Beadle's Half Dime Library (no. 525) (1887 08 16)

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SECOND EDITION, | Liiy7) 1: { j = vital =e Taian a 3 4 L ‘W.ORR- ‘ ™ Ww /. wy i a ou wl (ut! tt! ta nc nt ot aL a a) nt tk NO __ Entered at the Post Office at New York, N. Y., at Seco lass Mai} Rates. __ Copyright, 1887, by BEADLE AND ADAMR, ‘August 16, 1887, a4 $2.50 PUBLISHED WEEKLY BY BEADLE AND ADAMS, Price, | Vol. a Year. No. 98 WILLIAM STREET, NEW YORK. 5 Cents. No. 525. a Sen EEE GN apes ca eS cee ene egeeeNNasiemennetPoeigiy c= 0+ 8 a am x | | | . ; \ ft —~ aA, * f f' Fie ‘ ‘ WEES ) . Y QN \y N\ = : \* ANY ~ ‘ ) \ X " \ — SS ‘ { AY \ ee \ ) So ~ , | \ ~\ | {| i s : W 4 ES SAND WY \ \ f : \\Y \ j y \ ATTEN il ARNG SN \ WF . \ AY Vy) \\S ~S HI i es NN Sw AWA NY | ' HES \ a \ WARS A\ \ AW r y ANN . NY jan \ > \A ALY \ ‘ Ys ysleg WS wy hi) fies SIN } HH \W hy SANS | ay CA gee NON ‘ At Lt Qs } / Vi), boop VRP ae \\ HAY RNR SUL \ A ae € ) ) pe A AN ae PRY VLAN . AANA Sy |, iw os | by 6) Wy AN \\ \ \\ Ah ul I : \ . fs id \ Y M " \ .\ = SS Tangled Trails in Texas. y ‘ Wy) 7 = HEN yy y\ A Romance in the Lives of George and 4 Ht 5 “ v : Will Powell, known on the Plains 1 as ‘Night Hawk” and i; ‘6 Broncho Bill.” BY COL. PRENTISS INGRAHAM, AUTHOR or ‘BUFFALO BILL,” ‘‘BucK TAY= LOR,” “ce ARIZONA JOR,” 46 NEVADA NED,” ETC., ETC,, ETC, CHAPTER T, WHAT A TEXAN OVERHEARD. A man stood at the Window of a fashionable New York hotel, gazing out upon the busy and 4} if ' \} ‘ 7/1 AU NS QW MOI ROG ““ THERE IS OUR FUTURE HOME, NEGRO AND POINTING TO THE DISTANT HILL. ® SCRAPS,” SAID WILL , ADDRESSING THE interesting scene in the street below. RT ILI He was a man to attract attention anywhere,

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To sei q ERLE gabe Lg TERE wr under false pretenses, so to speak. _ You save rn re ae 2 Pe v6 | 4 ; i ae * 2 Oe ba aS pth

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Brothers in Buckskin. Mission had cut a road up to the ruins still ex- isting upon the crest. As they drew nearer the last rays of the set- ting sun were penetrating the timber and light- ing up the ruin of the old Mission House and Paepe ,and Scraps eyed them with a look of awe. hen at last the ford was reached darkness a had fallen upon the prairie and grim and gloomy | om , the hill rose before them, But, knowing the way, Night Hawk and | * Broncho Bill rode boldly into the stream, Red ; Wolf following and Scraps slowly bringing up by the rear, his eyes riveted upon the somber ‘woods. Suddenly he called out in startled tones: “ Hold up, Mars’ Night Hawk! Seedah Broncho! Ef dat hain’t a ghost yer kin kill me,” and the frightened negro pointed to a white- robed form that suddenly appeared in the trail before them and standing in the very edge of the timber, looking indeed most ghostly in the weird twilight. s Mars | CHAPTER III. LASSOING A PHANTOM. THE anxious eyes of Scraps had seen the weird form ne ring their trail, even before the Powell brothers had done so, for they were not | expecting to beheld a ghost suddenly stand be- fore them. “Don’t shoot, Bill! but try your lasso,” cried Night Hawk, checking Will Powell, as he sud- denly dropped his hand upon his revolver, “Don’t shoot, but scoot /” cried Scraps, and in another instant he was plunging back through the ford. Broncho Bill was considered the deadest hand at lariat-throwing in Texas, as his brother well knew, and so had urged him to use the lariat now. The chief, Red Wolf, caught the pack-horses, which Scraps had let go, and remained motion- less; Night Hawk also kept at astand-still, while nto Bill, seizing his lariat, spurred for- ward. As he did so the white form suddenly waved its arms and a sepulchral voice cried: ‘Back! enter not the domain of the dead!” —_ | But, Will Powell did not hesitate; on bounded his mustang, his rider upright in his saddle and whirling the coil around his head. _As he neared the form in white, it suddenly turned and fled like a deer through the timber. ‘* Catch him, Bill, but don’t harm him,” cried Night Hawk. ee after the apparition went Bill at full The timber was thick and he could not throw - his lariat, so he dropped the coil over his saddle- oe and devoted himself to guiding his mustang in the dangerous chase, for he was threatened each moment with being dashed to death against a tree. " Gliding along at a wonderful speed, dodgin here and there, and seeming to know the ground well, the form in white, phantom, or whatever it was, tried hard to throw its pursuer off the track; but, as steadily as a hound upon the trail, Broncho Bill kept his mustang upon the track of the fugitive, and soon pursued and pursuer dash- oe aE an opep space surrounding the old rumed | chapel. __ There were graves all about, and’ over them leaped the fugitive, and high above them bound- ed the mustang, Broncho Bill now seizing bis , -jariat once more, ~ On fled the white-robed form over the graves and toward the ruined chapel, while Broncho - Bill came in hot pursuit whirting his lariat, and Night Hawk was following Close at his heels, ns A few more bounds and the phantom would reach the chapel. > But suddenly the Jariat left the hand of Broncho Bill, and a wild shriek rung out through the woods, and the coil settled over the flying form, “Broncho Bill’s mustang stopped short, but the young plainsman did not let go the lariat end, and thus broke the shock, though the fugitive checked quite suddenly. hrowing himself from his horse as he dashed onward, while Broncho Bill held the fugitive with his lasso, Night Hawk rushed forward and grasped the weird form in a grip that could not Shaken off, _ © Oh, spare me, Senor!” : The supphcation came in a woman’s voice, shanty. Night Hawk released his gr e said earnestly: ‘Ss - ‘Yes, sonora, and you are Spanish?” **No, Mexican; but, if you are not Mexicans, I feel 1 can trust you. I feared you belonged io er band of San Cruz,” and the woman shud- ered, ‘*Oh, no, we are not Cowboy Pirates, as San Cruz and his band are called, but honest prairie- men. Who is here with you?” ‘* Not a soul.” “You mean what you say, senora?” ** Upon my honar, yes, senor,” ‘* And you have been here how long alone?” ‘For over two years, But you will not be- tray my secret, senors?” ‘* We know no secret to betray, senora,” said Broncho Bill, who had approached and stood regarding the phantom/like being he had lassoed, ‘My secret of being here. Oh! you will not betray me, senors!” and she clasped her hands together in a pleading way. ‘*No; but we wish to have a talk with you, as we have come here to camp. ** Broncho, will “hii go and send Red Wolf after Scraps, for he will never stop running until he reaches San Antonio, and I will await your return bere, and in the mean time build a fire so as to see about us,” Broncho Bill sprung into his saddle and rode away through the timber, and Night Hawk turned again to the woman, who he saw was greatly excited, for she was trembling and wringing her hands. ‘“My dear senora, I beg you tocalm your- self, for we mean you no harm. “We have come here to camp for a few months, perhaps longer, and besides my brother an | myself, there is an Indian, our friend, and a negro, our servant, who ran away at sight of you, believing that you were a spirit from the zrave, one Far better, perhaps, it would be were [ in my grave, senor; but let me tell you that I have casqueraded as a ghost to keep all away from this old ruined Mission. ** Men fear the supernatural, where they have no fear of their fellow-man, and the strange, sad story which hangs about this ruin, the graves of its many dead, have been my safe- guard.” ‘** No one ever comes here, you think?” “In the time that I have been here but two have come, “One night they camped here, and I knew not of their presence until I returned from fish- ing over on the other side of the mill, and saw their camp-fire. ** They left at dawn and did not see me,” “It was my brother and myself, for we were here about a year ago, while wild-horse-hunt- ing, and remained one night. “Three years ago we were here also, but it was in the daytime, and curiosity alone brought us to see the old ruin. ‘‘It is a desolate place for a woman to dwell, and alone,” “It is a better place to me than where I would be were I known to be—but no! no! you will not ask me to betray my secret, will you, senor? ** You will let me remain here in hiding, and I will bless you, will pray for you. ““T have a little room in the ruined chapel, and there I remain, and I have subsisted on what game I shot and fish I caught, for both are most plentiful.” “Do not disturb yourself, senora, for your socret is safe, and you are free to remain as long as you please, for, as you hold the fort, as it were, it is for my brother and myself your permission to stay here,” said Night Hawk, ‘** Ah, senor, I have no home, no friends, and gladly would I have youand your friends re- main, if you only will not betray me.” “You may quiet your fears upon that score.” “And you will not ask me who I am, or why I am here?” “Certainly not, for I have no right to pry into your secret,” ‘* And your brother?” “ He is here, so you can ask for yourself, and ou have mine,” receive his answer as y¢ ill rode up and said with Just then Broncho ecan SO ? saat ne y, Will, has some and she to be to ask | : Pen suddenly wild cheer came to his ears yonder, I kin fix your wound @ have cruel foes to drive her to hiding here alone,” answered Brencho Bill. “And those with you will not betray me?” asked the woman. ** Oh, no, and if we can ever find Scraps, our negro servant and pard, you will find him a good fellow, I assure you—ah! there they come now, for there are two horses approaching,” and as Broncho Bill spoke, Red Wolf came out of the timber, followed by Scraps, who ap- proached most cautiously, greatly surprised to discover that the ‘‘ ghost” had been caught, and was standing so quietly near Night Hawk and Broncho Bill, CHAPTER IV. THE LIFE CHASE, Some two years previous to the opening of this story, two men were flying for their lives across the Texas prairie. One was a white man, the other a negro. They were well mounted and armed, and yet their horses were fagged under the terrific pace they had been held at for several hours. Behind them came a party of Comanches rid- ing in hot pursuit, and fashing their horses hard to overtake the fugitives, When they would gain a little and come too close, so that their arrows fl unpleasantly near, the fugitives would halt, raise their rifles and fire, and almost immediately, a mustang or a warrior would go down, and the red-skins would drop back out of the range of the deadly rifles, But they would once more push on, feeling that they wera driving the already tired horses of the fugitives at a pace they could not long keep up, and, once brought to bay, they could end the matter to suit themselves, Tie white man was young, scarcely over twenty-five years, and his face was refined, handsome, and intelligent, though darkly bronzed by prairie winds and sunshine. The negro was the one whom the reader after- ward met as the companion of Night Hawk and Broncho Bill Powell. ‘Tt looks bad for us, Scraps,” said the young man, as his horse stumbled badly with fatigue. “Yes, Mars’ Henry, it do look bad, sah; but we hain’t dead yit.” ‘*No, Scraps, but somehow I have a forebod- ing of evil, as ill fortune has dogged my steps sadly of late years.” “Tt hab, for a fact, Mars’ Henry; but don’t mi die, sah, for I guess all will come round right. R You are a plucky fellow, Scraps, to extract hope out of the present situation; but candidly old fellow, I don’t care much if I do Bo only t am sorry i brought you here to perish on these rairies.” “T hain’t you, Mars’ tished yit, sah, and nuther has enry. “Fact is sah, you has been mighty blue ever f since dat New York lady done broke off her én- gagement ter marry yer, sah, and when yer went home from de army and found old massa and missus dead, yer did git sorrerful indeed, and it were me, sah, advised yer ter sell out ther old home and come ter Texas and start a ranch, so don’t blame yerself fer coming, sah but me, and you has a nice little ranch, and ef them Injuns will jist let us git back ag’in, why — thar won’t be no trouble, sab. ; ‘“‘ Well, Scraps, you are true as steel, and I_ hope we can pull through; but, somehow, I hav & presentiment of evil. ; “But if I do get killed, and you escape, you will find among my papers in the cabin, my will, which leaves the little I have to you.” ‘Lordy, Mars’ Henry, don’t talk so, sab.” ‘+? mean it, Scraps. I have no near > I care for, and you have been my friend, even | when you were my father’s slave on the old Ala-— bama plantation, and what I have you shall have, for it is but littlh—_ Ah!” i The man reeled in his suddle, and Scraps ut- tered a cry as he saw an arrow bury itself in the ; back of bis master, } Seeing that his master still kept his saddle, - the negro, with a revengeful light flashing in — et drew his horse to a standstill and level ad his rifle, With the crack an Indian fell dead from his ony, and Scraps was preparing to fire again, sy ’ pu er arise in the prairie rode a squad 0. 'y, a dozen in number. dians turned in flight, carrying off their | with them, and the arid ge: pressed on x4 { eming not LO see y: wounded white man and the negr . fs Mars’ Henry, you kin g

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““T fear it is fatal, Scraps, but I can ride that far,” was the calm reply. On toward a large plot of timber they rode, the wounded man seeming to suffer greatly, yet still keeping in the saddle, while Scraps rode near to support hii. At length the timber was reached, and aiding | his master to dismount, Scraps. drew the arrow from the wound and quickly placed his blanket | upon the ground, and made as comfortable a bed as he could. The horses were then staked out, and Scraps | said: “*T will go, sah, and find some water some- whar.” “Thank you, Scraps, and God bless you.” “Dont talk that way, Mars’ Henry, for you makes me feel bad.” ““T told you, Scraps, I had a presentiment of evil; but are the soldiers and Indians in sight?” oe No, sah, they has gone away over the rise in the prairie a long distance off.” “Well, go after the water, my good friend, and if I should die before you return, I may ask that you send the miniature and letters, in my little tin box at the ranen, back to the address on them. ‘*Send them by Express line saying how I died, and send the things back to her,” ** Tl do it, sah; but Lordy! Mars’ Henry, you is a long way from dyin’, sa}. “But VU go and git the water, sab,” and Scraps hastened away, his eyes blurred with tears, his broad breast beating convulsively with the grief that filled his soul, for in his heart he feared that his master, whom be dearly loved, had received his death-wound, CHAPTER V. IN HARD LUCK, Go1nG through the timber, hunting for water it was a long time before Scraps could find Scraps, and write a that I asked you to any. But at last he came upon a spring, and hastily filling his canteens. he rose to retrace his way to his young master, fearing to find him dead, As he did so, he suddenly beheld an Indian creeping upon him. Scraps carried his belt of arms but he had left his rifle behind, and hastily drawing a revolver he fired, just as an arrow whizzed by his head, He saw the right arm of the red-skin drop to his side, and he was about to give him another shot to finish him, when with wild yells a half- dozen of red-skins bounded toward him, He saw that they were between him and his wounded master, and that they had come from tiat direction, That they bad killed the wounded man he could not but believe, and there was but one _ thing for bim to do, and that was to run for his e, He was fleet of foot, and, to his surprise and delight, the Indians were not mounted he saw. So away he bounded at a great pace. The Indians, like a pack of bounds, started in chase, sending arrows flying about him as he ran, Scraps had alwavs prided himself upon his ruuning and staying po vers. He had never, as u boy on the old plantation in Alabama, found his equal among his com- rades, _ Hi now was glad to see that his speed was of use 9 him. s It oon began to tell and he drew ahead of his pursuers, Out of the timber he was forced to go, but an- i motte was not far away, and toward this @ ran. _ Looking back over the prairie, he saw that there were just nine Indians in chase. But, fast as they ran, Scraps ran faster, and he crossed the mile of prairie to the second group of timber in a very short while, And, better still, be arrived there far ahead of his pursuers. To his delight he beheld there a small log cabin. It was rudely built, but stout and small, evi- er the home of some solitary hunter in that “There was a rude door, made -f small saplings | tied together with buckskin thongs and hu with ropes; buta bar of wood closed it, ps felt secure, He quickly selected peep-holes on each and was ready to die game. : ssp the Seon eater saw +s _ the b pics yy took behind yon they took shelter the largest } \ Ss eae a ss - + omtheee - ote Brothers in Buckskin, Then darkness came on, and the negro was alone with his painful meditations, vats atar off he heard the mournful howl of a wolf, It was repeated three times, and it made the brave negro shudder, Taking off bis boots, be crept from side to side, peering out through the crevices between the loys. | But not an Indian could he see, ' Not a sound did he hear. The silenve was awful, the darkness was in- | tense, anu the suspense was a fearful strain upon his nerves. But through the long hours of the night Scraps remained on watch, his thoughts far away with the wounded man, whom he felt sure the Indians had killed, if they had not found him already dead, At last the gray of dawn was visible, and soon after it became light. Then the sun arose, but not a red-skin was to be seen. ‘I guesses they is lying hid for me to come out, for they has as much patience as a cat watching a rat-hole,” muttered Scraps. But the time passed, and no Indian showed himself. It was noon, and Scraps began to narrowly watch every tree, taking different ones in turn, hoping to catch a movement bebind them, ut at last he could stand it no longer. He was tired, hungry, enraged, and he longed to know his master’s fate. “Tl fight ’em and die for it! this no longer.” So saying, he opened the door softly and crept out into the timber. Not a soul did he see. ‘Lordy! Has they give me up and gone?” he muttered, , It seemed so, for as he continued on his way, no red-skin was in sight. ‘* Now dem red Tnjuns was wrong, for when dey tree a coon dat’s de time to stay dar and git I can’t stand him. ** Dey bad me tree’d, and yet dey has gone. ‘**T hopes I hain’t too previous in my solutions of de case; but it do strike me dey hab gone,” So saying, Scraps started on the trail he had come, back to the spot where he had left his master, He crossed the the timber with the greatest care an tered it, Going with the same stealthy tread, he passed through the timber to where he had left his wounded master. Not an Indian was in sight; but as he ap- proached the spot, a pack of wolves and coyotes, with angry yelps and snarls, bounded away through the woods. Scraps paus¢d and passed his hand over his at for he seemed to know what he would be- old, Then he moved forward once more. An instant more, and, with a groan, he dro ped down upon his knees by the side of a 7 which the wolves had torn to pieces, beyond “7 ggaaeg other than that it was a human orm, ““My poor, poor Mars’ Henry,” he cried in a choking voice. ; At last he arose and with his knife set to work to dig a grave, He dug it narrow and deep, and then gather- ing the remains together, he buried them with sacred earnestness, muttering over them prayers as he did so, The grave was filled in, and over it fallen timbers were piled to protect it from the wolves. Then Scraps sadly turned away. The horses were gone, and along with them his rifle and the haversacks of food. Worn out as he was, the poor fellow felt that the first thing he must do was to have rest, and so he ventured back to the little cabin in the other motte. Gathering some wood he lighted a fire in the cabin, for he had matches with him, and then filling his pipe, sat down to smoke in place of eating before seeking the rest he so truly /meeded, _ At last he lay down upon the floor, hig feet to 9 fire, and sunk to sleep, almost indifferent to ngerthat might befall him. irie cautiously, approached then en- AN ALLY, ee ‘WHEN gm La he w run mE ae reveaiooa hee food a devas ‘or food, 80 home to the He was ravenous once start out on the t ranch, as very stiff and to at = Se ee ee eee which he knew was some sixty miles away, and at the same time he hoped to kill some game of some kind. “Tl kill a wolf, ef I can’t git nothing else,. though it’s tough eating, and guess a shade worse than tame dog meat,” he muttered as he went along. It was nearer for him to strike from the tim- ber right across the prairie, as he took his bear- ings: but instead he went back to the motte wherein was the grave of the man who had been his comrade, his friend and his master. As he drew near the spot he took his broad sombrero off, and diopping upon his knees said in a voice that quivered: ‘* Good-by, Mars’ Henry, good-by, “You was a noble man, and my friend, and may de goo’ Lord bress you accordin’,” Breaking a twig from a tree that over- shadowed the grave, he went slowly away, back through the timber, He was about to walk boldly out upon the prairie, when he started back, us he saw horse- men approaching. ; Fortunately there was a fallen tree near him, one blown down by a wind-storm, and falling in a thicket it afforded a splendid hiding-place. After seeing that he had a place to which he could retreat, Scraps gazed out upon the prairie at the approaching horsemen, He saw that two were white men, the other an Indian, The latter he recognized at a glance, as a Comanche chief who had, for some reason, left his people, and was dwelling in the white set- tlements, having several times visited his mas- ter’s ranch, and who had taken quite a fancy to the red-skin. “It’s Red Wolf, the Comanche, and sart’in as. I lives, he is bound hand and foot. ‘* But who 1s dem white folks, I wonder?” A closer survey of those who had the Indian a srisoner, seemed to satisfy Scraps, for he quick- ly beat a retreat to the fallen tree, while he said hastily: a “T knows ’em, and dey is Mexikins too, “Dey is some of dem Cowboy Pirits dot Mars” Henry and me trail one time and hab a brush wid, but what got away. A “ I'm gwine ter keep dark jist now; but if I kin git dot red Injun out ob dere hands, it’s my duty to do so. y ‘Wonder if I can’t scare ’em to let him go?” The three horsemen were now pretty near to the motte, and Scraps did as he said he would— “kept dark,” : The Indian was a noble looking specimen of his race, and sat his horse as only a Comanche can, and wore the feather head-dress, bear-claw necklace, and beaded hunting sbirt of a chief. He was we}l mounted, yet was bound to his horse, while his hands were tied bebind him, The two men who were with him, one ridi upon either side and each holding a rein of the Indian’s horse, were a villainous-looking pair. From his intensely black hair and dark face, one was without doubt a Mexican, and the other’ appeared to be a half-breed Indian. _ oth were well armed, and their horses, though thin, were good animals. As they approached the timber they id so- with the caution natural to one whose life is in constant danger. They pee into the woods, and at last one rode forward alone. Reaching the motte, he seemed satisfied and soon after beckoned to his comrade. The other then advanced with the Indian. From his hiding-place Scraps was getting ready to act, when the half-breed, who was in advance, called out in English: “‘T say burn the durned red-skin here, for we: don’t want to be bothered with him any longer.” the Mexican. “No, what’s the use, for the boys would kill him, and we can do that and have no more bother. : * Let’s burn him!” , ; “All right, senor; burn him like Indian burn Mexicano, men,” was the heartless reply. The two men then made the Indian dismount, and bound him fast to a tree, while the half-. breed said, in a voice that Scraps distinctly heard: : ‘You won't follow the trail of the Cowboy Pirates any more, I’m thinking, Injun, and tel the Texans where to find us. : “You have burned white people, so you the As they turned out and the half-breed dropped in “You say, no take him to to Camp?” asked © e trick. & i us get some brush to pile — to start for wood, a shot.

