Beadle's Half Dime Library (no. 697) (1890 12 02)
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3 “ied on after the Sig the large : d then d he : : the 2 se sumepummeenenene, 2 x $2.E0 Price, No. 697. a Year. No. 98 WILLIAM STREET, NEW YORK, 5 Gents. Vol. XXVIL ) | SSS ISSWSS } . : . \ HAN (hi) 1 tty / th iat ll The Sharp from Texas. A Romance ot Mining Life in New Mexico, and Companion Story to ** The Rival Sharps,» BY COL. PRENTISS INGRAHAM. CHAPTER I. THE RED SOMBRERO. “ HERE comes ther Revolver Sharp!” “Yes, pard, an’ now say yer prayers, fer ef ther man with ther red sombrero says yer is Trent Baxter, then yer hangs afore sunset, just Ln ———-— j Dewey 4 rT as Judge Lynch hes condemned ye to,” “FLY LIKE A BIRD, GOOD HORSE FOR THE FORT, TO GIVE WARNING OF DEATA ON THE The words came from two men among a wild TRAIL,” AND THE SCARLET SOMBRERO RODE AWAY LIKE THE VERY WIND.
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J The Scarlet Sombrero. 'y seen nowhere else except "s or in the mining regions of the @ costumes were picturesque in their Ess, and not a man of the two score but armed with revolvers and bowie, while a carried rifles, Some had come to the scene mounted, others afoot, and all seemed influenced with one desire, one aim—to hang a man who stood in their midst, his hands securely bound behind his back, his neck encircled with a rope, the other end of which was thrown over.the large limb of a tree beneath which he stood, ‘The man was also clad in frontier garb, a tall, broad-shouldered fellow of forty-five, with long, black hair and beard and a face not prepossess- ing though bandsome. The group of men weré scouts, trappers, min- ers, settlers, and perhaps a few. whose calling if known would place them also in the position of the man whom they had doomed to death at the rope’s end. The victirn was accused of being the leader of a band of outlaws and a renegade. Some ons had recognized him 1n the settlements and the quick result was his seizure and trial, the latter being conducted in the off-band but dangerous and merciless courtof Judge Lynch, After having been tried and condemned the prisoner urged that he was not Blue Jacket Bill, the outlaw chief, whom he was accused of being, and begged for time to give proof, A few of the wiser heads had argued that he be spared a few days, when one of the crowd said he had seen, over in the settlement, one who knew the outlaw chief well, and volunteered to gv and fetch bim. This was agreed to, and the crowd played cards, ran foot and horse races, and passed the time in other ways agreeable to themselves while the man was gouve after the one in whose hands was the fate of the prisoner. A cheer greeted the courier and the one who accompanied him, as they rode up, and the crowd hastily gathered about them, while all eyes were turned upon the stranger, and with considerable curiosity mingled with admiration. He was a mere youth, scarcely eighteen, and rode a blood-bay horse whose equipments were of the Mexican style of saddle and bridle and profusely ornamented with silver. The rider had a face to remember always; when once seen—a daring, resolute and intelli- gent face, yet one which might be considered really beautiful for a woman, so perfect were the features—so delicate and refined, The brown waving hair falling upon his shoul- ders, and his face beardless, added to his effem- inate look, while bis splendid physique, tall, athletic and a perfect type of manhood, showed a strange combination of womanly face and manly form. His attire was that of a Mexican gentleman, with white silk shirt and velvet jacket and bands trimmed with gold braid and buttons. His head was sbeltered with a broad-brimmed sombrero of light scarlet hue, encircled by a gold cord, the rim looped up with a pin of solid gold, representing a buman eye formed of pearls, onyx and a diamond pupil. The red sombrero gave him an odd, but pictur- esque appearance, and yet, young as he was, Redfern the Scout was known far and wide along the frontier as the ‘‘ Gold Revolver Sharp,” for his weapons were mounted with that precious metal. To bardly any one of the crowd was he known personally, but to all by name and deeds, and it being recalled that he had once captured Blue Jacket Bill, the outlaw chief, down in New Mexico, they knew that the Red Sombrero was the one to decide as to whether the prisoner was the .nan to be hanged or not. So the Scarlet Sombrero was greeted with a cheer, as much for himself as for the fact that now the Vigilantes had the chance to ‘‘ hang, or not to hang,” the accused, as the new evidence might warrant. CHAPTER II. THE RIGHT MAN. THE prisoner viewed the youth as he came up with an expression full of anxiety. His face was very white, like that of a man whose grave was dug and he was looking down into it, knowing his minutes vere numbered, The youth scarcely bestowed a glance upon the prisoner, but touched his red sombrero in a courtly way to the crowd, and riding to the top of the hill dismounted. A man stepped forward to hold his horse, but Redfern said, quietly: ‘Thank you, but he is trained to stand.” Then the “ Judge” came forward. He wasa miner, with a strong face, and who looked like a man who had been reared ina different atmos- phere from the many about him, ‘*You are Mr. Redfern, sir, I believe?” he said, politely, gazing with interest into the face of the youth. ‘*Tam Redfern, the Scout, sir. May I ask who it is I have the pleasure of meeting?” ‘*My name is Lynch, Scout Redfern, and, as the boys bave made me the head of our border court, such as it is, they call me Judge Lynch, a not inappropriate name just now as we have sentenced a mau to die.” ** Your messenger said that he had been re- cogpized as Trent Baxter, a New Mexican out- law, who wes better known as Blue Jacket Bill.” “Yes, and as there was some doubt we sent for you, as some one said you knew the prisoner well.’ “i knew the outlaw chief Blue Jacket Bill, sir. ‘* And can decide for us if this man is the one we believe bim to be?” ‘* Yes, Judge Lyncb.” ‘“*Then your testimony hangs him, or sets him free, Please come with me and decide,” Redfern walked forward with the ‘‘ Judge” to where the prisoner stood, the crowd making way for him. The prisoner eyed their approach like an ani- mal at bay. Walking straight up to the condemned man, the young Gold Revolver Sharp gazed a second only into bis face and said: ‘*You have sentenced the right man to be hanged, Judge Lynch, for this is Blue Jacket Bill, the Outlaw Chief.” A wild yell from the crowd greeted the an- nouncement of Scarlet Sombrero, while the prisoner gave a groan of despair and reeled like | one struck a severe blow. But he rallied quickly, and said: ‘Young man, you have placed upon your soul the life of an innocent man, for I am not the one you accuse me of being.” ‘*Do you deny that we have met before?” Ch day? ““Do you deny that you are Trent Baxter?” ‘** No, I do not deny that, for that is my name.” ‘““Were you not known in the mines of New Mexico as the Sharp from Texas?” ‘*T was never in Texas or New Mexico in my life.” ‘*Do you deny that [ arrested you upon tbe charge of Juan the Fox, at Devil’s Ranch, where you were knownas Blue Jacket Bill, chief of the road-agents known as the Blue Jackets?” ‘* You never arrested me on apy such charge, I never saw you before, and you are simply mistaken in your man,” “T am not.” **Then you seek to win favor with this crowd by swearing away my life.” ‘*] will not quarrel with a man with a rope around his neck, Trert Baxter, but I am williug to take my oath that you are the man whose life I once saved when the Vailed Lady of Mex- ico sought to kill you, and whom [ tracked oe until I discovered in you Blue Jacket ill. ‘“*T arrested you and took you to the fort, where one of big men came forward, declaring that he was Blue Jacket Bill, and that you were not; so you were set free, while he was after- ward proven to be a madman—proven by a tang of honest Texans, one claiming that he was his own son. **So he also was set free, and it was found that the honest Texans were no more than the Blue Jackets, playing a ruse to free the man ae had pretended to be the chief of the out- aws. ‘You departed from New Mexico, and now [ meet you face to face here, and if you are hanged, only justice will haye been done.” Redfern spoke in a quiet but determined way, as he recounted the career of the doomed man, and not a person present doubted as to the identity of the prisoner, But the latter gritted his teeth in a despairing sort of way, and cried: ““My God! Iam not the man you deem me to be, and my life be upon your head, “Yes, sleeping and waking, wherever you go, may you be haunted by the memory of having condemned to death an innocent man,” The voice of the prisoner rung out with an in- tense earnestness that seemed to carry truth with it, and the young scout doubtless felt the effect, for he stepped nearer the man and gazed fixedly into his eyes, as thougk to see if there was any mistake. ce a ships ss i gs spl pti ——— 4 or But the Red Sombrero was satisfied with bis scrutiny for he said: **Gentlemen, there is no mistake, “This is your man,” and he strode away tc- ward his horse with the remark to Judge Lynch: ‘I have a long ride ahead of me, sir, 80 must go at once,” ‘* You are sure there is no mistake, Redfern?” ‘* Perfectly so, sir.” ‘*T thank you for coming, sir, and hope some day we shall meet again—ah! the men bave run him up!” and, as the ** Judge’ spoke, there came a stifled ery which ended in a curse and the prisoner was drawn up by over-willing hands into mid-air, With only a glance at the swinging form his word had sent to bis doom, the Scarlet Sombrero sprung into bis saddle and dashed away from the scene of the tragedy. He was quickly followed by the others, who left their victim swingivg to and fro, in full sight of the Overland Trail, asa warning to other law-breakers upon the border, what their fate would be, if taken. CHAPTER III. THE BOY SCOUTS ARRIVAL, ‘“ PIONEER Post” was known to the army as Fort Blanco, and the commandant was a new man upon the frontier, though every inch a soldier. The former commandant had been relieved from duty at his owh request, preparatory to resigning from the army and enjoying a fortune left to him by a bachelor kinsman from whom he had expected nothing. To his successor, wbo had won fame upon the Nortbern frontier as an Indian-fighter, the retir- ing commandant had been anxious to leave all in the very best shape, and make his coming and stay as pleasant as possible. Th3 commandant bad been given various “notes” for his guidance, among which was one that read: ‘* Now absent upon special service in the Northern frontier is a young scout known on the roll as Roy Redfern, but who bas won st veral sobriquets upon this border from certain peculiarities and accom- plishments he is hope -paie of, ‘*More than that, he came to the fort one day over a year ago, bringing tidings of a train to be attacked, and acted as guide to the troops sent to the relief; very little is known, excepting that he calls himself Roy Redfern, yet if he knows, does not say whether he is American or Mexican, ‘He asked for the place of scout and was put under Buckskin Sam, chief of scouts, yet he ee never drawn a dollar of pay, and his services have been mostly special and on secret duty. in which he bas proved himself an invaluable border detective, though in years he is still a boy. “ T have kept secret the fact that he is sent on detective duty, and thus holds an advantage by the fact being unknown, ‘“* Some time sincé he arrested, upon the charge of a Mexican miner from Devil’s Ranch, a gambler- miner as being the recent chief of a band of outlaws, known as the Blue Jackets. “While I had Blue Jacket Bill, the said chief, a cgtaiaed in the fort, another came and claimed to the outlaw leader, so I released the priscner, re- ceiving the self-accused man, and greatiy against Redfern’s will. “Soon after a party professing to be Texan ranchers came and said my man was a maniae, who retended to be Blue Jacket Bill, and giving seem- ng proof, I released him, to discover soon rthat the young scout was right, or so it seem “Redfern took the track of the man he accused, and I have a letter, which I leave for your perusa telling of the hanging of this same Blue Jacket Bil up in Colorado, “He was also known as.the Sharp from Texas, and Trent Baxter. “The sobriquets by which the young scout was known in the mines are ‘The Scarlet Hat,” ‘ Sombrero,’ and ‘The Gold Revolver Sharp,’ and I can recommend him to you as being as true as steel, and only hope you may solve the mystery regarding him. ‘*As you can see by his letter, he speaks of going to Mexico, to the hacienda of @ Woman of mystery who dwells there, and who seems to hold some strange influence over the youth; but if you can keep him with you, I advise you to do wo.” Such was the note left by the retiring com- mandaut regarding the mysterious youth known as Redfern the Scout, whose word, as the reader has seen, caused the outlaw chief to be swung up to a tree in Colorado by “Judge Lynch” and his party of Regulators, Colonel Rockwood at once took a deep interest in the young scout, and questioned his chief of scouts, Buckskin Sam * and bis cfficers about Redfern, but he could learn from them nothing * Major Sam 8. Hall of Texas, a man who died afew years ago and left a national reputation be bind him.--Tae AUTHOR.
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ak bad sa a FR et ~ The Scarlet Sombrero. more about the youth, and could only await his return to the fort to report upon the special duty upon which he bad been sent by the for- mer commandant, Pioneer Post was delightfully located, and though in a dangerous positivn it was a favorite with officers and men, as well as the families of those who resided there. The accommodations were ample, comfortable, and the situationa nd surroundings all that could be wished, while the Comanches, Apaches, outlaws and the disturbing element in the mines a day’s ride away, kept life from growing mo- notonous, Colonel Martyn Rockwood entered upon his command under pleasant auspices all around. He was popular with those officers who knew him, and admired by those who were acquainted with bis record as a soldier. A+*bandsome, dashing fellow, be was a favorite with the ladies, and it was known that life at Fort Blanco would still continue to be as delight- ful as under its former commander, when fears had been entertained that some cross old officer would be sent there who would make all about bim generally wretched. A welcoming reception was given to Colonel Rockwood, by the officers of the post, and in the height of enjoyment an orderly reported the arrival of: ‘*Redfern the Scout, sir, and it’s important to see you at once, sir.” CHAPTER IV. THE WAR TRAIL. A- HORSEMAN was riding along a rough trail leading through New Mexico, and in the intense darkness of a cloudy night leaving it to tbe in- telligence of his horse to pick his way, Suddenly he drew rein, as the trail wound over the top of a ridge, and before him flasbed the light of a camp-fire, a mile away. But only for a minute, for then the light was no longer seen, ‘* The light of a camp-fire here,” muttered the horseman. ‘That means soldiers moving into the Indian country to strike a blow, or red-skins secretly making for the settlements to burn, pillage and kill, “Tf neither, then it is a band of outlaws in hiding; but certainly one of the three, and I will do well to find out which.” So saying he dismounted, hitched his horsein a secure place of hiding and went forward on foot. It was a rugged way that he took, for he fol- lowed no trail, and at last came to a cliff over- hanging a narrow valley which was almost a canyon. The darkness was intense, but a faint glimmer was seen among the rocks, and about it were moving forms, while thé low hum of many voices came to the ears of the watcher. ‘‘ Indians, and plenty of them,” he muttered, and then he seemed to be in a qnandary, for he did not make a move for a long while. Atlast he returned to his horses, remounted, and rode back upon the trail he had come, This he held for a couple miles when he came to a stream and turned his horse down its course. It was rough traveling, but the horse seemed to understand just what was expected of him and after a long jaunt of it, waded out upon an island formed by the stream and which wasa wild and rocky spot half an acre in size. “Tt’s risky, Rover, but we must take the chances, “They are not returning from a foray, or they would not be in hiding, and they will travel by day and must cross by the ford and camp to-morrow night within easy ride of the fort, or the settlement, whichever trail they take when they reach Valley Pass. ‘*T think we are right, Rover, and we’ll risk it: bus if some red-skin iscurious enough to poke his nose in here then we will have the odds against us a hundred to one.” But the speaker, who addressed his horse as though he understood the situation fully, set about making himself comfortable for the bal- ance of the night. ' He found a good place for bis horse among the rocks, where he could crop bunches of grass, and a place to spread his blankets, and in a very short while he was fast asleep. When he awoke the dawn had come, and his ears detected a distant, rumbling sound. Quickly he sprung to his horse and drew a bag over his head with the remark: “I trust you, Rover, but I must be doubly pure, for they are coming!” Then he saddled his horse, rolled up his blank- ets, and taking up a position among the rocks, retell in the midst of some bushes, waited patiently, rifle in hand, The daylight revealed that the horseman was the Gold Revolver Sbarp, dressed, as when seen in Colorado a few months before, in his gorgeous Mexican costume, while the animal he rode was his spendid blood. The position which he had taken cn the island gave him a view of a ford across the stream a hundred yards above. The trail led among rocks, coming out of a canyon, into the streain, which was a couple of feet deep, had a rapid current, which was broken into foam by many bowlders scattered here and there in its course. As the Scarlet Sombrero watched from his point of observation, he saw come into sight two horsemen. They were Indians, as the one word of Red- fern explained: ** Comanches!” These two halted in the ford to water their ponies, and then rode slowly on, to disappear in a mountain pass. Soon after a dozen came together, and passed on at a pace which showed that they were in no hurry. Then eame a large force under a chief, fully four-score in number, and following were a couple of hundred more, who made quite a halt at the ford. Some of them rode up, some down the stream, to give their ponies more room to drink, away from the crowd, and one warrior came on to the island and attentively regarded it. He was not thirty paces from the young scout on the rocks, and little suspected that a rifle covered his heart. The force straggled on, but this Indian was curious about that island, and so he rode on until he came to a narrow opening among the rocks, which he could ride through. Something there seemed to catch his eye, and he sprung to the ground and attentively re- garded the tracks he saw there. Then he moved on cautiously, leading his pony by his lariat, and disappeared among the rocks, just as the last stragglers of the band moved out of sight up the pass two hundred yards away. Suddenly the warrior started, and his hund was raised to his lips to utter a yell, for his eves had fallen upon the blood-red bay, with bis Mexican saddle on, and muffled bead, and he was going to give a warning to his comrades. But the ringing war-cry was changed into a death-moan, as an arrow pierced his throat, and he dropped in his tracks, ‘* Just in time,” muttered the youth, as he quickly fitted another arrow to the bow he car- ried and kept his eye upon the fallen form. “If he had given that yell, ’'d have hada race of it; but I guess he’s dead,” He watched him for some time, at the same time keeping his eye upon the ford and saw another band of warriors cross, some forty in number, The Indian pony still stood among the rocks, held by the dead hand of bis rider, he believed, and Redfern was anxious to have all the Co- manches go by, fearing the animal might give a neigh. Soon after a small squad of red-skins crossed, and ten minutes after two more, and Redfern muttered, as he left his position among the bushes: ‘*T think those aré all, but I must be can- tious.” CHAPTER V. THE WARNING. Tue first act of the young scout was to slip down behind the Indian pony, his arrow held in his bow, and when the animal beheld him he gave a sudden snort of terror at sight of a white man and sprung forward, But the arrow left the bow and the sharp point was buried in the neck just back of the head and he dropped dead almost falling upon bis Indian master. “Tt was a pity to kill you, pony, but then it had to be done asa frightened neigh would bring the band back upon me,” and Redfern leant over and examined the traps of the red-skin. ‘Yes, cooked meat, and in fighting trim, as I er ot “Well, your war trail is ended,” and the youth, by & quick movement of his hand tore the scalp from the head of the dead warrior and fastened it toa string of others hanging to his saddle. “ The string is growing,” he said grimly, ashe took the bag from the head of bis horse, mount- ed and rode away from the island. re ————————— 3 Reaching the ford he hurried on after the Comanches, riding very slowly along the large and well marked trail. For several hours he held on, now and then reaching a poiut from whence far abroad he could see the two trailers who brought up the rear of the red-skins, but being careful to keep out of sight himself, At last, at noon, he halted, for he knew that the red-skins would stop for an hour, or more. He did not halt on the trail, but away from it he placed his horse, while he crept back toa hiding place to watch and eat his cold dinner, The idea came to bim that the warrior might be skinned and a search party sent back for him, to learn the cause of delay. This very caution saved him, as he soon saw that the two warriors far in the rear were eith- er not the last of the band, or there was a cou- rier coming after them, for a red horseman came in sight, riding more swiftly than the others, and his eyes riveted upon the trail, ‘*He sees the iron-shod tracks of Rover, and suspects his comrades of being trailed. “Tt is lucky I brought my bow and arrows along,” and Redfern quickly fitted an arrow to the bow, while he placed another in position for quick use, Another moment and the first arrow was sent upon its mission of death and the red horseman never knew whatkilled him, The second arrow followed in a second, but the startled pony did not fall through wounded, and wheeling suddenly darted back down the trail, swerving wildly directly toward the am- bushed scout, where a lariat was thrown uner- ringly and be was brought to asudden halt that threw him, as the other end had been quickly wrapped around @ small tree. The fall of the pony was a hard one, and be- fore he could rise Red Sombrero was by his side, his kuife in hand; but seeing that there was no need to use it, as the r horse already had re- ceived his death-blow, he turned to the rider. His feather head-dress showed him to be a chief, and Red Sombrero decided that he had taken upon himself the task of being the last upon the trail, and was watching for any one who might have seen the track left by the war- party and followed it, With astern look upon his face, which made him look older and severe, he took the scalp of the Comanche chief as one who felt that he was doing a solemn duty that devolved upon him, Tben he placed the body by the pony, and mounting his own horse, rode once more slowly on his way. He came to where the various bands had halted for rest and food, and muttered to him- self: “‘ AsT thought, they will camp to-night in the Pass of the Three Trails, and strike the settle- ments or fort at dawn. *¢ But I must make no mistake.” So on he went until nightfall, when he again tied his horse and went forward on foot, carry- ing bis bow and arrows along, but leaving his rifle with his saddle, He seemed to know that he would not have far to go, and in half an hour halted, for sounds reached his ears, low though they were, that told him the whole force of red-skins were cautped not far from him, though they did not dare in that locality to build a fire, He made a flank movement, skirting the In- dian bivouac, until he felt sure that they were in the pass which led through the mountain range. Once through this and three trails stretched away, one to the fort twenty miles distant, and another to the unguarded settlement about the same distance, and the third to the mining country thirty miles away. ‘¢ They intend to strike either the settlements or the fort, for if they meant to move against the mines they would not camp here. ‘Now, to give the warning,” and at a double quick the young scout returned to his horse, He led him down the steep mountain-side to the plain, and crossing a stream where he watched him, he tightened his girths and mounted. ‘* Now, Rover, upon you and I many lives depend, so fly like a bird, good horse, for the fort, to give warning of death on the trail,” and the Scarlet Sombrero rode away like the very wind. CHAPTER VI THE ALARM, WHEN the orderly at Fort Blanco mformed Colonel Rockwood that the young Revolver Sharp was without and wished to see him at
