Beadle's Half Dime Library (no. 497) (1887 02 01)
The text was read from the page scans by machine (OCR), so it has mistakes and its columns may run together. See the pages · About this title · At the Internet Archive
Page 1
Haj SS pe ' Da nlalalalalaiyZ we SAB i a OBR E 0A ow AN NS 2 (tH Pi! at at it a i a Cum. ~ Zod tn in NSS w York, N. Y., at Second Class Mail Rates. t _Copyright, 1387, by BEADLE AND ADAMS, February 1, 1887. $2.50 PUBLISHED WEEKLY BY BEADLE AND ADAMS Price, Vol. XX, a Year. No, 98 WILLIAM STREET, NEW YORK. 5 Cents, No. 497, \\ \\\ \ WLLL . ' ‘ Aer eee ite aie «SS Waa Nuh Ng The Raiders ‘mmx RANSCYS, A Story of the Wild and Thrilling Life of William L. Taylor,* PPLE BY COL, PRENTISS INGRAHAM, AUTHOR OF “BUFFALO BILL,” “winp Brix,” “TEXAS JACK,” ‘‘ BUCKSKIN SAM,” ETO, CHAPTER I. THE VOLUNTEER RANGER. A ory of warning rung out from a man MAA . guarding & camp on a Texas prairie. \ . : S \\ In a timber motte of several acres, around \\ \ ~@W. L, Taylor, of Texns, and now with Buffalo Lo Cay | , Bill's Wild Buck Taylor is also known ag Wild Will, the Dare Devil er.”—TaE AUTHOR, BUCK TAYLOR,
Page 2
ee s which ran a small stream, was a camp, or bivouac of horsemen, a gallant band of Texan Rangers, resting after a hard ride on an indian trail, and with their horses picketed out upon the prairie to feed, while they slept away the sultry hours of the afternoon. One of the number only stood on guard, and he was half asleep as he leant against a tree, his face turned toward the rolling prairie that stretched away for miles and miles. But for all of his dozing he yet was on the alert, as his eyes opened wide every few min- utes and swept the borizon for any sign of dan- ger. It was at sucha minute that his gaze had fallen upon the form of a horseman far out upon the prairie. ; He at once became wide awake, cg! fixed his gaze upon the one thus discovered” The indi- vidual came on over a prairie rise, and, dis- covering the group of two-score horses picketed eut around the timber, bad come toa halt and was calmly surveying the scene, 4 The Rangers were in a dangerous locality, for as they were not far from the Rio Grande line, be- ¥ ond which dwelt their implacable foes, the Raiders of Mexico. ; Then the Comanches were always an enemy, ay and at that tim: several large bands of them aN were on the war-path, and the Rangers had Bee been hunting them down for days; bence it was 7 necessary to be on the alert. The strange horseman might be a friend, and yt, why should one man be alone in that peril- ‘ ous country, where death threatened upon all a sides? Strange! om ; He looked like a white man, at the distance ‘a seen, yet might be a renegade, with a band of s Indians at his back. = Then, too, there was a possibility that he was a one of “ Rafael’s Raiders,” a Mexican band of uf outlaws who were constantly crossing the Rio ,) Granade and raiding upon the Texans. The alarm was given in a clear voice, that a reached every sleeper’s ear: ee i “ Ho, Rangers! . )\pridles. Cie Fearless, resolute faces abounded, with here ef nd there a fun-loving and an utterly reckless countenance among them. The captain of this Ranger band was a tall, good-looking man of forty, with an iron-gra beard aud song hats a face both stern and kind, fo. there was both austerity and sadness strange- ly blended in bis features. Upon the hat of each Ranger was a silver, five-point star, and the only insignia of rank that the captain wore was that his star was of old. Fa! . Men to dare and to do they were, and their fame was well known throughout the Southwest while they were feared by their foes as a ban that knew no fear~feared no foe. As the strange horseman approached, all gazed fixedly at him, and many comments were -made as to his appearance. , His pony was undersized and anything but a beauty, while his rider, long-legged in the ex- treme, wore his stirrups short to hold his feet at a safe distance from the ground. His dress was buckskin leggings, moccasins, a wolen shirt, a slouch hat, much the worse par, and a blue blanket army overcoat, af across the back of bis saddle. fis arms consisted of _@ long rifle, of an old attern known as the “‘ Kentucky,” two rough- looking revolvers, and a knife of most antiquated e, Mexican serape was behind his sad- ri saddle-bags across it, and ben ments were by no means the best, thoug’ ceable. , ep | foe dona ‘arees Debwoat 8 lariat, well ge, vicious-looking dog—a ween a RE si 7. ie <p ore a3) } ioe Pees ; ho King of the Cowboys. | ae J eet ass f ; Buck Taylor, ‘ 4 eae A ! Cuban bloodhound and a St. Bernard he looked | —completed the outfit of the stranger. But the man? Ah! but he was not a man, excepting in size, but a tall, slender youth of eighteen, with long arms, broad shoulders, massive chest, and the making of a giant in his build. His face was beardiess, fearless, determined, and witbal reck- less, while it was by no means unhandsome. His hair, of chestnut hue, was long, falling be- low his shoulders, his teeth white and even, and his eyes piercing .and seeming to take in at a glance all that they were turned upon. Some of the younger members of the Rangers laughed at the strange youth and his outfit, but paying no heed to them, he drew rein near’ to the captain of the band and asked ina voice | that was terse and decided: “Ts this the camp of the Rio Grande Rangers?” P es.” Are you captain McNally?” “Tam, my boy.” “ve come to volunteer as a Ranger,” was the announcement; and with that, the stranger dis- mounted amid a ‘yild shout of laughter. CHAPTER II. MASTER OF THE SITUATION, CAPTAIN PETER McNALLY, as I have said, had a kindly face, and he felt for the youth, | whom some of his men seemed to wish to make | a butt of for ridicule. He saw in the stranger a tall, somewhat awk- ward youth, old-fashioned in appearance, arnis | and outfit, but nothing to laugh at, and turning | to his men, he sternly said: “Silence! I will have none of this.” Instantly silence followed, and then the stran- | ger spoke, as he glanced ,over the party, taking | in those who had been the rude ones: | “Oh, let the idiots laugh, captain, but I’ve | heard my uncle say that ‘He laughs best that laughs last,’ and maybe if they’ve got the pluck = “abe me, they'll find I’m not such a fool as I | ook, The Rangers looked at each other in amaze- ment, for the words were quietly spoken, in a ood-humored way, yet accompanied with a cer- in air and look that gave a. plucky ring to them. j One young hot-head at once took exceptions to the stranger’s challenge, forgetting that his rudeness had warranted it, and he stepped for- ward and said savagely: “If you were a man I would thrash you for your impudence.” ‘‘T’m a man in size, if not in years, and if you wish to whip me just begin now, for I’m willin to take any licking you can give me, or mee yop any way you wish, with knife, revolver or rifle. Here was a bold defiance, and thrown in the teeth of Sol Bradford, the strongest man in the | band, and a terror at a rough-and-tumble, or | knock-down fight, for he stood six feet one and weighed two hundred pounds. As he spoke, the youth poe ee up and con- fronted him, and it was seen that he wasa match for Sol Bradford, in hight, at least, All eyes glanced at Sol, then at the youth, and last at Captain McNally. . The latter saw that he was expected to speak, so said in his quiet way: , Bradford, you were rude in the first place, then took up the words of this young man, so if he is willing to face you in a square, stand-up fight, for I shall allow no weapons, all right; but I warn him beforehand, that he has to meet our best man as far as strength goes.” ‘¢ When I’m insulted, I don’t weigh odds,” was the youth’s calm reply, and he placed his rifle ety a tree, took off his belt of arms and then said: “Tma stranger here, captain, and have no friends, so I trust you'll see 'm treated square, as I have stripped off my weapons.” “You shall be dealt squarely with, my brave youth, the word of Peter McNally for it,” was the reply, and the Rangers gaye a /“‘ bravo ” to mark their approval. Fis In the coolest kind of a way the young Stran- ger rolled up his sleeves, revealing two mu lar arms, and prepared for the fray, while he said, with a good-natured smile: ‘*T thonght to join yer band to fight with you against the Greasers and Injuns, and I hopes I haven't got to lick you all before you make my acquaintance.” oad y i shout of langhter followed these words, in which Sol Bradford joined, for he was @ good- hearted fellow, though a little inclined to bully-, ing, knowing his great strength. | ‘Dm ready, pard, and if you lick me, or not, i a ee ae eee oo Tl be your friend for the game you show in try- ing. As he spoke, Sol Bradford advanced upon the stranger with a rusb, To the amazement of all, and particularly to his own, he was sent flying backward from a blow that would have felled an ox. a | Instantly he arose however, and, cautious now, Be ie begun to spar. / This did not seem to suit the youth, however, 1 who broke down his guard, rushed in on him, seized him in his strong arms and bent binrback= ~~ ward to the ground, while he said quietly:. ‘Call it quits now, man, and don’t make me | have to hurt yer.” ‘** Tl] do 1t, and admit that you are the strong- est thing in the shape of man that lever tackled. | I’m whipped, pards, and dfdmit it. Here’s my hand in friendship, Pard Stranger, and I'll be on hand if you need me.” A shout greeted these words of Bradford, and the Rangers all pressed around and grasped the : hand of the youth, for they were a manly lot, and Captain McNally said: ‘* You laugh best, after all, my friend, as you laugh last. But who are you, may I ask?” § “Tm a young greenhorn Texan, who knows little more than herding, riding and_ shooting, | with a little experience at Injun trailing. My father was killed in the Confederate Army, and my uncle took me to his ranch to live with him, but I thought I’d like to look about a little, so came to join your Rangers, if you’d bave me,” and he looked smilingly over the crowd. ““T guess we will have you; but may I ask 4 your name?” . ‘““My name, which my poor dead mother and father gave me is William Levi Taylor, but my uncle called me Wild Will, and the cowboys + ol named me Buck Taylor, on account of there -, being no bucking horse I wouldn’t ride. But, . rose to suit yourselves,” was the indifferent reply. “ Rangers, rmit me to present to you all, 4: excepting Sol Bradford who bas before met him Mr. Buck Taylor, our new brother, and bid him, i welcome into our mystic band,” said Captain 4 bs alga Fe : Langbter greeted the words of the captain in } his hit at Bradford, and the latter, stepping for: % ward, called out: ; . oe “Three cheers, Rangers, for my old acquaint y 3 ance, Buck Taylor!” 7 They were given with a will, and thus did Buck Taylor, the hero of my story, become a” Texan Ranger. CHAPTER III. SCOUTING FOR AN OUTFIT. Tue coming of Buck Taylor into the band of Rangers created no little excitement amon them, und they readily took to the good-natur young giant. The day after his arrival some of them sug- gested a shooting tournament with rifle and re- volvers,.and Buck in his quiet way, with his old-fashioned rifle, and pistols that had seen hard usage, found himself the best shot of all, to their utter amazement, for there were a num- t ber of most expert marksmen in the dashing lit- he tle company. e Buck having said that hé had'‘won hisname Ma from riding bucking bronchos, there was an ani- mal in camp that all were anxious to have him ride, especially the master of the vicious brute, who was then Jame from his last struggle with his untamable steed. Buck volunteered at once to try and ride him, and when the Rangers saw the youth mount the wild devil of a horse, they soon came to the con- clusion that he had won his name from deserv- ing it. The horse bounded into the air, and kept upa terrific series of leaps, squatting, plunging, shy- ing and vicious biting at his rider, until he was utterly worn out and eonquered, the horseman aie a seeming to can talk httle for the mad entics. Captain McNally had witnessed Buck’s tri- umphs with the deepest interest, and said to the young volunteer: ; “Buck, when you are properly armedand mounted, you will be about the best man I’ve got, and that is saying a great deal, for my men are said to be the wildest riders and deadliest shots on the Texas prairies, % “But that sheep you ride won’t do for you, nor your antiquated weapons, ‘ ““T know that, sir; but then I had no/better, and thought I could capture what I needed.” ‘* Well said; but you ought to be a good lariat as vem ) : q j st 2 CE 7 * jd you ever catch a wild horse?” *
Page 3
** Many a one, sir.” * Well, there is a large herd of wild horses in the river valley above here, and the king of the drove is a roan stallion.” “Pve heard of him, Captain McNally, and they say there is no horse on the plains that can catch him.” “Wel, Buck, I can answer, for one, for my own horses here, and not one of them can run with the roan, and they are considered the best for speed in these parts; but you can get a good horse out of the herd, not to speak of the roan, and I will lend you any one of my animals to ride on the hunt that you wish,” ‘ ** No, sir; Pll take my little broncho; for it will be by a trick, not speed, that I'll catcha good horse, and I’ll try for the roan.” ** Luck to you, then, Buck, and somehow I feel you will have it. When will you start?” “ Right off, sir.” “By the way, Buck, where did you get that tigerish-looking dog?” ** Vermifuge, sir?” ‘What do you call hin?” “ Vermifuge.” The captain laughed and asked: ““ How came you to give him that name?” _ “He belonged to a settler on the river, sir, and the poor man was killed by the Indians, and { found his boty, so went to tell his wife. She had gone out on a hunt for her husband, and left the dog, then a puppy, to guard the baby. “T fond him guarding the little ’un still, but so awful sick Ithought he was mad, There was a bottle on the floor, empty, and it was marked, *Vermifuge,’ and the puppy had sucked down its contents; so I gave him the name that was on the label.” * And the baby?” “Oh, the kid was ali right, but its poor mother never got back, for the red devils killed her, too. I took the baby to another settler, who adopted it, while I adopted the dog, and there’s none better, captain.” “He looks it; but ’'d rather be attacked by a panther than by Vermifuge, as you call him. ‘*But some one said your horse was named Snakeroot?” ‘True, captain, I called him that because he likes the root, and eats it when he can get it. They are a strange pair, captain, Vermifuge and Snakeroot.” ** Yes,” assented the captain, who thought he might also very properly add: CA strange trio”—the tall, daring youth, his dog and his broncho, a Buck Taylor now mounted Snakeroot, and, with Vermifuge trotting at his heels, rode out of camp alone, for he declined help from the Rangers who offered to accompany him. z CHAPTER IV. THE THREE COMANCHES. In the days of which I write herds of wild horses were quite frequently seen in ‘Texas, and many a fine animal was often found among the uine rangers of the plains. © catch a wild horse was no easy matter, and often a herd contained many speedy ani- mals that defied capture by man. There were a few bold wild-horse hunters org the Texans, and they had won fame by their daring and skill in their line. There Were also skilled borse-hunters among the Comanches, and it was no infrequent occur- rence for the bands of white and red-skins to meet in the 'broncho feeding-grounds and there have a fight for mastery, the victors generally capturing the animals taken by the others, Vith the Comanches on the war-path, as they had been for months in considerable force, at the time of which I write, the wild steeds of the prairies had obtained quite a respite from pur- suit. f The herd to which the roan stallion, of which the reader has heard, was known to belong was a vast one, and its £razing-grounds extended over alarge area of country, then a half-way land between the Indians and the whites, But boldly into this disputed territory Buck Taylor made his way, after leaving the camp of the Rangers. ; He was utterly fearless, and raised upon the frontier, he had become as thorough as an In- dian in trailing, and was versed in all signs and cunning of the border. : ' His uncle had hoped to keep him upon his jarge ranch, for Buck soon became noted as the best one or the cowboy herders; but the youth was anxious to get beyond the circle of a ranch herd of cattle, and so had started out to seek his fortune alone in the world, with his little bron- cho, his dog, bis old-fashioned weapons and a few dollars in his pocket, Buck Taylor, King of the Cowboys. ! But, added to his personal property as a basis | of fortune, Buck had good, sound ‘ horse sense,” | a superb physique, giant strength, prairie | knowledge and utter fearlessness. It was this utter disregard of danger that caused him to set forth alone to secure a suitable mount and weapons as a Ranger. He could have bought what be needed, but he preferred to show the Rangers that he could se- cure them in another way. So he entered the disputed ground, and went, | in search of the herd of wild horses, of which | the roan stallion was king, He sighted the herd the next day, feeding in a vast valley, and noted the way that they were | ! moving. “ They are feeding down the valley, and will rest to-night in the timber yonder. “*T must flank them.” So he said, and he mounted Snakeroot and set off at a canter for a long ridearound to head the herd off in the timber, ) One seeing the size of Snakeroot, and of his | rider, would be surprised at the way in which he / held on \his course so untiringly. But though small, Snakeroot was a speedy little animal, full of wonderful endurance. Upon reaching the timber, Buck sought out a secluded canyon, and then staked out his horse, and left his dog, with the extras of his outfit which he did not care to take along in his recon- noissance, He also left his rifle, but took his lariat, and went up through the timber until he reached a small river. Under the bank of this he held on his way, going toward a point above where he knew there was @ crossing, and where the horses | would certainly cross that night or in the morn- ing. Suddenly he started, for he saw, in a little cavity in the bank, something that showed he | was not alone in that vicinity, What he saw was a ravine, or water-wash in the bank, running back some sixty feet. In this were three Indian ponies, some lances, and a few other articles, which showed it to be | a red-skin camp. ** Whese are the reds?” muttered Buck, coolly. Creeping into the raxyine, revolver in hand, 3 inspected the surroundings and the outfit. He saw that it was but a temporary camp, and as he noted the lances and rifles of the red- skins, he at once read the reason why they were there. “The reds are here for just what I am, and they are up in the timber hiding, to catch the | horses to-night when they come to the ford. ** This is just pie for me.” Crawling up to the top of the ravine, he took a careful survey of the timber. No, one was near, and the timber was quite open. Running his eyes along the river bank, he dis- covered a moving form, nearly a quarter of a mile away. It was a red-skin. Watching him, Buck saw that he was signal- ing to some one who was evidently in a tree above him. ** Aha!” muttered the young Ranger. This expression meant a great deal, as his after musing aloud proved. ‘“They want the roan stallion, and are plot- ting to catch him right theré at the ford! I reckon I'll let them catch him; but Pll find out just what their litt.e game is.” Then Buck took a look at the three Indian ponies. They were all exceedingly fine animals, and the outfit of one showed that it belonged to a chief, There were one rifle and two muskets among the weapons, and a buckskin bag of provisidns, ‘They'll get their trap set, and then come | back here to supper, knowing that the herd will not reach the timber before dark, but feed on the prairie, so I guess I'd better cross over and | examine their little outfit. while they are here at supper.” So saying, he carefully covered any trail he had made, and going back the way he had come, soon reached bis horse and dog, Mounting, be rode down to the river, and in an instant Snakeroot was swimming across, while Vermifuge followed in his wake. Reaching the other shore, Buck made a wide circuit to reach a rise of prairie, and then can- tered rapidly along under its shelter for a mile or more, until he came to a small creek flowing into the larger stream or river. The bushes growing along the creek sheltered him and he reached the river bank, which on this shore was overgrown with brushwood. ‘ Bol Ap; = SF iy Zz rata a eS, nie ha aft ice Reed Pat See Leaving his horse in a good hiding-place, Puck called to Vermifuge to accompany him, ana tali- ing his rifle, crept along until he reached a spot near the ford, Peering cautiously out from among the bush- es he saw upon the other shore, not sixty yards away those whom he sought. He also discovered just what they were about, ‘There are three of em, and they’re Coman- | ches. It’s a snug little game they sre playing, and I'll try and get the good of it,” and, after watching them for a few moments, Buck re- traced his way toward bis horse. CHAPTER V. BUCK’S STRATEGY. ONCKmMore mounted, Buck started back oa the very trail he had come. Reaching the river, he again swam Snakeroot across, and soon had the little animal staked out to feed in the canyon, relieved of his saddle and bridle. Then, accompanied by Vermifuge, the young Ranger started along the river-bank on the trail he had taken several hours before, The sun was setting as he came to the vicinity of the temporary camp of Comanches, and be moved very cautiously; but, examining his own trail carefully, he saw that it had not been dis- covered, and soon he peered up into the ravine, There were the horses, and the weapons of the Indians; but Buck saw that they had been there as he supposed they would be, and had supper, A fire had been built, but put out, the ashes being yet wet. *“The reds had a good supper, and have now gone back to lay for the herd. It was a clever trick of theirs that I saw from across the river, to pile up brush on each side of the trail leading to the ford, and thus force the herd to pass un- der the trees where they will be, and Grop lar- iats down upon them. “Well, I only hope they'll catch the roan, for IT want him” So saying Buck started off on his way down the river, Vermifuge trotting close to his heels, As he drew near the ford he heard the thunder of hundreds of approaching hoofs, and knew that the herd of wild horses were coming, Knowing that the red-skins, now hiding in the trees over the ford trail, would be watching the herd, he went forward, little fearing to be “rs and soon came in sight of the full situa- ion. What the Comanches had been working on, when he saw them from across the river, they had accomplished, which was to make a line of brush from the descent to the rive , on each side for quite a distance, which would cause the herd to go more slowly there, holding a number of horses together in a mass beneath some trees, in the branches of which the red-skins were seated, each with several lariats, firmly fastened at one end, and with the other coiled in hand ready to throw. The brush wall also served as a screen for the daring Buck, and he crept up to a position not fifty yards from the Comanches in the trees, The red-skins’ eyes were now on the ap- proaching wild horses, and they little dreamed that Buck Taylor’s eyes were upon them. The twilight was just beginning to fall, there being yet plenty of light, and Buck Taylor could see that the ent was a vast one, while he rejoiced to see in the Jead a superb specimen of horseflesh in the shape of a large roan. He was a number of lengths in advance of the herd, and came on with head erect and nos- trils extended, a splendid equine king, His mane was long, his tail, which was held up, was of great length and thickness, and the animal was indeed a beautiful creature, He seemed to scent danger ahead, and snorted like a locomotive. But the ford was before him, and there the herd were to get water, after which they were to continue on to the prairie, or remain in the shelter of the timber for the night. Behind the roan came other fine animals though not his equal in appearance, and all held their heads erect as they advanced toward the river. Nearer and nearer they came, and the In- dians, crouching in the trees, held their lariate ready for the wild animals, while Buck Taylor held his rifle ready for the red-skins, Nearer and nearer, until the roan stallion halted beneath the trees, and above him were his red foes, 7 at Then an instant of suspense, and two la loops settled above the head of the noble brutes: t the same instant another Jariat settled over the head of a beautiful gray mare, with white mane and tail. ; Other lariats were then quickly thrown, but
Page 4
