Beadle's Half Dime Library (no. 540) (1887 11 29)
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sTkiHt EDITION. a ee Ra wl folaltalalelialalla _ Ae me, AUS vs |) lal JZ H | \ : ran \ be i ( ’ ys a QAR-F 9 any Ce = bas a hed aA lS ‘. x " y ONS Aiea a a ual nt a al a at tl Za fl NS h~ = = teat J at Ay Vi | lees se Y | hi ___ Entered at the Post OMmc ew York, N. Y., Becond Class Mail Rates. cp Copyright, 1887, by BEADLE AND ADAMS, _ November 29, 1887, $2.50 PUBLISHED WEEKLY BY BEADLE AND ADAMS, Price, Vol. AX, a Year. No, 98 WILLIAM STREET, NEW YORK. 5 Cents. No. 540, ; WW The Buckskin Pards’ Strange Quest, A Companion Story to ‘ The Buckskin Rovers.” BY COLONEL PRENTISS INGRAHAM, AUTHOR OF ‘‘ BROTHERS IN BUCKSKIN,” ‘‘ BUCKe SKIN BILL,” ‘* RUCK TAYLOR,” “ THE ROYAL MIDDY,” ETC, CHAPTER I, A LETTER FROM THE DEAD. Two men were standing in a timber-clad can- yon in Texas, gazing down upon a grave which ad the appearance of having been lately AN \ \\\\ made, ~ : A” One was a man ‘to the frontier born,” to FROM THEIR POSITIONS SURROUNDING THE ASSUMED COMANCHE, THE BUCKSKIN PARDS judge from appearances, for he was the thorough NOW ADVANCED, THEIR RIFLES READY FOR USE. ; type of a Texan cowboy, tall, well-made, and ——
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2 clad in hunting-shirt, leather leggings, and broad sombrero, while about his waist was buckled a belt holding a pair of revolvers and knite. But his face was by no means prepossessing, He looked the thorough villain, and was one, His companion was attired in a corduroy hunting-suit, wore a black slouch bat, and un- der his coat was the suspicion of arms, for a belt-buckle was visible in front, He had top boots and spurs, and altogether was a striking looking personage, for he was tall, well-formed, and had a handsome face. Whether a good manor a bad one his coun- tenance did not reveal, for he kept his character hidden under a calm mask that nothing seemed to disturh. The two had just passed through a severe and perilous ordeal, and yet the faces of neither of them revealed the fact, In the background, handsomely saddled and bridléd, were two horses, which had the ap- pearance of having been bard ridden. A rifle was slung to the horn of each saddle, and hbaversacks and a leather pouch, with tightly-rolled blankets, indicated that the men were out for more than a day’s travel. “Well, Tiger 'l'om, there is the grave, as the letter states, so it looks like the truth,” said the man whose appearance indicated that he was.a dweller in the marts of civilization, and not of the wild border. “Yas, Pard Kent, and Pll jist read the letter again. It seems ter be readin’ a letter froma dead man, ana yet it looks like a squar’ deal. Only last Sunday me and ther cap’n met over yonder in ther canyon, and he gi’n me my orders as usual,.and here ter-day, when IT comes to our meetin’-place, I gits this letter,” assured the borderman, * Well, let us look over it again, Tom,” said the other. The trontiersman took a letter from his pocket. Folded up in it was a handsome gold ring, in which was set a ruby. **Ther letter says, Pard Kent, that the cap’n sent his lieutenant, Senor Juan and fourteen men, as agreed, ter wipe out ther Buckskin Brothers and the’r outfit.” 6 Yes, Tom,” * Now we knows thet Juan and his men got wiped out, ’ceptin’ a few as has gone on ter ther stronghold, by ther Buckskin Brothers, and ther woman and her maid, as you wanted kilt, and paid me ter hev done, wasn’t hurt,” * Unfortunately that is true, Tom,” ** Waal, ther cap’n were goin’ ter ther Haunt- ed Mission, ter see ef thet ghost thar hain’t ther one as stands atween him and a fortin’, and he hed got to ther canyon, when ther Buckskin Pards jist captured him, and ther major and his sojers hanged him.” ‘The letter says the major had him shot, Tizer Tom, not hanged.” ‘Thet ar’ so, Pard Kent, but he ax’ dead, hain’t he?’ “Tf you find him in that grave, he certainly is.” ‘Waal, Pard Kent, ther letter says ther major allowed him ter write me this letter, and leave it in ther canyon whar I'd git it, and, bein’ as ther cap’n hed ter go, he left it for me ter be Chief o’ ther Cowboy Pirit's 0’ ther Rio Grande in his place.” * Yos, and he sent you his ring in the letter as proof of it.” “ Yas, here are ther ring, and here are ther letter, and now it’s ter see if ther cap’n are in thet grave.” * And if he is?’ “We has ter go to ther stronghold o’ ther Cowboy Pirit’s, over on ther Mexikin shore,” “Tt seems so, as the letter states that the Buckskin Pards, as you call those ’Powell Brothers, were hidden here, and overheard all you and the captain said, for if you went back to San Antonio you would be captured.” * Sartvin.” * And hanging would be your fate,” 6* Sayt’in.” * And as those Buckskin Pards overheard you tell the captain that I offered a hig sum to have that actress attacked by his men and killed on the way to the grave of her lover which she was so determined to visit, why, I would not dare go back, either.” ** Not much.” / “Our plans went wrong, Tiger ‘Tom, though I do not blame you, for the Powells got wind of our plot in some way, secured soldiers to help them, and Juan and bis men were surprised and ee where they meant to surprise und ** Jé is lucky we hung in the background and ! did not join in the attack, as we might have | gone under, ‘**Now, neither you nor I dare go back to | town, and I shall cast my lot with yours, and | become a Cowboy Pirate. ‘* But let us see about what this grave holds.” ** Done.” So saying, Tiger Tom went earnestly to work, and threw the yielding dirt out of the grave. After a while he came to a human form wrap- ped in a serape. This was opened, and a dark, sinister face was revealed. ‘* Tt’s ther cap’n,” said Tiger Tom, in a whis- per. ‘* There is no doubt?” ‘* None.” ‘* He was quite young.” ‘* Yas, young, but awful bad.” ‘* Well, fill in the grave again,” Tiger Tom obeyed, and then stood silently by it. ‘* What is to be done now?” ‘Go ter ine ther Cowboys.” ‘* And you will become their chief?” **Pard, I hain’t much on bein’ a leader, and yet I’m thar ef it hes ter be.” ‘Is there no otber officer, now that the cap- tain and Juan are dead?” ‘“'Yas, thar’s another as they calls Senor | Tomas.” ‘* He may claim the leadership.” ‘* Maybe.” ‘*Tf he does?” ‘* He’s got ter prove he’s ther best man, though, as I told yer, I don’t banker ter be cap’n. Ther truth are, 1 were a spy in the towns fer ther cap’n, and mighty few o’ ther boys knows me; but if I bas ter be, I will,” | ‘‘TIl give you a thousand dollars for your place.” ‘* Meanin’ ter be cap’n yerself?” “Yes,” ‘ { ‘*They hain’t one o’ ’em knows yer, Pard Kent,” ‘* Tt matters not; (ll be chief if you say you yield your right to me.” * Fer a thousand dollars?” &§ Weg,?? “Tis a go!” ‘* Then come on, and we will soon know who is to rule the Cowboy Pirates.” With this they monnted their horses and rode away, down the canyon toward the Rio Grande. CHAPTER II. THE HAUNTED RUIN. ¢ It was a strange place for a woman to be, a old ruined chapel, about which the dead had been sleeping for nearly a hundred years, And yet, looking ghost-like in her white gar- ments, a woman stood amid the ruins, gazing out through a vista in the trees across the prai- SS A hill rising out of the prairie, a stream flow- ing around it and heavily timbered, the ruin was almost hidden in the sheltering foliage. Men shunned the spot, red-skin and pale-face alike, for the inmates of the old Mission-house, the padres of the old chapel, both in ruins, bad been massacred by the Comanches, and strange stories ‘were told of ghosts of the murdered dead haunting the spot. And yet there stood a woman in the midst of the decaying pile. And a beautitul woman too, and yourg, for she was scarcely over twenty-three, and with large dark, sad eyes full of splendor and a mouth about which hovered an expression of touching sweetness. Back further in the timber was a log cabin, lately built, and the indications that a camp had been established there, But one person however was visible in the camp, and that was a peon who had séen his half contury of years, He was smoking a cigarito which he seemed to greatly enjoy. These two, the white-robed form in tbe ruin, and the peon were all that were visible. / ‘¢ Parez, come here!” The call came from the woman and her voice | was musical and ringing. ae ** Yes, senora,” and the peon arose and walk- ed to the spot where the woman stood, leaning upon the crumbling walls of the old Mission, ‘* Well, senora?” “Is not that some one on the prairie, for I have been looking so steadily my eyes are dimmed?” The man glanced in the direction indicated, and after a moment answered: ‘“* A herd of buffalo, senora.” ‘‘Ah me! I hoped it was the party coming back, for they should have returned ere this, | Perez.” “It is time for them, senora.” “You do not think any harm could have come to them, Perez?” was the anxious query, ** Oh, no, senora, for the Senor Major had a | score of soldiers with him, and then there were those four Buckskin Pards, as they call the two scouts, and their negro and Indian allies.” ‘Those Senor Powells are remarkable men, Perez?” ‘* Yes, senora, and the wieked men along both sides of the Rio Grande, and the Comanches, fear them greatly.” ‘*T owe ny happiness now to them, Perez, and I shall ever pray for their success.” ‘* Yes, senora, their coming here to camp, as they did, unheeding all tales of the ruin being haunted, brought happiness to you again.” *“*T only hope my Eappincés is not doomed to slip from me, for, after all I have gone through, I hardly dare hope for joy, Perez.” ‘* Don’t feel that way, senora, for all will come well.” ‘*1 hope so, and yet bow much I bavesuffered, ‘** How strange has been my life. ‘* A few years ago a happy Mexican girl, that noble American officer saved my life, and the life of the man I then expected to marry, and whom now is my bitterest foe. ‘* My parents sacrified me for gold, by marry- ing me to the father of the man they at first in- tended { should wed, casting Ramon Delporte aside when they found that his father would disinherit him for his wild life. ‘The wife of a man of seventy, I soon became a widow, my parents died, and Ramon Delporte, accusing me of stealing the fortune which he said should have been his, threw me into a mad- house. “You, good Perez, you end your wife aided me to escape, and brought me here. ‘Enormously rich as Iam, I yet am hiding here like a hunted deer, for fear of that man, who is now San Cruz, the outlaw chief of the band of Rio Grande robbers. * And here the Buckskin Brothers bravely came and found me, and here came Major Lor ing, the soldier who, then a lieutenant, saved my life, and who, having found me, has asked me to become his wife. ‘‘ Ah! strange indeed has been my life, Perez, and do you wonder that I dread evil now, when I know that Major Loring and those noble scouts have gone to hunt down my worst foe, Ramon Delporte, who calls himself San Cruz. **Do you wonder that I fear sorrow instead of joy, Perez?” * You are nervous, senora, and so run your thoughts to fear evil. ‘* Why, how strong you have been the two years you have dwelt here, “T feared, after my poor wife died, and you were left here alone, gon would dread to stay. ‘Yet, each time that J] bave come, to bring our supplies, I have found you brave, yes, utter- y fearless, : ‘“‘ Bear up now, senora, for all will come well and you will be the good major’s wife and know joy in your later years.” ** You are good toso cheer me, Perez, and— but see! those are horsemen coming, are they not?” ‘* Yes, senora, they are.” ‘‘See, there are one, two, three, four—those are al].” ‘‘ Yes, senora, and my eyesight tells me wha they are.” : ‘The major, is he there?” ‘¢No, senora.” “ Blessed Mary grant that no harm has be- fallen him.” ‘* Senora, those are the Buckskin Pards,” “Thank Heaven for that! now we will soon have news.” The four men were now plainly visible, com- ing straight on toward the hill in the sheltering timber of which was the old ruin, There were two white men in advance, and their faces were sufficiently alike to show that they stood in the relationship of brothers. These forms were the perfection of manly symmetry, their shoulders broad and massive, and movements quick, yet graceful. Both were bronzed-faced, handsome men, with — intelligence, daring and resolutios stamped ~ upon every. feature, Their hair was black and worn long, falling almost to their waists, They were dressed in complete buckskin suits, the fringed leggings being stuck in handsome eavalry boots, and the hunting-coats being eM- broidered artistically with 8 and porcupine quills. me |S
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Captain Ku-Klux. Upon ‘their heads were broad-brimmed som- | breros, worked in silver and each wore a gold star in front. Their horses were fine animals, the saddles and bridles being of the Mexican pattern, and their arms were of the best and silver-mounted. At each saddle-horse hung a Jariat, and at the back of each rider was hung a repeating rifle. Behind these two .remarkable-looking men rode two others, One was an Indian, tall, powerful in build, and in the full buckskin and feather costume of a Comanche Indian chief. By his side rode a negro as black as the ace of spades. ‘ He too wore a buckskin suit, but had much the gorgeous make-up of the Indian. Both were well mounted and armed, and had in addition to their firearms, bows and arrows, and the Comancbe carried a long lance. Behind them trotted a horse, evidently used as a pack-animal. Upon the Texan border these men were known as the Buckskin Pards, but the whites were men famous in frontier history as Night Hawk George and Broncho Bill Powell. The names of their companions were Wolf and Scraps. The two former were Government scouts and Texan rancheros, and the two latter their faith- ful allies and inseparable companions, while the four were the terror of raiding red-skins and pale-face outlaws. ted CHAPTER ITI, THE BUCKSKIN PARDS TAKE THE TRAIL, WHEN the four horsemen rode into the timber on the hill, and halted at their camp, they were met by the woman, her face pale and anxious, as she asked; ** Oh, senors! where is Major Loring?” The two scouts glanced at each other, and then Night Hawk said: ** We expected to meet him bere, Senora Del- porte.” ‘*Or that he had been here and taken you with him to the fort,” added Broncho Bill. ‘* Sonors, he has not heen here.” The voice was strangely calm, but the face revealed the haunting fearin her heart of ill- tidings. ‘‘Then he has doubtless gone off after some Comanche raiders he may have come across, and will soon be here,” Night Hawk remarked, in a tone of indifference, **'Yes, he will soon be here,” his brother re- joined. ‘*Senors, you speak with an indifference which you do not feel, for you fear in your hearts harm has befallen Major Loring and his men.” “Senora, do not be alarmed, for there are only a few small bands of Comanches driftin about the prairies, and the force the major had with him was amply ssrong enough to beat off half a hundred, “If he does not return by morning we will start in search of him.” * Ob, Senor Night Hawk, I thank you; but may not to-morrow be too late?” “With night close at hand, senora, we could not find his trail,” Night Hawk said. ‘George, we mnight go back to where we should find it, and be ready to start on it at dawn. * We can remain a couple of hours, and then get there in time for a rest of some time before aybreak.” ; “ You are right, Will, and we will do that. “Come, Scraps, get supper, for we have got to take the trail again in a couple of hours,” “ Ah, senors, I thank you! ‘But tell ine, where was, it that you left .. ° S- 7 ole Major Loring and his men?’ asked Senora Del- porte. ‘‘The major left us, senora, at the Ranchero’s Rest, where we halted for a couple of days,” “Ah yes, [ remember, you went to San Antonio, to escort a lady to the grave of her lover, who had been the owner of Ranchero’s Rest, as he he called his ranch.” “Yas, missy, my poor boss, Mars’ Hen Harcourt, who I came from old Alabam’ wid, and who de Injuns kilt. , ‘** Poor Mars’ Henry, missy, I bury him at de ranch, and de leddy were de one he lub, and she lubbed him, ‘But she marry anuder man, missy, and it near broke Mars’ Henry’s heart, so he resign from de army, and come to Texas ranchin’, and so lost his life, while she leabe her bad hus- band, tarn ter singing on de stage and come down here and ask Mars’ Night Hawk and Mars’ Broncho to guide her out to de grave at Ranchero’s Rest, and dey did it, ‘“But beg pardon, missy, for talkin’, but I heerd yer say Ranchero’s Rest, and de name bring up sorrowful memories to me and sets my tongue talkin’ about poor Mars’ Henry.” The negro had spoken with deep feeling, and tears came into the beautiful eyes of Celina Delporte, for the story of the actress loving one man and forced to marry another, was strange- ly like her own. ‘You need not beg pardon, my good man, for I am glad to hear you talk of your master,” she said, Then as Scraps went on with his preparations to get supper, she aske 1 Night Hawk: ‘Senor, you carried the lady in safety to the grave of her lover?” “Yes, senora, and she remained there a couple of days and made a sketch of the scenery about it. ‘Then we returned with her to San Antonio where she again started upon her theatrical tour.” * Poor woman, and the man she married?” “Aas kept out of her sight, for she believes that he murdered her father, and she threatened him with the gallows, but he yet has dogged her steps and hired desperadoes to put her to death.” ‘Tn fact,” said Broncho Bill, ‘he had arrang- ed with San Cruz, your old enemy, to attack our party, and put all to death.” ‘“* And did they attack you?” “Oh, yes, but we surprised them, and with the aid of tne major and his men, sent them fly- ing, except, a few who remained,” and the senora understood why they remained. **And San Cruz,'as Ramon Delporte called himself, since he bas become an outiaw chief?” “You need fear him no longer, senor.” ‘Ah! is he dead?” ‘*- Yes, we captured him before we went after Mademoiselle Cleopatra, the actress, and the major had him shot an hour after he became a prisoner,” ‘Blessed Virgin forgive his guilty soul, for T never can,” she said, in a low, earnest tone, and then, as though overcome by what she had heard, she turned and walked away. Two hours after, just as the sun was sinking behind the prairie horizon, the Buckskin Pards rode away from the ruin, and their duty was to find the missing major and his men, and in their hearts they felt a dread that harm had be- fallen them, for otherwise they should have been at the haunted ruin several days before. And Senora Delporte harbored the same dread and sent after the four brave horsemen an earnest prayer for their success, CHAPTER, IV. SOLDIERS AT BAY, It was just before dawn when the Buckskin Pards awoke and began preparations for their hunt for Major Loring and his soldier band. They had ridden steadily after leaving the haunted ruin, until they came to the locality where Ehey felt sure of finding the trail of the soldiers, after Major Loring had left them at Ranchero’s Rest. If they had crossed the small river near them, then there was some good reason for them to have turned off from the direct trail, for Major Loring had been most anxious to return to the haunted ruin, and free the Senora Delporte from her lonely exile there, the scouts well knew: A search at the ford showed that the troopers had not crossed, but there was a trail there, and one which caused Night Hawk and Broncho Bill to glance at each other with a look of alarm. It was the trail of Comanches, and it came from the direction of the Indian country and crossed the ford, “Many horses?” said Red Wolf quietly. ‘‘-Yes, a hundred, from the tracks,” Broncho Bill rejoined, ‘They crossed here and met the major before he got to the ford,” said Night Hawk, ‘Tt do look like trouble,” was Scraps’s obser- vation, “Let us push on, for, though they are in large force we may be of service yet,” and Night Hawk urged his horse into the stream and was quickly followed by the others. A short distance away on the other bank was the remains of an encampment. A trail led to it from the direction of Raneh- ero’s Rest, and avvay from it toward the hills, some thirty miles away, “Tt is the major’s trail,” said Night Rawk, “He evidently saw the Comanches in time to make good his retreat, and went to the hills where he could stand’ them off,” Broncho Bill responded, 3 “ Yes, for see, there was no fight here about the camp and the red-skins’ trail follows that of the soldiers. ‘*We will press rapidly on, and I hope the major has not been corraled by them,” and Night Hawk urged his ho se into a gallop. The others kept pace with him, and thus they continued, as rapidly as they dared push their horses, Late in the afternoon they entered a piece of timberland, and they knew that beyond it was astretch of prairie and then the hills, so they went cautiously, Halting, they left their horses to rest, and Scraps remaining with them, to prepare a cold dinner, the Buckskin Brothers and Red Wolf went forward to reconnoiter. Cautiously they approached the edge of the timber, and at last reached a thicket from whence they could peer out over the prairie. They had just come to a halt when they all glanced at each other at the same moment, for, to their ears came the sound of distant firing, “Will, that is carbine-firing,” said Night Hawk, ‘Yes, and it proves that the major and his men are corraled.” ‘* We dare not cross the prairie by daylight and thus show our weakness,” “No, we must wait until night; but would it not be well for me to go on foot, and you follow after dark with the horses?” “Tt is a big risk.” **T know it, but the major and his men are in aon danger, for hark! they keep up a steady fire.’ ‘Yes, and you would flank around to the timber and endeavor to find out how the soldiers are situated, and how many -red-skins there are, and how they are placed?” “ Yos, George.” ‘All right, Will; but let us agree upon a meeting-plice for to-night.” “True; do you see yonder tall tree, the one that rises above the others?” rVORT ‘¢T will meet you as near there as possible and if [I find the red-skins about there, I will come back along my trail and head you off.” So it was arranged, and Broncho Bill, on foot and crouching low, left the upper end of the timber and made his way by a wide flank move- ment toward the distant range of hills. Fortunately, the nature of the ground was such that he was pretty well protected, and he kept on at a steady pace until he came to a small stream which came out of tho hills, The banks were fringed with willows, yet not sufficiently thick to hide him, and so he without hesitation bundled up bis leggings and stepped into the stream. A mile or more he went on in the water, the firing gradually growing louder and louder. At last he came to the timber at the base of the hill and here halted. He quickly resumed his leggings and began to look about him, There was thick woodland before him, and the firing hardly seemed more than a mile away and over in the hills, ““They’ve got the major corraled up in the hills, aud [ guess the soldiers are having a hard time of it, for they fire pretty steadily, **T must push ahead.’ He did so, and with the greatest caution, for he knew well his great danger, aske was lable to run upon the red-skins at any moment. At last he came to a hill beyond which he felt sure the soldiers were besieged, He counted the shots and found that they were firing about twenty times in an hour, while straggling shots from the red-skins who had fire- arms broke in now and then upon the steady fir- ing of the troopers, He dared not go to the top of the bill to look over, a8 the shots just beyond the ridge told him tbat the Indians were stationed there, So he cast about him for some way to see and not be seen, A tall tree grew vey near him, and lookin up into its top he came to the conclusion that i was the very one which he had seen from the distant motte and pointed out to George as a rendezvous for the night. It would be a desperately hard climb, but he would undertake it, With his rifle slung at his back he began the ascent. It was slow, hard work, but Broncho Bill was one to overcome any obstacle which human endurance and pluck could accomplish, At last he reached the top and safely en- sconced himself among the branches. He was at first too tired to see about him, * i m Bed fai ig , ot biwar iK. a's 9 inane
