” said Inez, dropping the arm suddenly, and starting back. ‘‘ I forget that you, too, are amute. But can’t I point you to the trail? I will! You must understand me!” ‘ She went forward again, and pointed ex- citedly toward the south. “ Gol Go!” she cried. ‘‘Formy sake, Silent Sam, follow and guard the boy shag,’ across the llano! It looks like a decoy to me. Itmeans death to him! It is some infamous plot! I would give my life—” She said no more, for the Mute Comanche had wheeled, and was off like an arrow! CHAPTER II. A MAD RANCHER, For some moments the rancher’s ward occu- pied the porch and watched the flying Comanche out of sight. A strange man wés this red-skin, a mystery in red, as it were. He seemed born to the saddle, and nobody knew his past history. Silent Sam, as the whites called him, had not that look so peculiar to mutes, yet be never opened his lips, and his silence afforded some an opportunity to say that his silence was the re- sult of a vow of some kind. ; He soon disappeared from the girl’s sight; the horse and his rider vanished in the gathering night together, and Inez went back into the house with ber mind full of the strange events that had fi happened. 2 She had been compelled to part with the guest of the hacienda just when a solid friendship had been formed; but, worst of ail, she bad seen him begin a dangerous journey with only a half- breed mute for a comrade, ‘‘ What makes me think that he has fallen into the meshes of some plot?’ exclaimed Inez. ‘Heavens! I cannot tell, and yet this thought haunts me all the time.. He was ourmeying leisurely to the-relative in Camp Coyote, just beyond the dreaded Uano; but here comes a message for him to hasten on at once. Who wrote it—his uncle? How did the messenger— the dumb boy—know he was at Hermosilla Ranch? Ah! this shows a plot!” Inez waited a few moments longer, and then went to the stables attached to the ranch. ‘* Silent Sam may not have understood me,” she said to herself. ‘He is liable to miss the trail under the circumstances, though it is said that he never misses one. Major Ralph may not be home for several days. I will take the risk.” In less than five minutes the Rose of Hermo- silla had a lithe-limbed horse saddled for a ride. _ Already myriads of stars flecked the sky, and a fragrant wind came from the flowers that dot- ted the plain a short distance away. Inez led the horse to the porch and disap- peared in the house. : ‘“*T must leave a note for him when he comes. I cannot afford to play him false—no, not forthe world!” she said. : : Tn a little room fitted up with much magnifi- cence for that quarter of the Southwest, she !
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Srl Ree ee took writing materials froma dressi>-case, and deft the following letter for the absent rancher: “Dear GuarpIAN:—Think not that I have left you. The guest who came to the ranch a week ago—a young man named Roy Berdan—bas been decoyed upon the /lano. His destination is Camp Coyote, where lives an uncle whom he has never seen. He was waiting here to see you when the urgent mes- sagecame. Lfesritisa plot. I have gone to bring him back, or tobe his companion to Coyote. Just before the message came, Laced Leon—whom you may know—stopped here to see you. Don’t up- braid me for what I have done. I will come back when 1 have done my duty. “Your little child, The girl put this note where the coming rancher would be certain to see it, then, hav- ing previously armed herself with a silver- mounted revolver, she went out and mounted the horse. A word and the merest touch of the spur were enough to start the steed, and the next moment Inez of Hermosilla was riding toward the fringe of the dreaded llano, and to some of the most ex- citing adventures ever had on the southwest border. For some time the es in the boudoir Inez.” was left undisturbed. Thé@ man for whom it was intended did not come, but by and by a cat-like figure crept up the $tair and opened the door as cautiously as if Inez was sleeping lightly in the soft lamplight. This figure when it stood revealed, was one which when once seen would never be forgotten. In stature not over five feet, with humped shoul- ders, a leathery and repulsive face, long ape- like arms, and cold gray eyes never for a mo- ment still, the person who entered the girl’s room was by no means prepossessing. He wore Mark olen: moccasins which gave forth no sound, and it were hard to tell whether he was indian, peon or half-breed. A grin distorted his countenance when he found himself where he had never been before— in Inez’s room—and for a moment he stood near the door like a person dazzled by the surround- ings, Presently the dancing eyes fell upon the letter _on the dressing-caso and bounding forward he seized it. “Girl leave this for Flippo to fix up, eh?” he laughed. ‘ Aha! he fix it so that Major Ralph will swear when he get back.” It did not take the dwarfish villain long to master the letter, and when he had done so, he set out on a search for writing materials which he found where Inez had deposited them. Then, seating himself at a little table under a lamp, he studied the letter intently for some minutes, and moved the inkless pen carefully over some of the letters. ““T have it now—ha, ha!” he suddenly laugh- ed, and for the next few moments ke wrote on tho sheet he had taken from the girl’s writing- box. More than once while he wrote he glanced at the letter lying at his elbow, and when he fin- ished he had produced this startling announce- ment: oot “Dear GuaRpIAN:!—I am tired of life at Hermo- silla, I have gone off with ayoung man I love bet- ter than I ever loved you. Don't follow us; it might be dangerous. When you read this I will be far across the dlano with Roy. Inez.” The girl’s letter was thrust by the dwarf into his pocket, and the one just finished was left in its place on the stand. The handwriting was the exact counterfeit of Inez’s graceful chirog- raphy, and Flippo laughed aloud as he inspect- ed his infamous work. “Tf this doesn’t raise a tornado when Major Ralph gets home, tread me down for a horned toad!” he exclaimed. ‘‘ They think Flippo for- gets, but they are fools. I told her that I would get even one o’ these days, an’ I will! Thar’s two kinds 0’ blood in me, an’she made ’em both boil. Aha! my girl—my Hermosilla Ross! I wish you a fine tripacross the Llano Estacado |” He left the room with a laugh and went down the stair. ; Nobody had seen him enter the room, and his villainy was likely to remain undetected. There was absolute demonism in his eyes, ? “A horse, by Jupiter!” he exclaimed, reach- ing the ‘porch. ‘I was not a moment too soon, The quick ears of the dwarf had heard the rapid gallop of a horse, and from his post be- hind one of the columns he saw a man leap from the saddle and land on the porch with an exclam- ation of joy. “Home again! Inez, my girl, where are you?” cried a man’s voice. There was no reply, and impatient for a glimpse of the beautiful girl whom he expected Texas Trump, the Border Rattler. to welcome him, a handsome man of forty sprung into the house, and bounded up the stair. **'rhe storm will burst in about two minutes,” grinned Flippo. ‘This country that hasn’t seen a tornado for some time, will see one now!” He did not follow Major Ralph, the rancher, up the steps to the little boudoir, He did not see him approach the bed with noiseless tread, as if atraid of disturbing a sleeper. The Texan found the door ajar; he saw the lamp burning where the girl had left it, and then he saw the paper lying near by, Major Rilph stepped forward and picked it up. He did not doubt that Inez had penned it. All at oneo his eyes seemed to fly from his head; he staggered back as if he had received a blow, and then a loud ery parted bis vs ‘* My God! this blow is worse than death!” ho exclaimed. ‘* What! Inez my Texas rose, fled? Merciful heavens! what have I done to deserve this?) But I will follow! Fool she was to leave even this behind. It throws me upon the trail; it gives me a clew, and the man who decoyed her from the ranch shall feel the blow the Texas rancher can inflict! Better for him if he had never seen the sunlight!” “ve opened the vials of wrath, haven’t I?” chuckled the dwarf who heard all this, ‘T knew my letter would unchain a Texan tiger, an’ ef I don’t reap a nappy harvest out of it, shoot me for a mustang! I’m little an’ not very handsome; but, oh, my!” Major Ralph the rancher came down-stairs three steps at a bound with clinched hands and blazing eyes. ‘*T’d sooner see my girl dead than this!” he exclaimed as he sprung out. upon the porch. ‘* But I will show them I am no laggard when it comes to vengeance, I have been sport and Vigilante. I can play more roles than one, The man who has played this infamous game shall suffer!” ; f “All right, ef you kin find him out, Major Ralph!” chuckled Flippo. The rancher sprung to saddle and dashed to the stables. ‘* He'll do it all afore he cools down,” said the dwarfish villain in the shadow of the pillar. ‘‘T wonder if the girl will see my hand in this when he strikes. I'll make her see it afore I’m through.” 4 He waited till Major-Ralph camo back on a fresh horse, and he saw him draw rein in front of the house. mh ‘This is the most terrible welcome home I ever had!” the Texan said. ‘‘ Some devilish in- famy is at the bottom of ‘it all. oe to you, Roy, whoever you are! You must be an old foe to strike me thus!” Pal He turned and waved his right hand in part- ing salute at the house, then, touching the fresh horse with the spur, he darted away leaving be- hind.the echo of one word—vengeance ! “ve played a master hand to-night, ha, ha!” laughed The hunchback left behind.” CHAPTER ITI. THE LLANO TRAIL, Roy Brrpan had parted from Inez with many regrets, which, at the moment of parting, he had made out to conceal. His sojourn at Hermosilla Ranch had been the —— week of his life, and if the laced sport’s well-worded message had not come, he would have been there yet. He did not think of treachery when, with King the half-breed boy for a guide, he rodeo toward the Jano, and set his face for Camp Coyote on the border land far away. The boy had played mute so well that the young man did not question him, though he yearned to know something about the uncle whom he had never seen. The night had dark- ened around the two riders, but the sky was thickly studded with stars, and the horses and their riders threw shadows where the ground was bare. ; Roy, who believed the Llano Estacado to be a vast weary plain, soon found himself mistaken. He found instead rich grass and great canyons the walls of which rose like old battlements, and in the deep passes through which the trail led at times, were admirable lurking-places for a foe. Behind him, silent and sullen, rode the Mute Comanche, in no haste to catch up, but with a pair of twinkling eyes constantly on the alert. There was something striking in the half-naked Indian riding under the stars, as if pressing sternly forward to a goal of some kind. He might have urged his horse forward and | | soon caught up with the youth and his guide, but he seemed content to remain behind. ** Everything moves along swimmin’ly so far,” | muttered aman who filled a saddle in one of the | loneliest canyons of the ano, * They can’t be far back ef King has done his duty, an’ I see no reason for doubtin’ the boy. He war gettin’ tco thick with the ranchrose. I had ter interfere now, an’ by Jupiter! I hev!” This man did not look like the person who called himself Laced’Leon when he rede up to Major Ralph’s porch a .hort time before that same night. He had no laced som- brero now, no gaudy jacket, and no tassels at his boots. But it was the same man. Clad in rough, dark clothes now, he looked the picture of the ideal rough, and the lasso dangling from the horn of his saddle, with the revolver near by, confirmed his character in mute Lut emphatic language, The llano spider was waiting for the prey fcr whom he had spread his net, ‘ef he ever sees his uncle Hugh, may death trump my ace,” continued this man while be waited. ‘‘I don’t lose any games no sirrce! They all hev ter stan’ back when Texas Trump ther Border Rattler, takes a hand in ther pre- céedin’s, Hark! what war thet?—a hoss?” The man leaned forward and listened a wo- ment, then he drew suddenly to one side and loosened the lasso coil at the saddle-horn, ““T didn’t hev ter wait long. King knew his business an’ did it well. I kin depend on the young mixed-blood.” The desperado and his horse seemed a part of the wall which they almost touched. The ani- mal seemed to know the needs of the hour, fcr, though ho heard the coming horses, he did net send out a whinny of betrayal. Texas Trump waited for the riders whcm he knew to consist of two persons. ae | ‘The next note you take in, Roy Berdan won’t bo written on this mountain sp pare! chuckled the sport. ‘‘Ha! ba! what a fdol.you ar’! Wal, ef I don’t wear ther Texanpare, shoot me for a mustang thief. Oh, I’m a daisy on ther Ulano trail!” a Nearer and nearer to this man waiting with hi bronze hand on the fatal coil came the two per- sons riding over the plain. my Roy Berdan had loosened his revolvers for any sudden emergency that might arise, and they were ready to his hand. . In the eyes of King, the balf-breed, lurked a singular gleam o triumph, and he was looking constantly ahead as if in search of some one. “Come inter ther llano trap, my Texas fly!” laughed Texas Trump. ‘“ Yer last thought will be ov ther ranch blossom, no doubt. Mine is ov her now, an’ I could whisper in yer ears thet she’s a flower worth playin’ for.” In another moment the figures of two horses and their riders entered the little canyon, and Texas Trump’s eyes suddenly blazed. “ Hyer!—King an’ ther fly!” he said. Just then he saw the twain, the youth from the South a little in advance of his guide, who owe, to know that the blow was about to all. art 4 Berdan rode by the lurker and so near that he could almost have touched him, The half-breed boy saw the waiting figure and stopping without noise, let the Border Rattler drop into his place. It was the work of two seconds, and so well and silently was it done, that the youth did not notice the change. He had now on his track, almost at his very side, the villain who had decoyed him from Her- mosilla Ranch, f Texas Trump leaned forward, with the noose of the black lasso gripped in his hand, and his eyes fastened on his young victim. ‘‘Some men ar’ born fools, an’ you ar’ one ov ‘em, Roy!” he laughed. ‘‘ Why don’t yer look over yer shoulder an’ see who’s at yer heels?” But the youth did not oblige the grinning des- perado, He kept. the trail still visible in the starlight, and rode leisurely forward as if the time was not at hand for rapid riding. ‘‘Oh Hades! let us end this!” suddenly ex- claimed Texas Trump. ‘I’m whar I kin safely leave him for ther Ilano vultures. I want ter play Laced Leon agin!” The hand thet held the lasso noose went up, and the /lano sport darted forward as he let the black cord fly. The next instant it dropped over the head of the young man a few feet away, and a quick ape the Rattler’s part pinioned his arms to “Tn God's name, what means this?” cried Roy Berdan. “Only ther tightenin’ ov a noose!” laughed.
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Texas Trump, the Border Rattler. Texas Trump, coming os and looking into the youth’s face as if he did not fear recognition. ‘Such things ar’ common in this kentry. Don’t go inter spasms over a little incident like this, my Austin pink.” ‘ Who ar’ you—not my mute companion?” “Not by a yardortwo! DoT look like a boy?” And Texas Trump laughed again. ** Why this lasso?” demanded Roy, his ‘bright eyes flashing. ‘* Wait awhile an’ see,” was the answer. ‘‘ You igi that we ar’ on every man’s ground. This is ther Llano Estacado—a fightin’ field for all. Who am I, eh? It would hardly do ter tell you wno I have been within ther last ten hours, but now I’m a free lance what kin play a game thet would astonish all Texas, Come! we move along, Mr. Berdan.” “You know me!” exclaimed the astonished youth. ‘* Bet yer boots, an’ I could tell you whar you +’ goin’ ef I war a mind ter.” ‘Heavens! then you know—” ‘““Thet Heavy Hugh waits for his nephew?— yes I know thet,” was the interruption. ‘“ I’m afraid, Roy, thet you hed better hev remained in the South. This is a bad kentry for boys who hunt their relatives alone.” . Roy Berdan, astonished, looked into the speak- er’s face. “You are not my uncle’s enemy, are you?” he Kked. ‘** Not his, but yours, maybe.” The youth could not repress a cry of astonish- ment, This cool man with the glittering eyes his foe? Then he was in danger. Texas Trump suddenly caught the bridle-rein of the young man’s horse, and the two steeds walked on side by side. ‘“‘I demand to know what this means!” cried Roy. ‘‘I am in your hands because I have been . lassoed when I suspected no danger. You have either, killed my companion or else he is your tool, ‘Tell me what all thismeans. I demand it. one “Oh, I’m Texas Trump, ther Border Rattler an’ ]’m playin one oy ther slickest games ever played on the llano !” laughed the desperado, “It is against me, then?” “Not so much as it is for another,” was the answer. ‘‘I’d be a fool ter let yer get ter Camp Coyote an’ ter Heavy Hugh, yer uncle. Ye’r’ ter be kept from him forever, Roy, my Austin ink, an’ from Hermosilla Ranch till Gabriel oots his bugle.” ** All of which means that I am to die on the llano?” said the youth calmly. “* Thet’s about ther heft of it!” was the reply, spoken in triumphant but cold and merciless tones. ‘I’m goin’ ter ni 9 Coyote, but mebbe i ve Heavy Hugh ther particulars,” evil! “Yes, thet’s what I’ve been called a thousand times,” was the retort. ‘‘ Whar I’m best known Iam called Texas Trump, ther Border Rattler. Thar’s a queer society in Camp Coyote, but you'll never git introduced ter it, because I’ve interfered. I’m goin’ ter toss yer out ov my wa 7.7 ‘* How can I be in it?” ‘“You stan’ between Texas Trump an’ ther Caisiest bonanza thet ever existed. its not in lides an’ horns, my blushin’ flower-bed; it’s not in hoofs and acres. I wouldn’t play fer nonsense like thet. My bonanza wears dresses.” Roy Berdan recoiled with a startling cry. A name leaped over his lips. “*Tnez!” he exclaimed. Texas Trump’s hand tightened on the bridle- rein, his eyes glittered anew. “Who says thet my bonanza ain’t ther of gest an’ richest out o’ doors?” he laughed. ‘ play no boy’s game for it, Roy, an’I tell ye so plainly because I hold ther winnin’ cards.” “But I am not in your path.” “Tm no fool! 1 kin see what’d come ov yer stayin’ a week under the eyes ov ther ranch Cleopatra,” cried Texas Trump. ‘A thistle cut off in the bud will never sting any one. When you trample a young rattler under yer foot, you never hear a hiss. Oh, I’m no tenderfoot, Roy.” By this time the two men had left the canyon, . and their horses stood on the plain in the bril- liant starlight side by side. ““Take yer choice,” suddenly said Texas Trump. ‘‘I am goin’ ter leave you hyer. Knife or revolver, Roy; or would be sooner be dragged ter death behind my hoss?” It was a terrible aiternative, but the young man did not blanch. “Tam in your power. I will make no choice of deaths,” he said. ‘‘ For this deed there will come some time a day cf vengeance,” “Revenge hez been huntin’ me in a dozen shapes for as many years, but I’m hyer yet in first class condition,” laughed the desperado, as he quietly drew a revolver, and Roy Berdan heard an ominous click in the starlight. All at once the two horses pricked up their — and the young Texan could not repress a start, ‘“Never mind—it is my pard,” said Texas Trump looking at Roy. “Ther hoss that’s comin’ up carries my tool, an’ yer guide—ther pres ha it-breed. har’s no hope in thet quar- r, Roy. The caebceaibs sport straightened as he finished and leveled the revolver at the youth’s breast. ‘* When I count five,” he said, ‘‘I touch the trigger. One—two—three—” The next moment the horse came up and halt- ed between the pair. ‘* Jehosaphat! hades an’ horns!” cried Texas Trump recoiling. ‘‘I war lookin’ for Satan first!” Well might he reel and stare; the person who had come between was the Mute Comanche! CHAPTER IV. FACING FLIPPO’S LIE. Roy Brrpan the late guest of Hermosilla Ranch was as much astonished as Texas Trump, but his astonishment was of a different sort. The interference which had prolonged his life was timely and startling, but it was apparent that the last man wanted or expected by the Border Rattler, had come up. The Mute Comanche looked at the two men, but his glittering eyes became fixed on Texas ee “Hang it all! I’m not goin’ ter let ther silent Injun cheat me out 0’ ther bonanzer!” suddenly grated the sport. ‘‘See hyer, reddy; you go back. This is no game ov yours,” The sole sepry was the sudden tiger-like lea of a red hand, and Texas Trump felt four vel- vety fingers encircle his wrist.. The Indian leaned forward until his face almost touched the Llano desperado’s; then, lifting the other hand, he pointed westward. ““Thet means ‘go away’, eh?” grated Texas Trump. The Comanche’s eyes said, ‘ Yes’! For several seconds the outstretched arm did not move, and the mute Indian glared at the sport in a manner which told that he was not there to be trifled with. ‘* Mebbe,” muttered Texas Trump, ‘“‘mebbe [ had better go, an’ play a new game. This in- fernal Injun ain’t ter be fooled with; but who war lookin’ for’im hyer? He’s only balked my game for a while. @ nor no other livin’ mor- tal kin block it forever. You’ve got me, an’ I ve in,” to the Comanche; ‘‘ but, remember et this meddlin’ with my business will be re- membered an’ attended to afore long!” He touched his horse lightly as he concluded, and when the animal moved off, the llano sport found the dumb red-skin riding at his side. Roy Berdan sat spellbound in hissaddle, | “That strange Indian will come back,” he said to himself. ‘‘I owe my life to him, and I will wait here to tell him so.’ He saw Texas Trump and his watcher disa pear, but he did not see the Mute Comanche point again into the west while he told the llano rattler with his merciless eyes that it would be dangerous to follow him. ‘* Time makes all things even,” ground Texas Trump. ‘Knife, lasso an’ revolver settle many a human debt. Til not forget you, my red daisy ov Texas,” and with a look that seemed capable of killing, he gathered up the reins and dashed out of the Indian’s sight, Silent Sam came back to Roy before he looked for him, and he started when he saw the red- skin’s eyesriveted upon him. The next instant he put forth his hand and wer it into the Comanche’s palm. ‘Be this my pledge of eternal friendship,” he said, forgetting that Texas Trump had called the Indian a mute. ‘I owe you a debt which I can never pay, but forever call Roy Berdan your friend. ith that white villain out of my way, I will continue my journey to Camp Coy- ote. The Indian’s hand when released dropped to his steed’s neck, and a moment later the twain were riding across the llano. “Tam to have a companion and a guide,” ejaculated the young man. ‘‘ Warned of foes by his interference, Iam now doubly armed, and woe to Texas Trump and his friends who at- tempt a desperate game!” ore than once ee Berdan glanced at the stalwart and silent ally who r The Indian had come from toward Hermosilla e at his side. . Ranch. Had Inez sent him? Had she impress- ed the Comanche with the belief that her friend was in danger? If she had done this, the young traveler had to thank the Rose of Hermosilla. As for Texas Trump, he rode a short distance westward and then drew rein with a mad ejacu- lation. “Let ’em go ter Coyote!” he exclaimed. ‘Ther youngster will find his relative thar, but thet won’t eucher me in the end. Ef Texas Trump ain’t a match for all combinations, he’ll leave his old stampin’-ground. I’m goin’ back. I’m goin’ ter put on ther lace once more.” He turned his horse about, and instead of fol- lowing the youth and his Indian pard, rode to- ward Hermosilla Ranch, then miles away. In a certain canyon several miles from the scene of his discomfiture by Silent Sam, he found a cavern whose whereabouts he seemed to know, and there, with some garments which he took from a natural shelf, he turned himself into Laced Leon so completely that the identity of Texas Trump was entirely lost. ‘““Oh! I'm ther daisy rattler ov these parts!” he laughed as he walked back to his horse. “Tm a galoot ov many disguises, none of which hev ever been penetrated, an’ Texas Trump ov one place is never Texas Trump ov another. Beat me at cool games, will yer? Eucher Satan ef yer kin!” ut on the boundless llano once more, with the east wind in his face and cunning in his eyes, rode the Border Rattler, with his steed moving toward Major Ralph’s ranch. All at once he halted as if an enemy had risen before him. ‘*A hoss an’ his rider!” he exclaimed, and then he leaned forward with an expression of keen curiosity. He did not have to wait long, for the objects he had mentioned were speedily evolved from the starlight, and Texas Trump caught a bridle- rein and stopped a horse, while a cry of aston- ishment greeted him. *“My dear child, aren’t you lost?’ he asked, looking into the face of the young girl whom he had halted. ‘‘ The llanois a dangerous place for the Rose of Hermosilla. Aha! you know me! I called at sundown ter see Major Ralph. We will go back now. Let Laced Leon hev ther honor ov bein’ yer escort.” Inez seemed too surprised to let slip a single word in remonstrance. She could look into the man’s face, and won- der if he had not risen from the earth to con- front her there, and prevent her from carrying out her design of joining Roy. What! go back to the ranch without accom- plishing her purpose? The girl drew back with a gesture of refusal. ‘T am not lost,” she said. ‘‘I know where I am going. You will let me go on.” “¢ Across ther plains?” ‘* Perhaps.” ““T can’t do that,” said Texas Trump. “I beg yer pardon, Inez my ranch flower, but_my duty is ter take yer back ter Hermosilla. What ef ther major should come back, an’ find yer missin’? It might unbalance him, No, back ter ther ranch!’ He turned the girl’s horse about, with but slight remonstrance on her part, ‘“ What brought yer out hyer?” he asked. ‘My friend—the guest whom you saw with me when you called at the ranch,” was the re- ly. ‘‘ A letter came for him shortly after you Ie t. It hurried him across the llano—to Camp Coyote. He had a dumb boy, the messenger, for his protector and ide—that was all.” w An you war goin’ ter strengthen his escor ?* es, ‘* Never fear about thet youngster,” laughed the desperado. ‘‘ He’s got more help than thet boy by this time. Two persons passed me awhile back—a white man an’ a big Injun.” ‘**The Monte Comanche! thank Heaven!” ejac- wlated Inez. ‘‘He is safe then. I know that silent red-man. He is a host in himself. AU the dangers of the Lstacado can not prevent him from seeing Roy safe to Camp Coyote. Now I am willing to go back to the hacienda.” The man who now called himself Laced Leon smiled, and dropping the rein he had held up to that moment, rode leisurely at the girl’s side. ‘“Who is this friend ov yers?”’ he suddenly asked. ‘* Roy Berdan.” From ther South?” ‘*From Austin.” ‘*'You’ve known him for some time, eh?” ‘*For a week only,” said Inez, with a smile. ‘T never saw him before he came to Hermosilla on his road to Camp Coyote, He had letters of
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Texas Trump, the Border Rattler. ‘introduction to the major, my guardian, and would have waited for him if the message brought by the dumb boy had not hastened his departure. The uncle in Camp Coyote he has never seen. A few days ago a letter was re- ceived by him at Austin, from that uncle, say- ing where he could be found, and asking him to pay hima visit. He set out at once, but stop- ped with us a few days. But there is one thing that puzzles me.” ‘‘ What is that?” asked the desperado. ‘¢ How did Roy Berdan’s uncle know that he had stopped at Hermosilla?” “Oh, somebody passin’ ther ranch may hey seen him thar, and carried ther news ter Co- -yote,” was the reply. ‘*]7 don’t know,” said Inez doubtingly. ‘‘I won’t say that it wasn’t thus, but I feared a lot against him—against my friend Roy—when f came down tw calm reflection.” “Who'd plot ag’in’ him ?” laughed Texas Trump. ‘ A young man from Austin goin’ ter see his uncle in Coyote ought ter hev no foes, My opinion is—” Tost what the Border Rattier’s opinion was was disturbed by the galloping of a horse ahead, and all at once the animal was reined in before the twain. ** Major Ralph!” exclaimed Inez. “By Jupiter! ther rancher ov Hermosilla!” ejaculated the Uano sport. “* Yes,” said the new-comer leaning forward with a pair of mad, flashing eyes riveted upon the girl, as at the same time his right hand clos- ed like hawk talons upon her wrist. ‘‘ I have found you at last, have I? What have I done to suffer this disgrace? Where is the viper, Roy? Show me his trail, and by heaven! I'll rid Tex- as of one infamous hound!” Inez seemed to totter in the saddle, ‘‘ What has happened?” she cried. ‘‘I left a note behind explaining all. I could not see him go out upon the deadly Ulano alone. I—” Thar!” rapt oe the rancher sternly. *““Come home and Ill show you the infamous note you left. No explanations now. The in- famy of your action fastens forever a stain upon Hermosilla! Ill get even with the dog!” He drop the wrist of the thunderstruck girl and wheeled toward the distant ranch, ‘¢Oh, excuse me,” he said turning suddenly upon Texas Trump. ‘Perhaps owe you thanks for finding this young runaway in better hands than his. You are—’ ‘* Laced Leon, they call me,” was the answer. *“‘T am from the northwest border, an’ I called at ther ranch about sundown ter see you.” “Come along then. Tll see you thar. This night is the blackest one in my existence!” here was no answer, and not another word was spoken until all three steeds were reined in before the ranch home, and Major Ralph assist- ed Inez from the saddle. . He hurried her into the house without cere- mony, and up to her little room. “Whar you left the accursed paper, I'll make you face it!” he cried. ‘‘ Hereit is. Now, deny that you did not leave it behind for me!” With wildly beating heart. but confident that she could explain the contents of the paper thrust into her hand, Inez stepped toward the lamp. Gas look was enough. “My God! I did not leave this /” she suddenly cried, turning upon the rancher. ‘‘I told the truth in the letter I left. This is an infamous forgery—a lie! Don’t look at me in that man- ner. 1 would not lie to you. You are the best friend I have on earth, [—” She ended with a shriek, and dropped sense- less at the Texan’s feet. CHAPTER V. THE WOLF SHOWS HIS TAIL. THERE was a witness to this startling scene, and when Major Ralph thé rancher lifted the unconscious girl and laid her on the bed, a dawarfish figure that had two serpent eyes crawl- ed down the tree whose boughs almost touched the window of the boudoir. “She'll know what Flippo’s hate is one of these days,” he chuckled. “I’m not goin’ to stop hyer, No! she must get to tae dregs in the cup first. Ha! myfine lady. The next man ou drive away with a whip you'll first see that his name isn’t Fippo.” Half an hour later Major Ralph appupesret! suddenly to the man seated on the veranda. “So you are Laced Leon?” he said lookin ‘straicht into the llano sport’s eyes. ‘ Now tel me share you ran across my ward—tell me all about it,” For once in his life Texas Trump told the rative. ‘‘Thar is some mystery here,” said the ranch- er, ‘‘ Inez never lied to me, yet I found when I came home a letter in her writing saying that she had gone off with a man named Roy. She now says she neither wrote nor left that letter.” Texas Trump took a whiff on his cigar before he spoke. ‘Women ar’ strange creatures,” he said, ‘*My experience is thet some ov ’em won't do ter tie ter. Thet letter war in her handwritin’, Q” eh# Yes. ” ‘**T wouldn’t think she'd lie ter you.” ‘*T don’t want to think so,” said Major Ralph. “You must not,” said a voice behind them, and the two men whirled to see Inez in the doorway. ‘‘The stars above will bear witness to the oath I take,” she continued, ‘‘I swear in sight of Heaven that I never penned a line of that infamous note. The one I wrote was stolen and this one left in its place. I went to the lano to help protect Hermosilla’s late est. x I believed that the letter he got was a ecoy,. A singular smile appeared at the corners of Tet Trump’s mouth, but his mustache adroitly id it. ‘* You kin bet yer life thet it war a decoy, an’ it nearly succeeded, my ranch rose!” he mut- tered. “‘ You struck pay dirt when you called thet messenge from Coane Coyote a slick piece ov business, If thet Mute Comanche hadn’t come between, I’d hev won ther game.” The rancher was at the girl’s side when she paused, ‘*Go up-stairs, We'll not talk about this again to-night,” he said. ‘* Not until you have assured me that I am be- lieved,” was the answer. ‘‘ You hate the young man from Austin. He is nothing tome more than a friend and a late guest. Time will come when the mystery of that forgery will be made clear. Woe to the villain if he falls into my hands!” ‘‘He’s been thar once,” grated a little man who stood in the dark shadow of one of the trees near by. ‘‘Isee that to strike you deep I must strike your late guest. I’m off. for Camp Co- ote. The speaker glided from the spot and approach- ed the stables, 7 - Dodging into them he was lost to sight for a few moments and when he reappeared he led a horse by the bridle, ‘*T could make a sensation by exposin’ the man on the porch. Major Ralph never dreams thet he éntertains Texas Trump, the Border Rattler, the coolest an’ meanest sport thet ever touched a trigger on therdiano, I know him wherever him. Laced Leon, eh? Play yor game, Til play another part ov mine in Co- I see Texas. ote.” Flippo the dwarf sprung to saddle, and the next moment dashed toward the borders of the llano, his destination Camp Coyote at the west- ern end of its trails. Meanwhile, Texas Trump as Laced Leon sat on the porch enjoying afresh cigar. Inez had gone back to her room, and Major Ralph the rancher ill at ease and troubled had but little to say. y I guess I'll be goin’,” suddenly said the des- a “You have no cattle to sell, you say? bet war my mission hyer, an’ I’m glad thet P’ve been ov service ter yer iu another way. Tm off for Coyote.” The rancher started at mention of the name. He seemed to associate it at once with Roy Berdan. **To Coyote?” he exclaimed. ‘‘ Will you carry a message to the camp for me?” ‘‘Sartainly, major.” The rancher went into the house, and seating himself at a desk, wrote as follows: *“Hven:— “Tf there isin camp a young man named Roy, find out all you can about him and let me know. This is important. Mayor Raupu.”’ “You will give this to Heavy Hugh,” said pe manenen placing the letter in Texas Trump’s ands. The sport’s eyes dilated, but ke did not betray himself. ‘** Major,” he said, ‘‘ what ef a man ov my ap- rance should take a fancy ter yer ranch rose?” and Texas Trump drew his splendid figure to itsfull hight and looked the rancher in the eye, ‘I’ve seen hundreds ov pretty women, major, but ther one under yer care takes ther linen off ther shrub. You'd not be bothered with findin’ letters on ther table ef she war 5 | ' | truth, and was not interrupted during the nar- | Laced Leon’s wife, an’ she’d get a husband what *d keep them Austin tenderfoots at a distance. It’s a cl’ar case ov love at first sight, major. What @’ yer say?” With the assurance of his Satanic Majesty, Texas Trump kept his ground and waited for the rancher’s reply. Major Ralph seemed thunderstruck. He had been surprised many times during his adven- dane career, but this one seemed the greatest of all. What! Laced Leon in love with Inez? ‘*Struck yer kinder sudden, didn’t I?” con- tinued the impudent sport. “‘Mebbe I hed bet- ter hev preceded ther opciones with a gentlo zephyr; but it can’t be helped now. Inez needn’t go far trom yer as Laced Leon’s bride. She—” ‘* She can’t become yours!” was the interrup- tion. ‘The girl remains with me as no man’s wife. Hermosilla Ranch is her home, I am her guardian.” ‘“‘ All right, major,” said the cool ‘sport. “I guess thet’s a refusal; leastwise, it looks thet way around ther edges. I guess I’ll hev ter fall back on a Greaser squaw.” ‘¢ rom Inez to a squaw?” flashed the rancher; and a mad stride carried him to the llano des- erudo, ‘ y tenvents Tallow no man to couple er with such a creature!” ‘Yer don’t, eh?” grinned the villain. “‘T do not, and the man who does it ceases to be a guest of mine! Please to give me the mes- sage 1 would send to Camp Coyote. It need not go thar by your hands.” F Texas Trump thrust his hand into an inner ket and drew forth a paper which he flung at ajor Ralph’s feet. “T didn’t ey Inez ter ther Greaser woman,” hesaid. ‘But by heavens! those Greasers make good wives sometimes,” “Thar!” was the stern response. ‘‘ My ranch welcomes gentlemen, not roughs, Your braided jacket and laced sombrero give you away. nder them is a Texas an. That stans $ your horse. Go!” a For a moment the stalwart scoundrel stood at the edge of the porch, and Gianoed l: tiger at the man who could match him. Major Ralph inted to the steed while he spoke, and*under is now cool exterior lurked the demeanor of a lion, v te Ma jor—” 4 “Not another word, Laced Leon!” was .the interruption. ‘You have said enough, Iam master here, You unmasked yourself. Inez your wife? By heavens! Id fling her to Roy first!” ; The retort was a laugh by the lWano sport — that made the rancher’s black eyes blaze. He was not armed, and while the mad spell was on he sprung back into the house. “Thar’s ‘shoot’ in that man’s optics,” said Texas Trump to himself. ‘‘If I want ter play a cool game ter ther end, I must get out o’ hyer.” It was a short leap from the porch to the sad- dle, and Texas Trump turned his steed toward the llano. “ Good-by threw over his with the spurs. The next moment the owner of Hermosilla Ranch 57, mong on the porch. The old fire had not phate in his eyes, and the Winchester he carried in his hand told that the sport’s safety was not on the porch. A. long stride, which was almost a bound, carried the rancher to the veranda’s edge, Tho blood of his wild days had come back to his veins; the insult to Inez maddened him. His searching eyes caught fs of the man ridmg through the very brilliant starlight. Texas Trump had not got far away. The rifle struck the rancher’s shoulder; it covered the cool sport; the finger of an old Vigilante was at the trigger. “Let him go!” said a voice as a footstep fell upon the Major’s ears and a hand fell upon the rifle and clutched it. ‘‘ What has that man done to deserve death?” ‘*Bnough!” growled the rancher trying to shake the rifle loose. ‘‘I won’t repeat the in- famous insult.” ‘But let him go.” “To give us trouble hereafter? He gave his plans away. He went off with a threat in his, eyes, Let me tumble him from his saddle.” , ‘‘ No!” cried the girl clinging still to the rifle. ‘‘ Remember that Inez pleads for him.” ‘Very well. The day may come, girl, when, you will wish you had let me touch the trigger. , is cattle hunt isa sham. He wants a wife.” The girl uttered a cry of astonishment, and, | then burst into a laugh. eae ‘“ Well, he'll never find one on Hermosilla, <i JNA major, I'll seo yer later!” ho . shoulder as ho touched the horse
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6 Texas Trump, the Border Rattler, Ran?!" she cried. ‘‘ They call him Laced Leon. 1 rever saw him until to-night.” ‘Nor I, but the moment he showed up in his true character he resembled some one I have seen. Let me think. Where have I seen that man? It must have been long ago, in California ‘perhaps.” ‘“* Or in Colorado,” suggested the girl. Major Ralph passed his hand over his fore- head as if to clear his thoughts while Inez looked on and waited breathlessly for the result. ‘“* T can’t place him now; but [ have seen him somewhere,” said the Texan. ‘Tl get at it by and by, perhaps.” At this moment a few rods away a man stood up in his stirrups and shoo!: his fist at the ha- cienda, . “Refused an’ driven off, eh?” he cried. ‘' Ef Texas Trump fails ter git thar in ther end, major, bale ‘im for a clam!” CHAPTER VI. A NEW DISGUISE. “TzaR’s no prouder man in New Mexico ter night than Heavy Hugh. Boy, yer don’t know how I’ve hunted for a trace ov yer. I knew m sister had a child, but, until a few days ago, didn’t know for sartain whether thet child war dead or alive. You look like her, I kin see her eyes in your head, an’ your voice—Jehu! it is Lucy’s ter a dot!” The man who spoke thus occunied a three- ‘legged stool in a small cabin, and the listener was a handsome young man who occupied a similar seat near at hand. ‘ | _° Hea Hugh was one of the odd characters of ‘an Camp Coyote which lay near the western boun- _ © dary of the Llano Estacado, He was aboutforty- i tol five, rather dark, and a giant in stature, Quiet almost to moroseness, he had led many to believe ~ that he was partially insane; but now his eyes fairly twinkled while he talked. Roy Berdan’s coming to Coyote seemed to ’ have made him ten years younger. iiss There was no resemblance between the two | ‘thus brought together, yet, they were uncle and 4 nephew, the young man being the child of Heavy / Hugh's Yavorite sister. ‘The Mute Comanche had piloted Roy safely *‘\ to cay eee rescuing him from the revolver. of Texas; mp, and without waiting to receive any thanks for his service had slipped away no- body knew whither. ,» » Itwas thesecond night after Roy’s arrival ‘when Heavy Hugh declared that tho meeting » had made him the happiest man on earth. ’ A thousand questions about Roy’s mother had followed the reunion, and the young Texan cid not get to narrate his edventures until tho second night. “What! did you hev ter face ther dropper ov Texas Trump?’ cried Heavy Hugh. ‘ We all know that lano g*lootan’ he knows better than ter set foot in Camp Coyote in any capacity. I sent no letter ter yer at Hermosilla. While I war anxious ter fold Lucy’s child ter my heart, I wouldn’t hev torn yer from ther ranch rose.” ‘*Then who invented the decoy?” exclaimed Roy, “Texas Trump,” was the answer. ‘Why does he hate me?” *T don’t know, but ye’r’ interferin’ with a ame ov his. Thar’s more than one lasso gapin’ or ther Border Rattler. Thar’s a standin’ notice in Coyote ag’in’ ’im an’ nobody knows it better than himself. When, you_go back ter Hermosilla, Roy, Pll go along. Major Ralph an’ I ar’ friends. We war Vigilantes together when men needed rope in California, Hark! What fool’s struck Coyote now?” The two men attracted by the same noise went to the door together, and as it was opened they heard a man sing out in lively tones: ‘“T make no brags, gentlemen, but I’m a hust- ler from Hustlertown! I kin laugh longer, jump further an’ sing more psalms than any saint in christendom! Umno oil chromo; nor a long- lost Murillo, but ’'m a picterin a dandy frame! Whoopee! six feet in my boots an’ a terror ter scales an’ suspenders! Come around me, Coy- otes ov Coyote Camp! Gaze upon this piece ov | decorated anatomy an’ wish ye war like me!” “That man’s a fool,” said Heavy Hugh with a smile and a glance at Roy. ‘‘ We don’t have | many such visitors. Let us take him in.” A crowd comprising more than one-half of the inhabitants of the camp had already found the = et who oo so top of ne eg igo dis- playi is magnificent physique to all. U He had arrayed himself in a buckskin suit nearly new, and fantastically decorated. A was one of the numerous luxuries he ‘Spotted, and his boots were adorned with tassels which shook when he moved. A large slouched sombrero, ornamented with a wide red ribbon, adorned his head covered by a great amount of black hair. His face was dark as a Mexican’s, but cleanly shaven, which seemed_to lend a strange and unnatural appearance to his eyes. ‘““A border fool sure enough,” ejaculated Heavy Hugh, as he and Koy drew near to the man on the saddle. ‘‘ We used to have these rovin’ dandy-loafers among ther Sierra camps, but this is ther first one thet ever hit Coyote. He’s a model, ain’t he? Look at thet figure!” ‘Shall I sing) you a song, gents, er do yer want Captain Bottlejack’s address to ther Piutes? Choose yer treat an’ draw on this livin’ treasury. I’m a pressed pippin from Eldorado’s orchard.” ‘‘ Give usa song!” called out a dozen specta- tors, eager for fun. “ All right, gents. Stand still, Morphine, I’m goin’ ter make Coyote think thet a mockin’- bird from Eden hez struck camp.” The horse needed no command to remain mo- tionless, for he had not moved a limb since the halt, and a moment later the new-comer started off in a rollicking song which could have been heard in any quarter of the place. He had a notably good voice, and knew how to use it, and it was seen from the first that his singing had captivated the denizens of Coyote. He sung the song through, accompanying the chorus with a dance on the saddle, and at the end was greeted with shouts of approval and up- roarious laughter. ‘‘Now, gents, Happy Hank will give you Captain Bottlejack’s address ter ther Piutes,” continued the man. “ve got enough ov this,” said Heavy Hugh in a whisper to Roy. ‘‘Ef you want ter hear more, stay an’ take it all in. You know whar ther shanty is, boy; ther latch-string’s out.” Roy had concluded to remain, and Heavy Hugh went back. The boy had not watched the dandy close enough to see that more than once his eyes be- came fastened upon him. Happy Hank seemed just what he claimed to be—a roving free lance, who got his whisky for his antics in ths silver camps, and who led an easy, idle and worthless existance. The promised address of Captain Bottlejack to the Piutes was nothing great, judged from a literary standpoint, but the delivery pleased the crowd to such a degree that Happy Hank was invited to Coyote’s best saloon, where it was proposed to pay for the entertainment in moist goods. ‘*Thar never war an offer thet Happy Hank war known ter decline,” laughed the sport. ‘¢ evin’ refreshed ther interior man, gents, Pll give yer some selections from Shakspear an’ ther poets when I'll proceed ter show my jump- in’ qualities.” JT can out jump him myself!” exclaimed Roy. OZ ont then, by Jupiter! we'll hev a match!” cried a man atthe youth’s elbow. ‘‘ Say—” ‘No! I did not mean to speak aloud. I did so unconsciously,” interrupted the youth catching the man’sarm. ‘‘I don’t want to be matched against that man.” ‘We'll do it anyhow!” was the reply. ‘‘ Ye’r’ Heavy Hugh’s nephew, an’ a part ov Coyote already. ou must become our champion. We'll back yer, Roy. Say, boys! Hyer’s aman what says he kin out-jump anything now in Coyote. Dll back ’im for luck!” n an instant Roy found scores of eyes fasten- ed upon him, and under the ordeal he blushed to the temples. ‘Whar is ho?