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Brothers in Buckskin. The Mexican seemed accustomed to surprises, for in an instant, without stopping to see from whence had come the shot, or how many his foes, he bounded to the side of his horse, threw himself in his saddle and drove his Mexican spurs deep into the flanks of the animal. As the mustang, with an angry snort, dashed ays a shot whistled by the Mexican’s head with a nearness that was very uncomfortable. As fast as his horse could carry bim the Mexi- can sped over the prairie, while out from his re- treat came Scraps, revolver in hand. ‘* Hallo, Red Wolf, | is glad to see you,” said the negro as he advanced, But he stopped suddenly and glanced down at the half-breed, “Let me see if dis gemman is dead, sah, afore IT shakes hands wid you. “Yas, he were hit right whar I aim, in de head. ** Now, Red Wolf, I oncommon glad to see oe, and Scraps hastily freed the Indian of his nds and grasped his hand. “Red Wolf much glad too, “Black Face save Red Wolf’s life—he heap good friend. “Where white chief?” said the Comanche I with quiet dignity, which had not been dis- turbed even in his greatest danger. “Ah, Injun, Mars’ Henry am gone.” ** Where gone?” ) aoe simply pointed his hand up toward the skies. . “Gone happy hbunting-grounds?’ and the t Indian spoke with real feeling. “Yes, Injun, Mars’ Henry is dead; but hab es | 1 anything to eat about your clothes, for 1 ; in talk better when I hain’t so empty: it makes my voice sound like a base drum?” ** Eat then,” and the Comanche pointed to the horse of the balf-breed hitched near, “Ah! and I’ve got a horse too, a real good mustang, and all for only killin? that yaller varmint; and Scraps quickly went to the balf- breed’s horse and was soon devouring a piece of jerked buffalo-meat and a pone of corn-bread, eating with an eagerness that showed how hun- gry he was. Inthe mean time the Comanche took from the ‘body of the outlaw all that was useful, and : handed over the weapons and things to Scraps, who said: ; ‘** Now these do come in well; but whar did they cotch yer, Red Wolf?” “Over on prairie in motte, ‘* Was on trail, and threw lariat on me.” ‘*T see, and dey jist had you sa’ti’n dere. ** Waal, what yer gwine ter do now,” “* Anything.” ; Paap ‘““S’pose we be friends and you go to ranch wid me, now Mars’ Henry am gone?’ “Heap glad to go!” “Then we is fixed. “Now let’s go and I’]l show you whar Mars’ Henry am buried, and then we'll stay ober in de cabin into the motte to-night, and strike out to-morrow for Ranchero’s Rest, as my poor marster called our home in de pararies.” ; -So saying Scraps mounted the half-breed’s horse, and the Comanche springing upon his own mustang, the two set off together, leaving the dead body as the negro expressed: “To p’izen coyotes with.” CHAPTER VII. : Mi pbeinde. oy - _ Tv was several days before Scraps and the Mndian chief arrived at the Ranchero'a Rest, the home of the unfortunate young man who had sought an abiding-place upon the Texas borde y ir, They had gone by Red Wolf's cabin, some “score of miles distant from Ranchero’s Rest, for the Indian to get his traps and carry them with him to his new home, for a warm friend- se him ship had sprung up between the chief and Scraps and they had decided to be allies for life. ‘The young rancbero had brought with him to Texas @ snug sum of money, and had in- vested it in cattle and mustangs. 2 “He had a Complete outfit for bimself and Seraps and had carried all ou’ to the spot he had selected a® his bome in on ambulance which he had purchased. his cattle out for him and then had - Several cowboys whom he bad hired, had 6 ped to build his cabin, which was a structure of three rooms and strong as a Jog fort. It was well located under the shelter of a and upon the banks of hey m. ne , n th rear ¥ Ss ’ here t the cat e, several hundred in number, were corraled at suspicion of danger, but which at other times were. lowed to run free on the prairies, guarded a A Ww two cowboys in the employ of the ran- chero, With a comfortable room to dwell in, Scraps a good cook, and plenty of provisions, a number of books, his guitar, horses, firearms, dogs, and cattle, the young ranchero had taken life easily, though upon his career a shadow had fallen, and he seemed to care never again to go back to the scenes of civilization, which he had been so well suited to adorn, for he had graduated high in his class as a West Point cadet, and as a lieutenant of cavalry had already won fame upon the frontier, when suddenly he had_ resigned his commission, giving no reason for so doing, and returning to Alabama, had sold his old home, and sought a retreat in the wilds of Texas, the faithful Scraps following his fortunes into his self-imposed exile. lt was while on an extended hunt with Scraps that they had been surprised by Coman- ches, and the race for life had begun, which had ended so sadly in the motte, The two cowboys who had been left in charge of the ranch, the young ranchero knew nothing about, He had employed them to look after his cattle, and they had attended to their duties well, though they were by no means companionable to him, and anyeeree to be of the desperado class from their looks and style of conversation. Upon his return to the ranch with Red Wolf, Scraps saw these two men seated in front of the little cabin, while their horses, ready saddled, were grazing near, ready for use if needed. Out upon the prairie the cattle and mustangs of the young rancbero were feeding, and under the eyes of the two cowboys, “Waal, Scraps, whar in thunder is the boss?” asked Nick Rawlings, one of the cowboys, and a tall, gaunt fellow, with the strength of an ox. “« Mister Nick, and you Mister Sim Lucas, my poor marster is dead,” said Scraps, sadly. The two cowboys sprung to their feet in sur- prise, and Nick Rawlings cried: **Dead! Is Pard Henry dead?” “Yas, Mister Rawlings, he am dead and buried, for I dug his grave,” and then Scraps aor on to tell the sad story as the reader knows it. The two cowboys seemed greatly impressed, and walked apart and talked together for quite awhile, Then they returned to where the negro and Indian were standing, and Nick Rawlings id: “Scraps, 7’m awful sorry about yer master, but as [ knews all about what he wanted done ef he got kilt, [ll just take holt, and bein’ as he owes me considerable money, V’ll hold on to ther ranch and ther critters ontil ther estate are settled up for the nighest of his kin.” “ Mister Rawlings, Mars’ Henry left me words as ter what ter do with what he leaves behind him, and thar is a box. as has his papers in it to show for it, and other things I is ter look arter, besides consider’ble gold.” “Give me the box then, Scraps.” ‘*No sah. I keeps de box, for I has a duty to paren for my dead master, and T knows that 1@ Only owed you and Mister Sim Lucas one month’s pay, when if am due on ther fu’st 0’ ther month, which are several days off yit, sah. ** But Pil pay you that, gemman.” ‘“* He owes me a very large sum, nigger, which T loaned him.” “Why did he borrer money from you, sah, when he had a neat little sum in de box?” Nick Rawlings’s face wore an ugly look, but Sim Lucas made a sign to him to restrain his temper, and so he asked: “And what do you intend to do, Scraps?” ‘Mars’ told me, sah, to stay here on de ranch, and "tend ter certain matters for bim.” “* Well, did he speak of Sim and me?” “No sab, and I'll pay yee what are due yer, and then T guess me and ther Injun kin look arter ther cattle and bronchos, gemmen,” Again Nick Rawlings was about to break out into a passion, but was restrained by Sim Lucas, who said; ; “That's oll squar’, pard, and Scraps hes ter do as he are told, the mischief, and he knew that there was nearly a thou-and dollars of gold and some important papers in the box, ut Nick and Sim kept an eye ppen him, and one of them was constantly with him, They asked him to go with them to drive up the cattle when night came on, and in the next twenty-four hours neither the Indian or the AERO could get out of their sight. hen the second night came, and after having gone to bed both Scraps and Red Wolf were surprised by being awakened by a revolver shoved in their faces, Their weapons had been removed, and, wholly at the mercy of the two cowboys, from whom they had not expected real treachery, they were compelled to submit, and while Nick Rawlings covered them with a revolver in each hand, Sim Lucas securely bound them. **Now, nigger, I wants yer ter give us thet box, and durned quick,” said Rawlings. ‘* Boss, I hain’t a-gwine ter do it.” ‘* You is dead meat ef yer don’t,” ‘* No, sah, Pll die afore I goes back on my dead marster, and you'll find I hain’t got no chicken heart, ef niggers does love chicken meat,” was the plucky response. ‘** Make the Injun tell, Nick,” said Lucas, ‘** He don’t know; but I does, and I doesn’t in- tend ter tell, ef I dies for it.” “Waal, Sim, all we kin do is ter kill ther nig- ger and ther Injun and live here ourselves. “This are a good ranch, the critters is fu’st- class, and it jist suits our blood.” ‘‘Come here, Nick,” and Sim Lucas led the way out of the cabin. “Waal?” ‘¢ We kin jist sail around the kentry, git a few cowboys togethers tell em ther nigger and ther Injun bas kilt pard Henry, and then they'll string ’>m up. ‘* Arter they hes done so, we kin easy find that box, which I hev seen Pard Henry looking inter often, and we'll jist own this ranch, you bet.” “THs a go, Sim, so you git the cowboys ter come, while I watches ther murderers,” was the ready response, CHAPTER VILI, THE TWO SCOUTS, Ar the time that Scraps and his young master were ‘‘ jumped” by the Comanches, and had to fly for their lives, two horsemen were making a flank movement, to avoid the band of Indians, which they had sighted from a distance, creep- ing upon, as they suppose, a herd of buffalo or deer, When the Comanches started in full ery after the fugitives, the two horsemen referred to stop- ped short and looked at each other, ° ahey were Night Hawk and Broncho Bill owell, They were at the time on a scout, to make a © report to the commandant of a fort, who was meditating a move against the red-sking with all the foree at his command, Raising a field-glass which he carried to bis eyes, Night Hawk took a long survey of the fugitives, and then of the Indians. * One 1s a white man, Will, the other a negro, and they are well mounted, though their horses seem a trifle faggea.” “They must be that young ranchero and his negro servant we bave heard about, living down near the river,” replied Broncho Bill, q “Doubtless: but there are seventeen Indians in the party.” ‘ ‘Tf we could only have been nearer the fugi- tives than the Indians, we four could have stood them off.” ? : “Yes, and as it is, Will, I think we can help them.” * Wollow the reds?” Ves,” «They haven’t seen us?” “No.” “Tm ready.” “ Well, we them.” So saying, the two scouts started off in a sweeping gallop in chase of the Indians, The situation was as follows; he surprised party had been camping upon @ — ant the band of Indiaps had been watching from a rise in the prairie, one of their having discovered them and beckoned S8COU ; rades up to where they could get a his co view, The two scouts had been riding directly to- ward the Indians, when, asce 5 a roll of prairie, they had “penny, looked over, and at once had discovered their foes. JNA at gf hy OP +" (tg Nee a oo! Bi fy OT ta wa oa tia will see what we can do to help 3 mall stream for dinner and rest, and a mile —

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Hawk and Broncho Bill kept the _knew the scouts, so the young lieutenant in com- n ~~ =-, —— Brothers in Buckskin, To avoid them, as there were too many to fight, and get to their rear, they had moved to | the right, while if they had gone to the left they | would have come upon the ranchero and the rag ‘whom they did not see. hen they had reached the rear of the red- skins they suddenly heard yells, and riding up to the top of the rise, beheld the cause, Where they had supposed the Comanches were | tory watching buffalo or deer, it was human game = were after. Then the Comanches saw the ranchero and Scraps mount and ride from them, instead, as they nad hoped they would do, of coming to- ward them, they at once ran back to their horses, paounted and gave chase, yelling loud- ly m soon as they saw that they were discoy- ered, The fugitives were hardly a mile in advance of the Comanches, while Night Hawk and eo Bill were double that distance behind bem, But the two scouts pressed on swiftly, though their horses, out on the trail for several days, were pretty well used up and they gained but slowly. The ponies of the Indians, however, seemed to be quite fresh, and they gained upon the fugi- tives, who now and then gave them an admoni- tion not to crowd them too closely, by a shot | which told either on a warrior or mustang. The scouts saw that the Comanches were clos- ing up the gap, and they spurred more rapidly on, when suddenly over a rise to their right | dashed a party of cavalry. Instant y the scene changed. The fugitives pressed on, seemingly unseen by ee, Cerne) while the Comanches turned in flight. This caused the two scouts to also wheel and y. ‘*The thing is reversed, George, for we are leading,” said Broncho bill, with one of his merry laughs. ** Yes, and we have got to keep going until the cavalry overhauls them, or there is some change in our favor,” returned Night Hawk, They felt no anxiety, as their horses were fleeter than the Indian ponies, tired as they were, and if they should. be overhauled too were well armed and could stand to the left, unseen by the Indians, and, w And so the flight continued until night came | they had thundered by, they fell in rh ges. Guided by the calls of the scouts, the cavalry- men came oa, and the keen eyes of Night manches in sight. ; ‘Tho troopers steadily gained, the scouts hold- | ing their own, so as not to let the Comanches | dodge them in the darkness. And thus the flight continued until at last the Indians took refuge in a small timber island and stood at bay. _ The cavalrymen were from the fort, and all mand was glad to have the aid and advice of two such thorough plainsmen as were the brothers. The lieutenant had been acting with his men as an escort fora train going to the fort, and seeing Indian trails about, he had taken a part | of his force to reconnoiter. “We have got the scamps entrapped, Night | Hawk; but what can we do now?” he asked, _ “Surround the timber, lieutenant, and wait | until morning, when we can close in upon them,” | was the reply. ; This advice was carried out, and when the dawn broke the command was given to close in upon the motte. : apo some of the soldiers moved too slowly, | ‘s horse got Joose, and seizing the opportu- | nity, the Comanches made a dash in a compact | mass and broke through the line. couple went down under the fire upon | them, and a pony fell; but away went the | others. As soon as the trooper’s horse was caught and all got together, the chase tinued half the day, when the Comanches were driven into a clump of timber, “Charge them, lieutenant!” shouted N Hawk, and without a halt the gallant but wort out soldiers rushed upon the red-skins, ? Mica fell dead, a horse unde, oan Ss rk troopers were wou , but t rest Teathell thegoaluan dhe battle was ended; ‘the Comanches had gone to their happy hunt- began again and con- | g ing grounds, and a severe blow had been dealt upon the murderous tribe by the loss of their braves. aif CHAPTER IX, ON THE TRAIL. ‘“Nicur Hawk, but for you and Broncho Bill, I never would have gained this grand vic- ig vu A Why, we have wiped them off the earth,” said Lieutenant Dana, with earnestness, as he | gazed upon the red field, “Tt is a neat little victory, Lieutenant Dana, and has taken off the war-path a number of Comanches,” replied Night Hawk, while Broncho Bill responded: “They’re booked for Injun heaven, that’s certain. **Do you want their scalps, lieutenant?” ‘* No, indeed, Broncho Bill, for it’s a barbar- ous practice I could never adopt.” * Nor I, sir; but then you know a red-skin is only half-dead until he is scalped, and when you say dead Indian to the boys at the fort, you know their answer.” ; ‘** Yes, Broucho, it is: *** Stow your scalps’; but I'll take the ponies and the weapons of these Indians, and tired as our horses are we must be on the way back, for I'd never get forgiveness if anything happened to the train from my coming otf so far.” “We'll guide you back, sir, by the nearest way, if you wish,” said Night Hawk. **] should be more than glad, for I brought no guide from the train, and J am little more than a tenderfoot myself, in frontier craft and Indian-fighting.” ‘*You have done better than many an older man, sir, and your superior officers will swear at prayers to think they are not in your boots,” Broncho Bill said. The trophies were soon collected from the dead Indians, the bodies were decently buried, and the -lain soldier was placed in a grave apart, his comrades standing with uncovered heads while the young officer repeated the burial service over him. The wounded were then put on travers, which Broncho Bill arranged for them, and to which Indian ponies were fastened, Then the party, with their captured ponies, started on the trail back to the wagon-train, Under the guidance of Night Hawk and Bron- cho Bill, they pressed on until long after dark and then camped until dawn, when they again pressed forward and before noon the wagon- train was sighted. Cheers greeted them as they rode up, for their comrades had feared harm had befallen them, as fresh Indian trails were numerous, and louder were the cheers when their victory was known. The train went into camp for the noon rest, and when it pulled out once more, on its way to the fort, still a day and a-half’s journey, Night Hawk and Broncho Bill turned the head of their horses in another direction. ‘*What! are you not going on with us?” asked Lieutenant. Frank Dana, with surprise. ** No, sir, for we have talked it over and would like to find out about that young ranchero and the negro, whom the Comanches were after,” said Night Hawk, “T told George that I thought I saw the ranchero throw up his hands, as though he was wounded, though I might have been mistaken. _“* But we will take the trail anc see if we can discover anything,” Broncho Bill remarked. ‘“‘ Well, you two scouts certainly like danger, that is certain, and I regret to have you g0, as your horses are not ‘fresh and the red-skins are about as thick as buffalo; but I shall report your valuable services, ) assure you.” And so the two scouts left the wagon-train and started together upon the trail. They first directed their way to cross the track of the fugitives, and reached the spot al- most where the young ranchero had been wounded, so thorough was their knowledge of locality and their talent in plainscraft. _ Taking the trail there they held on to the timber, arriving there just at sunset, and before them the pile of brush loomed up over the grave of the ranchero. d “T fear you are right, Will, for there isa ave,” said Night Hawk. a s; but we will camp here until morning, en fi t w is,” was the re- CHAPTER X, — Ries e. TRUE AS STEEL. oe Bot Scraps and Red Wolf felt that they were in a bad fix. They were securely bound, and Nick Raw- lings was their guard, for Sim Lucas had gone off to collect a few cowboys from distant ranches, t0 make numbers an excuse for mur- 2: r The Comanche chief took his misfortune with the utmost indifference, to judge by his manner, for not an expression of his face showed dread of what he felt sure would happen. Scraps was not so cool, Any danger he would face fearlessly, with weapons in his hands; but bound hands and feet, he was pretty well unnerved by the situa- tion. His grief for his master was great, and he was most anxious to carry out his last instruc- tions. The ranchero had bad a safe hiding-place for the box, in a holiow tree near the cabin, and his manner of getting it from there, and ita «9 it, was by throwing a lariat overalimb an climbing up the double line thus formed, Then he could place the box in the cavity, or take it out at will. But Scraps would not tell where it was, for he had made up his mind to that. The fact that his master had left his will in that box, leaving bim the ranch and cattle, and the gold he had on hand, was a pleasure to him, of course; but then he would have been far more glad to have the ranchero alive than to be a millionaire. When morning came the lazy cowboy un- fastened Scrap’s hands, but kept his feet hop- pled and then told him to get breakfast, Scraps was hungry, and so he obeyed, He got plenty for all three, and when they had finished their meal, the cowboy at once secured the negro again, For a moment Scraps looked as though he was going to resist, and try conclusions with the armed man; but he saw that it would be mad- ness, and so he submitted to being again bound. “h ow, Scraps,” said Nick Rawlings, throwing a noose over his neck and hauling it taut, as he threw it over the limb of a tree under which the three were— ‘* Now, Scraps, I hain’t got time ter wait until the boys come, so I'll jist string you up now, if you den’t do as I axes yer.” ‘What does yer want?” ‘Tell me whar that box are, and I'll let you and ther Injun go.” ‘*No sab.” ‘You'll git hanged.” ‘*T hain’t able ter die more than onc’t, even to: please you, Nick Rawlings.” ‘* You'd rather die than own up?” ‘*Yas, I would,” “ Life’s sweet.” **T has honor.” e ‘* What's honor to life?” ‘* Heaps.” “ Well, up ou go.” ‘**T can’t help it.” e “You won’t tell?” ‘*T done told yer,” The man threw his weight upon the rope and. it drew tbe negro off of his feet. . He struggled violently and suffered greatly, Then the brute let bim down, and, after gasp- ing for breath a moment Scraps revived, ** Waal, how dves yer hke hangin’, yer black imp?” he sneered at him. e “T doesn’t like it.” ; “T thought not; but 1 was jist playin’ with ver thet time.” “*Somebodyll be jist. playin’ with you, Nick — Rawlings, some day, with a rope around your neck, and then you'll think of me,” was the ominous reply. The words struck him, for the man turned ‘ pale, for all bullies are afraid of a Tope, and in committing crimes they trust to luck to escape the gallows. A ‘Waal, up yer goes ag’in, if yer won’t tell.” ©] won't.” . : You'll die fu’st?” * 1) )1 die fu’st.” The malicious wretch looked at the moment and there saw a determination ia his face to die rather than yield. So he said: a “Pll give yer another chance, Scraps: f pips aa ce re EE CRIA HE OWEN PR nc a. : ; : ~ Ae BY Pee

