Beadle's Half Dime Library (no. 535) (1887 10 25)
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EIETA fvrTlus., ZS pall! lll algal h oo >| : 3 Dei eu , sll x x D | &e f VQ QA \ hy ena hie a ——E eee aTAS) a ae as ‘pt! Ln! i! a (a lail Rat Copyright, 1887, by BEADLE AND ADAMS, October %, 1887. $2.50 PUBLISHED WEEKLY BY BEADLE AND ADAMS, Price, Vol. XX, a Year. No. 98 WILLIAM STREET, NEW YORK. 5 Cents. No. 5 5. NN Za Ves Wt it i i y i) 2 at ‘ih i / Wf {/ Nh W} WH wy a A | (iit ; | 4 YY —f] A) I HI ] Witt By i Aii}} | | lif (tt) \ 7 Il! 4 GY // Y | pit The Prairie Fugitive, A Texan Romance, and Companion Story to ** Brothers in Buckskin,» and “ The Buckskin Bowers,” BY COL. PRENTISS INGRAHAM. CHAPTER I, A SOLDIER ~“" AE pwISCUE. Aone the banks ot the Rio Grande River, the great water boundary line between Mexico and the United States, two persons were dash- ing, at the utmost s of their horses, Ee La ' a A hat they were Mexicans their darkly-bronzed 4S THE DARING SOLDIER SWAM TO THE RESCUE, HE RAISED HIS HEAVY REVOL complexions. intensely black ayes and raver ONE IN EACH HAND, AND FIRED UPON THE COMANCHES RAPWOLY. ZEEE gM,
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hued hair indicated, as their attire did that they belonged to the upper walks of life. One of the two was a woman, or rather a young and beautiful girl, with a form that showed off well in her handsome riding-habit. Her eyes were large and lustrous, and her face flushed from her rapid exercise, while her hair, loosened from its coils, floated out far be- hind her in heavy, waving masses, Her companion was a young man with a handsome face, which was, however, marred by dissipation, though he could’scarcely have been over twenty-one years of age. He was evidently a Mexican caballero, and rode his horse with the air of one born for the saddle, They were both well-mounted, and, as they sped along, they urged their horses to greater speed, the maiden by sharp lashes with her gold- handled whip and the gentleman with his heavy spurs. They were upon the Mexican shore of the Rio Grande, and the cause of this great haste was evident, when into view, not very far behind them dashed a party of horsemen. These horsemen were Comanche Indians, who were urging their fleet ponies in hot chase and steadily gaining upon the two they pursued. Should they capture them the fate of the young people was sealed, and bitter indeed would it be. ‘*We must take to the river, Senor Ramon, for they will not dare follow us across to American soil,” decided the maiden, as her tired horse stumbled, and a glance behind her showed that the Indians would overtake them before another half mile had been passed over. ‘“*Comanches dare go anywhere, Senorita Celina, and there is no ford near,” was the young horseman’s response. ‘““We must take the river if there is no ford. Better drown than fall into the hands of those demons,” and the maiden shuddered, ‘*T agree with you,” was the curt reply, and then the horseman added: ‘“‘There is a good place to take to the water.” ‘*Then there we take it,” was the firm decision of the plucky girl. The spot indicated was a place where the bank sloped toward the river, leaving a leap of only a few feet into the water; elsewhere it was a cliff of considerable hight. The two fugitives rode directly for the low bank, Side by side they went, and, with a spring, their horses went over into the Rio Grande, Down beneath the turbid waters they sunk, and the maiden shivered as the flood swept over her horse; but the gallant animals arose quickly and headed for the other shore. A few moments after the Comanches dashed up to the bank, and seeing the fugitives, with- out hesitation plunged into the river in pursuit. For some reason the horse ridden by the maiden did not seem to swim as well as the ani- mal which the young Mexican rode, and the lat- ter was some pale ahead, ‘‘Don’t leave me, Senor Ramon,” came the plane ery from the lips, now white with ear. The man looked back, and his experience told him that the horse ridden by the maiden could not last across the river. He knew that his own horse could not bear a double weight. If he turned back for the girl it would fret and tire the animal he rode far more, and perhaps he might not be able to reach the other shore, It he placed the maiden in his saddle, while he swam, the Comanches would most assuredly overtake and capture him. His face whitened under the peril of the situa- tion, and the struggle between his cowardice and courage. rf Then he decided, for he called back: ‘‘T cannot force my horse back, Senorita Ce- a lina, so urge yours forward all you can.” ' Save yourself, Senor Ramon Delporte, and do not mind me!” was the cutting r mse. “ My God! what can I do? Nothing!” As she spoke the maiden let go her bridle-rein and clasped her hands in prayer, for she felt that her horse was sinking, and her companion was deserting her. But, suddenly, a shot rung out from the American shore, and a horseman, in the uniform of the United States Cavalry service, dashed into the river and swam rapidly toward them. The shot had emptied an Indian saddle, and, as tae daring soldier swam to the rescue, he yaised "his heavy revolvers, one in each hand, and fired upon the Comanches rapidly, and with deadly aim, ee en eee EOE The Buckskin Rovers. CHAPTER II. FLUNG IN HIS TEETH. THERE were fully a score of Comanches in pursuit of the two Mexicans, and yet, unaided, the gallant American soldier had dashed to the rescue, The Indians recognized the United States uni- form, and suspected that the dashing officer had soldiers hiding in the thicket on the American shore, so they decided to give up the chase. They, however, sent showers of arrows at the ‘fugitives and the officer iin revenge for having lost their captives, and to avenge, if they could, the death of two of their comrades who had fal- len under the unerring revolver-shots of the American, One of the arrows struck the struggling horse of the maiden, and with a wild plunge he sunk beneath the waters, dragging his fair rider with him. But hardly had she disap ared, when the American officer left his saddle and dove after her, for he was within a few feet of her. e grasped her in his arms, found that her foot was caught in the stirrup, and releasing it, rose to the surface with her in almost an instant of time. His horse had turned back for the shore, but was fortunately within reach, and the maiden was at once placed in the saddle just as the Mexican, who had now turned back, as he saw that the Indians had done so, called out: ‘* T will save you, Senorita Celina.” The maiden was perfectly conscious, and she had not lost her presence of mind, and said, quickly: ‘*] am saved, Senor Delporte, and need not your aid now.” Then she said to the American in broken English: ‘* Ah, senor, I cannot take your horse and leave you here.” “T am a fine swimmer, senorita, and can readily follow you, so head for the shore,” he re- turned in Spanish. ‘¢ The senor can grasp the end of my sash, and my horse will pull him ashore,” said the Mexi- can, who now approached. ‘* No, thank you, Senor Mexican, I accept no aid from a coward, for such you proved your- self to desert that lady, be you brother, lover or husband to her,” came the cutting response flung in the teeth of the Mexican. The American bad spoken in a low tone, yet it reached the ears of the maiden, as the soldier’s horse swam shoreward with her, for the noble brute seemed to understand what he had to do, and she could not check him, At the minging words, the face of the young Mexican flushed and then turned pale, and through his shut teeth came the response: ‘‘ We shall meet again, Senor Americano, for that insult.” ** As you please, Senor Mexicano,” was the reply, and the officer swam shoreward, whither the other had already preceded him. As the maiden reached the bank she sprung to the ground, and turning the borse, urged him again into the water to go to the aid of his master. ; ees this, the American gave a call, and the intelligent steed at once swam out to meet him, though the brave swimmer did not really need his aid. In the mean time, Ramon Delporte had reached the shore and said haughtily: ** Come, senorita, mount my horse and I will walk by your side to the ford some miles below, and there I can doubtless get a horse. ‘*Come, you are wet, so let us be off.” ‘Senor Ramon, I am not as ungrateful as you deem me, for I will await the coming of that noble man to whom I owe my life, yes, and you also, for those Comanches would have crossed and captured you too, but for the American.” ‘Bah! they were already turning back when he caine.” “Tt is not true; but here he is,” and stepping forward as the American left the water, she held out her hand while she said: “* Senor, I am Senorita Celina Velasquez, and I wish to ask you your name, that my father may seek you out to offer you the gratitude of his heart for your noble act, as I now offer my warmest thanks to you,” She spoke earnestly and tears were in her eyes, and seeing them the officer returned in a light tone: ‘* Ah, senorita, the thought that I saved you is my recompense, so spare your thanks, and I am happy that.I was hunting near and thus able to serve you. ** But may T ask you, and your escort, to ac- company me to the fort, for there you can ob- tain dry clothing from the wives of the officers, and I will be glad to extend any courtesy to the senor.” The words were spoken coldly, when they referred to the Mexican, and he said haughtily: **No I thank you, Senor Americano, we—” “*My name is Willis Loring, senor, and T am a lieutenant of cavalry,” was the quiet inter- ruption. ‘Then, Senor Lieutenant Willis Loring, we will continue on our way to this lady’s home, with thanks to you, however.” ‘* The senorita should not remain so long in her wet clothing, and the fort is but two miles away, While the hacienda of her father must certainly be four leagues from here, there being none nearer that I have heard of.” “‘T shall accept your kind invitation, Senor Loring, for I am nearly chilled,” said the fair Mexican. “You may do so, Senorita Celina, but J shall return to Mexico,” hotly suid the Mexican. “You are your own master, senor, and I claim the right to do as I deem best; so shall go to the fort. : Pray tell my parents I will return by night- fall, The Mexican’s face flushed with anger and with an oath muttered between his teeth, he rode away down the river, while Lieutenant Loring raised the maiden’ to a seat upon his horse, behind his saddle, and mounting rode away at a canter. ' A warm welcome met the beautiful girl at the fort, and she was quickly cared for by the wives of the officers, who were anxious to do all in their power for her. ~ But as soon as her clothing had been dried, she started for her home, the handsome lieuten- ant serving as her escort, accompanied by half a dozen of his cavalrymen. Crossing the river it was nightfall when they reached the home of Celina Velasquez, and the young officer was readily persuaded to remain to supper. , ; On his way back he mused of his romantic meeting with the girl, and about her story of herself. She was the daughter of proud parents, but they were poor, and as Ramon Delporte was the son of a man who possessed vast riches, they were anxious to have the Senorita Celina be- come his wife. : Caring for no one else, and admiring the hand- some young ranchero, in spite of his wild life, Celina Velasquez made no resistance to becom- ing the Senora Delporte, and it was so believed she would become, though the Mexican had not yet asked her to be his wife. ; They had ridden out that morning, when they so nearly lost their lives, in, company with the Senor Velasquez, who decided to go on further and purchase some cattle he heard were for sale, so had sent them back to the hacienda together. i : The had turned from the direct trail and thus had come upon the band of marauding Comanches, which had put them to flight. _ The story of her parents herself Celina had told Willis Lesags as they rode algng fe gether, though she had spoken of Ramon Del- pare only as a friend, which indeed thus far be ad been. é And, on his way back to the fort the soldier had congratula bimself over and over again that he bad been able to save the life of the lovely girl, and had often asked himself the question: ‘ “Ts there aught between that coward Mexi- can and her, I wonder?” ’ Ramon Delporte bad stopped at the hacienda and told of their escape from the Comanches to the parents of Celina, for her father had just returved home, and he had said that he had gone to the fort to get dry clothing and would soon follow. ‘But not a word had he said of their lives having been saved by Lieutenant Loring, but — left the impression that they had ridden into the river and American soldiers on the other shore : a had prevented the red-skins from following _ them. Then he had gone on to his home. But from the lips of Celina her parents had heard all, and that Ramon Delporte had intend- ed leaving her to her fate but for the coming of the American officer. —-+- — CHAPTER III. : THE BUCKSKIN BROTHERS. LIEUTENANT WILLIs Lorine was one of the der, most gallant young officers on the Texan a -
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I The Buckskin Rovers. Handsome, the descendant of an old aristo- eratic Florida family, and possessing a snug tittle fortune of his own, he was considered a good “catch” in army circles, He had, however, reached his thirtieth year without having been won by any fair maid, and he often said that he never intended to become a Benedict, He preferred an adventurer’s life upon the bor- der, where there was a chance to win fame, than duty where there would be nothing to break the monotony of a life in barracks. Since his arrival upon the border, he had sev- eral times distinguished himself, in engagements with the Indians, and was commanding his com- pany of cavalry at the time that he was so for- tunately near as to save the fair Celina froma fearful fate. He had been out hunting alone, as was often his wont, when he had seen the fugitives flying from the Comanches, and, without counting odds against him, had daringly gone to the rescue. Since his meeting with Celina Velasquez, and feeling that she owed her life to him, be could not drive her from his thoughts, and several days after the rescue the thought entered his mind that it would be but politeness for him to ride over the river to the hacienda of the Senor Velasquez, and ask about his daughter’s health, after all she had passed through. He did not wish to take an escort of soldiers, so decided to ask two persons then at the fort whom he most highly esteemed, to accompany him. These two were in fact Texan rancheroes, dwelling upon their ranch many miles away from the fort, and yet men who were noted as the best scouts and most daring Indiaun-fighters upon the plains. Whenever there was danger of an Indian raid, these two somehow gleaned the knowledge ahead of all others, and were wont to warn the fort and the settlements. Thus it was that they became known as scouts, and the commandants of the various outposts were always glad to secure their services when they could do so, as scouts, guides, or Indian trailers. They bad gone to the Texan border from the East, so it was said, and their mother had ac- eompanied them, facing all the dangers of fron- tier fife to be with her two noble boys. With several faithful servants who had gone with her, the mother was wont to remain at the ranch and help to build up a comfortable home for her ‘‘ boys,” as she called them, while they roamed the prairies, captured wild horses, and acted as guards against the settléments and ranches being surprised by the Indians, On the border they_had won several names, being called the ‘Buckskin Brothers,” the ‘Powell Pards,” and, individually, ‘ Night Hawk” and ‘ Broncho Bill,” but their names were George and William Powell.* Two finer specimens of manhood are seldom met with, and the fame they had won as dead- shots, trailers, riders, and for undaunted cour- age was well deserved, Lieutenant Loring had several times gone on scouts with them, and always did he meet with success under their guidance, so that he had be- come greatly attached to them. Their manners were gentle, almost womanly, they never spoke of their own deeds, and, ever genial, they were general favorites, Night Hawk George was the larger of the two, and his strength was wonderful, while he was a silent man and a trifle stern in manner. Broncho Bill was strangel like his brother, and yet there was a vein of funin his nature that found vent in various ways, while his bright blue eyes seemed ever to twinkle with mischief. Each brother knew that be could trust the other tothe death, and either one felt safe in any danger when the other was near at hand, uch were the two men whom Lieutenant Loring decided to ask to go with him to the ha- cienda of Senor Velasquez. ‘ ; He found them in the little cabin which they always occupied when at the fort, and they greeted the officer pleasantly, for they greatly admired him, ‘George, I have come to ask you and Will to accompany me on a little jaunt over the river, as I am desirous of seeing if that young lady I rescued the other day suffered from the shock and her cold bath.” “‘] will go with pleasure, Lieutenant Loring,” responded Night Hawk. * The heroes of mores romance of frontier life, ros now residents of Crosse, Wisconsin,—THE UTHOR. 3 “That settles it for me, too, lieutenant,” re- | sponded Broncho Bill, | ‘*{ do not care to take any of my men, so will | let it go as a hunting trip.” | ‘All right, sir; but IT would advise that you go in buckskin and not in uniform, in case we should meet some quarrelsome Mexicans, you know, for they hate to see Americans cross the river.” , 4 “You are right, Night Hawk, and I will 0 SO. ** When will you be ready?” “Now.” *¢ Well, we will start within the hour.” Soon after the three, well mounted and armed, rode away from the fort, and they took the trail leading toward the Rio Grande River. CHAPTER IV. THE CHALLENGE. THE trio of horsemen had reached the ford of the Rio Grande, which would lead them nearest to the hacienda of Senor Velasquez, when they suddenly spied four mounted men crossing the river toward the American shore, ‘*Who are they?’ asked Lieutenant Loring, as both Night Hawk and Broncho Bill leveled their field glasses upon them. ‘Mexican gentlemen and their attendants, from their dress,” Night Hawk responded. They waited until the Mexicans crossed and saw that the two in advance were handsomely dressed, and without doubt gentlemen. The two following a few paces behind them were peon servants. The scouts and the officer saluted politely, and returning the salutations one of the party asked: ‘* May [ inquire the distance to the American fort, senors, and the trail that leads thither?” ‘““That trail will lead you to the fort, senor, and it is four miles from here,” ‘*Are you from there?” asked the Mexican, addressing Night Hawk Powell who had an- swered him. ‘*'Yes, senor.” ‘“*T would know if the Senor Lieutenant Lo- ring is now at the fort?” Night Hawk glanced toward the officer, who promptly said: ‘*T am Lieutenant Loring, senor.” ‘* Ah, senor, meeting with you saves me a ride, for we were going to see you.” ‘‘ Indeed, and may I ask the names of my vis- itors and the nature of their visit?’ and Lieu- tenant Loring half suspected what the response would be as to their errand. ‘“T am Senor Altar Guaymas, a captain of Mexican Lanceros, and my comrade permit me to introduce as Senor Fronteras, senor.” Lieutenant Loring bowed and returned, ‘* Per- mit me to present my friends, the Senors Pow- ell, ye ee All bowed, the scouts wondering what this visit of the Mexicans meant. But they were not kept long in suspense, as Captain Altar Guaymas very quickly said: “Senor Lieutenant, I havea message from my friend, Senor Ramon Delporte.” ‘Ah, the gentleman who did not like my words to him the other day?” was the cool query. ‘*- Yes, senor.” “IT do not wonder, for I spoke as I thought, and my thoughts were somewhat bitter toward him, ‘The Senor Delporte considers that you in- sulted him.” ‘*{ do not wonder, for I meant to.” ‘** And I am requested to visit you and bear a demand that you give him satisfaction as a soldier and a gentleman, but shall I wait until you are in uniform?” ‘Oh no, pray don’t, senor, for the man’s the same, even in buckskin, and I am not on official duty to-day.” ; ‘*Then, senor, I demand a meeting from you with my friend, the Senor Ranton Delporte.” “‘ What is his grievance, senor?” ** An insult.” : ‘« Ah yes; but will he not let it remain as it is for in hisown heart he must feel that I said just what he deserved?” *“1 am authorized to demand satisfaction, senor, and as an American officer I suppose you | will hardly dare refuse.” _ | “See here, Senor Captain Guaymas, I need not be prompted as to what an American officer should do. ‘“*T am opposed to dueling, and I could refuse to meet Senor Delporte upon the grounds that I consider him unmanly and an arrant coward; but I shall not do so, as I feel that he is one who would force me to some harsh measure. “So I will meet your friend, senor, when and | where you pkase.” LL Ne ‘*T am glad to hear the senor say that, and I would ask him where Senor Fronteras and myself can arrange with the friends whom it will please him to select?” ** Right here, Senor Guaymas, if my friends will be kind enough to serve me in the matter.” ‘* With pleasure, sir,” responded Night Hawk. ** Certainly,” added Broncho Bill. The Mexicans bowed haughtily, and all dis- mounted, the four seconds walking apart, while Lieutenant Loring quietly lighted a cigar and stood gazing at the wild scenery about him, It did not take George and Will Powell long to arrange a matter of that kind, and they soon joined the-lieutenant, while the Mexicans, with a salute, mounted their horses and rode back to the ford, crossing over into their own country. “ Well, pards?” asked Lieutenant Loring, as the two ranchero-scouts joined him, ‘*T know your skill as a swordsman, lieuten- ant, so I made it blades,” Night Hawk said, ‘* With revolvers in reserve should blades fail,” added Broncho Bill. ‘¢That suits me. ‘* But time and place?” “To-morrow morning at eight o'clock, over yonder on the Mexican shore, in that clump of mesquites,” and Night Hawk pointed out a little clump of trees a mile away. “We will be first upon the spot, lieutenant, and as we have the ford near, and open country for a mile around the place, no large force can creep upon us, you see, and I am always a trifle cautious in dealing with Mexicans.” “You are right, Broncho Bill,” returned Lieu- tenant Loring with a laugh. ‘* But now let us go on to the bacienda where dwells the fair Celina Velasquez,” and mounting their horses they crossed the river into Mexico. CHAPTER V. AN OFFER AND A THREAT. Ir was a surprise to beautiful Celina Velas- quez, when she looked up from her book, as she was reclining in her hammock, swung upon the veranda of her home, and whiling away the time in reading, to behold three horsemen ap- proaching the hacienda. .In spite of his buckskin attire and broad som- brero, she recoeaes in one of them the hand- some soldier who had saved her from the Co- manches, . ; Her face flushed with pleasure, and she sprung from the hammock to give bim and his friends greeting, while she also called a peon servant and sent him to inform her parents of the com- ing of guests. Senor Velasquez greeted the visitors with cor- diality, as did also his wife; but in their hearts there was a feeling against the officer that he had driven Ramon Delporte out of the heart of their ee They felt most grateful to the American, as they knew that they owed him deepest idly a 4 for all he had done; but then Ramon Delporte was supposed to be the only heir of his very rich father, and the Velasquez were poor. Then, too, they were not fond of Americans, anyhow. But refreshments and wine were ordered, and after a pleasant hour passed at the hacienda the three Americans mounted their horses and rode away, leaving the Mexicans to discuss them at their leisure. “Tt was most kind in Lieutenant Loring to come so far to make inquiries about my health, when Senor Ramon Delporte, who lives but a few miles away, bas not done so,” said Celina Velasquez, after the trio had departed, ‘You angered Senor Ramon in some way, my child,” said the Senor Velasquez. ‘¢T was the one to feel angry, father. ‘But he did not act right, and his guilty con- science alone must be his excuse for his submit- ting tamely to the insult which the American officer cast in his teeth, “ He was angry, too, because I cared not to ride twenty miles in my wet clothing, and ac- cepted the invitation of Senor Loring to go to the fort.” ‘My child, the Senor Ramon loves you, and he explained to me that he was unable to force his horse back to your aid, and was just about to spring into the water and swim to your suc- cor when the American appeared upon the scene, ‘““Senor Ramon is a brave man, and a very rich one, and I told him months ago, if he would reform his wild ways, he should have you for his wife.” Celina Velasquez laughed lightly and went back to her hammock and her beok; but in her heart she felt a deep contempt for her Mexican. lover, '