—thet youngster?” cried Happy Hank in derision ashe took Roy infrom head to foot. ‘Does he b’long hyer?” ‘* Yes,” said the youth’s self-appointed backer. ‘Then I jump him as ther champion ov Coy- ote. Let me take ’im squarely in.” The camp’s visitor jumped from the saddle and came up to the young Texan. From the moment that he touched the ground | Roy felt the influence of a pair of eyes that seemed to blaze while they regarded him. He drew himself up and stood the inspection in an admirable manner. “When did you ever jump?” suddenly asked Hank. ““T haven’t jumped ina match for three years,” asthereply. ‘ This trial is not of my own . oosing. I mutteringly spoke aloud—” ‘* Oh yes; ther old tale ov modesty !” laughed the loafer, ‘‘T’ll jes’ take down yer comb afore we ad- journ ter ther cock-tail department ov this camp. Ar’ standin’ jumps yer specialty?” ‘Suit yourself,” said Roy, carelessly. ‘The match is not of my seeking, I say. I object to being made the champion of any camp.” ‘¢ My forte is a runnin’ jump.” ‘¢ We'll test it, then.” The crowd drew off and prepared for the match. Roy took off his jacket and tossed it to the man who had announced himself his backer. More than one exclamation greeted the young man in his shirt-sleeves. He was a perfect spe-- cimen of youthful manhood, a real athlete, and , from that moment he had fifty friends and backers. The night was one of those rich starlight ones found so often in the wild Southwest. No arti- ficial lights were needed and the jumping line was easily seen when one was macec in the ground. Roy Berdan seemed confident of his powers, and when everything had been arranged a silver” dollar was tossed up to see who was to jump first. Heads meant Happy Hank, tails, Roy. ‘“*T open ther ball,” said the dandy when the result of the toss had been announced. ‘* Now, gents, you'll see some ov ther tallest air-cuttin” you ever took in.” He walked back from the line with an air of bravado, but not without a dark glance at his: young antagonist. All at once he sprung forward and left the ground at the line. ‘*Thar!” he said, recovering where he lit, and turning upon Roy and his backers. ‘‘ Ther like ov thet jump Coyote can’t beat. Ob, Pm a daisy when it comes ter this bizness,” Roy walked away with a smile on his lips. “Tf I don’t beat this bravo, I'll leave camp,” he muttered. The next moment he halted, turned suddenly on his heel, and sprung forward, He went: through the air like a rocket, and the following second a wild yell announced that he had dis- tanced the stranger. A dozen excited men went forward to make sure of the distance, and another shout confirm- ed the young Texan’s triumph. ‘* Beaten by five inches! Hurrah for Coyote!” The face of Happy Hank grew dark, and a pair of baleful eyes glared at Roy. ‘See here!” hissed Hank, reaching the youth’s : side. ‘‘I kin throw yer two best out o’ three.” ‘*T never wrestle,” answered the Texan quietly. ‘Oh, yer don’t,” sneered Hank, drawing back. and oe hisrage. ‘‘ Mebbe ye fight.” ) ** Then I'd like ter see 2 ay? privately a minute. By Jericho! ye’r’ a dandy.” Before Roy could move, the beaten champiom had put his arm through his, and was leading him away. The crowd looked wonderingly on. A Happy Hank’s horse followed at his master’s: eels, Wondering what communication his antago- nist had to make, the Joung Texan permitted himself to be Jed beyond the nearest cabins. Five, ten minutes passed away. The crowd grew impatient, and at length several men ventured behind the cabins. ‘“Thar’s nobody hyer! They’re gone!” was the cry. Gone!—Roy and Happy Hank? A brief investigation proved this to be true. ‘‘ Have I lost him already?” exclaimed the big man, who approached suddenly among the ex- cited and swearing men. ‘Boys, thet man warn’t Happy Hank any more than I’m Stone- wall Jackson! I krow him now, when .it’s too late. Ther Mute Comanche baffled him ther other night an’ he came ter Coyote for re- venge.” ‘** Who is he, Hugh?” cried the crowd. ‘‘ Name ther hound!” “Texas Trump!” said Heavy Hugh. ‘ Roy has fallen inter ther clutches ov ther tiger thet wants his blood!” CHAPTER VII. THE DESPERATE PLAY. ‘ ‘‘ He out-jumped me ter get euchered in ther end! They don’t beat this llano rattler more’n once ther same night, eh, King. my boy?” Texas Trump, still clad in the garments that had distinguished him as Happy Hank, leaned toward the half-breed boy who was riding over the plain at his side in the first light of a new day. Behind the pair stretched a flat but not arid country, and far ahead a line of rough cliffs: marred the evenness of the horizon. ‘*T don’t see him,” said the boy, looking back. “‘T reckon yer don’t,” was the reply, accom- anied by a laugh. ‘‘We’ve made a famous: azeppa oy ther young Texan thet stood be-
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————_— ‘tween us an’ ther bonanza. Td like ter see Heavy Hugh stop ther hoss, or watch ther girl— ther ranch rose—find him sudden before her house. Oh, I’m a tiger with claws, King; you know that.” The half-breed nodded and grinned. Yes, he knew the tiger andhis claws. Hehad served the Border Rattler long enough to know him thoroughly, and in more than one rascally piece of work his hands had helped him, ‘¢ You know that I left Hermosilla Ranch be- fore Major Ralph’s rifle,’ continued Texas Trump. ‘I happened ter speak ov Greaser squaws in ther same sentence about Inez, It war a spark ter powder. He wentoff ina flash. I left thar as Laced Leon, Can I go back as Happy Hank?” he half-breed boy had no doubt of it. He had seen Texas Trump play a hundred games successfully ; he was a firm believer in the des- perado’s destiny; he could not fail anywhere. ** Wal, ’'m goin’ thar,” the llano sport went on, “When a prize is worth playin’ for you mustn’t stop ter rest. Ter Hermosilla, King!” The two riders touched their steeds with the spurs and galloped forward as the morning light rew stronger and the sun crept up the cloud- ess sky. It was hours afterward when Happy Hank dashed up to Major Ralph’s porch and doffed his sombrero to the man who came forward, eying him intently. ‘‘ Don’t know Happy Hank, major?” cried the Rattler with an outburst of laughter. ‘* Many’s ther time I’ve seen yer among ther lords ov Austin an’ ther money men oy Loredo, I’m one ov yer free lances, a daisy thet’s broke from ther hot-house, a flower on ther rampage in wild gardens, “Give me a rope with an easy noose An’ I'm a king—heigho!’ The Texan made no reply until he had thoroughly scrutinized the man in the saddle. The day was vanishing and the shadows of the tall trees near by were falling across the porch. “Get down and havo a cigar,” said Major Ralph. ‘‘ Have you crossed the plains?” ‘“Bet yer life ter invitation an’ question!” said Happy Hank as he slipped from the saddle, and took the slender cigar extended by the rancher. ‘““This doesn’t look like I went away from hyer ahead ov a rifle,” he muttered under his breath. ‘‘E£ ye could look under my mask, major, I fancy thet invitation as well as ther cigar, would be postponed.” At this juncture and before tho rancher could speak again, tho rustle of a dress was heard, and the rose of the ranch appeared on the porch. At sight of the new-comer, she stopped suddenly and went back a step, ‘‘ Tm only Happy Hank,” said the desperado. “T now know what makes Hermosilla Ranch famous everywhar. _ Major, 15 this peerless creature your—your daughter?” “My ward—Inez,” said the rancher. ‘T know a song about Inez, but not this one, perhaps.” ‘Let us hear it!” cried tho girl who had re- gained her composure, : It was evident that the girl had no high opinions of cag it Hank's musical abilities, and when she saw him throw. his hat on the floor and clear his throat with several preliininary ‘*chems,” she threw a quick smile at the Texan. Tho song pitched in a rather hich key but with a rollicking chorus, floated far from the hacienda. ‘ Inez applauded and Happy Hank bowed his thanks. , ‘‘T b’lievo L could sing my way inter Para- dise,” he said to himself. ‘‘ 1 wonder what King thinks, for ho hears all behind the trees out on the knoll. Ther more I see of ther ranch rose, ther more I know she’s worth playin’ for.” The one song did not prove enough, another | ’ and still another followed, and the result cf the strange introduction was that Happy Tank's horse was taken to the stables by a servant and he had accepted an invitation to remain all night. . ‘In your travels did you ever meet a fellow called Laced Leon?” asked the major, “‘Pve seen him once or twice. I don’t fancy the fellow,” was the reply. “He's a ruffian of the first water—a man who knows that ho is not wanted at Hermosilla. He was here but once; that was enough,” The two men now occupied the porch alone. Inez had retired and sat at her window that faced the undulating, 7lano and was wondering, perhaps, what had become of the young Texan whose friendship had nearly cost her the love of Major Ralph. Cigar after cigar was consumed by the two men, and night wore on. Inez at last left her window and fell asleep in an arm-chair, for the night was too hot to seek the bed. ‘*Major, try one of Happy Hank’s brand,” said the desperado, producing from an inner pocket two pocay and very handsome cigars, Apparently, without making a particular se- lection, he handed one of the pair to the rancher who lit it and settled back in his chair to enjoy it. What made Happy Hank watch him so from under his long black Jashes? What made the desperado’s gros glitter like two mad stars? Suddenly the rancher’s tongue seemed to grow heavy. His sentences became confused and then disjointed. The atmosphere contained a pecu- liar, but not unpleasant odor. ‘Beat me, beat Satan at his own game!” chuckled Happy Hank as he eyed the man inthe chair. ‘' Didwt Laced Leon say you could bake ‘im for a clam ef he didn’t get thar finally? Wal, he’s thar, Major Ralph. They don’t eucher this llano chick any more!” He leaned over and touched the man appar- ently asleep in the chair, The touch was felt, and Major Ralph attempted to open his eyes, but the effort was too great. “Thet’s ther costliest cigar ever smoked in Texas!” continued the ruffian, bending over the now unconscious rancher. ‘‘Thar war a drug in it deadly enough ter make yer sleep till ther final jedgment. Oh, I said I'd come back arter ther bonanza. I’m hyer!” The next moment the llano rough turned to- ward the trees and sounded the peculiar whistle, A eg figure appeared at the edge of the porch, ‘* Brazos,” said Happy Hank, and the youth disappeared. For five minutes longer the cool head stood over the man in the chair. Not a muscle of the rancher’s frame was seen to move; he seemed dead. All at once the figure of the boy came back, and glancing over His shoulders, Happy Hank saw the outlines of his horse. ‘““ Now for ther bonanza,” he ejaculated, “TI play a game ter-night thet ther Brazos kentry will never forget.” He dextrously slipped off his boots, and throw- ing them one by one to the boy, glided into the house. With the noiseless tread of a cat, he went up- stairs and stopped at the door that led into the girl’s room, It stood ajar, ‘“Two minutes more, an’ I'll be ther boss bo- nanza owner oy Texas,” fell from his lips. He pushed the door open and went in, but the next moment he stopped before the vision of beauty that slept in the arm-chair in the soft starlight. Texas Trump stood there a little while, en- tranced. Remorse did not seize hold of him; the man was merciless. Suddenly his hand darted forward, but fell gently upon the shoulder of the sleeping girl, yet the touch was enough to waken her, ‘Heavens! you here—in my room?” she ex- claimed, only prevented from leaving her chair by the hand that held her down, “‘T am hyer, my ranch lily. No noise, ef yer please, I play deep hands when thar ar’ big stakes. You ar’ goin’ with me,” ‘No, no! The major stands between me and violence,” “Ther major? I guessnot! He’s enjoyin’ his eternal sleep over his last cigar,” was the re- joinder, «No screamin’ now. I won't stan’ it, Inez. Come!” The hand clutched the shapely shoulder, and Inez was lifted from the chair. ‘“Who are you? You must be more than Happy Hank. My God! I’ve seen those eyes before.” ‘“Thar’s little doubt oy thet,” laughed the ruffian, ‘* An’ you’lisce’em often, from now on.” Texas Trump went down the steps to the porch below, bearing with him the half-conscious beauty of the ranch. It was the desperado’s triumph. He prevented her from seeing the figure re- clining in the chair, and carried her straight to the horse where stood a half-breed boy with a pair of anxious eyes, Texas Trump swung himself into the saddle, and then leaned toward his pard. ‘Now do your part,” he said. ‘‘ Remember yer instructions, an’ carry ’em out. Take thet man inter ther house first. Then make sure work oy ther trap!” Texas Trump, the Border Rattler. 7 King, the half-breed, turned toward the porch and Texas Trump rode off with his prize. ‘‘ Tt didn’t take many plays for all,” he ejacu- lated. ‘‘One deal at Camp Coyote, ther other at Hermosilla—thet war ail.” He did not Atep until he had put two miles be- tween him and the plundered hacienda. Draw- ing rein in a little bollow he waited apparently for some one, ‘Tt takes him a long time,” he said impatient- ly. ‘‘ Mebbe ther dusky devil failed.” At last the sky beyond the crest of the rise be- tween him and the ranch seemed to flush crim- son. Texas Trump uttered an exclamation of joy and spurred his horse forward, When he halted again he occupied the crest of a knoll from which was visible a raging fire about two miles away. ‘*Thar’s nothin’ like makin’ sure work as yer go along!” he cried. “What does yon fire mean?” exclaimed the girl held upon the saddle before him. ‘* Heay- ens! it is Hermosilla! You have fired the ranch. home.” ‘“ Wal, yes; why play a poor game when you hold a boss hand?” Their eyes met. “This may be your triumph, but wait till mine comes!” she saidsternly. ‘* You have add- ed murder to the torch’s work. For this deed there shall come a day of vengeance, and I pray Heaven that I may be spared to inflict the most terrible retribution!” “You'll hey ter git up early in the mornin’, my ‘Texas pink,” was the brutal reply. “A man what kin play two characters with success in a drama like this one, ar’ no fresh.” ; He turned and looked at the increasing light, and his face grew full of triumph. “Nerve my hand for vengeance, Heaven!” murmured Inez. ‘This demon must. be Laced Leon and Major Ralph believed him to‘be the desperado known as Texas Trump. Whoever he is, he shall pay for this night's work!” } CHAPTER VIII. i IN THE NICK OF TIME, *. THE sun came up again to shine on a scene of desolation me) Where had stood the home of Major mi S, the rancher, smoked a heap of blackened ru and a few men stood around gazing mournfw at the sight. These men were, for the most part, the usual ag- taches of the ranch, but there were not bp sa among them others whose appearance denote wealth—owners of neighboring haciendas. Major Ralph was not to be seen, and the ser- vants when questioned about him shook their heads. ‘*See here.. We can’t afford to be deccived about the major,” said a big rancher cornering one of the herders in the stable, ‘‘ You fellows know whar he is. If he perished in bis house we will make somebody sweat for this deed, What do you know? where is the major?” ‘He has gone off,” was the answer, ** Alone?” 7 ‘“No,. He took with him Jalisco Jack, his head herder.” ‘Did Inez go with him?” ‘Heavens, no! fo went to hunt her. a close shave for the major.” * How close?” ‘“The whole house seemed on fire when we dis- covered it. We were sleepin’ in the stables. With many a shout, we rushed to the house, Jack at our head. Into it we went, thinking of the major and Inez, Just beyond the door Jack stumbled over the major in a chair an’ uncon- scious, We carried him out, but the girl could not be found. Five minutes more and the fire would have caught Major Ralph. He acted like a madman when he came to in the garden. He raved about a man who had stopped at the ranch in the early pert of the night—a primped- up ranch loafer who sung songs an’ smoked the major’s cigars, He hasn’t been seen since,” “Could he have done it?’ asked the stockman eagerly. : “T “wouldn’t doubt it. That's the opinion hyer. As I war sayin’, ther major acted like: mad, He recovered while we saddled Mars, his horse, an’ off he went with Jalisco Jack. He saw the light of the hacienda whenever he look- ed back. That is all I know. If he finds the man who did it, hell’s gates will open for him, boots an’ all.” ‘T know him well enough to be certain that , he would prefer to dohis own Vobentcrs said the wi ranchman. ‘“ A deed like this must be followed ie by a swift revenge. The abduction of Inez is terrible enough, but the firing of the ranch is It was
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Se ae = greater still. If the major doesn’t extinguish the fire-bug, we will.” “Give him a chance,” was the answer. ** Hello! who’s come up ter ther house?” The rancher stepped from the stable and look- ed toward the ruins of the hacienda, The men there had surrounded a person on horseback who had evidently just come up, and when the rancher joined the group he saw a half-naked Indian in whose eyes already burned a revengeful light. “Tt is the dumb Comanche, Silent Sam!” was the exclamation. ‘‘Set him on the trail, an’ the fire-bug will be found.” Silent Sam had come up in time to see the last timbers of the once happy home fall in among the smoking ruins. He threw an inquiring look among the men, and a dozen hasien to tell him bout the catastrophe. **Thet’s wind wasted, boys,” suddenly cried ‘one of the herders, ‘ Don’t yer know that ther red is a mute? Let me give him some sign lan- -guage, that he may understand,” And forth- ‘with the herder inaugurated a pantomime which seemed to be understood by the Indian. ‘When he had finished, Silent Sam looked for a moment longer at the ruins, and then turned his horse’s head toward the llano, “ Let him go,” said several voices. ‘‘ I’d soon- er hey thet red on his trail than mine.” The Mute Comanche rode straight away, not once looking back at the scene behind him, and the men at the fire saw him disappear. He seemed to know where to strike the trail he wanted to find; at any rate, he gave his horse the spurs and dashed through the dewy rass of the llano, seated like a born equestrian in the saddle, and with his eagle eyes seeing ey- erything about him. eanwhile, thero rode ahead of him and in the same direction two men who were undoubt- edly master and man. ne was clad in the rich garments of the pros- porous rancher, the other in half-buckskin, and wore thé, high boots of the herder, and a light Lut wide-brimmed sombrero. The horses were moving in a southeasterly di- rection and close together. Both: men carried tho lasso of the Uano at their saddles, and were, moreover, well-armed for any and all emergencies, - Major Ralph and Jalisco Jack. ' “Jack, I must trust much of this hunt to du,” said the Texan, whose features still bore races of the terrible night just past. ‘I am willing to swear that the man who did it all is Laced Leon, whom I believe to be Texas Trump, the Border Rattler.” ‘¢ Tf he is the man, I know his haunt,” said the herder, who, like his master, was stalwart and well built. ‘‘He may not go back toit after a a swoop like this.” “Tf he does, we'll have him, ech, Jack?” ex- claimed Major Ralph. ‘‘ Where were my eyes last night that I could not pierce the disguise? I am certain now that tho letter I found on Inez’s table, when I got back to the ranch, was his work. I know now that she left one of a differ- ont kind; she has convinced me.” **T do not think so.” “Why, what do you know, Jack?” -* Only this. A short time after Roy left the ranch, called off by the message delivered by the dumb half-breed, I saw that dwarf dog Flippo come out of the house, You know what hap- Renee a few days ago?” “Inez caught him in a low falsehood. He made love to Fanny, the housemaid, an’ when she refused him, he spread a lie about her. Inez heard it, an’ faced him, He denied at first, then laughed insultingly in her face, till she jerked a ad A ai from my hand an’ cut him across the face.” **She never told meaboutit,” said the rancher in amazement, ‘She might have done so in time, Flippo told her then and there, with blood streaming down his face, that he’d get even, an’ we laughed till he went off in a rage.” aaj Ralph was silent for a few moments, ‘Then you think, Jack, that the forged letter the dwarf’s work?” ho suddenly asked. “Tt might have been, There is no person in wane handier with a pen than this same hump- ed lizard. I drew him from the Brazos once, I sh to heaven I had let him drown!” “Tt will be worse than drowning if I catch him!” grated the rancher. ‘But how slow wo are Pamper I could go like the storm, Jack.” Jalisco Jack smiled, looked at the rancher, and spoke to his horse, “To the llano serpent’s haunt!” said Major Ralph, ‘‘ Remember that Inez is to be found, «nd the burning of Hermosilla avenged!” i Texas Trump, the Border Rattler. The two steeds moved rapidly across the plain that stretched in nbrdlken Beauty. as it seemed, to the horizon far away. ‘** Halt!” said Jalisco Jack, with a suddenness that startled the Texan. ‘* What is it?” ‘* Something on the plain yonder like a horse lyin’ down,” said the feces, pointing forward. *Tsee it move, It is a horse, sure enough!” ‘*Forward, then! It may be a clew. From the horse, we may strike the sport’s trail.” Both men drew their revolvers as they rode toward tho object noticed by the keen eyes of the herder. Gn the llano everything awakens suspicion and there, if anywhere in the world, forewarned must mean forearmed. With eyes riveted upon the object in the grass, Major Ralph and Jalisco Jack rode cau- tiously forward side by side, ““Thar’s a man with the horse!” suddenly ex- claimed the head herder. ‘*T see him. He lies under the steed, help- less,” ‘** Ho is tied to the animal !