4: * Buck Taylor, King’ of the Cowboys. they fell short, for the herd, alarmed by the wild snort and bounds of the roan king, wheeled quickly and darted away like the wind. The roan and the white mare, however, could not fly, for both had been dragged to earth by the lariats, the first with two over his neck, which kept him midway between two trees, The red-skins uttered shouts of triumph and started to descend from their perch, when, suddenly, another wild shout was heard. It came from the lips of Buck Taylor, and it was followed by a rifle-shot. Following the shdt came a wild death-cry and a fall, as the Comanche chief fell from the limb to the ground, right under the hoofs of the stallion. One of the other red-skins sprung’ to the round from his lofty hight, to fly, but he fell eavily and remained where he had fallen, half stunned, while his comrade quickly man- aged to slide down and attempted to kill the daring young Ranger with an arrow from his ready bow, It was well intended, but missed the body and sunk in the arm to the bone. Tearing the arrow from his arm Buck Taylor ran upon the Comanche, firing his revolver as he advanced. His aim was true and the Comanche fell with a bullet in his brain, In the mean time, the two captured horses had ceased their struggles for the lariats had choked them down. Springing to the side of the roan, Buck Taylor hoppled him with wonderful quickness and agility, after which he slipped the lariat ovr his head in the shape of a halter. Then he sprung quickly to the mare and hoppled her, also making a headstall for her. it was but the work of a few minutes, and he was congratulating himself upon his grand success, for both horses were now reviving from their choking, when an arrow suddenly whizzed by his head, grazing his ear. CHAPTER VI. THE RANGER’S LUCK. WHEN the arrow first whizzed by Buck Tay- lor’s head, his first thought was that there were ether red-skins about than those he had seen, and who bad been pursuing the herd; but a lance, as he spermine to cover showed him that t was one of the trio, he who had risked a jump from the tree. . He saw that the Indian was lying upon the ound, and had fired the arrow at him, but ad no other, for he clutched the bow in one hand and his knife in the other. Buck was always merciful, for no brave man should be otherwise. The red-skin was in his power, and so he advanced boldly toward him, at the same time replacing his revolver in his belt, ; He had learned to speak the Comanche tongue pretty well, while a cowboy, and so in ‘fact he had, when a boy of twelve, been a cap- tive of the Comanche tribe for some months, so he said in the tongue of the Indian: » “Comanche brave is in a bad fix.” The Indian nodded. ‘* Much burt?” The red-skin pointed to his leg and answered: ‘* Leg broken.” * Ah! that is very bad.” ‘* Why don’t pale-face brave kill Mad Wolf?” “T never hit a fellow when he’s down, pard,” replied Buck in English, and then he added in the Comanche tongue. / “‘T would not kill a wounded foe. Come, let me see about your leg.” The red-skin was suspicious, and certainly ted to die; but Buck Taylor bent over him and examined his leg. It was broken, just above the knee, and a bad fracture. ‘¢ Where are your people?” he asked. “Far away.” **T don’t believe you, but I’ll let you go.” The red-skin looked surprised, while the horses were now struggling to rise, having recovered from their severe choking by the lariats. Buck watched them a minute, to see that . oe) ae not get loose, and then he said: ee ee l fix your leg as best I can, Comanche, and in the morning you can have your horse and go back to your people, for Pll be ready wae t out by that time.” ; th real humanity in his heart he first looked to the comfort of the red-skin, setting his mes: best he could, and binding it around with strips cut from the costume of the other Coman- ches, and bracing it with bark splints which he cut with his knife for the purpose. It was a painful operation, to say the least; . but the red-skin did not utter a groan when fin- | ished, Buck raised him in his strong arms, and | started for the red-skin camp. His great strength did not give out, and he reached the camp and placed the red-skin in a comfortable position, saying, when all was done: ‘** Now, red-skin, I must see that you'll be here when I get back; so will leave a guard over you. Watch him, dog!” Vermifuge squatted near the red-skin, and Buck started at a brisk walk back for the cap- tive hurses. The moon had risen, and being at its full, made all as, bright as day, almost, and he saw the horses were where he had left them. He had hoppled them with slip-knots, and so that they could not hurt themselves; and feelin their efforts to rise fruitless, they lay sullen an uiet. arn I must get rid of these fellows first,” and he pointed to the two dead red-skins; ‘‘so here goes!” and with a skill that showed it was not his first experience in the work, he scalped the two braves, while he confessed to himself: ‘* Talways think thisis brutal, but then an In- dian 1s never dead until he is scalped. Then aloud: ‘* And now to bury’em!” He dragged the bodies to the soft earth under the river-bank, and quickly dug a shallow grave, into which he rolled the 7 less dead. ver the grave he threw piles of brush and stone, to keep the wolves away. Then he once more approached the roan stallion. ‘“Guess I'll give you a@ try first,” he mut- tered. Quick as a flash he removed the hopples and sprung upon the back of the startled king of the herd. With a wild snort and a bound the roan was upon his feet, and shot away like an arrow from a bow. He headed straight out of the timber, reached the prairie, and sped along like the wind. ‘© This horse fairly flies! Oh, he’s the horse for me!” cried the exultant rider, Letting him run for half a mile, Buck began toe draw upon the stall lines. The horse took it furiously, and the struggle began between man and beast. ith wild snorts of rage, plunging, leaping, squatting, bucking, and biting at the leather leggings of his rider, the wild roan sought to throw him, or tear him from his back; but the young Ranger had won thenameof ‘* Buck” from just such splendid riding as was then de- manded, and he kept bis seat while he constantly endeavored to show the maddened brute that he was his master. Another run, another stop, and the same tac- tics were gone through, until at last, evan the king of the prairies was compelled to yield to the superior will of the man..- And when he did yield, he did it gracefully, and was turned back by his rider and taken to the timber. Coming near the gray mare, he once more broke forth with fury, to try and show that he was still untamed; but the attempt was fruit- less, for he was again forced to yield. ier. Ae to where he had left his own horse, he led the animal to the Indian camp, the prai- rie king once more trying to ‘‘ show off” when he beheld Snakeroot, but with the result of his last attempt—to be completely subdued. : Leaving both horses in the eanyon, and again hoppling the stallion, Buck started after the gray mare. She glared viciously at him, for, having seen her lord a captive and slave, she knew what was coming. A moment more and her feet were freed from oe hopples, and the horsebreaker was upon her ck. A few wild prunaes she made, a neigh of anger, and then she became quiet. “ Ah, my beauty, you have been ridden be- fore. You have escaped from some one and joined the herd; but you’re a fine one and no mistake,” and her captor turned the head of the now obedient animal toward his camp, or rather the camp of the red-skins, ‘The mare certainly had been ridden before, and was not born wild on the prairies, for she was remarkably obedient, though full of spirit and evidently enraged at her capture and mas- tery. / Again at the camp, Buck staked the mare out inthe canyon with his own and the Indians’ horses, and left the roan king still in shackles, “The king will give me another tussle in the morning, for he is not yet certain I’m boss,” was Buck’s conclusion. F The Comanche still lay where Buck had left: him, Vermifuge still on guard. Building a fire, the young Ranger soon cooked supper getting a liberal supply for his prisoner, and the dog as well. The Comanche ate his supper with relish, | though he was without doubt ere sok greatly with his broken leg; and as he ate, Buck talked. ‘* Tf I take you with me, the boys will mae end your life, and as you are in hard luck with a broken leg, I don’t wish that. ‘““Then you have to mourn for your two friends and the loss of the roan king, and-alto- gether you’re not happy; so I'll let you go, as I promised.” Taking more time after supper to re-dress the tiation leg, Buck made him a bed, fixed. him as comfortably as possible, and then spread his own blankets. ‘‘ Now, Vermifuge, it’s your place to watch, for I’ve had a hard day of it; so go up yonder on the bank and plant yourself.” The intelligent dog at once obeyed, while the young Ranger returned to his blankets and was soon fast asleep. CHAPTER VII. CAUSE FOR ALARM, Tue Ranger had been asleep perhaps an hour, when he was awakened by a touch. Buck, like all men whose lives are in danger dey and night, awoke instantly. * e saw that it was Vermifuge that had awakened him, and he at once arose, while the dog ran back to his post. uck quickly followed the intelligent brute up the bank, and he at once discovered that there was cause for alarm. There, riding slowly along through the timber, and now and then in open spaces where the moonlight fell fell upon them, were a number of horsemen, ‘**Tnjuns,” said Buck, laconically. The dog peer up at him with a look that. plainly said: **T told you so.” They were not three hundred feet away, and. riding along the trail toward the ford. Buck counted them. There were twenty-seven. ** Just twenty-seven more Injuns than I want: to see,” he muttered, He knew full well his danger. His doz he could trust, but the neighing of one of the horses in the canyon, at the presence: of the others, would betray him. Then, too, if the Comanche suspected that his friends were near, he might give a cry for them to come to his aid. So Buck crouched there on the top of the bank and waited, f He could almost feel his heart beat, for if dis- eovered, though he might escape, he might lose his horses, and to give up the rcan king would be a terrible blow to him. . So he was very anxious and gave a deep sigh of relief when he saw the horsemen disappear like shadows in the distance. Listening he heard their horses splashing in the water, when they rode in to give them a drink, and he feared that they might go into camp there, so he set out on foot to Tioccver. But he soon found that they had ridden on, and feeling greatly relieved he went back to his camp. He saw that the Comanche was awake, and his manner showed that he knew something had eB - ; s Buck did not speak, the Indian said: ‘*Mad Wolf hear many braves go by, and splash in river, “Thought he would call and braves come to Mad Wolf and kill white man.” “It’s lucky for you, you didn’t call those soldiers had come here they woul ac ee 1k dn’t want you hanged, so ept quiet,” said Buck. 4 9 7) stingy The Indian was taken aback, for he supposed cs was wrong, and that the horsemen were sol- jers. After a moment he said: ; ‘My white brother good man,” Buck laughed, and leaving Vermifuge on guard once more returned to bis blankets, ‘No watch?” said Mad Wolf. ‘« My dog is on guard.” The Indian gave a grunt and said no more. It was very evident that he did not like the dog. The young Ranger awoke at dawn, went upon the bank and took a close survey of Ths 3 roundings, and then returned and a fire cook breakfast. for if d have: -
Page 5
While the fire was burning good, he took the thopples off of roan king and againsprung upon | his back. ; At once the fight began over again for mas- tery. But again the human mastered the brute, and | } dle and bridle again, but saw that resistance | Buck then lariated the horse out to feed upon the rich grass in the canyon. But the roan king was sullen, his proud spir- it was hurt, and he would not eat, *¢ You'll soon come to it, my fine fellow,” said stick. and he soon had breakfast ready and lib- erally supplied the red-skin, whose broken leg he arranged once more as best he could, Then he set to work to start on his way back to join the Rangers, whom he expected to find at a camp where they often made a halt of weeks at a time, and where Captain McNally told the young rec/uit he would find them. Having gotten all in readiness he asked Mad Wolf wnich was his horse, among the three ani- mals that had been left there by the Comanches, Mad Wolf, being an Indian, picked out the best of the three animals, though all were good, — It was the chief’s horse, and the trappings near each pony showed to which one it’ belonged. ““That is the cbief’s horse, Mad Wolf, for I know the outfit of a chief,” quietly said Buck. Then he added: ““My red brother is mistaken.” The Indian squinted_his eyes, as though to get a better look, and then pointed out an- other of the ponies as his, while he said: ‘“Yos, me no see right; that my pony.” ‘© A dollar to a cent you are wrong again, red- skin; but you can have him,” said Buck, who knew the Indian character pretty well. He then led the horse up, saddled and ready} and taking the red-skin in his strong arms placed him on his back, arranging him as com- fortably as possible. Then the Ranger got the other two Indian ponies together and fastened,the gray mare be- tween them, while he made of Snakeroot a pack-horse for his own and the traps of the dead red-skins, ; Mounting the roan king upon which he placed his saddle and bridle, he had another short battle with him; but when the wild steed was made to feel the severe Mexican bit and spurs, he became as docile as a lamb and obeyed ke will of his master without further struggle against the inevitable. } After leaving the timber Buck turned to his prisoner and said: ‘Now, Mad Wolf, you can go your way, and ITsuppose you will scalp some white woman or ehild as soon as your Jeg gets well, in return for my letting you go. ** But you can reach your people before night, and I have tied some food there to your sad- dle, so you won't starve if it takes you longer. ‘Here are your weapons; and I'll say good- by, but not luck to you, by any means.” | The red-skin did not understand all that was said, but seemed glad to get free, and held out his hand, while he answered: : “White brother has good heart, and is great chief, Mad Wolf will not forget him.” The young Texan grasped his band and the two parted, the red-skin going off to the left alone, and Buck, leading his horses, riding on this way toward the camp of the Rangers of the Rio Grande. CHAPTER, VIII. A RIDE FOR LIFE. Wir seventy odd miles between him and the _ Rangers’ camp, and the way overrun with red- skins, or infested with Mexican raiders, Buck Taylor could well appreciate the danger of his position. ; Mounted upon the roan king, and alone, Buck ‘Taylor need bave dreaded no foe, ut he was anxious to carry back with him the two Indian horses he had captured, the gray mare and Snakeroot, the latter bearing the weapons of the Comanches and all the traps. “T guess we'll get there, Vermifuge; but we'll make a big fight if we don’t,” he said, and the dog seemed to be of the same opinion as his mas- “ter. Tt was toward noon when the young Ranger Weted for a rest and dinner. Roan king, with the example of the other horses, seemed to have decided to behave him- self, and he not only drank when Buck rode him into a small stream, but ate grass with a great relisk when he was staked out to feed. Buck liked a good square meal, He had not yet stopped growing, though six feet two in hight, and he knew that it k a t deal to sustain hissystem, and consequent- ty he lived well when he could. ee z ESaTS ts RAS Pak Ty ey: ‘ar ae! TS these eS tT Divine Whee ? wi . a, 7 WF ee a x a Peat ee So he got a good dinner, out of his own haver- sack, and the provision-bags of the red-skins, and shared it with his dog. more resumed his way. The roan king of course objected to the sad- was useless and soon yielded, though ina sullen way. Hardly had the Ranger started once more, | when Vermifuge suddenly shot off like an arrow from a bow, to the top of a rise in the prairie. ‘* What is it, good dog?” said Buck, as Vermi- fuge came back, his tail between his legs. ‘That means you seen something to scare | you. ‘Well, if if scares you, it will me, and I'll | get as far from that rise as I can.” So saying Buck urged bis horses forward at a quicker pace, bearing off the while from the rise of land on his right, He had gone but a short distance when sud- denly over the rise appeared a human head. Then came another and another. They were bedecked with feathers, and were Comanches, They had not expected to see any foe there, it was very certain, and they halted quickly. Then they gesticulated wildly, others appear- ed, and with a wild shout in chorus they started toward the Ranger. Buck Taylor, meanwhile, had gone along ata brisk gallop, until he saw the Indians start in chase. ‘*Quess Pll give ’em a hint not to crowd me,” he said,;and he brought his long rifle up for use. The roan king had never had a rifle fired from his back before, and he was very restive. So the Ranger had to fire without a steady aim. The aim was true enough, however, to bring | down an Indian pony, and the rider was thrown heayily to the ground, while a yell of rage broke from his comrades, Over the rise now came the Indians, and as they spread out in chase, Buck muttered: ‘Twenty-seven of ’em. “That's the band we saw last night, Vermi- fuge.” At the shot from his back the roan king | seemed almost frightened out of his wits; but the heavy bit aad sharp spurs brought him to a | realization that they were worse than the report of a rifle, and he bounded away at a swift and Steady run. The gray mare also grew restive, but fast as she was, between the two Indian ponies, she was compelled to dbey. These three the Ranger was leading by a lar- iat, attached to the gray mare, while Snakeroot followed behind at will, for he was not led, and the dog ran ou ahead to lead the way. As they sped along the Ranger was glad tosee that his horses held their own well with the ani- mals of his pursuers, and the roan king and the | captive mare showed by their going that they could readily increase their pace to a much fas- ter one. With no load upon them, Buck felt no uneasi- ness as to his ability to keep ahead of the red- skins, and he only hoped the roan king would prove as gooda horse ashe was said to be, by the hundreds who had attempted to catch him. So the chase continued for several miles, and, without pressing his animals harder, Buck Bay- lor managed to keep out of range of the In- dians. It was no easy task to load that long rifle on the back of a wild horse; but Buck managed it, and turning in his saddle again sent a bullet fly- ing back at his pursuers. @ saw that he had hit a red-skin, by his ac- tions, and the movements of those about him; but the wounded man still kept his seat on his pony, so could not have been badly hurt. Afar in the rear came a pony bearing a double load, for he carried the red rider of ‘the horse Buck had killed, riding behind his master. The Comanches did all in their power to over- take the fugitive, and lashed their ponies un- mercifully to urge them on. They also kept up a running fire, both of mus- ketry and arrows, for half of the band were armed with the former weapon, in addition to their bows and arrows, And so the fight continued, the Ranger hold- ing his own, and the Comanches pressing him hard, until at last, as he neared a clump of tim- ber upon a ridge, Buck drew rein. He had again loaded his rifle, and seeing shel- ter near, determined to risk another shot. and at closer quarters, for the musket-balls of the red-skins barely reached him. His horses seemed getting fagged, even the a a » mins AS a ee = Then he rested for half an hour, and once | =. a Buck Taylor, King of the Cowboys. 5 | roan king showing fatigue under the weight he | carried, and to which he had never been accus- | tomed, Vermifuge held on well, running still with | ease, but the pace kept up for the past two hours had begun to tell also upon him. ‘*T will give thema hunt not to,crowd me,” said Buck, and drawing rein, he sprung to'the ground, as he reined his horses up to \a stand- still, and throwing bis rifle to his shoulder, took a quick aim. But the Indians saw his act, and quickly tried to dodge the bullet by throwing themselves flat on their horses, But the rifle flashed, and a yell told the re- | sult, evén had not the red-skin fallen from his pony to the ground. Buck Taylor echoed the yell with a defiant | war-cry, andeaping upon the roan king, started once more in flight, just as out of the timber | abead dashed a band of horsemen directly to- ward him, CHAPTER IX. THE TWO MEXICANS, THE party who dashed out of the timber at | once Gaused a change in the situation of affairs, There were fifteen of them, and the Indians | quickly came to a halt, and then those in the | lead began to fall back rapidly upon their com- | rades, who were stretched for half a mile over the prairie, the pony with the double mount coming on far in the rear, The dead body of the warrior dropped frem his saddle by Buck Taylor the band carried off along with his horse, which one of the braves lassoed as he was running away after his rider fell from his back, But Buck was by no means pleased at the turn affairs had taken. He preferred the red-skins, from whom he felt | his power to escape, to those who now dashed out of the timber. At aglance he recognized them, for meny a time had he seen them before, during his cow- | boy life upon the ranch. hey were Rafael’s Raiders of the Rio Grande, as lawless a set of Mexicans as ever crossed the river to prey sa American territory. They were fifteen in number, dressed in the | picturesque caballero costume of their country, their horses were equipped with the heavy sil- | ver-bespangled saddles and bridles that have | won such fame, and they were one and all arm- ed to the teeth with repeating rifles and revoly- ers. They were at peace with the red-skins on the other side of the Rio Grande, but upon Ameri- can land they warred against all people. They saw in the red-skins a splendidly mount- | ed band, knew that they must have been cn a raid, and therefore were well supplied with money and small articles of value, and would therefore be prizes well worth securing. | Their horses were comparatively fresh, while | those of the red-skins were jaded, from their | long run after the Ranger. | To surround and kill the red-skins then, was their intention, rob them, and then with their | booty and horses to dash on to the river and Tre- cross into Mexican territory, for their raid had not been one of success on that a P crac ay 3 out two men the chief hade them to capture Buck Taylor, wishing to carry him back as a hostage, or to hang him, end he, with his remaining twelve men made a rush for the red-skins. The two men detailed for the work of. captur- ing the Ranger came riding rapidly toward | him, their revolvers ata level. They were dark-faced, villainous-looking men, and they looked just what they were~cut throats and _ thieves. Buck, in his cowboy life, had picked wu!) con~ siderable Spanish, as well as Comanche, ghd he saw but one chance to escape. He knew that if he fired upon the twe men, killing one, or hoth, the Mexicans ridifg upon the red-skins would at once charge dow! upon him and escape would be impossible. So he took to strategy, and pretending to be glad of their coming, cailed out: “Good-day, senors! I am glad you shave come to save me!” ce, % He made no demonstration that was k stile, and the two Mexicans dashed up, at the same time lowering their weapons. drew rein near Buck. oe “T am a : home by the red-skins,” said Buck, in a d voice and in his best Spanish, or rather exican, i =F “T speak English better than you do Spanish, i ““Who are you?” asked one, as they both poor settler, run away fro ‘ae re ne ae