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en Ord - i” ms &: veers % ; i. vert 4 - such that they cannot ride very near to our ; ¢ a afore it, nuther, Mister Nick Rawlings.” Again the shot struck home, for the man led, and with a muttered oath, threw the ariat end he heli from over the limb of the tree, and theu took the coil from about the neck of tue negro. ‘* f was only tryin’ ter skeer yer, Scraps.” ‘* Waal, yer scared me considerable,” ‘¢- Yer has grit.” **T has grit ter do what I knows am right, if I gits kilt for it.” ** What’ll yer do fer me ef I saves yer neck?” ** How saves me?” “Ther boys will be bere afore long.” “That's sure.” ** And invey’i) hang you, onless I says no.” ‘They'll bang me anyhow.” ‘* Not ef [says no.” “Yas dey will, for dey hain’t gwine ter come *way here for nothin’. ‘*Sim Lucas hab told ‘em dere was to bea | hangin’ picnic, and dey wants ter see what dey comes for,” “Pll have ’em hang ther Injun.” ‘* What hab be done?” ** Nothin’.” ‘‘ That’s what you is goin’ to hang him for?” “ Yes.” “‘T is guilty ob de same; but you jist spare dat Injun, as dey hain’t no reason for hangin’ | him and me too,” The cowboy was about to reply, when far off across the plain, he caught sight of several horse- | men, ** The boys is comin’!” he cried. ‘*Oh, Lordy!” groaned Scraps, and he swept the prairie with his glance. Then he beheld a party of four horsemen com- ing over’a rise, and in another direction were three more. * There’s not enough of ’em fer a jury, but that don’t mind—youn’ll hang, both of yer!” said Nick Rawlings, with a malicious smile, while Scraps, turning to the Indian, shook his head sadly and remarked: ** Red Wolf, 1 guesses we hab got to die.” ‘Die one time, no more,” was the laconic re- ply of the Comunche. ‘I wish I had never left old Alabama,” mur- mured Scraps, and into his large dark eyes came tears as memory welled up from his heart of the olden time on the plantation, CHAPTER XI, A CLOSE CALL, As they were in too dangerous.a locality to Gare to light a fire, Night Hawk and Broncho ill hunted up the spring, watered their horses, and filling toeir canteens, rode out upon the prairie, where there was a hollow in the jand, and camped. - The horses were. staked out to short lariats, ready saddled, the girtos being only loosened a | little, and the bits taken out of their mouths, Then the two scouts spread their blankets and sat down to eat a cold supper, consisting of some provisions which they had procured at the | wagou-train from Lieutenant Dana, for their supplies had run down to jerked buffalo meat and cold water, After their supper, which they enjoyed as such men will, who can rough it wheu need be, they went off on two separate scouts, each walking out for a distance of several hundred yards, and then walking ina circle around their camping- place until they mot. “JT don’t think taere are any Indians around George,” said Broavho Bill when they met on the circle. “Nor 1; and the nature of the ground here is camp, so here’s for a sleep,” replied Night _ Hawk, and five minutes after they were wrap- _ ped in their blankets, {asd asleep. It was, perhaps, midnight, when Night Hawk | suddenly rose to a sitting posture, ho Bill, in a whisper. hat,” a don’t know Whicn, for [ was only half-awake Their blankets were ; of their horses, Which were | y. Then let us get to our horses and be ready.” quickly rolled up, and in f ts . re made to (hans well-trained horses dropped upon their ~ “Did yow Kear it, too, George?” asked Bron- | “Something waked me, but I do not know | ‘ft was tie cough of a horse, or of a buffalo, | he hand rather than a | gS ie ae Bas Fo eve Brothers in Buckskin, » “So has you, and maybe it won’t be long sides, lying flat down, and placing themselves | at their heads, the scouts held their hands lightly upon their nostrils, | Then came a sound from off on the prairie. 16 was a human voice, | Soon after was heard the swish, swish of | horses going through long prairie grass, and | the trained eyes of the scouts saw through the | darkness the outliues of horses and riders, They were coming almost toward them, and yet both Night Hawk and Broncho Bill knew | that a wash io the prairie would cause them to round it, thus carrying them some two hundred | ' feet away. | In silence they waited, half lying across the heads of their horses, to prevent their rising in fright, or neighing, and witl their rifles ready to fire should some keen-eyed Indian detect them lying there. | That they were Indians the scouts knew at a glance, They were riding in single file, and in silence, i | thougb one had spoken a moment before, doubt- | | less pointing out the motte to his comrades. | “They are going to the motte to camp,” | Whispered Broncho Bill, | ** Yes, let us count them,” | They had now come to the water wash, or | divide, and after a short halt began to bear ' away to the left to round it. There seemed a long string of them, and as ‘they passed within two hundred feet of the scouts, each man was counted, At last the column disappeared, winding on | toward the timber, nearly half a mile away. | I counted thirty-seven,” said Broncho Bill. * And I the same; but did not our horses be- | have well, Will?” BS peer little gentlemen,” returned Broncho ill. | Tben, leaving their horses lying upon the prairie, the scouts hastened on up the rise and gazed after the retiring savages. They were filing into the timber, and soon | disappeared within its shadow. | “Going into camp,” laconically said Night Hawk. , Move on.” | ‘* Fire upon them?” St: Yeu,? ‘* Well, if we throw a dozen shots each, in | rapid succession into the timber, they will think we are a party of soldiers; but we must fire be- py our blankets, so that they won't see the | flashes, Broncho Bill hastened back and got the horses | ' up, ready to mount, and staked them close to- | gether, Then the oldest blanket they had, one that had seen the hardest service, was carried back to the top of the rise and their horns, which the ' scouts always carried, were made to do duty by | being stuck in the ground and the blanket made , fast to them. In the timbers now a light glimmered, and | soon several fires flashed up, | Those fellows are bold, for I hardly believed they would lizht a fire,” Night Hawk said. ** They'll wish they hadn’t,” was Broncho Bill's response, and he took his stand behind the blanket,. The distance from where the scouts were to the timber was within range of their rifles, aud tuey bad that confidence in themselves that they | could give the Indians a severe fight, mount their horses, ride down the slope and get away, if pursed, * Ready, Will? and Night Hawk crouched on | the ground behind the blanket, the rifle muzzle close to it. tion. * Fire!” rifles begun to rattle forth, and the bullets went | pattering into the timber, for the scouts bad so | gauged their range and taken fim that they a Li lead right where they intended. | ‘There was a wild chorus of yells, the neighing | and snorting of frightened mustangs, and witbin half a minute of time over twenty bullets had | failen into the timber, some of them finding & target either in a warrior’s body or a mustang’ | though tbe distance was too great to do gt damage. After t Ue y re- pesyells had subsi anil , the tra p ce) hopts, nd the s ts . poured forth another rapid fire, after ; ey seized their bows and the blankets and ran back to their horses. Springing into their saddles they rode to a | position to command a view of the prairie, and ‘ placing his hands to his mouth, Broncho Bill ee > + $ ar . oe it moe FY ‘** Let us give them a hint that they had better | ** Yes,” and Broncho Bill took the same posi- | As the word left the lips of Night Hawk, the | | partners, Sin: and me, ter keep house and look ard rolled out an exact imitation of a bugle sound- ing. the rally. he effect was electrical upon the savages, for, though they had hastily mounted their ponies, ' to prepare against an attack, they now felt that a large force of cavalry was upen them, as following the bugle-cal) of Bronucho Bill came the trumpet tones of Night Hawk ordering | troopers into line to charge. Away through the timber tore the Co- mauches, out upon the prairie at full speed, ex- | pecting each moment to see a body of soldiers in full chase. ‘‘Stampeded!”. quietly said Night Hawk. ‘Yes, we skedaddled the entire outfit,” and 1 the two scouts laughed heartily over the funny affair, while, galloping off to another camping- lace a mile away, they siept quictly for the Palanse of the night. CHAPTER XII. A MOCK TRIAL, Wirn a hurrah and a yell the cowboys, which | had been seen coming across the prairie by Nick Rawlings and his two prisoners, dashed up to ' the deor of the ranch, and were answered with 1m a wild war-cry by the gaunt individual, who i) had so nearly choked the life eut of poor Scraps. Among the cowhoys of the plains—come they from Montana, Culorado, or Texas—there are a great many noble specimens of manhood; but | then there are a number who do duty as such, ' | who are little better than horse-thieves and “a | horseback tramps, } They stick to no work when they can steal, are ever ready for a fight, if they can make any- | thing out of it and their evil deeds reflect upon | the honorable men who are known as cow- boys. These whites are the ‘‘chaff” amidst the wheat, and law is doing much to root them out ‘< now by putting its heavy hand upon them where ' a few years ago they could terrorize a commu- nity. Those cowboys whom Sim Lucas had brought | to the ‘‘ hanging bee,” as he had called it, were certainly a bad lot. : They herded upon the ‘disputed ground,” | where they could dash into Mexico if need be, | or run a drove of cattle across the river, which- ; ever would pay best. y They were under employ, and yet a wild, des- j perate set, Sim Lucas had picked his men, seeming to know them well. So when he rode up to the ranch, accompanied. by six comrades, they were ready for any deed that might turn up. To add to their recklessness, Nick Rawlings ' greeted them with an invitation to drink, brin, ing out for the occasion a bottle of fine old brandy that had belonged to the ranchero, The liquor was dashed off, the ponies were staked out, and one buge fellow said: ** Now tell us what’s up, Pard Nick, fer only axed us to a hanging bee.” ‘Waal, pards, thar has been a foul murder q committed,” said Nick Rawlings, in a tone that was meant to seem distressed. it ‘“* A murder!” cried a number of voices. “ Yas.” ‘* Whar’s ther corpse?” ‘‘ Ther corpse are buried.” - “Who were kilt?” asked the big bully, win appeared to take upon himself the duty of ques- tioner, and which noue of bis comrades, for rea- | sons best known to themselves, questioned his right to. , / ‘Our boss were kilt, the handsome young fel- | ler as owns this ranch, and tuk me and Sim in as partners only last week,” “ Who kilt him?” ‘Waal, pards, I wants ter tell yer nigh as I kin git onter it. ‘Yer see other day thet Injun come along here, and he and ther nigger held a powwow over yonder in ther woods. : “ [sees em and I wondered what it were all about. j ‘Then ther Injun he lit out, and soon arter | the boss, Pard Henry we calt him, said he w | goin’ ter buy some more cattle, : | So off he rid, with ther nigger, leavin’ Sim ’ arter the critters. » “Waal, last night who comes back but ther nigger and ther Injun, and the black imp tells us the boss are dead, kilt by Injuns, and he will | - pay us our wages and we kin git. a / & —_ surprised, pards, I were Fay <1 ther nigger ter show ers, | but | box in which t "and he said his master - were his instructions, Ken