—a Texan Mazeppa, major!” The caution of the two men ended there, and the next minute they lea from their saddles and bent over a man who lay on the ground, lashed to a horse which had apparently fallen from exhaustion. In an instant a knife was called into use, and Jalisco Jack cut the cords and dragged the man from under his steed, and laid him upon the soft, rich grass carpet of the Wano, ‘* He’s alive, thank fortune, major,” exclaim- ed the herder, meeting the Texan’s inquiring look. ‘‘ Don’t you know ’im?” ‘No. He is strange to me.” ‘* Ah, IT recollect you warn’t at home while he war at Hermosilla.” “What!” cried Major Ralph. ‘‘ Do you dare tell me that—” : ‘‘ This man is Roy Berdan!” finished Jack. The Texan straightened and started back, fixing upon the unconscious man for a moment a look of rage. ‘** He’s been badly treated, major,” continued the herder, who was examining the ano Mazep- pa. ‘these infernal ropes have cut almost to the bone, an’ there has been a gag in his mouth. It’s a wonder he isn’t dead. I saw him twenty times while he war at Hermosilla waitin’ for you. This is Roy Berdan.” Without speaking, Major Ralph came up and looked down into the youth’s face. ‘*Make him speak. I want to know whose work this is,” he said, Jack was already at work with this object in view. A flask of brandy, which the llano trav- eler always carries, was placed to the young Texan’s lips, and a portion of its contents forced down his throat. The effect was electrical, for life seemed to come back to the youth. Jalisco Jack passed his arm under his head and raised him gently. He gasped a moment and then drew a long breath. ** Are you Roy Berdan?” cried the rancher. “That is my name, Ah, you must be Major Rogers.” ‘Yes. Who did this? Give us the name of the man who transformed you into a llano Ma- zeppa. The fire of vengeance blazed up in the young Texan’s eyes before he spoke. “Tf IT do you mus’ not pay him back for me,” he said. ‘‘I do that myself. The villain a did ae calls himself Happy Hank, but he is Texas Trump! The rancher ape his head herder uttered a strange cry together. iF ooas have guessed it,” said Jalisco Jack. eS oct don’t know what that same devil did last night.’ : “He didn’t harm Inez, eh?” “Tf he has, I’ll toss him to the vultures!” cried Major Ralph. ‘‘I am goin’ to do that anyhow. A few hours ago, Roy Berdan, I would have shot you on sight. Now, sir, here is my hand that we are friends.” ‘But what has happened?” asked the young man Ce ‘‘Hermosilla hacienda is in ashes and Inez is in Texas Trump’s clutches.” Roy Berdan looked thunderstruck, CHAPTER TX, TIE BORDER RATTLER’S TRIGGERS. THat vast tract of country known as the Llano Estacado has hundreds of wild trails, and a thousand hiding-places, which neither the scent of the fox nor the vision of the eagle can ferret out. If Texas Trump had a particular haunt hid- den from the knowledge of man, it was likely that he would take his beautiful prisoner thi- ther. He durst not show her within the pale of civi- lization; the success of his game would warn him to give the Texan towns and the New Mexican silver-camps a wide berth, Of course he would be hunted, for he could not suppose that his swoop would go unpunished if man could strike, The light of the burning hacienda told him that King, the half-breed boy, had accomplished the task assigned him, and when he turned his back upon it, he felt assured that he had noth- ing to fear from Major Ralph. f Jalisco Jack knew his haunt as he told the rancher that he did, woe to the desperado who had masqueraded under several names. The sun as it went down on the day succeed- ing the plundering of the Texan ranch saw a man leading a horse over a rough trail in one of the roughest portions of the llano. yg guess they won’t find me whar thar ar’ no trails,” said this man to himself in audible tones, ‘This is the haunt which no man has seen. Ther eagle has passed it by, an’ hyer I kin keep my bonanza till I kin make a success- ful break for ther future.” The man who spoke did not look like Happy Hank whose songs had been applauded at Camp Coyote and Hermosilla Ranch, yet he was that very person. A short bristly beard was starting out over his face, and he could have entered more than one camp where Texas bi eas was well known and not been recognized. He was mistaken, however, when he said that his present where- abouts were not known. If he had been enabled to look some distance behind him he might have seen gliding from rock to rock with the movements of a panther approaching its prey, a figure dwarfish in size and hideously ugly. ; ‘“‘Texas Trump didn’t come hyer alone,” said this person. ‘‘ What meant thet bit o’ lace I found on the ground this afternoon? Don’t I know thet it came from her sleeve—from the dress of the girl who put the black whip across Flippo’s face when he talked about Fanny of the ranch? Inez is hyer. She is Texas Trump’s prisoner. Now the question is: Whar is she?” Texas Trump might have gone back and sur- prised this trailer, but the last man he thought of then was this very FUDD, Inez’s bitter enemy. He continued to lead the horse forward by the bridle, and did not pause until in the loneliest part of the elevated land. : Flippo came on to within a short distance of the sport and watched him with glittering eyes and overpowering impatience. “Pm glad I didn’t go to Camp Coyote,” he said. ‘If I had gone thar I would not have found Texas Trump. Roy is out o’ ther way, anyhow. Ther hoss that dashed past me in the starlight carried a Mazeppa whom I recognized at a glance. I hev but ter watch you, Texas Trump, ter show Inez ag’in thet ther blow she dealt Thippo is not forgotten.” The sun crept lower and lower, and Texas Trump showed no signs of obliging the dwarf by quitting his post. Was he waiting for some one? If he was, who was likely to come to the cool desperado now? “Tye got as much patience as you have Texas,” muttered Flippo, as he watched. wt kin stan’ hyer till I die ov old age ef you won’t move. I am too near Inez ter leave yer ter yerself, Texas Trump.” From the spot where the llano rascal stood could be seen the country lying on ee" side, and Flippo was not long determining why the position had been sought. The plains were darkening as the sun crept toward the horizon, and the roc! s about the lone desperado cast his body in shadow. He looked like a brigand guard, or an eagle watching the nest from an elevated peak. a seemed to grow into a statue of stone while he watched the sport, More than once he saw Texas Trump shade his eyes with his joined hands and scan the ground below. Far away on his right was Camp Coyote, the abode of Heavy Hugh and his pards; east- ward was Hermosilla. : At the end of two hours he moved and leaped down from the rock he had occupied, Grasping the bridle again with a quick oath, he turned toward the spot occupied by Flippo and approached. The dwarf compressed his body into the smallest possible space behind the rock that screened him, and held his breath.
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Texas Trump, the Border Rattler. 9 “Tt was no stationary object. I've haunted ther llano too long to be fooled,” said Texas Trump. ‘‘ The man that kin trail me must hey ther scent ov a bloodhound. It isn’t ther major. Tleft him ter King’s mercies. It can’t be ther boy. A hoss ll be carryin’ his skeleton over ther llano before long.” He was already past Flippo, but tho dwarf caught these words, and a moment later he was gliding after the Border Rattler with the same noiseless tread that had before marked his pro- 2TeSS, Suddenly Texas Trump turned a sharp bend in the way, and Flippo halted, It might not do to go forward too suddenly, and he held back five minutes before he pushed on, ‘* Gone! I war a fool!” grated the dwarf when he discovered that Texas Trump was not to be found. ‘‘I ought ter be blown ter pieces. Id ive a hundred dollars for a kickin’ machine oy orty-horse power.” The little man was in a rage at himself; he had let the sport of the border give him the slip. Por more than an hour he hunted for the lost trail with no success. In vain did he get down and examine the path in the light of the stars seat sprinkled the firmament once more with mps. af —— I'll hey ter hang up somewhar an’ wait till mornin’,” he said, at last. ‘‘ Fortua- ately, I know something about this place. I’ve been hyer before, but I don’t pretend ter know it as Texas does. It may hev a thousand hidin’- places an’ I not know one ov’em. But give me a glimpse ov thet galoot ag’in an’ Ill warrant thet he’ll not escape me.” Flippo turned back and went away in no happy. mood, “Hello! what war thet?” he suddexly ejacu- lated. ‘‘1t isn’t possible thet Texas has got ahead ov me.” No, Texas Trump was not ahead of the dwarf as he soon discovered, for when he went forwar again he was suddenly seized at the collar and jerked from the ground. ae eet tered an’ horns!” exclaimed e astonishe ippo, trying to get a glimpse of the owner of the hand that had poteed’ him, “‘T’ve been in traps before, but this one has x A quickest spring I ever saw. Who holds me There was no reply, but the dwarf was twirl- ed around until his little eyes, starting almost from their sockets, looked into the face of an Indian on horseback! “Silent Sam, by all thet’s holy!” continued Flippo. ‘‘I guess it’s no use ter beg for mercy from you, for they say ye’ deaf as a post. You kin see, though, thet I want loose, Jehu! Com- anche, don’t hold mo thet way. My neck ain’t gutta percha.” Not a muscle of the copper-colored face re- laxed, and the vise-like grip that held Flippo suspended in mid-air did not loosen in the least. ‘“ Ef ye’r’ holdin’ me for news, ye’ve got ther grip thet’ll fetch it out,” the dwarf went on, ‘By Jove! ef ye hed ears, Silent Sam, I could tell yer thet Texas Trump an’ ther ranch rose ar’ among these rocks, thet I’ve stumbled on ther Uano serpent, but thet I lost ‘im awhilo ago. Did he see a new glitter come into the Mute Comanche’s eyes while he spoke? “Let me go. I can’t tell yer anything be- cause yer can’t hear,” said Flippo. ‘‘ Hang me, ef I wouldn’t sooner be squeezed in a vise. Ye war born with a grip thet’d crush quartz.” As if the Comanche understood, Flippo was suddenly jerked forward and held to the blanket which the red-skin rode instead of a saddle. aa “So,” said a voice at his ear, have seen the serpent of the llano?” Tf the hand of the Comanche had not held Flippo he would have been knocked from the horse by astonishment. “‘ Jupiter! when did you get your tongue back?” he cried. ‘‘Plippo never mind_ that,” was tho reply. *‘ Whar did he lose the llano rattler?” “It makes little difference whar. You've found him now /” exclaimed a voice before Flip- po could oa With the last word there step into the rocky trail a desperado of splendid figure, and in each hand that went up was a revolver, “When the tiger hunts his hunters, look out!” the same voice continued and two quick shots followed. 3 Flippo dropped from the Indian’s hands and staggered away, and Silent Sam pitched for- ward on his steed’s neck! * So, you CHAPTER X. FLIPPO LOSES A PLAY. ‘*FounD, but not caught, my daisies, ha, ha!” laughed the man who had delivered the quick and startling shots. ‘‘ The dwarf oy ther haci- enda is dead enough, an’ I’m not so sart’in that the hoss carried off a corpse.” Texas Trump went forward and found Flippo one of his victims lying across the path, dead enough to all appearances. Silent Sam’s horse had carried him from the scene of surprise, and the llano sport turned his attention to the dwarf, ‘**T don’t miss when I shoot for a bonanza like ther rose ov Hermosvilla,” he ejaculated. ‘‘ How this deformed viper discovered that I war hyer isa mystery to me, but I’m thinkin’ it’s ther costliest diskivery he ever made.” He picked the dwarf up and carried him from the spot nor halted until he stood on the fringe of a chasm. ‘*Ther vultures will find yer, Flippo!” he said raising the dwarf above his head. ‘I can’t afford ter hey even dead men at large among these rocks,” He was about to cast Flippo from him when a strange cry issued from his throat, and he low- ered the body with curiosity in his eyes. ‘** Not dead, eh?” Texas Trump exclaimed, look- ing into the dwarf’s face. ‘*Mebbe you kin give me ther opposition lay-out. Come, Flippo, tell me whar you ran across ther Mute Comanche.” ‘Not unless I’m ter hev my liberty,” was the answer. ‘‘ Nothin’ for nothin’, Texas Trump.” The desperado laughed strangely and advanced again toward the edge of the Chiff from which he had stepped at the dwartf’s first cry. ‘‘ Nothin’ for nothin’, hey?” he said. ‘‘ Very well, Flippo; thet suits me tera T. Down yer o ter ther vultures that will come at daylight.” ‘Hold! I’m not ready ter be served raw for the winged wolves of the llano!” cried Flippo. ‘¢ All right; show sense and talk it.” The dwarf was lowered once more, but was not released, and he saw the cold glittering eyes of the Border Rattler fixed upon Bin “You war huntin’ me?” said Texas Trump. ‘¢-You an’ ther red?” “Not together. I didn’t dream ov seein’ thet Injun hyer. I war in his grip before I knew of his presence,” ** War he alone?” “ Yes.” “Ov course he didn’t tell yer anything, be- cause—” ‘** By heavens! thet red kin talk,” interrupted Flippo. “It nearly took my breath when I heard him talk. He’s no mute,” ‘*He’s played it uncommon fine for years,” said Texas Trump. ‘* Why has he done so?” ** You'll have ter ask him,” “Dead men never impart information,” an- swered the sport with a grin. ‘‘ You did not see ’im tumble forward on his animal’s neck when I touched ther trigger.” “Tf IT hed thet red on my trail I wouldn’t be satisfied till I knew he war dead,” ‘* What! don’t yer think I’ve finished him?” “*T would want ter know.” ‘Ther dwarf is right,” said Texas Trump to himself. ‘I must follow the red-skin. My fame will be continually interrupted as long as that Comanche lives. But I must first attend to this serpent.” Then he turned to the captive in his clutches, and said, with a laugh: — “Tm goin’ ter gratify yer curiosity, Flip- po. Ishall show you ther face of an old ac- quaintance,” ‘The dwarf tried to keep calm, but betrayed his eagerness by a start. Still clutching him in a manner that preclud- ~ att possbility of escape, Texas Trump started ck, Flippo had spoken in time to save himself a terrible tumble through space, but a hard fate might yet be in store for him. He believed that Texas Trump intended to conduct him to Inez, yet he could not see the desperado’s motive for doing so. The lano sport carried his captive down the winding trail that led among the rocks and stop- ped at last in a wild region which imagination could easily people with caves, Plunging into a narrow passage which was dark, Texas Trump halted suddenly and lit a match, He held the little light above his head while he advanced again, and after a while, came to another sudden halt, ve fetched you an old acquaintance, Inez,” he said as a young girl came forward with a torch in her hand, ‘‘ Stick your torch in the wall an’ entertain him t!] I come back.” Tlippo found Limse!f in the presence of Major we ee ee i ee ee a ee eee ee ee a a SS aS Ralph’s ward, the woman he hated and the beautiful creature whose writing he had coun- terfeited with almost direful results, Toxas Trump was already gone, and he stood alone in the presence of Inez, of Hermosilla. “Ef I play this thing well, Tl thank Texas for havin’ brought me hyer,” hoe chuckled to himself. ‘‘ I’m not at all hurt, I guess, The bul- let merely grazed my head an’ rendered me senseless for a few moments. It’s ther luckiest shot I ever saw. Thanks, Texas, Through your courtesy, I’ve found the rose of the hacienda. Inez who had already secured the torch in a crevice of the wall was gazing at the dwarf with eyes full of indignation. ** Don’t look at an old friend in that way,” said Flippo, advancing a step. ‘I played a pert game ter get hyer, an’ all ter help you, nez. ‘*'To help me?—you?” was the response, ‘Why not?” ‘*T would scorn help at your hands, You know how I despise you.” ‘*Pm sorry, but I’m not hyer ter talk about that,” said Flippo, with a wave of the hand. “Tifa plank war thrown ter me, a drownin’ man, I wouldn’t ask who threw it, Iam hyer for business. You want ter go back ter Hermo- silla, ter ther ri a “Does he live?” cried Inez, springing upon the dwarf. ‘‘ Did they rescue him alive from the flames?” ‘From what flames?” asked the dwarf, as- tonished. “Do you not know? Then you did not come from Hermosilla. Freedom is dear to me, Flip- po, but it cannot be accepted from the hand that offers it.” The dwarf almost recoiled a step. ‘‘Here’s a pretty go,” he said. ‘ You prefer Texas Trump ter Hermosilla, Allright. Take ther llano rattler, then.” " He stepped back as if about to depart, but the next second the girl darted forward, and her hand closed on his arm. ( ‘*T more than suspect you of one of the most dastardly deeds Icanimagine,” she said, ‘The lie Major Ralph found in my boudoir when he came back, emanated from your brain. Don’t deny it. Your countenance already betrays you. This is your 3 ibe for the scar ry whip left on your face. Now, do you think would accept liberty at your hands, viper? No! I'd sooner die in Texas mp’s clutches.” “Oh, you’re a stubborn one!” grinned the dwarf. '*Mebbe you'd like to accept freedom from ther dead man playin’ Mazeppa ter-night somewhar on ther llano,” ‘* What do you mean?” ‘*Thet rouses yer, eh? Didn’t I see a hoss carryin’ a dead man across ther plains, an’ when I saw ther corpse, didn’t I know thet ther youngster would never see uncle Hugh ov Camp Coyote?” nez uttered a wild cry and dropped Flippo’s arm, ‘Heavens! you do not mean that the dead Mazeppa is Roy Berdan?” she exclaimed, ‘ Thet’s about it,’ was the answer. Color left the girl’s face; she seemed about to reel and fall. “Ts it your work, Flippo?’ she suddenly cried, ‘*Did you send him adrift on the Wano in that terrible predicament?” e No. ” ** Whose work was it?” ‘“T could guess,” laughed the dwarf, ‘¢' Texas Trump’s?” “Ther Border Rattlor’s,” ‘¢ Was he dead?” asked Inez. ‘“‘Didn’t I say I saw a corpse tied ter a hoss? Dead? Ov course! Now, won’t a accept liberty from Flippo? Think oy ther hands thet hold yer. Ther youngster war yer friend, I know. Mebbe I’ve said an’ done things ag’in’ yer, Inez, which, in cooler moments, I'm willin’ ter take back. I curse yer whenever I see ther scar yer Whip left, but thet doesn’t prevent me from helpin’ yer out 0’ this trap.” A. short silence followed the dwarf’s appeal. To looked into the girl’s face and tried to guess her decision in advance. ‘Not at your hands,” sho said firmly, “I shall never purchase freedom with coin of that sort.’ ‘““Ye’r’? durned independent!” blurted the dwarf hiseyes glittering likeaserpent’s, ‘‘ I hope Texas Trump will keep ther nippers on yer an’ make yer a poker-queen in some wild camp till yer hate yerself, es, I wrote ther letter ther major found, Itriledhim, ch? Thet warinre- turn for ther whippin’, Inez. ‘You hev ter crush Flippo as ye’d crush a snake ter keep him under, With ther major dead an’ Roy Berdan scourin’ ther [ano like a ghost, Texas Trump