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cam once, the commandant excused himself to the several ladies with whom he was conversing and went at once to his official quarters. There was no ‘‘red tape” style to Colonel Rockwood, and he went at once, for he had | been anxious for the arrival cf the young scout, and from all he had heard of him he felt very sure that be was not one to send for him urgent- ly unless the need was urgent. He had heard also that Redfern always had a way of arriving and departing from the fort under cover of the night. Whether intentional, or accident, no one knew of his going and coming other than the commandant, it was said. When he entered his quarters he found there the young scout, pacing to and fro as though from anxiety. He did not await even to be addressed, as was proper, but said quickly: ‘* Pardon me, sir, but you are Colonel Rock- wood, the present commandant of Fort Blanco?” The colonel was slightly taken aback, but re- sponded: ‘*f am, and you are Redfern, the Scout?” ‘** Yes, sir, and I wish to inform you that a large band of Comanches are now about moving out of the Tbree Trails Pass, twenty miles from here, to attack either the fort, or the settle- ments, “*T left the pass two hours ago and pushed my * horse for all he could stand,” ‘You surprise me, for the fort scouts have reported no movements among the Indians, though an uneasy feeling is prevailing. You know this?” ** You can see, sir, by these, that I have been near the Comanches, Colonel Rockwood,” and Scarlet Sombrero held up the two scalps be had taken for the commandant to view. ‘* a! you have been in close quarters; but tell me exactly what you know, my young friend, of the movements of the Comanches, wnom I certainly supposed were peacefully re- maining in their mountain villages?” ‘* May I first ask you, sir, to order your forcs under arms, sir, the cavalry for a hard ride, as you have notime to lose?” Colonel Rockwood glanced fixedly at the youth, his eye brightening, as though he was about fo resent the request; but he changed his mind, and, calling to his orderly, told bim to request the immediate presence of his adjutant and certain other officers he named, to come to hin. ** Now, sir?” and he turned to Redfern. ‘*T was on my way to the fort, sir, and came through the Indian country to see what the situa- tion was, when I came upon a force moving by night, “ The trail they were on I knew, and so head- ed them off, hidin,z in an island above which the ford, where they must cross, led. “From a distance of liltls over a hundred yards I saw them pass and couuted them,” ‘*You were dangerously near them,” ‘*Oh, I was safe enough, sir, as long as they did not get curious, which this one did,” and Redfern touched the scalp of the warrior. ‘* You take scalps then?” ‘* Yes, sir, [ am an avenger,” was the quick reply, aad the colonel said, as though anxious to change his thoughts: ** You counted them, you say?” ‘* Yes, sir; two came first, then eight or ten, followed by nearly a bundred, after which the main force of two hundred. * Bringing up the rear were a hundred more, a small party of half a dozen, then two, and last a chief three miles behind. ‘*Here is his scalp, sir, and had I not seen him first, he would have had mine.” ‘*Then you think there were fully five hun- dred _ warriors?” ** Very few less, sir, if any.” ‘* And what is your idea of their intention?” ‘To make a feint upon the fort, sir, and at- tack the settl+ments,” ‘* You are doubtless right, Redfern; but here come my officers,” ** Buckskin Sam’s advice, sir, would also be valuable,” suggested Redfern. ‘1 will send for him,” and an orderly was dispatched for the _ehief of scouts just as the adjutant and half a dozen offizers entered the quarters, They were in full dress, just from the enter- tainment, and seemed surprised at their sum- mons, but knew something was wrong as soon as they beheld Redfern, whom they all greeted cordially, Colonel Rockwood lost no time, but quickly explained the situation, Buckskin Sam entering mean while, “*T have sent to the barracks to turn the men ’ ; The Scarlet Sombrero. out, gentlemen, and so you must get into fight- ing trim at once, and report to me for orvers,” and the officers hastily departed for their quar- ters to obey, while Colonel Rockwood asked: aan Hall, what do you think of this re- ort? ‘“‘If other than the Revolver Sharp brought it, sir, 1 would have my doubis, for three days ago I scouted through the Comanche country, as you remember, sir?’ answered Buckskin Sam, * But you have confidence in Redfern’s re- ort?’ ‘‘Perfect, sir, and I believe, as he says, a feint will be made upon the fort, while three- fourths of the Indians make a dash upon the settlements,” “Then ride with all haste with a dozen of your mes, to warn the settlements, and [ will send Major Sanford with four companies of cavalry and two light guns to follow you.” ‘* And I can guide a force to the rear of the red-skins to cut them off in their retreat, if you will pardon me for making the suggestion, sir,” said Redfern, “The very idea, Redfern and Captain Plum- mer with two companies can go with you! But where will you guide them?” ‘* By a flank movement, sir, to Three Trails Pass,” ‘** What do you think, Hall?” “*The very plan, sir, and Major Sanford will press them bard in the retreat.” ‘* Suppose they do not attack the settlements, but the mines, or the fort?” asked the adjutant, who had returned. ‘*The mines they will not attack, sir, and it will be either the fort or settlements, “Tf the latter, with the settlers warned by Buckskin Sam, and supported by Major San- ford, the Comanches can be beaten off while the fort has force enough to protect itself, and Cap- tain Plummer head off the retreat when they are set going.” ‘* Well said, Master Redfern! but, Hall, get off now at once, and the major will follow within twenty minutes, ‘It is now just midnight, and the force can reach there in three hours,” and as the chief of scouts departed Captain Plummer, a dashing roe cavalry officer entered, ready for the field. ‘* Captain Plummer, you are to take three companies, and Scout Redfern here will guide you to where you can attack the Comanches in their retreat, be it from the fort or settlements. “You are not too tired for the trip, Red- fern?” **Oh no, sir, for I have other horses here,” and the young scout saluted politely, told Cap- tain Plummer he would be ready in five minutes and left the quarters, “A remarkable youth that, Captain Plum- mer?” ** Yes, Colonel Rockwood, and the more we see of him the less we know of him; but I am off, sir. The major then entered, and fifteen minutes after Captain Plummer had ridden away witb his three companies under the guidance of the Revolver Sharp, the force started for the sup- port of the settlements, and the men in the fort were ready to greet the foe, though all seemed to be perfectly quiet within the stockade walls. __——_— CHAPTER VII. THE RED HORSEMEN, THE Comanches seemed to fee] that they had planned a master-stroke of cunning. Their best warriors and horses had been picked fora raid upon the white settlements, and so quietly bad they made their way to the starting-point from which to strike, tbat they did not believe that a soul knew of their being on the war-path. It was true, that up to the time of their moy- ing from their last resting-place, a warrior had not appeared who had in some way dropped out upon the line of march, and a chief, who had volunteered to follow the trail, and see that no foe was on their path, had not put in an ap- pearance; but the time had come to move, and the Red Rangers could not wait for the tardy ones, for any slight mishap might have drawn them away and detained them. So they moved out from their bivouac just one hour after midnight, and now they went in compact force, nearly half a thousand daring braves, to strike at their white foes for scalps and plunder. A small party of half a bundred had taken the trail to Fort Blanco, to make a feint attack there, and thus prevent soldiers from being sent to the settlements, in the belief that they were te ’ be attacked. This force reached the vicinity of Fort Blanco an hour before dawn, and after a rest until nearly daybreak, they made a charge directly upon the stockade gates, They did not think that they could enter them, but they supposed only a sentinel was upon duty there, and before the soldiers could be brought from the barracks they could give the garrison a great fight, and cut out from the corrals ad- joining the stockade walls, several hundred fine horses. They fairly reached the sentry outpost before a shot was fired, and to their amazement and terror it did not come from a rifle, but from a twelve-pound cannon, Its roar, and discharge of grape cut down horses and men, and a volley of infantry fire also emptied many a saddle, The Comanches did not need a stronger bint to know that they were prepared for, and with wild yells of rage and terror commingled they fled, carrying off their wounded as best they could, Those who had been selected for the cutting out of the fort borses from the corrals, had dis- covered that not an animal was to be found, and they fled too in dire alarm, But their terror and woes did not end here as the roar of the guns sent them flying for shelter, while the stockade gates were thrown open and out rushed with a cheer two companies of cavalry, to hunt them down, Then, in the early gray of breaking day the Comanches began to fly for their lives before the pursuing soldiers, while behind upon the field lay a dozen dead and as many more wound- ed warriors, with an equal number of ponies, either slain or dying. Upon the lookout stood Colonel Rockwood, and as he saw now the force of the flying red- skins, he muttered: ‘* Redfern was right, for the settlement was the real point of attack.” Then he gave an order to a young officer to ride after Captain Drummond and tell him not to press the red-skins close, but to follow slowly so as to be a support to Captain Plummer at the pass. - When the sound of the pursuit was no longer heard, and as the sun came up over the moun- tain borizon, the distant boom of the two guns sent under Major Sanford came rolling up the valley, followed by the muffled rattle of small- arms, which told that the battle at the settle- ments had begun. ‘*Sanford has a hundred and ninety men, so should handle them easily, with the aid of forty or fifty settlers, and Plummer has eighty men with him at the pass, with a support of sixty more under Drummond, so the Comanches will be badly whipped as they bave not two to one against us,” said Colonel Rockwood to the group of officers gathered about bim. “The firing at the settlements has ceased, sir,” said the adjutant as no longer could he heard the roar of the guns. ‘* Strange, is it not?’ ‘Pardon me, sir, but that means that the Comanches are retreating, and the artillery_is no longer of any use, while as they go up the valley the mountain range cuts off from us all sound: but the major is pushing them your way be sure,” said a gray-baired captain who had been long on the frontier, but was suffering from a hurt from his borse falling with him, * That is it, is it Captain Creighton? “ Well, the big fight will be at the pass then,” ‘* Yes, sir, where Plummer beads them off, aud that is just why that young devil Redfern wanted to guide the party that went there, for he loves a fight better than he does pay-day,” assured Captain Creightcn, ‘*T judge 80, as he has never drawn a dol- lar since he has been in Government service.” ‘+ How does he live?” ‘* No one knows, Colonel: but some of the men who do not like him, aver that he isa road- ageot when off to himself, for he bas always got a pocket full of money!” ‘Nonsense! he is as true as steel, Pll vouch for!” somewhat warmly responded the cclone}, “As I will too, sir: but there are lots of stories afloat about him, because he does not tell all he knows regardin himself!” “ He takes scalps, 1 am sorry to see, for he had two fresh ones to his belt last night,” tha colonel remarkedin a tone that showed he re- gretted that such was the case, «Tt seems to be a religious duty with him to do so, colonel, from some reason,” VUaptain Creighton remarked, and for some time the mys- , terious Gold Revolver Sharp was the subject of
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conversation, all agreeing that but for his timely warning the Red Rangers would have surprised and raided the settlement and gotten back to their mountain fastness in safety and triumph. CHAPTER VIII. at “THE Pass,” CAPTAIN PLUMMER had followed the guide Red Sombrero before.and kuew that he wasa quick rider and went to the destination intended in as direct way as was possible. Redfern did not show that be was in the least fatigued by his long jaunt from the upper country, and mounted upon a fresh horse, for / ne kept three at the fort, and all admitted that | they were the best animals on the border, he set off at a pace that somewhat worried the | troopers to keep up. “ We have to go around the head of the range, sir, $0 as to approach the pass as the Indians did, for if on their retreat they saw our trail leading into it, they would take to the ridges in small parties,” explained Redfern to Captain Plummer, who responded gayly: *“You are the doctor, Redfern, so prescribe your medicine and we'll take it,” ** We ought to reach position, sir, by dawn, so as to havea chance to get into, ambush and have a good long rest for men and horses.” ‘Yes, but can you find a good place for an ambuscade there?” ‘* Yes, sir, for half the force, and the others can come up mounted and charge the red-skins when in disorder, while the ambushers can mount and | follow as a reserve, and we can keep them going at a lively pace.” “‘T would like to give them a good whipping before Major Sanford can come up.” * You can do it, sir,” was the confident reply. It was just dawn when the troopers came down @ canyon and turned into the broad trail of the Comanches, while Redfern remarked quietly as he pointed to a dozen wolves snarling over a dark object in the trail. “That is the chief I killed yesterday, so no Indian has been along since.” * How do you know?” . ‘* He would have carried off his dead comrade sir, no matter what hurry he was in.” * T see; then you killed an Indian yesterday?” ** Yes, sir; here is his scalp.” *€ Oh, yes; you believe a scalp must be shown to prove an Indian is dead,” said Captain Plum- mer, with a smile, and he added: « But you have two fresh scalps, Redfern,” “T got the other, sir, back at the ford; but there is the place for an ambush, on the side of that hill, and the horses can be kept out of sight up this canyon, sir, with the remainder of the force.” “Fully forty men can hide there, sir, among the rocks, and the Indians will not dare attempt to go up and attack them. ** I will ride on to the pass, Captain Plummer, and return and report when they are com- ing.” “Very well, Redfern, and I will join you there and have one of the men bring you some breakfast; but I will bury that red-skin first which you left for the coyotes.” ** Yes, sir, I never bury them,” was the almost fierce reply of the youth, and yeta moment after he said, in his usually quiet way: ** There'll be more to bury soon, sir, and some soldiers, too.” With this he rode on toward the pass, while Petiain Plummer examined his plan of ambush and position for bis reserve up the canyon, while the men were sent into camp to eat breakfast, Accompanied by a lieutenant and an orderly, he rode on toward the pass, after breakfast, but met Redfern on toot, who told him that it would be best to have no fresh trails near there, as the Indians might return, if not hotly pursued by Major Sanford, and skirt the mountains to the next pass leading up to their ranges, So the horses were left where Redfern’s roan mare was, in charge of the orderly, who handed to the young scout his breakfast, and the two of- ficers accompanied him to the pass, half a mile distant, There they bad a grand view spread out before them, for the sun had risen and the deep- est valleys only were in shadow. * There is the trail to the settlements, sir, and this one goes to the fort, so you can look for red- skins retreating by both trails, and can see them over a thile away,” and having pointed out the situation |to the two officers, Redfern sat down on @ rock and began to eat bis break- tas, ‘ 7 as he had finished it he rose quickly, and Saics The Scarlet Sombrero. | 4 I heard firing, and it was toward the settle- ments,” os I heard nothing, scout,” said Captain Plum- mer. ‘* Nor I,” the lieutenant added, **T did, and I hear it now.” ‘** But we would surely hear the cannon dis- tinctly.” ** No, sir, for the wind isdown from the moun- | tains, and it is small-arms I hear, and the sound is growing louder, so they are coming to- ward the pass,” ‘* You are right, for I hear it now.” ** As I do also,” replied the officers, Attentively they listened for some time, now and then hearing a volley of shots, and then | silence following, until at last Redfern said: ‘* The Comanches are outfooting the troopers, sir. ‘* How do you know?” ‘** There is no more firing.” ‘*'You are sure they are retreating this way?” * Yes, sir.” ‘** How long before they arrive, do you think?” The young scout glanced at the sun and said thoughtfully: ‘*The sun is two hours’ high, and if the attack was made at dawn, and the Comanches were at once beaten off, their advance should come in sight very soon, sir, yonder, where you see that clump of pines.” Turning to his lieutenant Captain Plummer ordered him to return and notify the parties in ambush and reserve, and then he and Redfern witbdrew to cover. Not long after the youth said quickly: ‘* See there, sir!” ‘“ Ah! I see them, but they are on the trail from the fort?” ‘** Yes, sir, but there come those from the set- tlements, and the latter will reach here about the same time, ** Will you wait and see their force, sir?” ** Yes; but where can Major Sanford be, and why are not those from the fort pursued?” ‘*The Comanches have outridden them, sir, that is all.” ““Good! then we will have a chance to hit them hard before reinforcements arrive.” “Yes, sir,” and as the retreating red-skins came in sight, pushing their horses rapidly, Captain Plummer hastily made an estimate of ther num- Ler and then set off for bis command at a trot, while tke young scout said: ‘‘ Pll wait, sir, until they are close and then report.” Five minutes after the orderly had carried Captain Plummer’s horse up the canyon, while | that young officer stood among his ambushed / men awaiting for the coming of:the red-skins, CHAPTER IX, RED-SKINS AND BLUE JACKRTS. ‘*] HEAR the Comanches in the pass, and it is | strange tbat Redfern does not appear,” said Captain Plummer anxiously as the young scout did not come, | But, as he uttered the words there rung out a | sharp report mingled with the well-known war- / ery of the Scarlet S mbrero, and intosight dash- | ed that daring youth, half-turned around in his saddle and emptying his repeating rifle, as he rode, at the mass of Comanches rushing in hot chase after him, ‘Hal! the boy will be killed!” cred Captain ' Plummer in alarm, as he heheld the scene from | his place of ambush, But on came Red Sombrero with a rush, just out of range of the arrows showering after him from a hundred yelling warriors in hot chase, while behind in the pass came others. Not fearing a foe, believing only that it was the Red Sombrero alone they had to deal with, the Comanches