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aS ‘* Now, pards, ther boss tuk gold away from here with him, to spend it for cattle, and thet nigger know’d he war goin’ and so told ther Comanche and they kilt him and he his money and then comed back here to bluff Sim and me. * Thot’s a fact, fer I hed a dream thet they kilt Pard Henry, and dreams is true signs, so my pranimeye said, and she—” . *‘Durn yer old grandmammy! where's the gold?” cried the huge cowboy, breaking in some- bee rudely upon Sim’s story of his grandmo- ther. - “They hain’t got a cent with ’em, in course, for they has hid it. * ButI leave it to you, pards, ef they hain’t guilty o’ murder iu ther first degree?” he tg are a clean case ag’in’ ’em,” said the ully. x li are a dead sure thing,” another remarked. ** Hangin’ is jist too good for ’em.” ‘* Hangin’ is ther game we plays with ’em.” ** And we plays to win.” ‘Yas, our hands kin beat ther ace o’ spades oni the jack o’ hearts ef they is trumps,” and tne cowboy who said this designated Scraps as the ace of spades, while Red Wolf came in as the jack of hearts. ‘* What does you make it?” asked Nick, of the huge bully, who was fond of the name he bore, which was that of Giant Saul. ‘©T makes it hangin’, and I wishes a word with ther nigger, as I is ther jedge ter pass sentence,” aud Giant Saul turned to the brave negro, who had calmly watched every face and listened to every word as coolly asdid his red-skin com- panion, for Scraps had made up his mind to die bravely, for that merey would be shown him he did not for a moment believe. He saw that the gold that his master had left was what Nick Rawlings and Sim Lucas were after, and he smiled grimly as he felt that he would have his revenge upon them by dying with the secret to go with him into the grave. CHAPTER XIII. UNINVITED GUESTS. TuRNING to Scraps in his bluff, rough man- ner, the self-appointed towboy judge stepped up and looked fixedly into his face. ‘ The negro did not flinch from the glaring eyes of the desperado, ‘What's yer name ?” he thundered. ** Scraps,’ ‘* Scraps o’ what?” ‘*My name am Zekiel Tanner; but I’se been called Scraps since I weie a boy,” and Scraps spoke with considerable respect in his tone. ‘Whar on ‘arth did yer git thet name?” **My old master gib it to me, ’cause I ust ter run round de place pickin’ up all de scraps and sich.” The bully laughed roughly and said: “Scraps! What a name fer a tombstone!” ** Guess 1 won’t hab no tombstone.” ‘“*Ye're right, for yer’ll be in luck if yer gits a Braye for I'd leave yer ter ther cayotes ter ck! pn You intends ter hang me?” ‘“‘That’s jist what'll happen, nigger!” ** And ther Injun?” ** 11] hang bim too.” ** What for?” ** Murder.” . ‘“* He hain’t no more guilty than I am,” *T knows guilt when | sees it, and ef you two | bain’t got ther sin o’ murder on your souls, then | Ym a har.” Brothers in Buckskin. * Hang ’em!” ‘*-Yonder’s a good limb.” ‘*Tt’s ther boss fer a gallows!” And so the cries arose on all sides, while Giant Saul and Nick Rawlings dragged the two prisoners toward the tree indicated as ‘‘ a good gallows.” As they went along Nick Rawlings, who had hold of Scraps, said in a low tone: “Tell me whar that box are and durned if I don’t save yer from hangin’.” ‘““Yer hain’t got ther narve ter do it, if yer had ther heart. No sah, dies silent!” ‘“*Durn yer,” growled Nick, and he struck the negro a blow in the face. ; n spite of it the brave fellow laughed htly. He was devoid of all fear of his tormentors and intended murderers. The party had now reached the tree, which was just under the shelter of the hill bebind the cabin, and was the very tree in which the tin box was hidden. Scraps’s heart almost stood still, for if a man climbed the tree to put the rope over the limb, he would be likely to find the tin box in its hiding-place. But Giant Saul skillfully threw the two ends of the rope over the etn, and then placed Yay about the necks of Scraps and Red olf, ““Now, pards, git onto the ends of ther lariats, four on each, and when I says pull, up they goes} ‘Now, nigger, if yer knows any scraps 0’ prayers, shout away; and as fer you, Injun, prayers don’t do heathen no good. ** All ready!” A shout answered his words, and the com- mand to pull was just about to issue from his lips when suddenly Night Hawk and Broncho Bill dashed upon the scene, as if by magic springing into their midst, and each hand held a revolver. Then rung out in deadly earnest the threatening words: ‘* Hands up, all of you!” They were uniuvited guests at the * hanging bee,” but they were too well known on that border for the stern command of ‘‘ hands up” not to be obeyed. From the ropes they held, up went the hands of the eight men, fir grouped together as they were, and with full self-cocking revolvers, suc as the Powell brothers were known to carry, twenty-four bullets could be rained into that crowd before a weapon could be drawn. ‘Waal, hands is up, now -what?’ queried Giant Saul, glancing first at Night Hawk and then at Broncho Bill, who sat their horses serene- ly, still covering the two groups with their re- volvers. CHAPTER XIV. COWED. ** Pix tell you what is up, Giant Saul. ** You are about to commit a foul murder, for those two men are not guilty,” came the calm, stern answer of Night Hawk to the huge des- perado. S j : ie ‘‘Tt’s a lie! they is guilty!” yelled Nick Raw- ings. A shot, a single one, followed his words, and as a howl of pain came from his lips, Broncho Bill coolly remarked: “Pve marked yourear, Nick Rawlings, to re- — you that you called the wrong man a iar. “Pards, has we got ter stand this?’ whined ‘‘ Yer sees yer own soul reflected in our honest | Rawlings. eyes,” was the quick response of Scraps. The bully seemed about to strike the bound man, as his comrades laughed at the remark; but, checking himself, he said: *¢*T won't kick a man as is on ther gallers.” ‘Waal, I’m ready to die, and I guess Red Wolf are, too, Hain’t you?’ and Scraps turned to the silent Indian, who complacently an- swered: **Me live, me die, all same.” ‘“Now just hear dat, and he b’long to no chu’ch nuther,” said Scraps in great admiration of his red brother. “Soon go to happy hunting-grounds,” added Red Wolf. ' “J hope I'll strike ther same trail; but maybe they won’t want no coon in Injun heben, oy ; now I tinks of it, ]’d ruther not go thar, deré is a Injun or two I don’t want ter meet, secin’ as 1 sent ’em thar,” and Scraps seemed a trifle worried as to just which celestial destina- tion his soul would embark for. oc ‘** Come S, od. foolin’, and let's hang ther murderers,” cried Nick Rawlings, — “Yas, up with ’en.” ‘‘ Hands up all of you! ‘“Move and we open fire, and you know our aim,” and at Night Hawk’s words the gang, a was becoming restless, became still as eath, ; Riding forward a few paces, Broncho Bill lowered one revolver, took his knife from his belt and quickly severed the bonds of Scraps, rp the knife be said: ** Pick it up and free the Comanche.” Scraps did not take an instant in obeying. ** Now disarm those men, both of you.” ** Yer’s cowards to take advantage ’cause yer kin,” growled Giant Saul. __Broncho Bill laughed in his light way, and ‘ight Hawk said: _* We came here two to eight, but we are four n if you Wi ht it out we are Ww ‘ guns, pa “Get your ¢ A; have theirs again.” Phe. hee: ‘Yer knows ef we kills yer we'll hev ther whole fort down on us,” said Giant Saul. “That's the way you sneak out of it; but if you call us cowards again Pl mark your ear as go arter de cowboys to come and help for dey pretend to say We kill poor ? and dat he owe dem money, and dey tal.e d ranch and cattle. : } “4 “But he only owe’em for dis Month, as I knows, and Nie = cause tell? igfeey Pita, heart it am Will has Nick Rawlings’s, to keep civil tongues in your heads.” here was no mistaking that Night Hawk and Broncho Bill were in earnest, and the band of bullies were cowed completely. As the Indian and Scraps ha: now disarmed them, Night Hawk said, addressing the negro; ‘* Now, my man, what is the trouble between you two and this gang of despera oes?” ‘*- You calls names now,” cried Giant Saul. “If you don’t like what I say to you, take your revolver, step off ten es and resent it,” and Night Hawk leaped from his horse grasped a Weapon, which Scraps said belonged to the giant and held it out to him, while Broncho Bill oe his weapons still covering the group and the Indian and the negro also s ready for deadly work, if called upon, “7 hain’t a-goin’ ter fight again’ dead sure ds. ” ‘¢ What odds?” ‘© Ther whole fort.” ‘«- You hedge on the fort as an excuse for your cowarilice. ‘* But we wish to hear the report of these two men as to why you want to hang them. “Now, my man, tell us what it was all about?” and Night Hawk turned to Scraps. _ As for Scraps his whole form was trembling with delight. He had looked death squarely in the face without a quiver of fear visible; but being snatched from the very grave, as it were, almost unnerved him. ‘*T done tell yer all about it, boss, and you, sah,” and he bowed to Broncho Bill, while he spoke to Night Hawk. ‘Well, my man, take it coolly and let us know.” ; ‘** Yes, sah, gemmans, me and my poor boss ian rig Henr , we rid out for a hunt fer several ays. ‘This are his ramch, yer see, and two o’ these men was his cowboys, sah. ‘‘ Waal, sah, we got chased by Injuns, and we had a hard run of it and I guess we'd hev keen cotched if some sojers hadn’t come in sight an’ run de Comanches back. : ** But poor Mars’ Henry he were wounded with an Injun arrer in bis back, and I tuk him on to some timber and tried ter help him, but be says to me he know’d as how he were gwine ter die. ** But, I went off wid de canteens, to git some water, leavin’ Mars’ Henry lyin’ on de ground, and de hosses near bim, when some Injuns jumped me in de timber and chase me far off. ‘*T is mighty spry on my feet, if I does wear number ’levens, and I made de dirt fly too fast for dem Injuns, and I got inter a little cabin house dat see’d in de woods. “*T stayed dere all night, and next day de In- juns had gone and I went back to whar | left rs’ Henry. ‘Oh, gemmans, he war dead and tored to pieces by de wolves, for de Injuns had tooken de horses and left him lying dere, arter robbin’ him, [ s’pose, ’cause 1 didn’t see no clo’es *yound. ‘Wal, I buried what dere was ob de body, and den I started on foot fer home, and mighty tuckered out and hungry I kin tole yer. ‘*Den 1 seen three horsemen coming, and one was dis Injun gemman, who I know’d, and t)others was some o’ de Cowboy Pirit band. ‘Dey had jist captured Red Wolf, and dey was gwine ter burn him up, for I were hidin’ av’ I done heerd dem say S09. , “So I jist opened fire on ’em, and I kilt de half-breed’ man, and t’other, 9 Mexikin, jum on his pony powerful quick and got away, for wasn’t anxious ter foller him, seein’ as I had got | de Comanche all right. ‘“T untied Red Wolf, and den I tuk de horse o’ de half-breed and we gome home, r Tars’ Henry | afore he die, and 1 axed de Comanche io lib wid _ me here, and so he got bis outfit and comed home wid me, ; : “Den I tole Mister Rawlings my story, and at mght he and Sim Lucas dere, his at Red Wolf and me and hab us dead sure. ; “T hab my orders from rd, come “So dey make us pris’ners, and den Sim he err and Sim, dem bad men, w Henry’s tin box, Which are pers in it, pin, abies ‘ it Mars’ and hah money and tea sine hang us, © ; : and I crosses my r 7 ot wrt ts ho r a lt a : - A ey ete lle EO bi gS ag my

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‘ ay Brothers in Buckskin. wi ’ me (pte ne ne " P . a4, 5% ae * ® . ‘ 5 A | a ee” Pet a ets Pe ' ‘© We know that it is the truth, my man, for we can read signs pretty well and we have’ fol- lowed every step of your trail. ‘““We saw your master’s grave, and the hte showed us that he had been torn to eces, ‘** We followed your track to the spring in the timber, then your running trail to the old cabin, a mile away, and could see the Indian trails, too. “The track of the two Cowboy Pirates across the prairie with your Indian friend, the body of the half-breed, half-devoured by wolves, and then the trail of yourself and the Comanche to his cabin, and then here we followed without a miss. ‘*We were watching, from the hill yonder, the high-handed behavior of this gang of mur- derers, for, from those I see here that I know of, they are little better than horse-thieves and cut- throats, and we chipped in to save you, and I ain only sorry they did not have the nerve to draw their guns, that we might rid the country of some of them.” : ‘** Tt is not too late now, if they feel an anxiety to fight,” coolly said Broncho Bill. “Dey looks more anxious to git away den dey does ter fight,” Scraps remarked, with a laugh. Well, they can go, and the two cowboys who were employed by your master can go with ‘them. ‘Have you the money to pay them?” “Yas, sah, I has it right wid me, for Mars’ Henry allus told me ter carry a hundred dollars along, for fear o’ accidents, and he owed ’em jist thirty dollars apiece at the end of dis month.” Scraps took from an inner pocket a roll of bills, as he spoke, and counted out the amount and handed it to Rawlings and Lucas, “Now get their traps, my man, and their horses.” This was quickly done by the negro, and then, covering the gang with their rifles, Night Hawk said: ‘* Will, empty their guns, please, and then let them have them.” Instantly the weapons of the cowboys began to rattle lively in the hands of the handsome scout, and when the last shot had been fired, he called out: ‘*Now mount and get!” “You'll rue this work, pards,” cried Giant ul. “Let that remind you to keep your word,” and quick as lightning Night Hawk’s weapon flashed, and, as Broncho Bill had done, he elypped the ear of the dusperado, It was enough, for the band sprung upon their ponies and dushed away, glad to get out of range, while Scraps, in his admiration, cried out: ““Oh, gemmans! if my poor Mars’ Henry had only know’d yer, he’d never hab wanted ter die.” ooo CHAPTER XV. PARDS, HE eight cowboys rode off like the wind, un- _ til they got oui of range of the deadly rifles of the two scouts. Then they halted, and grouped together, were Situation, evidently discussing the Both Night Hawk and Broncho Bill had fully realized the desperate risk they had run in bearding the reckless cowboys. But they had carefully followed the trails, as Night Hawk had said, and upon coming in sight of the cabin had taken in the situation at a glance. With their horses beyond the bill, and within _ hearing distance, they had overheard what was said and had decided to act and to dare every- thing to save the Indian and the negro from being murdered, for, recognizing a number of the men, they felt assured that, there was some _ motive for their actions, deeper than the mere ging of Red Wolf and Scraps, So they consulted together and, taking their own lives in their hands, bad boldly dashed on the scene and at once became masters of e situation. se ie _ The crack shot of Broncho Billy, in clipping ear of Nick Rawlings, had been to cow them, as he saw they were restless and ready to break out at a single word of encouragement - while Night Hawk had shot with something the sam d lett his mark for life upon a ie same motiv They raae tile) cowboys halt out upon the rie and load their weapons, while they dis- _ tte pss esses ssn pss -_ cussed the situation, evidently in no pleasant tones, But, with the cabin as a citadel and Red Wolf and Scraps as allies, neither Night Hawk or Broncho Bill had any dread of the result of an attack from them, though they were two to one. For a few moments it seemed as though the cowboys were really meditating an attack upon the ranch, for they were seen to be handling their weapons as though getting ready. Then they turned their attention to the cattle, and Scraps called out: ‘*Lordy! dey is gwine ter run off with ther cattle.” **Come, we must show a bold face to those fellows. ‘**Mount, and follow me,” and Night Hawk at once sprung upon his horse, and Broncho Bill and the others followed his example. ‘* Spread out in a line and keep steady. ** Will, you take the left, and I will hold the right, while Scraps and Red Wolf have’ the center.” So saying, Night Hawk moved forward, the a starting out in a line of a hundred yards in ength. The cowboys had in the mean time been sur- rounding the cattle, evidently having decided to drive them off. But the bold front shown by the two scouts, in daring to come out and attack them, seemed to check their plans, while one or two urged that they were driving off property that did not belong to them, and soldiers would be sent against them. 3ut this was a subterfuge to escape a battle with the four men, though they were two to one against them. . Scraps’s skill as a rifle and pistol-shot was well-known to both Rawlings and Lucas, and Red Wolf was supposed to be a bad hand in a fight, and especially against them would poth men be more than anxious to do their best for revenge, Then the two Buckskin Brothers, as the Powells were often called, were men to dread. Their record was too well known for them not to be feared, They had drifted to the plains as rancheros onasmall scale, and though keeping a small ranch, they were also doing duty as Govern- ment scouts, when their services were sougit. Several times they had been forced to show their deadly marksmanship, and peaceable at all times, when aroused they were men who went to the bitter end. These were the considerations which the cow- boys felt urged them against a battle with the Buckskin Brothers and their negro’ and Indian allies. After a short consultation, as that line of four men came slowly but surely on, they gave a few defiant yells and started off at a gallop. The cattl> were then driven into the stockade, along with the herd of mustangs, and Scraps set avout getting one of his splendid ply Which his young master had always been so fond of, There was a fireplace outside of the cabin under a shed, and here a table was set and Scraps was anxious to do himself more than justice in his culinary efforts, and he certainly did, for the brothers were glad to confess that they aeverhad enjoyed a better meal. That night Scraps got the box from its biding- place, and Night Hawk at his uest wrote a note to the oue to whom the package of letters was addressed, and made upall ina package, with the miniature and a few other little trin- kets, The miniature was set in gold and was of a beautiful young giMl, with a face that was most fascinating, and long the two scouts gazed upon ts loveliness, ‘Yer see, sah,” explained Scraps, _“* Mars’ Henry were from Alabama, whar be lived on the plantation wid his parents, ‘‘ IT were also born dere, gemmens, and it were a lovely home, f ‘*But Mars’ Henry he went inter ther army, and while he were at West Point he see’d dis young leddy and fell in lub wid ter, “While he ae on i frontier somewhar, I esses around the North country, bis paren oe o’ yellow feber in Mobile, and Laide orter ae leddy as Mars’ Henry lu she gitmarr somebody else. — ee is y ‘‘ ens, from dat day he were de saddest ever seen. He comed out to Alabamy, sold de ole home, and den he struck out fer Texas, whar I sudjest- ed he sh’u’d come. “Yer sees I were wrong, for he am dead; but possibl 1ed to | he axed me to send dem tings right to de leddy and I axes yer to do so, as yer says yer kin ’em from de fort,” ‘I wih see that they go straight, Scraps, and will give you the receipt for their delivery. ‘But this paper leaves Zekiel Tanner the ranch, effects and money in hand, and it is drawn in Galveston and witnessed there,” ‘‘That’s me, sah—I are Zekiel Tanner, called a fer short, and whom ole massa christened raps. “ Yes, I see it says ‘ Zekiel Tanner, nicknamed Scraps.’ ” ‘Yes, sah, dat’s me.” “* Well, — had better hide the box away again, with your money and these other papers, and I would not suggest putting it again in the tree, as it might be struck by lightning, blown down or burned.” ‘* Dat’s so, sah, and I knows another place Il put it, and you gemmans can know, so if any- thing happens ter me, you will know whar der i oh is. his matter having been settled, the party re- tired, neither Night Hawk or Broncho Bin con- sidering it worth while to keep a watch, as they feared no trouble from the cowboys. After a couple of days’ rest at the ranch, enjoying the good cooking of Scraps, the Buck- skin Brothers took their departure for the post leaving Seraps in possession of his house, an Red Wolf for his companion, for the negro and the Indian had become inseparable pards, the former doing all the talking for the two, as the latter was always taciturn, seldom even speaking; but that the Comanche became great- ly attached to the one who had saved his life, there Was no manner of doubt. CHAPTER XVI, WELL MET, WueEn the Buckskin Brothers returned to the fort, they had a warm welcome, and they were glad to see that Lieutenant Dana was consider- ed quite a hero after his victory over the Co- maunches, They also came in for their share of praise, for Frank Dana was not one to wear another's laurels without giving full credit where it was deserved. All were anxious to know what the two scouts had discovered on their long trail, and they re- ported to the major in command the death of the young ranchero,and the scene that had taken — at the ranch between them and the cow- oys. “T half believe that some of these cowboys nearest the river are mixed up with this band of outlaws known as the Cowboy Pirates of the Rio Grande, colonel,” said Night Hawk, “Well, if you_can find out that such is the case, Powell, | will make short work of them, on any proof which you or your brother may bring,” was the answer of Ma jor Loring. Then he added: **The outlawry on this border is something fearful, and it is mostly owing to the fact that Mexico affords a hiding-place for all scamps who fly from justice on this side, and Mexican outlaws run over on Texan soil toescape punish- ment from their Government. **Then there are the Comanches to contend against, and altogether, it 's a knot the unravel- ing of which will require time and much Stretching of hemp. 4 ‘* But you goahead in your good work, for you are of most assistance to me, and before long the good points of your service will begin to show.” This gave the Buckskin Brothers a kind of roving privilege, and they were more than will- ing to be on the watch while attending to the duties devolving upon them at their little ranch, which, as their mother was there with them, they had settled as far from the danger line ag sible. : Mrs. Powell, the mother of Night Hawk and Broncho Bill,-vas a woman pertectly fearless und she could handle a rifle and revolver with deadly aim, if need be, r Their heme was as comfortable a one as was on the border, and their drove of mustangs and herd of cattlewere increasing in numbers rap- idly and consequently in value, ‘ With a couple of old and faithful servants, Mrs. Powell remained at the ranch, proud of her gallant sons, and ever anxious to make their stay at home pleasant, and with the greatest de- light she was wont to look forward to their com- ing f their perilous trips, ; 7o cowboys that wer to be trusted, had charge of t b and so the brothers found time to go at will on any expedi-