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. ' ’ “walls, 10 ar’ likely ter win all his games. Good-night, my ranch flower. In ther hardships ter come, curse ther hour when yer refused ther freedom i 2 offered.” ‘You are not to go!” cried Inez clutching the dwarf's arm again, ‘‘I was to entertain you till he came back. I shall do this, an’ when he comes, though I hate him, Flippo, I will throw you to him, More than that: I'll tell him all!” Flippo grated his teeth and struggled for a moment, but found that he could not break from Inez’s grasp. ‘Tt?ll be all day if she keeps Flippo hyer till Texas Trump comes,” he said tohimself. ‘‘ Ther llano sport won’t find ther Mute Comanche; he will come back in a passion. I’m in hard luck. Heavens! can’t I help myself out?” He ceased to struggle and quieted down. ‘“‘T want ter see Texas Trump myself,” he said to Inez. ‘‘You needn’t hold me till he comes. Thar war a time, girl, when you had a pretty good opinion ov Flippo.” ‘‘Hush!” said the girl. ‘*I hate myself for ever thinking well of you.” ‘“‘Thet’s pleasant,” grinned the dwarf. ‘As for Texas Trump ever making me queen of any camp, let not that trouble you. I assure you, Flippo, that that is one of the impossibili- ties. I have seen Hermosilla in flames; know whose orders destroyed the old home, Me Tex- as Trump’s wife! Don’t let that thought lose you any sleep.” The girl ceased rather suddenly, as if a noise had fallen upon her ears, and Flippo turned to- ward the corridor and listened. ‘Yer master, Texas Trump,” he said, smil- ing, as Inez took the torch from the crack and moved forward. He watched her with eager eyes, fully ex- ecting to see the well-known figure of the order Rattler; but in this he was not gratified. Inez went down the corridor some distance with the: torch in her hand. All at once it was struck against one of the } d the light disappeared. ‘ “What does that mean?” ejaculated Flippo. . ye heard no noise, no sound of footsteps, théugh he waited ten minutes, ‘The girl is gone,” he said at last. ‘She slipped from my hands like an ee]. What ef Texas Trump should come back an’ find me alone hyer? Foller Inez!—thet’s ther pro- ‘amme !” The next moment he was hurrying down the narrow passageway, and just as he stepped into the starlight he was grasped by the throat and Jifted clear of the ground. *¢ Jehosaphat! into ther devil’s hands ag’in!” he cried, as he gazed into the face of the Border Rattler. CHAPTER XI, CLOSE QUARTERS. “Wat, I missed ther Mute Comanche, but I’ve got back in time ter nab youl” laughed Texas Trump, as he held the alarmed ily: clear of the ground in the _ starlight. “‘So you've given Inez ther slip? Til jes’ take yer back ter her, thet’s all.” The dwarf made no reply; indeed, there was a hand at his throat, and it would have been difficult for him to have spoken intelligibly. He was dragged back into the cavern with very little ceremony, and the Rattler soon dis- covered that Inez was gone. Like a maddened tiger, he whirled upon Flippo, and in thunderous tones demanded to know where the girl was. Of course, the dwarf did not know. For some moments his very existence hung upon a very slender thread. Hoe protested that he knew nothing, and the girl’s strange disap- pearance he narrated with many asseverations of its truthfulness. The maddened llano sport finally believed. ‘She can’t get away,” he said. ‘ This piece of rock-land is elevated a hundred feet above the main plain an’ I know every foot of it while to her it is strange. In the first place, Flippo, it is my duty to dispose-of you.” ‘Wor heaven’s pakow? ‘‘No baby act hyer!” broke in the sport. “I’m not goin’ ter shed a drop ©’ yer blood. Come along! Thar’s a part o’ this underground palace you hev never explored. Flippo would have resisted if resistance had romised any benefits, but he saw no leniency in Texas Trump’s eyes, and with lips stubborn- ly compressed he was dragged from the spot. ‘*This cave has a charnel hole which | think you would like to explore,” continued the des- perado laughing as he dragged the dwarf on. ‘IT have never explored it myself. I leave that Texas Trump, the Border Rattler. for you, Flippo. You shall be furnished with matches, Ah! hyer we ar’.” Flippo looked about him in the light afforded by the matches that burned in Texas Trump’s hand and saw a yawning pit large enough to receive the body of a man. ““Tt’s about ten feet ter ther bottom of ther unknown pit,” said the sport as he crammed a number of matches into the dwarf’s pocket. ‘*T’ll take you by the neck, Flippo, an’ drop yer down easily—thus.” The dwarf would have shrunk from the or- deal, but he was lowered into the hole despite all power of resisting, and when the desperado’s grip loosened, he dropped several feet and found himself in utter darkness. ““This means death by starvation,” said the dwarf. ‘By the eternal stars! if ever I do get out o’ this place I'll make Texas Trump wish he had never seen sunlight! <A pit an’ a grave, eh? We'll see about that!” Taking hope for a moment, Flippo took out some matches and struck them on the first wall he found, The Border Rattler had already disappeared —gone back no doubt on hunt of Inez, and the deformed had the exploration to himself. If the cavern had no outlet, then a death by Saab if it gave him liberty, woe to Texas rump! We shall follow the //ano desperado. Texas Trump seemed confident that he had cooped the dwarf up securely when he went back to find the trail of the girl who had slip- Rs through his fingers in a manner he did not e. The reader will recollect that he had returned to the cave from an unsuccessful hunt for the mute Comanche whom he had tumbled forward on his horse’s neck with a bullet. He did not think that Silent Sam might have found Inez, but in the corridor near the cutward mouth of the cavern he made a discovery that opened his eyes. In the dust near one of the walls was a foot- print which was neither his nor Flippo’s. ‘* Somebody is playin’ ag’in’ me!” ejaculated the Border Rattler while he gazed at the track. ‘‘The girl was met hyer by someone, By Jehu! this makes anew trail, an’ ’ll make it a bloody one. He could follow the track to the rough path that wound like a serpent through the brilliant starlight; there, among the rocks, it was lost. Texas Trump stood nonplused like a man who sees a cherished prize about to slip from his grasp. = wi I ter lose Inez arter playin’ the role of Laced Leon an’ Happy Hank for her?’ he ex- claimed. ‘‘Must I lose ther livin’ bonanza an’ ‘o back ter ther lasso life along ther frontier? Not bya thousand miles! I must get anew hand—thet’s all! thar’s a new role for this llano chick ter play. Thank fortune, he made this haunt a mask shop for a bad day.” Once more he went back to the cavern, and twenty minutes later he emerged disguised as a cattle-hunter in dark gray overalls, heavy hat, big boots that reached to his knees, whip, lasso, and cattle brand. A false black beard that completely changed his facial appearance gave him the air of the person he personated, and the keenest eyes could not have seen Texas Trump behind the new dis- guise. Mounting his horse upon which he had placed a saddle of the peculiar pattern affected by cat- tle-hunters, he rode leisurely to the eastern boundaries of the rocky eminence, and looked down upon the plain stretching toward the dark horizon, 7 The night was wearing away, and another day was not far distant. Texas Trump dismounted and led his horse while he carefully inspected the trail leading to- ward tho east. More than once his sharp eyes detected some- thing thet kindled them with indignation, and half a mile out on the plain he sprung up and went back to his horse. “*T hev no doubt of it now!” he cried, “I didn’t kill thet Injun for all, The hoss I’ve _fol- lowed thus far has lately left ther rocks. I’ve tracked him by degrees from near ther under- ground palace whar I saw Inez last. Ther girl has fallen back inter ther hands ov ther red. rea says he kin talk, By heavens! he'll find his tongue if Texas Trump runs him down.” On, on through the early morning hours went the Border Rattler. Every now and then he would dismount to make certain that he was still on the right trail. Nothing daunted him now, a 8 Loa) ° “ Don’t I know thet ther red ar’ breakin’ for Hermosilla?” he said to himself. ‘‘ Thet proves thet he’s got ther girl. Give me a Comanche Ke cunnin’, and Texas Trump ter beat ’im at ast. Morning found the Border Rattler far from the rock pile and fairly adrift on the Wano with his face turned toward the ranch he had despoil- ed. Cool determination and bloodhound perti- nacity looked out of his eyes, though nobody would have dreamed that the man in the saddle was the curse of the border. ‘Hello! what’s thet ahead?’ suddenly cried Texas Trump, drawing rein and standing erect in his stirrups. Far ahead was a dark object that seemed to possess motion, and a long look with shaded eyes told the Rattler that it was approaching. He looked anxiously for some minutes, and at last discovered the sight to be three horsemen. “‘T'll face ’em,” he said. ‘‘’Twill give me a chance ter try my new disguise. Ill see what they think ov Maverick Mark, on his way ter ther State arter cattle.” Texas Trump settled back into the saddle and rode forward again. Every minute lessened the distance between him and the three men who had also seen him, They kept close together and seemed anxious to join him, and the desperado watched them with a pair of keen eyes. ‘** Bake me for a clam!” he suddenly exclaimed. “ Why didn’t King, my half-breed boy pard, do his duty? One o’ those men ‘is Major Ralph ov Hermosilla, er ’ma Greaser! Jehu! I’ve got ter play Maverick Mark down ter a hair now. het fellow at his left is his boss herder, Jalisco Jack, I’d know him anywhar. Who is ther third chap? I can’t place him yet.” The two parties were not more than five hun- dred yards apart now. The three suddenly gal- loped forward at a brisk gait, and when near him, Texas Trump felt a thrill pass over his frame. “'Thar’s my llano Mazeppa, too!” he ejacu- lated. ‘‘ Ye’r’ ther last man I expected ter see alive, Roy Berdan. What would yer give ter know thet ye’r’ about ter meet ther man who euchered ye in Camp Coyote?” A meeting was unavoidable, and at length Texas Trump drew rein and awaited the three men, ‘* Hello! gents,” he cried tipping back his sombrero. “‘ Yer see before yer Maveriek Mark on a Ccattle-hunt toward Texas. What’s ther show for stock in ther Brazos ranches?” The three vengeance-hunters sat before the cool-head of the llano, and Major Ralph replied that cattle were plenty in the territory men- tioned. ‘‘ Thet strikes me, gents,” said the false May- erick Mark. ‘‘ Which way ar’ ye bound for?” ‘“ We're huntin’ ther biggest rascal that ever filled a saddle,” said Jalisco Jack. ‘¢ A stampeder, eh?” ‘¢ Worse than that,” grated the rancher, his brow darkening. ‘I am Major Ralph Rogers of Hermosilla Ranch. The man we hunt is Texas Trump, an’ woe to the fire-bug an’ girl- stealer if we catch him!” “The llano shall witness the drama of & headless Mazeppa if we find the fiend!” flashed Roy Berdan, whose dark eyes were riveted upon Texas Trump while he spoke, ‘‘ Look here!” and the young man held out his wrists to the sport. ‘Those welts were made by his infernal ropes. Ihave been his Mazeppa. He shall yet be mine!” **Blood for blood—thet’s ther unwritten law: ov ther southwest border,” said Texas Trump. ef wish ITecould put yer on track ov this llano x, “Thanks, I know you would if you could,” Major Ralph responded. ‘* We are equal to the situation, though. I have hunted men before, an’ I cannot recall a single failure.” “Look yonder!” exclaimed Jalisco Jack, and his arm pointed toward the northwest. ‘Thar come two horses, an’ by Jupiter! Tl stake my life ag’in’ a lasso thet one ov ‘em carries Silent Sam. Thar’s no man livin’ thet sits a hoss like thet dumb Comanche.” Texas Trump who had already turned his head was staring at the approaching people discovered by Jalisco Jack. “Jalisco Jack is right,” he said under his breath. ‘‘Thar comes ther Mute Comanche, an’ his pard is Inez!” Major Ralph made the same discovery at pre- cisely the same time, “Tnez!—Inez!” he exclaimed, carried away with joy: ‘‘I can throw Hermosilla at that silent red-skin’s feet!” He gave his horse the spurs with the utter-
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oe * Texan quickly. Texas Trump, the Border Rattler. ance of the last word, and the next moment he was riding like the wind toward the girl. Texas Trump bit his lips madly. “Tet ’em wait an’ see Maverick Mark’s hand!” he hissed. ‘‘I could ram thet infernal Comanche inter ther ground. Somewhar back thar I lost ther trail, but fortune has found Inez for me anyhow.” Meanwhile, the Texan rancher had reined in his horse between the Indian and his companion, and Texas Trump was compelicd to witness the embrace that followed. ‘* Thar ar’ four more eyes ter inspect Maverick Mark,” he muttered. ‘‘I call myself safe. Major Ralph, Roy an’ Jalisco Jack hev failed ter penetrate ther mask. I’m not afraid ter face Sam an’ ther girl.” He did not have to wait long for the ordeal, for Major Ralph soon came back, riding beside Inez, and Silent Sam’s eyes were fastened on the llano rattler. Pm all hunky!” murmured Texas Trump, ‘‘Ther keenest scourer ov ther llano fails ter recognize me,” CHAPTER XIT. RUN DOWN. Havine found Inez again, Major Ralph was willing to turn back to the desolated ranch. Jalisco Jack, the Indian and Roy were anxious to move forward and hunt the Border Rattler down, and after a short consultation, in which Maverick Mark said a few words, it was decided that both should be done. Major Ralph and Incz, accompanied by the masked sport, turned their horses’ heads to- ward Hermosilla, whilo tho three vengeance- ers galloped toward the haunt far to the west. ‘Ef I’m not havin’ things my own way, shoot me for a parson!” ejaculated Texas Trump, as he rode along beside Inez, who did not for a mo- ment suspect the truth. ‘‘ Half an hour ago I wouldn’t hev given much for my chances; now, I'm on top ag’in. They don’t keep this llano daisy under the grass long at a time. Those fellows won’t find Texas Trump; they may un- earth Flippo.” It was a long ride back to the borders of Her- mosilla Ranch, and when the placo was reached, an unexpected sight greeted the desperado’s eyes. Near the spot whero the hacienda had stood, a small but comfortable building had been erected by the quick-handed servants and adjacent ranchers, and a loud cheer greeted the return of Major Ralph and Inez, “You seo what the villain did,” said the Texan, directing Texas Trump's attention to the ruins of the ranch home. ‘My herders and neighbors have put up a Met aaa shelter, which will give way for a handsome home by and by. My last orders to Jalisco Jack and his friends were that the Uano fiend, if captured, shall be brought here for punishment. What will I do with him? I'll hang him to one of the blackened beams of Hermosilla Ranch!” Texas Trump did not quail at these words, “That wouldn’t be too good for him, major,” he laughed coolly. ‘* But you do think the boys will find him?” “Tf he is living he will be found,” said the ; **T don’t know anything about Roy’s hunting qualities, but I’d stake much on those possessed by Jalisco Jack and the Indian. Find him? They will, sir, and where he did his dirtiest work Texas Trump shall stretch a lasso. Maverick Mark was invited to make himself at home at the ranch, and he accordingly added his horse to those in the ample stables. He was in no hurry to inspect the ranches of the Brazos sn his search for cattle, and he would rest awhile at Hermosilla. Inez was glad to get back to the old ranch and more than once as the hours flew by she cast longing eyes westward with an eager fove that the three hunters would soon return, “Look! we are going to have visitors,” sud- denly exclaimed the girl appearing before the house where Major Ralph and Maverick Mark were smoking in the last rays of the sun, “A lot of herders for the Wanos!” cried the rancher, ‘‘Ah! we may hear from the three hunters. They may even be in the party.” Maverick Mark sprung to his feet and fixed his eyes on the party riding in a gallop toward the house. “Ther pards ov Camp Coyote. I'd know ’em without a light,” he growled, ‘‘ What hev I ter fear, though? I hev passed inspection under ther keenest eyes on earth. Heavy Hugh an’ his pards can’t diskiver anything.” _ Less than a minute later a party of horsemen consisting of twelve broad-shouldered and dark- faced men, drew rein before the little group in front of the new ranch. ‘* Hyer at last,” said the man who rode for- ward and held out his hand to Major Ralph. “You hévn’t seen anything ov thet missing nephew ov mine, eh, major?” * ‘© We'll just alight hyer, boys.” The pards of Camp Coyote sprung to the ground, and Heavy Hugh introduced them to the rancher who had a welcome for all. Maverick Mark stood aside and took in the scene with coolness. ‘*Gentlemen, let meintroduce you to Maverick Mark from the Southwest,” said Major Ralph, turning suddenly to the Border Rattler. ‘‘ He’s been our guest a short time and talks of leaving us to-morrow.” Confident of his disguise, Texas Trump stepped forward and met the men from across the inn. He at once became the target for every eye, and met the scrutiny without a sign of fear. ‘Ef thar war a smilin’ palace hyer, gents, I'd invite yer up ter hev suthin’ at my expense,” he said to the Coyotes, ‘ As it is, boys, yell take ther will for ther deed, though thet doesn’t quench thirst worth a continental.” In a short time, the pards were enjoying themselves on the soft, rich grass before the hacienda, They let their tired and hungry horses graze while they threw themselves on the ground and smoked the cigars which had been passed around by Inez’s fair hand. ‘Major, that guest ov yours,” said Heavy Hugh, touching the Texan rancher at the first opportunity; ‘did you say he was Maverick Mark?” “ Yes,” ** What’s his business hyer?” ‘* He is on his way to the Brazos ranches ter buy cattle.” **Tt’s a durned lie!” cried Heavy Hugh. Major Ralph turned upon the Coyoter with a look of amazement. ‘Thar never wer’ but one real Maverick Mark,” the big man continued, ‘“‘an’ I happen ter know thet he died five year ago on ther Rio Pecos. Major, I don’t like ter break pleasant relations between you an’ yer guest, but ther sooner thet man gits away from Hermosilla, ther better it'll be for ali parties concerned.” “Who is he?” “Not. Maverick Mark—thet’s sartain,” an- swered Heavy Hugh, confidently, ‘‘ Pil let yer know before he goes yee Bah From that moment, the Border Rattler was under espionage, and ee he knew it not, the penetrate eyes of Heavy Hugh were upon im “Pll get under his shell before daylight, or turn my hoss’s head toward Coyote,” said the stalwart fellow. ‘‘That chap is stayin’ hyer fer suthin’. He never thought ov buyin’ cattle on ther Brazos ranches,” The sun went down, and the shadows of the trees, scorched by the late fire, fell long across the new ranch. “Tl go an’ look at my hoss, major,” said Maverick Mark to the Texan, as he started to- ward the stables. _Heavy Hugh, who heard, stepped back and lifted a hand ata young man who was watching him from the grass. The youth got leisurely upon his feet, and walked through the group of trees near by. ‘They stick like leeches, hang their hides!” growled Maverick Mark, while he walked to- ward the stables. ‘‘They promise ter kee awake all night just ter beat me out ov a slic little game. By Jehosaphat! Heavy Hugh, if I had yer by ther throat, I’d show yer what Texas Trump’s hands ar’ made oy.” He reached the long, low stables attached to the rench, and entered. “What's this?” he suddenly exclaimed, as his hand came in contact with a bridled horse in the darkness, ‘ This must be my hoss, an’ sad- dled! Who did this?” “The best friend ye hev at Hermosilla, cap’n,” said a voice, and Texas Trump storted back with his hand on a revolver, as several long fin- gers closed on his arm. He knew the voice. ‘Ts it you, King, my boy?” ‘Tt is the half-breed,” was the reply. ‘I’ve saddled yer hoss because ye’ve got ter use him ter-night. They’ve thrown a net about yer, ER Nom 11 ‘They hev! I tried ter see yer at ther ranch, but failed ter. Then I came hyer an’ saddled. the hoss, intendin’ ter go back an’ see yer at all hazards. Heavy Hugh says ye’re not Maverick Mark.” “He does?” flashed Texas Trump, ‘‘ He won’t say that to my face.” **Don’t try him, cap’n. You must go.” ‘* Without makin’ the stroke I had planned?” od te Texas Trump was silent for a moment. Suddenly he said: ‘See hyer. You didn’t do yer duty. Yow let Major Ralph escape when you burned the rancb.” “It wasn’t my fault, The fire didn’t reach him quite quick enough. Your drugged cigar failed to kill him. Ah, we both failed!” ‘The next time there will be no failure!” Texas Trump said these words between his th. “Tf I go away, it will fasten the suspicion that I am not Maverick Mark,” he went on, ‘By ther dust ov Cesar! Pll stay!” ‘An’ lose ther ranch rose forever,” said the half-breed boy. ‘‘Go back an’ face Heavy Hugh an’ pards ter die at ther end ov a lasso, Cap'n, yer must go. No goin’ back ter ther hacienda now, You kin come back hyer in a new skin, an’ nobody will know ther Wano bird,” ‘“‘ Mebbe I’ve been follered?” ; . “Not yet. Now for the Wano, King will go with yer, cap’n—unless yer want him ter do duty hyer.” Two minutes later Maverick Mark leaped to saddle in the shadow of the low stable which was. between him and the hacienda. ‘“‘T}] shoot yer keen eyes out o’ yer head afore I die, Heavy Hugh!” he said, sending a mad look toward the house, ‘I have yet another skin which I have never worn in these parts. Pll play that hand next,” ; He threw a look at the half-breed boy as he athered up the lines. King was eager 6 pilot his master from danger. ™ “ Halt!” rung outa voice so near that the two - Uano pards started and turned. skulls. borders ov ther llano. Get down, Maverick Mark, an’ you, too, half-breed pigmy!” “= Already the Border Rattler saw the young Coyote w revolvers. It was the youth Heavy Hugh had summoned from his lounging place in the grass. “You stop a_bad man when you interfere with Maverick Mark,” said Texas Trump men~- acingly. f Mf ** About ‘*T obey orders,” was the answer, face now, an’ march to the ranch.” The Uano sport and his companion who had dropped to the ground under cover of the two revnivens eft their horses and turned their taces: toward the house. The eyes of Texas Trump flashed fire; the half~ breed’s glistened like a basilisk’s. The tramp was of short duration, and the young Coyoter astonished all by calling for Heavy Hugh in front of the new ranch, Tn an instant the hoss of Camp Coyote came forward, and stopped in front ¢ Texas Trump whom he eyed ASA aie! 2M ; “ Maverick Mark, eh?’ he said, ‘‘ Ther next time yer want a new name don’t take a dead man’s.” Was thatall? Was there to be nocharge that he was Texas Trump? “By George! yer know-a good deal ef you know me better than I know myself,” aug! ed Texas Trump. ‘ Ef I’m not Maverick Mar yas yer say, in ther name of fortune, who am I?’ **T will unmask him!” cried Inez springing forward at that moment. ‘If he isnot the real Maverick Mark he can be but one other—Texas Trump. The boy at his side gives him away. He brought the decoy message to Roy the day Laced Leos was here. Laced Leon is Texas Trump; so is that man!” x : “The beard is false, then,” said Major Ralph. ‘Men of Coyote, when I lift my hand, shoot it from his face unless he removes it himself!” Texas Trump saw that the game was up. CHAPTER XIII. THE HALF-BREED’S BIG PLAY. As erect asa statue and with fearless and flashing eye, the cornered sport stood before the ready revolvers of the Coyote pards, ‘Unless I’m dropped in my tracks, I'll make it lively enough for all ov yer yet,” he said under s breath. ‘fam ter jerk my beard off, eh, an’ show ’em that I’m not Maverick Mark?” no stood a few feet away looking calm-. ly into his face from behind a brace of leveled” ae cock both of you, or I'll send bullets through yout>” his is no boy’s game we play on ther’ | a