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A. Hardly had she resumed her place in the ham- Zack when she beheld five horsemen approach- oe It is old Senor Delporte and his peon guard,” she said. The visitor was a Mexican with ery hair. and the appearance of a man who ha passed his three-score mile-post. He was elegantly dressed however, wore rare jewels and seemed to be an old dandy. He was received with the greatest show of eonsideration by Senor Velasquez, as he alight- ed with the aid of his peons, and invited into the hacienda, The Senor Velasquez was wondering at the visit of the rich old ranchero, for seldom was it that he had ever come to the hacienda before, and he said: ‘“*T will call my wife and the Senorita Celina, senor, to help entertain you, for they will be delighted at the honor of your visit. Celina had run to her room when she spied the old ranchero coming, and her mother had gone after her to have a talk with her about mon Delporte. As the Senor Valsaquez was about to leave the room to call his wife and daughter, Senor Del- porte detained him with: “No, a talk first with you, Senor Velasquez.” Senor Velasquez ordered wine and refresh- ments, and then sat.near his guest, who quickly id: ** Senor Velasquer, you are not a rich man, I believe?” ‘*No, senor, I am poor, for somehow life has ' been hard with me,’ ‘* Your own fault, for you have speculated without judgment; but I believe you value your ranch and cattle here, with this hacienda and furniture at seventy-five thousand dollars?” ‘‘ That is what it is valued at, senor,” said the surprised Velasquez, whose pride would have shown itself had a less rich man than the ranchero addressed him thus. “That is what it is all mortgaged for, you mean?” “ Well, yes, senor, all I have is mortgaged.” “ And the mortgage is due within the month?” ** Yes, senor.” t to pay it?” “How do you ex “*T cannot; but can pay the interest and re- new for a year.” ‘¢- You have done that now for twelve years?” ‘“'Yes, senor,” was the auswer, and Senor Velasquez found it hard to keep his temper. “ You have not cut the mortgage down a peso in that time?” “No, I have been unable to do so,” “T see: but let me tell you, Senor Velasquez, that the holder of your mortgages, on land, hacienda, furniture and stock was on his last legs, and he sold all to me for just seventy-five thousand cash.” “Al, senor!” and Velasquez turned pale, for he knew not what was coming. “You havea beautiful Manic! I believe?” ‘*-Yes, senor.” “T haveseen ber often, and she is beautiful and most lovable. 34 son is her lover, I believe?” e Well, yes, senor.” “ He has asked you for her hand?” ** He has,” * And you consented?” ** Yes, senor.’ ** Hoe has not a dollar but what I give him.” **So I hear, senor.” ** And what he gambles for.” ‘“‘T have heard that be gambles.” * And ash you would give your daughter to such a wild scamp as he is?” “ He pledged me to reform.” +s Bab! he'll never reform, and he is worse than you think, for he gets money in most ques- tionable ways. ‘*Within the month he will be of age, and I shall cut: him off from all support. “‘T shall pay his debts up to that date, give him a thousand pesos, and let him go, ** Never shall he have another: peso from me, Senor Velasquez. Bh Senor Velasquez turned pale. Then the visitor continued: “‘ Now, senor, l own all you are supposed to rote, and I will give the mortgages into your ds entire, with fn thousand pesos in cash, if you will give me your daughter in marriage, Refuse, senor, and I sell you out. “Such is my offer, such my terms, and if you consent I will make your child a good husband, and when I die, which will be in a few years at best, I sball leave her ovr peso J possess. ‘T await your. answer, Senor Velasquer, and the answer of your child! Se nee ee ee eee TN -——— ee SS eee The Buckskin Overe. ee ee Rovers. CHAPTER VI, SACRIFICED. Senok VELASQUEZ was almost dumb with amazement at the offer of the old ranchero, and the threat that followed it, He knew not what to say. He had neyer liked Ramon Delporte, but had been willing to sacrifice his daughter to get out of his financial difficulties, as he saw his way clear to do os he thought, if she became the Se- nora Delporte Now the father of the young profligate came with an offer of marriage, and more, said frankly that he meant to disivherit his son. But, still more, he made a munificent offer of giving a ag to Senor Nelagasien every mortgage against his rty, with a present of ten thousand pet ge hrown in. It was some moments before Senor Velasquez oom command himself to speak, and then he 1 $ Maida you are most generous, and [ thank wel will gore with my wlfe and daughter at once, and if you will content yourself until my return I will be thankful.” With some rare old, wine before him anda fragrant cigarrito, the old Mexican was content, and so Senor Velasquez hastened to his daugh- ter’s room, Her mother was there with her, impressing upon her the fallacy of allowing her heart to hes earn for an American lover, when a rich and ndsome young Mexican sued for her hand. Rope a senor appeared, and he was ail ex- citem oMy child, I would ask you,” he said with trembling voice, ‘if you would see your ope «| ruined if it was in your hand to save im ‘* Ah, father, you know that I would not. “But what has foe and both Celina and her mothe. turn “My child, nothing bas happened, but Wilberon, the money-lender, who held mort- gages on every peso of property that I own, as you and your mother know, has gone to the wall, and the claims were bought up for their full ‘value by Senor Delporte, who now holds them.” ‘* And ha will give them to Celina, if she will marr his son?” cried the senora, eagerly. othing of the kind, wife, but he will tain to me, with ten thousand pesos in cas if Celina will marry him.” Who?” *‘ The Senor Delporte ‘‘ Not his son!” zimost sities the senora, ** No, the old man,’ Celina gave a low moan and dropped into the chaiss§ from which, in her excitement, she had a Both the father and mother gazed upon her, and after an effort of self-control she asked in a whens f I refuse, father, to be sacrified for gold?” “Then within the month we will be turned out of our home.” ** And Senor Ramon?” “Isto be cast off when he becomes of age this month, and never more acknowledged by his father, ‘who as much as says that he isa aetna i is seventeen, and the Senor Delporte is Pein rend ” the senora, said, ‘*Yes, but he will die soon, as he says, and Celina will get all. **Come, my child, will you save us?” For a long time Celina did not answer. Her heart was full, her brain was reeling. Her dreams of love faded away, and she con- sented to save her parents from poverty, She said: ‘* Father, Iam willing to be sold, so take me to Senor Delporte, that I may tell him so?” And tell him she did, in a low, sad tone, yet “ir no word of regret or reproach escaping her 5 FWhen a day had been appointed for the wed- ding, and it was set off but two weeks, the old man mounted his horse, and, accompanied by his peon guard, rode away. atching him until he was out of sight, Celina Delporte walked off by herself in the woodjand surrounding the hacienda, and took a seat upon a fallen tree, a favorite resort of hers, She had been there but a short while when she heard hoof-falls, and a moment after Ramon Delporte arrived in sight, riding at a rapid gal- 1 its spied her where she sat, and rode directly up to the tree and sprung off. His face was e, his look sinister, and he said as he doffed his sombrero; “This is a great gaint CRAP WL. kc) Pc ng te ween tenlenauxe Milan cane Celina, to find you here, for I was on my way to havea talk with you,” ‘* Indeed, senor? “1 had "supposed you had forgotten me, as you failed to call and inquire rai gh teen althou h you well knew what I through. ““T am glad that you thought of me, and lL should ee called, I grant. “But I haye been much engrossed, and also worried, and such are my excuses, “ Are you enjoying your usual health?” ‘* Yes, senor,” “ And, senorita, let me say to you that I have come to tell you how dear you are to me, how deeply I love you, and to ask you if my regard for you is appreciated by you to that extent that will permit you to be my wife? “Your father and mother granted me their consent, senorita, to make you my wife, and I have shown to you that I loved you, and have felt that you cared for me, ‘‘ Now I ask you to be my wife, and forgive me for what you deemed neglect the other day for your safety, for, upon my honor, I could nct manage my horse.” She had Ae and now looked at him straight in the eyes, She had listened to every word that he said, and had he looked into her face he would have seen there only contempt for him. RL i she spoke, and the words cut him like & ife: ‘¢Senor Ramon, your father left here one hour ago, and, as he did me the honor to ask me to become his wife, I consented, so it bas been arranged that I am to become your step-mother. That is all the answer I have to make you,” ue was liyid now, and his eyes blazed with fur a Hes that old man, in his dotage, asked you to marry him?” he hissed forth. ‘+ He has, and within two weeks I will be the Senora Delporte!” ‘** Curses! it shall not be!” “Pardon me, but it shall be, for there is too much at stake in our household to permit the failure of the transaction.” “T will prevent it, and more, I have heard that that accursed American was here to see you to-day, and I will have it so that he has: id his last call upon you. Adios, Senorita Celina Walenanes,, and understand that you have made a wicked foe in Ramon Delporte, for L know that you love the accursed American, and: marry my old father for his money. Adzos!” With a bound he was in his sad e, and darted away, leaving Celina Velasquez standing by the fallen tree and gazing after him with a smile of bitter contempt upon her beautiful face, CHAPTER VII, TREASON IN THE AIR, AFTER his visit to the hacienda with Night Hawk and Broncho Bill, Lieutenant Loring and oe set off on their return to the fort, through the mesquite motte, and Pi 4, Bill suggested that, to be sure and pre vent any treachery, if the Mexicans intended any he should remain there in camp, ‘You ean go on to the fort, get your weapons and return to-night, so as to be on hand ale and have plenty of time to rest, lieutenan while I remain here, and if any one ap pproaches, I will cross the river and meet you an there.” This was considered the best plan, and while Broncho Bill remained among the mesquites, wanes Hawk and Lieutenant Loring went int the fort They shot some game as they went along, and arrived after nightfall. After supper the mounted their horses, and with a pair of handsome rapiers which belonged to the lieutenant they set out upon their return to the Mexican side of the river, It was midnight when they crossed the Rio Grande, and ascending the bank on the other side they suddenly came upon a, horseman, It was Broncho Bill, and he recognized the two as quickly as they did him. ** What’s up, Will?” asked George. “Oh I saw nine Mexicans. coming and con- cluded Td quit.” “Nine?” “ Yes.” ‘* Who were they?” ‘Some gang I believe sent there by the party we are to meet, for they were on foot, so as to teat ihoy teean tmischiet?* ey mean mischie “ Certainly. es a
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—_— Loring. ‘©Go into camp further down the river, and keep watch in the morning until we see the Senor Delporte and his seconds approaching the mesquites, and Will can head them off and ask what it means?” said Night Hawk. ‘* Yes, I will tell them that I know there are nine men hidden in the mesquites, and that they went there on foot last night.” “If they wish to meet the lieutenant, tell . them to come to the river bank here, unless they drive those nine men off,” Night Hawk said. So it was arranged, Lieutenant Loring con- gratulating Broncho Bill on his far-sightedness in wishing to remain in the mesquites, for he felt that treachery was at the bottom of those nine men being there. ‘*T could expose this to Mexicans of honor, be they ranchers or officers of the army, and refuse to meet Delporte, and they would uphold me in it and disown him. ‘* But he is one that I have come to dread as [ would a snake, and so 1 shall meet him,” said Lieutenant Loring. And so the party rode to a camping-place near, the horses were staked out, and all were fast asleep in a very short while, for the scouts felt that they had no cause to dread danger in the place they had selected for their camp. yaaa dawn they awoke and soon had cooked a substantial breakfast, Then they took up a position from whence they could command a view of the approach to the clump of mesquites, and Broncho Bill sug- gested that he should cross the river and be ready to ride toward Delporte and his compan- ions, when Night Hawk should signal him of their oapaings This was decided upon, and hardly had Bron- cho Bill been ten minutes in his place of waiting when Night Hawk gave him a signal. Instantly he mounted and rode up to the top of the river-bank. Far off he siw five horsemen approaching, and their destination was toward the mes- quites, ‘* Five of them, are they? ‘** Well, we don't care, so they don’t join the, nine in the timber, for fourteen would be rather too many for a pleasant meeting. ‘* But I cannot believe that the Mexican cap- tain and his friend can wink at treachery in this matter, and from what the lieutenant told us of Delporte, he must be the one who is playing the game against us.” So saying, Broncho Bill role ata canter to head the five horsemen off ere they reached the grove of mesquites. : The party of horsemen soon saw him coming, and, as he waved to them they came to a halt, Night Hawk and the lieutenant watching the meeting with deep interest, and ready to dash to the aid of Broncho Bill if he needed it, ‘** There comes one of the men we saw yester- day, for I recognize him,” said Captain Guay- mas. ‘Yes, and he is doubtless coming to tell us that the American dare not meet me,” Ramon Delporte responded with a scowl. ‘**Oh, no; that American officer has a face that is utterly fearless, Delporte. “TJ rather liked him,” Captain Guaymas re- turned. ‘* And so did I; but perhaps something has prevented the meeting for to-day,” Senor Fron- teras rejoined. ““f sincerely hope not,” Delporte returned, and all waited the coming of Broncho Bill, the two others of the party having villainous look- ing peons, who acted as servants to Senor Del- rte orte. «3 Tn a short while Broncho Bill rode up, His face wore its usual pleasant smile, but his eyes were as watchful as a hawk’s, and his hands were kept as if by accident, convenieutly near his revolvers, j * Senors, good-morning,” he said courteously, They all returned his salutation, and Captain ‘Guaymas asked: “Has aught prevented Lieutenant Loring from keeping his appointment for this morning, senor?” ** Oh no, Senor Captain, he is ready to keep it, only we did not care to face a small army upon Mexican soil.” ‘These peons are Senor Delporte’s servants, who carry his weapons, and will aid him, in case he is wounded, senor,” replied the Mexican captain. j “Tt is well for an army to go well supplied with hospital attaches, Senor Captain; but oh is the garrison in the mesquites yonder or “What is to be done?’ asked Lieutenant The Buckskin Rovers. As he spoke Broncho Bill addressed Captain Guaymas, though his eyes turned quickly upon Ramon Delporte. a “I thought so,” he muttered as he saw the young Mexican start and change color, This little by-play was not observed by the others, and Captain Guaymas responded: ‘*T am at a loss to understand you, senor.” ‘And are you also, Senor Delporte?” asked Broncho Bill with a wicked smile. ‘“‘T certainly am,” was the angry retort. ** Well, permit me to explain, senor, that last night a party of nine men on foot went into yonder mesquite motte and are now in hiding there, I am sure.” “Can this be possible, Senor Americano?” asked Captain Guaymas with amazement. ‘“*T hope, senor, that vou cannot believe that we know aught of them,” Fronteras added. “Tt is possible, senor, and it is true; but I as- sure you, on your part I believe you inno way connected with it,’ and Broncho in looked at the two seconds as he spoke, and not at Ramon Delporte. Then he added: ‘“You will understand, senors, why we did not care to meet you in the mesquites, but we are at your service if you will come to the river- bank yonder.” ‘“*T do not believe there is any one there; and if so, I will soon get rid of them, I assure you. ww ait for me here, senors,” and Ramon Del- Borers calling to one of the peons to accompany him, rode off toward the mesquite motte, Po in Broncho Bill, with his two seconds and the other peon to await his return. ‘“‘Shail we not accompany you, Delporte?” called out Captain Guaymas, ‘“Oh, no, for I wish the senor to see that he is mistaken, and if there should be any one there I will drive them off, for that is the place for the meeting in view,” and so saying Ramon Del- porte rode on at a canter, his face black as a thundercloud, and his lips firmly set. CHAPTER VIII. TRAITOR TO FRIEND AND FOE, WHEN Ramon Delporte had ridden out of hearing of the group, who watched his going and awaited the result, he said to his peon serv- ant, who rode close behind him, and without looking around: ‘* Andras, how is this?” ‘* It’s bad, senor.” ‘“* That accursed American suspects me,” ‘* He seemed to do so, senor.” ** You selected men whom you could trust?” ** Ob, yes, senor,” ‘** And Vento?” ‘* He is in the secret, senor.” ‘** Tell me just what you told the men,” “*T told them, Senor Ramon, to seek the mes- quite motte at midnight, and to go on foot, leaving their horses over in the old canyon with a guard,” ** How many men were to go to the motte?” ‘* Nine, senor.” ** And then?” ‘They were to hide there in the thicket until the duel scene, when they were to fire upon the three Americans and the two Mexican senors.” ** You told them not to make any mistake?” ‘“Oh yes, senor, they were to fire upon the others, for Vento and I were to stand near you and thus protect you. ‘Then we were—Vento and me—to see if any did not fall dead, and to shoot them down, at the sae time pretending to fire upon you, while you could run to your horse and make your escape.” “That was my plan, Andras, and I knew you had the pluck and mind to carry it out, while I did not care to be known in the matter to other than yourself and Vento.” ‘*So I know, senor, and my comrades had or- ders to spare you, as! told them you werea good master and had saved Vento’s life and mine.” ‘** And the price?” “‘ They were to get the horses of the two Mex- ican senors, and the three eroaricans, their arms, and what valuables they had, with a thousand et, which I was to pay them the moment they done their work, and you had escaped.” *“ Well, Andros, you have done well; but I fear me the plan Will fail through that accursed American.” “Yes, senor, but there can be another plot arranged) for the Americanos,” ‘* And Senors Guaymas and Fronteras too, Andras, for lowe those two men very large sums of borrowed money, and the easiest way to cancel the debts is to have them killed by out- laws, you know.” k meer es 5 ‘* Yes, senor.” “Well, we are foiled to-day, and when we reach the motte you ride toward your friends and order them to depart, joining me before we leave the timber, ‘Tell them that you have decided upon an- other plan, as their presence was suspected.” ** And the duel, senor?” **Oh, I must meet the American.” ‘* He may kill you, senor?” ‘No, for no man in Mexico handles a sword better than I do.” ‘*T know, senor, but these Americans are per- fect devils.” “Yes, Andras, and so am I when aroused. “Thave no dread of the result, and only re- gret we cannot wipe out the three of them and Fronteras and Guaymas also.” . “Tt is too bad, senor; but another time.” “Yes, another time, good Andras,” and as the treacherous Mexivan, treacherous alike to friend and foe, spoke, the two reached the mes- ao motte and disappeared within its dense oliage. CHAPTER IX. THE MEETING, Ir was not Broncho Bill’s nature to speak ill of a man behind his back, so he did not refer to his suspicions of Ramon Delporte’s having play- ed a double game, to the two Mexicans, He had thwarted him in his little plot, and so was content, That he had gone to the motte with his peon servant to warn those there that their plot was known, and to depart, he felt: assured, and while conversing pleasantly with Senor Guaymas, be kept his eyes on the timber. fter the two had disappeared within its shadows, it flashed across his mind that perhaps a: all he might have wronged Ramon Del- rte. But, remembering his cowardice, as Lieuten- ant Loring had told it, where Celina Velasquez was concerned, and her own words that her escort had deserted her in her time of greatest need, for so had she said to Night Hawk and himself when they went to the bacienda with the lieutenant, and recalling the guilty look of the Mexican when he had spoken of the nine men being in the mesquite motte, Broncho Bill felt that he had not after all been far wrong. So he watched the timber pista and soon saw the two men rea™pear where t ney had en- tered, while upon the other side, to his great joy, for it showed that he was not wrong, nine villainous-looking Mexicans walked away on the ain, pn You were right, senor, for there are your nine men; but who are they?” said Senor tron teras. ‘* They look to me like outlaws, and if I had my lanceros here I would quickly make them give an account of themselves,” the Mexican captain replied. ‘**They must be men from the ranches, how- ever, as they would show fight to Senor Del- porte, were they outlaws. ‘“*They have been shirking duty by hiding,” said Senor Fronteras, with no suspicion of wrong-doing against the man he called his friend, Riding back to the party, Senor Ramon Del- porte said, with a sneer: ‘*Senor Americano, there was nothing to fear froma gang of idle vaqueros, but I ordered them off for fear they might alarm you and your friends.” ‘Senor Delporte, you already have more on your hands with Lieutenant Loring, than I be- lieve you can manage, sol advise you not to undertake the task of also wishing to kill me, and to avoid it, keep a more civil tongue in your ead.” Broncho Bill smiled as he spoke; but it was a dangerous smile, “Ah! you threaten, do you? “« Perhaps, senor, we are in danger of meeting others than we expect?” ‘** No, senor, we are but three, as I supposed you were, ‘* But you're being five does not trouble me, though I did object to nine more,” ‘**Come, senors, let us go on and settle the matter in hand,” said Captain Guaymas, vexed that Delporte should have been insulting to- ward Broncho Bill. “We will meet you, senor, at the mesquite motte.” Broncho Bill replied, and he rode away toward the river, while the others continued on their way to the motte, : Reaching the river-bank, Broncho Bill wag met by Night Hawk and the lieutenant, whe