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ae * — —e _— SRSUEEAGERE aareaungie-— gees icecane oe 10 tion that might suggest itself, or that they might be needed upon, aving sent the package, intrusted to their keeping by Scraps, to the address given, Night Hawk and Broncho Bill set out upon a visit to their home, After a stay there of a couple of weeks, they again took the trail, and, a couple of months after leaving the fort they were back again with much valuable information which they had ree up, and which was of much service to ajor Lionel. The receipt for the packs ge, safely delivered, was returned, and so Night Hawk suggested a visit to Ranchero’s Rest, to deliver it to Scraps about whom they felt some little anxiety. Broncho Bill was more than willing, and telling the major they would do more scouting work, they set out for the ranch, After nine days’ ride, having often turned from their trail to look at *‘ Indian signs,” they camped one night some ten miles from Raneh- ero’s Rest, intending to make an early start the next morning and arrive in time for one of Seraps’s good breakfasts. They awoke before dawn and instantly Bron- cho Bill called out: ** What’s that red glare, George?” ‘| don’t know; it must be a prairie fire,” was the answer, “Tt is right in the direction of the Ranchero’s Rest.” f You are right, so let us get at once on the way. The blankets were rolled up, horses saddled, and mounting, they set off a! a canter. As they ascended a rise of the prairie, they saw that the horizon to the south was one vast glare of red. “Will?” “ Yes George.” “*T believe they have done it at last.” ** Those cowboys?” ‘* Yes; Rawlings and his gang.” “T guess you are right; but I hope no harm : has befallen poor Scraps and the Comanche,” “T trust not; butif those villains set the cabin en fire, you may be sure that it was with the negro and the Indian in it.” ““We must rid the country of that gang, for, with the major, I believe that the Cowboy Pi- rates are not altogether men belonging to the band of that Mexican, San Cruz.” ‘Such is my idea, and I am ready for the Will,” was the quiet re- work at any time, ‘ sponse, and Nighthawk Powell meant just what he said. It was now daybreak, and as the Buckskin Brothers dashed across the prairie, suddenly ap- red before them two men. They were on foot, and running at full speed. At aglance they were recognized, for Broncho Bill called out: ‘* Scraps and Red Wolf, for all Tam worth!” ** Correct! and they are pursued,” was the re- sponse of Nighthawk, and the horses were put to a run to meet the two men, so well met, for a moment after a party of horsemen dashed from the timber behind the fugitives, and in full pur- suit. 5 CHAPTER XVIL A MIDNIGHT RAID, WHEN seen by Nighthawk and Bronecho Bill both Scraps and Red Wolf were doing their level best at making time. The sight of the two horsemen had at first caused them to halt, for their eyes were blurred from their running so fast, and they did not re- cognize them, _ But when Red Wolf said: “Night Hawk and Broncho Bill,” it was the signal for one of S-raps’s old-fashioned planta- i tion yells, and he gave it with a vengeance, | while Red Wolf shouted back at his pursuers a ery of defiance, The two scouts echoed the shouts with their own ringing war-cries, and spurred to the rescue, their rifles ay : _ There were four men in pursuit, and they came swiftly on, until some one happened to -recognize the scouts, and shouted: ** Hold, pards! itis ther Buckskin Brothers!” — Instantly the four drew rein, and, as the scouts came swiftly on they turned and retreated the shelter of the timber which they had j their left. Then t d,. and iehilo oneal horses “' ‘ of ; ht | f took u positions to make a stand ond fight, it seemed, = Brothers in Buckskin. Upon reaching the two fugitives, Night Hawk and Broncho Bill were greeted with warm ex- pecesions of gratitude from Scraps, while Red olf said: ‘* Much heap good brother. ‘* Big white chiefs.” _ What is the trouble, Scraps?” asked Night Hawk. *¢ Burned out, boss,” ‘They have burned your cabin?” ‘¢ Yas, sah, all gone,” panted the negro, *¢ Who did it?” ** Don’t know ’zactly, sah, for dey wored cloth over their faces for masks; but dere was two as cu’dn’t mask their shape.” ‘‘ Nick Rawlings and Giant Saul?” ‘*' Yas, sah, dem’s de ones, or dere is two like ’em in shape,” ‘*T guess you are not far wrong, Scraps. ‘* But how many are there in the gang?” ‘*T counted nine, sah.” ‘Weil, tell us about it, now you have got your breath, and we will then go back with you, and if these men bar our way they must fight, though we wish no trouble with them unless they provoke it,” . “They going to fight, sah, for dey is dere in de woods, and dere is three more of ’em back yonder.” ; “*T thought you said there were nine?” ‘‘ Dere was nine, sab.” ce Ah!” “Two are missing?” asked Broncho Bill with a smile. ‘* Yas, sah, two is gwine ter keep missin’, too.” ‘** Tell us abont it.” ‘¢ Waal, gemmens, matters has been regulatin’ along all right up to past few days, when me and Red Woif seen trails around we didn’t like, ‘‘Dere was tracks about de cabin, made wid boot-heels, and around de corral, and so we con- cluded we was gwine ter git into trouble. ‘So I took some belongings I didn’t want hurt out imter ther woods, whar I has a hidin’- place, and den me and Wolf begin to watch o’ nights. “It were lucky for us that we beginned that very night, which were last night, for about midnight, while I were sleepin’, and the chief were watchin’, he waked me up and say: ‘Look dar!” ‘¢T looked, and I seen things wasn’t right, fer thar was half a dozen men about the stockade. ** They was too many for us, so we didn’t do nothin’ but lie still, as thar was none of ’em we thought about ther cabin. ‘“* Pretty soon ther stockade gates was open, and ther stock all was druv out onto ther perarer. ‘*T were mad, but I didn’t say nothin’, and of course Red Wolf he kept quiet, for he always do ‘¢ Soon arter ther stock were druv off, I heerd a loud knock at the cabin door, and a voice call out: ‘“*¢ Hain’t you red and black niggers gwine ter git mee “* Of course there was no reply, and the knock- ing and calling were kept up, ontil they begun to pound at ther door very heavy. “They seen our saddles, for we should have tuck them and our horses with us, and they thought sure we was in ther cabin. ‘Burn ’em out,” then we heard one say, and all of ’em yelled. c ‘Soon they had a fire, and they piled things up ag’in’ ther door, and I know’d ther cabin were a goner, ‘ ‘‘ Ther fire burned slow at first: but it soon got quick, and then says I ter the chief: ‘¢¢ We is ruined, Wolf.’” * ‘¢ He say back to me: ‘““* Much heap revenge; have good time kill bad pule-face.’” Both Night Hawk and Broncho Bill burst out laughing at this, and the former said: “But go on With your story, Scraps.” “Yes, sah; but dere hain’t much more to tell, for when de cabin burn hot, and we didn’t come out, they call out we was hidin’ somewhar round, and to look us up. ‘** Den we concluded to git, and we was gittin’ ight along pretty peert, when three of ’em spy d cam g arter us, 10t at ’em, bum - a the back for m elp! - ee maiet “Then yonder four come, met you dey would have kilt us didn’t fetch no ammunition by mistak ‘* Yes, itisa sad mistake, Scraps, and one you must never make, ’ . sartin, for we | e. ————————————— ns “‘Get your ammunition first, and then you'll not forget your rifle or revolvers.” ‘You made another mistake in not having our horses with you, or near you, in hiding, ane Bill added. ‘¢Yas sah: but Lis ’arning rapid, and if they don’t kill me DVll git eddicated in time; but Lordy, how glad I is to be yer’, gemmans, ‘« But does yer intend ter fight dem varmints in de woods?” ‘There are no men there, Scraps,” said Bron- cho Bill. ‘‘Yas sah, for didn’t yer seen em?” ‘* Yes, we saw them make a show of stopping there to fight.” ‘“* Dey is dere, sah.” ‘* No, for they sent their horses back with one of their men, while they took positions behind trees, pretending they meant to remain, ‘Then they crept away and are along way off ae now.” ‘* Lordy! you gemmans reads folks’ doin same as a book,” said Scraps with admiration in voice and look, while Red Wolf remarked in his terse way: ‘* Yes, big chiefs,” “ Well, we will go on and see if we cannot find you a mount, and you follow on as rapidly as possible,” and the two scouts rode straight om toward the timber where they had seen the horsemen prepare for resistance against them. CHAPTER XVIII. AT THE RUINED RANCH. Ir proved to be just as Broncho Bill had sur- mised, that the horsemen had only made a show at a stand in the timber, and had then crept off,. mounted their horses and fled at full speed, Whoever they happened to be they were anx- ious to hasten back, remove the bodies of their two men, slain by the Comanche and Scraps, so that dead men should tell no tales, and then urge their companions to hasten on with the stock, as there were upon their track two scouts who might have at their back a large force of soldiers, So the four men fled in hot haste, and reach- ing the bodies of their comrades took them. across their horses and pressed on after those who were driving off the stolen stock. Not willing to leave the chief and Scraps too far behind, th» scouts went at a slow pace for them, when ona trail, and yet they read the signs that they saw with unerring truth. They saw where the two men had fallen from their horses, under the fire of the Indian and negro, and where the one man who had escaped. of the three in pursuit had turned back to get others to go in chase. ; The tracks of the four returning, when they , had dismounted and picked up the bodies, or wounded men, whichever they might see, were gone over patiently and unerringly. ** George?” ce Yes, ” ‘‘ When those two men fell from their horses, the animals went off this way, see!” and Broncho Bill pointed to two trails, ‘You are right.” : ‘There are no other trails following, so the horses were doubtless not caught.” ‘* By Jove! the very thing, for we can mount Setape and Red Wolf at once,” cried Nigh. awk, ‘* You wait here for them to come up, and I)! follow the trails of the two horses, for they can~ ee ee a not have gone far.” : So Broncho Bill rode off at a canter, readily following the trails, which kept well together. After about bal? a mile’s ride he came in sight of the horses, feeding in a bottom, They were saddled and bridled, and the rein of one had caught his feet and hoppled bim, The other animal started to run, having not — recovered froin his fright of having bis master shat from his back, which always alarms a — atone greatly, and Broncho Bill at once went in — chase, i Loosing his lariat he soon had it in hand, and as his splendid horse carried bim Within lasso range of the flying animal, he launched the noose through the air, ; f Pre At once his skill was shown, for the animal _ was securely caught, and seeming to know that — to go on would give him a hard fall, he nice] stopped short. - Tho other borse was then vainly captured freed from the tangled reins, ay) Then Broncho Billy started back at a galls E ith his prizes, for the animals wore han some : and bridles, The rifles and traps of — t ghineetsee eM rap] the saddles and Broncho capture. Ae x . ae

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Scraps and Red Wolf had caught up when he returned, and were following close behind Night Hawk when he overtook them. ‘“That was good work of yours, Will, for now we are fixed, and with a pair of extra rifles and ammunition in the bargain,” said Night Hawk. The Indian and negro at once mounted tho | horses, and seemed greatly pleased with their mounts and the outfit they bad secured. As they came near the ranch, Broncho Bill scouted in ahead, but his call soon told the others to come on, as there were no foes there. The wicked work of the raiders was well done, however, for the cabin was in ashes and the stockade was slowly burning away, This was quickly stopped, however, by remov- ing a few of the timbers, and then Scraps sought the place where he had certain things cached in a secure hiding-place, an‘! the result was a very fine breakfast was soon ready. Not a mustang or a steer had been left behind by the raiders, and they had ruined all that they could destroy before leaving, and Scraps’s eyes filled with tears as he looked at the ruined home. ‘¢Gemmans, does yer know what I has cone?” he asked the scouts, ‘+ What is it, Scraps?” ‘ Waal yer know I is somethin’ of a carpenter in my line, and [ jist made a fu’st-rate coffin, and then tuk a shovel and spade, two mustangs an de ambulance, which Mars’ Henry brought here wid him, and which dem devils has burnt up, and while Red Wolf tuk keer of do ranch I scovted off up to whar de grave were.” “The ranchero’s?” ‘* Yas, sah.” “ And you dug up the body?” ‘Yas, sah, What dere was left ob it, and I ; fetched it here, and ef yer’ll come wid me Pll show yer,” They followed the noble negro in_ silence, and at a pretty spot, on tae banks of the stream, they beheld a grave, : It was neatly rounded, and upon it wild flow- ers had been planted, and so faithfully had they been cared for that they were blooming brightly. At the head of the grave was a wooden cross, and into it bad been cut with real artistic skill in lettering: “POOR MARS’ HENRY,” It was a simple tribute from the faithful negro, and he said: “ Mars’ Henry ust ter like ter come here, gemmans, and he lie right whar dat grave am, and read by de hour. ‘*So I fotched him here, where his grave wouldn’t be so lonesome near to me,” ‘he scouts did not speak,and Broncho Bill gras Scraps’s hand in silence, and walked quic y away, while tears dimmed the eagle eyes of Night Hawk, as he dropped his hand upon the negro’s shoulder and said; ‘Scraps, in the language of the Bible I can say to you: ** Well done thou good and faithful servant.” Then Night Hawk said that they must be upon the trail of the raiders, and walked away. But glancing back, as he was some distance off, he saw Scraps on his knees by the grave, his head uncovered and his face upraised as though in prayer, ' more touching sight he had never witnessed. — : CHAPTER XIX. .4 THE TELL-TALE GRAVES. hi AFTER a rest of several hours at the ruined ‘ ranch, the scouts, the Indian and Scraps, mount- Q 2 ed their horses and set off upon the broad trail oh left by the cattle-thieves, G They knew that the herd had fully ten hours’ march, That they could retake the herd the scouts did - not believe, for they felt assured that if nine men had come to the ranch, others were doubt- near as a reserve, or Support, for the cow- boys, if bres were the gadg Which had tried to se hang the Comanche and Scraps, certaivly had ies, hey gave Scra stock, but Night te asd DOR | start “of them, and would be driven bard, |» while it being the first day's drive the cattle ab : would be fresh anil be able to make a long fod no hope Of recapturing his thi ow eh be able to trace out nk, Scraps, be @ ou o the thieves are, ,Seraps r -“ And if we ‘do, ? I think we can make this try a little too hot for Nick Rawlings, Giant q cay > Be It’s Bo Pie lot. for ’em, sah, arter you and Mister Broncho Bill takes hold of ’em,” } Brothers in Buckskin. responded Scraps, and Red Wolf gave a grunt of ready assent, The two captured horses proved to be excel- lent ones, and as the scouts rode animals that had not their superior on tho berder, for speed and staying qualities, and in fact few equals, the four pressed on at a good pace. After going some miles and watching the trail closely, Broncho Bill called a halt and looked at his brother. ‘“T see what you mean, Will,” said Night Hawk with a smile, ‘** You see this small trail going off here?” *¢ Yes.” “Two horses and about half-a-dozen cattle?” ** Yes, it looks as though the cattle had made a break here, and then had gotten off into the woods.” “So it looks; but was it so?” “That was what I was thinking, Will, for there may have been a reason for these cattle to break off here.” ‘“‘There was a reason; but we can go on and watch to see where the trail rejoins the main one.” This they did, and it was about half a mile *yond, y Without a word Night Hawk and Broncho Bil turned back on the small trail, and the two others followed, Scraps wondering what dis- covery the scouts had mayle that seemed to in- terest them so. For his part he only saw the tracks of a few cattle and two horses, which had broken from the trail, and afterashortrun had been brought back again, aa the scouts saw more in it, or thought they id. _ A ride of a quarter of a mile brought them into some timber, and straight toward a thicket the scouts led the way. ‘ ‘* There it is, Will,” quietly said Night Hawk, pointing to a spot loosely covered with leaves. ‘* Yes, and we will see who they are, “* Come, let us dig down into this grave, for it _— deep,” and Broncho Bill sprung from his orse. The others followed his example, the leaves were thrown aside, and with knife and sticks the soft dirt was removed. The grave was perfectly flat, the loose dirt having evidently been car ied off in bags, or cloths, to drop in some stream. But for the superior knowledge of the Buck- skin Brothers, the bodies of the two men lying within would not have been found, They were soon exposed, and had been thrown a the shallow hole without a blanket around em. “You and Wolf aimed well, Scraps,” said Night Hawk, pointing to the bullet wounds in the heads of the men. The dirt was brushed from the faces, and then Broncho Bill said quietly: “They are two of your friends, Scraps.” ‘Yas, sah, I knows them.” ‘Same bad pale-face,” said Red Wolf recog- nizing two of the party of eight who had so nearly put an end to the life of Scraps and himself, ‘Let us fill in the grave and then push on. ‘“We cannot catch the herd, but we may meet some of the men coming back. “Tf not, we know who six of the party are, and the ninth we must find out, for two are ac- counted for,” Night Hawk said. The grave was then made as it was before, and the four horsemen pushed on once more after the stolen herd and the band of robbers, CHAPTER XX. GIVEN WARNING, WHEN the party reached the Rio Grande, the herd of stolen cattle and mustangs had already been run across the river into Mexican territory, They halted long enough to discover if any of the robbers had then turned back, but they were not able to find any, and so they passed on down the river, Night Hawk remarking that the cowboys waquid be anxious to return to the ranches where they belonged and would natur- ally cross the river with the herd and records at ral ford, soas to throw all pursuit off she track, Before leaving the ranch the two scouts and the Indian had closely studied the tracks of the animals ridden by the cowboys nt si ey had e seating nd a on the ea they had ced Out the same -marks. \fter riding down the Rio Grande to another crossing, thev there found tracks which a close study revealed were the same that had been at the ranch and on the cattie-tral. Red Wolf was here in his element, and he! ' raw m_<~w't il < eae eS i ieee Se. aes ts, * |. - ae : ee Le ge ea ee ek ae CAR Ne ub eT anisi Hd ye ok ge gy Ls pronounced the tracks of five of tho horses: made by the same animals which they had trailed, ! They had, in following the track of the cattle, seen other marks that indicated the nine men — who had been at the ranch were not all of the party, for the mustangs that were stolen were unshod, and there had been half a dozen ani- mals wearing shces. Taking the trails of the four horses that had recrossed the river, and which were as familiar to their practiced eyes as the hoof-marks of their own animals, they set off upon the back trail. Ata certain point one separated and Scraps said: ‘* It goes to ther ranch of Mister Binney.” ‘* How many cowboys has he, Scraps?” “Hive, sah.” “We will just call upon Mr. Binney,” said Night Hawk, anda ride ef six miles brought them to the Bingey Ranch, The trail led directly to it, and as they rode up Binney an‘ his five cowboys were just sitting down to dinner in the kitchen cabin, The scouts knew Ranchman Binney, and so Night Hawk called out: ‘Ho, Mr. Binney, have you lost any stock lately?” ‘‘No, Mr. Powell; but won’t you come in and have some dinner?” ‘‘One moment, please,” and Night Hawk asked in a low tone; * Any of your cowboys been off the past few days? “ Yes, Rufus Davis has been over to see his brother.” ‘¢ Ah, yes, I see Rufus in there now,” and as though going to take dinner, Night Hawk dis- mounted, The cowboy who answered to the name of Rufus Davis was a short, stout fellow, with a face that would not bear close inspection, if one was looking in it for any noble traits, He was pale as the scouts entered, for be had : seen them ride up, but he did not suppose that they had tracked him so surely. e ‘©Good-morning, gentlemen,” said Night. ~ Hawk, pleasantly, and he took his hat off as he entered the cabin, but it covered the act of his: — drawing a revolver, and he had the man covered _ in an instant, while he said, sternly: “ Davis, you are my prisoner!” : Broncho Bill, the negro, and the Indian stood | in to ‘hold the fort,” should others inter- ere, But having covered his man, Night Hawk stepped up to him and in a moment had disarm- ed him, ‘‘ Mr, Binney, I am sorry, sir, to tell you that. you have a black sheep among your flock, for this man deserves hanging. “We will take him with us, for there are some of his comrades that we wish him to meet.” ‘““What has he been doing, Night Hawk?” asked one of the other four cowboys present. * Cattle-stealing.” “Tf we'd ’a’ know'd that we'd ’a’ hanged him; but I hopes you can prove it.” _**Oh, yes, I do not act hastily. ‘“T wrong no man without proof. ‘See here!” and Night Hawk drew a red handkerchief from the pocket of the prisoner’ and said: ‘ : ‘“‘ Do you see these holes cut in here? ‘‘ Well, he wore thisas a mask in some devilish ty work he has been doing. “Mr, Binney, pardon our unpleasant inter- ruption, but this man goes with us,” : “| have nothing to say, Powell, for I know you act under Government orders, and if Davis: is guilty Jet him suffer,” was the reply of the ranchero. ; ] ; Binding their prisoner quickly, the party made bim mount his own horse, which one of the cowboys brought around saddled and ready, and then all rode away. . Back to the trail they went, and teking it up: . amee more, they pressed on until another trae * branched off to another ranch. 4 Here another of the four was surprised and captured, and the honest cowboy comrades had deceived were very Willing to see him pun~ ished. ts +o t was night when the party with their pris- oners approached the ranch where the trall of — the two last led. ae = It was where Sim Lucas and Nick Rawlings had obtained employment as herders, after leay- ing Ranchero’s Rest. : PF : were also surprised by having revolvers: couatiok them before they could resist, and their’ on cn mr” iV Joyer was of their treach ort Now, Mek Rawlings : where isG asked Broncho Bil { es Rag