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: f ; ~part 12 ““Off with the mask!” commanded Major Ralph at this moment. ‘If it is not removed will proceed to shoot it away.’ Texas Trump’s hand moved to his face, and the next moment the false beard was jerked away and he stood revealed in his true cnar- acter. The Coyoters uttered exclamations of astonish- ment, the transformation from Maverick Mark to Texas Trump was so startling “Gentlemen, thar’s no use ter cling ter false feathers any longer,” said the llano desperado with a cool smile. ‘I stan’ before yer as Texas Trump. Now ee with yer trial.” He addressed the last words to the rancher upon whom he turned as he uttered them. ‘* Not now, though I should not hesitate to drop be in your boots,” was the reply. ‘‘ We shall old you till Roy and his companions come back. Then, Texas Trump, I warn you you will receive no mercy.” There was no answer fora moment. The pest of the llano and Major Ralph exchanged looks of hatred. “It takes cheek to play a game like this,” sud- denly said the rancher. _ “A man with no cheek has no right ter ther dlano,” was the answer. ‘‘I guess Maverick Mark won’t buy any cattle among ther Brazos ranchers, eh, major?’ and Texas Trump laughed as though he was victor and not a condemned prisoner, Heavy Hugh i the Rattler with eyes full of indignation. © saw in him the man who, as Happy Hank, had invaded Coyote and jumped with Roy, to follow up the sport with one of the coolest abductions on record, and a deed that made the blood run cold. Texas Trump and the half-breed boy were ie under guard. A lantern was hung to one of he pillars of the little veranda of the new house, and the Coyoters with cocked revolvers began to.watch the prisoners, . Major Ralph had hopes that Jalisco Jack and would return before daylight. They would not find Texas Trump in the old haunt; therefore he would put back to Hermosilla. Slowly the hours of that night wore away. King, the half-breed boy 4 himself upon the porch, and appeared to fall into a sound slumber as if he was in no peril. Texas Trump occupied the chair which he had been ordered to fill at the muzzles of rifles and revolvers, and nobody seemed to take notice of the figure stretched at his feet. ’ Major Ralph went inside at midnight, after giving Heavy Hugh some instructions about guarding the prisoner, and the morning stars pipe their long vigils. exas Trump watched the lantern which flickered fitfully against its post. At times it would leaye him in shadow for a second, but then he would always see the cool men who, wide awake as serpents, watched him closely. Tt was the most perilous scene of his eventful career. The pards of Coyote forgot the boy who had ropes asleep at the desperado’s chair. ing was playing ‘possum, for just after midnight he began to move away by degrees. His movements were not noticed by any one; the Coyoters seemed asleep. Instead of sAgiltne 3 toward the edge of the porch where he might drop into the grass, the wily half-breed moved toward the open door of the house, and drew himself across the thres- hold. His movement was accomplished unseen by keeping in the shadow of the llano bandit and his chair, Once acro.s the door-step the half-breed hug- ged the floor and let slip a breath of relief. “Tf I don’t get Texas out o’ this brine, pickle me for a shrimp!” he cremated, his little eyes glistening like polished diamonds. ‘‘They must watch King when they guard his master. Ha! ha! the eyes of the Coyoters aren’t sharp enough. We will yet get the livin’ bonanza!” The temporary house which had been erected was a one-story frame, consisting of three small rooms. Inez’s new boudoir was to the right of the door entered by the boy half-breed. He seemed to know this, for he crept toward it, moving slowly like a serpent and liste ning all the while, The lantern threw a few fitful rays of light into the room thus entered, and showed King the half-open door of the chamber. He reached the threshold, and listened. For a moment he heard nothing, and then the low breathing of a sleeping person was dis- cernible, Bor the eyes of the boy half-breed scintillated now ne FY RSS SE, 5 eee) when I have finished counting five, these men | had been for years. It was all for the man guarded on the porch, for the desperate sport whose slave and pard he There was no other hope. No rescue before daylight meant death to Texas Lea ing seemed in no hurry, for he listened at the door for some minutes, or until he had located the sleeper. Then began a series of snail-like movements that ended in transferring himself into the room and crouching at the foot of the girl’s couch. He felt the bedclothes with his sallow hands, then took a lucifer from his pocket and drew it over the floor under the couch. There was a tiny flash but no report, and tho half-breed held the flame to the sheet fcr a mo- ment, “Now, let them beat Texas Trump ef they can!” he laughed turning his back on the flame. He glided out of the room, crept to the door of the porch and rolled himself back to the chair. All this, while it took time, did not occupy many minutes. There was victory in the eyes of the half- breed boy. He looked often toward the room from his old position. All at once a wild shriek startled everybody. It came from the girl’s room, and sounded like a cry of despair. King knew what it meant. The yellow boy crouched at the feet of his doomed master felt a thrill of pleasure through his frame as that wild ery rung out, ‘Fire! by heavens! the ranch’s on fire!” The wakeful Coyoters leaped upon the porch forgetful of the man they were guarding. ‘Fire it is,” said King springing up. The young lady seems to be in danger.” Major Ralph rushed out half-bewildered b the cry and then, seeming to realize Inez’s peril, he ab back into the house! The -breed clutched the Border Rattler’s arm. ‘* Quick! It was done for you, cap’n!” te ex- claimed. Texas Trump left his chair and dashed at tho only man left to guard him in the momentary confusion. King sprung at the same object and both reached him at the same moment, “I’m a tiger when I try myself!” cried Texas Trump, butting the Coyoter against the heavy ilar, ‘* Thar never war a trap thet held Texas rump long, an’ this one isn’t one ov thet kind.’ The twain dashed toward the horses of the camp pards, and had filled two saddles before the alarm was sounded, ‘** No foolin’ hyer, cap’n,” said the half-breed boy. ‘*To-morrow will bo your day for ven- geance. Away!” They turned the steeds and gave them the spur with crimson interest. ‘“*T owe all this to you,” said Texas Trump to the youth when they found themselves on the llano. ‘‘ Your hand is in it somehow, but just how I do not know.” King looked at him with a smile. ‘**A hand an’ a match, cap’n,” he said with a grin. “King creep into the house an’ set fire to the girl’s bed.” “You did?” suddenly roared the desperado catching the boy’s arm while fire seemed to start from his eyes. ‘‘ Look hyer! you destroy tho very bonanza I’ve been playin’ for. Curse your head! King, whar war it when you did this thing?” ‘“‘They find the girl soon enough ter save her,” was the response. ‘‘ Fire no devour her cap’n. King no fool when he plays a big hanc like that.” ‘Ar’ youcertain? ‘You failed the other time, you know.” : “The hacienda went, but Major Ralph es- caped. It will be the same way this time. House go mebbe, but they will save Inez, the ranch rose. Cap'n Trump kin play a new role now.” * An’ won’t I?” exclaimed the llano scourge. **T see no fire back yonder, King. They have saved the house.” ** An’ Inez, too.” “You couldn't go back an’ see?” “King go anywhar for Texas Trump.” The next minute the desperado was alone and the half-breed boy was riding back toward the ranch where he had played one of the shrewd- est games of rescue imaginable. “That boy is worth his weight in gold,” Texas Trump ejaculated. ‘‘Now Iam free to play a new hand. I wouldn’t hev given much for m chances awhile ago, but King was plannin’ his play all ther time. When I get ther bonanza, lll reward him. Tl bu’st a dozen faro-banks an’ throw ther winnin’s at his feet.” Texas Trump, the Border Ratt'er. ' Meanwhile, the half-breed boy moved cautious- ly toward the Texan ranch. Strange to say, he heard no noise, no loud commands, and the tramp of no horses, He knew that the fire had been extinguished before it inflicted much damage, and this fact told him also that Inez had been rescued. He left his horse at the stables and crept for- ward on foot. Half-way between stables and hcuse he crouched suddenly and drew the bowie he had snatched from the belt of the Coyoter charged by Texas and himself on the porch. ‘*T heard it,” said a voice. ‘It was between us an’ the horses.” King now saw the speaker, a man crouched like himself in the grass. “Go forward an’ settle the question,” said another voice. The man moved, he came toward the waiting and watching half-breed. Retreat was out of the question. already advanced too far. He clutched the bowie and waited. The man came on. All at once the half-breed boy sprung up from under the Coyoter’s very feet, and then leaped into his arms. “Take this for ther cap’n an’ King!” hissed the half-breed, and at the same time he deliver- ed a blow with the knife. A loud cry told that the blade had inflicted a terrible wound. The Coyoter’s companions ran to his side. ‘Tl master the half-breed baby!” the wound- ed man exclaimed. ‘I’ve got my arms about him. Get out o’ ther way. Tm goin’ ter throw him at Heavy Hugh’s feet!” He turned about and dashed toward the house with King a prisoner in his arms. ‘*Whar’s Hugh?” he exclaimed, rushing up to agroup»f men, whose appearance told that they had heard the cry. “‘Hyer, Red Rube! What on earth—” ot Hyer's ther llano rattler’s serpent!” was the interruption. ‘‘He’s cut me ter ther death. Take him—away!” Red Rube’s arms opened at that moment and Tg the half-breed dropped at Heavy Hugh’s eet. A dozen men seemed to oe at the boy. He was jerked from the ground in the twinkling of an eye, and a lasso produced from somewhere went over his head. The men had been transformed into demons. Over the'sturdiest limb of the nearest tree the black cord was quickly thrown, and Texas Trump’s boy pard was lifted from the ground. ‘* Hold!” cried Major Ralph, catching the rope. ‘‘He must show us the Border Rattler’s trail first.” ** Never! the boy. The Texan rancher was pushed back by the determined representatives of Coyote, and, at a signal from Heavy Hugh, the lasso tightened again. While Texas Trump waited for the pard who would never come. CHAPTER XIV. MATCHED ON THE LLANO, In the bright red sunset of a summer day, a King war never yet a traitor,” said man who looked very commonplace, rcde into- Camp Coyote, and dismounting in front of its one saloon, went in and called for a drink. His horse looked fatigued, and the man him- self showed signs of weariness, When he had helped himself to two draughts of liquor, he looked at a piece of paper tacked above the shelves, and then glanced at the bar- tender, ‘* Wanted—Texas Trump, eh?” he said, ‘*That’s what ther notice says. It’s been up thar for two months, stranger, an’ nobody’s stepped for’ard ter claim ther reward. What did he do? Ob, he’s been raisin’ pandemonium in one way an’ another for years along both borders. His last play war on ther other side, at Hermosilla Ranch, which he an’ his half- breed boy pard burned. They got ther boy, though, an’ strung him upter a limb, but Texas Trump himself got away, Major Ralph Rogers offers thet reward,’ an’ he'll poy it dollar for dollar, too. Three hundred for Texas Trump dead, five for ’im alive.” ‘* Who’s hunted ’im?”’ asked the stranger with some interest. ‘Nearly everybody. Coyote hez sent out a posse, an’ ther other camps hev taken a hand.” ‘© An’ he’s still at large?” ‘‘ My opinion is thet he’s left ther border. It’s been scoured thoroughly. When Silent Sam, ther Mute Comanche, can’t find his man, it’s no use for white people to keep up ther hunt. Ther Injun war hyer an hour ago, an’ Heavy Hugh King had -
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- Texas Trump, the Borde r Rattler. 13 says he has about given up ther game. A young chap, named Roy Berdan, who outjumped Texas Trump in Coyote, once, gave up huntin’ him, an’ hez gone ter Hermosilla ter marry Inez, ther raucher’s ward.” The stranger started slightly as this informa- tion was volunteered. ‘*T’d like ter hev five hundred myself,” he said with a smile. ‘‘ I believe I'll take Texas Trump ter Major Ralph.” “You'll hev ter catch ther ano rattler first, an’ thet’s no child’s play,” said the whisky- dealer. ‘‘ You don’t mean ter say thet you know whar he is, stranger?” “Bf I did, I wouldn’t post it in Coyote. I’m glad I’ve seen ther reward. I b’lieve I'll makea strike for it.” The man walked out to the horse waiting for him near the door. ‘‘Rive hundred for Texas Trump delivered alive at Hermosilla!” he ejacula under his breath. ‘‘An’aweddin’ too! For his Mazeppa ride, Roy Berdan is ter get ther livin’ bonanza! I came hyer ter transact business with a sartain citizen ov Coyote. Whar is he? Mebbe he went away with ther Mute Comanche.” These words might reveal the man’s identity to the reader. If not, those that followed surely will. “Tve played Laced Leon, Happy Hank an’ Maverick Mark,” the man went on, lancing about the camp with searching eye. *‘ They kin st a thousand offers ov reward; they don’t etch ther Border Rattler asleep. Whar is ther hound who ordered ther pards ov Camp Coyote ter pull King up ter Major Ralph’s tree?” As if in reply to the inquiry, a stalwart man came from between the cabins and walked ony. “That's Hugh!” exclaimed the disguised des- perado. ‘‘He doesn’t dream that I’m within pistol-shot. Hung King, my half-breed_pard, eh? I’m hyer ter worse than hang you, Heavy Hugh!” eavy Hugh did not appear to notice the man who watched him with a pair of eager eyes. mt What'd you give ter know thet Texas Trump holds his eyes on ye?” chuckled the llano pest. ‘ T’ll be at ther weddin’ ef it doesn’t go off too soon. Come, hoss,” He walked off, with the horse following a his heels, Suddenly he called to Heavy dugh. The boss of Camp Coyote stopped and turned. ‘*‘ Mebbe ye kin give a stranger a piece ov in- formation,” said Texas Trump, comin up, and speaking mn a tone at variance with his true voice, ‘‘Wal?? responded Hugh, looking at the speaker, who looked like an inoffensive, travel- worn man, ‘‘ Which is ther shortest route ter ther Brazos cattle-markets?” Heavy Hugh stepped back a pace as though something startling was recalled by the innocent question. cabal a long ways from them, pard,” he said, ** Thor lano lies between us, eh?” tN eg.7? ‘‘T ruess Llano Jack an’I ar’ cqual ter it,” said Texas Trump nodding toward his horse. ‘* Show me ther trail will yer?” **-Ye’r’ not goin’ ter try it with thet hoss?” ‘* Bet yer boots, cap’n.” Heavy Hugh said no more, but motioned to the desperado to follow him, Side by side the two men walked from Camp Coyote and the sun went down with them on the Uano just beyond its borders, and near a clump of trees, , More than once during the tramp Texas Trump had thrown mad looks at Heavy Hugh, and once under the tree he looked like a tiger about to leap upon a victim. ; The Coyoter proceeded to point out the way across the llano. “Tf you run across Texas Trump you might take him to Hermosilla an’ claim the reward,” se gdceahy. laughed glancing at the man at his elbow, “What'd you give to find ’im?” asked the rt. eal" ood deal. I don’t think I'd trouble Major Ralph for the reward.” ‘Why not?’ Std the grass snake myself.” ** As you hung his boy pard, eh?” The sentence seemed to end in a hiss, and Heavy Hugh whirled upon the speaker as it still sounded, “Who told you that I hanged Texas Trump’s boy pard?” he asked. ““T know it. Don’t say yer did not, Heavy Hugh. What Texas Trump knows, he knows.” ‘Texas Trump?” ‘* As large as life! Ther Wlano rattlesnake has found you at last!” The hand of Heavy Hugh darted toward the revolver in his belt, but the bronze fingers of the Border Rattler arrested it. ‘“‘No drawin’ hyer!” he continued sternly. ‘‘ When I knew by whose orders King war pull- ed up thet night I said I'd get even with Heav Hugh. 1 came ter Coyote for that purpose. hev decoyed yer hyer. I want ter cross ther Uano, but I know ther way. I’m going ter reach Hermosilla in time ter play ther biggest hand ov ther season, A weddin’ thar they say, Hugh!” The desperado laughed savagely in the Coyo- ter’s face. The two men, stalwart fellows and bronze athletes, stood face to face in the dusk; they looked like gladiators about to engage. ““T play my game through in spite ov Satan!” Texas Trump went on. ‘‘I don’t begin hyer with ther revolver that might put all Coyote on my track. I don’t want ter be followed just now.” The next moment his clinched hand went up, and before reeay Hugh could prepare for a blow one was dealt full in his face and he was sent staggering back, ‘« Silence hyer, thunder when I get ter Her- mosilla!” ejaculated Texas Trump, following up the stroke by throwing himself upon Heavy Hugh who was trying torecover. ‘This is for ther neck-stretchin’ yer gave King.” The boss pard of Camp Coyote was beaten back by the furious blows rained upon him by the Border Rattler, and at last the lano demon stood over an almost unconscious body. ‘‘Now for a vulture feast,” he said, taking from the saddle-bags thrown across his horse to complete his disguise, a well-coiled lasso; then climbing nimbly into the low-limbed tree, he threw one end over a bough. Dropping lightly to_the ground again, he slip a noose over Heavy Hugh’s head, and then fastened the loose end of the rope to his horse’s girth, so that when the animal moved forward the Coyoter was drawn up into the branches, ‘(Bucher me all through ther game ef yer win!” ejaculated Texas mp when he had fastened the lasso in the tree, in such a manner that neither it nor its victim could be seen from the ground. ‘ Good-by, Heavy ay ha Rope for rope, neck for neck! This is ther death law ov ther lano !” He looked back toward Camp Coyote, but saw no one, then cienting. upon the horse, which now showed no signs of fatigue, the moment he ke to him he was off across the wild country that stretches between Hermosilla and the min- meen " ‘ he rl went down the trails of the sky but Texas Trump kept on. He was not bound for the cattle-markets of the Brazos region, but for a scene where he had determined to play his last hand in the desperate game he had begun. He had deceived Heavy Hugh. Why would he not deceive the denizens of the ranch‘ Daylight found him still on the lano, but near toa group of trees, from which suddenly rode a single horseman, at sight of whom Texas ae almost drew rein. “Ther whisky seraph ov Coyote war right!” he exclaimed, ‘‘ Thet feller is Silent Sam, ther Mute Comanche.” He could not avoid the Indian who had ridden from among the trees, for the red-skin had al- ready sighted him and was waitirg for him to come up. ‘* Hyer goes!” said Texas Trump dashing for- ward, ‘‘I won’t let thet red chap bother me a At ther first opportunity I'll throw eight inches ov steel between his shoulders, or Leal a bullet whistlin’ among his brains,” Forced to move ahead by the Comanche’s ac- tions, Texas, Trump put on a calm face and eae up. . . ‘¢ Hello!” he exclaimed as he drew rein beside the red-skin° who looked out from under his black lashes. ‘* Bound for ther Brazos kentry, eh?” The Indian put his hand to his lips and shook his head. , ‘Playin’ it yet, ch?’ muttered the sport, “ Plippo said you talked ter him ther night he found yer in the rock region. Wal, I don’t give anything away.” e pair rode on together, “ Give me half a chance!” hissed Texas Trump, eying the red-skin askance with the glances of an eagle. ‘‘ Hang me, ef I don’t b’lieve ye’r’ get- tin’ under my disguise.” The light grew agin r with the rising sun and the two men, red and white, cantered across the level country with the east wind in their faces, More than once the llano sport glanced at the bowie ready for his hand. “Ef this red suspects asI b’lieve he does, I can’t go ter ther ranch with him,” he said to him- self, ‘‘ Ef he ever talks it will be when my bowie enters his back!” All at once Texas Trump slackened his horse’s. gait just the least. The action threw the Indian half a neck ahead. ‘‘ Now!” cried the Wano serpent. ‘T go ter Hermosilla ter play my last card alone !” He jerked his bowie from its nest as he rose in his stirrups. The naked back of the Comanche was a splendid target. Up went the eight-inch blade as Texas Trump’s eyes flashed fire. ‘¢ Now for a heart-hunt!” he cried, The bowie had started on the downward sweep, when the red-skin whirled, and quick as. a flash his hand caught the Ulano rattler’s wrist. ‘Texas Trump not quick enough for Silent Sam!” laughed the cool Comanche. Texas Trump uttered an oath and tried to break the red-skin’s hold. ‘*Sam know Border Rattler as soon as he see im,” continued the Comanche still holding on. ‘Him go on to Major Ralph now. Big reward an’ a rope waitin’ at ther ranch.” Silent Sam leaned forward, and suddenly twisting the Rattler’s arm til] he almost howled for pain, made him drop the bowie. Then his revolver was jerked from his belt and flung away. Dh Come,” said the Comanche, drawing and cocking a revolver, ‘‘ Texas Trump will see Roy an’ ther ranch rose married,” “Not ef i git a chance ter play a final hand, an’ yell hev ter watch me ef I don’t!” said the desperado, settling back into his saddle. ‘‘ I’ve come out first-best with big odds ag’in’ me afore. ter-day'” . CHAPTER XV. DESPERATE TO THE END. ForLeD my the Indian and inwardly cursing his ill-luck, Texas Trump was compelled to ride weaponless over the plain, watched constantly by the keenest pair of eyes that ever gleamed in the head of a human being. The Comanche did not look like a man who had achieved a success in which he rejoiced. More than once he looked at his companion in a half-regretful way, but he never offered him a chance for liberty. The Border Rattler knew that at the first break he would receive a shot that would ter- minate his career. Mile after mile the twain left behind them. Texas Trump longed for one chance—for one Jeap at the red-skin’s throat, but the cherished opportunity was not granted. A brilliant moon, surrounded by myriads of stars hung in the sky when the two rode down upon Hermosilla Ranch. Silent Sam glanced significantly at Texas mp. ‘Oh, yer needn’t look at me in that manner,” muttered the llano rattler. ‘I know whar I am. Ive been hyer afore an’ under better colors than these homely duds. Ride on, my red galoot, Show me ter Major Ralph as ye’d show a captive tiger, but don’t give ther tiger a chance ter display his claws.” The little house which had, for the present, re- placed the pretentious hacienda home, fired by the half-breed’s torch, stood on its gentle rise in the soft moonlight with windows well lighted and lanterns hung here and there on the trees, making a picturesque scone. Texas mp scowled darkly as he rode for- ward. He had not counted on reaching Hermosilla as the prisoner of the keen red hunter then at his Ree nor had he dreamed of going there unarm- ed, “Hang me, ef we arn’t gettin’ hyer on ther weddin’ night!” he exclaimed. ‘* Mebbe so,” said the Indian, “See hyer,” and Texas Trump leaned sudden- ly forward and laid his hand on the Comanche’s arm, ‘‘Why_hev yer been playin’ dumb all these years? By Jericho! se e played it well, Injun. What made ye do it?” he Comanche turned away and for a mo- ment rode on in silence. “Texas Trump know pretty soon.” ‘Tell me now.” Sam will.”