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4. But at last he began to take in the situation. His tree was a <1 gabe point of lookout, and looked over the hill upon the side of which it grew, into a small vale beyond. Captain Ku-Klux. ‘*Next he can go to another, and serve him the same way. ‘* This will leave the side of the herd toward | the hills without a guard, and we can cut out Across this vale there rose aspur of the range, | abeut thirty of the ponies and, tying them to- rugged, high and wooded. t was almost to itself, and the very spot for a party to stand at bay in. And there, at bay, were the gallant troopers | of Major Loring. CHAPTER V. A BOLD RECONNOISANCE. Tue hill upon which the troopers had taken refuge, was about three hundred yards from | ee Bill’s position in the tree in a straight ine. It was hardly half an acre in size, and the top ‘was most rugged and thickly timbered. On the top, firing from their retreats, were the soldiers, and across the valley toward Broncho Bill were their foes, These were concealed behind heavy trees, on the other slope of the hill from Broncho Bill, and hardly a hundred yards distant from him. | He counted the red-skins in sight and there were just twenty-seven. Then at the head of the valley there were more, he could see, and beyond the hill, hiding in a divide of the prairie were fully a score of red-skins. In front of the hill, hiding also in the rough | gether, charge the red-skins and ride straight for the soldiers, ‘* The red-skins will think it a large party of soldiers coming to the rescue, and they will run | for their ponies, when a few shots into the herd from our repeating-rifles, will doubtless stam- pede them.” ‘** Will, your plan 1s the one to follow of course, so let us get about it,” said Night Hawk. The plan was then fully explained to Red Wolf, the Comanche, who at once said he could kill the Indian guards, for he would not be sus- pected, if seen, and could reply in the Comanche tongue if spoken to, Broncho Bill started off with him on foot, when they reached the edge of the timber, and left Night Hawk and Scraps to await their re- turn. A short flank movement, around the point of the hill brought the scout and the Comanche in sight of the herd of ponies. They were scattered considerably, feeding over some twenty acres of space, and the guards were stretched out in line about them, keeping | them from straying out over the prairies, while the side toward the bills, where the Indians bad the soldiers beseiged, was unguarded, it not be- sidered necessary. in nature of the ground, Broncho Bill discovered int situation the scout and the Comanche several squads of Comanches, and he counted nineteen, ‘* Judging from those I see, there are about a hundred of them, and their ponies I see over yonder on the prairie with several guards over them.” He raised his glass, which he never went with- out, and counted five Indians acting as guard | for just ninety-three mustangs. ‘¢ Some of the red-skins have gone under, that | is certain, so it would be safe to count four to | one against the soldiers, who, with the major | and lieutenant were just twenty-two. ‘¢ But where are the major’s horses?” He turned his glass upon the hill where were | the besieged soldiers, and saw that the animals had been killed and were being made use of as a breastwork. ‘*That being the case, our duty is plain, for | we must get some of those Indian ponies, or the troopers will be on foot should we rescue them,” It was now getting dark,and Broncho Bill | descended from his tree, after taking a close , survey of all about him, with the air of one who | had decided just what be would do, Having reached the ground once more, he set | off at a quick pace back on the trail he bad come, There was little need then of dodging, for it was dark, and he kept on at a brisk walk until he reached the little stream up which he had waded in the afternoon. Here he halted, and he had not long to wait before his quick ear detected the sound of horses approaching. m after, he discovered three horsemen and a led animal coming along through the dark- ness, ‘It is George!” he muttered, and as they drew nearer, he gave a low whistle and stepped out before them. George Powell at once gras the hand of his brother, with the manner of a man who had been most anxious about him, and he said: ‘Will, I’m awful glad you are out of it safe,” “ And I, George.” ‘“* You had no trouble?” ‘* No, for not a red-skin saw me.” “‘ But you saw them.” _ “IT counted five guarding ninety-three mus- tangs, and the band have got the soldiers com pletely surrounded,” **T supposed so,”’ “They are within two hundred yards of the troops; but the majur has a good ition, though be has bad to make breastworks of his horses.” * That is bad.” “Yes; but I think we can mount them and dismount the red-skins,” “How?” *“‘ Their ponies are on the prairie, feeding with a guard of five red-skins around them, so are not stalsed out.” “T see.” “I think we can first flank them, and then the Red Wolf can reach one of their guards, and quickly end his career, quickly took in and then the latter prepared to t act. ‘* Me go now kill Comanche,” said Red Wolf quickly. A moment after he strode away, going direct- ly toward one of the mounted guards, indis- tinctly seen in the distance, Broncho Bill patiently awaited the result. He could hear the steady firing of the besieged soldiers, a little over a quarter of a mile away, —_ the crack of the red-skin rifles now and then, Otherwise all was silent about him, With his glass to his eye he_ watched the de- parting form of the chief, and saw him walk 0ldly up to the side of the mounted warrior nearest to him, Taen what followed he could not see; but there was no outcry, no shot, and a moment after a horseman rode further away out upon the prairie. “The Red Wolf got his man, has mounted his horse, and is going to another one,” said Broncho Bill to himself. Then the moments seemed to grow very long to the scout, for the suspense was great. Would the Red Wolf succeed? Would not one of his victims be able to make an outcry, and thus ruin all? Such were the thoughts which flitted through the mind of the scout, as he stood there awaiting the return of the Comanche. On leaden wings the moments went by, and then Broncho Bill beheld a horseman approach- ing. "But was it Red Wolf, the Comanche? CHAPTER VI. THE CHARGE OF THE BUCKSKIN QUARTETTE. Ir the approaching horseman was not the Red Wolf, he certainly was riding straight to his death, for, sheltered by a large tree, wing a little in advance of the line o timber at the base of the hill, Broncho Bill stood, an arrow fitted to a bow, and the dart aimed at the head of the red-skin. Broncho Bill had brought the bow and arrows rr ge to Scraps, who, hke Red Wolf, in () addition to his firearms, carried Indian wea- pons, Scraps had also essayed to carry the long lance the Comanche chief was armed with, but several times the end had struck the ground, and catching him fairly, as he rode along, un- prepared for such a catastrophe, it had taken im out of his saddle, so he had discarded it, Nearer and nearer the horseman approached, and then Broncho Bill was about to lower his weapon, feeling assured that it was the Wolf, when he saw that the one coming toward him wore not the chief’s feather head-dress. So he let him ride almost upon him, and ae saw that the red-skin was not the Red oll. Had he slain the Rei Wolf? Was he going to give the alarm to his com- panions? With these thoughts, Broncho Bill let fly his arrow. — The Indian was not ten steps away, and the aim of the scout was true. The arrow buried itself in the head of the In- dian, and he had not fallen from his saddle be- fore Broncho Bill had sprung forward and grasped his pony. The Indian never knew what killed him, but fell to the ground without a moan. Hardly had the scout secured the pony, and led him into the shelter of the timber, when he saw another horseman approaching. “Tt is Red Wolf,” muttered Broncho Bill, as the red-skin rider came nearer. And so it proved to be, for the scout stepped out to meet him, ‘“‘ Ah, white brother kill Comanche brave?” and Red Wolf glanced at the limp form of the dead Indian, ‘“Yes, he came riding along and I shot him,” “Him pass Red Wolf, talk little, then go this. way.” og He supposed you were one of his compan- ions?” “Yes,” “The Red Wolf killed a Comanche brave also?’ “* Kill two.” “* And the others?” . aly three brave on pony watch to-night.” **Yes; white brother kill one, Red Wolf kill two—no more,” ‘“We are in luck, so let us gather some of the ponies and get back to join George and Scraps.” They then rode toward the grazing herd, and a couple of dozen animals were quickly secured and tied together with the stake-ropes about their necks. Then they mounted and each leading a num- ber, moved slowly out over the prairie. The herd slowly followed, and both Broncho Bill and Red Wolf in vain tried to check them, for they feared, as the scout had seen five guards by day, and they had found but three by night, the other two might be lying on the prairie asleep, and, seeing the herd departing would give the alarm. But they did not appear, and the two daring men led the herd of a hundred ponies around to- the spot where Night Hawk and Scraps were waiting. Broncho Bill quickly explained the situation, and it was decided to tie all the animals to- gether in a mass, This was accordingly done, in lines of twelve, and with the twelve behind securely fastened to the tails of the animals in front. Then the scouts mounted and rode slowly to- ward the ridge, Broncho Bill from his knowl- edge of the situation, anxious to strike in the rear of the Jargest body of red-skins. The firing was still continued by both the soldiers and the red-skins, and the scouts felt. sure of giving a surprise to the Indians which would utterly demoralize them They knew that a Comanche on foot wasa very poor warrior, and if they could he nade to- believe that a large body of troopers had come to their rescue, captured their ponies, and were ready to annihilate them, they would rush for the hills with the greatest speed. This done, the rescuing party could dash up to the little besieged garrison, let them saddle and bridle the Indian pours and get away be- fore the Comanches discovered that four men had done the work. The place for the charge was picked out, the ponies were held well in hand by Broncho Bill, and Night Hawk one front, the end mustang held by lariats in the hands of the scouts, while Scraps and Red Wolf rode upon either side, also holding the end of lassoes which were made fast to animals about the center of the mass. ‘Give your high notes for the cbarge, Will,” said Night Hawk in a whisper, and Broncho Bill, who could imitate all the bugle calls to per- fection, placed his hands to his mouth and sounded the “ Charge!” The notes, in splendid imitation of a bugle, rung through the timber, and instantly there came & wild cheer from the besieged soldiers. The firing at once , and cries of alarm mere heard from the Comanches surrounding the hill. With the last notes of the charge, the Buck- skin Quartette went forward with a rush, the ponies keeping up with them. The clatter of hoofs astounded the Comanches, and with wild yells they broke in flight, while the repeating rifles of the Buckskin Quartette sent the bullets flying in among the timber. The soldiers on the hill cheered and opened # hot fire upon their foes, where they sup | a} s « &
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a | a — a Captain Ku-Klux, them to be, flying for their lives; and the In- dians, with cries of rage, as some had dashed | toward the prairie and made known the loss of their ponies, rushed with all speed to the shelter of the bills, Without stopping to see how fast or how far the Comanches were running, the Buckskin Quartette drew rein at the bottom of the hill, | and Night Hawk called out: ‘* Major Loring, come at once, sir, ,and bring | your saddles and bridles, for we hnow that you | have killed your horses.’ A moment more and Major Loring ran down | to the foot of the hill. ‘* Night Hawk’s voice, as I live!” *“ Yes, major; but basten your men, for we have no time to lose.” ** And the cavalry?” ‘* The Buckskin Quartette are all, sir, but we have here the herd of Indian ponies.” ‘‘Bravo, my noble pards! but I certainly heard a bugle.” “*It¢ was Will, sir, “Sound the charge again, Will, for it will hurry those red-skins,” Broncho Bill, who was on the other side of the now restive ponies, gave the notes of the charge once more, and the major said with enthu- siasm: ** Perfect! Powell.” ‘* Plenty of time to eat, sir, after we get away trom here,” ‘‘T have four dead men, and three wounded.” “‘Strap the dead on the ponies, sir, and the *wounded can be mounted before comrades who ‘will thus hold them on, But we must be off, major.” Major Loring had already given orders for his men to come down the hill and bring their | saddles and bridles. ; The Buckskin Quartette had still to remain mounted, to hold the excited ponies in check, and the troopers hastily untied the rear line of mustangs and saddled them. The next line was then saddled and bridled, and the dead were strapped upon the backs of four mustangs, and the three wounded men were held on horses hy the arms of comrades mounted behind them. All the time shots from the red-skins were pattering about, them, for the Indians had massed together when they saw that they were | not pursued, and were halted upon the ridge. *“Now a volley all around, right into the midst of yonder timber, and then we will be off,” cried Night Hawk, The soldiers’ carbines and the repeating rifles of the Buckskin Quartette rattled forth lively music, and evidently did some damage, from the wild yells that followed, though “fired at random. Then the partv wheeled the captured herd and with the soldiers surrounding it, dashed away ata gallop down the valley toward the prairie, the troopers cheering lustily at their es- cape. But we are almost starved, CHAPTER VII. THE COWBOY PIRATES AT HOME. THE outlaw band known as Cowboy Pirates ofthe Rio Grande, were the curse of the Texas froutier. Their leader had been a Mexican, Ramon Delporte, who had taken the name of Captain | San Cruz. He tad been reared a gentleman, but the maiden he loved had discovered his wicked life. and, forced by her parents to marry Ramon Delporte’s father, a wealthy old Mexican ranch- ero, it had n-ade a fiend out of the young man. He had taken his father’s life, asthe first act toward getting his fortune, hoping to force Celina Delporte, the beautiful young widow, to marry him. Failing in this he bad placed her in a jynatic asylum, hoping to drive her mad, and to suicide when he would be the lawful heir, ; She had escaped from the madhouse, and jn fear of her life had fied to the old ruin across the Rio Grande, to hide from bim, Then he had turned outlaw and sought to find her, but in vain. : With his band of red-handed Mexicans, and a few outlawed Texan cowboys, he was wont to raid the settlements, rob trains, both Govern- ment and emigrant and run off cattle and horses from the ranches, He was dreaded by all honest men, on both sides of the river, and there had been a price offered for his head by the citizens of Texas. This man the Buckskin Brothers had run to earth, as has been told, with the aid of Major Loring from Fort Dreadnaught, | The major had promptly had the wretch exe cuted, and his band had received a severe blow in their attack afterward upon the soldier- guarded train of the Buckskin Brothers, who were escorting the actress, Mademoiselle Cleo- patra, to the grave of her lover at Ranchero’s Rest. Returning to the fort, by way of the Haunted Ruin, to get Senora Delporte and Perez, the major and bis men had been @riven to shelter on the hill, by a large band of Indians, as has been seen. In the mean time the spy of San Cruz, Tiger Tom and his comrade, the wicked husband of Mademoiselle Cleopatra, had been forced to fly for their lives, and had crossed the Rio Grande to join the band of outlaws. the offer of Kent, as Keene Kendall, the ad- venturer, called himself, of one thousand pesos to let him be the chief of the Cowboy Pirates, Tiger Tom had accepted, and the two rode to- ward the stronghold. Tiger Tom had long been the spy of San Cruz, and it was seldom that he visited the strong- hold. He knew but few of the men, and it was with some misgivings that he rode on his way, for he feared that the band would not take kindly to a chief who sought to usurp the place. Still he was determined to take big chances to et that thousand dollars, and he knew that he Ed to ally himself with the outlaws for protec- tion from the Buckskin Brothers, who seemed to have set_ themselves to work to wipe out the Cowboy Pirates. The stronghold was situated in the Mexican mountains, and was certainly bard of access. Brot Tiger Tom knew the way well, and to- ward the close of the afternoon rode up to the man on sentinel duty at one of the two passes leading to and from the retreat. “*T are Tiger Tom, and I guesses yer has heerd o’ him,” the desperado said to the guard. ‘*Yes, I knows who yer is, in course; but ther cap’n hain’t here.” “*T knows that better nor you does, pard; but I wants ter go in all ther same.” ** Who is ver pard?” ** A friend o’ mine who hes come ter j’ine ther band.” ‘** He looks awful high-toned.” *“ He’s a high-flyer, you kin bet, and comes well recommended, and ef thar is any votin’ ter be did, you chip in fer him.” “Yes, my friend, and keep this as a re- minder,” and Kent placed a twenty-dollar bill in the hand of the sentinel. ‘* Waal, yer does come in style, I jist reckon, so ride on to ther den, pards,” said the delighted outlaw guard. They rode on slowly, and soon came in sight of the stronghold. It was situated under the base of a precipitous mountain, through which a chasm led to the summit, and thence on to the valleys beyond, and the approach could be readily defended by a few men against many. A wild mountain torrent raged around the cliff, and after running off for a couple of hun- dred yards, again turned and ran back to the base of the mountain, thus forming a plateau several acres in size, which could only be gotten to over arude bridge, or by the chasm-like pass over the mountain. The rude huts of the outlaws were under the shadow of the cliff, and there was a rock corral in which stock could be driven, No man or beast could swim across the tor- rent, which dashed along like hghtning, its bed broken by rocks, and so the outlaws bad made a drawbridge, which could be lowered from be- tween two large trees. It was down as the two men rode up, and readily bore the weight of their horses and them- selves. Seated in front c? the largest cabin were about a dozen men, engaged in excited conversation, The sound of hoof-falls upon the bridge caused them to glance toward the twe horse- men, and they arose hastily, ‘“ Tt’s Tiger Tom, is one,” said an outlaw. “ And tother?” “* Are ther man as were with him at the Secret Yanyon, when they told us whar ter find them Buckskin Pards,” another said. ‘“ And we found ’em?” “ Waal, now, we did: but what on ’arth brings Tiger Tom here, and a-fetchin’ along ther stranger witb him?” No one could answer this question, and so they waited antil the two horsemen rede up, Both saluted the crowd, who nodded in si- lence, and the two men made no move to dis- mount, 5 “Waal, pards, I hey come ter see ye, andT wishes ter interdooce my friend, Mister Kent, and a gent from way back.” The men again nodded, but no one spoke, and Tiger Tom continued: ‘It were rather rough, pards, fer yer ter git it so hard when ye’r’ tackled them Buckskin Brothers; but they is sly as foxes, and jist fixed up thet leetle game, I reckons,” ‘It was a big loss, and the cap’n will be most hot about it,” said Tomas, a Mexican, speaking with considerable accent. Tomas was the next officer after Juan, and a villanious-looking fellow he looked. ‘*Pards, Senor Juan is wiped out, and some seven or eight o’ ther band, and Mister Kent and me can’t stay no longer in town, so we has comed out ter j’ine yer; but I has had news for yer.” o All were now deeply interested, and a dozen voices called out for this news, “Ther bevin’ soldiers with thet train, for yer ter jump onter, wasn’t all that ther Buck- skin Pards bas did,” ‘Well, out with it,” commanded Tomas, “T hain’t Varn’t ter talk no faster, Pard Tomas, and so yer has ter wait fer me ter give it to yer as I kin.” ‘*Has anything happened to ther cap’n?” one asked, ‘Right yer are, for the Buckskins roped him in, and Major Loring jist had him executed only too quick.” A. groan went up from the crowd. They all had feared San Cruz, and yet the were satisfied with him as a commander, well knowing that it was no easy matter to govern a wild lot such as they were, ** And Senor Juan is dead,” said one. ** And I am chief,” said Tomas in an exultant tone. ‘‘Don’t git ahead too fast, pards, for 1 has su’thin’ ter say.” All eyes were again upon Tiger Tom, who very deliberately went on to tell his story as follows: “Ther cap’n got ther idee that ther ghost o’ ther old Mission were a leddy he wanted ter ketch, and so he were ter start thar alone, ‘* Waal, he comed back here ter put Senor Juan and his menon ther trail, and then he went back ter Texas, were nabbed by ther Buck- skin Brothers, yanked out o’ life by ther major, and are buried over yonder among ther hills ‘across ther river.” ‘* And } am your chief,” almost yelled Tomas, turning to the crowd, ‘‘Hold on a bit, Pard Tomas, for ther cap’n left a few orders which I holds here, and yer see here are his ring he wore ter prove his words,” and Tiger Tom held up the ring, while Kent calmly surveyed the faces before him, CHAPTER VIIL. THE FIGHT FOR MASTERY. At the sight of the ring, the men pressed to- ward Tiger Tom, but he warned them off, while he said: ‘* Not so fast, pards, but let my friend here, read ther letter, for he are more eddicated than [ be. “How did you get a letter from a‘dead man?” rudely asked Tomas. ‘*T got it whar it were left for me.” ‘*Senors, this does not look square,” Tomas cried, f “You jest keep still ontil you hears what ther letter says.” “But how did yer git it, Tiger Tom?” Several voices asked the question in chorus. ‘Ther cap’n axed Major Loring ter let him write it, as yer will hear, ef yer listens to ther reedin’. ‘‘Come, Pard Kent, read it out.” ‘Let me read it,” said Tomas, who. was be- coming greatly excited. “Vil Jet him read it as I axes, Tomas, for it are my letter,” ; “Let the stranger read it,” came the ery, and Kent, in his calm, deep voice, read the let- ter written by the outlaw chief a few minutes before his death. It told of his capture, and how Major Loring allowed him to write the letter, and promised to place it in the rock where Tiger Tom was wont to get communications from him, and where letters between the two were left. Tt stated that Tiger Tom was to be the chief in his place, and the ring inclosed gave proof of his wish that it should be so. Having read it, Kent quietly handed the let- ter to the nearest man to pass around the crowd for inspection,