Page 6
6 Bu OS TE a eee Ne 8 so we'll talk in that gy, “You are my prisoner,” said one of the Mexicans, who did speak English with a very slight accent. “T’m sorry, pard, for I am in hard luck,” Buck remarked. ‘¢ You'll be in worse before we are done with ou. ‘‘Get down, Pedro, and tie him to his sad- dle.” The last was said in Spanish, and taking a lariat from his saddle-horn Pedro advanced to the side of Buck and began to tie his legs, ‘“‘Now out with your cash,” said the other, and he held forth his hand. Buck saw that the Raiders were over half a mile away, and were pouring in a hot fire upon the Indians, who were retreating slowly and also firing upon their foes, Then was his chance, he thought. So he said: “*T havn’t got much money, pard,'!but I sup- pose you’ve got to have it.” He reached his hand to his pocket as he spoke, and, quick as the lightning’s flash,, he drew a revolver and dealt the Mexican a blow in the face with it that felled him from his horse. Ere he could fall from his saddle Buck had brought the weapon down uygpn the head of the other who was tying his legs beneath his horse, and the man sunk in his tracks. Without an instant of hesitation Buck dashed forward in flight, leading his horses as before, and with. Vermifuge running by his side. : He had not cared to fire, fearing the sound might attract attention, and he had therefore used his heavy revolver as a club. Tne Mexicans lay where they had fallen, one of them moving convulsively, the other lying motionless. On went Buck, and he had gotten a couple of hundred yards away before his flight was dis- covered by those fighting the red-skins. Then they realized that the two men sent to capture the Ranger had more than met their match, and four horsemen were at once dis- patched in pursuit. But Buck’s horses had obtained a short rest, in the enforced halt, and he was already be- yond the range of the repeating rifles, so he spurred forward at the greatest possible speed under the circumstances. He reached the belt of timber,.dashed through it, as he dared not make a stand, and sped out over the praifie beyond. As the four Mexicans came in view, Buck closely watched them, and he said grimly: ‘Tm steadily gaining, so I am all right.” It was true, for he was slowly gaining upon his pursuers. Over a prairie rise he went, and then he wished to give a loud shout of joy, for, suddenly, he eame in sight of a dozen horsemen riding to- ward him at a gallop. They were the McNally Rangers, and they were going to discover the cause of the firing beyond the timber belt. They recognized Buck at a glance and gave a shout, and Sol Bradford, who was leading the party, called out: ‘tack again, Buck! glad to see you; but what’s up over the bill?” *T was chased by twenty-seven Comanches, and fifteen of Rafael’s Raiders were in the tim- ber belt and are now fighting the red-skins, ex- cepting four who are after me,” ** We'll give them arub. Come, pards!” and away dashed the gallant Rangers, with a bravo for Buck, who had come to a halt, while all had seen that he really was mounted upon the great roan stallion. But Buck was not one to be left out of a skir- mish, and it did not take him a minute to un- fasten the Mexican’s lariat from his legs, dis- mount and stake his horses out, then mount and go after his brother Rangers, CHAPTER X. A THUREE-CORNERED FIGHT, As Buck started after his comrades, he saw the four Mexicans appear over the prairie Never did he see horses stopped in shorter time even in catching a wild horse, than those four men reined up their steeds in. To turn, as upon pivots, and take to flight, when they beheld the Rangers, was @ second’s | work, anda cheer rung out from the Texans at sizht of their old foes, Rafael’s Rangers. utting spurs to their horses the Mexicans fairly flew in their effort to escape, and dashing through the timber belt came out in view of the fight between their companions and the Coman- ches, Firing their revolvers, to attract the attention of their comrades, they sped along. One of the two Mexicans whom Buck had dealt such a severe blow to, was upon his feet his horse by his side, At sight of his four friends flying for their lives, he made efforts to mount in haste, but it was evident that he was suffering from the blow. As, however, the four passed on, and he saw the Rangers dash out of the timber, he made a supreme effort, reached his saddle, and sent his horse away in rapid flight. The Raider band that had been fighting the red-skins ceased fighting, and a horseman rode forward his hands held above his head. One of the Indians rode forward to meet him, and a parley’: was going on between them when the five Mexicans dashed up, for the one Buck had knocked down had overtaken his compan- 10ns, , Buck had, in the meanwhile, given the roan | king a chance to try his speed, in trying to over- take the Rangers, and he fairly shouted with de- light, as he beheld the splendid animal gaining on those in front at a pace that revealed his re- markable speed, for the splendid horse had cer- tainly hada rough time of it the past twenty- four hours. As they dashed out of the timber Buck was up with the group, and in his light way called out, as he saw one of the Mexicans mounting: ‘* There goes one of my Raider pards, now; but I guess the other will stay where he is.” This the other did, for ‘he moved not as the Rangers thundered by. ‘Sol, they are uniting against us,” cried an old Ranger, as he saw the parley between the guerrilla chief and the Comanche chief. ‘*Right you are, Mack, so we must be care- ful, ‘* Ho, pards! come toa halt The Rangers promptly obeyed, for they saw that the Comanches had indeed sided with the Raiders against a common foe. A moment before fighting each other to the death; now, for their own safety, though still foes, they were as friends. The wily Mexican chief haa decided well, and his proposition had been quickly agreed to, to unite for mutual protection. Half a dozen of the Comanches had fallen, un- der the fire of the repeating rifles of the Mexi- cans, and two of the latter had gone down before the muskets of the red-skins. Having banded together and yet gazing fierce- ly at each other, they quickly formed a circle to protect themselves against the Rangers. ‘*Oh! if we only had Captain McNally and the rest of the boys, we could wipe ’em out,” said Sol Bradford. ‘Yes, but as we have not them here to help us, we’ve got to fall back to the timber,” remark- ed Mack, the oldest Ranger of the party. “How many did you say there were, Buck?” asked Sol. “Fifteen Mexicans and twenty-seven Coman- ches; but I got one Comanche and one Raider, and since then others have been killed. **Tll count ’em.” Then Buck turned his keen eyes upon the In- dian and Mexican band and said: *T count twelve mounted Mexicans and twenty-one Injuns.” ‘* Thirty-three in all,” said Mack. ‘““And we are thirteen, with Buck,” said Sol. ** An unlucky number!” came almost in chorus from the superstitious ones of the band. The words had effect, and the decision was to fall back to the timber. ‘‘T should think we could lick three to one,” said Buck. ‘Tf we were all Buck Taylors we might,” was the laughing-reply of Sol Bradford, ‘*They’ve got some mighty fine horses, those Mexicans have, that we might capture,” added Buck, hoiding this ovt as a bait, for his blood was up to fighting heat, and he believed the Rangers could get the best of a battle with the combined forces of Mexicans and Comanches. “No, we will fall back to the timber, and there we can keep them at bay; but, Buck, you had better go after your stock and fetch them to the timber, for the reds will flank us and run them off,” said Sol Bradford. ““That’s so; but how far is it to the camp of | the boys?” “Thirty miles,” “Too far to go after reinforcements?” ‘*Oh! yes, for those redsand Greasers will both skip when night comes on, ” “«They are too near this end of the disputed ground.” So back to the timber on the hill the Rangers started, their faces flushing under the jeers of the Mexicans and triumphant cries of the Co- manches, But their foes at once began to advance, and it was very evident that Captain Rafael felt his opportunity had arrived to strike a severe blow upon the Rangers by their capture or death. He was seen riding with the Comanche chief, and soon after the red-skins separated from the Mexicans, and dividing in two parties moved off to surround the timber, ; They left their dead and wounded in a little group upon the prairies, and the Mexicans did the same, while they advanced slowly towards the position of the Rangers. Buck had already left the party to go and fetch his horses to the timber, as Sol Bradford had suggested, but the quick movement of the Indians in surrounding the Rangers’ position prevented his getting back in time. He was not one to advance without extreme caution, and he saw that the Indians were between him’and the timber, and, as he peered over the rise of prairie he felt sure that they did not know of bis having left the Rangers. ‘Maybe I can do some good by this,” he muttered, and he stepped back to where his horses were, Vermifuge watching them and also looking up at his master with an inquiring ex- pression as to what would be the next move, As Buck stood thoughtfully by the roan king, now as docile as a dog, the firing began over ati the timber, and he knew that the red- skins and Mexicans were attacking the Rangers, He knew also, that the belt of timber was several hundred feet wide, and surrounded as they were the Rangers would have to be pretty well scattered to defend themselves. Creeping up to the hilltop he gazed over. The Comanches had charged, that was evi- dent, but had been forced to bunt cover, under the hot and unerring fire of the Rangers, who had dropped several warriors from their saddles, and also as many ponies, for Buck saw them lying about upon the prairie. The fire on the other side from the Mexicans was now pretty hot, and Buck waited anxiously the result. ““Beaten back!” he cried, as he heard the Rangers’ well-known cheer and the firing almost ceased. Then Buck decided to act, and he did it promptly. Bounding to where his horses were, he quickly separated them. Se. One was led a hundred yards away and staked out near the top of the rise, though not in sight. Another was placed a hundred feet from the first animal, and so on until the two captured Indian ponies, the gray mare and Snakeroot were stretched along the rise for five hundred yards. A blue blanket was left by one, a red by an- other, and something to serve as a separate dis- guise by each. As he left each horse Buck peered over the prairie to see that he was not surprised. In fifteen minutes he-had all arranged and prepared to mount the roan king and carry out his little scheme. The red-skins were lying out of range of the Rangers’ rifles, and not firing, while from the other side of the timber-belt shots were being constantly exchanged between the Mexicans and his comrades. Suddenly ‘a wild, terrific yell was heard and over the rise dashed Buck on his roan. Another yell from his lips brought every eye upon him among the Comanches, just as they were preparing for another combined rush upon the Rangers. — Waving his hat, as though beckoning to others to come on, Buck disappeared from the view of the Rangers and the red-skins. With full speed he rode to the next horse sprung upon his back, with a blanket about him as a disguise, and dashed up to the top of the rise. Then another and another horse played the same pantomime, until the Rangers, actually deceived themselves, gave rousing cheers, cer- tain that help was near. The Comanches had already started in retreat ani went off at a rapid rate, not stopping for their dead. Sweeping around the timber they shouted and gesticulated to the Mexicans, who, seeing them in flight, were convinced that the entire band of Rangers were coming to the rescue, and retreat was at Once ordered, ee oe
Page 7
At avery undignifed pace the combined force of red-skins and Raiders went, picking up their dead and wounded left at their old position and continuing on rapidly to endeavor a a clump of timber two miles away to make a stand against their fves. In the mean time Buck had collected his horses and advanced toward the tinber, laugh- ing himself hoarse, and the Rangers greeted him with cheers which but added to the speed of their enemies, who were now convinced that help had arrived for the Texans. ‘‘Buck Taylor you are boss of ’em all, and I tell you, boy, that but for you, I believe we would have gone up, for Don Rafael saw his chance and was wicked. ‘* Here’s my hand, Buck, and I believe I owe you my life,” said Sol Bradford in his manly way. The others greeted Buck in a like way until he said in an embarrassed manner: “You make a heap of fuss about nothing. ‘*{ had the horses, and seeimg one at diiferent places, and a different man, as they supposed on each, they lighted out, that’s all.” “It’s a big all, Buck, and I tell you, pard, you are the king of all cowboys I ever struck,” returned Bradford. ‘* Three cheers for the King of the Cowboys eried Mack, and they were given with such a will, that the retreating Comanches and Mexi- cans spurred on the faster, while the Rangers shouted with laughter as they watched them. CHAPTER XI. THE WARNING. Tue band of Rangers, under Sol Bradford, were but a scouting party, and realizing that they were too weak to attack the combined force of Mexicans and Comanches, they were compelled to give up following them and re- turn to their headquarters camp, situated some thirty miles from where they then were; so they fell back from the field, scalping the dead reds, and burying them for humanity’s sake, along with the Mexican whom Buck had killed and who had been left upon the field in the hasty flight of his comrades. uck found this Greaser’s revolvers and rifle, saddle and bridle far better than his own, so considered himself pretty well fixed for a Ranger. He told of his capture of the wild horses, and all viewed his splend:d roan and the gray mare with envious eyes. Arriving in og Buck became a hero at once, and the roan king was gazed upon with unstinted admiration. . The gray mare was also given just praise, and when Buck ‘related his adventures, in a modest way, Captain McNally said> “Buck, you will become famous yet, for you have done nobly, and, with two such animals as you now have, I predict great things from you as a Ranger.” “Tl do my best, captain,” assured the young horse-tamer, most happy to find that he was among friends, and had a chance to show what he could do, } And he went to work at once with his wild steeds, to thoroughly tame and train them, He seemed to have a spell about him in the manage- ment of a dumb brute, for the intelligence that he caused his horses and dog to reveal was e- marxable. The noble equine king soon came to know and jove bim, while he obeyed the slightest word or gesture of his admiring master. The gray mare also became well trained, and Buck named her ‘‘ Miss Mollie,” after a Texas sweetheart of bis, In the shooting matches among the men of McNally’s command Buck showed that he could win nive times out of ten, and in every horse race the prairie king found no match, while there were but few equals of Miss Mollie in speed, Going to the nearest town Buck rigged up in Ranger costume, and he soon wholly dropped the awkward, overgrown look he had worn when he redé into the camp to volunteer, He was liked by all, with one exception—a oung man whose envious nature made him ate any one who excelled him in anything, His name was Roddy Armstrong, and several times he had sought a quarrel with the young horse-tamer, but had been disarmed by the good nature of the cowboy, who would not resent his rudeness and ill-feeling. Roddy Armstrong was known also by the name of the Dandy Duelist, from the fact that he was a border exquisite in his attire, and had killed several men in personal affairs. He had come from somewhere down upon the 19? See nt ene ee ee eee ee a eee eee Se se stenneeennn~cinsneneneneo Buck Taylor, Kine of the Cowboys, Rio Grande—had been a rancbero, it was said, | He was known to be a most successful gambler, for he generally won at cards with his com- rades. A very handsome man, powerful in build, and a dead shot, he was feared; he was in- | clined to be quarrelsome, and his sarcasm was wont to provoke trouble. Captain McNally had often regretted taking him into his command, and from some reason Sol Bradford had always avoided a conflict | with him, though opportunities bad frequently | offered. When Buck joined the troop Roddy was in the headquarters camp, as the regular encamp- ment of the band was called. It was on the ranch of Captain McNally, who was a man whose happy home had been broken up by Mexican raiders, and, for revenge, he had | turned his cowboys into Rangers, thus fornung the gailant squadron of Texans who had won fame on the frontier as brave barriers between the settlers and their foes. When the party under Captain McNally re- | turned to the Rangers’ Raneh, as the headquar- | ters camp was called, and reported the arrival of a recruit in the person of Buck Taylor, a cowboy, Roddy Armstrong had sneered at him and jaughed at Sol Bradford for being worsted | by him. ‘* Wait until you see him, Armstrong,” Brad- ford said. ‘“T am anxious to, and I can master him, though there are few in camp but feel that you could best me in a fight, Sol.” ‘* But we have never had a try, Armstrong, and I hope we never will,” was the quiet re- sponse. ‘*Well, I have a curiosity to see this cowboy hero, whom you all make such a fuss about.” ‘“Oh, you'll see him, and my advice is that you don’t crow too loud, or he may show his spurs,” said Mack. So when Buck arrived, and his heroism great. | ly added to by his capture of the roan king, his | ight with the three Indians, and escape from | the Comanche pursuers and Mexicans, he was | regarded as a most remarkable personage. He was also greatly praised for his ruse that saved the band of Rangefs tinder Sol Bradford, and could not but feel that he was making a name for himself, though ‘he accepted the praise | of his comrades in his modest way. Roddy Armstrong had eyed him curiously and impertinently from head to foot. A skilled gambler, he was a good reader of | human nature, and he saw an honest-faced brave-hearted fellow, true as steel to a friend | and a terror to a foe, “Tll go slow with this fellow now, but I'll best him in the end,” he muttered to himself. So the Rangers were surprised to see Roddy Armstrong treat Buck with marked kindness. He drew him out all he could about himself, and when Buck’s roan king distanced his fleet horse, Nightmare, he paid his losses with a smile. ‘* Buck, I know you don’t fear the devil, but I warn you to beware of Roddy Armstrong, for he is no man’s friend, no matter what he pro- fesses to be,” said Sol Bradford, one night, after the young cowboy had belonged to the Rangers for several months. ; . “T thank you, Sol, but he’s friendly enough . with me,” said Buck. ** Don’t you trust him.” Why? “You have won his money in horse-racing, though you do not play cards. _“ You have beaten him at shooting with both rifle and revolver, and you rode his bucking | horse, Suicide, when he could not do it. ‘He appears to take it all in good part; but | he is an envious devil, and hates any man who | worsts him, so I tell you to look out for him.” | ‘¢T don’t fear him,” ‘‘T know that; but if he strikes you, it will be | in the dark, or from behind. | | os Mark my words, Buck, and be on your guard.” ‘7 will, thank you, Sol; but I can’t believe | Roddy Armstrong is as black as you say he is. “Tf I thought so, I'd tell bim my opinion | mighty quick,” and Buck walked away; but the warning he had received he could not dismiss as | readily as he supposed, and he made up his mind to keep an eye/on the Dandy Duelist. CHAPTER XT. TWO RANGERS