Beadle's Half Dime Library (no. 925) (1895 04 16)
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" KS KY ae GSS IS” QM, NAD UR Mii ET al il Ll! terete eer Tae Entered as Second Class Matter at the New York, N. Y , Post Office. Copyrighted 1895, by BEADLE AND ADAMS, Rk reahc) afemintear tne oe! Wea \y 5] ys h\ - » , F \¥ ANS » \ \ s . \ \ \ A\ \ April 16, 1895. 4 No 925 $2.50 PUBLISHED WEEKLY BY BEADLE AND ADAMS, Price, if ] XY « ° a Year. No, 98 WILLIAM STREET, NEW YORK. 5 cents. 0 . IXVig OR, Rounding-up tte (jreasers BY T. J. FLANAGAN, AUTHOR OF “‘ MIDSHIPMAN DARE,” ETC,, ETC, 7] CHAPTER I. THE TRAIN ROBBERY. ‘‘Numper Tweuve held up near Forrest, at eleven last night. Express messenger and best wei killed. Safe blown open. Contents and bar silver stolen.” This rather startling message was received at 7 o'clock in the morning at the office of : the 8. A, & U. P. Railway, at San Antonio, E = Texas, FRED, BOUND ON A HORSE, WAS GUARDED BY THREE OF THE MEXICANS, WY
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The operator at Forrest had just been released from the bounds in which he had been contined since 10:30 the previous night, and the above was the first des- patch he sent. “Number Twelve” was an Express train, and Forrest a small station about twenty-five miles northwest of San An- tonio—so small that no Express train ever stopped there. The despatch, however, only confirmed what was already known, for imme- diately on being released from the guard set over it. by the bandits, the train pro- ceeded to San Antonio, and there re- ported the hold-up. , Two empty boxes, with several auger | holes in them, told the story of the rob- | bery in the baggage car. The dead body of the faithful messen- ger and the blood-stained floor proved how bravely, though ineffectually, he had defended his trust. The wounded fireman added his further evidence. Just after passing Forrest, two men, who had climbed over the tender, ap- peared at the rear of the cab and or- dered the engineer to slow up. The engineer was looking out ahead; the fireman attending to the furnace. Cheatham, the engineer, a big, power- ful man, instead of obeying the order, snatched up a heavy iron wrench, while Jackson, the fireman, grasped his coal shovel, and both sprang at the bandits. Two revolvers cracked simultaneously; the engineer fell back dead, and the fire- man received a bullet in the shoulder. . Wih two revolvers staring him in the face, Jackson obeyed the stern order to “Stop her or die!’ As soon as the train stopped a number of horsemen and extra horses came up to the baggage Gar. - , The safe had already been blown open, and the money packages, together with a lot of specie and bar silver, were handed out by the two, robbers. who had killed the express messenger. Four of the extra horses carried stout canvas bags and into these the treasure was stowed. This part of the job was performed by five or six of the band, while the others rode up and down on each side of the train to prevent interferenee. No attempt was made to rob the pas- sengers; the game was too small. When the extra horses were loaded the two men in the baggage car jumped out and rode away, leading the pack horses, at a rapid pace. . For an hour longer the train was de- tained—evidently to give the pack horse detachment a good start before an alarm could be raised; then the man who re- mained in the cab called for his horse. This man was apparently in command, ‘for when his horse was brought he jumped from the locomotive, mounted, and, with tw6 shrill whistles, brought the entire band to his side—about a dozen of them, and haying ascertained that all were present, the leader gave the order: “Now scatter! And ride as though Jack Hays was after you!” In an instant the command was obeyed, over man riding off in a different direc- on. : This was the fireman’s narrative. By the time he had finished Sheriff Maguire had arrived, and within an hour had started with twenty men on a special train for Forrest, where the hunt must yee . . “TT wish they were my own men,” muttered the sheriff, as they started, but his men were away on another errand and would not be back until fater in the ay. ee . see) / The Sheriff: Maguire had been a miner and a hunter in his day, and was himself well fitted to take up and follow a trail. But when he reached the scene of the robbery he found it was not a trail—it was which trail he should follow, and quickly realized that his hastily gathered posse was not composed of the kind of men he now required. It was just as Jackson had said—the bandits had all gone in different direc- | tions and there were a dozen trails to choose from. Suddenly pack horses. Sweeping around in a half circle, he quickly found the trail of these, and with a loud hurrah the posse started off. The trail was as plain as a pikestaff, and the sheriff remembered the for an hour they followed it at a rattling gait. They were approaching a small stream when the sheriff suddenly noticed - that more riders, or at any rate horses, had joined the-party he was following. On reaching the stream, now a swift running, turbulent affair, though usually quiet enough, Maguire realized the cause of the addition to the treasure-bearing | party. The heavily laden pack horses woukl never have been able to cross unless re- lieved of part of their precious burden, for, although a bar of silver is not much to look at, it will weigh from 175 to 180 pounds, and these additional men had evidently joined the party to assist in getting the silver across. About a hundred yards beyond the stream stood a blasted oak tree, and on reaching this another difficulty cropped up. Instead of six or eight horses, the trail here looked as though twenty more had joined the party. a The ground was all torn up, as if by impatient riding back and forth, and when one of the posse leaped from his horse to pick up a twenty-dollar gold piece, the sheriff exclaimed: * Boys, this is where they met and di- vided! Now let’s get after ’em. They’ve got a little start on us, but they’re heay- ‘ily loaded.” With another cheer the posse started ; again, but! were compelled to stop short before they had gone a quarter of a mile, Leaving the blasted tree, the bandits had moyéd in a solid body, but at this point they split up again into three par- ties, and from the hoof-prints Maguire judged there must be six to nine men in each squad. ' ; There were, altogether; twenty-one men in the posse, which would make three parties of seven 2ach. Should. he divide and follow the trails Separately? It was no longer possible to say which embraced the pack horses— even supposing they had not divided the treasure. While inwardly debating this ques- tion, he happened to glance in the: direc- tion of the westerly trail—which was the center one of the three—and saw a thin column of smoke rising from a clump of trees about three miles away. - It was not like a signal smoke, being a pure white column from dry/ light wood— such a smoke as might be risked in cook- ing a breakfast in an enemy’s country. “See, boys!” cried the sheriff. “We've got some of ’em, anyhow! They’re at breakfast, sure as shootin!” A thinute later the posse was tearing away at tremendous rate toward the grove. Be | Only six or eight of the bandits were there, What had they to fear? | For an old campaigner Sheriff Maguire was going at it somewhat rashly, and ee ee pquickly suggested itself. ~~ . : = = = this seemed to occur to him when within | a mile of the grove. 7 “ Hold up, boys! Let's go a bit slow,” he said. “There’s no tellin’ what’s await- in’ fur us in there!” His greenhorns laughed at the idea o danger and insisted on going ahead. Every man in the grove was worth a goodly sum, dead or alive, and they were, eager for the fight. s| ‘ : A hint from one of the posse, that if — the sheriff was afraid he could remain where he was until they returned, set- tled the matter. “Well, blast ye, claimed Maguire, angrily. care ye don’t regret it!” \ The party rode on in silence until with- in a quarter mile of the grove, then the sheriff ordered a halt. ““Now, a half-dozen o’ ye swing ’round ’n’ get t’? th’ rear o’ them trees, while th’ rest of us take ’em in front. When ye hear us firin’, sail in! Now, git thar— lively!’ ? The point Maguire was heading for was due west; to the northeast, and about a mile distant, was a similar clump of trees, and had he looked the sheriff might ex- take come along!” “ An’ have seen a column of smoke rising from ~ this inmediately after the first one. As the posse approached the grove a Solitary rifle shot rang out on the morn- ing air, and Sheriff Maguire fell—shot through the head. “There! Senor Maguire will not trou- ble Jose Morales any more, I think.” The speaker—a swarthy, villainous look- ing Mexican, who had fired the fatal shot from behind a tree not a hundred yards away—now hurried away and joined his party, which stood mounted and ready for action a little farther s-*h, The posse, which had dis: a minute or two before, the sudden death of their le irresolutely, and some turned ... if to go ‘back to the horses. . It was a body without a head now,, and the necessity of having a leader * Let's get back to th’ hosses ‘n’ pick out who's goin’ t’ boss this erdwd!” urged one man, adding: “These chaps are watchin’ us, but we'll be out o’ range there.” ly The six men in the wood watched this movement with contempt. “Dick!” exclaimed a tall, slim fellow, carrying four revolvers in his belt, and a Winchester rifle at his saddle-bow—“Cole! They're a lot of greenhorns! If we give them a volley and charge they won’t stop running until they get home!’ ‘ “All right, Jim! Let her go!” responded the man addressed as Dick. “4 7 A word to Morales, and he, too, was in | the saddle. “Now, then, move quiet until we reach the open,” ordered Jim, and picking their way between the trees, the bandits obeyed his directions so well that their | proximity was not suspected until they burst from the grove at, the spot from which Morales had fired. ee Six of the posse on the other side and Maguire dead, left fourteen men to fave the bandits, who came swooping down on them. Excellent horsemen were the scoun- drels, guiding their horses by pressure of the knees, thus leaving both ‘hands free to use their revolvers, which they did with terrible effect. . Half a dozen of the now demoralized posse were down. almost before they re- alized: it, and the never-ceasing leaden hail, vomited from the mouths of twelve skillfully handled revolvers, proved too much for the survivors, who turned tail and fled, after firing a few harmless shots, ; ’ 4 - oP it veg “a
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wow bes But not all those who fled escaped, for although the bandits did not pursue, the Mexican unslung his rifle the moment the order to halt was given and before . they could get out of range three more of the fleeing posse toppled from their horses. Just as Morales began his deadly work the six men who had gone around to at- tack the bandits in the rear came out of the woods to aid their comrades. *Here’s the rest of the idiots! Finish ‘em up quick!” yelled Jim, dashing for- rard to meet the astonished newcomers, ; and within five minutes after they had “ — come out of the grove, the six men were - down, and of the posse of twenty-one, only five returned to tell the story. As the fleeing five disappeared in the distance the two parties of bandits joined forces and at once struck off almost due south—evidently bound for Mexico. CHAPTER II. THE BOY CAPTAIN’S POSSE. ‘The sheriff's party had just started on its ill-fated expedition when a young man, about nineteen or twenty years of: age, knocked on the door of the private a& N. P. Railway. i Col. Soule was very busy preparing copy for a poster offering heavy rewards for the apprehension of the robbers, and the recovery of the 'treasure—separately and together. He looked up angrily on hearing the - noise, and frowned as he said, “Come v? “Oh! It’s you, Fred?” he continued, a smile taking the place of the frown. “Sit down for a few minutes. I’m very busy with that infernal robbery just now. Heard about it?” - “Yes, sir; and if you can possibly ao. a 7 ¥ * wish to talk to you about.” “ “Yes,” he continued, as the colonel & .. pushed back his chair, and, with a look ._ , Of surprise nodded to him to proceed. ‘I x v@soard of it very early this morning, and I a the sheriff and his party start off a ; “aw minutes ago, but, uncle, they won't do anything!” . “Won't do anything?’ repeated the colonel, in surprise. “What do you mean?” - “Just this. Maguire is all right, him- self, for this kind of work, but the men he has are all new, and no good at that. I doubt if they will ever lay eyes on the robbers, but if they should it will be to their sorrow. Men who can do a job like: that of last night are not likely to be conquered by a lot of vagabonds and loafers!” Colonel Soule stared at the young fel- Jow, too astonished for a few moments to speak. “Well, Fred,” he said at length, “you have something to propose?” . “Yes, sir. I believe—in fact I am sure— that, if you will ask Captain Morgan for a dozen of his cowboys, We can get back the treasure and punish those murderous. \ _ thieves!’ “Wel” echoed the Colonel. thing of going with them?” “Why not?” asked the young man, adding, “I can ride and shoot and fol- low a trail as well as the best of them! _ You are offering big rewards, and I don’t see anything against my trying for part “Do you the street néw, and almost all his men are in town. May I tell him you want to see him?” . handsome, the excitement dye- ' ing his sunburnt cheek a deep red, that Colonel Soule laughed—and felt a little ‘| proud of him, too. The Young Cowboy office of the general manager of the 8. A. spare ‘me five minutes now it’s that I | of the money! Captain Margan is across | . The young fellow spoke so eagerly and looked ‘so After a few minutes’ thought he said: “Go ahead, Fred! You may tell Morgan I wish to see him!” Fred hurried across the street, and, after a few minutes’ conversation, Cap- tain Morgan was heard to say: * All right, my boy! I'll do what I can for you, but be off, now, and find the boys!” Oaptain Morgan was a wealthy rancb- man, and the “boys” referred to were his cowboys, who had come to town with a large drove of cattle. Leaving the captain to deal with his uncle, the young man hurried away and returned in a short time with fifteen or twenty men, whom he left at the hotel, while going to ascertain the result of the interview between the captain and his uncle. The captain proved an able advocate, for when Fred entered the office it was settled that he should accompany the cowboy expedition. “Found ’em, Fred?’ asked Captain Morgan. “Yes, sir! all right?” The two men smiled, and Captain Mor- gan replied: ° “On one condition, Fred! You must not ask to have charge of the expedi- tion.” The young man did not care about the fun that was being poked at him; he was too delighted to learn he had gained his point. A few minutes later Captain Morgan went across the street and picked out a dozen of the best men, ‘ Noo, boys,” he explained, “Fred has told you the ob- ject of this expedition, so there’s no need of my speaking about that, but if any of All across ‘the street! Is it | you don’t like the job I want to know it now!” * Well, I dunno ez I keer ’bout goin’,” spoke up one of the cowboys, a fine look- ing fellow, and a man of undoubted cour- age, Bill Hawkins by name. “You don’t, Bill?” exclaimed the cap- tain in’ evident surprise. Bill looked a little confused, but re- plied: “No, cap; I reckon I'll’stay back. Ye see, Fred’s goin’, ’n’ that makes ez thir- teen, 'n’ of course I don’t want ter spoil fun, I'd ruther stay back myself than keep Fred.” “Oh, ho! So that’s it, Bill? Well, you need not. stay home on that account, for there’s another man—a stranger, going with you.” The captain smiled triumphantly, the men laughed; Hawkins was satisfied, and within an hour the second expedition started for Forrest, where the fourteenth man was to join it—and a genuine sur- prise he proved to be, He was dressed like a Mexican, but one glance was sufficient for the keen-eyed cowboys. : “A redskin, by the Lord Harry!” ex- claimed Hankins, seeing Captain Mor- gan shaking hands with this man, who stood leaning against the depot building at Forrest, . A redskin he was, indeed, but such a one as they ‘had never seen before— nearly. seven feet 1 and beautifully proportioned, he looked as strong as a lion and as agile as a tiger. . While the party were staring at him in admiration, Captain Morgan was hold- ing a conversation with this splendid specimen of his race, and a few minutes later introduced him thus: “Boys, this is Starlight, or Red Light- ning, as we used to eall him, when he was with Colonel Soule and I under the overnment—a chief of the Comanches, so formerly ruled the roost about here, e’s your fourteenth man, and its lucky 7 Captain. . o.oo ee CLL LLL CC CC ttt, a I heard he was in ‘this neighborhood and wired down-to keep him until we ar- rived, for you'll find him better than three men in strength and a dozen in cunning. Better than all, he knows every hole and corner in the State, and across the bor- der, too.” Every one likes praise, and Red Light- ning grinned approval of this speech. “And now,” continued Oaptain Mor- gan, “who is to boss this crowd?” There was no reply to this—each man looking at his neighbor as though ex- pecting him to do the talking. “Bold enough to fight, but too modest to talk!” commented their employer, and then added: “Suit yourselves, of course, but, as I couldn’t spare Jim, your own captain, from the range, and as you are all too modest to talk, what do you say to the’ boy, Fred? You all know him, he’s ma and it will avoid jealously! Make Bill, here, lieutenant, and he can advise him.” “Good enough! Keerect! Let ’er go at that! "Rah for Captain Fred! And Lef- tenant Bill!” were the exclamations that greeted the captain’s suggestion, and, to his astonishment, Fred was made com- mander of the second expedition, which took the trail five minutes later. The stream and the blasted oak were quickly reached and left behind; ‘| then came the division of the trail into three parties. : “Guess we'd better take a run after the sheriff—four or five of us, while th’ rest keep south,” suggested Bill. “This split-up looks ez ‘the’ they wuz tryin’ t’ draw him off 'n’ mebbe inter a trap.” “ Good talk! No need look further than trees!” was the attentive Indian’s com- ment, indicating the grove. Accordingly, four of the party, headed by Bill, rode rapidly toward’ the scene of the slaughter, while the others followed the southern trail at a slower pace. Looking back, shortly after, Fred saw Bill’s party coming, and halted long enough to learn the fate of the first expe- dition. The dead left on the ground told the terrible story. “Tt'll be no picnic when we do ketch “em!” averred Bill, as the order was given to start. “Six to twenty-one big odds, but they didn’t lose a man ’n’ licked the posse at that! Looks jist like Morales’ work!” - There was no underrating of the ban- dits, now, but the cowboys pushed for- ward with increased speed, never halting for rest or dinner, until it became too dark to distinguish the trail. Supper was then quickly prepared, and while eating one of the party, in half jesting way, said: “Say, Cap! I guess ye furgot dinner t’day, didn’t ye?” * Not likely, since I started without breakfast,” was the quiet reply. “What's the use o’ rushin’ that way?” ‘persisted the other. ‘“We must ’ve coy- ered forty mile t’day!” “Nearly fifty, Mose, and between this and to-morrow night some of us must do a hundred more, even if we kill the horses!’ , The rest of the party, who had been lis- tening with amusement to Mose’s ques- tioning, now stared in amazement. “Ye can’t do it, captain!” asserted Bill Hawkins, quietly, but emphatically. “We must, Bill! We are twenty-five miles from the head of the Neuces, and they are probably that far on the other side of it. Now, we must get in sight be- fore they cross the Rio Grande, and they are only about twenty-five or thirty miles from it. If they once get to the other side unseen, it’s dollars to dough- nuts we lose them altogether!” — - Red Lightning nodded his head. ap-