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6 = eekalad Biiaed the castinta'e wtarareat iol ad. enna knew the captain’s writing, and pro- nounced it genuine, and all knew the ring. ‘* But is he dead?” cried Tomas. ‘*He are, for we dug up his grave and seen the body, ” ‘Well, you are but one of the men, and I an officer, oo Venere a dead man’s orders and say I am chief,” and Tomas gazed upon the crowd in a manner that showed he meant to back up his words, He was a dangerous man, and the outlaws knew him as a quick and dead shot, while he also was an ugly hand with a knife, Though small in stature he was very strong and active, and it was said that Captain San Cruz had been the only man who had ever cowed him, The eyes of all now turned upon Tiger Tom, to see if he had the pluck to face Tomas in the ri sht to take the place as chief. tiger Tom was very quiet, and after a mo- ment said; ‘As Pard Tomas seems ter ’spect me ter shout, I has ter say that ef I wanted ter be cap’n, I'd git thar, or let him tarn my toes up. “But it hain’t a posish I keers much about, and so I has sold out.” ** Sold out?” ** Yas, Pard Tomas?” “What did you sell “Ther posish 0’ cap’in.” You did not own it to sell.” “Oh yas, for [ considers ther cap’n gave it ter me.” ** And who did you sell to?’ and Tomas’s face was livid. “To my pard here,” A murmur of amazement went up from the crowd at this, and the Mexican officer laughed rudely, while he said: “That man is a fool to buy from you what you could not deliver, and I care not for the urchase, for [ am chief here, now that Captain an Cruz is dead.” All eyes now turned upon the stranger, who returned quietly: “T am no fool, Senor Mexican, as you will discover, for. having bought Tiger Tom’s claim to be chief of this band, I shall pay him now for the purchase, and if you want the berth you have got to fight for it,” The words pleased the crowd, They were rather pleased with the stranger’s appearance, and as he boldly threw down the challenge to fight to Thomas, it was very plain Pi see that he had grit, As for Tomas he gazed with the look of a frenzied beast upon the bold stranger, while he hissed forth: * You'll fight for it, eh?” “So T said.” **Then get your gun ready.” “One moment, please, for [ demand a square, fair fight, either with rifles, revolvers or knives, whichever you prefer, so let your friend that you may select arrange for you, and Tiger Tom will act for me, as soon as I have paid him for the prize that we are to fight for.” There was no excitement in the tone of the man, and his face was as pas-ive as if nothing of moment was upon his hands to settle. The men all gave their sanction at once to this arrangement, and Tomas saw that he would not be upheld if he shot the stranger, sald: the challenge had been given, and so he sai . **T agree; but who are you, anyhow, that dares come here as a stranger and wish to make yourself chief?” ‘“*T come here because I dare not return to Texas, for I would be hanged, I think. “T desire to join your band, and I prefer to be chief. “ As for my name you can call me Captain Ku-Klux.” The crowd seemed pleased with the man, and Tiger Tom called out: “* He’s squar’, pards, and I"says my the hest man win, and i sells out to Cap'n Ku-Klux.” ‘*Here, Tiger Tom, take your pay.” As he spoke the strang rer drew a roll of bank- notes from his pocket and counted out a thou- sand dollars to Tiger Tom, while the men cheer- ed, as one of them shouted: ‘He’s no tramp, pards, for he pays up like a man and has got plentv dust left, you bet.” ** Come, let us settle this matter,” said Tomas, who saw that the stranger was winning the men over tohim. **T am at * Tiger our service, senor. om, please arrange for me, and I will be satisfied.” “Tl do it,” said Tiger Tom, who was more than pleased with the strange pard he had car- — es thee ' cl ae a RE ica cada Nala esto Ku-Klax. ried with him to the camp of the pee Pirates. “Til do it, pard; and you bet our side wins this leetle game, ” and he stepped up to the man whom Tomas had selected to act for him, and to whom the Mexican was whispering in an earnest tone. CHAPTER IX. THE REVOLVER DUEL, ‘WAAL, pard, what’s yer leetle game?” asked Tiger Tom, as he stepped up to Tomas and the man whom he had selected for his second, and who, like himself, was a Mexican. ra say revolvers, ” said Tomas. ** Agreed, for my pard don’t keer what ther weepons is, I guesses,” replied Tiger Tom. “And the fight to be on horseback,” continued Tomas. ** Agreed,” “To stand sixty yards apart, start at the word to go, and empty revolvers as we ad- vance,’ ** Acreed.” “We ll, Lam ready.” py cuesse s Cap’n Ku-Klux am also,” and Tiger Tom walked over to where the stranger stood, talking with some of the men and seem- ingly wholly unconcerned at what was taking place between his second and Tomas. ‘Pard Ku-Klux, he says as how revolvers is ther guns.” “ All rig cht,” “ And he wants ter fight_on horseback.* **T don’t care—afoot or horseback is all the same to me.” “Startiu’ at ther word ter go, from yer places ac yards apart.” Jery well.” ‘* Waal, yer is a cool one,” said Tiger Bee with admiration at the man’s coolness. ‘*T am ready, Tiger Tom, though I should like a fresh horse.” A number of the men atonce offered their own horses, and accepting one Jed forward, the stranger soon transferred his saddle and bridle to him. Then he drew one of his revolvers and emptied it rapidly, after which he carefully loaded it for the fray. Tomas, in the mean time, also reloaded his re- volver, while his second w vent to the corral for his horse. The ground was stepped off by Tiger Tom, and the two men mounted and rode to their positions, The face of the Maxigan was livid with rage and hatred. He was determined to ‘kill, for he had long wanted to be chief of the band, Just as the position was open to him, by the death of San Cruz and Juan, he found another to bar his way, and that other a str anger. Each man was to sit quietly until the word to start, and then only was he to draw his weapon and fire as‘he pleased. The crowd of outlaws were delighted at the prospect of seeing the affair, and, from the bearing of the stranger, he had won their ad- miration and sympathy. Tiger Tom won the word, and when all was in readiness he gave the order: “ec Go!” As the word left the lips of Tiger Tom the Mexican outlaw and the stranger spurred for- ward, at the same monent draw ing their re- volvers. The Cowboy Pirates stood with breathless interest gazing upon the duel for mastery. They saw that the stranger, quick as Tomas was, had first drawn his weapon, and his shot run out a second in advance of the Mexican’s, The Mexican’s shot followed instantly, but it was discharged as his horse was going down with him, with a bullet in his head. The horse dropped and Tomas got a heavy fall; but he fired a second time as he was on the ground, rising to his feet, fi he bullet cut through the rim of the Amer- ican’s sombrero, knocking it from his head; but, at the same instant, he also fired his second shot and the right arm of tbe Mexican fell to his side, shattered at the elbow, the revolver falling from his band, In an instant he bad seized it in his left hand, however, and fired. The bullet buried itself in the brain of the stranger’s horse and he too went down with terrific force, But, nimble as a cat, Kent caught on his feet and then his third shot rung out, The Mexican staggered back, as though hit, while his bullet cut a gash in the shoulder of the American, The two men were now but a few paces apart, and while Tomas kept his ground, Kent was ad vancing upon him, Ere the Mexican couldagain fire, Kent did SO, and Tomas fell dead, the bullet having cut through his heart. ““Pnree cheers fer Cap’n Ku-Klux!” yelled Tiger Tom, wild with delight at the result of the duel. Instantly. the outlaws made the rocks echo with their yells, for a dangerous man was out of their way, and their new chief had won their hearts by his pluck and deadly aim. ‘*Men, I thank you; and, having both pur- chased and won the captaincy of yeur band, I hope none of you will be foolhardy enough to again dispute my right to it. “TE so, let him do so now, while I feel in @ killing mood.” As he spoke, he seemed to look upon the face of each mau in the crowd; but not one accepted the challenge flung into his teeth by Captain Ku-Klux, as the new chief was to be known, and under which name he was to become even mere dreaded upon the Texan border than San Cruz had. CHAPTER X. THE RETURN, Nort until the Buckskin Pards were dashing away over the prairie, with the soldiers whom they had rescued, did the astounded Comanches realize that inste “ad of a large number of troop- ers only a very few had come to the relief of the little party ;in fact, not a large enough force to remain and fight them. The Comanches heard the heavy y tramp of the retreating hoofs, and they knew that their foes had escaped them, their ponies had been cap- peer and they he td to mourn the loss of several braves, while others were wounded. hen wild and revengeful were their cries, and as the party dashed away over the prairies, they heard the yells of the discomfited red-skins: and laughed. Night Hawk and Broncho Bill would have been in humor to remain, with the adv ana of having the red-skins ‘on foot, and fight them. But they saw that even the plucky major was suffering terribly. He and his men had been forced to eat the flesh of their horses, which they had killed the first day to serve as a breastwork. Water they had none, and it was death to attempt to get any. Day and night the little party had been fight- ing against big odds, with only horseflesh for food. no water and unable to get rest. They were getting desperate when the Buck- skin Pards had arrived and rescued them Knowing this, both Night Hawk and Broncho. Bill made all haste to a motte, some miles dis- tant from the hills, and there they came toa halt. There was good water there, for a stream. bordered the timber, and their own provisions were quickly divided among the starving sol- diers, who ate and drank ravenously. After a rest of an hour, Night Hawk thought it best to go on, as in the darkness they knew not what the Comanches were about, and he feared that they might attempt the recapture ot their ponies, “Once we get a score of miles away, we can camp for a good rest, major, for they will not dare leave the hills that far, and 1 guess will start for their village when dayhght comes,” Night Hawk said. So the party mounted and pressed on once more, the wounded men standing the pain of traveling bravely, It was nearly dawn when Night Hawk said: “ Major, yonder is a good resting-place, where you see that dark shadow, for it is the ford where you turned off at sight of the Indians.” ‘““And glad am I to get back to it, Powell,” was the reply. Then Major Loring added, earnestly: *‘And but for you, Night, Haw k—you, your brave brother and comrades—we would never have seen another sunset, for the Indians in- tended to char ge. us to-night, I am sure, from thei. movements.” ‘‘T know we are more tian glad to have been of service, major, and the Senora Delporte is the one who s us after you.” ** God bless that woman, Night Hawk. “I owe it to you and Broncho too that she again comes across my path. ‘*T loved her in the bygone, and, not knowing why she married old Delporte, I believed her- fickle and false. _
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Pas fn ae * “Now I know all and I found her through you. “Thave known years, of sorrow, and there was the grave of a lost love in my heart. ‘* She too has had deepest sorrows and been made to suffer; but when we return to the fort the chaplain shal] unite us in marriage and our | Captain Ku-Klux 7 He was a fascinating man, handsome, and he appeared to have plenty of money. More no one seemed to know, not even the lovely girl who became his wife. ae after their marriage the old merchant died, Heart-disease the physicians said it was, and nO questions were asked happiness will be complete,” ay wish you both the joy that you deserve, Then came the crash, { Major Loring. | Merchant Castleton was found not to be worth ; ‘But there is our camping-place, and we | a dollar. . will -rest until noon, and then we can press on He bad forced his daughter to marry Keene and reach the old ruin to-night, while I will | Kendall to save her from poverty, as be be- send Scraps and Red Wolf or abead now, that | lieved. the senora may not longer suffer suspense.” But Keene Kendall at once left the town with 1 “ Ever thoughtful, my dear Powell,” was the | bis young bride, and soon after it was rumored reply of the major. that they had separated. As they were to halt for quite a rest the In- | — lt then became known in some way, that Clio dian ponies were released from their being tied | Castleton had loved another, in fact was engag- up in a solid mass and staked out upon the | ed to a young cavalry officer then stationed in prairie and the two scouts built a fire and cook- | Nebraska. ed breakfast, for Broncho Bill had shot a fine | She had given him up, Henry Harcourt was deer. his name, tu obey her fatbei’s commands, and The soldiers were still weak, the scouts | become the wife of Keene Kendall. noticed, but tried to appear strong; but after | Then Clio Kendall dropped almost out of the | breakfast they all sunk down to rest. memory of her old friends Night Hawk and Broncho Bill then stood But to the town came, several years after, a watch, while Scraps and Red Wolf had pressed | singer who had won fame in other places for her on to the Haunted Ruin. loveliness of face and form, her splendid acting While watching the scouts cut down some | and her superb voice, sapplings and made travois for the wounded | ‘ Mademoiselle Cleopatra,” was the name up- soldiers, who were great sufferers while riding. | on the bills, and yet, when she who bore that They also had dinner ready, and the Indian | name faced the audience, with white face and ponies massed together agam before they | burning eyes, many recognized in her Cliv Cas- awoke the worn-out troopers. tleton, ‘*You are worth your weight in gold, Night! She had dared to come back to her old home Hawk, you and Broncho Bill, and this little |‘and appear before the footligbts, band will never forget you,” the major said, She asked no favors, but boldly met them all when he awoke, greatly refreshed by his long | face to face, and she commanded their admira- nap, and saw what the Buckskin Brothers had | tion and esteem at once. done for them. | When she felt ber triumph, her face flushed The wounded soldiers were then placed upon | and she held the whole audience spellbound, the travcis, which were hitechel to Indian | Crowded as was the theater, there was one ponies, and the party again set off. | box that held a single occupant As they had plenty of ponies to change to the It was a man of fine appearance, dressed ele- travois, they pushed rapidly on and it was just | gantly, and from first to last he kept his eyes dark when they reached the Haunted Ruin. | upon the beautiful singer. Scraps hada splendid supper for all bands, He seemed enraptured, and she could not. but for both he and Red Wolf had killed several | observe his devoted atteution. kinds of game as they went along, and the air She never had seen him before, that she could was filled with the luscious flavor of boiled buf- | recall, and it was with some curiosity that she falo steaks, birds and roast turkey, with bacon | glanced at the card attached to an exquisite and coffee in addition. basket of flowers which she had seen an usher Anxious to get back to the fort, after his long | take from the box and bring to her, mesg major started the next morning, On the card was written, and he felt happy in having as his companion Seto “ay the beautiful ere =the who had long “ KENNARD Kemp.” been the ghost of the Haunted Ruin. | ‘*How strange that the name should be so The Buckskin Pards would not desert the | like his,” she said in a low tone as she read the arty, until they had seen them safely within card, and the memory of her cruel husband, he stockade walls of Fort Dreadnaught, and | Keene Kendall, flashed before ber. then, with their herd of Indian ponies, which | But she kept the flowers, and declining to see the major insisted they should take every one of, | a number of old acquaintances, who sent their they started home; but they forced upon the | cards to her hotel. accompanied by her pretty major and Senora Delporte the acceptance of | French maid, Lizette. two of the best animals for their use. The name of Kennard Kemp had revived Come back in one month, Night Hawk, you | that of Keene Kendall, which brought back to and Broncho Bill, for I shall be married then, | her haunting memories, and sbe soon sought her a haga thas the major had said at parting ge to drown thought in slumber. with © Se ne ne ning, after breakf was ‘“*Isn’t me and Red Wolf invited too, Mars’ brought rs corr Se Eee ti are ape: path a broad grin. This one read: ; ly, ©craps, when I invite one of the Buck- be x skin Pards, as the men eal] you gallant four, I Kunwarp Kew, mean it for ali. Attorney at Law, “Tt would not be a wedding without you and New York, the chief,” was the reply. ‘‘ Why has he called?” she muttered. Then the Buckskin Pards rode away upon ey » sends his profess nard t¢ F “we J I And he sends his professional card too, so I their trail to their ranch, distant a day’s ride, suppose I must see him,” and where Night Hawk and Broncho Bill knew |’ ‘A few moments atter Kennard Kemp entered that their loving mother anxiously awaited their the parlor of Mademotacile Gleonedea's suit of return, and that they would make her beart rooms, and bowing low, ashe saw Lizette pre- glad in telling her what they bad done on the | cont. asked: 4 ; io Grande order, to put down outlawry, as ry May I see you alone, madam, as I call upon well as to make two lives happy in being again | 4 most jmportant matter?” united after years of BepReMeyes Clio motioned to Lizette and the two were CHAPTER XI. alone together. ee MADUMOISELLE CLEOPATRA, CHAPTER XII THE scene changes from the Texan prairies to Popa ke the marts of civilization. : THE ATTORNEY’S SECRET, In an Eastern town a theater is crowded lis- Wuen Lizette had retired from the room, the tening to the superb singing of a beautiful wo- | visitor asked in a quiet way: man. ; “You are she that was Miss Clio Castleton, As Madempiselle Cleopatra ske is known, and | are you not, Madam?” yet there are many in that crowded theater “*{ have no reason, sir, for denying it, now who have known her under a. different name, that I have made a success in the profession Then she was lovely Clio Castleton, the | haye chosen,” was the cold reply. daughter of a supposed millionaire. * And you are Mrs, Keene Kendall?” Courted by many, admired by all, they re- “*T am, sir.” membered how she had uietly slighted young ** May I ask if you know where your husband men of honor and wealth who had sought her | now is?? = hand, and became the wife of a stranger, one * Let me first, sir, request to know the cause whom no one seemed to Bmow, of this deep interest in me?” \ NORD ihc . Te NP hing 377 pale ia caeere YE ah yh 4 Ra ee The ca p — a MER SS SS OG wi? **'To serve you,” **T really require no aid, sir.” ‘* You do not know how deep a service I can render you, madam,” ‘““Have you come to tell me of the death of my husband, sirf”’ she asked quickly. ‘*T am sorry that I do not bring you such glad tidings,” “Ts he in jail?” ‘“‘T regret to say that he is not, madam.” “Then, pray tell me the nature of your busi- ness with me?” ** As I said, to serve you, madam.” “T thank you, sir; but in what way?” ‘* Be frank with me, madam, for I come to tell you good news, and I only ask that you will answer my questions, ; “T am an attorney, and I have information of value to you, and which, for a consideration, IT am willing to give you.” “Abt it 1s wholly a business matter then?? and Clio spoke in a vein of sarcasm. ‘* Yes, madam, wholly so.” ‘* Well, sir, what would you know?” ‘Can you tell me where your husband is?” ‘On the Texan border.” “ What doing?” ‘Hiding from justice among a band of cut- throats known as Cowboy Pirates of the Rio Grande,” ‘*Ah! he has turned outlaw then?” “Yes, he preferred it to—but never mind what,” ‘* Have ‘you seen him of late?” ‘Yes, or rather it was several months ago,” ‘** He attempted your life then?” ‘You seem well informed, sir.” ‘Clam ‘Yes, he twice attempted my life.” ‘““T am glad that he was unsuccessful.” ‘¢Thank you, so am I.” “ May lL ask how you know that he bas turned outlaw?” ‘“‘T have a letter in my possession which tells me that, having found his attempt upon my life unsuccessful, as he had plenned to kill me, which you seem to be aware of, he had been forced to fly to the border and ally himself to the Cowboy Pirates, of which he isnow the chief, known ag Captain Ku-Klux, I believe. “Can I tell you more, Mr, Kemp?” R ** You bave given me information which I desired proof of, madam, so I will now make known to you that which will be of great ser- vice to you, but I will have to ask you to kindly answer several more questions.” “Well, sir?” ‘*' Your father was a millionaire, T believe?” ‘““He was so supposed to be, sir, but he wag found to be penniless upon bis death,” ‘* He left you nothing, then?” ‘“‘Not a dollar, sir.” ‘“‘ Your father believed your husband rich, I believe?” “a He did.” ** And a gentleman?” ** He had the appearance of a gentleman.” ** He bad some money, too?” ‘6 Yes,” ‘**Do you know where he got it, madam ?? **T do not, sir!” “He was a couuterfeiter.” ‘Ab! [am not surprised at anything you say of bim,” ‘He was from the West, and was known ag Keene, the Counterfeiter King, ‘But bis den was raided by the detectives, and ali of his dies and instruments seized, with the entire gang of counterfeiters except him- self. ‘He killed a man and escaped, and having @ large sum of money with Lim at the time, shaved off his beard, cut off his long hair, and, as a pretended gentleman began to enjoy dife in New York. **One day hesaved your father and yourself from being killed by a runaway team, and thug it was won your favor, **He married you fer your mcney, and then yoisoned your father by slow degrees to get its ut finding him not worth a dollar, after his death, he treated youso cruelly that you left him.” ; * You know my sad story, sir, as you seem to know his guilty life.” “I do, madam, and, as T said, I have come to serve you,” : “T am listening, sir.” ; ‘“ What motive had your husband, think you, for attempting your life” ** He was aware that L knew his guilt, that he was the slayer of my poor father.” “And why did you not betray him?” ‘*T cared not to haye his life upon my soul,