urged their ponies hard to catch him, while the splended roan, in a sweeping | gallop, held her lead. 3 | By the soldiers in ambush went Red Sombrero, his rifle at his back, and his splendid horse at a / run, While he glanced defiantly back at the Co- | manches, | Ashe sped by he gave utterance to his wild | war-cry, and taking it as a signal, Captain Plummer ordered sharply ; “¢ Hire!” Half a hundred carbines fiashed almost as one, and as ponies, and warriors fel| and rolled over, came a ringing cheer which drowned their red foes? war cries. “Open with your revolyers, men! Fire!” shouted Captain Plummer, and upon the now terrified, struggling, dead and wounded mass of humanity and equines, the small-arms of the pers opened, The Comanches were thrown into disorder, ee — Le es though they seemed ahout to try and scale the rocky hill to dislodge their foes, whom they felt they outnumbered, eight to one, when from up in the canyon eame the war-cry of the Scarlet Sombrero, followed by the ringing notes of a bu- gle further off. That at once decided the Comanches what course to pursue, and they huddled together back on their main body in the rear and then came forward with a rusb, for they must pass their ambushed enemy, as they well kuew that there was a large force of pursuing troopersin their rear, In the mean time the ambushed troopers had had a chance to reload their carbines and revol- vers, and were ready for the onslaught of the now desperate and maddened red-skins. “*T know it is against orders, sir, but please move up and open from tha canyons, and we'll get them between two fires,” cried Scarlet Som- brero to the lieutenant in command of the mounted reserve. ‘Pll do it on your say so, Redfern, if lam court-martialed for it!” cried Lieutenant Gavle Barclay, and, leaving but half a dozen men with the horses, he rode forward with thirty men, and, as the carbines fisshed from ambush once more, he opened in front of the rushing mass. The effect was just what Redfern had counted on, for the Comanches drew up quickly, half turned their ponies, and for fully a minute stood ander the withering fire from the hill-side, be- lieving the force in front a very large one. But knowing that their pursurers from the settlement must soon come up, they moved for- ward once more, though slowly, and in spite of the hot fire attempted to carry off their dead and wounded, As they reached the mouth of the canyon, where it entered the valley, the Comanches seem- ed to recognize the small force they bad to fight, for they gave vent to wild and defiant war-cries and a chief was seen calling to bis men to follow hun in a charge upon the handful of troopers. But just then from toward the pass came @ cheer and with thundering hoofs Captain Drummond and his men dashed into view, and the red warriors broke in wild confusion, ‘* Press them hard!” cried Captain Plammer as he rushed up to bis horse and mounted, his men following his example, as the animals kad been led forward. Another moment, and Captain Plummer’s force was in hot chase, with Captain Drummond and his men closing up rapidly the gap between them, and the weary pursuers under Major Sanford in the pass and bastening forward, From that moment it became a panic for the Comanches, and a hot running fight for miles, when the ford was reached and the high ridge beyond became a shelter for the fugitives which they could hold against a larger force than their pursuers numbered. This Red Sombrero whispered to Captain Plummer, who at once called a halt, and made known to Captain Drummond and Major San- ford, as they came up, the situation of affairs. Buckskin Sam verified the statement of Redtern, and it was decided to hasten on the artillery and shell the red-skins once more into a retreat, and push them in terrified flight as far as the soldiers dare go, wean The guns arrived soon after noon, and when the shells began to burst among the rocks and in the thick timber on the ridge, the Indians once more started in flight and until nightfall the pursuit was kept up, when the victorious soldiers went into camp, and Redfern was bonor- ed by being sent to the fort with dispatches announcing the victory, CHAPTER X, REDFERKN’S RESIGNATION. Tue sun had risen when the sentinel reported a horseman coming toward the fort. As he drew nearer it was seen to be Redfern the Scout, and his beautiful roan mare appeared to have bad a hard ride of it since leaving the fort thirty hours before. The fight at the fort had resulted in the quick flight of the red-skins, followed by Captain Drummond, and no losses to the garrison, but a severe blow to the Comanches, T're slain warriors bad been buried, the dead ponies hauled off, and all appeared at the garri- son as usual, Colonel Rockwood was an early riser, and received Redfern as he came to his quarters with a‘look of some anxiety, while he asked, quickly: “* Any disaster to the command in the field, Redfern?” “Only the losses met with in the two fights and pursuit, sir 4 a > = . SRA 4 RE Te ea a. * tha So Nabe - Wears by pee —,
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6 The Scarlet Sombrero. ** Here are Major Sanford’s, Captain Plum mer’s and Captain Drummond’s reports of their separate commands, which [ was honored by be- ing the bearer of, Colonei Rockwood.” The colonel bastily read the unsealed dis- patches, saying aloud as be did so: ‘““ Bravo for Sanford, for be jumped upon the Indians’ just as they reached the settlements, and their losses were heavy, while his were slight. “ And he pursued rapidly, though out-run, and came up as Plummer had given them a sound thrashing and was in full chase with Drummond as a support. ** Now to Plummer’s report,” and after read- ing it, the colonel said: “T congratulate you, Redfern, upon the high manner in which you are referred to as render- ing invaluable services, while Lieutanant Bar- clay speaks of you urging bim to prompt action, which resulted well, and Major Savford says that you led in the pursuit, and as the saving of the settlements and defeat of the Comanches were owing to your report of the recent move- ments of the hostiles, he requests you to bring me these dispatches. ‘*T congratulate you, Redfern, and shall men- tion you 1n my report to the Department as one deserving an appointment into the army.” *“*T thank you, Colonel Rockwood, but it is my intention to retire from the service, sir, and [ shall tender my resignation to the chief of scouts upon his return,” “Why, my dear fellow, this mean?” ‘*T became a scout, sir—a frontier rover, as it were—to avenge certain wrongs, and I took an oath to repay tenfold life for life, sir.” ** And you have done so, Redfern?” The youth did not reply immediately, but turning, be unhooked from his belt a mass of long, black bair, and held up the grim trophies to the colonel’s view, while he said, grimly: ‘Here is my string, sir, and there is a Mexi- can onza in gold for each one in my belt, to be given to the orphan children of the frontier whose parents have fallen by red-skin hancs,” “My young friend, I can the better now un- derstand your hatred of the Indian, and in all ttiat your words imply that you have suffered, you have my deepest sympathy; but why will you not enter the army, if | gain for you an ap- pointment as a second lieutenant?” *T have other duties, sir, to demand my time, and [ must refuse, though I thank you exceed- ingly for your kindness.” ** Woll, you know best; but now go to your quarters, and in half an hour return, and break- fast with me, Mr. Redfern,” said the colonel, kindly. The young scout seemed pleased with the compliment extended to him, and at the ap- pointed time returned, rigged out in his hand- somest Mexican suit, silk sash and all, He found that the colonel had also asked Cap- tain Creighton and several other officers to breakfast, and three or four ladies as well: but Redfern was as courteous as a cavalier, and seemed not at all abashed by the company be found himself in, while the most critical ob- server present could not find a flaw in bis table manners, which the more added to the mystery hanging over him, for certainly in refined life alone be could have learned what he knew. The following day the cavalry force re- turned, and the resignation of the youth was handed in to Sam. Hail, the chief of scouts, who in vain tried to urge Redfern to reconsider his cetermination, As he could not change the youth’s decision Buckskin Sam approved of the resignation and sent it to Colonel Rockwood who found it well worded and written in a bold hand full of char- acter. He also affixed his own signature in approval, with regret at the determination of Scout Red- fern, and that night the youth left the fort, mounted upon a fine iron-gray horse, and with his roan mare and Rover following, the former loaded with his traps in a pack-saddle, ‘Tf I need your services, Redfern, how can I ever find you?” asked Colonel Rockwood, as he bade the youth farev ell. ** Address Roy Redfern, El Paso, Texas, sir, and the letter will reach me,” was the answer, and Colonel Rockwood at once wrote it down, and filed it away with a number of papers marked: “*Redfern’s Reports of Secret Service.” The following day all the fort learned of Red- fern’s departure, and much regret was felt by what does ‘*T predict that we shall hear of him and see him again,” said Buckskin Sam, at his mess table the same evening. ‘**T overheard the paymaster tell the adjutant that be did not draw a dollar of bis pay, but left an order for it to be sent to some orplan asy- lum,” said Texas Charlie, a well known scout. ‘* We have not heard the last of the Revolver Sharp, pards,” repeated Buckskin Sam, in a prophetic way, And Buckskin Sam was right. CHAPTER XI, THE MINER OF YELLOW CANYON. UPON a pleasant Sabbath afternoon, a man sat in front of a log cabin situated at the head of a wild and picturesque valley in the mining | country of New Mexicv, and several scure miles from Fort Blanco, Though a miner, the one who sat there, before arude table of his own manufacture, writing, was well-dressed, and wore a white shirt and cravat, for on every Sanday Miner Gray St. John made it a sacred duty to ‘dress up,” and to write a letter to the loved ones at home. He was a man of voble presence, with long flowing bair and beard, and a face full of kind- ness and intelligence, Although scarcely over forty years of age his hair and beard were threaded with silver, as | though his life had known much of friendship | and sorrow, His cabin was a comfortable one of two rooms, with a shed along the front, and it was situated upon a shelf of rock with a cliff behind it, and at the head of the canyon. The canyon narrowed below and was fenced across with fallen trees, forming a barrier to prevent a horse from straying away, for an animel was feeding not far from the cabin, Unless to Visit the secluded little home no one would have gone to that wild and desolate spot, it would seem. And yet the miner, Gray St. Jobn, had gone there, and more, had “struck it rich” in the lead he worked only a few rods from bis cabin, A neigh from his horse caused the miner to look up quickly from his letter-writing, and reach for a rifle that stood near bim. Gazing down the canyon he soon saw a horse- man come in sight, followed by two led animals, ore of which bore a pack-saddle. “itis that handsome young fellow they call the Gold Revolver Sharp,” said the miner, rising and descending to the Jevel of the canyon, as he saw the youth with the Scarlet Sombrero dismount, lower the bars and lead his horses within the inclosure, ‘Ah, my young friend, [am glad to see you indeed,” and the miner grasped the hand of the youth warmly, who replied: “T was not sure you would not be angry with me, as I was the one who arrested your part- ner, Mr, St. John, and in fact brought him to the rope’s end.” : ‘Yes, I felt that you believed you were doing your duty, though it was bard indeed for me to believe that Trent Baxter was tie yillain you charged him with being. ‘* So he is really dead, you say?” “Yes, sir.” **T had heard so last Sunday, when I went to Devil’s Ranch after my supplies, for the miners were talking the matter over, but I was not sure of his death,” “Yes, he was hanged by Vigilantes in Col- orado two months ago, Miner St, Jobn, for he was recognized as an outlaw, and given a border trial; but some felt doubt as to whether he was the rizht man or not, and I was sent for, and my testimony hanged him,” ‘You saw him hanged, then, Redfern?” **T did, sir.” “It is hard to believe that he was a villain, and yet at times it seemed to me that he had in some way crossed my path under an evil influ- ence; but I do not recall when and where, and I guess, after all, it is only imagination. ‘* You say that he was really the outlaw chief Blue Jacket?” ‘* Yes, Miner St. John; but when were you in Devil’s Ranch last?” ‘*To-day a week ago.” **Do you recall seeing any of Trent Baxter’s particular pards there?” ‘ ‘No, but all were talking of him.” ** And the Mexican, Juan the Fox?” ‘** Has doubtless left the mines, for he has not been seen since he gave you the information about Baxter’s being Blue Jacket Bill; but how goes all at the fort?” ‘Very well indeed, for the Comanches made many, while his going but added to the mystery | a raid upon the settlement a few nights ago, and about him, | back to their stronghold villages,” and Redfern | told the story of the attack, most modestly re- | ferring to himself, however.” Then be said: ‘*T wish to tell you that I have resigned frona | the service, Miner St. John.” **Indeed! and why do so when you were winning such a name, for I beard much of you when up at the camps, Redfern, and all in your praise?” “Well, sir, 1 thought of going to Mexico upon a visit, and then I have a little business of my own that I wish to Jook after,” ‘“‘That reminds me to ask a favor of you, my young friend.” ‘Certainly, Miner St, John, how can I serve you?” ‘* Well, I must tell you a little of my history | and of the two on this earth most dear to me, to explain all that I wish you to do,” ‘**T will listen with pleasure, sir,” “You know that Trent Baxter, the Sharp from ‘lexus, saved my life by firing upon Juan the Fox who was preparing to assassinate me in my mine, and had me covered?” | ‘*So you told me, sir, on a former visit I made | to you.” ‘*Now I urged Baxter to share my diggings with me equally; but this he refused, though he did, at my urging, come here to live and accept a fourth of what the mine panned out, leaving, however, his dust with me to take care of. ““Then came bis arrest by you, his release from the fort, and his departure tor parts un- known, ‘* Now you tell me he bas been hanged?” Yes, sir.” “Well, I have, strange to say, always bad @ presentiment that I would die suddenly, with my boots on, as they say bere in the mines. **In the long ago, when a farmer lad, I attend- ed a country school, going and coming upon my pony each day. ‘1 loved a sweet young girl by the name of Ethel Enders, and among my Many rivals was Hugb Hammond, the son of the district judge, who was a man of wealth and influence, ‘* Hugh saw that Ethel loved me and plotted to get rid of me, so one day borrowed my rifle, drew out the bullet, and as a party of us were going home together that evening I returned with Ethel to the school-house for a book, and my rival followed me there, ‘“*T need only say that he insulted me grossly, struck me with his whip and forced me to figbt a duel with him before Etbel Enders, ‘* She bravely gave the word, and I fell at bis fire, and he fled, for, of course, I fired only pow- der at him, the bullet being gone, “*T nearly died, but at last rallied, and in time married Ethel Enders, ‘* Hugh was not heard of again, was reported lost at sea, his father died leaving nothing, aud, somehow, adversity dogged my steps continu- ally, until at last 1 left my wife and daugbter Ethel, whose likenesses I showed you, and came here to bunt for a fortune. “ At first ill-fortune still dogged my steps; but at last I struck it rich, as you know, and I have sent home a large sum, to make my loved ones comfortable, while I have hidden away here @ much larger sum, in fact I am a rich man. “ But, Redfern, I still bave this presentiment of evil haunting me, and only last night, in my dreams, was I struggling for life with my old foe, Hugh Hammond, while, strangest of all, I felt that he gave me My death-wound, and God knows I fear that some day he will do so,” and the miner passed his hand across bis forehead and seemed deeply moved at the |e geen cr of evil that crowded upon him by day and. night. CHAPTER XII. A SACRED TRUST. REDFERN had listened to the miner’s story with tue deepest interest. He had before heard from him something of his past, and of his loved ones, and he felt that it was for them that Miver Gray St, Jobn wished to ask of him a favor. The likenesses of his wife and child lay by him upon the rustic table, where he had been writing, and Redfern took them up and regard- ed them intently. The sad, lovely face of the wife and mother he seemed drawn toward most warmly, while the beautiful face of the girl-woman, just a year over the threshold of her teens, complete] won his heart, the first time he had viewed it months before. It was.a face of exquisite beauty, the form just budding into perfect womanhood, and nobility 1 were beaten off with severe loss and driven | of soul was stamped upon each feature, of
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ieee’ tt ne ry = The Scarlet Sombrero. 7 a “Do you wonder that I love them so, Red- fern,” said the miner feelingly. “T do not, indeed I do not!” was the honest response, “They are all I have in the world, and thank Heaven if I do go, I’ll leave them rich in this world’s goods. ‘This mine I have is richer far than men be- lieve, and besides what I have sent my wife, I have placed in different banks an equal sum for my child, while, as I told you, I have even more hidden away here, and there is far more to dig out of the earth, ‘¢T tell you this, my boy, because I trust you, and depend upon you in case of my death.” ‘*Why, miner, you must not yield to such thoughts, for dreams amount to nothing, and | have awakened hundreds of times with Indians scalping me and laughed to find it was only a nigbtmare, ** No, no, you'll live a long time, have a for- tune and enjoy it with those you love.” The miner shook his head at this hopeful view of the situation taken by the youth, and said: ‘*T wish I could think so, but I cannot!” “Then why de you not leave the mine to be worked by some honest miner on shares and go at once to your wife and child?” “‘T have thought of that, and had decided to do so, when | had a dream that terrified me, for when I felt that Iwas dying by the hand of Hugh Hammond, it was in the presence of my wife and daughter. ** No, no, he would follow me there, for it is written that I shail die by the hand of Hugi Hammond!” _ In vain did Redfern seek to cheer the miner, to drive away his thoughts of coming evil to himself, for he was set in his belief and nothing would change him, At last the young Revolver Sharp saidin a half-earnest way, half-jocular: ‘* Well, miner, if your foe does take your life Vil avenge you, rest assured,” The miner started and glanced earnestly at him. Then he asked: **Do you mean it?” do,” ‘You have pledged me to grant me a favor?” “ee Yes,” ‘Tt is, if lam slain, you will come bere and get my gold, for its hiding-place I will show you, and take it to my wife and child. ‘*T will give you the bank-books wheregny money for little Ethel is deposited, and you will give them to her, and pay your own expenses out of my gold. ‘** You will also find for me an honest miner to work my mine on a share of one-third for himself, and if you will be the one I shall be more than glad. : “Thave your pledge to do this, have I not, Redfern?” “Yes, if you are killed by the foe you seem to dread will take your life,” **Give me your hand on the pledge.” “IT do,” and Redfern extended his hand, which the mirer grasped and wrung warmly, “Now one thing more.” * Yes, sir,” ** You said that you would avenge me?” a kid,” **Did you mean it?” Yes, if you ask it.” or 0.7 ‘You wish me to avenge your death, if you die by the band of Hugh Hammond?” *T do ask it for their sake,” **T will do so, Miuer St. John.” “I thank you, Redfern, from my inmost soul, for their sake. “Tum not revengeful, but that man cruelly wronged me in the long ago,.and if his hatred has not died with years, and he tracks me to the grave, then | wish to feel that 1 am avenged.” “Then rest easy with the knowledge that you will be; but I thought he was lost at seg.” “Tt was so said,” “You doubted it?” ‘“ T have never believed him dead.” “What kind of looking man is he?’ and Red- fern asked the question with real interest, In answer the miner arose and entered his cabin, Soon he returned and in his hand he brought out a portfolio, From it he took a large photograph, yellow with age, and several small ones. Y wife wished me to destroy them, but somehow I could never do so. ‘‘ A photographer came to the school one day and we had our pictures taken. ** This is one of the old school-house which was eee ee enspennsnennnneanes Ce hee ee once a church, for you see the old graveyard around it, ** See the children’s horses bitched to the trees, and the good old teacher with his pupils about him, two-score.of us, ‘** Tt has been over twenty years since this was taken, so you cannot pick me out.” ** Let me see if I can,” and Redfern bent over | the photograph. Then he said: ‘“* This is your wife, for it is so like your daughter’s photograph.” ‘* Yes; you are right.” ** And this is you by her side,” ‘“‘It is. I was eighteen then, and Ethel fif- teen,” ‘* And who is this youth behind ycu?” ** Hugh Hammond,” ’ ‘* Ab! a bandsome fellow. He seems kindly | enough, for his hand rests upon your shoul- der.” ‘* Prophetic is it not, for be stands behind me like an assassin!” ‘ It is a fine picture, and I should think you | would prize it.” ‘*IT do; but, here is a large photograph of Hugh Hammond aione, He gave it to Ethel, and wrote that French line on the back, signing bis name, the place and date.” Redfern took the photograph and saw a dark, handsome face, but one full of suggestions of evil, it seemed to him, It was of a youth of twenty, who was dressed jauntily in a riding-suit and black hat, while be held a whip in one band, a rifle in the other. “Tt was with that whip he struck me, with that rifla be nearly gave me my death-blow,” said the miner. Turning the photograph over, Redfern saw there, written in a very peculiar hand: ' ‘* Frep-AVON ScHooL House, ** Sept. 10th, 18—, “Presented to ‘* Miss ErHet Enpers, “as the counterfeit presentment of her devoted “ friend, *‘Huee HAmmonp.”’ ** Le jour viendra, Ethel.” ‘* Keep it, for it may help you to find him,” the miner urged, ‘*T will keep it, yes, if you wish; but I know where to find him,” * Who?’ ‘** The original of this photograph.” ‘*Do you mean it ?” excitedly cried the miner, springing to his feet and grasping Redfern’s wey do.” “Where is he?” “In his grave |” “* What?” ‘““Miner St, John, the original of this photo- graph, was your pretended friend, Trent Bax- ter, the Sharp from Texas, and I saw him hanged ” was the cool response of the youth witb the Scarlet Sombrero. CHAPTER XIII, THE REVOLVER SHARP IN DEVIL'S RANCH. THE young borderer remained all night at the cabin of the miner of Yellow Canyon, and the next morning he left him, feeling really cheerful, for he could not but feel that the man he had so dreaded was dead, as the Scarlet Som- brero vouched for it, It was hard, verv hard for him to come to believe that Trent Baxter, the man to whom he owed his life, was the one who had sought to take it in their boyhood, He studied the photograph well, and recalled each feature of the Texas Sharp’s face, his ac- tion and voice, and compared them with Hugh Hammond as he had known him. The result was that he was almost, if not quite convinced, and gave Red Sombrero credit for being a very remarkable youth to see in the photograph his old foe after twenty years. “Well, young pard,” he said that night, as the two saf im the cabin together: “Trent Baxter, alias the Texas Sharp, may be Hugh Hammond, ard he may be dead and in his grave; but still life is sweet to Most of us, and uncertain to all, and so I hold you to your pledge, if you hear of my dying here in the mines, to seek my wife and daughter and give to them the legacy T leave.” ; Redfern promised once more, and was soon after fast asleep, But when he awoke in the morning the miner said sadly: *The day will come. ‘*T had the same old dream, young friend.” ‘*Dead men are not dangerous, Miner St. John, as I bave had reason to find out. ‘*Living ones I standin awe of; but can I mail your letter for you, as I go to Devil’s Ranch?” ‘**T will thank you to do so, Redfern, though I am sorry to hear of your going there.” “Why?” ‘“* Well, it is a perfect Purgatory on earth, law- les3 and filled with wild, desperate men.” ‘*V’ve been there often before,” “Yes, 1 know that you have, and that you bave no dread of anything, for such is your record,” ‘*What do you think I have to dread there this time, Miner St. John?” ‘You are going among men who admired the Sharp from Texas,” **Yes, many of them did.” ** He bas his friends there.” ‘*T suppose so, such friendship as it was.” ““They knew that he was hanged up in Col- orado by Vigilantes.” ‘** True.” ‘* And that you tracked him to his death,” ** Yes, 1 shall not deny that 1 did,if asked, though I skall not boast of it.” ‘‘Itis not your nature to do so; but I only wish you were not going.” ‘‘Have no fear tor me, my good friend, for somehow, I always have a getting out place when cornered,” laughed the youth. ‘* Suppose I go with you?” ‘* No indeed, for I promise you I shall seek no trouble, in fact shun it, as I always do.” ** Will you remain there long?’ ‘*A few days at furthest, and then I go to Mexico as I told you.” ‘*Upon another perilous mission to discover who the Veiled’ Lady of Mexico is, who came to Devil’s Ranch, played cards with Baxter, and then, bad you not saved his life, would have killed him. ‘*T bad it all from his lips.” ‘‘ Well, 1 am anxious to know more of the Vailed Lady ot Mexico I admit, and where I am curious 1 am full of perseverance,” said the Revolver Sharp witb a light laugh. Soon after be tcok bis Jeave, and the last words of Miner Gray St. John he never forgot, for they were called after bim. **Sombrero, I feel as though I would never see you again.” As he turned tbe bend in the canyon Redfern glanced back and saw the miner standing where he bad left bim at the barrier, upright, silent, bat in hand and gazing sadly after him. He never forgot the picture then and there im- pressed upon his mind, There were no three better borses on the fron- tier than those belonging to Redfern, and they poner wonderful speed aud endurance com- yined, while they were thoroughly trained. The two trotting along bebind Rover followed unled, as obediently as dogs, and the youth felt no care regarding them. He seemed to beperfectly familiar with the trails, and rode along, keen as were his eyes, without catching sight of a face peering at him through the bushes that grew upon the sun. mit of a rock, Twice the muzzle of a rifle peeped through the thicket and covered the form of the youth; but evch time it was lowered, either in mercy, or from fear that the shot might not prove fatal. And on the young borderer rode, followmg the trail that led to the broad one in the valley, several miles below. Into this he turned, bis éyes searching the trails recently made, and with the expression of one who read them perfectly. It was nearing sunset when he entered a large valley, the hillside dotted with many cabins perched here and there, and near the cente r of which was a settlement so thick as to be called by the sojourners there ‘“‘a city.” The real name of the place was Devil’s Ranch, and it richly deserved tbe appellation, for there were gathered within the space of a couple of square miles as much real deviltry as could be found the world over in an equal number uf hu- man beings, Those who dwelt there possessing good traits at all, did so from necessity, to make money, for the mining-camps of Devil’s Ranch panned out well, With one-third good men, two-thirds were vampires feeding upon them, gamblers, outlaws and evil spirits in general, The cabius which the youth passed, on his way to the “* citv.” where men were seen, he touched bis red sombrero politely, but rode in @ quiet way as though he knew just where to go, and
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8 The Scarlet Sombrero. meant to halt only when he reached his destipa- | thon, Riding up to the most pretentious structure in the place, the Revolver Sharp dismounted be- | fore the door, above which was a black sign on whcih was painted in red letters: “THE NEW MEXICO HOTEL, ‘**Parp Du VA, Boss.”” A Mexican half-breed took his horses, another bis pack, saddle and bridle, and entering the ‘* hotel” the Revolver Sharp found himself in Devil’s Ranch. CHAPTER XIV. SAINT OR SINNER? ** ParpD Du VAL, Boss,” of the ‘‘ New Mexico,” as he put himself on record on the sign over his hotel door, met the Revolver Sharp on the broad piazza, the ficor of which bore sundry suspicious red stains which noscouring had ever been able to wash out. He was a fearless-faced man, with a look half-Mexican, half-American, and dressed like one who was fond of displaying his wealth, all made in his public house. He wore black broadcloth pants, a velvet coat, a blue shirt, 9 red scarf under the broad collar, and a sash of yellow silk about his waist, and in which nestled a pair of revolvers, A diamond pin was in bis scarf, and upon the first finger of his right hand was a seal ring, a bloodstone engraved with a skull and cross- bones, His head was surmounted by a black slouch hat encircled by a yellow scarf, and he moved noiselessiy, for he wore a pair of handsomely embrvidered moccasins, the design being his favorite skull and cross-bones. His noiseless movement had given him tha name among bis own servants of ‘‘ Silent Foot”, while the weird emblem on his ring and mocca- sins caused the miners to call bim Death’s Head, both of which sobriquets he seemed to take more as a compliment than otberwise. ‘* My dear Senor Redfern, I am too happy,” be said witha smile and hand extended, while he spoke with a slight foreign accent which some said was assumed. ** Well, Senor Du Val, how do you do, and what news bave you, sir, in Redfern, seemingly oblivious to all about bim, yet taking in all that was to be seen and just who were in the hotel, | jingled musically at every step. His broad-brimmed scarlet sombrero, encircled | by a cord of gold, sat jauntily upon his head, while the pin he wore representing a human eye, held up the brim over his left temple. His white silk shirt was spotless, as were also his white corduroy pants, and his boots shone like a mirror,:while his spurs were bright, and About his slender waist was his scarlet silk sash, and with his long bair and handsome face | he certainly presented a very striking though | | somewhat startling appearance. | The news had spread through Devil’s Kanch that Redfern, the Scout of Fort Blanco, was at the New Mexico, and this was enough to cause a large crowd to assemble at the saloon of Senor Du Val’s establishment, to see if there was to be any excitement attending his coming, The death, at the rope end, of the Sharp from Texas was known now to all in the camps, and threats to avenge him had been running ram- | pant everywhere, it was remembered, It was recalled by many that Trent Baxter the Sharp from Texas, was not a bad man, that be | had alwaysa spare peso to lend a loafer, spent his money freely, had killed his men, when oc- casion. demanded and buried them decently, while his faults no one seemed just then to re- eall. Had a monument heen erected just then in memory of Trent Baxter by the citizens of Devil’s Ranch, the tribute to his virtues would have mace a saint of him, And right into Devil’s Ranch had his slayer dared to come. So it was that excitement was at fever heat to see who would be the one to take up the quarre] between the Sharp from Texas and Scarlet Sombrero, which had beeo interrupted by the death of the former. And as the youth sauntered in @ careless way into the supper ball, and was taken to a seat at Boss Duval’s own table, every eye was upon | him, the click of knives and forks ceased, the the Ranch?’ said | “The city is quiet, Senor Redfern, and needs | brightening up, for there is but one subject of conversation now,” ** And what may that be, senor?” enemy, the Sharp from Texas, met wit an acci- dent upin Colorado?” aud Du Val gave a sly wink. “*Oh yes, | wasat the hanging,” was the cool reply of Redfern. “Sh! don’t mention it, for the Sharp's rattle of the plates and cups died away, and the hum of voices was hushed. CHAPTER XV. FOR A DEAD PARD’S SAKE, THE youth in the scarlet sombrero ate his supper with infinite relish, as though he was not the cynosure of all eyes, and he did not hear his name spoken scores of times. He conversed in a free-and-easy way with Senor Du Val, and when he had finished bis meal, arose and sauntered out upon the piazza of the New Mexico, where a vast crowd had as- ; sembled, ‘* Ab! you have not heard then that your old | friends are very touchy upon the subject, and | somehow accuse you of having roped bim in.” ‘*T did not know that he had any friends,” ** Well he bas, and you just keep your eye on them, for they will play you foul if they can.” ‘Who are they?” “The Senor Don Cavalbo and Corallez course.” ‘*Two card-sharps, eh? “But I thank you, Senor Du Val, and now of | tell me what youcan give mein the way of | quarters?” ‘““The Vailed Lady’s reom of course, as we called the one which that mysterious woman occupied,” “That will be just what I wish.” ‘“‘Tt was always the Texas Sharp’s, you re- member?” ‘* Yes, and mine too on several occasions.” ‘* His ghost won’t haunt you, senor?” ‘© Whose ghost?” “The man you hanged?” - . ** See here, senor, 1 never touched a rope yet that was around a man’s neck nor will I. ““T tracked Baxter to the end, and Border Justice strung him up, upon my assertion that there was no mistake in the man they had roped in. ‘Phat is all there is about it.” ‘“Then vou do not fear his ghost will haunt you?” ““, fear notbing, senor, dead or alive,” was the cool response of the youth as he followed the peon servants to the room given him, and which was the very best accommodation thut Devil’s Ranch afforded. When he appeared at supper Redfern was decked vut in his best costume and looked as handsome as a picture, Many crowded about him to grasp his hand, ask him about the hanging of the Sharp from Texas, and to warn him that some were in the Ranch who bad it in for him to avenge Baxter. Redfern bad little to say, listened a great deal, smiled blandly at the threats, and when asked a direct question replied frankly that he ‘* had attended the hanging ceremonies of Mr. Baxter,” ‘* Ara you going to play to-night, Redfern?” asked Pard Du Val, coming up and drawing him away trom the crowd. ‘* Perhaps,” ‘* Well, Senor Don Cavalho said that he had often beard of your skill as a card-player, and was anxious to test it to-night, so asked me toin- vite you to a game.” ‘* Certainly, if the Don wishes it,” ‘*T would advise you not play, Redfern,” was the low warning given by the landlord, ** Ab, yes, I know he is a card-sbarp!” ‘* He is a pistol-sbarp as well,” was tne signifi- cant response, ‘* And means to win my money and then start | a private burying ground with me, I suppose?” ** About that.” ‘**T’ll play with bim, so where is he?” ‘* With Corallez and another, all three the devoted friends of Baxter as 1 told you before,” ‘*T know Corallez, 80 who is the third?” ‘* El Paso Pete,” he is called, **T know bim, so they are three of a kind.” ** And you are but one,” “Wait until the band begins to play,” was the laughing response. ‘“*T have warned you, as in duty bound, being my guest, not to speak of my friendship for you, ** And just now I am in no humor to heed a warning; but tell me, can we not play at thetable near the north window, and I wish to sit with my back to it?” ‘*Go and take the seat now, and I will tell the Don that you wil] play with him if he cares to join you at your table. “Go now, and [’il come there and speak with you, so as to have it look as though I had just found you!” Redfern turned, and walking across the hall- way sauntered into the gambling den of the New Mexico. Fully two hundred men were gathered there, some drinking, others smoking, and the larger part playing cards at the various tables. Redfern made his way to the table he wished and sat down with his back to a window, the shutter being closed. There wers many who passed around him, but he seemed not to observe the attention that be was attracting, and picked up a pack of cards which lay upon the table. 5 Then, a moment after, Pard Du Val joined him with an iuvitation from Don Cavalho to play a game with him. ‘**} have sat down here to play, Senor Du Val, and if Don Cavalbo wishes to join me 1 will secure that seat for him.” Du Val departed and went over to where there were some men seated at a table together. Two of them were Mexicans, attired in their national dress, and the other was half-scout, half-miner in his make up and looked the desperado he was, The former two were Don Cavalho and Sencr Corallez, Mexican gamblers and krown as very dangerous men, The latter went by the name of E! Paso Pete and he was avided by all on account of his quarrelsome nature, for the first to pick a quarrel be was always the first to ‘‘ get the drop” upon the mau ‘whom he selected asa victim, ‘*He will play, you-say, Senor Du Val, if I will join him at his table?’ asked the Don with witb surprise, ‘** So he said, Don.” *V'll go over and clip the boy’s ears for bis impertinence, Don,” said FE) Paso Pete. “Better go to his table, Don, if“you wisha game,” remarked Corallez, with a significant look at his brother Mexican, ‘*Well, as he will not come here I will go there,” and the Don walked over to the table where Redfern sat, while his two immediate companions followed with the crowd, for some- thing in the way of a border entertainment was looked for, \ Redfern’s politeness was mgrkec, but in this case he merely nodded to the Mexican and said: ‘**Don Cavalho, [ believe?” ‘““Tam, and you are Redfern, the Revolver Sharp.” **So they call me, Sencr Don; but you wish to play with me, I learn?’ ‘** Yes, for I have heard that you were a bold hand at cards,” . ‘“*[ play to win, senor, and like big stakes, Will you neme w bat your figure is?” ‘A thousand pesos are too Much for you?” ‘**Name your figure and Vill match it, Don, if I bave to sell out.” ‘**Call it a thousand then.” Redfern bowed and the Don said: ‘** Remember, I tolerate no card-sharp tricks.” ‘*Tn others, you mean.” oy - ” What do you mean ly that? ‘**As you are a card-sherp yourself, you play only with those who are net cheats,” The hnm of voices ceased as the Don’s dark face flushed and bis eyes sparkled with anger a8. he asked: **Do you mean to insult me, boy?” “] simply gave you a dose of your own medi- cine, Don, and you do not like it,” ‘““T repeat, do you intend to insult me?” “How canI insult you, Don?’ was the smiling response, “See here, boy, you wish a quarrel with me, and J am more than willing to avenge my dead pard Trent Baxter, by playing a game with you in which life and death are the stakes,” cried the Don savagely, and he dropped his band to- ward his belt with his words. CHAPTER XVI. THE SIGNAL OF THE DIAMOND EYE. In his talk with Don Cavalho, Redfern bad kept his hands upon tbe’ table holding a silk handkercbie! in them. He had known that the Don’s desire for a game of cards with him was to turn it intoa quarrel on some plea, and with bis two com- panions to see that there was no escape for him, The knowledge bad come to him that he had made enemies by ruvning the Sharp from Texas down, and so he need expect little mercy, if any, and with big odds against him, “But he had his reasons for wishing to get near tbe Don, and as he saw that trode must ais ~
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‘wy come he determined to take advantageof pre- cipitating it early in the action, so to speak, When he sat at the table before the Don he took in the position and attitude of E] Paso Pete and the other Mexican, He saw that E! Paso Pete had his band upon his revolver, which was balf drawn trom his belt, while the Mexican’s position was not as hostile as that. er When the Don was giving vent to his angry speech, Redfern involuntarily raised his band to his red sombrero to pertaps place it more firm- ly upon his bead, and the act caused a quick movement among some of the crowd, which, though he observed, he could not account for. As the Don dropped his hand toward his belt allsaw that he would draw before the youth, for he was quick as lightning and Redfern’s hands were upon the table. But the silk handkerchief was dropped sud- denly, the right hand shot forward and striking the Don squarely in the temple bis head fell for- ward upon the table, while, without being witb- drawn an inch, only elevated, there came a flash and report, from a derringer in the grasp of the Searlet Sombrero, and Ek Paso Pete went down ere his revolver could cover the heart of the Don’s intended victim. But the derringer was dropped on the table as the left hand of Scarlet Sombrero arose with one of bis gold-mounted revolvers which had won for him the name of the Revolver Sharp, and it covered the Mexican comrade of the Don, whose hands went up with remarkable sudden- ness, and just in time to save his life. To the amazement of Redfern other revolvers than his covered the Mexican, and half a dozen men stepped to his side, while one said in a low tone? ‘* We are here to obey the orders of the wearer of the Diamond Eye.” Redfern was almost thrown off his guard by discovering that he had secret friends near, without doubt the followers of the mysterious woman who was known as the Vailed Lady of Mexico, and who had given hit the secret badge of the Diamond Eye. His glance fell upon half a dozen of them, dark, bearded, wild-looking fellows who would be able backers even against great odds. But Senor Du Val stepped forward now and poured oil on the troubled waters, for he cried as he pointed to the Mexican with upraised bands: ‘Don’t kill him, Senor Redfern, for you’ve punished the Don badly and El Paso Pete takes your bullet to the grave with him, **The Don started the dance so he must pay the fiddier,” and Du Val placed his hand upon the head still resting upon the table, and with a gash cut by the blow from the derringer in the hand of Redfern, “‘T have no desire to push the affair, senor, unless Don Carvalho wishes to renew the trouble at some future time,” and Redfern turned to the Mexican he still held under cover, and continued: ‘Shall it be peace or war, senor?” “T have no quarrel with you, Senor Red- fern.” *“No more than that you, the Don and EI Paso Pete sought to avenge Trent Baxter, and made a bad break of it; but as you cry quits, I say ajl right,” and replacing .bis weapon, the Scarlet Sombrero turned to thank those who had so promptly and decidedly come to his rescue. But not one of them did he see, for they had quietly slipped away, He glanced earnestly into the many faces about him, but failed to recogniza one of those who had responded to his unintentional signal of the Diamond Eye. “Senor Du Val, 1 would like to see you when you are at leisure. “T am going to My room,” and Redfern walked out of the saloon, just as the Don raised his bead and turned bis bloodshot eyes upon the crowd. ** Did L kill him?” he asked, in a hoarse voice, and a shout of: laughter greeted his words, while a miner cried derisively: “Kill him? Waal, I guess not; but he put you ter sleep, and yer tuck mighty good keer not to wake up ontil he were gone, yer did.” The Don gazed at the speaker in a dazed sort of way, but made no effort to resent his words, and his comrade grasped him by the arm and said in Spanish: ** Come, quick !” “ce Where? “‘ Anywhere away from here.” ae Why?” “‘ Do you not feel the blow he gave you?” The Scarlet Sombrero. “Who?” “That Scarlet Sombrero.” **Ts he dead?” ‘No, but El Paso Pete is.” ** Pid 1 miss him?’ ‘*He knocked you senseless before you had time to draw.” ‘**'W bo killed El Paso Pete?” *- He did.” ** And you?” ‘* He bad me covered, and I am no fool. ‘Come, don’t you be one, for the game is against us, and all know it was a job to do him, instead of meeting him on the square.” ** Pll go,” ‘* Now you are wise.” ‘* But ll have my revenge,” “* That is for another time.” ‘Yes, another time,” and the Don staggered as bis comrade aided him to leave the saloon and go to his quarters, which he was glad to do, not only because he suffered from his wound, but he had felt that the tide had turned against him in Devil’s Ranch and he knew what an object of derision a fallen hero is in border camps. But the more he thought the more revenge- ful he became, CHAPTER XVII. UNKNOWN ALLIES. WHEN Redfern reached his room he was in ho way excited, but sat down by the open win- dow and became lost in thought. He however took the precaution to place the candle behind the door, so that a revengeful passer by might not recognize him and risk a chance shot, and he knew there were plenty of men in Devils’ Ranch who would be glad of the opportunity to thus put him out of the way. He was still thought to be in the service of the fort, and many hated him because he was one to put down lawlessness, while others re- membered he had given Devil’s Ranch certain calls in the past. If he could be gotten rid of without danger to the one who pulled the trigger there were | plenty to take the risk of being found out after the deed was done, So Searlet Sombrero wisely put the candle out of the way, and as he sat there in semi- darkness he had his revolver in hand in case that should any one come in the hope of catch- ing him off his guard they would be the one that fell into the trap set for him, It was some time before there came a rap upon the door, ‘“*Come in,” said Redfern cheerily, but the words would have been the death-knell to the szan Who entered that came to kill The door opened and the landlord entered. He started at the words of his guest, ‘ Ah, senor, it is you, sol can put up my gun. ‘*Caramba! but you had me covered?” ** Oh yes, I didn’t know just who it was.” ‘* Why do you sit in this somber light?” “T like it better than to have a bright one that may make mea target for lead from the outside.” ** Redfern, you are a wonder,” ‘* Thank you, senor; but why so?” ‘““'You leave no act undone to defend your- self,” **T would not now be here had I been less cau- tious.” ‘* Well, you need to be on the watch, for you bave many foes, who are the worse from being openly friends.” “JT watcb even a friend in these parts, senor,” *““You are wise; but you did for El Paso Pete,” “* Yes, I shot to kill, and was just in time to Save my life, for had I stopped to draw my re- volver he would have killed me.” “I never saw more clever work, or quicker, than that handkerchief trick which hid your erringer, and quick as was the blow you gave the Don, and hard too, your shot followed in half ®& Second, while in as much more time your left hand gun covered the other Mexican. It was splendid, Redfern, splendid! and I would not have missed it for a thousand pesos.” | am glad you enjoyed it, senor, but I did not, for it is painful for me to touch a trigger that sends a soul out of a human being, be they what they may,” “Redfern, you are older than you seem, for you are no boy to talk and act as you do,” ‘Tam a boy in years, senor, only a boy; but an old mab, asad one indeed, in experience,” was the low reply, “Well, I have watched you ever since you first came to these camps, and I tell youthat you Sn 9 have made me your friend, and there is my hand upon it.” ‘*T thank you, senor, and any true friendship is most acceptable to one who can count his friends on the fingers of one hand; but I wish to ask you something?” ** Yes, senor.” ‘Did you notice anything that occurred in that little affair other than the part I took in it?’ ‘* How do you mean?” ** Did you observe that I had friends there?” ‘* T did notice it, and who were they?” **T do not know.” ‘** But they were your friends,” ‘* My allies say, for I never saw them before,” ** Nor did I, for I did take notice that they were strangers to me.” ‘‘ Strangers to you?” ‘* Yes, senor.” ‘** But you have seen them before?” ** Never to my knowledge.” ‘This is strange, for 1 was certain that you could tell me who they were.” ** No, never; aud I am surprised that you did not know them,” ‘*T do not; but did others note their action?” ‘* 1 think not, more than to see that you had backers, whom they doubtless thought were soldiers, or scouts from the fort, and this idea quelled trouble, I think,” ** Yes, I am glad it did; but the Don meant to corner me, and have El Paso Pete kill me, as I plainly saw, so I hit the right man as it was,” ‘** Yes, you made no mistake,” ** T wish you would do something for me.” * Yes, Redfern, with pleasure,” ““Go down and circulate among the crowd and see if any of them. knew who my unknown allies were.” ** Pll go at once, for if you do not know them, and I believe what you say, I confess to con- siderable curiosity to find out.” ** And if you can drop a word that I am here to carry back with me certain ‘bags of gold when [ go, I’ll esteem it a favor.” ‘* You are up to some deep game, Redfern, I am sure.” ** Well, I shall ask your aid in a secret way, whatever it is, tohelp me carry it out.” “Tl help you, you may depend upon it; but now to find out who those unknown fellows really are, who were so quick with their guns,” and the landlord left the room upon his mission, while Redfern became once again lost in deep meditation, CHAPTER XVIIL A SECRET BETWEEN THEM, Ir was more than an hour before Du Val the ‘* Boss” of the New Mexico returned, and to try the youth he gave a different knock from his usual one, ‘**Come in!” said Redfern, and the landlord found himself standing in the light of the hall- way, While the candle having been blown out left his guest in the darkness, ** Hard to catch, you are, Redfern; but I have talked to half the men who were in the saloon,” ** With what result?” ‘*Weli, many saw that you were not alone. and they believed, as I did that you had aid from the fort,” **Did they not know the men who showed on my side?” ** Not a man of them!” ‘* Where did they go?” “T give it up.” **T turned to thank them, and they were gone,” ‘* Well, not a man I talked with saw how they went, or knew them, “They observed the fact that you bad half a dozen very bold allies, with more to be heard from if they were needed; but then when they began to ask to ask who they were they could not find one of them,” ‘Tt is a mystery to me.” “Did not one of them speak to you, for I thought that I saw one do so?” “Yes, he whispered that they saw my signal and were ready to obey me,” ** What signal?” That is what I do not know,” ‘You made none?” ‘* Not with any intention of doing so.” “Well, it is rather cheerful to know that you have allies when you need them, and those who showed themselves to-night have caused a rather wholesome fear of you, for men believe you are here for some purpose, and witb a very large backing.” Redfern laughed, and replied:
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‘¢ Why Lam weaker than ever before, for lam no longer a scout at Fort Blanco.” “* What?’ “* ft is true.” “You have had trouble then?” “Oh, no, I resigned, and when I had a chance to become more than a scout,” and the youth told the story of the Comanche raid upon the settle- ment, and the battle that followed. ‘*You are more of a mystery to me than ever, Redfern; but tell me; did you ever find eut who that Vailed Lady of Mexico was that came here to kill the Sharp from Texas and but for you would have done so?” ‘*T discovered that she came from across the Rio Grande, and returned from whence she came; but what of the Don?” “Oh{ he hunted bis den pretty quick, along with Corallez, who showed great nerve in get- ting bis hands up over his head as quickly as he did.” 7 They are Mexicans.” “ Yes. ” ‘The ey are of a most revengeful nature of course,’ *€ Do you consider ell my countrymen are?” ‘You are not a Mexican, Senor DuVal.” “Tam not?” “ No, ” ‘* Why do you think so?” ; 7 do not think, I know.” The Senor Du Val turned pale and glanced somewhat nervously at the youth, while he said: ‘‘-You are mistaken, for I am a Mexican.” “By adoption, yes, for you went to Mexico twelve years ago, because you had shot your rival in love, who stole your bride from you by false statements.” ‘My God! who are you?” “Don’t be alarmed, for I will not betray you; but some one recognized you here a year ago and papers were sent for your arrest, or rather the arrest of Duval Driscoll, and know- ing you as I did, and the many good deeds you had secretly done, I let the papers go back in- dorsed: ‘“*No such a man as Duval Driscoll to be found!” **God bless you, Redfern, you are indeed my friend, and I am yours for life.” sf Well, let us drop the past and tell me what of El Paso Pete?” “Oh they took him off for burial to-morrow.” * And did you hivt about my intention to take some bags of gold soon by coach?” “T did bint that I heard it said you wefe bere on a gold hunt, that is getting hush money from many men whom you could send to the fort in ironsif so you willed.” “That is a good idea, and I wish you would ive out incidentally that I leave to-day week on eil Burt's stage.” “Tl do it, Senor Redfern; but you may ex- pect to be held u p on the trail, ‘» “That is just what Lam after, Senor Du Val,” was the reply that surprised the landlord, “* Just what you are after, senor?” ‘Yes, and when the coach is held up on the trail you’ll know why; but this is a secret, be- tween you and I,” ** It shall be so kept, Redfern, I promise you. “But nowT will leave you, for you’ must be tired and rest will do you good. **Good-night, and don’t forget that I appre- ciate what you have done, for me,” and the landlord left Redfern once more alone; but it was long. before the youth sought the rest he really needed, CHAPTER XIX, FOR GOLD AND REVENGE, THE week that Redfern passed in Devil’s Ranch seemed not an unpleasant one to him, though there were a number of men there who had an uncasy feeling the while, the result of a bad conscience. It was thought that he was there for no good, from the standpoint of the lawless spirits, while from the view of the honest miners of the camps, and those who wished a purification of the moral atmosphere, he was there for some good purpose, Though he was not seen to speak to any one particularly, it was believed that he had a strong support there, and men were very care- ful to pick no quarrel with him. And Redfern was equally careful not to go out at night where an assassin would lie in wait for him, He did not appear to avoid any one, and each evening sauntered into the gambling den, and he seemed to enjoy wang large sums a from his landlord. The Scarlet Sombrero, Du Val was a crack card- aided; a eee roe as many had experienced to their sorrow, but somehow the Scarlet Sombrero won regularly from him, and each game was for a large sum, Senor Du Val paid up promptly, in little buckskin bags full of gold and it was estimated that Redfern had won many thousand from him before the week was up. Curious ones discovered that the youth took his money to the hotel strong-box for safe keep- ing, and calculators made an estimate that he had deposited an equal sum with what he had won from the landlord. This money was the cause of much talk, for it was hinted about that when Redfern had come with full powers to arrest certain individuals who were known to be fugitive from justice, tho ‘aid parties remained at large, but gave out to their intimate friends that their freedom cost them considerable sums in gold. The Don had not been out of bis very comfort- able quarters since the night that he made the mistake of his life in trying to avenge his friend Trent Baxter by proxy, said proxy having peen EI Paso Pets, who had kept his word to ** die with his boots on,” El Paso Pete remained but a memory in Devil’s Ranch, and a bad memory at that, for the mound that marked his last resting-place i in the graveyard, was all that remained of a des- perado at whose sudden demise not a tear had fallen, or a regret been expressed. The Don was said to have been severely in- jured by the blow dealt by the derringer in the hand of Redfern: but Corallez was his devoted nurse and hoped bis friend Cavalho would be able to get out within a week. Yes, after the Scarlet Sombrero leaves camp,” was the comment of a miner , and he seemed to have sized up public opinion in the case of the Don. The Revolver Sharp made no secret as to his time of departure, for he was heard to tell Neil Burt that he would go out with him on his next run east, and he asked in a whisper if there pa danger of road-agents being met on the trai ‘*No, indeed, they have laid low since the news came of how you run Blue Jacket Bill’s head into the noose of a rope, Pard Redfern,” was Neil Burt's answer, and it was overheard by several, who said that the youth seemed pleased with the information. When the day came for Neil Burt’s trip out, Redfern said he was ready, and leaving his horse and traps at the New Mexico, he mounted the box with the driver, Several passengers who had expected to go, failed to materialize that trip, and there were a number of curious fellows who stood around and saw some very heavy bundles put on board, which they knew was the gold of the Scarlet Sombrero, ‘Am I all that is to go, senor?” asked Red- fern of Landlord Du Val, and when the reply came in the affirmative, all saw a very anxious expression sweep Over the face of the youth, But there was no backing out now, happen what might, and the coach rolled away on the trail eastward. As it did soa man hastily left the crowd and made his way toa cabin balf a mile distant, and situated upon the mountain-side, As he entered a man met him at the door with the ers Vell?” ‘* He has gone!” ** How many passengers?” ‘* He alone.” ** With Neil Burt?” “ Yes, ” ‘* Did he carry his traps?” ‘“*He had two closely-rolled Apache serapes, and they were heavy as lead, for t got a chance to lift them,” “Then jhe carried his gold that way?” “ce Yes,” ‘¢ Well, we must cross the range to where our horses are” ; “ Yes. ” ** You have the rien, then?” “Three of them, for if more passengers went, we were to go by for the other three.” ** Yes, they will be sufficient; but we must lose no time, for ib isa twelve-mile ride from where we strike the horses to the rocks known as the Blue Jacket Toll-Gate,” ‘* But the coach has twice that distance to go.” ‘Yes, but Neil Burt is no slow driver, “Come! now for revenge and gold with it!” ard the two men, after locking their cabin door, started off at a rapid pace along the ridge. After a walk of a mile they began to descend by a rugged trail to the valley beyond the range, and in an hour after leaving their cabin! se. came upon three men and five horses in hiding among the rocks, ‘*Come, men we have no time to lose, for we must ride for it. “Come, it will be gold in the same in mine sweetened w yeh revenge,” and mounting oue of the horses in w aiting, the speaker led the way at a sweeping gallop along the base of the range, CH APTER > THE DON’S REVENGE Tue party of five horsemen did not spare the animals they rode. Tney kept them at a sweeping gallop, along a trail that was dangerous to ride so fast; but the one in the lead set. the pace and the others fol- lowed, though now and then anarrow escape was made from a terr ible fall. ‘“‘The Don’s in earnest,” remarked one of the three horsemen, who w ith the other two who had been joined by the party on foot, rode in the rear. ‘* Yes, and he ought to divide well for risking our necks as he does,” g crowled the next man to the first spvaker. ‘+ Well, I guess he will.” ‘* Fle’ll "get the lion’s share, you bet.” ‘No, I guess he wants revenge more than gold, from what I can learn.” ‘© Wo are to hold up the coach, hain’t we?” ae Yes, ” ‘* Who drives?” ** Neil Burt.” ‘* A bad man.’ ‘* Yes, but we are five.” “Who else i is along?” ‘* One man.’ ‘© Who is hog” “T don’t know, but they say he is heavy with yellow metal.” ‘¢ How much?” * Don’t know, but it runs up among the ten thousands.” ‘¢ Well, a couple of thousand pesos apiece for us, we being five, wouldn’t be a bad day’s work.” % Not a bit of it; but maybe it will be more.” «7 hope it is.’ ‘*T mean dk we'll get more than two thou- sand apiece from the ten thousand.” your pockets, and “ Lordy! I hope it won’t be me.” « os too,” and the dread silenced the two rear me At last the leader turned into a canyon which pierced the mountain, and a ride of a mile fur- ther brought them to the entrance of a wild and narrow valley. Large bowlders had broken away from the high, bold mountain-sides upon either band, and rolling down into the valley had nearly choked up the entrance to it. Buta trail well defined was left, and at this the leader eagerly gazed. “It has not passed, so muzzle your horses and get them hidden among the rocks yonder, for nae here at the Blue Jacket Toll-Gate we will d up the coach.” The men obeyed, and soon all five were grouped among the bowlders, rifles in hand, and revolvers ready, for they meant that it should be a deadly attack, as dead men tell no tales, they decided. Fully half an hour passed beforé the distant rumble of wheels along the rocky trail was heard, and _ the leader called the men to silence and ordered them to take their positions, to obey his commands. Masks were passed arouud and all five put them on, completely hidiag their faces, after which the leader handed to each man a blue jacket, which he drew on over his miner’s shirt, or clothing. Louder sounded the wheels, as the coach ap- proached, and soon it came in sight, coming — ie along ata slappin; ce as though the driver ese that he was eae hour behind time, Upon the box was Neil Burt, by his side a— focus which caused one of the two who had held the conversation together on the way to remark in a startled tone: ** As T live it’s the Red Sombrero! “Whew! if I’d have known he was to be the passenger I’a have backed down, unless we had more help,” eR: ‘We are five against two,” os - a oe i ph en: oe bas ate BET Lee anf ef pets os ee ce rae ~ et -SeF. sy + “Yes, we count that in numbers, but that rs Revolver Sharp equalsup things mighty sudden, and I’m going to see that he don’t get a cover on me,” and the speaker drew further back from — viow, ** How can we?” ‘¢ One of us might be called in.” The trail was rough right atthe rocky entrance f
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to the canyon, causing Neil Burt to slow down to a walk, and as the leaders passed into the trap, there sung out in a commanding voice: ‘** Wire!” The five rifles flashed together and their aim | was directly at tae Scarlet Sombrero and Neil Burt. And down from the box dropped both driver and passenger, while two of the outlaws sprung to the heads of the leaders and checked them. And toward the coach dashed the outlaw leader, crying out: ‘* Now for gold and revenge! ‘* Come, men! we bagged our game!” ‘* We have bagged our game, you mean, Don Cavalho,” came in a stern voice, and the speaker came from where he had dropped from the coach-box and covered the breast of the masked man with a revolver. At the same time Neil Burt arose also, like one from the dead, and the two held a revolver in each hand. ** Hands up, senors, for. not one of you have a loaded gun. ‘* Come, hands up, or die!” cried the Scarlet Sombrero, and each of his revolvers covered the outlaw’s heart, The Don’s response was to throw his revolver forward and pull trigger. But cap after cap snapped, and with a groan he raised his hands crying: ** There has been treachery here in my band!” “No, Don Cavalho, for one of your band is in my pay, and he but obeyed my orders to see that there was ro lead in your weapons, ‘‘ Manuel, just slip the irons upon these four gentlemen, after which we will take a look at their faces.” The man addressed as Manuel by Redfern was the silent one of the three who had been waiting | with the horses and rifles at the base of the range. He threw off his mask and quickly slipped a pair of handcuffs upon the wrists of Don Ca- valho, whose mask he also removed, revealing the face of the angry Mexican, with the still unhealed scar upon his temple, which the der- ringer had made, The other three outlaws were as quickly ironed, and Neil Burt said, with a laugh: ‘Four inside passengers now, aud for Fort Blanco, Redfern, you say?” ‘Yes, as soon as I have written Colonel Rock- wood a note by Manuel here, who returns to his command,” replied Radfern, and taking from his pocket paper and pencil he hastily wrote a note to the commandant of Fort Blanco. This he gave to Manuel, who hustled his pris- oners into the coach and sprung in with them, while Neil Burt hitched four of the horses the Outlaws had ridden alongside of his own team, and getting up to his box, with a farewell to the youth, drove on his way. Redfern watched the coach until it was out of sight, and then mounting the Don’s horse rode slowly back on the trail toward Devil’s Ranch, evidently more satisfied with the success of his bold plot, than the Don was with the revenge and gold he had failed to secure. CHAPTHR XXI. THE COLONELS LETTER. A scout passing through Devil’s Ranch, had seen and heard that Redfern was carry- ing a high hand there, so to speak, and when he reached the fort he told the story and it came to Colonel Rockwood’s ears. He sent for Texas Charlie, the scout, and questioned him regarding what he had seen and heard abvut the Searlet Sombrero. ** Did you see him?” ‘‘No, sir, but I heard he had left the town.” ‘* Was he upon a spree?” * Well, he was whooping up the piace. sir, and was painting the people the color of his hat, from all accounts.” ‘‘T am sorry to hear this, for I did not know that Redfern drank.” “And he don’t, sir; but he plays cards to win, and got into a game with a boss gambler there, a Mexican by the name of Don Cavalho, and a dangerous man, “The Greaser had two pards, as I heard it, tochip in against Scarlet Hat, and they were bad men from ’way back, one of them being El Paso Pete, the onerayest despera- do in the lay-out, colonel. ‘The other was a Mexican, and they turn- ed the game against Scarlet, 1 guess; for he If ee The Scarlet Sombrero. es ae knocked the Don into a trance, put a bullet into El Paso Pete’s brain and held the Mexi- can pard up with his revolver. ‘«They say it was a sight to enjoy, and more, some told me he had backers by the dozen who chipped in with their guns ready to see Redfern out to the end. ‘*T heard too that he was winning dead oodles of dust fromthe Boss of the New Mexico, and it was hinted that he was scar- ing jail and gallows chumps by pretending to arrest them and getting cash down in hand | tu let them off.” Colonel Rockwood was deeply pained at this, He felt that Recfern had left the Govern- ment service to turn desperado and gambler, | as his actions showed, when he reported to him, He felt a deep interest in the vouth, and decided to write him a letter urging him to change his course, and send it by a special courier, A. couple of days