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had crossed over to the Mexican side, and he quickly told them what had happened. ‘*T am more tempted not tospare that fellow,” said Lieutenant Loring. ‘* He deserves killing,” Night Hawk remark- ed, and ha added: ‘¢ But can the others be in the plot with him, Will?” **Oh, no, Iam sure not, for they are honest gentlemen. ‘*But the peons may, for I saw glances pass between them and Delporte. “Tt wasa plot to kidnap us, or kill us, I guess, on the Pg of Delporte, and he hoped to win his seconds over I suppose; but he mistook his men, as Senors Guaymas and Fronteras are to be trusted wholly, I feel assured.” The three now rode forward toward the mes- quite motte, and soon after entered it. There was an open space there, and the ruins of an old adobe hut. Here the Mexicans had halted and hitched their horses, and they saluted the lieutenant and the scouts as they rode up. It looked to Broncho Bill, who narrowly ob- served them, that Delporte and his seconds had had some words. But the trio of Americans dismounted, and Night Hawk and Captain Guaymas examined the weapons which each had brought, while Broncho Bill and Senor Fronteras selected the ground. “*Tf swords fail, as I understand it, senor, our principals are to resort to revolvers?” said Captain Guaymas, ** Yes, senor, at fifteen paces, and to advance at the word and fire as rapidly as they please, the word fire to quickly follow the order for- ward,” answered Night Hawk. The ground having been selected the duelists took their stands, Captain Guaymas having agreed that the superb rapiers brought by the other side should be used, as they were superior to his own, which Delporte had borrowed of him for the ce ““They are utiful weapons, senor,” he had said, as he measured their lengths and tested them, Senor Delporte seemed in ill-humor, for mat- ters had not gone to his liking. But there was determination in his face, this all saw, to show no mercy to his adversary. He was noted as a splendid swordsman and there was not the shadow of a suspicion as to the result in his mind. Lieutenant Loring on the other hand was calm, stern and conscious that be was face to face with death. He knew his skill as a swordsman was the ad- miration of his brother officers, and when a cadet at West Point he had stood number one as a fencer, be it with any blade. At the word given by Broncho Bill, who, with his usual luck had won the toss, the weapons slashed together. It was a grand sight, yet a fearful one, to see those two splendid swordsmen fighting, the one for mastery the other to kill. The more humane won the combat too, for he disarmed his antagonist to his utter amazement and me, Broncho Bill and Night Hawk’s faces no lon- ger wore an anxious look, A smile passed over them, as their comrade struck the weapon from the hand of his foe. ‘*T hope the Senor Delporte will be content to accept the life I give him,” said Lieutenant Loring coldly. ‘*No!” was the angry retort. “T demand a meeting with revolvers, as was ,” cried the furious Mexican. ' Willis Loring’s face flushed with anger, while he replied: ‘* Pardon me, senor, if I recall the fact that I saved your life a few days ago, and now give you hi life which was in my hands. ‘¢ Will you not let it rest at this?” **No, senor, if you are not a coward you will give me the satisfaction I demand!” was the savage retort. : “Pardon me, senor, but I think you owe me a meeting for your insulting words when you re- turned from the mesquite here. : “Let us settle that little affair before you agen face Lieutenant Loring?’ and Broncho Bill stepped forward and confronted Ramon Delporte. ; CHAPTER X. SOMETHING TO REMEMBER. Broncuo BIL suddenly taking up the affair to settle it, was a surprise to all, But he acted from the fact that he feared that The Buckskin Rovers. | Lieutenant Loring might not be as good a shot as he was a swordsman. He had seen him shoot a rifle and shot-gun often, and knew that his aim was true, but he had never seen him fire a revolver when deadly aim meant win, and he had the thought that from Ramon Delporte’s urging the matter after ae disarmed, he was a shot of ’a dangerous nd. So he yay ee to the front to protect his friend, well knowing that he never missed, and intending not to kill the Mexican but to wing him, The motive of Broncho Bill Night Hawk at once saw through, and with perfect confidence in his brother he said: “Yes, let the senor meet my brotker now, as he seems so anxious for another killing match,” ‘“*No, no, mine is the prior claim, as Senor Delporte asks it,” said Willis Loring quickly, also understanding the kindly motives of the scouts, a Raymon Delporte settled the matter with: “‘T demand the meeting now with Senor Lo- ring, and afterward, if you are in the same humor, Senor Buckskin, I will accommodate you,” and his reference to Broncho Bill as ** Senor Buckskin” was intended as a slur at his suit of buckskin, for he little dreamed that the young scout was known by that name, and Ley neither he nor his brother were ashamed of it. Then, too, there was that about Broncho Bill which Senor Delporte stood in awe of, and Andras the Peon had told him that he had heard of Broncho Bill as a very dangerous man to face in combat. As this was the decision there was nothing to do but to arrange the preliminaries. Then Senor Fronteras and Broncho Bill loaded the weapons, which were Night Hawk’s, as they were selected to be used by the seconds, and Night Hawk and Captain Guaymas stepped off the ground. Then the toss was made for the word and Night Hawk won. ‘You are a lucky trio so far, senor,” said Captain Guaymas with a smile. ‘* Their luck ends soon,” came in a savage voice from Ramon Delporte, who overheard the words. The two men again took position for the dread ordeal, more to be feared than the com- bat with swords, As before, Ramon Delporte’s face showed de- termination to kill. Never having had aught to do, most of his leisure time had been passed in pistol practice and sword exercise. and he had never found his superior, so it had been deeply mortifying to him to be disarmed by the American officer, His hope of revenge caused him to bear up and be able to smother his hate. He had seen the quick look which had passed between his seconds, at his discomfiture, and he hoped to get even by killing his adversary. ad he had a thought to the contrary, he would never have wished a second meeting, but, quick as a flash in firing, and deadly in his aim, he had no fear of the result. Taking their stands, weapons in hands, the two again faced each other. Now they were fifteen paces apart, yet each could see the other’s eyes distinctly. Willis Loring, as was his wont, was calm, his face pale yet unmoved, Then came the words in the ringing voice of Night Hawk, who had explained what would be said and the conditions: “* Are you ready?” “ Rea y {” ** ‘Yes, senor.” “¢ Forward —march—fire!” There was but one pistol-shot, for before the man who held the other could draw trigger his arm fell to his side, the weapon dropped to the ound, for a bullet had cut through his shoul- er. “That is a reminder of me, Senor Delporte —something to remember,” came in the deep, stern tones of Willis Loring. re was no exultation in his tone or manner. He had not intended to kill the Mexican, and did not intend that he should kill him. So he had fired with a quickness and dead] aim that won the admiration of Night Haw and Broncho Bill, while the. Mexicans were amazed. There was none more so than was on Del- porte, and he hissed forth: rab Ti—” : ** Hold, Senor Delporte! Dare to utter insult to the man who has been so merciful to you, and I shoot you down in your tracks,” It was Captain Guaymas who spoke, and hie face was livid with anger. ‘* What! do you insult me because I am crip- pled?” and Ramon Delporte turned upon him, ** No, for your wound is a slight one. * But l regret that 1 have been your second, senor, in an affair where your foes have been gentlemen, and you have acted disgracefully.” “‘And I say the same,” came from Fron- teres. ‘* Senor, I am something of a surgeon, permit me to look to your wound, for it may be dan- gerous,” and Night Hawk stepped to the side of the wounded Mexican, Ramon Delporte was at heart a coward. The wound pained him, and the thought that an artery might be cut and he thus bleed to death alarmed him, and so he gladly turned to the scout with: ‘*] thank you, senor; you are most kind.” **T am but humane, senor,” was the reply of Night Hawk, who quickly stripped the clothing from the shoulder and examined the wound, while all stood near watching. “* My case, please, Will,” said Night Hawk. Going to his brother’s horse, Broncho Bill took from the saddle-pouch a small Jeather case, in which were half a dozen surgical instruments, some lint, plaster and bandages. The bullet was probed for, the Mexican stand- ing the pain without a word, andin a moment after, with his forceps Night Hawk had secured the bullet, which had been checked by the bone. He then quickly dressed the wound and said: ‘‘Senor, you can readily ride home, and you had better place yourself in your doctor’s care, for the wound is not dangerous if attended P) of ‘*T thank you, senor. . ‘*-You are my friend,” and the Mexican held forth his hand. But Night Hawk said: ‘* Pardon me, senor, I have simply done my duty, and I never take the hand of a man in friendship, whom I am assured is a villaim.” ** Caramba !” The oath burst from the lips of Senor Delporte as Night Hawk turned away, and his face be- came livid with rage. : ‘*Senors, we have to thank you for your noble conduct in this affair, “* Adios,” said Captain Guaymas, and raising their sombreros the two Mexicans turned to their horses, while Fronteras said, in a voice which the three Americans heard: ‘* Senor Delporte, as you are in no danger, we leave you in the hands of your servants.” ‘* And permit me to add, Senor Ramon Del- Pepe that our paths through life separate here, or neither Senor Fronteras or myself hold as @ friend a man whom we now feel convinced is not a gentleman.” With this the two seconds mounted their horses and galloped away, while the three Ameri~ eans did the same, taking the trail to the river, and leaving Delporte and his peons in the motte. : Soon after Broncho Bill glanced back and said: ‘¢ There they go, and you bet he could bite a nail in two, so mad is Senor Ramon Delporte.” “T meant only toclip his shoulder but got nearer giving a fatal wound than I intended. But I hope he will be content as it is,” said Lieutenant Loring, as they rode on toward the fort together. | < “You have given him a lesson, lieutenant, he will not forget,” said Broncho Bill, while Night Hawk added: ** And those Mexican gentlemen dropped him as soon as they saspested what he was.” ‘Yes, they are noble fellows, but, comrades, somehow I think that the Senor Delporte is a man we must look out for, as he is one to strike in the dark and at the back,” Lieutenant Doane remarked, and in this opinion both Night Haw and Broncho Bill fully agreed with the lieutenant and made up their minds to “‘ look out for the Mexican.” . CHAPTER XI. RAMON DELPORTE’S PLOT. TRUE to her pledge to sacrifice herself, Celina Velasquez became the bride of.the old ranchero, Senor Delporte. He had placed workmen upon his home and had it put in the best condition to welcome its new mistress, and he had gotten for her many valuable presents, hoping to win her love, for he had sense enough to feel that he was foreing her into a marriage with him by the threat that he had held over her father. Ramon Delporte had tried to keep his affair with the American officer a secret, but some- how it leaked out; in fact, both CaptainGuay- ants aa
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| | oq The Buckskin Rovers, mas and Senor Fronteras had spoken of it, not caring to let it remain unknown, and to the honor of Lieutenant Loring. The young Mexican had not gone to his home, but to the hacienda of an intimate young friend, like himself a profligate, and who had run through with a fortune left him several years before. Here fever had set in, and the Senor Delporte had visited his son, ordered his doctor to take every care of him, and there had his duty ceased. But the young Mexican pulled through all right, and when he was pronounced out of dan- ger, Senor Delporte had gone over to the Velas- quez hacienda and claimed his beautiful bride. White-faced, but calm, Celina Velasquez had gone through the ceremony, and then she bad given into her father’s hands the mortgages and ten thousand pesos handed over to her by her aged husband, remarking as she did so: ‘*‘ Here, father, you are out of debt now, and I trust you and mother will be happy. ‘** As for myself, I never can, though I will be a faithful wife to the man whose name I bear.” To her elegant home went the young bride, and there, in the care of her household, she managed to drown her bitter thoughts; but her heart was across the Rio Grande. Thrice again before her marriage with Senor Delporte, she had met Willis Loring, who had visited her; but not a word did she tell him of her pledge to marry the old ranchero, and he, at parting one night, had told her of his love and asked for her love in return. She had not the heart then to tell him the truth, for it was so sweet to hear his words and confess her affection for him in return, and she so let it pass, intending to write him all. Several days after she did write him, and sent the letter by a special messenger, and the next day she became the wife of the man to whom she had sold herself to save her parents from sorrow and want, Day after day she hoped fora letter from Willis Loring, telling her that she was forgiven, and with such letter she felt that she could at least feel happier in her lot. But no letter ever came to her, and in secret she nursed her bitter sorrow for a love that was lost. Most kind to her indeed was Senor Delporte, and feeling that she did all in her power for his happiness, he one day made his will and left her every dollar of his large wealth, cutting off his son without a peso, As for Ramon Del his wound and seeme life. He was not seen among his former intimates, and it was said that he had gone’ to work as manager of a hacienda some leagues distant from his father’s home. He had been cut by his former friends, Cap- tain Guaymas and Senor Fronteras, to whom he owed large sums, for somehow they had come to believe that he had intended treachery against the Americans, and meant to have gotten them inculpated in the affair, ; Time passed away after the marriage of Celina, and certainly her old husband was doing all in his power to make her happy. Then came a sorrow to her in the death of her father, and soon after her mother followed him to the grave, and more wealth was added to that which she possessed, for she had been left her old home and its belongings. Hardly had time in a measure healed her sor- row when another blow came upon her, Her husband, since his marriage, had seemed to get a new lease on life, ‘When he visited his numerous ranches he had often gone alone instead, as had been his wont, being attended by his peon servants, Returning one afternoon from a ranch some miles away from his hacienda, he had been rid- ing quietly along when, from a thicket suddenly had whirled a lariat. The noose had settled over the head of the old ranchero, and, as his startled horse had sprung forward, be had been dragged to the ground with a force that killed him. Out from the thicket had sprung a tall form, the noose was taken from abeut the neck of the dead man, a hand was laid upon the pulse and the murderer said: ‘* He is dead.” Not a thing was touched about the body, and, destroying every trace of a track near it, the murderer went back into the thicket, while back to his fallen master strolled the faithful horse and in vain tried to rouse him. Hours after the body was found by aranchero, and it was taken to the hacienda, where it was met by the young wife, rte, he recovered from to enter upon a different Tears filled her eyes, and real sorrow she felt for the old man who had been so good to her. But no one suspected that it was a case of murder, for the old ranchero had no enemies, and had he been killed by any one, something surely would have been missing from the body, But his valuable diamonds, which he always wore, his elegant watch and chain, and a large sum in money he had that day received, were not disturbed. So it was considered that he had fallen from his horse and been killed by his head striking a rock, upon which it rested when he was found. Thus the secret of the fratricide was kept, for Ramon Delporte it was who had bribed his faithful peon, Andras, to commit the murder. So the old ranchero was laid in his grave, and his young wife became mistress of all. Ramon Delporte bad been at the burial of his father, and it was upon his arm that the young widow had leaned, for who else had she to cal upon, and the young man had seemed so deeply moved by his father’s death. Back to his new home had Ramon Delporte gone, and soon after Perez, the faithful servitor of Celina, and who, with his wife, had long dwelt upon the Delporte estate, came to her with word that a fatal accident had happened to the young master. Celina soon heard the story of howit was. Ra- mon Delporte, while handling his firearms, had accidentally shot his faithful servant Andras, the peon, Celina pitied the young ranchero, and wrote him a sympathetic note, in the goodness of her heart, little dreaming that the act had been a murder and not an accident. When Ramon Delporte received that note, he at once made up his mind that Celina loved him, and that he would win her and her fortune all in good time, and he shaped his plans accordingly from that day to yet be master of the home from which he bad been banished, Whether he was successful or not the sequel will show. CHAPTER XII. A HAUNTED RUIN. SEVERAL years have gone by, since the death of old Ranchero Delporte, and the scene of my story returns to Texas, where still stands the ruins of an old Mexican chapel and Mission built over a century ago. It was located by the worthy padres who founded it, ina place that was considered the best for defense against all foes, and the walls were strongly built, seeming to be like a fort almost, rather than the resort of holy people. | The location chosen was a hill that rose like a sentinel in the midst of a seemingly boundless prairie, The hill was a score of acres in size, very heavily timbered and rose to the hight of some seventy feet above the prairie. A. swiftly flowing prairie stream split in twain against its northern sides and flowing around it made an island of the hill, as it were. The banks were steep, and where the streams met there was a bar, where the water shallowed so as to form a ford. Up among the heavy timber the chapel and Mission-house had been built, and there, after long years of safety, the inmates, padres and all, had all been massacred one night by the Comanche Indians, except a few of the untortu- nate women and children who had been borne away into captivity. From that awful night the place had been de- serted. Mexican soldiers had buried the bodies of the dead, and ever afterwerd the fateful spot had been shunned, Scores of years went by and the old ruin slowly crumbled under the touches of Time. The trees grew about it closer and closer, as though to hide it from view, and a thicket sprung up in the little burying-ground of the old Mission. : ; Texas became a State of the Union, and yet the old ruin no one cared to visit, Hunters, trappers, scouts, soldiers and even red-skins all gave it a wide berth. By day casual travelers upon the prairie would sometimes water their horses at the streani and gaze upon the hill, yet they would not dare venture within its sacred shadows. At last the rumor went abroad that a ghost had been seen there, and hunters and soldiers gave it more room in crossing the prairie, while guides, leading an emigrant, or Govern- ment train, would never pass even in view of it, if it could be avoided, as it had goneabroad that it was “bad luck” to do so. Soldiers from the fort, brave as men can be, utterly refused to be led by their officers toward 7 the Haunted Mission, and thus the place was left to its utter solitude, And yet two men had twice been within its very walls. Once by day they had gone there and over- looked the ruin and the hill. Another time they had passed the night there, and then gone on their way. And yet to them no specters had appeared, no ghostly forms had disturbed their slumbers. hose two men who scouted at ghosts were Night Hawk and Broncho Bill Powell. Realizing that the old ruin would be a safe point from which to carry out certain plans they had in view, they had decided to go there and make their camp. They had done so, and their advent by night had been greeted by a sight of a ghostly form, which had surprised them, for in their two for- mer visits, some time before, they had seen nothing of the kind, In this last visit the two scouts were not alone, for they were ee pp by a negro and an Indian, who will also figure in these pages. The negro had come to Texas with his master, who had become a ranchero, and wounded by the Indians, he had been afterward slain, it was said, and his taithful colored friend and servant would have been hanged as his murderer by a party of lawless cowboys, but for the appear- ance upon the scene of Night Hawk and Broncho Bill, who had rescued him along with the In- dian, who would also have been strung up with him. The Indian had been a Comanche chief, who for some reason had left his people and gone to dwell among the settlements, and, taken by two Mexicans who belonged toa lawless band known as Cowboy Pirates of the Rio Grande, he would have been put to death bad not Scraps, the negro, rescued him, From that day the negro and Comanche Red Wolf had been inseparable, and owing their lives to the Buckskin Brothers, they at once be- came their allies, and a strong quartette they made, for four better shots, more daring men, wilder riders and better trailers were not to be found upon the border. Scraps acted naturally asthe servant of the Buckskin Brothers, cooking the meals, for he was a splendid cook, and Red Wolf looked after tbe horses, while Night Hawk and Broncho Bill were the leaders and planners of all movements, But they were the friends also of the negro and Indian and well knew that they could de- pend upon them to the death. The ghost which had set Scraps, brave as a lion at all other times, to flight across the prai- rie, had caused Broncho Bill and Night Hawk to give chase, and at the old ruin had been run to earth and captured, Who the strange being was that haunted the old ruin the next chapter will reveal, CHAPTER XIII. A STRANGE MEETING, _ ONE afternoon, some weeks after the Buckskin Brothers and their red and black allies had been camped in the ruined Mission, a party of horse- men were crossing the prairie. Their way led toward the timber-covered hill which arose before them, and in whose shadows were the ruined chapel and Mission-house, Some distance in advance, and leading the way apparently, was an Indian of majestic ap- pearance and wearing the costume of a chief, It was Red Wolf the Comanche, and he kad been sent by Night Hawk to Fort Dreadnaught, a day’s ride distant, to ask Major Willis Loring, the commandant, to send bim a squad of cavalry for a secret expedition. Riding at the head of the soldiers was the of- ficer in command, and though several years have passed since the reader last beheld him up- on the day of his duel on the Rio Grande with Ramon Delporte, his handsome face and soldier. ly form he will readily recognize. The face has become sterner, and in the eyes a sadness hovers, which was not there then, But the man is the same, and in the years that have passed he has won renewed fame, attained the rank of major, and been placed in command of the fort on the border that stootl as a breast- work between the settlements and the cruel Co- manches, Some time before the major had passed near that old ruin, when returning from an Indiwn chase, and at night, and he had seen the story verified with his own eyes, that the Mission was haunted, for a white-robed form had stood in his pathway upon the prairie and then glided awav toward the river to there disappear under the shadow of the timber-clad hill. 7
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8 His men would not venture into those haunted shadows, and so the mystery had remained to him unsolved. When therefore Night Hawk had sent for sol- diers to aid him ina special work, the major had himself gone, anxious to solve the mystery, and he it was who now rode at the head of the score of cavalrymen. As they neared the river a horseman crossed the ford and joined them. It was Night Hawk Powell, and the two talked earnestly together as they rode on toward the ruin, Going across the river, and up into the tim- ber on the hill, the party had halted, Red Wolf had shown the soldiers where to stake their horses, and Scraps was busy preparing a tempt- ing supper, when Night Hawk pointed to the mora a couple of hun-red yards away and said: ‘* There is the place, Major Loring. ; “ Pass around that old tower to the door, sir.” “T thank you, Powell,” was the low response of the major, and he walked slowly in the di- rection indicated by the scout. His stern face was flushed and he seemed ner- vous as he moved on his way. As he neared the river he paused, and then again advanced. He seemed to walk as though approaching a round temple, and several times did he hesitate. But plucking up determination to go on, he turned the corner of the tower and stood where he beheld the interior. It was a small room, twelve feet square, and a heavy door hung upon massive hinges. The door was open and there were two small windows in the tower, so that there was ample light to see the interior. It was rudely finished, with a cot bed, table, chair and a few othr things. There was a guitar visible in one corner, a shelf of books, a swinging lamp, a few cooking utensils upon a hearth ana a chest, Then there was a rifle, a pair of revolvers, and bow and arrows on brackets in the wall. But the lower room held an occupant, too. It was a woman ! She satin the chair by the table, and her head was resting in her hands. Her attitude was that of grief. The form was willowy and graceful, and clad in a dress of white cloth, while masses of black hair fell upon her shoulders. For a moment did the soldier stand and gaze upon her. His face worked convulsively, and he seemed to be suffering mental agony. At last he said, in a low, earnest voice: ** Celina !” With a start the woman looked up. But her eyes were filled with tears, and she was blinded by them. ““Holy mother! I thought I heard his voice call my name,” she cried. ** You did, Celina, ‘*T am here.” She uttered a cry and sprung to her feet, and quickly the soldier stepped forward and con- fronted her. ** Come, Celina, for I know all. ** Come.” She sprung into his arms, and for a moment neither spoke, At last she drew herself away, and looking up into his face, she said: ‘** You say that you know all, Senor Loring?” * Yes, Celina.” ** Let me tell you all, that you may know that I meant all that I told you when last we met— meant that I loved you devotedly as now I do; but sacrificed all to save my poor, misguided parents, who submitted to the sacrifice. ** Ah, senor, I have suffered, God only knows how much,” and the beautiful woman, for she was still beautiful, told the story of her love for the soldier, and of her marriage to the old ranchero, ‘I wrote you the truth and ye never replied to my letter, senor, and so I believed that you had cast me utterly out of your heart.” “ Ah, no, Celina, though I believed you false, and you lowered my confidence in women. ‘‘ But never did I get a letter from you.” " Ah me! I fear my father prevented its guing. ‘Had [ received it, had I known that you were to be sacrificed for gold, as you ‘ell me, I could and would have prevented it. ‘lam ricb, and I would have taken those mortgages, and thus: saved you. But tell me now why I find you bere, my r Celina.” ‘Tt is a sad story, for I am here in hiding ” * From whom?” ‘* Ramon Delporte.” ** And he?” ‘“‘T knew not where he was until that good scout, Senor Night Hawk, told me. “ He tried to force me to become his wife some months after the death of my husband, his no ty and failing, he had me placed in a mad- ouse, “Tt almost accomplished what he intended, and drove me mad to be there, ‘** But I escaped, and by the aid of my faithful peon servants, old Perez and his wife. ‘‘T was broken down, unnerved, and fearing to be retaken, I crossed into Texas, and we came upon this spot, ‘* Here was a hiding-place, and Perez left me here with his wife while he returned to Mexico. ‘Several times a year he came back, bringing us supplies. “Then his wife died, and since then I have lived here alone. ‘See, I am well and strong, and feeling that I was where Ramon Delporte could not find me, I was almost happy. ‘* Here those noble scouts found me, and a few days ago they went off for a trip to the Rio Grande, ‘One of them returned, and he had a strange story to tell. ‘¢ He and his brother had been lying in am- bush and had seen the chief of the Cowboy Pirates cross the river, and meet a Texan spy in & canyon. “They could have killed them both, but in- stead, listened to all that passed between the wo. is They