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14 The red-skin reined in his steed and turned upon the llano sport. ‘Long ago Silent Sam took a vow before the Great Spirit that he would find the man who whipped a young Comanche woman one night in the country of the nation—that, until he was on the whipper’s trail, he would speak no more. He has made many trails, he has hunted the Uano with tho patience of tho wolf an’ the eye of theeagle. That woman was the Comanche’s daughter. She was the child of Lean Wolf, an’ Lean Wolf is now 8 lent Sam!” “ Jehosaphat!” ejaculated Texas Trump. ‘¢Texas, Silent Sam has found the whipper!” and the Comanche leaned forward and fixed his burning eyes on the llano sport. ‘* Ho would not speak until he found he had mado no mis- take. He measured the foot-track of the man who whipped Niota; he has measured yours. No runnin’ now, Texas. We will see Major Ralph first. Come!” The hand of the Comanche darted forward and seized Texas Trump’s arm, then, turning toward the hacienda, ho spoke quickly to his horse, ‘“*Mebbe,” laughed the Wano sport, under his breath—‘' mebbe, Silent Sam, ye’ve caught a Tartar. We'll see.” Five minutes later the twain passed among the trees that grew before the house, and the Co- anche hailed a man who uttered an exclama- tion at sight of kim. It was Major Ralph, the Texan. ‘‘ Look,” said the Indian, pointing at Texas Trump. ‘Sam has fetched you an old friend,” The rancher leaned forward and peered into lano rattler’s face. ‘‘Don’t know me?” laughed the desperado. *‘ Would you know me as Laced Leon or May- erick Mark, eh, major?” ‘Texas Trump!” cried the Texan. , A quiet smile stole over the sport’s face, vy oy hat’s goin’ on hyer to-night?” ho asked, coolly about upon the lanterns and the pking house. *** A hanging will go on,” said the rancher un- ir der his breath, but he replied aloud: ‘“ You are in time to see Inez married, Texas Trump. Wait! let me introduce you to a young man whom tg may know.” Major Ralph pepeet back a pace. “Roy!” he called. A pencrame young man turned and came for- ward. ‘This is the fortunate gentleman,” said Ma- jor Ralph with a laugh as he touched Roy on the shoulder and addressed the Indian’s prison- er. ‘' Don’t you know him, Roy?” Roy Berdan approached and looked up into Texas Trump’s face then looked him over from head to foot. “Heavens! I see him now!” he suddenly ex- elaime’ starting back. ‘tHe made a Mazeppa out of me once. It is Texas Trump,” In a short time the news seemed everywhere. ' Men came forward with flashing eyes and looks of vengeance and inveterate hatred, but the massive figure of Silent Sam kept between them and the Texan, It was soon discovered by thenew-comers that the assembled company awaited the arrival of a person competent to tie the nuptial knot, The Texas parson lived twenty miles from Hermo- silla, and had been sent for. Texas Trump, now the observed of all obser- vers, sat stoically in his saddle watched by scores of eyes. “Arter ther weddin’ a hangin’, eh?” he mur- mured. ‘I kin see thet in ther eyes ov yer all, ye Pil hev suthin’ ter say when it comes ter et. Already a black lasso had been inspected by several Taxans who glanced at Texas Trump during the operation. They forgot that Silent Sam claimed him as his prisoner, and that he i ai have something to say in pronouncing his «loom, “‘Thet parson isn’t comin’,” mek di the rancher’s guests as the minutes crept away. ** Let’s have ther trial first.” ‘*No, the wedding first,” was the answer whenever Major Ralph heard these murmurs, ‘“‘T wonder ef ther girl’d know me?” suddenly laughed the llano rattler. ‘‘Ov course she knows I’m hyer, but—” ‘¢ Girl comin’ now,” interrupted the Comanche, and sure enough the next moment Inez, beauti- ful in her wedding robes, halted before the sport. : A = of recognition was in her eyes, ‘Yin back in time ter see yer married, eh my ranch pink?” exclaimed the Rattler. ‘‘ hedn’t time ter put on ther weddin’ garment, but I’m hyer all ther same.” Texas Trump, the Border Rattler. | “Tt is your fault,” said Inez. ‘‘ You should not have fallen into the chief’s hands.” ‘“*Oh, hang it! a feller never sees half ther traps thet lie around him. Ther lucky man’s ter be Roy, ther youngster who played Mazeppa for me once? Ha! ef ther major an’ Jalisco Jack hedn’t found ’im when they did, thar’d be no waitin’ for ther parson ter-night.” There was no reply, only the eyes of the girl flashed resentment and she moved away. ‘Worth playin’ for, ain’t she?’ murmured Texas Trump following her with hiseyes. ‘ By heavens! ef [ wait till ther preacher comes, Til never get ter play my hand out.” Nobody saw tho resolution that blazed sudden- lyin his black orbs, had parted in front of him; he had a clear path to ‘ee Rose of Hermosilla; sho was almost within arm’s reach. It seemed that fate and fortune had united to make sure the desperado’s last play. Suddenly he gave his horse the spurs, and the animal shot forward. He passed the nearest men like an arrow. A wild cry of horror rent the air, and Inez turned. ‘““My bonanza yet!” grated Texas Trump, and the next second his hand closing on the girl, lifted her from the ground. It was the work of a second; it seemed to paralyze the spectators. Past the house dashed the llano sport, and toward the lano that ap- peared to begin just beyond it. In an instant he was out of sight. e had been watched, but with no avail; the swoop of the Texan eagle had not been anticipated. Roy Berdan ran for the nearest horse, but ere he reached it, Silent Sam flew by. The Comanche was already in pursuit! The horses that were mounted after him were the best in Texas, but the Indian’s steed dis- tanced all. Out on the moonlit level a man was riding for ife, ‘T's Texas Trump’s last play for ther ranch bonanza!” he said, looking down into the face of the young girl ho held before him on the sad- dle. ‘Ef they hunt me, you will bo flung back ter ’em—dead!” There was no reply other than tho flashing of the captive’s eyes. Down upon this determined desperado dashed a half-naked Indian, who sat on his horse like a person born to the saddle. Hoe saw the dark ob- ject flying through the moonlight. Nothing balked the Comanche. He did not oe to think that the girl might’be flung to him ead. On, on! The black steed of the Indian gained steadily on the desperado, Texas Trump looked back and saw it all. “Tt’s thet infernal red!” he grated, glancing at Inez, and the next instant he shouted over his shoulder: ‘‘ Keep off, ef yer don’t want ter carry a dead girl back! By the eternal! Texas Trump’s last play will be ther most desperate one of his life! Keep off!” a well might he have shouted against the wind, The watching Indian came on like a thunder- bolt. He saw only the man_ straining every nerve in the gleam of moon and star. All at once Texas Trump lifted the ranch pearl from the saddle; he held her up to the red thun- dering down upon him. The next moment the Comanche came along- side. .His hand darted at the Border Rattler; he seemed to lift him from the saddle! ‘Thar she is—dead!” hissed Texas Trump, as Inez dropped from his clutches. A riderless horse passed on, for Silent Sam was lowering a man to the ground, and in the Comanche’s left hand gleamed a Texan bowie. No use to take Texas Trump back to the ranch for vengeance; the infuriated red had avenged the whipping of his child and the burn- ing of Hermosilla—all at one blow. Three minutes later a party of excited horse- men came up. They saw tho ruffian lying in the grass dead, at the end of his last game, and hailed with a shout the gasps of the girl, choked nearly to death! The Indian said but one word when he looked down at his work: «ft Niota |” The play had failed. The swoop of the border eagle had resulted in his own death. t was late that night when the Texas came, but he came, and the beauty of silla Ranch became Roy Berdan’s bride. Silent Sam looked on until the ceremony was complete,- then touched Inez’s hand and rode away. arson ermo- The crowd for a moment | | | He came back no more. The next news that crossed the Wano trom Camp Coyote would have startled Texas Trump if be had lived. Heavy Hugh the man he had hanged in a tree had been rescued before life was extinct, and he came to Hermosilla to congratu- late Roy, his nephew. Flippo never found his way out of the cave into which Texas Trump dropped him, and died miserably in darkness—fit retribution for his sneaking crimes against Inez. Where the old ranch stood isanew building to-day, and we need not say that it is the home of the rancher’s ward. Major Ralph still lives to give Inez’s children lessons in riding, and to tell them about the llano rattler who, under numerous disguises, played ee than one desperate game for their mother’s and. Tt is all over now, and where he played deepest with his tool the boy half-breed, the deeds and the name of Texas Trump are almost forgotten. Camp Coyote still exists and Heavy Hugh is a man of prominence there, Jalisco Jack, I need not state, remains Major Ralph’s boss herder, and where the Border Rat- tler died bloom the fairest flowers of the fertile lano, THE END, . . 9 . Half-Dime Singer's Library 1 Wuoa, Fama! and 59 other Songs, 2 Captain Curr and 57 other Songs, 8 Toe Garnsporo’ Hat and 62 other Songs. 4 Jounny Morean and 60 other Songs. 5 I’tu Starke You Wiru A Frearrer and 62 others, 6 Gzorcr THE CHARMER and 56 other Songs. % Tue Bette or Rockaway and 52 other Songs, 8 Youne Freiuan, You're Too Fresx and 60 others, 9 SHy Youne Giri and 65 other Songs. 10 I'« THz GoverNor’s On ty Son and 58 other Songs 11 My Faw and 65 other Songs. 12 Comin’ Toro’ Tur Rye and 55 other Songs. 13 Tae Rotiickine IrtsHMan and 59 other Songs, 14 Otp Doa Tray and 62 other Songs, 15 Wuoa, Cuartiz and 59 other Songs, 16 In ra1s Wueat By AND By and 62 otner Songs. 17 Nancy Ler and 58 other Songs. 18 I’m THE Boy THav’s Bound To Buaze and 57 others, 29 Tur Two OrpHans and 59 other Songs, 10 WHat are THE Witp WAVES Sayina, Sisren? and 59 other Songs. 21 INDIGNANT PoLLy Woe and 59 other Songs. 22 Tae Otp Arm-CHarr and 58 other Songs. 23 On Coney IsLAND Bracu and 58 other Songs, 24 Op Simon, THE Hot-Corn Man and 60 others. 25 I’m rm Love and 56 other Songs, 95 PARADE or THE Gusrps and 56 other Songs. 27 Yo. Hrave, Ho! and 60 other Songs. 98 *Twitt Nevrr po To Gis iT up So and C0 others, 29 Biur Bonners Over THE Rorper and 54 others, 30 Tur Merry LAvGHING Man and 56 other Songs, 31 Sweet? Foraxt-mE-Not and 55 other Songs. 82 Leerir Bany Mine and 53 other Songs. 33 Du Banso AM DE INSTRUMENT FOR ME and 53 others: 84 Tarry and 50 other Songs. 25 Just ‘ro PLease THE Boys and 52 other Songs. 86 SKATING ON ONE IN THE GuTTER and 52 others, 87 Kotorep Kranks and 59 other Songs. 38 Ni DesperANDUM and 53 other Songs. 39 Tur Girt I Lerr Beninp Me and 50 other Songs. 40 ‘Tis pur A Lirrne Fapep Ftower and 50 others 41 Prerry Warinetmia and 60 other Songs. 42 DANCING IN THE Bagn and 63 other Songs, 43 H. M.S. Prvarors, coMPLETE, and 17 other Songs Sold everywhere by Newsdealers, at five cents per copy, or sent post-paid, to any address, on ree ceipt of Six cents per number. BEADLE AND ADAMS, PusiisHErs, 98 WittiaM StreET, New YorE
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~~ — ices. Sa 461 Jack Markaway in New York; or,The Adventures or the Traveler’s Club. By Brace- bridge Hemyng (Jack Harkaway), Dick Dead-Sye, the Boy Smuggler; or, The Cruise of the Vixen, By Col. Ingraham. The Lion of the Seas or, The Vailed Lady of San Tropez. By Colonel Delle Sara. Deadw od Dicks Device; or, The Sign of the Double Cross. By E, L, Wheeler. Old Rube, the Hunter; or, The Crow Cap- tive. By Captain Hamilton Hohnes. lv2 103 104 105 406 Old Frosty, the Guide; or, Niokana, the White Queen of the Blackfeet. By T. C. Harbaugh, 107 thue-Kyed Sims; or, The Abandoned Forest Home. By James L. Bowen. 108 Daring Davy, the Young Bear Killer; or, The Trail of the Border Wolf. George. Deadwood Dick As Edward L. Wheeler. 110 Whe Black Steed of the Prairies. By James L. Bowen, 111 The Sea-Devil; or, The Midshipman’s Legacy. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, 112 The Mad Wunter3; or, The Cave of Death. By Burton Saxe, 113 Jack Hoyle the Young Speculator; or, The Road to Fortune, By BE. L. Wheeler. 114 The Black Schoone?; or, Jib vunk, the Old Tar. By Roger Starbuck. 115 Whe Mad Miner; or, Dandy Rock’s Doom. By G. Waldo Browne. 116 Khe Hussar Captain 3 or, The Hermit of Hell-Gate. . By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 117 Gilt-Edged Dick, the Sport-Detective. By Edward L. Wheeler. - y 118 Will Somers, the Boy Detective Charles Morris. 119 Mustang Sam; or, the King of the Plains. By Jos. E, Badger, Jr. 120 he Branded Hand or, The Man of Mystery. By Frank Dumont. 121 Cinnamon Chip, the Girl Sport; or. The Golden Idol of Mt. Rosa. [i fon . Wheeier. 122 Phil Hardy, the Boss ov; or, The Mys- tery of the Strongbow. By Charles Morris 123 Kiowa Charley, the White Mustanger. T. C. Harbaugh. B 124" ip py, the Texan; or, The Young Cham- ion. By George Gleason. 125 By Harry St. 109 Detective. By onanza Bill, Miner; or, Madam Mys- tery, the Female Forger. By E, L. Wheeler. 126 Picayune Pete; or, Nicodemus, the Dog Detective. By Charles Morris. 127 Wild-Fire, the Boss of the Road; or, The Wolves of Satan’s Gap. By Frank Dumont, 128 Whe Young Privateer; or, The Pirate’s Stronghold. By Harry Cavendish. 129 Deadwood Dick’s Double; or, The Ghost of Gorgon’s Gulch. By KE, L. ‘Wheeler, 130 Detective Dick; or, The Hero in Rags. By Charles Morris. 131 Khe Golden Hand; ot Dandy Rock to the Rescue. By George Wak o Browne. 132 The Hunted Hunter; or, The Strange Horseman of the Prairie. By Edward 8. Ellis. 133 Boss Bob, the King of Bootblacks; or, The Pawnbroker’s Plot.. By Edward L. W heeler, 134 Sure Shot Seth, the Boy Rifleman; or, The Young Patriots of the North. By Oll Coomes, 135 Captain Paul, the Kentucky Moonshiner; or, The Poy Spy of the Mountains. By C. Dunning Clark, 136 Night-Hawk Kit; or, The Daughter of the Ranch. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr. Backwoods 137 The Helpless HMandys or, & Retribution. By Captain Mayne Reid. 138 Blonde Bill; or, Deadwood Dick’s Home Base. By Edward L. Wheeler. 139 Judge Lynch, Jr.; or, The Boy Vigilante. = T. C. Harbaugh. 140 Blue Blazes; or, The Break o’ Day Boys of Rocky Bar.. By Frank Dumont. 141 Solid ‘Sam, the Boy Road-Agent; or, The Branded Brows. By Edward L. Wheeler. 142 Handsome Harry, the Bootblack Detec- tive. By Charles Morris, 143 Sear-Face Saul, the Silent Hunter; Or, The Mystery of Fort Rane. By Oll Coomes. 144 gra en the Boy Sport. By Joseph . Badger, Jr. 145 Captain Ferret, the New York Detective; or, Boss Bob’s Boss Job. By KE. L, Wheeler. 146 Silver Star, the Boy Knight. By Oll Coomes. L477 Will Wildfire, the Thoroughbred; or, The Winning Hand. By Charles Morris, 148 Sharp. Sam3__or, The Adventures of a Friendlés Boy. By J. Alexander Patten. 149 A Game of Gold} or, Deadwood Dick’s Big Strike. By Edwar L. Wheeler. 150 Lance and Lasso} or, The Children of the Chaco. By Captain Fred. Whittaker, 151 Panther Pau), the Prairie Pirate; or, Dainty Lance to the Rescue, By Joseph E. Badger, Jr. 3 ; 152 Black Bess, Will Wildfire’s Racer; or, Win- ning Against Odds. By Charles Morris, 153 Eagle Kit, the Boy Demon; or, The Out- laws of the Gold Hills. By Oll Coomes. 154 The Sword Hunters} or, The Land of the Elephant Riders. By Capt. F. Whittaker. 155 Gold Trigger, the Sport; or, The Girl Avenger. By T. CG. Harbaugh. 156 Deadwood Dick of Deadwood; or, The Picked Party. By Ed. L. Wheeler. 157 Mike Merry, the Harbor Police Boy. By Charles Morris. 4158 Fancy Frank, of Colorado; or, The Trap- - per’s Trust. By Buffalo Bill. © : BEADLE'S 159 The Lost Captain: or, Skipper Jabez Coffin’s Cruise to the Open Polar Sea. By Capt. Fred. Whittaker. Whe Black Giant; or, Dainty Lance in Jeopardy. By Jos. KE, Badger. Jr. New Work Nell, the Boy-Girl Detective; or, Old Blakesly’s Money. By Ed. L, Wheeler. Will Wildfire in the Woods} or, Camp Life in the Alleghanies. By Chas. Morris. Little Texas, the Young Mustanger. By Oll Coomes. Dandy Rock’s Pledge; or, Hunted to Death. By George Waldo browne, Killy Bagg ‘ge, the Railroad Boy; or, Run to Earth. Charles Morris, Wickory Harry; or, The Trapper-Bri- gade’s Spy. By Harry St. George. Asa Scott, the Steamboat Boy; or, The Land Pirates of the saga 4 ky Ed, Willett. Deadly Dash; or, lighting Fire With Fire, By Jos, E. Badger, Jr. Tornado Tom; or, Injun Jack From Red Core. By T. C. Harbaugh. ‘* A Trump Card;” or, Will Wildfire Wins and Loses. By Charles Morris. Ebony Dany; or, The Rival Leagues of Silver Circle. By Frank Dumont. Thunderbolt Tom; or, The Wolf-Herder of the Rockies. By Harry St. George. Dandy Rock’s Rival; or, The Hunted Maid of Taos. By George Waldo Browne. Bob Rockett, the Boy Dodger; or, Mys- teries of New York. By Charles Morris, Captain Arizona, the King Pin of Road- Agents; or, Patent-Leather Joe’s Big Game. 160 161 162 163 164 165 166 167 168 169 170 171 172 173 174 175 By Philip 8S. Warne. 176 The Boy Runaway; or, The Buccaneer of the Bay. By Lieut. H. D. Perry Usitaw ine 177 Nobby Nick of Nevada; or, ‘The Scamps of the Sierras, By Edward L, Wheeler. 178 Old Solitary, the Hermit Trapper; or, The Dragon of Silver Lake, By Oll Coomes. 179 Bob Rockett, the Bank Runner; or, The Road to Ruin. By Charles Morris. 180 The Sea Trailers; or, A Vow Well Kept. By Lieut. H. D. tage th U.S. N. Wrank, the Buckskin_ Bravo; or, 181 Wild Lady Lily’s Love. By Edward L. Wheeler. 182 Little Hurricane, the Boy Captain. By Oll Coomes. 183 The Hidden Hand; or, Will Wildfire’s hbo > By Charles Morris. 184 The Boy Trailers; or, Dainty Lance on the War-Path. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr. 185 Evil Eye, King of Cattle Thieves; or, The Vultures of the Rio Grande. By F. Dumont. 186 Cool Desmond3 or, The Gambler's Big Game. By Col. Delle Sara. 187 Fred Halyard, the Life Boat Boy; or, The Smugglers of the Inlet. By Charles Morris, 188 Ned Temple, the Border eee or, The Mad Hunter of Powder River. By T. C. Harbaugh. 189 Bob Rockett, the Cracksman; or, Driven to the Wall. By Charles Morris, 190 Dandy Darke; or, The Tigers of High Pine. By Wm. R. yster. 191 Buffalo Billy, the Boy Bullwhacker; or, The Doomed Thirteen. By Capt A. B. Taylor. 192 Captain Kit, the Will-o’ the-Wisp; or, The Mystery, io Montauk Point. By Lieut. H. D. erry, U.S. N. 193 Captain Mask, the Lady Road-Agent; or, Patent-Leather Joe’s Defeat. By P. S. Warne. 