ON A SCOUT. . Wrrnovt referring to a number of fights which the gallant Rangers had with the Indians and the long and ‘hard trails upon which they often went, and inallof which Buck the cowboy won new laurels for his pluck, I will pass over some months of life on the Texan border and speak more particularly of the personal adven- | tures of my hero. He still held the esteem of all in the band, and to the surprise of all, Roddy Armstrong was his particular friend and champion. They were always together, the Dandy Duel- | ist and Buck, and often they went together on scouts, always with good results, Sometimes Sol Bradford accompanied them, and the trio on one occasion returned after a | week’s absence, with a story of thrillmg adven- ture. All of them were wounded, though slightly, and they had to cut their way through the entire band of Rafael’s Raiders, barely escaping with their lives. Some weeks after Buck Taylor and Roddy Armstrong got permission to go together upon a scout, to discover the camp of Don Rafael, with a view to a raid upon it by the Rangers. They mounted their best horses, the Gambler Ranger riding his black horse, Nightmare, and Buck taking Roan King, as the wila stallion was now altogether called. They reached the Rio Grande by night, and went into camp on the American shore. The next day they scouted around and discov- | ered the exact whereabouts of the camp of Don Rafael, the Raider. ‘We will lie in camp until to-morrow night, Buck, and then can get near enough to see the Don’s force,” said Armstrong. Buck consented and they found a secluded camp. But the next morning Armstrong said that he would ride out upon a short scout, and, though urged by Buck not to do so, he paid no heed to | it. Hardly had he disappeared when Buck started out on the trail of the gambler. Several hours after he returned hastily, and threw himself upon bis blankets, A few moments he had been there, when Rod- dy Armstrong rode into camp. Buck started up as though just awakened, and called out: ** Hullo, Roddy, did you discover anything?” “© No, I had my ride for nothing.” **T didn’t think you could get near the camp in daylight; but I guess we can to-night.” **T hope so; but I’m hungry and tired, so T’ll eat my dinner and take a. nap.” “And as Iam rested, Ill clean up my wea- pons, for they need it.” ‘* Wish you’d clean mine, too, Buck, for I had toswim astream this morning, and they may be a trifle out of condition.” ‘‘T don’t mind,” was the answer, and Buck went to work with the arms. The weapons of Roddy Armstrong were of the very finest workmanship. The revolvers were silver-mounted and had his name engraven on them, with beneath it the word: “ To.” Then followed a space for another name, and the gambler said he left it for the man who kill- ed him. He often said that whoever took his life was | his heir, and should have all that he had to leave. Buck first cleaned his revolvers and rifle, not | forgetting to polish up his bowie-knife, and the weapons were carefully loaded and laid aside, Then he took up the handsome repeating-rifle belonging to Armstrong, and bearing the name and word ‘ To,” as.the revolvers and knife did, and gave it a thorough overhauling. Armstrong, having finished his dinner, laid | down to rest and was soon fast asleep. Tous the afternoon passed, and night came. Then the two friends mounted their horses and | started upon a reconnoissance. It was after midnight when they returned te camp, and Buck said: ‘“* Well, we baven’t discovered any more than we knew before.” ‘No; let us go to bed, and go back in the morning, for we certainly know where Don | Rafael’s camp is, and that he has not got over half a hundred men, so we can, with our full | force, cross the river some night and raid him,” *“ Yes, we can do it,” echoed Buck, and, after a cold snack, they sought their blankets, lying about six feet apart. J Fer half an hour all was quiet in the cam Then the darkness was illumined by three bright flashes and a trio of shots fired in succession. A few moments more and a horseman, with & led horse, dashed away from the little solitary camp in the timber. . } 4 ~ NARs x Deas ati seperti ok
Page 8
i The next night, soon after dark, that horse- man with the led animal rode into the Rangers’ Ranch. He was Roddy Armstrong, the Dandy Duelist; and going straight up to the quarters of Captain McNally, he dismounted and entered. His face was pale and he looked haggard. ‘*Ho, Armstrong, back again, I see?” said the Ranger Captain. ‘Yes, sir; and I have bad news.” ‘Ha! Buck Taylor went with you?” cried the captain. ‘* Yes, sir; and poor Buck has gone on his last trail,” was the sad response. CHAPTER XIII. THE GAMBLER’S STORY. ~ CAPTAIN McNALLY sprung to his feet at the words of the Gambler Ranger, and two others present were also much excited, ‘Do you mean Buck Taylor is dead, Arm- strong?” cried the captain. “Ves, sir.” . ‘¢ How is this?’ he asked in asad tone. “Well, sir, I barely escaped with my life, I assure you, and I will give you the story as it eccurred.” Si Daraos” “It was poor Buck’sidea that we should cross the river and—” ‘““You mean the Rio Grande?” so" os, sir.” All right.” ‘He thought if we got into Mexico we could find the exact whereabouts 6f Don Rafael’s camp.” ‘* Poor brave fellow.” “ He said if we could find the camp, locate it well, and get the approaches down fine, and not be discovered ourselves, that we could dash across the river some night with all the Rangers, surprise the Don and break up his band, besides destroying hiscamp and getting back before day with lots of booty.” ‘¢ Yes, he proposed this to me, but I told him we had no right to go upon Mexican territory, and besides it was a most hazardous undertaking which might result in the loss of my entire com- any. Buck, I y ‘Well, Captain McNally, urged b consented to cross the river, and we did so the night following our leaving camp here. “Wefound a good soon Rae in the hills, and the next day reconnoitered as best we could and discovered the Raiders’ retreat. ‘“ We camped near it that night, and the next day made no discoveries of importance. “But at night we started out to geta closer look at the approaches, and see what force the Don had there. ‘“We made the discovery that the retreat could be easily reached, surprised and taken, by the Rangers, if they could secretly cross the riv- er, and returning to our camp we went to bed, for we were very tired. ‘* How long I had been asleep I do not know, but I was awakened by shots, and springing to my feet I called te Buck, as I seized my weapons for use, ‘¢ But’ Buck did not move and I sprung to his side and found that he was dead. “The shots were still ringing, and bullets fly- ing, so I dashed throvgh the timber, reached my horse, sprung upon /his back, and then saw that J could also carry the Roan King with me. ‘‘T drew up the stake rope, grabbed my sad- dle and bridle and fled.” ‘* Are you sure that Buck was dead?” ‘ Yes, sir.” ‘There was no mistake?” ‘* None, sir.” ‘© You tried to rouse him?” ‘“A whisper would rouse Buek Taylor, sir, from his soundest sleep, ‘* But he was dead, Pim as sure as I am that Iam alive.” ‘But who fired upon you?” “Don Rafael’s Raiders.” “ Not Comanches?” “ ‘*No, sir, for by the flashing of the firearms I saw that they were Mexicans and plenty of ” m. | “Well, you were lucky toescape, Armstrong.” |“ We had been seen reconnoitering the camp iless, and were tracked to where we passed i heickt.” gat. . _ “That is doubtless the way of it. * But you brought Buck’s horse?” * Yes, sir, I lec having let't my provision haversack I had noth- ing to eat.” You only saved your weapons then?” ** And my life. “] tell you, Captain McNally, that was the him here all the way, an1,' Buc | hottest place I was ever in, and I am surprised | I got away. ** Why those feilows fired upon us as we slept, and my idea is that they supposed we were | both sleeping on the same blanket and so poor | Buck got al! the bullets. ‘** But I lay ten feet away and was not seen, I suppose, until I started to my feet.” “Well, Armstrong, you are a brave man, as T know, and a cool one under fire, so I do not think you are one to run off and leave a com- rade in trouble.” ‘No man dare accuse me of it, Captain Mc- | Nally,” was the hot reply. “‘T said that you were not one to do so, and I therefore feel convinced that Buck Taylor is dead, ‘* But I shall avenge him.” “ Ay, sir, and gladly will T doall inmy power to aid you, for I was deeply attached>to the young cowboy.” ‘*You discovered where Don Rafael’s camp was situated?” (° Vea: sir,” “Tt is easy of access, you say?” “Yes, very.” ‘* You can lead us there?” “ Certainly, sir.” ‘Then, as soon as the two scouting parties now out came in, I shall start on a raid across the Rio Grande, to return Don Rafael’s many visits. ‘*T wish to take my entire force, we will ride our best horses, and I shall carry the war into Mexico with a vengeance, for Buck Taylor, that King of Cowboys, shall be bitterly avenged.” And all who knew Captain McNally were well aware that he meant every word he uttered. CHAPTER XIV. AN APPARITION. Tr loss of Buck Taylor fell like a pall upon the Ranger band. The death of their captain would hardly have created a greater degree of sorrow, and the stories of his short but adventurous career was talked over again and again around the camp- fire. There was not a man in camp that did not wish to fall heir to Roan King, his magnificent horse, the gray mare, Snakeroot and Vermi- fuge. The latter looked most sorrowful, seeming to realize that he had lost his best friend. Sol Bradford suggested’ that the Rargers should club together and buy Roan King for their captain. ‘“* Who would you buy him from?” asked Roddy Armstrong. This question was a poser; for if Buck was dead, who owned his outfit? He was known to have an uncle, but the uncle was said to be well off, owning a large ranch, and no one had ever heard Buck speak of other relatives. 3 He had managed to lay up some money, the sales of his captures, and it was in the captain’s keeping. Then he had ‘half a dozen horses and his dog. Such was the cowboy’s fortune. ' What to dowith Roan King was the main question, for all wanted that animal of light- ning speed. Roddy Armstrong had suggested that he should have the animal, as he had saved kim from falling into the hands of the Mexican Raiders, Rut he saw that the Rangers did not take kindly to this proposition, and Sol Bradford sug- gested that they should raffle him off, ali taking a chance at ten dollars, or, enough chances to make him bring a thousand dollars. Thus it was settled, and the Rangers quickly took their chances, and the list was made up. The money was paid over to the captain, to be held by him until he communicated with Buck’s uncle, and their chances were taken on Miss Mollie, Snakeroot, whose worth had come to be fully recognized in the band, and the other horses and the dog Vermifuge, who looked si- lently and sadly on. The numbers were then written on pieces of paper and put ina bag, and each man had as many draws as he had chances, the lucky num- ber being written in blue ink instead of black, so that there could be only fairness in the draw- ing. Captain McNally was to hold the pee, and he having taken several chances, was to have the tirst draw. ‘+ All ready.” As the captain uttered the words, a tall form suddenly advanced into the circle. It was a form that towered several inches ty k Taylor, King of the Cowboys. es over six feet, but it was bent now, and the face was haggard and white. ** Buck Taylor !” The name burst in a yell from the crowd of Rangers. They saw before them the man that they be- lieved dead. They beheld the one whose little property they were then raffling off. 3ut was it Buck Tayor in flesh and blood, or his apparition? It seemed almost the latter, so white was his face, so haggard, and so bent his tall form. “Great Heavens! buck, is it you?’ cried Captain McNally, grasping his hand and drop- ping the chance-bag. ‘What's left of me, captain,” was the reply, | with asad smile, ** Thank God you are not dead.” ** 1m second cousin to it.” The Rangers now gathered around, and grasp- ed the hand of the cowboy, and among the first was Roddy Armstrong, who said: ‘Buck, old fellow, I believed you dead, or I never would have left you. ‘*Rorgive me, Buck, for Td have died right there rather than desert you, unless I thought ’ you were surely dead.” ‘‘T guess you thought so, Roddy. “Tn fact: I know you did. ‘Only I wasn’t dead,” was the reply. Then the captain saw that the young Ranger was really suffering, and he said: ‘** Come, Buck, you look half-starved and used up. “Come to my quarters and J’ll bring you round all right.” He led Buck away, and Sol Bradford and Mack Hastings, the old Ranger, followed. _ The crqwd broke up, going to their respect- ive quarters to talk, over the strange affair, and wonder how the cowboy had escaped. ‘*He’s been through the mill, from his looks; but I guess he'll tell us soon, for Buck is willing to talk over his adventures, though he never brags,” said one. Going up to the quarters of the captain, Buck was placed in an easy-chair, and the negro ser- vant of the Ranger chief hastened to place food before him, He lay back in his chair for awhile, silent and motionless. Then he aroused himself and ate heartily of the food brought bim by Black Sam. Having dispatched supper enough for two men, and braced up with several tin-cups full of strong coffee, he became brighter, and said: “Twas almost starved, for I haven’t had a taste, of food for three days, and I have walked nearly two hundred miles besides. ‘‘T tell you, pards, Iwas pretty well played out, strong as i am, and I hada portey severe hurt here, too,” and he placed his hand over his heart, while he fixed bis eyes x anwehtirnd upon the faces of Captain McNally, Sol Bradford and old Mack Hastings. ‘Are you wounded, Buck?” hastily asked the captain, ‘No sir, only hurt, that’s all; but it will be all right soon. “T think Pll go to my roost now,” and with- out saying one word about his remarkable escape Buck Taylor arose and went to his own little cabin, where he and Roddy Armstrong had lived together, for the Rangers had erected for themselves log houses on the ranch of their captain, and lived in them by twos, fours, or ag their humor suited them. CHAPTER XV. A MYSTERIOUS AFFAIR, Wuen Buck entered his little cabin all was darkness within. ~ But he quickly struck a match and lighted a lamp. It was a small but cosey little hut, built of small logs, with stucco between, and had a gen- erous fire-place. Upon the hearth were a number of culinary set ia and in either rear corner Was a rustic cot. A table was in the center, @ Shelf on one side of the hearth and upon it were dishes and pro- visions, while on the other side were shelves of books of various sizes, but mostly novels of a light character. Over the mantle were firearms, and atouton the walls were the skins of wild animalsand feathers of birds. Roddy Armstrong had been the only ene of the Rangers who had no cabin comrade, and he had asked Buck to be his chum, The young cowboy had consented, and as the reader has seen, in spite of the warning given
Page 9
ey ee him by Sol Bradford, Buck had become most friendly with the Dandy Duelist. Hardly had Buck entered the cabin, when with a yelp of joy Vermifuge came bounding in and seemed im ecstasies over his master’s return. The dog had been off on a quiet and solitary hunt, as was bis wont, and had caught the trail of his master when he entered the camp. ** Well, old dog, glad to see me back, aren’t you? caught me some game to eat, at least,” said Buck. After caressing the dog for a minute, Buck threw himself, dressed as he was, down upon his cot, and at once sunk into a tired, deep sleep. He had beén asleep for several hours, his faith- ful dog lying near and watching him, when in the open door stepped Roddy Armstrong. « Fo. Buck, ‘ Id fellow, are you asleep?” At the sound of his voice Buck Taylor awoke instantly, and replied: ‘*T was, but Iam wide awake now.” “Tam sorry I disturbed you! but we were having a little game of cards in Bradford’s eabin, and as it was after midnight, I concluded to come home, for I wished to learn how you escaped,” “You. won your-game of cards, of course, Roddy?” ** Well, yes, for I always do, you know.” “Well, Armstrong, there is a game I wish you to play with me, and see if you will win.” ‘* Why you never play?” ‘*T play some games, “Come, go and ask Sol Bradford to go with you, and W’ll eail by for the captain. “It is late, but 1 see the moon is as bright as day, and ina quarter of an hour I will meet you over at the spring. — ‘But be sure and bring Sol Bradford with ou.” The gambler looked at Buck in surprise, and asked: ‘‘ Why what is the matter, Buck, for you act as though your brain was turned?” ‘You heard my request, Roddy Armstrong, and, if you do not meet me, asl wish, I will come after you.” f ‘Hal you are angry with me for leaving you, when I was sure you were dead, and seek to pick a quarrel with me, do you?” ** Call it so.” “Well, Buck Taylor, if you ask it I am no man to refuse. ‘* My record don’t show it, as you know.” *¢ You will be there?” 6 'V'e8)”” ‘In a quarter of an hour?” ‘Sooner if necessary.” “ And will bring Bradford with you?” ac Yes.” * All right.” So saying he walked out of the cabin, Vermi- fuge trotting at his heels, and he took the path leading to Captain McNally’s quarters, The captain had been writing some letters, and had not retired. In fact he was wont to keep such late hours that the boys called him *‘ The Owl.” ; But then the captain had little memories in his heart, for he could recall a few years before when the Rangers’ Ranch was his happy honie. His wife and children, a boy and girl, had dwelt there with him, fortune favored him, and the future promised only happiness and pros- perity. He had gone from home to the town, when one night the Mexican Raiders or Comanches which, he was never sure, and perhaps both, had gone to his ranch and death and desolation had followed. Three of his cowboys lay dead about the house, having sold their lives to save others. His son lay murdered upon the doorstep and within his wife was a raving maniac, while his daughter, a beautiful girl of ten years, was no- where to be seen. What had occurred Mrs. McNally could never tell, but she raved_of “red-handed Comanches and Mexican fiends” In a breath, The stricken father could gain no satisfactory | clew, but he vowed a bitter revenge upon the murderers, be they Whom they might, With hisson dead, bis wife ina lunatic asylum, and his little daughfer’s fate unknown, Captain | McNally’s memories were 80 bitter that he never oer unless worn out, and he was wont always to keep late hours. i So it was that Buck found bim up, and he said in his quiet, kindly way: ; “Come in, Buck, for I am glad to have com- ny, and, by the way, you have not told me of your escape.” + No, sir, but 1 come now to ask you if you : : Buck Taylor, King of t Wish Vd had you with me, for you’d have | ee = ees SE he Cowboys. | 9 } have confidence enough in me to go with me to | the spring, where I intend to fight a duel.” ‘““'You fight a duel, Buck?” asked the surprised captain. ; Ns ig | ‘But you are in no condition to meet any | foe.” ‘Your clothes are still covered with mud, your face is haggard, and—” ‘‘T am able to fight, captain, and 1 ask you to merely be a witness.” “But, Buck, i—” ‘*Tf you cannot do so, sir, say so frankly; but I ask you to have confidence enough in me to go with me.” “Pll go, Buck, for the Texan border laws allow quarrels to be settled squarely among men, man to man. ‘ ‘* But I hope this matter can be arranged.” ‘¢1t cannot be, sir.” ‘Who is your foe?” ‘Roddy Armstrong,’ sir,” CHAPTER XVI. THE MIDNIGHT DUEL. CapTaAIN MCNALLY started, when Buck Tay- lor told him the name of the man with whom he bad cause for quarrel. But he put on his bat and walked out of the cabin with the young cowboy. The moon was at its full and shone with the | luster so beautiful in southern latitudes. The dozen cabins scattered about the large ranch showed no light, excepting one. That one was the cabin of the two men who were going to the spring to meet in deadly com- | bat. The door of their’ cabin. was wide open, and the lamp on the table within was distinctly vis- ible. The camp seemed buried in deep repose, and the numerous horses, tired of eating, were lying down upon the prairie, where they were staked out. Afar off on the prairie was a dark object vis- ible, stili as death. It was a Ranger vedette, for a watch of two men was kept during the long hours of the night, even when in camp. The Rangers cared not to be surprised by their | wily foes, be they Comanches or Mexicans. In the background of the camp was a ridge, | heavily timbered, Therein was the spring where Buck Taylor had bidven the ot te to meet him. space near the spring, They were Roddy Armstrong and Sol Brad- ford, and they were standing near each otuer, and there was silence between them. “Well, Armstrong, I am here at the request mands a meeting with you,” said the captain. ‘* So he told me, and as he is determined in his demand, 1 shall gratify him,” the gambler re- of Buck Taylor, who has told me that he de- | | ‘‘ But what motive can there be between you two, for a deadly feud?” | Has he not told you, sir?” quickly asked Roddy Armstrong. ‘** Not a word, so I appeal to you.” “tI have nothing to say, sir.” “Tf Buck is grieved that you should have de- serted him, I am more than willing to testify that you did not do so from cowardice, but to sits by Seger believing he was dead.” ) ) plied. own thoughts, and they were certainly of a sad ** No, Captain McNally, the leaving of Roddy Armstri ng is not the ‘grievance | have to settle with hin. ‘* He knows just why we meet, and the matter | remains a niystery between us, and people can judge as they please as to which of us is wrong,” | said Buck. ‘*Buck is determined for this meeting, cap- tain, so let us Have it over; but I have a propo- sition to make.” “Well, Armstrong?” the captain said. **T am a natural gambler, I believe, and ’'m willing to make or lose on this meeting. ‘J want Buck Taylor’s Roan King and his out- | fit, and I will place my outfit, horses, money and all, against his. ‘*The one who lives inherits the dead man’s little fortune,” “ All right,” said Buck, coolly. “This is a strange proposition, Armstrong.” “‘Jt’s gambling on a life, captain, and that | | | | | adds greater zest to the meeting between us, ‘“T am ready now, whenever Sol arranges | with you how we are to fight.” ; . Revolvers at fifteen paces suits me,” coolly said Buck. “Will my revelvers do, for I see you have none on?” the gambler asked. *“Oh, yes, for they are splendid weapons,” Buck returned. Sol Bradford now held a few words with Cap- tain McNaliy, and the two silver-mounted re- volvers of Roddy Armstrong, were taken for the meeting, and being closely examined, were found to be already loaded and in good condi- tion. ** They ought to be, for Buck gave them a