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“T knew that my testimony would send bim to the gallows. and so I allowed him to go “In return he twice attempted my life, when I made an expedition upon the Texas frontier.” ‘‘ He had a motive, madam,” ‘To prevent my betraying him?” ‘* No, another.” ‘‘ Ah! and what was it, sir?” ‘* To get your fortune,” ‘*{ have no fortune.” ‘* You are mistaken, for your father did leave something, after all.” ‘* Indeed! You surprise me,” “Your father had avery dear friend years ago, and one who got into financial troubles, as he speculated with money left to his care, and lost it. ‘* Your father gave him the amount to pay back the sum, and thus save his honor, and he took only a serap of paper, an [. O, U. in re- turn. ‘The man went to the gambling-table, hop- ing to win more, and instead lost nearly all which your father had given him. “Then, with prison staring him in the face, and afraid to meet your good father, he fled, and no one knew where he went.” ‘“‘T remember his unfortunate story, sir, though it was years ago.” ‘Now, madam, it is in my power to place you in possession of a large fortune, but [ must ask in return one-third of the amount you re- ceive through me.” “And without your aid [ cannot get what is my due?” ** You cannot. ’ “T) accept “ terms, sir,’ was the terse re- spouse of the beautiful woman CHAPTER XItl. A STRANGE STORY. ‘Now, sir, who are you, and what is the for- tune 1 am to get?’ coolly asked Clio, after she bad accepted the terms of the attorney. ** You will kindly give me a written pledge to transfer to me one-third of the wealth you gaia through me, madam?” She turned to a table and quickly wrote the document, asking: ' How shall [ sign it?” ‘* Sion it Mrs, Keene Kendall, nee Clio Castle- ton, and then add: ‘*** MADEMOISELLE CLEOPATRA, ‘*¢ Actress,’” She did as he directed, and ke folded up the paper and put it carefully away in an inside yp wcket, ‘* Now, sir?’ she again asked, “You pledge yourself not to betray my part in this transaction, ?” < TRiey, Sir,” ‘‘ Well, madam, to begin with, [ am a black sheep, for though a lawyer by protession, I was debarred from practicing on account of certain irregularities I was guilty of, and I went to New York and hung out my shingle, and the result was, l have had a good many cases of an evil kind to attend to, though L never dared at- tempt to practice in open court, *One day a man came to my needed my services. “It was your husband, Keene Kendall, and he found that [ would belp bun in his plot. “It seems that he had gotten hold of a letter addressed to your,father, aid opened it, *‘it was from the old banker whom your father had befriended, and was written from New Mexico. ‘This letter stated that he had fled to save himself from prison, had drifted about for years, and then had invested his remaining money in a mine in New Mexico, “Tt had panned out beyond his wildest hopes, and he had drawn up papers of ownership, making your father half proprietor with him- self. ‘* He also stated that, es he had no near kin- dred, and was a bachelor, he made you his heiress, and would draw up his will when he found time to look up an attorney. **T took the letter, saw that it was genuine, and I agreed to draw up your will, leaving all to your busband in case you died. ** This will was to be placed in the hands of a reputable lawyer by a vailed Jady pretending to be yourself, and with the request that he hold it in case aught happened to you. ‘*T was to then go to New Mexico, look up the old miner, myself disguised as such, and inci- dentally let him |:uow that f was a lawyer. office, and “‘ My father was dead, I wished not publicity, | |on your track, and, watching a Captain Ku-Klux. “Tn this way I was to get a chance to write his will, leaving you all, and find out all about his fortune, which he stated was more than a million. ‘*Tn the mean time your husband was to go favorable chance, was to kill you. “Then it was to be known that you were dead, the lawyer holding your will would open it, your husband would be advertised for and appear, pretending to have been teaching school somewhere, and then out would come the in- formation that the old miner had been killed in his cabin one night, and had left you all. ‘*Do you see, madam?” ‘¢T see the most diabolical plot of infamy that was ever concocted,’ was the reply of Clio, who had listened throughout without a word of in- terruption. ‘*T admit it.” * And that poor old miner?” ‘“*T went to New Mexico to find that he had disappeared.” “Ah! you killed him?” **On my honor, no.” *¢ ‘Your honor!’ ‘Well, [admit it is not worth swearing by, madam; but the miner had gone away, and had said that he would not return for several months, ‘¢T therefore came back to find that your hus- band bad failed in his attempts upon your life, and had been forced to fly, ‘“T saw at once that he could get nothing through your death, as he was outlawed, and I had advanced bim large sums to carry out bis purpose and wished to get back my money. ‘*T supposed that the old miner had come to seek you; but dogging you for awhile, I found out that he had not. ‘¢So I made up my mind to come to you, con- fess all, »nd make terms with you, after which I would look up this miner for you, as, being un- der an assumed name, you could never find him without my aid. “‘Now you know the truth, madam,” For some moments Clio made no reply. Her brain was in a whirl of thought. But she was outwardly calm. At last she said: “Mr. Kemp, I signed a contract to give you one-third of any fortune I might gain through you. ‘“‘T did not expect to get any; but I will keep that contract on one condition.” ‘‘Name it, madam.” “That you make no effort to find that old miner, but leave it for me to do,” ‘But you do not know his name, or his mine?” ‘Tt matters not, leave it to me.” ** And you will keep your contract with me?” “JT will, sir.” **T will do as you wish; but I cannot see how you can find the man, for it would be a wonder- ful piece of detective skill to do so, and you but a woman,” ** Women tives, sir. ‘+ But I wish to try and if I fail, then it will be time to ask you to aid me, “Write your address on your card, Mr, Kemp, and then I shall be happy to say good- day to you.” He did so, and was glad to escape from her penetrating eyes and haughty manner, for he ahnost feared her, when he bad thought that he would cause her to stand in holy awe of him, But the woman was not of a nature jto fear, and she had gone through enough to know her own power. sometimes make excellent detec- CHAPTER XIV. THE, SCOUTS’ LETTER SEATED upon the little piazza of their prairie home, one afternoon, £0me months after the } rescue Of Major Loring and his men from the } Comanches, Night Hawk and Bill Powell were watching the approach of a horseman. He was a long way cff and coming across the prairie upon the trail that led to their ranch, A handsome woman, with a face) full of | strength and goodness, was seated near the two scouts, rocking to and fro in an easy-chair, as her fingers deftly worked upon a piece of sew- ing. It was the mother of the two handsome young scouts* and she was justly proud of her three noble sons, for she had a third, Frank, then a * Mrs. Powell, the mother of the Powel brothers, | was wi b them on many of their prairie and moun- | tain expeditions. She died some years aco and is | buried upon the old ranch, THe AUTHOR. surgeon in the United States Army and station- ed upon the northern border, ‘** Perhaps it is Scraps, or Red Wolf returning from town,” suggésted Mrs, Powell, referring to the horseman, ‘* No, mother, it is neither, for it is a soldier,” assured Night Hawk, The mother sighed, and replied: ‘‘Ah me! that means some order to call you again away from me, I fear.” ‘* Well, mother, we have been idle quite a while now, and the Indians are beginning to give the settlers trouble again of late, not to speak of that red-banded outlaw, Captain Ku-Klux, who needs a lesson after his raids upon Texans,” Broncho Bill remarked. ‘* Where duty calls you, and George, will I never say aught against your obeying,” was the reply. All now watched the horseman closely, and soon after he,rode up to the ranch and threw himself from his ‘horse. He was a scout-courier from naught, and well known’ to the Brothers. ‘““ Well, Dudley, we are glad to see you; but I hope there is nothing wrong,” said Night Hawk. ‘‘No, Night Hawk, only a letter that came for you and Broncho, and asit is marked ‘ very im- portant,’ the major asked me to deliver it to you at once, so bere it is!” The letter was addressed to both of the brothers, and Night Hawk quickly opened it, for he recognized the writing, while a cowboy took the soldier’s horse and Mrs, Powell led the visi- tor into the house to serve him with refresh- ments, ‘* Well, George, read it aloud,” said Broncho, as his brother told him who it was from. Sitting down by the side of Broncho, Night Hawk read as follows: Fort Dread- Buckskin * Boston, MAss., June tst, 18—. ‘* My pear Parps IN BuckskIn:— “T write you from my old home,and to make known to you a most remarkable story, while I feel assured will interest you, and the mystery attend- ing which I beg you to solve for me. *] received a call this morning from a man whom I saw in a box at the theater last night, and who sent me a basket of flowers with his name attached. “That name, and the man I am pledged not to betray; but I wish to make known to you his story. ‘itis that my husband sought him out, nearly a year ago, and got him to agree with him to per- form a mos! diabolical piece of villainy. ‘A letter had been sent to poor dead father, and fell into the hands of my husband, “That letter was from an old man whom my fa- ther had befriended. Hé had to fly to save himself from prison, aud my father gave him the money. He went to New Mexico and invested his money m mining, and after nearly ten years wrote to te!l my father that he had made a@ fortune, had given him half-partnership with him, and as he had no near kindred was determined that 1 should be his heir. “The plot between these two villains, my visitor and my husband, was that the former should visit the old miner and get from him all his secret and have him draw up legal papers with my name as heiress; than the man was to put him out of the way. ‘“In the mean time a bogus will of mine was to be deposited with a reputable lawyer, and it made my husband my heir and executor. *-My husband’s work was to dog my steps, get rid of mein some way, then the lawye. would ad- vertise for the heir. ‘Of course my husband would turn up and all would be well. ‘*The man who visited me did his work as far as going to New Mexico; but there he found out that the old miner had gone away, no one knew where, having left several months before; so he returned to find that my bushand’s attempts upon my life had failed, and, having become an outlaw be could not clnim my property, if I did die. **So the man came to make terms with me,* “T agreed to his terms, but I dared not let him go again in search of the old miner, fearing he would kill bim, and so I told him 4 would find my inheri- tance. So you see I come to you, knowing your value as friends and detectives, ‘ * All the clew I can give you is that the man has been eight years in the mines; he is about sixty years of age, and his birthday is the Fourth of July, as I remember well, for he was a very inti- maie friend of my f.ther and often visited us. “He has a sear in the shape of a cross in the.very center of his forehead, caused by falling against an irop fence when a young man. and his middie left finger is gone, it having been bitten by a dog and afterward amputated. * His hair was black, his eyes blue and his hight six feet. He is under an assumed name, which 1 do not know, sol can only give you the above facts. “His fortune is over qa million and the name of his partner, my father, was Roger Castleton. ‘With what I have told you, I beg you to set to work to find the miner; tell him that my father is ' dead; expose the plot of the villains; say that lam
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Captain Ku-Klux. making money and do not need his, which he must xzive to chavity. * This will thwart the villain, who, by my contract, is to have one-third of all money I receive through him ‘*All expenses you incur [ gladly pay, and I send within a draft upon a Galveston bank tor fifteen hundred doliars, “TI beg you todo this for me and command me for any price you deem adequate for your services. ‘* Address me as before, “Your attached friend, *Onto.”” *P.S.—I have hunted up an old photograph of the miner and send it within. “Perhaps you might get some information from my husband, Captain Ku-Klux, through a third party whom he did not know; but I leave the detec- tive work in your hands. feeling assured you can trail the mystery to the end,” ’ CHAPTER XV. THE BORDER DETECTIVES, “Wei, Will, what do you say?” asked Night Hawk, when he had finished reading the letter. “T say that the work will be one of interest and pleasure, and all expenses we incur she can y; but for our services not a dollar.” **So say I!” ** Then we begin work at once?” ‘* Yes, we will start as soon as Scraps and Red Wolf return with supplies from town.” ‘“*T am ready, so where shal) beour first start?” **Our best plan would be to get from Captain Ku-Klux all that he knows, for he was the one who read the letter and started the man whom Cleopatra refers to upon the miner’s track.” ‘“* Well, we will see if we can reach Captain Ku-Klux in some way,” was the reply. The next evening the Buckskin Brothers, ac- companied by Scraps and Red Wolf, rode away from the ranch. They carried with them two pack-animals and bade their mother farewell for an indefinite time, but telling her that the duty they were going on was not one of extra hazard, Night Hawk had written an answer to Clio, and sent it back by the courier, the next morn- ing, to go with the mail from the fort, and he told her in 1t that his father and himself, wi h Scraps and Red Wolf, would at once set off to trail the mystery. The destination of the Buckskin Pards was to the vicinity of the stronghold of the robber chief of the Rio, Captain Ku-Klux, Since he had become chief of the Cowboy Pirates, Captain Ku-Klux had certainly proven himself an able commander. He had fortified his camp, added to the num- ber of his men, and was wont to sell his booty and stock as soon as possible, so that, if the out- laws were compelled to hastily retreat, they would not have to lose that which they had risked life to obtaia anil dyed their hands in buman blood in the getting. Tbe raids of the robbers of the Rio Grande were more systematic than when under command of San Cruz, and they generally struck a settlement or train at amodment when they were least expected. That Captain Ku-Klux had hisspies, who kept him informed of any and every opportunity to make a raid that would pay well, the Buckskin Brothers well knew, and if was to capture one of these secret agents that they went to a point as near the stronghold as they dared, The spot selected was in a wild canyon, on the tops of which was some timber. In the canyon grass grew in great quantities, so the | horses would fare well, and there was plenty of water. ; Game was in abundance, and Red Wolf could bring down with his bow and arrow all that was needed; hence there was no fear of star- vation. The hiding-place was between two fords. and from the trees on the hilltop a lookout could command a view of any one crossing the river, faking up their camp in the canyon, they divided the day into four watches so that each one of them would be on duty for a certain number of hours. At night two of them would go to ene ford and two to another and camp, so that no. one could cross the river and they not know it. They had been two days at their camp in the canyon, When one afternoon Jate, Broncho Bill, who was on watch, gave the signal to those be- low that some one was crossing the river. “Which way, Will?” asked Night Hawk. ‘¢ Coming from the Texas side.” ‘““How many?” ** One,” “Can you see who he is?” ‘* He isin Indian rig, but I believe is a white man, from his actions.” the | 9 **Then he is carrying news, so watch him.” Broncho Bill did watch him, and saw that he took a trailon the Mexican shore which would lead him to the stronghold of Captain Ku- Ktux. It was now too dark to see at a distance, and descending from his point of lookout, Broncho Bill jomed the others at supper, and then all rode away for their night camp at the ford, ‘“*He’ll be back in the morning, Will,” said | Night Hawk. And so it proved, for just after dawn the | same horseman was seen coming toward the ford. “Take bis trail, Will, and keep it while I go after Scraps and Red Wolf, and when we see the course he takes, l guess we can surround bim.” With this Night Hawk rode away, and soon after the horseman passed within a few hundred yards of where Broncho Bill was in hiding. The scout watched him until he was out of sight, and then slowly followed upon his trail, while he said to bimself: ‘*That is the same fellow who crossed yester- day to the Mexican side, and I am convinced that he is no Indian,” After following his trail some little distance, Broncho Bill continued; “He is going straight toward the Comanche country, sure; but if he is a red-skin 1 am fooled. Ah, here come George and the others. Now we will see what we can do to catch that red bird in a trap.” A moment after Night Hawk rode up, fol- lowed by Red Wolf and Scraps, leading the pack-horses, ‘** Anything new, Will?” “His trail leads straight for the Comanche country, as you see, George,” ** Yes; but how far is he ahead?” ‘* Just out of sight.” ‘*'Then we will have a chance to catch him at the Willow Motte, by making a flank move- | ment and riding rapidly.” ** Yes, so you shove off with Red Wolf and I'll stick on his trail, in case he does change, and Scraps will-follow me with the pack-borses.” Night Hawk and Red Wolf at once rode away to the right at a gallop, and Broncho Bill con- tinued on the trail of the man he had been fol- lowing, Scrap#keeping a good distance behind him, but within signal, should he be needed. CHAPTER XVI. UNDER FALSE COLORS, THE horseman who was being shadowed, and led into a trap, jogged along’ across the prairies like a person who was not looking for danger, At noon he halted for an hour’s rest, and after a dinner mounted and went on his way once | more, That was directly toward the Indian country. He had ridden for 4 couple of hours after bis halt, when a clump of timber appeared ahead. He was at a point of the prairie that was roll- ing, and he could not see very far upon either side or ahead, on that account, He did not seem to care:to vo throuch this timber, and was drawing his horse to one side, | ‘i 4 | to go around it, when, suddenly, he beheld a horseman appear over a rise in the prairie di- rectly in his path. Instantly be drew rein and broucht his rifle, which was slung at his back, around for use. But just then, upon the other side of him, ap- peared another horseman. This one was an Indian. He turned from one to the other, and, being headed off in two directions, seemed not inclined to try and fight his way through, so wheeled his | horse as thouch to take the back trail, Instantly a third horseman confronted him— a negro! Then he seemed to have considerable dread of meeting foes, and urged his horse toward the point which was yet open to him; but quickly pulled his horse back upon bis haunches: a horseman barred his way in that direction also. Tt was Broncho Bill. With Night Hawk and Red Wolf heading him off, and Broncbo Bull and Scraps shutting off his retreat, he was 1n & trap dacidedly. He seemed to realize this, and hesitated. Toward him, from the four points of the com- pass, now advanced the Buckskin Pards. They each one held their rifle ready to fire, and were distant from the lone horseman but a couple of hundred yards, The man knew not what to do, but had made up his mind to make a bold dash for freedom, when startlingly distinct and threatening rung out in Night Hawk's clear tenor voice: la OO ‘* Hands up! or we fire!” Instantly the horseman threw his hands up over his head, and Broncho Bill said, trium- phantly: ‘*T knew he was no Indian, for see how quick- ly he understood English.” From their positions surrounding the assumed Comanche, the Buckskin Pards now advanced, their rifles ready for use. As they drew near, they saw that the horse- man certainly appeared to be a Comanche, for his dress and make-up was perfect. He was well mounted, too, carried a lance and bow and arrows, and also a rifle bung at his saddle-bow, while there was a suspicion of a belt of arms under bis bunting-shirt, which hung loosely about him, He sat his horse well, his hands up above his head and his eyes uneasily wandering from one to the other of the four men advancing toward him. At last they halted a few paces from him, and dismounting, Broncho Bill, without a word, dis- armed him, not forgetting to take the belt of revolvers and knife under his hunting-shirt, ‘* Now, hands down,” ordered Night Hawk. ‘*Who are you?” he added, as the man low- ered his hands, ‘* Me Injun,” “You are no more Indian than is Scraps here. Who are you?” And Night Hawk spoke in a tone that showed he would stand no trifling. ‘ Me Injun.” ‘* Will, | guess we will have to take this fellow sornewhere to wash him off, for 1 have an idea that we will then recognize him.” “ All right, George,” was the ready reply. ‘*] am not an Injun,” came from the man’s lips at this threat. ‘* Who are you?” ‘*f am a ranchman, and I rigged up like this to go among the Comanches and find out if they intended raidin’ ther settlements soon.” ‘** Do you speak Comanche?” “s I does. ” Night Hawk at once addressed him in that language, asking: ** Where is your ranch?” ‘“Over in the Pecos country,” was the ready reply in the same tongue. ‘ George.” $6 OW iit,” “T know this fellow.” ‘* Who is he?” ‘* Do you remember one of the gang that were going to hang Scraps and Red Wolf. pretendin that they had murdered young Harcourt o Ranchero’s Rest?” © eg; “One of them was a man named Maze, and he spoke Comanche well, and I heard that he had gone to live among the. Indians when he found that we suspected him of being one of the Cowboy Pirates.” ‘*T remember him now, Will, and I guess he’s the agent of Captain Ku-Klux among the Co- manches.” The man listened to this conversation un- easily. He had recognized the Buckskin Pards, and the red paint on his skin alone prevented the pallor of his face being seen. ‘‘Are you Maze, the Cowboy?” asked Night Hawk. “IT might as well own up.” ‘* What are you doing under false colors?” ** Pards, I was afeerd ter travel as a Cowboy, so [ jist rigged wp as a Comanche,” ‘« Hither are in danger on these prairies, if you are a Comanche or Cowboy Pirate,” ‘‘Pards, I hain’t nuther; but I wanted ter go from my ranch ter see some friends down to-~ ward San Antone, and so I put on this rig,” “ And you saw them?” Cy aay ‘« Where did you just come from?” ‘rom the ranch o’ my brother, near San Antone.” ** Nowhere else?” ** No, :pard.” “What made you cross the Rio?” **T hain’t crossed it,” and the man started. “We followed your trail from there.” “Tt wasn’t my trail.” “Tt was.” ‘*T guess we better. take him to the fort, George, and turn him over to Major Loring.” * Allright, Will.” “ Lordy! don’t do that, pards, for ther major don’t give no suspected men trial.” ‘** Tndeed?” ‘“Yas, he had Cap’n San Cruz shot without trial.” v. --er