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“& al 3 provingly. Bill looked puzzled, while the rest wondered to hear such language from their beardless boy captain. “Well, Fred,” answered Bill, “ I'll agree with ye "bout losin’ ’em, but how’re ye goin’ t’ do it? The hosses won't stand it?’ “This way: I’ve got a powerful re- flecting lantern in that package I brought ‘along, and I intend to start in an hour or so with Red Lightning. You and the boys can follow on to-morrow.” “By Gum! Ye'’ve got the grit, any- how!” exclaimed Bill, admiringly, ‘ but what's th’ good of it? The hosses ‘ll peter out ag’in daylight!’ . “Oh, no! We will have to go slow until dawn, and then, with an hour's rest, while we eat, they’ll probably last it out at a pretty lively pace until noon,” returned the young captain, So placidly that Bill laughed as he asked: “Well, after that—whatll ye do?” “Do? Why, foot it, of course—and lively, too, but if we can get within ten miles of ’em, I can tell where they are and what they’re doing. I will carry the field glasses instead of my rifle. You can pick up the horses—if they are alive. Call me in an hour, please.” And, rolling himself in his blanket, Fred went to sleep, while Red Lightning, grinning at the astonished cowboys, ‘fol- lowed his young leader’s example. Promptly at the expiration of an hour they started, Fred holding the jJantern, which threw a strong light for twenty feet ahead, leading the way, with the wary Red Lightning at his saddle skirts. “Wal, I'll be gol-durned!” exclaimed Bill, as he turned back to the group at the fire. ‘‘ Boys, we're ’way behind the age! Cap Morgan thought it wur a good joke, but I’m willin’ t’ give up that Fred’s got the biggest head in ‘the crowd,” “Yes, an’ just think, when he come to us only a year ago, a pale faced kid frum the East!’ chimed in another. “ Him ’n’ you wuz pooty thick from the start, Bill. W’ot the deuce’s his last name?” came from another, “ Campbell,” replied Pill, ‘and don’t ye make eny mistakes, boys, ‘bell get thar to-morrer e7 sure ez 7 name’s Hawkins. We'll have t’ hustle t’ ketch up with them to-morrer night, so let’s tun in. Jim! You ’n’ Mose better keep yer eye peeled fur a couple of hours, ’n’ then call me.” But, within an howr, poor Mose, on guard, was shot dead, and Hawkins awak- ened to join his comrades in a fierce fight for life against twice ‘their number of Mexicans and Indians. CHAPTER III. ANNIHILATING A POSSE. Traveling by lantern-light proved a great success, for when day dawned, the boy eaptain and Red Lightning had reached the head of the Neuces River, having cov- ered almost thirty miles during the night. There they halted for rest and food. _ “We will have to skirmish round for the next meal,” remarked Fred, as they again mounted and resumed their journey. They had taken only enough food for one meal on leaving camp, and this sup- ply was now exhausted. Strapped to Red Lightning’s saddle un- der his right leg, were a bow and a dozen arrows, the primitive weapon of the In- dian, and, tapping these significantly, he _ replied: * Get um easy by ’n’ bye.” Once across the river, here only a nar- row streamlet, the horses being refreshed by the rest and food, they pushed on with renewed vigor, and at a rate far surpass- ing Fred’s expectations, — . About noon it became apparent that the wirv mustangs could last no longer; and shortly after, they halted in the shade of SSS ee ee Se ee _the- pack a few trees near a noisy brook, where unex- pected good fortune greeted the now hun- | gry riders, for hanging to the limb of a | tree was a young antelope, from which | bandit, raising his hat. both haunehes had been removed, and some of it cooked on the spot, evidently by the bandits, who were thus. unwitting- ly furnishing supplies to the enemy. ‘We must be pretty close to them,” de- cided Fred, on making ‘this discovery. “*Bout two hours dead,” rejoined the Indian, who, after feeling the flesh of the antelope, began examining the signs of the trail. ; “*Not very far ’way,” continued Red Lightning, when he returned. The redskin at once made a small fire, by which enough of the meat was cooked to supply them for the day. Having despatched a hasty meal, and leaving the exhausted horses, with plenty of food and water around them, Fred and his companion continued the journey on foot at an easy gait, which was not ac- celerated by Red Lightning’s next asser- tion: “Horses very tired. them!” They were now traveling through an undulating country, and though Fred, with his glasses, could see nothing, every- thing indicated that the bandits were but a mile or two ahead. A couple of hours later they came to a steep, high hill, and on reaching the brow a startling scene met their gaze. At the foot of the hill extended a broad plain, and here, not a mile away, were the bandits! They had come to a halt and were drawn up in a hollow square, in the center of which were four 'riderless horses, evi- dently the pack horses. Through his glasses Fred could see all plainly. The cause of the halt was a body of horsemen approaching from the south, directly in the path of the bandits. It flashed across Fred that this was an- other posse, who, warned by telegraph of the route of the robbers, had been waiting to intercept them. Jounting both parties, the young Cowboy Chief saw that the ‘bandits numbered twenty-five, while the posse had about fifty. When the posse was within three hun- dred yards of them, one of the road rob- bers gaye an order; instantly ten of their number formed an inner square around horses, while another, their leader, rode out a little to one side of the band. “Now, Jose, look sharp for the signal!” cried Jim Dalton—for one of the dread Dalton brothers he was—and dashed for- ward to meet the advancing horsemen. The Mexican addressed as Jose, sitting motionless as a statue, with his deadly rifle lying carelessly across his knees, merely nodded his head, and calmly con- tinued to puff away at his cigarette. — The sudden advance of the bandit leader halted the posse, and stopping within speaking distance of them, Jim Dalton called out: ‘Who commands that party?” “T do, I reckon,” replied a big, brawny fellow, advancing from the front of the We very near posse. “Well, gentlemen, you don’t look over ‘friendly. May I ask what you're after?” The bandit leader spoke pleasantly, which caused the brawny sheriff (for such he was) to advance toward him, as it was intended. he should, saying: “T don’t git ye, stranger. What did ye say?’ . Jim repeated his question. — rae “ Wall, I reckon thet thar crowd’s ’bout the size o’ what we're after,” replied the sheriff, with a grin. td “ Sheriff, I suppose?” ra ; weet ‘ * \- | death-warrant, for / | 4 The Young Cowboy Captain. tov | SARs (yf ; c . ; iW ten| t ybtaew api * p* 4 (AS ity be} “1 ow 7 WAY) < = “Thet’s what I be, young feller—“Sher- iff Reynolds!” “Glad to know, sheriff,’ returned the That was the signal, and the sheriff's a rifle cracked, . the sheriff toppled from his saddle and _ his frightened horse galloped away, dragging his lifeless body by one foot, which had caught in the stirrup. Morales’ shot was the signal, in turn, for a charge by a dozen of the bandits. Headed by Jim Dalton, they dashed into the posse, delivering two deadly yolleys at short range before the latter had re- covered from the surprise. This posse, however, was built of better stuff than the first one, under Sheriff Maguire, and fought bravely and with de- termination, but at great disadvantage. They had lost their leader at the outset, had been surprised by two terrific volleys, and divided by the bandits, who charged them in a wedge-shaped body, the apex of which was one of the finest pistol-Shots jin the world. Once divided, they were under the dead- ly fire of Morales and six. other expert riflemen, who, sitting at ease two hundred yards away, picked them off quickly and, surely. Man and horse dropped like grain be- fore the sickle under this deadly sharp- shooting, while the bandits in the’center fought in comparative security. Under such circumstances, the battle could not last long. The deadly revolvers. in the center, and the more deadly rifles on the flanks were too much for flesh and. blood, and when reduced to ten men, the survivors of the posse endeavored to get away. , But it was not the intention of the out- laws to allow any one to return this time. The whole country south would be up to . meet or follow them if they did so; so, one by one, they were shot down as they fled, “Phew! But those were plucky devils!’": exclaimed Dick Dalton, another of thr when the, last tet uel terrible brothers, posse had fallen, am “T tell you, Jim,” he continued, wip? the perspiration from. his brow, “if it wasn't for your idea of getting the sheriff out first, we’d have had a tough job!” Jim smiled, and his brother replied: “Thou art right! See what it is to have one big head in the family.” ae “How do we stand?” asked Frank, the third of the trio, interrupting them. A hasty investigation proved that the posse had not fought in vain. Three of the bandits were killed and six more wounded, two of them so badly that re- covery was out of the question. — The watching Cowboy Chief, from the hilltop, saw these two carried to some trees a short distance from the scene of the conflict, and then, to his great joy, saw the road terrors preparing to camp. “We've got them now, Lightning,” he exclaimed. “Bjll and the boys will be here before long, and we ¢an attack them to-night.’ ‘ “Mebbe!” returned Red Lightning, doubtfully. before night?” asked Fred. “No can tell what happen,” was the reply. his And it was “mebbe,” for night came, and no Hawkins with his boys. Fred and his companion had moved up closer to the ban its, wh » Just as dark- ness came on, began to prepare to break “Why, don’t you think, they'll get here : camp. ¥ Lightning, we can’t wait for them! We must follow this crowd, for they'll cross to-night. What can keep Bill?” Knowing Hawkins so well, the boy chief was greatly troubled over his non- appearance, but there was no help for it; —
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») > ae . g Pe “young spy forgot his ing. j The tSeieems Ro hitent & Captain, ko, when the outlaws started, he and Red * Lightning followed at a short distance be- hind, As the bandits traveled slowly, carrying two of their wounded companions, the two trailers had no difficulty in following them. About midnight the Rio Grande was reached, and here the bandits camped again. One-of the wounded men had died. “Tf we could only stop them now from crossing to-morrow morning,” muttered Fred. “Why no stampede horses?” asked the Comanche. “The very thing! Lightning, you are a jewel! But, can you do it?’ The darkness hid the Indian’s smile, as he replied: “No trouble. Try in little while.” Creeping stealthily in the long Fred and. his companion soon Within a short distance of ‘the camp. Only one man was on guard, and he half asleep. **Go back—far!” ordered Red Lightning. “Me fix him and get, horses,” pointing to the*guard, sitting on a stump on the other side of the fire, and between the men and the horses. Red Lightning’s rifle and bow had been left some distance back, at the foot of a tree. To this spot Fred crept back, after giving the Indian one of his revolvers Fred had scarcely reached the tree, when he heard a blood-curdling war-cry, followed 2£Tass, arrived bandit ’ by a half-dozen pistol shots, which assured him that Red Lightning had accomplished the. stampede, “He had climbed the tree, with the In- dian’s rifle and bow slung over his shoul- der, and, a minute later, could see the horses flying across the prairie, urged by an occasional yell or shot from Red. Light- $s ning. . ‘There was no moonlight, but, by the light of their fire, the young Cowboy Chief AL ‘gaunt see the bandits starting up in alarm, hiéiree of them hurried to the spot where the sentry had been posted. He saw them raise the body; thought, and rightly, too, that it bore no scalp, and shuddered. The watcher now understood Red Lightning meant by “fixing” sentry . * Blast that red imp’s soul!” exclaimed Jim Dalton, as he picked up the dead cam -euard. res; and blast that fool there, who tet hhim get away with our horses! Now we're stuck!" rejoined another of the brothers. The third man was Frank Dalton, who ‘quietly added: “There’s no use swearing at anybody mow. Let's see what Morales has to say what the about our chances of borrowing enough eee to get across.” orales took the loss of the horses quite ly, and assured them there would be Se, trouble in replacing them. “I'm glad,” he said, “for it will give me an opportunity to see a lady who may be persuaded to accompany us. Ten miles from here we will be able to get all the horses we want, but we may have to burn some of the town, or all of it, to get them! bh Ten minutes later a dozen of the out- _ laws, headed by Jim Dalton and Morales, left the camp and proceeded toward the little town from which the second unfor- tunate posse had started the previous “morning, After watching them a few minutes, the prudence, and, leav- ing the redskim’s rifle and bow behind him, crept back to the bandit camp to hear, if possible, what they proposed do- | guards, , party that had gone for horses. CHAPTER IV. CAPTURED AND RESCUED. The Cowboy Chief had crept to the edge of the camp through the long grass with- out being observed, but, in moving around to get within earshot of Dick and Frank Dalton, had got directly in the path of one of the outlaws returning from the This man fell right on top of Fred, and the shout he uttered brought the whole band to his assistance. * Who the deuce have we got now? claimed Dick Dalton, looking at the pris- oner curiously, Tred, after the first effort to escape, had made no resistance, and now stood in a rather close circle of the ruffians, more an object of curiosity than a prisoner. “One of the natives, I were you after, my boy?” Instead of answering, Frank Dalton, who bad put the question, Fred. made sudden plunge through his dusntilidicus knocking one senseless with the butt of his revolver, He was twenty yards away, flying through the darkness, before the gang re- covered from their surprise and started in pursuit. Young and fleet of foot, Fred would have easily distanced his pursuers, who could scarcely see him, had not his foot caught in the long grass and caused him to fall. Before he could get on his feet the out- laws were upon him, but this time he was not captured without a bloody struggle. Three times he fired, and each time a man fell, before a blow from a rifle butt brought him to the earth. At first it was supposed Fred Campbell was dead, and that alone saved his life, for the ruflians were furious over the loss of their comrades. “By George! Three for one, and that one a boy, don’t pay!’ exclaimed Dick, as Fred fell. * Not much, he dead?’ In the darkness no one had seen the blow, dealt, and it was, of course, sup- posed that Fred had been shot. As Frank Dalton asked the question, he stooped over Fred and examined him, * Dick!’ he called, in a low tone; and, ‘ ex> guess! What 99 returned Frank. ‘But, is when his brother came to him, continued: *He’s only stunned. Lend me your | flask. We must find out who he is and what he was after.” A few drops of liquor brought Fred to consciousness, and he was led back to the camp. Disarmed and brought into the light of the camp fire, Fred was now an object of wrath as well as curiosity. ; “Who are you and what brought you here?’ demanded Frank Dalton, sternly. “ My name is Campbell. I was creeping up to see what you were doing.” Fred said this boldly, and it made a good impression; its very frankness was in his favor. . “What for did you want to see what we were doing? Are you from the town?” Frank asked these questions in a more friendly tone, for he felt sorry: for the youthful prisoner, who, he believed, had been actuated by boyish curiosity. * Yes, 1’m from the town,” replied Fred, adding: “And I came to see just what you were up to.” “Well, my boy, I'm sorry you made. that balk, for they'll make you pay for those dead men. However, I'll try to gét you out of it easy; they were only Greasers, anyhow.” The low, earnest tone in which this was said, and the scowling, vengeful looks of the bandits, showed Fred the tight place into which his folly had gotten ‘him, but he had great faith in Lightning and Haw- kins—if he escaped immediate death. As Frank turned away two of the ban- dits seized and bound the young man, but it was scarcely done before Jim Dalton and Morales, leading the horse-stealing di- vision, rode into camp, with a large num- ber of horses. Seated on one of the horses was a pret- ty girl of fifteen, and in front of Morales a young and beautiful woman of about iwenty-five. As soon as the horsemen reached the camp, Frank Dalton entered into conver- sation with his brother and Morales, and the young prisoner heard Morales say: “Shoot him! Shoot him!” “Nonsense! Give him a chance; he’s only a boy!” protested Frank. * But we've no time to waste! Half the town will be after us inside of an hour! Come! Til settle him!’ and the Mexican rode toward Fred, revolver in hand. ** Stop that! If you shoot, I'll shoot!’ ‘Twas Frank Dalton Who spoke, and the Mexiean pulled up short and looked back, to find the muzzle of a revolver ' pointed fair at his head. * Do-you sacrifice friends for enemies?” Morales cried, “I have but to eall, and you and yours will be slaughtered!” “Not much! Your men have not ar- rived, to begin with. And, even if they had, we could lick the whole lot of ye!” cried Jim Dalton, now riding forward, a revolver in either hand. “Stop that, Jim,” interposed his brother, and then addressing Morales, continued: “You must remember, Jose, that until we reach the Rio Grande, I am in com- mand!’ : “Very well.. What shall be done with him?’ asked the Mexican, sullenly. “ Bring him with us. Then we can give him a trinl—a fair one, too, by G George!” was the reply. Morales made no. response; the rest of the band mounted; several horses were loaded with the bags of silver, and then the cavalcade started off at a rapid gait, Fred, bound to a horse, was guarded by three of the Mexicans, and in this manner they proceeded until dawn. At dawn the party halted in a grove near the banks of the Rio Grande, for breakfast, and here Fred recognized the two females as the wife and sister-in-law of the engineer killed on ae night the train was held up. Mrs. Cheatham’s face wore a cold, stony expression, while her sister’s countenance bore traces of weeping. Fred knew Mrs. Cheatham quite well, having met her many times in San An- tonio with her husband, but her sister he had seen only two or three times, The three prisoners were. placed a little apart from the others, and Fred was greatly surprised to find that it was the younger woman only who appeared to recognize him. ’ “Don't you remember me, Mrs Cheat- ham?” he asked, in a low voice. “Oh, Mr. Campbell, I’m afraid she does not know any one!” exclaimed the young girl, whose name was Rita Young. Her sister had not replied to the ques- tion—did not even appear to have heard it. “ He—that Morales—burned our house and seized us last night,’’ continued Rita, “and I’m afraid its’ driven her crazy. Poor Mr. Cheatham’s body had only been brought home at noon, and—and—it must have’ been burned up!” The poor girl ended with a sob, and be- gan to weep just as Morales approached. He glanced savagely at Fred, but changed instantly on approaching Mrs. Cheatham. “Well, how do you feel this morning? Tired, I suppose. But, never mind; it will be over soon,” he said, soothingly. “Oh! £ can’t believe ust exclaimed. :
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The Young Cowboy Captain. Mrs. Cheatham, pettishly, and then, after a moment, asked, with a half smile: “How did you know Jim was dead?” Morales stared at her in surprise. He had expected tears, pleadings, reproaches— even abuse. ““T was there!” he replied. “Ah! And you killed him? Oh! you needn’t say no! I know you, Jose!” she said, with a cunning look, and the same queer smile. Just then Morales was called by Jim Dalton, and, with a muttered curse at the interruption, he turned and left her, saying “JT shall return in a few minutes!” But he did not return, and soon one of the band brought some breakfast, and while eating it Fred learned from Rita Young that Morales had once been a suitor for the h hand of her sister. While listening to this, he saw an earn- est, and, at times an angry conversation being carried on between Morales and the Dalton boys, but this soon ceased; then the bags of bar silver were placed upon the horses and they were led away by the four leaders, Half an hour later they returned, but the horses carried no bags. The three captives were sitting at the foot of a large tree, under the watchful eye of one of the Mexicans, and Fred’s heart sank when he saw the horses re- turning without the bags. “They have buried the treasure!’ he thought, mournfully. Just as the thought passed through his mind their guard fell forward on his face with an arrow through his throat! Fred’s heart leaped. Lightning was at hand! | The next instant the cord binding his wrists was severed, and a knife placed in his hand, “ Out quick! Then come behind tree!’ It was the well-known voice of Light- ning, and Fred \quickly obeyed. “Friends are near!” the young man ex- plained to Rita as he crawled away. Once around the tree Fred met Light- ning, who, without speaking, hurried him away. They ran in almost a semi-circle, and covered fully a mile before the Co- manche came to a halt. About that moment Fred’s escape was discovered, but when Morales heard from Rita that Fred had been gone nearly half ‘an hour, he said with an ugly oath: “Tt’s no use. Let him go! We must get across the river at once!” '“You are right, Morales!” said Frank Dalton, “and look sharp about it, too! It may be only one man, as your men say it is, from the tracks, but you can’t be too careful. If we meet your men, we'll send them after you. Good-by! We’ ve got to skip now!” And, with a wave of their hats, the Dalton contingent rode off toward the northwest, the saddlebags of each of the seven men well filled with gold and green- backs, which were never ‘recovered, and pskiork that part of the bandit gang we are one Meantime Fred and Lightning had pro- ceeded more slowly to the bank of the river, and in a short time saw the Mexicans crossing. “The Americans have gone!” exclaimed Fred, as he watched; and then, seeing no extra load carried by any of the horsemen, continued. “They’ve buried the whole of it, except the greenbacks, and will come back another time to divide!” As we know, he was somewhat in error. When the last of the Mexicans had dis- appeared among the trees on the other side, Fred asked Lightning regarding Hawkins and his men, but the Indians knew nothing of them. “eft sign for them to come on; then follow you all time,” he explained. Fred sighed wearily, anxiously. io: ences | thing must have happened his comrades. ‘Well, let’s look about their camp; we tnay find out something,” he said; but the only thing they found was some scraps of cooked antelope, which Lightning ate greedily. “The treasure is somewhere about,’ Fred declared, after Lightning had fin- ished eating, “but we have no time, now, to look for it. We must go on and try to rescue those poor women.’ The Indian nodded and arose to his feet. “Leave sign?’ he queried. “I’m afraid it’s no use, but I suppose I might as well,” replied Fred, despondently. * What that’? vA exclaimed Lightning, pointing in the direction from which they had come. Turning, Fred saw two men approach- ing, one on foot supporting another on horseback, whose horse was moving at an easy gait. They were too far away to be recogniza- ble. Indeed, the rider’s face was almost on the neck of his horse; but, as they came nearer, Fred recognized the pedestrian as Captain Morgan’s Chinese cook, and a sud- den chill came over him as he advanced to meet them. “My God! It’s Bill!” he exclaimed, when they met. And it was Bill, all bloody and ‘Dan- daged, and almost unconscious. OCHAPTER V. HAWKINS’ STORY AND FRED IN A FIX. “What has happened? Where did you find him, and where are the others?” de- manded the Cowboy Chief, as they lifted Bill from the saddle and laid him on the grass near the brook. “Find him way back velly sick. Evy- lybody much lot dead!” Fred groaned, and, stooping over Haw- kins, washed some blood from his face. This seemed to revive the wounded man, who opened his eyes, and their Weary, pained expression changed ine | stantly to one of joy on beholding Fred. “Got thar, Fred!” he said, with a ghastly smile. “Don’t talk, Bill! Try to rest a little,” returned Fred. ‘“ You can tell us about it later!” It was more weakness from loss of blood than anything else that troubled Bill, and his iron constitution, aided by Lightning's heating salves, and the Chi- naman’s / strengthening broth, enabled him, after two hours’ rest, to relate what. had happened. “About an hour after ye left, we war attacked by a gang o’ greasers ’n’ red- skins—’bout a hundred. They stampeded our hosses, but we give ’em a good fight— killed more’n half of ’em, I reckon, Any- how, jest ez I dropped, the skunks rid off like ez if the devil wuz after ’em!’’ Bill paused, as if reluctant to proceed, and Fred, asked: * And the rest,of the boys, Bill?” “ Dead!” replied Bill, with a groan, and after a few minutes’ sorrowful si- lence, continued: “TI crawled ’round when I come to m’self, but found only eight of ’em. Then I flopped over ag’in, ’n’ Chin-Chin come along ’n’ found me. So we come along, *n’ I’m here!” “Me velly good doctor! !’ added Chin Chin, regarding Bill complacently, at which Lightning grinned, Bill said | “Seat! and the poor Chinaman looked both frightened and hurt. * Shall we send him home?’ asked Fred. “No; bring him along. He kin cook. anyhow. ‘n’ if it comes to fightin’. he kin run like a seart fox!’ returned Bill. So Chin Chin formed one of the res- cuing party—and a very important one, too, although not consulted in the matter. Lightning killed a couple of rabbits and a bird, and while these were being cooked, and Fred was relating his story to Bill, ‘the redskin went off toward the river. Chin Chin had just finished cooking when the Indian returned, and, taking a seat near the others, began eating, és la 3 anythin’, Lightnin’ ? ?” asked ill. “Canoe!” was the response, “Good boy! The very thing!’”’. ex- claimed Fred. ‘‘ We can lead your horse,. Bill, and you ean ride again on the other side. Wasn’t it a lucky find, though?’ “T guess he didn’t hev t’ look much, eh, Lightnin’?” said Bill, with a grin. ~ The Indian grinned in return, but said nothing. Bill having declared that he was ition enough, they proceeded to the river, where a large canoe with two paddles, was lying: tied to a tree. Fred and Lightning paddled as fast as the swimming powers of Bill’s horse would permit, and they were soon stand- ing on Mexiean soil, waiting for the In- dian to return from hiding the canoe. Then they took up the trail—Lightning leading at an easy gait. They finally halted for the night, when Red Lightning announced that they had almost reached Morales’ headquarters, and would have to go slowly and care- fully on the morrow. Rarly on the morrow they took up the march, and about noon the Indian called out: “There is Morales!” They had been traveling through a dense woods, and were about to enter an open though mountainous country, . when Lightning stopped the party with the above words. On the summit of a high, steep hill, about a quarter-mile away, was a large one-story wooden building, lounging: about which were a number of Mexicans), Evidently a stronghold, which’ only 2a. strong foree could take. “How the deuce are/we going to get: to that house, Bill?” asked Fred, looking: from Hawkins to Lightning. “Try it at night,” replied Bill; “but ther’s sure to be plenty o’ eyes on watch., even then, eh, Lightnin’ ?’ é Lightning nodded assent:. Concealed among the trees; the res cuers watched the movements of the Mex- icans until about three o'clock when: Hawkins suggested that Lightni ‘should. try to get something for the party to eat. Bill was beginning to feel like himself’ again, and his appetite was returning. Taking only his long bow and arrows,, the Indian went away, returning in a, short time with a couple of large rabbits, which he handed to Fred. “Here, Chin Chin! Take these back a. little further and coo them!” ordered: Fred. “Make no smoke. . Chin Chin went-back ph fifty yards,. where he built a small dry bush fire, and, having seen this properly started,. the others resumed their watch on the- Mexicans. They had been thus engaged’ about fif-. teen minutes, when they were startled. by hearing Chin Chin cry: “FWullah! Hullah! Me got ’em!” Turning quickly, they were amazed to. see the little Chinaman engaged jin a eat struggle with a brawny Mex- ean The two were rolling over and over around the fire—first one and eek the other on *op, the Mexican endeavoring ‘to reach his knife, and the Chinaman skillfully preventing him. How long Chin Chin would have heer successful in doing this it is impossible to say, but on the appearance of Fred
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mony n't baa = SS es eae The Young Cowboy Captair. 7 and the others the Mexican stopped struggling. He seemed petrified with fear on be- holding the big Comanche, and . Red Light- --ning’s face wore a grim smile as he noted the terror of the Greaser, “He is Manuel. He next captain. Was captain one time!” the Indian in- formed the group. “ How can we find out if Morales is up there now?’ asked Fred. Lightning repeated the question to the Mexican, who replied that Morales was ‘in the house, and had brought home two female prisoners. “Ask him how he himself got down here without being seen,” urged Fred, his suspicions aroused. To this the Mexican replied that he had been away since? morning, and was re- turning home when he accidentally stum- bled across Chin Chin cooking. _“Tie him up! We'll have to keep him now, though I don’t. know what to do ‘with him.” The Mexican seemed grateful to Fred _ for this order, and made no resistance when Bill securely bound his hands and feet. ‘Hardly had this been done when a dozen Mexicans left the house and came tearing down the hill at breakneck speed! “ Kick that fire out!’ cried Bill, and cut- ting the cords about their prisoner's feet, hurried him into the woods and out of the probable path of the rapidly approaching bandits: : A path led through the wood to the river, and they had hardly got out of sight before the bandits went dashing by, shouting and laughing. One cry from the prisoner would have brought him assistance, but he knew it would be his death warrant, for Light- ning stood beside him with a_ bowie knife ready for use. When the Greasers had passed there ‘was a general sigh of relief from the lit- ‘tle party, and they moved back to the . Ledge of the woods. ow many more up there?’ asked Fred. “As many more as you have just seen,” replied. Manuel. About ten o'clock that night, Lightning left them to see what he could learn about the house. There was no moon, and as the Indian disappeared in the darkness, Bill declared it was just the night for the rescue of the women. : All lights had been extinguished in the stronghold long before Lightning started. Solemn stillness dwelt over all, and, sit- ting watching and listening, the silence became oppressive. — “T can’t stand this any longer, Bill! I’m going to take a walk ’round and—” - There came the report of a gun, fol- lowed by several cries; lights flashed in and about the house, and by their light men could be seen running in various di- rections. : ; ‘Lightning had earried no rifle, and Fred exclaimed: “He's been discovered! That shot was meant for him!” , “Praid yer right, pard!” returned Bill, and then both relapsed into silence. Chin Chin, meanwhile, slept, blissfully unconscious of any trouble, not five yards away, alongside the prisoner. A half-hour passed, and both watchers beeame very restless. The lights in the house had again disappeared; every- thing about was in darkness, and yet Red Lightning had not returned. “Tet’s do something, Bill!” urged the ‘young leader. “I’m going to take a look around. iis ; “Hold on a minit! I'll go, too, if ve'll wait till I wake Chin!” rejoined Hawkins, a The Chinaman was awakened and in- formed of their purpose,'after which they started, but, as soon as they began the ascent, Fred proposed they should “spread” and go in different directions. “T’ll take the right and you the left, Bill,” ‘he said, “and we can meet at the house!”’ They separated—each making a half- circle up the hill. Fred reached the house in safety. No guard was visible, and he crept around to the back to meet Hawkins, but just as he turned the corner came plump into the hands of Morales himself. CHAPTER VI. THE TORTURE SENTENCE. The encounter between the boy captain and Morales was so unexpected that for a moment neither made a movement, but the appearance of two guards, making the rounds in an opposite direction, roused Fred to a sense of his double danger, and he made a dart to pass Morales. The latter carried in his hand a long, heavy club, and, as Fred passed him, he hurled this with such foree and accuracy that he brought the fleeing youth to the earth, senseless. Fred recovered consciousness himself lying on the floor, surrounded by a crowd of as villainous looking scoundrels as ever lived. “So, my fine lad, I’ve got you again, and this time you won't get away. Get up!” It was Morales who spoke, and Fred arose. “Now, what have you to say for your- self? Speak quick! My men want re- venge for their comrades. Do you not?” A hoarse murmur of approval was their answer, and for a moment Fred gave him- self up as lost, but, suddenly, Manuel, the prisoner, occurred to him, and, putting on a bold front, he replied: _“ You can kill me, if you wish, but what. of your lieutenant, Manuel? My death means his death.’ ** Manuel?’ exclaimed Morales,. in sur- prise. “What do you mean?” “Just what I say! As you treat me, so will Manuel be treated.” There was a hurried consultation among the bandits, and, feeling quite safe for the present, Fred simply smiled and shook his head when Morales asked: ““ Where is Manuel?” ; The consultation was resumed, and, a few minutes later, Motales said: “Put him with the woman, but bind him and the young one!” And to Fred, as he was being led away: ‘““We will find Manuel before twenty- four hours, and then we will play the In- dian with you!” , With this significant reminder and threat, Fred was led away to a room at the rear of the house. It was a large apartment, outside the door of which a sentry was stationed. It contained a rough-looking bed, upon which Fred threw himself in obedience to a sign from the Mexican who accompanied him. Binding the young American's feet, the Mexican looked rather disappointedly around the room, and then longingly to- ward a smaller inner chamber, after which he left the prisoner to his reflections. Searcely had the Mexican left him, when Fred was startled to find Rita Young standing at his bedside. The Mexican either had forgotten his or- ‘ders, or, thinking her asleep, had not cared to disturb her. He was quite a young man, and had been struck by Rita’s beauty. “You were to have been bound,” began Fred. “Hush! There is a guard outside. If he hears us talking he will enter, and then P 4 ‘ ; to find I cannot help you. So listen, but do not speak. ‘““We heard the noise when you were captured, and I listened to their conversa-" tion. I understand Spanish enough to know that they intend to hunt for Manuel until to-morrow night, and then, if not found, they will torture you until you tell where he is. Then they will kill you. Even now they are hunting for Manuel, and if they find him before mcorning—” “Then they'll finish me at once, I sup- pose!” Rita bowed, and continued: “But you must not wait for morning. You must escape before daylight and get back to warn your friends, and try to res- cue us, if possible! My sister has a knife, I will try to get it and cut these cords.” As Rita finished speaking and turned to- ward the inner room, the door was sud- denly thrown open, and Morales stood on the threshold. ““Carajos! Why are you not bound?” he exclaimed, in angry surprise. Striding over to the prisoner, and draw- ing a revolver as he approached the bed, Morales examined Fred’s bonds. He had evidently expected to find the prisoner wholly or partially unbound, for, turning a suspicious look’ upon Rita, he said: “You were about to release the pris- oner.”’ ‘ “Had the thought oceurred to me, I could have done so long ago!” returned Rita, sharply, as though angered by his suspicion. “How is it you are here, then, and not bound, as I ordered?” “IT am not responsible for your orders,” returned Rita. “How was I to know who was here?’ The girl acted her part weil, and the show of anger did much*to allay the Mexi- _ ean’s suspicions. “Keep your own room, and have noth- ing to do with the prisoner, for if he should escape it Will be bad for yout” | With this Morales turned toward the door. “Stop!” eried Rita, and as he turned in surprise, she continued: ‘Either remove this man, or lock that door when I enter the room. I will not ‘be held responsible for your prisoner!’ Looking at her keenly, he was about té turn away again, saying: ‘No; 1 shall trust you—” But Rita insisted that the door should be locked. This was done, and Morales left. the room. ‘ The young American was greatly sur- prised at Rita’s action, but he soon had an explanation of her conduct. Morales had been gone a half hour, and Fred was about falling asleep, when hé was suddenly roused by a sharp click, like the snapping of a bolt. Then he saw the door of Rita’s:room open cautiously, and the girl came forth, a knife im hgr hand, Approaching Fred, she severed his bonds and then motioned him to follow her. In the inner room Fred saw ‘Mrs. Cheat- ham asleep in one corner, and directly fac- ing him an open, unbarred window, sufli- ciently large to pass through. “There! Go as quick as_ possible!” whispered Rita, pointing to the window. “But you? He will wreak his veng ance on you!” ; “Oh, no! The key is on the other side, and he will think he failed, to close the door tight enough for the bolt to catch.” “ How did you open it?” — | “With the knife. The lock is on this side. But, hurry away, or he may come again! Don’t forget us!” 7 “IT never shall while I live!” replied the young captain, as he climbed through the window. : Hanging halfway out, Fred beard some
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8 The Young = ne a = = Pe Moen Cowboy Captain. i re wv — ———— ——————— = =. one approaching. In an instant he | of injuring their comrades compelled | dozen of the bandits were upon him, and F dropped to the ground, but in doing so | them to cease shooting. he heard Morales ery out: es one foot struck a large stone, and he rolled; Fred and Lightning were within *Carramba! You will not escape me ever, with an involuntary cry of pain. twenty yards of the bandits, when they | now!” i Before he could recover himself the pa- | began firing—each taking an outside rider, Looking up, Fred saw the Mexican i trol was upon him and had pinned bim | A man dropped at each end of the | leader leaning over from the saddle, point- J to the earth. The fellow was a man of | Mexican line, and before they recovered | ing a revolver directly at his head. 5 tremendous strength, and Fred was fast , from their surprise the fugitives had fired Fred’s earthly career must then have ; being choked to death, when, suddenly, | again, dismounting two more, and were | ended, but before Morales could pull the the pressure on his throat relaxed; then he dashing down the hillside again, side by | trigger Red Lightning bounded into the Li was picked up and carried around to the | Side. : group and knocked the Mexican leader » other side of the house. | The first party of bandits had almost | from his saddle. ‘‘No speak!’ whispered the rescuer, and , ridden down their comrades, and the de- Quick to appreciate his opportunity, - Fred instantly recognized the voice. It ; lay that ensued gave Lightning time to | Fred was on his feet instantly, and then | i was Red Lightning! reach the edge of the woods. ensued a terrific close-quarter ceombat— ; The Indian hurried along, catrying Fred There were fifteen or twenty in both | the red chief and his boy brave doing | as easily as a mother would a child, and, parties, and, as Fred ran along, he said | such terrible execution that the dismayed : stopped just before reaching the corner ; to Lightning: Mexicans turned to fly up the hill, and set Fred on his feet. “If we could get around to the back As they fled Fred noticed. that among a. Motioning Fred.to watch his’ side, while | of tha house now, we wouldn't find many | them was one horse to which a man was od the went arotind to the other, the red chief | to bother us!” strapped, and the thouglit flashed across disappeared from view. + | Just then a rifle shot rang out from be- | him— ’ He was gone fully five minutes, and Fred | hind, and Fred instantly declared it was “That's Bil!’ . was beginning to grow anxious, when the | Hawkins who had fired, But it was too late, the bandits were al- tall form of the Indian appeared ai the |) -“ That's Bill!” he exclaimed. ‘“He’s in | ready almost home. ; other end of the building on his side. ) trouble! We must go back and help Fred had received a bullet wound in 3 Red Lightning. motioned him to ap- | him,” the calf of the leg, while Lightning had proach, and on doing so led him to the | , Fred came to a halt as he spoke, but | been cut in the arm, but neither wound 5 : other side of the building. Red Lightning, catching his arm, urged | amounted to much, and, binding them 7 Lying under the window through which him, on again. up, Fred and his red Hercules started the young Cowboy Chief had made his es- | ‘ Bill no fool? he said. ‘Not in camp, | for the camp—hardly, however, expect- “ cape, was the guard, bound hand and foot , how. Fire to bring some "way from Us. ing to find any one there. fa and gagged. | Go back to house. Safe there for while.” To their surprise, however, they found Pai Just why Lightning had not killed the | Another rifle shot rang out, followed a] Chin Chin lying under a tree, wide . Mexican Fred could not imagine until the | Couple of minutes later by yet another, | awake, for he jumped to his feet the mo- ; Indian asked: i | each from the same rifle, but in slightly | ment they appeared, ‘ “ Go in now for gals, or take him ’way? | different directions, as though the person |“ No clome! Me shloot!” he cried, point- Two prisoner here—two prisoner us!’ firing was moving about. ‘ ing a revolver at them. y ; Fred did not hesitate for a moment, but | _ Satisfied now that Lightning was right, “Where is Bill?’ asked Fred, without decided to endeavor to rescue the prison- | Fred started off again. ceremony. ) ers: so, Stepping on Lightning’s back, and | They had skirted along the edge of the | “Him say help you—go way!” thence to his broad shoulders, Fred leaned , Woods, while the Mexicans had lighted | “Poor Bill! They've got him, sure % igs ey through the little window. | torches and were riding in among the | enough, and it will be a tough’ job to’ ‘i ne The door leading to the larger room was trees, penetrating further’ and further | save him. Something must be done at - closed, and all was dark within. . | into the forest. once! They may begin their devilish a ty “Rita! Rita!’ he called, softly. | Seeing the.direction the chase was tak- / work of torture any time after daybreak, 1 HE “What is it? Who are you?” asked the. 128; Fred and his; companion eased up | and that is right here, now!” ‘ae 7 girl, springing up and running to the win- ) 2nd proceeded more Slowly, still in the | The Indian did not reply; he appeared - dow. Wicuacs /| shelter of the trees, toward Morales’ | to be buried in thought, and Fred was “It's I—Fred Campbell!) I—” | stronghold. : amazed to hear Chin Chin say: ; “Hush! Some one is coming in! Fly! | They were opposite one end of the “Me go get Bill! Him plisner?” |» : a Fly for your life!’ exclaimed Rita, inter-) house, and only about three hundred | “Yes, he’s. a. prisoner,” replie@’ Tred x) yt. mt rupting him. | yards away, when suddenly Rita Young “but, Great Scott! They'd chew you up, i Fred had ‘himself heard somebody un- appeared in the dom Ay. AD Chin Chint” Saget ena ‘ o locking the outer door, and did not need | = sgt ae oc ers cua sige “No hurt him,”’ interposed Lightning, wou the warning, for at the same moment See fer pinimy, ooking about as If | adding, “Him go right in—we watch out- Betta. Lightning fairly pulled him from the win- searching fol irk wihgenei a Yue side! Shoot every one come out! You Bushs, dow, saying: ' Phinking it was fot himself, the boy | one side—me other! Lightning scare pu “ Must run quick now! More coming!” Captain ran toward ‘the girl, calling, her | them ‘fore now! f ; i Fred and his companion at once started Ame, while Lightning, | with an angry | “And the prisoner?” asked Fred, too Siete od at > we exclamation, followed. surprised to object. ' 4 ane off at top speed around the house, but too , ah om -Feitevidtitiie: ite minal Toachh Awe : he eae. late for escape, for they had been seen by | _“4S S00D as. Tslta MOTI GCG, ING Se ate a Ok Hee the Indian arose and, after i ap the approaching party, which was a part she waved her hands, warning Fred | arousing Manuel, led the way to a point | Pa of the gang that had passed through the | back, and darted into the house. _, | directly back of and almost underneath } woods the previous day, and, in accordance | It: was too Tate how win oye for, Pager the house, halting in front of a mass of » i! with their custom, had divided at the foot red ae ste mor rsd it gins ei ro che ‘ C; = of the hill and were approaching the house her action, several Mexicans, rusnec Against the face of the cliff was a ‘ Sante Agia eS per pty f . the doorway. }massive bowlder, but when Lightning ; ‘wi from apposite directions. | The instant the bandits appeared the | placed his is fi g ae Neither Lightning nor Fred knew any- | , (26 dustan firi wit anit ppt neal” his | 2. aced his hand on this - swung back, Bik thing of this custom, and when they Tndian began firme, anc 8 covered his | as if on a pivot, revealin a large hole, aoe wheeled round'the corner to make a dash companion’s retreat until the latter had | capable of sheltering several people. ; z ye for the wéods, both were thunderstruck te a fair start; then he, too, turned and aS Indian then Se ae ve ee ia : ret sia seach ppt ace Wi ed. ‘| to leave the prisoner there—to send the a pe sue he ecg. In his excitement Fred had started back | Chinaman oft on his mission, while the ei wan archi i aaa indy WAT in the same direction he had gone on es- | two fighters took pdsition to act’ 9s es caping—whieh would bring him into the Seémed Hest: eae . a hands of the Greasers again—an error he A little spring bubbled in one con { OHAPIER. VII. did not realize until he was at the edge | the dinitiruttwe ea ¥ol and after Pica ane ea A A FIGHT FOR LIPE. of the woods and saw several horsemen the prisoner, Chin Chin started directly A ie riding toward him, so he had to make a | for the robber stronghold. ‘ rs ey - Tt was a case of the “devil or the deep | running fight of it—shooting at those in| Pred and Lightning left shortly after-- a Bien seat’ Surely enough, half a dozen yell- } front and taking the chances of being shot | the latter having turned the stone into y Bs ee ing fiends, front and rear, and as Many | from behind. ie) ; its original position. ' eee anore coming from the house, left little Suddenly Lightning, who was running | ‘The house was in the center of a half- | . Rag choice for Fred and Lightning. parallel with Fred to protect him, saw circle. the edge of which was the woods F Gah a “Shoot quick! You take right—I take | one of the horsemen raise his revolver to | 9nd the back the clif€ in which Manuel eh al teft!” "fi | fire at the young American—the horseman | was eoncealedk \ Be Bey They were now close to the second party | almost upon the fleeing youth. Skirting along the woods to reach the ts Wit of Mexicans, and Fred began shooting. | Red Lightning fired at the rider and the | southern noint of the horseshoe, Fred 3 ey using the revolver which the Indian had Greaser fell from the saddle. snd the | ecomd watch Chin Chin’s arrival and ree tee” taken from the Mexiean guard. horse. plunging forward, struck Fred, | eention at the house. j as Shots had been fired at the fugitives. knocking him down, — : 1) Several Mexicans wore lonnetne shan aed. it Refore he cou'd regain his feet half a the door. who watched the approaching ss | . put, as the two parties closed in, the fear ’ . ‘ 4 ! € \ i ¥ ‘
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4 eo j ‘ Ay “aah co. Chinaman with evident curiosity, and be- ‘fore he arrived at the summit several - More had been called from within. - The young cowboy chief could see the Chinaman undergo an _ examination, *whioh, through his glasses, he saw was a humorous, joking one, and shortly after Chin Chin disappeared ~ithin. On one side of the house Fred was Stationed up in the fork of a tree, and on the other side, Lightning—each about two hundred yards from the house. Of ‘tthe two, Fred was slightly the nearer. About a half hour after Chin Chin had Teached the bandit stronghold, a man Was Jed out and bound to a post set in ‘the plateau at the back of the house. It was, as Fred had feared it would be, Bill Hawkins. The prisoner was bound to the post and ”a small, low pile of brushwood was then thrown around at his feet. ‘One of the bandits stooped to light this brushwood, when—a rifle shot rang out and the bandit fell. Tt-was Lightning’s shot. A commotion ensued, but, in a minute, another of the band picked up the torch to light the fire, It was Fred’s turn now, and, as the man lifted the torch, he dropped dead ‘in his tracks. The thoroughly maddened Morales him- Self then seized the torch to wreak his vengeance, but hs, too, dropped, shot itthrough the shoulder by the red chief. The fall of Morales created a panic, and “while some of the band carried him, oth- ers released Hawkins and led him toward the house. Lightning and Fred then began firing trom their coverts on those carrying the ‘bandit chief, and, before they reached shelter, four of them had fallen. When this party had reached the house, Wred and his red comrade came from theiv cover and both hurried to the cave. To their surprise they found the heavy ‘“bowlder turned back and the cave was empty, YTke prisoner had escaped! ~~ Epa ineant death to both Hawkins and poor Chin Chin. CHAPTER VIII. A DOUBLE BSCAPR. * Good Heavens! Lightning!” the Cowboy Chief. ‘‘He’s gone! exclaimed He's es- 1 caped!” Red Lightning simply nodded, and said: “Get him back to-night, or, get Bill!” “ And the Chinaman?” “Him too!” returned the Indian, All day long they watched, keeping well out of the way of the bandits, who now Were searching for them. | About nine o’clock that night, Fred and Lightning left the cave, 2nd, crawling ecau- tiously through the grass, 800n Came with- in a short distance of the stronghold. Several Mexicans were lounging about, but soon began to disappear within, and as the last want in Chin Chin came out. The Chinaman stood in the moonlight, looking about him, and, after a minute's observation, walked directly to the covert ‘of Fred and Lightning, and, pausing with- in a few yards of them, spoke: ft “ Bill and gals safe ’nough! Sabe?”’ “Where is Bill?” asked Fred. “* Samee place, with gals!” “All right, Chin! Look out for your- ‘self?’ said Fred, and the Chinaman re-) turned to the house, while back to the eave again went Fred and Lightning, to } Yemain until morning; daylight, the quick ear of the Indian canght tle noise of a dozen men, Who, cau- _tiously as they approached, kicked over “Several stones before reaching the large -bowlder. but, long before: Lightn “what shall we do, chief?’ The Young Cowboy Captain, ** Danger!” shaking Fred. In an instant Fred was on his feet, both he and Lightning watching for the moment the bowlder should be turned. There seemed to be some difficulty about this; then the listeners heard some one call out: * Manuel! won't move!” A hasty examination proved this to be whispered Red Lightning, Manuel! The cursed stone the truth, and, throwing aside all attempt | at concealment, Manuel called out to those within: “A Dios, gentlemen! Happy drcams to you, but don’t forget that the stone is off the pivot, and you will die of, starvation!’ Not a sound had been made by either of the imprisoned men which would indi- cate that they were in the cavern, and as Manuel moved away this seemed to occur to the Mexican; so calling one of his men, he directed him to return to the cav- ern and listen for any sounds that would indicate the presence of the persons sup- posed to be within. The fellow did not like the prospect of lying around the cavern all night, and so returned to the stone angrily and noisily. “Curse you!” he cried, kieking at the bowlder in senseless rage. “But, for you-—” The revolving stone had been chocked by a small fragment of itself, and when the bandit kicked. he had removed. this, with the result that the huge stone swung round from the force of the blow. . *Carajo! It is open! I must tell Man- uel!’ and started away, but had not gone twenty feet when Lightning’s resistless grip was.on him and he was dragged back, trembling with terror, to the cave. “ We tind out ’bout Bill, now!’ remarked the chief, as he placed the Mexican on the cavern floor. “Make fire now—no danger,” he added, and in a few minutes he had a small pile of dry wood burning beside the big stone. It was the light the Indian wanted; he wished to see the prisoner’s face while talking to him, and, also, to be himself seen. When the fire blazed up and the captive saw Lightning, he looked terror-stricken. “How long you keep prisoner for tor- ture?’ demanded the Indian, “To-morrow morning,” replied the Mex- ican. ‘Ts Morales much hurt?’ asked Ire. “Yes; his arm was shattered, but he will not delay for that.’ He is going fo be mar- ried to-morrow night!” * Phew!”.. whistled Fred, looking at Lightning motioned him to come out- side, and. then announced: “We go now. Leave him here,” and turning the stone against the entrance, they at once started for the house on the hilltop, but quickly paused on beholding first a man and then a woman coming out through the window by which Fred had escaped. It was too dark to distinguish who they were until they were quite close; then it was seen to be Chin Chin and Rita. ‘Where is your sister?” demanded: the young chief. “She would not come,” replied Rita, with a sob. “When I spoke of escape she bade me leave, but said she would not go herself. She is really insane, although Morales will not see it, and she is to marry him to-morrow.” . ' “Marry him?” echoed Fred, “Yes; but he had better beware, for it is only a part of some insane scheme of vengeance,” returned the weeping girl. “T tried to warn him, but he only laughed at me, and in return said there would be two marriages fnstead of one—that he had promised me to Manuel, his half- brother, That is why I left to-night,” is * f ; oy, t ¢ } ie iy Lh WP y it iS Baas ty ie ‘Le ? ree Mal P= ais te? wy 4 is fy hs rab AA's) SA RE Rie F : ‘ay é , a el) See rth Pre a ee ee : z i pees ES aig st ee a They all proceeded to the cavern, and the latter part of Rita’s story was told in the hearing of the prisoner, who, when she . finished, exclaimed angrily: *“ Ah, the traitor! That was why I was left behind!” All turned in surprise, and looked at the prisoner. “Yes,” he continued. “I admired the | young senorita, and Jose Morales prom- ised if I could gain her consent she should be my bride.” “ And he tricked you?” “He did; but, if you will release me, I will help you, and thus be revyenged upon | him!’ “What can you do?’ “1 will report that you are still in the cavern or not, as you wish. ‘Then, if I can get a chance, I will release your | friend.” : Lightning shook his head doubtfully; he put no faith in’ the Mexican, but Fred firmly believed the fellow was eager to get even with Morales, so he decided to release him. : *Me go back too,” said Chin Chin, as } the Mexican started to depart. | “ Back again? Why, they'll kill you!”’ ex- claimed Fred, in astonishment. * No ‘flaid,”’ returned the Celestial, calm- ly, as he joined the Greaser, “Now, Lightning, what's gramme?’ asked Fred. “Stay here little while. Then go up for Bill. Gal stay here until come back.” Everything being quiet and dark about the house above, Fred and his companion started out, having first adjusted the stone at the mouth of the cavern. Chin Chin had informed them that Bill had been removed to the large room into which Fred had been cavried while he was unconscious, and to that room he was bound to make his way. Accordingly, on reaching the window, he jumped on Lightning's broad shoulders and peeped into the women's room, The room. Was quite dark, lit only by a streak of light which came from the crack under the door of, the next room. ‘Mrs; Cheatham! Mrs. Cheatham!” he called, in a low tone, but there was no re- ply, and after repeating this several times, Fred concluded she, too, had been re- | moved, perhaps to the next room. He was quickly undeceived on this point, however, as he crawled through the win- dow, for he had scarcely touehed the floor when he was caught by the throat and pinned to the wall. ' He knew at once that he was in the grasp of the mad woman, and could catch the glean of the knife in her hand as she raised it to strike him. For an instant Fred was in the shadow of death, but the knife remained upraised, the fierce clutch on his throat suddenly relaxed, and when the woman possessed ‘of the unnatural strength peculiar to ma- niacs released him, he sank to the floor to avert her further notice. ’ Mrs. Cheatham paid no further atten- tion to him, but began pacing the floor muttering loud enough for Fred to hear: “T was dreaming of to-morrow night. I thought it was my Mexican bridegroom! My bridegroom—ha! ha!” and the laugh- maniacal was at once sickening and_piti- ful, and Fred shivered as he heard, but remained: quiet. ‘ The unfortunate woman paused and sighed deeply, as if very weary, and then threw herself on the bed in the corner. But a few moments later her deep breathing assured Fred that she was asleep, and, creeping to the door, he lis- tened there intently. y All was still there, so’ he noiselessly opened the unlocked door and looked into the apartment, and then, seeing no one, he stepped into his recent prison. : the _ pro-
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"a ye Er Weare aes. are a ah ~~ oe Se ee be Se: = oye a Ah eo 5 oa ee. a 10 Scarcely had he crossed the threshold, however, when, even before turning his head, Fred became aware that a man Was standing in one of the doorways, close to the wall. And that man held a revolver full at the young American’s head. CHAPTER IX, A RESCUD AND A FLIGHT. The young cowboy captain was para- lyzed by *the discovery, but the next in- stant Chin Chin greeted him with: “Me on glard; thought you Greasee man,” he said, apologetically. “On guard?” repeated JTred, in prise. “ Allee samé Melican man,” replied the Chinaman, grinning, and then continued: ‘Blill outside. No can get him yet. Much lot bandits allee ‘lound him.” This was bad news, and when Chin Chin led Fred to the doorway to. get a peep at Bill, he saw it was only too true, for Bill, bound hand and foot, was lying on the floor, surrounded by sleeping out- laws. “No ’flaid! We gettee Blill soon!” Chin Chin confidently asserted. “Sabe? Him *longside Blill was plisoner at cave. Lilly while him cut Blill flee. Then Blill go out like me,” and the Chinaman tiptoed across the room as lightly as a cat, but ina man- ner so comical that Fred smiled, despite his anxiety. Just then one of the bandits beside Bill sat up and began feeling for something. Whatever it was he could not find it, and with a look of annoyance he searched about him on the floor. “Him!” whispered Chin Chin, and at the same time Fred recognized the Mexi- can he had allowed to go free. Suddenly the fellow looked up, and, eatching sight of Chin Chin, drew his forefinger across his throat. Fred did not understand him, but the Chinaman did, and drawing his knife, tip- toed across the floor in the same ¢omieal, quiet fashion. : Reaching over one of the sleepers, Chin Chin handed the knife to the Mexican, who immediately began cutting Bill's bonds. At that moment, Fred, hearing some one moving stealthily behind him, turned quickly, filled with alarm lest the mad woman should now appear and ruin every- thing, but to his intense relief saw the red chief at his back. Lightning smiled grimly when Fred pointed to the man cutting the cords, but at the same time drew a revolver and mo- tioned Fred to do the same. Suddenly Chin Chin went down in a heap on the floor, and the Mexican, who had just finished freeing Hawkins, did the same, while the latter, cramped from be- ing tied up, endeavored to arise. He had gained a sitting position, but on seeing the others drop down, lay back again. ~ 4t was too late, however, for Morales, who was restless from the pain of his wounded arm, had opened a door at the other end of the room just as Bill fell back. He had seen the movement, and became suspicious that all was not right. Stepping _ over the sleepers, Morales stooped to examine Bill’s bonds, and as he did so, he saw the severed cords. ' Bill had \anticipated this, and, just as sur- the bandit leader stooped he drew up his knee to his chest, then, shooting out his foot with tremendous force, he sent Mo. rales halfway across the room, where he lay, yelling and cursing, and gasping for | breath. ; Instantly Bill struck out from the hip, Lightning began firing, and Fred followed suit. For a few minutes pandemonium reigned supreme, The air was filled with bullets, smoke, yells and curses. At the first shot, Chin Chin, Hawkins and the Mexican who had freed him, joined Fred and Lightning. “This way! This way!” cried the Mexican, when the place had become filled with smoke, and he led the way to the rear door, Throwing off the heavy bar. he dashed into a smaller building. It was a stable, and, a minute later, every one of the five was riding for the Rio Grande. Halting for an instant at the cavern, Fred turned back the stone, and, picking up Rita Young, dashed off again after his companions. He was none too quick, for some of the Mexicans were already in pursuit, al- though not enough as yet to be dangerous. On the five flew, through the darkness, Lightning leading the way, and at day- break the river was reached. They had distanced their pursuers; at any rate, none were in sight, and the party halted a few minutes, while Light- ning went to get his canoe. In a short time he came paddling along; Rita and Fred entered the canoe, and they started across the big stream. It did not take long fof all to reach the opposite shore. There they halted for rest and breakfast, the latter being easily and quickly procured from the river. While the fish was cooking, Fred and Hawkins held a consultation regarding Rita and Rodriguez, the Mexican, who had kept faith with them. They did not wish to be hampered with either in their search for the treasure, which Fred felt confident was buried in that vicinity. “Why don’t ye send the Mexican with her t’ San Antone?’ asked Hawkins. “I’m afraid she wouldn’t get there,” re- plied Fred. “The fellow likes her too well already to take her where he might have.to part With hér.” Yo -"" Hawkins grinned, and asked slyly: “ Sure’ ’tain’t jealousy, cap?’ Fred grew red and looked confused. “Well, spose we send Chin with ’emn?” suggested Hawkins, enjoying his confusion. “Oh, what good would hs be?’ “Heaps! I mean it, too, Fred! He's good stuff, I tell ye straight!” Bill said this Garnestly, Lightning nod- ded approval, and Fred agreed to the plan. At breakfast, accordingly, he informed Xita that he intended sending her to San Antonio with Rodriguez and Chin Chin, “And you are not going also?” asked Nita, growing pale and looking somewhat frightened. Fred explained that they had some other work yet to do, and that it might be sey- eral days before they could return. “But, I am in no hurry; I have no home now, and I would prefer to remain until we all go together.” Rita said this with a pitiful little smile that touched the men; so it was settled that she should remain. There still was Rodriguez to be got rid of, and Hawkins solved the difficulty. “ Send him t’ yer uncle,” he said, “with a note, sayin’ we're all right, an’ ‘ll be back soon.” This was done, and the Mexican rode away, apparently pleased to get out of the neighborhood, but looking regretfully at Rita. “Took out for Morales!” cautioned Rodriguez, as he rode off. “He’s sure to follow your trail.” kins, “ We'll take care o’ him,” replied Haw- | The Young Cowboy Captain. Seeking a secluded spot in the woods, Rita was left there, while Chin Chin was — sent tothe river to watch for the outlaws, and incidentally to furnish fish for dinner. ‘‘ Better take this,” said Fred, as he and the others were about to leave Rita on their treasure quest. “This” was a medium-sized revolver, which the girl accepted with a grateful smile. Nothing was ‘Seen of the Mexicans dur- ing the day, and Chin Chin had procured a plentiful supply of fish when Fred and his companions returned. They had found not a trace of the treas- ure, but cheered up after eating a hearty meal, after which Fred proposed stand- ing first guard at the bank of the river. . “We must see them first, if they at- tempt to cross,” he said,’ “and for all we know they may be on the other side now,, waiting for darkness, At the expiration of three hours Fred returned, and Lightning took his place. The moon was up, and, feeling safe as. well as tired, the young chief threw him- self alongside Hawkins and was soon sound asleep. He had been asleep about ten minntes when a man crept out from behind a tree, carrying in his right hand a long, murder- ous looking knife. “ This is the one! This is the one, and he must die!” he muttered, bending over: Fred, ; , CHAPTER X. A MADMAN—THE TREASURE LOCATHD. Kred was not destined to die then, however. Just as the old owretch was about to plunge the knife into the sleep- ing man, the snap of a revolver rang out, and the weapon was knocked out of his . hand, ey “Who fired?” cried Fred, j tO his feet, and looking from Haw-ins” to Chin Chin, both of whom had, of course, been aroused. A Neither knew anything of the shot, there was no trace of any one about, and | Fred. would have thought hé ‘hewn, teaming had not the others decvared ‘ had heard it. 1 Suddenly Fred thought of Rita, and hurried to the little ‘shelter of bark and boughs which they had built for her.’ At first he thought she was asleep, but quickly discovered that the girl had fainted, and called for some water. “This explains the shot!” said Fred, as. ne pointed to the revolver lying beside ita. “But not wot she fired for!” returned Hawkins. “T wonder wot it wuz?’ _‘ We'll know that pretty soon,” rejoined Fred, “See! She’s coming to!”. When Rita reopened her eyes and saw Fred, an expression of joy. overspread her countenance. “You are safe? I did not miss?” shie exclaimed. \ . “You have saved my life!. How can I ever repay you for your bravery? An- other girl would have fainted before fir- ing!” exclaimed Fred. ae, reg’lar Jim Dandy!” decided Haw- <ins. ‘‘Muchee fine gal!” commented Chin Chin, Rita was overwhelmed by all this praise and murmured something about : being accustomed to firearms, but it was no use. -“T must go tell old Lightnin’ about it,” said Hawkins. “It’s near time to go on watch, anyhow.” After hearing the story Lightning ex- amined the ground around where Fred had been lying, and in doing so found the knife. _ It was indeed a murderous looking 25 a ¥ sgt aS