after he sat down to carry out this good intention, when he heard the | stage Lorn and soon after the orderly told | him that Scout Manuel Moline wished to see him. He knew that this was a special scout, whom his predecessor had detailed to serve under Redtern, and he had requested the youth to order him back to the fort. “1 can now learn the truth of these re- ports,” said the colonel, as he bade the order- ly admit the scout. Manuel Moline came inand saluted the new commandant with marked politeness, after which, when told to speak, he said ina business sort of way: “T have a letter for you, Coivnel Rock- wood, from Scout Redfern, who orders me to report to you for duty, sir. ‘*T have four prisoners sir, awaiting your pleasure at the guard-house. I having come in with them on Neil Burt’s coach.” ‘Prisoners, scout?” “Yes, sir, the letter will explain.” The colonel at once read the penciled lines, written on leaves torn from Redfern’s note- book. As he read he opened his eyes wide with astonishment, and several times ejaculated in a pleased sort of Way. Redfern’s letter to the colonel was as fol- lows: “On Coach TRAIL Saturday Noon, ““CotoneL Martyn Rockwoop, Commandng Fort Blanco:— “Sir:—This informal communication will be handed to you by special scout Manuel Moline, whom I send to report to you with four outlaw pris- oners just taken. ; * Arriving at Devil’s Ranch, I concluded that there were more of Blue Jacket Biil’s men running at large, who should be taken, sol lail a trap to in- snare them, in which they greatly aided me as they were anxious to avenge their chief by geiting rid of me. “Taccepted a banter with one, Don Cavalho, to play cards, and he was backed by two confederates, a Mexican known as Senor Corallez, and an Ameri- can desperado who answers to the name of Ei Pas) Pete. : “Tsaw that their game was to kill me, so I acted first. stunned the Don by a blow. and was forced to kill El Paso Pete, who had Grawn on me, “ Coraliez I did not harm as he obeyed my order of hands up!” 7 . - I found in the landlord of the New Mexico here, a stanch friend, one I would recommend to you for secret work, and we planned to catch the Jon and others of his band I won nightly from the landlord, large sums of money, 78 @/lin/; and bad him report that I was receiving much more by allowing criminals to buy themselves off from arrest, and this gold I was sup- pose‘l to take with me to the fort on the Stage driven oy Neil Burt. ‘Some nails wrapped in serapes served as well, and I left on the coach, and thanks to Seout Man- uel Moline, we trapped the Don and the others of the band, who held up the coach at the Blue Jacket Toll-Gate. ** Moline had secretly pape? the band under the Don, who was Blue Jacket Bill’s lieutenant, and his testimony wil hang the four men he takes as pris- oners to the fort. ‘“* He had drawn the bullets from the weapons of the outlaws, so that the fire upon Driver Burt and myself was harmless, and the latter was a most val- uable ally in the capture of the outlaw quarcette, and he and the scout deserve ail praise. “T return to Devil’s Ranch upon the Don’s horse, and shall go upon my way as intended to Mexico, while my address will be El Paso, Texas, as I told you. With respect, “ Roy Reprern.” “P.S. The name of the landlord is Du Val, and he has stood by me in all my plans, and knows that Isend you his name as a Secret Service agent in Devil’s Ranch, if you care to use him.” Such was the letter of Redfern, and it showed how the stories regarding him when: put in a different light had been to his detri- nent. Turning to Scout Moline the colonel shook hands with him, congratulated him upon his services, and heard his story of the affair, | which was largely in the praise of Redfern, while the scout added: “And my testimony, Colonel Rockwood, will hang the Don and his three pards.” CHAPTER XXII. ACROSS. THE RIO GRANDE. REDFERN rode back to Devil’s Ranch in a very good humor with himself. He had, though no longer a special Secret Service scout, sent Manuel Moline back to the fort with four outlaws of the Blue Jacket Band, and shown Colone] Rockwood that he still held an interest in serving the Govern- ment. There were strange looks cast upon him when he rede up to the New Mexico, mount ed upon the Don’s horse. ; He had gone off that morning on the box of Neil Burt’s coach, the supposed carrier of a large sum in gold. Now he came back without his heavy serapes, and on horsebuck. What did it mean? This question was upon every lip,‘ and Senor Du Val as he came out to meet him put ona well-feigned look of surprise and cried: ‘Why, Redfern, what does this mean?” ‘*f am back again, you see.” All hung breathlessly upon the replies of the Scarlet Sombrero. **T see you are; but where is the coach?” **On its way to Fort Blanco.” ‘** Where did you leave it?” ‘** At the Blue Jacket Toll-Gate.” ‘*Ah!” half a hundred men uttered this exclamation in chorus. ‘*And Neil Burt?” ‘*Ts driving.” ‘You wasn’t held up were you?” $i one ““ Who by?” ‘Five Blue Jackets.” “And robbed?” ** No—we trapped the trappers.” **No!” “Yes, we bagged the outfit.” ‘* Killed them?” ‘* No, but the party went on to Fort Blanco in irons.” “And you?” ‘‘Came back.” ‘But that is Don Cavalho’s horse you are riding?” ‘* Yes, the Don was there.” ‘‘TDid he go on the stage this morning?” asked Du Val; with surprise that seemed real. ‘*No, he held the stage up at the Blue Jacket Toll-Gate, he and Senor Corallez, and others of a like stripe; but Neil Burt and |] roped the bad lot in, and while the Don and his gang went on in irons to the fort, | came back here, for I have some business to look after,” and the significant smile the young wanderer gave caused several guilty souls to quietly and with alacrity withdraw their presence from the crowd, for a man who isa criminal always feels that he is the one upon whom the eye of the law falls. There was a hearty cheer given the Scarlet Sombrero at his words, though some present doubtless cheered for appear- ances only. Redfern thus far had been seated upon the
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The Scarlet Sombrero, Don’s horse before the New Mexico, upon the piazza of which stood Du Val aad the crowd. Now he dismounted and giving the rein to the peon servant who had come to take the | animal, he said: ‘“You keep the Don’s horse, Senor Du | Val, until the last will and testament of | that gentleman is known regarding his ef- fects.” As he entered the hotel he called to three of the most prominent of the denizens of | ‘Devil’s Ranch. and asked them to accom- pany him and Senor Du Vai to the cabin of Don Cavalho and Senor Corailez to see what | was there and lock the doors until it was de- | cided what the Government would do with | the effects, The party of five went over by night to the cabin of the Don, and when they signed a statement of discoveries made there, enough to prove that one of the occupants was the | lieutenant of the Blue Jackets, and the other a member of the band, the papers forwarded to Colonel Rockwood at Mort Blanco. ‘*You spoke to the colonel of me, Red- fern, in your letter?” asked Du Val as the two were seated that night in the former's room together. ‘* Yes, as one who would be glad to act as Secret Service agent for him at Devil's Ranch,” “I thank you; but what will you do now?” **Go to Mexico.” ** When will you start?’ ** 'To-night.” ** 80 soon?’ ‘Yes, I wish to be on my way, and it may be, Senor Du Val, that I may write you, either by mail or a courier, while 1’ll tell you that my address will be El Paso, Texas, though this is for your benefit alone.” “Certainly, Redfern; but 1 regret exceed- ingly to see you go.” “There is one thing I wish you to do for me, and that is, keep an eye upon Miner St. John, of Yellow Canyon. “THe is a splendid fellow, his mine is pan- ning out well, and every week or two he eomes here for provisions, and buys from your store, I believe?” ‘Yes, I know him, and like the man.” **Well, be good to him, and if you get the chance some time, ride over and see him, telling him you are my friend. *“Now I must get my traps together and be off.” An hour after, Redfern, mounted upon his bay, and with his other two horses follow- ing, rode quietly away from the shed, stables of the New Mexico, and took the trail lead- ing down into Texas. He camped the next morning several hours after sunrise, and rested until late in the afternoon, when he again began his journey. By easy stages each day he went, until at last he came to the Rio Grande, and crossed over into Mexico. Once he had crossed into the land of the Mexicans, he reversed his manner of travel- ing, for he camped all day in some secluded spot, and rode by night. As day dawned on the second night’s travel in Mexico, he halted upon a ridge which commanded an extensive view of the country around for many miles. Located upon a wooded rise, or hill, a leatue away, Was a large and strongly-built hacienda, house and surrounding walls built of adobe, and looking more like a fort than a house, As the day brightened, from about the hills came large herds of cattle, horses and sheep, and with their mounted attendants they spread out over the vast plains, “That is her home, and now I will seek her there, “*Come, horses, there is rest for us soon, I think.” and so saying Redfern rode forward, | were | single-breasted, buttoned close | chin, ’ followed by his faithful equine friends, and started on the trial for the grana old Mexican hacienda — wv CHAPTER XXIII. THE ITINEKANT PARSON, Ir was upon the second Sabbath following the visit of Redfern to the miner of Yellow Canyon, that the latter was again seated un- der the shed along the front of his cabin, and which by courtesy he called his piazza. As was his wont he was dressed up In his best clothes for Sunday, and he had just be gun a letter to his wife in far-away Mary- | land, when his horse gave a neigh, and look ing up he saw aman standing at the barrier down the canyon, as though afraid to venture in, ‘‘Gome on, my friend, for you are wel- come, heartily so,” cried Gray St. John, and thus urged the stranger slowly got over the barrier, and advanced with dignified step to ward the cabin, As he approached, St. John, who had to Kee ee should do alt in your power to keep from the stain of sin **My name is Freeze—Ebenezer Freeze. “ Been long in these parts?” ‘* Nearly two years.” ‘““T was told as 1 journeyed aiong, for I came by coach now and then on the way, that there is a large mining-camp not far from here.” ‘‘It is half a day’s journey, parson.” ‘ It beareth the name of Satan, I believe?” ‘‘It is known as the Deyvil’s Ranch, par- son,” ‘Then it is there that I would go and fight wickedness.” ‘* You'll find it a hard place, Parson Freeze, and it will be no easy task for you to get a foothold there; but they sadly need your ; services, and I trust sincerely you may be the means of doing much good. “But you must not think of going to-day, so remain here to-night and I will help you | on your way to-morrow by a lift on my horse placed one of nis rustic chairs for him, gazed | at him with considerable interest. He was a tall man, and looked taller from | the fact that he wore a long tailed black coat, up to the He had a white collar, soiled by long wear, and a cravat which had Jost its purity also. To his back was strapped a soldier’s knap- sack, with a bianket tightly rolled beneath it, and a rubber coat and blanket on top. Over one shoulder was swung a well-filled leather haversack, and in his hand he carried a stout staff, while a double-barrel shot-gun | was the only visible weapon of offense or de- fense. His pantaloons were black and tucked into top-boots, and his head was surmounted by a high black hat, the rim of which had been added to by placing the flap of a black slouch, cut for the purpose over it, and this hung down almost like a hood about his face. He was clean shaven, his hair cut close, and he wore a pair of spectacles with a slight greenish tinge, as though his eyes were weak. His face was a strong one, with an expres sion of simplicity and goodness: in it which would quell any angry word or blasphemy a wild sojourner of the West might wish to fling at him. “ Well, stranger, traveling on foot through these wilds, eh? ** But you are welcome, and I am glad to see you,” said Gray St. John, extending his hand. The stranger grasped and held the hand firmly, while he replied: ‘Tam a stranger in this vineyard of the Lord, my brother, but where we are called, there must we go. ‘*] thank you for your kind welcome, and I will rest with you on tiis holy Sabbath day, for I have journeyed afar,” ‘Doso, and I will have dinner soon, and can promise you a good one,” ‘*] will be grateful, my brother, for I am ahungered, as I have slain no game this day, not willing to shoot on Sunday,” ‘*You are a minister, I take it?” said St. John, kindty, «Yes, an humble and lowly teacher of the Good Book, brother, and I have come hither to preach to the heathen in the camps of the wicked gold-gatherers.” ‘* You must not judge us al! alike, parson, for I am a gold-gatherer, and yet 1 try to live an honest life, while I work hard to get a fortune for those I love ” ‘You are wise, my brother; but what did you say your name was?” St. John had not said, but.with a smile he answered, ** My name is Gray St. John.” **St John! a glorious name! and one you | for a few miles,” ‘** And you, Brother St. John?” “Ah, 1 can walk to where I put you in the right trail, and ride back.” ‘* You are very kind, and I will give you a few tracts to read in your leisure hours, seed sown by the wayside, as it were.” Hie opened his knapsack, which the miner now saw had the emblem of the cross upon it, and took out half a dozen tracts, whieh he handed to the miner, who then arose and placing them away, set about gettting din- ner. In an hour it was ready, and the itinerant parson gave thanks with a gusto when he saw what a really tempting mea he had sat down to. Though simple, the miner found him a man of observation and good sense, and en- joyed his conversation, He declined a pipe after dinner, as ‘‘an abomination of Satan,” and then suddenly grasping the pipe he said in a wholly changed voice: “Here, pard, give it tome, for I cannot resist the temptation. ‘Well, my good friend §t. John, you did not know me, did you?” ‘“My God! you are Trent Baxter!” gasped Miner St. John, while his face turned deadly pale. “Yes, the Sharp from Texas, wholly at your service, St. John; but to all others Par son Ebenezer Freeze on a gospil trail through this land of sin,” and the disguised man burst forth into ringing laughter, as he beheld the face of the miner, which was a strange study to look upon, CHAPTER XXIV. THE WRONG MAN. iT was some time before Miner St, John cou'd utter a word, after his exclamation of almost alarm, when he spoke the name of his visitor, It was hard even then for him to recog- nize Trent Baxter in the man before him, though he knew that it must be, could be no other than the one who had saved hig life, who had been his partner in the mine, and was known as the Sharp from Texas, , Then the words of Redfern came back to him, that the Sharp from Texas, Trent Baxter, was none other than Hugh Ham- mond. He recalled that Redfern had said that he had seen him hanged as Blue Jacket Bill, the outlaw chief, up in Colorado, by the Vigilantes, and yet the supposed™dead man now sat before him, laughing at his look of wonder, Was this Hugh Hammond? Was it the Sharp from Texas? As though to break a silence that was becoming painful to him, the stranger said: ‘“Why, Pard St. John, you give me no welcome,” fl fi Ui }
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‘“‘No, for I believed you dead, Hammond !” The miner spoke the name at a venture, and his eyes fairly devoured the face of the man before him, to note his start, his sud- den cry at being recognized as Hugh Ham- mond. But there was no start, no change of color, and the answer came in a question: ‘“Who did you say you thought was dead, Pard St. John?” ‘* You, Hugh Hammond!” “Me? And you call me Hugh Ham- mond? ‘‘Why so, my good friend? ‘Surely my sudden coming has not hurt your mind.” The miner groaned, for surely it was not . Hugh Hammond that was before him. ‘*T called you Hugh Hammond, because I supposed you to have borne that name in the past, when we were boys together.” “My dear St. John, you are really ill, to get such notions in your head about our being boys together in the past, when we only met here in this canyon.” ‘'No, Iam not ill; but I fancied that you were a boyhood friend, then a foe, and tak- ing advantage of the years that had passed since then were hiding your identity from me. ‘*But I was mistaken, I guess, yes, I am sure I was; but still I believed you to be dead, Baxter,” “Why?” “Well, after your leaving the fort, I heard that you had been hanged in Colorado.” “That Thad been hanged in Colorado cried Baxter, quickly. “ Well, it was said that the outlaw chief, Blue Jacket Bill, was captured there by Vigi- lantes, and hanged.” *‘And did you deem me to be that vile man?” f ‘Tt was so said by all that you were?” ‘* Was I not released from the fort by the man himself appearing?” ‘** Yes, but he was proved after all to have been one of the Blue Jacket Band.” ‘* This is strange, for after leaving the fort I went to Mexico, where I have some inter- ests, and was returning here, hoping that the vile charges against me had blown over, when I met a friend who told me that I was believed to be the secret chief of the Blue Jackets, and if I returned to the vicinity of Devil's Ranch I would surely be hanged as such without trial. “Tam a bold man, St. John, and not to be driven from my purpose through personal fear, so I determined to come. “But I went to El Paso, had my beard and hair cut off, bought these glasses and clothes, a razor and some other traps, and leaving the eoach some distance from here came on foot to visit you. “*T was glad to see that you did not know me, for it told me how good my disguise was, and I am here to secretly hunt down my foes, and to prove my innocence of the eharges upon me, 4 ‘Now you know just why I am here as Parson Freeze,” and the Sharp from Texas smiled in a mock benign way which wholly ehanged the expression of his face. The miner had listened with the deepest interest and attention to all that he said. It certainly appeared lke a clear state- ment of facts. He could easily understand his coming in disguise, after the late charges made against him, for fear of getting into trouble from Which there was no escape. And now he came saying he had been in exico, when Redfern had told how he had Seen him hanged in Texas. f his story was true, then all charges against him were as false as he now believed the one to be that the Sharp from Texas was Hugh Hammond. “ Who told you that I had been hanged in 9 The Scarlet Sombrero. 13 Piaehe ! Texas, St. John?” asked the Sharp from } Texas somewhat impatiently: ‘The youth known as the Scarlet Som- brero.” “That boy!’ ‘* Yes,” ” told what was false. ‘* Yes, but I can hardly believe intention- ally so, for I saw a man in Devil’s Ranch who was with the party of Vigilantes, and he knows you well and said that you were the man hanged, while they sent for Redfern to get his testimony and when he said that their prisoner was Blue Jacket Bill, the out- law chief of New Mexico, they swung him up then and tliere.” ‘‘Well, they hanged the wrong man, my friend, for I am alive, well, and am here to stay,” was the response of the Sharp from Texas. CHAPTER XXYV. THE PARSON AT DEVIL’S RANCH. Unix late at night the pretended ‘‘ Par- son Freeze” and Miner Gray St. John talk- ed together. They went over all that had passed since the arrest of the Sharp from Texas by Red- fern upon the charge of being secretly the leader of the outlaw band known as the Blue Jackets. All that Redfern had reported, all that was the subject of conversation at Devil’s Ranch, was gone over, and the miner was compelled to admit that he believed the Sharp from Texas to be a wronged man. He did not regard him as perfect by any means, and he knew him to be a gambler, also an alleged desperado in the mines. But he owed his life to him, and he had always found him honest, kind anda devoted friend. The fact that the man hanged was not Trent Baxter, proved that the Sharp from Texas might be all that he claimed, an honest miner after all, whose unfortunate resem- blance to the outlaw chief Blue Jackct, had caused him much worry, sorrow and peril. There was one glad thought to miner St. John, and that was that the man hanged in Colorado for the Texas Sharp was really Hugh Hammond, his old boyhood foe. i He must also have been Blue Jacket Bill, the outlaw chief, and therefore Trent Baxter was not. If the man hanged by the Vigilantes, whose resemblance to Trent Baxter was so striking, was Hugh Hammond, then he could dismiss all fears at once of dying by his as- sassin’s hand some-day. So, thinking over this, Miner St. John be- came almost cheerful, for it came to him that before long he would see his loved wife and daughter at their Mary!and home. ‘‘Well, Baxter, I am more than glad to find you my friend as in the past, and that you were not the real outlaw leader they ac- cused you of being. ‘*That man who was havged must indeed have borne a startling likeness to you; but there is bitterness felt against you by many in Devil’s Ranch and you will do well to re- main here working in the mine with me as before, until we can go away together and a | different life be ours. ‘You saved me from the bullet of that Mexican assassin, Juan the Fox, and | have a strong affection for you and my home is yours, here and elsewhere, as long as you care to share it with me. ‘* So, Parson Freeze, just keep away from Devil’s Ranch and remain here quietly with me.” ‘You are ever good and kind, my dear St. John, and I will make your home here mine, as before, for I passed some pleasant days here with you. «But I havea restless nature, and am curi- ous to know what men say of me, so must go to Devil’s Ranch. ‘“Yes, there is work there for Parson Freeze to do,” and Baxter changed his voice | into sepulchral tones, and looked meek as | Moses. ‘Well, my presence here is proof that he | ‘Suppose you have to preacii for them?” ‘Ah, Pll do it! you just ought to hear me, and I’ll convert the miners, teo. ‘‘lv’s about my best plan to keep from being shot, though should there be trouble, this knapsack is not as harmless as it looks, and I might find a gun if I needed one. ** See here!” He took up the knapsack as he spoke, and the miner saw that it was made upon a stout frame. It opened in front, but upon either side there was a slide, which no one would sus- pect, and the space revealed was just large enough for a revolver. In fact there was a revolver in each side, ready for use. ‘And see here,” continued the Sharp from Texas, taking up his high hat and looking into it, A large red bandana was visible, but un- der this was a case which the ordinary ob- server might mistake for a Prayer Book or Testament; but within it, nestling comforta- bly, and loaded, were a pair of derringers. ‘I might find a bowie in my bootleg, if I looked,” continued the Sharp from Texas with a smile. ‘Yes, you are a walking arsenal, with your shot-gun included.” ‘* Yes, and one barrel of that is rifled, so I could make a great fight if cornered, and surprise the enemy with what Parson Freeze could do; but I hope no such incident wiil happen.” ‘Then keep away from Devil’s) Ranch, for keener eyes than mine may penetrate your disguise.” ‘* No, indeed, for the Scarlet Sombrero is x reliable witness, and he has stated that he saw me hanged, “ll drop in on the cam)s to-morrow and stir up the miners,” and the Sharp from Texas laughed heartily at the thought of what be called the fun in prospect. The next morning he mounted the mmer’s horse and rode away toward Devil’s Ranch, promising to turn the animal loose after get- ting half-way, for the miner said that he would come back home in a gallop. When Miner St. John came out of his mine at noon he found the horse awaiting at the barrier and as he unsaddied him and turned him loose, he said: ‘* Well, how strange all this is; but Baxter is true as steel, and { must convince young Redfern of the fact some day, when I dare surprise him by telling how the man he helped hang up in Colorado was not the Sharp from Texas after all.” And that same afternoon the citizens of Devil’s Ranch were startled balf-cut of their wits by seeing a real live parson come into their camps. He came along the stage trail singing in a melodious voice the fine old hymn: “Turn, sinner, turn, Why willyou die?” Some laughed. others stood spell-bound, a few fled as from a pestilence, and still more fellin behind the pretended parson, a few joining in with himin singing, while he went to the New Mexico where Boss Du Val bade him welcome with tie words: ‘Parson, I’m glad to see you, for this town needs you, and wants you bad. ‘Make the New Mexico your home with- out price, and if you can convert some of | the rough old pine knots ir these camps, I'll chip in a golden onza every time you start your bat on its round for dust. ‘I’m proud you are here, parson, and my word for it the boys will all get drunk in honor of your coming. ‘Come up, gentlemen; and be introduced,”