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12 ¥ j Brothers in Buckskin. **T dunno,” was the sullen reply. “Well, I could force you to know, if I took ‘harsh measures; but I think he will take warn- ro when he knows that you have left the coun- ry. ‘*Does yer mean for us ter leave that way?” and Nick Rawlings pointed toward the ground. ‘It is the way that you should leave, after being guilty of the crimes you have. ‘* But we are going to be merciful,” and then the scouts turned on toward the Ranchero’s Rest, while Red Wolf and Scraps were told to go to the two nearest ranches and ask the people to come to the ruin the next morning, It was late that night when Red Wolf and Scraps returned, and their report was that the rancheros and their cowboys would be on hand at the time appointed. That night the cowboys rested uneasily, for they felt assured that the gathering the next morning would be to hang them. In their coward hearts they feared death, and their wicked lives came before them to smite their conscience with the full of their iniquity. The party camped at the river, and the next morning rose up bright and early, and Scraps soon had a good breakfast prepared, which was also given to the shone oi But they had lost their appetites, and they turned livid with fear when they beheld a party of horsemen acvancing ata gallop toward the timber. {t was aranchero and half a dozen of his men. Soon after another ranchero and two cow- boys arrived, and Night Hawk at once said: “Gentlemen, I have here four men who dis- grace the name of cowboy, ‘*They were guilty of intended murder, and they came here to avenge themselves upon this colored man and his Indian friend, because my brother and myself would not let them hang them for a crime which Scraps and Red Wolf had never committed, ‘* You see this ruin? “Well, they were with a party that came here a few nights ago and this is the result, while the cattle werorun off from the ranch and ‘driven across the border,” ‘* Hang ’em!” shouted a voice, ‘String ’em up!” “Up with ’em!” Such were the cries that went up from the crowd. But Night Hawk was perfectly calm, and said: ‘* No, 1 do not intend that they shall hang, at least now. ‘*But I called you together to hear me tell them that they have got to get out of this coun- try with all speed. “The Rio Grande is not very far away, and there are friends there awaiting them, ‘Tf they ever return to this country again, on any pretense, show them no mercy, for they will come but to rob and murder, “Neither my brother or myself, Scraps or Red Wolf will be merciful another time. ** Unbind them, Seraps, and let them go.” “Better hang ’em now and save trouble an- other time,” said a cowboy. ‘* No, they go free now; but we have given them warning. “Don’t take life without good cause, gentle- men; but if they return you will have cause. ** Are they ready, Scraps?” “Yas, sah,” “Men, mount and be off, and forget not the warning.” Not a word did they utter, but putting spurs to their horses they dashed away amid the jeers of their earnest companions, and they took the nearest trail to the Rio Grande. Soon after the rancheros and the cowboys de- | one after thanking the Buckskin Brothers for having trailed the traitors to earth. “ Well, Scraps, what do you and Red Wolf intend to do now?” asked Broncho Bill, as the four were left alone together. ** Lordy, gemmens, | don’t know,” “Well, what do you say to going with us?” asked Night Hawk. Even Red Wolt’s almost bronze face shoved ogee at this, and sc it was decided that Red olf and Scraps should join the Buckskin Brothers. _ And thus it was, long after that, they were, as the reader will remember, with Night Hawk and Broncho Bill on some mysterious service which caused them to find a camp in the ruin of the Old Mission, which had been avoided by hunters, cowboys and Indians as the abode: of spooks, mt = ; se That the Phantom which haunted the place was caught with a lariat by Broncho Bill, the reader will also recall, and now the thread of my story will be taken up once more at the old ruined Mission. CHAPTER XXI. THE CAMP IN THE RUIN, WHEN Scraps approached the spot where George and Will Powell stood, conversing with the strange inhabitant of the old ruin, he was certainly in great trepidation. He had taken to flight in actual belief that he would find a ghost riding behind him before he went very fur. Plunging across the ford, he had set off over the prairie at a pace which threatened to dis- tance even a spirit pursuer, But Scraps was an odd character. He was superstitious, as are all of his race, and in fact about half the white race are, also, only they won’t admit it. : But Scraps was daring to a degree of reck- lessness, as has been seen, if he did not have Le face what he supposed was from the spirit and. He had found it very hard to muster up courage to go after the remains of his master and bring them back to be buried near the ruin. Had it been any one else, Scraps never would have gone. But when he saw the phantom barring their way to the ruined mission, it was too much for him, and he was off like a shot. He dared not at first glance behind him. But after going a short distance, and finding that neither the Comanche nor the scouts were following him, he felt ashamed and drew rein. Then he mustered up courage and looked be- hind him, No ghost was upon his saddle-crupper. He glanced back toward the ruin. Not a sound greeted his ears, not a soul did he see, What had become of the scouts and of Red Wolf? Had the ghosts gobbled them up? Scraps boped not but feared so, Then he made up bis mind that what others could face he should not be afraid of, and so he decided to move back upon the ruin, Just then he heard a heavy splashing of water toward the river. **Dat hain’t no ghost, I reckons,” he mut- tered. But he came to a halt, for he had been movy- ing slowly back toward the river oon he heard hoof-beats, and a moment after a horseman appeared in sight. He was not robed in white, did not ride a snowy horse, and so Scraps stood his ground. “It’s Red Wolf,” he said, after a while. ** Ho, black chief,” called out Red Wolf, who always honored Scraps with that title, greatly to his delight. ‘* Yes, red chief, I’m right here.” The Comanche d:ew rein by the side of the negro and said: White chief say come.” ** And the gbosteses?” ** Woman!’ “What! a woman’s ghosteses?” ns yeas bbe aint no spirit!” bh! and Scraps brightened up, but t asked dubiously: i $ oe anes ‘Ts you sart’in "bout dat, Red Wolf?” ‘“* Comanche talk straight.” ** Pil go with you,” and considerably ashamed of himself for having deeamped with such haste, Scraps made up for it by riding back in a run to the ford. Soon after be halted by the river, but he had approached it very slowly, ‘** Well, Scraps, the spirit that haunts this old river is this lady who seems to have met with Some misfortune, and I wish you to treat her most kindly, and neither you nor Red Wolf, in any way, even refer to her being here,” said Night uwk. “No, Massa George: but I hain’t skeert ef yer sure the lady bain’t no sperret,” Scraps said, cautiously and in a whisper. The brothers laughed at Scraps’ wish to be sure, and Broncho Bill said: “If you will speak and reassure, Scraps, lady, I am sure he will do all in his’ power for y e ” “T do not er that he thinks me a, ghost, and that is what I have squeraded i te for, that both white men and red-skins we so believe me and shun this ruin. ae ‘Your courage is such, senors, as not to |. dread anything,” and the woman turned to the t 0 scouts, while Scraps dismounted, and said, in a voice that was no longer iifled with dread: wT both Night Hawk and Bro at the fort for duty, ‘“‘T hain’t skeered no more now, missus, and ef Scraps kin sarve yer, jist call on him.” The woman now told the scouts where to find a good camping-place, and a fire was built in the chapel, so as not tobe seen at a distance should red-skin or hunter be passing near, and Scraps set to work to get supper. The surroundings certaicly were gloomy with graves about them of the massacre pecple who had dwelt there long before, and with the old ruins sheltering them; but the scouts allowed nothing to dampen their spirits, and talked pleasantly with the woman, who, at their request, came and joined them before the fire. As the fireiight fell upon her they saw that her form was slender and graceful, and her long black hair fell in loose waves far below her waist. But about her head, and drawn over her face she wore a Spanish vail which completely hid every feature excepting her large, glorious eyes, As she said nothing of who she was, the scouts wouid not question her; but hoped to see her face when supper was announced. But she declined any food, saying that she had eaten her frugal meal before them ar- rival, Soon after she arose, said she would see them in the morning, and with a bow she glided away. Scraps did not sleep well that night, but dreamed of spooks and goblins, He wanted to see that ruinin the daylight, before he would feel content, As for Red Wolf, with his usual indifference to circumstances and surroundings, he rolled himself in his blanket and was soon fast asleep, while the scouts rested with no dread of being disturbed in that gloomy place. The morning found Scraps up at break of day, and all were, when they looked about them, more pleased with their surroundings. There wasa vast quantity of grass, which had not been fed over by cattle, and it was the very place for a.secret camp, There were springs about in the woods, trick- ling away in tiny streams down to the river, and the old ruin loomed up better and more in- viting by daylight. A spot was chosen for a camp, anda cabin of small logs was quickly built, the scouis prefer- ring it to the ruin to sleep in, The strange occupant of the old chapel ap- peared by daylight, but still wore her vail, which shielded her face, Her little room in the chapel was not an un- pleasant one, and she told the scouts that she had come there on horseback and accompanied by one person who had brought her certain articles to make her as comfortable as she could be in the wild, solitary life she led. Who that one person was she did not say, nor was she asked. Her attire was coarse, yet neat, and both Night Hawk and Broncho Bill wondered at the strange mystery Which had caused her to seek a refuge in tuat drear spot, with no companion- ship about her. ‘that which had brought the scouts to seek the ruin, was a desire to occupy a position conveni- ent to the Rio Grande, and from whence they could spy out certain movements of outlaws, who were committing at times certain depreda- tions upon Texan ranchers and settlers, Since they had driven the four cowboys away from Ranchero’s Rest, with a warning never to return, they had not been again seen upon Texan soil. , For some time after this all bad gone well and Giant Saul had disappeared mysteriously from the haunts which had known him. There were thcse who asserted that Giant Saul, Nick Rawlings, Sim Lucas and the others whom the scouts iad so promptly exiled, had joined the band of Cowboy Pira es under San Cruz, 2 bold and merciless Mexican, who waged war against Texas for both revenge and gold it was said, As to whether the five cowboys had jeined — San Cruz or not, no preot could be given. But, after a reason of comp rative rest from — raids along the Rio Grende irontier, suudenly — Once more the Comale b= had started avon the war-path, au the Cowboy Pirates agalu beg “ their raids into Texan territory. ‘ The scouts had been dwelling at their own | ch, and thither both Ked Wolf and Scraps. accompanied them, and mest useful did they e themselves about, ce i But with the stirring” up of new troubles mech Bill had reported *

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They were at once dispatched by Major Lo- ring upon a scouting expedition to discover all that could be found out about the movements of the Comanches, and the raids of the Cowboy Pirates, They were gone for sever.1 weeks and then returned to the fort and made their report, They felt assured, so they told the major, that the Comanches bad been urged upou the war- pat® once more by San Cruz the Cowvoy Pirate Chief, who iutended to tare advantagy of the Tndian war to once more strike at the rich ranches in Texas. ‘* Weare further convine d, major, that the | old game is being played once more, of Laving Sples among the cowbuys on the ranches, and we will have to bunt them out. * As this isa most important matter, for the Cowboy Pirates can do a vast deal of damage, if their raids are nob put an end to, Will and myself, wit our red and black pards, will take the matter in hand and we hope to render a good report,” : “T have every confidence that you will, Powell, andif you need troops only send for them, for Dana is most anxious to get off on another expedition with you, so that he can add new laurels to his fame,” replied the major, and the scouts set off on their return to their ranch to gab their two allies, Red Wolf and Scraps, and make ready for their perilous work of trail- ing the Cowboy Pirates to the bitter end. a - << e+ CHAPTER XXII. ‘“ Well, in the language of the borderman I “The truth is, she went off on the border UNFORGOTTEN. ask: somewhere.” . As both Night Hawk and Broncho Bill well : understood the full danger of their undertaking } against the outlaws of the frontier, they wished i to go in every way prepared for all emergencies : which might occur, Their rifles and revolvers needed overhauling, and their saddles and bridles could be bettered | At Jast the song ended, and amid the thunders é , Brothers in Buckskin, thay tollowed, the shouts of the wild element present, and the bravos, Night Hawk eagerly grasped the arm of his brother, while he said excitedly: “Phat is the woman, Will!” “What woman, George?’ ** The one L told you or,” ** George, uave you been drinking?” * Wiil, do you not remember that I told you how I overheard a woman sing, in the next nem to miue, when I was at the hotel in New fork? | ** Yes, I remember now,” * Toit is she.” ‘** Bub you did not see her.” ‘* No, but I heard her, and I could never mis- take that voice.” ‘* You are right, you could not,” ** But you may recall that I told you she sung a verse of Annie Laurie?” ‘**1 do; it all comes back to me now, though it was quite a long time ago, ‘*T remember the conversation, too, as you repeated it to me.” ** Well, Will, that is the woman.” ‘‘-You think there can be no doubt?” ‘* None.” ‘‘ Her name, if I remember, was Clio!” ‘* Yes, and see her on this programme.” ** Tt. is Mademoiselle Cleopatra. “I do believe you are right, George.” ‘“*T know [ am.” } / | | ' | | ‘* What are * What can ‘*T don’t see.” ** Nora.’ ‘‘T wish we could meet her, for she has fairly captivated me.” . *‘ She is very charming, but it would not do ou going to do about it?” y don Wil?” oo Ors +o ‘ y Ps af q os ‘ i+ au . ‘ J 4 TSAR SES, hea) ae cies Uae But Night Hawk said, more emphatically than was his wont: ‘* Tt is the same nandwriting!” “‘Ttis the woman you overheard sing in the New York hotel. Tiie one who jilted the young ranchero and Mademoiselle Cleopatra is one and the same, that is certain,” responded Bron- cho Bill. CHAPTER XXIII. STRANGELY MET. THE next morning, strange to say, the two scouts slept late, Perhaps it was because there was nothing to be done, as it was the Sabbath, and it might be on account of the very comfortable beds they had. When they awoke they went down to break- fast, and knowing the landlord, they asked him about the departure of his fair guest, Mademoi- selle Cleopatra, and at what hour she had de- parted, for they felt a deep interest in the beau- tiful woman from the secrets that they knew she carried through lite. . ‘‘ The company departed last night after the performance, but Madexedisalle Cleopatra re- mained over until this morning, When she de- parted upon what J think a very perilous under- taking.” So replied the landlord, and his words at once deeply interested the two scouts. ‘“Indeed! What peril can possibly threaten. her?” asked Night Hawk. ‘On the border?” ‘6 -Yes.” ‘¢ And not with her company?’ ‘‘No, the company went on to Galveston, where they are to lay off a week, until the re~ turn of the star,” ‘s And the star has gone to the border?” asked , by some additions and mending, tosend in my name, and then tell her I would | Broncho Bill, also deeply interested. Then they wished a bountiful supply of am- | like to make her 4 epee because I was an “* Yes,” munition of all kinds, and a completely new out- eavesdropper once to her conversation with her ‘* What border?” | fit for camp life, with boots and clothing for | husband.” i hh ‘Over toward the Rio Grande somewhere.” themselves, and their red and black com- “No, for again in border parlance, George ‘* My heavens! at such a time?” panions. you might get fixed ; but why is it that both of ** She would risk it.” To get all these they had to go to the nearest | us seem to think that we have seen her before?” “The country is full of Indians!” city, and so they set off at once for San Wil?” “T urged against it, gentlemen.” tonio. ; SOR “And the Cowboy Pirates are also threaten- They had made their purchases and were ‘*T have an idea.” ing raids.” ; waiting for them to be gotten all ready for * Don’t let it apoene George.” **1 so told the lady.” : them, which would take until the morrow, and “Tt may be a foo ish one; but somehow I con- ** But who did she go with?” so Broncho Bill suggested that they should at- | nect her with the miniature which Scraps gave “Tf I had only known that you were coming, tend the theater that night, as there was an | us to send back to that lady who jilted his | Powell, you and your brother, I would have operatic company in town, master.” ; gotten her to consult you. Night Hawk was only too willing, and secur- ‘¢-You’ve struck the trail dead sure, ‘But I did not, and so I asked Joe Farris to ing good seats the Buckskin* Brothers settled ‘* That’s the woman,” find me a good guide and an escort of two men themselves to enjoying the performance, ** Don’t be too sure.” besides for her. The curtain rose, and the performance began, ‘Your story was that she had married a man * And he did?” But when the “star” made her appearance | who was a wretch, and she said she would go “* es,” all eyes were upon her, for she won hearts by | her own way. ‘Who was it?” , her beauty of face and form ere she had opened “That lady married another and nearly} ‘Harry Otis is the guide.” her mouth to sing a note. P broke the young ranchero’s heart, and—” ‘* And the others?” Her beauty was simply 4 gern roman 2 for every | ‘* Will, 1'll tell you how we can find out.” ‘Two Rio Grande men, whose names I do not. : feature was perfection, and with large, deer-| ‘* Yes,” ; know, but whom I have often seen.” ' like eyes she possessed a wealth of red-gold ‘“Do you remember the writing on the backs ‘Only the three went with her, you say?” . hair. of those letters?” ‘The three men, and then there was ber maid, ‘‘ Where have I seen her before?” asked ‘Well, that is going pretty far back, but I | a French girl, and two large, ferocious dogs, Broncho Bill, in a whisper of Night Hawk, who | think it was a large, beautifui hand.” which the lady had a fancy to carry with her, responded : ‘* Yes, we remarked it at the time.” ‘* My! but they are ugly brutes.” ‘ie “Twas just asking myself that question—but | * Well?” I ‘* How did they go?” rk!” ‘*Do you remember that beautiful Mexican “The lady and ber maid in an ambulance She had begun to sing, and with the first notes bird we saw for sale to-day at the hotel?” which one of the men drove, and the guide and ' that fell from ber lips there was a silence like | ‘‘ Yes.” ; other fellow on horseback. ce death in that house, “)]] buy that bird, and send it to her asa “Then there were two saddle-horses for the There were rough men there, many of them | token of our admiration for her si ‘ig lady and her maid, should they wish to ride.” | ——s-wild frontiersmen, and people of all conditions ‘*She may send it back.” ‘““T cannot understand it,” said Night Hawk. and classes. “ Hardly; but if she accepts it she will doubt-| ‘ Ah! but she went in good style and paid for But she captured every heart, as she had won | less write a note, and we'll get a look at her | all she got. : their admiration, when her superb voice handwriting.” “The ambulance is to be the tent for herself in sweetest accents through the crowded house, “Brother George, you should have been a| and maid at night, and with those two dogs p * YT have seen her before,” said Night Hawk, | lawyer. under it there will be no danger to her. “\ almost aloud, and Broncho Bill responded ; ‘* We'll do it.” “Otis is a splendid cook, and she carried ef _ * And so have I.” ‘* But if she is the same, what then?” along all of the provisions needed.” if Then the singing ended, and the sound of ap-| This seemed a poser; but, at any rate, the two |‘ Bat what took her to the frontier?” asked _ plause that followed fairly shook the building, -brothers decided to send the bird, Broncho Bill, - Again and again she bowe, smiling sweetly | They remained through the performance, more | “ Well, she told me she was going to seek the at her admirers, and evidently proud of her | than ever enchanted, and when it was over, | grave of one who was very dear to her,” - triumph, but the audience would not be stilled— | looked up the owner of the bird, bought it with | The two scouts looked at each other, but said they fairly commanded an encore, | i its exquisite cage, and then sent it, with a c nothing, and the landlord continued; 1s Se ae in nse the orchestra again struck up, | bearing their compliments and names, up to the “She told: me that the one whose ve she = Se and stepping forward tie beautiful woman be- | room of the beautiful singer, was going to had been killed by the Indians, : gan =? touching ballad which finds its way In a short while the servant returned with a | and she wished to find out about it,” Ee _ into every true soul—* Annie Laurie.’ _ | note. . “But bow was she to find out?” | — Hardly had she sung the first line when in Itr oe siege £ “She had a letter from some one who lived te suppressed tones came from the lips of Night . - 4garorpay. | at a ranch—the place was called Ran s. 3° Hawk: : ‘Mademoiselle Cleonatra accepts, with meey Rest, I believe—and she was going there to find _ Good Ged Any ape the very apropos and, exquisite souve out what she wished to know, Le a Age wicrse, what is the matter?” anxious- aait — by oe egres Fowell, Onn eet ier “ ihe loft earl this morning you say?” : sa P j lw; F well, '. r rh rnin a Yes, 3 : ee ee od wk bowed his head and neither | having the pleasure of meeting them personally. Lhe scouts suggested to the landlord that he it moved, — This was what the note said. should not have permitted ber to go, at lears C » 4 A : 4 yy eau, _ ‘, 7 ; rey | CSN ane ; ; es te oe. ty * She - : ‘ i; ! : J or “ j * on ‘ ‘ hoe ‘ 4 v “ ven, wk im: e3 i “2 ryan ay tis Ds ,y Po pd 4.8 ol wd: desi ss he eens ~~ aD ‘ eS het ; x eS) eee ee See eae dt <a ce a 5 fn % ; Bieslnd TR TN ee ta nei $e, ae Pee os WES = a i Ase. irs ws 2 a ” te a Sc tl ge tent me et 7 a — —— e:! — oe ‘er Bh oat — “