heard Ramon Delporte’s plots for evil. ‘‘They heard the spy tell of a plan to kidnap an American lady, or kill her, with Cowboy Pirates disguised as Indians, and for which red deed the chief was to receive a large sum. ‘“*]t seems that she is an actress, who once loved a young ranchero, the master of the ne- gro, Scraps, and who was killed by the Indians. ‘* She sought to visit the grave of her lover, but was betrayed by those she employed in San Antonio to be her escort, and but for the Buck- skin Brothers, she and her maid would have been kidnapped or slain; but they, hearing that she had gone ona two days’ journey upon the prairie, followed her, fearing danger would be- fall her. ‘The plot to kill the poor woman, who is to again visit San Antonio and make an effort to visit the grave of her lover, was overheard by the Buckskin Brothers and Broncho Bill went to the town to try and track down the guilty ones, while Senor Night Hawk came here and told me how the Cowboy Pirate chief had told his spy of me, and offered him a fortune if he would find me and put me to death.” *That chief of outlaws is none other than Ramon. Delporte, Senor Loring, and it was to capture him and his band that Sener Night Hawk sent for your soldiers, but little did I dream that you would accompany them, and when he spoke of you being in command of the fort, what memories rushed upon me!” “* Ah, senor! do I meet you again in reality, you to whom I owe my life, or is it a dream?” “No, Celina, it is no dream, I pledge you, but, the sober reality, and, meeting you again as [ do now, I will vow that this time no one shall come between our loves—no one shall divide our lives!” ‘* Heaven grant it!” was her low reply. Thus, after long years of sorrow, Celina Del- eae and Willis Loring had met again, and the ove that had sprung up in the hearts of each that day of meeting in the Rio Grande, bad but grown stronger as time went by, for, try as he might, believe her false as he had, the soldier could not forget the beautiful Mexican maiden or shut her image out of bis life, CHAPTER XIV. MISSING LINKS, ; Ware Night Hawk had returned to the ruin, after he and Broncho Bi'l had gone on their re- cent expedition to the Rio Grande, his brother had gone to San Antonio, the parting having been occasioned by their overhearing the plots. of Captain San Cruz, as Ramon Delporte was known to his men, and his spy, Tiger Tom, a Texan desperado. The cause of the Buckskin Brothers having taken up their quarters at the ruined Mission, was on account of the recent marauding expedi- tions of the Cowboy Pirates, They had formed the idea that the outlaw band and the Comanches were allies, and they SY Se ee °K sara’ «no-no Teena SES Temmmebenmiemee soos ereree re ee -———]$ were anxious to discover if this really was the case, To do so they sought a camp where they could watch both Indians and outlaws, and at the same time have a retreat to seek in case of great peril to themselves, They had told Major Loring that they be- lieved the outlaws got their information of the movements of Government and emigrant trains, ' and when the settlements were left most un- | guarded, by spies who dwelt upon the ranches. To find these spies out was the work the Buck- skin Pards had set for themselves, While watching upon the Rio Grande, they had thus seen Ramon Delporte, as Captain San Cruz, meet in a canyon, a regular rendezvous Tiger Tom, a Texan desperado whom the well knew, yet had not before suspected of being an ally of the lawless river band. The plots they had heard between the two villains, sent Night Hawk back to the camp in the ruin, and Broncho Bill to the farm to dis- cover all that he could of who was the one that sought the life of the actress, and was willing to pay so liberally to have her put out of the way. Pecnake Bill had proven himself a thorough detective, for he had found out that the man who wished to have Mademoiselle Cleopatra, the beautiful actress, killed, was her husband. He already knew her unfortunate story, of how she had married an adventurer. her father a supposed millionaire, but in reality a bank- rupt, believing the man to be rich and wishing to extricate bimself from financial difficulties by getting a wealthy son-in-law. The death of the old merchant had brought out the truth, and the poor girl who had obeyed her fatber’s command, when her love belonged to another, was cruelly treated by her husband when he found she was poor. She had left him, taken another name and gone upon the stage, to at once win position as an actress and singer of rare beauty and talent. Dogging her steps again, wben he found her able to coin gold with her voice, the husband had tried to force her again to live with bim, when she threatenéd him with the gallows, ac- cusing him of having put her father to death, In terror the man had fled from her, But soon after he had begun again to dog her steps, and supplied with money in some mys- rerious way, st was hunting her to her death. He had planned to have her killed upon her first trip on the ohwhwe, when she sought to visit the grave of the man she had been forced to break with to marry the adventurer; but the Buckskin Brothers bad rescued her. Still persistent in her determination to go to Ranchero’s Rest, the old home of her lover, and where the faithful Scraps had buried him the scouts had promised her to take her there at a time when there was less danger from Cowboy Pirates and Comanches, It was on his visit to San Antonio to slay Tiger Tom the outlaw spy, that Broncho Bill had dis- covered the plotting busband. He had also received a letter from the actress that she would soon bein town, to start upon the pilgrimage to the grave of Henry Harcourt, the man whom she had idolized rather than loved. Forming a plan in his own mind, of how to act, Broncho Bill had taken the landlord of the hotel into his confidence, and told him what he wished said to Mademoiselle Cleopatra upon her °* arrival, and alsoa report which he desired spread around town. This last was to the effect that the actress and her maid would start upon a certain day for Ranchero’s Rest, and. her escort would be only the Buckskin Brothers, Scraps and Red Wolf. Having laid his plans to his own satisfaction, Broncho Bill set out for the ruined Mission, to meet his brother and arrived there after the coming of Major Loring and bis troopers. Then a council of war was held, and old Perez the peon having arrived with his regular supply for the beautiful woman who bad hidden there from the vengeance of Ramon Delporte, who the reader now knows has turned outlaw, the party set off for the Rio Grande, Jeaving Celina with her faithful old servant .to await their re- turn. Under the skillful guidance of the Buckskin Scouts, the major and his troopers reached the Rio Grande in safety and unseen either by red- skin or Cowboy Pirates, and the whole party went into camp in a secluded canyon. Then Night Hawk and Broncho Bill set to work to spring the trap they had set to catch the daring and red-handed Delporte, who sought to get bis step-mother out of the way as he would os be heir to the vast fortune left by his father.
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CHAPTER XV. THE RENDEZVOUS, Tuer day after the arrival of the scouts and the soldiers, at their hiding-place among the canyons of the Rio Grande, a horseman was riding across the prairie not many miles from the retreat of the troopers, and his trail led to- ward the river. The man rode a large, well-built horse, which seemed little fatigued by a long jaunt and kept up a steady gait. The rider was a man of powerful build, with broad shoulders and massive limbs, and he was armed with a rifle and belt of revolvers, His attire was that of a Texan cowboy, with broad sombrero and the heavy leather leggings. His face was one that showed deviltry in every feature, and he looked a desperado throughout. And desperado he was, for it was Tiger Tom the spy of the Cowboy Pirates of the Rio Grande. He had ahead full of news, and he was go- ing to keep his usual Sabbath Day appointment with the outlaw chief, The meeting-place was in a narrow, deep can- yon onthe American bank of the river, and near a ford that only the outlaw chief and Tiger Tom knew the existence of, To keep this a secret, the chief was wont al- ways to goalone to meet the spy, and he also was glad of this, as he cared not to be seen by several of the band who might betray him, as they were his foes. pon reaching the wilder country near the river, Tiger Tom slackened his pace and soon after came to the canyon where he was soon to meet his chief, ** Ahead this time,” he muttered, as he threw himself from his saddle. But he had not long to wait, as soon there were hoof-falls heard, and Captain San Cruz rode into sight. He had changed much in the years that had since Major Loring had worsted him in the duel, His hair was worn long, falling half-way down his back, his beard, black as ink, reached to his belt and his form had filled up. No one would recognize him as the slender, beardléss young Mexican of five years before. And just that was what he intended, for, un- able longer to dwell near his old home, on ac- count of his debts, he had started for the United States, he gave out, but, captured by the out- laws of the Rio Grande frontier, he had cast his lot with them and become their chief. Could he find Celina Delporte, and let it be roven that she was dead, as heir, he could get his father’s riches and no one knowing him as the outlaw, he could return and revel in the luxuries which his wealth would give him, and those who had frowned him down would fawn upon him, Such was the goal for which he was striving. He was dressed elegantly, his saddle and trap- pings were bespangled with gold and silver, and his revolvers were superbly finished wea- pons. Ashe rode into the canyon and beheld his spy, his dark, evil face brightened, and he call- ed out: ‘Ho, Tiger Tom, I am glad you are here.” “7m allers on hand, cap’n, when thar is dust ter win,” was the answer, ** Well, what have you done?” and the outlaw chief threw himself from his saddle and sat downon a rock near the desperado, “Tl tell yer, cap’n, just what has been did, and I guesses yer’ll be pleased.” ““You are always faithful, Tom, and I can rely upon you. “ But have you found the woman?” ‘* Which one?” ‘¢The one I seek to find by all means—(Celina Velporte.” ‘No, cap’n, I hasn’t found her, but I has a clew.” “Well?” **T may be wrong.” ** And you may be right.” ** Just so,” ** Well, out with your clew.” xe You hain’t much skeer about yer, has ‘*T do not fear man nor devil.” ** How about ghosts?” ‘Curses! there are no such things.” “T tries ter believe ther same, but some- times thinks different,” “Ts the woman dead that you speak so?” eagerly asked the chief, * Not as I knows on,” ** What in Satan’s name do you mean then?” , 1 ; = Mas er ote <} 6. aren eso . tag te The Buckskin Rovers. 9 “Does yer know that old Mexican Mission ‘* And why?” over here in Texas, ‘The one that is a ruin?” ‘* Yas, whar thar massacree tuk place nigh onter a hundred years ago.” ‘*T know it, but have never been there.” ‘* Few persons has.” What about it?” ‘* They say its haunted,” ** So I’ve heard superstitious fools say.” “Tt’s a female ghost they says.” ‘* Yes.” “It’s a woman in white.” ** How do you know?” “Waal, cap’n, I tell yer that I has seen hunters as had been nigh that old ruin, and they tells me of it.” ‘What has that got todo with the woman I seek?” ‘‘Just this, pard, thet ther one you are a- wantin’ ter find, crossed ther river at ther time yer lost her, with a old peon man and woman, ‘Ther old peon were seen ter go back ag’in, and he makes regular trips across and back sev- eral times a year, I has heerd. ‘* When he comes over ter Texas he has a load on a pack-horse. “When he goes back ag’in, ther pack are bf : ‘**Go on,” said the chief, in a low, earnest ne. “Waal, Cap, thet old peon do take ther same trail each time, and it do lead out to whar thet old Mission is, “So why might not thet gal yer seeks ter find be ther ghost that haunts thet ruin?” The chief was upon his feet in an instant, and he hissed forth: a ““Oaramba! but you may be right, Tiger om, ‘* She was aided to escape from the mad-house by two eons, and it looks plausible, for her fear of me would make her hide away. ‘IT will go there, and if it is Celina Velasquez then you are a rich man, Tiger Tom, ay, and I am worth a snillion. **T will be off at once,” and in his excitement Ramon Delporte started to mount his horse. But the strong arm of Tiger Tom was upon him, and then came the words: ‘* Hold on, cap’n, for thar is other work ter be‘ did, and thar is time fer all.” CHAPTER XVI. THE PLOTTERS. At the words of Tiger Tom, Ramon Delporte seemed to regain his wonted nerve, for he said, quickly: ‘You are right, Tom, I was too fast. ‘*But the news you give me almost unmans me after long years of boping, waiting, plan- ning, plotting and mining to gain the Toetmne that I have vowed shall yet be mine. ‘“*T will go to the old Mission, and I feel in my heart that I will find that woman there,” *‘ Will you go alone, Pard Cap’n?” ** Yes, T'om, for I care to trust no man with my secret,” ‘You will have a long ride.” Lay True,” ‘* And it are dangersome.” “T will risk all dangers.” “Yer better take yer best horse, all yer wee- pons yer kin handle, and food ter last yer.” ‘*'You are right, and I will go well prepared,” ** When will yer start?” , ‘* Just as soon as I can return across the river to my stronghold and get another horse and fit- out for the trip.” ** Well, I wishes yer luck, cap’n, and [ll hold yer to yer promise, ef it’s ther gal.” “T will not forget you, Tom, ‘** But what else have you to tell me?” ‘You remember the t’other gal?” ‘* That actress?” ‘¢ Yes, cap’n.” “ Well, wuat of her?” ‘¢She was ter be done fer, too.” ‘‘T remember that I told you to make known my terms to the man who wanted to get rid of ” mere did.” ‘* With what result?” ‘He'll pay it.” ‘If I get my fortune that sum would not_be worth worrying for; but in case the ghost of that old ruin may not be the woman I seek, I'll un- dertake the work.” “It’s a snug little sum, cap’n.” ‘* What is your plan, Tiger Tom?” “Well, cap’n, it are agreed thet ther gal shall be ketched on ther way,” ‘* Send some one with her that we can trust.” “* Can’t do it,” ‘* Because ther Powell Pards, with ther nigger and ther Injun, is ter see her through,” ‘“Whew!” ‘Yas, pard.” “Tt will be a big thing to kill the entire outfit, for with these Powells and their red and black pards out of the way, we can have things far more our own way on the Rie Grande, if I have to still keep up this life of outlawry,” * Tt’s a fact, cap’n.” “They will have to be surprised, though.” ‘Sure, for they are four terrors.” “And it is no easy thing to surprise that quartette.” ‘No, cap’n, but I guess we kin work ’em, ef they is catched on ther open prararer by night, where the men kin circle round and pour in a fire on ’em.” ‘‘] will have to send a dozen men.” **Got any more to spare?” “ce Why?” *¢’'You’ll need ’em.” “‘T will send Juan, my lieutenant, with four- teen men.” ‘* You'll need ’em all; but won’t you go?” ‘* No, for I go to that old mansion.” ‘So yer does,” ‘* Well, when do you want the men?” “T wants ’em sent right off to ther Secret Canyon, and they kin wait thar ontil they gits word from me, or I goes myself. ‘They will be all ready for the move, and I'll tell’em jist when ther party is ter start, and then watch which trail they takes, and, with a good horse I kin git ahead of em and post yer lieu- ten-ant.” ‘Those four men and the woman will be all there are of the party?” ‘Ther leddy has a female comrade they calls her maid.” “* All right, I will have the work done, ** Now I will go and get ready for my trip to the Mission, and order Juan to start with his men for the Secret Canyon to-night. ‘** Pll expect you here next Sunday, Tiger'Tom, with the money for the work done,” “Tl be here, cap’n, and have ther dust too; for thet man are a good one,” “The one, you mean, who wishes to get rid of the woman?” “Yes, cap’n.” ** What is his name?’ ‘He calls himself Kent, but I reckon he is flyin’ under false colors,” “* All right, see that he pays yon, and now you had better start back, but when we meet again I hope to tell you that I have gotten the fortune which that accursed woman cheated me out of by marrying my father. ** Ah! but my revenge wil] be sweet upon her, and with vast wealth I will make Fronteras and Captain Guaymas regret that they ever turned their backs upon me, “*T tell you, Tiger Tom, money is power,” and with a bitter laugh the robber chief sprung mto his saddle and rode back toward the river while Tiger Tom mounted and returned the way he had come, CHAPTER XVII. THE COWBOY PIRATES’ STRONGHOLD. THE stronghold of ‘Captain San Cruz,” as Ramon Delporte called himself while chief of the Cowboy Pirates’ of the Rio Grande, was not very far from the river on the Mexican shore, It was situated in the midst of a most rugged country, and the approaches were through nar- row canyons which could be defended by half a dozen men against a hundred, ' After crossing the river the robber chief con- tinued on his way for a mile, when he turned in among the hills, Penetrating a canyon, which seemed but a deep fissure in the earth, he rode for half a mile when he dismounted and led his horse up a steep ascent, Which was little more than natural stairs, formed by water dashing down the nar- row chasm, when the streams in the hilltops would overflow. i oe the top of this pass stood a man, rifle in and. Tt was one of the two sentinels always kept on duty at the stronghold. — Further in, right amid the wildest scenery, was a valley, and here lay the camp of the Cow- boy Pirates. There were a number of rudely-built adobe huts, and they faced a stream whica could not be readily crossed, It was deep, only thirty feet in width, but a foaming torrent dashing among ragged rocks, The water surged py fe with terrific force,
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10 and a horse or man entering the stream would have been dashed to death at once. On the banks of the stream upon the other shore, grew several large trees, and between them, with ropes and pulleys, had been erected a bridge. It was some thirty-five feet long, a yard wide, had a railing on either side, and was strongly built. The end between the trees was made fast, and it could, be lowered by two men, so as to span the stream. The chief gave a shrill whistle as he drew the huts a couple of hundred yards away, and which were situated under the base of a lofty hill. fron’ of the tents, running out from the bottom of the hill, and then back to it again, so that no one could approach the stronghold by that way, unless over the bridge. Behind the tents there was a steep path lead- ing up to the ridge, and thereon was a sentinel stationed. But, so wild was the country in that direction that a few brave men could dispute the passage of a small army. The grazing-grounds of the Cowboy Pirates was a mile awa stock of the outlaws were Ke spies they could ever gain timely information of attack, and to hem them in it would take a large force to advance by the ridge and the can- yons at the same time. It was of course known that their stronghold was in that range, but all efforts to dislodge them thus far had been utterly useless. When the bridge was carried the chief rode across and at once went to one of the huts. Here he called to a peon and gave him certain orders about. his weapons and getting his best horse saddled for him, at the same time telling him to prepare a haversack of provisions for him, e.0ugh to last a week. Then he called for his lieutenant, and a young man entered the but. His appearance indicated that he was an American, but he spoke Spanish perfectly, and his face was that of a man who was wholly lost, body and soul. ““Senor Juan, how many men are in camp?” asked Ramon Delporte. ‘‘Twenty-three, senor, besides you, Tomas and myself.” * And with the herd?” ** Seven, senor.” ‘You count the two sentinels?” ““No, sir; I only counted the twenty-three ~~ for duty.” ‘These, with the two sentinels and the seven herders, make thirty-two?” ‘* Yes, senor.” ‘IT wish you to take fourteen picked men, mind you, men you can depend upon, and go into Texas,” ‘* Yes, senor.” ‘*'You know the Secret Canyon?” ** Yes, senor.” ‘* Go there, starting to-night, and covering up your trail as you go,” ‘*T will, senor.” ‘You must take your very best horses, all of you go doubly armed, and remain at the Secret Canyon until a messenger arrives to tell you that a small party have left San Antonio and are moving on their way to the ranch known as the Ranchero’s Rest, which some of our men burned some time ago,” ** Yes, senor.” “You are to go in the disguise of Indians, by the way, or at least carry such disguises with ou, **T understand, chief.” ‘““When you know where you are to find the party, you are to attack them, either upon the open prairie or in camp.” “*T will, senor,” “You must fire on them, showing no mercy, and keep up your fire until the last one is killed.” ‘* Have no mercy on them, senor?” “There will be six, I think, and they will doubtless give you a pretty severe fight.” ‘** We will be fifteen to six, senor.’ “‘T know that, and you will need to be, for four of these men are the Buckskin Brothers and their two companions, the negro and the Co- manche.” “cc Ab!” **Do you hesitate, Juan?” “No, senor, not with fifteen of us; but we will need to be that many, as you say.” “Take with you Nick Rawlings, Sim Lucas and Giant Saul, those cowboys whom the Pow- near, and several men at once came down from | The stream formed a horseshoe-like curve, in | in the valleys, and here the | yt, for with their | ———eEeEeeeEeEeEeEeeeeEeEeEeE~yEyEEE—_———————— The Buckskin Rovers. ells drove out of Texas, and who will be glad to pay them back,” ** Yes, senor, there are a number who remem- ber the Powells, and will be glad to even up with them, for the Buckskin Parts have been very hard on our people from the first.” ‘* Well, you can square up past debts against them now.” ‘* And the other two, chief?” ‘** Are women,” ** Tt’s bad luck to kill a woman, Captain San Cruz.” “Tf you don’t wish to do the work, say so, Senor Juan, and I will have Senor Tomas go.” ‘*T always obey orders, chief, and I will go; but I would rather kill a dozen men than one woman.” ‘* Bah! it’s but fancy, for life is the same in man or woman.” ‘*T will go, senor.” “Then start to-night, and as you know who you have to fight, you will be sure to pick your men. **'You will seize all that the party have of value and bring it to me, while you must scalp | them, to have it appear like Indians’ work, and | leave the bodies there.” ‘*T understand, senor,” and Juan departed from the hut, and half an hour after, Ramon Delporte rode away from the stronghold on his way to the old Mission. CHAPTER XVIII. LYING IN WAIT. PERCHED among the crevices of the rocks, out of which grew scrub-trees that completely hid them from view, were three men wins had heard every word of the conversation between Ramon Delporte, the outlaw chief, and Tiger Tom, bis Texan spy. The three men were Night Hawk, Broncho Bill and Major Loring. The Buckskin Scouts had remembered, after their former experience in the canyon, the hour and day that the outlaw leader met his spy, and knew the exact spot where that meeting took place, So thsy had asked the major to accompany them, and the three had left the little hidden camp half a mile away, and ensconced them- selves in favorable positions for the hearing and seeing of all that took place in the canyon. The major was astounded, and it was hard for him to keep from firing upon the two vil- lains; but he knew that the Buckskin Brothers were doing the detective work that would bring all out right in the end, and so he curbed the desire. What the three heard the reader already knows. When Tiger Tom had started upon his wa back to the town, and Ramon Delporte had left the caren to return to his stronghold, the three left their hiding-places and met up among the timber on the ridge. ‘“* Well, major?’ suid Night Hawk with a smile. “It was Ramon Delporte, my old foe, there is no doubt of that, though his long beard and hair disguise him wonderfully.” ‘* Ah, yes, it was the Mexican who tried so bard to kill you in the duel,” Broncho Bill remarked. ‘Well, since then I have a grudge-against him that will make me less merciful, for he it was who put good Senora Delporte in the mad- house, and has made her keep in hiding from fear of him,” and the face of the major dark- ened at the remembrance, “Well, major, we are all prepared now to circumvent the rascals,” Night; Hawk said. ‘*T don’t exactly see’ through your plan, and I am sorry that we allowed the villains to depart.” ‘*They, but get themselves deeper into the net, majo¥%for Delporte will soon be back, on his way to the Haunted Mission, and then will be our time to capture him.” ““ Ah {” ‘When we have done that, we will start off on our way toSan Antonio, and, if I am not mistaken, we will be able to strike a telling blow against the Cowboy Pirates.” “You are doing your work well, Powell, you and Broncho Bill, and I have every confidence that you will carry it out successfully. “But I fear that Delporte may not return this way, in going to the old Mission, and should he escape us the fate of poor Senora Delporte is sealed.’ ‘He will be sure to come through this can- yon, Major Loring, for he does not wish to cross at the regular ford below, where he may be seen and known, and this way he will save some dozen miles,” Night Hawk said. ‘* But, for fear he may not, I will go to camp, and send Scraps to one ford and Red Wolf to another, so as to let us know,” and so saying, Broncho Bill hastened away, for he saw that the threat of Ramon Delporte had made the major very uneasy about Senora Delporte. In a short while Broncho Bill returned and id: “They have gone, major, and now he cannot slip by us without our knowing it, ‘“* But, with George, I believe he is sure to come this way, and we had better get into positions to stop him.” ** How will you do it?’ ** We could kill him, major, but I think a lar- iat is safer,” returned Night Hawk. ** Tt might fail.” “Not if Will throws it, and I will follow suit with my lariat upon his horse the moment that Will’s noose is over him, ‘Now let us take our places,” This they ‘did, and Night Hawk and Broncho Bill selected hiding-places that were advantage- ous to throwing their lassoes, one end of which they made fast to the small trees near them. “All ready now, major,” called out Night Hawk, and then a silence followed while the trio were awaiting the coming of their prey. CHAPTER XIX, THROWING THE LASSO, THE party crouching among the rocks above the canyon, had not very long to wait, after they had gotten ready for the work in hand, be- fore they heard the clatter of hoofs. ‘“* He is coming,” whispered the major. The two scouts made no reply, but nerved themselves for what they bad to do. In a short while a horseman came in sight around the bend of the canyon. He was coming from the river, and though mounted upon another horse he was at once re- cognized as Ramon Delporte. He rode along ata quick walk, allowing his horse to take his own gait, and he seemed lest in meditation. Nearer and nearer he came, and suddenly a dark cloud appeared above his head, and as it ae. Yt out it was revealed as a whirling SO. The horse saw it, and gave a spring. But too late, for the coil was about the body of the outlaw, pinning his arms to his side, and the spring of his horse dragged him from the saddle, At the same instant Night Hawk threw his lariat, and catching the flying horse he brought him down with a heavy fall. ‘¢ Hold him under your revolver, mujor, while I go down,” cried Broncho Bill. ‘Move and you die!” cried the major from the cliff, leveling his revolver upon the fallen man, who was struggling violently. Running to the aid of his brother, now that the horse had quietly risen and submitted to his fate, Night Hawk seized the lariat he held and kept it taut, while Broncho Bill slid down an- other, already made fast to a small tree, and in an instant stood over the fallen chief. The outlaw had had a heavy fall, and the LF am drawn tight still pinioned his hands to his side, He was considerably shaken up by his fall, and more so to feel that he was powerless to re- sist. ‘* How are you, Senor Ramon Delporte, alias Captain San Cruz, chief of the Cowboy Pirates of the Rio Grande?” coolly said Broncho Bill, as he quickly took the arms of the outlaw from his belt. “Tt is a lie! I am not Ramon Delporte!” cried the chief. ‘* Who are you then?” “Senor Pedro Sanchez, a Mexican ranchero, and you shall rue this work.” **Senor, you need not lie to me, for I know youas you are, and there are others who will recognize you, and they are not far away. ‘Pardon me if I make you a prisoner, but you deserve it as a red-handed villain.” As Broncho Bill spoke he quickly bound the man, who only once tried to resist, and then found that the man in whose power he was had muscles of iron, so quickly was he subdued, ‘Now, George, you and the major can draw him up, and I will bring the horse around.” As he spoke, he took the lariat that held the horse and also tied it to the prisoner. at the same time steadying him, as those on the top of the ogee began to draw him slowly upward. The face of the chief was as pallid as death. He recognized Broncho Bill, and knew from