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14 The Scarlet Sombrero. — _* ™ ———$—< ——— = — = And the heathens came with a rush equal to what they would have done, had Boss Du Val asked them to take a drink, an invita- tion it was a fighting insult to decline. CHAPTER XXVI. THE VAILED LADY OF MEXICO. Ir the grand old hacienda in Mexico, whither Redfern had gone, looked like a fort, to gain admission to, the one who ruled there was equally as difficult as obtaining an interview with royalty. In the line of cowboys surrounding the hacienda one found an outer guard, and when Redfern rode forward he was met by several horsemen who barred his way and were weli armed to maintain their position. ‘*T would see the Senora Dolores if you please?” said Redfern politely to the one who orought him te a halt. ‘« The senora sees no one, senor.”’ ‘* She will make an exception in my case.” “In no case, senor, unless you have the password.” ‘‘Ah, yes!” and the youth raised his hand to his hat, where was the strange pin he wore, representing a human eye. It was of gold, the eye proper being of onyx, pearls and a diamond pupil. Lt turned upon a swivel, and touching a spring the youth gave it a turn revealing a second eye, like the other excepting that in- stead of the onyx, representing a black eye, were turquoise, to represent a blue eye. The vagueroz bowed anc saluted as Red- fern gave the secret signal and the spokes- man said: “ Pass on, senor, and the guard at the wall gate will admit you.” The Scarlet Sombrero returned the salute and rode slowly on up the hill to the massive and high adobe wall surrounding the hacien- da. He was admitted, his horses taken, and a peon servant led him through a spacious hall to a luxuricusly furnished room where he refreshed himself before being admitted to the presence of the Vailed Lady of Mexico. Upon a fermer oceasion he had daringly gained entrance to the hacienda and met the mysterious woman who had come to Devil’s Raneh, and unknown to all, her face unseen by all, had sought to take the life of the Sharp from Texas. He, Redfern, had prevented her, and de- parting from the camps by coach, he had fol- lowed her to find that she had left the vehicle on the trail, had been met dy a body of horse- men and rode away, more of a mystery than ever. And taking the trail, Redfern had followed her, and by pluck alone had gained admis- sion to her presence in the disguise of a Mexi- can officer of Lanceros. She had not been angry with him, but in- stead had seemed strangely drawn toward him, and more, gave him the secret badge of the Double Eye, which she had told him would ever admit him to her presence, and more, might serve him. some day better than he had any idea of. These thoughts passed through the mind of Redfern as he stood in his room awaiting to be taken to the presence of the strange woman who held a strange influence over him, though her face he had never seen. He had not long to wait before a peon came and said that the Lady Captein would see him. He was led through a grand hall, across a plaza where fountains played and flowers bloomed, and into & room where the fur- niture and surroundings were magnificent There, in an easy-chair, sat the Vailed Lady. She was still heavily vailed, and dressed in the deepest black; but she arose and ex- tended him her hand, which was gloved, even to the arm, so that he could not tell a ! | what she was, Mexican, Indian or American, for her speech did not betray ber. ‘‘l am glad to see Senor Redfern again, | and hope he has come to accept my invitation to dwell here, and become, as it were, my aide, for you know | told you that I was, though a woman, a commissioned captain of Lanceros in the Mexican Army?’ Her voice was low, melodious, and very winning. ‘‘] have come to accept your kind invita- lion, yes, Senora, and more, I have come to | tel] you that the man known to you as Trent Baxter, the man known in New Mexico as | the Sharp from Texas, 7s dead /” ** Dead /” and the voice Lad changed now from sweetness to harshness. ** Yes, Lady Captain.” ‘* You know this?” *‘T saw him hanged, senora.” ‘*Ha! hanged? Then J am avenged. “‘But was yours the hand that kanged | him?” ‘“The Vigilantes of Colorado hanged him, | and knowing that I had tracked him down, | they sent for me to verify that it was Trent | Baxter. “This I did, and they at once hanged | him.” ‘Thad not heard of this, for not one of my own people dared come to me and tell me he was dead, though I felt sure that they heid some secret they kept from me. ‘*This then was it—/is death. ** And you tell me that you know this to be true, that you saw him hanged?” ‘* Yes, senora.” ‘Senor, that man, Trent Baxter, wronged me and mine once beyond all forgiveness. ‘‘T had vowed to bring bim to death, and, as you know, I sought him, and you saved him from my avenging arm. ‘‘Now you bring me word that he is dead and I thank you. ‘* You have come, you say, to atcept my earnest invitation to make your home here, *«Ts it not so?” ‘«Yes, Lady Captain, I resigned from the United States service to come here, ‘‘T had kept a vow I had made, to avenge my parents and sister, who were slain by Comanches, their home burned over their dead bodies, their scalps taken off by the red fiends, while I, but a boy, their prisoner, saw all. ‘*They kept me a prisoner for two years, when I escaped, and returned to my desolate home, for ashes and graves alone remained, ‘A good man found me there, and he took me away to educate me. ‘“He was a Mexican of wealth, and he brougbt me among refined people, and edu- ‘ated me until his death, when he left me a little fortune and my own master. ‘Then I went to Texas and educated my- self to take the trail as an avenger, to claim lives ten-fold for those I saw taken from those I Joved. ‘IT kept my vow, my mission is done, and I come to you, senora, as you asked me to do, and I await your commands.” ‘* You will find them easy, senor, and it is my duty to tell you that I inherited a large fortune, from my father, who was an oflicer of Lanceros. ‘‘For noble services the rank of captain was given as an heirloom to our family, and I being an only child, received it. ‘“‘T have served my country well. I have a company of men under me, and besides, am Chief of Government Detectives upon the tio Grande border. ‘*And you are to be my aide, Senor Red- fern. ‘‘T had vowed never to go unvailed until Trent Baxter was dead, ‘*He wasmy husband, and he deserved the death he met, upon the gallows. **T will meet you at dinner, Senor Red- fern, and I will be unvailed, so that you may see the face of your adopted mother.” | side the CHAPTER XXYII. OBEYING THE CALL. WuHeEN Redfern met the Lady Captain at | dinner time, be found that the tabie was set for but two persons, while half a score of peon servants stood in waiting. He noted that the service was of silver and the finest china, and the room was a perfect bower of beauty, with a flower garden out- veranda, and fountains sending tiny sprays of water high into the air. Then he heard the rustling of a dress, and turning bebeld the Lady Captain, Senora Dolores. She had cast aside ber black costume, her long, impenetrable vail, and stood before him in the exquisite costume of a Mexican lady. Verging upon two-score years, she yet looked scarcely thirty, and a face more beau- tiful, more lovable, Roy Redfern had never beheld Jt was the original of a portrait in the room where she had received him, and which he bad believed, upon his first visit, to be her own likeness. Her form was exquisite, and the face won | him at once, as had her portrait, only there was much in it of sadness tinging its beauty. Old enough to be his mother she was, yet she did not look it, and only having known a mother’s love as a boy, he felt drawn to- ward her as he never bad been to any other woman before. It was this love of her portrait, this loving to hear her voice, to be near her, which had caused him, after having kept his vow to avenge his dead kindred, to go back to Mex- ico. ‘Remember, Roy, you are my son now, I your mother, for from to-day 1 adopt you as such, and in the love of so noble a boy, I can put the cruel, bitter past behind me.” So she said as she took his hand, and led him to his seat at the table. If her people wondered at the Lady Cap- tain’s adoption of Redfern, they said noth- ing, for the Senora Dolores had a way of doing as she pleased, and allowing no inter- ference. Redfern was made her adde, and as such was master of her estate, her people, and field commander of her cowboy soldiers, who were wont to render good service against the Indians. Thus several months passed away, and one day Redfern found a letter awaiting him. It had come from El Paso, whither he had sent to seeif there was anything for him, The letter was as follows: “THE NEW MExIco, “March 1ith, 18—. *“My pEAR REDFERN:— ‘* As you reques ed I write you to El Paso, hoping my letter will find you. “You remember that you asked me to keep an eye upon your friend, Miner St. John. in the Yellow Canyor. ‘*f did so, and we had some pleasant talks to- | gether when he came here after stores. ‘Last Monday week he was to have come, and as he did not put in an appearance yesterday, | rode to-day over to Yellow Canyon “T found his cabin, the coor open, the place robbed, and @ grave in the canyon I felt must be his. - “*T opened it and found my fears verified. “He had a bullet-wound in the back of his head, had been wrapped in a blanket and hastily buried “T at once returned and am now writing to you, after having made every endeavor to discover who his murderer can be, a Robbery was the cause, of course: but then, why did his murderer bury him decently? “You may remember that Juan the Fcx, a Mexi- can, once sought to take his life, but was foiled by the Sharp from Texas? “T have heard that Juan. the Fox has been seen about here of late, and will have him taken, if I can find him, on suspicion. ; ‘I merely giveyou the facts, leaving for you te | decide whether you will come and solve the mys- tery, “The camps have had a parson here of late, and some of the toughest ones were converted; but the good parson has come to grief, we fear, as he disap- ared most mysteriously a few days ago and the Bevil’s Ranch is in morning for him, ‘* A number of the boys went over to Fort Blanco PS ) le se yt,
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' ie } y r* 4 a * L. 786 Mi ekory Warry tor, The’ ie Thunderbott Tomy onthe ¥ ™ ar ee Piey ‘)) Opa is aL The Scarlet Sombrero. last month to see the execution of your prisoners, the Don and his party. “The four of them were hanged, and the boys en- | joyed their trip immensely, and heard many stories of your daring deeds, and all wonder what has be- come of you. “T have been doing a little Secret Service work for Colonel Rockwood, upvn your recommendation, and will be glad to help you if you decide 1o trail the mystery of poor Miner St. John’s death, “Let me hear from you, and believe me to be: * Always faithfully yours, “Du VaL ” One hour after receiving this letter, Red- fern was mounted upon Rover and on his way to New Mexico, his heart aching at the sad end which had befallen poor Miner St. John, while he was determined to carry out the pledge he had made'to him that night in Cabin Lonesome. To the surprise and delight of the landlord Du Val, the Scarlet Sombrero dismounted before the New Mexico, late one afternoon. He was warmly welcomed, and when the two sat together that night in the room known as the Vailed Lady’s the landlord told all he knew of the discovery of the dastard deed at Cabin Lonesome. ‘We will go there to-morrow, and I will see if his secret hiding-places for his gold were found and robbed,” said Redfern. And then the copversation turned"upon the youth, who told Du Val that he was living in Mexico, the adopted son of the Vailed Lady, and he added: “It was her people who came to my aid that night when I shot El Paso Pete, and who were unknown to us. “IT wore a badge the Vailed Lady had given me, and they happened to be here and stood ready to aid me if I needed it.” * Well, I can only say that you are in great good fortune,” replied Du Val, and arranging to go to the cabin of the dead miner the next day, they retired to bed to make an early start. CHAPTER XXVLII. CONCLUSION. REDFERN arrived at the cabin of Miner St. John with Landlord Du Val, to find all as had been reported to him, and worse, for the secret treasure was gone, Ile at once took the coach Eastward, and in due time arrive at the home of Mrs. St. John, but he was too late, for the Sharp from Texus had been there before him and started with mocher and daughter for Mexi- co, or at least Redfern so decided, after in- vestigating matters. He was quick to follow, and his adven- tures in hunting for the wife and child of the man he had pledged himself to protect, would fill a volume and read like a romance. The grave only of the mother he found, for she died on the trail to New Mexico; but Ethel St. John he did find,and he earried her to his adopted mother, Senora Dolores, who received her gladly as her own daugh- ter. And if the wrong man had been hanged by the Vigilantes of Colorado, from his fatal resemblance to the man who had taken his name, in time Redfern brought the right man to the rope’s end, and there was no mistake that time, for it was the Sharp from Texas, the one whose photograph he had recognized, once known as Hugh Hammond, Loving America as he did, Redfern pre- vailed upon the Lady Captain to come there to dwell, and the elegant home she found in California even surpassed the grand old hacienda in Mexico where she had been known as the Lady Captain of Lanceros, a THE END. ; Beatle’s Half-Dime Library. Bo wh BY HARRY 8T. GEORGE. ‘80 Roaring Ralph Rockwood, the Ranger. at Rattling ake or, The Nighthawks of Kentucky. \ d Wlekory : or, Pandy Ellis’s Scalp. Border Wolf. i avy: or, The Trail of the r-Brigade’s Spy. olf-Herder. a, BY HARRY HAZARD. 828 Arkansaw Jack; or, The Scourge of the Mines. 29 Red-Skin Tomy; or, The Demon’s Trail. 842 The Mountain Devil; or, Yellow Jack, the Outlaw. BY MAJOR E. L. ST. VRAIN, | 292 Sancho Pedro, the Boy Bandit. | B01 Leadville Nick, the Boy Sport. | 167 812 Redtop Rube, the Vigilante Prince. S88 Brimatone Bob, and His Lightning Horse Quartette. 852 'lombatone Tom, the Arizona Boy of * Sand.” Sd5Y Duraave texve, the Young nw ton W rantienrs 871 Kingbolt Chris, the Young Hard-Shell Detective. 880 Avalanche Af, the Foothills Guide. 890 Juguar Joe, of the Mountain Mail-Line. BY EDWARD WILLETT. Ana Scott, the Steamboat Boy. 1 Featherwelght the Boy Champion ot the Muskingum. 228 Ozark Alf’; or, Featherweight Aimong the Outlaws. 282 The Typo Detective; or, Weasel, the Boy ‘Tramp. 295 Fearless Phil; or, The King of Quarizville, 199 Bit The Koving Sport; or, The Pride of Chuckaluck Camp, $22 Nemo, the Detective; or, Kit Kenyon's Vendetta, 840 Clip the Contortionist: or, Th* Montana Vigilantes. BY ALBERT W. AIKEN, 1! The Two Detectives; or, The Fortunes ofa Bowery Girl. 76 Abe Colts the Crow-Killer. ZY Sol Ginger, the Giant Trapper. 248 Jve 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 Saos Ted, the Arizona Sport. 510 Cool Colorado, the Hal!-Breed Detective, 518 Cool Colorado in New York. BY GEORGE WALDU BROWNE. 86 Vendy Rock the Man from Texas. 90 The Dread Riders or, The Texan Duelist. BY J. W. OSBON. 469 The Rival Glants of Nowhar’. 498 Cactus Burr, the Man trom Hard Luck. 5ST Old Buckeye, the Sierra Shadow. 564 Powder Phil, the boy Miner. 609 Bolly Dorrit, the \ etersn Detective. - Siti te bart re ar Sis 15 | 620 Little Lightning’s League; or, The Mystery oftne Island. 688 Plucky Paul, the Boy Prospector. RY CAPT. J. F. ©. ADAMS. ® 84 Oregon Sol; or, Nick Whiffies’s Boy Spy. 46 Glineas-Eye, tie Great Shot of the West. 564 Ned Hazel, tie Boy Trapper. 56 Nick W hiifies’s Pets or, Iv The Valley of Death. 60 The White Indian; or, The Scovt of the Yellowstone, 70 Old Zip’s Cabins; or, The Greenhorn in the Wooda. 81 Lightning Jo, the Terror of the Prairie. 85 Buck Kuckramy or, Bess, the Female Trapper, 247 Olid Grizzly and His Pets; or, The Wild Huntress. 251 Light-house Lige; or, Osceola, the Firebrand. 257 The Lost Hunters; or, The Underground Camp, 288 The Scalp King: or, The Homan Thundervolt. BY JOSEPH E. BADGER, JR. 2 Yellowstone Jack; or, The Trapper. 48 Black John, the Road-Agent; or. Tle Outlaw’s Retreat. 65 Hurricane BUll; or, Mustang Sam and His Pard. 119 Mustang Sante or, The King of the Plains. 186 Night-lhawk Kit; ory Tbe Daughter of the Ranch 144 Dainty Lance the Boy Sport. 151 Panther Paul: or, Dainty Lance to the Rescue. The Binek Giant: or, Dainty Lance in Jeopardy. Deadly Dash; or, Fighting Fire with Fire. The Boy Trailers; or, Dainty Lance on the War-Path. The Boy Pards«; or, Dainty Lance Upmasks. 211 Crooked Cale, the Caliban of Celestial City, 810 The Barranca W olf; or, The Beautiful Decoy. $19 The Blaek Rider; or, The Horse-Thieves’ League. B85 Old Double Fist; or, ‘Hhe Strange Guide 855 The Kine ef the Woods: or Duel Beone’s Last Trail. Kit Fox, the Border Boy Detective Chincapin Dav, the Boy Trailer. Chincapin ban’s Second Trail. BY LIEUT. A, K. SIMS, 99 The ‘Tiger of Tnos; or, Dandy Rock’s Angel, 546 Captain Cactus, the Chaparral Cock. ° 115 The Mad Miner: or, Dandy Rock’s Doom. } 568 The Dandy of Dodge. 181 The Golden Hand; or, Dandy Rock to the Rescue, 576 The Silver Sport. 164 Dandy Reck’s Pledge ; or, Hunted to Death. 5S8 Saffron Sol, the Man With a Shadow 178 Dandy Rock’s Rivals or, The tiaunted Maid of Taos. 589 Tom-Cat and Pard; or, The Dead Set at Silver City. Suh Happy R daeans) the Dutch Vide rn ae . oS 6 ad Barnacle, the Detective Hercules. BY WM. G. PATTEN. S39 Hey ‘Tom-Cat’s Triad . " : GE ‘om Cat's Terrible Task. » 8s 3 or, : Ce » 1. = : ; rte Saeed egal g at - ene Face of Bed Rock. | G88 ‘Tom-Cat’s ‘I riumphy or, Black Ivan’s Gi eat Combine. : ey gyn BRL Hy 646 Cowboy Gid, the Cattle-Range Detective. 681 Dat.sy ware the Sport from Denver. 6ST Old trombshell, the Ranger Detective, 604 Tron Fern, the Man of Fire. 619 The Boy Tramp Detective: or, The Doubie Grip Witness 629 Violet Vane, the Velvet Spon. e 641 Dismal Dave’s Dandy Pard, 651 Bound Boy Frank, the Young Amateur Detective. 66% Violet Vane’s Victory. 682 Wild Vulcan, the Lone-Range Rider, BY EDWARD 8, ELLIS. 6 Bill Btddon, Trapper. 8 Seth Jones; or, The Captives of tne Frontier. 10 Nat Todd; or, The Fate of the Sioux Captive. 1 ‘rne Frontier Angel. 98 The Boy Miners; or, The Enchanted Island. 182 The Hunted Hunter; or, The Strange Horseman. 254 The Half-Blood; or, The Panther of the Plains. 271 The Huge Hunter; or, The Steam Prairie Man. BY JO PIERCE. Rob o’ the Boweéry : or, The Prince of Mulberry Street. The Vagabond Detective; or, Bowery Bob's Boom. 452 ilotspur Bob, the Street-Boy Detective. 460 The Lawyer’s Shadow; or, Luke’s | egaey. 472 Jaunty Joe, the Young Horse-King, 494 Surly Sim, the Young Ferryman Detective. Five Points Phil Jack Jaggers, the Butcher Boy Detective, + Yartar Tim; or, Five Points Phil’s Menagerie, North River Nat, the Pier Detective. WwW restling Rex, the Pride of the Sixth Ward, Je Flicker. the Stable Boy Detective. Nick Nettle, the Boy Shadow. / | Harlem Jack, the Office Boy Detective. Brooklyn Ren, the On-His-Own-Hook Detective, B97 415 1yrgrgt . . ~ NaRWRR SH Stems Pavement Pete the Secret Sifter, Jack-o’-Lantern, the Under-Sea Prospector, Wide-Awake Bert, the Street-Steerer. Whistling Jacob, the Detective’s Aid. Buck Bumblebee, the Harlen Hommer. Sunrise Saul, the Express-Train Ferret. Gamin Bob, the Bowery Badger: or, Scooping a SMppery Set. 658 Sky-Rocket Rob, the Life-Saver. 688 Saltpeter Sol, the New York NeVigator. worst srgt erst x ° BY PHILIP 8. WARNE, 67 Patent-Leather Joe; or, Old Rattlesnake, the Charmor. 175 Captain Arizona; or, Petent-Leather Joe's Big Game, 198 Captain Mask; or, Patent-Leether Joe’s Defeat. 