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See yee —— a cre ornare Seed —— Brothers in Buckskin, y with so small an escort, and then thanking him for his information they walked away to have a chat together. ‘Will, there is not an atom of doubt now?” ‘‘ Not the slightest, for she was to go to Ranch- ero’s Rest to get her information.” “Yes, I wrote her, you know, on some of that keep on until they reached the camp, for they could not believe that the lady would wish to travel all night. They, of course, could not see the trail in the darkness, but went on in a direction they were assured Otis had taken. All along they kept an eye for the glimmer of poor fellow’s paper, so headed, and told her that | a camp-fire, and seeing none, they several times it was his ranch, and would remain under the | went out of their way to visit some motte, think- charge of the faithful servant and friend of the voung ranchero, Scraps, or rather Zekiel Tan- ver, as [ put it.” ing that perhaps Otis’s caution had prevented a fire from as eat But midnight passed, and still there was no ‘* And she then is not the nameless woman we | sign of those they sought. supposed, from her having jilted the ranchero?” At last they halted to rest their horses, and ‘*So it seems, Will, as she takes so much | after an hour thus spent, once more pushed on. trouble and goes to so much expense to visit the dead man’s grave.” i “There is no one to give her information after she gets there.” ‘True, so what shall we do about it?” ‘* Our things will not be ready urtil to-morrow mo 7 ‘* That is true.” ‘*Well, suppose we leave Scraps and Red | have passed on, 97 i Wolf to come on with the ambulance when it is | they traveled as we did, loaded, and we mount and strike off on the trail of the party?” ‘ You fear danger to her, as I do?” “ Yes. ” ‘¢ We will go then.” ‘* Tt is now noon, and she left at sunrise—over twenty miles start of us.” ‘Yes; but we can overtake her.” “ We must.” " at saying the scouts retraced their steps to the otel, The dawn at last grew gray, then rosy in hue, and the sun arose, But nowhere in view was the party. ‘*We have passed them in the darkness, Will!” “Or Otis has taken a roundabout way to get there,” “Let us cut across to the left and see if they they could not unless most all night.” ** True.” Then they ro'e along in an oblique direction, and soon their eyes fell upon a trail. It was the track they had followed. ‘** How they have pressed on!” ‘** Indeed they have; but yender is a stream, and welll have breakfast while our horses rest. ; ** And then we must catch them.” ‘* Yes, for this is a very dangerous locality.” The scouts halted, a fire'was built, and they They had come down to the town on horse- | had breakfast, a broiled steak from a deer, back, while Scraps had driven the large four- mule ambulance, and Red Wolf had also accom- panied them, riding his own mustang. which Broncho Bill had shot the evening before, a tin cup of coffee and some crackers. There was good grass aud water for the On the way back to their ranch, there would | horses, and the hour's rest refreshed all greatly. be little danger to meet, unless from a foraging band of Cowboy Pirates, or a raiding party of Indians extending their way further than was their wout into the country. So the ambulance would be able to return in safety with Scraps and Red Wolf, and they need Mounting once more the scouts pushed for- ward at a steady gait, and a rapid one. At last a large body of timber land loomed up before them, and the trail led through it. There a halt had been made, and a fire still burning, showed that the party had had break- have no fear on that score, valuable as was its ; fast there. freight. Arriving at the hotel, they were met by ’ Scraps, who said in a confidential tone: cad ‘* Mars’ George, did you an’ Mars’ Will see a leddy as were stopping at the hotel?” ‘¢ Who was she, Scraps?’ asked Will Powell. “She were a great uproar singer, I heard tell; _ but she went away dis mornin’ at sun-up, fer was jist goin’ out ter feed ther am’lance mules, As they were about to ride out of the timber, still following the trail, they suddenly drew rein. Their eyes, at the same instant, had fallen upon a sight out upon the prairie which had caused both to drag their horses back into the timber, and clutch their rifles firmly. ‘* Let us give our horses all the rest we can, George,” said Broncho Bill, without a word to and ’fore de Lord gemmans, if she wasn’t de | his brother asto what both saw. very image o’ that had, and you sent o Rit a“ Sear ” “Yas, Mars’ George.” ‘That lady is the very. one.” ictur’ poor Mars’ Henry for me, then I doesn’t They dismounted and hitched the animals, while they stood gazing cut upon the prairie, but so as not to be seen by any one there, What they saw was the ambulance coming to- ward the timber. The two horses were at full speed and the ‘“‘ Lordy!” and Scraps’s eyes opened to twice | whip was being applied upon them relentlessly. their natural size, : ‘‘ She has gone off on a very dangerous trip, Scraps, and it is to the Ranchero’s Rest, expect- i a her.” The reins were held by a woman, and from the rear of the ambulance a rifle flashed forth, In chase of the flying vehicle were two men ng to find you there, and Will and I are going | mounted upon mules, while half a mile bebinc them, and coming more rapidly on, were half a ““ We wish you to wait and come on with the | dozen borsemen, and they were gaining upon the ambulance to-morrow, you and Red Wolf, and | fugitives. you are to camp at the Red Willow Spring, and get there as soon as you can. “Wait there for us, and we will bring the lady with us, for she doubtless wishes to see you and have a talk with you. ‘“‘ Now we are going to get our traps together to start right after dinner.” Fortunately the weapons of the scouts had at Both of the scouts bad their field-glasses to their eyes, and Night Hawk said: ‘‘ The lady is driving, Will.” ‘¢ Yes, and some one 1s firing out from the rear of the ambulance,” ‘¢Tt must be the maid, as the two men so near are not hurt.” ‘Doubtless; but are they not the two who once been put in order on their arrival, and also | went as escorts?” their saddles, and so they started upon the trail of the beautiful woman well fitted for any dan- ger that might cross their path. i ‘CHAPTER XXIy, f THE MEETING, ‘Tam trail of the ambulance and the accom- panying horses was followed with the greatest ‘* Yes, for the landlord said they rode mules.” ‘‘ And where is Otis, the guide?” “T give it up.” ; ‘“‘ Those fellows are Cowboy Pirates, in chase,” “Oh, yes.” “ Five of them,” ‘* Five and two are seven.” “And we are two; but we will save the lady, for surely something has gone wrong.” They had spoken with the utmost coolness, At the first glance they bad taken in the sftu- care by the scouts, after they had left the roads | ation, and had mentally decided upon their behind them, The pace that with keptup was such that they hoped to overtake those they trailed before they should break camp in the morning. hey knew that Otis the guide to pursue, if he knew the way to Ranchero’s Rest, which was m in likely, and*s0, after a rest of a couple of and supper, they started once more, determined to timber before it-was overtaken, an But night caught thera yet a long way behind, | give a chance _ as they could judge by the trail. gi ir z ere was but one course for course of action, They had seen that the ambulance wa 1 1 scoming ck over its trail, and that 1t wou) h the v a : the scouts went back to them, moun ea calm! bos HO the edge of the timber. Reo A Vill! Fait ‘faba Out thay darted, > Se eee ee ee ee eee eee ee SSS | and buried, after which has ainbulance, while Bro: took ch. ’ the ho while their well-known ' war-cry rung over the prairie and reached the ears of pursuers and pursued, The ambulance horses were half checked in their speed, then drawn to the right, and theu held on once More, as those within seer.ed to feel that the new-comers were friends not foes. ‘Drive on to the timber and wait there, ‘* We will take care of those fellows,” cried Night Hawk, as they drew near the ambru- lance, “Thank you! oh thank you, sirs! but those two men are the traitors,and they killed my guide,” came in the rich, full voice of Made- moiselle Cleopatra, ‘¢ The Powell brothers!” ‘*The Buckskin Brothers!” yelled the two men on mules, and they balted and raised their revolvers, ° But there were two rifles cracked before the revolvers and the mules lost their riders, But the five horsemen further back on the trail still came on, Then up to his mouth went Broncho Bill’s hand, and once more’ that startling imitation of a bugle-call rung out, ‘*T thought so,” said Broncho Bill as he saw the Cowboy Pirates turn back, eviiently think- ing. that there were troops in the timber. he scouts had not halted in their pace and as the Cowboy Pirates turned in confuse flight, they opened fire with their rifles, ‘be outlaws also fired as they ran; but the matchless rifles of the scouts brought down a horse, and dropped a rider from his saddle. There was a short stop, and the man, evident- ly wounded, was taken up, and once more they pressed on in flight, disappearing over a rise of the prairie. ‘ Instantly the scouts turned back, and while Broncho Bill went after the stray mules, Night Hawk halted and examined the two bodies, for they had both seen that the ambulance had come to a halt in the edge of the timber. ‘**They are the two men that the landlord spoke of, and somehow I always had an idea they were crooked,” and Night Hawk calmly rode on his way to the timber. The panting ambulance horses had been only too willing to stop, and the beautiful woman and her maid, both cool, but pale, greeted Night — Hawk as he rode up. **Oh, sir, you do not know what you saved me from?” cried the beautiful women, and she grasped both of Night Hawk’s hands as she spoke, ‘Lady, my brother and myself beard you sing night before last at the theater, and learn- ing that you had come on this dangerous trail, we followed you—” “Ah! those men called you the Powell brothers, ** You, then, it was who sent me that lovely bird, and thus I meet you. ‘** How strange it is.” Night Hawk could have told her about tho New York hotel affair, but he did not, and Broncho Bill coming up with the captured mules, he introduced bim. “You are two most wonderful men, for I have heard of your exploits and I am so glad to call you my friends, A *¢ But let me tell you that I came hither to visit the grave of one dear to me, one in fact I once expected to marry. “« He was killed on the frontier, and, as I had broken with him, I longed to atone for it by visiting his grave. ““T secured a guide and those two men, whom you killed. f “They killed my guide this morning, and he lies over yonder in the woods, and they carried us on as prisoners, one of them telling me that he was paid to deliver me to the Cowboy Pirates’ chief, who would demand a large Tansom for my release, and which, alas, I could not have paid, for lam not rich, “Watching an opportunity, when the two men were not near, as we bad halted upon see- ing some horsemen, 1 drove off, and Lizette & my dear maid and friend, fired at our wicked — ‘» pursuers, though she hardly knew the use of a weapon.” . a When her story was told, Night Hawk ex plained that he it was Who had written her the letter for the faithful servant of her lover, and told her all that he knew of the young ranchero, adding, that after they had gone to the Willow Spring and met Scraps, be and his bro- ther would gladly escort her to the grave, n the body of Otis the guide was looked up ht Hawk drove the , weet m Zand the party started for th Willow Spring. , ee fe

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-— = Ee v ge mayo ’ 4 ~ CHAPTER XXV, CONCLUSION, Upon the arrival of the scouts at the Red . Willow Spring, Scraps and Red Wolf were 7 - & eed 3 > 4 ‘ . tound to have just arrived there, and the negro told the beautiful woman the story of his mas- ter’s death and his deep love for her. She was deeply affected, but as both Night Hawk and Broncao Bil, from the news brought by Scraps and Red Wolf, of the movements of the Comanches, urged against her making the trip to the grave of her lover, she decided to re- turn, telling the scouts that she would again come to the town when her season ended, and have them accompany her to the Ranchero’s Rest, They promised to do so, if she would notify them beforehand,and they gave her an address which would reach them, after which they started back to town, while Red Wolf and Scraps were to continue on home and tell their mother they wouid soon return. The beautiful singer bade her brave preserv- ers farewell, with tears in her eyes, and never once knew that they held another secret of her life, which was her unhappy marriage. Then it was, after returning home to their Yanch, the scouts got their complete outfit and with Scraps and Red Wolf started for the old Tuined chapel aud Mission, The duty that they went there to perform they faithfully executed, to the satisfaction of Falor Loring, and their adventures in doing so will furnish material for another romance to follow. The mystery of the strange woman who was in hiding in the ruined chapel, they also solved, and found ita case of cruelty, and seeking to rob her of her gold had driven her into that gloomy solitude, The part which the scouts played in the Comanche war, and in freeing the border of’ the Cowboy Pirates is well known, and but added fame to the name of the Buckskin Brothers, THE END, Beadle’s Half-Dime Library. BY MAJOR NENRY B. STODDARD, Ex-Scout. 806 Neck-Tie Ned; or, The Dug-Out Parda. *y $46 Rapter Raphael; or, The Swordsmen ot Zacatecas B91 Kid-Glove Kit, the Dandy of the Rockies. $98 Kid-Glove Kit and Pard; or, The Gold King. A406 ane Mad Man-Hunter; or, The Mystery of Golden BY HARRY ST. GEORGE, 80 Roaring Ralph Rockwood, the Ranger, 44 Rattling Rube; or, The Nighthawks of Kentucky, 59 Old Hickory 3 or, Pandy Ellis’s Scalp, 408 Daring Davy; or, The Trail ot the Border Wolf, 466 Hickory Warry 3; vr, The Trapper-Brignde’s Spy, 472 Thunderbolt Tom; or, the Woll-Herder, BY JAMES L. BOWEN £07 One-Eyed Sim; or, The Abandoned Forest Home. 110 The Black Steed of the Prairtes, A Story ot Texas, BY ©. DUNNING CLARK, 185 Captain Paul; or, Tie Boy Spy of the Mountains. 280 The ¥ ankeo Rajah; or, The Fate 01 the Black Shereet. BY GEORGE Cc. JENKS, 485 Git Thar Owney, the Unknown. 492 Git Thar Owney’s Pledge, BY FRANK DUMONT. 120 The Branded Hand or, The Man of Mystery. 127 Wild-Fire, the Boss of the Rona, 140 Blue Blazes} or, The Break o? Day Boys of Rosky Bar 171 Ebony Dan; or, The Rival Lengues, 185 Evil Eye; or, The Vultures of the Rio Grande, . ; BY CAPT, ALFRED B. TAYLOR, U. 8. A, Nera 401 Tumalo Billy, the Boy Bullwhacker; or, The Doomec rf = ‘ J t y : ; mb \ t r, Sui a ¢ r= ia “F % H. "4 tr rr \ . ie * b - i , _ a, . ‘ is PS. a ~~. ie | eee a 3 f . 2 rit i? ® oo = baltnend 2 * forte §~i , {ft eile” a ai Se seal hs hey a 15 BY CAPTAIN FRED. WHITTAKER, 15 The Sea-Cat; or, The Witch of Darien. 29 The Dumb Pages or, The Doge’s Daughier, 48 Dick Darling, the Pony Express Rider, 150 Lance and Lasaoy or, The Children of the Chace, 154 The Sword Hunters; or, The Land ot the Elephant Riders, 159 The Lost Captaing or, Skipper Jabea Coffin’s Crulee to the Open Polar Sea. 200 The Boy Bedoultna; or, The Brot: ors ot the Plumed Lanse, 214 Wolfgang, the Robber of the Rhine, 249 Milo Romer, the Anima! King; or, The Round tae Werte Wanderer. 265 The Tiger Tamers or, The League of the Jungio, 881 Black Nick, the Demon Rhier. 895 California Joe’s War Trall. ey BY BRACEBRIDGE HEMYRK@. 89 Ialand Jim; or, Tho Pet of the Family. 91 The Captain of the Club; or. The Riva: Athletes, 10%. Jack Harkaway in New York. BY COLONEL DELLE SARA, 108 The Lion of the Sea; or, The Vailed Lady, 186 Ceol Desamondy or, The Gambler's Big Game, BY LIEUT. I. D. PERRY, OU. 8, N. 176 The Boy Runaway; or, The Buccaneer of the Bay, 180 The Sea Traller}; or, A Vow Well Kept. 192 Captain Kit; or, The Mystery of Montauk Polow BY HARRY HAZARD, 828 Arkansaw Jack; or, The Scourge of the Mines, 829 Red-Skin Tomy or, The Demon's Trail, $42 The Mountain Devil; or, Yellow Jack, the Outlaw. BY COL, A. F. HOLT. 899 Black Buckskin; or, The Masked Men ot Death Qnayon, A419 Kenneth, the Knife-King, 4865 Little Lightfoot, the Pilot of the Wooda BY CAPTAIN MAYNE REID. 78 Blue Dicks or, The Yellow Chiefs Vengeance. 87 The Land Pirates; or, The League of Devil’s lalend. 187 The Helpless Mand 3 or, Backwoods Retribution, 289 The Gold-sceker Guide: or, The Lost Meuntaia, BY JACK FARRAGUT, 815 Ned, the Cabin Boy. 820 The Sea Sorceress; or, The Boy Skipper. MISCELLANEOUS AUTHORS. 4 The Wild-Horse Munters, By Capt Mayne Reid and Frederick Whittaker. 9 Adventures of Baron Munchausen, 12 Gulliver’s Travels. By Dean swift. 34 Aladding or, The Wonderful Lamp. 16 Robiuson Crusoe, (27 Tlustrations.) 18 Sindbad the Sailor, His Seven Voyages, 22 The Sea Serpent; or, The Boy Robinson Crusoe, By Joan Lewis, 88 The Ocean Bloodhound; or, Tho Red Pirates or the Carribees, By 8. W. Pierce. ; 86 The Boy Clown; or, The Queen of the Arena, By Frank S, Finn. 88 Ned Wylde, the Boy Scout. By Texas Jack. 61 The Boy Rifles; or. The Underground Camp. By Archie C. Irons. 95 The Rival Roversas or, The Freebooters ot the Biiaalusippt, By Lieut.-Col. Hazeltine, 98 Robin Mood, the Outlawed Earl; or, The Merry Men o Groen- . wood, By lrof, Gildersleeve, 105 Old Rube, the Hunter; or, The Crow Captive. By Captain Hamilton Holines. 112 The Mad Hunter; or, Phe Cave of Death. By Burton Saxe, 124 Tippy, the Texan; or, The Young Champion, By George Gleeson, 128 The Young Privateers or, The Pirate’s Strenghold, By Harry Cavendish, 148 Sharp Samy or, Phe Adventures of a Friendleas Boy, By J. Alexander Patten, QL Dusky Darrell, Trapper: or, The Greon Ranger ot the Yel- lowstone, By Extward Emerson. 261 Fergus Fearnaught, the New York Boy, By dye Aiken. Geo 266 Kiltbar, the Gulde; or, Davy Crockett’s Crooked Trail, By Ensign C. D. Warren, 298 Red Claw, the One-Eyed Trapper; or, The Maid ef the Clift, ? By Captain Comstock. rencock Pete, the Lively Lad from Leadville. By Liens ett ener Alfred Thorne. i. 828 The Rky Detectives; or, A Boy's Fight for Life and Honor, By Muior Mickey Free, 850 Red Ralph, the River Rovert or The Brothor's Re venge, By Ned Buntline. 865 Baltimore Ben, the Boothlack Detective. By A. P. Morris, 874 Feld-Dust Tom or, Ben’s Double Match. By George H. Orse, 876 California Joe’s First Trail. Over Monastery. ys 418 Rilly Bombshell, the Cliff Climber. By F, $, Winthrop. 440 Little Foxfoot, the Gold Bowle Kid, By Arthur C. Grissom, 475 Thé Black Ship. By John 8. Worner. 484 Comanche Dick and Wis Three Invin By Henry J. Thomas. clbles. 489 The Diamond Sports or, The Double Face of Bed Rock, By Wm. G. Patten, A New Issue Every Tuesday. The Half-Dime Library ts for sale by ait newsdeators, five conta per Copy, or sont by mail on receipt of six cente euch, : BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers, 98 William Street, New York, By Colonet Thomas 1, Y * : 7 A tae hs = ts ; a * at ee 2 ‘ 4 Si oe ae oe te ot e ‘ie . ar. ioe omer Ve + ¢