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10 ** Ah! how did you know that?” | The man was silent. Like many a man ina bad scrape, he had said too much, / ‘““My man, you are Cowboy Maze, or Maze, | the Cowboy, as they call you. You lived on the | Dresser Ranch, and when suspected of being se- cretly, a member of the Cowboy Pirate band, you decamped, “Captain San Cruz needed an interpreter in the Comanche village, for he and the red-skins were not at war, and he sent you. “Now that another man is the chief of the outlaws, this Captain Ku-Klux, you are serving | him also,. You came from the Indian country, went to the outlaw stronghold yesterday, re- turned this morning, and are now on your way back to the Comanche village.” The man was now silent, and Broncho Bill said; * He'is just the man that Major Loring wants to make another example of.” ‘“Oh, pards, don’t take me thar, fer I'll be kilt.” “Tt is just what you deserve for your crimes, *“ You are a white renegade, living among Indians, who war against your people. ‘* Scraps, bind him,” “ Pards,.I knows a heap, and if yer’ll let me | off, I are willin’ ter talk, for I thinks more o’ Maze, ther Cowboy, than I does o’ anybody else,” and the man’s manner indicated that he had something to tell which the scouts wished to know. CHAPTER XVII. THE COWBOY’S SECRET. Wirs their prisoner secured, the Buckskin | Pards went on over the prairie until they came to a good camping place. It was upon a timber-clad prairie-rise whetce a good view of the sarroouitisis country could be seen. Their horses were staked out, and found fine feeding, a good spring was in the timber, and having shot a deer, they prepared for a feast and rest. The man was freed of his bonds, but told not to move from a position near the camp-fire, and Scraps went to work to cook dinner. Red Wolf busied himself fixing up the various rigs belonging to the party, and the Buckskin Brothers sat down ona log near and called to the prisoner to come to them. “Now Maze, the Cowboy, you intimated that you had something to tell?” said Night Hawk. *T kin talk, pard, ef thar is anything ter be gained by it.” ** Now there is just this. “We are convinced that are one of the band of Captain Ku-Klux, “Your life is sweet to you, vile as you are as amurdering renegade; but one man does not make much difference, where we can make a blow tell against the whole outlaw band, so we are willing to be merciful.” “ And you won’t kill me?” ‘That depends upon yourself.” “What is I got ter do?” ‘You have got to answer questions as we ask them.” ‘Pll do it.” “And you must understand that my brother and myself are very well posted, so if we catch ou lying we will break our part of the con- ract.” ‘ **T won’t lie to yer.” “Tf you give us square answers, we pledge you, that through your service to us, you cau My and we will see you in safety across the io Grande, ‘* If you deceive us, and refuse to aid us, then straight to Major Loring you go. ** Take your choice,” “Tt is taken.” “ Well?” ** T'll squeal.” ** You are wise, for your life is dearer to you than the lives of your wicked comrades.” ** You bet,” ** Who are you?” ** You guessed it,” * A Cowboy Pirate?” ‘*Cap’n Ku-Klux calls usnow Robbers o’ ther Rio Grande.” ** A rose by any other name, eh, Will?” “Yes, but I'd put it, George, in this case, ais ‘A skunk by any other name wouldsmell as “They area vile lot: Cowboy Pirates, or Rob- bers of the Rio Grande,” The prisoner watched this little by-play anx- iously. ‘* You went to the stronghold of Captain Ku- Klux yesterday?” z ————eE—eEeEee—eEeE—E—EEeE————————————EEE , Captain Ku-Klux. ‘* Waal, yas. ‘You did?” ‘KT. did.” ‘* You came down from the Indian country?” +f eaic.”? ** You live in the Comanche village,” **T does,” “You act as a go-between.” “* How’s that?” “You are interpreter, agent and all for Cap- tain Ku-Klux?” Sis.” ‘““Why did you go tothe stronghold of the Rio Grande Robbers?” “To see Cap’n Ku-Klux.” ‘What for?” ‘* Has I got ter tell?” ce Yes.” ‘¢ Waal, yer has promised.” “+ What?” ‘*Ter let me go,” ‘veg: **T wanted ter tell him thet Chief Red Heart intended to make a raid upon the upper settle- ments, and ask Cap’n Ku-Klux to strike below, so that one settlement e’u’dn’t help t’other.” “Tsee,” and Night Hawk showed nosign of surprise, nor did Broncho Bill at this infamous | confession of the renegade. ** And when was this raid to be made?” “In about ten days.” ** And what said Cap’n Ku-Klux?” ‘“* He didn’t say nothin’.” “ Why not?” ‘He wasn’t thar.” ** Ah! he was away from his stronghold?’ ‘* He were,” ‘* With his band?” * Only two of ’em.” ‘‘ Where was the rest of the band?” ‘* In the camp.” ‘* Where had Captain Ku-Klux gone?” ‘Up inter New Mexico.” In spite of themselves the two scouts started at this information, ‘* What had he gone there for?” quietly asked Broncho Bill. ‘“* Ter see some pard, ther boys said.” ‘¢ When did he go?” ‘* Yesterday morning.” “*T see; and he carried but,two men with him?” st 'Yes.?? ** Who were they?” “Ther boys said they was Tiger Tom end reezy.” ‘* Two notorious ruffians,” ‘Waal, yas,” ‘* Did you learn just where he was going?” * They said to the gold mines in the neighbor- hood o' Nugget City: leastwise he said that were ther place for ’’em to look for him, if they needed him.” ‘* How long was he to be gone?” “Some weeks, naybe a month, they said.” ** So you could not get the outlaws to strike yn settlements at the same time that Red Heart id? ** No, pard.” ‘* The officer in charge would not do so?” ‘* No, they had orders not ter leave camp un- til ther cap’n got back.” ** And without Captain Ku-Klux to aid him, will Chief Red Heart make his raid? *¢ You bet be won't.” ‘* Did he expect you to come right back?” “« He gave no time, and thought maybe I’d be gone some days,” “Do you know who we are?” **'You two is Night Hawk and Broncho Bill Powell, the Buckskin Brothers, but they calls ther four o’ you ther Buckskin Pards.” “Tam glad that you know us, for you will understand that we are not men to trifle with. ** Now [shall leave you in the hands of the Comanche and our negro pard, to take you to Major Loring,” ‘*Oh Lord?’ ‘*Have no fear, for you shall bear a letter from me to him, telling him that you are our especial prisoner, and we have promised you our protection, “I then wish you to come back with your guards and others whom the major will send, aud we are to meet you, ten days from this, right here in this timber.” be Why does yer send me to ther fort?” Because my brother and myse!f are going upon a little trip, and you are to be the prisoner of Red Wolf and Scraps, and they must go to the fort on an errand,” ‘Let one of’em go, and leave tother to guard me,” ‘* No, for you are too slippery a customer. FRET “You go to the fort, and you return here and await our coming. ‘*T will write the letter now to Major Loring.” **Can I read it?” ‘Yes, for { wish you to see that we intend to act squarely with you, and your life shall be the instant forfeit if you do not act squarely with us,” was the stern response of Night Hawk, CHAPTER XVIII. THE SECRET EXPEDITION. ‘*HeRE is the letter, Maze the Renegade, for that is the name you claim,” and Night Hawk Powell handed the letter he had just written with a pencil to the prisoner. ** Read it yourself,” ‘* Why do you not read it, to see that it is all right?” “Cause I can’t read.” “6 Ah!” “You read it.” Then Night Hawk read as follows: * CAMP ON PRAIRIES, } Thursday. “Mason Wittrs Lorine, ** Oom’d’a Fort Dreadnaught : **Stx:—I gs nd this letter to you by a man known as Maze the Cowboy. ** He is the epeciaul prisoner of the Buckskin Pards, and we are under a pledge to him that we do not wish broken, so kindly protect him and oblige.” “Thats squar’ music,” interrupted the pris- oner. Resuming, Night Hawk read: ‘* The prisoner will tell you what the intentions of Chief Red Heart are, and it would be well to be pre- pared at the fort and in the settlements, though we do not think the Comanches wi'l move yet awhile. “As we go on a secret expedition, we wish Scraps and Red ‘velf to return to us with the prisoner, meeting us at tha place where this letter is written ten days from to-day. “We also would beg of you twenty men, without uniform, anl without even a nov-commissioned officer. for a specia! duty, having them come with Scraps and Red Wolf. ‘“* What this duty is we cannot now make known to you. ** We have the honor to be, sir, “Your obedient servants, : “Nicur HAwK and BRoncHO Bri. * Buckskin. Scouts,” The latter part of this letter Night Hawk did not read, considering it best not to do so, But the prisoner seemed satisfied, Then dinner-time was called by Scraps, and the five sat down to a camp feast, during which it was explained to Red Wolf and Scraps what they were to do, Broncho Bill adding: “Tf he makes any effort to escape you, shoot him, and don’t forget to watch him while at the fort; but treat him well and don’t tie bim up when you can help it.” ; f ‘You is certainly squar’, pards,” said the prisoner at this, ‘ Soon after dinner the Buokskin Brothers teok from the pack-animals what they would need for their trip, and then saw Ked Wolf, Scraps and the prisoner start on their way to the fort, the latter bound in his saddle so as to prevent any ‘*funny business,” as Broncho Bill expressed it. ted Wolf took the lead as guide, the prisoner came next, and Scraps brought up the rear, leading the pack-berses. sire As they disappeared over a rise of the prairie, Night Hawk said: * Well, Will, though we have not spoken to- gether upon the subject, I saw that your ideas were mine.” ‘‘That we should go to New Mexico?” “ee Yes.” “ Sure.” “T think we have done enough to track Cap- tain Ku-Klux and bis pards.” **T am sure of it.” : ‘He has gone there to look up the rich old miner.” “Certain.” ‘Well, we will look them both up.” “ And Tiger Tom and Breezy, who are with Captain Ku-KJux.” wea ‘‘-Yes: it will be a great thing for us to cape ture these three men.” ‘* And to find the old miner.” “Tt will.” “Then there are the outlaws to hang.” ‘“‘-Yes; and the men we sent for can do it.’ ‘‘T supposed that was why you asked to have no commissioned officers sent, and the men not in uniform.” ; “Yes; it won’t do to bave it said that United States soldiers crossed the Rio Grande and attacked even robbers on Mexican soil; buta band of supposed citizens or cowboys can dash across, you know,”
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t “Yes, we can beat the devil around the stump in that way, surely; but let us be off,” Broncho Bill added. A few moments after the Buckskin Brothers mounted and started upon their trail into New Mexico, fortuneseeming to have greatly favored them by sending Captain Ku Klux on ahead without doubt his intention being to find the old miner that they sought to discover on the clews given them by Clio. CHAPTER XIX. THE OLD MINER, A LIGHT streamed from the half-open door of a substantial log cabin in the mining country of New Mexico, It was not an uncomfortable home, and yet all about it was crude in the extreme. A table,a shelf of books, several chairs of home make, a few bearskins spread upon the floor, a cot and some cooking utensils comprised all that was in the room. There was a swinging-lamp over the table, and a man was seated beneath it, engaged in fizuring, as several sheets of paper were covered with figures. The man was fully three-score, though his form was erechand powerful. His attire was that of a miner, top-boots, cor- duroy pants and a blue shirt, and his sombrero did not hide his long gray hair. His beard was gray also and worn long. “Well, ’m glad I made the rounds of my different mines and investments, for it shows me that lama very rich man. “Yes, J have control of considerably over a million dollars, or what will bring it at least. *““And my share will be about six huadred thousand. ** Ten years ago I fled from Boston to escape being put in prison. “ Well, I deserved to be punished, for I had no right to use the money in speculation, intrust- ed to my care, . “ {did use # though, and I lost every dollar of it, beggaring seven different people who had trusted me. ‘** Let me see, it was'twenty thousand dollars all told, and twelve years interest at ten per cent, per year, which I will allow, will be twenty- four thousand, four more than the original amount, “This will be forty-four thousand which [ shall pay back to those I defrauded, or their heirs. “Then how badly I treated poor Castleton, who gave me right out the money to pay those losses, “T gambled it away and fled, “Well, his money gave me a start, and he has been my conscience partner ever since, and T now will be able to give him over half a mill- ion, while his daughter, pretty little Clio, now rown to womanhood, shall be my heiress, for I ve no one to leave it to. ‘*How strange that Castleton has not answer- ed my two letters. ‘* Does he look upon me as such a thief as to ignore me, even Where there is half a million at stake for bim, and as much more for his daugh- ter, when I die? **T should have heard from him. ‘But I dare not go East, “No, I tremble at sight of every strange face aven in these times, fearing that they are officers of the law in search of me, “*T will, when I have heard from Castleton, and gotten him to settle up forme those debts with interest, go East then in honor, ‘“T will be glad to see dear old Boston again, for I am getting old now, and need more com- forts than I cau get in these wilds, “T do not understand about my letters re- maining unanswered, though. “T will write agaiv, and [ will take the letter to the camp post-office in the upper mines, and register it, so that he will be sure to get it, “Yes, I will write at once, making full con- fession Onee more of my wrong, and my fears of arrest, and tell him that their money and his money, With ten per cent, interest, is at his order with his share as half-owner in all my fortune, . “Yes, [ will write at once.” He arose, as he spoke, to get paper and envel- ope and beheld a man standing in the Coorway. It was a wild conntry, there in these mining camps, and there were desperate men about, and the old man dropped his hand quickly upon the revolver in his belt, as he beheld the stranger upon the threshold of his cabin. a CHAPTER xx. A WOLF IN SHEEP’S CLOTHING. “Hoxtp on, my friend, for I mean you no | Captain Ku-Klux. harm,” cried the visitor to the lonely cabin, as he saw the act of the old miner was hostile. ‘*'You should not come on a man in these parts, sir, without warning. ‘* But you don’t belong hereabout, I see,” and the miner seemed very nervous, ‘“‘Tt was because | was a stranger in your country, sir, that I did not know better. ‘*But I was seeking Miner Matt, and was di- rected at the camps, some miles away, to come here,” ‘*T am Miner Matt,” and the old man seemed to shrink, for the dread was upon him that the stranger was an Officer of the law. ‘*T am glad to meet you, sir, ** My name is Keene Kendall.” ‘How d’ye lo, Mr. Kendall?” and the miner did not seem happy. ‘“*T should introduce myself better, perhaps, hy saying that I come from Mr, Castleton, your old friend.” ““My dear sir, I am more than glad to see you,” and the miner wrung the hand of his visi- tor most warmly, after which he bade him be seated, and drawing up a chair near, said: ‘** Now tell me all about my dear old friend.” The visitor was dressed in a traveling suit, with slouch hat and top boots, an attire that was not just the thing there. He wore a sack coat, buttoned up, so that if | he carried a belt of arms beneath it they were not visible, ‘* Well, sir, I should tell yéu that when your first letter arrived for Mr. Castleton, he was quite sick, and receiving your second he begged me to at once come out to see you, for he is suf- fering with the gout, and is unable to write.” ** Poor fellow! he should lead the life I have the past fourteen years, and he'd never know what gout was. “Why, lam over sixty, and never have an ache, while I can work down many of the young men in the camps.” ‘*“You look hearty, sir; but perhaps I should tell you that I am Mr. Castleton’s son-in-law.” ** What! you married httle Clio—for she was his only child?” ‘** Yes, sir; Clio ismow Mrs, Keene Kendall.” ‘* You were not from Boston?” ‘* No, sir; I was from Chicago, but went East on business, was so fortunate as to stop Mr. Castleton’s runaway team one day, when they were in New York, and thus met them.” ‘ ‘‘ Pear little Clio! woman now,” ‘« She is indeed, sir, very beautiful.” ** And you are to be congratulated, indeed, for she is rich and will be richer.” ‘“‘T am not a poor man myself, sir.” “7 am glad to know that, for it shows that you were not seeking Clio’s fortune.” ‘Ah, no! I matched her father dollar for dollar when I was married to his daughte .” ‘Good! And how has Castleton prospered?” ‘¢ He has done well indeed, sir; but here is his letter to you, which Clio wrote for him, as he could not hold a pen.” The old miner seized it, broke the seal, and read aloud: She must be a beautiful “My Dear OL_p FPrrenp:— ‘How more than glad was I to hear from you, and my noble son-in-law, Mr. Keene Kendall. whom this will introduce to you, will explain why your first remained unanswered, **1] congratulase you upon your success. “Tt is wonderful, and no man deserves it more. ‘T note what you say about my being your equal partner and Clio being your heiress; put, my dear friend, don’t so bind yourself, “The amount that you owe others, the sum you owe me, with interest, which you say you will pay, you can give to my son-in-law, “Make it payable in a draft to him, as I cannot sign my name, or give him gold-notes, as you deem best. “This is all that I will claim of your hard-earned fortune, though of course I shall not refuse to share with you if you demand it, after we have bad a talk over matters, “ As to your coming East, put that off until I have squared up your debts and gotten ail trouble against you squelched. ‘Then I will wri e for you to come, “ But do not come before. for the law has a good Memory, you know, and! wish you to appear with fiying colors and make your enemies hide their heads for the abuse they heaped upon you. ‘When you do come, our house is your home. and you will find little Clioa wife now, for great changes have taken place in the years since you de- parted for the West. “Now, my old friend, I close, with the assurance that my son-in-law will act for me in all things that you may wish to trust and consuls him in. “With best wishes, many thanks, and the hope that you will, before very long, be in our midst, 1 am, as ever, our devoted friend, ‘* Roger CASTLETON.” ii eed Tears stood in the eyes of the old miner as he finished the letter, and he said in a low tone: ‘*God bless bim! God bless you for coming to me with this letter. ‘** But I must fix you up a bed here, for—” ‘* No, my dear sir, for I took up quarters at the shanty they call a hotel in the mining-camps, and 1 have there a couple of guides, whom I engaged to bring me here, so I will return to- night, as I am anxious to be off again.” ‘*T was in hopes that we would have several days together, Mr. Kendall, for I long to talk over old times; but I will not detain you, as I can understand how dull it is here for you, and you wish to get back. **T have money deposited in a Chicago bank, and [ will give you a draft on it for the amount I wish to send Mrs, Castleton, and also for an- other thing which I wish to ask you to do for me.” ** With pleasure, sir.” The old miner took from a hiding-place in the cabin a check-book, and he quickly wrote out two checks, making them payable to Keene Kendall, saying as he did so: “'This check please indorse, and hand, please, to Castleton; it 1s for forty-four thousand, as you see, and the other check here is for twenty- five thousand, and I beg you to purchase with it, as you pass through New York, a necklace, ear- rings and bracelets of the finest diamonds you cen get, and present them to little Clio for me.” “Oh, sir] you are really too kind,” said the infamous hypocrite, who had received from a wicked palin Boston, the second: letter which the miner had written to Roger Castleton, and had thus decided upon the bold plot which he had carried out, of gettting a small fortune from the old man, “Ttis her due, Mr. Kendall, and more, sir, while remember ‘to tell her that she is to be my heiress, and I am worth over half a million, I frankly tell you, and Roger, her father, is my partner for as much more, notwithstanding he seems not to wish it. ‘“‘T have just returned from a trip through the mining country, and I tell you that lam rich, and I hope soon to be again in my old home, passing my latter days in peace, luxury and happiness.” **T sincerely hope that you may, sir, and now I will bid you good-by, hoping. to meet you be- fore long, and, in fact, when Mr. Castleton has arranged those matters for you, which he re- ferred toin his letter, I will come after you, myself.” he old miner. wrung the hand of the wolf im sheep’s clothing, as Keene Kendall certainly was, and stepping to the door opened it for his visitor, As he did so, two men suddenly confronted them, a pair of revolvers were shoved into the face of the robber, and Night Hawk Powell's stern voice said: ** Captain Ku-Klux, you are our prisoner.” CHAPTER XX). KIDNAPPED. A took of absolute horror swept over the face of Cseptain Ku-Klux, at the words of Night Hawk Powell. He had in his pocket drafts for nearly seventy thousand dollars, He had plotted well, and carried out his plot in magnificent style. The letters of the old miner, his forged letter to that personage, his knowledge of all the cir- cumstances, had caused him to appear well with the old man. Not a shadow of doubt was in the miners mind, With his two best men, Tiger Tom aud Breezy, Captain Ku-Klux bad gone up into New Mexico, and, knowing where to find the old miner had readily done so, When his confrere in guilt, Kennard Kemp, the wicked attorney, had sought the miner, the latter was away upon 4 Visit to bis varions investments, But with his usual luck in deviltry, Captain Ku-Klux had found him at home. With a fortune in his pocket, he was about to return to the camps, join bis two men, and go back to his stronghold. In a few months he would again visit the old miner, with some concocted story to get as much more, if nota larger sum from him, and having, in the mean time secured all of the re- sults of his murderous raids, so that he could carry the sum therefrom in his pocket. be would desert the Robbers of the Rio Grande, take a vessel for a foreign land and there enjoy bis fortune, giving up his revenge upon Cho, for fear luck might in the end fail him and he be found out. | \ \ i