good cleaning for me only a few days ago,” and the gambler laughed in a lighs, reckless way. Captain McNally then stepped /off the fifteen paces, and the two men were placed in posi- tion, It was decided that they should stand with their backs toward éach other, and wheeling at the word—fire, Sol Bradford left it for the captain to give the | word, and then all was in readiness. was the calm re- | sponse. The two men were as cool as an icicle. Neither showed the slightest dread of the-or- deal they were passing through, though Buck was strangely quiet for him, while the gambler was in a most reckless mood, but it seemed a trifle forced. As the men were ready in position, Captain McNeliy called out: ** Are you ready.” ** Yes, sir,” said Buck, promptly. “Tam ready to await the result,” responded Armstrong. ** Fire!” The men wheeled together as though on pivots, and their revolvers were quickly at a level. Then the pistols flashed, almost together, though one was a second sooner than the other. Buck Taylor had been the quicker of the two, and his bullet pierced the brain of the gambler, whose shot flew wild, for his aim had been de- stroyed by death. In his tracks sunk Roddy Armstrong, and Sol Bradford sprung to his side. ‘*He is dead, Buck.” ** Yes, I shot to kill,” was the cool rejoinder, ** Well, Buck, you had better seek rest now, for you are really used up, and we will carry the body to the hospital, there to remain until morn- ing,” said-Captain McNally. **I will help you do so, sir, and then. go with | you to your ranch, for I desire to solve this mystery to you and to Sol, though to others it | must remain a secret,” and bending over, Buck raised the form in his &trong arms, and carried p | it to the little log hospital. When Buck and the captain reached the tim- | ber they beheld two forms standing in an open | There it was placed on a cot, the door was locked, and the three went to the captain’s quar- ters, the Ranger leader and Sol Bradford most curious to know the mystery of that midnight duel between two who had appeared the best of friends. CHAPTER XVII. THE MYSTERY. For some time after entering the cabin of the captain, the three men sat in silence. Jach one of them seemed occupied with his nature. The captain’s home was a comfortable one, and the lamp burned brightly, showing the faces of the three. men as they sat there together. Buck Taylor’s face was still baggard. He had recuperated rapidly, from his having eaten a good meal and had a few hours’ sleep, ne he still looked as though he wag very wretch- ed. At last he said, and he spoke slowly: ‘Captain McNally, I am sorry that I had to fight a duel with a fellow member; but I will | tell you and Sol why I did so, and you can judge whether I was rigbt or wrong. “To others, for the sake of all concerned, it had better remain a mystery.” “T feel, Buck, that you did not act hastily ip, the matter,” said the captain. “* When Roddy came to me and ‘told me that he was to fight a duel, and with\you, Buck, I was sure that you had the right of it, ““He asked me to go with him, and more he would not say, so I was wholly in ignorance of the cause of the quarrel between you,” Sol Bradford remarked. ‘““T went from here, yeu both remember, on a secret scout with Armstrong?” ** Yes,” ’ “Tt was my desire, as you are aware, tain, to find the camp ef the Raiders, anda they could not be surprised there at scme time.” “You so told me, but I feared to invade Mex- ico, for I dreaded complications arising there- from with the Government.” “ Well, sir, Armstrong and myself crossed the
Page 10
river at a ford that was seldom used, and we found a hiding-place to camp, not very far from the retreat of the Raiders. ‘From the very first I had not liked Arm- strong, and Sol here told me to beware of him. ‘*So I constantly watched him, until I at last began to like thesman immensely, and believed he was my friend tn alll honesty. ** Why I doubted him on this trip, I do not know; but I did. ‘Tt came upon me to watch him, and I de- \ cided to do so. ‘*In our camp in Mexico we dared not move out by day, only by night, seeking to. recon- noiter. ‘* But Armstrong said.that he would go outon a small reconnoissance, and I made no objection. ‘* He mounted his horse and rode away. “Tat once followed him, but on foot. ‘**To my surprise he rode boldly toward the retreat of the Raiders, and watching him from the hillside, I saw him go down the valley for several miles. ‘*T dared not follow any further, and so was about to return, when I saw two horsemen riding toward him. ‘They came from the direction of the Raid- ers’ retreat, which wasin the midst of a group of hills beyond, where the meeting between Armstrong and the men took place. **T expected to see trouble follow, but Arm- strong showed no hostile intent, and the others met him quietly. ‘‘For along time the three talked together, seated upon their horses, and then they started back the way that my pard had gone. ‘*) retreated toward my camp until [ reached a spur of the hills which gave me a view of the trail leading to our camp. ** There I stopped and waited, ** After awhile Armstrong came injsight and the two men were with him. ‘“* As they were then but a quarter of a mile away I could see that the strangers were Raiders, for they wore the Mexican dress, red sombrero, and were mounted upon black horses, as are Rafael’s men.” ** And Armstrong was with them?” ** Yes, captain.” “No sign of hostility between them?” ** No, sir.” *“Go on, Buck.” ‘“\T saw Armstrong point in the direction of our @amp and then the three parted, the men going back the way they had come, and Arm- strong coming on toward our camp, ‘‘T ran hastily back, and when he came pre- tended to have been sleeping on my blankets. ‘* He said he had made no discovery, and soon lay down to rest, while I went to cleaning up a my weapons, feeling sure he would ask me to look after his. “He did, and I cleaned them nicely for him, only I did not load them with ball cartridge again. “That night when we retired, I kept awake, for I was prepared for treachery. *¢ He soon supposed I was asleep and, raisin himself to a sitting posture, deliberately evelen at me his revolver. ‘“‘T knew the weapon was not loaded, so did not move, and he pulled trigger, firing several shots rapidly.” ““Great heavens! Armstrong did this, Buck?” cried the captain. “He did, sir.” ‘*T feared it, and so I warned you, for I knew the man well,” said Sol Bradford quietly. “But the result, Buck, for now you have solved the mystery of your evggnig.| with Armstrong, I “wish to know what else he did.” **T will tell you all, sir,” was Buck’s calm re- joinder. CHAPTER XVIII. THE COWBOY KING’S ORDEAL, “Writ, sir,” continued Buck, after he had been silent an instant, while the face of Captain McNally was the picture of amazement, “ it was my intention to spring upon Armstrong, after I saw just what he meant to do, and let him feel that I yet lived to thwart him, “But I lay as motionless as though I was dead, and bending over me he quickly removed my revolvers and rifle from where they were in reach of my band. « “Twas thus disarmed, but did not move, and he turned away with the remark: » } ee “*Now I am the king of the Ranger band, ap and his splendid horse is mine.’” Fa + ssi Envy of you caused his deep hatred,” said oi 1. “ ey Re “Yes, he was most envious, indeed,” the cap- KY tain remarked. bi. re Buck Taylor, King of ‘* But we interrupt you, Buck.” ‘* Hardly had he spoken when I heard a voice hail in Spanish: *** Ho, senor! Is all right? ***'Yes; come on!’ was the reply of Arm- strong, “Then I felt the danger I was in, but to move at that moment I knew was certain death. **So I lay still, playing ’possum, and into the camp came five men. ‘““They were mounted, and though the dark- ness was intense, I soon discovered that they were Road Raiders from what was said, for you know I speak a little Spanish. ‘*The one who appeared to be the leader, said: *** Did you kill him, senor? ‘** Yes, he lies there: but let us have a fire for light, as there is no danger now.’ ‘They looked for matches, but not one of them had any, and they searched my pockets, but found none. ‘*T had put the tin box of matches on a limb | of a tree near the fire, which, for safety, I had put out after we had our supper. ‘This cireums ance saved me, for they could not see that I-was not dead. ‘** Well, senor, what news bave you?’ said the leader, addressing Armstrong. ‘** Not much, excepting, as I told your men this morning, that we had been sent here to see if we could attack your camp with our Ranger band, and we decided that it could be done with success,’ ‘“* But will not be now,’ said the Mexican, who was Don Rafael bimself,” “No! that villain?” Yes, captain.” * But continue, Buck, for [ am deeply inter- ested, as also grieved to find that I had a traitor in my band.” ‘Well, captain, Armstrong then suggested that it would be a good thing for him to return report that the Raiders had killed his pard, and tell you that the Mexican camp could be easily reached and raided with your Rangers. ‘* He was to cross the Rio Grande by a certain ford, where we crossed, and a man was to be there to see us crossing, and then ride on and give the alarm, when the Rangers were to be led into an ambush, Armstrong riding some dis- tance ahead, pretending to look for a trail, so as to escape the fire poured upon you. ‘Thus hemmed in-your entire band would be massacred.” ‘* The accursed fiend,” said Captain McNally, with savage earnestness. “It was like Armstrong,” Sol Bradford re- marked. ‘* What then, Ruck?” “or this, sir, Armstrong was to receivea handsome reward, and what was said proved to me that he had been a spy among the Rangers for Don Rafael, ever since he had joined them. ‘* My weapons and outfit, of saddle and bridle were then divided among the men, and Arm- strong claimed my horse, saying nothing about his being the roan king, which, you know, the Raiders had tried hard to catch when he was a wild horse.” ** Yes; but oh! if I had only suspected, that he was a traitor,” and the flashing eyes of Captain McNally showed what he would have done. “Now comes, the terrific part of my experi- ence,” Buck Taylor continued. “Waving arranged matters to their satisfac- tion, Armstrong asked the Don to let his men bury me, and the latter ordered them to do so, telling them to then follow him to camp. * Armstrong and the Don then walked off to where our horses werf picketed, the Mexican leading his horse, while his four men at once set to work to bury me. “Tf was a task they did not like. for they were too lazy to work. ‘But they found a soft place; hacked away at it with their knives and soon had a shallow grave dug. “T was in agony, captain; I can tell you and Sol that in all truth.” ‘*‘T do not_wonder, for it was appalling,” said Captain McNally. ; y “T know no man but you who would have had the nerye to play dead and allow himself to be buried, Buck,” Sol said with a shudder. “The experience was something I would not risk again for a fortune, “‘ But the Greasers were too lazy to dig deep, and so they dr@gged me to the grave, rolled me in, and I turned so as to fall face down. ‘Then they joked about my legs being too long, and doubled them up to fit the length of the grave. the Cowboys. SS a ene ee ee “Tt was an ordeal that makes me shudder to think of it; but I managed to so fall in as to protect my head with one arm as well as I could. ‘Then in came the dirt on top of me, and it took every atom of nerve I possessed not to give a yell and spring out. ‘But, if 1 did, 1 knew it would spoil all, and Fa never catch Armstrong, as I intended to do, “*T could have scared those Mexicans out of their wits; but Armstrong. I feared, had not yet ridden away, nor the Don, for I supposed they were near by, out near our horses, and I could do nothing. f : ‘* So I stood it, fearful as it was, and I knew, | too, that the grave was not over two feet deep, and I could raise that amount of dirt. ‘* Every bit that fell upon me I felt the thud | of. ‘¢ When this ceased I knew that the work was done, that I was buried, ‘My arm I had brought around so as to form a space for my face, and a little breathing place. * But I began to feel smothered, and at last, unable to stand it any longer, I braced myself and raised myself slowly. ‘*Tt was no easy task, I assure you; but I got out at Jast, half-dead, half-blinded, and in a humor that was devilish, | can’assure you, ‘The Mexicans had not been gone a minute, for they were just riding away, not two bundred feet off, for I could see them. ‘**T stood for a long time, getting the dirt off of me, and then went to the little stream near, and washed my face. ‘‘The water revived me, for I was really weak, and I felt better. ‘*But 1 was alone in Mexico, unarmed and alone, and I knew my danger. ‘“T bad nothing to eat, not a weapon to pro- tect myself, or a blanket to lie on. ** But I struck off for the river and reached it before dawn. ‘*T swam across, and seeking a hiding-place, lay down in my wet clothes and sunk to sleep. ‘*T awoke with a nightmare, for 1 was again being buried. ‘‘T tried to sleep again, but it was no use, so I started on my way. “Soon after sunrise I halted again, deter- mined to travel only by night, and I weot to sleep. live heard it said that you get nightmare from going to bed after a hearty meal. **T was awful hungry for food, and though it was broad daylight, I had the aightmare, and I had it bad. fe I dreamt that I was buried, and couldn’t get out !” ‘“*My God!” said the captain, and again Sok Bradford shivered, as though with a chill, “T awoke at last and decided to keep awake, ** So the day passed, But why tell you of my Iong tramp, and how much I suffered, for I am here, and al! right again,” * And avenged?” ; ‘Yes, Sol, and you can understand how will- ing I was to risk my life to get revenge, for Armstrong proved himself a base traitor, and more, he meant to betray you all. ‘1 noted him well, when I returned, and he became livid for an instant, at sight of me, as though he had seena ghost, “But he quickly recovered himself, and greet- ed me with the rest of you. ‘“* How I bad escaped, he could not imagine, but doubtless supposed that I had been only stunned by his shots, and recovered cc nscious- ness after he left, thus escaping from the Mexi- cans. ‘That I suspected him he did not believe, af- ter I greeted him; but then I bided my time, took a sleep to collect my nerves, and when he came to the cabin simply told him he must meet me. “Though he is dead, and by my hand. J think’ I can sleep now, without having the nightmare, ** But, as I told you, I prefer that the cause of our duel remain a secret, as it must never be known that the Rangers had a traitor so vile among them,” ‘It shall remain a secret, Buck, for it is best: but tell me, Sol, did you ever know Armstrong before be joined?” “T did, sir, and I will tell you a secret now,” and Sol Bradford spoke with emotion, “The truth is, captain, Roddy Armstrong was my ‘half-brother. 4 ‘ His mother and mine were the same, butmy mother married a second time, a Mexican, Don Rodriguez by name, and Armstrong was his son, ‘“‘His name was Armstrong Rodriguez, our ‘
Page 11
“= mother having been a Miss Armstrong, and he reversed his name after her death, and went to the bad. ‘‘ He always hated me, and I held no love for him, for I knew his vile nature. “ But I kept silent when he joined the Ran- gers, though I always had the fear that he would do some wrong. . ** He often tried to provoke me into a quarrel, Sut you will remember I shunned it, and it was cause we had the same mother. 4‘* You have rid the earth of a very bad man, Buck,” and Sol Bradford held out his hand, and the young cowboy grasped it warmly, as he did also that of Captain McNally, who said earnest- ly: Yin From my heart I thank you, Buck Taylor.” CHAPTER XIX, THE RANGERS ON A RAID. WHEN the morning dawned on the Rangers’ Ranch, and it became known that Roddy Arm- strong lay dead in the hospital-cabin, slain in a duel with Buck Taylor after midnight, that body of gallant men were more exercised over the affair than they usually allowed themselves to be about anything. Captain McNally, before going to bed, after Buck and Sol had retired from his cabin, had given orders to his negro servant to ask several ef the Rangers in the morning, to see to the burial of Armstrong. He gave him the hospital key, and the negro, soon after sunrise, had gone upon his errand. Of the particulars he knew nothing. He was only aware that his master had said that Armstrong had been killed in a duel with Buck Taylor, during the night, and was to be buried that morning. The Rangers informed of the news, thought of seeking the captain for further information. But the negro said the captain had ordered breakfast at nine o’clock, as he had been up about all night, and did not wish to be disturb- ed before. — ; They then glanced toward Buck’s cabin, and the door was tightly closed, so they would not disturb him, as it was natural to suppose that he too had been up all night. Then they went to the hospital. The door was unlocked and there lay on a cot, the handsome form of the Gambler Ranger. The little round spot on the forehead showed where the bullet had entered. There was a smile upon his face, but it was the smile of death and repulsive. Then the Rangers let loose the news, and the whole band was soon aware of the deadly duel of the night before. Sol Bradford was seen and told of the affair, but he made no response. At length the door of the captain’s cabin opened and he appeared. After breakfast he walked down toward Buck’s cabin. The young cowboy was up, had cooked his breakfast, and looked much refreshed in clean clothes and after his rest. “Will you accompany me, Buck?” asked the captain, ** Where, sir?” “To the hospital, for I intend to make a few words of explanation to the men, who expect it, though nothing that you can object to?” ‘Qh, yes, I will go.” So they walked together to the hospital. All of the Rangers were gathered there, and they gazed fixedly at Buck ss he came up. But he greeted them in his good-natured way, while Captain McNally said: +‘ Comrades, I desire to make known to you that last night a duel was fought in camp. ** Jt is to be deplored that quarrels arise among ourselves; but this was a case in which our dead companion justly lost his life, and the one who killed him, Buck Taylor, I exonerate fully.” A wild cheer broke forth at these words, and Captain McNally continued: “This was no fracas, but a duel, in which I was the second of Buck Taylor, and Sol Brad- ford acted for Armstrong. “Armstrong fell at the first fire, and our comrade here was unburt.” Again a cheer was given. “ Now let me ask you to bear the dead body to the grave, and Jet your sympathy be with the one who was forced to become his slayer,” As a token of their sympathy the Rangers pressed about Buck and g! asped bis hand. They knew there was some secret back of all this, but they did not seek to discover it, for they had confidence in their captain, and felt that all had gone well. And soit was that Armstrong was borne to Buck Taylor, King of the Cow SS cs = (his grave, over in the timber, and one of the ) a a Rangers, who had once been a divinity student, | but who had turned prairie rover, read the | | service of the dead above his body, no one, but the three in the secret, suspecting how unworthy | he was of the ceremony. After the funeral Captain McNally returned | to his cabin, where Buck awaited him, for he had gone there to await until the burial was over, and turned over to him the property of | the dead Ranger. The money Buck turned into the Rangers’ treasury, along with ail else, excepting the mag- | nificent weapons, and Mexican aeidie and bridie . which had been envied by all of the band, while the horse ‘ Nightmare’ he also kept. After several days had passed, and Buck Taylor had fully recovered ‘from the fearful ordeal and hardships through which he had | panes: he suggested to the captain that it would | ye a good idea for the Rangers to make a night | raid upon the retreat of the band of Don Rafael. ‘““We can cross at another ford, sir, and by night, so as to strike their camp before mid- | night, and we can get back over the river before | dawn, and the retaliation will be just what the Mexican Raiders deserve.” Captain McNally had already decided upon | this move, for he was anxious to annihilate the | Mexican outlaws if be could do so, and avenge those Texans upon whom they had raided. A number of times had Don Rafael come upon Texan territory, leaving yuin and death in) his path, and the Rangers also had lost many a brave fellow at their hands. ‘*T willgo, Buck, whenever you deem it best,” | was the reply. ‘* Say to-night, sir, for we can strike a hiding place on the river before dawn and rest until the next night, when we can make our dash across.” So it was decided, and that night after sun- set, Captain McNally left the Rangers’ Ranch with sixty gallant fellows at his back, all splendidly mounted and armed, and Buck Taylor was the guide of the expedition. CHAPTER XX. THE RANGERS ON THE WAR-PATH. THE ride of the Rangers, to the point on the Rio Grande, where they meant to hide during | the day was made before dawn, and they were | led to a most secluded and desirable spot by | their young guide, Buck Taylor. Vermifuge bad been taken along by his mas- | ter, and he had been given a place on one of the pack-horses, for the Rangers always went well supplied with extra ammunition and provisions, and Alf, the captain’s negro servant, was in | cert. of the half-dozen animals bearing the | packs, ‘ Having had a ride for the most part of the way, Vermifuge was not too tired to stand guard, and the Rangers accordingly had a | breakfast before dawn and took to their blankgts, leaving the faithful dog on watch. The horses were ‘in clover,” so to put it, for fresh water and quantities of grass was about ; them, and they quickly fell to work for a feed before taking a rest after their long trail. : It was just dark on the following nigi.t when | the camp awakened to busy life. A good supper was cooked and partaken of, | the men and horses had had a long day’s rest, | and all were anxious for the march into the land of the Raiders. Buck again took the lead, this time with Cap- tain McNally at his side, and the cavalcade | Pi for the Rio Grande at an unfrequented | ord, | The river was reached and crossed without accident, and there the Rangers started on the | Parte pale of ten miles to the camp of Don! tafael. The trail led. by the scene of Roddy Arm- strong’s treachery, and Buck pointed it out as | the spot where he had been fired upon and made his escape, He shuddered at the remembrance of that awful night, as he gazed into the timber, and | Captain McNally and Sol dropped out of the line and rode to the spot to see the grave. The moon shone brightly and they beheld the | spot where the dashing young cowboy bad so near'y met his fate, and, but for his having made the weapons of the gambler barmless, would have done so. They soon overtook the Rangers, and the cap- tain headed the line once more, } ‘* We saw the grave, Buck, and I assure you it gave me the horrors to think of it. “Bunt how far is the Raiders, canip from | here?” said the captain. | “ About three mile, sir.” boys. | a small valley beyond. | in size, and around it were towering and preci- | herds were gotten safely across before dawn and _lor, who had been reconnoitering the position, | Raiders. ll “And we will be able to approach unseen, j think you?” ‘‘ Until we strike the sentinel, sir, and then we must charge over him and strike the camp.” ““You told me that Kafael had fully a hum dred men?” ** All of that number.” ‘““Well, we are sixty Texan Rangers, and I would not fear double that number, especially when we take them by surprise, as we will.” In a short while more Buck brought his horse down to a walk, thejothers following his exam- ple, and it was not long before they entered a deep, narrow canyon that led to the camps of = the Raiders, which the young guide said was im A short distance from the mouth of the cane yon a voice was heard calling out in Spanish: ** Halt! who comes?” “ Amigos,” replied Buck in Spanish. The answer seemed not one that was @ for instantly a shot was fired, and a dropped dead from his saddle. «Now, sir, we must dash on!” cried Buck. * Charge!’ The command was given by the captain, and the Rangers swept through the canyon like an avalanche. The Mexican sentinel on duty, and who had fired at Buck’s answer to the challenge, pleaded for mercy, as he was unable to escape. But he was ridden down mercilessly beneath the iron hoofs of the Rangers. (43 Through the canyon they swept, and, an irre- sistible mass, they poured out into the valley. It was a beautiful spot, several hundred acres ected, nger be pitous hills, Through the valley ran a swiftly flowing stream, and the meadow-lands were dotted with * hundreds of horses and cattle. af Beneath the shelter of the cliffs to the north ye were a number of cabins, fully a score of them, Hy and toward these the Rangers rode. { The shot from the sentinel in the canyon had i been heard by the camp guard, and he had at once blown an alarm upon the bugle. Instantly all was excitement, and men poured out from several of the larger cabins, just as the Rangers charged upon them. It was a hot, fierce fight, hut only for a few minutes, as but a couple of dozen men resisted the onslaught of the attacking force. It was very evident that Don Rafael and his main force were not in their retreat. Those who met the Rangers were shot down without mercy, for the Texans were ‘ fighting the devil with fire,” or to put it as it was, they were waging war upon the Mexican Raiders as Don Rafael had upon. the land over the Rio Grande. The moon shone brightly, and all had a chance to see what they were about. But the cabins presented food for flames, and these were soon burning fiercely, while the booty was being dragged out from the store-houses and packed upon the horses of the Mexicans, which were caught and put to that use, : An inquiry showed that Don Rafael and his riders were off on a raid, perhaps over among the settlements of Texas, and Captain McNally : +97 ign gro to make aclean sweep of the robbers? en. Parties were sent out to drive up the cattle and horses, ant. upon the backs of many of the cap- \ tured animals the booty of the outlaws was ! packed. A two hours’ stay in the camp was sufficient, and the work of ruin was well done. Then the Rangers, having hit back at last, on the territory of their sworn foes, started upon the retreat to Texas. A shallow ford was found, and the immense z driven to 4 retreat, where a halt was called. A better place for a halt could not, haye been found, for there was a natural wall of hills sur- rounding 4 meadow, where the captured cattle were driven. Then,- just at sunrise, the daring Rangers were about to seek much needed rest, when Buck Tay- reported a party of horsemen in sight, riding to- ward the river, And he added: “Captain, this is Don Rafael’s favorite cross- ing, and I would not be surprised if they are the: Raiders, and if so, we can ambush them,” CHAPTER XX. THE WAR OF THE AVENGERS, As Buck Taylor had suspected, the horseme® . coming across the prairie were the Mexican
Page 12
thn e “a _ agp iin gece, ___ 2 page = Ai —_—— + eee ter 12 Buck) Taylor, King of t whe Se ES He had seen them from the hills, far out on the prairie, the dark mass being visible in the moon- jight, for he had caught sight of them with his field-glass, a legacy from the Gambler Ranger. Buck knew that the trail they were on skirted the hills and led to the Rio Grande, a couple of miles away. So the Rangers, not needed to guard the passes of the valley, where the captured stock was corraled, were called to arms and lay in wait for their foes. Don Rafael had crossed the Rio Grande at a ford some miles above, aud just at the hour of sunset. He had gone with full force, nearly a hundred men, and he meant to strike the settlements on the ‘Texan border. He had sent a spy ahead, who was to meet him at a given point and let him know just where the Kangers were, for the Don had reason to fear that wild Texan band. The man met him, and the report he made ‘was by no means good tidings. He reported that the Texan Rangers, three- acore strong, bad gone toward thé Rio Grande that very night. The Comanches had fallen back to their strongholds, so the Texans could hardly be on their trail. Don Rafael was a very shrewd man and an able commander, though a cruel foe. He at once decided that the Rangers had gone into Mexican territory. He knew that his acts had often been threat- ened with retaliation, and his spy, Rodriguez —or ih other words Roddy Armstrong—had told him that Captain McNally anticipated a raid upon his camp. The Texans then had, he supposed, gone upon their raid. Not knowing that Armstrong was dead, and having arranged with him, as the reader has seen, a plan to ambush and destroy the Rangers, he decided to postpone his raid and hasten back to Mexican territory, hoping at the same time that he would not ‘be too late. So, without the suspicion of an ambush, and believing the Rangers then over on Mexican territory, Don. Rafael and his Raiders came along at a gallop, heading for the Rio Grande. The trail led close in around the hills, and, as the Mexicans, riding two abreast, and stretched out for a long distance, came on at a canter, the head of the line was allowed to pass, the more surely to damage the entire force. As the center reached the spot where the Texans waited, all mounted and with revolvers in hand, a loud voice broke the silence with two words; ‘‘ Rangers charge!” A wild yell in chorus from forty throats,-a ssnorting of steeds, the thunder of hoofs, and “then the rattle of revolvers. The Mexican line recoiled like a frightened drove of sheep, and many saddies were emptied ere the Raiders began to form for resistance. With his men in trouble, Don Rafael boldly -charged back, a score of men behind him, and rushed upon the Rangers. But the shot was met with a withering fire, the Raiders swayed back, and their line being eut in two,.and many a man and horse down, they became panic-stricken and took to mad Aight. Ar ter them dashed the victorious Texans, and the music of revolvers mingled with the thunder of hoofs, the shouts of the combatants, and the neighing and snorting of horses in one grand chorus. m Over the moonlit plains dashed pursued and pursuers, and into the Rio Grande were driven the flying Raiders, and all who reached the river were not destined to get across, while many who had started out with merciless and murderous intent, found graves upon Texan soil. It was a grand victory for the Rangers, and the heart of the young Cowboy King beat with leasure as he rode into camp, and heard Cap- tain McNallysay: | ~° “Buck, my daring comrade, we owe our grand success to you!” q With nothing to fear from the Raiders, the Texan Rangers took their time in reaching the settlements, where the horses and cattle they had eaptured were given to the settlers for a a sum, as was the wont of these brave de- fenders of the frontier, and the booty was dis- tributed among those who claimed it, whether ‘honestly or not, for much that was valuable had ‘been taken from the border settlements by the wed Raiders of the Rio Grande. But# it soon became known that Don Rafael, «with his usual good luck, had escaped with about half of his command, and finding his retreat de- | iy stroyed, his men slain and cattle, horses and booty carried off, he vowed a fearful revenge. From that day he became a worse terror on the Texan border than ever, and, allying him- | self with the Comanches, he began a little war —— ————— ee foe against the Rangers. On their part the Rangers felt that they must wipe out their foe, and Captain McNally chang- ed his camping-ground from the Rangers’ Ranch he Cowboys. ) | | to a spot upon the Rio Grande, and at once be- | gun a struggle for victory between the Texan defenders and the Mexican outlaws that was known as the War of the Avengers, and bitter and merciless was the fight for mastery. CHAPTER. XXII. ENTRAPPED, DurinGa the war for revenge, between the Rangers and the Raiders, no man won greater fame as a daring scout than did Buck 'laylor. Many a lone scout did he go on, and through all he kept up his record as *‘ boss of ’em all,” us old Mack Hastings was wont to put it. The Rangers not only held their own, but they changed their camp to.a point near the Rio Grande, and beat back both Mexican outlaws and Comanches whenever they sought to devas- tate Texan territory. Upon one occasion Buck Taylor met with an adventure that well nigh ended his career as ** King of the Cowboys.” this daring cowboy that I would deal, for the minor deeds are by far too, numerous, and this one should be told as he came out of it with un- stinted praise. He was on a lonely scout, and his desire was to capture a Mexican spy who he knew was wont to frequently carry tidings across the river to Don Rafael. He had halted one night in a small ravine, and, being very tired had taken to his blankets after a cold supper, for he did not care to build a fire. Hardly had he gotten asleep when dark forms appeared upon every side of him, and with terrific yells half a hundred red-skins rush- ed upon him, They had seen him approaching the hills, and had hidden to ambush him, It was night when he reached his camping place, so he saw no trails, and he suspected no danger, other than the peril he knew surrounded him for being in that part of the country. Just then he had not thought of Indians, not expecting a raiding party to be in that locality. uck was surprised, as might be supposed, but, though awakened from his sound sleep, he arose in his might and a desperate battle began, He got in but a couple of shots, and then, like a pack of wolves they were upon him. They could have made a pin cushion of him, with their arrows, had they wished, but they knew their deadly foe and wanted him alive for their future pleasure. His gigantic strength made hima hard man to handle, even after they had him in their grasp. But at last they, succeeded in bearing him to the ground and binding him with lariats until he loo’-ed like a mummy, all wrapped up as he was with ropes trom head to feet. It was a very long and sad night for Buck that he passed; but the Indians were upat dawn and the march to their village in the mountains was begun, : Roan King was mounted by the chief of the band, while Buck was tied on the back of the sorriest-looking mustang in the party. That night the band reached their camp, and it was a strong one, situated in the very midst of the,mountains, and as formidable as a pale-face fort. The Indian village was wild with joy at the capture of one of their foes, a Texan Ranger, and one whom they knew but too well for Buck’s peace of mind. He was taken to the strong tepee of the village, and a guard was placed over him, !while he was told that his career of usefulness was at an end. Buck did not believe it. He was not one to lose hope, until there was no ray of hope. ; | He felt sore after his hard struggle, and from being bound; but he was unhurt, and could he get a chance he meant to make a strong fight for ife. With. a merey he had,not expected they re- leased him of about halff bis bonds, though he was still bound too thoroughly to see any chance of getting away by his own exertions. |. He was surely entrapped, and as he said bim- self. in his light-hearted way: “'Phey’ve got me dead to rights.” It is with the marked incidents of the life of | | and she CHAPTER XXIII. COMANCHE FRIENDSHIP. WueEN the morning dawned in the Comanche village, Buck Taylor found that he was an ob- ject of great curiosity among the squaws and children. He did not like the attention he received by any meaus, for they slapped his face, pulled his hair, and abused him siamefully. But he took the abuse with the air of a stoic, Among the children his eyes suddenly fel upon one whom a glance was sufficient to shoy was not a red-skin, ; Her face was darkly bronzed from exposure, hut there was no Indiun blood in ber’ veins, Buck felt well assured, 5 She was about twelve years of age, and’ as® pretty as a picture. Her dress was of the wild and picturesque character of the people among whom she dwelt, seemed to have an influence oyer the children she was with. She came up to Buck ina timid kind of way, and gazing sadly at him, said in English: ‘“T feel sorry for you, sir, for they will kill you.” ‘ ‘Are you a captive of the Indians?’ Buck asked. ‘* Yas, sir; I have been here for a long time it seems to me, and they treat me kindly. ‘* Butithen 1 am a ebild.” ‘* What is your name?” **Ruth MeNally, sir, was my old name, but I am called here ‘Snow Flower.’ ” Buck started, and gazed fixedly at the girl. Then he asked: **De you remember when you were brought here?” , ““Oh, yes, sir! I can never forget it.” ‘* Tell me of it.” ‘*My father was away from home, and the Comanches came there and killed our cowboy defenders, and shot my little brother, because he struck an Indian warrior with his hatchet. “ They spared me and took me with them, and I have been here ever since; but 1 am not happy, for I do not know if mother and father are alive.” ‘Yes, my child, they are both alive, and 1 saw your father not three days ago. “Tf belong to his company of Rangers. ‘* But we must not talk any more now; but if you can come here to-night and get me free of these bonds, and will find out where my weapons and horse are, [ think I can be able to take you to your home.” “ Oh, sir—” the girl’s words were checked by a warning look from Buck, and soon after she turned away. ‘*T would give my right arm to take that little girl back to her father,” mused Buck, and he at once began to plot and plan for escape. Late in the afternoon Buck saw a tall chief approaching. As he drew near bim he thought he recognized one he had seen before, ‘It’s my old, broken-leg pard,” he muttered, ‘“ My white brother is in trouble,” said the chief as he halted near the prisoner, ‘*Pm in hard luck, chief, I admit.” ‘« My brother was good to me one time.” ‘Don’t mention it,” said Buck in his light- hearted way. A ‘“‘ My braves say that my white brother must die.” “Oh, yes, they intend to roast me.” ‘‘No, my white brother mustlive.” “So I think.” i “ Was good to me, so I will be good to im.” “ Do you mean it, chief?” * 4 Mad Wolf speaks with straighttongue.” “You are about the first red-skin I ever met that did,” muttered Buck, “Mad Wolf wants his white brother to become red-skin brave.” Buck shook his head, “ Marry red-skin squaw; be great chief.” ‘No, I will not turn red-skin,” ‘* Must not die.” “No, but I won't turn red-skin.” ‘*Then Mad Wolf save his white brother to- night. * Will let him go.” *“Mad Wolf, if you do this for me, I'll do aa much for you another time.” ** Good!” “Mad Wolf will come before moon-rise,” and the red-skin turned away. “'Phat means ten o'clock,” muttered Buck. Then he lay there in the tepee, waiting and plotting, until the little captive girl came with some food for him, It was the first that he had had, and Mad Wolf had sent her. f There was no guard over him, for none was
Page 13
considered necessary, bound as he was, and in the midst of the Indian camp. The young girl fed him, for he was bound hand and foot, and she said: j ** Til come to-night, sir.” *« My child, the clnef, Mad Wolf, means to let me go, so I wish you to slip away, after all have gone to bed, and meet me at the canyon where I noticed five trees growing together as I zame here.” ‘‘T know the place, sir.” ‘‘ Find out if you can where my horse is kept, and if you cannot do that, let me know where the red-skins keep their ponies, and we will se- cure a pair, and with the start we get we will get away from the Indians.” <¢T will be there, sir, and do all that I can to find out about your horse, for all the Indians are talking about the splendid animal.” Soon after little Ruth again left Buck to his thoughts, and eagerly he watched for the com- ing of night. At last the shadows deepened, and an hour after nightfall the village was lost in sleep. As a greater security against Buck’s escape, he had been more securely bound, but was left in the tepee without a guard, and at this he was greatly pleased, and supposed that he had to thank the chief for it. After awhile, when the minutes began to drag out to him like hours, he saw some one en- ter the tepee. j ‘“My wnite brother is awake?” asked a voice. “You bet I am, chief.” “ He can go, but he must appear to untie his own bonds and get away. ‘¢ Here is a bow and arrows for him, as I can give him nothing else. _ “He is a great warrior, and, with the night to cover his trail, he can be far away when the sun comes.’ ‘¢-You are as kind as you can be, chief, and I thank you, for I know you would fare bad with your people if they knew what you did.” The chief had, in the mean while, unfastened his bonds, and Buck arose to his feet, feeling very lame and numb. ‘“T will leave my white brother now,” and the chief turned away. ? Buck stretched himself, rubbed his arms and legs to get up a circulation, and stepped out of the tepee. Gj The chief bad gone, and all was still in the camp, excepting the yelping of an Indian dog. He quickly got ms bearmgs, and with his blanket wra aes about him, to look like an In- dian, he stalked along through the village and left it without meeting a single prowling red- skin. He remembered the way he had been brought to the village, and hastened along as fast as his benumbed limbs could carry him, to the rendez- yous he had appointed with Ruth McNally, His own luck had been so ood, that he feared he would not meet the girl there; but, as he reached the entrance to the canyon, he suddenly discovered her. “Oh, sir, I feared you would not come,” she said, as she grasped his hand, “Yes, I'm here all right, and ['m awfal glad you are. ‘* But what about the horses?” **T’'ve got your horse, sir.” “Do you mean it?” eagerly said Buck. : ‘‘- Yes, sir, the chief Mad Wor had him tied up back of his tepee, and I took him, and another horse for me to ride, “ And I got your rifle and belt of arms too, sir.’ “You are a daisy, little Miss McNally; but if old Mad Wolf don’t swear in choice Injun at this, I’) eat my boots: “Why he'll think after he set me free I stole my horse from him.” ‘It is your horse, sir, and in stealing the weapons I knew they were yours, 4 Bie had them all hidden under a bear robe.” “You've got dead oodles of sense, little one, and no mistake. “ But don’t let us stay here, for it’s far from healthy.” She led the way to where the horses were, Buck gave an exclamation of delight, as he saw that the Roan King was also sad and bridled. ‘You got there too!” fond 7 for they were pene a atl . small m was near n King, and ye i io atuisteities, , As soon as he uckled on his st Tayler started on the lon to the Rangers’ camp. He pushed on, as fast as the little mustang ridden by Ruth could travel, E : E ¥ Buck Taylor, King of the Cowboys. 13 cump in the afternoon, just as Captain McNally had lighted his after-dinner pipe. One cry of joy, as he recognized his child, and the Ranger captain clasped her in his arms, while Buck hastened away to leave them alone together. When the young Texan’s story was told, it was no wonder that the Rangers cheered him and said that he was indeed entitled to be called King of Cowboys. CHAPTER XXIV. THE RANGER SPY. To show the Mexican Raiders of Don Rafael that they were constantly on the watch for them, the Rangers moved their camp to a situa- tion on the banks of the Rio Grande, The scenery was wild and picturesque, and from their camp they could see the Mexican sentinel always kept on duty, on a cliff across the river, and each day Don Rafael was wont to appear and inspect the Rangers’ camp with his glass, for he was out of range of their rifles. Captain McNally was so overjoyed .at the re- turn of his daughter, that he determined to al- low no chance for her recapture, and so he took her with him to the town where her mother then was in a private asylum, He was gone but ten days, but when he re- turned his face wore a happy look, and he told his faithful Rangers how the sight of her child had brought back reason to the brain of Mrs. McNally, and the mother and child he had left together. He told his men also that there was a great deal of talk about Don Rafael’s raids into Texas, in the face of the Rangers, and said that they must arrange some plan to capture the daring Mexican outlaw. Many nen were talked over, for the captain said, with the atc, back to the home of his wife and daughter, he intended to give up his command :oon of the Rangers, and therefore wished to signal bis retirement by the capture of the outlaw chief. *‘Once Don Rafael is our prisoner, and his men will disperse,” he said. At last Buck said: ““T have a plan, sir, if you will consent to it.” All eyes were turned upon the speaker. As Buek Taylor had a plan, all felt that it must be a daring one. Out with it, Buck.” “We are in full view of the Mexican sentinel on the other side of the river.” ** Yes, sir.” ‘* Every day, about at the same hour, Don Rafael rides up to the cliff, from his camp, and reviews our encampment.” “* He does.” ‘‘ Well, sir, we can always see him as he leaves the plain before he ascends to the cliff, and to-morrow, if you will have a guard set to rep wrt his coming, I will be ready for my little act, ** And what is that, Buck?” ‘Tt will be, sir, to pretend to have trouble with you in camp. ** We can appear to quarrel, you can start to- ward me, I will fire my revolver, you fall as though dead, and I make a rush for my horse, Roan King. ‘The boys can open with their revolvers, as though firing at me, and I will ride straight for the river and—” ‘* But there is the chasm between you and the et Buck.” ; ; 9 8 aoe sa part of my plan, sir. **T shall leap it.” - A chorus of “ ohs!”