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Te - Weapon, although rudely made, and be- ing apparently a file ground to a razer- like keenness. _ Lightning looked surprised and puzzled on beholding it. It struck I‘red that the Indian had seen it before, and he asked if it was the case. “Think so, but long ago,”’ replied Light- ning, still looking much puzzled. ‘Must watch here, y,”’ he added, now, after a minute’s thought. ‘“* Me look for , him to-day. You look for gold.” All laid down to rest—Lightming de- /Claring he would not sleep, and it was “some time before the others could do so. - Nothing, however, occurred to disturb ‘them, and at dawn Lightning started on ‘the trail of the midnight assassin. ~ About seven o’clock he returned, look- ing a little disappointed, and told them he had lost the trail at the foot of a Stony hill a few miles away. After breakfast the three started off again on their hunt for the treasure— Rita assuring them that she was not at all afraid of being left alone in the day- light. “She’s all wool ’n’ a yard wide!” ex- ‘“@laimed Bill, admiringly, as they left the camp. Tock noon Rita was standing outside her little hut alone, expecting Chin Chin, who had promised to bring her some fish for dinner, when she was startled to see the same old man come from behind the same tree where she had first seen him! It was the same man, but infinitely more ugly looking, in the light of day. He appeared to be about seventy years of age, and was a most horrible looking object. : : Rita was afraid to move lest she should attract his attention, and could hear him talking as he approached. “Wools! Fools! They have gone again to look for what is under their feet!’ the -/ old wretch was saying. “What can he mean?’ thought Kita, “ands “Beeing he was cotiing directly toward her, She endeavored to steal away, put her first Step Attracted nis attention. “Ha! Another of them!” he cried, giating at her, and then, appearing to remember What he had been saying, demanded: “Dia you hear me? Did you hear me, I say?” “What if I did?” asked Rita, boldly. She Mad her revolver in hand, and could not see that he carried any weapon. “Ha! You did! You must die!” yelled the old man, making a spring toward her. “Stand back!” cried Rita, throwing up her revolver, but the would-be murderer either did not see OF Care for the revolver and, repeating the Command, Rita, fired. he very appearance of the hideous peing had unstrung he? Nerves, so the bul- Jet went wild, and before she could fire again the old wretch Was upon her and wrested the revolver from oa grasp—at which moment Chin Chin appeared with the promised fish. | He had heard Rita’s Shot and knew something was wrong, DUt When he saw ner streggling with the Old man he was so surp“'sed that he stood stock-still. “Help: Help!’ eried Rita. This aroused Chin Chit_and he rushed to her assistance, just as Rita's overtaxed nerves gave way and she fainted. Her assailant’ stooped t0 Pick her up, and as he did s@ the Chinaman struck pim ag the butt of his revolver—knock- jog Him senseless, face the night before, and he entered her put to procure some water. ‘The moment the Chinaman turned nis back the ola man arose tO his feet, Fie had been “playing ’possu. a a i i Siete SC ihe hi ieee plc iit oan dl te sincere ng Mn ain sm tn nrc as bine ih see The Young Cowboy Captain. He looked at Rita doubtfully, and then hurried away. ; When Chin Chin returned he was sur- prised to find the old man gone, but did not worry about it, and when Rita opened her eyes she found the Chinaman using restoratives. Rita thanked him so sweetly that the Chinaman went into ecstasies, and, as the old man had carried off Rita’s pis- tol, he insisted on her accompanying him to the river. When the treasure hunters returned they were surprised and at first alarmed at Rita’s absence, but Lightning quickly discovered that she had gone with Chin Chin. The Indian also discovered signs of the old man’s presence, and hurried to the river to ascertain if he had been seen. * When Rita returned to camp and told her story it excited considerable alarm. “Who is this fellow?’ asked Fred of Lightning. ‘I’m sure you know him!” “Him no right here!’ replied Light- ning, tapping his forehead significantly. “ Crazy!” exclaimed Hawkins and Fred in the same breath. Lightning nodded assent and that they must not hurt the lunatic—only try to capture him. Knowing the great respect with which all Indians treat this class of unfortu- nates, the others agreed that the madman should not be injured. The party were at supper when this decision was arrived at, and up to this not a word had been said regarding the old man’s mutterings. The subject of the conversation had been concealed behind a tree within easy earshot, and when he heard their deci- sion, stole away with a satisfied smile on his face. Searcely had the madman gone when Fred asked: “Did he say anything, Rita?’ “Yes, He said you were fools, for you had gone to look for what was under your feet!” “Crazy ez a bedbug!”’ laughed Haw-' kins. “Nothing of the kind!” cried Fred, leaping to his feet. ‘The treasure’s aS good as found!” Red Lightning nodded gravely—he sus- pected what Fred was about to say. The others looked surprised. “Yes,” continued Fred, “crazy or not, the fellow told the truth. We've been searching all over for the treasure, while every day we've been walking over it, and every night, probably, sleeping over ti? : “What! Ye mean ter say it’s here?” “Yes, right here!’ replied the boy cap- tain. “This old chap probably saw it buried, and that’s why he wants th drive us off. He may be mad, but there’s a method in his madness!” Though a little after sunset, there was good light yet, and Fred would herve commenced the search at once had not Chin Chin rushed into the camp with the startling announcement: “ Mexicans. clossing! Comin’ straight to camp!” CHAPTER XI. Be. f THH MADMAN’S DEADLY WORK. A hasty investigation proved Chin Chin’s information to be only too true. Mexicans to the number of fifty were crossing the river—indeed, some had al- ready landed on the American side and were, as the Chinaman said, heading straight for the camp. ; “No come after us—come after treas- ure.” This was Lightning's watching, the Mexicans for « few min- utes. iN verdict after | Ir: Hastily removing all traces of their presence, the little party retreated furthex’ into the wood—Lightning remaining be- - hind to watch the bandits. The treasure hunters halted about a quarter of a mile from their former camp, and here Lightning joined them at the expiration of an hour. It was as he had at first declared, the- Indian informed them. The Mexicans had come to remove the- treasure, and had no suspicion, as yet, of their presence. Fred was almost franti¢e at the idea of” losing the treasure. Upon leaving Rita in a secure place under the protecting care of Chin Chin, the trio reached the Mexican camp and halted near the little hut Rita had oc- cupied. A small fire was burning, and stretched about it were fully ‘fifty Mexicans, in various attitudes, and evidently without the slightest apprehension of danger, for only one man was on guard—he sitting, half asleep, at the butt of the tree from behind which the madman had each time made his appearance. “Let’s fire a few shots—we kin drop. some of ’em ’n’ then skip!’ suggested. Hawkins. : ““No—wait for while,” said Lightning:’ The Indian spoke authoritatively, it seemed to Fred, and he exploded, “Look here, Lightning! Who's run-’ ning this?’ he asked, angrily. Instead of replying the Indian began searching his pockets and finally pro-- duced a slip of paper, which he handed to Fred. Both Fred and Hawkins had watched’ the actions of the Indian with no little curiosity and surprise, but when Fred turned his back to the fire and by its light read the eontents of the paper he was thunderstruck. : The paper was directed to Fred and’ ee by Colonel Soule. It was as: fol-- OWS; “In ease of any dispute or question of” judgment, see that Starlight’s ideas are earried out, Aside from his skill as a guide and scout, he is our salaried de- tective and has always proved himself a clear-headed, valuable man.” Fed stared at the Indian in amazement: as he handed back the'slip of paper. He- felt pretty cheap, too, and turning to- Hawkins, said: **It seems Captain Morgan was wrong,. Bill. This is the real head of the expedi- tion, and that paper says he’s the regular~ detective of the road. He's boss, now!’ Before Hawkins could speak the In- dian interposed. “Not so! You still captain, but, if you wait, see why no shoot now!” Fred was rather pleased by this, while- Hawkins was too surprised to say any- thing, and the three watched in silence, Fully a half hour elapsed katy auly- thing occurred to break the monotony, and Fred was beginning to get restless,,. when he suddenly saw a man creeping from behind the tree against which the Mexican sentinel, now sleeping, was rest- ing. From the description, Fred recognized the man at once. It was the madman, and in his right hand Fred saw the knife: which had the co night almost. ended his earthly career. Where had he obtained the knife? Fred asked himself this question in some alarm, for when he had Iast seen it the knife was in the possession of Rita, \who had taken it in exchange for the re- volver which the madman had carried off. “All right! All right!” whispered Lightning, who seemed to know what he
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ta enter estes “29 ee apres eee 12 : red contented himself with watching | the movements of the madman. The latter surveyed the sleeping senti- : nel with an expression of fiendish satis- | faction. on his countenance, and, almost before the watchers could realize it, the , madman had caught the Mexican by the throat with one hand and with the other buried his murderous knife to the hilt in the sleeper’s side. “One!” exclaimed Lightning, in a low tone. Fred shuddered, and, thinking of his own experience the previous night, said: “ Lightning, I can’t stand this! It’s too much like murder—it’s pure butchery!” “Two!” returned the Indian, pressing his arm to be silent, and looking again, Fred saw that the man sleeping nearest the dead sentinel had also- been, killed. Lightning had no such scruples as Fred entertained. He would willingly have * -witnessed the killing of every one of the sleeping men, but it was ordained that nb more should be slaughtered that night. As the madman arose from his second victim his foot slipped in the blood of the first and he fell, and as he fell the other foot shot out, striking one of the sleepers a sharp blow in the face. With an oath the man jumped up in time to see the madman, who fled past Fred. and near enough for the latter to touch him, In a moment the whole camp was awake, and the fate of) their comrades was quickly ascertained. “Run! Quick!” exclaimed Lightning, when the madman passed, and, turning himself, set the example. It was none too soon, for the Mexican who had been awakened pointed out the direction in which the madman had gone, and the entire band started in pursuit. Fred and his ¢ompanions were only a short distance ahead of their pursuers, and the noise they made while running was evidently heard by the Mexicans, “whose eries redoubled when they found themselves so close to their prey. After running about a mile, Lightning turned suddenly to the right and ran rather slowly, but very cautiously, for sabout a hundred yards, when he turned again and ran back towards the Mexican camp. As they doubled baek, Fred could hear the, Mexicans passing them, and laughed at the easy way in which the Indian had duped them. Straight across the camp they ran, Hightning leading the way, and for three or four miles the Indian kept right along, only halting when he reached the stony hill where he had lost the trail of the “madman. ar Swinging around the base of the hill, the Indian led the way into a cave on #he northern side, first removing some ‘~brushwood which hid the entrance. ¥nside, Fred found Rita and Chin Chin, ‘and searcely had he done so, when he was called upon to assist Lightning and ‘Hawkins in re-covering the entrance of the cave. : This was searecely done before the Mexicans could be heard approaching. ‘They had discovered Lightning’s trick ‘and were now on the verge of beating it. CHAPTER XII. IN A TIGHT BOX. When the Mexicans halted in front of. the cave, those within prepared to make a desperate resistance, supposing, of course, that their retreat had been dis- covered, but they were quickly relieved von that point. 7 Ry Lerhore's no use going any further until | @aylight. We might ride over them in this infernal darkness.” 4 4 we! : ‘ was thinking of, and thus reassured, | of Manuel Morales, and a moment later the speaker continued: ‘Make a fire, some of you, and keep a sharp lookout. They can't be very. far away.” ‘““A Jarge fire, captain?’ asked one of the Mexicans. a7 No.” * Captain,” mused Fred.- “I thought he was lieutenant.” When the fire was started, Manuel and another seated themselves immediately in front of the entrance to the eave. ‘Senor Manuel, how did Jose die?’ It was Manuel’s companion who spoke, and his question startled the listeners at the mouth of the cave, Morales was dead! “That demon of a woman killed him the night of the marriage.” “And this woman—this she-devil—what . did you do with her?’ asked Manuel's companion. ‘“Nothing! She escaped! Let us talk no more of it!” Manuel stretched himself beside the fire, his companion did the same, and soon the bandits were all asleep. A guard had been posted at each side of the camp, and but for these red would have attempted to capture Manut#i, so close did the latter lie to the entrance of the cave. $oth guards were evidently tired and sleepy. Soon one approached his com- rade, and after a few minutes went back to his post, but not to do duty. Instead, he sat down with his back to a tree, and almost immediately fell asleep. For this neglect of duty the man for- feited his life. “Tf the madman were around now he would find an easy victim,’ whispered Fred, who, with Lightning and Hawkins, had been watching the actions of the guards. “And, by George, he is!” exelaimed Hawkins, pointing toward the sleeper at the base of the tree. At the same moment Fred saw a man dreeping- toward. the guard. A minute later a scream of agony rent the air, and, turning, Fred saw the mad- nmin dancing about the dead man, waving the bloody knife above his head. ‘*Three! Three!” be cried, in horrible glee, and then plunged imto the woeds, followed by the bandits. “That chap’s pulled us out of a tight hole!’ exclaimed Hawkins, as the last of the Mexicans disaéppeared from view. “They'd hey found out we wor here, in the mornin’, sure ez shootin’.” Both his companions assented to this, and when Rita and Chin Chin came forward to learn the cause of the noise, Lightning said: “ Must find ’nother place, now.” Instead of leaving the yicinity, as the others expected, the Indian began to as- cend the hill, and after a hard struggle, the incline being steep and the road rough, the party reached the summit. Several luge rocks were lying about, and the spaces between them had been carefully filled with stones and earth to the height of four feet. “Why, it’s a regular fort!’ exclaimed Fred, admiringly. » “VYes—but this here fort don't supply no grub,” said Hawkins. “Ef we on’y had grub ‘n’ water we could stand off the hull gang 0’ Greasers.” “ Gome—we get that ’fore long!” As Lightning said this he started down fhe hill, followed by the others, Rita re- maining above. Their destination was the cave which they had vacated a few minutes before, and here, to the astonishment of the The Young Cowboy Captain. Fred recognized the voice—it was that | tities of dried meat and. fish, and other others, the Indian unearthed large quan- provisions, with which he loaded his com- panions. ** Crazy man live here,’’ explained Light- ning, as they proceeded on their doubly difticult journey to the ‘‘fort.” After breakfast next morning the little party realized the value of Lightning's — preparations, Leaving Rita and the Chinaman, the others had already begun to descend the hil, when out from the trees almost at the base of the hill, burst the madman, followed by a crowd of yelling Mexicans. “’Nuther Greaser gone!’ ‘exclaimed Hawkins. “Down! down!” cried Fred, hoping to escape observation, but it was too late, as an exultant yell from the bandits pro- claimed, and they turned back to the fort. In their surprise and joy at beholding ~ their late captives, the bandits allowed the madman to escape, He had led them away, and now he brought them back. * Blast his picter!’ growled Hawkins. “What brung him back?’ “Never mind, Bill. We're better off than we were last night. Now, look sharp. Here they come!” In their eagerness some of the bandits~- had already begun to ascend the «hill, which was, of course, less difficult in day- light, but this advantage was more thin’ counterbalanced by the danger attending it, as Several of them quickly found, ‘to their sorrow. “Tl stop that game, pretty quick!” ex- claimed. Hawkins, raising his ritle—and he did, killing or wounding a half-dozen of the bandits before they could get out of range. “There! That put’s th’ kibosh on that little gume!”’ he continued, turning with a triumphant smile to his companions. “Yes, Bill, for to-day; but if you ever prayed in your life for anything, pray for a good, bright moon to-night.’ "3 Fred’s earnest tone took all the triumph-» ant feeling out of Bill. “ Yer right, Fred,” he said, thoughtfully. “Jf it’s dark the blasted eutthroats {stbe_+ on uz from all sides.” —~ 2 gon ae The day passed without further trouble, night came, but no moon, and scarcely had the darkness fully settled, when forms could be seen flitting about in all directions at the base of the hill. In a short time the darknéss became denser and denser. Nothing could be seen, but the rattle of stonés on every side warned them that the bandits Were ap- proaching from all quarters and fear- fully close at hand. | : ; CHAPTER XII. WARNED ,BY THE MADMAN, To hear the Mexicans approaching from all quarters, and yet to be unable to see them or to guess from which point the attack would be made, was too much for the Cowboy Chief, and ‘he Was about to tell Hawkins to light a bundle of brush- wood, intending to toss it in the direction. where the rattle of the stones was loudest, when a scream of pain from a point di- rectly in front, interrupted him. There was'no mistaking the cry—it was that of a man in the death agony. “’Nuther Greaser gone, or I'm a knock- kneed nigger!” exclaimed Hawkins. The rattling of Stones was now heard in all directions, gradually growing greater as they neared the spot from which the ery came, ceasing there altogether. For a moment Fred was puzzled, and then the truth flashed upon him—the ban- dits were gathering about their dead com- panion, endeavoring to ascertain how he had been slain. . aa as this occurred to Fred, the Indian sald; \ br wah % rs