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| | | le ge OS te Cap ain Ku-Klux. Such was the well-laid scheme of Captain Su-Klux, aud well he had performed it thus far. Imagine then his horror and terror at being confronted by two men whom he knew but two well, the Buckskin Brothers. He was armed, but his weapons were beneath bis sack coat, which was buttoned up. Then too, a grip of iron was upon each hand, for the scouts nad grasped his wrists with one hand, while they leveled their revolvers in his face with the other. {t was a woeful moment for Keene Kendall. It was a happy moment for Night Hawk and Broncho Bill Powell, It was a moment of amazement for the old miner, The outlaw could not speak. He simply glared, while his teeth seemed to chatter. But the old miner, true to his supposed friend, broke the spell: ‘* What does this outrage mean?” he cried. “Tt is no outrage, sir, and we are Govern- ment officers, so do not interfere,” Night Hawk replied sternly. ‘“*And what have Government officers to do with my friend, here? “There is some mistake.” ‘“No, sir, there is no mistake, for we were on the trail of Captain Ku-Klux, the Robber of the Rio Grande, and we have caught bim.” “This man is no robber, but my friend.” ‘No, he is your worst foe, and he has come to you with a pack of lies, ‘*Hand us that lasso hanging yonder, please, and when he is secure we will tell you all, and if there is any mistake, make full reparation for it ” ‘* That is fair,” replied the’miner, and he went to get the lasso. Then Captain Ku-Klux recovered his nerve, and began a desperate resistance. But he was overpowered by the brothers, agile and strong as he was, and then securely bound hand and foot. Dragging him toa chair they placed him in it, and Night Hawk took a letter from his pocket and said: ‘* Please read that letter, sir, and see if we are on the wrong track.” jt was the letter from Clio to the Buckskin Brothers, The old miner read it in a low voice, yet dis- tinctly. He read it slowly as though drinking in every word, and when he had finished it, he said: ‘‘Great Heaven! Can man be so vile?” ‘This man can be, sir, and is. ‘You are the man to whom the letter refers as the friend of Mr. Roger Castleton?” “*T am.” ‘*' You see what the letter says?” ‘* Yes, it tells me that my poor old friend is dead, and has been for years,” was the sad reply, ‘* But this is the husband of little Clio?” “It is the adventurer, the wretch, sir, who killed her father byslowly poisoning him, sought | to have his confederate in sin kill you, thus hav ing his unhappy wife get your fortune, and, by putting her out of the way, as he tried hard to | do, with his forged will and papers, he would | secure all. ‘*Driven into outlawry for fear of the gal- lows, as he expected his wife would betray his having mur¢ered her father, and knowing that my brother and myself were upon his track, | this man became chief of a band of outlaws whose stronghold is in Mexico, and is known as Captain Ku-Klux, the Robber of the Rio Grande.” ‘*T bave heard of the scamp, sir.” ‘‘ Failing to get his wife’s fortune, as he had hoped, he came to you to swindle you out of all that he could. ** He has two men with him, desperadoes like himself, and they await him in the camps. ** We dogged bim here, fortunate in striking the trail by accident, and we arrived at his cabm just behind him, so heard all that passed | between you. ** Now, sir, do you believe us or that man?” “They he!” yelled Captain Ku-Kjux. ‘¢ They tell the truth, for they have no motive | in deceiving me, and you have!” was the stern response of the old miner. CHAPTER XXII. A CLEVER CAPTURE. THE old miner seemed deeply moved at what | he had heard. The faces of the two scouts told him of their honesty, ana the proof of the guilt of their pris- oner was undoubted. At Jast he asked: ** And who are you, gentlemen?” ‘* We are known as Night Hawk and Broncho | Bill Powell, also called the Buckskin Brothers, 4 are rancheros and scouts,” said Broncho ill. ‘*Ah! I have heard often of you, for the deeds of the Buckskin Pards are the theme of many a camp-fire talk. - ‘“*T am glad to meet you indeed, gentlemen.” ** And may we ask your aid in securing the capture of the two confederates of this man?” ‘*Certainly, | shall be only too glad to aid you, so command me, please.” ‘** He left his men at the Gold Brick Hotel, in Nugget City Camp, to await his return. but you had better address them as Tom and Breeze. ‘*Tf you will help us to gag this fellow and hide him away, we would ask that you go to Nugget City and ask for those men, “Tell them that the captain has decided to remain up at your cabin all night, and wishes them to come, and fo bring his horse with theirs. ** You can ride his horse back, sir.” ‘“*T will do as you wish.” ** When you come, show them where to put the horses, and talk rather loud, so that we can hear you as you approach the cabin. ‘*Open your door and ask them to walk in, and we will be here to catch them off their guard.” ‘*Tt isa good plan, and I hope will come out all right,” said the miner, and he at once got some old clothing with which Captain Ku-Klux was gagged so that he could utter no sound. He was also more securely bound and placed in the corner behind the miner’s cot-bed, Then the old miner set out upon foot and walked rapidly down the mountain trail to Nugget City, which was nothing more thana number of cabins, saloons, a blacksmith shop, unmaker, and what was called the Gold Brick otel. The latter was a collection of one-story log huts, and contained a bar, “office,” dining- room, kitchen and a score of bedrooms, the latter being furnished only with cots without covering, for “ guests” were supposed to furnish their own bedding. Tiger Tom and Breezy had already made ac- quaintances, for they were enjoying a little game of poker with two miners when the old man entered the saloon. They seemed to have been imbibing rather freely also, for they were a little boisterous, The old mmer never frequented the saloons of “Their names are Tiger Tom and Breezy; | Nugget City, so he asked the landlord to re- quest his two guests to come out, Believing that their chief wanted them. the two men promptly closed the game and went to the door. ‘“‘Sorry to disturb you, gentlemen, but the captain is up at my cabin, and asked me to come after ycu. ** He wishes you to square your account here | and bring his horse with you, and I'll ride him back, as { am afoot.” ‘All right, old Methuzy, we'll git at onee. ** Jist lead ther way,” said Tiger Tom. ** You bet when ther cap’n shouts we dance,” 3reezy added, The bill was quickly paid, the horses gotten from the log stable of the Gold Brick Hotel and the three set off for the cabin up in the moun- tains. The two men tried to pump the old miner, on the way, as to what business had brought their chief to the mines, but he was very non-commit- tal, while apparently trying to give them in- formation, At last they arrived in the vicinity of the | cabin, and as they turned off of the trail, the miner said in a loud voice: ‘** Here, gentlemen, put your horses here, hack of my cabin, and they will be safe, I assure ou. The animals were securely fastened, unsaddled and unbridled, and then the miner led the way' to the cabin, “This is my mountain home, and you are more than welcome. * You'll find the captain within,” he said in a voice that he meant should reach the ears of the uckskin Scouts, Opening the door he added: cS Valk in.” They obeyed, and as they did so, each received a stunning blow in the face, and instantly, as they staggered back, a grip that could not be shaken off was upon their throats and a revolver muzzle thrust under their eyes.. Se se ee ee ee ee ee ee ee a eee eee eee _ ——————— The two desperadoes were half dazed by the blows, half chokei by the grip upon their throats, and felt that they were powerless in the hands of their captors. ‘* Disarm them, please, sir,” cried Broncho Bill, and the miner obeyed with an alacrity that belied his years. ‘* Now those ropes, please,” The miner seized the ropes, which lay on the table, and in a couple of moments the two des poradoes were tied beyond their power to free themselves, They had not spoken, they had not offered much resistance. They seemed bewildered, So sudden had been the blows, so stunning, so quickly the after results, that they had not the power of resistance. What it meant, they did not know. Their captain they did not see. They were only aware that he had come to the mines to see an old friend, and there was big money in it for him, They saw the old friend, and they recognized with terror the Buckskin Brothers. ‘* Now, Mr. Tiger Tom, Iam even with you for the attack you wished others to make on my life,” said Broncho Bill. ‘** And there lies your guilty leader, Captain Ku-Klux, so you see we have the three of you,” and Night Hawk drew the cot away as he spoke, A groan came from the two men, They felt that death stared them in the face. ‘*Now, sir, if you will still allow us to im- pose upon you, we would like to get some sup- per, after which we will start for Texas with our prisoners, for we wish to get well out of the mining country by dawn. ‘“‘T will go after our horses, George,” and Broncho Bill left the cabin. The old miner cheerfully set about getting supper, while Night Hawk took the gag from the mouth of Captaiv Ku-Klux and gave him a dipper of water, for he did not wish to torture the man, vile as he was, When he could speak Captain Ku-Klux said firmly: * We will owe our death to you and your brother, if death it is, Night Hawk Powell.” ‘“‘Tt will be death, you can make up your mind to that, Captain Ku-Klux, and prepare your souls accordingly,” was the response, In half ‘an hour supper was ready, and soon after Broncho Bill rode up, mounted upon his horse and leading Night Hawk’s. ‘‘ Better eat something; men, for we will not halt for hours,” urged Night Hawk. Tiger Tom and Breezy accepted the invita- tion, but Keene Kendall the Ku-Klux would not eat a morsel, His heart was almost crushed, so fearful had been the shock upon him. After a conversation apart with the old miner, for some time, the Buckskin Brothers de- cided that they were ready to start, The horses of the robbers were brought to the door, and each man was made to mount and was securely bound by his feet beneath the ani- mal he bestrode, while a lariat also held the horses together. Night Hawk then mounted and led the way, Broncho Bill following behind the prisoners, and then started off in Jndian file, the old miner standing in his door and grasping in his hand the drafts which had been taken from Captain Ku-Klux and returned to him. ‘“‘Oh! what have I not escaped!” he mur- mured. ** And that poor girl! ‘She is fatherless they tell me; but T will now be a father to her, and at once will I send her a draft, and the names, to pay back that money which I took in the long ago. “Tonight I am a happy man,” and the old miner, with the departing horsemen no longer in sight, re-entered his cabin and for a long time sat musing over what had happened in two hours’ time. CHAPTER. XXIII. FOR THE SAKE OF REVENGE, THE sun was several hours high, when at last the Buckskin Brothers decided to halt for a much needed rest. They had kept their horses going at a steady gait since midnight, for they had no desire to run upon a band of miners, who, ev. r ples 3 to help a man in distress, might undertake to free the prisoners. . They fortunately met no one other than one horseman, who passed them in siJence, not knowing that the men were prisoners. ‘One word and I kill the man who utters it,” bad Night Hawk said, when the solitary horse- man came in sight, P ; a v
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a y Though feeling that they were doomed, the three men yet loved life so dearly, that they did not care to hasten their departure out of it. So they remained silent and the man passed on. Then too in the heart of each one was a fond hope that they would be able to escape. When at last a halt was made men and horses were much jaded. Ever humane the Buckskin Brothers at once staked the horses out and then untied the feet of the prisoners, and bound their hands, to give them a rest. Then they spread their blankets for them and told them to lie down while they prepared some- thing to eat. The prisoners were hungry and ate heartily, for their feet were again tied and their bands released so that they could feed themselves, Then two hours of sleep was allowed, each brother standing guard half of the time aud going to wn and waking e with the precision of clockwork, so thoroughly had they trained themselves, The horses, witb water, food and rest, were ready for the march, and the party pushed on once more. It was just sunset when they halted in a most secluded and safe retreat, and intending to re- main until morning, a comfortable camp was made, A good supper was prepared, and then the prisoners were secured for the night, the scouts age J turns in standing guard over the camp, for they seemed to possess an endurance that was phenomenal. In the morning another start was made and they pushed on steadily all day. nowing that they had reached the Indian country, the scouts were most anxious, and they took no sleep but were constantly on the watcb. But at last they came near the rendezvous ap- pointed with the party from the fort and were glad to feel that they were two days in advance of the time set to be there, “Tt will give us and our horses the rest we need for our trip to Mexico.” Broncho Bill said. ‘* Yes, and we do need it,” was the reply, and the haggard faces of the brave men proved how much they needed rest. Arriving at the rendezvous, though the same precaution was taken, to guard against the escape of the prisoners, both Night Hawk and Broncho Bill were able to get rest. The day after their arrival the scouts called to Captain Ku-Klux to follow them apart from the other prisoners. He did so, wondering what it meant. “Captain Ku-Klux,” said George, ‘‘ you are sia gi y aware that we know your life pretty well. “We can carry you East and have you hanged for the murder of Mr. ‘Roger Castleton. + e@can have you hanged in Texas for at- tempting the life of your lovely wife. ** We certainly can hang you as Captain Ku- Klux, the Robber of the Rio Grande; but we will give you over to Major Loring at the fort, and it will be for him todecide your fate and that of your men, * But there is one thing we wish you to tell ‘‘ What is it?” ** Who was your palin New York?” ‘‘ Who do you mean?” *T mean the man whom you went to when you formed your plot to get the old miner's money b ae your wife, “*T will not tell you.” “You refuse?” a Yes.” “ And why?” “Spare my life, and I will tell you.” “ It really is not of enough consequence,” “* Why do you wish to know?” ‘* Well, he betrayed you to your wife, that he might get part of the miner’s money by bein the means of her getting it, and as he plot ainst life we wish to end his career of evil ‘J will not tell you.” “She feels that she should not betray the man, having given her word, and we desire to find out who he is without her doing 80.” ‘*] won't tell you.” 3 se right—don’t, But I should think your esire for revenge would for to do so said Broncho Bill, rom Yon ; ** How so?” “Why, while you hang, he will get a snug sum from your wife and enjoy life,” ‘* By Heaven! but you are right, ‘Twill tell on him, and I hope he'll hang, too, if [ have to,” said Captain Ku-Klux firmly. Captain Ku-Klux. ‘Who is he?” ‘*His name is Kennard Kemp, and he isa pretended lawyer in New York. **You will find his office at Number —, Chambers street, just opposite the City Hall.” ‘*Thank you,” and Night Hawk wrote down the name and address given, while the outlaw chief said, gloatingly: ‘*T do this for the sake of revenge.” CHAPTER XXIV, A DOUBLE SURPRISE. A pay ahead of their time, so as to be promptly on hand, Red Wolf and Scraps with their prisoner, arrived at the rendezvous, and they were accompanied by just twenty-four troopers, The latter, however, wore no uniforms, nor were their horses carrying military saddles and bridles, The mad rage of Captain Ku-Klux and his two men, when they saw Maze the Cowboy a prisoner, knew no bounds, They fairly foamed at the mouth, for they he apurtnrgy supposed that they had been betrayed y him. As for the renegade he looked serene, for he felt that he was at least safe. After listening to the curses heaped upon him by his comrades in crime, he called Night awk and Broncho Bill aside, and said: Pards, you has acted square with me thus far, and when yer tells me ter go, I'll prove my friendship for yer by telling you another leetle secret [ has, ‘TI never met Cap’n Ku-Klux but once afore and this time when I went ter visit him, ter tell him about Red Heart, I intended tellin’ him what I know’d; but as he were away, I did'nt. ‘* Now when yer tells me I kin git, just hold yer ears open fer a leetle music.” What the secret was the scouts had no means of knowing, so they patiently awaited for the renegade to make it known. After a day’s rest the whole party set forth, and their way lay back the trail which the scouts had followed the renegade on from the Rio Grande. it was night when they arrived at their old camp, and then they rested for an hour. There they left Captain Ku-Klux, Tiger Tom and Breezy, with Scraps to guard them, and the latter’s orders were: “Tf they attempt to escape, by any means, Scraps, kill them without mercy. “Tf you should be surprised, either by Cow- boy Pirates or red-skins, dust put a bullet in the heads of these men and then escape.” ‘¢P]] do it, sahs,” was Scraps’s reply. Then, with the renegade between them the Buckskin Brothers rode away in the darkness, with the twenty-four soldiers coming close be- hind, and Red Wolf bringing up the rear while Scraps sat down before the row 0 prisoners, revolver in hand to carry out his orders if need be. Across the Rio Grande went the party and the renegade acted as guide. Arriving in the mountains, near the strong- hold, the renegade told Night Hawk how to ap- proach the guard, and he rode on alone, A few moments of silence followed and then came the whistle that had been agreed upon be- tween the brothers. The party moved on and the outlaw guard was found lying upon the ground, bound hand and foot, and stunned by a severe blow on the head from Night Hawk’s revolver. ‘* Ho forced me to strike him, as he nearly got the drop on me, though taken by surprise, and it would have ruined all to fire here,” said Night Hawk. ‘He is only stunned, and the flesh cut,” said Broncho Bill dismounting and bending over the man. , Leaving him there, they rode on to the stream. , But the bridge was not down, as it was kept up at night and lowered only at a signal being given, Going back in the shadow of the canyon, the troopers hid, while the renegade went forward with Broncho Bill. , The latter crouched behind a rock, covered the prisoner with his rifle and said: “Now, Maze, give the signal.” Instantly the renegade shouted. ** Yo, ho! yo, ho! Bridge down!” Twice he repeated the words before response came. Then a voice called out gruffly: “All right, pard, we is coming.” 13 ee Two men were now seen coming from the cabins, evidently just aroused from slumber, for all was darkness in the stronghold. They seized the ropes of the bridge and lower- ed it, while one asked: ‘* Who is it, pard.” ** Comanche Maze!” ‘You is back again?” ‘Yes, I had ter come,” The bridge was now lowered, and springing: toward it, Broncho Bill gave his famous bugle call, while at the same time he leveled his revol- vers at the outlaws, A cheer answered from Night Hawk and his party, and they came dashing forward. The outlaws in terror turned to fly, firing at. random, but they fell in their tracks. Leaving a soldier to follow with the renegade Broncho Sin sprung into his saddle and crowded on after the others. Surprised, the outlaws sprung from their beds and began to fire. Instantly a hot fight began; but the scouts and their perny won at all points, and, excepting a few outlaws who escaped to the mountains, knowing the ground well, the rest were either killed or captured. It was a great victory, though both Night. Hawk and Broncho Bill were slightly wounded, and three of the soldiers had fallen, Halt a dozen soldiers,’too, were more or less wounded, But the stronghold of the dreaded outlaws was taken, their booty captured, and a large herd of stock was also found in the rock corral, Not wishing to have daylight find them on Mexican soil, the dead were hastily buried, the wounded put on horses supported by comrades, and the stock was turned loose. A few horses were laden with the outlaws’ booty, and that which could not be taken away was burned, Tben the victors started upon their retreat, It was not yet dawn when they reached the ford, and Night Hawk said to the renegade: “Now, Maze, you are free to go your way, and you shall have your arms, your horse and a little money; bat, 1 beg you to give up your evil life, for you see your half-dozen comrades here, with Captain Ku-Klux and the others, will all hang.” “*Pard, I is goin’ ter reform, and I'll prove it by tellin’ yer what I\intended ter. “Ts yer willin’ ter trust me?” “ es,” ‘* Put it thar!” Night Hawk grasped his hand, and be turned. to Broncho Bill, who did the same, ‘* Pards, when I leaves yer on yer way to ther fort, I is eaie straight back to Red Heart’s vil- lage, and [’ll tell yer for why. “Tl tell him I was made prisoner and es- caped, that Cap’n Ku-Klux and ther gang has been wiped out, so he’d better lie low. ‘¢ But, pards, thar is a prisoner thar, one he has had a long time, and who hain’t very happy i ‘* It are a white man, ‘*He were wounded one day, and he bad & pard with him, : ‘*Thet pard went for water, seen Injuns, and was chased off, and retnrnin’, found thet ther red-skins hed been thar, kilt ther wounded man,, and ther wolves had nigh eat bim up. ‘He buried what remained o’ ther body, and went his way. “* But thet man had not been kilt. ‘Ther red-skins bad comed, but one oem knowed ther wounded man and tuk keer o’ him, while it were a renegade white man with ’em, as had been wounded, who was left fer ther wolves when he died. “Mother man were tuk to ther village, old Red Heart’s darter got gone on him, and they saved his life because she became his wife. ‘* He has tried ter escape, but he are kept un- der eye all ther time. ‘But I kin git him away, and I will, fer he are thet young ranchero they calls Henry Har- court, and thet nigger o’ yourn were his pard.” The scouts uttered a cry of joy at this news, and Night Hawk said: “Maze, bring Henry Harcourt to the fort and I will give you a check I have to spend, for fifteen hundred dollars.” ‘¢ Pard, I hain’t goin’ back to no fort. ‘* But if yer wishes ter meet me and the young, gent at ther place whar ther sojers jined us,, one week from ter-day, we'll be thar. “Then I gits, and I accepts yer kindness, only bring me ther money and not ther paper.” “T -will, and now you are free to go your way, but we will be there to meet you.” The renegade rode rapidly on ahead, while