Page 16

Published Every Tuesday. Each Issue Complete and Sold at the Uniform Price of Five Cents. BY EDWARD L, WHEELER, Deadwood Dick Novels. 1 Deadwood Dick, the Prince of the Rou. 20 Double Daggers 3 or, Deadwood Dick's Definnce, ; 28 Buffalo Ben; or, Dendwood Dick in Disgtice. A 85 Wilda Lyan, the Boy Claude Duval. ‘i 42 Phantom Miner; or, Deadwood Dick’s Honanzn, 49 Omaha O1L; or, Deadwood Dick in Danger. 5: Deadwood Dicks Eagles; or, The Purds of Flood Bar. “% 78 Dendwood Dick on Decks or, Calamity June, the Heroine, ) @@ Corduroy Charlie 3 or, Deadwood Dick's Last Act. 100 Deadwood Dick in Leadville. 104 Deadwood Dick’s Device: or, The Double Cross Sign. 109 Deadwood Dick as Detective, 129 Deatweod Dick’s Double; or, The Gliost of Gorgon’s Julch. 188 Blonde BAL; or, Dendwood Dick’s Home Base. 149 A Game of Gold; or, Deadwood Dick's Vig Strike. 156 Deadwood Dick of Deadwood; or, The Picked Party. 195 Deadwood Dick’s Dreamy or, The Riv Is of the Rond. 7 201 The Black Hills Jezebel; or, Deadwood D ck’s Ward. 205 Deadwood Dick’s Doom; or, Calauity Jane’s Last Ad- venture. 217 Captain Crack-Shot, the Girl Brigand. 221 Sugar-Coated Sam; or, ‘Tle Black Gown. 282 Gold-Dust Dick, A Romance of Rough: and Toughs, } 268 Deadwood Dick's Divide ; or, The Spir.t of Swamp Lake. 268 Deadwood Dick’s Death ‘Trall, h 809 Deadwood Dick’s Big Weal; or, The Gold Brick of i regon,. | 821 Deadwood Dick’s Dozen; or, The Fakir of Phantom Flats. 7 Deadwood Dick’s Ducats; or, Rainy Days in the Dig- gina. f 851 Deadwood Dick Sentenced; or, Vhe Terrible Vendetta. BER pq Dick’s Claim; or, The Fairy Face of Faro / ‘lata. 405 Deadwood Dick in Dead City. | 410 Deadwood Dick’s Diamonds ; or, The Mystery of Joan / orter, Aas 421 Deadwood Dick in New York; or, A “Cute Care.” 480 Deadwood Dick’s Dust; or, The Chained Hand, } 4483 Deadwood Dick, Jr. 418 Nickel-Plate Nedj or, Deadwood Dick Jr’s Defiance, ; 458 Sunflower Sam, o! Shasta; or, Deadwood Diek Jr’s Ful! nn, Hand, 459 Flush Fan, the Ferret; or, Deadwood Dick Jr’s Big Ronnd- Up. : 465 Phitto Fly, of Phenix; or, Deadwood Dick Jr’s Racket at Claim 10, 471 Bozeman BIL; or, Deadwood Dick Jr’s Corral, 476 Humboldt Harry, the Hurricane; or, Deadwood Dick Jr’s i Dog Detective, y 481 Moll Mystery; or, Deadwood Dick Jr. in Dendwood. 491 Prince Pistol, the King of the West; or, Dendwood Dick Jr’s Compact. 496 Monte Cristo, Jr.: or, Deadwood Dick Jr's Inheritance. 5600 Deadwood Dick’s Minglnge 5 or, Dr. Death-Grip’s Swoop. | 508 Déadwood Dick’s Deliverance. y 5615 Deadwood Dick’s Protegec. 4 522 Deadwood Dick’s Three. Other Novels by E. L. Wheeler. 4 26 Cloven Hoof, the Buffalo Demon, { 82 Bob Woolf; or, The Girl Drad-Shot. 89 Death-Face, Detective; or, Life in New York, ’ 45 Old Avalanche; or, Wild Edna, the Girl Brigand, fq 55 Jim Bludsoe, Jr., the Boy Phenix. 61 Backhorn BI or, The Red Rifle Team, : 69 Gold Rifle, the Sharpshooter; or, The Boy Detective, 80 Rosebud Koby or, Nugget Ned, the Knight. \ 84 Idyl, the Girl Miners or, Rosebud Rob on Hand. 88 Phetograph Phil; or, Rosebud Rob’s Reappearance, A 92 Daceste Chet 3 or, Old Anaconda in Sitting Bull’s Camp. } 6 Watch-Eyes or, Aruba und Angels of a Great City. 118 Jack Moyle the Young Speculator. / ‘ 117 Gilt-Liged Dick, the Sport Detective. q 121 Cinnamon Chip, the Girl Sport. 125 Bonanza Bill, Miner, 188 exe Bob the King of Bootliacks. f 141 Solid Sam, the Boy Road-Agent. 145 ental Ferret, the New York Detective; or, Boss Bob’s 64 JOO. | 161 New York Nell, the Boy-Girl Detective. 1 177 Nobby Nick of Nevadn; or, The Sierras Scamps. I 181 Wild Frank, the Buckskin Bravo, ‘ 209 Fritz, the Bound-Boy Detective, i 218 Fritz to the Front; or, The Yesttatioaniat Hunter. 226 Snoozer, the Boy Sharp; or, The Arab Detective, 286 Apollo Bill, the ‘rail Tornado. A 240 Cyclone Kit, the Young Gladiator. ’ 244 Sferra Sam, the Frontier Ferret, 248 Sierra Sam’s Secret; or, The Bloody Footprints, } 258 Sierra Sam’s Pard; or, The Anget of Big Vista. a 258 Sierra Sam’s Seven} or, The Stolen Bride. : 278 Jumbo Joe, the Boy Patrol; or, The Rival Heirs, i 277 Denver Doll, the Detective Queen. ' } 281 Denver Doll’s Victory. 255 Denver Doll’s Decoy ; or. Little Bill's Bonanza, 291 Turk, the Boy Ferret. _ 296 Denver Dolls Drift; or, The Road Queen. at 299 A No.1 ‘oll-Taker. : 889 K roo Kits Racket, q 848 Manhattan Mike, the Bowery Blood. reka J BY ALBERT W. AIKEN, Wi The Two Detectives; or, The Fortunes of a Bowery Girl, to Abe Colt, the Crow-Killer. 9 Sol Ginger, the Giant Trapper. i 8 Joe Buck of Angels and Hi« Boy Pard. : 7 New York Nat« A Tale of Tricks and Traps in Gotham. 458 New ick; or, The Fortunes of @ Foundling. 464 Nimble Nick, the Circus Prince. BOR tae Arizona Sport. a 49: T ; : : Bio Scot Co) credo" ‘new Yook. Detective. — wane N ” i nar” (oes i x x t ara Vo pee ¥ Gite fee ¥ ¥ ‘ Paty 3 1 hs iy rte ae) ae ones z ae 1 ie ge % . te ga ~ = r =_—s EE BY COLONEL PRENTISS INGRAHAM, The Flying Yankee}; or, The Ocean Outcast, Raiph Roy, the Boy Bucenn er; or. The Fugitive Yacht. Diamond Dirk ¢ or, The Mystery of the Yellowstone, The Shadow Ship; or, The Rival Lieutenants, > 'hhe [hoy Dreliat 3 or, The Cruise of the Sea-Wollf. 102 Dick Dead-Eye, the Boy Smugyier. 111 The Sea-Devil; or, The Midshipman’s Legacy. i16 The Hussar Captains; or, ‘The Hermit of Hell Gate, 197 Little Grit; or, Bessie, the Stock-Tender’s Daughter. 204 Gold Plume} or, The Kid-Glove Sport, 216 Bixon Bll, the Prince of the Reins. 2 Grit, the Bravo Sport; or, The Woman Trailer, 9 Crimson Kate 3 or, The Cowboy’s Triumph. Lone Star, the Cowboy Captain. Merle, the Middy ; or, The Freelance Heir, The Midshipman Mutineer ; or, Bradt, the Buccaneer. aden Vioating Feather; or, Merle Monte’s Treasure siund, 2 The Gold Ship; or, Merle, the Condemned. 27 ag Monte’s Oruise; or, The Chase of “The Gold Pellte irs 280 Merle Monte’s Fate ; or, Pearl, the Pirate’s Bride. 284 The Sen Marauder ; or, Merle Monte’s Pledge. 287 Milly Blue-Eyes, the Boy Rover of the Rio Grande. $04 The Dead Shot Dandy.; or, Benito, the Boy Bugler. B08 Keno Kit; or, Dead Shot Dandy’s Double. $14 we Mysterious Marauder; or, The Boy Bugler’s Long ruil, 877 Bonodel, the Boy Rovers; or, The Flagless Schooner. $83 The Indian Pilot; or, The Search for Pirate Island. 887 Warpath Will, the Boy Phantom, 898 Seawalf, the Boy Lieutenant. 402 Isodor, the Young Cone ireter} or, The Fatal League. 407 The Boy Insurgents or, The Cuban Vendetta. 412 The Wild Yachtaman; or, The War-Cloua’s Cruise. 429 Duncan Dare, the Boy Refugee. 488 A Cabin Boy's Luck; or, The Corsair. 487 The Sca Ralder. } 441 The Oceun Firefly 3 or, A Middy’s Vengeance, 446 Haphazard wet or, The Scapegrace of the Sea. 450 Wizard Will; or, The Boy Ferre: of New York. 454 Wizard Will's Street Scouts, 462 The Born Guide; or, The Sailor Boy Wanderer. 468 Neptune Ned, the Boy Conster, 474 Flora; or, Wizard Will’s Vagabond Pard. 488 Ferrets Afloat; or, Wizard Will’s Last Case. 487 Nevada Ned, the Revolver Kanger. 495 Arizona Joe the Boy Pard of Texas Jack. 497 Buck Taylor, King ot the Cowboye. 508 The Royal Middy ; or, The Shark and the Sea Cat, 507 The Hunted Midshipman, 511 The Outlawed Middy. 520 Buckskin Bill, the Comanche Shadow, 525 Brothers in Buckskin, BY OMARLES MORRIS, 118 Will Somers, the Boy Detective. 122 Phil Mardy, the Boss Boy. 126 Picayune )cte 3 or, Nicodemus, the Dog Detective. 180 Detective Dick; or, The Hero in Rags. 142 Handsome Harry, the Bootblack Detective, 147 WIll Wildlire, the Thoroughbred. 152 Black Bess, Will Wildfire’s Racer. 157: Mike Merry, the Harbor Police Boy. 162 Will Wildtire in the Woods. 165 Billy Baggage, the Railroad Hor. 170 A ‘Trump Card; or, Will Wildfire Wins and Loses. 174 Bob Rockett; or, Mysteries of New York. 179 Bob Rockett, the Bank Runner, acy Peo piidden Mand Age Wilifice’s Revenge. re alyard, the le Boat Boy; or, The Sm 189 Bob Rockett; or, Driven to the Wall. pata spas 196 Shadowed ; or, Bob Rockett’s Fight for Life. 206 Dark Paul, the Tiger King. 212 Dashing Dave, the Dandy Detective. 220 Tom ‘Lanner; or, The Black Sheep of the Flock, 225 Sam Charcoal the Premium Darky. 235 Shadow Sam, the Messenger Boy. 242 The Two * Bloods”; or, Shenandoah Bill and His Gang, 252 Dick Dashaway ¢ or, A Dakota Boy in Chicago, 262 The Young Sleuths; or, Rollicking Mike’s Hot Trail, 274 Jolly Jim, the Detective Apprentice. 289 Jolly Jinv’s« Job; or, The Young Detective. 298 The Water-Hound; or, The Young Thoroughbred. 805 Pashswey, of Dakota; or, A Western Lad in the Quaker i y. 824 Ralph Ready, the Hotel Boy Detective. 841 Tony Thorne, the Vagabond Detective. ‘ 858 The Reporter-Detective ; or, Fred Flyer’s Blizzard. B67 Wide-Awnke Joe; or, A Boy of the Times. 879 Larry, the Leveler; or, The Bloods of the Boulevard. 408 Firelly Jack, the River-Rat Detective. 423 The Lost Finger; or, The Entrapped Cashier. 428 Fred Flyer, the Reporter Detective, 482 Invinelble Logan, the Pinkerton Ferret. 456 Billy Bricks the Jolly Vagabond, 466 Wide-Awake Jerryys Detective; or, Entombed Alive. 479 Detective Dodge 3 or, The Mystery of Frank Hearty. 488 Wild Dick Racket. 501 Boots, the Boy Fireman ; or, Too Sharp for the Sharper, BY JOSEPH E. BADGER, JR. 2 Yellowstone Jack; or, The Trapper. 48 Black John, the Read-Agent; or, ihe Outlaw’s Retreat, 65 Wurricane Till; or, Mustang Sam and His Pard. 119 Mustang Sam ; or, The King of the Plains, 186 Night-laveh kit; or, The Daughter of the Ranch, Dainty Lance the Boy Sport. 151 Panther Paul; or, Dainty Lance to the Rescue. 160 The Black Giant; or, Dainty Lance in Jeopardy, 168 Dendly Dash ; or, kighting Fire with Fire. 184 The Boy Tratlera; or, Dainty Lance on the War-Path, 208 The Boy Parda; or, Dainty Lance Unmasks. 211 Crooked Cale, the Caliban of Celestial City. 810 The Barranca Wolf; or, The Beautiful Decoy, 819 The Black Rider; or, The Horse-Thievew’ League, 885 Old Double Fiat; or, The Strange Guide. 855 The Kine of the Woods: or Daniel Boone’s Last Trail. 449 Kit Fox, the Border Boy Detective. f " BY EDWARD 8. ELLIS, 6 Bill B lddon, Trapper. or ¢ Captives of the Frontier, The Fate of the Sioux Captive. ae ‘ 98 The Boy Miners; or, The Enchanted Island, _ 18 The Hunted emer on, The res ¢ Hors ¢ Half-Blood; or, The Panther of the Plains, 271 The Huge Hunter ; or, The Steam Prairie Man, ~BEADLE'’S«H ALF-DIME* LIBRARY. No Double Numbers, BY BUFFALO BILL (Hon. Wm. F. Cody), 8 Kankas King; or, The Red Right Hand. 19 The Phantom Spy: or, The Pilot of the Prairie. 55 Deadly-Eye, the Unknown Scout, 68 Border Robin Hood ; or, The Prairie Rover. 168 Faney Frank of Colorado; or, The Trapper’a Trast, BY OLL COOMES, 5 Vagabond Joe, the Young Wandering Jew. 18 The Dumb Spy. 27 Antelope Abe, the Boy Guide. 81 Keen-Knite, the Prince of the Prairies. 41 Lasso Jack, the Young Mustanger. 58 ‘The Border King; or, The Secret Foe. 71 Delaware Dick, the Young Ranger Spy. 74 Wawk-eye Harry, the Young Trapper R nger, S8 Rollo, the Roy Ranger. 184 Sure Shot Seth, th. Poy Rifleman. i 148 Sear-Face Saul, the Sifent Hunter, 5 146 “Silver Star, the Boy Knight. 158 Eagle k it, the Boy Demon, 168 Little Texas, the Young Mustanger, ITZ Old Solitary, the Hermit Trapper. 182 Little Wurricane, th- Bay ‘aptain, 202 Prospect Pete ; or, The Young Outlaw Hunter. 208 The Boy Hercules: or, ‘the Prairie Tramps. 218 Tiger ‘Tom, the Texas Terror. 224 Dashing Dick; or, li repper Ton’a Castle, é 228 Little Wildtire, the Young Pisirie Nomad. 288 The Parson Detective; or, The Little Ranger. 248 ‘The Disgenixed Guide ; or, Wild Raven, the Reaget 260 Dare-Devil Dan, the Young Prairie Ranger, 272 Minkskin Mike, the Boy Sharp»hooter, 290 Little Foxfire, the Boy Spy. 800 The Sky Pemon 3 or, Ruinbolt, the Ranger, 884 Whip-King Joe, the Bov Ranchero. 409 Wercules; or, Dick, the Boy Ranger. 417 Webtoot Mone, the Tramp Detective. 422 Baby Sam, the Boy Ginnt of the Yellowstone. 444 Little Buckskin, the Young Prairie Centaur, 457 Wingedtoot Fred 3 or. Old Polar Saul. ‘ 468 Tamarac ‘tom, the iia Trap Boy. 14 478 Old Tom Rattler, the Red River Epidemic. 482 Stonewall Bob, the Boy ‘Trojan. BY T, C. HARBAUGIL, 28 Nick o’ the Night; or, Th» Boy Spy of 16. 87 The Hidden Lodge; or The Little Hunter. 47 Nightingale N me rs Tne Forest Captains, 64 Dandy Jack 3 or, The Outlaws of the Oregow Traits, 82 Kit Harefoot the Wood-Hawk. 94 Midnight Jaek 3 or, The Boy Trapper. 106 Old Frosty, the Guide; or, The White Queen, 128 Kiowa Charley the White Mustanger. 189 Judge Lynch, Jr.3 or, The Bey Vivilante. 155 Gold Trigger, the Sport; or, The Girl Avenger. 169 Tornado Tom; or, Injun Jack From Red Core. 188 Ned Temple, the Border Boy. 198 Arkansaw ; or, The Que n of Fate’s Revenge, 207 Navajo Nick, the Boy Gold Hunter. 215 Captain Bullet 3 or, Little Topknot’s Crosade, 251 Plucky Phil; or, Rosa, the Rei Jezebel. 241 Bill Bravo; or, The Roughs of the Rockies. 255 Captain Apoll:, the King-Pin of Bowie, 267 The Buckskin Detective. 279 Old Winchs or, The Buckskin Desperadoes, 294 Dynamite Dany; or, The Bowie Blade of Cochetopa. 802 The Mountain Detective; or, The Trigger Bar Bally, 816 Old Eclipse, Trump Card of Arizona, 826 The Ten Pardsg or, The Terror ot Take-Netiee. 886 Big Benson; or, The Queen of the Lasso. é 845 Pitiless Matt; o”, Red Thunderboli’s Secret. B56 Cool Sam ced Car's; o The Terrible Six, 866 Velvet Foot, the Indian Detective. B86 Captain Cutlass; or, | he Bceuncer’s Girt Fee, 896 Rough Robs or, The / win Champions of Blue Blase 411 The Silken Lasso; or, The Rose of Ranch Rebia, 418 Felix Fox, the Boy Spotter. 425 Texas Trump, the Border Rattler, 486 Phil Flash. the New York Fox. 445 The City Sleuths; or, Red Rolfe’s Pigeon. f 461 One Against Fifty; or, The Last Man of Kene Bar. A70 The Boy Shadow; or, Felix Fox’s Hunt, 477% The Excelstor Sport; or, The Washington Speter- 499 Single Sight, the One-Eyed Sport. 502 Branded Ben, the Night Ferret. 512 Dodger Dick, the Whurf-Spy Detective. 521 Dodger Dick’s Best Dodge. LATEST AND NEW ISSUES, 527 The Jolly Pards to the Rescue. By PF. 8. Warne. 528 Fox and Falcon, the Bowery Shadows. By T. C, Harbaugh, 529 Deadwood Dick’s Danger Ducks, By E. L. Wheeler. 580 The Buckskin Bowers. By Col, P. Ingraham. 581 Daisy Dare, the Sport from Denver. By William G. Patten, 582 The Cowboy Duke. By Edwin Brooke Forrest. 588 Wrestling Rex, the Pride ofthe Sixth Ward. By Jo Pleree,. 584 Deadwood Dick’s Death Hunt. By E. L. Wheeler, 585 The Buc skin Rovers, By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, 586 Broadway Billy’s “ Dimkilty.” By J. C. Cowdrick, 587 Old Buckeye, the Sierra Sleuth. By J- W. Onbon, 588 Dodger Dick, the Dock Ferret. By T.-C. Harbaugh, 589 Deadwood Dick Jr., in Texas. By Edward L, Wheeler. 540 Captain Ku-Klux, the Marauder of the Rio, By Colonet. Prentiss Ingraham. , 541 Jeff Flicke™, the Stable Boy Detective. By Jo Pierce, 642 The Canyon Pards. By Frederick Dewey, eady December 13, : ‘ 548 Dodger Dick’« Double. By T. C. Harbangb. Ready December 20, } 544 Deadwood Dick, Jr.y the Wild West Video. By Edward — L. Wheeler. Ready December 27. isi, : 545 Lieutenant Leo, the Son of Lafitte, By Col. P. Ingratam. Ready January 3. A New Irsue Every Tuesday: The Half-Dime Library is for sale by s!! newsdealers, five. eents por copy, or sent by mall on receipt of six cents each, ; BEADLE AND ADAMA, Publishers, Ae 98 Bireet, New York —