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ANOS cously half ‘All in front now. Fire low—quick!” The four men ranged themselves jin line and Fred gave the word: * Repeat as fast as you can. Now then —fire!”’ Four reports rang out simultaneously, and the cries and curses of the bandits proved that some had taken effect. For two or three minutes a constant fire was kept up, and then—out came the moon, showing the Mexicans fleeing in various directions to escape the leaden hail from the Winchesters. “Thank God! Now we're safe!” cried Fred. Looking down, Fred could see several Mexicans lying motionless, evidently dead, while several more were trying to crawl away, and these latter would, also, have soon been rendered motionless but for his interference. Both HaWkins and Lightning wished to ’ fire on them, but Fred prevailed on them to allow the wounded men a chance. “ And now. I suppose it would be well for all of you to get some rest. I'll stand first watch, and then the rest of you can take turn.” ‘This programme was carried out with- out interruption until about four o'clock, ~avhen the Chinaman came on guard and seated himself on one of the big stones forming a corner of the fort. The moon was: fading away, and the first streaks of the coming day just appearing, when Chin Chin took his seat. There was plenty of light, and every- thing around was distinctly visible, yet the Chinaman did not appear to see a dozen Mexicans who ‘emerged from the woods five minutes after he came on - guard. The Mexicans advanced cautiously, but quickly, and were soon within fifty yards of the fort, yet Chin Chin gave no alarm or sign of seeing them. “Is it treachery, or is the fool asleep?” It was Bill Hawkins who had awak- ened, and, seeing the condition of affairs, asked himself this question. He ptood fingering his revolver nery- . tempted to send a bDuillet ough the Chinaman’s head. Had he m the latter’s foot resting on a big d stone and rocking it to and fro he Laty certainly have done so, ~ Bill was about to call the others and aken the Chinaman, when he saw the exicans halt, and waited to see what Las OOF way BONS to do. Soon apparent that the Mexicans nad €ome to remove the bodies of their dead comrades, and, much as he detested the™, Hawkins had no intention of inter- ferins With such good work. Not so the Ghinaman. Just as the Mexi- caps Slarted off with their dead, Chin Chin save the pig stone a tremendous _ suecess of his trick, push, sending jf crashing down the hill, thering speeq as it went, and before the bandits could get out of the way it pounded through ‘their midst, leaving death and destryetion behind it, “That settles jt: We're in for it now!” exclaimed Bij, “In for what? demanded Fred, who up Raphi Mee 5 ‘plained d happen and ended by saying, i “An’ ye kin het yer life they'll never leave US DOW! It's them or Us, ’n’ We've got t’ take every ¢ , 7 thin ’em off!” So Aa Chi Ty chance t’ th N Was in high glee over the and neither cared to dampen his ardor, put the truth of Bill’s words W&S8 soon aq t. Seareely a half hour elapsed Vs ce band of Mexi- cans camped at the base of the hill. Lightning looked gerjoyg when he saw this, amd heard the story of Chin Chin’s exploi ty The Young Cowboy Captain. ‘“No have moon every night,” he said. “Starve out anyhow!” ““Couldn’t one of us get down on the other side and go for help?’ suggested Fred. ** Look!” was the sententious rejoinder. The top of the hill was almost flat, and | their “fort’’ was nearest the edge facing the bandits. On going to the other side Irred saw several Mexicans posted at the | base of the hill, and realized the force of ) Lightning's reply. “Never mind! he muttered, as he turned back. “I can try it some night, if it goes to the worst.” Ail that day the Mexicans remained quiet, evidently waiting for night to re- new the attack. “And they can afford to do the wait- ing better than we can,” said Fred. “Well, they didn’t dig much to-day,” said Hawkins. ‘No, that's one consolation,” returned Fred. When night fell the anxiety for the moon increased, but none appeared; on | the contrary, there was every indication of a storm coming, and it was certain the Mexicans would take advantage of it to attack them. “We will have’to look sharp, boys,” said Fred, “If the storm and the bandits come at the same time, we'll have a tough time to pull through.” The clouds grew heavier and heavier, and it was soon impossible to see ten yards on either side, “Tf they come now it’s all U. P. with us,” remarked Hawkins, in a kind of a Job’s comforter style, adding: “We'll never see ‘em till the’r’ onto us!” It was only too true, and Fred wished Rita had been sent to San Antonio, but regrets were useless; they must make the best of it. A half-hour elapsed, and yet the ex- pected attack was not made. What could be delaying them? In a little while their anxiety on this point was relieved by hearing the noise of the bandits approaching, this time, ap- parently, approaching solidly in front—at least, the noise was all in that direction, but Lightning suspected some trickery, and bade the others keep guard at the f%,r and sides. For a few minutes the suspense was great, but once again the madman foiled the bandits. Suddenly a seream of agony rent the air, and as it Came frem the quiet side of the fort, it revealed the presence of the bandits there. Quick to appreciate the value of this in- formation, Lightning fired in the direc- tion of the ery, and, as his shot brought forth another cry. Hawkins and Fred also fired, and with like result, proving that the Mexicans must be pretty thick on that side. After some time the bandits began to separate, more than half of them pass- ‘ing around the hill to the rear of the fort, where they would not be under fire until they reached the little plateau at the sum- mit, and once there in any number, the besieged had little hope of escape, Fred realized this fully, and when he Saw the bandits moving to the rear he began to despair, for now that ammuni- tion was so low, he could afford to waste no shots on them until they were actually on the plateau of the fort. The bandits in front, scattered all over the face of the hill, advanced rapidly, though carefully, taking advantage of every stone or inequality in the surface to keep under cover, It will never do to let them come to- gether,” said Fred, turning to Lightning. ‘You and Chin watch for the others; Bill and I will begin on these.” 2 ee i CS Raising his rifle, Fred added: “Take only sure shots, Bill, for there’s: only seventy-one cartridges among four; of us, while there’s fully seventy-five: Mexicans around the hill!” As he finished speaking Bill fired, and Fred followed, both bullets reaching their: marks, and when this was repeated, the: bandits grew restless, firing back and moving about, as though anxious to charge, which was, of course, preferable: to lying still to be shot at. A minute or two later, a peculiar cry, evidently a signal, came from the rear of the fort, and with a wild hurrah the ban- dits charged. bar CHAPTER XIV. THE FINAL STRUGGLE. “Tt's neck ‘r nuthin’ now!” exclaimed Hawkins, firing at the leading bandit. “ Never say die!’ responded Fred. He had scareely spoken, when firing from the rear announced the arrival of the second party of bandits. * But how long will it last?’ thought Fred. He was already wounded twice and had but six cartridges left. Bill could have no more, and he, too, had been. wounded. The noise from Lightning's side had been something terrific, considering the number engaged, and, during a momentary pause in the front assault, Fred shot a glanee to the rear. By .the light of the now brightly shining: moon he saw the madman wielding a light sledge-hammer, such as is used in driving railroad spikes. His back was against the: wall of the little fort, and, flanked on either side by Lightning and Chin Chin, he was a tower of strength to the be-- sieged. j The Mexicans in front soon learned what was going on, and as their assault was meant only to cover that in the rear, they began to move around to assist their com- rades, leaving a half-dozen to engage the-_ attention of Fred and Hawkins. Fully aware of their purpose, Fred went: to the other side, saying: “T guess you can take care of those fel- lows. Bill. Ul be wanted over there preity soon.” ' And he was—sooner than he expected. Just as Fred joined Lightning, the mad- man had returned from one of his death- dealing rushes, and stood leaning against the wall facing the bandits. Suddenly an order was given in Span- ish, which was: “ Aim all at the hammer-man! Fire!” Guessing the meaning of the order, Fred tried to save him by slapping him on the shoulder, at the same time shouting: “Down!” It was too late, however, and as Fred sank behind the stene work, the madman, pierced by many bullets, fell in front. When the madman fell the bandits: cheered and came forward with a mighty rush, only to be scattered in all direc-. tions a minute later. The madman was not killed, and as they came forward he sprang up and rushed to meet them. For one minute they with- stood the terrible hammer, shooting and striking at the madman, but when Light- ning came among them like another thun- derbolt, they turned and fied in every di- rection. As the last one of the bandits disap- peared down the hill, the madman reeled and fell against the wall of the fort. Fred caught him and held him up until Lightning came, who murmured: ao ee ere 1 oe Phil!” t the sound of his name the dying man opened his eyes. * Starlight! Starlight?” he muttered. Then his eyes lighted up and he con tinued in gasps: pba
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_ Pe — 5 —— _ a pt alates 14 re Pets ’ . . =a . P : $$$ ere» t } : i t t 4 ~wall like heroes, but after the first few It was Fred, riding a little to one side | had camped, Fred and Jim watched them blows Lightning leaped over the barrier | of the others, who made the discovery. | at Supper—the latter for the first time be- into the midst of the Mexicans. The Mexicans had entered the river, and, | holding Rita, who was sitting a little Up and down, right and left, the ham-| after swimming their horses a hundred | apart from the Mexicans, pale and mel- mer swung, and each time a man went | yards down stream, had landed again on ancholy. : own. Suddenly Fred caught sight of a| the American shore! What they saw and heard made it ap- number of horsemen dashing around to “Pretty cute, and it might have worked parent to the watchers that the plan of res- L the base of the ‘hill. } if you were a little greener, Fred,’’ com- cuing the girl while the Mexicans slept Good Heavens! More Mexicans!’ he | mented Hart. would have to be abandoned. ; vexclaimed. “We must warn Lightning,” said Fred, | ‘There’s mischief brewing; I wish the h Not much!” yelled Hawkins. “That’s | passing over the compliment. ‘These fel- | horses were nearer,” whispered Fred. _ . 2. Jim *n’ some 0 th boys from th’ range! | lows are going back for the treasure, and “Keep your eye peeled, and I'll get fe Hurrah! Hurrah! : as soon as it’s dug up they’ll try to seize | them,” returned Jim, as he hurried away. \ Springing over the wall, the delighted it.” Scarcely had he gone when the trouble Hawkins joined Lightning, and, quickly “Right you are! There’s enough of ‘em. | was begun by a big, burly fellow, appar- | realizing that he was correct, Fred and | too, to do it. Suppose we send Bill back? }ently in command of the party, who arose | oi Chin Chin followed him. | He’s not feeling very good, and we will | and staggered toward Rita. ye ry An answering cry to that of Hawkins | watch them while they watch the others. “ Have eare, Pedro! Remember, ’tis the a -awakened the bandits to a sense of their | The girl is safe enough for the present, | captain’s prize!” warned one, more sober danger, and, after a brief struggle, they | @\ you needn’t alarm them by trying to | than the rest. \broke and fled. get her back until everything is ready.” But Pedro gave no heed to the warning. We found a Greaser over on the} Although anything but pleased at the “Sit down,.and we will talk,” he said range yesterday morning,” explained Cap- idea of being considered an invalid, Haw- | to the frightened girl, who sprang to her tain Jim. “His horse had fallen on him— | kins returned to warn his comrades, while | feet as he advanced. broke something inside—and he was dy- | Fred and his companions followed the He attempted to enforce his command ing, but lived long enough to say he had a | trail of the Mexicans down the river for | by placing his arm around her waist, but letter from you (Fred) to the colonel. He | several miles, until it turned inland. Rita eluded his grasp, and, with a seream -couldn t find the letter, but as he was sure Up to this they had moved rapidly, for | of terror, darted toward the spot where ‘the Greasers were after you, we Con-| the road ahead was pretty clear, but now | Fred was concealed. ‘ cluded to look you up. it was in order to expect and prepare for “Save me! save me!” she cried, on see- — ‘And just in time, too!” said Fred,| an ambuscade, the forest being very | ing Fred. ~ ‘gratefully, and then, taking Jim aside, in- ; dense. “Run right ahead!” he answered, and, formed him that they had located the “Better dismount, boys, and let three | stepping aside, waited for her pursuer. treasure~for he had no doubt of the mad- | follow with the horses,’’ advised Fred. During his time among the cowboys, man’s dying words, nor had, Lightning} Captain Jim nodded approval of this | Fred learned some of their maxims, one when the young captain consulted him | idea, and, when it was carried out, the | of which was: “If you are going to hit a | later. ; _ | party moved forward cautiously. man, make no bluff about it. Hit him Some little time had been consumed in| Very shortly afterwards, the party was | hard!” And he followed it to the letter, narrating how the treasure had been lo-| brought to aj halt by Jim, a little in ad- | as the Mexican staggered past him. cated, and the circumstances attending | yance of the others, who held up his| When the Mexican dropped like a log the first annearance of the madman. Fred | hand warningly. from a straight right-hander under the ear had Just reached this point when Captain “Greasers right ahead!’ he said, on re-} his half-drunken comrades, thinking he Jim asked: " turning, and, sending back the men in | had been tripped by the undergrowth, only By gad! That-was plucky! Where is | charge of the horses, Fred, with the | laughed, but when he recovered, rescued ‘she, Fred! : others, crept close up to the bandit camp | and rescuers were mounted and on their And then, for the first time, Fred real- | —so close that they could hear the conver- | homeward journey, Fred carrying Rita ized that he had not seen Rita since be-| sation being carried on, for Manuel evi- | before him, while Captain Jim acted as ‘fore the arrival of the cowboys. In the | dently felt secure regarding the success of | rear guard! heat of the fimal struggle, and the excite- | his trick. ' It was not until next morning that the ment attending the arrival of the res- The Mexicans, with no guard posted, | Mexicans got any elew to what had hap- cuers, She had been forgotten. were lying around among the trees, a pened Pedro. Then the knowledge came With a guilty, apprehensive feeling, | Fred was surprised to see that there were | too late to be dangerous to Fred and his ‘Fred Sprang over the wall, calling “Rita! | still thirty or more of them. companions, who recrossed the Rio Grande Rita!” . f “Juan and Miguel will be sufficient to | about noon. . . _ ‘There was no reply—the.coats were there | watch the Americanos!” was the first in-| ‘* Hark!” Wiese : ‘but the girl was gone, | formation gathered by the listeners. Fred stood with his hand uplifted. ‘| / y { | i og * : / - i by . : where—the—girl Munuel Morales, the speaker, was sit- Under the—house - | was. Look—there!” RESCUE OF RITA. | ting underneath a tree quite close to Fred, With the last word the madman ex- piged, and as Lightning picked up the corpse to carry it into the enclosure, Haw- kins shouted: * Git in! Git in! in’ back!” Placing the corpse in one corner, Light- ning leaped over the wallf secured the dead man’s terrible hammer, and leaping on one of the big stones, stood watching the approaching enemy. Lightning was no longer the calm, im- passive guide and detective. He was now The Greasers ’1’ com- A hasty seareh only served to confirm the young captain’s fears. Rita was gone, and without leaving any clew as to whether her disappearance was voluntary or otherwise. Lightning, who had received several severe wounds, and could not attempt any great exertion for the present, believed she had attempted to escape down the hillside during the final struggle, and had fallen into the hands of the Mexicans. “You must leave some men here to guard,” he said. “Then go quick with and his next words relieved the young ‘ captain’s anxiety regarding Rita. “The four who crossed below here with the girl will not hurry much, I suppose, but they will be home ahead of us, unless the silver is dug up to-day.” “Which is very. unlikely, after last night’s fighting,” exclaimed the man to whom he was talking. Fred signaled Jim to withdraw, and, when at a safe distance, announced his intention of pursuing those in charge of Rita. “You and I will be enough,’ he said. the fierce and vengeful Indian; all the sav- } rest. Mebbe ketch them before they get age in his nature was aroused. back!’ “Chin Chin can carry a message to Light- As the Mexicans eame nearer he cast off his hat and, coat, buckled his empty vartridge belt closer, and picking.up the hammer, swung it lightly about his head. The Mexicans evidently recognized him, sand when within ten yards of the fort halted. “Get ready, now! ‘They’re rush!’ whispered Fred. A minute later it eame, preceded by a harmless fusilade, and was met by. Fred and Hawkins with their last few car- going to - tridges, Chin Chin with the butt of his rifle, and Lightning with his mighty ham- mer. When the revolvers were exhausted, Fred and Hawkins grasped their empty rifles, and with Chin Chin defended the on pets La eh ile Me $s by = A This advice was adopted, and, leaving Lightning and a half-dozen cowboys to unearth and guard the treasure, Fred started early that morning on the trail of the bandits. _ The boy captain remained in command of the little band of rescuers, which in- cluded Hawkins and Chin Chin, and num- bered twelve in all. There had been so much riding to and fro that the trail was not easily found, for, at Captain Jim’s suggestion, Fred de- cided not to take it for granted that the Mexicans had gone directly home, and the value of this suggestion ‘was seen when, after the trail was found, the discovery was made that they had not crossed the Rio Grande at all. Owe ee eee ning not to raise the treasure until we re- turn. The others can remain here—Haw- kins can come back to take charge of them. By staying here, out of sight, these fellows will be led to believe We are off on a wild goose chase!” Fred’s plan suited Jim, and after despatching Chin Chin with a note to Lightning acquainting him of the situa- tion and of their proposed journey after Rita, the two departed, mounted on the fleetest mustangs possessed by the party. Having no idea of being pursued, the Mexicans, ‘in their fancied security, moved slowly and carelessly, anxious only for the. return of their comrades with the treasure. y ‘ Creeping close up to where the others