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14 Captain Ku-Klux. the party crossed the river and sought the camp where Scraps awaited them. There he was, with his prisoners, all safe, and not wishing to camp so near the river, the scouts kept on their way, while Scraps nearly went wild with joy when told that his master, whom he had so long believed dead, whose re- mains he had taken from where he supposed he had been torn to pieces by wolves, and buried at Ranchero’s Rest, bis old home, was not the lacerated body of Henry Harcourt after all. ‘* Missy Clio done kneel by thet grave, and: I | done pray over it. ss uM grave, and I did moan over it, and how we is goin’ ter laugh tergedder dat it were not Mars’ Henry dat lie dere arter all. “Ab, 1 is bappy dis year ob jubilee!” and Scraps gave vent to a yell of joy that he could not suppress, CHAPTER XXV. CONCLUSION. TRuE to his promise, Maze the Renegade kept his appointment with the Buckskin Brothers, They had pressed as rapidly on as possible to the fort with their prisoners and their wounded men, and given Major Loring a great surprise, as also the entire garrison, when théy brought in Captain Ku-Klux, balfa dozen of his men, aud reported that the outlaw band of Cowboy Pirates was entirely broxen up, and the few who had escaped, completely scattered. issy Clio done shed many tears over dat | | | , 18 THe Ska BAnpIt. ! 19 Rep CEDAR, After a short rest at the fort, the four Buck- | skin Pards started for the rendezvous with the renegade, Night Hawk had written a letter to Clio, in which he told her he hoped soon to see her and bring good news, far better than she had any reason to suspect, and Major Loring had sent a special courier with the letter to mail it at the nearest point. Upon reaching the rendezvous, the Buckskin Pards saw that the renegade had arrived before them, Nor was he alone, for he said, eagerly: ‘*T bas kept my word, pards, and I does feel good at doing right. ‘** Hero’s ther gent, and V’ll leave yer and go up inter the mines and try ter live honest,” The one to whom he referred was a tall, sol- dierly-looking young man of thirty. He bad a handsome face, full of nobility of soul, but very sad in its expression. Ho was dressed entirely in Indian costume, and he greeted the scouts in a manner that showed that he appreciated their having gained his release from what had been a cruel captivi- ty, while his meeting with Scraps was most touching indeed, the delighted negro laughing while tears were dimming bis eyes. Night Hawk then paid over tho money to Maze, who at once bade all g: od-by and went off alone over the prairie. Then, as the party started back for the fort Henry Harcourt told of his captivity, and heard how the woman he loved bad been forced to marry Keene Kennard, the adventurer, and what she had suffered, while she had risked her life to visit his supposed grave. After a rest of several days at the fort, where Major Loring and his wife gave them welcome, the party started for San Antonio, and there Henry Harcourt and Seraps bade farewell to the Buckskin Scouts, and went northward, for Night Hawk did not feel like leaving home, fearing Indian troubles, and gave to the young ranchero the address of Clio, and where also to find Kennard Kemp, It was Scraps who broke the news to Clio that ber lover still lived, but of the meeting be- tween the two we will not speak. Soon after Henry Harcourt and Scraps went to New York and dropped in upon Kennard Kemp, The visit was a surprise to that scamp, and he took the advice given him, hastily packed up and left New York for foreign’ parts, for to prosecute him would but bring Clio into court, and this was to be avoided. After seeing Mrs. Kemp set sail, Henry Har- court and Scraps went to the mines in New Mexico, and when they returned to New York, the old miner accompanied them. There Harcourt found a letter from the scouts, and it told of the execution of Captain Ku-Klux and his men. The old miner at once bought a home in the metropolis, furnished it luxuriously, and sent for Clio to come to him as his adopted dangh- : and, giving up the stage, she was glad to 0 SO. One year after she became the wife of Henry » and among the guests were Lieu- tenant-Colonel Willis Loring, for he had been promoted, and his beautiful Mexican wife. 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We 11 THAYENDANEGEA, THE ScourcEe. Ned Buntline. 10c 15 Tue Ticer Stayer. By Gustave Aimard.... . 10¢ 16 Tae Wurre WIZARD. By Ned Bunitline..,..... 10¢ 17 Nientrsnape. By Dr. J. H. Robinson........ . 10¢ By Ned Buntline....... .. - 10¢ By Gustave Aimard iin. 10c °0 Tar Banpir at Bay. 21 THe TRAPPER’S DAUGHTER 22 WHITELAW. 23 Tue Rep WARRIOR. By Ned Buntline ...... . 10¢ 24 ‘Toe PRatrie FLower, By Gustave Aimard.. 10c 25 Tue GOLD GuIpE. By Francis Johnson........ 10¢ 26 Tue Deata Track, By Francis Johnson . 10¢ 27 Tue Srorrer Derecrive, By Albert W.Aiken.. 10¢ 28 THREE-Finarrep Jack. Joseph E. Badger, Jr. 10¢ 29 Tiger Dick, Tae aro Kine. P.S. Warne . 19¢ 30 GosprL Groren, 31 Tar New York SHARP, 2 B’Hoys or YaLE. By John D. Vose , . 10¢e 33 OverRLAND Krr. Bv Albert W. Aiken . 10¢ 84 Rocky Mountratn Ros. By Albert W. Aiken.. 10c 85 Kenruck, THE SPorRT. 86 Inzgun Dick. By Albert W. Aiken .. ....... . 10¢e 87 Hirt, tae Huncnpack. By J. H. Robinson.... 38 Vetvs7 Hanp. Bv Alhert W. Aiken. . 10e 39 Tar Russtan Spy. By Frederick Whittaker. 10c 40 Tue Lona Harrep ‘ Parps.’ J. E. Badger, Jr.. 10¢ 41 GoLtp Dan, By Albert W. Aiken, ck 42 Tue CaLirorniA Detective. A. W. Aiken.... 10c 45 Daxora DAN. By Ol] Coomes 3 Bide se OS 44 Otp Dan Rackpack. By Olt Coomes .. « 10¢e 45 Oup Buiw’s Eve. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr.... . 10¢ 46 Bowre-Knire Ben. By Ol] Coomes dl « ee Waee 47 Paciric Preve. By Jos E. Badger, Jr.......... 10e | 48 IpAno Tom. By Of] Coomes. PG (I 49 Tau Wor Demon. By Albert W. Aiken.... . 10¢ 50 Jack Rapsit. | By Jos. E. Badger, Jr . 10¢e 51 Rep Ron, rue Boy Roap-Agent. Oll Coomes.. 10¢ 52 Deatn TRAILER. By Wm. IF’. Cody,........... 10¢e 53 Smuver Sam. By Col. Delle Sara.............. 10¢ 54 Atways on Hanp. Bv Philip S. Warne...... 10¢ 56 THe INDIAN MAzEPPA. By Capt. Mayne Reid... 10c By Albert W. Aiken.... 10c 67 Tar Sitent Hunter. By Percy B.St. John... 10c 58 SrLVER KNIFE. 59 THe MAN ROM TRXAS. 60 Wine Awake. Py Frank Dumont........... . 10¢ 61 Caprain Seawais. By Ned Buntline,........ . 10c 62 LoyvaL Heart, By Gustave Aimard,... ,... 10¢ 63 THe WrnceD WHALE. By Aibert W. Aiken,,., 10c 64 DousLe Stan. By Jos, h. Badger, Jr. ...... 10¢ 65 THe Rep Ravan. By Capt. Fred. Whittaker. 10¢ 66 Tue Sprecrer Barour. By Capt. Mayne Reid... 10c 67 Tue Boy Jockry. By Soseph E. Badger, Jr... 10c 68 Tue Ficntina Trapper. By J. F. C, Adame., 10¢ 69 Tue Hhease Capra. 70 HyprRawap, By Dr. J. H. Robinson. conde We 71 CAPTAIN Coon BuapE. By Jos, B. Badger, Jr... 10¢c 2 THe PHANtomM Hanp. By Albert W. Aiken . 10c 73 THe Kyieut or THE RED Cross. By Dr. J. H. Robinson .... cam ary 10c 74 CAPTAIN OF THE RIFLES, Capt. Mayne Reid.. 10c > GENTLEMAN GrorGE. By Albert W. Aiken... 10c 7 THe QUEEN’s MusKETEERS. By Geo. Albany.. 10c "7 Tar Fresu or Frisco. By Albert W. Aiken.. 10c 78 Tue Mysterious Spy. By A. M. Grainger.... 10c 79 Jon PHeyix. By Albert W, Aiken SU Abe 80 A Man OF Nerve. By PhilipS. Warne...... 10¢ 81 Tar Hvuman Tiger. By Albert W.: Aiken,.... 10c 82 Iron Wrist. By Col. Thomas H. Monstery,. 10¢ 83 Go_p Butiet Sport. By Buffalo Bill ..... 10¢ 84 Huntap Down, By Albert W, Aiken .... ... 10e 85 Tue CreTAN Rover. By Col. P. Ingraham ... 10¢e 86 Tue Bia Honrrr. Author of silent Hunter.”’ 10c 87 Tae ScARLET Capra. By Col, Delle Sara... 10¢ 88 Bia GEORGE. 89 THe PrraATE Prince. By Col. P, Ingrabam..., 10¢ 90 Wimp Witt. By Buckskin Sam ...- 91 Tar WINNING Oar. By Albert W. Aiken, ... 10c ® Burrato Buu. By Major Dangerfield Burr... 10c 93 Caprars Dick Tansor. By Albert W. Aiken.. 10¢c 94 FREELANCE, THE BUCCANEER, By Ingraham . 10c 95 AzHorT, THE Axman. By Anthony P. Morris. 10c 96 DousLe DEATH. By Capt. Fred. Whittaker. 10c 97 Bronze Jack. By Albert W. Aiken a2; 63 a0o 98 THE Rock Rmer. By Capt. F. Whittaker.. . 10c 99 THe Grant RirLemaN. By Oll Coomes .. .. 10c 100 THe FrencH Spy. 55 Tar ScALp HuntTers, By A. P. Morris......... 10¢ 10¢ | By © ', Whittaker. 10¢ | By Capt. F. Whittaker. 10¢ | 180 Otp 749. By Joseph FE. Badger, Jr..../.. 10c. By Gustave Aimard..: 10¢ Gustave Aimard , 10c¢ | By Dr. J, H. Robinson .. » 10¢ | By Joseph 1. Badger, Jr . 10c | By Albert W. Aiken,, 100 | By Albert W. Aiken.. 10e | Bv Dr. J. H. Robinson... .... 10c | By Albert W. Aiken. 10c | Se EE eee 101 Toe Man From New Yorr. By A. W. Aiken. 10¢ 102 Tue MAskEp Bann. By George L. Aiken .. 1e 103 Meriter, THE Mutinerr. Col. P. Ingraham.. 10e 104 MonrezuMA, THe MrerciLess. By Ingraham. 10¢ 105 Dan Brown OF Denver. By Jos. E Badger., 10¢ 106 SHamus O’Brign, By Col. Delle Sara ope Oe 107 Ricnwarp TALBOT OF Crynabar. By Aiken. 10e 108 Tae Duke or DiaMonps. By Fred.Whittaker, 10¢ 109 Caprain Kyp. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham . 10¢ 110 Tur Sttent RivLemMan By H. W. Herbert 10¢ 111 THe Smueaurr Caprain. By Ned Buntline. 10¢ 112 Jom Puenix, Parvate Derrecrive. Ky Aiken, 10¢ 113 THe Sea Surprer. By Prof. J. H. Ingraham, 10¢ 114 THe GENTLEMAN FROM PIKE. By P. 8. Warne 10¢ 115 THe SevERED Heap. Bv Cant. F. Whittaker, 10¢ 116 BLACK Plumer, THE DEVIL OF THESEA. By Col, P. Ingraham eats Seas 10¢ 117 Dasian@ Danpy. By Major Dangerfield Burr. 10¢ 118 Tue Burauar Captain. By J. H. Ingraham. 10e 119 ALABAMA Jon, By Joseph E. Badger, Jr.... 10e 120 Tue TEXAN Spy. By Newton M. Curtis. . 10¢e 121 THe Sea CADET. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, 10¢ 122 Saut SABBERDAY, 125 Tae BLacksMITH Ovrnaw. By H. Ainsworth, 10¢ 126 Tae Demon DuELIstT. By Col. T. H,. Monstery. 10e 127 Son Scorr, THE MASKED, Miner. By Badger. 10¢ 128 Toe Curvatier Corsam, By the author of “Merle, the Mutineer,” .. 10¢ 129 Mississtpr1 Mose. By Edward Willett..... 10¢ 130 Captatn Vouoano. By Albert W. Aiken. 10¢e 131 Buckskiy Sam. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham... 10¢ 132 Nemo, Kine or THE TRAMPS. By Capt. red. 145 Piston Parps. By Wm. R. Eyster Ay 10¢ 148 Tue Doctor Derrctivr. By George Lemuel 0c 147 Goup Spur. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham.... °10¢e 148 Onr-ArmMED ALF. By Oll Coomes 10e 119 Tur Borper Rirnes. By Gustave Aimard.. 10c 150 Ex Ruero Bravo, THE KinG@ or tHE Sworp- weN. By Col. Thomas Hoyer Monstery. . . 10¢ 151 Tom Frerso overs. 3v Gustave Aimard,. . 10c 152 Capratn IRONNERVE. Py Marmaduke Dey.. 10c 153 Tur Wurre Scatper. By Gustave Aimard. 10c 154 Joaquin, THE SADDLE Kina. Br J. ¥. Badger, 10¢ 155 THe Corsark QveEN. By Col. P. Ingraham, 10¢ 156 Vetvet Face. By Major Dangerfield Burt. 10¢ 157 Mourap, THe Mame uke. By Col. Thomas Hoyer Monstery Lorca Se » 10¢ 158 Tue Doomed Dozen. By Dr. Frank Powell... 10¢ 159 Rep Revierr. By Capt. Fred’k Whittaker... 10c 160 Sorr Hann, SHarp. Ry William R. Eyster.. 10c 161 Tue Wo tves or New Yore. By A.W. Aiken. 10e 162 Thu Map Mariner. By Col. P. Ingraham. 10c 163 Bren Brion, THE TRAPPER CAprTarn; or, RED- PATH, THE AVENGER. By Dr. J. H. Robinson. 10c 164 Tue Kina’s Foon, By C. D. Ciark : | 165 Joaquin, tHE TERRIBLE. By Jos. EF. Badger. 10¢ 166 Owrer, THE Rosser Prince. By Septimus R. Urban Ld, Baepeegeee sath erie (80S 167 Toe MAN or Stemv. By A. P. Morris,.._.. 10¢ 168 Wiip Briu, THE Piston DEap Sxor. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham... PE ete rich 169 Corporal CANNoN. By Col. Monstery.. :.. 10¢e 140 Swreer Woaram. _By Jos. E. Badger, Jr . 10e 171 Tiaer Dick, THR MAN or THE TRON H4art. By Philip 8. Warne. 10¢ 172 THe Brack Pate. By Col. Ingraham.... 10¢ 173 CaLirorniA JOHN. by Ibert W. Aiken...... 10¢ 174 PHanrom Knients. By Capt. F. Whittaker... 10¢ 175 Wiip Briw’s TRvuMP Carp. By Major Burr. 10¢ 176 Lany Jaauar. By Cept.Mark Wilton... 10¢ 177 Don Drarnio. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 10¢ 78 Dark Dasnweop. By Major 8. S. Hall, 10¢ 179 Conrap, THE Convicr. Prof. 8. Gildersleeve. 10c By Joseph. E. Badger, Jr. sibs 181 Tue ScaRLET Scuoonrr. By Col. Ingraham. 10¢ 182 Hanps Up. By Wm. R. Fyster ee 188 Giupert, THE Guinor. By C. Dunning*Clark, 10¢ 184 ‘Tam OckAN Vamrrre. By Col. P, Ingraham, 10¢ 185 Man Sprper. By A. P. Morris... - 2006 186 Tue BLACK Bravo. By Buckskin Sam..... 10¢ 187 Tur DEATH’s-Hrap Cuirassters. Whittaker, 10¢ 188 PHANTOM Mazeppa. Major Dangerfield Burr, 10¢ 189 Wiip Bit1’s Gotp Tra. | By P. Ineraham. 10¢ 190 Tux THRrer Guarpsmen. By Alex. Dumas.. 10 191 THe TERRmLE TonKaway. By Buckskin Sam, 10¢ 192 THE Lichrnrna Sport. By Wm. R. Pyster, 10e 193 THE Many Rep. Ry Capt. F. Whittaker, 10¢ 194 Don Somerero By Captain Merk Wilton . 10e 195 Tue LoyeSrar Gamever. By BuckskinSam. 10¢ 196 LA Marmoset, By Albert W. Aiken... ..... 10¢ 197 Revotver Ron: By Joseph F. Badger, Jr... 10¢ 198 THe Sketrron ScHooxrR. By P. Ingraham. 10¢ 199 DrAmMonp Dick. By Buckskin Sam. Pets 200 THE Ririue RANGERS. By Capt. Mayne Reid. 10¢ 201 Tae Prrate oF THE PLacens. By Badger. 10¢ 202 Cactus Jack, By Captain Mark Wilton. 0e 203 THe DousLE DETECTIVE. By A. W. Aiken.. 10c 204 Bic Foor WALLACE. By Buckskin Sam..... 10e A new tssue every Wednesday, BReadle’s Dime. Library is for sale by all Newsdealers, ten cents per copy, Or sent by mail on receipt of twelve cents each, BEADLE & ADAMA, Publishers, 98 William street, New York, el
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BY OLL COOMES. 5 Vagabond Joe, the Young Wandering Jew. 18 The Dumb Spy. 27 Antelope Abe, the Boy Guide. Keen-Kuife, the Princé of the Prairies, Lusso Jack, the Young Mustanger. The Border King; or, The Secret Foe. Pelaware Dick, the Young Ranger Spy. Mlawk-eye Harry the Young Trapper Ranger. Rollo, the Boy Ranger. Sure Shot Seth, the Boy Rifleman, Sear-Face Saul, the Silent Hunter Silver Star, the Boy Knight. Eagle Kit, the Boy Demon. Little Texas, the Young Mustanger ld Solitary, the Hermit Trapper, Little Murricane, the Boy Captain, Prospect Petes or, The Young Outlaw Hunters. 20 The Roy Hercules: or, The Prairie ‘Tramps. 218 Tiger Tom, the Texas Terror, 224 Dashing Dick; or, Trapper Tom’s Castle. 228 Little Wildfire, the Young Prairie Nomad. 288 The Parson Detectives or, The Little Ranger. 248 The Diawuixed Guide; or, Wild Raven, the Ranger, 260 Dare-Devil Dan, the Young Prairie Ravger. 272 Minkakin Mike, the Boy Sharpshooter. 290 Little Foxfire, the Boy Spy. 800 The Sky Demon; or, Rainbolt, the Ranger. BSA Whip-King Joe, the Boy Ranchero. 409 Iherenles; wr, Dick, the Boy Ranger. AlZ Webfoot Moxe, the Tramp Detective. 422 Baby Sam, the Boy Ginnt of the Yellowstone, 444 Little Buckskin, tne Young Prairie Centaur. 457 Wingedfoot Fred 3 or, Old Polar Saul. 468 Tamarac ‘om, the Big Trapper Boy. 478 Old Tom Rattler, the Red River Epidemte. 482 Stonewull Bob, the Boy Trojan. 562 Blundering Basil, the Hermit Boy Trapper. G52 Don Barr, the Plains Freelance. 661 Old Kit Bandy’s Deliverance. 670 Norway Nels, the Big Boy Mountaineer. 680 Dauntless Dan, the Freelance, or, Old Kit Bandy in Arcadia, Type oe z Ee ad Theda Ce Rede) =o SCLKRES RE Pak ek ek pk pt a el ~ RY BUCKSKIN SAM (Major Sam. 8, Hall.) 284 Old Rocky «** Boyees; or, Benito, the Horse-Breaker 246 Glant George; or, The Ang’! of the Range. 275 Arizona Jack ; or, Giant George’s Pard. 297 The Tarantula of Taos; or, Giant George’s Revenge. 807 The Strange Pard ; or, Little Ben’s Death Hunt. 818 Ker-whoop, Ker-whoo: or, The Tarantula of Taos, B2T Creeping Cat, the Caddo; or, The Red and White Pards, S82 Frio Fred: or, The Tonkaw ay’s Trust. 844 The Fighting Trio; or, Rattlesnake, the Tonkaway. B49 Wild Wolf; or, Big-Foot Wallace to the Front. SST The Ranch Ralders: or, The Siege of Fort Pargatory. 864 &nap-Shot, the Boy Kanger. BTS OChiota, the Creek ¢ or, The Three Thunderbolts. $81 Randera Bill; or. Frio Frank to the Front. B92 Komeo and the Reds; or, The Beleaguered Ranch, 404 Little Lariat; or, Pecan Pete’s Big Rampage. 414 1 he Daisy from Denver. 427 The Three Tratlera; or, Old Rocky on the Rampage, 442 Blulf Bill; or, The Lynx of the Leona. 455 Little Lone &tars or, The Belle of the Cibolo. #84 Cache Carl, the hice Giart BY PHILIP 8. WARNE, 67 Patent-Leather Joe; or, Old Rattlesnake, the Charmer, 175 Unaprain Arizonays or, Patent-Leather Joe's Big Game, 198 Ouptain Mask; or, Patent-Leather Joe’s Defeat. 219 Despard, the Duelist; cr, The Mountain Vempires. 88S A Tough Boys or, The Dwarf’s Revenge. 868 Little Tornado; or, The Outcasts of the Glen. BIR Little Jingos or, the Queer Pard, BSR Little Oh-my 3 or, Caught in His Own Trap, 401 Little Shoo-Fly 3 or, A Race fora Ranch. 408 Little Leasther-Breeches or, Old Jumbo’s Curse. 481 Little Ah Sing or, The Curse of Blood, 451 Colorado Kate. A Tale of the olines, 489 Three Jolly Parda. 517 Jim Gladden’s Deputy. 527 The Jolly Pards to the Rescue, 547 Sandy Andys or, A Good Man Down, 556 Lariat Lil; or, The Cast for a Life, 5T4 Old Weasel-top, the Man with the Dogs, 598 Keen Clem, the Ranch Imp. 599 Jim Dandy the No-Name Sport. G18 Billy Blazens or, The Skeleton’s Legacy, } 685 Oklahoma Hi, the Blie-Coat Scout. 648 Uappy Harry’s Big Find. 664 Cheeky Charley, the Special. BY EPWARD WILLETT, 167 Asa Scott, the Steamboat Boy. 199 Featherweight. the Boy Champion ofthe Muskingam, 228 Ozark Alf or, Featherweight Among the Outlaws. 282 The Typo Detective; or, Weasel, the Boy Tramp, 295 Fearless Phil; or, The King of Quartrville. B11 The pagt ie. Sport; or, The Pride of Chuckaluck Camp, 822 Nemo, the Detective; or, Kit Kenyon's Vendetta. 840 Clip the Oontortionixt: or, The Montana Vigilantes. BY JO PLERCE. BYT Bob o’ the Bowery: or, The Prince of Mulberry Street, 41g The Vagabond Detecttyes or, Bowery Bob's Boom, otapur p LNG S nt- Boy Detective, ace Fhe Lawyers Shadow. oe, Lake's Legacy. aunt 9 f ¥ ‘. Jeff Filcker. the Stable Boy Detective, 551 Niek Nettle,- the Boy Shadow. 559 Warlem Jack, the Office Boy Detective. rey Brookly n Ren, the On Fh One rae Detective, ‘ aveme Fete the Secret Sifter, ang JaekaoPantern, the ap: alvin babe ag > e-Awake Bert, the Street-Steerer, oi Mi histling Jacob, the Detective’s Aid, 6 zB uck Bumblebee, the Harlem Hummer, ase Sunrise Saul, the Express-Train Ferret, a Haas Piha the Rowery Badger: or, Scooping a Slippery Set, » “hockert h, the Life-Saver. 683 Naltpeter Sol, the New York Navigator. 694 Spicy Vimy the Only One of His Kind 706 Tom Thistle, the Road-Housu Detective. 71 ‘ Movants Sack, the Hustler Gamin. 726 Dennis Du, the Brown Sport's Kid. ry BY J. W. OSRON. 469 The Rival Glants or N + 498 Cactus Burr, the Man tad a Tank: BRT Old Ruckeye, the Sierra Shadow. 564 Powder Phil, the Boy Miner, 609 re prite, the ‘or Detective, ca ve 620 Little nes League; or, Th tery ofthe G88 Plucky Paul, ike Boy Prospector, a yeery BY ALBERT W. AIKEN, 11 The Two Detectives; or, The Fortunes ofa Bowery Girl. 76 Abe Colt, the Crow-Killer. ZY Sol Ginger, the Giant Trapper. 258 Joe Buck of Angels and His Boy Pard. 447 New York Nat. A Tale of Tricks and Traps in Gotham, 458 New England Nick; or, The Fortunes of a Foundling, 464 Nimble Nick, the Circus Prince. 498 ‘Taos Ted, tne Arizonn Sport. 510 Cool Colorado, the Hall-Breed Detective. 518 Cool Colorado in New York, BY GEORGE ©. JENKS, 485 Git Thar Owney the Unknown, 492 Git Thar Owney’s Pledge. 518 The Demon Doctor. 581 Double-Curve Dan, the Pitcher Detective. 59S Flute, the Singer Detective, 608 The Pitcher Detective’s Fol; or, Dan’s Double Play, 616 The Ocean Detective or. The Last Cruise ofthe Black Bear, 681 The Pitcher Detective’s Toughest Tussel. %86 Larry, the Thoroughbred; or, Beaten on Every Side. BY J, ©. COWDRIOK, 860 Bilver-Mask, the Man of Mystery. 869 Shasta, the Gold Kings or, For Seven Years Dead. 420 The petective’s Apprentice; or, A Boy Without a Na.ne, 424 Cibuta Jonny; or, Red-Hot Times at Ante Bar, 489 Sandy Sam, the Street Scout, 467 Disco Dan, the Daisy Dude 490 Brondway Billy, the Bootblack Bravo. 506 Redlight Ralph the Prince of the Road, 514 Broadway Billy’s Boodle. 524 The Engineer Detective, 586 Rroadway Billy’a *‘ Ditikilty,” 548 Mart, the Night Express Detective, 557 Broadway Billy’s Peath Racket. 1 Air-Line Luke the Young Engineer. 579 The Chimney Spy; or, Broadway Billy’s Surprise-Party. 2 The Boy Pinkerton. 605 William © Broadway; or, The Boy Detective’s Big Inning. 615 Fighting Harry the Chief of Chained Cyclone, 628 Broundvay Billy’ Dead Act, 640 Barebrek Beth, the Centaur of the Circle, 647 Typewrtter Tilly, the Merchant’s Ward, 659 Moonlight Morguwuny, the * Pizenest ’? Man of Ante Bas. 669 Broadway Billy Abroad, 675 Broadway Billy’s Best; or, Beating San Francisco's Finest. GOST Brondway Billy In Clover. 696 Broadway Billy in Texas. 708 Brondaway Billy’« Brand. Til Broadway Billy at Santa Fe. 720 Broadway Billy’s Full Hand, TBS Brondway Billy’s Business. 788 Broadway Hilly’s Curious Case. BY FREDERICK DEWEY 818 Cimarron Jack, the King-Pin of Rifle-Shote. 47S Tangemund, the Desert Detective, 542 The Canyon Parda. BY ARTHUR ©. GRISSOM. 440 Little Foxfoot, the Gold Bowle Kid. 558 The Sure-Shot Parda, 621 Truthful James, the “ Pecooliar” Man, BY MAJOR E, L. ST. VRAIN, 292 Sancho Pedro, the Boy Bandit, 801 Leadville Nick, the Boy Sport, 812 Redtop Rube, the Vigilante Prince. 8838 Brimstone Bob, and His Lightning Horse Quartette, 852 Tombstone Tom, the Arizona Boy of “Sand,” B59 Duranere Pave, the Youny Charerion W restier, 871 Kingbolt Ohria, the Young Hard-Shell Detective. 880 Avalanche Alf, the Foothilis Guide, 890 Jaguar Joe, of the Mountain Mail-Line. BY EDWARD 8, ELLIS. 6 Bill Btddon, Fyeppaty 8 Seth Jones; or, The Captives of tne Frontier, 3@ Nav Todd; or, The Fate of the Sioux Captive, @: ‘yne Frontier Angel, 98 The Boy Miners; or, The Enchanted Island. 182 The linnted Hunters; or, The Strange Horseman, 254 The Half-Blood; o~. The Panther of the Plains, 271 The Huge Hunter; or, The Steam Prairie Man, BY BRACEBRIDGE NEMYNG. 89 Island Jims or, The Pet of the Family. 91 The Captain of the Olub; or. The Riva) Athletes, 101 Jack Markaway in New York. BY MAJOR HENRY B. STODDARD, Ex-Secout, 806 Neck-Tie Ned; or, The Dug-Out Pards, 846 Rapler Raphael; or, The Swortismen of Zacatecas, 891 Kid-Glove Kit, the Dandy of the Rockies, 898 Kid-Glove Kit and Pard: or, The Gold King, 406 The Mad Man-Hunter: or, The Guideo Gulch Mystery. 