? went up at this bold asser- jon. ‘* Leap that chasm, Buck?” Yes, captain.” ‘No horse can do it.” ‘Roan King ean.” “I know that he is a wonderful leaper, ‘* You have seen him leap as far.” “Yes, but not over a chasm a hundred feet eep. g ‘“‘T shall leap it, sir, never fear, for the Mexi- cans have camped right where we are many a time, and they know the chasm well, and how wide and deep it is. “© Of course they would not -t any man to take such a leap for the pure fan of it, and it will add to the belief that I have killed you and am flyi F for my life. ‘‘ { will then spring Roan King from the bank into the river, for it is only about ten feet, and Swim across. “Of course they will see all;and run to my aid, asthe boys must mount, head the chasm, and fire at me as I swim across, only I insist upon not being hit. ‘i: r shall tell Don Rafael that I have killed you and seek to join his band. ‘My hatred for you all shall be intense, and I will offer to arrange to lead his band upon your camp by a secret trail and surprise you, ‘*] will arrange with you, captain, just. m plan, and you can all keep on the alert eac night for it, until it comes off, for I'll fetch ’em in time. “Now, you know my little game, and Pll ge out and take a look at the chasm, to get the best spot to take the leap.” Captain McNally and his brother Rangers in vain tried to dissuade Buck Taylor from his dar- ing resolve. te was determined, and he felt sure that Dom Rafael and his band could be wiped out by just such a bold scheme. To go into the camp of the Mexicans and claim to be a deserter, he knew would cause his instant death as a spy. To appear to kill his captain, and escape by such a desperate leap, as over that frightful chasm, and then down into the river, be was as- sured would get for him the credit of having fled for his life. So it was arranged at last, when all saw that Buck was determined to go into the camp of the- Raiders as a spy. CHAPTER XXV. THE LEAP. On the day setfor Buck Taylor’s bold plot: to outwit the Raiders, he had Roan King in the finest condition. Back over the hill he had put on the saddle and bridlé with a nicety he had never before done, and every superfluous ounce of weight was taken off. Then Buck waited until the man on the watch reported that Don Rafael and four companions were crossing the plain toward the bill, where- the Mexican sentinel st At once Buck gat ory to mount, and, at a signal did so, and came riding imto cemp as though just returned from a scout. Captain McNally had started to cross the — of the camp at the same time,and the» Rangers were lying about here and there, ap- parently enjoying the balmy day. The sentinel on the cliff was seen to be watch- ing the Ranger camp with his glass, and a few moments after Don Rafael and four other horse- men.appeared back on the hills, riding toward the clift where the man on watch s ; Then the pantomime began among the Ran- ers. . The captain seemed to beckon to Buck, who: ee and approached him, leading Roan ing. Then they appeared to be quarreling fiercely, and the Rangers were seen to spring up and ap- proach them. bc waeernt Buck Taylor drew a revolver and é The captain also fired, but staggered back, and Buck gave another shot. Instantly the captain sunk to the ground, and turning quickly, Buck Taylor sprung into his: saddle and darted away, At first he started, as though to dash down the valley; but Rangers ran out, as if to head him off, and he wheeled back, halted, and then headed for the cliff. i _All this was seen from the cliff across the river. Buck Taylor and Captain McNally were well known to the Mexicans, and they had no idea that a mimic tragedy was being enacted for their benefit. Then they saw some of the Rangers run to the captain, who lay motionless, but so that he could see Buck’s desperate leap. They heard the popping of the revolvers, and saw Buck turn in his saddle and fire back in. “eThen he settled himself in his saddle and headed for the chasm. “He can never make it,” cried Don Rafael in his excitement, Breathlessly all watched now, and the Rangers stood looking at their g comrade as though spellbound. ’ Straight for the chasm went the gallant roan. ‘irm as a sack Buck sat, his hand upon the rein, and ready for the fearful leap. None knew better than did he the fearful risk he ran, and he nerved himself to it, He was pale, but calm, and the reckless light so natural to bis eyes, shone'there. Nearer and nearer he drew to the chasm, and. when almost upon it, he said to bis horse:
Page 14
RS ie wy * But Buck knew that Re “Now old fellow don’t fail or the Equine King and the Cowboy King are gone down sure.” An instant more and he cried: ** Now, sir!” ; The gallant roan was fairly flying; he gave a wild snort as if he knew what was expected of him, and with a mighty bound shot up into the air and forward. There was a moment of fearful suspense to all, and then the Roan King came down—upon the other bank! - A yell of .wild admiration broke from the Mexicans, and was echoed by the Rangers, and es tina McNally found it hard work to play ead, ‘ ‘ But he did so, while the Rangers mounted and started in pursuit. But they had a ride of a quarter of a mile around the chasm, and Buck had dashed down the slope to the river-bank. A leap of ten feet into the water, and the roan started for the other shore; Leaving the cliff, Don Rafael and the others 7 ert down tomeet him, and they opexed with their rifles across the river at the Rangers, to protect Buck’s escape, At last the Roan King reaehed tke shore, and Buck called out in Spanish: “Pm a fugitive, senor, not a foe, and seek refuge with you.” ‘You shall have it, senor, for a bolder leap for life never was made. ‘*Come, we are in danger here.” The Don placed himself by the side of the Ran- er, and they dashed away together, while Buck Id him as they rode along, of his quarrel with Captain McNally and the result, as it appeared to the Mexicans, The Don was a fine-lcoking, but eruel-faced Mexican, and he was delighted to know of the death of the Ranger captain, while he was also most pléased that he was to have the Cowboy King as one of his outlaw band, But, sly as was the Raider chief, Buck Taylor had thus far shown him that he could give him odds and beat him, where it was a game of life and death, for not the shadow of a suspicioh was felt against him, A CHAPTER XXVII. THE RANGER’S NET. WHEN Buck Taylor was received in the camp of the Raiders, he felt that his life was in the deadliest peril/ Oue atom of suspicion against him, and his career would end right there. But his game was a bold and a to enter the lines of the enemy an entrap them. Don Rafael knew him well by reputation, and also he had seen him in action on a number of sg nes a i = a e remembered him as the yo \ Ranger who ‘had captured the wild Equine fin and bie Pagan escaped his men also, in many a fierce fie was aware also that he had been the one in camp with his spy, Roddy Armstrong, and yom one, endeavor to He had cleverly escaped assassination at his hands, Cunning himself, he little suspected that he was being fooled, for it all had seemed so natural, and he was glad to welcome Buck Tay- lor into-his band as an outlaw, ’ And more, the Mexican Raider chief was pleased greatly with the young Ranger, and they had long talks over what could be done on T3xan soil that Buck could aid them to per- form. ' The Don took Buck into his mess, an honor he had bestowed on no one else, and if his Mexican comrades were envious of the favor shown the Texan, they did not make it known to him. s must act quickly, for it might leak out in some way that Captain Mc- Nally was not dead, and that the whole affair int 4 was a hoax. ‘ $0 he suggested to the Raider captain that what was done against the Rangers should be re eae done. : He led the outlaw to believe that the whole can force was not in camp, and that the un- way that was open as an oe to ampment might soon be thoroughly idea would be, Senor Captain,” he said, Ranger camp at night, and er with your booty, ard up to the Texas Good! R d bed a . Buck Taylor, King of the Cowboys. ‘*A good idea, Senor Taylor; but would you advise me to take my whole force to attack the Rangers?” ‘Every man of them, sir.” **I could cross with eighty men.” ‘Good, senor, you might need them all.” ‘“This would leave me but half a dozen in camp.” ‘You would have no use for them, except as a guard to the camp and cattle,” ‘True, so I will follow your advice.” “*T am anxious to lead you, senor, that a blow may be struck.” ‘** But when would you say go?” “*To-night would be best, for they would not } believe that I could gain your confidence so soon, to cause you to make an attack, while, having all of them fired upon me, as I escaped, they will naturally think I will be revengeful and would soon urge you to assail them.” “You are right, senor.” | ‘Then, Senor Chief, a camp without a cap- fol Foe know, would necessarily be demoral- ized, f “‘T will give orders to prepare for the march | to-night,” said the Don with great enthusiasm, | and Buck smiled blandly. Soon after nightfall the Raiders left their camp fourscore strong. At their head was their cruel chief, and by his side rode Buck Taylor, cool and hopeful for the result. Following his guidance implicitly, the Don crossed the river where’ he deemed it best, and then they moved on toward the point where | Buck said no guard was kept over the Ranger camp. Halting when near the timber, Buck sug- gested that he should dismount and go ahead to see if, there was any guard there, placed on duty since he had left. “Tf there is, Pll settle it with him,” he said, significantly, and the Don took his words to mean that be would kill him. But the words had a double meaning, as the reader can understand. Leaving his horse and rifle with the Raiders, Buck advanced cautiously on foot. It was not long before he saw a form ahead. ‘* Ho, Buck, is that you?” “ce Yes. ” ** All right, find some one,’ ““We were watching and saw you cross, and the boys are ready.” es I will lead the Raiders by the lower canyon, and you can head them there, closing in behind them, too; only remember that I am no Raider. ’ ‘*Now go and send a half-dozen men to the ford, for if any escape they will ride there and be cut m, came forward to see if I could off, for no one must get back to warn the camp, as I wish to lead a party back there to-night, when we have finished the Don and his gang,” **Good! you have done splendidly, Buck; but now go back and detain them an hour and we'll be all ready.” Buck Taylor went back and rejoining the Don said: “Senor Chief, the camp is not quiet yet, so we had better wait awhile until they go to “Tt would be better, for how many men do ‘ou think are in camp?” ‘* About fifty, sir.” All right, they are fifty bad men to handle, and we must surprise them, so let us wait.” Buck gave a littleover the hour asked by Sol Bradford, before he nhs anal an advance, and then they moved forward, As they rode along the brain of the young Ranger was busy, trying to see how he could make sure of the chief and not kill him. At last an idea struck him, just as they drew near the canyon. All the horses had mufflers on to prevent their neighing, and pieces of blanket had been tied over their hoofs at the last halting place, so the column moved along almost noiselessly. As he thought of a plan, Buck said: “Senor, let the men halt here, and will you kindly ride on with me, to where we can view thecamp? \ “Tf allis quiet, you can call your men by the howl of a wolf, which I can imitate exactly, for we will not be two hundred yards from | em, The Don seemed to have perfect confidence in | the Texan, and passing the word back to his men to wait, while he rode on, and then to ad- vance, at their hearing the howl of a wolf, he rode on with Buck, \ the canyon, which Buck knew | ‘They entered : was watched by the Rangers, and he only hoped no one would make a mistake and spoil all. When he gota little over a hundred yards away from the men, be leant over and whispered to the Don. At that instant he suddenly seized the throat of the outlaw chief in his grip of steel, and thrust his revolver in his face, while he said sternly: ‘* Hands up, senor, or die!” \ The Mexican was wholly surprised, caught of } his guard,and could do nothing in that giam grasp of the Texan. In an instant Buck had disarmed hima, and then, hanging his belt of arms upon his saddle- horn, he took his lariat and began to coil it around the body of the Don, pinioning his arms. close to his side, and also making him fast to his saddle, Having thus secured the Mexican chief, he suddenly gave an exact imitacion of the howl of a wolf, : Then he rode on, taking the Mexican with him, and reaching the end of the canyon, hastily made the horse of his prisoner fast to a tree. \ The Mexican outlaws were now not far away coming through the canyon, and like a trumpet rung Buck’s command: “Rangers, fire! there’s your game!” From the secreted Rangers came a terrible volley, emptying many a saddle, and the flashes of. their revolvers, for the fire was at close range, lit up the dark canyon, revealing to the panic-stricken Raiders that they were en- trapped. Out from their lurking-places now charged the Texans, for they were not men to fight from cover, with no danger to themselves, and that wild canyon at once beeame the scene of a des- perate hand-to-hand fight on horseback. . But the Mexicans were demoralized, many had fallen under the first volley, and hemmed in, they tried to break away and find safety in flight. - < few went through in the mad rush, but others were caught, and still more cried for quarter, which, though they had never shown it to Texans, was given them. But those who escaped from the canyon were fired upon at the river, and believing that each ford was guarded and that to attempt escape was useless, they too cried for mercy and became prisoners, though they gnashed their teeth with rage when they discovered that over a score had surrendered to half a dozen men. Hardly had they been bound, when there was heard the trampling of hoofs, and Buck Tay- lor-and some thirty Rangers came along at a salen. ‘Which way, Buck?” shouted a Texan. ‘* Over the river to take in the Mexican camp for they’ve got dead oodles o’ stock there; but did any get across?” ** Not one.” : ‘‘ And the boys back in camp have the bal- ance.” “But did they catch the Don?” ‘‘Oh! yes, he’s a prisoner,” and Buck and his party passed on. seen coming back, and they had with them two prisoners from the outlaw camp, and the horses and cattle which were there, and which had been captured from Texan settlers, When Buck reached the Rangers’ camp, the cheers that eo him were deafening, and Captain McNally wrung his hand over and over again, while he said: ** Now, Buck, with the hanging of this Raider ief this cruel Rio Grande war will end.” “Let us end the war at once, Captain Me~ Nally,” replied Buck, in his light-hearted way, * Without trial?” ** What's the use of having a jury to tell us what we know? ; ** The man is guilty of the vilest crimes, and if he is hanged you can try bis men, or turn them loose and let Judge Lynch sit on their case,” “They are a murderous lot, Buck, end shall be sent to prison until they can be tried; bug paths Bateel must hang now,” said the cap- in ste , , Then he hive orders for the dead to be buried, the Mexican prisoners to be mustered, te witness the execution of their_chief, and when the sum set that night, Don Rafael, the Raider of the Rio Grande, was in his grave. But he had died silentl sbowing less fear than upon his executio ie eae Me had asked Buck to request that he might , and the young Ranger be shot, and no d ung R had begged it of Captain McNally. : Cy ee TH ; ih 8s “i j ? , xe a “i EI » + and with courage, — did his men, who gazed. It was after sunrise some time before they were - {
Page 15
———— The request had been granted, and Buck se- lected six men to dothe shooting, and he gave the orders for the firing. That the Rangers were dead shots, may be in- ferred from the fact that the weapons of execu- tion were revolvers, and six bullets entered the heart of the Mexican Raider, who fell without a moan, and with the grim defiant smile still rest- ing upon his handsome, but cruel and merciless ace, : a The Mexican prisoners were taken off to the Da ‘towns and distributed among several prisons, “hd while, at the trial that followed, many were recognized, and proven to have committed mur- der upon Texan soil, so were executed, while the others were imprisoned for a term of yeers, Each and all of them swore vengeance upon ca ‘Buck Taylor, threatening to kill him when Guar got out; but, as they have been released for ears, and the gallant Cowboy Ranger still lives, a it but serves to carry out the old saying that a “*threatened man is long-lived.” - ; CHAPTER XXVIII. eM CONCLUSION, j Be} THE retirement of Captain McNally from the io command of the Texan Rangers was the cause é of Buck Taylor’s also leaving the band, for he A ae had decided to turn ranchero on a small scale. . Having effected the capture of Don Rafael, and the utter breaking up of his outlaw band, } |. and the Comanches having sued for peace, at ——_ least for awhile, Buck decided that there would be little to do asa Ranger, so purchased some eS ¢attle, and established a small ranch of his own, Se He was not long among the prairie ranchmen before he showed that his title of King of the Cowboys was well deserved, and his fame as such is now known over the entire Southwest. As a proof that my story of this famous Texan is no fiction, but based upon stern facts, I ap- pend the following notice of him, written by an roy Praag for a New York paper, in an article eaded: re “REAL HEROES OF THE PLAINS, ms OE os ee ef a mnie tein ¢ __ Buffa'o Dill. and he see tis services for several ; Seasons on his ranch on th Pismal River, where hig ” fo vas exhibitions | 4 feats of strength, easily throwing a steer by the horns or tail, lassoing and tying single-handed, his mastery of wild horses, caused his engagement with tne review of prairie-land, ‘The Wild W est.’ ‘Standing six feet three and a half inches, with a powerful, well-proportioned frame, possessed of a strength that is marvelous, he is a fine representa- tive of his class, ‘“Amiable as a child, ‘Buck’s’ genial qualities combined with his well-known abilities, make him a favorite not only with his fellows, but on his first visit Hast last summer easily had the same position accorded him by an admiring public.” Captain McNally, of the Rangers, is now a very wealthy man, owning large cattle interests in the South and West, and his wife is his happy companion, while Ruth, their lovely daughter, dweils with her parents, for though she is mar- ried, they would not give her up. Old Mark Hastings is now captain of the Rangers, and poor Sol Bradford was killed in a personal difficulty some years ago. So ends my story, kind reader, of the adven- turous life of the King of the Cowboys, THE END. Beadle’s Half-Dime Library, BY BRACEBRIDGE HEMYNG, 89 Island Jim: or, The Pet of the Family. 91 The Captain of the Club; or. The Rival Athletes, 101 Jack Markaway in New York. BY CAPT, ALFRED B. TAYLOR, U. 8. A. 191 Batale Billy, the» Boy Bullwhacker; or, The Doomed birteen. 194 Buffalo Bills Bet; or, The Gambler Guide. BY W. J. HAMILTEN. 68 The Red Brotherhood ; or, The Twelve Avengess, 66 Single Hand; or, A Life fora Life. 72 Mad Tom Western, the Texan Ranger, 887 Ben Bird, the Cave King; or, Big Pete’s Scoop. BY COLONEL DELLE SARA, 108 The Lion of the Sea; or, The Vailed Lady. 186 Cool Desmond ; or, The Gambler’s Big Game," BY MAJOR LEWIS W. CARSON, 278 The Three Trappers; or, The Mountsin Monster. 288 Indian Joe; or, The White Spirit of the Hills. BY WM. G. PATTEN, 489 The Diamond Sport; or, The Double h19 Captain Mystery ; or, Five in One, 581 Daley Dare, the Sport from Denver, ‘ace of Bed Rock BY HARRY HAZARD. 828 Arkananw Jack; or, The Scourge of the Mines. 829 Red-Skin Tomy; or, The Demon’s Trail, 842 The Mountain Devil; or, Yellow Jack, the Outlaw. BY WILLIAM I. EYSTER, 190 Dandy Parke}; or, The Tiger: of High Pine. 210 Faro Frank; or, Dandy Dar) 2’s Go-Down Pards, BY C. DUNNING CLARE, 185 Captain Paul; or, The Boy Spy of the Mountains. 280 The Yankee Rajah 3 or, The Fate of the Black ‘Sheroet. BY CAPTAIN MAYNE REID, 78 Blue Dicks or, The Yellow Chief's Vengeance. 8? The Land Pk pes | or, The League of Devil’s Island, 187 The Helpless Hand; or, Backwoods bution. 239 The Gold-secker Guide ; or, The Lost Mountain. BY EDWARD WILLETT. 167 Asa Scott, the Steamboat Boy. 199 Featherweight the Boy Champion of the Muskingum. 228 Ozark Alf’: or, Featherweight Among the Outlaws. 282 The Typo Detective; or, Weasel, the Boy Tramp.” 295 Feurless Phils or, The King of Quartzyille. 8311 The Roying Sports or, The Pride of Chuckalnck Camp, 822 Nemo, the Detective; or, Kit Kenyon's Vendetta. 840 Clip, the Contortioniat; or, The Montana Vigilantes. BY ROGER STARBUCK. 25 The Boy Captain; or, The Plrate’s Daughter. 114 Th Black Schooner; or, Jib Sank the Old Tar. 259 The Golden Harpoon; or, Lost Among the Floes. 2% Hie ese the che Mii ncasspyras Nes > e e iT ort The Phantom Licht-house or, The Odd Pards. 870 Breaker Jéen, the Reef-Ranner, \ BY BUCKSKIN SAM (Major Sam. 8. Hall.) 284 - nett? “Boyeen;” or, Benito, the Young Horse- rea . 246 Giant Georges or, The Ang’! of the Range. 275 Arizona Suck ; or, Giant George's Pard. 297 The Tarantula of Taon; or, Giant George’s Revenge. B07 The Strange Pard 3; or, Little Ben's Death Hunt. 818 Ker-whoop, Ker-whoos: or, The Tarantula of Taos. 827 Creeping Cat, the Caddo; or, The Red and White Pards. 8 Frio Fred: or, The Tonkaway’s Trust. $44 The Fighting Trio; or, Rattlesnake, the Tonkaway B49 Wild Wolf’; or, Big-Foot Wallace to the Front. 857 The Ranch Raiders: or, The Siege of Fort Purgatory. 864 Snap-Shot, the Boy Ranger, 7 875 Chiota, the Creek 3 or, The Three Thunderbolts. 881 Bandera BI or Frio Frank to the Front. B92 Romeo and the Reds; or, The Beleaguered Ranch. att Little Lariat; or, Peean Pete’s Big Rampage. The Dalay from Denver, 427 The Three BL Blut 455 ‘Little ’ 427 442 : * BY COL. A. F. HOLT. 899 Black Buckskin; or, The Masked Men of Death Canyon, 419 Kenneth, the Khife-King, 485 Little Lightfoot, the Pilot of the Woods, BY FREDERICK DEWEY. 818 Cimarron Jack, the King-Pin of Rifle-Shote, 478 Tangemund, tie Desert Vetective. 542 The Canyon Pards. BY LIEUT. I. D. PERRY, U. 8.N. - 176 The Boy Runaway; or, The Buceaneer of the Baye 180 The Sea Traller: or, A Vow Wel! Kept. 192 Captain Kit; or, The Mystery of Montauk Point. BY JOUN J. MARSMALL, 40 Roving Ben. (A Story of a Young American, 97 The Outlaw Brothers; or, The Captive of the Harpes BY GEORGE C, JENKS, 485 Git Thar Owney the Unknown, 492 Git Thar Owney’s Pledge. 518 The Demon Doctor. BY JACK FARRAGUT. 815 Ned, the Cabin Boy. \ 820 The Sea Sorceress; or, The Boy Shipper. oe BY JAMES L. BOWEN 107 One-Eyed Sim; or, The Abandoned Forest Home. 4 a 110 The Black Steed of the Prairies. A Story of Tex» 3 BY CHARLES E. LASALLE, 50 Burt Bunker, the Trapper. 