219 Deapard, the Duellat; or, The Mountain Vempires, 888 A Tough Boy; or, The Dwarf’s Revenge. 868 Little Vernalle: or, The Outcnats of the Glea. STE Little Jingo; or, the Queer Pard. 888 Little Chimay or, Caught in His Own Trap, 401 Little Shoo-Fly; or, A Race fora Ranch, 408 Little Leather-Breechex ¢ or. 01d Jumbo’s Curse. 481 Little Ah Sing or, The Curse of Blood. 51 Colorado Kate. 480 Three Jolly Pards. t ¢ Jim Gladden’s Deputy. S27 The Jolly Pards to the Rescue. 547 Sandy Andy; or, A Good Man Down. 556 Lariat Lil; or, The Cast for a Life. aur Old Weasel-top, the Man with the Dogs. Poe ween Clem, the Ranch Tnp. 599 Tim Dandy the No-Name Sport. 1s Rilly Blazes: or, The Skeleton’s Legacy. 685 Oklahoma Hi, the Blue-Coat Scout. A Tale of the olines. * s 64 Nappy Harry's Big Find. 664 Cheeky Charley, the Special. BY CAPTAIN FRED. WHITTAKER. 15 The Sea-Cat; or, The Witch of Darien. : 29 The Dumb Pa 48 Dick Darling, the Pony Express Rider. 150 Lance and Lasno; or, The Children of the Chaco. 154 The Sword Hunters ; or, The Land of the Elephant Riders, 159 The Lost Captain; or, Skipper Jabez Coffin’s Cruise. 200 The Boy Bedoutna; or, The Brothers of the Plumed ance, 214 Wolfgang, the Robber of the Rhine. see ee Theor he = Animal King: or, Round the World. e Tig e , 1 Rinek Nick, the Becion The League oF te Sepeet be % California Joe's War e@ 3 or, The Doge’s Daughter, iil. eal 1 ry, a7 7 Warbling, William, the Mountain Mountebank. 5 Jolly Jeremiahs the Plains Detective. Signal Sam, the Lookout Scout. BY BUCKSKIN SAM (Major Sam. & Hall.) Old Rocky # ** Boyeesr; or, Benito, tne Horse-Breaker Giant George}; or, The Ang’! of the Range. Arizona Jack ¢ or, Giant George’s Pard. The Tarantula of Taos; or, Giant George’s Revenge. The Strange Pard: or, Little Ben’s Death Hunt. kKer-whoop, Ker-whoo; or, The Tarantula of Taos. Frio Fred; or, The Tonkaway’s Trust. 44 The Fighting Trio}; or, Rattlesnake, the Tonkaway. Wild W olf; or, Big-Foot Wallace to the Front, The Ranch Raiders; or, The Siege of Fort Pargatory. Snap-Shot, the Boy Kanger,. % Chiota, the Creek; or, The Three Thunderbolts. Randera BUI or. Frio Frank to the Front, Romeo and the Reda; or, The Beleaguered Ranch, Little Larints or, Pecan Pete’s Big Rampage. ‘The Dalsy from Denver. The Three Tratlers; or, Old Rocky on the Rampage, 42 Bluff Bills or, The Lynx of the Leona. 456 tittle Lone Star: or, The Belle of the Cibolo, 684 Cache Carl, the Chico Giant MISCELLANEOUR AUTHORS, 4 The Wild-Horse Hunters. Frederick Whittaker. 9 Adventures of Baron Munchausen,. 12 Gulliver’s Travels, By Dean Swift, 14 Aladdin; or, The Wonderful Lamp. 16 Robinson Crusoe. (27 Illustrations.) 18 Sindbad the Sailor. His Seven Voya 22 en Sen Serpent; or, The Boy Robinson Crusoe, By Juan sew is, 88 The Ocean Bloodhound; or, The Reé@ Pirates of the $6 th ee ri 8, W. Auge - @ s ne oy own? or, e Arena Queen. F S., Finn. BS Ned Wylde, the Boy Scout. By Texas Sauk.” 51 The Boy Rif'es; or. The Underground Camp, By A. C. Irons. 95 The Rival Rovers; or, The Freebooters ef the Mississippi. By Lieut.-Col, Hazeltine. 98 Robin Ifood, the Outlawed Earl; or, The Merry Men of Green- wood. By Prof. Gildersleeve. 105 Old Rube. the Hunter; or, The Crow Captive. By Captain Hamilton Holmes. ; 112 The Mad Hunter; or, !he Cave of Death. By Burton Saxe. 124 Tippy, the Texan; or, The Young Champion. By George Glerson. 128 The Young Privateer; or, The Pirste’s Stronghold. By Harry Cavendish. 148 Sharp Samy; or, The Adventures of a Putemdiess Boy, By J, Alexander Patten. 227 Dusky Darrell, Trapper: or, The Greem Ranger of the Yel- lowstone. wr +s haa merson. ¥ wk Bey. B 261 Fergué Fearnaught the New Y rr ‘ G. L. Aiken, 206 Killb’ar, the Guide; or, Davy Croekett’s Crooked Trai. By Ensign C. D. Warren. 298 Red Claw, the One-Eyed Trapper; or, The Maid of the CH, By Captein Comatock. 817 Peacock Pete, the Lively Lad from Leadville, By Lies- tenant Alfred Thorne. 888 The Sky Detectives or, A Boy’s Fight for Life and Honor By Maior Mickey Free. 850 Ked Ralph, the River Rover; or, The Brother’s Re- een Waxes By Ned ages mek D altimore Ben the Yootbiack Detective. By A. P. Morris. 874 Gold-Duat Toms or, Ben’s Double Match, Ey @ ii More. 876 Callfornin Joe’s First Trail, By Colonel Thomas B18 Bi ee tcp ell, the CUCIiner. | By F. tombahell, the mber, . 8. W 425 The Black Siitp. By Joho § Warmer, me 4 Comanche Dick and His Three Invincible. By Henry J. Thomas. S28 Wizard-Arm, the Dandy Sport. Sy Arthur F. Holt. 'y Edwin Brooke Forrest. 582 The Cowboy Duke. 552 Artel the Athlete. By David Druid. Bov Ferret. By H. Enton. 5S Will Waters, the 682 The Dead Deteetive’s Double. By Gerald Carlton : A New Issue Every Tuesday. The Walf-Dime Library is for sale by al! newsdeslers, five conta per cofty, or sent by mail on receipt or six cents each. BEADLE AND ADAMA, Publishers, By Capt. Mayne Rela and ‘ Creeping Cat, the Caddo; or, The Red and White Parda, ‘ eS 2 98 William Street, New York,
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> — — a Se a a wy BEADLE'’S« H ALF- DIME*«[_IBRARY. Published Every Tuesday. Hach Issue Complete and Sold a ® ES XS TEe + BY EDWARD L. WHEELER, Deadwood Dick Novels. 1 Deadwood Dick, the Prince of the Road. 20 Deadwood Pick’s Defiance; or, Double Daggers. 28 Deadwood Dick in Dixjulse; or, Buffalo Ben 85 Deadwood Dick in His Castle. 42 Deadwood Dick's Bonanza; o:, The Phantom Miner. 49 Deadwood Bick in Danger; or, Omaha Oll. 7 Deadwood Dick’s Eagles; or, The Pards of Flood Bar. 78 Deadwood Dick on Deck; or. Calamity Jane, the Heroine. 7 Deadwood Dick’s Last Acts or, Corduroy Charlie. 100 Deadwood Dick in Leadville. 104 Deadwood Dick's Device; or, The Double Cross Sign. 109 Deadwood Dick a« Detective. 129 Deadwood Dick's Double; or, The Gorgon’s Gulch Ghost. 188 Deadwood Dick’s Home Base; or, Blonde Bill. 149 Deadwood Bick’s Big Strike; or, A Game of Gold. 156 Deadwood Dick of Deadwood: or, The Picked Party. 195 Deadwood Dick’« Dreams; or, The Rivuls of the Road, 201 Deadwood Dick’s Ward; or, The Black Hill’s Jezebel 205 Deadwood Dick’s Doom; or, Calamity June’s Adventure. 217 Deadwood Dick’s Dead Deal. 221 Deadwood Dick's Death-Plant. 282 Gold-Dust Dick. A Romance of Rough« and Tonghs, 268 Deadwood Dick’s Divide; or, The Spirit of Swamp Lake. 265 Deadwood Dick’s Deuth Tratl. B09 Deadwood Dick’s Deal; or, The Gold Brick of Oregon. 821 Deudwood Dick’s Dozen; or, The Fakir of Phantom Flats. 847 Deadwood Dick’s Ducats; or, Days in the Diggings. 851 Deadwood Dick Sentenced; or, The Terrible Vendetta, 862 Deadwood Dick’s Claim. 405 Deudwood Dick in Dead City, 410 Deadwood Pick’s Diamonda, 421 bendwood Dick in New \ ork; or, A “ Cute Case.” 480 Deadwoed Dick’s Dust; or, The Chained Hand, 448 Deadwood Dick, Jr. 445 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Delianee. 458 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Full iand. 45 Deadwood Dick, Jdr.’s, Ble Round-Up. 465 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Racket at Claim 10, 471 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Corral; or, Bozeman Bill. A776 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’*, Dog Detective. 481 Deudwood Dick, Jr., In Deady ood, 491 Deadwood Bick, Jr.'s, Compact. 496 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Inheritance. 600 Deadwood Dick, dr.’a, Diggings. 608 Deadwood Dick, dr.’s, Dellverance, 615 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Protegee. 622 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Three. 5629 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Danger Ducka, 544 Deadwoed Dick, Jr.’«, Death Hunt, 539 Peadwovud Dick, Jr., in Texas. 5644 Deadwood Dick, JIr., the Wild West Vidocq. 549 Dendwood Dick, Jr., on Mia Mettle. 554 Deundwood Dick, Jr., in Gotham, 661 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Boston, 567 Deadwood Dick, Jr., In Philadelphia, 572 Deadwood Dick, Jdr., in Chicago, 57S Deadwood Dick. Jr., Afloat. HS4 Deadwood Dick, Jr., In Denver, 590 Deadwoed Dick, Jr.’s, Decree. 595 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Beelzebub’s Basin, 600 Deadwood Dick, Jr., at Coney Island, 606 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Leadville Lay. 612 Dendwood Dick, Jr., in Detrolt. 618 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Cincinuattl. 624 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Nevada, 630 Deadwood Bick, Jr., In No Man’s Land. 686 Deadwood Dick, Jr., After the Queer. 642 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Buffalo, GAS Dendwood Dick, Jr.'s, Chase Across the Continent 654 Deudwood Dick, dr., Among the Smugglers, 660 Dead :ood Dick, Jr.'s, Lesurance Case. 666 Deadwood Dick, Jr., Back in the Mines, 672 Deadwood Dick, dr., tu Durango; or, ** Gathered In.” GTS Dendwood Dick, Jr.’«, Discovery; or, Found a Fortune, $84 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s. Dazzle. 690 Dendwood Dick, Jr.’a. Dollars, 695 Deadwood Dick, Jr., at Danger Divide, Other Novels by E. L. Wheeler. 26 Cloven Hoof, the Buffalo Demon. 82 Bob Woolf; or, The Girl Dead-Shot, 89 Death-Fuce, Detective; or, Life in New York. 45 Old Avalanche: or, Wild Edna, the Girl Brigand, 53 Jim Bludsoe, Jr., the Boy Phenix. 61 Buckhorn BIL; or, The Red Rifle Team 69 Gold Rifle, the Sharpshooter; or, The Koy Detective, 80 Rosebud Robs or, Nugget Ned, the Knight, 84 Idyl, the Girl Miner; or, Rosebud Rob on Hand, 88 Phetograph Phil; or, Rosebud Rob’s Reappearance. 92 Canada Chet; or, Old Anaconda in Sitting Bull’s Camp. 96 Watch-Eye; or, Arabs nd Angels of a Great City, 118 Jaek Moyle the Young Sveculator. 117 Gilt-Kdged Dick, the Sport Detective 32t Cinnamon Chip, the Girl Sport, 125 Bouanza Bill, Miner. 188 Boxe Bob the King of Bootblacks, 1A1 Solid Sam, the Boy Road-Agent. 145 Captain Ferret, the New York Detective, 161 New York Nell, the Boy-Girl Detective. 177 Nobby Nick of Nevada; or, The Sierras Scamps, 181 Wild Frank, the Buckskin Bravo. 209 Fritz, the Bound-Boy Detective. 218 Fritz to the Front; or, The Ventriloquist Hunter, 226 Snoozer, the B-y Sharp; or, The Arab Detective. 226 Apollo Bll, the Trail Tornado. 240- Cyclone Kit, the Young Gladiator. 244 Sierra Sum, the drontier Ferret. 8% Sierra Sam's Secret; or, The Bloody Footprints, Sterra Sad/’* Pards or, The Angel of Big Vista. Slerra Sam’s Sevens or, The Stolen Bride. Jumbo Juve, the boy Patrol; or, The Rival Heirs, =F Denver Doll. the Detective Queen, 2Si Denver Poll'« Victory, 255 Denver Doll's Decoy ¢ or. Little Bill’s Bonanza. 291 Turk the Boy Ferret. 296 Denver Doll's Drift; or. The Road Queen. 299 A No, 1, the Dashing Toll-Taker. 808 ’Liza Jane, the Girl Miner; or, the Iron-Nerved Sport. B25 Kelley, Hickey & Co., the Detectives of Philadelphia. 880 Little Quick-Shot; or, The Dead Face of Daggersville. 884 Kangarow Kits or, The Mysterious Miner. ; B89 Kangarov Kit’« Racket. 848 Manhattan Mike, the Bowery Blood, | Ty pea a Fred, the Gent trom Gopher. rekn Jim. the Gold-Ginthererg or, The Li 872 Yreka Jim's Prize. Sahie erie i bh nghee Neds or, The Secret of Slob City, S2 Ceol Kit. the King of Kids; or, A Villain’s Vengeance, 885 Yreka Jim's Joker} or, The Rivals of Red Nose, . 889 Bievele Ren; or. The Lien of Lightning Lode, 894 Vreka Jim of Yuba Dam, 400 Wrinkles, the Night-Watch Detective. 416 High "at Marry, the Base/Rall Detective, 426 Sam Slabsides, the Rerzar-Boy Detective, 484 Jim Beak and Pal, Private Detectives, ° 458% Santo Fe Sal, the Slasher. 486 Sealskin Sam, the Sparkler. wan 2 2 2 2 2 SHIT t the Uniform Price of Five Cents. No Double Numbers, * BY COLONEL PRENTISS INGRAHAM. ? The Flying Yankee; or, The Ocean Outcast, 17 Ralph Roy, the boy Buccancer; or, The Fugitive Yacht. 24 Diamond Dirk; or, The Mystery of the Yellowstone. 2 62 The Shadow Ship; or, The Rival Lieutenants. 75 The Boy Dnellat; or, The Cruise of the Sea-Wolf. 102 Dick Dead-Eye, the Boy Smuggier. 111 The Sea-Devil; or, The Midshipman’s Legacy. 116 The Mussar Captain ; or, ‘The Hermit of Hell Gate, 197 Little Grit; or, Bessie, the Stock-Tender’s Daughter, 204 Gold Plume; or, The Kid-Glove Sport, Bison Bll, the Prince of the Reins. 222 Grit, the Bravo Sport; or, The Woman Trailer, 229 Crimson Kate}; or, The Cowboy's Triumph, 287 Lone Star, the Cowboy Captain. 245 Merle, the Middy 3; or, The Freelance Heir. 250 The Midshipman Mutineer; or, Brandt, the Buccaneer, 264 The Floating F eather; or, Merle Monte’s Treasure. 26” The Gold Ship; or, Merle, tne Condemned, 276 Merle Monte’s Crulse; or, * The Gold Ship’ Chase. 280 Merle Monte’s Fate ; or, Pearl, the Pirate’s Bride, 284 The Sea Marauder; or, Merle Monte’s Pledge. 287 Billy Blue-Eyea, the Boy Rover of the Rio Grande. 804 The Dead Snot Dandy ; or, Benito, the Boy Bugler. 808 keno Kit; or, Dead Shot Dandy’s Double. 814 The Mysterious Marauder; or, The Boy Bugler's Trail, 877 Bonodel, the Buy Kover; or, The Flagless Schooner, 888 The Indian Pilot; vr, The Search for Pirate Island, 887 Warpath WILL, the Boy Phantom. B98 Seawalf, the Boy Lieutenant. 402 Isodor, the Young Cons«pirator ; or, The Fatal League, 407 The Boy Inaurgent; or, Tho Cuban Vendetta, 412 The Wild Yachtaman; or, The War-Cloua’s Cruise. 429 Duncan Dare, the Boy Refugee. 488 A Cabin Boy’s Luck; or, Tie Corsair. 487 The Sea Ralder. 441 The Ocean Firefly ; or, A Middy’s Vengeance. 446 Haphazard Marry; or, The Scapegrace of the Sea, 450 Wizard WII: or, Mie Boy Ferret of New York, 54 Wizard Will's Street Scouta. 462 The Born Guide}; or, The Sailor Boy Wanderer, 468 Neptune Ned, the Boy Coaster. 474 Flora; or, Wizard Wilil’s Vagabond Pard. 488 Ferrets Afloat; or, Wizard Will’s Last Case. 487 Nevada Ned, the Revolver Kanger. 495 Arizona doe the Boy Pard of Texas Jack. 497 Buck Taylor, King of the Cowboys. 508 The Royal Middy ; or, The Shark and the Sea Cat, 507 The Hunted “9 y- i] —) 511 The Outlawed Midd 520 Buckskin BIL, the Comanche Shadow. ' 525 Brothers tn Buckskin. 580 The Buckskin Bowers. 585 The Bue askin Rovers. 640 Captain Ku-Klux, the Marauder ot the Ria 545 Lieutenant Leo, the Son of Lafitte. 550 Lafitte’s Legacy; or. The Avenging Son. 555 The Creole Corsair. 560 Pawnee BUI, the Prairie Shadower. 565 Kent Kingdon, the Card King. 570 Camille, the Card Queen. 575 The Surgeon-Scout Detective. 580 The Outcast Cadet; or, ‘The False Detective. 556 The Buckskin Avenger. 591 Delmonte, the Young Sea Rover. 597 The Young Texan Detective. 602 The Vagabond ofthe Mines. 607 The Rover Detective; or, Keno Kit'’s Champions. 617 Ralph, the Dead-Shot Scout; or, The Rio Raiders, 644 The Hercules Highwaymun. 650 Butterfly Billy, the Pony Kider Detective; or Buffalo Bill’a Boy Para. 656 Rutterfly Billy’s Man Hunt. . 662 Butterfly Billy’s Bonanza. 668 The Buccaneer Midshipman. 674 The Wizard Saflor; or, Red Ralph, the Rover. 679 The Sea Shadower; or, The Freebcotsr’s Legacy. 686 Orlando, the Ocean Free Flag; or, Tie Tarnished Name, BY BUFFALO BILL (Hen. Wm, F, Cody). 8 Kansas King; or, The Red Right Hand, 19 The Phantom Spy: or, The Vilot of the Prairie. B5 iveadly-Eye, the Unknown Ser ut. 68 Border Roblin Hood; or, The Prairie Rover, 158 Faacy Frank of Coiorado; or, The Trapper’s Trust. BY CHARLES MORRIS, 118 Will Somers, the Boy Detective. 122 Phil Hardy, the Boss Boy. 126 Picayune Pete; or, Nicodemus, the Dog Detective. 180 Detective Dick; or, The Here th Rags. 142 Handsome Harry, the Bootblack Detective, 147 Will Wildfire, the Thoroughbred. 152 Black Reaa, Wil! Wildfire’s Racer 7 Mike Merry, the Harbor Police Boy, 2 Will Wildfire ty the W coda. 5 Billy Bagerage; the Railroad Boy. 0 A Tramp Card ¢ or, Will Wildfire Wins and Loses. 4 Bob Rockett; or, Mysteries of New York. 2 Rob Rockett, the Bank Runner, T 9 6 6 ~ Pa The Hidden Hand or, Will Wildfire’s Revenge. Fred Halyard, the Life Boat Boy; or, The Smugglers. Bob Rockett}; or, Driven to the Wall. Shadowed ; or, Bob Kockett’s Fight for Lafe, Dark Paul, the Tiger King. 212 Dashing Dave, the Dandy Detective, 220 Tom Tanner; or, The Black Sheep of the Flock. 225 Sam Charcoal the Premium Darky, 235 Shadow Sam, the Messenger Boy, 242 The Two * Bloods”; or, Shenandoah Bill and His Gang, 252 Dick Dashaway : or, A Dakota Boy in Chicago. 262 The Young Sharps? or, Rollicking Mike’s Hot Trail, 274 Jolly Jim, the Detective Apprentice. 2RO. Jolly Jim's Jobs or. The Young Detective. 298 The Water-Hound: or, The Young Thorougnored, ; 805 Dashaway, of Dakota; or, A Western Lad in Quaker City, $24 Ralph Ready, the Hotel Boy Detective. ' 841 Tony Thorne, the Vagabond 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, 498 Firetly Jack, the River-Rat Detective. 428 The Lost Finger; or, The Entrapped Carhier, 428 Fred Fiver. the Reporter Detective. 482 Invinetble Lean, the Pinkerton Ferret. 456 Rilly Rrieks the Jolly Vaganond. 466 Wide-Awake Jerry, Detective; or, Entombed Alive. 79 Detective Dodge; or, The Mystery of Frank Hearty. 488 Wild Dick Racket, 591 Roots, the Boy Fireman: or, Too Sharp for the Sharper, b#E The Seeret Service Boy Detective. 596 Jimmy the Kid; or, A Lamb Among Wolves. 627 Tom Bruce of Arkansast or, The Wolfin the Fold. 655 Plucky Paul, the Boy Speculator. 667 Bob and Sam, the Daisy Detectives. RS he pk rk pt ka ed STEBIVINID ~ = BY OLL COOMES. Vagabond Joe, the Young Wandering Jew. The Dumb Spy. Antelope Abe, the Boy Guide. Keen-Knife, the Prince of the Prairies. Lasso Jack, the Young Mustanger. The Border King; or, The Secret Foe. Delaware Dick, the Young Ranger Spy. HMawk-eye Harry the Young Trapper Ranger. Rollo, the Boy Ranger. Sure Shot Seth, the Boy Rifleman, Scar-Face Saul, the Silent Hunter. Silver Star, the Boy Knight. 158 Eagle Kit, the Boy Demon, 168 Little Texas, the Young Mustanger, 17S Old Solitary, the Hermit 't rapper. 182 Little Hurricane, the Boy Captain, 202 Prospect Pete ; or, fle tYoung Outlaw Hunters. 208 The oy 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 Detective; or, The Little Ranger, aie Ce eed orm CCT SO em OS hs Om QOS ET | 248 The Dixeuixed Guide; or, Wild Raven, the Rangor, | 260 Dare-Devil Dan, the Young Prairie Ranger, 272 Minkakin Mike, the Boy Sharpshooter. 290 Little Foxfire, the Boy Spy. 800 The Sky Demon j or, Rainbolt, the Ranger. 884 Whip-King Joe, the Boy Ranchero. 409 Hercules; or, Dick, the Boy Ranger. 417 Webfoot Mose, the Tramp Detective. 422 Baby Sam, the Boy Giunt of the Yellowstone, 444 Little Buckakin, the Young Prairie Centaur, 457 Wingedfoot Fredy or, Old Polar Saul. 468 Tamarac Tom, the Big Trapper Boy. 478 Old Tom Rattler, the Red River Epidemte, 482 Stonewall Bob, the Boy Trojan. 562 Blundering Basil, the Hermit Boy Trapper. 652 Don Barr, the Plains Freelance. 661 Old Kit Bandy’s Deliverance. 670 Norway Nels, the Big Boy Mountaineer. 680 Dauntiess Dan, the Freelance, or, Old Kit Bandy ic Arcadia, BY T. C. HARBAUGH, 28 Nick 0’ the Nights; or, The Boy Spy of 76. 87 The Hidden Ledge; or The Littl Hunter, 7 Nightingale Nat; or, Tne Forest Captains, 64 Dandy Jack; or, The Outlaws of the Oregon Trai, S2 Kit Harefoot the Wood-Hawk. $4 Midnight Jack 3 or, The Boy Trapper, 106 Old Frosty, the Guide; or, The White Queen, 128 Klowa Charley the White Mustanger. 189 Judge Lynch, Jr. or, The Boy Vigilante, 155 Gold Trigger, the Sport; er, The Girl Avenger, 169 Tornado Tom; or, Injun Jack From Red Core, 18S Ned Temple, the Border Boy. 198 Arkansaw ; or, The Queen of Fate’s Revenge, 207 Navajo Nick, the Boy Gold Hunter. 215 Captain Bullet; or, Little Tovknot’s Crusade, 281 Plucky Phil; or. Rosa, the Re! Jezebel. 241 BAll Bravo; or, The Roughs of the Rocktes, 255 Captain Apoli. » tne King-Pin of Bowle. 267 The Buckskin Detective. 2%) Old Winch; or, The Buckskin Desperndoes, 294 Dynamiie Dan; or, The Bowle Blade of Gochetopa, 802 The Mountain Detective; or, The Trigger Bar Bully. 816 Old Eclipse, Tromp Curd of Arizona, / 826 The Ten Pards; or. The Terror of Take-Notice, 8386 Big Benson: or, The Queen of the Lasso. 845 Pitiless Matt; or, Red Thanderbolt’s Secret. B56 Cool sam und Var’ yo The Terrible Six, 566 Velvet Foot, the Indian Detective. | 886 Captain Cutlase yy or, | he B_cenneer’s Girl Foe, 896 Rough Rob: or, The | win Champions of Blue Blazea. 411 The Silken Lasso: or, The Rove of Ranch Robia. 418 Felix Fox, the Boy Spetter. 425 Texas Trump. the Border Rattler. 486 Phil Flash, the New York Fox. 445 The City Vampires; or, Ked Rolfe’s Pigeon, 461 One Agninat Fifty; or. 1 he Lust Man of Keno Bar. 470 The Roy Shadow; or, Felix Fox 8 Hunt, ATT The Exceisior Sport; oT The Washington Spotter. 9 Single Sight, the One-Ey ed Sport. 502 Branded Ben, the Night Ferret. 512 Dodger Dick, the Wharf-Spy Detective, 521 Dodger Dick’s Best Dodge. 528 Fox and Faleon, the Bowery Shadows, Dodger Dick, the Dock Ferret. “ 548 Dodger Dick’« Double; oT, The Rival Boy Detectives, 558 Dodeecr Dick’s Desperate Case, 568 Dodger Dick, the Roy V idoeq. 578 The Two Shadows. 582 Dodger Dick’« Prop, . 594 Little Lon, the Street Singer Detective, 610 Old Skinner, the Gold Shark; or, Tony Sharp on Guard. 626 The Champion Pards. 687 Dick Doan, tle Dock Bov Detective, 645 Kit, the Pavement Sharp. 658 Billy Bantam, the Boy Beagle. ; 671 Jersey Jed, the Boy Hustler; or, Shadowing the Shadower. 685 Happy Hugh, tlhe Boy Musician Detective, LATEST AND NEW ISSUES. 688 Chincapin Dan's Home Stretehs or, The Conspirators of No Man’s Land. By Jos. BE. Badger, Jr. _ M 689 Billy, the Gypsy Spy; or. Working Out the Mystery of Two Lives. By Lieutenant A. K. Sima. ’ ‘ 690 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’4, Dollars; of, The Humming Bird of Honevauckle. By Edwerd L. Wheeler. - " 9th 691 Headlight Harry’s Haul; or, The Railroad Pardes’ Big Day. By A. F. Holt, 7 2 692 The Rival Sharps; or, Redfern, the Secret Service Scout. By Col. P. Ingraham. . 698 Violet and Datsy, the Posy Pards; or, The Racket at Red Hot. By Wm. G. Paiten. he , 694 Spliey Jim, the re ly Onk of His Kind; or, Heading Off the Crooks. By Jo Pierce. 695 Deadwood Dick, Jr.. at Devil's Divide; or, Develop- dL. Wheeler. s Rounding Up the kea ine the Dead Secret. By Edwat ‘ 696 Rroadway Billy in Texas River Rusilers, By J. G. Cowdrick, from T. 697% The Scarlet Sombrero % The Sharp from Texns, By Col, Prentiss In ham. 698 Old Ceany : Hf $s without a Hend; or, Lightheart Luke's Clean Swe p sy Joseph E. Badger, Jr. hen ‘ 699 Ree uk Sine, the Broncho Buster; or, Playing the Fool for Sig Stakes. Be Lient. As K, Sims. Ready Dreember 16, " : 700 teat adap Dict. Fr.’4, once or, The Sojourn at Satan’s Spring, By. Edward L- Wheeler, Ready December 24- A New Tasue Every Tuesday. The Half- Dime Library '« (or sile by all newsdealers, five cents per copy, oF sent by mail on receipt of six cents each, BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers 98 William Street New Yorks ‘