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‘Again the sound of firearms was heard— this time by his companions as well as himself. They had reached the American side of i the river, and, but for the warning noise, would have ridden up to the glade where the silver was buried. “That noise is from the direction where we left Manuel,’ decided Fred. 3 “Yes, Let’s hurry on!” M “Hold on! We can’t go ahead with Rita. Besides, it's coming nearer. Lis- S ten!" Again and again scattering shots were heard, and, as Fred said, they sounded nearer and nearer, until soon they were quite close at hand, , “Rita, you had better ride back along the bank, keeping within cover of the trees; for we may have to fight right here.” As Fred spoke, he turned the horse's head, and Rita, looking a little frightened and anxious, rode away, just as Chin Chin, followed by a howling, shooting, cursing band of Mexicans, burst into sight, one Jhundred yards away. CHAPTER XVI. A WILD-GOOSE CHASE. “Take that fellow to the right!” “All right, captain!” hf The-two rifles cracked and the two ban- _dits nearest Chin Chin fell. “Same again, Jim.”. * Right!’ Again the two nearest of the pursuers fell, dead or wounded, but this time the shots of Fred and Jim were followed by a half-dozen or more from various points. These last brought the Mexieans to a ‘halt, and a few more shots, now center- ing behind Fred and his companion, caused them to retreat to the shelter of the trees. “Get back under cover, Fred! - the deuce is the Chinaman?” * Back of us, somewhere, I guess,’’ re- plied Fred, and, turning back to where r\. the shooting had come from, they found Twehiq. Chin amd@ea half-dozen of the cow- ‘boys awaiting them, The little Chinaman was a pitiful look- ing object, but Fred did not wait to hear his story. Rita was still riding away from them, and, keeping under cover, he started after her, He was agreeably surprised to find her ~only a short distance away, riding back to the scene of the fight. “Because when the shooting ceased,” She explained, confidently, “I knew you ‘must have beaten them!” Tia f Where Sublime confidence in his prowess, and the smile called up a faint blush and some embarrassment, but this was quickly relieved by the appearance of Captain Jim and the others. ‘ “T suppose we had better join) Light- ning!” said Fred on meeting Jim; but the latter informed him that the Mexicans were now between the two parties. — “And as there’s only nine of us—or rather eight, for poor Chin’s all broke up, it wouldn’t be wise to try to force our way to them,” continued Jim. “Very true! But that reminds me of . Hawkins—why didn’t he come and take charge of this end?” “Because your messenger, poor Chin Ohin, was captured by the Greasers. ‘The poor devil swallowed your note to Bill, it seems, and they tortured him most infernally to find out what it con- tained, but ‘me no sabe’ was all they got out of him. Then the boys, here, got ‘onto them this morning and managed by | & sudden dash to out him loose just as \ )} We cut across.” “Poor fellow! He must have had a ¥ ‘ s¥. ‘ ov v Ly \ Y 4 ie ot ia nes hi: hee iF, - eee aggae sities Bathe a Ired could not forbear smiling at this. tough time of it!” exclaimed Fred, sym- pathetically. “JT should say he had! They were go- ing to give him a taste of fire to-day— though I can’t Understand why they were so anxious about the note.” Towards evening Jim stole out to “get a squint: at the Greasers,” returning shortly to say that half of the bandits were moving toward Lightning’s camp, while the remainder were posted in a semi-circle around their own camp. **T managed to slip through,” continued Jim, “but it’s no use to try to pass the crowd through without a fight. Still, some one must give the boys a hint of the ‘intended visitors.” “Yes, and I suppose you are the best man to do it,’ replied Fred. Accordingly Captain Jim departed. He had been gone about fifteen min- utes when Fred heard the report of his rifle, followed by several others, and this was renewed at intervals of two or three minutes for a half hour; then Jim suddenly appeared among them, coming from towards the river. “Get out o’ here, quick!’ he exclaimed. “What's up?’ demanded Fred. “Never mind now! Get down toward the river as quiet and quick as ye can!” “ You gave them enough warning!” re- torted Fred, somewhat angry, although hastening to obey Jim’s orders. “Yes, but there wasn’t anybody to warn! So I took ’em away and kept ’em from coming down on you.” “Nobody to warn?’ “That’s it exactly. There ain’t any of ’em left alive, or they’ve vamoosed al- ready! The Greasers’ll be down on us now for revenge, for I’ve found out they don’t know the exact locatidn of the treasure. Morales--Jose—was the only one who knew that and that’s why they were so hot after the contents of the let- ter—thinking that would give them a hint.” They had, during this conversation, moved down to the bank of the river and, still at sea as to the utility of doing this, red asked what was their next move. “T hardly know!” replied Jim, thought- fully, adding: “T think Spencer could look out for things here as good as any of us. Then you and! I could go back and lead the Greasers up the river while they—our folks, of course—could sail back to the place where the treasure’s located.” Fred quickly decided to adopt this ad- vice, and, after advising the others of their intentions, the two captains left them. “Here's a crowd of ’em!” exclaimed Jim, when, after they had gone a short distance, they met a number of Mexicans going toward the river. “Keep shooting whether ye see ’em or not, and run between every shot! They won’t know whether we're one or a dozen!’ counseled Jim, setting the exam- ple as he spoke. $ Fred had heard of “fire and fall back,” but this was “fire and-fly!” ‘The Young Cowboy Captain. Darting hither and thither, but always’ up the river, this queer battle was con; tinued for two hours—the bandits being steadily led away from their prey, and fully believing the entire band of cow- boys were before them. They were approaching 4 long, narrow glade, and as) they drew nearer an idea occurred to Fred and he communicated it to Jim. “We will rush across the open and then wheel and empty everything we've got. T'll run up and down on the upper half, and you ean do the same on the lower. “When we're empty we can slip into the river and down stream again. That will settle their following our trail for some time, anyhow!” | - 15 Except that they remained nearly sta- tionary uutil their moles were eniptied, this plan was carried out, and before the Mexicans recovered from their surprise Fred and Jim were floating down the river. Having traveled a quarter of a mile in this way, Jim declared it was safe to land, and they hurried through the woods to the hut where the silver was buried, .Where they found their friends awaiting them. A consultation was held, and it was de- cided to start as soon as there was suf- ficient daylight to enable them to follow the trail of Lightning’s party, trusting the safety of the treasure to the ignor- ance of the bandits as to its where- abouts. ¢ Something impelled Fred to enter the little hut, and on striking a light at the entrance he found that his precaution nt saved him from falling into a deep ole. The silver had been dug up! CHAPTER XVII. NO TREASURE—NO TRAIL. “Wihat’s the matter with you, cap- tain?” asked Jim, noticing the other rete so long in the doorway of the ut. “The treasure is gone—dug up, I fear, while we thought we were leading the Mexicans away from it!’ “Gone? You're joking!’ “Look and see!” and Fred struck an- other light. . “By thunder! It looks fresh, too.” * Yes—I wish it was daylight. We could then get a better idea of what’s been go- ing on. It's hard t¢ lose it, now—and, by Jupiter, I won't!” } Fred uttered this last with a fierce de- termination that startled Jim, who said: PE hale Lightning’s been carrying it Oo ee? “Well, whoever it is, I’ll not leave the trail that leads from this hole while I’m able to move a foot and pull a trigger.” Immediately after sunrise Fred ,and Jim began to look for the trail of the treasure-bearers—both hoping it ‘would lead homeward. ; To their astonishment, however, there was no trail—neither in nor out of the house, nor around the hole. The two captains stared at each other— scarcely believing their eyes. ‘Come outside, Fred! There must be some explanation of this, for the hole cer- tainly didn’t dig itself.” But, after a careful examination, Jim was forced to admit that he could find no explanation. “The devil himself couldn’t carry off four horse-loads of bar silver and leave no trail!’ exclaimed Jim, angrily, when they returned from the search. “Greasers comin’ in all ’round us!” an- nounced Spencer, joining the two cap- tains at that moment. - “Then Lightning must have got away with the silver!’ exclaimed Jim. “Perhaps. But they may have got it in some way, and are now coming back for Rita—Miss Young, I mean. You know Manuel was promised her by that fiend of a brother of his,” said Fred. “Well, what shall we do?’ asked Jim. “Stay right here and receive them! Is the road to the fort on the hill open, Spencer?” f “You mean where we found you? Yes. They’re all comin’ from southeast and southwest!” “Good enough! Chin Chin!” The little Chinaman came trotting in answer to the call, and Fred tinued: “Take Miss Young to the fort! We
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16 may have to follow you soon—so hurry up!” Chin Chin nodded and hurried away to notify Rita. A few minutes later both were on their way to the fort. Relieved of any feeling of danger to the girl, Fred returned to his usual calm, quiet manner—although still more stern and determined than ever before, and gave orders that the men should conceal themselves on the northern side of the opening, thus blocking the direct path to the fort on the hill. They were scarcely hidden from sight, when Manuel and his men entered the opening. “Lightning must have got away with the silver, for they certainly are looking for it and not us!’ whispered Fred. “Sure! Look—there goes Manuel into the hut!’ Jim had barely uttered the words when a yell of rage and disappointment came from Manuel, causing the bandits to flock around their infuriated leader, who cried: “Look! See the hole! There was the silver which they have stolen from us! Find the trail—we can catch them yet!” “Look sharp, now, boys! ‘They'll find our trail in a minute, and then pick your men before it’s too late!” The Mexicans, on finding the trail, began to give tongue, but to the surprise of those in hiding, the bandits started off a little east of them,,and passed out of the opening. “They must be after Rita and Chin Chin! I thought we were right in the way! Come! We must follow and stop them!” As'Fred spoke he was moving after the bandits, but Jim sprang after him and caught him by the arm, saying: “Hold up, Fred!, We are covering the trail of the girl and the Chinaman. The Greasers have struck something else—so don’t get excited. Let’s go to where that Greaser made all the row about finding the trail.” The spot Jim referred to was in the extreme northeast corner of the opening, and there they found the trail the bandits were now following. é It was badly cut up by the pursuers, but, after a careful examination, Jim as- serted it to be that of Lightning’s party. “How he came to start from here is a mystery, but we've been losing time all morning by searching too near the hut. Now, if you like, we'll pick up the horses and go after ’em.” In a short time the horses, abandoned the previous night, were collected and pursuit of the pursuers begun. Two miles were quickly covered before it occurred to Fred that the trail was leading them to the fort on the hill, and in a more direct line than the course taken by Rita and Chin Chin.. He was about to communicate his dis- covery to Jim, when the entire party came to a standstill at a motion from the latter, and then all could hear the noise of firearms from the northeast. “ Forward!’ Quick, or we'll be too late!” cried. Fred, and setting spurs to his mustang, dashed ahead as fast as _ the density of the wood permitted. Nearing the opening at the foot of the hill, Fred noticed that the firing was less frequent and more scattered, and, bring- ing his horse to a walk, moved slowly to the edge of the trees skirting around the hill. a . GHAPTER XVIII. A FIGHT AT THE CAVE. ‘Almost opposite where the oowboys “halted beside their captain, was the mad- man’s cave, across the mouth of whicn was a pile of stones and logs, while above ‘get mS ‘at t all be at «it r os ("> 7 iy The Young Cowboy Captain, it were a number of Mexicans gathering and piling brushwood. “Lightning’s in there and tiey’re go- ing to smoke him out!’ Fred explained. “It'll be a dear smeke,” returned Jim, with a grim smile, adding: “Dismount, and be careful how you move; we may walk right into them!’ admonished Fred. “ That’s. not half of the band above the cave. You had bet- ter see if there are any below us, Jim.” Jim went abead and, after a few min- utes’ absence, returned, reporting the coast clear. “They're at the upper end,” he said, ‘for you see by shooting from that end, when Lightning is smoked out, they would drive the boys toward the river and away from home.” The Mexicans above the cave were working like beavers, and would soon haye more than sufficient brush for their purpose. Noticing this, Jim asked. “Isn't it time to stop that?’ **No. Let. them go until they start to light it; then we'll give them a couple rounds if all stay above. If they leave one to do it we'll stop him and that will notify Lightning that we're here.” “Yes—and the Greasers, too!’ “That don’t matter—But they’re going now, leaving one to light and throw down the stuff!” The man aboye waited until the others reached the shelter of the trees, and then stooped to apply the torch, but at the same instant Jim fired and the bandit fell into the heap of brush, which soon began to blaze up. “There goes three of ’em to see what’s up! Get ready to drop. ’em when they reach the top! You take one, Spencer, V’ll look after the others.” Spencer obeyed it with deadly preci- sion the moment the word was, given— the three bandits being killed or badly wounded before they reached the fire, The. firing, of course, revealed their presence to the bandits, who could be seen moving cautiously toward them. “Keep yer eyes peeled!’ warned Jim, |, and the next moment his rifle eracked. “'That’s one less!” he said, as a scream of agony rent the air, coming from di- rectly opposite the entrance of the cave. ‘Immediately following, a. half-dozen shots came from the cave, and, amid the cries and curses of the bandits, the voice of Hawkins could be heard. “Keep it up, boys! We'll soon be with ye!’ he shouted,,afd as in earnest of his words the stones and logs began to dis- appear from the entrance of the cave, While this was going on, Fred and his comrades kept the bandits engaged in a running fight, which was more noisy than dangerous—each side keeping well under cover, yet so constant and. deadly, when an opportunity was offered, that the ban- dits could afford no attention to those in the cave. % ‘The fight between the bandits and the, captain's cowboys had been in progress about ten minutes when Lightning, Haw- _kins and three others dashed out of the cave toward the northern end of the glade—away from the fighting. “Now we'll gét them in the rear!” thought Fred, who saw this move, and then shouted: “ Give it to them quick and hard, now, boys! Lightning and the rest of the boys have got them in the rear!” . The cowboys answered with a cheer, and hardly had they done so before sev- eral shots came from the rear—evidently from Lightning’s party, and Fred, noting this, cried: “Now. bovs! We've got them front and rear! Revolvers and bowies now!” With a wild cheer the Texans sprang { , : 4 awaiting her recovery, but. the-ne@ " ae == forward and answering it came another cheer from their friends. Finding themselves between two ires, the Mexicans made a dash for the cave, but it was not as they supposed—empty— and the storm of bullets that greeted their approach held. them back. “Close in! Close in!” yelled Hawkins, on seeing the hesitation of the Mexicans. “Right in!” shouted the captain, and as the two parties dashed forward, a third order came: ‘ “Light in! Me belly good shoot!” In confirmation of this assertion, Chin Chin, who, with ‘two cowboys, had re- mained in the cave, appeared at the en- trance, and began firing on the Mexicans, This was the Jast straw. The bandits, tired of fighting men so constantly and unexpectedly reinforced, turned tail and fled toward the river, pursued by Light- ning and most of the others. Anxious regarding Rita and the treas- ure, Fred hurried to the cave, where he learned from Chin Chin that both were within. As he was about to enter, Rita cam ward, and, with a faint smile, e3 her hand, saying: “My sister is within, and, I ing!” And so it proved. Two nights prey Lightning crossed - the river, and found Mrs. Cheatham, almost’dead from hunger and exposure, but no longer in- sane, and with no recollection of what had taken place since the night of the abduc- tion. She recognized Fred, but in a faint, un- interested way. ; As Mrs, Cheatham was too ill moved, it was decided to remain fé present at the cave, under the pretem of this passed away that uit Cheatham expiring in the arms. her) ter just before dawn. Her body, carefully borne by two of the cowboys, . wis taken to the nearest railway station, and thence to Colonel Shes Pe dence, from which the, burial Took place ye , ~ Rita and Fred’accompanicd or San Antonio, where both wer welcomed by the colonel and f ‘ Colonel Soule was delighted, both the silver and brought it safely Antonio. rr ee To avoid leaving a trail, iaeys ing gone from tree to tree, beginnin; »oint Where the Mexicans had found tl rail to the hut, which Was entered through the roof, and, by means of a rope, bar after bar was hauled up and carried and passed along to the further end of, the: opening. Pl 2) aa So good did Colonel Soule feel that he increased the reward out of his own pocket enough to enable Fred to make Jim and the others of the rescuing party a handsome present without touching the amount of the original reward, which was. divided between Fred, Lightning, Haw- kins, and the devoted Chin Chin. Sas Colonel Soule adopted Rita Young, hav- ing no children of his own, and, a year later, she was married to his nephew, Fred, the Cowboy Captain. THE END. } Next Harr-Dom Lisrary, No. 926, New York Nat and the rita ere; ‘OR, THE GIRL MASCOT’S BEST SCORE. BY COL, PRENTISS INGRAHAM, ' pear T ts at Irs SIS-». sak A Fred's safe return and the success of the , expedition, #0? Lightning had unearthed) , +9) See Om ee EAT OM hs ane Raven ne® ree rit a oe tal Hu! ee OS ae race) pt a BC nach papain HR alata i 6 Nt . oe Se eee Po a