562 The White Buffalo. A Tale of the Northwest BY CAPT, MARK WILTON, 256 Young Kentuck: or, The Red Lasso, 270 Blizzard Ben; or, The Riot at Keno Camp, © 286 Josh, the Boy Tenderfoot. BY J©0 PLERCE. 897 Bob o’ the Bowery 3 or, The Prince of Mulberry Street 415 The Vagabond Detective; or, Bowery Bob’s Boom, 452 HMotapur Bob, the Street-Boy Detective, 460 The Lawyer’s Shadow; or, Luke’s Legacy. A72 Janunty Joe, the Young Horse-King. 494 Surly Sim, the Young Ferrymau Devective. 504 Five Points Phil. 509 Jack Jagwers, the Butcher Boy Detective. 516 Tartar Tim; or, Five Points Phil’s Menagerie. 526 North River Nat, the Pier Detective. B88 Wrestling Rex, the Pride of the Sixth Ward. BAL Jeff Flicker, the Stable Boy Detective. BY J. W. OSBON. 469 The Rival Giants of Nowhar’. 498 Cactus Burr, the Man from Hard Luck, 587 Old Buckeye, the Sierra Shadow. BY ALBERT W. AIKEN, 11 The Two Detectives; or, The Fortunes of a Bowery Girl, 76 Abe Colt, the Crow-Killer. 7 Sol Ginger, the Giant pty 288 Joe Buck of Angels and His Buy Pard. ; 447 New York Nat. A Tale of Tricks and Traps in Gotham, 458 New England Nick; or, The Fortunes of a Foundling. A464 Nimble Nick, the Circus Prince. 498 Taos Ted, toe Arizona Sport. 510 Cool Colorado, the Hal!-Breed Detective. 518 Cool Colorado in New York, 5 MISCELLANEOUS AUTHORS, prs A The Wild-HMorse Hunters. By Capt. Mayne Reid and Frederick Whittaker. 9 Adventures of Baron Munchausen, : 12 Gulliver’s Travels. By Dean >wift. »2 aig 14 Aladdin; or, The Wonderful Lamp. 16 Robinson Crusoe. (27 Illustrations.) 18 Sindbad the Sailor. His Seven Voyages. 22 The Sea Serpent; oreThe Boy Robinson Crusoe. By Juan Lewis. 88 The Ocean Bloodhound; or, The Red Pirates of the Carribees. By S. W. Pierce. 3 86 = Boy Clown; or, The Queen of the Arena. By Frank — . Finn. 88 Ned Wylde. the Boy Scout. By Texas Jack. ¥ 51 ag Boy Rifles; or, The Underground Camp, By Archie ), Irons. 95 The Rival Rovera; or, The Freebooters of the Mississippi By Lieut.-Col. Hazeltine. aig 98 Robin Hood, the Outlawed Earl; or, The Merry Men of Green-— wood. By Prof. Gildersleeve. : 105 Old Rube. the Hunter; or, The Crow Captive. By Captain 2 Hamilton Holmes. « 112 The Mad Hunter; or, The Cave of Death. By Burton Saxe. 3 124 Tippy, the Texan; or, The Young Champion. By George i Glerson. - { 128 The Young Privateer; or, The Pirate’s Stronghold. By a? Harry Cavendish. 148 Sharp Sam; or, The Adventures of a Friendless Boy. By J Alexander Patten. 227 Dusky Darrell, Trapper; or, The Green Ranger of the Yel: , lowstone. By Bdward Emerson. ' 261 Berens Fearnaught the New Y irk Boy. By George : Aitken. ; 266 Killb’ar, the Guide; or, Davy Crockett’s Crooked Trail = —— By Ensign C. D. Warren, ; 298 Red Claw, the One-Eved Trapper; or, The Maid of the Cliff, By Captain Comstock. ; 817 Peacock Pete, the Lively Lad from Leadville. By Lien- tenant Alired Thorne. 4 . $28 The Sky Ive‘ective; or, A Boy’s Fight for Life and Honor, + ay By Maior Mickey Free. ; ; 850 Red Ralph, the River Rover; or, The Brother's Re- ; venge, By Ned Buntline. ‘ 865 Baltimore Ben the Boothlack Detective. By A. P. Morria, 874 Gold-Dust Tom; or, Ben's Double hatch. By George H. Morse, 1 4 876 Californta Joe’a First Trail. By Colone] Thomas By F. S, Winthrop. Hoyer M tery. 418 Billy Bombshell, the Cliff Climber. 440 Tittle Foxfoot. the Gold Bowie Kid. By Arthur C, 475 The Black Ship. By Jehn S, Werner. 484 2 omanche Dick and His Three Invincibles. By enrv J. Thomas. ‘ Dink 523 W -Arm, the Dandy Sport. By Arthur F. Holt. 582 Bay he es ‘Duke. By Ewin Brooke Forrest. See “A New Issue Every Tuesday. The Half-Dime Library 1 for sale by ai newsdenlers five : conta per copy, or sent by mail on receipt of sixcentseach. © BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publish 98 William Street, New York , ¥
Page 16
BEADLE'S« H ALF- DIME«]_IBRARY. Published Every Tuesday. Each Issue Complete and Sold at the Uniform Price of Five Cents, by all Newsdealers.. pa = stn ean Tee UA Sees memes 362 BY EDWARD L. WHEELER. Deadwood Dick Novels. 1 Deadwood Dick, the Prince of the Road. 20 Deadwood Dick's Defiance; or, Double Daggers. 28 Deadwood Dick in Disguise; or, Buffal, ben 35 Deadwood Dick in His Castle. 48 Deadwood Blek’s Benansas Or, fing ty is Miner. * endwovue ¢ n anger; or, Omana Oll, BT Deadwood Dick's Eagles; or, The Pards of Flood Bar. 28 Deadwood Dick on Decks or, Calamity ¢ ‘ne, the Heroine 400 sea hey pets Laat pee or, Corduroy Charlie, eadwoo ck in Leadville. 104 Deadwood Dick’s Device; or, !ke Double Cross Sign, 109 Deadwood Dick as Detective. brid oo: handy od te pte gag The Searels Gulch Ghost. 8 Deadwood Dick’s Home Base; or, Blonde Bill. 149 Deadwood Dick’s Big Strike; or, A Game of Gold. 156 Deadwood Dick of Deadwood: or, The Picked Party. 195 Deadwood Dick’s« Pream; or, The Rivals of the Road. 201 Deadwood Dick’s Ward; or, The Black Hill’s Jezebel. aus ena wees ee a Ceca Aes nee Jane’s Adventure, . eaadw oo c « ene eat. 221 Deadwood Dick’« Death-Plan# 282 Gold-Duat Dick. A Romance of Roughs and Tougha, a eewees picks a ido 3 ot me Spirit of Swamp Lake. eadwoo ck’s Death Trail. B09 Deadwood Dick’s Deal; or, The Gold Brick of Oregon. B21 Deadwood Pick’s Dozen; or, The Fakir of Phantom Flats 847 Deadwood Dick’s Ducata; or, Days in the Diggings. bys peagweed desea “renga or, The Terrible Vendetta. endwoo ck’s Claim, 405 Deadwood Dick in Dead City. 410 Deadwood Dick’s Diamonda, 421 Deadwood Dick in New York; or, A “Cute Case.” 480 Deadwood Dick’« Dust; or, The Chained Hand. pire ponavres uiek’ pag tor Crimson Crescent Sign. 8% Deadwood Dick, Jr.’a, Deflunce, 458 Deadwood Dick, Jr’4 Full Mand, 459 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’a, Big Round-Up. 465 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Racket at Claim 10, aha yet eho | Tek, 0 } atts or, Ts Bill. endwoo ek, Jr.’* Dog Detective. 481 Deadwood Dick. Jr., in Deady ood, 491 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Compact. 496 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s. Inheritance, 600 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Dig ngs. 5608 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Deliverance, 615 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Protegee. 522 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’«, Three. 529 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Danger Dacka. 544 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s) Death Hunt, 539 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Texas. 544 Deadwood Dick, Jr., the Wild West Vidoog 649 Deadwood Dick, Jr., on Mix Mettle, B54 Deadwood Dick, Jr., tn Gotham, 561 Deadwood Dick, J 567 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Philadelphia. 572 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Chicago. 578 Deadwood Dick. Jr., Afloat. 584 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Denver, 690 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Decree. 595 Deadwood Dick Jr., in_Beelzebub’s Basin. 600 Deadwood Dick, dr., at Coney Island, 606 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’*, Leadville Lay. 612 Deadwood Dick, Jr., In Detroit. 618 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Cincinuatt, 624 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Nevada, 680 Deadwood Dick, Jr., In No Man’s Land, 686 Deadwood Dick, Jr., After the Queer. 642 Deadwood Dick, Jr., In Buffalo. 648 Deadwood pee? Aga eee crs ig the Commneee See Tendveed Dick, SeJocIneurance Caen 666 Dendwood Dick, Jr., Back in the Mines, 672 Deadwood Dick, dr., tn Durango or, “ Gathered In.” 44 posdweee picks bag | mnt sgl or, Found a Fortune. eadw oo ek, dr.’s. Dazzle, 690 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s. Dollars. 695 Deadwood Dick, dr., at Danger Divide. 700 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Drop. TOA Deadwood Dick, dr., at Jack-Pot. sie Deadwood Dick Jr., in San Francisco, 16 Deadwood Dick, Jdr.’s, Still Hunt, 722 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’«, Dominoes, 28 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Disguise, 84 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Double Deal. 740 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Deathwatch. T47 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Doublet. Th2 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’«, Deathblow. 758 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Desperate Stralt. 764 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’a, Lone Hand, T7T0 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Defent. 776 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’«, Resurrection, 782 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’«, Dark Daya. TAZ Deadwood Dick, Jr., Defied. 792 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, DPouble Device, 797 Deadwood Dick, Jr’.«, Desperate Venture. 802 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Diamond Dice. 807 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Royal Flush, 812 Deadwood Dick,’ Jr.’s, Mead-off, 816 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Rival. 822 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Boom, $28 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Scoop. BY WM. G. PATTEN, G29 Violet Vane, the Velvet Sport; or, The Jubilee of Jacktown. 66% Violet Vane’s Victory; or, The Jasper City Clean Out, 698 Violet and Dalsy, the Posy Paris. : 05 Violet Vane’« Vows or, The Cratty Detective’s Craft. 24 Violet Vane's Vengeance; or, The Wipe-Out. 2780 Violet Vane’a Verdict; or, The Game at Coffin City. ZAL Violet Vane, the Ventrilogquist Vidocg: or, Sport vs. Sport, ‘2hO Violet Vane, the Vanquished; or, The Life Strueg'e. 768 Violet Vane’s Vision; or, The Fiery Hand of Fate, 4x4Y The Uiamead Sport: or, The Double Face of Bed Rock, h1i9 Captain Mystery } or, Five in One. 681 Daisy ware the Sport from Denver. BST Old Bombshell, the Ranger Detective, 604 Tron Fern, the Man ot Fire: or, Among the Vultures. 619 The Boy Tramp Detectives or, The Double Grip Witness 641 Dismal Daven Pandy Pardy or, The Clue to Capt, Claw 651 Bound Boy Frank, the Young Amateur Detective 682 Wild Vulcan, the Lone-Range Rider, Z14 Old Misery the Man from Missouri, 74 Clear-Grit Cal, the Never Say-Die Detective, 89 Sam Sheridan, the Secret Service Special, 806 Cowboy Steve the Ranch Mascot. \ 820 Nobby Nat, the Tenderfoot Detective, BY COL. A. F. MOLT. 817 Wideawake., the Train-boy Detective. S811 Headlight Harry’« Flyers or, Doke Derby. 678 Ree Harry’s Hazard; or, The Lightning Express chive. 691 Headlight Harry’sa Haul; or, The Railroad Pards, 27 Headlight Harry’s Stren; or, Mad Madge. 59 Headlight Harry’s Heritage. 94 Headlight Harry’s Tinat or, The Cache of Gold, 9% Black KBuekaking or, The Masked Men of Death Canyon, 19 Kenneth, the Knife-King; or, The Doomed Six. & TAitle Lightfoot, the Pilot of the Woods, — 8 The Dandy Sport; or, The King Pin Conspirator. F Se Other Novels by E. L. Wheeler. 80 Rosebud Robs or, Nugget Ned, the Knight. 84 Rosebud Rob on Mand; or, Idy!, the Girl Miner. 88 Rosebud Rob's Reappearance?s or, Photograph Phil. 121 Kosebud Kob’s Onatioutes or, Cinnamon Chip. 277 Denver Doll, the Detective Queen; or, The Yankee's Surround 281 Denver Doll's Victory; or, Skull and Crossbones. 255 Denver Doll's Decoy ¢ or. Little Bill’s Bonanza. 296 Denver Doll's Drift; or, The Road Queen. 868 Yreka Jim, the Gold-Gathererys or, The Life Lottery. 872 Yreka Jim’s Prize; or. The Wolves of Wake-Up. 5 885 Yreka Jim’s Joker 3 or, The Rivals of Red Nose. BRO Yreka Jim’s New Roles or, Bicycle Ben. 894 Yreka Jim of Yuba Dam, 209 Fritz, tle Bound-Boy Detective; or, Dot Leetle Game, 218 Fritz to the Front; or, The Ventriloquist Hunter 244 Sierra Sam, tho Frontier Ferret; or, A Sister’s Devotion. 245 Sierra Samm Secret; or, The Bloody Footprints. 258 Sierra Sam’s Pard; or, The Angel of Big Vista. 258 Sierra Sam's Seven; or, The Stolen Bride. $384 Kangaroo KIt; or, The Mysterious Miner, $89 Kangaroo Kit’s Racket; or, The Pride of Played-Out, 89 Death-Face, Detective; or, Life in New York, 69 The Boy Detecttve; or, Gold Rifle, the Sharpehooter, 96 Watch-Eye, the Detective; or, Arabs and Angels. 117 Gilt-Edged Dick, the Sport Detective 145 Captain Ferret, the few York Detective, 161 New York Nell, the Soy-Gir! Detective, 226 The Arab Detective ¢ or, Snoozer, the Boy Sharp, 291 Turk, the Boy Ferret. 825. Kelley, Hickey & Co., the Detectives of Philadelphia, 848 Manhattan Mike, the Bowery Detective. 400 Wrinkles, the Night-Watch Detective. 416 High Mat Harry, the Base Ball Detective, 426 Sam Slabaldes, the Beggar-Boy Detective. 484 Jim Beak and Pal, Private Detectives. 26 Cloven Hoof, the Baffalo Demon: or, The Border Vultures, 82 Bob Woolf’; or, The Girl Dead-Shot. 45 Old Avalanche}; or, Wild Edna, the Girl Brigand. 58 Jim Bludsoe, Ir., the Boy Phenix. 61 Buckhorn Bill; or, The Red Rifle Team 92 Canada Chet ¢ or, Old Anaconda in Sitting Bull’s Camp. 118 Jack Hoyle the Young Speculator. 125 Bonanza Bill, Miner; or, Madam Mystery, the Forger. 188 Bora Bob the King of Bootblacka, 141 Solid Sam, the Boy Road-Agent; or, The Branded Brows. 177 Nobby Niek of Nevada; or, The Sierras Scampa. 181 Wild Frank the Buckskin Bravo; or, Lady Lily’s Love. 286 Apollo Bill, the Trai! Tornado; or, Rowdy Kate. 240 Cyclone Kit, the Young Gladiator; or, The Locked Valley. 278 Jumbo Joe, the Boy Patrol: or, The Rival Heirs, 299 A No. 1, the Dashing Toll-Taker. 808 *Liza Jane, the Girl Miner; or, the Iron-Nerved Sport, 880 Little Quick-Shot; or, The Dead Face of Daggersville. B58 Firat-Clasa Fred, ‘he Gent from Gopher. 878 Nabob Neds or, The Secret of Slab City. B82 Cool Kit, the King of Kids; or, A Villnin’s Vengeance, 488 Santa Fe Sal, the Slasher; or, A Son’s Vengeance. 486 Sealskin Sam, the Sparkler; or The Tribunal of Ten, BY 4, ©. COWDRIOK, Broadway Billy Novels. 490 Broadway Billy, the Bootblack Bravo. 614 Broadway Billy’s Boodle; or, Clearing a Strange Case. 586 Broadway Billy’« ‘ Diffikilty.” 557 Broadwity Billy’s Peath Racket. 5679 Broadway Billy’« Surprise Party. 605 Broadway Billy; or, The Boy Detective’s Big Innine, 628 Broadway Billy’« Dead Acts or, The League of Seven 669 Broadway Billy Abroad; or, The Bootblack in Frisco, 675 Broadway Billy’a Beat; or, Beating San Francisco's Finest, 687 Broadway Billy in Clover. 696 Broadway Billy in Texans; or, The River Rustlers, 708 Broadway RBilly’s Brand, 711 Broadway Billy at Santa Fe; or, The Clever Deal. 720 Rroadway Billy’« Full Hand: or, The Gamin Detective, 785 Broadway Billy’« Business, 78S Rroadway Billy’s Curious Case. 7658 Rroadway Billy in Denver. 762 Broadway Billy’s Bargatn; or, The Three Detectives, 769 Broadway Rilty, the Retriever Detective. 775 Broadway Blilly’s Shadow Chase. 788 Brondway Billy’s Beagles; or, The Trio’s Quest. 786 Broadway Billy’a Team; or, The Combine’s Big Pull. 790 Broadway Billy's Brigade; or, The Dead Alive. 796 Broadway Billy’« Queer Bequest, 800 Broadway Billy BaMed,. 805 Broadway Billy’s Signal Scoop. 810 Broadway Billy’s Wipe Out. 415 Broadway Billy’s Bank Racket. 821 Broadway Billy’s Bluff. 826 Broadway Billy Among Jersey Thugs. 860 &ilver-Mask, the Man of Mystery; or, The Golden Keys, 869 Shasta, the Gold King} or, For Seven Years Dead, 420 The Detective’s Reorewes or, A Boy Without a Name, 424 Olbuta Jonny or, Red-Hot Times at Ante Bar, 489 Sandy Sam, the Street Scout. 467 Dlaco Dan, the Daisy Dude 606 Redlight Ralph. the Prince of the Road. - 524 The Engineer Detective; or, Redlight Ralph’s Resolve, 548 Mart, the Night Express Detective. B71 Atr-Line Luke the Young Engineer; or, The Donble Case, B92 The Boy Pinkerton; or, Running the Rascala Out. 615 Fighting Harry the Chief of Chained Cyclone, 640 Bareback Reth, the Centaur of the Circle. GAT Typewrlter Tilly, the Merchant’s Ward, 659 Moonlight Morgan, the *‘ Pizenest ’’ Man of Ante Bat BY LIEUT. A. K, SIM, BAO Tom-Cat and Pardg or, The Dead Set at Silver City. 622 Tom-Cat’s Triad; or. The Affaff at Tombstone. 681 Tom Cat’ Terrible Task; or, The Cowboy Detective. 688 Tom-Cat’s Triumph; or, Bleck Dan's Great Combine 5646 Captain Cactur, the Chaparral Cock, or, Josh's Ten Strike. 568 The Dandy of Dodge; or, Rostling for Millions. 576 The Silver Sport; or, Josh Peppermint’s Jubilee. BS8 Saffron Sol. the Man With « Shadow 601 Happy Hans, the Dutch Vidocq: or, Hot Timesat Round-Up 611 Rtldad Barnacle, the Detective Hercules 646 Cowboy Gtd, the Cattle-Range Detective. 657 Warbling William, the Mountain Mountebank. 665 Jolly Jereminhy the Plains Detective. 676 Sienal Samy, the Lookout Scout. 689 Riltly, the Gy pay Spy: or, The Mystery of Two Lives, 699 Klrapte Sim, the Rroncho Buster: or, For Big Stakes. 712 The Meameriat Sports or, The Mystified Detective. 238 Toltec Tom, the Mad Prospector, 745 Kansas Jim, the Cross-Cut Detective. 761 Marmaduke, the Mostanger Detective. 778 The Ruatler_of Rolling Stone. 725 Lone Mand Joe, the Committee of One. 801 Kent Kirby, the High-Kicker from Killbuck. BY BUFFALO BILL (ton. Wm. F. Cody) 8 Kansas King} or, The Rod Right Hand. 19 The Phantom &py: or, The Pilot of the Pratrie. B5 Deadly-Eye. the Unknown Sccut; or, The Banded Brotherhood 68 Border Robin Hood; or, The Prairie Rover. 158 Fancy Frank of Colorado; or, The Trapper’s Trust, | ~ BY COLONEL PRENTISS INGRAHAM, 272 Dick Doom’ Death-Grip; or, The Detective by Destiny. T2z Dick Doom’s« Destiny; or, The River Blacklee’s Terror, TS4 Dick Doom or, The Siarps and Sharks of New York, TSS Dick Doom in Boston; or, A Man of Many Masks, T9858 Dick Doom in Chicago. 79S Dick Doom In the Wild Weat. 808 Dick Doom’s Clean Sweep; or, Five Links in a Clue. 808 Dick Boom’s Death Clue. S18 Dick Doom’s Diamond Deal. 819 Dick Doom'« Girl Mascot. S29 Dick Doom’s Shadow Hunt. t49 Dashing Charlie; or, The Kentucky Tenderfoot’s First Trali. TH6 Dashing Charlic’« Desti ys or, The Revegade’s Captive. 760 Dashing Charife’« Pawnee Pard. 766 Dashing Charlie, the Rescuer. 497 Buck Taylor, King of the Cowboys. 787 Buck Taylor, the Comanche’s Captive. 748 Buck Taylors Boys; or, The Red Riders of the Rio Grande 560 Pawnee BIII, the Prairie Shadower. 718 Pawnee Bill; or, Carl, the Mad Cowboy. 719 Pawnee BILl'« Pledge; or, The Cowboy's Doom. 725 Pawnee BAll; or, Daring Dick, 692 Redfern’« Curtous Case; ot, The Rival Sharps. 697 Redfern at Devil's Ranch; or, The Sharp from Texas. 702 Redterw’s High Mand; or, Blue Jacket. TOT Redfern’s*Last Trail; or, The Red Sombrero Rangers. 668 Red Ralph’« Ruse; or, The Buccaneer Midshipman, 674 Red Ralph’« Bold Game; or, The Wisard Sailor, 679 Red Kalph, the Shadower, or, The Freebooter’s Legacy. 644 Butterfly Billy’s Disguise. : 650 Butterfly Billy, the Pony i xpress Rider. 656 Butterfly Biliy’s Man Hunt, 662 Butterfly Billy’s Bonanza. 565 Kent Kingdon; or, The Owls of the Overland. 570 Kent Kingdon’s Shadower ; or. the Card Queen, 5%5 Kent Kingdon’s Duel; or, The Surgeon Scout, 586 Kent Kingdon’s Doom; or, The Buckskin Avenger. 546 Lafitte Run Down; or, The Buccaneers of Barrataria, 550 Lafitte’« Legacy; or. The Avenging Son. 5655 Lalitte’s Confession; or, The Creole Corsair. 520 Buckskin Bill, the Comanche Shadow. 526 The Buckskin Brothers in Texas. 580 The Buckskin Bowers; or. The Cowboy Pirates, 5685 The Buckskin Rovers; or, The Prairie Fugitive. 640 The Buckskin Pardw’ Quest; or, Captain Ku-Klax, 508 The Royal Middy ;¢ or, The Shark and the Sen Cat. 507 The Royal Middy’« Lucky or, The Huntea Midshipmam, Bil The Royal Middy’s Foe. 450 Wizard WII: or, The Boy Ferret ot New York. 454 Wizard Will's Street Scouts. 474 Wizard WIIls Pard; or, Flora, the Flower Girl. 488 Wizard WIIl’s Last Case; or, The Ferrets Afloat. 429 Duncan Dare, the Boy Refugee. 488 Duncan Dure’s« Plots or, A Cabin Boy’s Luck. 487 Dunean Dare’s Prizes or, The Sea Raider. 441 Duncan Dare’s Secret: or, The Ocean Firefiv. 402 Inodor, the Young Conspirator; or, The Fatal League, 407 Laodor’« Double Gunner or, The Boy Insurgent. 412 Isodor’s War-Oloud Cruise; or, The Wild Yachtsman, 216 Bison Bill, the Prince of the Reins, 22 Bison Bill's Clae; or, Grit, the Bray 04. Dead Shot Dandy’s Dilemma, 808 Dead Shot Dandy’s Double; or, Keno Kit, 814 Dead Shot Dandy’s Defiances or, The Boy Bugler. 607 Dead Shot Dandy’s Chict; or, The River Detective. 245 Merle Monte’s« Leap for Life. 250 Merle Monte’« Mutiny ¢ or. Brandt, the Buecaneer, 264 Merle Monte’« Treasure Island, 26% Merle Monte the Condemned, 276 Merle Monte’s Cruise: or, ~ The Gold Ship ” Chase 250 Merle Monte’s« Fate; or, The Pirate’s Pride. 284 Merle Monte’s Pledge: or. The Ses Marauder. 197 The Kid Glove Sports or, Little Grit, the Wild Rider, 204 The Kid Glove Sport’s Doom; or, Buffalo Bill, the Pony Expreas Rider. 825 Marlo, the Cowboy Coaster, res | Ruth Redmewls the Girl Shadower. 686 Grlando, the Ocean Free Flag. 617 Ralph, the Dead-Shot Scout, The Vagabond of the Mines. 597 The Texan Detectives or, The Black Bravos. 591 Delmonte, the Young Sea Rover; or, The Avenging Sailor. 580 The Outcast Cadets or, The False Detective, 495 Arizona Joe; or, The Boy Pard of Texas Jack, 487 Nevada Ned, the Revolver Ranger 468 Neptune Ned, the Boy Conster; or, Pirate in Spite. 462 The Sallor Boy Wanderer? or, The Born Guide. 446 MWaphazard ese? t or, The Sea Hongeersce, 898 The Red Clasped Hands; or, The Boy Lieutenant. B87 Warpath WIL, the Traitor Guide. B88 The Indian Pilots or, The Search for Pirate Island. 877 Ronodel, the Boy Rover} or, The Flegiess Schooner. 287 Billy Blue-Fyes, of the Rio Grande. 287 Lone Star, the Cowboy Captain. 229 Crimson Kate, the Girl Tratler; or, The Cowboy's Triumph. 116 The Hussar Captain: or, The Hermit of Hell Gate. 111 The Sen-Devil; or, The Midshipman’s Legacy. 102 Dick Dead-Eye, the Smuggier ; or, The Cruise of the Vixem- 75 The Boy Puelliat; or, The Cruise of the Sea-Wolf. 62 The Shadow Ship}; or, The Rival Lieutenants. 24 Diamond Dirk ; or, The Mystery of the Yellowstone. 17 Ralph Roy, the Boy Buccancer; or, The Fugitive Yacht. 7 The Flying Yankee; or, The Ocean Outcast. LATEST AND NEW ISSUES. 880 The Grim Lodgers in Rag Alley; oF Citizen Rube of Nuinbéer Seven. By Ben D. Halliduy. 881 The Chicago Drummer’s Deal. By J. G. Bethure. 882 The Doctor Detective In Texan. By Lient. A. K. Sims, 858 Broadway Rilly’s Rald. By |. ©. Cowdrick, 484 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Proxy. By Ed. L. Wheeler, 885 Dick Boom’s Big Heul. By Col- P. Ingraham, 886 Sharper Stoke’s Double Deal. By Wm. G, Patten, 887 The Big Four of the Bowery. By 30 Pierce, 885 Poker Pete's Double Dodges ° The Close Call. y Wim, R. Evster. 889 Broadway Billy's Rig Booms ot, Comering Counterfeit Crooks. By J.C. Cowdrick. ‘ 840 Dendwood Dick’s Oluteh 3 oF Creshing Captain Crusher, By Edward L Wheeler. 841 F vince Charlie, the Cat’s-Paw Sport, duke Dev. 842 The Actor Detective In Chicago ; or, Dick Doom’s Flush Hand, By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, 848 Pan, the River Sport’ °, Foiling the Frisco Sharp, By Harold Payne. 844 Broadway Billy’ Ble Bulge. By J. 0, Cowdrick, A New lsesue Every Tuesday. The Half- Dime Library 's for sale by all newadealers, five cents per copy, or sent by mall on receipt of ax cents ench. EADLE AND AD BEADES 8 William Wurects New York. port, By Marma-