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his words that Night Hawk was on the cliff «< Ts fas} (*p0 i * Ay mere = i 7 #; easy above. His having said also ‘‘ major,” led him to sup- pero that Major Loring, his old foe, whom he new to be in command of Fort Dreadnaught, was one of his captors, In his agony of spirit he groaned aloud, for, by one fell swoop, he had fallen from hope to despair. e had crossed into Texas, disguised as a ranchero, and expected fully to find Celina in the old ruined Mission. She was the one bar that stood between bim and the vast wealth left by his father. With Celina dead, and her death proven, he could claim his own, and he was laying his plans to have her killed by pretended Indians, so that not a shadow of suspicion should fall upon him. He saw ahead what he had long struggled for, when he crossed the Rio Grande, and how all hope was gone from him, for he was in the hands of the Buckskin Brothers, who had been his deadly foes, and upon whose heads he had set a price. Having seen the prisoner dragged over the edge of the canyon, Broncho Bill mounted the splendid animal he had ridden, and starved around to join his comrades. He went toward the prairie, and after a ride of a couple of miles came upon the little cam» hidden away among the canyons. Night Hawk and the prisoner had arrived, and the soldiers were gathered about them, Scraps and Red Wolf having also returned, for they had seen the chief cross the river, so knew there was no need for them to go to the other fords. As Broncho Bill rode up and dismounted, Ramon Delporte glared at him with the ferocity of a tiger, while he hissed forth: “* This is your work,” ‘* Oh, no, we all had a hand in it, and we are to be congratulated,” and Broncho Bill passed op, followed by the major and Night Hawk, for the fate of the prisoner was to be settled then and there, CHAPTER XX. JOSTICE. “ WeE.L, Broncho, as you said, we are to be congratulated upon our success, and yet you and Night Hawk have done it all,” said Major Loring, when he had walked apart with the Buckskin Brothers, and upon his faee settled a look of {oy at the thought that Celina Delporte was no longer in danger, mingling with an ex- pression of pain at the duty before him. ** Well, major, we have him, and he is a man who should have no mercy, for he has been merciless alike to man and woman, and many a ve has he made, with the aid of his cut- Tercas band,” and Night Hawk spoke more sternly than was his wont, for the heart of the scout was as tender as a child’s. “He deserves death a hundred-fold,” Major Loring rejoined, ‘ ‘Yes, a thousand-fold,” added Broncbo Bill. “You, think it would be best to take him to the fort?” asked the major wishing to sound the scouts as to their views. : Both were silent a moment, and then Night Hawk remarked: . “Major Loring, if this man was a fugitive from justice, guilty of a crime, it would be well to try him. ‘But we all know who he is, and we heard his plot and plans in the canyon to-day, and Will and I know what he said before. Loring. Then he added: “TI know what the man is, and he richly de- serves death. —_—————— eee = he i: a ae ee The Buckskin Rovers. ‘*T will take all responsibility and order his execution within the hour.” This settled the fate of Ramon Delporte, and advancing with the two scouts, to where the risoner stood, bound hand and foot, Major oring sail in a deep, carnest voice: “Ramon Delporte, I am here to tell you that you are doomed to death. “You have but one hour to live.” “Tt isnot law! I demand a trial,” shouted the prisoner. “Tt may not be law, Seer ee. to civilized courts, but it is justice accordiug to your crimes, and I shall have you executed within the hour. “Sergeant Hazel, select a place or execution and prepare all that is necessary,” and the major turned to his sergeant, who saluted and started off to obey the order given him. “T tell you, I demand a trial, as a Mexican,” yelled Ramon Delporte. ‘*'You shall have no trial, senor, for my word is law upon this frontier, when I have to deal with such as you. ‘““My orders are to execute all murderous raiders crossing the Rio Grande to destroy American homes and ki.l our people. ‘““For years you have done that which you deserve death for, and demands and entreaties to me are in vain, for you have but an hour to live, so make your peace with Heaven, if one so vile can get forgiveness.” “You kill me because you think I took Celina Velasquez from you.’ ‘*Oh, no, for I know that the Senorita Velas- quez, became the wife of your father, whom you killed.” {t wasa random shot, but it struck home, and a shriek broke from the lips of the doomed man, while he said with quivering voice: ‘“*T did not kill him! “Who says that I killed him?” “T will not argue with a dying man, Senor Delporte. *“But I wish to say that you were right in your surmise, that the white-robed form often seen at the old Mexican Mission, is the Senora Delporte, and she has hidden there like a hunted deer, from you.” ** And you know this? “You will be happy with her while I lie in my. grave?’ he man fairly foamed at the mouth, and turning upon his heel Major ripley walked sad- ly away, for he was a man who felt keenly the duty he had to perform; but he was not one to shirk it. Sergeant Hazel soon’found a suitable tree for the hanging, and a rope was thrown over a limb and a grave was dug beneath. Major Loring gazed at the preparations an instant and then sent a soldier for the Buckskin Brothers, ; They soon arrived, and he said: ““T could never tolerate execution by hanging, though I know it is the law of our land to soend the days of murderers. “*To me it is brutal, and, as death is the pun- ishment that Ramon Delporte shall suffer, I will order him shot.” “I agree with you, major, as to the brutality of hanging a man,” Night Hawk said, while Broncho Bill added: ** And [ also, Major Loring.” Sergeant, order eight men as executioners, with carbines, and let but four of the guns be loaded with ball,” was the command of the major, and walking up to the prisoner, he said: ** Senor Delporte, I have changed your form of execution, and will have you shot, dangerous as the rattle of firearms may be if heard here.” “It’s death, be it by rope or bullet,” growled the Mexican, Making ao response to this Major Loring said: “I would ask if there are any wishes you have, which you desire attended to, for, upon my ue as a soldier, I will obey your last re- quests “You promise this?” eagerly asked the pris- oner. aoe said so.” eiak-and ‘ Have you pen and ink and paper?” ** Yes, the Boat has both.” ee The articles were sent for and the doomed man quickly wrote a letter, and drawing a hand- sie ring from his finger placed it in the en- velope. ‘Will you ask your Buckskin Scouts to ac- company me to the top of the canyon, when I can show them where to put this?” ‘“‘T know, for I saw you put your hand in the crevice on your arrival, as though to feel for a letter, and Tiger Tom did the same,” said Night Ww. "3 3 “ + eee - s 11 “And, Major Loring, will you have this placed there and pledge me that no one shalk disturb it? ‘‘Ta fact those two men alone could do so,” and he glanced at the Buckskin Scouts, “*T can do nothing else than promise you; and as for these gentlemen, you misunderstand them if you think they would be guilty of so mean am act as to take it.” ‘* After two weeks, if it is there, they can, for I care not; but I will say that I would trust: their word as I would yours, Major Loring, for they have been my open foes as you have, ** And, senor,” and the voice of the Mexicam quivered, while his face assumed a look of intense sadness, ‘* Senor, I have been a very wicked man, and now I confess it. ““T sought to sacrifice you, your friends, and Fronteras and Guaymas, whom I owed large sums of money to, the day of my duel with you, for those nine men, and my peons, were my hired assassins. ‘* T killed the peon, Andras, because I feared that he would betray me, for I had hired him to kill my father, ‘*T was a merciless foe to poor Senora Celina, and I have plotted other crimes. ‘“*T confess this, because you give this letter to him to whom it is addressed, or leave it rather where he will get it, and also because you, im your mercy, have me shot and not hanged, ‘“‘T fear to die, I cannot repent, 1am in de- spair and still I am revengeful. “Come, Iam ready to die, if die I must, so end my misery at once.” “T will do so, for it is moreghumane,” said the officer, and his voice rung ou® sternly giving: the orders for the immediate execution of the prisoner. : The bonds were taken from his feet, and be- tween two soldiers he marched to the head of the grave dug for him. Then before him halted the execution squad, ten paces away. Not an atom of color was in the doomed man’s: face, his lips were set, his eyes downcast. He seemed like a statue, so motionless did he stand. His hands were bound behind him, and his form was erect, while he gazed straight down into the grave at his feet. A moment of awful silence, and then came the deep-voiced commands from the lips of Major Loring: ‘* Attention, platoon! | “ Wire!” f The eight carbines flashed as one, and Ramom Delporte sunk dead in his tracks, the victim of military justice. “Bury him, men, and then prepare for the march,” and then turning to Broncho Bill he handed him the sealed package given him by the robber of the Rio Grande, and said: “Will you kindly place this where he wished it left, Powell?” ‘“ Yes, sir,” and Broncho Bill walked away om his errand, When he returned the troopers were ready for the march, and with the Buckskin Brothers: acting as guides, they moved off on a secret mission, all saddened by the scene which they had been actors in, even though it had been the execution of Ramon Delporte, the Robber of the Rio Grande. CHAPTER XXI. THE ACTRESS. In a large room, of a hotel in San Antonio, sat_two persons. One was a Woman whose beauty of face and of form would arrest attention anywhere, She was young, scarcely over twenty-two, and yet her face wore an expression of sadness, called there by scenes which bad sent a shadow over her young life. ~ , The other occupant of the room was a pretty girl of eighteen, whose he face and manner showed her to be French. _The two were she who was known as Madem- oiselle Cleopatra, and her maid, Lizette, and who were also friends as well as holding the re- lationship of mistress and maid, Mademoiselle Cleopatra’s life had been a. strange one. rive. She had, as has been told already. ee herself to be the heiress of great wealth, for she was the only child of an Eastern merchant. She had lost her heart to a young soldier, and they were pepeaced, when an adventurer, Keene Kendall crossed her path, and saved the
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12 of her father and herself, when their horses were running away with them. Elegant in manner, intelligent and supposed to be rich, Keene Kendall bad made a bold play for the band of the young girl, and her father, on his last legs financially, had almost forced her to break with her lover and marry the ad- venturer. Soon after had followed the sudden death of the merchant, and the secret that he left his daughter penniless. Duped, the adventurer turned brute and his young wife fled from him, and going upon the stage won fame and was winning fortune when he again sought her out. But she defied him, threatened to have him ar- rested as her father’s murderer, and they parted. But he dogged her steps and, when she went with her company to San Antonio, and giving them a week of rest, sought to visit the grave of the man she had loved, and who, resigning from the army had gone to Texas and turned ranchero, to there lose his life, Keene Kendall, under the name of Kent had followed her there, ‘and hired assassins to end her life. Through the pluck of the Buckskin Brothers she had escaped, and continued on with her com- pany. But she would not give up that pilgrimage to Ranchero’s Rest, where was her lover’s grave. She felt that she owed it to his memory, to herself to go there, and she meant to erect over his remains a tomb, She wished to impress the spot and its sur- roundings indelibly in her memory, and, an art- ist, she was determined to sketch the grave and the scene as it was, and place it on canvas, to have ever before her. So was it that she had returned again to San Antonio, and she was waiting at the hotel for the coming of the Buckskin Brothers who had promised to be her guides and escort to Ranch- ero’s Rest. ‘‘ With those noble men, Lizette, we need have no fear,” she said to her maid, following out aloud her train of thought. ‘No, ma’m’selle, they are so brave, so good,” answered Lizette, who loved the actress too well to leave her, no matter what danger her whims might cause her to go through. ‘*We are all ready to start, as soon as those heroes in buckskin ceéme for us, Lizette, and I will really enjoy the trip, for we will have a large and comfortable ambulance as a rest, and our horses when we wish to take to the saddle.” ‘*T shall like it, ma’mselle,” replied Lizette. Rising, Mademoiselle Cleopatra saurttered to = window and glanced out into the plaza be- ow. Instantly a cry broke from her lips, and in alarm Lizette sprung to her side, “Tt is nothing, Lizette—only that man.” ‘*The Monsieur Kendall, ma’m’selle?” “6 Yes, Lizette.” * Ah, ma’m’selle, would that we were dead.” “Well, Lizette, if he is to dog me this way, I will not suffer longer. ‘After I return from the grave of Henry Harcourt, if that man Keene Kendall, my hus- band though he be, haunts my life as he does, I will come out before the world as Iam, and have him arrested and sent to the gallows, for I have the proof to hang him, Lizette!” and the eyes of the beautiful woman burned with a re- vengeful light. “It would be better so, ma’m’selle, for he means ma’m’selle only harm.” ‘*T know it, I feel it, for he has proven it. ** But why does he haunt me now? ** Does he fear that I may betray his crime? “‘He passed across the plaza just now, and was looking up at this window. ‘*He knows that I am here, and I will be so glad when those noble scouts arrive, for then I shall feel safe; but not until then,” and the wo- man paced the floor nervously for half an hour, when a knock came at the door, and a card was brought in. Upon it was written: “GEORGE AND WILLIAM POWELL.” ‘‘Thank God, Lizette, they have come !” CHAPTER XXII. A PAIR OF VILLAINS, THE man whom Mademoiselle Cleopatra had seen from her window in the hotel was indeed her husband, Keene Kendall, who was knownin San Antonio as Kent, He had gone to San Antonio under pretense of becoming a ranchero, and he seemed to have plenty of money, and was consequently much wae after. hen it became rumored about that Made- ‘The Buckskin Rovers. moiselle Cleopatra was to return to town, he suddenly decided to depart from the hotel where he was stopping, and he sought quarters else- where. It was in these quarters that he had a visitor, about an hour after his having been seen cross- ing the plaza by his wronged wife. The visitor was none other than Tiger Tom. He had just returned from the rendezvous with Ramon Delporte, and he little dreamed of what had taken place since his departure. He was greeted eagerly by Kent, who quickly said, after he had shaken hands with him; oe Now, Tiger Tom, what news have you?” ‘*T saw the chief,” “Well?” ** He’s willing to do the job and not one will get aweys for the lieutenant of the Cowboy irates, Juan by name, is to take fourteen men with him, so as to make clean worx of iti.” ‘*T see; but then you must have some honest hunter or scout to find the ladies so that the death of Mademoiselle Cleopatra can be prov- en. “Tt shall be did, pard.” “*Upon her death, you know, I make my ten- strike, for no one knows that we have separated, and more, her father did leave something after all, which I got track of, you know. “When she is dead I will turn up, and, of course, I get all,” “*T see, pard.” ‘Well, she is here.” ‘Yas, I heerd thet, and so are them scouts,” ‘¢The Buckskin Brothers?” “yas.” ‘* When did they come?” ‘* A while ago.” “Well, will your men be on hand?” ‘*They are at the Secret Canyon afore this.” ae Good } ‘* Then I'll send word to ’em when ther outfit pulls out and I knows which trail they takes.” ‘*T see; but are the scouts alone?” ‘You bet no!” ‘* Who is with them?” “Ther nigger and ther Injuns.” ** Four?” ‘¢ Yes, and one more I finds.” “ Who?” “ A man ter drive ther ambulance fer ther wimmen-folks, fer it is ter have four horses.” ** So many more to be captured.” “‘T guess ther horses won’t be worth much when Senor Juan and his men gits done firin’ on ther outfit!” ‘*That is so, but let me pay you your money now, for I was to give you half down, you know, in advance, and balance when the work was done,” ‘¢T’m willin’, pard, and I only wish it were all mine,” and Tiger Tom greedily pocketed the crisp bills. ‘** When do they start, Tom, or do you know?” ** They pull outin the morning, I heerd, but I made myself a leetle skeerce around ther hotel, as yer know them Buckskin Pards kinder thinks I put ther bors up to ther leetle job they went ter roam on Broncho Bill when he left here last week, “Yes, and they did not fetch,” was the dry remark of Kent. ‘“‘Nary; they got fetched.” **T tell you, Pard Kent, them Buckskin Broth- ers is harder than winnin’ keerds ter rake in!” ‘*T believe you; but there must be no failure this time.” ‘“*T guess ther won't be, for Juan has three men ter one, and then gittin’ in a surprise party on one is wu’th more nor as many more, ‘Will you go, Tom?” “‘Pard, I were a-thinkin’ I w’u’d do so, and maybe it w’u’d be a good idee for yousto'go.” ** 1 would like to do so, but it would be better for me to stay here,” ‘You e’u’d give out thet you was goin’ out ter look at a ranch, and I were ter be yer guide, ‘Then we'd keep near ther trail and be on hand ter see ther result o’ it!” “You are right, Tom, and I will go, so get me an outfit, for here is the money. ** And, mind you, I want the best!” “You shall have it, pard,” and, taking the money handed to him, Tiger Tom left the room. _The next morning two parties left San Anto- nio, One was g large ambulance, drawn by four good mules, and in it, besides the driver, were the actress and Lizette. Ahead rode Broncho Bill and Night Hawk, side by side, and hitched to the ambulance were two led horses, carrying side-saddles, eure up the rear were Scrapsand Red olf. “4 ‘ nee OO ay ete: | etn hee eee genet — it v: . cs Es, : Seb) Ss rgb paket Y ‘ 4 gree, 7 > = . ’ . MN: : a a fair pace they started upon their perilous rail. The other party consisted of two men, both splendidly mounted. These were Tiger Tom and the adventurer, and when they had seen the trail taken by the other outfit, they wheeled their horses off in an oblique direction, and keeping out of sight, rode briskly away over the prairies. The destination of the leading party was to Ranchero’s Rest. The destination of the two men was to the Secret Canyon, to warn Juan the Cowboy Pirate and his band that their intended victims were on the way. CHAPTER XXIil. CLIPPING CLAWS. THe ‘Secret Canyon” was a break in the plain which no one would have suspected the ex- istence of without riding very near to it, and the nature of the ground upon either side in the ap- approach was such that no one would care to ride a horse over it except from some good cause. The canyon was some thirty feet deep and there was a spring in one end which flowed off in a little stream that soon lost itself in the soft earth. Grass grew about the place in small quanti- ties, and there were a few stunted bushes. The descent into the canyon was a hazardous one, but itwas made in safety by Juan and his outlaws, who then set to work make them- selves as comfortable as possible. Knowing that the horses would have little to feed upon there, large bundles of prairie grass had been brought by each rider. At night the cooking was done so that no smoke could be seen, and thus the lawless gang lay waiting the coming of the messenger from Tiger Tom. lookout was kept by day, from dawn to dark, seated up at the head of the canyon, where he had a view of the surrounding country for miles. By night there was no need of any, asno man in his sober senses would attempt to ride over the treacherous ground to the secret canyon. Two nights had passed away since the arrival of Juan and his men, and the second day was coming near aclose when the man on sentinel duty spied two horsemen loom up over the dis- tant prairie. Instantly he gave the alarm, and the men were all on the alert. Nearer came the two horsemen and Juan, who had crept to the top of thecanyon and was look- ing at them through his glass, said: “Yes, they are coming here, and [ know one of them. “We will now have news.” In a little while the horsemen had approached, and Juan met them, saying as he did so: ‘‘ Well, Tiger Tom, you are your own mes- senger?” ‘“'Yas, Senor Juan, I concluded as how ['d come, and this are my pard, Mr. Kent.” ‘“What news have you for me?” asked Juan, when he had shaken hands with Kent, who had, with Tiger Tom, dismounted, for their ponies had been ridden hard. ‘The outfit left town, and they has pushed it pretty well; but they camps ter-night in the Graveyard Motte.” ‘“‘ Ah! an excellent place for our work, as we can get upon them almost from the gullies, be- fore we are seen, and we can surround them, as the timber is not half an acre in size and there are divides all around it. ‘*T am glad that they camp there, Tom.” ‘¢ Yas, it’s a good place for us, but you haven’t no time to lose,” “No, Pl get off at once, and you will gol suppose?” ‘Waal no, but we won’t be far away, you kin bet, ef yer sh’u’d need a extra revolver or so,” ‘* Won't you have some supper, for ours is about ready?” *‘ Waal yes, we'll hitch our horses off yonder fer a feed and return.” This they did, and Kent quickly made bim- self ‘‘ solid” with the cut-throat band by hand- ing out a twenty-dollar bill to each one, while he said: ‘‘ This is a reminder, pards, that all that out- fit must be wiped out.” ‘“* We'll do it,” was the response in chorus. Then the Cowboy Pirates saddled their horses, looked to their arms and just at sunset meved away from the Secret Canyon. In the rear followed Tiger Tom and Kent, and they dropped slowly back as the band rode on.