194 Buffalo Rill’s Bets or, The Gambler Guide. By Capt. Alfred B. Taylor, U.S. A. 195 Deadwood Dick’s Dream 3} or, The Ri- vals of the Road. By Edward L. Wheeler. 196 Shadowed; or, Bob Rockett’s Fight for Life. By Charles Morris. _ 197 Little Grit, the Wild Rider; or, Bessie, the Stock-Tender’s Daughter. By Col. Ingraham. 198 Arkansaw, the Man with the Knife; or, The Queen of Fate’s Revenge. By Haven. 199 Featherweight, the Boy Champion of the Muskingum 4, or On_his Muscle, Wits and Honor, By Edward Willett. 200 The Boy Bedouins; or, The Brothers of the Plumed Lance. By Capt. F. Whittaker. 201 The Black Hills Jezebel; or, Dead wood Dick’s Ward. By Ed. L. Wheeler. 202 Prospect Pete, of the Boy Brigade; or, The Young Outlaw Hunters. By Oli Coomes. 203 The Boy Pards3; or, Dainty Lance Un- masks. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. 204 Gold Plume, the Poy Bandit; or, The Kid- Glove Sport. By Col, Prentiss Ingraham. 205 Deadwood Dick’s Doom; or, Calamity Jane’s Last Adventure. By Ed. L. Wheeler. 206 Dark Paul, the Tiger King; or, Caught in His Own Trap. By Charles Morris. 207 Navajo Nick, the Boy Gold Hunter. By T. C. Harbaugh. 208 The Boy Hercules; or, The Prairie ae EP ig Pe y Coomes. y ritz, the Bound-Boy Detective; or, Dot Leetle Game Mit Rebeces. By E. i Wheeler. 210 Faro Frank of High Pine; or, Dandy Darke’s Go-Down Pards, By Wm, R. Eyster. 211 Crooked Cale, the Caliban of Celestial City. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr, 212 Dashing Dave, the Dandy Detective. By Charles Morris. 213 Fritz to the Front; or, The Ventriloquist Scamp-Hunter. By Edward L, Wheeler. 214 Wolfgang, the Robber of the Rhine. By Capt. Fred. Whittaker. 215 Captain Bullet, the Raider King; or, Little Topknot’s Crusade. By T. C, Harbaugh. 216 Bison Bill. the Prince of the Reins, By Col, Prentiss Ingraham, 217 Captain Crack-Shot, the Girl Brigand : By Edward L. Wheeler, 218 Viger Tom, the Texan Terror. By Oh Coomes. 219 Despa d, the Duelist; or, The Mountain _ Vampires. By Philip 8. Warne. 220 Tom ‘Tanner, Scalawag and Scapegrace; or, The Black Sheep of the Flock. By Philip 8S. Warne. Sugar-Coated Sam 3 or. The Black Gowns of Grim Gulch. By Ed, L, Wheeler, Grit, the Bravo Sport; or, The Woman Trailer. By Jol. Prentiss Ingraham, Ozark Alf, King of the Mountain; or, Featherweight Among the Outlavs, By Ed- werd Willett. Washing Dick; or, Trapper Tom’s Castle. By Oll Coomes. Sam Charcoal, the Premium Darky}. or, How the Boy Got Even. By Chas Morris. Snoozer, the Boy Sharp; or, The Arab De- tective. By Edward L. Wheeler. Dusky Darrell, Trapper; or, The Green Ranger of the Yellowstone. hy Edwin Emer- son, Little Wildfire, the Yourg Prairie Nomad; or, The Idyl of Echo Canyon. By Oll Coomes. Yyimson Kate, the Girl Trailer; or, The conpee Triumph, By Col. P. Ingraham, The Black Shereef. By C. Dunning Clark. Plucky Phil, of the Mountain Traii; or, Rosa, the Red Jezebel. By ‘Tl. C. Harbaugh, 2 Gold-Dust Dick. By Ed. L. Wheeler. Joe Buck of Angels and His Boy Pard Paul Powderhorn, ge Albert W. Aiken, Old Rocky's ** Boyees; or, Benito, the Young Horse-Breaker. By Maj. Sam 8, Hall, * Buckskin Sam, Shadow Sam, the Messenger Boy; or, Turning the Tables. By Charles Morris, Apollo Bill, the Trail Tornado; or, Rowdy Kate from Right Bower. By Ed. L. Wheeler. 221 222 223 224 225 226 227 228 Mysterious Ranchero, By Col. P. Ingraham, Whe Parson Detective; or, Little Shocky, the Ranger of Raven Roost, By Ol Rocres. Whe Gold-seeker Guide}; or, The Lost Mountain. By ane Mayne Reid. ae Cyclone Kit, the Young Gladiator; or, ‘his Locked Valley. By Edward L Wheeler. Still Bravo, and His Bear Pards; or, Tie Roughs of the Rockies. By T. C. Harbaugh? . and His Gang. By Charles Morris. The Disguised Guide}; or, Wild Raven, the Ranger of the North. By Oll Coomes., Sierra Sam, the Frontier Ferret; or, A Sister’s Devotion. By Edward L. Wheeler. Merle, the Middy; or. The Heir of an Ocean Freelance. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, Giant George 3 or, The Ang’! of the Range. By eis Sam 8. Hali—** Buckskin Sam, O!d Grizzly and His Pets, By Capt. ‘Bruin ” Adams, Sierra Sam/’s- Secret; or, The Bloody Footprints. By Edward L, Wheeler. Milo Romer, the Animal King; or, The Round the World Wanderer. By Capt. Fred. Whittaker. The Midshipman Mutineer}3 or, Brandt, the Buccaneer. By Col. P. apahen. Light-House Lige 3 or, Osceola, the Fire ee of the Everglades, By Captain J, F. CO, ams. 252 Dick Dashaway; or, A Dakota Boy in Chicago, By Charles Morris. 253 Sierra Sam’s Pard3 or, The Angel of Big Vista. By Edward L, Wheeler. 254 The Half-Blood 3 or, The Panther of the Plains. By Edward 8. Ellis. 255 Captets Apollo, the King-Pin of Bowie. By T. C. Harbaugh. 256 Youn Kentuck: or, The Red Lasso, By Captain Mark Wilton. 257 The Lost Hunters; or, The Underground Camp. Captain J. F. C. Adams, 258 Sierra Sam’s Seven; or, The Stolen Bride. By Edward L. Wheeler. 259 The Golden Harpoon: or, Lost Among the Floes. By Roger Starbuck. 260 261 262 263 261 250 251 Dare-Devil Dan, the Young Prairie Ran. er. By Ol] Coomes, ergus Fearnanught, the New York Boy. By George L. Aiken. The Young Sleuths; or, Rollicking Mike’s Hot Trail. By Charles Morris, Deadwood Dick’s Divide; or, The Spirit of Swamp Lake. By Ed. L. Wheeler, he Float ng Feather; or, Merle Monte’s Treasure Island. By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham, The Viger Tamer; or, "he League of the Jungle. By Captain Fred. Whittaker. Killb®ar, the Guide; or, Davy Crockett’s Crooked Trail. By Ensign Cop) Warren, Whe Buckskin Detective; or, Claude Crecy, King of American Road-Agents. By T. CO. Harbaugh, 268 Deadwood Dick’s Death ‘Trail; or, From Ocean to Ocean, By Ed, L. Wheeler. 2698 The Gold Ship; or, Merle, the Qon. demned. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. A New Issue Hvery Tuesday. The Half-Pime Library is for sale by all newsdealers, five cents per copy, or sent by mail on receipt of six cents each. BEADLE AND ADAMS, PuBLisHErs, 98 William Street, New York, 265 266 267 Yankee Rajah; or, The Fate of the ° Lone Star, the Cowboy Captain; or, The- i 2 The Two ‘ Bloods’; or, Shenandoah Billy »
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270 Blizzard Ben, the Arizona Cyclone; or, The Riot at Keno Camp. By Capt. M. Wilton. 271 The Huge Hunter}; or, The Steam Man of the Prairies. By Edward 8. Ellis, 272 Minkskin Mike, the Boy Sharpshooter. By Oll Coomes. 273 Jumbo Joe, the Boy Patrol; or, The Rival Heirs. By Edward L Wheeler. 274 Jolly Jim, the Detective Apprentice; or, Harry Keen's Big ‘‘ Lay.”” By Charles Morris. 275 Arizona Jack; or, Giant George's Tender- foot Pard. By Buckskin Sam, 276 Merle Monte’s Cruise; or, The Chase of “The Gold ae By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 277 Denver Doll, the Detective Queen; or, Yankee Eisler’s Big Surround, By Edward L. Wheeler. 278 The Three Trappers; or, The Mountain Monster. By Major L. W. Carson, 279 Old Winch, the Rifle Hung or, The Buck- skin Desperadoes, By T. C, Harbaugh. 280 Merle Monte’s Fate; or, Pearl, The Pi- rate’s Pride. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 281 Denver Doll's Victory; or, Skull and Cross-bones. By Edward L. Wheeler. 282 The Typo Detective; or, Weasel, the Boy Tramp. By Edward Willett. 283 Indian Joe § or, The White Spirit of the Hills. By Major Lewis W. Carson. 284 Whe Sea Marauder; or. Merle Monte’s Pledge. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 285 Denver Doll’s Decov; or, Little Bill’s Bonanza. By Edward L. Wheeler. 286 Josh The Boy Tendertfoot; or. The Wild Men of Buzzard Bar. By Capt. M. Wilton. 287 Billy Blue-KEyes, the Boy Rover of the : Rio Grande. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, 288 The Scalp King; or, The Human Thun- derbolt. By Captain J. F. C. Adams. 289 Jolly Jim’s Jo; or. The Young Detec- : tive’s Triumph. By Charles Morris, 290 Lit le Foxfire, the Boy Spy. By Ol Coomes. 291 ‘Turk, the Boy Ferret. By E. L. Wheeler. 292 Sancho Pedro, the Boy Bandit. By Maj. E. L. St. Vrain. 293 Red Claw, the One-Eyed Trapper; or, The Maid of the Cliff. By Captain Comstock. 94 Dynamite Dan} or, The Bowie Blade of Cochetopa, By T. C. Harbaugh. 295 Fearless Phil; or, The King of Quartz- ville, By Edward Willett. 296 Denver Dolls Drift; or, The Road Queen's Big Campaign. By E, L. Wheeler. 297 The Tarantula of Taos; or, Giant George’s Revenge. By Buckskin Sam. 298 The Water-Hound; or, The Young Thoroughbred. By Charles Morris. 299 A Na, 1, the Dashing Toll-Taker; or, The Schoolmarm o’ Sassafras. By E. L. Wheeler. 800 The Sky Demon; or, Rainbolt, the Ran- ger. By Oll Coomes, 301 Leadville Nick, the Boy Sport By Major. E. L. St. Vrain. 802 The Mountain Detective; or, The Bul- ly of Trigger Bar. T. C. Harbaugh. 803 °Liza Jane, the Girl Miner; or, The Iron- Nerved Sport. By Edward L. Wheeler, $04 The Dead Shot Dandy; or, Benito, the Boy Bugler. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 803 Dashaway of Dakota; or, A Western Lad in the Quaker City. By Chas. Morris. 306 Neck-Tie Ned, the Lariat-Thrower; or, The Dug-Out Pards. by Maj. Henry B. Stoddard. e Pard; or, Little Ben’s Death Hunt, By Buckskin Sam, 308 Keno Kit, the Boy Bugler’s Pard; or, Dead Shot Dandy’s Double. By Col. P. Ingraham. 309 Deadwood Dick’s Big Deal; or, The Gold Brick of Oregon. By Ed. L, Wheeler. 810 The Barranca Wolf; or, The Beautiful Decoy. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr, 811 The Roving Sports or, The Pride of Cbuckaluck Camp. By Edward Willett. 312 Redtop Rube, the Vigilante Prince. By Major E L. St. Vrain. Y $43 Cimarron Jack, the King Pin of Rifle- Shots. By Frederick Dewey. 314 The Mysterious Marauder; or, The Boy Bugler's Long Trail. By Col. P. Ingraham, $15 Ned, the Cabin Boy; or, The Witch of the Haunted Fort. By Jack Farragut. 316 Old Eclipse, Trump Card of Arizona; or, Little Snap Shot's Horse Hunt, By T. C. Harbaugh, “¢ 317 Peacock Pete, the Lively Lad from Lead- ville, By Lieut. Alfred Thorne. 818 Ker-Whoop, Ker-Whoo! or, The Tar- antula of Taos on the War-Path. By Buck- skin Sam, 819 The Black Rider ; or, The Horse-Thieves’ League, By Jos. E. Badger, Jr, 320 The Sea Sorceress; or, Lieutenant Ned, the Boy See By Jack Farragut. $321 Deadwood Dick’s Dozen; _ or, The Fakir of Phantom Flats. By Ed. L. Wheeler. 822 Nemo, the Detective; or, Kit Kenyon’s Vendetta. By Edward Willett. 823 Arkansaw Jack, of the Man Hunters; or, The Scourge of the Mines. By Harry Hazard. $24 Ralph Ready, the Hotel Boy Detective; or, Tracking the Foxesto Earth. By Chas. Morris. 325 Meter, Bieke & o., the Sleuths of p Philadelphia. By Edward L, Wheeler. 326 ok Ten Pards; or, The Terror of Take- ) . ByT.C. oe 327 Creeping Cat, the Caddo; or, The Red and White Pards. By Buckskin Sam. or, A Boy’s Fight 328 The Sky Detective; f Major Mickey Free. or Life and Honor. By BEADLE’S | HALF-DIME 329 Red-Skin Tom; or, The Demon’s Trail. By H rd y Harry Hazard. 330 Little Quick-Shot, the Scarlet Scout; or, The D Face of Daggersville. By Edward L. Wheeler. Black Nick, the Demon Rider; or, The Mountain Queen’s Warning. By Captain F, Whittaker. 332 Frio Fred3 or, The Tonkaway’s Trust. By Buckskin Sam. 333 Brimstone Bob, and His Lightning Horse uartette. By Major E. L. St, Vrain. 334 Kangaroo Kit; or, The Mysterious Miner. hy Edward L, Wheeler. 335 Old Double Fist; or, The Strange Guide. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr. ° 336 Big enson, the Brazos Bombshell; or, 337 338 331 The Queen of the Lasso. By T. C. Harbaugh. Ben Bird, the Cave King; or, Big Pete's Scoop. B W. J. Hamilton, A Tough Boy; or, The Dwarf’s Revenge. By Philip 8. Warne. 339 Kangaroo Kit’s Racket; or, The Pride of Played-Out. By Edward L. eeler. 340 Clip, the Contortionist; or, The Vigilantes of Montana. By Edward Willett. 341 Tony Thorn, the Vagabond Detective; or, Running Down a Rogue. By Charles Morris. 342 'The Mountain Devil; or, Yellow Jack, the Outlaw Captain. By Harry Hazard, 343 Manhattan Mike, the Bowery Blood. os. EdwariL. Wheeler. 344 The Fighting Trio; or, Rattlesnake, the Tonkaway. By Buckskia Sam. 345 Pitiless Mat, the White Slayer; or, Red Thunderbolt’s Secret. By T. C. Harbaugh. 846 Rapier Raphael; or, The Swordsmen of Zacatecas, By Maj. H. B. Stoddard, Ex-Scout. 347 Deadwood Dick’s Ducats; or, Rainy Days in the Diggings. By Edward L. Wheeler. 348 Fireheels; or, Old Skinflint, the Death- Shadow. By Roger Starbuck. 349 Wild Wolf, the Waco; or, Big-Foot Wal- lace to the Front. By Buckskin Sam. 350 Red Ralph, the River Rover; or, The Brother’s Revenge. By Ned Buntline. 351 Deadwood Dick Sentenced 3 Terrible Vendetta. By Edward L. Wheeler. 852 Tombstove Tom, the Arizona Boy of “Sand”. By Major E, L. St. Vrain. 353 The Reporter-Detective; or, Fred Fly- ers Blizzard. By Charles Morris. 354 Bie Horn Ike, the Hill Tramp; or, The Odd Pards. By Roger Starbuck. 355 The King of the Woods; or, Daniel -Boone’s Last Trail. By Jos, E. Badger, Jr. 356 Cool Sam and Lig ors The Terrible Six From Texas, By T. C. Harbaugh. 857 The Ranch Raiders; or, The Siege of Fort Purgatory. By Buckskin Sam. 358 First-Class Fred, the Gent from Gopher. By Edward L, Wheeler. 359 Durango Dave, the Young Champion Wrestler; or, The Colorado Song Queen. By Major E. L, St. Vrain. 360 Silver-MMask, the Man of Mystery; or. The Cross of the Golden Keys. By J. C. Cowdrick, 361 The Phantom Folge Boose tn ‘Black Rock,” the Smuggler Spy. By Roger Starbuck. 362 Deadwood Dick’s Claim; or, The Fairy Face of Faro Flats. By Edward L. Wheeler, 363 Little Tornado; or, The Outcasts of the Glen. By Philip S. Warne. 364 Snap-Shot, the Boy Ranger; or The Snake and the Dove. By Buckskin Sam. 365 Baltimore Ben, the Bootblack Detective; or, The Fortunes of an Orphan Girl. By An- thony P. Morris, 366 Velvet Foot, the Indian Detective; or, The Taos Tiger. By T. C. Harbaugh. 367 Wide-Awake Joe; or, A Boy of the Times. By Charles Morris. 368 Wreka Jim, the Gold-Gatherer; or The Lottery of Life. By Edward L. Wheeler. 369 Shasta, the Gold King; or, For Seven Years Dead. By J. C. Cowdrick. 370 Breaker Ben, the Reef-Runner; or, The Telltale Hand. By Roger Starbuck. 371 Kingbolt Chris, the Young Hard-Shell Detective; or, The Solid Man From Slow- Coach. By Maj. E. L. St. Vrain. 372 Wreka Jim’s Prize; or, The Wolves of Wake-Up. By E. L. Wheeler. 373 Little Jingo; or, The Queer Pard. By Philip S. Warne, 374 Gold Dust Tom; or, Ambergris Ben’s Double Match. By George Henry Morse. 375 Chiota, the Creek; or, The Three Thun- derbolts. By Buckskin Sam. 376 California Joe’s First Trail, A Story of the Destroying Angels. By Col. Thomas Hoyer Monstery. 377 Bonodel, the Boy Rover; or, The Flagless Schooner. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 378 Nabob Ned} or, The Secret of Slab City. By Edward L. Wheeler, 379 Larry, the Leveler; or, The Bloods of the Boulevard. By Charles Morris, or, The 380 Avalanche Alf, the Foothills Guide; or, The Snow-Prisoners of Colorado. By or E, L. St. Vrain. Bandera Bill}; or, Frio Frank to the Front, By Buckskin Sam. ‘ Cool Kit, the King of Kids; or, A Villain’s Vengeance. By Edward L, Wheeler. The Indian Pilot; or, The Search for Pirates’ Island, By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. Whip-King Joc, the Boy Ranchero; or, The Border Schoolmaster, By Ol! Coomes. Yreka Jim’s Joker; or, The Rivals of Red Nose. By E. L. Wheeler. Captain Cutlass, the Ocean Spider; or, The Buccaneer’s Gir] Foe. By T. C. Harbaugh, Warpath Will, the Poy Phantom; or, The Traitor Guide. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. Little Oh-my3 or, Caught in His Own Trap. By Philip S. Warne. Bicycle Beny or, The Lion of Lightning Lode. By Edward L. Wheeler. Jaguar Joe, of the Mountain Mail-Line, By Maj. E. L. St. Vrain, Kid-Glove Kit, the Dandy of the Rockies, By Maj. H. B. Stoddard, Ex-Scout. pamen and the Reds, By Buckskin am. Seawaif, the Boy Lieutenant. By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham. 381 382 383 384 385 386 387 388 389 390 391 392 393 394 Yreka Jim of Yuba Dam, By Edward L. Wheeler. 395 California Joe’s War Trail. By Capt. F,. Whittaker, Rough Rob, of Dynamite; or, The Twin Champions of Blue Blazes. By TC. Harbaugh. Bob o° the Bowery; or, The Prince of Mulberry Street. By Jo Pierce, of the New York Detective Force. Kid-Glove Kit and Pard; or, The Gold King of Weird Canyon. By Maj. H. B. Stoddard, 399 Black Buckskin; or, The Masked Men of Death Canyon.. By Col. A. F. Holt. 400 Wrinkles, the Night-Watch Detective. By Edward L. eeler. 401 Little Shoo-Fly; or, A Race for a Ranch, By Philip S. Warne. 402 Isodor, the Young Conspirator ; or, The Fatal League. By Col. P. Ingraham. 403 Firefly Jack, the River-Rat Detective. By Charles Morris. 404 Little Lariat. By Buckskin Sam. 405 Deadwood Dick in Dead City. By Edward L.. Wheeler. The Mad Wan-Hunter. By Maj. H. B. Stoddard, Ex-Scout. 407 The Boy Insurgent. By Col. Ingraham. 408 Little ather-Breeches. By Philip 8. Warne. 409 Hercules, the Dumb Destroyer; or, Dick, the Boy Ranger. By Oll Coomes, 410 Deadwood Dick’s Diamonds, By Ed- ward L, Wheeler. 411 The Silken Lasso; or, The Rose of Ranch Robin. By T. C. Harbaugh. 412 The Wild Yachtsman; or, The Cruise of the War-Cioud. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, 413 Billy Bombshell, the Cliff Climber. By Frank 8S. Winthrop. 414 pag Daisy from Denver. By Buckskin m, 396 397 398 406 or, Bowery 415 The Vagabond accent hh Bob the N. Y. De ’s Boom. By Jo Pierce, of tective Force. 416 High Hat Harry, the Base Ball Detec- tive,’ By E. L. Wheeler. 417 Webfoot Mose, the Tramp Detective. By Oll Coomes. Felix Fox, the Boy Spotter, Py T. C. Har- baugh. 419 Kenneth, the Knife King. By A. F. Holt. 420 The Sir a tang A Lehr rte tt A Boy You. 418 Without a Name. C. Cowdrick. 421 Deadwood Dick in New York, By E. L. Wheeler. 422 Baby Sam, the Boy Giant of the Yellow- stone, By Oli Coomes. Ready August 25. 423 The Lost Finger; or, The ti Cashier. By Charles Morris. Ready Sept. 1. 424 Cibuta John, the Prickly Pear from Cactus Plains, By J. C. Cowdrick. Ready Sept. 8. 425 Texas Trump, the Border Rattler. By T, C. Harbaugh. Ready September 15. 426 Sam Slabsides, the Reggar-Boy Detective. By E. L. Wheeler,’ Ready September 22 A New Issue Hoery Tuesday. The Half-Dime Library is for sale by all newsdealers, five cents per copy, or sent by mail on receipt of six cents each. BEADLE AND ADAMS, PusuisHERs, 98 William Street, New York, AOE ded