505 Powell’s Pardy or, The One-Armed Giant. BY CAPTAIN FRED. WHITTAKER, 16 The Sea-Cat; or, The Witch of Danen. 29 The Dumb Page; or, The Doge’s Deugnter, 48 Dick Darling, the Pony Express Rider. 150 Lance and Lasno ¢ or, The Chitiren of the Chaco. 154 The Sword Hunters; or, The Land of the Elephant Riders, 159 The Lost Captain yg or, Skipper Jabez Coffin’s Cruise, 200 The Boy Bedouinas or, The Brotiers of the Plumed J ance, 214 Wolfzang, the Robber ofthe Rhine. 249 Milo Romer the Animal King: or, Round the World. 265 The Tiger Tamer; or, The Lengue.of the Jungle. BR1 Binack Nick, the Demon Rider, , 895 California Joe's War Treat), BY COL, A. F. MOLT. 899 Black Buckskin: " The Masked Men of Death Canyon. ne 419 Kenneth, the Knife-K 485 Little Lightfoot, the Pilot of the Woode. oH Ba ag oA se MS King Pin Conspirator, ¥¥ alph ik wood, the Light v ive. 691 Headlieht Harry’ Maul xP Detective %27 Headlight Narry’s Siren, RY ©, DUNNING OLARK. 185 Captain Paul: or, The Boys { the Mountains. 280 The Yankee Rajah tor, The Fate of the Black Sherzef. ou BY CAPT. MARK WILTON. 6 Voung Kentucky; or, The Red Lasso. 270 Riizzard Ben; or, The Riot at Keno Camp, 286 Josh, the Boy Tenderfoot. READLE’S« HALF-J)IME« LIBRARY. Published Every Tuesday. Each Issue Complete and Sold at the Uniform Price of Five Cents. No Double Numbers. BY JOSEPH EB. BADGER, JR, 2 Vellowatone Jacks or, The Trappers 48 Black John, the Road-Agent; or, The Outlaw’e Retreat, 65 Hurricane Bills; or, Mustang Sam and His Pard, 119 Mustang Sam; or, The King of the Plains. 186 Night-tinwk Kit; 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 ‘Trallers; or, Dainty Lance on the War-Path, 208 The Boy Parday or, Dainty Lance Unmaske. 211 Crooked Cale, the Caliban of Celestial City. 810 The Barranca Wolf's or, The Beautiful Decoy. 819 The Black Rider; or, The Horse-Thieves’ League, 885 Old Doubic Fist; or, ‘he Strange Guide 855 The King of the Wood«: or Danie! Boone's Last Trail, 419 Kit Fox, the Border Soy Detective 625 Chincapin Dan, the Boy Trailer. 677 Chincapin Dan’s Second Trail. 688 Chincapin Dan's Home Stretch. 698 Old Crazy, the Man Without a Head, TOS Light-Heart Lute’s Legacy. 71s Eagut-Hear Lute’« Last Trail, Silverblade, the Shoshone. 29 Silverblade, the Half-Blood; or, The Border Beag*e at Bay, 789 Silverblade, the Hostile. BY JACK FARRAGUT, 815 Ned, the Cabin Roy. 820 The Sea Sorceress; or, The Boy Skipper. BY LIFUT. it. D. PERRY, U. 8..N. 176 The Boy Runaway; or, The Buccaneer of the Bay. 180 The Sea Trailers or, A Vow Well Kept. 192 Captain Kit; or, The Mystery of Montauk Polat. BY CAPTAIN MAYNE REID, 7S Blue Dick; or, The Yellow Chiefs Vengeance. 7 The Land Piratent or, The League of Devil’a leland, 187 The Helpless Hinnd ¢ or, Backwoods Retribution 289 The Gold-secker Guldet or, The Lost Mountain, BY WILLIAM KR. EYSTER, 190 Dandy Darkes or, The Tigers of High Pine. 210 Faro Frank; or, Dandy Darke’s Go-Down Pards BY CAPT. ALFRED B. TAYLOR U. 8. A, 191 Buffalo Billy, the Boy Bullwhacker. 194 Buffalo BUli's Bet; or, The Gambler Guide, BY LIEUT, A. K. SIMS, 546 Captain Cactuny, the Chaparral Cock, 568 The Dandy of Dodge. 576 The Silver Sport. 588 Saffron Sol, the Man With » Shadow 5689 Tom-Cat and Pards or, The Dend Set at Silver City. 601 Happy Hana, the Duleh Videcg. 611 Bildad Barnacle, the Detective Hercules. 622 Texas Tom-Cat’« Triad 681 Tom Cat’s Terrible Task. 688 Tom-Cat’s Triumph; or, Bleck Dan’s Great Combine. 646 Cowboy Gid, the Cattle-Range Getective, 657 Warbling William, the Mountain Mountebank. G65 Jolly Jereminhy the Plains Detective. 676 Signal Sam, the Lookout Scont. 689 Billy the Gypsy Spy. 699 Rbaple Sim, the Broncho Buster. 712 The Meameriat Sport; or, The Mystified Detective. 758 Toltec Tom, the Mad Prospector, MIBOELLANEOUS AUTHORSA, 4 The ae Iiuntersa. By Capt. Mayne Rela and rederic er, ® Adventures of Baron Munchausen, 12 Gulliver’s Travels. By Dean Swift, 14 Aladdin; or, The Wonderful Lamp, 16 Robinson Crusoe. (27 Tlustrations.) 18 Sindbad the Sallor. His Seven Voyages, 22 Tha Sea Serpent; or, The Boy Robinson Crusoe. By Juan owls, 88 Fee neem Pleodhounds or, The Red Pirates of the arribees, ys. . Pierce, 86 The Boy Clown: or, The A n. By F 8. Finn. ‘88 Ned W yide, the Bos is aoat By rem tack” $1 The Boy Rites: or. The Underground Camp. By A. C. Trone, »RS : ne Rival Rovers or, The Freebooters of the Misslasipp). y Lieut.-Col. Hageltine. 98 Robin Hood, the Outlawed Ear); or, The Merry Men of Green- wood. By Prof. Gildersleeve. 105 Oa Rube, the Hunter; or, The Crow Captive, By Captain amilton Holmes. 112 The Mad Itunters of ‘he Cave of Death. By Burton Baxe. 124 Tippy. the ‘Texans or, The Young Champion. By George Gleraon. 128 The \ onng Pelvatecr : or, The Pirate’a Stronghold, By Harry Cavendish, 148 Sharp Riu ¢ or, The Adventures of a Friendless Boy, By ), Ale der Patten. 227 Dusky Darreliy a * phd The Green Ranger of the Yo)- . t : Vv a W 1 nm. 261 varede Fearnanght the New Y rk Boy. By a. L. Atken, 266 Killbiar. " Leann ir, Davy Crockett’s Crooked Trall, By Ensign ©. 2. Arren. 298 ied Claws 1 a ed Trapper; or, The Maid of the Clif, By Captain Com ok. B17 Peacock Fete. the Lively Lad from Leadville, By Liev- tenan « 0 " Pett Mae Minee Wert te oe Mickey . 850 Ked Ralph, the River Rover; or, tne Brother's Re- venge, By Ned Buntline. £65 Baltimore Ren the pon ad Detective, By A. P.M Grd Gehiabute Wich “iisee rai ae team Hoyer Monastery. gun Hil Rebeka ig cunt _ae 2: h 1€ ae hip, By John S “Warner. 484 Comanehe' Dick and Hix Three Invinetbles. By e . € + 582 The Cowboy Duke. By Ea ke Forrest. BSL Ariel the Athlete. By David Drtane 2 5S Will Waters, the Boy Ferret, By lH. Enton. 682 The Dond Petective’s Double. By Gerald Carlton, 721 Maverick Mone, the Arizona Detective, or, The Wieaad or Urko» Pass. By Wl] Lisenbee, A New issue Every Tuesday. The Half-Dime Wibrary 1» for -ale by ail newsdealors, five cents per Copy, or sent by mail on receipt of alx cents each. BEADLE AND ADAMB, Publisaers, 08 William Street, New Vor,
Page 16
BY EDWARD L. WHEELER. Deadwood Dick Novela, 1 Deadwood Dick, the Prince of the Road. 20 Deadwood Dick’s Defiance; or, Double Daggers. 28 Deadwood Dick ti Disguise; or, Bulfal, ben 85 Deadwood Dick in Hix Castle. 42 Deadwood Dick’s Bonanza; o , The vantom Miner. 49 Deadwood 67 Deadwood Deadwood 77 Deadwood Deadwood Deadwood Deadwood ise Deudwood Deadwood Deadwood Deadwood Deadwood Deadwood Dick in Danger; or, Omsna OU. Dick’sa Eugles; or, The Pards of Fieod Bar. Dick on Deck ¢ or, Culamity ¢ 'ne. the Heroine, | Dick’s Last Acts or, Cordurey Cinrlie. Dick in Leadville. Dick’« Device; or, the Double Crose Sign. Dick an Detective. Dick's Double; or, The Gorzon’s Gulch Ghost. Dick’s Home Base; or, Blonde Dil. Dick’s Big Strike; or, A Gane of Gold. Dick of Deadw roe Pi or, The Picked Party. Dick’s Dreams or, The Rivi ls of the Road. Dick’s Ward; or, The Black Hill’s Jesebdel. Dick’s Doom 3 or, Calamity Jane’s Adventure, Deadwood Dick’s Dead Deal. Deadwood Dick’s Death-Plant. Gold-Duat Dick. A Komuance of Roughs and Toughs, Deadwood Vick’s Divide; or, The Spirit of Swamp Lake. Deadwood Dick’s Death Tra lL Deadwood Dick’« Deal; or, The Gold Brick of Oregon, Deadwood Vick’s Dozen; or, The Fakir of Phantom Flats Deadwood Dick’a Ducuts; or, Days in the Digzings, Deadwood Dick Sentenced; or, The Terrible Vendetta, 862 Deadwood Dick’s Claim. 405 Deadwood Dick in Dead City. Deadwood Dick’s Diamonds, lbeadwood Dick in New York} or, A “Cute Care,” Deadwood Dick’s Duaty; or, The Chained Hand, Deadwood Dick, Jr. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’a, Defance. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Full iland. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’ "hy Bir Round-Up. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’ * Racket at Claim 10, Deadwood Dick, J Corral; or, Bozeman Bill. Deadwood Dick, Dor Detective. Deadwood Dick, Jr., In Deady ood. Deadwood Dick, Jrs'H, Compact. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’ my Inheritance, Deadwooa Dick, Jr.’a, Digginga. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Deliverance, Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Protegee. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’«, Three, Deadweod Dick, Jr.’s, Danger Ducks, Peadwood Dick, Jr.’», Death Hunt. Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Texans. Deadwood Dick, Jr., the Wild West Vi Deadwood Dick, Jr., on Mia Mettle. Deadwood Dick, Jr., In Gotham, Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Boston, Deadwood Dick; Jr., in Philadelphia. Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Chicago. Deadwood Dick. Jr., Afloat. Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Denver. Deadwood Dick. Jr.'s, Decree. Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Beelzebub’s Basin, Deadwood Dick, Jr., at Coney Island. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Leadville Lay. Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Detrolt. Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Cincinnati. Dendwood Dick, Jr., in Nevada, Dendwood Dick, Jr., in No Man’s Land, Deadwood Dick, Jr., After the Queer. Deadwood Dick. Jr., In Buffalo. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Chase Across the Continent Deadwood Dick, Jr., Among the Smugglers. Dendvood Dick, Jr.’4, Insuronce Case, Deadwood Dick, Jr., Back in the Mines, Deadwood Dick, Jr., (n Durangos or, “ Gathered In.” Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Discovery; or, Found a Fortune. Deadwood Dick, Jdr,’s. Dazzle. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’«. Dollars. % Deadwood Dick, Jr., at Vanger Divide, Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Drop. Deadwood Dick, Jr., at Jack-Pot. Deadwood Dick, Jr., in San Francisco, Deadwood Jrve, Still Hunt. Deadwood Jr.’a, Dominoes, Deadwood Jr.’ "Ay Disgulae. Deadwood > Jr.” "hy Double Deal. Dendwood Dick, Jr.’s, Deathwatch. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Doublet. € BY CHARLES MORRIS, 118 Will Somers, the Boy Detective, 122 Phil Hard ? the Boss Boy. 126 Picayune Pete ; or, Nicodemus, the Dog Detective, 180 Detective Dick; or, The Hero in 142 Handsome Harry, the Bootblack Detective, Will Wildfire, the Thoroughbred. Black Reaa, Will Wildfire’s Racer. tke Merry the Harbor Police Boy. will w Wildfire in ng Sad code. a. y Ba age, the roac A Trum Gard’: or, Will wilitive Wins and Loses, Bob Rockett; or, Mysteries of New York. Bob Rockett, the Bank Runner, 8 The Hidden Hand } ot Will Wildfire’s Revenge. 187 Fred Halyard, the Life Boat Boy; or, The Smugglers, 189 Rob Rockett; or, Driven to the Wall. 196 cuatenes) or, Bob Kockett’s Fight for Life, 206 Dark Pau the Tiger King. 212 Dashing Dave, the Dandy Detective, 220 ‘Tom Tanner 3 or, The Black Sheep of the Flock. 225 Sam Charcoal the Premium Darky, 285 Shadow Sam, the Messenger Boy. 242 The Two * Bloods”; or, Shenandoah Bill and His Gang. 252 Diek 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 Yo oung Detective, 298 The Water-Hound; or, The Young Thoroughored. £805 Dashuway, of Dakotas or, A Western Lad in Quaker City. $24 Ralph Ready, the Hote) Boy Detective. 841 Tony Thorne, the V: Agabond Detective, 858 The Reporter-Detective; or, Fred Flyer’s Blizzard, BET? Wide-Awake Joe; or, A Boy of the Times. 879 Larry, the Leveler; or, The Bloods of the Boulevard, 408 Flireily Jack, the River-Rat Detective. 428 The Lost Finger; or, The Entrapped Carbier. 428 Fred Fiver, the Reporter Detective. AB2 Invincible "fic tag the Pinkerton Ferret. 456 Billy Briek, the Jolly Vaeanond, 466 Wide-Awake Jerry, Detective: or, Entombed Alive. A479 Detective Dodge: or, The Mystery of Frank Hearty. 484% Wild Dick Racket. 501 Roots, the Boy Fireman: or, Too Sharp for the Sharper, 56 The Secret > en's e Roy Detective. 596 Jimmy the Kid; or, A Lamb Among Wolves. 627 Tom Bruce of Arkansas: or, The Wolfin the Fold. 655 Plucky Paul, the Boy Speculator. 667 Rob and Sam, the Daisy Detectives. 709 The OCurbstone Detective; or, Harry Hale’s Big Beat. _e ee moron « 6 z z z 8 Other Novels by FE. L, Wheeler. 26 Cloven Woof, the Buffalo Demon. 82 Bob Woolf or, The Girl Dead-Shot. $9 Deuth-F MCE, Detective; or, Life in New York. 45 Old Avalanche; or, Wild Edna, the Girl Brigand. 58 Jim Bludsoe, Jr., the Boy Phenix. 61 Buckhorn Bills or, The Red Rifle Team 69 Gold Rifte, the Sharpel 1ooter; or, The Bo g¢ Rosebud Rob; or, Nugget Ned, the Kn Detective, ght. Idyl, see: Girl M iner3 or, Ro sebud Rob on Hand. 88 Pieto h PHIL; or, Rosebud Rob's Reap pearance. 92 Cana Yhet 3 or, Old Anaconda in Sitting Bull’s Camp, gC W oteh-EF 3 or, Arabs snd Angels of a Great City, 118 Jack Rous the Young Speculator. 117 Gilt-Kdged Dick, the Sport Detective 321 Cinnamon Chip, the Girl Sport. 12% Bonanza Gill, Miner. 188 Boas Bob the King of Bootblacks. Al Solfld Sam, the Boy Road-Agent. 46 Captain Ferret, the New York Detective. 61 New York Nell, the Boy-Girl Detective. Nobby Nick of Nevadny or, The Sierras Scamps. Wild Franky, the Buckskin Bravo. Fritz, the Bound-Boy Detective. Fritz to the Fronty; or, The Ventriloquist Hunter, Snoozer, the Boy Sharp; or, The Arab Hetaaaee, atl, the Trail Tornado. ae 1 wz S81 o9 8 6 RS SBS RS RS bat nt at tt 1 2 86 Apollo I 240 Cyclone Kit, the Young Gladiator 244 Sierra Sam, the Frontier Ferret. 248 Slerra Sam’s Secret; or, The Bloody Footprints. 255 Slerra Sam’s Pards or, The Angel ot Big Vista, 258 Sierra Saim’s Sevens or, The Stolen Bride. 278 Jumbo Joe, the Key Patrol; or, The Rival Heirs, 277 Denver Doll, the Detective Queen. 281 Denver Doll's Victory. 255 Denver Doll's Decoy 5 or. Little Bill’s Bonanza, 291 Turk the Boy Ferre 296 Denver Doll's Drift: a The Road Queen. 299 A No, 1, the Dashing Toll-Taker. 808 ’Liza Jane, the Girl Miner; or, the Iron-Nerved Sport. 825 Kelley, Hickey & Oo., the Detectives of Philadelphia, B80 Little Qu!ck-Shot3 or, The Dead Face of Daggersville, 884 Kangaroo Kit; or, The Mysterious Miver. 889 Kangaroo Kit’s Racket. 848 Manhattan Mike, the Bowery Ulood. 858 First-Class Fred, he Gent from Gopher. 868 Vreka Jim, the Gold- Guthevert or, The Life Lottery. 872 Yreka Jim’s Prize. 78% Nabob Ned or, The Secret of Slab City. 82 Cool Kit, the King of Kids; or, A Villain’s Vengeance, 885 Yreka Jim's Joker 3 or, The Rivals of Red Nose. 889 Bicycle Ben; or. The Lion of Lightning Lode, 894 Yreka Jim of Yuba Dam. 400 Wrinkles, the Night-Watch Detective. 416 High Hat Narry, the Base Ball Detective, 6 Sam Slabsidea, the Beggar-Boy Detective. 484 Jim Beak and Pal, Private Detectives. 488 Santa Fe Sal, the Slasher. 486 Seulskin Sam, the Sparkier. RY T. ©. HARBAUGH. 28 Nick o’ the Night; or, The Boy Spy of '76. 87 The Hidden Lodge; or The Litt! Hunter. 47 Nightingale a Kets ‘Tne Porest Captains, 2 Dandy Jack 3 or, The Ontlaws of the Oregon Trail. 2 Kit Harefoot the Wood-Hawk. oa Midnight duck 3 or, The Boy Trapper. 106 Old Froaty, the Guide: or, The White Queen, 128 Kiowa Charley the White Mustanger. 189 Judge Lynch as or, The Boy Vigilante. as Gold Tr geer, the sh rt; er, The Gir) Avenger. 169 Tornado SF om 3 or, Injun Jack From Red Core, Les Ned Temple, the Border Boy. 198 Arkanaaw ¢ or, The Quen of Fate 207 Navajo Nick, the Boy Gold Hunter. | 215 Captain Bullets or, Little Tovknot’s Crusade, | 281 Piueky Phils or, Roan, the Re! Jezebel, | Set Bill Brave: or, The Roughs of the Rockies, { | ! | 9 Revenge. 255 Captain Apoli , tne King-Pin of Bowie. 267 The Buckskin Detective. 279 Old Winch}; or. The Hucksxin Desperadoes. 294 Dynamite Dany or, The Bowle Plade of Gochetopa. 802 The Mountain Detective ; or, The Trigger Bar Bully. 816 Old Eellyac, Trump Card of Arizona, 826 The Ten VParés: or. The Terror of Take-Notice. 886 Rig Benson; or, The Queen of the Lasso. 845 Pitileas Matt; or, Ked Thunderbolt’s Secret, B54 ool sam and Par '¢ or The Terrible Six, 866 Velvet Foot, the Indian Detective. 886 Captain Cutlasa; or, 1 he Br ccaneer’s Girl Foe. 896 Rough Rob; or, The Twin Champions of Blue Blazes, 411 The Silken Lasko: or, The tose of Ranch Robin, 418 Felix Fox, the Boy Spotter. 425 Texas Ertemps the Border Rattler. 486 Phil Flash, t New York Fox. 445 Vhe City Vamplres; or, ked Rolfe’s Pigeon. 461 One Against Fifty 3 or,'!he Last Man of Keno Bay. 470 The Boy Shadows or, Felix Fox’s Hunt. 47?7 The Fxeolsion Sport; or, The 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’« Beat Dodge. 528 Fox and Falcon, the Bowery Shadows, 588 Dodger Dick, the Dock Ferret. ARK Dodger Dick’a Double; or, The Rival Boy Detectives, 658 Dodger Dick’s Desperate 568 Dodger Dick, the Boy Vidocq. 578 The Two Shadows. 5BS2 Dodger Dick’s Drop. 594 Little Lon, the Street-Singer Detective, 610 Old Skinner the Gold Shark; or, Tony Sherp on Gnard, 626 The Champion Parda, 687 Dick Doan, the Dock Boy Detective. 645 Kit, the Pavement Sharp. 658 Billy Bantam, the Boy Beagle. 671 Jersey Jed, the Boy Hustler; or, Shadowing the Shadower. 685 pePpy Hugh, the Boy Musician Detective, 701 Photograph Fred, the Camera Sha 715 Wide Awake Len, the 782 Daisy Dell, the Pavement } Case. uaker City Ferret. etective; or, Trapping Bg Game. BY WM. G. PATTEN. 489 The Diamond Sport: or, The Double Face of Bed Rock. 819 Captain Mystery ¢ or, Five in One. 881 Dalia , Pare the Sport from Denver. 587 Old Bombshell, the Ranger Detective. 604 Iron Fern, the Man of Fire, 619 The Boy Tramp Detective; or, The Doubie Grip Witness 629 Violet Vane, the Velvet Spon. 641 Dismal Dave's Dandy Pard. 651 Bound Boy Frank, the Young Amateur Detective 66% Violet Vane’s Victory. €82 Wild Vulean, the Lone- Range Rider, 69R Violet and Daisy, t the Posy Pards. 705 Violet Vane'’s Vow: or, The Cratty Detective’s Craft. Z14 Old Misery, the Man from Missouri. 724 Violet Vane’s pomerasee 780 Violet Vane’« Verdict Tal Violet Vane, the Vent riloquist Vidoeg. Sa ee ee Published sets Pucsday y. Hach Issue Drei 22: and a Bold at the Uniform ssn of Five Ceits. No Double Numbers. RY COLONEL PRENTISS INGRAHAM, o t The Flying Yankee; or, The Ocean Outcast, 17 Ralph Roy, the toy Bucean ery o View Fugitive Yacht, 24 Ibamond Dirk's or, The Mystery ot the Yellowstone, 62 'The Shadew Ships or. The Rival Lieutenants. 75 Vhe Boy Unmeliats or, The Croise of the Sea-Woll. 102 Dick Dead-Ey e, the Boy Smuuwier. 111 The Seu-Devil 5 or, Che Midelipmau's Legacy. 116 The Hussar C Capen 3 or, The Hennit ot Hell Gate 197 Little Grit; Bessie. the Stock Ais ders Daughter. 204 Gold Plume ¢ or, butfile Kill, the Pony Express Rider. 216 Bison Bill, the Prince of the Reins; or, Butlulo Bill's Pluck 222 Grit, the Bravo Sports or, The Wowati Trailer, 429 Crimaon Kate 3 or, The Cowboy's Triumph 2537 Lone Star, the Cow boy Captain, 245 Merle, the Middy ¢ or, The Freelance Heir. 250 ‘he Midshipman Mutineer 3 or, Brandt, the Bnecaneer. 264 The Floating F cather: or, diirie Monte’s Treasure, 260 The Gold Ship; or, Merle, ine Condemned. 276 Merle Monte’s Cruises or,” She Gold Ship ” Chase. 280 Merle Monte’s Fate 3 or, Pearl, the irnte's Bride, 284 The Sea Marauder}; ‘or, Merle: Monte’s Pledge. 287 Billy Blue-Eyes, the Boy Rover of the Rio Grande. 804 The Dead Shot Dandy 3 or, Benits. the Buy Bogler. 808 Rene Kit; or, Dead Shot Dandy’s Double. $14 The Mysterious Marauder} or, The Boy Bugler's Trail. 877 Bonodel, the Huy Rover; or, The Fligless Schooner. 888 The Indian Pi lots or, The Search for PI rate sland, 887 Warpath WII, the Boy Phantom. 898 Seawalf, the Boy Lieutenant. 402 Isodor, the Young Conaptirator; or, The 407 The Bort naurgent}; or, The Cuban Vendetta, 412 The Wild Vachtamany; or, The War-Olovo’s Cruise. 429 Duncan 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 re: : or, Tne Scapegrace of the Sea, 459 Wizard WIII: or, The Boy Ferret of New York. 454 Wizard Will's Street Scouta. 462 The Born Guide}; or. The Suiior Boy Wanderer. 468 Neptune Ned, the Boy Coaster, 474 Flora; or, Wizard Will’s Vagabond Pard, 488 Ferrets Aflonts or, Wizard Will’s Last Case, 487 Nevada Ned, the Revolver Ranger 495 Arizona Joe the Buy Pard of Texas Jack, 497 Buck Taylor, King ot the Cowboys. 508 The Roynl Midéy ¢ or, The Shark and the Sea Cat, 507 The Hunted Midshi 511 The Outlawed Mid 520 Buckskin EBAll, the C sani Shadow. 525 Brothers ti: Rnelcaithen 5630 The Buckskl i Bowers, 685 The Buc skin Rovers, 5640 Captain F u-Vlux, the Marauder of the Rie, 545 Lieutenant Le he Son of Lafitte. 550 Lafitte’s Legac wv. The Avenging Son. bb%> The Creole ¢ nate: 560 Pawnee Bil, the l’rairie Shadower. 565 Kent Kingdon, the Card King. 570 Camilic, the Card Queen. 575 The Surgeon-Scout Detective. 680 The Oulcast Cudet; or, ‘ile False Detective, 586 The Buekesekin Avenrer. 591 De lmont >. the Young Sea- Rover. Fatal Leagues dyrrmaig 3 597 Tho ¥¢ Texan Detective. 602 The Vaeahor (| ofthe Mines. 6907 The Rover Detective; or, Keno Kit’s Champione, 617 el the Thead-Shot Scout; or, The Rio Raiders, 644 e Hercules Hichwaymar. 650 ution Billy, the Pony Kider Detective; or, Buffale ’a Bov Para. 656 Butterfly Billy’ « Man Hunt. 662 Butterfly Milly's Benanza. 668 The Buccaneer Midshipman. oo The Wizard Sailor; or, Red Ralph, the Rover. 9 The Sea “hadower; or, The Freebeoter’s Legacy. $56 Orlando, the Ocean Free Flag; or, The Tarnished Name. 692 The Rival Sharps; or, Redfern, the Secret Service Scout. 697 The Scarlet Sombrero; or, The Sharp from Texne, 702 Blue Jacket Bill; or, The Red Hat Rangers’ Red Hot Rackets ZO? The Red Sombrero Rangers; or, Redfern’s Last Trai). 718 Carl, the Mad Cowboy; or, The Lariat Queen. 719 Pawnee BHI« Pledge; or, The Cowboy Kidnapper. 725 Daring Dick, Pawnee Bill’s ard; or, The Red Cayaliy Raid. 781 Ruth Redmond, the Gir) Shadower. 787 Buck Taylor, the Comanche’s Captive. BY BUFFALO BILL (Hon. Wm. F. Cody). 8 Kansas King; or, The Red Right Hand. 19 The Phantom Spy: 07, The Pilot of the Praizie, 55 Deadly-Fye, the Unknown Scout, 68 Border Robin Hood} or, The Prairie Rover. 168 Fancy Frank of Colorado; or, The Trapper’s Trust. LATEST AND NEW ISSUES. T42 Billy Winks, the Bell Boy Detective; or, Breaking the Meshes of the Golden Coil, By T. C, Harhangh. 748 Buck Taylor’s Boyan; or, The Red Riders ef the Rie Grande, By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 744 Dick of the Docks, the Niglt-Watch; er, The Water Wail’s Dead Past, By Jo Pierce. 4b Kansan Jim, the Cross-Cut Detective; or, The Raiders of the Range. By Lieut, A, K. Sima. 746 Quict Jack, the Secret Service Spy; or, Too Much for Red Levry. By Dan Dunning, (of the Secret Service Corps), 747 Deadw ood Rick, Irs, Donblets or, The Tandem Team of Teddy's Tailings. By Edward L. Wheeler. TAS Silverblade, the Friendly; or, The Border Beagle’s Boy Pard. By Jos. &. Badger, Jr: TA9 Dashine Chartier, the Young Sealp-Taker: or. The Kentucky Tenderfoot’s First Trl. Ly Col Prentiss Ingraham. 750 Violet Vane, the Vanquished; or, The Life Struggle at Shanty City, By Wm. G. Patten. 751 Go'ld-Puet Dan, the Trail Patrol. Ready D cember 15, T52 Deadwood Ptek, Jr.’*, Peathblow; or, The Little Cireus ot Last Chance, By Edwara L. Wheeler. Ready December 22. A New Issue Every Tucaday- The Half- Dime Library 'e for sate by al] newsdealers, five centa per copy, or sent by mail on receipt of six cents each, BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers, By John W. Oxbon. 98 William Street, New York,