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f f . : 4 ; a on ena e y Fn Spear: Peers pig ePROeT ’ Darkness soon settled upon the prairie; but Juan knew the trails well and held on toward the Graveyard Motte, which had been so named from the fact that an emigrant train had been surprised there by Indians and slain, and their es were buried in the timber. As Juan had said the place was an excellent one for a surprise, for three sides, as it rose into a hillof some twenty feet, were water-marshes ef considerable depth, As these gullies extended for considerable distance out upon the prairies, men could ap- proach readiiy by night within a score of yards of the motte withont being seen by crawling upon their hands anc knees, With his men thu; near the timber, and by opening a hot fire with rifles upon those en- camped therein, and then rusbing forward with revolvers, Juan did not doubt but that he could kill the whole party. It was nearly midnight when the Cowboy Pirates arrived within a mile of the motte. It was a dark night, slightly clouded, and a glimmer from the timber showed that a camp was there. Dismounting his men, Juan ordered the horses to be hoppled, and then divided the band into three parties of five each. He took the center party himself, and they all moved forward, Three gullies were selected, about a hundred feet apart, and crouching low the cut-throats advanced toward the camp. Juan had told all to be ready to fire when he should give the command, Thus they moved forward, and soon reached a point buta few yards from the ‘first tree of the motte. All was silent within, and a glimmering light showed that the camp-fire had nearly died out. It was too dark for the outiaws to see any forms within the shadows of the grove of tim- ber, and so they selected for their aim a spot about the flickering camp-fire, Amoment of suspense came then, and loud rung Juan’s order: oe ire {” Fifteen rifles flashed forth within a few sec- onds of time, and then came rattling shots from those who had repeating-weapons, ‘** Charge!” yelled the vutlaw leader, and with a revolver in each hand, the Cowboy Pirates rushed to the attack, But not a shot met them, nota cry of fright er of anguish was heard, ** Hold! Cease firing! They are not here,” yelled Juan. — Instantly a silence followed, Then it was broken by a deep voice command- ing: f Hands up all of you, or die!” The voice came from .a gully to one side of the timber, and believing that they had but five men to deal with, Juan ordered; ‘“* Charge them, men!” Instantly there flashed forth a yolley—then another. It was the fire of platoons, and four or five outlaws dropped in their tracks. “Up, soldiers, and at them!” It was the same deep voice that had given the order before and in response a cheer was heard and a score of men sprung from out the ground it seemed, and rushed toward the bewildered Cowboy Pirates. There were wild yells of alarm, some scatter- ing shots, and the outlaws were in wild flight back to their horses, k T-vo-thirds of their number reached the ani- mals, and springing into their saddles darted away. ; But hot upon their track came four horse- men, ‘* Heaven have mercy! they are the Buckskin Pards,” cried Juan, and in terror he and his men urged their horses on. Then began a running fight between outlaws fugitives and their four pursuers, who were ape Hawk, Broncho Bill, Scraps and Red olf, Here a saddle was emptied, there a horse went down, and soit continued until two of the pur- suers had dropped out of the race, one with a Murra rent the other wounded, Sean ome, Scraps, we must go back and see to Will and Red Wolf, for | fellows have had their claws clipped in a manner they will never forget,” sail Night Hawk Powell to his negro companion. * All right, Massa George, I’se willin’, sah, for I think we hasdid’em up prime,” replied the Back over the trail they rode, while the half- dozen outlaws who had escaped, went flying P But as they rode along, Night Hawk and Scraps came upon a wounded man. Instantly they dismounted, and the scout asked: ** Well, who are vou?” “‘ Juan, they call me, and I was leader of the gang you so nearly wiped out.” ‘Ah! you are an American, whom I have heard was lieutenant of the Cowboy Pirates?” “Yes, 1am an American, and I deserve my fate, ‘* Who I am matters not, for I am wiped out, and so let it be.” **T will carry you to our camp, and perhaps I can save your life.” ‘Oh, no, not to be hanged, “T have three wounds in ny body, and I will not live long, so let me die in peace.” **T will do so; but is there nothing that I can do for you?” kindly asked the scout. No answer came, and leaning over as he knelt by his side, Night Hawk said: ““He was right, Scraps, for he is dead,” CHAPTER XXIV. THE SCOUT’S RUSE, From the very first Night Hawk and Broncho Bill had plotted to destroy the Cowboy Pirates who meant to attack them for the purpose of killing Mademoiselle Cleopatra and Lizette, and wiping them out of existence, hey had accordingly taken Major Loring and his troopers to a convenient hiding-place, and then fait gobe on to the town after the ac- tress and her maid, The party had started out, as the reader has seen, and. though Tiger Tom and Kent did not suspect it there was one watching ‘their moye- ments, That was Buckskin Sam, a friend of the Powells, and a Texan ranger who is known to fame,* Buckskin Sam, at the request of the Powells watched on their trail after their departure. He saw Tiger Tom and Kent closely tracking them, until they diseovered what trail they, meant to take, when they rode briskly away to- ward the westward. This showed to Buckskin Sam that they were going to inform their comrades of the trail taken by the Buckskin Brothers, and, knowing the country as he did, he decided at once that the outlaws were lying in wait at the Secret Canyon, Rapidly he rode on then after the Buckskin Scouts and made known his discovery, after which he returned to town, where he was en- gaged on special duty and could not leave for any length of time. ‘hus forewarned the Buckskin Scouts laid their plans accordingly. They felt sure that the outlaws would gauge their speed and make the Graveyard Motte the point of attack, where they naturally would sup- pose they would camp. That this was the case has been seen. Major Loring and his troopers were just about ten miles from the Graveyard Motte, and Red Wolf was sent ahead to tell the major to £0 there and to keep well hidden in the motte. It was just betore sunset when the little party reached the motte, and Major Loring came _for- ward and was introduced to Mademoiselle Cleo- patra and Lizette, and gave them a hearty greeting. Then he asked: ‘Well, my friends, what is your plan?” ‘Major, there has been a spy upon us, per- haps, ‘ note if we camp here, and he will so re- ort it. P ‘Now, as soon as it is dark, I wish the am- bulance to pull out, and willask you for a guard of six soldiers under the sergeant to escort it to a bit of timber about three miles from here,” “ Certainly, Night Hawk.” ‘The horses can also be taken there, except- ing your own and ours, and the men can hide in the gullies tothe east, for we will be attacked from the westward. ‘We can make our horses lie down in the gullies, and there we can wait for our foes. ‘CA small fire can be built to lead them on, and when they make their attack we can make ours. ‘Do you like the plan, Major Loring?” ‘ Excellently well. ‘Tt is just the thing.” j “ Will and myself talked it over, sir, and it is * Buckskin Sam—Major Sam 8. Hall—of Texas, died. a few months anne AUTHOR. 13 about the best way for us to do most damage and suffer less ourselves, ‘* The mademoiselle and Lizette will not be in any danger, your troopers’ horses will be also away, and our animals, and all of us will be protected in the gullies. “They will have, with that man Kent and Tiger Tom, seventeen men, rather a strong force; but we will equal them, not counting the ser- geant and his six troopers.” ‘“* We will give them a lesson they will never forget, and I only wish I had men enough to surround and capture the whole band,” said Major Loring with enthusiasm. And so it was arranged, the ambulance pull- ing out of the motte just after nightfall, and the sergeant and his six men’ following with the led horses. J The driver of the vehicle was an old _prairie- man and knew the motte well to which Night Hawk had directed him, and they reached it without accident and went silently into camp. The sergeant arranged a comfortable place for Mademoiselle Cleopatra and her maid, and. — ate their supper in darkness and silence. ut they did not retire. They could not, suffering the suspense that: they did. They sat together talking in low tones, and the actress called the sergeant to come near and asked him many questions, all talking in the same hushed tones, Thus the time passed away until midnight came, Far off over the prairie they knew where lay the Graveyard Motte, and their i were fixed npon it, though in the darkness they could not see it, Suddenly a succession of bright flames shot out over the prairie, and then came the rapid rattle of fire-arms, “Tt is fearful! fearful!” cried the beautiful actress, while Lizette burst into tears. It was not long that the hot firing lasted, and then the sergeant cried: ‘* See those flashes out over the prairie. “The outlaws are flying and the Buckskin Brothers are in chase, for they alone were mounted,” Then run soldiers, an Lizette join. Then all waited, for the suspense had come once more, for who of their number had fallen under that hot fire. It was not very long, though it seemed an age before a shadowy form of horse and rider ap- peared upon the plains, Nearer he came, and then he halted, while a soldier sprung to his bridle-rein. ‘*Tt is the major,” said the sergeant. It was the major, and he had come to relieve the minds of the beautiful woman and Lizette. ** Oh, sir, what is the result?” cried Mademoi- selle Cleopatra. “Thanks to those gallant Boys in Buckskin, madam, we have won.” ‘* But some are dead, some are wounded?” ** Yes, the outlaws lost their leader, and mere than half his men were also killed, and ethers doubtless wounded, though they escaped,” ** And on our side? ** What of our friends?” ‘‘One of my brave soldiers was killed and several slightly wounded. urt,. Redi out a cheer from the group of with awill did the actress and ‘*Then there was Broncho Bill slightly h by his horse being shot under him, and Wolf was wounded in the arm, ‘¢ Fortunately we have gotten off well.” “Thank Heaven!” came fervently from the lips of the woman, and, as there was no such thing as sleep there, the horses were hitched to- the ambulance and the party started for the Graveyard Motte. The next day the actress gladly yielded up her ambulance to the wounded, and rode on bare-~ back, while half-a-dozen of the horses left by the outlaws having been caught, there were enough animals for all to have a mount. As for the Ranchero’s Rest Major Loring went: with his troopers as an escort, and then he bade farewell to the party, for both Night Hawk and Broncho Bill assured him there was no longer’ any danger from either outlaws or Comanches, and the officer was anxious to return to the ruin. for Celina Delnorte and take her on to the fort. Broncho Bill had not been much hurt by his fall, and Red Wolf’s wound seemed not to trouble him, so the quartette were as good as ever, and with Ribbon Joe the ambulance driver they felt that they need have no dread of any- thing less than a large force of red-skins. Alone did the woman, who had given wp her heart’s idol, at her father’s command, ge te
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i ‘3 F 14 grave at the head of which stood the board in which was skillfully cut: ‘“ MARS’ HENRY.” It was the work of the faithful negro, and deeply did it touch the sorrowing woman as she knelt by the side of the sacred spot. For two days did the little party linger at Ranchero’s Rest, and then they set out upon their return, Without accident they arrived there, and the actress and Lizette bade farewell to their devot- ed friends, the Quartette in Buckskin, as Made- moiselle Cleopatra called the brothers, the negro and the Indian, and departed for new scenes of triumphs before the footlights, though ber heart was away at the ldnely grave of Henry Har- court, Before her ce pc a Night Hawk and Bron- cho Bill pledged their word that they would keep Keene Kendall from longer dogging her tracks through the country, and not long after she re- ceived a letter to the effect that he would trouble her no more. Why, the next chapter will reveal. CHAPTER XXV., 4 MESSAGE FROM THE DEAD, WHEN the outlaws under Juan were approach- ing the Graveyard Motte upon their murderous mission, two horsemen sat afar off upon their horses awaiting the result. Those two were Tiger Tom, and his red-heart- ed pard, Kent. hey had approached as near as they dared, and were anxious to know the result of the at- tack, though they had no dread that it would be other than a complete annihilation of the Buck- skin Brothers and their companions. Breathlessly they awaited, and it seemed that the minutes dragged out into hours. At last came the flashing and the rattle of the rifles, and a yell of triumph broke from the lips of Kent. Then the revolvers flashed and cracked and Tiger Tom said with enthusiasm: : There won’t one of ’em live through |that fire, But suddenly a flame shot forth from beyond tha revolver flashes, and Tiger Tom cried in alarm: ‘¢ Them’s muskets!” ** Muskets?” ** Yas, pards, thar is soldiers thar. “Ther boys has jumped ther wrong camp.” ** Curses!” came from the lips of Kent. ** See thar! our boys is missing. “* Let's head ’em, and keep well in advances.” This they did, and when Tiger Tom saw that the pursuit had ceused they drew rein. Soon a horseman came sweeping along. “« Ho, pard, what are up?” cried Tiger Tom. “Senor Juan and our gang are wiped out,” ‘was the reply. “ Who did it?” ‘* The Buckskins!” ‘‘ Thar was soldiers thar.” ‘Yas, a hundred of ’em, I guesses; but ther Buckskins was thar too, for them two scouts ther nigger and ther Injun came in chase, as seen by ther flashes o’ their weapons.” The man swept on, for he seemed anxious not to tarry. ‘Ynen others came up until six had passed. ‘* Them is all. ‘‘Ther rest has gone under,” said Tiger Tom, who had heard the same story from each one. ‘* Well, our road leads back to town,” said Kent. * Not much.” ** Why not?” ‘‘Them Buckskins is onter us, and they has got it down fine, I tell yer, and I goes ter con- sult Captain San Cruz before I goes back to that town.” \ ‘* Would you desert me?” **Oh no, and you’d better not desert me, but don’t yer go ter town ontil we knows how things sty ‘* How can we find out?” ** Thar is boys thar as will fetch word to ther cap’n.” * You know best, so lead on.” Tiger Tom did so, and they kept on at a steady pace. Camping when they had to for rest, they held back out of sight of the outlaws ahead, and at last reached the canyon where Tiger Tom had always secretly met his chief. He did not expect a letter in the crevice of the rock, and yet he felt there and drew one out. To his surprise it was addressed to him and in the chief's handwriting, and it contained some- The Buckskin Rovers, thing which, upon opening the envelope caused. the spy to say: “Why it’s ther chief’s ring.” Then he glanced at the letter and handed it to Kent with the remark: ae Read it, pard, for you is more eddicated than me. Kent did read it, and it was as follows: “Parp Tom:— “In a few moments I am to die. “On my way .back to go to the river, I was cap- tured by the Buckskin Brothers, who lariated me from the top o* the canyon. ~ ‘*Major Loring was with them, and had with him a number of soldiers. “The Buckskin Brothers had been hiding in the rocks and heard all we said. ‘*They had been there in hiding the last time we met in the canyon, and also heard what was said. “T write this to warn you, for they will capture you if you don’t leave town; and they know the racket of your pard Kent, so he had better skip, too, if he values his neck. ‘*Tell him to join our band, what is left, for the Buckskins will surely wipe out Juan and his gang. ‘*T make you chief in my place, and give you my ring as proof of my words. “Major Loring, upon his honor, sends this un- opeved to the place where you get it, and he acts nobly by me, for he allows me to be shot instead of hanged. ‘**T have lost, and Celina Delporte wins. “So be it.” “You wiil find my grave over in the third canyon. ** Adios, Tiger Tom, and if you do not avenge me, I will baunt you to your dying day. ‘Mark my words, I leave you a command to avenge me. ‘* Your chief, ‘*San Cruz,” This letter caused the faces of both men to blanch. , For some moments they did not speak, and then Tiger Tom said: ‘* Let us go to that grave.” He led the way, and the grave was soon found. Not content, he threw out the earth, unfolded the blanketed form, and said: ‘* Tt is ther chief.” “Well?” ‘*Pard, we turns outlaw, for sart’in,”’ ‘* There is no other course at present,” was the ‘bitter reply of the man who felt that he had played for a high stake and lost. ‘* No, we has ter git, that is sart’in, onless we wishes ter keep company with ther cap’n, $e ‘*T have no such desire, Tiger Tom.” **You bet I hain’t, so here goes for t/other side o’ ther Rio Grande and ther Cowboy Pirits for pards.” ith that they rode away, and soon after it became known, from a captured outlaw, that Tiger Tom and the man Kent had joined the outlaw band, and thus it was that Night Hawk and Broncho Bill had written to the wife of Keene Kendall that she had naught more to fear from him, THE END. Beadle’s Dime Library. 1 A Harp Crown. By Philip S. Warne......... - 10c 2 Tue Dare-DeviL, By Col. P. In DR axes - 10¢ 8 Krr Carson, Jk. By Buckskin Sam.......... . 10¢ 4 Toe Kimnapper. By Philip 8S. Warne.... ... . 10¢ 5 Tue Fire Frenps, Vie Bre MLOTTIS . s0-0is 9's 090 JOC 6 Witpcat Bos. By Edward L. Wheeler....... 10c 7 Deatru-Notcu, THE Destroyer, Oll Coomes,. 10c 8 THe Heapiess HORSEMAN. By Mayne Reid.... 10c 9 Hanpy Anpy. By Samuel Lover. ..... .... 10 Vinoca, THE FRENCH PoLice Spy. By himself, 10c 11 Mipsareman Easy, By Capt. Maryatt aves OG 12 Tue Deara-Suor, HY Capt. Mayne Reid... . 10c 18 ParHaway. By Dr. J. H. Robinson.. ... ‘F 14 THAYENDANEGEA, THE SCOURGE. Ned Buntline, 10c 15 Tue Tiger Stayer. By Gustave Aimard.... , 10c 16 THe WuHiTEe Wizarp. By Ned Buntline....... . 0c 17 NIGHTSHADE. By Dr. J. H. Robinson....... - 10¢ 18 Tue Sea Banprr, By Ned Buutline....... .. - 10¢ 19 Rep Cepar. By Gustave Aimard........... . 10c 20 Tax BanpiT At Bay. By Gustave Aimard... 10c 21 THe TRAPPER’S DavGurer. Gustave Aimard . 10c 22 Wuirei.aw. By Dr. J. H. Robinson. .... .. . 10¢ 23 THe Rep Warrior, By Ned Buntline ...... . 10¢ 24 THE Prarie FLower. By Gustave Aimard.. 10c 25 THE Gotp Guipe. By Francis Johnson, ...... 10c 26 Tae Deata TRACK. By Francis Johnson ... 10c 27 Tue Sporrer Detective. By Albert W.Aiken.. 10c 28 THREE-FinaerReD JAcK. Joseph FE, Badger, Jr. 10¢ 29 Tiger Dick, THe Faro Kine. P.S. Warne . 10¢c 30 GosPEL GrorGE. By Joseph FE. Badger, Jr . 10c 31 THe New York SHARP. By Albert W. Aiken... 10c 32 B’Hoys or YALE. By John D. Vose .. ... . 10¢ 33 OvERLAND Kir. Bv Albert W. Aiken . 10¢ 84 Rocky Mountain Ros. By Albert W. Aiken.. 10c 85 Kentuck, THe Sport. By Albert W. Aiken.. 10¢ 86 Insun Dick. By Albert W..Aiken ........... . 10c 8 Hiri, Toe Hunonpacrk. By J. H. Robingson.... 10c 38 VeLvs7 Hann. By Alvert W. Aiken. ........ 10c —_— eee 39 THe Russian Spy. By Frederick Whittaker. 10e 40 Tur Lone Harrep ‘ Parps.’ J. £. Badger, Jr.. 10c 41 GOLD Dan. «By Albert W. Aiken. Sr tS 42 THe CALIFORNIA Detective. A. W. Aiken... 10¢ 43 Daxora Dan. By Ol] Coomes or. 10e 44 OLD Dan RACKBACK. By Oli Coomes .. . 10e 45 OLD BuLw’s Eye. By Jos, K. Badger, Jr.... . 10 46 Bowte-Knire Ben. By Ol) Coomes .......... 10¢ 47 Pactric Perr, By Jos E. Badger, Jr.......... 10¢ 48 IpaAno Tom. By Oll Coomes. + «Je: <a 49 Tae Wouir Demon. By Albert W. Aiken.... . 10¢e 50 Jack Raspir. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr .. . 10¢e 51 Rep Roz, THE Boy Roapv-AGENT. Oll Coomes.. 10ce 52 Death TRaILeR. By Wm. F. Cody............ 10¢ 53 SriverR Sam. By Col. Delle Sara,............. 10¢ 54 ALWAYS ON Hanp. By Philip S. Warne...... 10e 55 Tuer ScALP Hunters, By ee M ayne Reid... 10c 56 THe INDIAN Mazeppa. By Albert W. Aiken..., 10¢ 57 THe Sitent Honrer, By Percy B.St. John... 10¢ 58 Srtver Kyire. Bv Dr. J. H. Robinson... ..., 10c 59 THe MAN ¥ROM Texas. By Albert W. Aiken, 10c 60 Wipe Awake. Ry Frank Dumont........... . 10¢e 61 CAPTAIN SEAWAIP. Ned Buntline.......... 10c 62 LoyaL Heart. By Gustave Aimard,........ 10¢ 63 THe Winakp WHALE. By Albert W. Aiken.... 10c 64 DovusLEe Siant. By Jos. B. Badger, Jr. ...... 10¢ 65 Tue Rep Rasaw. By Capt. Fred. Whittaker. 10¢ 66 THe Specter BARQUE. By Capt. Mayne Reid... 10c 67 Tue Boy Jockey. By Joseph E, Badger, Jr... 10c 68 THe Ficntina Trapper. By J. F. C. Adams.. 10c 69 Tae Tesh Caprary. By Capt. F. Whittaker. 10c 70 HypRABAp, By Dr. J. H. Robinson........... 10¢ 71 CAPTAtIn Coon Bean. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr.. 10c 72 THe PHANtom Hanp. By Albert W. Aiken... 10c 73 Tue Kyiaur or THE Rep Cross. By Dr. J. 74 CAPTAIN OF THE Ririxes. Capt. Mayne Reid.. 10¢ 75 GENTLEMAN GEORGE. By Albert W. Aiken... 10c 76 THe QUEEN’s Muskerrrrs. By Geo, Albany... 10c 77 Tue FResH oF Frisco. By Albert W. Aiken.. 10c 78 Tue Mysterious Spy. By A. M. Grainger.... 10¢ 79 Jon Poerrx. By Albert W. Aiken .. ........ 10¢ 80 A Man or Nerve. By Philip S. Warne...... 10e 81 Tae Human Ticrer. By Albert W, Aiken..... 10¢e 82 Iron Wrist. By Col. Thomas H. Monstery.. 10¢ 83 Gotp Butiet Sport. By Buffalo Bill ier 84 Huntrep Down. By Albert W. Aiken..... ... 10c 85 THe Creran Rover. By Col. P. Ingraham.... 10¢ 86 Tar Bia Hunter. Author of ‘Silent Hunter.”’ 10e 87 THE SCARLET CapTAIN. By Col. Delle Sara.... 10c 88 Bra Grorer. By Joseph EF. Badger, Jr....... 10e 89 Tur Prrate Prince. By Col. P.Ingraham..., 10c¢ 90 Wirp Win. By Buckskin Sam.............. 10¢ 91 THe WinninG Oar. By Albert W. Aiken. ... 10c 92 BurFaLo Briru. By Major Dangerfield Burr... 10¢ 93 CaprarIn Dick TALBoT. By Albert W. Aiken.. 10c 94 FREELANCE, THE BuccANrEER. By Ingraham... 10¢ 95 AzHORT, THE AxMAN. By Anthony P. Morris, 10c 96 DousLE Deata. By Capt. Fred. Whittaker... 10¢ 97 Bronze Jack. By Albert W. Aiken sb.) ace 98 Tue Rock RipER. By Capt. F, Whittaker.. . 10¢ 99 Tae Grant Rirteman. By Oll Coomes .. ...10¢ 100 THe FrencH Spy. By A. P. Morris......... 10e 101 THe Man From New York. By A. W. Aiken. 10c 102 THe MaskeD Bann, By George L. Aiken .. 10c 103 MerRLE, THE MutinerER. Col. P. ngraham.. 10¢ 104 MontTEzUMA, THE Mercitess. By Ingraham. 10c 105 DAN Brown or Denver. By Jos. E. Badger., 10c 106 SHamus O’Brien. By Col. DelleSara_..... 107 Ricuarp Tarzor or CrynaBaR. By Aiken.. 10c 108 Tae Duke or Diamonps._ By Fred. Whittaker, 10c 109 Caprain Kyp. By Col, Prentiss Ingraham , 10c 110 Toe Srtent RoOFLEMAN — W. Herbert . 10e 111 THe Smuaeier Caprain. By Ned Buntline.. 10c 112 Jom Paenix, Private Detective. Ky Aiken, 10c 1138 Tae Sea Surprer. By Prof. J. H. Ingraham, 10c 114 THe GENTLEMAN FROM Pixe. By P. 8. Warne 10c 115 THe Srverep Heap. By Capt. F.Whittaker. 10c 116 Buack PLume, Tae Devi. or THESEA. By Col. P. Ingraham =f abet se 117 Dasiana Danny. By Major Dangerfield Burr. 10c 118 Tae Bureuar Captary. By J.H. Ingraham, 10¢ 119 ALaBaMA Jor. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr.... 10¢ 120 THe Texan Spy. By Newton M. Curtis... . 10e 121 THe Sea Caper. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 10c 122 Saut Sapperpay. By Ned Buntline .... . 10c 123 ALAPAHA, THE Squaw. By Francis Johnson. 10c 124 ASSOWAUM, THE AVENGER. Francis Johnson. 10c 125 THe BLACKSMITH OvrLaw. By H. Ainsworth. 10c 126 Tae Demon DuEListT. By Col. T. H. Monstery. 10c 127 Son ScoTT, THE MASKED Miner. By Badger. 10c 128 THe CHEVALIER Corsair. By the author of “Merle, the Mutineer,” Bea. otal rece 10c 129 Mississtpr1 Mosz. By Edward Willett..... 10c 130 CAPTAIN Voicano. By Albert W. Aiken..... 10c 131 Buckskin Sam. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham.. 10c 132 Nemo, Kine or THE Tramps. By Capt. Fred. Whittaker.... a 1h FER PRE SIC St 4 133 Ropy, tHe Rover By William Carleton.... tc 134 Darke Dan. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham... 10¢ 135 THe Bus Rancer. By Francis Johnson.... 10e 136 Toe OvrnaAw-Hunrer. By Francis Johnson. 10c 187 Lona BEARD, THE G1ANTSPy. By Oll Coomes, 10e 138 THe Borprr Banpits. By Francis Johnson, 1U0e 139 Fire-Eyr, tHe Sea Hyena. By Ingraham 10c 140 Tok THrer SPANIARDS. By George Walker.. 10c 141 Equinox Tom. By Joseph FE. Badger, Jr.... 10e 142 Caprain Crimson. By Major Dangerfield Burr 10¢ 143 Tue @zar’s Spy. By Thos. H. Monstery.... 10c 144 Hunonpack OF Notrr-Damr. Victor Hugo.. 10c 145 Pisron Parps. By Wm. R. Fyster ia 7 «, COS 146 Tar Doctor Derrcrive. By George Lemuel 10¢ 147 Gotp Spur. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham.,... 148 Onz-ARMED ALF, By Oll Coomes ie A new issue every Wednesday. Beadle’s Dime Library is for sale by all Newsdealers, ten cents per copy, or sent by mail on receipt of twelve cents each, BEADLE & ADAMS, Publishers, 98 William street, New York, :
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_ ——— - 48 Thunderbolt Tom; or, the BEADLE’S+H ALF- DIME* | IBRARY. Published Every Tuesday. Each Issue Complete and Sold at the Uniform Price of Five Cents. No Double Numbers, BY PHILIP 8S. WARNE. 67 Patent-Leather Joe; or, Old Rattlesnake, the Charmer. 175 Captain izona ; or, Patent-Leather Joe’s Big Game. 198 Captain Mask; or, Patent-Leather Joe’s Defeat. 219 Despard, the Duelist; or, The Mountain Vompires. B38 A tough Boy}; or, The Dwarf’s Revenge. 868 Little Tornado}; or, The Outcasts of the Glen, B78 Little Jingo; or, the Queer Pard. USs Little Oh-my 3 or, Caught in His Own Trap, 401 Little Shoo-F ly; or, A Race fora Ranch, 408 Little Leather-Breeches 3 or, Old Jumbo’s Curse. | 441 Little Ah Sing or, The Curse of Blood, The Gold King, 406 The Mad Man 'itattars on’ The Mystery” of Golden Gulch. 505 Powell’s Pard; or, The One-Armed Giant. BY HARRY ST. GEORGE. 80 Roaring Ralph Rockwood, the Ranger. se Rotting Rube; or, The. Wietthewke o Kentucky. 59 Old Hickory ; or, Pandy Ellis’s Scalp. 08 Daring Davy 3 or, The Trail of the Border Wolf. 66 Hickory Harry; or, The Tra or-Brigade’s Spy: C) rder_ BY ALBERT W. AIKEN, 11 The Two Detectives; or, The Fortunes ofa Bowery Girl. 76 Abe Colt, the Crow-Killer, 464 Nimble Nick, the Circus Prince. 83 Taos Ted, toe Arizona Sport. 510 Cool Colorado, the Hall-Breed Detective. 518 Cool Colorado in New York, BY GEORGE WALDO BROWNE. 86 Pandy Rock the Man from Texas. 90 The Dread Rider}; or, The Texan Duelist. 99 The Tiger of Tuos; or, Dandy Rock’s Angel. 115 The Mad Miner; or, Dandy Rock’s Doom, 181 The Golden Hand; or, Dandy Rock to the Rescue, 164 Dandy Rock’s Pledges or, Hunted to Death, 178 Dandy Kock’s Rival; or, The tiaunted Maid of Taos, BY CAPT. J. F. ©. ADAMS, 84 Oregon Sol; or, Nick Whiffles’s Boy Spy. 46 Glnew Bye, fhe Great Shot of the Waste 54 Ned Hazel, the Boy Trapper. 56 Nick Whilites’s Pet; or, In The Valley of Death. 60 The White Indian; or, The Scout of the Yellowstone, 70 Old Zip’a Cabin; or, The Greenhorn in the Woods. 81 Lightning Jo, the Terror of the Prairie. 85 Buck Buekram} or, Bess, the Female Trapper, 247 Old Grizzly and His Pets; or, The Wild Huntress. 251 Light-house Lige; or, Osceola, the Firebrand. 257 The Lost Hunters; or, The Underground Camps 288 The Sealp King} or, The Human Thunderpolt, BY ROGER STARBUOKR. 25 The Boy Captain; or, The Pirate’s Daughter. 114 The Black Schooner} or, Jib Junk, the Old Tar. 259 The Golden Harpoon? or, Lost Among the Floes. 8 Fire-Heela; or, Old Skinflint, the Death-Shadow. 854 Big orn Ike, the Hill Tramp; or, The Odd Pards, 861 The Phantom Light-house. 870 Breaker Ben, the Reef-Runner, BY WILLIAM R, EYSTER, 190 Dandy Darke; or, The Tigers of High Pine, 210 Faro Frank; BS Dandy Darke’s Go-Down Pard4 BY COLONEL DELLE SARA, 108 The Lion of the Sea; or, The Vailed Lady. 186 Cool Desmond; or, The Gambler’s Big Game. BY JAMES L. BOWEN 107 One-Eyed Sim; or, The Abandoned Forest Home. 110 The Black Steed of the Prairies. A Story of Texas. BY ©. DUNNING CLARK, 185 Captain Paul; or, The Boy Spy, of the Mountains, 280 The Yankee Rajah} or. The Fate of the Black Shereef, BY GEORGE ©, JENKS, 455 Git Thar Owney the Unknown. 492 Git Thar Owney’s Pledge. 518 The Demon Doctor. 581 Double-Curve Dan, the Pitcher Detective, 598 Flute, the Singer Detective, BY CAPT. ALFRED R. TAYLOR, U. 8. A. 191 Buffalo Billy, the Boy Bullwhacker; or, The Doomed Thirteen. 194 Buffalo Bill’s Bet; or, The Gambler Guide, BY CHARLES E. LASALLE, 50 Kurt Bunker, the Trapper. 52 The White Buffalo. A Tale of the Northwest, BY JOHN J. MARSHALL, 40 Roving Ben. A Story of a Young American, 97 The Outlaw Brothers; or, The Captive of the Harpes, BY WM. G, PATTEN, 489 The Diamond Sport; or, The Double F; Roch B19 Captain Mystery 5 or, hive'in One. eee it) B81 Dalay Dare the Sport from Denver, 587 Old Bombshel, the Ranger Detective, 604 Iron Fern, the Man of Fire. BY MAJOR E. L. 8ST. VRAIN. 292 Sancho Pedro, the Boy Bandit, 801 Leadville Nick, the Boy Sport. 812 Redtop Rube, the Vigilante Prince. 888 Brimatone Hob, and His Lightning Horse Quartette, 852 Tombstone Tom, the Arizona Boy of Sand.” | 859 Duranro Dave, the Youny Cham ion Wreatler. 871 Fe Chria, tho Yeung Hard-Sholl Detective, 880 Avalanche Alf, the Foothills Guide. 890 Jaguar Joe, of the Mountain Mall-Line. BY EDWARD 8. ELLIS. 6 Bill #iddon, Trapper. 8 Seth Jonesy, or The Captives of the Frontier, 10 Nat Todd} or, The Fate of the Sloux Captive, 21 The Frontier Angel. i 98 The Boy Miners; or, The Enchanted Island, 182 The Munted Hunter; or, The Strange Horse: 254 The Half-Blood ; or, The Panther of the Plains, 271 The Huge Hunter}; or, The Steam Prairie Man, BY MAJOR LEWIS W. CARSON, 278 The Three Trappers; or, The Mountain Mi 288 Indian Joe; or, me White Spirit of the ii BY FRANK DUMONT. 120 ded Hand; or, The Man of N . 127 WilaFire. the Bons of the Road, Hey of Mystery. ad 140 B Blazes; or, The Break o Boys of Rosky 171 Pie Dant Sy The Rival Tadgues,” vit » 185 Evil Eye; or, The Vultures of the Rio Grande. BY CAPT. MARK WILTON. 256 Young Kentuck: or, The Red Lasso. 270 Blizzard Ben; or, The Riot at Keno Camp. 286 Josh, the Boy Tenderfoot. BY BRACEBRIDGE HEMYNG. 89 Taland Ji . The Pet of the Family. . 91 The Oastatn ot the Olubs or The Rival Athletes 101 Jack Harkatway in New York. BY JOSEPH E. BADGER, JR, 2 Yellowstone Jack; or, The Trepp, 48 Black Johm the Road-Agent; or, The Outlaw’s Retreat, 65 Murricane Bill; or, Mustang Sam and His Pard, 119 Muatang cog The King of the Plaina, 186 Nighs-awk Mit 3 or, The Daughter of the Ranch, 144 Dainty Lance the Boy Sport. 151 Panther Paul; or, Dainty Lance to the Rescue, 160 The Black Giant; or, Dainty Lance in Jeopardy, 168 Deadly Dash; or, Fighting Fire with Fire. 184 The Boy Trailers 3 or, Dainty Lance on the War-Path, 2038 The Boy Parda; or, Dainty Lance Unmaska. 211 Crooked Cale, the Caliban of Celestial City. 810 The Barranca W olf; or, The Beautiful Decoy. $19 The Black Rider; or, The Horse-Thieves’ League, 85 Old Double Fiat; or, ‘The Strange Guide 55 The King of the Woods: or. Daniel Boone's Last Trail, 449 Kit Fox, the Border Boy Detective, BY W. J. HAMILTON, 68 The Red Brotherhood; or, The Twelve Avengers 66 Single Hand; or, A Life for a Life, 72 Mad Tom Weatern, the Texan Ranger, 887 Ben Bird, the Cave King; or, Big Pete's Scoop. BY JACK FARRAGUT, 815 Ned, the Cabin Boy. 820 The Sea Sorceress; or, The Boy Skipper, BY LIFUT. H. D. PERRY, U. 8. N. 176 The Boy Runaway; or, The Buccaneer of the Bay, 180 The Sea Tratler; or, A Vow Well Kept, 192 Captain Kit; or, The Mystery of Montauk Point. BY HARRY HAZARD. 828 Arkansaw Jack; or, The Scourge of the Mines. 829 Red-Skin Tomy or, The Demon’s Trail, 842 The Mountain Devil; or, Yellow Jack, the Outlaw, BY COL, A. F. MOLT. 899 Rilack Ruckakin; or, The Masked Men of Death Casyom, 419 Kenneth, the Knife-King. A85 Little Lightfoot, the Pilot of the Woods. BY J. W. OSBON, 469 The Rival Giants of Nowhar’. 498 Cactus Burr, the Man from Hard Lack. BST Old Buckeye, the Sierra Shadow. 564 Powder Phil, the Boy Miner. BY FREDERICK DEWEY. 818 Cimarron Jack, the King-Pin of Rifle-Shota, 478 Tangemund, the Desert Detective. 542 The Canyon Parda. BY ARTHUR C. GRISSOM. 440 Little Foxfoot, the Gold Bowie Kid. 558 The Sure-Shot Pards, BY LIEUT. A. K. SIMS, 546 Captain Cactua, the Chaparral Cock. 568 The Dandy of Dodge. 576 The Silver Sport. 588 Saffron Sol, the Man With a Shadow, B89 Tom-Cat and Pard; or, The Dead Set at Silver City. 601 Happy, Mans, the Dutch Vidocq; or, Red-Hot Times @@ und-U p * : MISCELLANEOUS AUTHORA, 4 The Wild-Horse Hunters. By Capt. Mayne Reld end Frederick Whittaker. 9 Adventures of Baron Munchausen, 12 Gulliver’s Travels. By Dean Swift, oe Aladdin or, The Wonderful Lamp, 16 Robinson Crusoe, (27 Illustrations.) 18 Sindbad the Sallor, His Seven Voyages. 22 The Sea Serpent; or, The Boy Robinson Crusoe, By Juan wis, 88 The Ocean Bloodhound; or, The Red Pirates of the Carribees. By S, W, Pierce, 86 ¥ Boy Clown; or, The Queen ofthe Arena. By Frank nn. 88 Ned Wylde, the Boy Scout. By Texas Jack. Gi The Boy Riser; or, The Underground Camp. By Archie -« trons, 95 The Rival Rovers; or, The Freebooters of the Mississippi. By Lieut.-Col, Hazeltine. 98 Hebin flood, the Onheras Earl; or, The Merry Men of Groen. ‘wood, ‘of. ve. 105 O18 Rube, the Hunter; or, The Crow Captive, By Captain Hamilton Holmes. 112 The Mad Hunter; or, The Cave of Death. By Burton Saxe 124 Tippy, the Texan} or, The Young Champion. By George 128 The Young Privateers or, The Pirate’s Stronghold. By 148 sharp Sam § ot, The Adventures of a Friendless Boy, By J. de tien. 827 Dusky Darrell, big pl or, The Green Ranger of the Yel- lowstone. By Edward Emerson, 261 Fergus Fearnaught the New York Boy. By George L, Aiken. Yar, the Guide Davy Crockett’s Crooked tated mite on c. D. Women,” paige ax / 5 Trails 298 Ried Olaw the One-Eyed Trapper; or, The Maid of the Clif, By Captain Comstock. B17 Peacock Pete, the Lively Lad from Leadville, By Lien- tenant Alfred Thorne. 828 The Sky Wetective; or, A Boy’s Fight for Life and Honog, ee, Maior Mickey Free. 850 Red Ralph, the River Rovers or, The Brother's Re- venge. By Ned Bun tline. 865 Baltimore Ben the Bootblack Detective, By A, P, Morrie 874 Gold-Dust Tom; or, Ben’s Double Match, “By George H. orre, 876 California Joe’s First Trail. By Colonel Thomas 418 Billy Hantahell, the Cliff Climber. By F, 8. Wiothrep. ombea ne mver. . 8. Win! 475 The Black Ship. By John 8, Wires. . Comanche Dick and His Three Invinetbles By enry J. Thomas. 528 Wizard-Arm, the Dandy Sport. By Arthur 9, Holt. 582 The Cowbo: e. By Edwin Brooke Forrest. 552 Ariel the Athlete. By David Druta, 585 Will Waters, the Boy Ferret. By H, Enton. A New Iasue Every Tuesdays The Half-Dime Library is for sale by all newsdealers, five conte per copy, oF sent by mail on receipt of lx cents each, BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers, 98 William Street, New Yorks
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BY EDWARD L, WHEELER. Deadwood Dick Novels, 1 Deadwood Dick, the Prince of the Road. 20 Double Daggers + or, Deadwood DicR’s Defiance, 28 Buffalo Benj; or, Deadwood Dick in Disguise, 85 Wild Ivan, the Boy Claude Duval. 42 Phantom Miner; or, Deadwood Dick’s Bonanza, 49 Omaha Ol; or, Deadwood Dick in Danger. 57 Deadwood Dick’s Eagles; or, The Pards of Floed Bar. 78 Deadwood Dick on Deck; or, Calamity Jane, the Heroine. 7? Corduroy Charlte 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 Deadwood Dick's Double; or, The Ghest of Gergon’s Gulch. 188 Blonde Bll; or, Deadwood Dick’s Home Base, 149 A Game of Gold; or, Deadwoed Dick's Big Strike. 156 Deadwood Dick of Deadwood; or, The Picked Party. 195 Deadwood Dick’s Dream; or, The Rivuls of the Read. 201 The Black Hills Jezebel; or, Desdyoed Diek’s Ward. 205 Dead wood Dick’s Doom; or, Calamity Jane’s Last Ad- venture, 217 Captain Crack-Shot, the Girl Brigand. 1 Sugar-Cogted Sam}; or, ‘The Black Gown. 282 Gold-Dust Dick. A Romance of Rough« and Teughs, 268 Deadwood Dick’s Divide; or, The Spirit of Swamp Lake. 265 Deadwood Dick's Death Trail. 809 Beadweed Dick’s Big Deal; er, The Geld Brick of regon, 821 Deadwood Dick’s Dozen; or, The Fakir of Phantom Flats. 847 Deadwood Dick’s Ducats; or, Rainy Days im the Dig- gings. 851 Deadwood Dick Sentenced; or, The Terrible Vendetta. 862 Deadwees Dick’s Olalimy; or, The Fairy Face of Fare als. 405 Deadwood Dick in Dead City. 410 Deadwood Dick’s Diamonds; or, The Mystery of Joan orter. 421 Deadwood Dick in New Vork; or, A “Cute Cate.” 480 Deadwood Dick’s Dust; or, The Chained Nand. 448 Deadwood Dick, Jr. 448 Nickel-Plate. Ned; or, Deadyrood Dick Jr's Defiance. 458 Suntlower Sam, of Shasta; or, Deadwood Dick Jr’s Full Hand. 459 Aga Fan, the Ferret; or, Deadwood Dick Jr’s Big Ronnd- D. 465 Philo Fly, of Phenix; or, Deadwood Dick Jr’s Racket at Claim 10. A771 Bozeman Bill; or, Dendwood Dick Jr’s Corral. 476 Humboldt Harry, the Hurricane; or, Deadwood Dick Jr’s Dog Detectives 481 Moll Mystery; or, Deadwood Dick Jr. in Deadwood, 491 Prince Pistol, the King of the West; or, Deadwood Dick Jr's Compact. 496 Monte Cristo, Jr.: or, Deadwood Dick Jr’s Inheritance. 500 Deadwood Dick’s Diggings ; or, Dr. Death-Grip’s Swoop. 508 Deadwood Dick's Weliverance. 515 Deadwood Dick’s Protegee. 522 Deadwoed Dick’s Three. 529 Deadwood Dick’s Danger Ducks, 584 Deadwood Dick’s Death Hunt. 589 Deadwood Dick Jr, in Texas. 544 Deadwood Dick, Jr. the Wild West Vidoeq, 549 Deadwood Dick on Mis Mettle. 554 Deadwood Dick, Jr. in Gotham, 561 Deadwood Dick in Boston. 567 Deadwood Dick, Jr. in Philadeiphia, 572 Deadwood Dick, Jr. in Chicago, 578 Deadwood Dick, Jr. Afloat. 584 Deadwood Dick, Jr. in Denver. 590 Deadwood Dick, Jr's. Decree, 595 Deadwood Dick Jr. in Beelzebub’s Basin. 600 Deadwood Dick Jr. at Coney Island. 606 Deadwood Dick Jr’s Leadville Lay; or, Bristel and Bucket’s Koom. Other Novels by E. L. Wheeler, 26 Cloven Hoof, the Buffalo Demon. 82 Bob Woolf; or, The Girl Dead-Shot, | 89 Death-Face, Detective; er, Life in New York, * 45 Old Avalanche; or, Wild Edun, the Girl Brigand. 4 im Bluidsoe, Jr., the Boy Phenix. 1 Buckhorn Bll or, The Red Rifle Team. ' 69 Gold. Rifle, the Sharpshooter; or, The Koy Detective, 80 Rosebu Hob; or, Nugget Ned, the Knight. 84 Idyl, the Girl Miner; or, Rosebud Rob on Hand. 88 Phetograph Phil; or, Rosebud Rob’s Reappearance, ' 92 Canada Chet 3 or, Old Anaconda in Sitting Bull’s Camp. 96 Watch-Eye; or, Araba and Angels of » Great City, 118 Jnek Hoyle the Young Speculator. 117 Gilt-Edged Dick, the Sport Detective 721 Cinnamon Chip, the Girl Sport, 125 Bonanza Bill, Miner. 188 Bons ob the King of Bootblacks. 141 Sold Sam, the Boy Road-Agent. 5 Poppers Ferret, the New York Detective; or, Boss Bob’s 088 wo. New York Nell, the Boy-Girl Detective. Nick of Nevada or, The Sierras Scamps, jaan A the Buckskin Brayo. ee i ZA2z ° a s uist Hunter, 218 Fritz to the Front; or, The Ventril tective, 226 Snoozer, the Boy Sharp; or, The Arab 286 Apollo Hill, the Trail Tornado. 240 Cyclone Kit, the Young G)adiator. 244 Sierra Sam, the Frontier Ferret. 48 Sierra Sam’s Secret; or, The Bloody Footprints, 68 Slerra Sam’s Pard; or, The Angel of Big Vista. 258 Sierra Sam’s Seven; or, The Stolen Bride. 278 Jumbo Joe, the boy Patrol; or, The Rival Heirs, 277 Denver Doll, the Detective Queen, 2Si Denver Doll's Victory. 255 Denver Doll's Deeoy ; or. Little Bill’s Bonanza. 291 Turk, the Boy Ferret. 296 Denver Doll’s Drift; or. The Road Queen. 299 A No. 1, the Dashing Toll-Taker. £08 ‘Liza Jane, the Sirl Miner; or, the Iron-Neryed Sport, B25 Kelley, Hickey & Co., the Detectives of Philadelphia, B80 Little Quick-Shot; or, The Dead Face of Daggersville, B84 Kanguroo Kit; or, The Mysterious Miner, ice Kanguroo Kit’s Racket. 48 Manhattan Mike, the Bowery Blood. 858. First-Class Fred, the Gent from Gopher. 868 Yreka Jim, the Gold-Gatherer 5 or, The Lottery of Life B72 Yreka Jim’s Prize. 878 Nabob Ned; or, The Secret of Slab City, BR2 Cool Kit. the King of Kids; or, A Villain’s Vengeance, BSD Vreka Jim’s Joker}; or, The Rivals of Red Nose, B89 Ricyele Bens or. The Lion of Lightning Lode, 894 Yreka Jim of Yuba Dam. 400 Wrinkles, the Night-Watch Detective. 416 High Mat Harry, the Base Ball Detective. 426 Sam Slabaldes, the Rogge Hes Detective, 484 Jim. B 1, Private Detectives, 35 Santa Fe Sal, the Slnusher. é Sealskin Sans, the Sparkier. o> Amul e ag BY CHARLES MORRIS, 118 WII Somers, the Boy Detective, 122 Phil Hardy, the Boss Boy. 126 Picayune Pete; or, Nicodemus, the Dog Detective, 180 Detective Dick; or, The Hero in Rags. 142 Mandsome Harry, the Bootblack Detective, 147 Will Wildlire, the Thoroughbred. 152 Black Beas, Will Wildtire’s Racer. 157 Mike Merry, the Harbor Police Boy. 162 Will Wildfire in the Woods, 165 Billy Baggage, the Railroad Boy. 170 A Trump Card; or, Will Wildtire Wins and Loses, 174 Bob Rockett; or, Mysteries ef New York. 179 Bob Rockettpthe Bank Runner, 188 The fdden wees or, Will Wildfire’s Revenge. 187 Fred Halyard, the Life Boat Boy; or, The Smuggiers, 189 Bob Rockett { er, Driven to the Wall. 196 Shadowed } or, Bob Reckett’s Fight for Lafe. 206 Dark Paul, the Tiger King. 212 Dashing Dave, the Dandy Detective. 220 Tom Tanner}; or, The Biack Sheep of the Flock, 225 Sam Charcoal the Premium Darky. 285 Shadow Sam, the Messenger Boy. 242 The Two * Bloods ”; er, Shenandesh Bil) and His Gang. 252 Dick Dashaway ¢ or, A Dakota Boy In Chicago. 262 The Young Sharps; or, Rollicking Mike’s Hot Trail. 274 Jolly Jim, the Detective Apprentice. 289 Jolly Jim’s Job; or, The Young Detective. 298 The W ater-Hound; or, The Young Thoroughbred. 805 Dashaway, of Dakota; or, A Western Lad in the Quaker City. 824 Ralph Ready, the Hetel Bey Detective. 841 Tony ‘Thorne, the Vagabond Detective. 858 The Reporter-Detective; or, Fred Flyer’s Blizzard. 867 Wide-Awake Jove} or, A Boy of the Times. 879 Larry, the Leveler; or, The Bloods of the Boulevard, 408 Firefly Jack, the River-Rat Detective. 428 The Lost Finger; or, The Entrapped Cashier. 428 Fred Flyer, the Reperter Detective, 482 Invincible Lo an, the Pinkerton Ferret. 456 Bill rick, the Jolly Vagabond. 466 Wide-Awake Jerry, Detective; or, Entombed Alive, 479 Detective Dodge ; or, The Mystery of Frank Hearty. 488 Wild Dick Racket. 501 Boots, the Boy Fireman: or, Too Sharp for the Sharper. 566 The Secret service Boy Detective. 596 Jimmy the Kid; or, A Tams Among Wolves. BY OLL COOMES. & Vagabond Joe, the Young Wandering Jew, 18 The Dumb Spy. 27 Antelope Abe, the Boy Guide. 81 Keen-Knilfe, the Prince of the Prairies. Al Lasso Juck, the Young Mustanger. 58S The Border King; or, The Secret Foe. 71 Delaware Dick, the Young Ranger Spy. 74 Wawk-eye Marry the Young Trapper Ringer. $8 Kollo, the Boy Ranger. 184 Sure Bhot Set » the Boy Rifleman. 48 Scar-Face Saul, the Silent Hunter 146 Silver Star, the Boy Knight. 158 Eagle Kit, the Boy Demon, 168 Little Texas, the Young Mustanger, 178 Old Solitary, the Hermit Trapper. 182 Little Hurricane, the Boy Captain. 202 Prospect Pete ; or, The Young Outlaw Hunters. 208 The Boy Hercules: or, The Prairie Tramps. 218 Tiger Tom, the Texas Terror, 224 Dashing Dicks or, rapper Tom's Castle, 228 Little Wildire, the Young Prairie Nomad. 288 The Parson De teetives or, The Little Ranger. 248 The Disguised Guides or, Wild Raven, the Ranger. 260 Dare-Devil Dan, the Young Prairie Ranger. 272 Makati Mike, the Boy Sharpshooter, 290 Little Foxfire, the Boy Spy. 800 The 8S Denion ; or, Rafnbolt, the Ranger. 884 Whip-King Joe, the Boy Ranchero. 409 Hereulé«ys or, Dick, the Boy Ranger. 417 Webfoot Moxe, the Tramp Detective. 422 Baby Sam, the Boy Glunt of the Yellowstone. 444 Little Buckskin, tne Young Prairie Centaur. 457 Wingedfoot Fred; or, Old Polar Saal. 468 Tamarac ‘Tom, the Big 1 Se Boy. 478 Old Tom Rattler, the 4 iver Epidemic. 482 Stonewall Bob, the Boy Trojan. 562 Blundering Basil, the Hermit Boy Trapper, BY T. C, HARBAUGH. 28 Nick o’ the Night; or; Th« Boy Spy of ’76. 87 The Hidden Lodge}; or The Littl» Hunter, 47 oe ge Dre Naty or, Toe Forest Rageere, 64 Dand acky or, The Outlaws of the gon Trali. 82 Kit Haretfoot. the Wood-Hawk. 94 Midnight Jack} or, The Boy Trapper. 06 Old Frosty, the Guide; or, The White Queen, 8 Kiowey Charley ‘the White Mustanger. 9 Judge tn Jr. or, The Boy Vigilante. 5 Gold Trigger, the Sport; er, The Girl Avenger. 9 Tornado Tom; or, Injun Jack From Red Core. 8 Ned Temple, the Border Boy. 98 Arkansaw 3 or, The Queen of Fate’s Revenge. 207 Navajo Nick, the Boy Gold Hanter. 215 Captain Bullet; or, Little Topknot’s Crusade, 231 Pluéky Phil; or. Rosa, the Rel Jezebel. 241 Bill Bravo; or, The Roughs of the Rockies. 255 Captain Apoli-, tne King-Pin of Bowie, 267 The Buckskin Detective. 279 Old Winch} or, The Buckskin Desperadoes. 294 Dynamite Dan; or, The Bowle Blade of Cochetopa. 802 The Meuntain Detective; or, The Trigger Bar Bully. 816 Old Eclipse, Trump Card of Arizona, 826 The Ten Parda; or, The Terror of Take-Notice. 886 Ble Benson; or, The Queen of the Lasso. 845 Pitiless Matt; or, Red Thunderholt’s Secret. B56 Cool Sam and Pards or The Terrible Six. 886 Velvet Foot, the Indian Detective. 886 Captain Cutlass; or, The Brccancer’s Girl Foe. 896 Rough Rob: or, The Twin Champions of Blue Blazes, All The Silken sasso; or, The Rose of Ranch Robin. 418 Felix Fox, the Boy Spotter. 425 Texas Trump. the Border Rattler. 486 Phil Flash, the New York Fox. 445 The City V empires; or, Red Rolfe’s Pigeon. 461 One Against Fifty; or, The Last Man of Keno Bar, 470 The Toy Shadow ; or, Felix Fox’s Hunt. At? The Exceisior Sport; or, Tie Washington Spotter, 499 Single Sight, the One-Eyed Sport. 502 Branded Ben, the Night Ferret. 512 Dodger Dick, the Wharf-Spy Detective. 521 Dodger Dick’s Best Dodge. 528 Fox and Falcon, the Bowery Shadows. BSS Dodger Dick, the Dock Ferret. 548 Dodger Dick’s Double; or, The Rival Boy Detectives. 558 Dodeer Dick’s Desperate Case. 568 Dodger Dick, the Boy Vidocq. 578 The Two Shadows. 582 er Dick’s Drop. 594 Little Lon, the Street-Singer Detective. eee eee Bane BEADLE’S*H ALF- DIME* LIBRARY. Published Every Tuesday. Each Issue Complete and Sold at tne Uniform Price of Five Cents. No Double Numbers. BY COLONEL PRENTISS INGRAHAM, 216 Bison BILL, the Prince of the Reins. 222 Grit, the Bravo Sport or, The Woman Trailer. 229 Crimson Kate; or, The Cowboy’s Triumph, 287 Lone Star, the Cowboy Captain. 245 Merle, the Middy 3; or, The Freelance Heir. 250 The Midshipman Anubinces 5 or, Brandt, the Buecaneer, 264 The Floating Feather; or, Merle Monte’s Treasure Island. 269 The Gold Ship; er, Merle, the Condemned. 276 meric onte’s Crulse; or, The Chase of “The Gold r p.”? 280 Merle Monte’s Fate; er, Pear), the Pirnte’s Bride. 284 The Sea Marauder}; or, Merle Monte’s Pledge, 287 Lilly Blue-Eyes, the Boy Rover of the Rio Grande. 804 The Dead Siiot Dandy; er, Bemto, the Boy Bugler, 808 Keno Kit; or, Dead Shot Dandy’s Double. 814 The Mysterious Marauder; or, The Boy Bugler's Leng rail, cS 3 Fonedel, the Buy Royer} or, The Flagless Schooner, 8 The Indian Pilot s or, The Search for Pirate Island, 87 Warpath Will, the Boy Phantom. ° $28 Gearenif, the Boy. Lientenant. 402 Isodor, the Young Conspirator 3 or, The Fata] League. 407 The Re Insurgent}; or, The Cuban Vendetta. 412 The Wild Yachtaman; or, The War-Clouu’s Cruise, 429 Dunean Dare, the Boy Refugee. 488 A Cabin Boy’s Luck; or, The Corsair. 487 The Sea Raider, 441 The Ocean Firefly ; or, A Middy’s Vengeance. 446 Haphazard Harry; or, The Scapegrace of the Sea, 460 Wizard Will: or, The Boy Ferret of New York. 454 Wizard Will’s Street Scouts. 462 The Born Guide; or, The Salior Boy Wanderer, 468 Neptune Ned, the Boy Conster. A474 Flora; or, Wmard Will’s Vagabond Pard. 488 Ferreta Aflont; or, Wizard Will’s Last Case. AST Nevada Ned, the Revolver Kauger. 495 Arizona doe the Boy Pard of Texas Jack. 407 Buck Taylor, King of the Cowboys. 508 The Royal reed or, The Shark and the Sea Cat. 507 The Hunted Mids ” ee 511 The Outlawed Middy. 5 Buckskin Bill, the Comanche Shadow. 525 Brothers in Buckskin, 580 The Buckskin Bowers, 585 The Bue-skin Rovers. 540 Captain Ku-Klux, the Marauder ot the Rio, 545 Licutenant Leo, the Son of Lafitte. 550 Lalitte’s Legacy; or. The Avenging Son, 555 The Oreole Corsair. 560 Pawnee BIL, the Prairie Shadower. 565 Kent Kingdon, the Card King. 570 Camille, the Card Queen. 575 The Surgeon-Scout Detective. 5SO The Outcast Cadet; or, The False Detective, 586 The Buckskin Avenger. 591 Delmonte. the Young Séa-Rover. 597 The Young Texan Detective. 602 The Vagabond of the Mines. 607 The Rover Detective; or, Keno Kit’s Champions. BY BUFFALO BILL (Hon. Wm. F. Cody). 8 Kanaas King; or, The Red Right Hand. 19 The Phantom Spy: or, The Pilot of the Prairie, 55 Db ly-Eye, the Unknown Scout. 68 Border Robin Hood; or, The Prairie Rover. 158 Fancy Frank of Colorado; or, The Trapper’s Trust, LATEST AND NEW ISSUES. 608 The Pitcher Detective’s Foil; or, Double Curve Dan’s- Double Play. By Geo. C, Jenks. 609 Bolly Dorrit, the Veteran Detective; or, Little Lightning’s Invinei*les. By John W. Osbon. 610 Old Skinne?, the Gold Shark; or, Tony Sherp on Guard. By T. C. Harbaugh. 611 Bildad Barnacle, the Detective Hercules; or, The Tussle at Txble Mountain, By Lieut. A. K. Sims. 612 Deadwood Dick Jr. in Detroit; or, Turning the Tables ov Satan. By Edward L, Wheeler. 618 Billy Blazes; or, The Skeleton’s Legacy. By P.S. Warne. 614 Whistling JIuacob, the Detective’s Aid; or, The Queer Com- dination. ; Jo Pierce. 615 Fighting Harry, the Chief of Chained Cyclone; or, The Heathen Chinee’s Mission. By J.C. Cowdrick. 616 The Ocean Detective: or, The Last Cruise of the Black Bear By Geo, C, Jenks. 617 Ralph, the Dead-Shot Scomt; or, The Raiders and the Red Riders of the Kio. _ By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 618 Deadwood Dick, Jr. in Cincinnati; or, The Clineher Campaign. By Ed. L. Wheeler. ’ 619 The Boy Tramp Detective; or, The Double Grip Witness, By Wm. %. Patten 620 Little Lightning’s League; or, The Mystery of the Island- By John W. Osbon, 621 Truthful James, the “Pecooliar” Man; or, The Spoiler Dispoiled. By A.C. Grissom. 622 Texas Tom-Cat’s Triad; or, The Queer Affair at Tomb- stone. By Lieut, A. K, Sims. 628 Buck Bumblebee, the Harlem Wummer; or, The Old Captain’s Moving Miracle. By Jo Pierce. 624 Deadwood Dick, Jr. in Nevada; or, The Preacher of Pokerville. By E. L. Wheeler. 625 Chineapin Dan, the Boy Trailer; or, The Hero of the Crater. By Jos. E. Badger, JY. 626 The Champion Pards; or, Tho Lucifer of Silver Bar, By T. C. Harbaugh. Ready July 23, 627 Tom Bruce of Arkansas; or, The Wolf in the Fold. By gas Gitties Moria, eae Wend’ Acts\er, ‘The League of th « Dea ety or, eague of the Broadyey By vc. Cowdrick. Ready August 6. 629 Violet Vane, the Velvet Sport; or, The Jubilee of Jacktown, By Wm. G. Patten. Ready August 13. 680 Deadwood Dick, Jr. in No Man’s Land; or, Golconda, the Gladiator, By Ed. L, Wheeler. Ready August 20. A New Issue Every Tuesday. The Half- Dime Library 's for sale by all newsdealers, five conta per copy, or sent by mail on receipt of six cente each. BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers, 98 William Strect New York.